bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superstrutures above the Periodic Law (About the article of O.V. Mikhailov)
Authors: Dmitriev I. S.
Published: December 2019

The author expresses critical remarks regarding the article by O.V. Mikhailov on teaching the topic “Mendeleev’s Periodic law” by at the national research University. Some specific errors of O.V. Mikhailov relating to historical-scientific and quantum-chemical issues are indicated. The article also presents a general critical assessment of his approach to teaching.
Effect of seat orientation on ingress/egress joint kinematics and reach envelope
Authors: Moore Christopher W. , Nimbarte Ashish D. , Rajulu Sudhakar , Ning Xiaopeng , Guffey Steve E.
Published: December 2019

Background: Little is known about ingress/egress requirements and forward reach for workstations with horizontal seats. This research explored differences between ingress/egress kinematics and reach due to seat orientation. Methods: 10 participants performed ingress/egress tasks using three seat orientations (horizontal with 90° and 120° seat angles, and vertical with 90° seat angle) and planar reach tasks in three anatomical planes using horizontal and vertical seats with 90° seat angle. An optical motion capture system was used to record kinematic data. Marker data was processed and modeled to estimate peak joint angles and ranges of motion of several body joints. For reach tasks, marker data of the clavicle and finger were used to plot reach capacity. Results: Ingress/egress joint kinematics differed greatly between horizontal and vertical seats, while few differences existed between the horizontal seat orientations. Peak angles and ranges of motion during ingress/egress of the horizontal seats were significantly higher than the vertical seats, often by a factor of 3–4. The direction of motion affected several peak angles and ranges of motion, but to a lesser extent than seat orientation. Reach was unaffected by seat orientation. Conclusion: This study's findings suggest that ingress/egress of horizontal seats is more stressful for the body, especially the shoulders and lower back, than regular upright seats.
Seated inversion adversely affects vigilance tasks and suppresses heart rate and blood pressure
Authors: Smith Deanne M. , McAuliffe James , Johnson Michel J. , Button Duane C. , Behm David G.
Published: December 2019

Background: Inverted positions may arise with emergencies, work or recreational activities. Vigilance which can involve cognition, attention, and decision making is required for activities of daily living, in addition to the avoidance and escape from life threatening situations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an inverted posture on vigilance, heart rate and blood pressure. Methods: Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), vigilance tasks (Tower of London (ToL), Selective Attention and Response Competition (SARC), Attention Networks Test (ANT)), anxiety and reaction time were assessed with 8 male subjects in an initial seated upright position, followed an inverted posture and returning to an upright position. Results: TOL was 63.4% and 40.7% slower and SARC was 10.4% and 11.7% slower during the inverted condition compared to the pre- and post-inversion upright assessments (p<0.01). There were no significant changes in ANT. Systolic BP (p<0.0001), diastolic BP (p=0.03), and HR (p<0.01) decreased during inversion, whereas anxiety scores increased 25% and 51% compared to pre- and post-inversion upright conditions. Conclusions: Under inverted conditions, vigilance task capabilities and reaction time were significantly hampered. These decrements could substantially impact responses to emergency situations.
Dressing behavior of construction workers in hot and humid weather
Authors: Chan Albert P.C. , Yang Yang , Wong Francis K.W. , Yam Michael C.H.
Published: December 2019

Background: Construction workers in Hong Kong face high health risks of heat stress, solar ultraviolet radiation, and hazardous substances. A suitable work wear can lower exposure to these hazards, but the actual dressing behavior of construction workers remains unknown. Objective: This study examines the current dressing patterns of construction workers and evaluates their limitations. Methods: The dressing patterns of construction workers were investigated through unconcealed videotaped observation and questionnaire survey to enhance the reliability and validity of this research. Results: Results indicate that construction workers were willing to wear short-sleeved shirts for a cooler feeling, although such dressing patterns may not protect them against solar ultraviolet radiation or hazardous substances. Their preferred dark-colored long pants can decrease the direct exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation and hazardous substances, but they absorb a large amount of radiation heat that increases the hazards of heat stress to the wearers. Conclusions: Thermal-related attributes were the most significant concerns of construction workers, which serve as key elements for designing appropriate work clothes for construction workers.
Improving the energy and fluid balance of workers involved in harvesting tasks
Authors: Christie Candice Jo-Anne
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a dietary and fluid intervention on workers doing heavy manual labour within the forestry industry. Fifty eight workers (29 Chainsaw Operators and 29 Stackers) were assessed in South Africa prior to, and during a 'normal' working shift. Body mass was measured and recorded prior to and on completion of the work shift. Heart rate responses were measured continuously during work and energy expenditure was predicted from the heart rate/oxygen uptake relationship obtained at a post-work progressive step up test completed by each worker. These data were then compared to the initial study, previously published, in order to determine whether energy balance, fluid balance and workers' perceptions where altered by the provision of a dietary and fluid intervention programme. The data indicated that the relationship between energy expenditure and energy intake was substantially improved by the provision of food and fluid. Workers lost, on average, 1.94 kg body mass during work while felling and cross-cutting and 2.41 kg during stacking. This reduced significantly to a loss of 0.31 kg and 0.70 kg in the Chainsaw Operators and Stackers respectively following the introduction of water and food during the work period. Likewise, the energy deficit was significantly improved due to the introduction of a nutritional supplement. Pre-intervention the deficit was 8861.8 kJ (Chainsaw Operators) and 8804.2 kJ (Stackers) while in the post-intervention phase this deficit was reduced by approximately 50% for both groups of workers.
An ergonomics evaluation of posture related discomfort and occupational health problems among rice farmers
Authors: Das Banibrata , Gangopadhyay Somnath
Published: December 2019

