bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRATEGI BISNIS PEDAGANG KAKI LIMA PADA MASA SOCIAL DISTANCING DI KOTA DENPASAR
Authors: Sudiartini Ni Wayan Ari , Kardini Ni Luh , Mulyani Putu Ari , Sariani Ni Luh Putu
Published: June 2020

Dalam menghadapi pandemi covid 19 serta diberlakukannya social distancing di kota Denpasar,  membawa dampak bagi perekonomian. Salah satu karakteristik sektor informal adalah cenderung menggunakan sumber daya lokal dan tidak memiliki izin resmi sehingga usaha sektor informal sangat beraneka ragam seperti pedagang kaki lima. Pedagang Lima Kaki buah pikiran dari pedagang yang berjualan di area pinggir perlintasan para pejalan kaki atau trotoar. Perdagangan sendiri merupakan aktivitas bisnis yang sangat fundamental. Kenyataannya menunjukkan bahwa usaha kecil sendiri adalah penyumbang besar pada kekuatan ekonomi negara. Dibutuhkan strategi dalam pemasaran bagi para Pedagang Kaki Lima dengan analisis SWOT yang dapat memaksimalkan kekuatan (streghts) dan peluang (opportunities), namun secara kebersamaan dapat meminimalkan kelemahan (weakness) dan ancaman (threats).
Anthocyanins in Blueberries Grown in Hot Climate Exert Strong Antioxidant Activity and May Be Effective against Urinary Tract Bacteria
Authors: Cerezo Ana B. , Cătunescu Giorgiana M. , González Mercedes Martínez-Pais , Hornedo-Ortega Ruth , Pop Carmen R. , Rusu Crina Claudia , Chirilă Flore , Rotar Ancuța M. , Garcia-Parrilla M. Carmen , Troncoso Ana M.
Published: June 2020

Anthocyanins are extensively studied for their health-related properties, including antibacterial activity against urinary tract infections (UTI). Among common fruits, blueberries, with their remarkable antioxidant capacity, are one of the richest sources. Anthocyanin-rich extracts were obtained from four varieties: Snowchaser, Star, Stella Blue and Cristina Blue, grown in the hot climate of Southern Spain. Their total anthocyanins contents (TAC) were determined spectrophotometrically, and the anthocyanin profile by ultra high performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS). Their antioxidant activity was assessed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, while antibacterial activity against strains isolated from UTI patients was assessed in vitro, helping to select the varieties with the highest bioactive potential. Star showed the highest TAC and antioxidant activity (1663 ± 159 mg of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (cy-3-O-glu) equivalents/100 g fresh weight (FW), 6345 ± 601 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 g FW, respectively), followed by Cristina Blue, Stella Blue and Snowchaser. As far as we know, this is the first time that cyanidin-3-rutinoside has been identified in blueberries. The extracts inhibited all the tested strains, MICs ranging from 0.4 mg/mL (for Stella Blue extract against UTI P. aeruginosa) to 9.5 mg/mL (for all extracts against UTI K. pneumoniae ssp. pneumoniae). This is the first study that assessed in vitro the antibacterial activity of blueberries against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia stuartii and Micrococcus spp. strains isolated from UTI.
An Epistemic Utility-Theoretic Model in Fortifying Oil-and-Gas Production Networks
Authors: Alassad Mustafa , Davarikia Hamzeh , Chan Yupo
Published: June 2020

Oil-and-gas networks are systems of pumps and pipelines that are exposed to heterogeneous threats. Accordingly, hardening strategies against malicious attacks are needed in today’s geopolitical climate. In this paper, a tri-level leader–follower–operator game is established for determining the optimal fortification tactics to protect the critical assets considering the petroleum firm limited resources. We additionally consider defender options beyond outright fortification including tactics often adapted in the fog of war, such as deception. These are mathematically modeled under shared cognition concepts. The proposed model assumes a trial-and-error learning process to gradually discover effective defense strategies. These strategies may include a network defender projecting false information in the media or on the front lines to deceive the aggressor. The resulting mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem is decomposed into a master problem associated with deception and sub-problem as response strategies. A column-and-constraint generation solution duly takes into account the defender–operator and attacker–operator interactions. Further, linearization techniques are applied to reformulate the problem into a mixed-integer linear problem. Our studies performed on the part of the Iraq oil-and-gas network and computational results verified that the deception concept is much more effective than fortification, where the cost of attackers damages diminished significantly without substantial resources commitment on the part of the defender.
Composition-Dependent Structural Integrity of Hf6Ta2O17 Superstructure during Sintering in a Reducing Atmosphere
Authors: Jeon Sang-chae
Published: June 2020

