bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multisensory System Used for the Analysis of the Water in the Lower Area of River Danube
Authors: Apetrei Constantin , Iticescu Catalina , Georgescu Lucian Puiu
Published: June 2019

The present paper describes the development of a multisensory system for the analysis of the natural water in the Danube, water collected in the neighboring area of Galati City. The multisensory system consists of a sensor array made up of six screen-printed sensors based on electroactive compounds (Cobalt phthalocyanine, Meldola’s Blue, Prussian Blue) and nanomaterials (Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, Multi-Walled Graphene, Gold Nanoparticles). The measurements with the sensors array were performed by using cyclic voltammetry. The cyclic voltammograms recorded in the Danube natural water show redox processes related to the electrochemical activity of the compounds in the water samples or of the electro-active compounds in the sensors detector element. These processes are strongly influenced by the composition and physico-chemical properties of the water samples, such as the ionic strength or the pH. The multivariate data analysis was performed by using the principal component analysis (PCA) and the discriminant factor analysis (DFA), the water samples being discriminated according to the collection point. In order to confirm the observed classes, the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) method was used. The classification of the samples according to the collection point could be made accurately and with very few errors. The correlations established between the voltammetric data and the results of the physico-chemical analyses by using the PLS1 method were very good, the correlation coefficients exceeding 0.9. Moreover, the predictive capacity of the multisensory system is very good, the differences between the measured and the predicted values being less than 3%. The multisensory system based on voltammetric sensors and on multivariate data analysis methods is a viable and useful tool for natural water analysis.
Systematic Review on Polyphenol Intake and Health Outcomes: Is there Sufficient Evidence to Define a Health-Promoting Polyphenol-Rich Dietary Pattern?
Authors: Del Bo’ Cristian , Bernardi Stefano , Marino Mirko , Porrini Marisa , Tucci Massimiliano , Guglielmetti Simone , Cherubini Antonio , Carrieri Barbara , Kirkup Benjamin , Kroon Paul , Zamora-Ros Raul , Hidalgo Liberona Nicole , Andres-Lacueva Cristina , Riso Patrizia
Published: June 2019

Growing evidence support association between polyphenol intake and reduced risk for chronic diseases, even if there is a broad debate about the effective amount of polyphenols able to exert such protective effect. The present systematic review provides an overview of the last 10-year literature on the evaluation of polyphenol intake and its association with specific disease markers and/or endpoints. An estimation of the mean total polyphenol intake has been performed despite the large heterogeneity of data reviewed. In addition, the contribution of dietary sources was considered, suggesting tea, coffee, red wine, fruit and vegetables as the main products providing polyphenols. Total flavonoids and specific subclasses, but not total polyphenols, have been apparently associated with a low risk of diabetes, cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. However, large variability in terms of methods for the evaluation and quantification of polyphenol intake, markers and endpoints considered, makes it still difficult to establish an evidence-based reference intake for the whole class and subclass of compounds. Nevertheless, the critical mass of data available seem to strongly suggest the protective effect of a polyphenol-rich dietary pattern even if further well targeted and methodologically sound research should be encouraged in order to define specific recommendations.
An Improved Comprehensive Medication Review Process to Assess Healthcare Outcomes in a Rural Independent Community Pharmacy
Authors: Twigg Geoffrey , David Tosin , Taylor Joshua
Published: June 2019

For years many pharmacists have been performing ‘brown bag’ medication reviews for patients. While most pharmacists and student pharmacists are familiar with this process, it is important to determine the value patients receive from this service. Over the course of this study the authors attempted to modernize the medication reconciliation process and collect data on patient prescription drug and over-the-counter drug use, along with quantifying the types of interventions the pharmacy’s clinical staff performed for patients during this process. The pharmacy partnered with a Quality Improvement Organization to trial their Blue Bag Intervention (BBI) program. The BBI program offered several additional services to the traditional brown bag review. The BBI was instituted as a follow-up tool in the pharmacy’s diabetes self-management education/training clinic to aid in patient follow-up and help the clinical staff identify medication-related events such as medication adherence issues and drug–drug interactions. The clinical staff identified approximately 2.2 events per patient with over 50% being issues that affected patient safety.
A Brief Review of the Shape Memory Phenomena in Polymers and Their Typical Sensor Applications
Authors: Sun Li , Wang Tao Xi , Chen Hong Mei , Salvekar Abhijit Vijay , Naveen Balasundaram Selvan , Xu Qinwei , Weng Yiwei , Guo Xinli , Chen Yahui , Huang Wei Min
Published: June 2019

