bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH OF ACCURACY OF BUILDING STRUCTURE GEOMETRIC PARAMETERS OBSERVED WITH A TOTAL STATION
Authors: Nikonov Anton , Birjukova Dar'ja , Tanjuhin Vadim
Published: October 2019

In the process of operation of power stations and networks the periodic inspections of build-ings and structures take place, the result of which let make the conclusion about their actual condi-tions. One of the inspection steps is measurement works, which determine geometrical sizes of the building and structures, their deviations from specified values. Sometimes, in some cases, there is no possibility to measure all sizes, sections and elements of constructions. It is suggested to observe the construction sizes by means of indirect measurement using total station with the reflectorless dis-tance measurement function. Laboratory research stated that sighting to construction verge should be performed with some shift from the edge, inputing necessary corrections in the measurement re-sults. The sizes of metal structures sections can be observed by indirect measurements with the error no more than 3 mm.
APPLICATION OF LASER SCANNING FOR MONITORING THE CONDITION OF THE NEAR-SURFACE ARRAY ON THE OPEN PIT «KARACOMIR»
Authors: Gorokhov Danila , Dorosh Nikita , Abueva Elena
Published: October 2019

This article discusses the use of laser scanning to monitor the state of the near-side array in the open pit «Karakomir». Obtaining a three-dimensional model and identifying linear deformations on it, the angle of inclination of the ledges in the area of landslides.
OF THE REFORM OF RUSSIAN CARTOGRAPHIC AND GEODETIC SERVICE AND THE QUALITY OF STATE GEOSPATIAL DATA
Authors: Pobedinsky Gennady
Published: October 2019

The problems of creation and use of geospatial data in the Russian Federation are considered. The analysis of the quality criteria and state regulatory issues the quality of public geospatial data to meet the needs of state and municipal management, Economics, defence and security in a modern, reliable and accurate geospatial data.
GEODETIC WORKS IN SURVEYING OF OIL PIPELINES USING THE CAPABILITIES OF GIS ON THE EXAMPLE OF SURGUT OIL FIELDS
Authors: Kolesnikov Oleg , Khoroshilov Valery
Published: October 2019

The article discusses the possibility of visualization of the production of geodetic works based on the submission of the required data in the "empty" shell of the information system to improve the quality of performance of works on object-based visual perception of information.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathies (DPNs) from Basic and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Bando Hiroshi
Published: October 2019

Diabetes has been one of the crucial diseases worldwide, which has to be controlled adequately for long years. It has three diabetic complications of micro-angiopathy such as neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. Among them, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathies (DPNs) are most prevalent to manage in primary care setting. In this article, recent topics concerning DPNs are introduced [1].

DPNs have a variety of symptoms and signs, then DPNs are often described in plural forms [2]. DPNs are classified into two categories, which are local and general. The former includes mononeuropathy and multifocal neuropathy. The latter includes diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) and others. DPN has Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy (DSPN) and Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy (DAN) [2]. For examples, DSPN shows bilateral numbness of extremities and DAN shows Orthostatic Hypotension (OH).
UTILIZING HOUSE YARDS TO GROW PRODUCTIVE CROPS AT PELAMBUAN SUB-DISTRICT, BANJARMASIN MUNICIPALITY
Authors: ANITA Andi Suci , ZUBIR Edward , AMANI Mukhyar
Published: October 2019

Improving people’s welfare is the main goal of development, which can be achieved among others through the intensive use of house yards. Every community member owns a yard at their house. This activity is done in collaboration with housewives who are not working at Pelambuan Selatan sub-district, Banjarmasin, who have irregular monthly incomes. House yards are used effectively to cultivate vegetables and medicinal plants on organic media which are arranged vertically. Such use is expected to be able to help families meeting their daily nutritional needs or in case they need medicinal aids. This activity is also expected to be sustainable so that the yield can be sold for some extra household income. The methods applied in this program include (1) Dissemination on the Utilization of House Yards, Planting Techniques, and Information on Vegetable Crops and Medicinal Plants; (2) Provision of vegetables and medicinal plants seedlings and seeds, growing media, watering cans, and plant racks; (3) Mentoring to the partners on the process of seedling, planting, and maintenance
THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE RELEASE OF UTILIZATION OF BANKS FOR BUSINESS OF ORGANIC BRANCH CULTURE
Authors: ELLYUNIZAR ELLYUNIZAR
Published: October 2019

Sumber Jaya peasant women group, Kampung Melayu sub-district, Bengkulu city is a group of women farmers who really need activities to supplement their income. In general, members of the Sumber Jaya peasant women group are residents of low economic backgrounds and have no jobs. Utilization of the yard can produce food, raw materials, industry, or energy sources, and to manage the environment as an effort to utilize biological resources. The activities carried out were cultivation of organic chili and processing of organic chili into shredded chili and candied chili. The stages of the activity are as follows: counseling for organic chili cultivation. The goal to be achieved in this activity is to increase the production of chili cultivation.
INFORMATION LITERACY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Authors: FATIMAH Fatia , YUSRAFIDDIN Yusrafiddin , MUHAMMADI Muhammadi , DELFI Refny , DASRUL Dasrul , HARNON Harnon , GUSTI Zaimal
Published: October 2019