The applicability of a Hf6Ta2O17 superstructure to a sintering crucible in pyroprocessing was evaluated herein. Samples were prepared by simple oxidation of casted Hf-Ta alloys containing different Ta contents (20.2, 27.2, and 35.2 in at. %). The physical integrity of the oxidized samples was tested after passivation, which resulted in the formation of a Hf6Ta2O17 superstructure. As a result, only the sample with the lowest Ta content (20.2 at. %) was intact while others were destroyed by peeling off. Based on the XRD analysis, this originates from reduction of the Ta oxide phase from Ta2O5 to Ta2O2.2, which may lead to severe stresses due to changes in the crystal structure and lattice constant. It is therefore concluded that the Ta content should be lowered within a range permitting the formation of Hf6Ta2O17. This provides practical data for a beneficial composition design that can be extended to other applications prepared under reducing atmospheres.
A Methodology for Determining the Rehabilitation Needs of Buildings
Authors: Nowogońska Beata
Published: June 2020

The appropriate rehabilitations planning of buildings should be based on the analysis of rehabilitation needs. This article proposes a methodology for Determining the Rehabilitation Needs of Buildings (DRNB). The DRNB method can be used for buildings made with traditional technology. The methodology provides the possibility to prioritize the analyzed objects and their elements as well as to determine the sequence of rehabilitation needs of any buildings and their elements. The method can be used for a single building or several buildings. The obtained results can be compared and order relations between them can be determined, which will allow the planning of repair works. In setting the priorities in the DRNB method, the implementation of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used. The article presents also the application the DRNB method and results of determination of rehabilitation needs for residential buildings that are located in Poland in Zielona Góra. Determining the rehabilitation needs of building components should be the first stage of planning repair works. The DRNB method helps to determine which elements in which buildings need necessary rehabilitation now, which elements of rehabilitation are important now, and which elements can be rehabilitated later—i.e., if the repair works are only useful and are not currently necessary.
Real-World Exhaust Emissions of Diesel Locomotives and Motorized Railcars during Scheduled Passenger Train Runs on Czech Railroads
Authors: Vojtisek-Lom Michal , Jirků Jonáš , Pechout Martin
Published: June 2020

The paper summarizes exhaust emissions measurements on two diesel-electric locomotives and one diesel-hydraulic railcar, each tested for several days during scheduled passenger service. While real driving emissions of buses decrease with fleet turnaround and have been assessed by many studies, there are virtually no realistic emissions data on diesel rail vehicles, many of which are decades old. The engines were fitted with low-power portable online monitoring instruments, including a portable Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectrometer, online particle measurement, and in two cases with proportional particle sampling systems, all installed in engine compartments. Due to space constraints and overhead electric traction lines, exhaust flow was computed from engine operating data. Real-world operation was characterized by relatively fast power level transitions during accelerations and interleaved periods of high load and idle, and varied considerably among service type and routes. Spikes in PM emissions during accelerations and storage of PM in the exhaust were observed. Despite all engines approaching the end of their life, the emissions per passenger-km were very low compared to automobiles. Tests were done at very low costs with no disruption of the train service, yielded realistic data, and are also applicable to diesel-hydraulic units, which cannot be tested at standstill.
Statistical-Observational Analysis of Skillful Oceanic Predictors of Heavy Daily Precipitation Events in the Sahel
Authors: Diakhaté Moussa , Suárez-Moreno Roberto , Gómara Iñigo , Mohino Elsa
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the sea surface temperature (SST) based statistical seasonal forecast model (S4CAST) is utilized to examine the spatial and temporal prediction skill of Sahel heavy and extreme daily precipitation events. As in previous studies, S4CAST points out the Mediterranean Sea and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) as the main drivers of Sahel heavy/extreme daily rainfall variability at interannual timescales (period 1982–2015). Overall, the Mediterranean Sea emerges as a seasonal short-term predictor of heavy daily rainfall (1 month in advance), while ENSO returns a longer forecast window (up to 3 months in advance). Regarding the spatial skill, the response of heavy daily rainfall to the Mediterranean SST forcing is significant over a widespread area of the Sahel. Contrastingly, with the ENSO forcing, the response is only significant over the southernmost Sahel area. These differences can be attributed to the distinct physical mechanisms mediating the analyzed SST-rainfall teleconnections. This paper provides fundamental elements to develop an operational statistical-seasonal forecasting system of Sahel heavy and extreme daily precipitation events.
Functors among Relational Variants of Categories Related to L-Fuzzy Partitions, L-Fuzzy Pretopological Spaces and L-Fuzzy Closure Spaces
Authors: Močkoř Jiří
Published: June 2020

Various types of topological and closure operators are significantly used in fuzzy theory and applications. Although they are different operators, in some cases it is possible to transform an operator of one type into another. This in turn makes it possible to transform results relating to an operator of one type into results relating to another operator. In the paper relationships among 15 categories of modifications of topological L-valued operators, including Čech closure or interior L-valued operators, L-fuzzy pretopological and L-fuzzy co-pretopological operators, L-valued fuzzy relations, upper and lower F-transforms and spaces with fuzzy partitions are investigated. The common feature of these categories is that their morphisms are various L-fuzzy relations and not only maps. We prove the existence of 23 functors among these categories, which represent transformation processes of one operator into another operator, and we show how these transformation processes can be mutually combined.
The Effect of the Photoperiod on the Fatty Acid Profile and Weight in Hatchery-Reared Underyearlings and Yearlings of Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar L.
Authors: Nemova Nina N. , Nefedova Zinaida A. , Pekkoeva Svetlana N. , Voronin Viktor P. , Shulgina Natalia S. , Churova Maria V. , Murzina Svetlana A.
Published: June 2020

