bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kuantifikasi Kandungan Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) di Kawasan Desa Sungai Rambe untuk Memprediksi Keberadaan Minyak Bumi
Authors: Sutrisno  , Rayandra Asyhar  , Rahmi  , Andrian Tri Kesuma Wardana
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Gore Sorber dengan menanamkan alat ke dalam tanah selama 21 hari dan pada hari ke-21 alat tersebut diambil kemudian kandungannya dianalisis dengan menggunakan GC-MS untuk mengetahui jumlah senyawa hidrokarbon yang terkandung dalam minyak bumi. Beberapa senyawa yang terdeteksi dengan metode Gore Sorber diantaranya adalah alfa pinena, dimetil sulfida, karbonil sulfide, dimetil disulfida, butana dana etana. Senyawa tersebut merupakan senyawa yang umum ditemukan pada minyak bumi dengan komposisi alfa pinena 206,34 ng; dimetil sulfida 196,65 ng; dan dimetil disulfida 205,8 ng. Tiga komponen tersebut merupakan komponen minyak bumi hidrokarbon dan non-hidrokarbon.

 

This research uses Gore Sorber method by implanting the tool into the soil for 21 days then taken on day 21 and directly analyzed using GC-MS instrument to know the amount of hydrocarbon compound contained in petroleum. Some of the compounds detected using Gore-Sorber are alpha pinene, dimethyl sulphide, carbonyl sulphide, dimethyl disulfide, butane and ethane. These components are typical of petroleum compounds seen from the highest components of alpha pinene 206.34 ng, dimethyl sulfide 196.65 ng and dimethyl disulfide 205.8 ng. The three components are petroleum components of hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbons.
Pengembangan Lembar Kegiatan Peserta Didik (LKPD) Berbasis Learning Cycle 5-E pada Pokok Bahasan Laju Reaksi
Authors: Yasmi Amran Elva , Erviyenni  , Wilda Albeta Sri , Nurbintari Ratih
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menghasilkan LKPD berbasis learning cycle 5-e pada pokok bahasan laju reaksi yang valid berdasarkan kelayakan isi, kebahasaan, kegrafisan, dan penyajian. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode penelitian dan pengembangan R and D (Research and Development) dengan model 4-D.  Instrumen pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini adalah lembar validasi dan angket respon guru serta angket respon peserta didik. LKPD yang telah dikembangkan divalidasi oleh 2 orang validator yaitu dosen Pendidikan Kimia FKIP UR, kemudian diuji coba kepada guru dan 30 peserta didik dari dua sekolah di pekanbaru. Skor rata-rata validasi aspek kelayakan isi, kebahasaan, kegrafisan, dan penyajian terhadap LKPD yang dikembangkan masing-masing adalah  95,83%, 87,5%, 97,5%, dan 87,5% dengan rata-rata keseluruhan 92,08% (valid). Sementara dari uji coba terbatas pada guru dan peserta didik melalui angket diperoleh skor rerata guru 84,9% dan skor peserta didik 88,8% dengan kategori layak.

 

The purpose of this research has been to produce LKPD based on learning cycle 5-e on the subject of valid reaction rate based on feasibility of content, language, kegrafisan, and presentation. Research is done by research and development research and development (R and D) with 4-D model. Instrument of data collection in this research is validation sheet and questionnaire response teacher and learners. The LKPD that has been developed is validated by 2 validators namely the lecturer of Chemistry Education FKIP UR, then tested to the teacher and 30 students from two schools in Pekanbaru. The average scores of validation of feasibility aspects of content, language, kegrafisan, and presentation of LKPD developed were 95.83%, 87.5%, 97.5%, and 87.5%, respectively, with an overall average of 92, 08% (valid). While the trial is limited to teachers and learners through the questionnaire obtained the average score of teachers 84.9% and 88.8% of learner score with decent categories.
Efektivitas Modul Elektronik Interaktif Fisika Dengan Pendekatan Saintifik dan Bermuatan Nilai Karakter dalam Meningkatkan Kompetensi Siswa Kelas X SMA
Authors: Murtiani  , Yenni Darvina  , Yulkifli  , Dian Tiffani  , Arizaldy
Published: August 2019

Modul elektronik fisika interaktif dengan pendekatan ilmiah dan nilai karakter telah dikembangkan dengan tujuan untuk meningkatkan kompetensi siswa dalam tiga kompetensi yang dituntut oleh kurikulum 2013. Modul ini telah diuji validitas dan kepraktisannya tetapi belum untuk efektivitasnya. Untuk melihat keefektifan modul ini, penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan desain One Group Pretest-Postest Design untuk melihat efektivitas dalam meningkatkan kompetensi dan Desain Acak Kelompok Kontrol Saja untuk membandingkan efektivitas dengan modul pencetakan biasa. Sampelnya adalah Kelas X MIA 2 SMAN 4 Bukittinggi dan X MIA 1 dan 3 SMAN 15 Padang. Analisis dilakukan dengan uji t-korelasi pada pencapaian kompetensi awal dan akhir dan uji kesetaraan dua titik di kelas kontrol dan eksperimen. Dari hasil penelitian ini, ditemukan bahwa modul ini efektif dalam meningkatkan pencapaian kompetensi dan lebih efektif daripada penggunaan bahan cetak biasa.

