bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pán Péterek? - avagy létezik-e kapunyítási pánik a szakképzésből kikerülő fiataloknál - egy vizsgálat utóélete
Authors: Kricsfalusi Anna
Published: December 2019

A tanulmány a Pán Péter Szindrómát, valamint a Kapunyitási Pánikot, az utóbbi évtized közkedvelt kifejezéseit és jelenségeit vizsgálja a felnőttkorba lépő, szakképzésből kikerülő fiatalok körében. Központi kérdései: Miért alakulhatott ki? Miért most? Létezik e valóban, vagy csak az elkerülési stratégiák egyik válfajáról van szó? Milyen jelenségek együttese okozza a kialakulását? Vannak- e életkori sajátosságok, amik hajlamosító tényezőkké válhatnak? Vannak-e nemi különbségek a jelenség megjelenésénél? A kérdések megválaszolásával próbálom igazolni, hogy Pán Péter szindróma helyett inkább egy speciális, életciklus váltás okozta krízis állapotról beszélhetünk. Kulcsszavak: Pán Péter szindróma, kapunyitási pánik, krízisállapot, quaterlife crisis, fiatalok, posztadoleszcencia, emerging adulthood, korszakváltás, identitás státusz, szorongás, elkerülési stratégia, depresszió Diszciplina: pszichológia, szociológia, neveléstudomány The study examines the Peter Pan Syndrome and the Quarterlife Crisis, two well-known phenomena which occur among young adults finishing their vocational training.The key questions are: Why do they happen? Why at this time? Do they really exist or are they just some types of avoidance strategies? What circumstances cause their emergence? Are there any age-related factors that may predispose their occurrence? Are there any gender differences in their appearance?Answering these questions I have come to the conclusion that instead of the Peter Pan Syndrome what we face is rather a special state of crisis caused by the life cycle transition. Keywords: Peter Pan Syndrome, quaterlife crisis, crisis status, young adults, post-adolescent, emerging adulthood, identity status, anxiety, avoidance strategy, depressionDisciplines: psychology, sociology, pedagogy
A tudásalapú gazdaság regionális kihívásai a szakképzésben
Authors: Soós Tamás
Published: December 2019

Napjainkban a szakképzés területén tapasztalható „útkeresések” is azt mutatják, hogy komoly kihívást jelent – a képzés valamennyi szereplője részéről – az egyre magasabb szintű elvárásoknak megfelelni, a gazdasági igényeknek megfelelő mennyiségi és minőségi követelményeket teljesíteni. A szakképzés továbbfejlesztésével összefüggő közös gondolkodáshoz kívánok kapcsolódni közelmúltban elfogadott PhD értekezésemmel, amely a „ A kompetenciaigények vizsgálata a szakképzés és a munkaerőpiac összefüggéseiben,az észak-magyarországi régióban ”címmel készült. The objective of my research was to explore to what extent the competence offer of vocational education adapts to labour market demand, to what extent it can contribute to the permanently changing requirements of the enterprises of the region and the human resource development of the economic units operating here. My starting point was that present and even more, future of vocational education is determined by its capability to react to the fast technological changes, to the paradigmatic transformation going on in the economy within the industry 4.0, to the challenges of robotization characterizing knowledge directed innovation society and the development of artificial intelligence. In everyday life, however, it is generally difficult to find well-educated workers with adequate qualifications, while the quality requirements towards young professionals are continuously growing in the world of labour.
Az alkalmazottak fluktuációjának és munkaerőhiányának elemzése a közszférában egy országos empirikus kutatás tükrében
Authors: Poór József , Juhász Tímea , Hazafi Zoltán , Szakács Gábor , Kovács Ádám
Published: December 2019

Nagy problémát jelent maga a fluktuáció jelenléte a szervezetek életében. A fluktuáció számít a humán erőforrások egyik fontos teljesítményindexének. A fluktuáció emelkedése olyan történésekre, problémákra és hibákra következtet, amelyek egy szervezet jövőbeni sikeres és effektív működését merőben gátolják. A fluktuáció kezelésére, ezért a gyakorlatban azonnali lépéseket és alkalmazható módszereket szükséges eszközölni (Boudreau,2011). A megfelelő szakmai tapasztalattal rendelkező munkavállaló meghatározóan jelentős értéket képvisel a szervezetek hatékony működésében. A fluktuációs érték ágazati bontása, rámutat arra, hogy a magánszféra vállalatainál a fizikai munkaköri csoportokban a legmagasabb mértékű a fluktuáció. Meglepő eredménye a kutatásnak, hogy a közszférában ugyanezen munkakörökben alacsony fluktuációs értékek tapasztalhatók. Viszont az is kiderül cikkünkben idézett 2017-ben elvégzett empirikus kutatásunkból, hogy ma már szokatlanul magas fluktuációs értékek (pl. 40%-os) is előfordulnak a közszférában is.Fluctuation itself means a great problem in the operation of organizations. Fluctuation is one of the main production indicator of human resources. A growth in fluctuation indicates events, problems and faults that obstruct the successful and effective operation of the organization in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to make instant steps and apply adequate methods to manage fluctuation (Boudreau, 2011). The employee possessing sufficient professional experiences bears a determinant and essential value in the efficient operation of the organization. The sectoral breakdown of the fluctuation values refers to the fact that fluctuation shows the highest values within the groups of physical positions at private companies. It is a surprising result of the research that the fluctuation values of the same positions in the public sector are low. However, our research implemented in 2017 and cited in this article made it clear that in some cases there are extreme fluctuation values (e.g. 40 percent) in the public sector, as well.
Az intézményi szintű pályakövetés módszertana az iskolai rendszerű szakképzésben
Authors: Molnárné Stadler Katalin
Published: December 2019

