bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Resilience of Urban Emergency Management System
Authors: Zhang Yuanhui
Published: August 2020

The outbreak of emergencies has triggered people’s thinking about the ability of urban emergency management system to deal with emergencies. Under the current situation, the traditional urban emergency management mode has been unable to cope with the new problems of unexpected events. The author believes that the government led urban emergency management system and social organizations, enterprises, non-profit organizations and the public should form an “emergency social network”. Their collaboration is actually based on their self-organizing operation, making full use of mutual feedback and feedback with the environment, adaptively changing the organic combination of mutual relations, so as to make the city as a whole. It is a complex operation process of the system from disorder to order. This process is not only to improve the resilience of the city by optimizing the management function of the government emergency system, but also to achieve the overall optimization of the system by combining the improvement of the response ability of social organizations and the improvement of citizens’ quality, so as to achieve the response performance of “the whole is greater than the sum of parts”.
Faktor – faktor yang berhubungan dengan Produktivitas Kerja Perawat terhadap Pelayanan Keperawatan di Puskesmas Pidie Kabupaten Pidie
Authors: Ismuntania Ismuntania
Published: August 2020

Ketatnya persaingan sumber daya manusia (SDM) khususnya perawat dirasakan oleh puskesmas. Setiap pekerjaan menuntut sumber daya manusia (SDM) untuk meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan keperawatan. Pentingnya produktivitas kerja bagi perawat adalah bahan evaluasi untuk melakukan perbaikan secara terus menerus bagi komponen puskesmas dalam rangka peningkatan mutu hasil kerja yang ingin yang capai. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui faktor – faktor yang berhubungan dengan produktivitas kerja perawat terhadap pelayanan keperawatan di Puskesmas Pidie Kabupaten Pidie . Penelitian ini bersifat Analitik dengan tehnik pengambilan sampel total sampling dan jumlah sampel 33 perawat. Data dikumpulkan langsung dari responden dengan mengedarkan kuisioner. Hasil penelitian diolah dengan menggunakan komputer dan disajikan dalam bentuk tabel distribusi frekwensi dan analisa silang. Penelitian dilakukan mulai tanggal 23 - 28 Maret 2019. Hasil penelitian P-value 0,004 < 0,05, ada hubungan motivasi terhadap pelayanan keperawatan. P-value 0,012 < 0,05 , ada hubungan tingkat penghasilan terhadap pelayanan keperawatan. P-value 0,004 < 0,05, ada hubungan Lingkungan Kerja Terhadap Pelayanan Keperawatan. P-value 0,003 < 0,05, ada hubungan Kesempatan berprestasi terhadap pelayanan keperawatan. P-value 0,010 < 0,05, ada hubungan manajemen terhadap pelayanan keperawatan. Saran diharapkan bagi perawat dapat meningkatkan produktivitas kerja sehingga dapat meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan keperawatan.Kata kunci : Produktivitas Kerja Perawat, Pelayanan Keperawatan
A new perspective on driving current density
Authors: Lucena Lucas Ruas de
Published: August 2020

This article discusses alternative and complementary proposals to j.C.Maxwell’s laws of classical electromagnetism, based on certain hypotheses, hypothetical examples and calculations, with results that may infer new interpretations about the physical phenomenon conduction current density. These new interpretations bring a new understanding to the dynamics of Gauss’s Law, and, being true, make the Amperre-Maxwell Law totally symmetrical to the faraday-lenz-maxwell law, without any mathematical or physical inconsistency. These understandings inevitably bring implications and points of view complementary to the classical theory of electromagnetism.
COMPARISON OF LEAVES AND BARK MANGKOKAN (Nothopanax scutellarium) EXTRACTS AGAINST THE DEATH OF HOUSE FLIES (Musca domestica)
Authors: Darmadi  , Sepriyani Harni
Published: August 2020

Flies (Musca domestica) are vectors of disease that can transmit to humans. Generally, these flies controlled by using chemical insecticides. Excessive use of insecticide causes resistance and environmental pollution. The alternative way in fly control is to use natural ingredients from the extract of mangkokan stem bark and leaves (Nothopanax scutellaria). This study aims to determine the ratio of fly mortality after administration of ethanol extract of bark and methanol extract of mangkokan leaves (N. scutellarium). The method used in this study is a post-test only control group design. The average mortality rate of house flies using ethanol extract of mangkokan stem bark (N. scutellarium) was 5 for 55 minutes while methanol extract of mangkokan leaves (N. scutellarium) was 5 for 135 minutes with a p-value of 0.374 (p>0.05). It concludes that there is no significant difference in fly mortality with the ethanol extract of stem bark and methanol extract of mangkokan leaves (N. scutellarium). Result of this study shows that the ethanol extract of stem bark and mangkokan leaf extract (N. scutellarium) are equally potential natural insecticides.
An Investigation on Sheeting Acting as a Diaphragm on a Reinforced Precast Concrete Frame
Authors: Țere Sergiu-Gheorghe , Hegheș Bogdan , Constantinescu Horea
Published: August 2020