In this brief review, an introduction of the underlying mechanisms for the shape memory effect (SME) and various shape memory phenomena in polymers is presented first. After that, a summary of typical applications in sensors based on either heating or wetting activated shape recovery using largely commercial engineering polymers, which are programmed by means of in-plane pre-deformation (load applied in the length/width direction) or out-of-plane pre-deformation (load applied in the thickness direction), is presented. As demonstrated by a number of examples, many low-cost engineering polymers are well suited to, for instance, anti-counterfeit and over-heating/wetting monitoring applications via visual sensation and/or tactual sensation, and many existing technologies and products (e.g., holography, 3D printing, nano-imprinting, electro-spinning, lenticular lens, Fresnel lens, QR/bar code, Moiré pattern, FRID, structural coloring, etc.) can be integrated with the shape memory feature.
Poly-Gamma-Glutamic Acid Functions as an Effective Lubricant with Antimicrobial Activity in Multipurpose Contact Lens Care Solutions
Authors: Su Chen-Ying , Tseng Ching-Li , Wu Shu-Hsuan , Shih Bo-Wu , Chen Yi-Zhou , Fang Hsu-Wei
Published: June 2019

In order to perform the multiple functions of disinfection, cleansing, and storage, preservatives are often added to contact lens care solutions. The disadvantage of adding preservatives is that this often causes various eye conditions. However, lens care solutions would not be able to disinfect in the absence of such preservatives. In addition, comfort is an important issue for contact lens wearers due to the long periods of time they are worn. It has been shown that lower friction coefficients are correlated with increased comfort. We have previously developed a multipurpose contact lens care solution in which poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) was the main ingredient. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity and lubricating property of our care solution. We showed that there was a synergetic effect of γ-PGA and chlorine dioxide on antimicrobial activity. We also demonstrated that γ-PGA functioned as a lubricating agent. Our results provided evidence of γ-PGA acting as a multi-functional polymer that could be applied in contact lens care solutions.
Hardware and Software Development for Isotonic Strain and Isometric Stress Measurements of Linear Ionic Actuators
Authors: Harjo Madis , Tamm Tarmo , Anbarjafari Gholamreza , Kiefer Rudolf
Published: June 2019

An inseparable part of ionic actuator characterization is a set of adequate measurement devices. Due to significant limitations of available commercial systems, in-house setups are often employed. The main objective of this work was to develop a software solution for running isotonic and isometric experiments on a hardware setup consisting of a potentiostat, a linear displacement actuator, a force sensor, and a voltmeter for measuring the force signal. A set of functions, hardware drivers, and measurement automation algorithms were developed in the National Instruments LabVIEW 2015 system. The result is a software called isotonic (displacement) and isometric (force) electro-chemo-measurement software (IIECMS), that enables the user to control isotonic and isometric experiments over a single compact graphical user interface. The linear ionic actuators chosen as sample systems included different materials with different force and displacement characteristics, namely free-standing polypyrrole films doped with dodecylbenzene sulfonate (PPy/DBS) and multiwall carbon nanotube/carbide-derived carbon (MWCNT-CDC) fibers. The developed software was thoroughly tested with numerous test samples of linear ionic actuators, meaning over 200 h of experimenting time where over 90% of the time the software handled the experiment process autonomously. The uncertainty of isotonic measurements was estimated to be 0.6 µm (0.06%). With the integrated correction algorithms, samples with as low as 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be adequately described.
A Robust, Non-Cooperative Localization Algorithm in the Presence of Outlier Measurements in Ocean Sensor Networks
Authors: Mei Xiaojun , Wu Huafeng , Xian Jiangfeng , Chen Bowen , Zhang Hao , Liu Xia
Published: June 2019

As an important means of multidimensional observation on the sea, ocean sensor networks (OSNs) could meet the needs of comprehensive information observations in large-scale and multifactor marine environments. In what concerns OSNs, accurate location information is the basis of the data sets. However, because of the multipath effect—signal shadowing by waves and unintentional or malicious attacks—outlier measurements occur frequently and inevitably, which directly degrades the localization accuracy. Therefore, increasing localization accuracy in the presence of outlier measurements is a critical issue that needs to be urgently tackled in OSNs. In this case, this paper proposed a robust, non-cooperative localization algorithm (RNLA) using received signal strength indication (RSSI) in the presence of outlier measurements in OSNs. We firstly formulated the localization problem using a log-normal shadowing model integrated with a first order Taylor series. Nevertheless, the problem was infeasible to solve, especially in the presence of outlier measurements. Hence, we then converted the localization problem into the optimization problem using squared range and weighted least square (WLS), albeit in a nonconvex form. For the sake of an accurate solution, the problem was then transformed into a generalized trust region subproblem (GTRS) combined with robust functions. Although GTRS was still a nonconvex framework, the solution could be acquired by a bisection approach. To ensure global convergence, a block prox-linear (BPL) method was incorporated with the bisection approach. In addition, we conducted the Cramer–Rao low bound (CRLB) to evaluate RNLA. Simulations were carried out over variable parameters. Numerical results showed that RNLA outperformed the other algorithms under outlier measurements, notwithstanding that the time for RNLA computation was a little bit more than others in some conditions.
Geodesic-Based Method for Improving Matching Efficiency of Underwater Terrain Matching Navigation
Authors: Li Zhaowei , Zheng Wei , Wu Fan
Published: June 2019