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A szakmai pedagógusok (pedagógusi) pálya elhagyásának vizsgálata több dimenzióban 2.
Authors: Bacsa-Bán Anetta
Published: December 2019

A pedagóguspálya vizsgálata az elmúlt évek során a figyelem középpontjába került, mind a pálya választásának, mind a pálya elhagyásának, vagy a pályaelégedettség tekintetében. A vizsgálatok fókuszba állítottak olyan pedagógus csoportokat, amelyek elégedettsége alacsony, s ezáltal pályaelhagyási aránya magas; e kutatások hívták fel a figyelmet a mérnöktanári, szakoktatói, szakmai tanári területekre a fent említett szempontok nyomán.Vizsgálatomban a szakmai tanárok, mérnöktanárok pályán maradását, pályaelhagyását, azok összetevőit és jellemzőit kívánom feltárni. A vizsgálat központi kérdése az, hogy mely tényezők által vonzó a mérnöktanári/szakmai pedagógusi képzés és pálya.A tanulmány első része az elméleti hátteret tekintette át, a második részben az empirikus vizsgálatot ismertetem.In the past years, the survey of the teaching career has got in the limelight, equally in the respect of choosing the career and abandoning the career or the satisfaction on the career. Surveys have put such groups into focus which have a low degree of satisfaction and therefore a high degree of career abandoning. These surveys have called the attention on the fields of engineer-teachers, vocational instructors and trade teachers, on the basis of the above mentioned points.In my present survey, I would like to reveal the components and characteristics of staying on career and career abandoning of engineer-teachers and vocational teachers. The central issue of my survey was to reveal the factors which make the engineer-teacher /vocational teacher training and career are attractive.The first part of the study provided an overview of the theoretical background, the second part, now I present the empirical investigation.
Transformation of Industrial By-Products into Composite Photocatalytic Materials
Authors: Katsika Eleni , Volioti Maria , Karayannis Vayos G. , Moutsatsou Angeliki
Published: December 2019

The transformation of both calcareous and siliceous Greek power station by-products (lignite ashes) into novel composite materials with photocatalytic properties for environmental application was investigated. Particularly, a comparison between the development of coated ceramic substrates and the modification of ash surfaces is attempted. Specifically, a) the sintering process (1000 °C, 2 h) of both fly and bottom ash (either calcareous or siliceous) for their conversion into compacted ceramic substrates coated with TiO2 slurry and then further thermally treated (500 °C, 1 h) to acquire TiO2 film consistency onto the ceramic substrate and b) the process of TiO2 precipitation on lignite ash surfaces in acidic solution after neutralization, and estimation of the TiO2 percentage, are compared. The microstructures obtained were examined by XRD and SEM-EDX analysis. Vickers microhardness was also determined for the ceramic microstructures, with satisfactory results (up to 356HV). The energy gap measurements of the coatings were found to be between 3.02eV and 3.17eV, which is located between the energy gap of anatase (3.23eV) and rutile (3.02eV). The coating mass was about 0.059 g/cm2. The photocatalytic activity under visible and UV irradiation was investigated in aqueous solutions of methylene blue and methyl orange organic dyes, with encouraging results. A main advantage of the processes proposed is the immobilization of TiO2 onto largely available secondary resources, which can lead to production of value-added ‘green’ photocatalysts for the treatment of industrial effluents in the framework of circular economy.
Analysis of Financial Literacy Levels and Financial Behavior of Investment Decisions with Income as Moderating
Authors: Arianti Baiq Fitri , Azzahra Khoirunnisa , Romadhina Anggun Putri
Published: December 2019

This study to analyze the level of financial literacy and financial behavior towards investment decisions with income as a moderating variable in UMKM South Tangerang city actors. The population in this study were all UMKM in the city of South Tangerang. The sample method in this study uses a simple random sampling method, namely the Slovin formula so that a sample size of 393 UMKM actors can be obtained. The data used in this study are primary and secondary data. The primary data source was obtained from distributing questionnaires to all UMKM in South Tangerang City who were the study population. Secondary data sources (supporting) in the form of documents owned by the South Tangerang City Government Office relating to the UMKM sector and other supporting data, namely the mass media, BPS, previous research results, books and other references related to this study. In this study primary data were obtained from the first source, namely the UMKM of the city of South Tangerang. The primary data collection techniques in this study are a) Observation, b) Library Research, c) Questionnaire / Questionnaire is a data collection technique that is done by giving a set of questions or written statements to respondents to be answered using a Likert scale. Then the data analysis technique in this study is Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) with the help of the SPSS 22.0 program. The results showed that that financial literacy affects investment decisions on UMKM actors, financial behavior variables influence investment decisions, income variables cannot moderate the significant influence of financial literacy on investment decisions and income variables cannot moderate the significant influence of financial literacy on investment decisions.
Homestay in Teacher and Lecturer Perception as Alternative Selection of Accommodation for School Education Tours
Authors: Desafitri RB Linda , Koto Irfal , Mustika Amalia
Published: December 2019