It is well-known that for single-storey steel structures, the framework is greatly strengthened and stiffened following the attachment of the roof, floors and walls. The panels in the roofing, flooring and side cladding are also known as “shear diaphragms” by virtue of their resistance to being deformed into parallelograms. This has been verified by on-site practical experience of many structures and design provisions are available for structural engineers. Despite the fact that for single-storey structures, the corrugated steel sheets are the standard elements in constructing the envelopes, in what concerns the reinforced concrete frames there are no guidelines nor recommendations on how to consider the diaphragm effect in structural analysis. In order to better understand the interaction between the corrugated steel sheets and the reinforced concrete frame, a real precast reinforced concrete frame structure was built for experimental testing. The aim of the experimental test is to study the diaphragm effect for reinforced concrete structures and based on the results to identify the discrepancies identified compared to steel structures. The investigation attempts to provide a starting point for future research on the stressed skin design acting on reinforced concrete frames. At the end of the article conclusions are drawn based on the experience obtained during the experimental test.
The Influence of Jigsaw Cooperative Model toward Writing Exposition Text Ability of Class X At SMK Negeri 1 Pematang Siantar
Authors: Nasution Tuti Ariani , Purba Anita , Afrinda Vobi
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is: (1) To know that Jigsaw Cooperative Model can improve the students’ writing Exposition ability and (2) to describe the process ofJigsaw Cooperative Model in improving students’ writing Exposition ability. This study was conducted at class X at SMK Negeri 1 Pematang Siantar.The population were 70 students. The qauntitative data were taken from the scores of the pre-test and post-test. The total score is 4894, the mean 69, 9 thus, in the post test found the total score is 5981, and the mean 85, 4.Jigsaw Cooperative Model inspired both the students and the studyer in improving the ability of English especially on writing. The students could practice their skill of English in the different situation and treatment. They could express their idea or opinion freely as the studyer only became mediator during the activities of Jigsaw Cooperative Model as it was student-centred. In fact, the students’ cooperation increased. They helped each other, communicated using English, and built the idea, imagination and opinion that they wanted to compose in their writing during applying Jigsaw Cooperative Model.
Rethinking Language in Irigaray’s Mimesis Applied in David Mamet’s Oleanna
Authors: Hossein Shahrzad Mohammad , Raoufzadeh Narges , Basirizadeh Fatemeh Sadat
Published: August 2020

Throughout history, women have always sought their rights and place and this has long been the subject of much debate among writers and critics. So writers and critics, both men and women have reflected this issue in their works in different ways. From the very outset of her career, Luce Irigaray showed a keen interest in the exploration of the key role that language has in determining how women are evaluated in their society and the position they hold in it. In order to show resistance to masculine values imposed on them, women resort to strongholds such as mimesis in opposition. This paper aims to primarily, trace the backgrounds of this notion, secondly, to pursue the effect and use of it by women characters and to depict in what way it is employed as a means of resistance. Examples that will be provided shall be selected from the play “Oleanna”, a modern play written by David Mamet.
The Influence of Inquiry Learning Strategy and Critical Thinking Ability on the Results of Islamic Education Learning at SMA Negeri 2 Tanjung Morawa, Deli Serdang District
Authors: Mukti Abd. , Daulai Afrahul Fadhila , Wirian Oktrigana
Published: August 2020

The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the learning outcomes of Islamic Education students who were taught with inquiry strategy were higher than the learning outcomes of students taught by conventional learning; (2) to find out the learning outcomes of Islamic Education students who have higher critical thinking skills than students who have low critical thinking skills, and; (3) to determine the interaction between learning strategies and critical thinking skills on the learning outcomes of Islamic Education. The research method is a quasi experiment. The study design was a two-factorial analysis of variance. The research instruments were questionnaires and tests. The data analysis technique used was analysis of variance at α 0.05. The findings of the study show: (1) the average learning outcomes of Islamic Education students who are taught with Inquiry learning strategies are higher than the average learning outcomes of Islamic Education students taught with conventional learning, (2) the average educational learning outcomes Islamic students with high critical thinking skills are higher than the average learning outcomes of students with low critical thinking skills, and (3) there is an interaction between learning strategies and critical thinking skills where students with high critical thinking skills are appropriately taught using Inquiry learning strategies can be seen that on average the learning outcomes of Islamic Education are higher.
Development of Computer-Based Kindergarten Children's Creativity Portfolio Assessment Instruments
Authors: Nazhifah Sitorus Marwah , Yus Anita , Saragih Daulat
Published: August 2020