Literacy could be a supporter of the forefront of education. Teachers have a crucial role in filtering and remodeling data on their students. The utilization of knowledge skill has to be trained by sorting and selecting the proper media for learning whose main purpose is to extend students' intelligence. Skill coaching is a way to boost the flexibility to use learning media, particularly Early Childhood Education and Kindergartens in Lubuk Begalung, Padang. The objectives to be achieved include: to increase the insight of Early Childhood Education and Kindergarten teachers about media, and the ability of media information literacy in learning. Training methods i.e. lectures, discussions, questions, and answers, and case simulations. The conclusion obtained from this activity is that early childhood and kindergarten teachers can choose the media responsibly and able to criticize media content more intelligent in the classroom.
Pros and Cons of Alternatives to Piglet Castration: Welfare, Boar Taint, and Other Meat Quality Traits
Authors: Bonneau Michel , Weiler Ulrike
Published: October 2019

This paper reviews the pros and cons of various alternatives to the surgical castration of male piglets without pain relief. Castration is mostly motivated by the presence of boar taint in the meat from some entire male pigs. It results in pain during surgery and markedly increases feed costs and the fat content of the carcass. Raising entire male pigs avoids pain at castration, but animals can suffer from increased stress during the finishing period because of aggressive and mounting behavior. Feed efficiency and carcass quality are much better than in surgical castrates. The quality of meat from entire male pigs is lower because of boar taint, a reduced intramuscular fat content, and increased unsaturation of the fat. Immunocastration prevents boar taint, pain associated with surgery, and stress related to aggressive and mounting behavior. Feed efficiency and carcass quality are intermediate between surgical castrates and entire males. Meat quality is similar to surgical castrates. Anesthesia alone prevents pain during surgery, but not after, while analgesia alone mitigates pain after surgery, but not during it. With the currently available methods, the cost of combined anesthesia and analgesia is too high for conventional production systems in most countries.
Isolation, Characterization, Differentiation and Immunomodulatory Capacity of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells from Human Perirenal Adipose Tissue
Authors: Baer Patrick C. , Koch Benjamin , Hickmann Elena , Schubert Ralf , Cinatl Jindrich , Hauser Ingeborg A. , Geiger Helmut
Published: October 2019

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are immature multipotent cells, which represent a rare population in the perivascular niche within nearly all tissues. The most abundant source to isolate MSCs is adipose tissue. Currently, perirenal adipose tissue is rarely described as the source of MSCs. MSCs were isolated from perirenal adipose tissue (prASCs) from patients undergoing tumor nephrectomies, cultured and characterized by flow cytometry and their differentiation potential into adipocytes, chondrocytes, osteoblasts and epithelial cells. Furthermore, prASCs were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or a mixture of cytokines (cytomix). In addition, prASC susceptibility to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was investigated. The expression of inflammatory readouts was estimated by qPCR and immunoassay. HCMV infection was analyzed by qPCR and immunostaining. Characterization of cultured prASCs shows the cells meet the criteria of MSCs and prASCs can undergo trilineage differentiation. Cultured prASCs can be induced to differentiate into epithelial cells, shown by cytokeratin 18 expression. Stimulation of prASCs with LPS or cytomix suggests the cells are capable of initiating an inflammation-like response upon stimulation with LPS or cytokines, whereas, LTA did not induce a significant effect on the readouts (ICAM-1, IL-6, TNFα, MCP-1 mRNA and IL-6 protein). HCMV broadly infects prASCs, showing a viral load dependent cytopathological effect (CPE). Our current study summarizes the isolation and culture of prASCs, clearly characterizes the cells, and demonstrates their immunomodulatory potential and high permissiveness for HCMV.
No-Signaling-in-Time (NSIT) Condition for Energy
Authors: Zhang Yuxia , Zou Jian , Shao Bin
Published: October 2019

In this paper, analogous to the no-signaling-in-time (NSIT) conditions, a series of equalities for the change of conditional and average energy of a quantum system are given to test macrorealism. These equalities are named no-signaling-in-time conditions for conditional energy (CNSIT) and no-signaling-in-time conditions for average energy (ANSIT), respectively. Then, we investigate the violations of the NSIT conditions, the CNSIT conditions and the ANSIT conditions for a qubit in the following scenarios: pure coherent dynamics, dynamics with drive, dynamics under dissipation and dephasing. For the pure qubit, when the NSIT conditions or the CNSIT conditions are not violated, the ANSIT conditions can not be violated, and a suitable conjunction of the CNSIT conditions and the NSIT conditions may be better for testing macrorealism. While for the driven qubit, the non-violation of the CNSIT conditions implies the non-violation of the NSIT conditions, which in turn implies the non-violation of the ANSIT conditions. For dephasing and dissipative qubits, the relationships among the NSIT conditions, the CNSIT conditions and the ANSIT conditions are similar to those of the pure and driven qubits, respectively. While the degree of violations of the NSIT conditions, the CNSIT conditions and the ANSIT conditions is decreased with the increasing time interval between measurements; and if this time interval tends to a very large number, all three kinds of conditions are satisfied.
Developing a Data Mining Based Model to Extract Predictor Factors in Energy Systems: Application of Global Natural Gas Demand
Authors: Hafezi Reza , Akhavan Amir Naser , Zamani Mazdak , Pakseresht Saeed , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: October 2019