The influence of two light regimes, 16:8 h light/dark (LD 16:8) and 24:0 h light/dark (LD 24:0), in comparison to a usual hatchery light regime (HL), on the fatty acids content and weight gain in hatchery-reared underyearlings (at 0+ age) and yearlings (at 1+ age) of Atlantic salmon in the summer–autumn period was studied. The total lipids were analyzed by Folch method, the lipid classes using HPTLC, and the fatty acids of total lipids using GC. The increase in EPA and DHA observed in October in underyearlings and yearlings salmon (especially under LD 24:0) suggests they were physiologically preparing for overwintering. The changes in fatty acids and their ratios in juvenile Atlantic salmon can be used as biochemical indicators of the degree to which hatchery-reared fish are ready to smoltify. These associated with an increase in marine-type specific DHA and EPA, an increase in the 16:0/18:1(n-9) ratio, in correlation with a reduction in MUFAs (mainly 18:1(n-9)). These biochemical modifications, accompanied by fish weight gain, were more pronounced in October in yearlings exposed to continuous light (LD 24:0). The mortality rate was lower in experimental groups of underyearliings with additional lighting. Exposure to prolonged and continuous light did not affect yearlings mortality rate.
CD40 Receptor Knockout Protects against Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) Prolongation and Exacerbation of Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis
Authors: Su Robin C. , Warner Emily A. , Breidenbach Joshua D. , Lad Apurva , Blomquist Thomas M. , Kleinhenz Andrew L. , Modyanov Nikolai , Malhotra Deepak , Kennedy David J. , Haller Steven T.
Published: June 2020

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders around the world, and includes diagnoses such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The etiology of IBD is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. One environmental perturbagen that is not well studied within the intestines is microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), which is a toxin produced by cyanobacteria in freshwater environments around the world. We recently reported that MC-LR has limited effects within the intestines of healthy mice, yet interestingly has significant toxicity within the intestines of mice with pre-existing colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). MC-LR was found to prolong DSS-induced weight loss, prolong DSS-induced bloody stools, exacerbate DSS-induced colonic shortening, exacerbate DSS-induced colonic ulceration, and exacerbate DSS-induced inflammatory cytokine upregulation. In addition, we previously reported a significant increase in expression of the pro-inflammatory receptor CD40 in the colons of these mice, along with downstream products of CD40 activation, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). In the current study, we demonstrate that knocking out CD40 attenuates the effects of MC-LR in mice with pre-existing colitis by decreasing the severity of weight loss, allowing a full recovery in bloody stools, preventing the exacerbation of colonic shortening, preventing the exacerbation of colonic ulceration, and preventing the upregulation of the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines IL-1β, MCP-1, and PAI-1. We also demonstrate the promising efficacy of a CD40 receptor blocking peptide to ameliorate the effects of MC-LR exposure in a proof-of-concept study. Our findings suggest for the first time that MC-LR acts through a CD40-dependent mechanism to exacerbate colitis.
Animal-Assisted and Pet-Robot Interventions for Ameliorating Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Park Sangki , Bak Ahream , Kim Sujin , Nam Yunkwon , Kim Hyeon , Yoo Doo-Han , Moon Minho
Published: June 2020

Patients with dementia suffer from psychological symptoms such as depression, agitation, and aggression. One purpose of dementia intervention is to manage patients’ inappropriate behaviors and psychological symptoms while taking into consideration their quality of life (QOL). Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) and pet-robot intervention (PRI) are effective intervention strategies for older people with cognitive impairment and dementia. In addition, AAI and PRI have been shown to have positive effects on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, studies into the association between AAI/PRI and BPSD have elicited inconsistent results. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate this association. We analyzed nine randomized controlled trials on AAI and PRI for dementia patients published between January 2000 and August 2019 and evaluated the impact of AAI/PRI on agitation, depression, and QOL. We found that AAI and PRI significantly reduce depression in patients with dementia. Subsequent studies should investigate the impact of AAI and PRI on the physical ability and cognitive function of dementia patients and conduct a follow-up to investigate their effects on the rate of progression and reduction of symptoms of dementia. Our research will help with neuropsychological and environmental intervention to delay or improve the development and progression of BPSD.
Promising Nanotechnology Approaches in Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of Central Nervous System
Authors: Chountoulesi Maria , Demetzos Costas
Published: June 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that yields to neuronal axon damage, demyelization, and paralysis. Although several drugs were designed for the treatment of MS, with some of them being approved in the last few decades, the complete remission and the treatment of progressive forms still remain a matter of debate and a medical challenge. Nanotechnology provides a variety of promising therapeutic tools that can be applied for the treatment of MS, overcoming the barriers and the limitations of the already existing immunosuppressive and biological therapies. In the present review, we explore literature case studies on the development of drug delivery nanosystems for the targeted delivery of MS drugs in the pathological tissues of the CNS, providing high bioavailability and enhanced therapeutic efficiency, as well as nanosystems for the delivery of agents to facilitate efficient remyelination. Moreover, we present examples of tolerance-inducing nanocarriers, being used as promising vaccines for antigen-specific immunotherapy of MS. We emphasize on liposomes, as well as lipid- and polymer-based nanoparticles. Finally, we highlight the future perspectives given by the nanotechnology field toward the improvement of the current treatment of MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Michael Addition of Ketones to α, β-Unsaturated Nitro Compounds
Authors: Shim Jae Ho , Nam Si Hun , Kim Byeong-Seon , Ha Deok-Chan
Published: June 2020