The problem in this study is that teachers still have difficulty assessing children's creativity, so the aim of this study is to develop a computer-based assessment instrument for the creativity portfolio of kindergarten children. This research is a Research and Development (R&D) using the ADDIE development model through 5 stages, namely: analyze, design, development, implementation and evaluation. Subjects in this study consisted of 3 teachers in Group A TK ABA 05 Medan. Then 6 validation experts who have the appropriate knowledge of this development research, among others: a) 2 assessment experts, b) 2 computer experts, c) 2 early childhood experts.  The determination of the feasibility level of the portfolio assessment instrument is based on the validation test of the experts, while the level of effectiveness of the portfolio assessment instrument is based on trials for teachers through teacher response questionnaires. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the assessment of the assessment expert validator I in this category was considered very valid with a percentage of 83% which means that it is very suitable for use and the second assessment expert in the category is considered very valid with a percentage of 83% which means very suitable for use. Then the computer expert I in the category is considered valid with a percentage of 81% which means it is suitable for use and the computer expert II in the category is considered very valid with a percentage of 86% which means very suitable for use. Furthermore, early childhood expert I in the very valid category with a percentage of 93% which means that it is very suitable for use and early childhood expert II in the category is considered valid with a percentage of 73% which means it is suitable for use. The results of the teacher response questionnaire on portfolio assessment using a gain score test with a value of 0.74 and can be categorized as high effectiveness, this indicates that the use of portfolio assessment instruments has been effectively used by TK ABA 05 Medan teachers.
Analyzing the Effect of Foreign Language on Decision Making : A Study From Bangla Language Perspective
Authors: Haque AM Zahidul , Nigar Naima , Rahman Arifa , Bakul Fariea , Rubyat Syfin
Published: August 2020

Decision making is one of the crucial aspects of our daily life. In terms of making any decision language plays a vital role either directly or indirectly. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of Bangla language (native) and foreign language (English) on decision making. It was hypothesized that foreign language would show fewer decision biases. Total 80 participants (40 males, 40 females) took part in this experiment. Results from Chi-square test revealed that while making decisions in Bangla language under loss-frame 68.7% participants preferred to choose risk option over sure option. On the contrary in gain-frame only 29.9% participants preferred the risk option (χ2(1, N = 80) = 24.059, p < 0.001). This decision biasness was significantly minimized in English language. In loss-frame 56.1% participants preferred the risk option over sure option and in gain-frame 43.6% participants preferred the risk option, χ2(1, N = 80) = 2.502, p > 0.05.

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 29(2): 191-199, 2020 (July)
Bycatch mitigation of protected and threatened species in tuna purse seine and longline fisheries
Authors: Swimmer Y , Zollett EA , Gutierrez A
Published: August 2020

Bycatch and mortality in fishing gear poses a conservation threat worldwide to many marine species. Resource managers and conservation scientists face challenges in identifying bycatch mitigation solutions that work for multiple taxa while maintaining acceptable levels of target fish catch. The most successful mitigation measures to address bycatch concerns are those that (1) minimize bycatch with limited or no impact on target species catch, (2) have been proven through at-sea experimental research, (3) are practical, affordable, and easy to use, and (4) do not risk the safety of the fishing vessel crew or the bycaught animals. We conducted a review of mitigation measures in fishing gears that target tuna and tuna-like species and that either prevent capture of non-target species in fishing gear or facilitate alive post-capture release, and evaluated these against 4 defined criteria: effective, proven, practical, and safe. This paper outlines the most effective bycatch mitigation measures, as based upon the best scientific information available, in commercial and artisanal pelagic longline and purse seine fisheries, specifically those that target tuna and tuna-like species. This review includes information on gear and operational changes to fishing practices that reduce bycatch for protected and threatened species across taxonomic groups, with a focus on cetaceans, sea turtles, seabirds, sharks, and istiophorid billfishes. The information provided can guide future research and management efforts in Regional Fisheries Management Organizations that are specific to tuna fishing and that aim to minimize impacts to protected and threatened species while maintaining viable commercial fisheries.
The effect of vibratory stimulation on the timed-up-and-go mobility test: a pilot study for sensory-related fall risk assessment
Authors: Toosizadeh N , Wahlert G , Fain M , Mohler J
Published: August 2020

Effects of localized lower-extremity vibration on postural balance have been reported. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of low-frequency vibration of calf muscles on the instrumented Timed-Up-and-Go (iTUG) test among older adults. Older adults were recruited and classified to low (n=10, age=72.9±2.8 years) and high fall risk (n=10, age=83.6±9.6) using STEADI. Vibratory system (30Hz or 40Hz), was positioned on calves along with wearable motion sensors. Participants performed the iTUG test three times, under conditions of no-vibration, 30Hz, and 40Hz vibration. Percentage differences in duration of iTUG components were calculated comparing vibration vs no-vibration conditions. Significant between-group differences were observed in iTUG (p=0.03); high fall risk participants showed reduction in the duration of turning (-10 % with 30Hz; p=0.15 and -15 % with 40Hz; p=0.03) and turning and sitting (-18 % with 30Hz; p=0.02 and -10 % with 40Hz; p=0.08). However, vibration increased turning (+18 % with 30Hz; p=0.20 and +27 % with 40Hz; p=0.12) and turning and sitting duration (+27 % with 30Hz; p=0.11 and +47 % with 40Hz; p=0.12) in low fall risk participants. Findings suggest that lower-extremity vibration affects dynamic balance; however, the level of this influence may differ between low and high fall risk older adults, which can potentially be used for assessing aging-related sensory deficits.
Hardship, Recompense, and Divine Law: Al-Fārābī on the “Virtue of Struggle”
Authors: Siddiqi Ahmed
Published: August 2020

