bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BDNF-TrkB and proBDNF-p75NTR/Sortilin Signaling Pathways are Involved in Mitochondria-Mediated Neuronal Apoptosis in Dorsal Root Ganglia after Sciatic Nerve Transection
Authors: Wang Xianbin , Ma Wei , Wang Tongtong , Yang Jinwei , Wu Zhen , Liu Kuangpin , Dai Yunfei , Zang Chenghao , Liu Wei , Liu Jie , Liang Yu , Guo Jianhui , Li Liyan
Published: January 2020

Background:

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plays critical roles during development
of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in neuronal survival after injury.
Although proBDNF induces neuronal apoptosis after injury in vivo, whether it can also act as a death
factor in vitro and in vivo under physiological conditions and after nerve injury, as well as its mechanism
of inducing apoptosis, is still unclear.

Objective:

In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which proBDNF causes apoptosis in sensory
neurons and Satellite Glial Cells (SGCs) in Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) After Sciatic Nerve
Transection (SNT).

Methods:

SGCs cultures were prepared and a scratch model was established to analyze the role of
proBDNF in sensory neurons and SGCs in DRG following SNT. Following treatment with proBDNF
antiserum, TUNEL and immunohistochemistry staining were used to detect the expression of Glial
Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) in DRG tissue; immunocytochemistry
and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay were used to detect GFAP expression and
cell viability of SGCs, respectively. RT-qPCR, western blot, and ELISA were used to measure mRNA
and protein levels, respectively, of key factors in BDNF-TrkB, proBDNF-p75NTR/sortilin, and apoptosis
signaling pathways.

Results:

proBDNF induced mitochondrial apoptosis of SGCs and neurons by modulating BDNF-TrkB
and proBDNF-p75NTR/sortilin signaling pathways. In addition, neuroprotection was achieved by inhibiting
the biological activity of endogenous proBDNF protein by injection of anti-proBDNF serum. Furthermore,
the anti-proBDNF serum inhibited the activation of SGCs and promoted their proliferation.

Conclusion:

proBDNF induced apoptosis in SGCs and sensory neurons in DRG following SNT. The
proBDNF signaling pathway is a potential novel therapeutic target for reducing sensory neuron and
SGCs loss following peripheral nerve injury.
Intermedialidade
Authors: Reis Carlos
Published: January 2020

A intermedialidade apoia-se no princípio do diálogo entre campos disciplinares, liga-se ao culto da interdisciplinaridade e à chamada teoria da integração conceptual (conceptual blending; cf. Schneider & Hartner, 2012). Sublinha-se, no quadro destes movimentos de interação, os seguintes aspetos que a intermedialidade comporta: uma conceção dinâmica e trans-semiótica da narrativa e dos discursos mediáticos; a tendência para a superação de fronteiras entre linguagens; a recusa de uma hierarquização que institua prioridades entre práticas culturais (do tipo: a literatura é superior ao cinema e este à televisão). A narrativa com propensão intermediática desenvolve uma vocação dinâmica e transnarrativa que solicita, no plano recetivo, um correlato dinamismo de leitura e análise, com os aprofundamentos exegéticos que daí decorrem.
Влияние редкоземельных ионов на электрическую поляризацию, индуцированную областями фазового расслоения в RMn-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-5-=/SUB=- (R=Er, Tb)
Authors: Ханнанов Б.Х. , Головенчиц Е.И. , Санина В.А.
Published: January 2020

The effect of rare-earth ions (R = Er^{3+}, Tb^{3+}) with a strong spin-orbit coupling on the dielectric properties and electric polarization induced by the local polar phase separation domains in RMn_2O_5 multiferroics is studied. A qualitative difference between these parameters and those studied previously in GdMn_2O_5 was discovered, in which the Gd^{3+} ion in the ^8S_{7/2} ground state is weakly coupled to the lattice. It has been shown that the properties of the polar phase separation that arise in the subsystem of Mn^{3+} and Mn^{4+} ions due to the finite probability of electron tunneling between these ions of different valencies substantially depend on the magnitudes of the crystal fields in which these domains are located.