An organic catalyst “(R, R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine(DPEN) derivative’’ was devel-oped as a chiral bifunctional organocatalyst and applied for asymmetric Michael additions of aromatic ketones to trans-β-nitroalkene compounds under neutral conditions. The isopropyl-subs-tituted thiourea catalyst in neutral condition provides high chemical yield and enantioselectivities (ee) (up to 96% yield, 98% ee).
The Impact of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Clinical Presentation and Psychosocial Treatment Response in Youth with Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Nelson Sarah , Cunningham Natoshia
Published: June 2020

Youth with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) may report high rates of trauma and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which could impact both physical and psychosocial functioning, in addition to psychosocial treatment response. The current study aimed to examine the rates of PTSD in a sample of 89 youth with FAPDs and examine the association between PTSD with physical and psychosocial functioning. The impact of PTSD on psychosocial treatment response in a subsample of youth with FAPDs was also explored. Participants were youth with FAPDs (ages 9–14) enrolled in a larger study examining the effect of a short-term pain and anxiety focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment (Aim to Decrease Anxiety and Pain Treatment (ADAPT)) for youth with FAPDs. Youth were administered a semi-structured diagnostic interview by a trained clinician to confirm the presence of psychological diagnoses, including PTSD. Measures of physical and psychosocial functioning were also completed. Results revealed a high rate of PTSD in youth with FAPDs with 12.4% meeting diagnostic criteria for the disorder. PTSD was associated with several indicators of increased psychosocial impairment and one indicator of physical impairment. Exploratory analyses revealed comorbid PTSD may impact response to a brief CBT intervention targeting pain and anxiety, but more rigorous controlled studies are needed.
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 in Endometriosis Menstrual Blood
Authors: Madjid Tita Husnitawati , Ardiansyah Dennis Fachmi , Permadi Wiryawan , Hernowo Bethy
Published: June 2020

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a prerequisite for tissue implantation. The presence of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), in shed endometrium cells has a significant role in ECM degradation. A case–control study was performed to find other diagnostic markers using menstrual blood. We examined a sample of 68 women who visited the gynecology clinic in Dr Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, 40% of whom were confirmed to have endometriosis, and the rest tested negative by histopathological examination. All endometriotic cases presented MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression with different cell distribution. MMP-9 expression in endometriosis patients was increased compared to the controls (p = 0.002). Expression of MMP-9 in >80% of endometrial cells was associated with a higher risk for endometriosis (OR 4.44 95% CI 1.31 to 15.56) compared to MMP-9 expression in 50%–80% of cells. TIMP-1 cell expression in women with endometriosis was lower than in the control group (p = 0.030). Subjects with TIMP-1 expression in 20%–50% of endometrial cells had a higher risk for endometriosis (OR 4.5, 95%CI 1.21–17.42) compared those with TIMP-1 expression in 50%–80% of cells. These expressions levels can be useful to predict endometriosis.
The Branching and Innervation Pattern of the Radial Nerve in the Forearm: Clarifying the Literature and Understanding Variations and Their Clinical Implications
Authors: Sawyer F. Kip , Stefanik Joshua J. , Lufler Rebecca S.
Published: June 2020

Background: This study attempted to clarify the innervation pattern of the muscles of the distal arm and posterior forearm through cadaveric dissection. Methods: Thirty-five cadavers were dissected to expose the radial nerve in the forearm. Each muscular branch of the nerve was identified and their length and distance along the nerve were recorded. These values were used to determine the typical branching and motor entry orders. Results: The typical branching order was brachialis, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, supinator, extensor digitorum, extensor carpi ulnaris, abductor pollicis longus, extensor digiti minimi, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus and extensor indicis. Notably, the radial nerve often innervated brachialis (60%), and its superficial branch often innervated extensor carpi radialis brevis (25.7%). Conclusions: The radial nerve exhibits significant variability in the posterior forearm. However, there is enough consistency to identify an archetypal pattern and order of innervation. These findings may also need to be considered when planning surgical approaches to the distal arm, elbow and proximal forearm to prevent an undue loss of motor function. The review of the literature yielded multiple studies employing inconsistent metrics and terminology to define order or innervation.
Announcement for “Energies Outstanding Reviewer Award 2020” Winners
Authors: Editorial Office Energies
Published: June 2020