Recently, the natural gas (NG) global market attracted much attention as it is cleaner than oil and, simultaneously in most regions, is cheaper than renewable energy sources. However, price fluctuations, environmental concerns, technological development, emerging unconventional resources, energy security challenges, and shipment are some of the forces made the NG market more dynamic and complex. From a policy-making perspective, it is vital to uncover demand-side future trends. This paper proposed an intelligent forecasting model to forecast NG global demand, however investigating a multi-dimensional purified input vector. The model starts with a data mining (DM) step to purify input features, identify the best time lags, and pre-processing selected input vector. Then a hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) which is equipped with genetic optimizer is applied to set up ANN’s characteristics. Among 13 available input features, six features (e.g., Alternative and Nuclear Energy, CO2 Emissions, GDP per Capita, Urban Population, Natural Gas Production, Oil Consumption) were selected as the most relevant feature via the DM step. Then, the hybrid learning prediction model is designed to extrapolate the consumption of future trends. The proposed model overcomes competitive models refer to different five error based evaluation statistics consist of R2, MAE, MAPE, MBE, and RMSE. In addition, as the model proposed the best input feature set, results compared to the model which used the raw input set, with no DM purification process. The comparison showed that DmGNn overcame dramatically a simple GNn. Also, a looser prediction model, such as a generalized neural network with purified input features obtained a larger R2 indicator (=0.9864) than the GNn (=0.9679).
Conceptualizing Household Energy Metabolism: A Methodological Contribution
Authors: Strydom Adél , Musango Josephine Kaviti , Currie Paul K.
Published: October 2019

Urban metabolism assessments enable the quantification of resource flows, which is useful for finding intervention points for sustainability. At a household level, energy metabolism assessments can reveal intervention points to reshape household energy consumption and inform decision-makers about a more sustainable urban energy system. However, a gap in the current urban metabolism research reveals that existing household energy consumption studies focus on outflows in the form of greenhouse gas emissions, and have been mostly undertaken at the city or national level. To address this gap, this study developed a method to assess household energy metabolism focusing on direct energy inflows in the form of carriers, and through-flows in the form of services, to identify intervention points for sustainability. Then, this method was applied to assess the energy metabolism of different households in Cape Town, South Africa, as categorized by income groups. The study argued that the developed method is useful for undertaking bottom–up household energy metabolic assessments in both formal and informal city settings in which more than one energy carrier is used. In cities where only national or city-level data exists, it provides a method for understanding how different households consume different energy carriers differently.
Optimization of Feedforward Neural Networks Using an Improved Flower Pollination Algorithm for Short-Term Wind Speed Prediction
Authors: Ren Yidi , Li Hua , Lin Hsiung-Cheng
Published: October 2019

It is well known that the inherent instability of wind speed may jeopardize the safety and operation of wind power generation, consequently affecting the power dispatch efficiency in power systems. Therefore, accurate short-term wind speed prediction can provide valuable information to solve the wind power grid connection problem. For this reason, the optimization of feedforward (FF) neural networks using an improved flower pollination algorithm is proposed. First of all, the empirical mode decomposition method is devoted to decompose the wind speed sequence into components of different frequencies for decreasing the volatility of the wind speed sequence. Secondly, a back propagation neural network is integrated with the improved flower pollination algorithm to predict the changing trend of each decomposed component. Finally, the predicted values of each component can get into an overlay combination process and achieve the purpose of accurate prediction of wind speed. Compared with major existing neural network models, the performance tests confirm that the average absolute error using the proposed algorithm can be reduced up to 3.67%.
Design and Performance Analysis of Pads for Dynamic Wireless Charging of EVs using the Finite Element Method
Authors: De Marco Davide , Dolara Alberto , Longo Michela , Yaïci Wahiba
Published: October 2019