 

Physic Interactive Electronic Module With A Saintific And Approach With Character Value has been developed with the aim to improve student competence in the three competencies demanded by the curriculum 2013. This module has been tested for validity and practicality but not yet its effectiveness. To see the effectiveness of this module, research is done by using One Group Pretest-Postest Design design to see the effectiveness in increasing the competence and Randomized Control Group Only Design to compare the effectiveness with ordinary printing module. The sample is Class X MIA 2 SMAN 4 Bukittinggi and X MIA 1 and 3 SMAN 15 Padang. The analysis was performed by t-correlation test on the achievement of initial and final competence and the two-point equality test in the control and experimental class. From the results of this study, it is found that this module is effective in improving the achievement of competence and more effective than the use of ordinary printing materials.
ANALISA DAYA DAN KONTROL KECEPATAN MOTOR PADA ALAT BANTU LAS ROTARY POSITIONER TABLE
Authors: Saptono Hery , Pramono Gatot Eka , Khindi Hablinur Al
Published: August 2019

Rotary Positioner Table is one of the welding aids that are widely used industrial world especially welding with the intention of facilitating welder to work on certain products. As the name implies Positioner which means positioning where the tool in this design can position the welding object freely according to the correct position and comfortable for people who are doing welding. This tool can be applied to drill the hole circle the same distance on the flange, to cut the round pieces , for welding pipes, welding shafts, discs, truck rims, etc.The selection of motor types and speed control becomes very important to support the performance of this tool which is expected to be used for welding with a maximum work load of 100 kg with vertical welding position. For that matter proper analysis is needed to determine the motor power and rotation speed of the turntable in order to get the best welding results. The way this Positioner tool works mechanically by rotating the rotary axis (lever) that has been made, to adjust the angle manually. This positioner can move on the X, Y, and Z axes.
STUDI KUALITATIF PRAKTIK PEMBERIAN ASI PADA BAYI USIA 0-4 BULAN DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS ABADIJAYA KOTA DEPOK
Authors: Prastia Tika Noor , J Yulia Novika , Azhar Erdani Harimurti , . Chuzaemah , Isnani Sofia Anis
Published: August 2019

ASI merupakan hal penting bagi pertumbuhan, perkembangan, dan status kesehatan anak. Praktik pemberian ASI yang kurang baik dapat menyebabkan gagal tumbuh dan menurunkan kemampuan kognitif anak.
Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis praktik pemberian ASI pada bayi usia 0-4 bulan di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Abadijaya Kota Depok. Desain studi kualitatif dengan teknik Rapid Assessment Procedure (RAP) menggunakkan metode FGD, wawancara mendalam, dan observasi. Informan penelitian berjumlah 13 orang
(12 informan inti dan 1 informan kunci). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan seluruh ibu memberikan ASI saja kepada bayi, kondisi umum dan payudara ibu baik, seluruh aggota keluarga bersikap mendukung ibu
menyusui, serta ibu memiliki teknik menyusui yang baik. Sedangkan hanya sebagian kecil yang masih memilliki budaya pemberian makanan prelakteal kepada bayi baru lahir. Kesimpulan yang didapat bahwa
keberhasilan ibu dalam menyusui berperan dalam menentukan tercapainya pemberian ASI secara eksklusif kepada anak sehingga anak dapat mencapai pertumbuhan dan perkembangan yang optimal.
Factores de riesgo asociados a fisuras no sindrómicas de labio y paladar en neonatos del Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal, 2012 -2017
Authors: Huaynate-Villalobos Anadely , Munayco-Magallanes Américo Alejandro
Published: August 2019

Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a fisuras no sindrómicas de labio y paladar en neonatos del Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal, durante el 2012 al 2017.

 

Material y método. Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal y retrospectivo, en el que se evaluó historias clínicas de madres y neonatos, se registraron dos grupos; un grupo de casos conformado por 40 neonatos con fisuras no sindrómicas de labio y paladar y, un grupo control formado por 52 neonatos sanos. Resultados. Se encontró mayor presencia de fisuras no sindrómicas de labio y paladar en neonatos de sexo masculino (22,8%), dándose más en el año 2016, y el diagnóstico más frecuente fue fisura del paladar duro y del paladar blando con labio leporino bilateral (Q37.4) (19,6%).

 

Además, se encontró que el presentar antecedentes aumenta ligeramente el riesgo de nacer con fisuras no sindrómicas de labio y paladar, y las gestantes que presentan edad materna de alto riesgo y no consumen ácido fólico tienen 1,228 y 4,891 más riesgo de desarrollar un bebé con fisuras de labio y paladar respectivamente.

Conclusiones. Las fisuras de labio y paladar, se presentaron en mayor frecuencia en neonatos de sexo masculino, en el año 2016 y el diagnóstico de fisura de labio y paladar más frecuente el Q37.4, y los factores de riesgo asociados a fisuras no sindrómicas de labio y paladar fueron la edad materna y el no consumo de ácido fólico.
Perfil sociodemográfico de gestantes en el Perú según regiones naturales
Authors: Espinola-Sánchez Marcos Augusto , Racchumí-Vela Augusto , Arango-Ochante Pedro , Minaya-Léon Percy
Published: August 2019

