bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PARENTAL ROLE IN CHILDREN’S SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF ACHIEVEMENT GOAL AND SELF- DETERMINATION THEORIES
Authors: Kromerova Enrika
Published: April 2019

Background. Aiming at understanding what influences youth sports experiences, researchers emphasize the
significance of the role of the family not only in the decision to get engaged in sports activities, but also in the
inclination to continue the activities. The increasing emphasis is on parental involvement and the impact of positive
and negative verbal behaviour influence on the psychosocial state of children engaged in sport. The aim of this
article was a conceptual overview of the family role, as the most significant microenvironment, in children’s sports
activities.
Methods. Analysis and discussion of scientific literature.
Results. Parental behaviour entails different reactions of children engaged in sports, but on the basis of self-
determination and achievement goal theories, it can be argued that the behaviour of the family should encourage
athletes’ mastery orientation, and consequently, a more pro-social conduct and moral reasoning can be expected.
Conclusions. Systematic literature review showed that both theories are in favour of actions and strategy, with
reference to parents’ encouragement to involve children in a task, while reducing their ego functioning. It can be
concluded that parents perceive their behaviour differently from that of their children, so often parents’ positive
reinforcement can have a negative impact on athletes’ psychosocial state, values, behaviour and goal-setting at
present and in the future.
Rede: Espaço para construção e interação de conhecimento
Authors: Da Silva Linhares Maria Conceição
Published: April 2019

Recebido: 25/03/2016 Aprovado: 05/04/2016Publicado: 10/04/2016Este artigo reflete sobre as redes como espaços para construção e interação de conhecimento entre os sujeitos e o meio. Na proposição da metáfora das redes, a presença dos sujeitos é fator determinante para a construção do conhecimento, visto que as conexões são realizadas pelo encontro destes sujeitos e suas especificidades, não só pelos contextos socioculturais dos quais fazem parte, mas também, pela permanência e percepção desses contextos, assim, sua ação e reflexão implicam nas habilidades e competências empreendidas no fazer das redes. O artigo fundamenta-se em autores como Freire (1997, 2003), para discutir a relação dialógica como princípio de formação; Castells (2000) e Moraes (2004, 2006) como metáfora de conhecimento e como fluxo de comunicação e interação. A partir das reflexões apresentadas conclui-se que a rede como espaço de construção e interação interconectada pelos nós que a compõe: conceitos, teorias, linguagens, instrumentos e ambientes midiáticos e hipertextuais, dentre outros, potencializam múltiplas e variadas teias para a construção do conhecimento.Palavras-chave: Rede. Interação. Construção. Conhecimento.
Reconstruindo identidades: autoestima e investimento na aprendizagem de língua inglesa
Authors: Bernardo Aline Cajé
Published: April 2019

Recebido: 25/03/2016 Aprovado: 05/04/2016Publicado: 10/04/2016As relações entre linguagem e identidade são de grande importância no processo de ensino e aprendizagem de uma língua estrangeira. Aprender um novo idioma envolve, entre outras coisas, uma nova relação consigo mesmo e com os outros. O sucesso nessa aprendizagem pode estimular positivamente o aluno. A partir de dados obtidos em uma pesquisa de mestrado com alunos do ensino fundamental, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar de que forma as interações comunicativas com pessoas de outras nacionalidades contribuíram para a ressignificação de suas identidades e afetaram sua relação com a aprendizagem do idioma.Palavras-chave: Língua Inglesa. Identidade. Aprendizagem. Autoestima. Investimento.
O mito judaico na Alemanha nazista e a perseguição aos judeus
Authors: De Alencar Barbosa Caroline
Published: April 2019

Recebido: 03/05/2016Aprovado: 10/06/2016Publicado: 10/07/2016
Guerra do Contestado: do processo judicial à produção historiográfica sobre os fatos.
Authors: Tonon Eloy , Lima Soeli Regina
Published: April 2019

Recebido:  25/09/2016 Aprovado:  29/11/2016Publicado: 10/01/2017 Resumo: O presente artigo trata das relações de poder envolvidas no processo judicial da Batalha do Irani contra José Fabrício das Neves e outros. Para tal, foi analisado o perfil socioeconômico dos depoentes, contextualizando com a realidade da sociedade brasileira do período. Foi possível identificar a forma como os sujeitos, arrolados no processo, percebiam o movimento do Contestado em sua fase inicial, identificando a influência destas ideias na produção historiográfica sobre a Guerra do Contestado.Palavras-chave: Processo judicial; Batalha do Irani; Produção historiográfica; Guerra do Contestado.
Movimento de Educação de Base (1961-1966): algumas histórias, muitas lutas
Authors: Farias Sara Oliveira
Published: April 2019

Recebido: 31/10/2016  Aprovado: 09/12/2017Publicado: 10/01/2017 Resumo: O artigo analisa aspectos da história e a atuação do Movimento de Educação de Base (MEB), através dos discursos produzidos pelas cartilhas, livros, documentos e depoimentos orais, compreendendo como as produções discursivas foram produzidas pelo movimento e, como repercutiram nos departamentos no MEB pelo Brasil, particularmente na Bahia nos anos de 1960.Palavras-chave: MEB. Igreja. História.
Uma “máquina” de matar: a guerra secreta da CIA
Authors: Lima de Assis Raquel Anne
Published: April 2019