Seventy five rice cultivators and seventy five control subjects were selected randomly from the villages of West Bengal, India, to evaluate musculoskeletal disorder, thermal stress, physiological stress among the rice cultivators. Modified Nordic questionnaire studies and posture analysis were performed among them by Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System. Thermal and physiological stresses were also assessed by measuring WBGT index and heart rates respectively. All of the subjects suffered discomfort at different parts of the body especially at lower back (99%), knee (91%), ankle (83%), feet regions (68%).The lung function values FVC (3.24), FEV1 (2.56), FEV1/FVC ratio (79.57), PEFR (412.0) of the rice farmers were much lower than the control group due to inhalation of dust particles in the rice fields. They also suffered from thermal (36°C) and physiological stress due to hazardous working condition and increased heart rates (148 beats/min). Thus their health and overall work performance were affected.
The effect of platform motions upon the biomechanical demands of lifting tasks
Authors: MacKinnon Scott N. , Matthews Julie , Holmes Michael W.R. , Albert Wayne J.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical demands associated with MMH performed in moving environments. Twelve healthy male subjects performed four different lifting tasks (referred to as 10U, 15U, Close25 and Far25) while exposed to a simulated ship motion profile. Dependent measures included electromyographic (EMG) signals from several trunk muscles and thoracolumbar motions collected via a Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM). A repeated measures ANOVA was employed to examine the differences between thoracolumbar velocities and trunk EMG activities between successful lifts and lifts during which a motion induced interruption (MII) was identified. The maximum EMG signals increased as MII events occurred for the left and right erector spinae and external obliques. The 10U lifting task significantly differed from both the Close25 and Far25 lifting tasks in the maximum left trapezius and the 10U lifting task differed from all other lifting tasks for the maximum right trapezius activities. There were increases in the maximum thoracolumbar velocities in the lateral bending and twisting planes for lifts incurring a MII across all lifting conditions when comparing successful lifts. These data suggest that performing tasks in moving environments will place an operator at an increased risk for musculoskeletal injuries, particularly when the rate of MII is high.
Creating ontological definitions for use in science
Authors: Michie Susan , West Robert , Hastings Janna
Published: December 2019

Ontological definitions provide clarity and facilitate communication which accelerate the development of understanding and the accumulation of evidence about the world. It is hard to write good definitions. Too often they are partial, vague, or fail adequately to characterise the entity to which they refer. Ontological definitions are descriptions of entity classes or relationships that represent their essential properties in such a way that the defined entities are uniquely and fully specified. These definitions are then assigned a label to allow them to be used in scientific discourse. This article provides a brief guide to help with writing good ontological definitions. The standard format of such a definition is: A is a B that C, or involves or relates to C in some way, where A is the class being defined, B is a parent class and C describes a set of properties of A that distinguish it from other members of B.
PENGARUH KUALITAS PRODUK DAN CITRA MEREK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN KOSMETIK WARDAH PT PARAGON TEHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Authors: Lesmana Rosa , Ayu Suci Dara
Published: December 2019

Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui  pengaruh Kualitas Produk dan Citra Merek terhadap keputusan pembelian kosmetik Wardah pada PT. Paragon Technology and Innovation secara simultan.Populasi dalam enelitian adalah konsumen yang telah menggunakan kosmetik Wardah,  dengan responden sebanyak 100 orang. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji statistik assosiatif deskriptif, uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, uji asumsi klasik, uji regresi linier berganda, uji korelasi, koefisien determinasi, uji t dan uji f.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Kualitas Produk dan Citra Merek berpengaruh positif dan signifikan secara simultan terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Kosmetik Wardah. Dengan persamaan regresi Y = 1.340 + 0,275 X1+ 0,721 X2, dan hasil uji korelasi sebesar X1 = 0,832, X2 = 0,869, koefisien determinasi (R square sebesar 88.3%, hasil uji F dapat diperoleh nilai f hitung> f tabel yaitu 170.897 > 3,09 dan nilai sig < 0,05 atau 0,000 < 0,05.
ANALISIS PENINGKATAN PENJUALAN PRODUK PH METER DENGAN METODA QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT (QFD) (Studi kasus pada PT. PRATAMA GRAHA SEMESTA (PGS)
Authors: Feblidiyanti Niera
Published: December 2019