This essay explores the political implications of the debate between medieval Islamic philosophy and theology regarding the soteriological importance of hardship. Reviewing key works by al-Ghazali and al-Zamakhshari, I show that these theologians assert that divine rewards in the afterlife must be earned through the fulfillment of burdensome religious obligations. I subsequently turn to al-Fārābī’s Fuṣūl Muntaza‘a. I argue that al-Fārābī, though ultimately critical of that version of piety that seeks to make earthly life difficult for the sake of divine reward, simultaneously advocates for the popular adoption of just such a view. Finally, I discuss the precise manner in which the Fuṣūl pertain to modern political debates in the Muslim world regarding the relationship between reason and revelation. I argue that al-Fārābī’s profound understanding of religious psychology makes clear the shortcomings of both a pious embrace of hardship as the key to salvation and a purely worldly politics.
From Expertise to Effectiveness: A Content Analysis of Islamic State Legitimation
Authors: Aweko Scovia
Published: August 2020

The U.K., U.S., and Canada have all sponsored countering violent extremism (CVE)campaigns focused on preventing terrorist recruitment from the West (Mitts, forth-coming). However, individuals in the Global North are still joining terrorist groups.Studies have shown that many Islamic State foreign fighters came from high-incomecountries with high levels of economic development, low levels of income inequality,and well-developed social and political institutions. This shows that despite the bestefforts of the CVE campaigns to prevent participation in terrorism, individuals willstill join such groups. Additionally, given the abrogating representation of terrorism inthe media and the stigma that surrounds terrorism, it is difficult to see why individualswould want to join terrorist groups.
A Neo-Madisonian Perspective on Campaign Finance Reform, Institutions, Pluralism, and Small Donors
Authors: Malbin Michael
Published: August 2020

This working paper steps away from the speech-and-corruption debates that have dominated campaign finance conversations. Instead, it offers a proposal that fits well within current constitutional law while being more effective at addressing systemic inequality than alternatives that require a constitutional amendment. Like Madison in The Federalist, the article stresses the importance of looking at proposals from a perspective that seriously weighs their effects on institutional performance. The first major section of the paper develops the Federalists’ argument, and its flaws, while the second explains how current fundraising practices undermine legislative deliberation. The third section argues for an approach that would address current inequalities, correcting the main defect of Madisonian pluralism by bringing more diverse voices into the process while protecting against institutional harm. The approach would use generous small-donor matching funds, or vouchers, but with public funds used only to support within-district contributions.
Tensions in intergenerational practice guidance: intergroup contact versus community development
Authors: Wright-Bevans Katie , Murray Michael , Lamont Alexandra
Published: August 2020

Intergenerational practice (IP) is an approach within community health promotion which aims to bring older and younger community members together in collaborative activity. Little research has critically examined the assumptions and values within IP and their implications for these communities. A sample of 15 IP planning documents were analysed using a social constructionist thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke2006) guided by Prior’s (2008) concept of documents as active agents. Three tensions were identified: a community-led model versus a contact model; old and young as targets versus older people as targets; and process-focused versus out­come-focused evaluation. IP has relied on contact theory as a mechanism of change, which has rooted IP to an overly individualistic practice tar­geted at older people (rather than all ages). In contrast, the community-led ethos of IP was also evident alongside values of mutual benefit for old and young, and a desire for more process-focused evaluation.
Numerical Simulation of the Anti-Icing Performance of Electric Heaters for Icing on the NACA 0012 Airfoil
Authors: Uranai Sho , Fukudome Koji , Mamori Hiroya , Fukushima Naoya , Yamamoto Makoto
Published: August 2020

Ice accretion is a phenomenon whereby super-cooled water droplets impinge and accrete on wall surfaces. It is well known that the icing may cause severe accidents via the deformation of airfoil shape and the shedding of the growing adhered ice. To prevent ice accretion, electro-thermal heaters have recently been implemented as a de- and anti-icing device for aircraft wings. In this study, an icing simulation method for a two-dimensional airfoil with a heating surface was developed by modifying the extended Messinger model. The main modification is the computation of heat transfer from the airfoil wall and the run-back water temperature achieved by the heater. A numerical simulation is conducted based on an Euler–Lagrange method: a flow field around the airfoil is computed by an Eulerian method and droplet trajectories are computed by a Lagrangian method. The wall temperature distribution was validated by experiment. The results of the numerical and practical experiments were in reasonable agreement. The ice shape and aerodynamic performance of a NACA 0012 airfoil with a heater on the leading-edge surface were computed. The heating area changed from 1% to 10% of the chord length with a four-degree angle of attack. The simulation results reveal that the lift coefficient varies significantly with the heating area: when the heating area was 1.0% of the chord length, the lift coefficient was improved by up to 15%, owing to the flow separation instigated by the ice edge; increasing the heating area, the lift coefficient deteriorated, because the suction peak on the suction surface was attenuated by the ice formed. When the heating area exceeded 4.0% of the chord length, the lift coefficient recovered by up to 4%, because the large ice near the heater vanished. In contrast, the drag coefficient gradually decreased as the heating area increased. The present simulation method using the modified extended Messinger model is more suitable for de-icing simulations of both rime and glaze ice conditions, because it reproduces the thin ice layer formed behind the heater due to the runback phenomenon.
The Rheological Behavior of Polysaccharides from Mulberry Leaves (Morus alba L.)
Authors: Liao Bu-Yan , Li Ling , Tanase Corneliu , Thakur Kiran , Zhu Dan-Ye , Zhang Jian-Guo , Wei Zhao-Jun
Published: August 2020