Recebida: 23/11/2016Aprovada: 15/12/2016Publicada: 10/01/2017
História e propaganda: possíveis interações e reflexões
Authors: Do Nascimento Nganga João Gabriel
Published: April 2019

Recebido:  10/04/2017 Aprovado:  15/05/2017Publicado: 10/06/2017Resumo: Este artigo tem como ponto central a problematização das possibilidades e limites do uso da propaganda enquanto documento histórico e suas interlocuções com o imaginário social por meio de conceitos de representação, imaginário e identidades. Analisa ainda, as possíveis influências dessa mídia no imaginário social, visto que esse é um campo de representações muito variadas, nas quais podem afirmar ou rejeitar sujeitos por meio de forjamento de imagens positivas e/ou negativas de um grupo identitário particular.  Palavras-chave: História, Propaganda e Documento Histórico.
Gender Roles About Being a Woman in Some of Turkish Folk Songs
Authors: Çelik Metehan , Akgül Münire
Published: April 2019

In this study, the problems of gender in our society with emphasis on
how the songs of women in traditional texture have been investigated. This is a
compilation of research. In this study, the woman in a sexual commodity songs
forced marriage, marriage at a cost, given the remote locations (forced
migration), issues such as those of the child and the age of the person with a
great marriage is examined. The aim of this study is to highlight wrong with
the songs of the reinforced traditional gender roles and to create awareness of
the need to have a life equally justice and gender roles of women as
individuals   no different than men . In
this study, document analysis method which is one of the qualitative research
methods is used. In the research, "he sift the flour on the roof",
"high-high hills, they set up house", "bayburtu the
gutters", "ancestors I get rid of my" karacaoğlu the song
"homesickness songs like" folk songs were studied.
Does Erasmus+ Programme Improve the Participants’ Intercultural Communicative Competence?
Authors: Altuğ Süleyman Alperen , Sezgin Elif Nur , Önal Ahmet
Published: April 2019

The significance of
Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) in foreign language teaching has
been recognized with the globalization and the role of English language as a
Lingua Franca (ELF) has been well-established over the last decades. Therefore,
the integration of culture into the process of foreign/second language teaching
is gaining more and more importance. Several studies that investigate the
importance of ICC have been conducted; however, it is a matter of fact that the
actual integration of ICC into language classes is quite limited. This study
aims to find out the differences between two English Language Teaching student
groups; namely, the ones who have participated in Erasmus+ Programme during their
undergraduate education and the ones who have not, in terms of their
intercultural attitude, knowledge, skill and action. The questionnaire from
Ergün (2016) has been utilised to assess the participants’ attitudes towards
ICC. The data has been analysed through SPSS version 22 and t-test has
been used to analyse the means of the two groups separately. The results
of the study have revealed that there exists a statistically significant
difference between the two groups of participants. The findings indicate that
the group of Erasmus Students showed more positive attitudes towards ICC than
the non-Erasmus Students group.
Güncellenen Fen Bilgisi Öğretmenliği Lisans Programı Hakkındaki Akademisyenlerin Görüşleri
Authors: Dağtekin Adıgüzel , Zorluoğlu Seraceddin Levent
Published: April 2019

Çalışmada, 2018-2019 dönemi içerisinde
güncellenmiş olan öğretmenlik lisans programlarından biri olan fen bilgisi
öğretmenliği lisans programı hakkında akademisyenlerin görüşlerinin ortaya
konulması ve programın akademisyenler tarafından değerlendirilmesi
amaçlanmıştır. Yapılan bu çalışma, nitel araştırma türlerinden biri olan durum
çalışması deseni kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında
görüşme yapılan çalışma grubu Eğitim Fakültesinde görevli dört akademisyenden
oluşmaktadır. Çalışamaya katkı sağlayan bu akademisyenlerin belirlenmesinde
nitel araştırmalarda örneklem seçimi türlerinden biri olan amaçlı örneklem
seçimi yöntemi içerisinde bulunan kolay ulaşılabilir örnekleme yöntemi tercih
edilmiştir. Çalışma sürecinde veri toplama aracı olarak yarı yapılandırılmış
görüşme soruları kullanılarak görüşme tekniği kullanılmıştır. Bu süreçte
görüşme tekniği ile elde edilen veriler nitel veri analizi türlerinden biri
olan içerik analizi yöntemi kullanılarak yapılmıştır. Yapılmış olan analizler
sonucunda ortaya konulan sonuçlar: Güncellenmiş olan programın önce ki programa
göre yenilikler içermesine rağmen alan bilgisi, uygulama ve alan derslerinin
içeriği bakımından yeterli bulunmadığı görüşü ile genel kültür, seçmeli dersler
ve eğitim bilimleri alanında yapılan güncellemelerin öğretmen adaylarının
mesleki gelişimlerine katkı da bulunacağı görüşleri belirtilmiştir. Bu görüşler
değerlendirildiğinde ortaya çıkan temel sonuç ise bu programın tekrar
akademisyenlerin beklentileri doğrultusunda güncellenmesi gerektiğidir.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF FOAMED CONCRETE IN RELATION TO POROSITY USING SEM IMAGES
Authors: Shawnim Paybar Ali , Mohammad Fouad
Published: April 2019