Increasing problems of air pollution caused by petrol-fueled vehicles had a positive impact on the expanded use and acceptance of the electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, both academic and institutional researchers are conducting studies to explore alternative methods of charging vehicles in a fast, reliable, and safe way that would compensate for the drawbacks of the otherwise beneficial and sustainable EVs. The wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are now offered as a possible option. Another option is the dynamic wireless charging (DWC) system, which is considered the best application of a WPT system by many practitioners and researchers because it enables vehicles to increase their driving ranges and decrease their battery sizes, which are the main problems of the EVs. A DWC system is composed of many sub-systems that require different approaches for their design and optimization. The aim of this work is to find the most functional and optimal configuration of magnetic couplers for a DWC system. This was done by performing an investigation of the main magnetic couplers adopted by the system using Ansys® Maxwell as a finite element method software. The results were analyzed in detail to identify the best option. The values of the coupling coefficients have been obtained for every configuration examined. The results disclosed that the best trade-off between performance and economic feasibility is the DD–DDQ pad, which is characterized by the best values of coupling coefficient and misalignment tolerance, without the need for two power converters for each side, as in the DDQ–DDQ configuration.
Policy Makers’ Perspectives on the Expansion of Renewable Energy Sources in Chile’s Electricity Auctions
Authors: Nasirov Shahriyar , Cruz Eugenio , Agostini Claudio A. , Silva Carlos
Published: October 2019

Chile has become one of the first few countries where renewable sources compete directly with conventional generation in price-based auctions. Moreover, the results of energy auctions during the last few years show a remarkable transition from conventional fossil fuels to renewable energies. In fact, the energy auction in 2017, to provide energy to customers from distribution companies, achieved a massive expansion in renewable technology at one of the lowest prices in the world. These positive results prompted the question if such results were permanent or temporal due to factors with limited effects. In this regard, this paper studies the key factors that drove the significant rise of renewable technologies in Chilean energy auctions, obtaining valuable lessons for regulators, not only in Chile, but also in the region and the world. For this purpose, we considered a well-proven method based on a hybrid multicriteria decision-making model to examine and prioritize the main drivers of the expansion of renewables in auctions. The results showed that some specific characteristics of the auction design, particularly the hourly supply blocks, the lead time for project construction, and contract duration, were the most significant drivers for the expansion of renewables in energy auctions. Moreover, the results showed that, provided that the auction design accommodates for such drivers, solar energy ends up as the most attractive technology in the Chilean auctions. The research also shows the main findings are robust by the application of a probabilistic sensitivity analysis.
Characteristics of a New Polymer Electrolyte Electrolysis Technique with Only Cathodic Media Supply Coupled to a Photovoltaic Panel
Authors: Müller Martin , Zwaygardt Walter , Rauls Edward , Hehemann Michael , Haas Stefan , Stolt Lars , Janssen Holger , Carmo Marcelo
Published: October 2019

Herein we discuss polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis stacks and systems we developed that are optimized for direct coupling to a photovoltaic (PV) panel. One advantage of PEM systems is their use of non-corrosive and non-toxic media. Thus, safe outdoor operation can be guaranteed, even in the case of a leakage. The system design was adapted to reduce the number of connection tubes, allowing for a series connection of multiple stacks at low cost and high reliability. One coupled PEM/PV system was tested under various temperature and irradiance conditions. All system components were also thoroughly characterized. The characterization was used to calibrate simple models of the individual components. Finally, the models were used to predict the system’s solar-to-hydrogen efficiency under different operating conditions and to find an optimal configuration for real-world outdoor operation.
Social Media, Thin-Ideal, Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating Attitudes: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Aparicio-Martinez Pilar , Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesus , Martinez-Jimenez María Pilar , Redel-Macías María Dolores , Pagliari Claudia , Vaquero-Abellan Manuel
Published: October 2019

Disordered eating attitudes are rapidly increasing, especially among young women in their twenties. These disordered behaviours result from the interaction of several factors, including beauty ideals. A significant factor is social media, by which the unrealistic beauty ideals are popularized and may lead to these behaviours. The objectives of this study were, first, to determine the relationship between disordered eating behaviours among female university students and sociocultural factors, such as the use of social network sites, beauty ideals, body satisfaction, body image and the body image desired to achieve and, second, to determine whether there is a sensitive relationship between disordered eating attitudes, addiction to social networks, and testosterone levels as a biological factor. The data (N = 168) was obtained using validated surveys (EAT-26, BSQ, CIPE-a, SNSA) and indirect measures of prenatal testosterone. The data was analysed using chi-square, Student’s t-test, correlation tests and logistic regression tests. The results showed that disordered eating attitudes were linked to self-esteem (p < 0.001), body image (p < 0.001), body desired to achieve (p < 0.001), the use of social media (p < 0.001) and prenatal testosterone (p < 0.01). The findings presented in this study suggest a relationship between body image, body concerns, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating attitudes among college women.
Effects of Aromatherapy Combined with Music Therapy on Anxiety, Stress, and Fundamental Nursing Skills in Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Son Hae Kyoung , So Wi-Young , Kim Myoungsuk
Published: October 2019