Objetivo. Describir el perfil sociodemográfico de gestantes en el Perú según regiones naturales. Métodos. Estudio realizado a partir de la fuente de datos de ENDES 2014-2018, se incluyeron 5464 gestantes que cumplieron criterios de selección. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva y estadística inferencial. Resultados. Embarazo adolescente en la Costa fue de 13%, embarazo en añosas 15.3%; en la región de la Sierra el embarazo adolescente 14.7% y el embarazo en añosas 16.9%; en la región de la Selva el embarazo adolescente fue del 17.1% y el embarazo en añosas del 13.4%.  Las mujeres gestantes que refirieron que no tenían la preferencia de quedar embarazadas en ese momento actual, fue en la Costa 62.4%, Sierra 62.1% y en la Selva 59.4%. Las gestantes que proceden de la Costa con mayor frecuencia tienen estudios de secundaria y pertenecer a un quintil intermedio de riqueza. Las gestantes que procedían de la Selva o la Sierra presentaron con mayor frecuencia  estudios de solo primaria y pertenecer al quintil inferior de riqueza. Conclusiones. Existen diferencias en el perfil sociodemográfico de mujeres gestantes según regiones naturales en nuestro país, donde la edad, el nivel educativo, quintil de riqueza, deseos de quedar embarazada representan un papel importante que contribuyen a conocer  la evolución y las tendencias en el perfil de las gestantes.
Embarazo heterotópico: manejo conservador con inyección local de KCl
Authors: Carpio-Guzmán Luis Alberto , Murga-López Agustín , Izaguirre-Lucano Humberto
Published: August 2019

El embarazo heterotópico es infrecuente. Se presenta el primer caso reportado en el Instituto Nacional materno Perinatal de Lima, de embarazo heterópico tratado con la técnica de inyección local intrasacular con cloruro de potasio (KCl) del embarazo extrauterino ubicado en la cicatriz de cesárea preservando la viabilidad del embrión intrauterino.
Oil Price and Exchange Rate Nexus in Nigeria: Are there Asymmetries
Authors: Abubakar Attahir B.
Published: August 2019

This paper examines the dynamics in the relationship between oil price and exchange rate in Nigeria by utilizing monthly data spanning January 1986 to June 2018. It specifically determines asymmetries in the relationship between oil price and exchange rate and the effect of oil price shocks on exchange rate. Threshold Autoregressive (TAR), Momentum Threshold autoregressive (MTAR) and Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) models were employed for the analysis. Findings of TAR and MTAR models confirm the absence of asymmetric cointegration, hence leading to the conclusion that in the case of Nigeria, there are no asymmetries in the relationship between oil price and exchange rate. Findings from the SVAR model show gradual appreciation (though with some time lag) of naira following positive shocks to oil price. The study recommends among others the need for diversification of foreign exchange earnings base of the economy, so as to minimise the effect of negative shocks to oil price.
Effect of Soil Tillage and Crop Sequence on Grain Yield and Quality of Durum Wheat in Mediterranean Areas
Authors: Pagnani Giancarlo , Galieni Angelica , D’Egidio Sara , Visioli Giovanna , Stagnari Fabio , Pisante Michele
Published: August 2019

Conservation agriculture (CA) can be very strategic in degradation prone soils of Mediterranean environments to recover soil fertility and consequently improve crop productivity as well as the quality traits of the most widespread crop, durum wheat, with reference to protein accumulation and composition. The results shown by two years of data in a medium long-term experiment (7-year experiment; split-plot design) that combined two tillage practices (conventional tillage (CT) and zero tillage (ZT)) with two crop sequences (wheat monocropping (WW) and wheat-faba bean (WF)) are presented. The combination ZT + WF (CA approach) induced the highest grain yields (617 and 370 g m−2 in 2016 and 2017, respectively), principally due to an increased number of ears m−2; on the other hand, the lowest grain yield was recorded under CT + WW (550 and 280 g m−2 in 2016 and 2017, respectively). CA also demonstrated significant influences on grain quality because the inclusion of faba bean in the rotation favored higher N-remobilization to the grains (79.5% and 77.7% in 2017). Under ZT and WF, all gluten fractions (gliadins (Glia), high molecular-weight glutenins (GS), and low molecular-weight GS) as well as the GS/Glia ratio increased. In durum wheat-based farming systems in Mediterranean areas, the adoption of CA seems to be an optimal choice to combine high quality yields with improved soil fertility.
Reduced Incidence of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections in Cardiac Surgery Patients after Implementation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Project
Authors: Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Salsano Antonio , Puente Filippo Del , Campanini Francesco , Mariscalco Giovanni , Marchese Anna , Viscoli Claudio , Santini Francesco
Published: August 2019

Infections due to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-Kp) are associated with increased mortality in cardiac surgery patients. In this short communication, we report on the changes in the incidence of CR-Kp colonization and CR-Kp infection in cardiac surgery patients from 2014 to 2018 in a teaching hospital in Italy, after the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship project in 2014. During the study period, 2261 patients underwent open-heart surgery. Of them, 130 were found to be colonized by CR-Kp (5.7%) and 52 developed a postoperative CR-Kp infection (2.3%). The crude in-hospital mortality in patients with CR-Kp infections was 48% (25/52). The incidences of both CR-Kp colonization (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.82, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.78–0.86, p < 0.001) and CR-Kp infection (IRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.69–0.83, p < 0.001) considerably decreased over the study period. This encouraging result should prompt further concerted efforts, directed towards retaining the positive impact of stewardship and infection-control interventions on CR-Kp-related morbidity in the long term.
Remote Plasma Atomic Layer Deposition of SiNx Using Cyclosilazane and H2/N2 Plasma
Authors: Cho Haewon , Lee Namgue , Choi Hyeongsu , Park Hyunwoo , Jung Chanwon , Song Seokhwi , Yuk Hyunwoo , Kim Youngjoon , Kim Jong-Woo , Kim Keunsik , Choi Youngtae , Park Suhyeon , Kwon Yurim , Jeon Hyeongtag
Published: August 2019