Foamed concrete specimens were examined for compressive strength at (28 and 180) days air sealed curing, as well as at 28 days water cured. Also, the microstructure of fifteen selected FC specimens was investigated for porosity in relation to compressive strength using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. Twenty two batches of FC specimens of the densities (1100, 1600 and 1800) kg/m3 were made with fine sand and brick aggregates with toner and metakaolin (MK) inclusion as additives, they were casted in polystyrene cube moulds of (100x100x100) mm. Results show, it is possible to produce FC with high compressive strength in the range of (28.5 to 59.2) N/mm2, with a variety of materials, while the 1600 kg/m3 density with the inclusion of toner and MK20 is the favourite, which can be used for structural elements. Conventionally, compressive strength is in an inverse relationship with porosity, as porosity increases, compressive strength decreases, but using toner and MK20 can alter this relationship between porosity and compressive strength, where by it is possible to produce a relatively light weight high porosity FC matrix to exhibit high compressive strength. Maturity of the FC at 180 days, can demonstrate an increase in the compressive strength. The microstructural investigations through SEM images revealed, the FC mix made with sand or brick only, exhibits an irregular shape factor of the micro pore system with the pore size in the range of (10 to 70) µm, while those made with the inclusion of toner and MK20 have a regular shape factor of a matrix of finer micro pore system of the sizes in the range of (0.01 to 10.0) µm, all of which are evenly distributed, and have a big influence on the properties of the FC, particularly, on compressive strength. Contrary to the conventional method of air sealed curing for FC, water curing method can equally give the same or a slightly better result in respect of compressive strength for some particular densities.
Engineered Extracellular Vesicles From Human Periodontal-Ligament Stem Cells Increase VEGF/VEGFR2 Expression During Bone Regeneration
Authors: Pizzicannella Jacopo , Gugliandolo Agnese , Orsini Tiziana , Fontana Antonella , Ventrella Alessia , Mazzon Emanuela , Bramanti Placido , Diomede Francesca , Trubiani Oriana
Published: April 2019

Bone regeneration represents still a challenge, in particular for calvarium defects. Recently, the development of biomaterials with the addiction of stem cells is giving promising results for the treatment of bone defects. In particular, it was demonstrated that scaffolds enriched with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or their derivatives, such as conditioned medium (CM) and extracellular vesicles (EVs), may improve bone regeneration. Moreover, given the deep link between osteogenesis and angiogenesis, a successful approach must also take into consideration the development of vascularization. In this work we evaluated the bone regeneration capacity of a collagen membrane (3D-COL) enriched with human periodontal-ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and CM or EVs or EVs engineered with polyethylenimine (PEI-EVs) in rats subjected to a calvarial defect. We evaluated also their capacity to induce angiogenic factors. At first, in vitro results showed an increased expression of osteogenic markers in hPDLSCs cultured with the 3D-COL and PEI-EVs, associated also with the increased protein levels of Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). The increased expression of these proteins was confirmed also in vivo in rats implanted with the 3D-COL enriched with hPDLSCs and PEI-EVs. Moreover, histological examination evidenced in this group of rats the activation of bone regeneration and of the vascularization process. Also MicroCT imaging with morphometric analysis confirmed in rats transplanted with 3D-COL enriched with hPDLSCs and PEI-EVs an important regenerative process and a better integration level. All together, these results evidenced that the 3D-COL enriched with hPDLSCs and PEI-EVs may promote bone regeneration of calvaria defects, associated also with an increased vascularization.
Effect of Slat and Gap Width of Slatted Concrete Flooring on Sow Gait Using Kinematics Analysis
Authors: Devillers Nicolas , Janvier Emmanuel , Delijani Farhoud , Méthot Steve , Dick Kristopher , Zhang Qiang , Connor Laurie
Published: April 2019

The housing of gestating sows in groups requires sound information about the adapted design of the pen floor. Slatted concrete floors are commonly used for effective drainage of manure but can cause feet injuries and lameness. In the present study, kinematics were used to characterize the gait of 12 gilts and 12 lame sows walking in a corridor on slatted concrete floors with different combinations of slat (85, 105 or 125 mm) and gap (19, 22 or 25 mm) widths. The nine experimental floors were tested with slats in the perpendicular and parallel orientation to the direction of animal walk, according to a duplicated lattice design. Gait parameters were quantified using spatial, temporal and angular kinematics for front and rear limbs. Some parameters were significantly affected by the treatments (p < 0.05), but the effects differed between gilts and lame sows and between slat orientations. Gap width had a significant effect on parameters such as back angle, stride length, foot height, and carpal and tarsal joint angle amplitudes. Slat width significantly affected parameters such as foot height, and carpal and tarsal joint angle amplitudes. Comparisons of the different combinations of slat and gap widths revealed that slats with a width of 105–125 mm and gap width of 19–22 mm had the least effect on the gait characteristics of the gilts and sows.
A Comparative Analysis of Methods for Determining Odour-Related Separation Distances around a Dairy Farm in Beijing, China
Authors: Wu Chuandong , Brancher Marlon , Yang Fan , Liu Jiemin , Qu Chen , Schauberger Günther , Piringer Martin
Published: April 2019