Education can be obtained from formal and non-formal activities. Non-formal educational activities or also called extracurricular activities. This education is obtained from a variety of activities outside the school, one of which is to do outbound in a tourist village or commonly referred to as cultural tourism. Cultural tourism activities require accommodation at affordable costs, such as homestay. This study uses descriptive quantitative data analysis methods with validity and reliability tests and data collection techniques by distributing questionnaires to 100 respondents consisting of junior high, vocational / high school teachers and college lecturers located in Jakarta. Sampling using a purposive sampling method. Based on the research conducted, it concluded that the perception in the dimensions of motives with indicators of liking and choosing homestay for school education tourism is the highest mean results.
Refugee status: Privileged
Authors: Kazkaz Rana
Published: December 2019

The idea for the short film Mare Nostrum (Rana Kazkaz and Anas Khalaf, 2016) came to me as a result of several experiences I had in April 2015. At that time, I was making a documentary with Syrian refugees living in Jordan and three of them were contemplating taking the illegal boat ride across the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. None of them knew how to swim. Next, while at a dinner party in Amman, I was shocked to hear judgmental words aimed at those who dared risk their lives to cross the sea in the name of hope: “selfish”; “such greed”; “they should stay where they are”. Then, I saw a news reporter state that nearly 800 people had drowned that day trying to cross the Mediterranean. Finally, while researching information about Syrian refugees, I learned that an Italian initiative that had been rescuing people from the sea had been terminated. It was called Operation Mare Nostrum. With all this information, the cinematic images formed in my mind: a father throws his daughter in the sea, no dialogue. Only at the end do we understand he was teaching her to survive. This is an account of the making of Mare Nostrum.
A reflection on Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time
Authors: Galbraith Janet
Published: December 2019

Janet Galbraith appears in the film Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time (Behrouz Boochani and Arash Kamali Sarvestani, 2017) and was also instrumental in facilitating the filmmaking process. She is the only Australian featured in the movie and used her privileges as a citizen to smuggle some significant footage from Manus Island to Australia where it was uploaded for codirector Kamali Sarvestani to access. In this paper, Galbraith recounts important features of the filmmaking process by employing different genres and styles of writing: she offers recollections of her time collaborating with Boochani, actors and supporters; her interpretation of the significance of the film; and critical analysis of Manus Island’s colonial history and Australia’s neocolonial machinations. What Galbraith produces here foregrounds issues such as gender, race, privilege and the various structural forms of oppression and exclusion limiting Boochani’s resistance and creative work.
Rulo Çim Alanlarındaki Toprakların ve Çim Bitkisinin Bazı Ağır Metal (Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb) İçerikleri: Pilot Çalışma: Edirne, Balıkesir ve Çanakkale
Authors: PARLAK Mehmet , EVEREST Timuçin , TUNÇAY Tülay
Published: December 2019

Kentleşmenin etkisiyle rulo çim alanlarındaki topraklar ağır metallerce kirlenmektedirler. Bu araştırmada Edirne (Kocahıdır ve Salarlı Köyü), Balıkesir (Altınova Mahallesi) ve Çanakkale’ deki (Çınarlı Köyü) rulo çim alanlarından alınan toprak örneklerinde alınabilir ve toplam ağır metal kapsamları ile çim bitkisinin ağır metal kapsamları belirlenmiştir. Toprak tekstürü, pH, elektriksel iletkenlik, kireç ve organik madde de saptanmıştır. Farklı yerlerden alınan toprak örnekleri birlikte ortalama olarak değerlendirildiğinde alınabilir Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni ve Pb sırasıyla 1.06, 0.43, 0.006, 0.83 ve 1.65 mg/kg olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bitki örneklerinin Cu kapsamı 5.47-7.63 mg/kg, Zn kapsamı  18.77-74.80 mg/kg, Cr kapsamı 2.25-9.39 mg/kg, Ni kapsamı 1.65-9.82 mg/kg ve Pb kapsamı ise 0.06-17.53 mg/kg arasında değişmiştir. Toplam Cu en fazla Çınarlı Köyü’ nde (529.60 mg/kg) en az Salarlı Köyü’nde (308.30 mg/kg),  toplam Zn en fazla Altınova Mahallesi’ nde (47.16 mg/kg) en az Salarlı Köyü’nde (30.29 mg/kg), toplam Cr en fazla Çınarlı Köyü’ nde (118.10 mg/kg) en az Kocahıdır Köyü’nde (13.64 mg/kg), toplam Ni en fazla Çınarlı Köyü’nde (126.68 mg/kg) en az Kocahıdır Köyü’nde (7.31 mg/kg), toplam Pb ise en fazla Altınova Mahallesi’nde (15.46 mg/kg) en az Salarlı Köyü’nde (13.21 mg/kg) saptanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler toprak kirliliği kontrol yönetmeliğine göre değerlendirildiğinde çim alanı topraklarının hepsinde Cu derişiminin sınır değerlerin üzerinde olduğu, Çınarlı Köyü’ndeki Cr ve Ni hariç diğer ağır metallerin sınır değerlerin altında olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Quine: a Naturalist in a Physicalist World
Authors: Tuboly Adam Tamas
Published: December 2019