In this study, we improved the matching efficiency of underwater terrain matching navigation. Firstly, a new geodesic-based method was developed by combining the law of the shortest arc in spherical geometry with the theory of the attitude control in space and maritime environments. Secondly, along a design track, the geodesic-based method helped reduce the radius of the search matching area, and improved the matching efficiency. Finally, for parameter setting, the search matching time of underwater terrain matching navigation was reduced from 9.84 s to 1.29 s (about 7.6 times), with the matching accuracy being invariable using the new geodesic-based method.
Analysis of Human Breath by Millimeter-Wave/Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Rothbart Nick , Holz Olaf , Koczulla Rembert , Schmalz Klaus , Hübers Heinz-Wilhelm
Published: June 2019

Breath gas analysis is a promising tool for medical research and diagnosis. A particularly powerful technological approach is millimeter-wave/terahertz (mmW/THz) spectroscopy, because it is a very sensitive and highly selective technique. In addition, it offers the potential for compact and affordable sensing systems for wide use. In this work, we demonstrate the capability of a mmW/THz spectrometer for breath analysis. Samples from three volunteers and a sample from ambient air were analyzed with respect to 31 different molecular species. High-resolution absorption spectra were measured by scanning two absorption lines from each species. Out of the 31, a total of 21 species were detected. The results demonstrate the potential of mmW/THz spectroscopy for breath analysis.
Investigating Privacy and Information Disclosure Behavior in Social Electronic Commerce
Authors: Sun Yuan , Fang Shuyue , Hwang Yujong
Published: June 2019

Social e-commerce has steadily emerged as a current trend for an enormous amount of Internet users. Despite the popularity and prevalence of social e-commerce, many users hesitate to disclose their information due to privacy concerns. This resistance from users impedes the development of social e-commerce enterprises. In order to help enterprises collect more user information and establish better development strategies, this research builds on the Privacy Antecedent-Privacy Concern-Outcomes (APCO) model and the theory of privacy calculus. This research investigates how the privacy antecedents of hot topic interactivity and group buying experience influence users’ privacy concerns and perceived benefits as well as how to further influence users’ information disclosure behavior. The results from 406 questionnaire responses indicate that hot topic interactivity and group buying experience have significant negative impacts on privacy concerns and significant positive impacts on perceived benefits. Privacy concerns negatively influence the behavior of information disclosure while perceived benefits positively influence the behavior of information disclosure. Based on these results, social e-commerce enterprises should promote users’ behaviors of hot topic interactivity and group buying to stimulate users’ information disclosure behavior.
Exploring the Development of Research, Technology and Business of Machine Tool Domain in New-Generation Information Technology Environment Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Jihong , Zhang Kai , Zhou Yuan , Liu Yufei , Li Lingfeng , Chen Zheng , Yin Li
Published: June 2019

The combination of new-generation information technology and manufacturing technology has had in a significant and profound impact on the future development paradigm of manufacturing. Machine tools are the basis of virtually everything that is manufactured in the industry, exploring the development of the machine tool domain is of considerable significance to identify the opportunity to develop manufacturing industry and promote the sustainable development of manufacturing in the current tightening constraints of resource environment. Although much attention has been paid to development studies of a specific domain in recent years, it is challenging to conduct a multidimensional study related to the development status of the machine tool domain using existing methods. To solve this challenge, we propose an integrating framework combining topic models, bibliometric, trend analysis and patent analysis to mine multi-source literature within the machine tool domain, including papers, funds, patents, and news. Specifically, papers and funds provided two different perspectives to explore the development status in the research of machine tools. Furthermore, the technology development of machine tools was investigated through patents analysis. Finally, news related to the machine tool industry in recent years was analyzed to examine business focuses on machine tools. The integration of above various analytical methods and multi-dimensional mining of literature enabled analyzing the development of the machine tool domain systematically from multi-perspectives that include research, technology development and industry to provide inspirations about the implications of sustainable development of this domain. The conclusions obtained in this paper is beneficial to different communities of machine tools, in terms of determining the research directions for researchers, identifying industry opportunities for corporations and developing reasonable industry policy for policy makers.
Heatwave Trends and the Population Exposure Over China in the 21st Century as Well as Under 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C Global Warmer Future Scenarios
Authors: Li Zhansheng , Guo Xiaolin , Yang Yuan , Hong Yang , Wang Zhongjing , You Liangzhi
Published: June 2019