Silicon nitride (SiNx) thin films using 1,3-di-isopropylamino-2,4-dimethylcyclosilazane (CSN-2) and N2 plasma were investigated. The growth rate of SiNx thin films was saturated in the range of 200–500 °C, yielding approximately 0.38 Å/cycle, and featuring a wide process window. The physical and chemical properties of the SiNx films were investigated as a function of deposition temperature. As temperature was increased, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed that a conformal thin film was obtained. Also, we developed a three-step process in which the H2 plasma step was introduced before the N2 plasma step. In order to investigate the effect of H2 plasma, we evaluated the growth rate, step coverage, and wet etch rate according to H2 plasma exposure time (10–30 s). As a result, the side step coverage increased from 82% to 105% and the bottom step coverages increased from 90% to 110% in the narrow pattern. By increasing the H2 plasma to 30 s, the wet etch rate was 32 Å/min, which is much lower than the case of only N2 plasma (43 Å/min).
Keeping Doors Closed as One Reason for Fatigue in Teenagers—A Case Study
Authors: Mainka Anna , Zajusz-Zubek Elwira
Published: August 2019

(1) Background: Healthy teenagers are often sleepy. This can be explained by their physiology and behavioral changes; however, the influence of CO2 concentration above 1000 ppm should not be neglected with respect to sleep dissatisfaction. (2) Methods: CO2 concentrations were measured in two similar bedrooms occupied by girls aged 9 and 13 years old. The scheme of measurements included random opening and closing of the bedroom doors for the night. Additionally, the girls evaluated their sleep satisfaction in a post-sleep questionnaire. (3) Results: During the night, the CO2 concentration varied from 402 to 3320 ppm in the teenager’s bedroom and from 458 to 2176 ppm in the child’s bedroom. When the bedroom doors were open, inadequate indoor air quality (IEQIII and IEQIV categories) was observed in both the teenager’s and child’s bedroom during 11% and 25% of the night, respectively; however, closing the doors increased the contribution of moderate (IEQIII) and low (IEQIV) categories of air to 79% and 86%, respectively. The girls were dissatisfied only when the bedroom door was closed. The satisfied category of sleep was selected only by the younger girl. (4) Conclusions: Opening the bedroom door during the night can decrease the CO2 concentration 55–64% without reducing thermal comfort.
Advances in Magnetic Noble Metal/Iron-Based Oxide Hybrid Nanoparticles as Biomedical Devices
Authors: Sanchez Laura M. , Alvarez Vera A.
Published: August 2019

The study of the noble metal magnetic hybrid nanoparticles is a really promising topic from both the scientific and the technological points of views, with applications in several fields. Iron oxide materials which are hybridized with noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted increasing interest among researchers because of their cooperative effects on combined magnetic, electronic, photonic, and catalytic activities. This review article contains a summary of magnetic noble metal/iron oxide nanoparticle systems potentially useful in practical biomedical applications. Among the applications, engineered devices for both medical diagnosis and treatments were considered. The preparation to produce different structures, as blends or core-shell structures, of several nanometric systems was also considered. Several characterization techniques available to describe the structure, morphology and different kinds of properties of hybrid nanoparticles are also included in this review.
Mycogenic Selenium Nanoparticles as Potential New Generation Broad Spectrum Antifungal Molecules
Authors: Joshi Shreya , De Britto Savitha , Jogaiah Sudisha , Ito Shin-ichi
Published: August 2019

The current challenges of sustainable agricultural development augmented by global climate change have led to the exploration of new technologies like nanotechnology, which has potential in providing novel and improved solutions. Nanotools in the form of nanofertilizers and nanopesticides possess smart delivery mechanisms and controlled release capacity for active ingredients, thus minimizing excess run-off to water bodies. This study aimed to establish the broad spectrum antifungal activity of mycogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) synthesized from Trichoderma atroviride, and characterize the bioactive nanoparticles using UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The synthesized nanoparticles displayed excellent in vitro antifungal activity against Pyricularia grisea and inhibited the infection of Colletotrichum capsici and Alternaria solani on chili and tomato leaves at concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm, respectively. The SEM-EDS analysis of the bioactive SeNPs revealed a spherical shape with sizes ranging from 60.48 nm to 123.16 nm. The nanoparticles also possessed the unique property of aggregating and binding to the zoospores of P. infestans at a concentration of 100 ppm, which was visualized using light microscope, atomic force microscopy, and electron microscopy. Thus, the present study highlights the practical application of SeNPs to manage plant diseases in an ecofriendly manner, due to their mycogenic synthesis and broad spectrum antifungal activity against different phytopathogens.
Nonadiabaticity in Quantum Pumping Phenomena under Relaxation
Authors: Hashimoto Kazunari , Uchiyama Chikako
Published: August 2019