Review of Robert Sinclair (ed.). Science and Sensibila by W. V. O. Quine. The 1980 Immanuel Kant Lectures. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. 2019. pp. xiv-210. Hardcover ISBN 978-3-030-04908-9. USD 79.99.
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY DUE TO CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
Authors: PADAK Mahmut , DİKME Reşat , GÖÇ Ömer
Published: December 2019

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an extracorporeal circulatory model consisting essentially of a pump, reservoir and oxygenator. At the beginning of CPB, blood of the patient flows into the extracorporeal circulation, which does not contain the endothelial surface, from the patient and initiates the inflammatory process, that is developed by the cellular, extracellular or humoral components of the blood and this process varies according to the patient's genotype, peroperative parameters and complexity of the pathology. Acute renal injury among patients undergoing cardiac surgery appears to be associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a condition that increases the common mortality and morbidity in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and adversely affects the clinical course.
INCREASING THE RANGE OF MEASUREMENTS OF PROFILE HEIGHT IN THE INTERFERENCE PROFILOMETER
Authors: Vykhristyuk Ignat , Kulikov Rodion , Sysoev Evgeny
Published: December 2019

Methods for increasing the measurement range of the height of surface profile by the interference profilometer are proposed. The methods are based on using of multiple light sources with different wavelengths. It was shown experimentally that the measurement range increased at least 5 times due to using of two wavelengths, and at least 7 times due to using three wavelengths, while maintaining the resolution of the measurements.
DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTOBOX DESIGN FOR THE CRIMINALISTIC RESEARCH OF THE SHOT TRACKS
Authors: Karamshuk Elena
Published: December 2019

The engineering solution for providing the non-destructive methods for shot tracks testing is developed. Mobile device design allows for identifying and testing the shot tracks, not only at laboratory but also under the "field" conditions. The original design of the illuminator allows to carry out the multispectral digital photography.
DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH OF A PRECISION PIEZOELECTRIC Y-COORDINATE DRIVE FOR A CIRCULAR LASER WRITING SYSTEM
Authors: Shimansky Ruslan , Korolkov Victor , Kachkin Anton
Published: December 2019

The paper presents the results of the development and research of a precision piezoelectric Y-coordinate drive for a circular laser writing system. The developed drive is designed to correct the direction of the linear scan path of the recording beam to align it with the center of rotation of the substrate.
Ontological model of the e-scenario of scientific research as a means of organization of the operational research base
Authors: Kalnyi Sergiy
Published: December 2019

The subject of the research is the effectiveness of information support ofresearch activity on the basis of application of modern network technologies ofe-remote access to the distributed systems of knowledge formation. The purposeof this article is to identify the ontological model in the format of the E-scenarioof scientific research, as a means of organizing an operational research knowledgebase. The methodology of the work is the use of information and communicationtechnologies (ICT) and methods of ontological modulation of knowledge bases inthe field of information support for scientific research. Results of the work is theontological model of E-scenario of scientific researches as a means of organizationof operational research base of knowledge is offered and the principles and methods of its construction are defined. Conclusions-One of the promising directionsof further refinement of the provided model of E-scenario of scientific researchesis development of methodological, ontological and logical bases of knowledge construction on its basis. Ontologies play a crucial role in describing the formationof such systems. This involves solving urgent problems of increasing the effectiveness of research. One of the promising tasks for the development of ICT providedis the creation of a system of ontological descriptions of various objects of scientific research in the process of research activities, which simultaneously becomesa means of mastering the methodology of scientific knowledge and the formationof new research bases of knowledge. The use of the proposed method of constructing the ontological model of the E-scenario of scientific research allows to makethis process more personalized on the one hand and more mobile and unrestrictedin the format of electronic dissemination of knowledge on the other. That is, thegiven system of knowledge formation allows to build both personal knowledgebases and collective ones. This is achieved by the fact that the researcher has theopportunity to use his or her own experience by building personal E-scenarios ofknowledge formation and, if necessary, to connect them to other E-scenarios ofknowledge of fellow researchers, or to integrate their knowledge in their E-scenarios of knowledge, or to transfer them thereby personally disseminating theirknowledge in the professional field to their colleagues and creating creative scientific teams.
The Potential Role of Cobalt and/or Organic Fertilizers in Improving the Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Composition of Moringa oleifera
Authors: Gad Nadia , Sekara Agnieszka , Abdelhamid Magdi T.
Published: December 2019