Heatwaves exert negative socio-economic impacts and particularly have serious effects on public health. Based on the multi-model ensemble (MME) results of 10 downscaled high-resolution Fifth Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) model output from NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NASA-GDDP), the intensity (largest lasting time), frequency and total duration of heatwaves over China as well as population exposure in the 21st century and at 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C above pre-industrial levels are investigated by using the three indices, the Heat Wave Duration Index (HWDI), annual total frequency of heatwaves (N_HW) and annual total days of heatwaves (T_HW) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The MME results illustrate that heatwaves are projected to become more frequent (0.40/decade and 1.26/decade for N_HW), longer-lasting (3.78 days/decade and 14.59 days/decade for T_HW) as well as more extreme (1.07 days/decade and 2.90 days/decade for HWDI under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively) over China. High latitude and high altitude regions, e.g., the Tibetan Plateau and northern China, are projected to experience a larger increase of intensity, frequency and the total time of heatwaves compared with southern China (except Central China). The total population affected by heatwaves is projected to increase significantly and will reach 1.18 billion in later part of the 21st century, and there will be more and more people expected to suffer long heatwave time (T_HW) in the 21st century. Compared with a 2.0 °C global warming climate, holding the global warming below 1.5 °C can avoid 26.9% and 29.1% of the increase of HWDI, 34.7% and 39.64% for N_TW and 35.3%–40.10% of T_HW under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively. The half-degree less of warming will not only decrease the population exposure by 53–83 million but also avoid the threat caused by longer heatwave exposure under the two scenarios. Based on the comprehensive assessment of heatwave under the two RCP scenarios, this work would help to enhance the understanding of climate change and consequent risk in China and thus could provide useful information for making climate adaptation policies.
Enhancement of Archaeological Proxies at Non-Homogenous Environments in Remotely Sensed Imagery
Authors: Agapiou Athos
Published: June 2019

Optical remote sensing has been widely used for the identification of archaeological proxies. Such proxies, known as crop or soil marks, can be detected in multispectral images due to their spectral signatures and the distinct contrast that they provide in relation to the surrounding area. The current availability of high-resolution satellite datasets has enabled researchers to provide new methodologies and algorithms that can further enhance archaeological proxies supporting thus image-interpretation. However, a critical point that remains unsolved is the detection of crop and soil marks in non-homogenous environments. In these areas, interpretation is problematic even after the application of sophisticated image enhancement analysis techniques due to the mixed landscape and spectral confusion produced from the high-resolution datasets. To overcome this problem, we propose an image-based methodology in which the vegetation is suppressed following the “forced invariance” method and then we apply a linear orthogonal transformation to the suppressed spectral bands. The new Red–Green–Blue (RGB) image corresponds to a new three-band spectral space where the three axes are linked with the crop mark, vegetation, and soil components. The study evaluates the proposed approach in the archaeological site of “Nea Paphos” in Cyprus using a WorldView-2 multispectral image aiming to overcome the limitations of the mixed environments.
Tourism Research in Cuba: Gaps in Knowledge and Challenges for Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Rutty Michelle , Richardson Robert B.
Published: June 2019

As the government of Cuba plans to rapidly expand the tourism sector and heavily invest in infrastructure to accommodate the projected 10 million tourist arrivals in the next decade, scholars widely agree that Cuba urgently needs to adopt sustainable tourism principles and practices if the industry is to be harnessed as a successful means to achieve national development goals. There is a dearth of empirical studies on the environmental, social, and economic impact of tourism, which has implications for tourism policy and planning. The unique, but not insurmountable challenges of conducting research in Cuba are noted, with key research questions outlined that urgently need to be addressed moving forward.
School Leaders’ Experiences of Implementing Education for Sustainable Development—Anchoring the Transformative Perspective
Authors: Mogren Anna , Gericke Niklas
Published: June 2019

In this article, we consider the problem of ensuring that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is firmly embedded in a school through appropriate management and planning of the school’s activities (or characteristics of the school organization). To this end, we identify the domains of school organization that would benefit from particular structures and routines in order to embed ESD. We identify these domains by thematically analyzing responses of interviewed leaders of schools employing a transformative approach to ESD. We divided the leaders into two groups, based on the extent to which their respective schools employed a transformative approach to ESD. We analyzed the differences in responses of the two groups, enabling us to identify and compare the structures that school leaders in the respective groups believe to be important. In addition to reporting the results, we discuss their implications. We focus particularly on how structures identified by leaders of highly transformative schools could contribute to long-lasting transformative implementation of ESD, and how structures identified by leaders of the other group could be used to circumvent barriers to such implementation.
Mechanical Properties of New Dry-Type Beam-Column Bolt Connection Joint
Authors: Ma Wei , Li Yue , Ding Kewei , Cheng Baoquan , Liu Jianhua , Hao Jianli , Tam Vivian Wing Yan
Published: June 2019

Beam–column assembled joint connections are crucial for realizing the industrialization of buildings through prefabrication. This paper focuses on the mechanical properties of a new dry-type high-strength bolt connection joint used in prefabricated buildings. The structural performance properties examined include bearing capacity, stiffness, failure mode, energy dissipation capacity, and deformation performance, all of which are tested through a pseudo static test involving low-cycle repeated loading. The test results show that the failure of the new dry-type beam–column connection joint is through plastic failure, with full hysteretic curve and good energy dissipation performance. The results provide a foundation for the analysis of assembled structural framework systems based on different forms of dry-type connection joints.
On Soil Capability, Capacity, and Condition
Authors: McBratney Alex. B. , Field Damien , Morgan Cristine L.S. , Huang Jingyi
Published: June 2019