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) such as dairy farms are a source of odorous compound emissions. In this study, by identifying relevant odour sources within a 300-head dairy farm and quantifying their emissions, we determined the separation distances to avoid odour annoyance around the dairy farm with two empirical models (Austrian and German Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI) model) and a dispersion model (AERMOD). Besides, this study ponders on the selection of an appropriate meteorological station that best represents the area surrounding the farm. Results show that the maximum separation distances of an exceedance probability of P = 15% determined by the two empirical and the dispersion models are 524 m, 440 m and 655 m, while the minimum values are 202 m, 135 m, and 149 m, respectively. The NE–SW stretching separation distances match well with the wind rose. The mean ratios of separation distances determined by the two empirical models to that of the dispersion model are 1.23 and 0.95. Moreover, statistics of the separation distances indicate good accordance between the empirical models and the dispersion model.
Controlling Gut Inflammation by Restoring Anti-Inflammatory Pathways in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Giuffrida Paolo , Cococcia Sara , Delliponti Mariangela , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: April 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is caused by a dysregulated immune response against normal components of the intestinal microflora combined with defective functioning of anti-inflammatory pathways. Currently, all therapies approved for IBD manipulate the immune system by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mechanisms, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, gut-homing α4β7 integrin, interleukin-12/interleukin-23, and Janus kinases. However, some IBD patients are non-responders to these drugs, which are also associated with serious side effects. Thus, it has been hypothesized that therapies aimed at restoring anti-inflammatory signals, by exploiting the tolerogenic potential of cytokines (interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor), immune cells (regulatory T cells, tolerogenic dendritic cells), or mesenchymal stem cells, might offer promising results in terms of clinical efficacy with fewer side effects. In this review, we provide new insights into putative novel treatments aimed at restoring anti-inflammatory signaling pathways in IBD.
Hippo Pathway in Mammalian Adaptive Immune System
Authors: Yamauchi Takayoshi , Moroishi Toshiro
Published: April 2019

The Hippo pathway was originally identified as an evolutionarily-conserved signaling mechanism that contributes to the control of organ size. It was then rapidly expanded as a key pathway in the regulation of tissue development, regeneration, and cancer pathogenesis. The increasing amount of evidence in recent years has also connected this pathway to the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Notably, the Hippo pathway has been revealed to play a pivotal role in adaptive immune cell lineages, as represented by the patients with T- and B-cell lymphopenia exhibiting defective expressions of the pathway component. The complex regulatory mechanisms of and by the Hippo pathway have also been evident as alternative signal transductions are employed in some immune cell types. In this review article, we summarize the current understanding of the emerging roles of the Hippo pathway in adaptive immune cell development and differentiation. We also highlight the recent findings concerning the dual functions of the Hippo pathway in autoimmunity and anti-cancer immune responses and discuss the key open questions in the interplay between the Hippo pathway and the mammalian immune system.
Large-Scale Person Re-Identification Based on Deep Hash Learning
Authors: Ma Xian-Qin , Yu Chong-Chong , Chen Xiu-Xin , Zhou Lan
Published: April 2019

Person re-identification in the image processing domain has been a challenging research topic due to the influence of pedestrian posture, background, lighting, and other factors. In this paper, the method of harsh learning is applied in person re-identification, and we propose a person re-identification method based on deep hash learning. By improving the conventional method, the method proposed in this paper uses an easy-to-optimize shallow convolutional neural network to learn the inherent implicit relationship of the image and then extracts the deep features of the image. Then, a hash layer with three-step calculation is incorporated in the fully connected layer of the network. The hash function is learned and mapped into a hash code through the connection between the network layers. The generation of the hash code satisfies the requirements that minimize the error of the sum of quantization loss and Softmax regression cross-entropy loss, which achieve the end-to-end generation of hash code in the network. After obtaining the hash code through the network, the distance between the pedestrian image hash code to be retrieved and the pedestrian image hash code library is calculated to implement the person re-identification. Experiments conducted on multiple standard datasets show that our deep hashing network achieves the comparable performances and outperforms other hashing methods with large margins on Rank-1 and mAP value identification rates in pedestrian re-identification. Besides, our method is predominant in the efficiency of training and retrieval in contrast to other pedestrian re-identification algorithms.
Statistical Inference for Alpha-Series Process with the Generalized Rayleigh Distribution
Authors: Demirci Biçer Hayrinisa
Published: April 2019