Purpose: Nursing students often experience anxiety and stress when taking exams that test their fundamental nursing skills. Complementary alternative methods, such as aromatherapy and music therapy, have effectively alleviated such negative emotions among nursing students. However, few studies have examined the effects of combined therapy interventions or compared the effects of different interventions. This study identified the individual and combined effects of aromatherapy and music therapy on test anxiety, state anxiety, stress, and fundamental nursing skills among nursing students in Korea. Methods: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial design was used. The study was conducted at the nursing college at Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Ninety-eight sophomore female nursing students participated in the study. Subjects were randomly categorized under three groups: aromatherapy (n = 32), music therapy (n = 32), and aromatherapy combined with music therapy (n = 34). Aromatherapy was carried out through the inhalation method using an aroma lamp and three drops of Origanum majorana and Citrus sinensis. Music therapy was carried out using Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. Twenty-minute interventions were performed in separate rooms before an exam was administered. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires, including demographics, test anxiety, state anxiety, and stress. Participants’ Foley catheterization skill was likewise evaluated. Results: Aromatherapy combined with music therapy had a significant effect on test anxiety (F = 4.29, p = 0.016), state anxiety (F = 4.77, p = 0.011), stress (F = 4.62, p = 0.012), and performance of fundamental nursing skills (F = 8.04, p = 0.001) compared with aromatherapy and music therapy as separate interventions. Conclusions: The results suggest that nursing education that includes aromatherapy combined with music therapy may be effective for improving the performance of fundamental nursing skills and reducing anxiety and stress among nursing students.
How Does Household Residential Instability Influence Child Health Outcomes? A Quantile Analysis
Authors: Baker Emma , Pham Ngoc Thien Anh , Daniel Lyrian , Bentley Rebecca
Published: October 2019

At the core of housing and welfare research is a premise that stable residential environments are important to children’s health and development. The relationship between housing stability and health outcomes for children is, however, complex; stable housing situations are sometimes associated with poorer health outcomes, and some children may be more or less resilient to residential instability. The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) dataset enables us to longitudinally follow the housing and health of more than 10,000 children and their families. We employ a quantile analysis technique, a currently underutilized tool for testing associations across the distribution of an outcome, to test whether exposure to housing instability has a differential impact on children’s health dependent on their initial health status. Our findings suggest that the health outcomes of residential instability are highly dependent on children’s initial health status.
Traditional Sheep Consumption by Navajo People in Cameron, Arizona
Authors: Rock Tommy , Camplain Ricky , Teufel-Shone Nicolette I. , Ingram Jani C.
Published: October 2019

Over 500 abandoned uranium mines are located on the Navajo Reservation. Different pathways of environmental uranium exposure have been studied with respect to the Navajo people including water, soil, and plants; however, uranium exposure from traditional Navajo food, specifically mutton (sheep), has not been reported. This study focuses on mutton consumption in the small community of Cameron, Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the Navajo Nation and initiated after community members expressed concern with the uranium exposure of their sheep. Preliminary investigation into the presence of uranium in sheep raised near Cameron showed elevated uranium levels in the kidneys the sheep tested. The goal of this study is to investigate mutton consumption among the Navajo living in Cameron. Mutton is a traditional food of the Navajo, but consumption practices are not well documented. An important aspect of determining the extent of exposure through food consumption is to assess the frequency of consumption. The results of this study indicate the Cameron participants consume mutton most commonly at family gatherings or celebrations. The survey suggests that less mutton is consumed now compared to the past, and there is concern that contaminated mutton may change traditional ceremonies.
Smartphone Application in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology Training: Trainees’ Perspectives
Authors: Choo Carol C. , Devakaran Bhavani , Chew Peter K. H. , Zhang Melvyn W. B.
Published: October 2019

M-learning refers to the learning that takes advantage of mobile technologies. Although research shows enhanced educational outcomes from m-learning in some Asian countries, the generalizability to postgraduate clinical psychology training in Singapore remains unclear. Current professional standards in clinical psychology training emphasize the importance of attainment of clinical competencies in trainees. Although learning theories indicated potential for m-learning to be incorporated into the local clinical psychology curriculum, trainees’ perspectives have not been adequately explored on m-learning. The study aimed to address this gap by exploring the use of m-learning via a novel smartphone application in clinical psychology training using mixed-methods design. Eight clinical psychology trainees between the ages of 26 to 43 years old (mean age of 31.75, SD = 5.49) enrolled in a relevant coursework subject were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group accessed the novel application weekly, from week 1 to week 6, and participants in the control group accessed the application after week 6. Participants from both groups completed a brief demographic questionnaire, and the following scales New General Self-Efficacy Scale adapted for Education (NGSES-E) and self-reported scale of learning outcomes (SLO). The qualitative study explored how participants perceived and experienced the novel application. Participants from the experimental group were invited to provide open-ended responses about the novel application. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results from the qualitative analysis yielded four themes of: Convenience, preferred learning style, building confidence, and putting theory into practice. Findings from the qualitative study were consistent with previous studies about advantages of m-learning: That the e-platform was convenient, the learning style was engaging, which helped to build confidence, and facilitate practical learning of skills. The qualitative results were helpful in understanding the users’ perspectives and experience of the novel application, indicating that future research in this innovative area is necessary. However, the quantitative outcomes were not significant, limitations would be discussed, and recommendations made for future research.
Evaluation of the Human Interference on the Microbial Diversity of Poyang Lake Using High-Throughput Sequencing Analyses
Authors: Qin Haiming , Cui Lanyue , Cao Xinyi , Lv Qian , Chen Tingtao
Published: October 2019