The ability to control quanta shown by quantum pumping has been intensively studied, aiming to further develop nano fabrication. In accordance with the fast progress of the experimental techniques, the focus on quantum pumping extends to include the quicker transport. For this purpose, it is necessary to remove the “adiabatic” or “slow” condition, which has been the central concept of quantum pumping since its first proposal for a closed system. In this article, we review the studies which go beyond the conventional adiabatic approximation for open quantum systems to transfer energy quanta and electron spins with using the full counting statistics. We also discuss the recent developments of the nonadiabatic treatments of quantum pumping.
Collection Characteristic of Nanoparticles Emitted from a Diesel Engine with Residual Fuel Oil and Light Fuel Oil in an Electrostatic Precipitator
Authors: Zukeran Akinori , Sawano Hidetoshi , Yasumoto Koji
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the collection characteristics of nanoparticles emitted from a diesel engine in an electrostatic precipitator (ESP). The experimental system consisted of a diesel engine (400 cc) and an ESP; residual fuel oil and light fuel oil were used for the engine. Although, the peak value of distribution decreased as the applied voltage increased due to the electrostatic precipitation effect, the particle concentration, at a size of approximately 20 nm, increased compared with that at 0 kV, in the exhaust gas, from the diesel engine with residual fuel oil. However, the efficiency increased by optimizing the applied voltage, and the total collection efficiency in the exhaust gas, using the residual fuel oil, was 91%. On the other hand, the particle concentration, for particle diameters smaller than 20 nm, did not increase in the exhaust gas from the engine with light fuel oil.
Sensitivity of Characterizing the Heat Loss Coefficient through On-Board Monitoring: A Case Study Analysis
Authors: Senave Marieline , Roels Staf , Verbeke Stijn , Lambie Evi , Saelens Dirk
Published: August 2019

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the development of an approach to characterize the as-built heat loss coefficient (HLC) of buildings based on a combination of on-board monitoring (OBM) and data-driven modeling. OBM is hereby defined as the monitoring of the energy consumption and interior climate of in-use buildings via non-intrusive sensors. The main challenge faced by researchers is the identification of the required input data and the appropriate data analysis techniques to assess the HLC of specific building types, with a certain degree of accuracy and/or within a budget constraint. A wide range of characterization techniques can be imagined, going from simplified steady-state models applied to smart energy meter data, to advanced dynamic analysis models identified on full OBM data sets that are further enriched with geometric info, survey results, or on-site inspections. This paper evaluates the extent to which these techniques result in different HLC estimates. To this end, it performs a sensitivity analysis of the characterization outcome for a case study dwelling. Thirty-five unique input data packages are defined using a tree structure. Subsequently, four different data analysis methods are applied on these sets: the steady-state average, Linear Regression and Energy Signature method, and the dynamic AutoRegressive with eXogenous input model (ARX). In addition to the sensitivity analysis, the paper compares the HLC values determined via OBM characterization to the theoretically calculated value, and explores the factors contributing to the observed discrepancies. The results demonstrate that deviations up to 26.9% can occur on the characterized as-built HLC, depending on the amount of monitoring data and prior information used to establish the interior temperature of the dwelling. The approach used to represent the internal and solar heat gains also proves to have a significant influence on the HLC estimate. The impact of the selected input data is higher than that of the applied data analysis method.
On Blockage Effects for a Tidal Turbine in Free Surface Proximity
Authors: Kolekar Nitin , Vinod Ashwin , Banerjee Arindam
Published: August 2019

Experiments with a three-bladed, constant chord tidal turbine were undertaken to understand the influence of free surface proximity on blockage effects and near-wake flow field. The turbine was placed at various depths as rotational speeds were varied; thrust and torque data were acquired through a submerged sensor. Blockage effects were quantified in terms of changes in power coefficient and were found to be dependent on tip speed ratio and free surface to blade tip clearance. Flow acceleration near turbine rotation plane was attributed to blockage offered by the rotor, wake, and free surface deformation. In addition, particle image velocimetry was carried out in the turbine near-wake using time- and phase-averaged techniques to understand the mechanism responsible for the variation of power coefficient with rotational speed and free surface proximity. Slower wake propagation for higher rotational velocities and increased asymmetry in the wake with increasing free surface proximity was observed. Improved performance at high rotational speed was attributed to enhanced wake blockage, and performance enhancement with free surface proximity was due to the additional blockage effects caused by the free surface deformation. Proper orthogonal decomposition analysis revealed a downward moving wake for the turbine placed in near free surface proximity.
Classifications of Macca Oromoo Girls’ Nuptial Songs (Sirba Cidhaa)
Authors: Fufa Bidu Dereje
Published: August 2019

Girls’ nuptial songs of the Oromoo of Horn of Africa are powerful folksong genres, but are rarely practiced today. Ethnographic data were collected and analyzed contextually, structurally, functionally, and semantically from multidisciplinary approaches: folklore, ethnomusicology, anthropology, sociology, literature, linguistic, gender, and others’ theories. They are classified into arrabsoo (insult), faaruu (praise), mararoo (elegiac/dirge), ansoosillee (bridal praise), fala (resolution), and raaga (prediction) with their distinct natures. Macca Oromoo girls compose these competitively to making weddings memorable, express themselves, inspire and encourage men for brave and appropriate actions. These genres form binary oppositions in their respective orders and enrich the culture. They also depict identities and roles of girls in creations and maintaining of culture.
Alteration of Phenolic Composition in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by Reducing Nitrogen Supply Enhances its Anti-Proliferative Effects on Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Weiwei , Liang Xin , Dai Peibin , Chen Yao , Zhang Yuxue , Zhang Miao , Lu Lingli , Jin Chongwei , Lin Xianyong
Published: August 2019