PT. Pratama Graha Semesta (PGS) adalah perusahaan yang mewakili beberapa perusahaan manufaktur internasional, dari itu semua kami menyediakan banyak produk. Oleh karena itu perusahaan harus memperhatikan beberapa faktor di antaranya barang, perantara dan pemasaran. Untuk menghasilkan jasa dan produk yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan konsumen maka perusahaan harus mengidentifikasi terlebih dahulu salah satunya dengan metoda Quality Function Deployment (QFD). QFD merupakan metoda yang mampu mengintegrasikan dan mengevaluasi keinginan konsumen melalui pengembangan dan perancangan produk atau jasa.Jenis produk pH meter yang banyak digunakan oleh konsumen adalah pH meter merk Mettler dengan jumlah persentase 57,14%. Terdapat 14 atribut yang berpengaruh terhadap kepuasan konsumen yaitu kemampuan menganalisa sampel, kestabilan hasil, warna monitor, berat produk, dimensi produk, bentuk produk, keamanan bahan pembuat, bentuk kemasan, dimensi kemasan, desain kemasan, ada logo, ada informasi standar aksesories, ada ijin Deperindag dan harga jual.
PENGARUH VARIASI PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN BAHAN BANGUNAN DI PORTAL NETWORK SIX STORE Cabang DEPOK 2018
Authors: Faroh Wahyu Nurul , Junaidi Defri
Published: December 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh variasi produk terhadap keputusan pembelian pada Portal Network cabangMetode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian deskriftif kuantitatif, dimulai dari pengumpulan data, penafsiran data tersebut, serta penampilan dari hasil yang bersifat data, melalui penyebaran angket (kuesioner) yang berisi 10 pernyataan yang terkait dengan variable variasi produk (X) dan 10 pernyataan terkait dengan varibel keputusan pembelian (Y) yang disebarkan kepada 98 responden yang merupakan pelanggan toko bangunan portal network six store cabang Depok. Data yang diperoleh dari penyebaran kuesioner dianalisis menggunakan beberapa tahapan pengujian yaitu uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, uji korelasi, uji koefisien determinasi, uji regresi linier sederhana, dan uji signifikan (uji t).Hasil dari penelitian menunjukan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang kuat antara variasi produk terhadap keputusan pembelian yang ditunjukan oleh r sebesar 0,6458. Koefisien determinasi menunjukan bahwa pengaruh variasi produk terhadap keputusan pembelian sebesar 41,71%, sedangkan sisanya sebesar 58,29% dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor lain yang tidak diteliti. Analisis regresi linier sederhana sebesar Y=31,7+0,5080 X. Sedangkan uji signifikan (uji t) yaitu nilai thitung > ttabel (8,2875>1,66088), maka Ho ditolak dan Ha diterima. Dengan demikian, bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan antara variasi produk terhadap keputusan pembelian pada Portal network six store cabang Depok
Metode Pembelajaran Kepemimpinan Rasulullah SAW Kepada Para Sahabat dalam Kitab Sunan Ibn Majah
Authors: Qutub Sayid , Hafidhuddin Didin , Mujahidin Endin
Published: December 2019

The Government of the Republic of Indonesia and experts have provided leadership requirements are very strict agency also has a good learning method, a lot of achievements have earned, but why are there still negative cases in this country? The problem under study is about leadership learning methods are to be used Rasulullah SAW to the companions in the book Sunan Ibn Majah, and how to implement the teaching methods in educational leadership at the institution? The learning method is the means used to implement a plan that has been prepared in the form of real and practical activities to achieve the learning objectives. Leadership is the behavior of an individual who leads the activities of a group to a common goal to be achieved (shared goal). Companions are receiving direct hadith from the Prophet Muhammad SAW both subjects and nature answers to the problems faced. This study uses literature review are sourced from the literature. Researchers collected data based on that described for the qualitative analysis. This study addressed the issue of leadership learning methods that take hadith as its foundation. While to analyze the problem, researchers classified the hadith based on the theory of learning methods and leadership to further analyze the classification results and relate it to the subject. Through this study found that the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad learning methods.The most widely used Prophet S.A.W. is exemplary method, lecture and question and answer method. Prophet S.A.W. also use a unifying method, method the direction giver, liability method, the method of advice, wills method, the method fun, istikharah methods, and methods of Tahajjud, as well as commonly used method is the method of the story, the assignment method, the method of teaching leadership in educating fellow companions. This study obtained data that the term leadership (Imamate term) the most widely applied is obedient to the priest. Then the value of leadership exercised by the Prophet Muhammad the companions of the most widely applied is exemplary. The researcher recommends that the leadership institute master three methods above, the exemplary method, a lecture and subsequent question and answer method of applying the values of exemplary leadership, piety to Allah SWT, and noble character in leadership at the institution.