In the modeling of successive arrival times with a monotone trend, the alpha-series process provides quite successful results. Both selecting the distribution of the first arrival time and making an optimal statistical inference play a crucial role in the modeling performance of the alpha-series process. In this study, when the distribution of the first arrival time is the generalized Rayleigh, the problem of statistical inference for the α , β , and λ parameters of the alpha-series process is considered. Further, in order to obtain optimal modeling performance from the mentioned alpha-series process, various estimators for the model parameters are obtained by employing different estimation methodologies such as maximum likelihood, modified maximum spacing, modified least-squares, modified moments, and modified L-moments. By a series of Monte Carlo simulations, the estimation efficiencies of the obtained estimators are evaluated through the different sample sizes. Finally, two real datasets are analyzed to illustrate the importance of modeling with the alpha-series process.
A Gate Driver Based on Variable Voltage and Resistance for Suppressing Overcurrent and Overvoltage of SiC MOSFETs
Authors: Chen Jiangui , Li Yan , Liang Mei
Published: April 2019

A SiC MOSFET is a suitable replacement for a Si MOSFET due to its lower on-state resistance, faster switching speed, and higher breakdown voltage. However, due to the parasitic parameters and the low damping in the circuit, the turn-on overcurrent and turn-off overvoltage of a SiC MOSFET become more severe as the switching speed increases. These effects limit higher frequency applications of SiC MOSFET. Based on the causes of overcurrent and overvoltage of SiC MOSFET, a novel gate driver with the variable driving voltage and variable gate resistance is proposed in this paper to suppress the overcurrent and overvoltage of SiC MOSFETs. The proposed gate driver can realize the variation in driving voltage and gate resistance during switching transitions. It not only suppresses the overcurrent and overvoltage of SiC MOSFETs, but also has little effect on switching loss. The working principle of the proposed gate driver is analyzed in this paper. Finally, experimental verification on a double-pulse test platform is performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed gate driver.
Demand Response Optimization Using Particle Swarm Algorithm Considering Optimum Battery Energy Storage Schedule in a Residential House
Authors: Faia Ricardo , Faria Pedro , Vale Zita , Spinola João
Published: April 2019

Demand response as a distributed resource has proved its significant potential for power systems. It is capable of providing flexibility that, in some cases, can be an advantage to suppress the unpredictability of distributed generation. The ability for participating in demand response programs for small or medium facilities has been limited; with the new policy regulations this limitation might be overstated. The prosumers are a new entity that is considered both as producers and consumers of electricity, which can provide excess production to the grid. Moreover, the decision-making in facilities with different generation resources, energy storage systems, and demand flexibility becomes more complex according to the number of considered variables. This paper proposes a demand response optimization methodology for application in a generic residential house. In this model, the users are able to perform actions of demand response in their facilities without any contracts with demand response service providers. The model considers the facilities that have the required devices to carry out the demand response actions. The photovoltaic generation, the available storage capacity, and the flexibility of the loads are used as the resources to find the optimal scheduling of minimal operating costs. The presented results are obtained using a particle swarm optimization and compared with a deterministic resolution in order to prove the performance of the model. The results show that the use of demand response can reduce the operational daily cost.
Speed Control of Permanent Magnet DC Motor with Friction and Measurement Noise Using Novel Nonlinear Extended State Observer-Based Anti-Disturbance Control
Authors: J. Humaidi Amjad , Kasim Ibraheem Ibraheem
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a novel finite-time nonlinear extended state observer (NLESO) is proposed and employed in active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) to stabilize a nonlinear system against system’s uncertainties and discontinuous disturbances using output feedback based control. The first task was to aggregate the uncertainties, disturbances, and any other undesired nonlinearities in the system into a single term called the “generalized disturbance”. Consequently, the NLESO estimates the generalized disturbance and cancel it from the input channel in an online fashion. A peaking phenomenon that existed in linear ESO (LESO) has been reduced significantly by adopting a saturation-like nonlinear function in the proposed nonlinear ESO (NLESO). Stability analysis of the NLEO is studied using finite-time Lyapunov theory, and the comparisons are presented over simulations on permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motor to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed observer concerning LESO.
Clustering of Streptococcus thermophilus Strains to Establish a Relation between Exopolysaccharide Characteristics and Gel Properties of Acidified Milk
Authors: Surber Georg , Mende Susann , Jaros Doris , Rohm Harald
Published: April 2019

In situ produced extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) from lactic acid bacteria are generally known to affect the texture of fermented dairy products; however, the interplay between EPS and product properties is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to establish a relationship between concentration and properties of EPS, and gel formation of milk analysed by noninvasive Multispeckle Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy. Twenty Streptococcus thermophilus strains were classified with respect to EPS concentration (8–126 mg GE/kg) and ropiness (thread length: 15–80 mm). Five groups identified by cluster analysis demonstrate the high strain-to-strain variability even within one species of lactic acid bacteria. Results from acidification and gelation experiments averaged per cluster indicate that fermentation time and gel stiffness is higher for strains that produce ropy EPS. A further increase in gel stiffness was detected for strains that also produced cell-bound EPS, which underlines the importance of both ropy and cell-bound EPS for improving acid gel properties. The results may be helpful for a proper selection of EPS-producing starter cultures.
Hard Water, More Elastic Arteries: A Case Study from Krupina District, Slovakia
Authors: Rapant Stanislav , Cvečková Veronika , Fajčíková Katarína , Hajdúk Igor , Hiller Edgar , Stehlíková Beáta
Published: April 2019