Consumption of vegetables rich in phenolic compounds has become a useful method to reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer. This study investigated the potential relationship between the alteration of phenolic compounds in lettuce induced by reduced nitrogen supply and its anti-proliferative effects on Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells. Our results showed that phenolic extracts from lettuce grown under low nitrogen conditions (LP) exhibited better anti-proliferative effects against Caco-2 cells, in part, by interfering with the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis, compared with those from lettuce supplied with adequate nitrogen. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and correlation analysis indicated that the better anticancer activity of LP may be not only related to the increased phenolic content, but also associated with the increased percentage contribution of quercetin to total phenolics. Taken together, alteration of phenolic composition by reduced nitrogen supply can be an effectively strategy for the development of healthy vegetables as anticancer products.
Artificial Neural Network Approach for Modelling of Mercury Ions Removal from Water Using Functionalized CNTs with Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Fiyadh Seef Saadi , AlOmar Mohamed Khalid , Binti Jaafar Wan Zurina , AlSaadi Mohammed Abdulhakim , Fayaed Sabah Saadi , Binti Koting Suhana , Lai Sai Hin , Chow Ming Fai , Ahmed Ali Najah , El-Shafie Ahmed
Published: August 2019

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) were utilized to remove mercury ions from water. An artificial neural network (ANN) technique was used for modelling the functionalized CNTs adsorption capacity. The amount of adsorbent dosage, contact time, mercury ions concentration and pH were varied, and the effect of parameters on the functionalized CNT adsorption capacity is observed. The (NARX) network, (FFNN) network and layer recurrent (LR) neural network were used. The model performance was compared using different indicators, including the root mean square error (RMSE), relative root mean square error (RRMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean square error (MSE), correlation coefficient (R2) and relative error (RE). Three kinetic models were applied to the experimental and predicted data; the pseudo second-order model was the best at describing the data. The maximum RE, R2 and MSE were 9.79%, 0.9701 and 1.15 × 10−3, respectively, for the NARX model; 15.02%, 0.9304 and 2.2 × 10−3 for the LR model; and 16.4%, 0.9313 and 2.27 × 10−3 for the FFNN model. The NARX model accurately predicted the adsorption capacity with better performance than the FFNN and LR models.
Selection of Appropriate Reference Genes for Gene Expression Analysis under Abiotic Stresses in Salix viminalis
Authors: Ambroise Valentin , Legay Sylvain , Guerriero Gea , Hausman Jean-Francois , Cuypers Ann , Sergeant Kjell
Published: August 2019

Salix viminalis is a fast growing willow species with potential as a plant used for biomass feedstock or for phytoremediation. However, few reference genes (RGs) for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) are available in S. viminalis, thereby limiting gene expression studies. Here, we investigated the expression stability of 14 candidate reference genes (RGs) across various organs exposed to five abiotic stresses (cold, heat, drought, salt, and poly-metals). Four RGs ranking algorithms, namely geNormPLUS, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and GrayNorm were applied to analyze the qPCR data and the outputs were merged into consensus lists with RankAggreg, a rank aggregation algorithm. In addition, the optimal RG combinations were determined with geNormPLUS and GrayNorm. The genes that were the most stable in the roots were TIP41 and CDC2. In the leaves, TIP41 was the most stable, followed by EF1b and ARI8, depending on the condition tested. Conversely, GAPDH and β-TUB, two genes commonly used for qPCR data normalization were the least stable across all organs. Nevertheless, both geNormPLUS and GrayNorm recommended the use of a combination of genes rather than a single one. These results are valuable for research of transcriptomic responses in different S. viminalis organs.
Mitochondrial Genomes of Two Thaparocleidus Species (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea) Reveal the First rRNA Gene Rearrangement among the Neodermata
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zou Hong , Jakovlić Ivan , Wu Shan G. , Li Ming , Zhang Jin , Chen Rong , Li Wen X. , Wang Gui T.
Published: August 2019

Phylogenetic framework for the closely related Ancylodiscoidinae and Ancyrocephalinae subfamilies remains contentious. As this issue was never studied using a large molecular marker, we sequenced the first two Ancylodiscoidinae mitogenomes: Thaparocleidus asoti and Thaparocleidus varicus. Both mitogenomes had two non-coding regions (NCRs) that contained a number of repetitive hairpin-forming elements (RHE). Due to these, the mitogenome of T. asoti (16,074 bp) is the longest among the Monogenea; especially large is its major NCR, with 3500 bp, approximately 1500 bp of which could not be sequenced (thus, the total mitogenome size is ≈ 17,600 bp). Although RHEs have been identified in other monopisthocotyleans, they appear to be independently derived in different taxa. The presence of RHEs may have contributed to the high gene order rearrangement rate observed in the two mitogenomes, including the first report of a transposition of rRNA genes within the Neodermata. Phylogenetic analyses using mitogenomic dataset produced Dactylogyrinae embedded within the Ancyrocephalinae (paraphyly), whereas Ancylodiscoidinae formed a sister-group with them. This was also supported by the gene order analysis. 28S rDNA dataset produced polyphyletic Dactylogyridae and Ancyrocephalinae. The phylogeny of the two subfamilies shall have to be further evaluated with more data.
Phenotype-Specific Therapeutic Effect of Rhodiola wallichiana var. cholaensis Combined with Dexamethasone on Experimental Murine Asthma and Its Comprehensive Pharmacological Mechanism
Authors: Pang Zhiqiang , Ran Nan , Yuan Yuze , Wang Cuizhu , Wang Guoqiang , Lin Hongqiang , Hsu Alan Chen-Yu , Liu Jinping , Wang Fang
Published: August 2019