Keywords: leadership, learning method, sahabah, Sunan Ibnu Majah
Physiological Responses and Nutritional Composition of Two Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) Cultivars-Roma-VF and IFE-1
Authors: A. Oguntola Emmanuel , Ologundudu Foluso , Oladele Idris Saheeb
Published: December 2019

This work investigates the growth and physiological responses of locally grown tomato cultivars with a known hybrid (Roma-VF cultivars). Seeds of two tomato cultivars: Roma VF (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.Cv) was collected from National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan while the Local tomato: Ife-1 (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. Cv) obtained from the market woman in the central market, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife. The seed of the plant were planted in perforated plastic containers containing soil collected at the base of hill 1(latitude 7’3’9.40 and longitude 4’3’24.52) in Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State. The containers placed where they can have access to direct sunlight. The growth parameters of the plants were determined which include the leaf length, width and the shoot size was observed. The weight and growth rate of the shoot were determined. The fruits obtained from all the cultivar were exposed to proximate analysis. It was observed that the shoot of the two cultivars increased in the course of the experiment but at the end the shoot of Roma () was longer than that of local cultivar. More number of leaves was present in Roma compare to local one. Roma has higher moisture content (5.9% M.C)) than the local cultivar (4.7% M.C). Average number of fruits in Roma was (15) which is higher than that of local one (10). From all the parameters observed in this work it was observed that Roma cultivar which is a hybrid do far better in all indication than the local tomato cultivar. This may be as a result of Roma hybrid characteristics such as resistances to disease and unfavorable environmental factors. Equally the improved nutritional value of the Roma tomato and lot of genetically modified features are key to this cultivar (Roma) advancement.
Analisis Respon dan Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Permintaan Beras Indonesia
Authors: Septiadi Dudi , Joka Umbu
Published: December 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk 1) menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi permintaan beras Indonesia; dan 2) menganalisis respon permintaan beras dari faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhinya. Data pada penelitian ini menggunakan data time series periode 1988-2017. Analisis data menggunakan metode analisis regresi linear. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa Permintaan beras Indonesia dipengaruhi oleh harga beras eceran, pendapatan perkapita, jumlah penduduk, produksi beras dan lag permintaan beras Indonesia pada taraf α sebesar 5 persen dengan nilai R-Squared sebesar 91.3 persen. Berdasarkan analisis respon, variabel jumlah penduduk menjadi satu-satunya variabel bebas yang memiliki nilai elastisitas yang bersifat elastis (E >1) baik dalam analisis jangka pendek maupun jangka panjang. Variabel harga beras eceran, pendapatan perkapita dan produksi beras memiliki nilai elastisitas yang bersifat inelastis (E<1) baik dalam analisa jangka pendek maupun jangka panjang.
Bibliographic Newsletter
Authors: Taylor Allan R.
Published: December 2019

Below is a list of recent publications by faculty, graduate students, and former students of the Department of Linguistics, University of Colorado.
The Bivium Syndrome in the History of Semiotics
Authors: Romeo Luigi
Published: December 2019

Recent interest in the history of semiotics has begun to generate some concern for the theoretical framework housing the development of the discipline in relation to thinkers who have been pondering the nature and function of the sign in Western scholarship (e.g., Jakobson 1975; Sebeok 1977:149-188). Among the problems immediately surfacing to the attention of aspiring historian of semiotics, there are three which stand out for their dfficulty of content, boundaries, and methodology.
Conciliación y solución de conflictos en familia en la Cuarta Fiscalía Provincial Civil de Cajamarca
Authors: Saldaña Palacios Carlos B. , Gonzales Chávez Jesús H. , Aliaga Zamora Gabriela
Published: December 2019

La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la importancia del proceso de conciliación familiarcomo método alternativo en la solución de conflictos en procesos de conciliación en materia depensión de alimentos, régimen de visitas y tenencia de la Cuarta Fiscalía Provincial Civil y deFamilia en el distrito de Cajamarca durante el periodo 2014-2015, para ello se describe el procesode conciliación familiar, diagnosticando y evaluando los casos que solicitaron conciliación familiaren materia de pensión de alimentos, régimen de visitas y tenencia. La información se obtuvo de laCuarta Fiscalía Provincial Civil y de Familia de Cajamarca. La investigación muestra que del totalde casos que solicitaron el servicio de conciliación familiar, el 52% no concluyeron en acuerdo,alto porcentaje, considerando que a partir del 2008 se promulgó la Ley de conciliación, por lo quehan transcurrido 8 años y aún se evidencia una deficiencia en la solución de conflictos de familias.La Ley N° 26872, Ley de Conciliación Extrajudicial no determina sobre el proceso y resultadosen el trabajo de conciliación a nivel fiscal materia de estudio de la investigación, dado que laconciliación fiscal está regulada por el Código Procesal Civil, como forma de concluir un juicio.Palabras clave: Conciliación, conflictos en familia.
STUDY OF THE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING AND UPDATING DIGITAL TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS AND PLANS ON THE TERRITORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Yepifanova Marina , Khlebnikova Elena
Published: December 2019

The stages of creating a digital topographic plan of scale 1 : 2 000 in MicroStation and functional features of "Panorama-Editor" for further study of the possibilities of optimizing the technology of creating digital topographic plans in this software product are considered.
CREATION OF A TOURIST INFORMATION SYSTEM OF THE CRIMEA
Authors: Kasyanova Helena , Sydykova Karina
Published: December 2019

The article presents the experience of the development of f tourist information system on the territory of the Republic of Crimea. The importance of the use of geoinformation technologies in the tourism industry is considered. The article describes a number of tasks to be solved in the implementation of GIS technologies in the creation, supply, promotion of tourist product and tourist maps. The concept and architecture of the developed TIS, its structure and composition of cartographic and thematic material are described. The main provisions according to which the project is implemented are given.
TYPICAL IMPACT ALGORITHM IN SOCIAL ENGINEERING
Authors: Maksimenko Roman , Zviagintseva Polina
Published: December 2019