The Poyang Lake Watershed (PLW) is regarded as an air temperature moderator, as well as a wind energy, food resources and good habitat in the Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China. However, with the increasing of anthropogenic disturbance on PLW, there are few studies focused on the effects of human activities on microbial composition in Poyang Lake. In the present study, a high-throughput sequencing method was used to identify the microbial composition in water and sludge in Dahuchi (DHC, sub-lake of Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve), Shahu (SH, sub-lake of Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve), Nanhu (NH, sub-lake out of Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve), Zhelinhu (ZLH, artificial reservoir), Sixiahu (SXH, sub-lake artificially isolated from Poyang Lake) and Qianhu (QH, urban lake). Results of the present study illustrated the various bacterial diversity between different lakes, for example, at the phylum level, Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria showed low abundance in water samples of ZLH and QH, and high abundance in DHC. In addition, anthropogenic disturbance and human activities decreased the abundance of probiotic bacteria (Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria) and increased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Acinetobacter, Aeromonas and Noviherbaspirillum). The enrichment of pathogenic bacteria in polluted lakes, in turn, may cause potential threats to human health.
Energy and Health Efficiencies in China with the Inclusion of Technological Innovation
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Duo , Chang Tzu-Han
Published: October 2019

The price people pay for low energy efficiency includes not only high manufacturing costs, but also public health. With technological innovation as the driving factor for improving energy efficiency, this study uses two-stage dynamic undesirable data envelopment analysis (TDU-DEA) under variable return to scale to evaluate energy and health efficiencies with inclusion of technological innovation in 30 provinces of China over the period 2013–2016. The results show that the mean overall efficiencies and ranks in the eastern region are significantly higher than those in the non-eastern region, with or without the inclusion of technological innovations, and that energy efficiency in most provinces is higher than health efficiency. The average technological innovation efficiencies for energy conservation are higher than those for respiratory medical treatment. The former gap between the eastern region and non-east region is also smaller than the latter. Lastly, regions with the best technological innovation efficiencies are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shandong, Shanxi, Tianjin, Xinjiang, and Yunnan.
Protective Effect of PBCA Nanoparticles Loaded with Thymulin Against the Relapsing-Remitting Form of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice
Authors: Lunin Sergey M. , Khrenov Maxim O. , Glushkova Olga V. , Parfenyuk Svetlana B. , Novoselova Tatyana V. , Novoselova Elena G.
Published: October 2019

Relapsing–remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (rEAE) in mice is a model that closely resembles relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis in humans. This study aims to investigate a new approach to modulation of the inflammatory response in rEAE mice using a thymic peptide thymulin bound to polybutylcyanoacrylate (PBCA) nanoparticles. PBCA nanoparticles were used to prolong the presence of thymulin in the blood. Cytokine levels in blood were measured by ELISA; NF-κB and SAPK/JNK cascade activation, as well as Hsp72 and p53 protein expression, were measured by Western blotting. Animal health statuses were estimated using severity scores. Results showed that the cytokine response in rEAE was multi-staged: an early phase was accompanied by an increase in plasma interferon-γ, while the interleukin (IL)-17 response was markedly increased at a later stage. The stages were attributed to rEAE induction and maintenance phases. Thymulin significantly alleviated symptoms of rEAE and lowered plasma cytokine levels both in early and later stages of rEAE, and decreased NF-κB and SAPK/JNK cascade activation. Thymulin modulated NF-kappaB pathway activity via site-specific phosphorylation of RelA/p65 protein (at Ser276 and Ser536). The effect of nanoparticle-bound thymulin was more pronounced than the effect of free thymulin. Therefore, PBCA–thymulin can be considered a prospective treatment for this pathology.
Translational Control in p53 Expression: The Role of 5′-Terminal Region of p53 mRNA
Authors: Swiatkowska Agata , Dutkiewicz Mariola , Zydowicz-Machtel Paulina , Szpotkowska Joanna , Janecki Damian M. , Ciesiołka Jerzy
Published: October 2019

In this review, the latest research concerning the structure and function of the 5′-terminal region of p53 mRNA was discussed. Special attention was focused on defined structural motifs which are present in this region, as well as their conservation and plausible functional role in translation. It is known that the length of the 5′-terminal region and the structural environment of initiation codons can strongly modulate translation initiation. The ability of this region of p53 mRNA to bind protein factors was also described with special emphasis on general principles that govern, such RNA-protein interactions. The structural alterations within the 5′-terminal region of p53 mRNA and proteins that bind to this region have a strong impact on the rate of mRNA scanning and on translation efficiency in in vitro assays, in selected cell lines, and under stress conditions. Thus, the structural features of the 5′-terminal region of p53 mRNA seem to be very important for translation and for translation regulation mechanisms. Finally, we suggested topics that, in our opinion, should be further explored for better understanding of the mechanisms of the p53 gene expression regulation at the translational level.
Alignment-Free Method to Predict Enzyme Classes and Subclasses
Authors: Concu Riccardo , Cordeiro M. Natália D. S.
Published: October 2019