The protective role of hard drinking water against cardiovascular diseases is well documented by numerous studies. This article describes the impact of Ca and Mg contents in the drinking water with different water hardness on the cardiovascular system (arterial stiffness, arterial age) of residents of the Krupina district, the Slovak Republic. The research was based on the measurements of arterial stiffness, including the measurements of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) and the calculation of the arterial age of the residents. In total, 144 randomly selected residents were included in measurements, divided into the two groups according to Ca and Mg contents in drinking water (water hardness). The first group was supplied with soft drinking water (total dissolved solids (TDS): 200–300 mg·L−1, Ca: 20–25 mg·L−1, Mg: 5–10 mg·L−1). The second group of residents was supplied with harder drinking water (TDS: 500–600 mg·L−1, Ca: 80–90 mg·L−1, Mg: 25–30 mg·L−1). Differences in arterial stiffness between the two groups of respondents were documented. Higher arterial stiffness (low flexibility of arteries) was determined for a group of residents supplied with soft drinking water. This was reflected in higher PWVao levels, higher number of pathological cases (PWVao > 10 m·s−1), and arterial age of respondents compared to their actual age. The “absolute” difference between the arterial and actual age between the two evaluated groups of residents (soft vs. harder water) was nearly 5 years on average. The higher arterial stiffness and age of residents that consumed soft drinking water indicate the health significance of lower contents of Ca and Mg in drinking water as an environmental risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Measuring arterial stiffness of residents in the areas supplied with soft drinking water can be used as a non-invasive approach in the prevention of cardiovascular risks.
Difference in Long-Term Trends in COPD Mortality between China and the U.S., 1992–2017: An Age–Period–Cohort Analysis
Authors: Wen Haoyu , Xie Cong , Wang Lu , Wang Fang , Wang Yafeng , Liu Xiaoxue , Yu Chuanhua
Published: April 2019

Complications due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death in China and the United States (U.S.). This study aimed to investigate the long-term trends in COPD mortality in China and the U.S. using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (GBD 2017) and explore the age, period, and cohort effects independently by sex under the age–period–cohort (APC) framework. Taking the age group 40–44 years old, the period 1992–1996, and the birth cohort 1913–1917 as reference groups, we found that the age relative risks (RRs) of COPD mortality increased exponentially in both China and the U.S., the period RRs increased in the U.S. but decreased in China; and the cohort RRs showed an overall downward trend in both China and the U.S. with the year of birth. From 1992 to 2017, the increased RRs of COPD mortality in the U.S. was mainly attributable to the increased prevalence of smoking before 1965, while the decreased RRs of COPD mortality in China was mainly attributable to reduced air pollution as well as improvements in medical technology and more accessible health services. Reducing tobacco consumption may be the most effective and feasible way to prevent COPD in China. However, we also need to pay more attention to COPD in nonsmokers in the future.
Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Flies in the Urban Center of Berlin, Germany
Authors: Wetzker Wibke , Pfeifer Yvonne , Wolke Solvy , Haselbeck Andrea , Leistner Rasmus , Kola Axel , Gastmeier Petra , Salm Florian
Published: April 2019

Background: The monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in microorganisms that circulate in the environment is an important topic of scientific research and contributes to the development of action plans to combat the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. As a synanthropic vector for multiple pathogens and a reservoir for AMR, flies can be used for surveillance. Methods: We collected 163 flies in the inner city of Berlin and examined them for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli genotypically and phenotypically. Results: The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in flies was 12.9%. Almost half (47.6%) of the ESBL-positive samples showed a co-resistance to ciprofloxacin. Resistance to carbapenems or colistin was not detected. The predominant ESBL-type was CTX-M-1, which is associated with wildlife, livestock, and companion animals as a potential major source of transmission of MDR E. coli to flies. Conclusions: This field study confirms the permanent presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in an urban fly population. For continuous monitoring of environmental contamination with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, flies can be used as indicators without much effort.
Hydrogen Accumulation and Distribution in Pipeline Steel in Intensified Corrosion Conditions
Authors: Titov Anatolii I. , Lun-Fu Aleksandr V. , Gayvaronskiy Aleksandr V. , Bubenchikov Mikhail A. , Bubenchikov Aleksei M. , Lider Andrey M. , Syrtanov Maxim S. , Kudiiarov Viktor N.
Published: April 2019

Hydrogen accumulation and distribution in pipeline steel under conditions of enhanced corrosion has been studied. The XRD analysis, optical spectrometry and uniaxial tension tests reveal that the corrosion environment affects the parameters of the inner and outer surface of the steel pipeline as well as the steel pipeline bulk. The steel surface becomes saturated with hydrogen released as a reaction product during insignificant methane dissociation. Measurements of the adsorbed hydrogen concentration throughout the steel pipe bulk were carried out. The pendulum impact testing of Charpy specimens was performed at room temperature in compliance with national standards. The mechanical properties of the steel specimens were found to be considerably lower, and analogous to the properties values caused by hydrogen embrittlement.
Common Fixed Point Results for Rational (α,β)φ-mω Contractions in Complete Quasi Metric Spaces
Authors: Qawasmeh Tariq , Shatanawi Wasfi , Bataihah Anwar , Tallafha Abdalla
Published: April 2019