Concepts and goals of social engineering are described. The article presents a general approach to attack using social engineering. The main application areas of social engineering are described. Objectives of social engineering application in the field of competitive intelligence are considered. Typical interaction algorithm in social engineering is formulated. The concept of attraction is considered. The typical interaction algorithm includes the formation of the goal of exposure, collection of information about the object, creation of necessary conditions for impact on the object, coercion to desired action.
SEARCH AND ANALYSIS OF TECHNOLOGICAL PATTERNS IN OPTICAL INSTRUMENTATION
Authors: Kvitovskiy Oleg , Nikitin Konstantin , Petrov Pavel
Published: December 2019

The article highlights the problems of finding scientific and practical laws in the field of optical instrument technology. Examples of analysis of some legislative dimensions, made in the framework of the educational activities in the preparation are the moat in the direction Instrument, the profile "Technology of instrumentation". The purpose of such works is to try to develop technology as a science. Among the main methods of analysis of regularities – correlation and regression, and probably-statistical. The research results confirm the problematic formalization of technological knowledge and production experience. The reason is the inconsistency of the initial information and the lack of system processing of production and technological solutions.
The article is relevant in connection with further automation of optical production.
TOWN-PLANNING ZONING. WATER PROTECTION ZONE FUNCTIONAL ON THE EXAMPLE OF NOVOSIBIRSK
Authors: Vyatkina Mariya , Gortsuyev Dariya , Troitskaya Alima
Published: December 2019

The relevance of the topic is that water protection zones belong to the special category objects of environment protection. The ecological law places a great deal of focus on them. They have
a special natural, scientific, esthetical, recreational functions. They are fully or partially taken out of economy use and have the protection according to their status.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANIMATED THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTER MODEL FOR ITS USE IN EDUCATIONAL PROCESS TEACHINGTHE DISCIPLINE «AEROLOGY OF MINING ENTERPRISES»
Authors: Lebedeva Kseniya , Bugakov Petr
Published: December 2019

Development of the animated three-dimensional computer model for application in educational process when teaching the discipline "Aerology of the mining enterprises" is considered. The demonstration model created as result of the project will improve the quality of mastering of the theoretical material within the subject area.
Bacillus subtilis CBR05 for Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Fruits in South Korea as a Novel Plant Probiotic Bacterium (PPB): Implications from Total Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Carotenoids Content for Fruit Quality
Authors: Chandrasekaran Murugesan , Chun Se Chul , Oh Jae Wook , Paramasivan Manivannan , Saini Ramesh Kumar , Sahayarayan Jesudoss Joseph
Published: December 2019

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are naturally occurring soil biota which benefit plants by improving plant productivity and immunity. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of the inoculation of PGPR strain, Bacillus subtilis CBR05 on the quality of tomato fruits produced under greenhouse conditions. Results were compared with mock-inoculated control and market sample. We found a significant increase in total phenol and flavonoid contents of tomato fruits in PGPR strain B. subtilis CBR05 inoculated plants compared to those of mock-inoculated control and market sample. Moreover, B. subtilis CBR05 inoculation stimulated antioxidant activities and levels of carotenoid (β carotene and lycopene) content in plants. In addition, the inoculation of the strain B. subtilis CBR05 produced the highest content of lycopene (21.08 μg/g FW) in tomato fruits as compared to mock-inoculated plants. Our results show that the PGPR strain B. subtilis CBR05 is a versatile soil bacterium that enhances tomato production by elevating antioxidant activities and carotenoid (β carotene and lycopene) levels in fruit.
Chitosan Oligosaccharides Protect Sprague Dawley Rats from Cyclic Heat Stress by Attenuation of Oxidative and Inflammation Stress
Authors: Lan Ruixia , Li Siqi , Chang Qingqing , Zhao Zhihui
Published: December 2019

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of COS on antioxidant system and inflammatory response in heat-stressed rats. A total of 30 male rats were randomly divided to three groups and reared at either 24 °C or 35 °C for 4 h/d for this 7-day experiment: CON, control group with basal diet; HS, heat stress group with basal diet; HSC, heat stress with 200mg/kg COS supplementation. Compared with the CON group, HS significantly decreased (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG); average daily feed intake (ADFI); the relative weight of spleen and kidney; the level of liver CAT, GSH-Px, T-AOC, and IL-10; spleen SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and IL-10; and kidney SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC, and IL-10, while significantly increased the MDA concentration in liver, spleen, and kidney; the liver IL-1β concentration; and spleen and kidney IL-6 and TNF-α concentration. In addition, dietary COS supplementation significantly improved (p < 0.05) ADG; the relative weight of spleen and kidney; the level of liver GSH-Px, spleen GSH-Px, GSH, and IL-10; and kidney GSH-Px, while significantly decreased (p < 0.05) liver IL-1β concentration under heat stress condition. Collectively, COS was beneficial to heat-stressed rats by alleviating oxidative damage and inflammatory response.
Antibody Structure and Function: The Basis for Engineering Therapeutics
Authors: Chiu Mark L. , Goulet Dennis R. , Teplyakov Alexey , Gilliland Gary L.
Published: December 2019