The role of soil in the existential environmental problems of declining biodiversity, climate change, water and energy security, impacting on food security has highlighted the need to link the soil functions to ecosystem services. We describe and illustrate by a limited example, the concepts and assessment of soil’s capacity measured through its capability and condition as contributors to an overall soil security framework. The framework is based on the concepts of genosoils and phenosoils. The links to other notions, such as threats to soil and soil functions are made. The framework can be potentially applied elsewhere to quantify soil changes under natural processes and human activities.
Are Social Media Data Pushing Overtourism? The Case of Barcelona and Chinese Tourists
Authors: Alonso-Almeida María-del-Mar , Borrajo-Millán Fernando , Yi Liu
Published: June 2019

Overtourism spoils the good economic and social results produced by the tourism sector, causing reductions in the quality of service of the tourist destination and rejection by the local population. Previous literature has suggested that social networks and new electronic channels could be accelerators of the process of overcrowding destinations; however, this link has not been established. For this reason, in this exploratory study, the influence of social networks on overtourism is analysed using Barcelona as a base, as Barcelona is a massively popular destination in the country that is second in the world in reception of tourists to Spain. This study is also focused on Chinese tourism, which brings large numbers of tourists and presents great economic potential. Two types of study have been used: big data techniques applied to social media with sentimental analysis, and analysis of travel packages offered in China to travel to Spain. Relevant results are obtained to understand the influence of social networks on the travel behaviour of tourists, possible contributions to overtourism, and recommendations for the management of tourism.
Supporting Employability by a Skills Assessment Innovative Tool—Sustainable Transnational Insights from Employers
Authors: Gabor Manuela Rozalia , Blaga Petruța , Matis Cosmin
Published: June 2019

Employability remains an important subject in the European and international context. This is the first qualitative and quantitative transnational research of the perception of the heterogeneous sample of employers regarding a sustainable and experimental innovative tool for the assessment of competencies to support employability. The aim of this study is an empirical examining of the employers perception from Austria, Romania and Sweden, from five different sectors of activity regarding a sustainable and innovative online tool for continuous assessment of skills to support employability. In the study, a quantitative analysis was carried out using data based on Eurostat indicators for quality of employment and a qualitative analysis using face-to-face interviews. Our results show that even if there are significant statistically differences regarding the quality of employment according to the Eurostat indicators, all these countries have a good, equally and strong perception with an innovative and sustainable tool for continuous assessment of skills to support employability. The research results fill a gap in the existing literature and offer a new and argued point of view regarding the continuous assessment of competences from the employer’s point of view from the three different countries as regarding the social, economic and political aspects.
Influence of Symmetric and Asymmetric Voids on Mechanical Behaviors of Tunnel Linings: Model Tests and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Ding Zude , Ji Xiafei , Li Xiaoqin , Ren Zhihua , Zhang Sen
Published: June 2019

The presence of symmetric and asymmetric voids directly affects the mechanical behaviors of tunnel linings and further induces tunnel diseases among influence factors. In this paper, 1:5-scale model tests were carried out to study the mechanical behaviors of reinforced concrete (RC) linings considering the voids located at the crown and at the spandrel. Based on the experimental results and concrete plastic damage (CDP) model, the effects of void (i.e., location and size), subgrade stiffness, and lining size on bearing capacity of RC lining were investigated using numerical simulation. The results of model test and parametric analysis showed that the existence of voids significantly affected the mechanical behavior of the lining during inelastic deformation period. The lining with a larger void size corresponded to low bearing capacity and larger deformation around the void, thus increasing the damage possibility of linings. The influence of voids on the bearing capacity of linings varied with the void location, load direction (especially under horizontal symmetrical loads), and subgrade stiffness. High soil stiffness corresponded to a great influence of the void size on the lining bearing capacity. In addition, the lining strength increased inconsistently with the increase of model size. On the basis of parameter sensitivity analysis, the Levenberg–Marquardt (L-M) optimization algorithm and Logistic model were used to establish the equation of lining bearing capacity loss rate considering the void effect.
The Quantum Yang-Baxter Conditions: The Fundamental Relations behind the Nambu-Goldstone Theorem
Authors: Arraut Ivan
Published: June 2019

We demonstrate that when there is spontaneous symmetry breaking in any system, relativistic or non-relativistic, the dynamic of the Nambu-Goldstone bosons is governed by the Quantum Yang-Baxter equations. These equations describe the triangular dynamical relations between pairs of Nambu-Goldstone bosons and the degenerate vacuum. We then formulate a theorem and a corollary showing that these relations guarantee the appropriate dispersion relation and the appropriate counting for the Nambu-Goldstone bosons.
Novel Regulation of Alpha-Toxin and the Phenol-Soluble Modulins by Peptidyl-Prolyl cis/trans Isomerase Enzymes in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Keogh Rebecca A. , Zapf Rachel L. , Trzeciak Emily , Null Gillian G. , Wiemels Richard E. , Carroll Ronan K.
Published: June 2019

Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases) are enzymes that catalyze the cis-to-trans isomerization around proline bonds, allowing proteins to fold into their correct confirmation. Previously, we identified two PPIase enzymes in Staphylococcus aureus (PpiB and PrsA) that are involved in the regulation of virulence determinants and have shown that PpiB contributes to S. aureus virulence in a murine abscess model of infection. Here, we further examine the role of these PPIases in S. aureus virulence and, in particular, their regulation of hemolytic toxins. Using murine abscess and systemic models of infection, we show that a ppiB mutant in a USA300 background is attenuated for virulence but that a prsA mutant is not. Deletion of the ppiB gene leads to decreased bacterial survival in macrophages and nasal epithelial cells, while there is no significant difference when prsA is deleted. Analysis of culture supernatants reveals that a ppiB mutant strain has reduced levels of the phenol-soluble modulins and that both ppiB and prsA mutants have reduced alpha-toxin activity. Finally, we perform immunoprecipitation to identify cellular targets of PpiB and PrsA. Results suggest a novel role for PpiB in S. aureus protein secretion. Collectively, our results demonstrate that PpiB and PrsA influence S. aureus toxins via distinct mechanisms, and that PpiB but not PrsA contributes to disease.
A Search for Beauty/A Struggle with Complexity: Christopher Alexander
Authors: Gabriel Richard , Quillien Jenny
Published: June 2019

Beauty. Christopher Alexander’s prolific journey in building, writing, and teaching was fueled by a relentless search for Beauty and its meaning. While all around him the world was intent on figuring out how to simplify, Alexander came to embrace complexity as the only path to his goal. The Beauty and life of that which he encountered and appreciated—an Indian village, a city, a subway network, an old Turkish carpet, or a campus—lay in its well-ordered complexity. As a designer and maker he found that simplicity came from choosing—at every step—the simplest way to add the necessary complexity. The failure of so much of our modern world, in Alexander’s eyes, was oversimplification, wantonly bulldozing context, misunderstanding the relationships of part and whole, ignoring the required role of time in the shaping of shapes, and ultimately dismissing, like Esau, our birthright of Value in favor of a lentil pottage of mere Fact. Ever elusive, Beauty demands of her suitors a constant return of attention to see what might be newly revealed, and Alexander duly returned again and again in pursuit of the mystery. In this essay—essentially biographical and descriptive of one man’s endeavors—we examine the full arc of his work from dissertation to most recent memoir. We don’t shy away from his failures, and we don’t simplify his journey. We leave work done by other scholars for another day. We reach no conclusion, rather, we invite readers to reflect on what Alexander’s lifelong effort suggests to them about their own path, their own sense of aesthetics and order, innate cognitive shortfalls, and professional blind alleys.
Modelling Ranavirus Transmission in Populations of Common Frogs (Rana temporaria) in the United Kingdom
Authors: Duffus Amanda L.J. , Garner Trenton W.J. , Nichols Richard A. , Standridge Joshua P. , Earl Julia E.
Published: June 2019

Ranaviruses began emerging in common frogs (Rana temporaria) in the United Kingdom in the late 1980s and early 1990s, causing severe disease and declines in the populations of these animals. Herein, we explored the transmission dynamics of the ranavirus(es) present in common frog populations, in the context of a simple susceptible-infected (SI) model, using parameters derived from the literature. We explored the effects of disease-induced population decline on the dynamics of the ranavirus. We then extended the model to consider the infection dynamics in populations exposed to both ulcerative and hemorrhagic forms of the ranaviral disease. The preliminary investigation indicated the important interactions between the forms. When the ulcerative form was present in a population and the hemorrhagic form was later introduced, the hemorrhagic form of the disease needed to be highly contagious, to persist. We highlighted the areas where further research and experimental evidence is needed and hope that these models would act as a guide for further research into the amphibian disease dynamics.
Sediment Identification Using Machine Learning Classifiers in a Mixed-Texture Dredge Pit of Louisiana Shelf for Coastal Restoration
Authors: Liu Haoran , Xu Kehui , Li Bin , Han Ya , Li Guandong
Published: June 2019