Peer review is an essential part of the publication process, ensuring that Energies maintains high-quality standards for its published papers [...]
Nitrogen Forms Alter Triterpenoid Accumulation and Related Gene Expression in Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk. Seedlings
Authors: Qin Jian , Yue Xiliang , Shang Xulan , Fang Shengzuo
Published: June 2020

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk. is a multiple function tree species distributed in subtropical areas, and its leaves have been used in medicine and nutraceutical foods in China. However, little information on the effects of nitrogen (N) forms and ratios on growth and secondary metabolite accumulation is available for C. paliurus. The impact of five NO3−/NH4+ ratios on biomass production, triterpenoid accumulation and related gene expression in C. paliurus seedlings was evaluated at the middle N nutrition supply. Significant differences in seedling growth, triterpenoid accumulation and relative gene expression were observed among the different NO3−/NH4+ ratio treatments. The highest triterpenoid content was achieved in a sole NO3− or NH4+ nutrition, while the mixed N nutrition with equal ratio of NO3− to NH4+ produced the highest biomass production in the seedlings. However, the highest triterpenoid accumulation was achieved at the treatment with the ratio of NO3−/NH4+ = 2.33. Therefore, the mixed N nutrition of NO3− and NH4+ was beneficial to the triterpenoid accumulation per plant. The relative expression of seven genes that are involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis were all up-regulated under the sole NH4+ or NO3− nutrition conditions, and significantly positive correlations between triterpenoid content and relative gene expression of key enzymes were detected in the leaves. Our results indicated that NO3− is the N nutrition preferred by C. paliurus, but the mixture of NO3− and NH4+ at an appropriate ratio would improve the leaf triterpenoid yield per area.
TOCOSH FLOUR (Solanum tuberosum L.): A Toxicological Assessment of Traditional Peruvian Fermented Potatoes
Authors: Velasco-Chong Jonas Roberto , Herrera-Calderón Oscar , Rojas-Armas Juan Pedro , Hañari-Quispe Renán Dilton , Figueroa-Salvador Linder , Peña-Rojas Gilmar , Andía-Ayme Vidalina , Yuli-Posadas Ricardo Ángel , Yepes-Perez Andres F. , Aguilar Cristian
Published: June 2020

Potato tocosh is a naturally processed potato for nutritional and curative purposes from traditional Peruvian medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of tocosh flour (TF). For sub-acute toxicity, TF was administered orally to rats daily once a day for 28 days at doses of 1000 mg/kg body weight (BW). Animals were observed for general behaviors, mortality, body weight variations, and histological analysis. At the end of treatment, relative organ weights, histopathology, hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed. For acute toxicity, TF was administered orally to mice at doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg BW at a single dose in both sexes. Body weight, mortality, and clinical signs were observed for 14 days after treatment. The results of acute toxicity showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) value of TF is higher than 2000 g/kg BW but less than 5000 mg/Kg BW in mice. Death and toxicological symptoms were not found during the treatment. For sub-acute toxicity, we found that no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAEL) of TF in rats up to 1000 g/kg BW. There were statistically significant differences in body weight, and relative organ weight in the stomach and brain. No differences in hematological and biochemical parameters were observed when compared with the control group. For sub-acute toxicity, histopathological studies revealed minor abnormalities in liver and kidney tissues at doses of 5000 mg/Kg. Based on these results, TF is a traditional Peruvian medicine with high safety at up to 1000 mg/kg BW for 28 days in rats.
Characterization of Powdered Lulo (Solanum quitoense) Bagasse as a Functional Food Ingredient
Authors: Hinestroza-Córdoba Leidy Indira , Duarte Serna Stevens , Seguí Lucía , Barrera Cristina , Betoret Noelia
Published: June 2020

The stabilization of fruit bagasse by drying and milling technology is a valuable processing technology to improve its durability and preserve its valuable biologically active components. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of lyophilization and air temperature (60 °C and 70 °C) in hot air-drying as well as grinding conditions (coarse or fine granulometry) on physico-chemical properties; water interaction capacity; antioxidant properties; and carotenoid content of powdered lulo bagasse. Air-drying kinetics at 60 °C and 70 °C and sorption isotherms at 20 °C were also determined. Results showed that drying conditions influence antioxidant properties and carotenoid content while granulometry slightly influenced fiber and water interaction properties. Fiber content was near 50% and carotenoid content was higher than 60 µg/g dry matter in lyophilized powder. This β-carotene content is comparable to that provided by carrot juice. Air-drying at 60 °C only reduced carotenoids content by 10%.
Gene Regulation via the Combination of Transcription Factors in the INDETERMINATE DOMAIN and GRAS Families
Authors: Aoyanagi Takuya , Ikeya Shun , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kozaki Akiko
Published: June 2020

INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) family proteins are plant-specific transcription factors. Some Arabidopsis IDD (AtIDD) proteins regulate the expression of SCARECROW (SCR) by interacting with GRAS family transcription factors SHORT-ROOT (SHR) and SCR, which are involved in root tissue formation. Some AtIDD proteins regulate genes involved in the synthesis (GA3ox1) or signaling (SCL3) of gibberellic acid (GA) by interacting with DELLA proteins, a subfamily of the GRAS family. We analyzed the DNA binding properties and protein–protein interactions of select AtIDD proteins. We also investigated the transcriptional activity of the combination of AtIDD and GRAS proteins (AtIDD proteins combined with SHR and SCR or with REPRESSOR of ga1-3 (RGA)) on the promoters of SCR, SCL3, and GA3ox1 by conducting a transient assay using Arabidopsis culture cells. Our results showed that the SCR promoter could be activated by the IDD and RGA complexes and that the SCL3 and GA3ox1 promoters could be activated by the IDD, SHR, and SCR complexes, indicating the possibility that these complexes regulate and consequently coordinate the expression of genes involved in GA synthesis (GA3ox1), GA signaling (SCL3), and root formation (SCR).
A Strategic Approach to Value Chain Upgrading—Adopting Innovations and Their Impacts on Farm Households in Tanzania
Authors: Steffens Jesse , Brüssow Kathleen , Grote Ulrike
Published: June 2020

The level of agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa remains far below the global average. This is partly due to the scarce use of production- and process-enhancing technologies. This study aims to explore the driving forces and effects of adopting innovative agricultural technologies in food value chains (FVC). These enhancing FVC technologies are referred to as upgrading strategies (UPS) and are designed to improve specific aspects of crop production, postharvest processing, market interaction, and consumption. Based on cross-sectional data collected from 820 Tanzanian farm households, this study utilized the adaptive lasso to analyse the determinants of UPS. To measure the impact of their adoption on well-being, this study applied the propensity score matching approach (PSM). Results from the adaptive lasso suggested that access to credit, experience of environmental shocks and social capital were the main drivers of UPS adoption. In contrast, the engagement in off-farm wage employment impeded adoption. The results from the PSM suggested that UPS adoption has a positive and significant impact on well-being among sampled households, especially with respect to their total value of durable goods and commercialization. The paper suggests that the promotion of social capital and access to financial capital is pivotal in enhancing the adoption of innovative UPS in the farming sector.
Identifying System-Related Barriers for the Development and Implementation of Eco-Innovation in the German Horticultural Sector
Authors: Kuntosch Anett , König Bettina , Bokelmann Wolfgang , Doernberg Alexandra , Siebert Rosemarie , Schwerdtner Wim , Busse Maria
Published: June 2020

The implementation of eco-innovations can be a strategy to combine economic benefit and reduce negative environmental impact. German greenhouse production is highly energy intensive, as heating and energy account for the second largest cost factor. Thus, the sector wants to develop and implement eco-innovations to speed up the process towards increased sustainability. In this paper, a sectoral systems of innovation (SSI) analysis is presented to identify and describe interrelated systemic barriers for developing and implementing such innovations into the sector. The SSI was used as an analytical framework, which enabled covering different system levels and components in the research in order to draw a comprehensive picture of this specific innovation environment. A mixed-methods, explorative approach was used: a literature analysis, followed by an expert workshop and semi-structured expert interviews, was conducted to understand the barriers for development and implementation of such innovations. A SWOT workshop assisted in generalizing results from selected innovation examples. A complementary two-wave Delphi study was used to identify innovation activity, important actors, policies and drivers within horticulture. Based on these data, we were able to identify different barrier-types, showing how they are interconnected and affect innovation processes increasing ecological modernization of the sector.
Assessment of the Wearability of Facemasks against Air Pollution in Primary School-Aged Children in London
Authors: Smart Naomi R , Horwell Claire J , Smart Trevor S , Galea Karen S
Published: June 2020

Air pollution is a major health problem and children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects. Facemasks are one form of protection but, to be effective, they need to filter out airborne pollutants, fit the face well and be wearable. In this pilot study, we assess the perceived wearability of three facemasks (Vogmask, TuHao and ReSpimask) marketed in the UK as being designed to protect children against exposure to air pollution. Twenty-four primary school children wore each facemask during a standardised walking and running activity. After each activity, the children were asked to rate facemask wearability in terms of parameters, such as perceived comfort, hotness, breathability and fit. At the end of the trial, the children compared and identified their preferred facemask. The main complaint about the facemasks was the children’s faces being too hot. The ReSpimask was most frequently reported as being perceived to be the hardest to breathe through. The TuHao facemask was the only adjustable strap mask assessed but was reported to be difficult to adjust. Facemasks with a nose clip were frequently rated highest for fit (TuHao and Vogmask). The patterned, cloth fabric Vogmask had significantly higher ratings for appearance and perceived fit. The results show children’s perceptions of facemasks are highly affected by the facemask’s design, hotness and perceived breathability. By making children’s facemasks more appealing, breathable, cooler and improving their fit, wearability may be improved.
Predicting Risky and Aggressive Driving Behavior among Taxi Drivers: Do Spatio-Temporal Attributes Matter?
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Chen Yangzhou , Khan Sikandar , Jamal Arshad , Ijaz Muhammad , Ahmed Tufail
Published: June 2020