In sustainable farming, the use of organic fertilizers is a costly but environmentally-oriented type of soil–crop system management. Among essential microelements, cobalt (Co) deficiency commonly occurs in arid and semi-arid climatic regions suitable for the growing of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam), an economically important, multipurpose tree. Therefore, in this study, two pot experiments were conducted to identify the interaction effects of Co and organic fertilizers in modifying the growth, yield, and nutritional composition of moringa. Each experiment consisted of 21 treatments as combinations of seven concentrations of Co (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0 mg L−1) and three organic fertilizers (chicken manure, CM; farmyard manure, FYM; and compost, Comp). Co, at 7.5–12.5 mg L−1, in combination with CM, significantly increased the height, leaf number, leaf area, and dry weight of plants, as well as N, P, K, Zn, Cu, protein, total carbohydrate, total soluble solids, total phenolics, carotenoids, and vitamin C in leaves. Co was positively correlated with N, P, K, and the dry weight content in moringa leaves, and this synergistic interaction may underpin the remaining parameters enhanced by Co. The cobalt effect was dose-dependent, so the improved growth, yield, and nutritional composition of moringa can be managed through a proper Co dose in combination with organic fertilizer. Co and organic fertilization could be a promising strategy for improving moringa plant productivity and its biological value in conditions of sandy soils and Co deficiency.
Effect of Curcumin on Growth Performance, Inflammation, Insulin level, and Lipid Metabolism in Weaned Piglets with IUGR
Authors: Niu Yu , He Jintian , Zhao Yongwei , Shen Mingming , Zhang Lili , Zhong Xiang , Wang Chao , Wang Tian
Published: December 2019

The possible causes of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) might stem from placental insufficiency, maternal malnutrition, inflammation in utero, and other causes. IUGR has had an adverse influence on human health and animal production. Forty weaned piglets with normal birth weights (NBWs) or IUGR were randomly divided into four treatments groups: NBW, NC (NBW with curcumin supplementation), IUGR, and IC (IUGR with curcumin supplementation) from 26 to 50 d. Levels of cytokines, glucose, and lipid metabolism were evaluated. IUGR piglets showed slow growth during the experiment. Piglets with IUGR showed higher levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance, and hepatic lipid accumulation. Curcumin supplementation reduced the production of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, attenuated insulin resistance and hepatic triglyceride, and enhanced the hepatic glycogen concentrations and lipase activities of IUGR piglets. The hepatic mRNA expressions of the insulin-signaling pathway and lipogenic pathway were influenced by IUGR and were positively attenuated by diets supplemented with curcumin. In conclusion, IUGR caused slow growth, insulin resistance, and increased hepatic lipid levels. Diets supplemented with curcumin improved growth, attenuated insulin resistance, and reduced lipid levels in the liver by regulating the hepatic gene expressions of the related signaling pathway in IUGR piglets.
Process Evaluation of Animal-Assisted Therapy: Feasibility and Relevance of a Dog-Assisted Therapy Program in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Wijker Carolien , Leontjevas Ruslan , Spek Annelies , Enders-Slegers Marie-Jose
Published: December 2019

(1) Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for evaluating a treatment. However, the results of an RCT may remain meaningless for clinical practice in cases of poor intervention feasibility or fidelity (the extent to which the protocol was executed), or when health care professionals or patients experience the intervention as irrelevant or unpleasant. Feasibility and relevance of psychosocial interventions are highly understudied in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In order to put the effects revealed in an RCT on an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into the context of clinical practice and to formulate guidelines for potential improvements and further implementation of the therapy, the aim of this process evaluation was to gain insight into the relevance and feasibility of the intervention and barriers and facilitators to its implementation. (2) Methods: Data were collected from 27 participants with ASD and three therapists using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and treatment reports. Reach, adherence, program fidelity, and program appraisal were evaluated, and barriers and facilitators to recruitment and implementation of the AAT program were explored. (3) Results: The participants were satisfied with the program and evaluated it as feasible and relevant for adults with ASD. The participants documented improving self-insight, joy, relaxation, and physical contact with a therapy dog as the reason of their positive appraisal of the therapy. Documented aspects that may influence feasibility and appraised relevance were the participants’ therapy attitude, skills for generalization, and severity of contextual problems (e.g., problems at work, relationship problems). Regarding the sample quality, females and dog owners were slightly over-represented in the RCT. (4) Discussion: Considering the positive evaluation of the intervention and its positive effects revealed in the RCT, the AAT program can be added to the treatment repertoire to reduce stress and improve social communication in adults with ASD. More research in larger samples is needed for better understanding the generalization of the intervention effects, especially in male patients and those who do not have a dog at home.
Small Intestine Ultrasound Findings on Horses Following Exploratory Laparotomy, Can We Predict Postoperative Reflux?
Authors: Cuevas-Ramos Gabriel , Domenech Lara , Prades Marta
Published: December 2019