In this study, mulberry leaves polysaccharides (MLPs) namely HBSS (extracted with hot buffer soluble solids), CHSS (extracted with chelating agent soluble solids), DASS (extracted with diluted alkali soluble solids), and CASS (extracted with concentrated alkali soluble solids) were obtained using four different solvents and examined for their rheological potential. Different MLPs solutions harbored obvious disparity for viscosity and displayed a shear-thinning behavior at the tested range. Among all the fractions, DASS possessed the highest apparent viscosity at 0.5–2.5%. The apparent viscosity of MLPs solutions declined at acidic pH, alkaline pH, and higher temperature (90 °C). The HBSS fraction showed the best heat stability of all the fractions. All the fractions displayed noticeable differences in apparent viscosity in response to Na+ and Ca2+ at 20 °C. Both the modules such as G′ (storage modulus) and G” (loss modulus) showed augmentation with oscillation frequency. Initially, the value of G” was higher than G′ of MLPs at lower frequency and lower concentration, and the MLPS displayed stronger viscous nature; whereas, G′ was consistently higher at higher frequency and higher concentration, and the MLPS displayed stronger elastic characteristic. From our data, it was indicated that these MLPs can be used as promising natural materials (thickeners, gelling agents, binding agents, stabilizers) for their direct application to the food industry.
Comparative Assessment of Different Crop Rotation Schemes for Organic Common Bean Production
Authors: Karavidas Ioannis , Ntatsi Georgia , Ntanasi Theodora , Vlachos Ioannis , Tampakaki Anastasia , Iannetta Pietro P. M. , Savvas Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

The aim of the current study was to contribute to the establishment of sustainable organic crop rotation schemes for common bean under mild-winter climatic conditions. Common bean was cultivated according to organic or conventional farming practices during spring-summer in two successive years with crop and treatment during the preceding winter as either: (a) organic broccoli, (b) conventional broccoli, (c) organic faba bean used as green manure, or (d) fallow. Common bean was either inoculated with Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 or non-inoculated, while faba bean was inoculated or non-inoculated with Rhizobium laguerreae VFLE1. Inoculating faba bean with rhizobia enhanced dry biomass production and biological N-fixing ability in both experimental years. Furthermore, organic farming did not restrict the yield of broccoli compared to conventional practices during the first year, while the reverse was the case in the second year, due to reduced soil N availability. Furthermore, green manure enhanced the fresh pod yield in the following organic crop of common bean in both years. The lowest yield was recorded in organically grown common bean when the preceding winter crop was organically grown broccoli in both years. Rhizobia inoculation of the common bean during the first year slightly increased atmospheric N fixation by common bean.
Automated Monitoring of Panting for Feedlot Cattle: Sensor System Accuracy and Individual Variability
Authors: Islam Md Ashraful , Lomax Sabrina , Doughty Amanda K. , Islam Mohammed R. , Clark Cameron E. F.
Published: August 2020