The ω -distance mapping is one of the important tools that can be used to get new contractions in fixed point theory. The aim of this paper is to use the concept of modified ω -distance mapping to introduce the notion of rational ( α , β ) φ - m ω contraction. We utilize our new notion to construct and formulate many fixed point results for a pair of two mappings defined on a nonempty set A. Our results modify many existing known results. In addition, we support our work by an example.
Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Wild Scolymus maculatus L.
Authors: Abu-Lafi Saleh , Rayan Mahmoud , Masalha Mahmud , Abu-Farich Basheer , Al-Jaas Hashem , Abu-Lafi Malek , Rayan Anwar
Published: April 2019

Background: The wild population of spotted golden thistle, Scolymus maculatus, which belongs to the Compositae family, is believed to be one of the multi-curative wild plants mentioned in Flora Palaestina. This study aims to disclose the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity of wild S. maculatus collected from the farms of Kabul, a village in northwest Galilee, for the first time. Methods: The phytochemical components of crude S. maculatus extracts from methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane solvents were separated and identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the electron impact (EI) mode. The free radical scavenging of the plant extracts was measured by DPPH assay. The microdilution test was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of different S. maculatus extracts and to evaluate their antimicrobial activities. Results: Thirty-two phytochemicals were found in S. maculatus extracts including stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol, lupeol, lupeol acetate, and β-amyrin. Phytochemicals, such as 2-linoleoylglycerol, γ-sitosterol, β-amyrin, lupeol, (3α)-12-oleanen-3-yl acetate, and lupenyl acetate, were found to dominate the methanol extract. Most of these compounds were also observed in ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts, but at different levels, in addition to some other minor compounds. The various extracts were investigated for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The ethanolic and the methanolic extracts were shown to exhibit the highest free radical scavenging by DPPH assay with a half-maximally effective concentration (EC50) of 0.37 and 0.65 mg/mL respectively, while the other three extracts (aqueous, ethyl acetate and n-hexane) were less active and their EC50 (effective concentration at which DPPH radical was scavenged by 50%) were above 1.0 mg/mL. Moreover, MICs were determined to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Candida albicans microorganisms. Ethyl acetate and the ethanolic extracts are active against the three types of microorganisms at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 mg/mL, while aqueous and the n-hexane extracts are inactive against Salmonella typhimurium. Conclusions: The results show that S. maculatus extracts are a rich source of compounds that can play an important role in human health, and in a broader context, in the treatment of various diseases, such antimicrobial and antioxidant-related ailments.
A Bird’s-Eye View of Chronic Unilateral Conjunctivitis: Remember about Chlamydia psittaci
Authors: Vandendriessche Stien , Rybarczyk Joanna , Schauwvlieghe Pieter-Paul , Accou Geraldine , Van den Abeele Anne-Marie , Vanrompay Daisy
Published: April 2019

Chlamydia psittaci causes psittacosis in humans, mainly in people in contact with birds in either the setting of occupational or companion bird exposure. Infection is associated with a range of clinical manifestations from asymptomatic infection to severe atypical pneumonia and systemic disease. C. psittaci has also been associated with ocular adnexal lymphoma in human patients. The current paper describes successful doxycycline treatment of a male patient suffering from C. psittaci chronic unilateral conjunctivitis, most probably linked to the visit of a South African wildlife reserve. Increased awareness among general and occupational physicians, ophthalmologists, clinicians, and the public on the potential of C. psittaci to cause ocular infection is needed.
Dual Monitoring of Cracking and Healing in Self-healing Coatings Using Microcapsules Loaded with Two Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Song Young Kyu , Lee Tae Hee , Kim Jin Chul , Lee Kyu Cheol , Lee Sang-Ho , Noh Seung Man , Park Young Il
Published: April 2019

We report the development of an extrinsic, self-healing coating system that shows no fluorescence from intact coating, yellowish fluorescence in cracked regions, and greenish fluorescence in healed regions, thus allowing separate monitoring of cracking and healing of coatings. This fluorescence-monitoring self-healing system consisted of a top coating and an epoxy matrix resin containing mixed dye loaded in a single microcapsule. The dye-loaded microcapsules consisted of a poly(urea-formaldehyde) shell encapsulating a healing agent containing methacryloxypropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (MAT-PDMS), styrene, a photo-initiator, and a mixture of two dyes: one that fluoresced only in the solid state (DCM) and a second that fluoresced dramatically in the solid than in the solution state (4-TPAE). A mixture of the healing agent, photo-initiator, and the two dyes was yellow due to fluorescence from DCM. On UV curing of this mixture, however, the color changed from yellow to green, and the fluorescence intensity increased due to fluorescence from 4-TPAE in the solid state. When a self-healing coating embedded with microcapsules containing the DCM/4-TPAE dye mixture was scratched, the damaged region exhibited a yellowish color that changed to green after healing. Thus, the self-healing system reported here allows separate monitoring of cracking and healing based on changes in fluorescence color.
Phytochemical and Biological Studies of Nepeta asterotricha Rech. f. (Lamiaceae): Isolation of Nepetamoside
Authors: Goldansaz Seyed Mostafa , Festa Carmen , Pagano Ester , De Marino Simona , Finamore Claudia , Parisi Olga Alessandra , Borrelli Francesca , Sonboli Ali , D’Auria Maria Valeria
Published: April 2019