Postoperative reflux (POR) is a well-recognized complication after colic surgery in horses, particularly when presenting small intestinal pathology. Even though much has been written about the pathophysiology and management of POR, additional clinical studies are needed to better understand and anticipate this complication. The aim of the study was to provide clinical evidence of ultrasound findings in the postoperative period (three days). The study is based on transcutaneous abdominal ultrasounds of the caudoventral abdomen during the postoperative period (three days), in 58 horses, presented for an exploratory laparotomy, and compared to 20 horses that underwent general anesthesia for an elective surgical procedure. Small intestine (SI) images and videos were analyzed for loop number, loop diameter, wall thickness, motility, and echogenic type of loop contents. Ultrasound findings of horses that had a large colon pathology were similar to those of the control group. Interestingly, horses that presented an SI pathology had significantly thicker SI walls, increased loop diameter, slower motility, and hypoechoic contents, particularly in horses that had undergone small intestinal resection and anastomosis. Although the number of horses that developed POR in our study was too small for statistical analysis, they all had the aforementioned ultrasonographic changes. Abdominal ultrasound, during the postoperative period (three days), was a useful method to identify horses with abnormal small intestinal parameters. Further investigation as to whether these parameters can be used to predict POR in a larger population is warranted.
Efficacy and Mechanism of Traditional Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds against Clinically Important Pathogens
Authors: Mickymaray Suresh
Published: December 2019

Traditional medicinal plants have been cultivated to treat various human illnesses and avert numerous infectious diseases. They display an extensive range of beneﬁcial pharmacological and health effects for humans. These plants generally synthesize a diverse range of bioactive compounds which have been established to be potent antimicrobial agents against a wide range of pathogenic organisms. Various research studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of traditional plants scientifically or experimentally measured with reports on pathogenic microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials. The antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds arising from several functional activities may be capable of inhibiting virulence factors as well as targeting microbial cells. Some bioactive compounds derived from traditional plants manifest the ability to reverse antibiotic resistance and improve synergetic action with current antibiotic agents. Therefore, the advancement of bioactive-based pharmacological agents can be an auspicious method for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. This review considers the functional and molecular roles of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds, focusing typically on their antimicrobial activities against clinically important pathogens.
Sex Differences in Glutathione Peroxidase Activity and Central Obesity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes at High Risk of Cardio-Renal Disease
Authors: Steyn Mia , Zitouni Karima , Kelly Frank J , Cook Paul , Earle Kenneth A
Published: December 2019

Women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have an increased susceptibility of developing cardio-renal disease compared to men, the reasons and the mechanisms of this vulnerability are unclear. Since oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of cardio-renal disease, we investigated the relationship between sex, plasma antioxidants status (glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3 activity), vitamin E and selenium), and adiposity in patients with T2DM at high risk of cardio-renal disease. Women compared to men had higher GPx-3 activity (p = 0.02), bio-impedance (p ≤ 0.0001), and an increase in waist circumference in relation to recommended cut off-points (p = 0.0001). Waist circumference and BMI were negatively correlated with GPx-3 activity (p ≤ 0.05 and p ≤ 0.01, respectively) and selenium concentration (p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.02, respectively). In multiple regression analysis, waist circumference and sex were independent predictors of GPx-3 activity (p ≤ 0.05 and p ≤ 0.05, respectively). The data suggest that increased central fat deposits are associated with reduced plasma antioxidants which could contribute to the future risk of cardio-renal disease. The increased GPx-3 activity in women could represent a preserved response to the disproportionate increase in visceral fat. Future studies should be aimed at evaluating if the modulation of GPx-3 activity reduces cardio-renal risk in men and women with T2DM.
Centella Asiatica Improves Memory and Promotes Antioxidative Signaling in 5XFAD Mice
Authors: Matthews Donald G , Caruso Maya , Murchison Charles F , Zhu Jennifer Y , Wright Kirsten M , Harris Christopher J , Gray Nora E , Quinn Joseph F , Soumyanath Amala
Published: December 2019

Centella asiatica (CA) herb is a traditional medicine, long reputed to provide cognitive benefits. We have reported that CA water extract (CAW) treatment improves cognitive function of aged Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model Tg2576 and wild-type (WT) mice, and induces an NRF2-regulated antioxidant response in aged WT mice. Here, CAW was administered to AD model 5XFAD female and male mice and WT littermates (age: 7.6 +/ − 0.6 months), and object recall and contextual fear memory were tested after three weeks treatment. CAW’s impact on amyloid-β plaque burden, and markers of neuronal oxidative stress and synaptic density, was assessed after five weeks treatment. CAW antioxidant activity was evaluated via nuclear transcription factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) and NRF2-regulated antioxidant response element gene expression. Memory improvement in both genders and genotypes was associated with dose-dependent CAW treatment without affecting plaque burden, and marginally increased synaptic density markers in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. CAW treatment increased Nrf2 in hippocampus and other NRF2 targets (heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit). Reduced plaque-associated SOD1, an indicator of oxidative stress, was observed in the hippocampi and cortices of CAW-treated 5XFAD mice. We postulate that CAW treatment leads to reduced oxidative stress, contributing to improved neuronal health and cognition.
Review and Categorization of Digital Applications in the Energy Sector
Authors: Weigel Paul , Fischedick Manfred
Published: December 2019