Antibodies and antibody-derived macromolecules have established themselves as the mainstay in protein-based therapeutic molecules (biologics). Our knowledge of the structure–function relationships of antibodies provides a platform for protein engineering that has been exploited to generate a wide range of biologics for a host of therapeutic indications. In this review, our basic understanding of the antibody structure is described along with how that knowledge has leveraged the engineering of antibody and antibody-related therapeutics having the appropriate antigen affinity, effector function, and biophysical properties. The platforms examined include the development of antibodies, antibody fragments, bispecific antibody, and antibody fusion products, whose efficacy and manufacturability can be improved via humanization, affinity modulation, and stability enhancement. We also review the design and selection of binding arms, and avidity modulation. Different strategies of preparing bispecific and multispecific molecules for an array of therapeutic applications are included.
Potential of Smoke-Water and One of Its Active Compounds (karrikinolide, KAR1) on the Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Eucomis autumnalis
Authors: Aremu Adeyemi Oladapo , Masondo Nqobile Andile , Gruz Jiri , Doležal Karel , Van Staden Johannes
Published: December 2019

Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. subspecies autumnalis is a popular African plant that is susceptible to population decline because the bulbs are widely utilized for diverse medicinal purposes. As a result, approaches to ensure the sustainability of the plants are essential. In the current study, the influence of smoke-water (SW) and karrikinolide (KAR1 isolated from SW extract) on the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of in vitro and greenhouse-acclimatized Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis were evaluated. Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with SW (1:500, 1:1000 and 1:1500 v/v dilutions) or KAR1 (10−7, 10−8 and 10−9 M) and grown for ten weeks. In vitro regenerants were subsequently acclimatized in the greenhouse for four months. Bioactive phytochemicals in different treatments were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-MS/MS), while antioxidant potential was evaluated using two chemical tests namely: DPPH and the β-carotene model. Smoke-water and KAR1 generally influenced the quantity and types of phytochemicals in in vitro regenerants and acclimatized plants. In addition to eucomic acid, 15 phenolic acids and flavonoids were quantified; however, some were specific to either the in vitro regenerants or greenhouse-acclimatized plants. The majority of the phenolic acids and flavonoids were generally higher in in vitro regenerants than in acclimatized plants. Evidence from the chemical tests indicated an increase in antioxidant activity of SW and KAR1-treated regenerants and acclimatized plants. Overall, these findings unravel the value of SW and KAR1 as potential elicitors for bioactive phytochemicals with therapeutic activity in plants facilitated via in vitro culture systems. In addition, it affords an efficient means to ensure the sustainability of the investigated plant. Nevertheless, further studies focusing on the use of other types of antioxidant test systems (including in vivo model) and the carry-over effect of the application of SW and KAR1 for a longer duration will be pertinent. In addition, the safety of the resultant plant extracts and their pharmacological efficacy in clinical relevance systems is required.
Quantification of Polyphenols in Seaweeds: A Case Study of Ulva intestinalis
Authors: Wekre Marie Emilie , Kåsin Karoline , Underhaug Jarl , Holmelid Bjarte , Jordheim Monica
Published: December 2019

In this case study, we explored quantitative 1H NMR (qNMR), HPLC-DAD, and the Folin-Ciocalteu assay (TPC) as methods of quantifying the total phenolic content of a green macroalga, Ulva intestinalis, after optimized accelerated solvent extraction. Tentative qualitative data was also acquired after multiple steps of purification. The observed polyphenolic profile was complex with low individual concentrations. The qNMR method yielded 5.5% (DW) polyphenols in the crude extract, whereas HPLC-DAD and TPC assay yielded 1.1% (DW) and 0.4% (DW) respectively, using gallic acid as the reference in all methods. Based on the LC-MS observations of extracts and fractions, an average molar mass of 330 g/mol and an average of 4 aromatic hydrogens in each spin system was chosen for optimized qNMR calculations. Compared to the parallel numbers using gallic acid as the standard (170 g/mol, 2 aromatic H), the optimized parameters resulted in a similar qNMR result (5.3%, DW). The different results for the different methods highlight the difficulties with total polyphenolic quantification. All of the methods contain assumptions and uncertainties, and for complex samples with lower concentrations, this will be of special importance. Thus, further optimization of the extraction, identification, and quantification of polyphenols in marine algae must be researched.
Antioxidant Metabolism and Chlorophyll Fluorescence during the Acclimatisation to Ex Vitro Conditions of Micropropagated Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Plants
Authors: Acosta-Motos José Ramón , Noguera-Vera Laura , Barba-Espín Gregorio , Piqueras Abel , Hernández José A.
Published: December 2019