Risky and aggressive driving maneuvers are considered a significant indicator for traffic accident occurrence as well as they aggravate their severity. Traffic violations caused by such uncivilized driving behavior is a global issue. Studies in existing literature have used statistical analysis methods to explore key contributing factors toward aggressive driving and traffic violations. However, such methods are unable to capture latent correlations among predictor variables, and they also suffer from low prediction accuracies. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate different traffic violations using spatial analysis and machine learning methods in the city of Luzhou, China. Violations committed by taxi drivers are the focus of the current study since they constitute a significant proportion of total violations reported in the city. Georeferenced violation data for the year 2016 was obtained from the traffic police department. Detailed descriptive analysis is presented to summarize key statistics about various violation types. Results revealed that over-speeding was the most prevalent violation type observed in the study area. Frequency-based nearest neighborhood cluster methods in Arc map Geographic Information System (GIS) were used to develop hotspot maps for different violation types that are vital for prioritizing and conducting treatment alternatives efficiently. Finally, different machine learning (ML) methods, including decision tree, AdaBoost with a base estimator decision tree, and stack model, were employed to predict and classify each violation type. The proposed methods were compared based on different evaluation metrics like accuracy, F-1 measure, specificity, and log loss. Prediction results demonstrated the adequacy and robustness of proposed machine learning (ML) methods. However, a detailed comparative analysis showed that the stack model outperformed other models in terms of proposed evaluation metrics.
Antithrombotic Therapy in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: Real-World Data from the Gemelli Hospital HHT Registry
Authors: Gaetani Eleonora , Agostini Fabiana , Giarretta Igor , Porfidia Angelo , Di Martino Luigi , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pola Roberto ,   on behalf of the Multidisciplinary Gemelli Hospital Group for HHT
Published: June 2020

Although Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is characterized by an overwhelming bleeding propensity, patients with this disease may also present medical conditions that require antithrombotic therapy (AT). However, precise information on indications, dosage, duration, effectiveness, and safety of AT in HHT patients is lacking. We performed a retrospective analysis of the HHT Registry of our University Hospital and found 26 patients who received AT for a total of 30 courses (19 courses of anticoagulant therapy and 11 courses of antiplatelet therapy). Indications to treatments included: atrial fibrillation, venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, heart valve replacement, retinal artery occlusion, secondary prevention after either stroke or myocardial infarction, and thromboprophylaxis for surgery. The total time of exposure to antiplatelet therapy was 385 months and to anticoagulant therapy 169 months. AT was generally well tolerated, with no fatal bleedings and no significant changes in hemoglobin levels. However, we found three major bleedings, with an incidence rate of 6.5 per 100 patients per year. When only patients treated with anticoagulants were considered, the incidence rate of major bleedings increased to 21.6 per 100 patients per year. Our study indicates that major bleeding may occur in HHT patients receiving AT, with a substantially increased rate in those treated with anticoagulants. Further studies are needed to fully estimate the tolerability of antithrombotic drugs in HHT.
The Worst Performance Rule, or the Not-Best Performance Rule? Latent-Variable Analyses of Working Memory Capacity, Mind-Wandering Propensity, and Reaction Time
Authors: Welhaf Matthew S. , Smeekens Bridget A. , Meier Matt E. , Silvia Paul J. , Kwapil Thomas R. , Kane Michael J.
Published: June 2020

The worst performance rule (WPR) is a robust empirical finding reflecting that people’s worst task performance shows numerically stronger correlations with cognitive ability than their average or best performance. However, recent meta-analytic work has proposed this be renamed the “not-best performance” rule because mean and worst performance seem to predict cognitive ability to similar degrees, with both predicting ability better than best performance. We re-analyzed data from a previously published latent-variable study to test for worst vs. not-best performance across a variety of reaction time tasks in relation to two cognitive ability constructs: working memory capacity (WMC) and propensity for task-unrelated thought (TUT). Using two methods of assessing worst performance—ranked-binning and ex-Gaussian-modeling approaches—we found evidence for both the worst and not-best performance rules. WMC followed the not-best performance rule (correlating equivalently with mean and longest response times (RTs)) but TUT propensity followed the worst performance rule (correlating more strongly with longest RTs). Additionally, we created a mini-multiverse following different outlier exclusion rules to test the robustness of our findings; our findings remained stable across the different multiverse iterations. We provisionally conclude that the worst performance rule may only arise in relation to cognitive abilities closely linked to (failures of) sustained attention.
The Contribution of Executive Functions in Predicting Mathematical Creativity in Typical Elementary School Classes: A Twofold Role for Updating
Authors: Stolte Marije , García Trinidad , Van Luit Johannes E. H. , Oranje Bob , Kroesbergen Evelyn H.
Published: June 2020