Digitalization is a transformation process which has already affected many parts of industry and society and is expected to yet increase its transformative speed and impact. In the energy sector, many digital applications have already been implemented. However, a more drastic change is expected during the next decades. Good understanding of which digital applications are possible and what are the associated benefits as well as risks from the different perspectives of the impacted stakeholders is of high importance. On the one hand, it is the basis for a broad societal and political discussion about general targets and guidelines of digitalization. On the other hand, it is an important piece of information for companies in order to develop and sustainably implement digital applications. This article provides a structured overview of potential digital applications in the German energy (electricity) sector, including the associated benefits and the impacted stakeholders on the basis of a literature review. Furthermore, as an outlook, a methodology to holistically analyze digital applications is suggested. The intended purpose of the suggested methodology is to provide a complexity-reduced fact base as input for societal and political discussions and for the development of new digital products, services, or business models. While the methodology is outlined in this article, in a follow-up article the application of the methodology will be presented and the use of the approach reflected.
Total Least-Squares Iterative Closest Point Algorithm Based on Lie Algebra
Authors: Feng Youyang , Wang Qing , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2019

In geodetic surveying, input data from two coordinates are needed to compute rigid transformations. A common solution is a least-squares algorithm based on a Gauss–Markov model, called iterative closest point (ICP). However, the error in the ICP algorithm only exists in target coordinates, and the algorithm does not consider the source model’s error. A total least-squares (TLS) algorithm based on an errors-in-variables (EIV) model is proposed to solve this problem. Previous total least-squares ICP algorithms used a Euler angle parameterization method, which is easily affected by a gimbal lock problem. Lie algebra is more suitable than the Euler angle for interpolation during an iterative optimization process. In this paper, Lie algebra is used to parameterize the rotation matrix, and we re-derive the TLS algorithm based on a GHM (Gauss–Helmert model) using Lie algebra. We present two TLS-ICP models based on Lie algebra. Our method is more robust than previous TLS algorithms, and it suits all kinds of transformation matrices.
Application of TRMM Precipitation Data to Evaluate Drought and Its Effects on Water Resources Instability
Authors: Amini Ata , Abdeh Kolahchi Abdolnabi , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Karami Moghadam Mehdi , Mohammad Thamer
Published: December 2019

The present research was carried out to study drought and its effects upon water resources using remote sensing data. To this end, the tropical rainfall measuring mission (TRMM) satellite precipitation, the synoptic stations, and fountain discharge data were employed. For monitoring of drought in the study area, in Kermanshah province, Iran, the monthly precipitation data of the synoptic stations along with TRMM satellite precipitation datasets were collected and processed in the geographic information system (GIS) environment. Statistical indicators were applied to evaluate the accuracy of TRMM precipitation against the meteorological stations’ data. Standardized precipitation index, SPI, and normalized fountain discharge were used in the monitoring of drought conditions, and fountains discharge, respectively. The fountains were selected so that in addition to enjoying the most discharge rates, they spread along the study area. The evaluation of precipitation data showed that the TRMM precipitation data were of high accuracy. Studies in temporal scale are indicative of the strike of drought in this region to the effect that for most months of the year, frequency and duration in dry periods are much more than in wet periods. As for seasonal scales, apart from winter, the frequency and duration of drought in spring and autumn have been longer than in wet years. Moreover, the duration of these periods was different. A comparison between the results of changes in fountain discharges and drought index in the region has verified that the drought has caused a remarkable decline in the fountain discharges.
Combined Vertical-Horizontal Flow Biochar Filter for Onsite Wastewater Treatment—Removal of Organic Matter, Nitrogen and Pathogens
Authors: Dalahmeh Sahar S , Assayed Almoayied , Stenström Ylva
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the performance of a combined vertical-horizontal flow biochar filter (VFF-HFF) system in terms of organic matter, total nitrogen (Tot-N), Escherichia coli and Salmonella removal and explored the effects of hydraulic loading rate (HLR) on pollutant removal. The combined VFF-HFF system used biochar as the filter medium and comprised two stacked sections: (i) an aerobic vertical flow filter (VFF) in which the wastewater percolated through the biochar medium in unsaturated mode and (ii) a horizontal flow filter (HFF), in which the biochar was saturated with water and had limited access to air, to enable anaerobic conditions and enhance the denitrification process. The system was tested over 126 weeks using real wastewater applied at different HLR (23, 31, 39 L m−2 day−1). The results showed that long-term removal of organic matter in the entire system was 93 ± 3%, with most (87 ± 5%) occurring in the VFF. For Tot-N, the long-term removal was 71 ± 12%, with increasing trends for nitrification in the VFF and denitrification in the HFF. Mean long-term nitrification efficiency in the VFF was 65 ± 15% and mean long-term denitrification efficiency in the HFF 49 ± 14%. Increasing HLR from 23 to 31 L m−2 day−1 increased the nitrification efficiency from 42 to 61%. Increasing the HLR further to 39 L m−2 day−1 decreased the denitrification efficiency from 45 to 25%. HLR had no significant effects on VFF and HFF performance in terms of E. coli and Salmonella removal, although the VFF achieved a 1.09–2.1 log10 unit reduction and the HFF achieved a 2.48–3.39 log10 unit reduction. Thus, long-term performance, i.e., removal of pollutants measured during the last 52 weeks of the experiment, was satisfactory in terms of organic matter and nitrogen removal, with no signs of clogging, indicating good robustness of the combined VFF-HFF biochar filter system.
Manuel Amaru Cholango: Decolonizing Technologies and the Construction of Indigenous Futures
Authors: Garzón Sara
Published: December 2019