The Enzyme Classification (EC) number is a numerical classification scheme for enzymes, established using the chemical reactions they catalyze. This classification is based on the recommendation of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Six enzyme classes were recognised in the first Enzyme Classification and Nomenclature List, reported by the International Union of Biochemistry in 1961. However, a new enzyme group was recently added as the six existing EC classes could not describe enzymes involved in the movement of ions or molecules across membranes. Such enzymes are now classified in the new EC class of translocases (EC 7). Several computational methods have been developed in order to predict the EC number. However, due to this new change, all such methods are now outdated and need updating. In this work, we developed a new multi-task quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) method aimed at predicting all 7 EC classes and subclasses. In so doing, we developed an alignment-free model based on artificial neural networks that proved to be very successful.
Antibacterial Property of Composites of Reduced Graphene Oxide with Nano-Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using a Microwave-Assisted Approach
Authors: Hsueh Yi-Huang , Hsieh Chien-Te , Chiu Shu-Ting , Tsai Ping-Han , Liu Chia-Ying , Ke Wan-Ju
Published: October 2019

Graphene oxide (GO) composites with various metal nanoparticles (NPs) are attracting increasing interest owing to their broad scope in biomedical applications. Here, microwave-assisted chemical reduction was used to deposit nano-silver and zinc oxide NPs (Ag and ZnO NPs) on the surface of reduced GO (rGO) at the following weight percentages: 5.34% Ag/rGO, 7.49% Ag/rGO, 6.85% ZnO/rGO, 16.45% ZnO/rGO, 3.47/34.91% Ag/ZnO/rGO, and 7.08/15.28% Ag/ZnO/rGO. These materials were tested for antibacterial activity, and 3.47/34.91% Ag/ZnO/rGO and 7.08/15.28% Ag/ZnO/rGO exhibited better antibacterial activity than the other tested materials against the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli K12. At 1000 ppm, both these Ag/ZnO/rGO composites had better killing properties against both E. coli K12 and the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus SA113 than Ag/rGO and ZnO/rGO did. RedoxSensor flow cytometry showed that 3.47/34.91% Ag/ZnO/rGO and 7.08/15.28% Ag/ZnO/rGO decreased reductase activity and affected membrane integrity in the bacteria. At 100 ppm, these two composites affected membrane integrity more in E. coli, while 7.08/15.28% Ag/ZnO/rGO considerably decreased reductase activity in S. aureus. Thus, the 3.47/34.91% and 7.08%/15.28% Ag/ZnO/rGO nanocomposites can be applied not only as antibacterial agents but also in a variety of biomedical materials such as sensors, photothermal therapy, drug delivery, and catalysis, in the future.
Animal Models for Parkinson’s Disease Research: Trends in the 2000s
Authors: Kin Kyohei , Yasuhara Takao , Kameda Masahiro , Date Isao
Published: October 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder and the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Although many studies have been conducted, there is an unmet clinical need to develop new treatments because, currently, only symptomatic therapies are available. To achieve this goal, clarification of the pathology is required. Attempts have been made to emulate human PD and various animal models have been developed over the decades. Neurotoxin models have been commonly used for PD research. Recently, advances in transgenic technology have enabled the development of genetic models that help to identify new approaches in PD research. However, PD animal model trends have not been investigated. Revealing the trends for PD research will be valuable for increasing our understanding of the positive and negative aspects of each model. In this article, we clarified the trends for animal models that were used to research PD in the 2000s, and we discussed each model based on these trends.
Visualization of Mitochondrial Ca2+ Signals in Skeletal Muscle of Zebrafish Embryos with Bioluminescent Indicators
Authors: Vicente Manuel , Salgado-Almario Jussep , Soriano Joaquim , Burgos Miguel , Domingo Beatriz , Llopis Juan
Published: October 2019

Mitochondria are believed to play an important role in shaping the intracellular Ca2+ transients during skeletal muscle contraction. There is discussion about whether mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ dynamics always mirror the cytoplasmic changes and whether this happens in vivo in whole organisms. In this study, we characterized cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ signals during spontaneous skeletal muscle contractions in zebrafish embryos expressing bioluminescent GFP-aequorin (GA, cytoplasm) and mitoGFP-aequorin (mitoGA, trapped in the mitochondrial matrix). The Ca2+ transients measured with GA and mitoGA reflected contractions of the trunk observed by transmitted light. The mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP and the inhibitor of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), DS16570511, abolished mitochondrial Ca2+ transients whereas they increased the frequency of cytosolic Ca2+ transients and muscle contractions, confirming the subcellular localization of mitoGA. Mitochondrial Ca2+ dynamics were also determined with mitoGA and were found to follow closely cytoplasmic changes, with a slower decay. Cytoplasmic Ca2+ kinetics and propagation along the trunk and tail were characterized with GA and with the genetically encoded fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, Twitch-4. Although fluorescence provided a better spatio-temporal resolution, GA was able to resolve the same kinetic parameters while allowing continuous measurements for hours.
A Promising Future for Stem-Cell-Based Therapies in Muscular Dystrophies—In Vitro and In Vivo Treatments to Boost Cellular Engraftment
Authors: Gois Beghini Daniela , Iwao Horita Samuel , Monteiro da Fonseca Cardoso Liana , Anastacio Alves Luiz , Nagaraju Kanneboyina , Henriques-Pons Andrea
Published: October 2019