The goal of the current study was to investigate the role of executive functions in mathematical creativity. The sample included 278 primary school children (ages 8–13). Two models were compared: the starting model tested whether executive functions (shifting, updating, and inhibition), domain-general creativity, and mathematical ability directly predicted mathematical creativity. The second model, which fitted the data best, included the additional assumption that updating influences mathematical creativity indirectly through mathematical ability and domain-general creativity. Updating was positively related to mathematical creativity. Additionally, updating was positively related to mathematical ability and domain-general creativity. Inhibition, shifting, domain-general creativity and mathematical ability did not have a significant contribution to either model but did positively correlate with mathematical creativity. This study reports the first empirical evidence that updating is a predictor of mathematical creativity in primary school children and demonstrates that creativity is a higher order cognitive process, activating a variety of cognitive abilities.
Properties of Alkali Activated Lightweight Aggregate Generated from Sidoarjo Volcanic Mud (Lusi), Fly Ash, and Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash
Authors: Risdanareni Puput , Villagran Yury , Schollbach Katrin , Wang Jianyun , De Belie Nele
Published: June 2020

Production of artificial lightweight aggregate (LWA) from industrial by-products or abundant volcanic mud is a promising solution to prevent damaging the environment due to the mining of natural aggregate. However, improvements are still needed in order to control the high water absorption of LWA and strength reduction in resulting concrete or mortar. Hence in this research, fly ash, municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI BA), and Sidoarjo volcanic mud (Lusi) were employed as a precursor and activated using NaOH 6 M and Na2SiO3 in producing LWA. The influence of the type of the precursors on the physical properties of resulting LWA was investigated. The effect of replacing natural fine aggregate with the resulting LWA on the compressive strength and volume density of mortar was also determined. Finer particles, a high amount of amorphous phase, and low loss on ignition (LOI) of the raw material improved the properties of resulting LWA. Mortar compressive strength was decreased by 6% when replacing 16% by volume of natural fine aggregate with fly ash based LWA. Compared to the expanded clay LWA, the properties of alternative LWAs in this study were slightly, but not significantly, inferior. Alternative LWA becomes attractive when considering that expanded clay LWA requires more energy during the sintering process.
Flow Stress of Ti-6Al-4V during Hot Deformation: Decision Tree Modeling
Authors: Lim Seong-Sik , Lee Hye-Jin , Song Shin-Hyung
Published: June 2020

In this study, the flow stress of Ti-6Al-4V during hot deformation was modeled using a decision tree algorithm. Hot compression experiments for Ti-6Al-4V in a Gleeble-3500 thermomechanical simulator were performed under a strain rate of 0.002–20 s–1 and temperatures of 575–725 °C. After the experiments, flow stress behavior was modeled, first by a traditional Arrhenius type equation, second by utilizing the artificial neural network, and lastly, with the aid of the decision tree algorithm. While the characteristics of measured flow stress were noticeably dependent on the resulting strain rate and temperature, the modeling accuracy regarding the flow stress results of the Arrhenius type equation, neural network approach and decision tree algorithm were compared. The decision tree algorithm predicted the flow stress most effectively.
Intercropping with Potato-Onion Enhanced the Soil Microbial Diversity of Tomato
Authors: Li Naihui , Gao Danmei , Zhou Xingang , Chen Shaocan , Li Chunxia , Wu Fengzhi
Published: June 2020

Intercropping can achieve sustainable agricultural development by increasing plant diversity. In this study, we investigated the effects of tomato monoculture and tomato/potato-onion intercropping systems on tomato seedling growth and changes of soil microbial communities in greenhouse conditions. Results showed that the intercropping with potato-onion increased tomato seedling biomass. Compared with monoculture system, the alpha diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities, beta diversity and abundance of bacterial community were increased in the intercropping system. Nevertheless, the beta-diversity and abundance of fungal community had no difference between the intercropping and monoculture systems. The relative abundances of some taxa (i.e., Acidobacteria-Subgroup-6, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Pseudomonas) and several OTUs with the potential to promote plant growth were increased, while the relative abundances of some potential plant pathogens (i.e., Cladosporium) were decreased in the intercropping system. Redundancy analysis indicated that bacterial community structure was significantly influenced by soil organic carbon and pH, the fungal community structure was related to changes in soil organic carbon and available phosphorus. Overall, our results suggested that the tomato/potato-onion intercropping system altered soil microbial communities and improved the soil environment, which may be the main factor in promoting tomato growth.