Machine learning classifiers have been rarely used for the identification of seafloor sediment types in the rapidly changing dredge pits for coastal restoration. Our study uses multiple machine learning classifiers to identify the sediment types of the Caminada dredge pit in the eastern part of the submarine sandy Ship Shoal of the Louisiana inner shelf of the United States (USA), and compares the performance of multiple supervised classification methods. High-resolution bathymetry and backscatter data, as well as 58 sediment grab samples were collected in the Caminada pit in August 2018, about two years after dredging. Two primary features (bathymetry and backscatter) and four secondary features were selected in the machine learning models. Three supervised classifications were tested in the study area: Decision Trees, Random Forest, and Regularized Logistic Regression. The models were trained using three different combinations of features: (1) all six features, (2) only bathymetry and backscatter features, and (3) a subset of selected features. The best performing model was the Random Forest method, but its performance was relatively poor when dealing with a few mixed (sand and mud) surficial sediment samples. The model provides a new and efficient method to predict the change of sediment distribution inside the Caminada pit over time, and is more reliable when predicting mixed bed with rough pit bottoms. Our results can be used to better understand the impacts on biological communities by (1) direct defaunation after initial sand excavation, (2) later mud accumulation in topographic lows, and (3) other geological and physical processes. In the future, the deposition and redistribution of mud inside the Caminada pit will continue, likely impacting benthos and water quality. Backscatter, roughness derived from bathymetry, rugosity derived from backscatter, and bathymetry (in the importance order from high to low) were identified as the most effective predictors of sediment texture for mineral resources management.
Application of Updated Sage–Husa Adaptive Kalman Filter in the Navigation of a Translational Sprinkler Irrigation Machine
Authors: Liu Kenan , Zhao Wuyun , Sun Bugong , Wu Pute , Zhu Delan , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2019

Autonomous navigation for agricultural machinery has broad and promising development prospects. Kalman filter technology, which can improve positioning accuracy, is widely used in navigation systems in different fields. However, there has not been much research performed into navigation for sprinkler irrigation machines (SIMs). In this paper, firstly, a self-developed SIM is introduced. Secondly, the kinematics model is established on the platform of the self-developed SIM, and the updated Sage–Husa adaptive Kalman filter, which is an accurate and real-time self-adaptive filtering algorithm, is applied in the navigation of the SIM with the aim of improving the positioning accuracy. Finally, experiment verifications were carried out, and the results show that the self-developed SIM has good navigation performance. Besides this, the influence of abnormal observations on the positioning accuracy of the system can be restrained by using the updated Sage–Husa adaptive Kalman filter. After using the updated Sage–Husa adaptive Kalman filter for the SIM, the maximum deviation between the SIM and the predetermined path is 0.18 m, and the average deviation is 0.08 m; these deviations are within a reasonable range. This proves that the updated Sage–Husa adaptive Kalman filter is applicable for the navigation of sprinkler irrigation machines.
Battery Sizing for Electric Vehicles Based on Real Driving Patterns in Thailand
Authors: Duangsrikaew Bongkotchaporn , Mongkoltanatas Jiravan , Benyajati Chi-na , Karin Preecha , Hanamura Katsunori
Published: June 2019

The rising population in suburban areas have led to an increasing demand for commuter buses. Coupled with a desire to reduce pollution from the daily routine of traveling and transportation, electric vehicles have become more interesting as an alternative placement for internal combustion engine vehicles. However, in comparison to those conventional vehicles, electric vehicles have an issue of limited driving range. One of the main challenges in designing electric vehicles (EVs) is to estimate the size and power of energy storage system, i.e., battery pack, for any specific application. Reliable information on energy consumption of vehicle of interest is therefore necessary for a successful EV implementation in terms of both performance and cost. However, energy consumption usually depends on several factors such as traffic conditions, driving cycle, velocities, road topology, etc. This paper presents an energy consumption analysis of electric vehicle in three different route types i.e., closed-area, inter-city, and local feeder operated by campus tram and shuttle bus. The driving data of NGV campus trams operating in a university located in suburban Bangkok and that of shuttle buses operating between local areas and en route to the city were collected and the corresponding representative driving cycles for each route were generated. The purpose of this study was to carry out a battery sizing based on the fulfilment of power requirements from the representative real driving pattern in Thailand. The real driving cycle data i.e., velocity and vehicle global position were collected through a GPS-based piece of equipment, VBOX. Three campus driving data types were gathered to achieve a suitable dimensioning of battery systems for electrified university public buses.
Model Pembelajaran Contextual Teaching Learning dalam Pendidikan Agama Kristen untuk Meningkatkan Karakter Siswa Kristiani
Authors: Kurniawati Magdalena Elly
Published: June 2019