The heterogeneity of asthma involves complex pathogenesis leading to confusion regarding the choice of therapeutic strategy. In the clinic, asthma is commonly classified as having either eosinophilic asthma (EA) or non-eosinophilic asthma (NEA) phenotypes. Microbiota colonizing in airways has been demonstrated to induce distinct phenotypes of asthma and the resistance to steroids. Rhodiola wallichiana var. cholaensis (RWC) has the potential to alleviate asthmatic inflammation according to recent studies, but its pharmacological mechanisms remain unclarified. In our study, murine asthmatic phenotypes were established and treated with RWC and/or dexamethasone (DEX). Combined treatment with RWC and DEX could improve spirometry and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthmatic phenotypes, alleviate steroid resistance in NEA, and reduce the inflammatory infiltration of the both phenotypes. The combined treatment increased Th1, regulated the imbalance of Th2/Th1, and decreased the related cytokines in EA. As for NEA, the combined treatment reduced Th17 and promoted the accumulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in lung. A microbiome study based on 16S rDNA sequencing technique revealed the significantly changed structure of the lower airway microbiota after combined treatment in NEA, with 4 distinct genera and 2 species identified. OPLS-DA models of metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-Q/TOF-MS technique identified 34 differentiated metabolites and 8 perturbed metabolic pathways. A joint multiomics study predicted that the colonized microbiota in airways might be associated with susceptibility of asthma and steroid resistance, which involved systematic and pulmonary metabolic perturbation. In summary, the pharmacological network of RWC included the complicated interaction mechanisms of immune regulation, microbiota change, and metabolic perturbation.
Study on Unknown Term Translation Mining from Google Snippets
Authors: Li Bin , Yao Jianmin
Published: August 2019

Bilingual web pages are widely used to mine translations of unknown terms. This study focused on an effective solution for obtaining relevant web pages, extracting translations with correct lexical boundaries, and ranking the translation candidates. This research adopted co-occurrence information to obtain the subject terms and then expanded the source query with the translation of the subject terms to collect effective bilingual search engine snippets. Afterwards, valid candidates were extracted from small-sized, noisy bilingual corpora using an improved frequency change measurement that combines adjacent information. This research developed a method that considers surface patterns, frequency–distance, and phonetic features to elect an appropriate translation. The experimental results revealed that the proposed method performed remarkably well for mining translations of unknown terms.
Impact on Outcomes across KDIGO-2012 AKI Criteria According to Baseline Renal Function
Authors: Acosta-Ochoa Isabel , Bustamante-Munguira Juan , Mendiluce-Herrero Alicia , Bustamante-Bustamante Jesús , Coca-Rojo Armando
Published: August 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are global health problems. The pathophysiology of acute-on-chronic kidney disease (AoCKD) is not well understood. We aimed to study clinical outcomes in patients with previous normal (pure acute kidney injury; P-AKI) or impaired kidney function (AoCKD) across the 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) AKI classification. We performed a retrospective study of patients with AKI, divided into P-AKI and AoCKD groups, evaluating clinical and epidemiological features, distribution across KDIGO-2012 criteria, in-hospital mortality and need for dialysis. One thousand, two hundred and sixty-nine subjects were included. AoCKD individuals were older and had higher comorbidity. P-AKI individuals fulfilled more often the serum creatinine (SCr) ≥ 3.0× criterion in AKI-Stage3, AoCKD subjects reached SCr ≥ 4.0 mg/dL criterion more frequently. AKI severity was associated with in-hospital mortality independently of baseline renal function. AoCKD subjects presented higher mortality when fulfilling AKI-Stage1 criteria or SCr ≥ 3.0× criterion within AKI-Stage3. The relationship between mortality and associated risk factors, such as the net increase of SCr or AoCKD status, fluctuated depending on AKI stage and stage criteria sub-strata. AoCKD patients that fulfil SCr increment rate criteria may be exposed to more severe insults, possibly explaining the higher mortality. AoCKD may constitute a unique clinical syndrome. Adequate staging criteria may help prompt diagnosis and administration of appropriate therapy.
Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy for Functional Dyspepsia: A Meta-Analysis by Region and H. pylori Prevalence
Authors: Kang Seung Joo , Park Boram , Shin Cheol Min
Published: August 2019

Background: Previous studies on the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on functional dyspepsia (FD) are conflicting. We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis on this issue according to region and prevalence of H. pylori. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of eradication of H. pylori on functional dyspepsia up to December 2018 were searched through PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Subgroup analyses by the outcome measure, region, and prevalence of H. pylori were performed. All data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3. Results: Eighteen RCTs were included in our meta-analysis. Overall, the H. pylori eradication group showed significant improvement of symptoms compared with the control group (risk ratio (RR) = 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.30, p < 0.01). There was moderate heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 34%) and the number needed to treat (NNT) was 15.0. Helicobacter pylori eradication improved dyspeptic symptoms both in low (<50%) and high (≥50%) H. pylori prevalence regions (RR = 1.21 and 1.17; 95% CI: 1.02–1.44 and 1.06–1.29, I2 = 49% and 5%, respectively.) In the analysis of studies from Asia, however, the effect of eradication on improvement of dyspepsia was not significant (RR = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.99–1.33, p = 0.08, I2 = 37%). Conclusion: Overall, H. pylori eradication provides significant improvement of symptoms in functional dyspepsia patients regardless of H. pylori prevalence. However, in the analysis of studies from Asia, the eradication did not significantly improve dyspeptic symptoms. In this region, eradication for dyspepsia can be individualized.
Role of Bronchoscopic Techniques in the Diagnosis of Thoracic Sarcoidosis
Authors: Pedro Cecília , Melo Natália , Novais e Bastos Hélder , Magalhães Adriana , Fernandes Gabriela , Martins Natália , Morais António , Caetano Mota Patrícia
Published: August 2019