Heat stress causes significant economic losses by reducing the productivity and welfare of cattle whilst requiring a significant investment in resource for amelioration. Panting score (PS) is considered a robust indicator of cattle heat stress; however, individualised visual monitoring is impractical. Thermal index-based monitoring and mitigation decisions are applied at the herd level, but they have limited application for the individual animal. As such, an automated system to monitor the real-time animal response to heat stress is required for strategic mitigation. Our objectives were to validate an accelerometer-based ear tag sensor to monitor cattle panting and to determine individual variability in heat stress responses with reference to thermal indices. Two experiments were conducted: Experiment 1 validated the sensors, and Experiment 2 determined individual variability comparing sensor data against thermal indices. Ear tag sensors were fitted at feedlot entry to continuously monitor the behaviour of 100 steers of mixed breed in Experiment 1 and 200 steers and heifers of mixed breed in Experiment 2. Sensor-derived ‘heavy breathing’ was validated against visually observed PS. Sensor-derived behaviour bouts were analysed as ‘raw’, and single behaviour states were also converted to the preceding bout of ≥2 min, which was referred to as ‘fill’ data for the validation study. Our results demonstrate the sensors’ ability to accurately monitor panting in feedlot cattle. Sensor-recorded ‘heavy breathing’ duration per animal was highly correlated to observed panting duration for both raw (r = 0.89) and fill (r = 0.90) data; however, the concordance correlation co-efficient was lower for raw (0.45) as compared with fill (0.76). Predicted agreement for raw data were 75%, 45%, and 68% and predicted agreement for fill data were 65%, 54%, and 83% for PS0, PS1, and PS2, respectively. Sensitivity for raw data were 39%, 37%, and 45% and for fill data, they were 59%, 54% and 82% for all PS data, PS1 and PS2, respectively. Specificity and positive predictive values for both raw (77% and 79%, respectively) and fill (65% and 77%, respectively) data show the probability of reporting false positives by sensors to be low. Experiment 2 revealed that the duration of panting increased from 0800 to 1700 h alongside changes in thermal indices with significant differences between and within breed and coat colour categories of cattle, suggesting that grouping and allocating heat amelioration measures by breed and coat colour can be effective in commercial feedlots. However, there was high variability (CV > 80%) in the duration of panting between individuals within the same breed and same coat colour, revealing the potential for strategic management at an individual level, and with the same data, genetic selection for heat resilience.
Content of Selected Macro- and Microelements in the Liver of Free-Living Wild Boars (Sus scrofa L.) from Agricultural Areas and Health Risks Associated with Consumption of Liver
Authors: Kasprzyk Anna , Kilar Janusz , Chwil Stanisław , Rudaś Michał
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of selected toxic and non-toxic elements in the liver of free-living wild boars from agricultural areas and to assess health risks associated with liver consumption. Samples were collected from 70 wild boars. The animals were divided into three age groups (group I up to one year, group II from one to three years, group III over three to five years). It was shown that wild boar liver is a rich source of mineral compounds (K, Fe, Mg, Ca, Zn, and Cu). The age was found to exert an effect on the concentration of most minerals. The sex significantly determined the content of Fe, Ca, and Cd. The maximum allowable level of Cd in the liver was exceeded in two and three samples from groups I and III, respectively. Therefore, regular monitoring of the content of this element in tissues of game animals is extremely important and advisable to assess the consumer exposure to this metal. From the point of view of human health, the estimation of the non-carcinogenic risk indicated that the intake of individual trace elements through the consumption of the liver was safe, whereas consumption of combined trace elements (only in the case of the consumption of the wild boar liver twice a week) suggested a potential health risk to children.
Extracts from Cephalaria Uralensis (Murray) Roem. & Schult. and Cephalaria Gigantea (Ledeb.) Bobrov as Potential Agents for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Biological Evaluation
Authors: Chrząszcz Małgorzata , Miazga-Karska Małgorzata , Klimek Katarzyna , Granica Sebastian , Tchórzewska Dorota , Ginalska Grażyna , Szewczyk Katarzyna
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiacne, and cytotoxic activites of various extracts of Cephalaria gigantea and C. uralensis. It is worth underlining that we are the first to characterize the composition and evaluate the biological properties of extracts from Cephalaria gigantea and C. uralensis. Thus, the LC-DAD-MS3 analysis revealed the presence of 41 natural products in studied extracts. The 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, isoorinetin, and swertiajaponin were the main detected compounds. Among the tested samples, ethanol extract of the aerial parts of C. uralensis (CUE) possessed the most suitable biological properties. It exhibited moderate ability to scavenge free radicals and good capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1, as well as cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, CUE possessed moderate antibacterial activity against all tested bacterial strains (S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. acnes), and importantly, it was non-toxic towards normal skin fibroblasts. Taking into account the value of calculated therapeutic index (>10), it is worth noting that CUE can be subjected to in vivo study. Thus, CUE constitutes a very promising antiacne agent.
Virgin Olive Oil Extracts Reduce Oxidative Stress and Modulate Cholesterol Metabolism: Comparison between Oils Obtained with Traditional and Innovative Processes
Authors: Lammi Carmen , Mulinacci Nadia , Cecchi Lorenzo , Bellumori Maria , Bollati Carlotta , Bartolomei Martina , Franchini Carlo , Clodoveo Maria Lisa , Corbo Filomena , Arnoldi Anna
Published: August 2020

This study was aimed at demonstrating the substantial equivalence of two extra virgin olive oil samples extracted from the same batch of Coratina olives with (OMU) or without (OMN) using ultrasound technology, by performing chemical, biochemical, and cellular investigations. The volatile organic compounds compositions and phenolic profiles were very similar, showing that, while increasing the extraction yields, the innovative process does not change these features. The antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenol extracts were also preserved, since OMU and OMN had equivalent abilities to scavenge the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radicals in vitro and to protect HepG2 cells from oxidative stress induced by H2O2, reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels. In addition, by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme a reductase, both samples modulated the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) pathway leading to increased LDLR protein levels and activity.
New Approach of Metals Removal from Acid Mine Drainage
Authors: Markovic Radmila , Bessho Masahiko , Masuda Nobuyuki , Stevanovic Zoran , Bozic Dragana , Apostolovski Trujic Tatjana , Gardic Vojka
Published: August 2020