The n-butanolic extract, from an Iranian specimen of Nepeta asterotricha Rech. f. (NABE), displayed anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774A.1 macrophages, which reduced nitrites and cytokines production. Bioassay guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of four iridoid glycosides, including a new one known as nepetamoside (1), one hexenyl-diglycoside, and some polyphenol and flavonoid components. None of the isolated iridoid components displayed significant effects on nitrites formation in an in vitro LPS-induced model of inflammation, thus suggesting that the plant anti-inflammatory effect is probably due to a synergistic action among its constituents.
A New Macrodiolide and Two New Polycyclic Chromones from the Fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO041218
Authors: Huang Jingxia , She Jianglian , Yang Xiliang , Liu Juan , Zhou Xuefeng , Yang Bin
Published: April 2019

A new macrodiolide, mangrovlide A (1) and two new polycyclic chromones, penixanthones C (2) and D (3), as well as four other known compounds (4–7), have been isolated from the mangrove sediment derived fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO041218, cultured in the 0.25% NaCl rice substrate. The structures of the new compounds were determined by analysis of the NMR and MS spectroscopic data. Compound 1 possesses a 10-membered macrodiolide unit, while 2 and 3 are chromones with an unprecedented 6/6/6/5 polycyclic skeleton. Compounds 1–7 were evaluated for their cytotoxicities, while all the compounds displayed weak or no activity.
Protein-Based Fingerprint Analysis for the Identification of Ranae Oviductus Using RP-HPLC
Authors: Gan Yuanshuai , Xiao Yao , Wang Shihan , Guo Hongye , Liu Min , Wang Zhihan , Wang Yongsheng
Published: April 2019

This work demonstrated a method combining reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with chemometrics analysis to identify the authenticity of Ranae Oviductus. The fingerprint chromatograms of the Ranae Oviductus protein were established through an Agilent Zorbax 300SB-C8 column and diode array detection at 215 nm, using 0.085% TFA (v/v) in acetonitrile (A) and 0.1% TFA in ultrapure water (B) as mobile phase. The similarity was in the range of 0.779–0.980. The fingerprint chromatogram of Ranae Oviductus showed a significant difference with counterfeit products. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) successfully identified Ranae Oviductus from the samples. These results indicated that the method established in this work was reliable.
Formulation of Nanomicelles to Improve the Solubility and the Oral Absorption of Silymarin
Authors: Piazzini Vieri , D’Ambrosio Mario , Luceri Cristina , Cinci Lorenzo , Landucci Elisa , Bilia Anna Rita , Bergonzi Maria Camilla
Published: April 2019

Two novel nanomicellar formulations were developed to improve the poor aqueous solubility and the oral absorption of silymarin. Polymeric nanomicelles made of Soluplus and mixed nanomicelles combining Soluplus with d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS) were prepared using the thin film method. Physicochemical parameters were investigated, in particular the average diameter, the homogeneity (expressed as polydispersity index), the zeta potential, the morphology, the encapsulation efficiency, the drug loading, the critical micellar concentration and the cloud point. The sizes of ~60 nm, the narrow size distribution (polydispersity index ≤0.1) and the encapsulation efficiency >92% indicated the high affinity between silymarin and the core of the nanomicelles. Solubility studies demonstrated that the solubility of silymarin increased by ~6-fold when loaded into nanomicelles. Furthermore, the physical and chemical parameters of SLM-loaded formulations stored at room temperature and in refrigerated conditions (4 °C) were monitored over three months. In vitro stability and release studies in media miming the physiological conditions were also performed. In addition, both formulations did not alter the antioxidant properties of silymarin as evidenced by the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay. The potential of the nanomicelles to increase the intestinal absorption of silymarin was firstly investigated by the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay. Subsequently, transport studies employing Caco-2 cell line demonstrated that mixed nanomicelles statistically enhanced the permeability of silymarin compared to polymeric nanomicelles and unformulated extract. Finally, the uptake studies indicated that both nanomicellar formulations entered into Caco-2 cells via energy-dependent mechanisms.
An Overview of Molecular Modeling for Drug Discovery with Specific Illustrative Examples of Applications
Authors: Aminpour Maral , Montemagno Carlo , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: April 2019

In this paper we review the current status of high-performance computing applications in the general area of drug discovery. We provide an introduction to the methodologies applied at atomic and molecular scales, followed by three specific examples of implementation of these tools. The first example describes in silico modeling of the adsorption of small molecules to organic and inorganic surfaces, which may be applied to drug delivery issues. The second example involves DNA translocation through nanopores with major significance to DNA sequencing efforts. The final example offers an overview of computer-aided drug design, with some illustrative examples of its usefulness.