The diagnosis of sarcoidosis relies on clinical and radiological presentation, evidence of non-caseating granulomas in histopathology and exclusion of alternative causes of granulomatous inflammation. Currently, a proper diagnosis, with a high level of confidence, is considered as key to the appropriate diagnosis and management of the disease. In this sense, this review aims to provide a brief overview on the role of bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of thoracic sarcoidosis, incorporating newer techniques to establish, including endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), transesophageal ultrasound-guided needle aspiration with the use of an echo bronchoscope (EUS-B-FNA) and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC). Most of the literature reports the diagnostic superiority of endosonographic techniques, such as EBUS-TBNA alone or in combination with EUS-FNA, over conventional bronchoscopic modalities in diagnosing Scadding stages I and II of the disease. Moreover, TBLC may be considered a useful and safe diagnostic tool for thoracic sarcoidosis, overcoming some limitations of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB), avoiding more invasive modalities and being complementary to endosonographic procedures such as EBUS-TBNA.
Right Heart Catheterization—Background, Physiological Basics, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Kubiak Grzegorz M. , Ciarka Agnieszka , Biniecka Monika , Ceranowicz Piotr
Published: August 2019

The idea of right heart catheterization (RHC) grew in the milieu of modern thinking about the cardiovascular system, influenced by the experiments of William Harvey, which were inspired by the treatises of Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Gallen, who made significant contributions to the subject. RHC was first discovered in the eighteenth century by William Hale and was subsequently systematically improved by outstanding experiments in the field of physiology, led by Cournand and Dickinson Richards, which finally resulted in the implementation of pulmonary artery catheters (PAC) into clinical practice by Jeremy Swan and William Ganz in the early 1970s. Despite its premature euphoric reception, some further analysis seemed not to share the early enthusiasm as far as the safety and effectiveness issues were concerned. Nonetheless, RHC kept its significant role in the diagnosis, prognostic evaluation, and decision-making of pulmonary hypertension and heart failure patients. Its role in the treatment of end-stage heart failure seems not to be fully understood, although it is promising. PAC-guided optimization of the treatment of patients with ventricular assist devices and its beneficial introduction into clinical practice remains a challenge for the near future.
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus Selectively Modulates Emotion Recognition of Facial Stimuli in Parkinson’s Patients
Authors: Wagenbreth Caroline , Kuehne Maria , Voges Jürgen , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Galazky Imke , Zaehle Tino
Published: August 2019

Background: Diminished emotion recognition is a known symptom in Parkinson (PD) patients and subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) has been shown to further deteriorate the processing of especially negative emotions. While emotion recognition generally refers to both, implicit and explicit processing, demonstrations of DBS-influences on implicit processing are sparse. In the present study, we assessed the impact of STN-DBS on explicit and implicit processing for emotional stimuli. Methods: Under STN-DBS ON and OFF, fourteen PD patients performed an implicit as well as an explicit emotional processing task. To assess implicit emotional processing, patients were tested with a lexical decision task (LTD) combined with an affective priming paradigm, which provides emotional content through the facial eye region. To assess explicit emotional processing, patients additionally explicitly rated the emotional status of eyes and words used in the implicit task. Results: DBS affected explicit emotional processing more than implicit processing with a more pronounced effect on error rates than on reaction speed. STN-DBS generally worsened implicit and explicit processing for disgust stimulus material but improved explicit processing of fear stimuli. Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating influences of STN-DBS on explicit and implicit emotion processing in PD patients. While STN stimulation impeded the processing of disgust stimuli, it improved explicit discrimination of fear stimuli.
Echinochrome A Attenuates Cerebral Ischemic Injury through Regulation of Cell Survival after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rat
Authors: Kim Ran , Hur Daeun , Kim Hyoung Kyu , Han Jin , Mishchenko Natalia P. , Fedoreyev Sergey A. , Stonik Valentin A. , Chang Woochul
Published: August 2019

Of late, researchers have taken interest in alternative medicines for the treatment of brain ischemic stroke, where full recovery is rarely seen despite advanced medical technologies. Due to its antioxidant activity, Echinochrome A (Ech A), a natural compound found in sea urchins, has acquired attention as an alternative clinical trial source for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The current study demonstrates considerable potential of Ech A as a medication for cerebral ischemic injury. To confirm the effects of Ech A on the recovery of the injured region and behavioral decline, Ech A was administered through the external carotid artery in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model after reperfusion. The expression level of cell viability-related factors was also examined to confirm the mechanism of brain physiological restoration. Based on the results obtained, we propose that Ech A ameliorates the physiological deterioration by its antioxidant effect which plays a protective role against cell death, subsequent to post cerebral ischemic stroke.