The possibility of metal removal from the real acid mine drainage (AMD) in the area of copper ore mines in the southeast Serbia, was investigated through a combination of neutralization and adsorption methods. This approach of metal removal from AMD includes a two-step neutralization method in the first phase, aiming to separate metals as sludge. The results of laboratory test revealed that more than 99 mass % of Fe is removed up to pH 4 and more than 99 mass % of Cu up to pH 7. Based on the results obtained in laboratory conditions, a test on a semi industrial plant was carried out. The two-step neutralization separately removed Fe and Cu at pH 4 and 7, respectively. Especially, the obtained sludge at pH 7 included 1.24 mass % of Cu, much higher than usual Cu ore. Chitosan was applied for dissolved Mn removal from treated AMD. After 24 h incubation, 70 mass % of Mn is removed from the treated AMD at pH 7.4. Mn concentration was reduced from approx. 35 mg L−1 to 5 mg L−1. These results have indicated that a combination of neutralization and adsorption methods could be used effectively for metal removal from real AMD.
Operational Characteristics of Immobilized Ochrobactrum sp. CUST210-1 Biosystem and Immobilized Chromate Reductase Biosystem in Continuously Treating Actual Chromium-Containing Wastewater
Authors: Wang Guey-Horng , Tsai Teh-Hua , Chiu Ching-Hung , Cheng Chiu-Yu , Chung Ying-Chien
Published: August 2020

Cr(VI) detoxification by biotreatment is considered one of the most practical detoxification methods, especially at low-to-medium concentrations. Although the capabilities of chromium-reducing bacteria and related enzymes in removing Cr(VI) have been explored, little is known about their differences in engineering applications. In this study, Ochrobactrum sp. CUST210-1 was isolated and its chromate reductase identified and separated as biological elements in biosystems developed for Cr(VI) removal. Results indicate that intracellular Cr(OH)3(s) accounted for 88.01% of Cr(VI) reduction product, and a possible reduction mechanism was exposed. The chromate reductase in Ochrobactrum sp. CUST210-1 was ChrR protein, and its crystal structure was revealed. The toxicity of Cr(VI)-containing wastewater was decreased by 57.8% and 67.0% (at minimum) by the CUST210-1 strain and ChrR, respectively. The Ochrobactrum sp. CUST210-1 biosystem demonstrated good adaptability to pH (7–9), and the ChrR biosystem exhibited high removal efficiency (>98.2%) at a wide range of temperatures (25 °C–40 °C). The outlet Cr(VI) concentration of the CUST210-1 biosystem met the industrial discharge limit of 0.5 mg L−1 when the inlet Cr(VI) concentration in the actual Cr(VI)-containing wastewater was <430 mg L−1. The stricter water quality standard of 0.05 mg L−1 could be complied with by the immobilized ChrR biosystem when <150 mg L−1 Cr(VI) concentration was introduced. These developed biosystems can be used in the bioremediation of various Cr(VI)-contaminated wastewaters. Regarding capital costs, those of the CUST210-1 biosystem were higher. To our knowledge, this is the first report comparing differences in the economic and operational characteristics of bacteria and enzyme biosystems for Cr(VI) removal.
Fabrication and Characterization of Biplasmonic Substrates Obtained by Picosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Stochioiu Andrei , Luculescu Catalin , Paun Irina Alexandra , Jinga Luiza-Izabela , Stochioiu Constantin
Published: August 2020

Bimetallic nanostructures have the potential to become the new generation candidates for applications in catalysis, electronics, optoelectronics, biosensors and also for surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The bimetallic nanocrystals offer additional properties over the single metal components such as improved electromagnetic properties and corrosion protection. This work presents a simple and inexpensive method to fabricate large area biplasmonic (bimetallic) substrates, employing DC magnetron sputtering, picosecond laser pulses and a digital galvanometric scanner. The aim of this study was to achieve large area homogeneous substrates while having a good and predictable signal amplification by SERS effect. Gold thin films with 200 nm thickness were deposited on optical polished substrates and then irradiated in atmospheric air with λ = 1064 nm wavelength laser pulses with 8 ps pulse duration and 500 kHz fixed repetition rate. Various laser fluences and laser irradiation speeds were employed in order to optimize the Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) formed on the substrate. The results are presented comparatively for the standalone Cu substrates and for the Cu-Au substrates using Raman spectral analysis on a single signal peak of a Rhodamine 6G solution.
Distribution Characteristics of Aerosol Size and CCN during the Summer on Mt. Tian and Their Influencing Factors
Authors: Liu Ankang , Wang Honglei , Li Yuanyuan , Yin Yan , Li Bin , Chen Kui , Cui Yi , He Chuan , Dai Mingming
Published: August 2020