Muscular dystrophies (MD) are a group of genetic diseases that lead to skeletal muscle wasting and may affect many organs (multisystem). Unfortunately, no curative therapies are available at present for MD patients, and current treatments mainly address the symptoms. Thus, stem-cell-based therapies may present hope for improvement of life quality and expectancy. Different stem cell types lead to skeletal muscle regeneration and they have potential to be used for cellular therapies, although with several limitations. In this review, we propose a combination of genetic, biochemical, and cell culture treatments to correct pathogenic genetic alterations and to increase proliferation, dispersion, fusion, and differentiation into new or hybrid myotubes. These boosted stem cells can also be injected into pretreate recipient muscles to improve engraftment. We believe that this combination of treatments targeting the limitations of stem-cell-based therapies may result in safer and more efficient therapies for MD patients. Matricryptins have also discussed.
Synergy Between Low Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy and the pH-Centered Approach Against Cancer
Authors: Koltai Tomas , Cardone Rosa A. , Reshkin Stephan J.
Published: October 2019

Low dose metronomic chemotherapy (MC) is becoming a mainstream treatment for cancer in veterinary medicine. Its mechanism of action is anti-angiogenesis by lowering vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and increasing trombospondin-1 (TSP1). It has also been adopted as a compassionate treatment in very advanced human cancer. However, one of the main limitations of this therapy is its short-term effectiveness: 6 to 12 months, after which resistance develops. pH-centered cancer treatment (pHT) has been proposed as a complementary therapy in cancer, but it has not been adopted or tested as a mainstream protocol, in spite of existing evidence of its advantages and benefits. Many of the factors directly or indirectly involved in MC and anti-angiogenic treatment resistance are appropriately antagonized by pHT. This led to the testing of an association between these two treatments. Preliminary evidence indicates that the association of MC and pHT has the ability to reduce anti-angiogenic treatment limitations and develop synergistic anti-cancer effects. This review will describe each of these treatments and will analyze the fundamentals of their synergy.
Downregulated Expression of Virulence Factors Induced by Benzyl Isothiocyanate in Staphylococcus Aureus: A Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Wu Hongyan , Niu Tongxin , Bi Jingran , Hou Hongman , Hao Hongshun , Zhang Gongliang
Published: October 2019

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common foodborne pathogen that leads to various diseases; therefore, we urgently need to identify different means to control this harmful pathogen in food. In this study, we monitored the transcriptional changes of S. aureus by RNA-seq analysis to better understand the effect of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) on the virulence inhibition of S. aureus and determined the bacteriostatic effect of BITC at subinhibitory concentrations. Our results revealed that, compared with the control group (SAC), the BITC-treated experimental group (SAQ_BITC) had 708 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 333 genes were downregulated and the capsular polysaccharide (cp) was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, we screened five of the most virulent factors of S. aureus, including the capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis protein (cp5D), capsular polysaccharide synthesis enzyme (cp8F), thermonuclease (nuc), clumping factor (clf), and protein A (spa), and verified the accuracy of these significantly downregulated genes by qRT-PCR. At the same time, we used light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inverted fluorescence microscopy (IFM) to observe changes in biofilm associated with the cp5D and cp8F. Therefore, these results will help to further study the basis of BITC for the antibacterial action of foodborne pathogenic bacteria.
Transcription Factors Targeted by miRNAs Regulating Smooth Muscle Cell Growth and Intimal Thickening after Vascular Injury
Authors: Khachigian Levon M.
Published: October 2019

Neointima formation after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a manifestation of “phenotype switching” by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), a process that involves de-differentiation from a contractile quiescent phenotype to one that is richly synthetic. In response to injury, SMCs migrate, proliferate, down-regulate SMC-specific differentiation genes, and later, can revert to the contractile phenotype. The vascular response to injury is regulated by microRNAs (or miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression. Interactions between miRNAs and transcription factors impact gene regulatory networks. This article briefly reviews the roles of a range of miRNAs in molecular and cellular processes that control intimal thickening, focusing mainly on transcription factors, some of which are encoded by immediate-early genes. Examples include Egr-1, junB, KLF4, KLF5, Elk-1, Ets-1, HMGB1, Smad1, Smad3, FoxO4, SRF, Rb, Sp1 and c-Myb. Such mechanistic information could inform the development of strategies that block SMC growth, neointima formation, and potentially overcome limitations of lasting efficacy following PCI.