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the Contextual Teaching Learning (CTL) learning model through Christian Religious Education in improving the Christian character of students in Surakarta 4 Public Middle School. This research was motivated by the fact and condition of Christian students at Surakarta 4th Middle School who experienced a decline due to Christian character. This research applies a participatory research approach with mixed methods research design. Interviews, observations, FGDs, and questionnaires were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Experiments are used to prove the effectiveness of the model is statistically significant, while field observations and FGDs are used to obtain practical data significant impact of the model. This research is tested as an effective learning model to improve students' character, especially in terms of love, honesty, discipline, and responsibility. In qualitative results, it can be seen in the attitudes of students who want to carry out tasks without complaining, attend morning services, and are able to understand precisely the essence of Christian character. This research is recommended for curriculum vice principal, teachers, students, and future researchers to apply this model. That is because the CTL learning model has proven effective for improving the Christian character of junior high school students.AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji keefektifan model pembelajaran Contextual Teaching Learning (CTL) melalui Pendidikan Agama Kristen dalam meningkatkan karakter Kristiani siswa di Sekolah Menengah Pertama Negeri 4 Surakarta. Penelitian ini dimotivasi oleh fakta dan kondisi siswa Kristen di SMPN 4 Surakarta yang mengalami kemerosotan berkaitan dengan karakter Kristiani. Penelitian ini menerapkan pendekatan penelitian partisipatif dengan desain penelitian metode campuran. Wawancara, observasi, FGD dan angket digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Eksperimen digunakan untuk membuktikan efektivitas model secara statistikal signifikan, sedangkan observasi lapangan dan FGD digunakan untuk memperoleh data secara praktikal signifikan dampak model. Penelitian ini teruji sebagai model pembelajaran yang efektif untuk meningkatkan karakter siswa, khususnya dalam hal kasih, kejujuran, kedisiplinan dan tanggungjawab. Dalam hasil kualitatif terlihat dalam sikap siswa yang mau melaksanakan tugas tanpa mengeluh, mengikuti ibadah pagi, dan mampu untuk memahami dengan tepat esensi dari karakter Kristiani. Penelitian ini direkomendasikan bagi wakasek kurikulum, guru, siswa dan peneliti selanjutnya untuk menerapkan model ini.Hal itu karena model pembelajaran CTL telah terbukti efektif untuk meningkatkan karakter Kristiani siswa SMP.
Pembelajaran Memorisasi Dalam Ulangan 6:6-9
Authors: Darmawan I Putu Ayub
Published: June 2019

The Bible in Deuteronomy 6: 6-9 gives orders to carry out children's education. The text of Deuteronomy 6: 6-9 is generally understood to be limited to the mandate of education in the family, but the author views if the text of Deuteronomy 6: 6-9 also shows a learning model. For this reason, the author analyzes the text of Deuteronomy 6: 6-9. The analysis of the text appears if there is a memorization learning process. The memorization learning process is carried out by delivering teaching repeatedly and accompanied by media available in the family environment. This learning theoretically helps to improve understanding because there is a process of recording, storing, and calling that is more effective and allows deepening of the meaning of information.AbstrakAlkitab dalam Ulangan 6:6-9 memberikan perintah untuk melaksanakan pendidikan anak. Teks Ulangan 6:6-9 umumnya dipahami sebatas sebagai mandat pendidikan dalam keluarga, tetapi penulis memandang jika teks Ulangan 6:6-9 juga menunjukkan sebuah model pembelajaran. Untuk itu penulis melakukan analisis terhadap teks Ulangan 6:6-9. Dari analisis terhadap teks tersebut tampak jika terdapat proses pembelajaran memorisasi. Proses pembelajaran memorisasi dilakukan dengan menyampaikan pengajaran secara berulang dan disertai dengan media yang tersedia di lingkungan keluarga. Pembelajaran ini secara teoritis membantu untuk meningkatkan pemahaman sebab terjadi proses perekaman, penyimpanan, dan pemanggilan yang lebih efektif dan memungkinkan terjadinya pendalaman terhadap makna pada suatu informasi.
Implementation and Performance Testing of Background Subtraction Algorithm on ESP32
Authors: JATMIKO DIDIT ANDRI , Prini Salita Ulitia
Published: June 2019

This paper describes the background subtraction algorithm and its performance in low power processing units, this algorithm has low complexity and can be used to detect objects so that it has the potential to be applied to security cameras. This study has succeeded in applying basic image processing algorithms to detect and track objects, such as background subtraction in the ESP32 module. The ESP32 module equipped with Xtensa® 32-bit LX6 microprocessor running at 240MHz can process 10000 times background subtraction algorithms in ~ 2000ms using 80x60 pixel image input.

Background Subtraction; Embedded; ESP32; Image Processing; Microcontroller; Object Detection;
Perancangan dan Implementasi Iqra Braille Elektronik Berbasis Mikrokontroler dan Android
Authors: Hidayat Hidayat , Al Amin Boni
Published: June 2019

Braille codes are letters that are known by blind people to be able to obtain information through books including the Qur'an. The availability of media to learn to read the Qur'an in Braille code for blind people is very limited. In addition, the availability of teachers of the Koran for the blind is very limited because not many people can see normally who understands the Qur'anic letters in Braille code, so it is necessary to design and implement an Iqra Electronic Braille device to facilitate the reading process. the Qur'an in Braille code for blind people. One of the Koran learning methods applied in this design is the Iqra method. This device consists of two parts, namely a device for teachers / instructors in the form of an android application and a device for students / blind people who will learn in the form of electronic devices Braille cell viewers using piezoelectric mechanics. Communication between the Teacher's device and the Student's device uses wireless communication media, namely Bluetooth. The Iqra electronic device for the visually impaired is expected to facilitate teachers to teach blind people to read the Qur'an in the Braille code using the Iqra method as an effort to reduce the illiteracy of the Qur'an, especially blind people.

Keywords – Iqra Braille Electronic; Braille codes; Android; Blind People.