Recent art history studies have delved into notions of futurity as it relates to indigenous approaches to environmental destruction in the face of ongoing colonial oppression. Building on the concept of indigenous futures, the present investigation focuses on the Kichwa artist Manuel Amaru Cholango’s decolonial critique of technology. Since the 1990s and in response to the quincentennial celebration of the “discovery” of America in 1992, Cholango has developed an oeuvre that criticizes the instrumentalization of modern technology for the exploitation of the earth and the perpetuation of colonialism. By advancing the notion of Andean technology, Cholango brings to bear other ways of relating to the environment that can help create, once again, the possibility of the future.
Cytotoxic Psammaplysin Analogues from the Verongid Red Sea Sponge Aplysinella Species
Authors: Shaala Lamiaa A. , Youssef Diaa T. A.
Published: December 2019

As part of our ongoing interest to identify bioactive chemical entities from marine invertebrates, the Red Sea specimen of the Verongid sponge Aplysinella species was studied. Repeated chromatographic fractionation of the methanolic extract of the sponge and HPLC purification of the cytotoxic fractions led to the isolation and the identification of two new compounds, psammaplysin Z and 19-hydroxypsammaplysin Z (1 and 2), together with the previously reported psammaplysins A (3) and E (4). The structural determination of 1–4 was supported by interpretation of their NMR and high-resolution mass spectra. Psammaplysins A and E displayed cytotoxic activity against MBA-MB-231 and HeLa cell lines with IC50 values down to 0.29 µM. On the other hand, psammaplysin Z and 19-hydroxypsammaplysin Z were moderately cytotoxic, indicating the importance of the terminal amine and 2-(methylene)cyclopent-4-ene-1,3-dione moieties in 3 and 4 for potent cytotoxic activity.
Characterization of the Interaction of Neuropathy Target Esterase with the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Lipid Droplets
Authors: Chang Pingan , He Ling , Wang Yu , Heier Christoph , Wu Yijun , Huang Feifei
Published: December 2019

Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized phospholipase that deacylates phosphatidylcholine (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Loss-of-function mutations in the human NTE gene have been associated with a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders such as hereditary spastic paraplegia, ataxia and chorioretinal dystrophy. Despite this, little is known about structure–function relationships between NTE protein domains, enzymatic activity and the interaction with cellular organelles. In the current study we show that the C-terminal region of NTE forms a catalytically active domain that exhibits high affinity for lipid droplets (LDs), cellular storage organelles for triacylglycerol (TAG), which have been recently implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Ectopic expression of the C domain in cultured cells decreases cellular PC, elevates TAG and induces LD clustering. LD interactions of NTE are inhibited by default by a non-enzymatic regulatory (R) region with three putative nucleotide monophosphate binding sites. Together with a N-terminal TMD the R region promotes proper distribution of the catalytic C-terminal region to the ER network. Taken together, our data indicate that NTE may exhibit dynamic interactions with the ER and LDs depending on the interplay of its functional regions. Mutations that disrupt this interplay may contribute to NTE-associated disorders by affecting NTE positioning.
Reasons for Failed Trials of Disease-Modifying Treatments for Alzheimer Disease and Their Contribution in Recent Research
Authors: Yiannopoulou Konstantina G. , Anastasiou Aikaterini I. , Zachariou Venetia , Pelidou Sygkliti-Henrietta
Published: December 2019

Despite all scientific efforts and many protracted and expensive clinical trials, no new drug has been approved by FDA for treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD) since 2003. Indeed, more than 200 investigational programs have failed or have been abandoned in the last decade. The most probable explanations for failures of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for AD may include late initiation of treatments during the course of AD development, inappropriate drug dosages, erroneous selection of treatment targets, and mainly an inadequate understanding of the complex pathophysiology of AD, which may necessitate combination treatments rather than monotherapy. Clinical trials’ methodological issues have also been criticized. Drug-development research for AD is aimed to overcome these drawbacks. Preclinical and prodromal AD populations, as well as traditionally investigated populations representing all the clinical stages of AD, are included in recent trials. Systematic use of biomarkers in staging preclinical and prodromal AD and of a single primary outcome in trials of prodromal AD are regularly integrated. The application of amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration biomarkers, including new biomarkers—such as Tau positron emission tomography, neurofilament light chain (blood and Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker of axonal degeneration) and neurogranin (CSF biomarker of synaptic functioning)—to clinical trials allows more precise staging of AD. Additionally, use of Bayesian statistics, modifiable clinical trial designs, and clinical trial simulators enrich the trial methodology. Besides, combination therapy regimens are assessed in clinical trials. The above-mentioned diagnostic and statistical advances, which have been recently integrated in clinical trials, are relevant to the recent failures of studies of disease-modifying treatments. Their experiential rather than theoretical origins may better equip potentially successful drug-development strategies.