In this study, the functioning of antioxidant metabolism and photosynthesis efficiency during the acclimatisation of Stevia rebaudiana plants to ex vitro conditions was determined. A high percentage of acclimatised plants (93.3%) was obtained after four weeks. According to the extent of lipid peroxidation, an oxidative stress occurred during the first hours of acclimatisation. A lower activity of monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) than dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) was observed after 2 days of acclimatisation. However, after 7 days of acclimatisation, stevia plants activated the MDHAR route to recycle ascorbate, which is much more efficient energetically than the DHAR route. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities showed a peak of activity after 7 days of acclimatisation, suggesting a protection against reactive oxygen species. Peroxidase activity increased about 2-fold after 2 days of acclimatisation and remained high until day 14, probably linked to the cell wall stiffening and the lignification processes. In addition, a progressive increase in the photochemical quenching parameters and the electronic transport rate was observed, coupled with a decrease in the non-photochemical quenching parameters, which indicate a progressive photosynthetic efficiency during this process. Taken together, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and chlorophyll fluorescence are proven as suitable tools for the physiological state evaluation of micropropagated plants during acclimatisation to ex vitro conditions.
A Study on a Mechanism of Lateral Pedestrian-Footbridge Interaction
Authors: Chen Zhou , Chen Siyuan , Ye Xijun , Zhou Yunlai
Published: December 2019

Based on the pedestrian lateral force hybrid Van der Pol/Rayleigh model, this study investigates the interaction dynamic model of a pedestrian-flexible footbridge lateral coupling system. A multi scale method is adopted to decouple the equation. The paper also studies the nonlinear dynamic response of the pedestrian-footbridge coupling system as well as the relationship between the lateral displacement of pedestrians and flexible footbridges, and the lateral interaction of the two variables. The results show that with the same frequency tuning parameters, when the mass ratio of pedestrians and footbridges is very small, the larger the mass ratio is, the larger the lateral response amplitude of pedestrians becomes. Conversely, when the mass ratio of pedestrians and footbridges is much larger, the larger the mass ratio is, the smaller the response amplitude becomes. When the natural frequency of a footbridge is larger, its Phase Angle becomes larger. As the lateral amplitude of pedestrians increases, the Phase Angle approaches zero. Moreover, regarding the variation of the Phase Angle between the interaction force and footbridge lateral vibration speed based on the lateral relative displacement of pedestrians, of which the variation range is (0, π ), as the pedestrians’ lateral amplitude increases, the Phase Angle approaches − π / 2 . The dynamic load coefficient varies linearly with the lateral amplitude of pedestrian vibrations.
Special Issue on Modelling, Simulation and Data Analysis in Acoustical Problems
Authors: Guarnaccia Claudio , Tronchin Lamberto , Viscardi Massimo
Published: December 2019

Modelling and simulation in acoustics is gathering more and more importance nowadays [...]
A Novel Design of Fractional PI/PID Controllers for Two-Input-Two-Output Processes
Authors: Chuong Vo Lam , Vu Truong Nguyen Luan , Truong Nguyen Tam Nguyen , Jung Jae Hak
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a new formulation of fractional order proportional integral (PI)/ proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is proposed. The proposed controller will be justified for some well-known two-input-two-output (TITO) processes. In order to deal with interactions between process variables in a multivariable system, as well as multiple delay times in process transfer functions, the simplified decoupling Smith predictor (SDSP) structure is also used. The issue of decoupling realizability is solved by the PSO algorithm and fractional order processes are also suggested for model reduction. The tuning rules of the controller are derived in analytical terms based on the internal model control (IMC) structure. The effectiveness and robust stability of the proposed approach are illustrated by comparing it with other methods. To have a fair comparison, the robustness criterion using the M-Δ structure with μ-synthesis is adopted and the μ value of the proposed method is always kept smaller than the value of the others.
Mixed-Unit Lattice Approach for Area Determination of Cellular and Subcellular Structures
Authors: Narayan Rithika
Published: December 2019

Even small changes in the dimensions of cellular and subcellular structures can inform an ongoing disease. An increase in glomerular dimensions is associated with kidney disease and can predict glomerulosclerosis, whereas an increase in the size of fluid-filled renal cysts is predictive of end-stage polycystic kidney disease. In the absence of set formulae to define the area of curvilinear irregular regions, such as glomeruli and cysts, the method of counting unit squares is used. Nonetheless, as infinitesimally small as the unit square may be, this 2D space-filling method still underestimates the area of a curvilinear region. Developed herein is a mixed-unit lattice approach that represents an improvement over the existing method for estimating the areas of cellular and subcellular structures. In test cases comprising images of glomeruli and renal cysts, this method outperformed the conventional unit-squares method, and may form the foundation for refining the current method used by most types of software for estimating the area of irregular curvilinear regions.
Determination of Thermal Comfort in Indoor Sport Facilities Located in Moderate Environments: An Overview
Authors: Fantozzi Fabio , Lamberti Giulia
Published: December 2019

In previous years, providing comfort in indoor environments has become a major question for researchers. Thus, indoor environmental quality (IEQ)—concerning the aspects of air quality, thermal comfort, visual and acoustical quality—assumed a crucial role. Considering sport facilities, the evaluation of the thermal environment is one of the main issues that should be faced, as it may interfere with athletes’ performance and health. Thus, the necessity of a review comprehending the existing knowledge regarding the evaluation of the thermal environment and its application to sport facilities becomes increasingly relevant. This paper has the purpose to consolidate the aspects related to thermal comfort and their application to sport practice, through a deep study concerning the engineering, physiological, and psychological approaches to thermal comfort, a review of the main standards on the topic and an analysis of the methodologies and the models used by researchers to determine the thermal sensation of sport facilities’ occupants. Therefore, this review provides the basis for future research on the determination of thermal comfort in indoor sport facilities located in moderate environments.
A Fast Multilevel Fuzzy Transform Image Compression Method
Authors: Di Martino Ferdinando , Perfilieva Irina , Sessa Salvatore
Published: December 2019