The aerosol size distribution and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentration were measured using a wide-range particle spectrometer (WPS) and a cloud condensation nuclei counter (CCNC) on Mt. Tian from 31 July to 9 September, 2019. Combined with meteorological data, distribution characteristics of aerosol size and CCN and their influencing factors were analyzed. The results indicated that the mean aerosol number concentration was 5475.6 ± 5636.5 cm−3. The mean CCN concentrations were 183.7 ± 114.5 cm−3, 729.8 ± 376.1 cm−3, 1630.5 ± 980.5 cm−3, 2162.5 ± 1345.3 cm−3, and 2575.7 ± 1632.9 cm−3 at supersaturation levels of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%, respectively. The aerosol number size distribution is unimodal, and the dominant particle size is 30–60 nm. Affected by the height of the boundary layer and the valley wind, the diurnal variation in aerosol number concentration shows a unimodal distribution with a peak at 17:00, and the CCN number concentration showed a bimodal distribution with peaks at 18:00 and 21:00. The particle size distribution and supersaturation have a major impact on the activation of the aerosol into CCN. At 0.1% supersaturation (S), the 300–500 nm particles are most likely to activate to CCN. Particles of 100–300 nm are most easily activated at 0.2% (S), while particles of 60–80 nm are most likely activated at high supersaturation (≥0.4%). The concentrations of aerosol and CCN are higher in the northerly wind. Ambient relative humidity (RH) has little relationship with the aerosol activation under high supersaturation. According to N = CSk fitting the CCN spectrum, C = 3297 and k = 0.90 on Mt. Tian, characteristic of the clean continental type.
Dynamic Nuclear Polarization of Biomembrane Assemblies
Authors: Tran Nhi T. , Mentink-Vigier Frédéric , Long Joanna R.
Published: August 2020

While atomic scale structural and dynamic information are hallmarks of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methodologies, sensitivity is a fundamental limitation in NMR studies. Fully exploiting NMR capabilities to study membrane proteins is further hampered by their dilution within biological membranes. Recent developments in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), which can transfer the relatively high polarization of unpaired electrons to nuclear spins, show promise for overcoming the sensitivity bottleneck and enabling NMR characterization of membrane proteins under native-like conditions. Here we discuss fundamental aspects of DNP-enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy, experimental details relevant to the study of lipid assemblies and incorporated proteins, and sensitivity gains which can be realized in biomembrane-based samples. We also present unique insights which can be gained from DNP measurements and prospects for further development of the technique for elucidating structures and orientations of membrane proteins in native lipid environments.
Looking Inside the World of Granulosa Cells: The Noxious Effects of Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Konstantinidou Fani , Stuppia Liborio , Gatta Valentina
Published: August 2020

The detrimental implications of tobacco smoke on systemic health have been widely established during the past few decades. Nonetheless, increasing evidence has begun to shed more light on the serious impact that smoke exposure could also have on mammal reproductive health in terms of overall ovarian dysfunction and gestation. A variety of these complications seem to be causally related to specific chemical substances contained in cigarette smoke and their possible effects on ovarian tissues and cells, such as granulosa cells. Granulosa cells represent the functional unit of the ovary and are able to establish a bidirectional cross-talk relationship with the oocyte during folliculogenesis, which makes them vital for its correct growth and development. Based on these premises, the current review focuses on the presence of related smoke-induced damages in granulosa cells. Data have been grouped according to the studied tobacco constituents and the molecular pathways involved, in order to synthesize their impact on granulosa cells and fertility. Attention is further brought to the correlation between electronic cigarettes and female reproduction, although there have been no investigations so far regarding e-cigarette-related granulosa cell exposure. We summarize how tobacco constituents are able to cause alterations in the “life” of granulosa cells, ranging from luteal steroidogenesis and follicular loss to granulosa cell apoptosis and activation of the autophagic machinery. Further studies have been conducted to elucidate the relationship between lifestyle and fertility as to reduce the morbidity connected with infertility.
Exploring the Role of Gut Microbiota in Major Depressive Disorder and in Treatment Resistance to Antidepressants
Authors: Fontana Andrea , Manchia Mirko , Panebianco Concetta , Paribello Pasquale , Arzedi Carlo , Cossu Eleonora , Garzilli Mario , Montis Maria Antonietta , Mura Andrea , Pisanu Claudia , Congiu Donatella , Copetti Massimiliano , Pinna Federica , Carpiniello Bernardo , Squassina Alessio , Pazienza Valerio
Published: August 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common severe psychiatric illness, exhibiting sub-optimal response to existing pharmacological treatments. Although its etiopathogenesis is still not completely understood, recent findings suggest that an altered composition of the gut microbiota might play a role. Here we aimed to explore potential differences in the composition of the gut microbiota between patients with MDD and healthy controls (HC) and to identify possible signatures of treatment response by analyzing two groups of MDD patients characterized as treatment-resistant (TR) or responders (R) to antidepressants. Stool samples were collected from 34 MDD patients (8 TR, 19 R and 7 untreated) and 20 HC. Microbiota was characterized using the 16S metagenomic approach. A penalized logistic regression analysis algorithm was applied to identify bacterial populations that best discriminate the diagnostic groups. Statistically significant differences were identified for the families of Paenibacillaceae and Flavobacteriaceaea, for the genus Fenollaria, and the species Flintibacter butyricus, Christensenella timonensis, and Eisenbergiella massiliensis among others. The phyla Proteobacteria, Tenericutes and the family Peptostreptococcaceae were more abundant in TR, whereas the phylum Actinobacteria was enriched in R patients. Moreover, a number of bacteria only characterized the microbiota of TR patients, and many others were only detected in R. Our results confirm that dysbiosis is a hallmark of MDD and suggest that microbiota of TR patients significantly differs from responders to antidepressants. This finding further supports the relevance of an altered composition of the gut microbiota in the etiopathogenesis of MDD, suggesting a role in response to antidepressants.