We present a fast algorithm that improves on the performance of the multilevel fuzzy transform image compression method. The multilevel F-transform (for short, MF-tr) algorithm is an image compression method based on fuzzy transforms that, compared to the classic fuzzy transform (F-transform) image compression method, has the advantage of being able to reconstruct an image with the required quality. However, this method can be computationally expensive in terms of execution time since, based on the compression ratio used, different iterations may be necessary in order to reconstruct the image with the required quality. To solve this problem, we propose a fast variation of the multilevel F-transform algorithm in which the optimal compression ratio is found in order to reconstruct the image in as few iterations as possible. Comparison tests show that our method reconstructs the image in at most half of the CPU time used by the MF-tr algorithm.
Red Rooibos Tea Stimulates Osteoblast Mineralization in a Dose-Dependent Manner
Authors: McAlpine Michael D. , Gittings William , MacNeil Adam J. , Ward Wendy E.
Published: December 2019

Most studies show a positive association between higher tea intake and bone mineral density (BMD), while associations with fracture are inconclusive. Although a few studies have investigated the potential effects of rooibos tea on the bone cell metabolism, only 1 or 2 doses were tested or specific flavonoids were evaluated in isolation. A dose-response study is needed to comprehensively identify whether a level that modulates bone cell activity is associated with dietary or supplemental levels of red rooibos (RR) tea. We investigated if RR tea stimulates mineralization in a dose-dependent manner. Mineralization was induced in Saos-2 cells in the presence of RR tea (0.1–10 µg/mL of polyphenols) or control (dH2O) for 5 days. Cell activity, mRNA, protein expression and activity of key regulators of mineralization were measured. A positive dose-dependent relationship was observed between RR tea concentration and mineralization accompanied with similar trends in cell activity. With high concentrations of tea, protein expression of enzymes directly regulating mineralization (ALP and NPP1) were unchanged but ALP activity was significantly elevated. Osteopontin (OPN) was significantly downregulated midway through mineralization while sclerostin (SOST) was upregulated in response to higher concentrations of RR tea. In conclusion, RR tea stimulated osteoblast mineralization in a dose-dependent manner and were accompanied with downregulation of OPN, increased ALP activity, and increased cell activity.
The Actual and Potential Aroma of Winemaking Grapes
Authors: Ferreira Vicente , Lopez Ricardo
Published: December 2019

This review intends to rationalize the knowledge related to the aroma of grapes and to the aroma of wine with specific origin in molecules formed in grapes. The actual flavor of grapes is formed by the few free aroma molecules already found in the pulp and in the skin, plus by those aroma molecules quickly formed by enzymatic/catalytic reactions. The review covers key aroma components of aromatic grapes, raisins and raisinized grapes, and the aroma components responsible from green and vegetal notes. This knowledge is used to explain the flavor properties of neutral grapes. The aroma potential of grape is the consequence of five different systems/pools of specific aroma precursors that during fermentation and/or aging, release wine varietal aroma. In total, 27 relevant wine aroma compounds can be considered that proceed from grape specific precursors. Some of them are immediately formed during fermentation, while some others require long aging time to accumulate. Precursors are glycosides, glutathionyl and cysteinyl conjugates, and other non-volatile molecules.
Comparison of Physicochemical Properties of Bee Pollen with Other Bee Products
Authors: Adaškevičiūtė Vaida , Kaškonienė Vilma , Kaškonas Paulius , Barčauskaitė Karolina , Maruška Audrius
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to compare the physichochemical composition of various bee products, namely, bee pollen, beebread, propolis, honey, and royal jelly. The samples (37 out of 53) were collected in Lithuania, several samples from other Europe countries (Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Slovakia, Poland, Spain, Republic of Malta, The Netherlands, Latvia, Ukraine) were used for comparison. Various quantities, such as pH, electrical conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential, NaCl content, refraction index, Brix value, total phenolic compound content, total flavonoid content and antiradical activity were measured. Together with the mentioned, the content of micro- and macroelements (As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Sr, V and Zn), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy absorption spectra were analysed. To our knowledge, the literature data about comprehensive comparison of various characteristics of bee products are scarce. Also, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study revealing mineral content in Lithuanian bee pollen, beebread and royal jelly. The study exposed that bee pollen not only showed the highest values of pH, electrical conductivity and content of soluble solids, but also distinguished from the other samples by the highest flavonoid content (up to 48.3 mg/10 g), the absence of Cr, the presence of Co (0.011–0.100 mg/kg) and Sr (0.73–5.37 mg/kg) and the highest content of Ca (997–2455 mg/kg) and Mg (644–1004 mg/kg). Hierarchical clustering analysis was applied to group the tested samples according to the physicochemical analysis results and mineral content. The clustering analysis revealed that bee pollen formed separate group with the highest distance from the other samples in both cases.