Authors on English: B.Kh. Khannanov, E.I. Golovenchits, V.A. Sanina
Влияние электрических полей на процессы самоорганизации в ультрадисперсном растворе многостенных углеродных нанотрубок
Authors: Кузьменко А.П. , Наинг Тет Пьо , Кузько А.Е. , Тан Мьо Мин
Published: January 2020

Представлены результаты исследований влияния электрического поля на процессы упорядочения в осадках ультрадисперсных растворов из функционализированных многостенных углеродных нанотрубок. Особенности и закономерности процессов самосборки и/или самоорганизации, приводящие к формированию структур в виде линейных, фрактальных и кластерных структур, изучены методами конфокальной (с видеозаписью), атомно-силовой и электронной сканирующей и просвечивающей микроскопий, IR-Фурье спектроскопии, комбинационного (рамановского) рассеяния света и рентгенофазового анализа. Установлено, что размеры фрактальных структур уменьшаются обратно пропорционально напряженности электрического поля, а скорость их роста квадратично возрастает с ростом напряженности. Внутри линейных и кластерных структур обнаружены и охарактеризованы по хиральности одностенные углеродные трубки, обладающие металлической и полупроводникой проводимостями. Ключевые слова: многостенные углеродные нанотрубки, ультразвуковая функционализация, самосборка и самоорганизация, постоянное электрическое поле, динамика фракталов.
Электроотрицательные добавки как способ повышения эффективности использования тока разряда при конверсии летучих органических соединений
Authors: Кузнецов Д.Л. , Филатов И.Е. , Уварин В.В.
Published: January 2020

The effect of electronegative additives on the conversion of toxic impurities in plasma of air mixtures was studied. Using the example of the conversion of trichloroethylene C2HCl3 in air under the influence of pulsed corona discharge of nanosecond duration, it was shown that the addition of carbon tetrachloride CCl4 to the mixture leads not only to a decrease in the discharge current, but also to an increase in energy efficiency of the conversion of C2HCl3. The analysis of processes in various areas of the corona discharge is carried out.
Новые типы фотонно-кристаллических двухзазорных резонаторов для миниатюрных многолучевых клистронов коротковолновой части СВЧ-диапазона
Authors: Ливчина А.В. , Царев В.А.
Published: January 2020

The results of three-dimensional electrodynamic modeling of photonic-crystal
double-gaps resonators designed for use in miniature multi-beams klystrons.
In the new resonators, the solid metal body is replaced by a similarly shaped lattice of
metal rods, allowing to suppress parasitic types of vibrations. It is shown that such oscillatory systems have an improved complex of electrodynamic and mass-dimensional parameters.
The conditions of tuning these systems to a highly efficient two-mode of interaction are investigated
with multi-beam electron flow simultaneously at two frequencies corresponding to the main (antiphase) and
the first higher (in-phase) types of oscillations.
Reported Outcomes in Published Systematic Reviews of Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment: Protocol for a Systematic Overview (Preprint)
Authors: Dragioti Elena , Dong Huan-Ji , Larsson Britt , Gerdle Björn
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Interdisciplinary pain treatment (IPT) is a complex intervention; its outcomes are very diverse, as are the methodologies for handling those outcomes. This diversity may hamper evidence-based decision making. Presently, there is no gold standard recommendation of how to select reported outcomes in published systematic reviews and meta-analyses to explicitly demonstrate the effectiveness of IPT.

OBJECTIVE

In this systematic overview, we aim to evaluate the reported outcome domains and measurements across published systematic reviews and meta-analyses and to identify any methods, considerations, and discussion regarding the handling of the chosen outcome domains and measurements.

METHODS

This article describes the protocol for a systematic overview of the outcomes reported in published systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized control trials for the effectiveness of IPT versus any control. To this end, we searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Epistemonikos databases from inception to December 2019. Two independent investigators screened the titles, the abstracts of the identified records, and the full texts of the potentially eligible systematic reviews and meta-analyses, performed data extraction according to predefined forms, and rated the quality of the included systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The quality of the included systematic reviews and meta-analyses will be rated with AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) 2. Data will be analyzed descriptively and stratified by AMSTAR 2.

RESULTS

We introduced the rationale and design of a systematic overview to summarize and map the chosen IPT outcome domains and the methods of handling these outcomes reported in published systematic reviews and meta-analyses. As of December 2019, we collected 5229 systematic reviews, of which 147 (2.81%) were examined in-depth for eligibility. Topline results are anticipated by September 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study will be published as soon as they are available. Our results will fill a gap in the related literature and will be used to inform the development of a set of recommendations that can be applied in systematic reviews and hopefully serve as a gold standard.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/17795
Diabetes-Related Topics in an Online Forum for Caregivers of Individuals Living With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias: Qualitative Inquiry (Preprint)
Authors: Du Yan , Paiva Kristi , Cebula Adrian , Kim Seon , Lopez Katrina , Li Chengdong , White Carole , Myneni Sahiti , Seshadri Sudha , Wang Jing
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) are the seventh and sixth leading causes of death in the United States, respectively, and they coexist in many older adults. Caring for a loved one with both ADRD and diabetes is challenging and burdensome.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore diabetes-related topics in the Alzheimer’s Association ALZConnected caregiver forum by family caregivers of persons living with ADRD.

METHODS

User posts on the Alzheimer’s Association ALZConnected caregiver forum were extracted. A total of 528 posts related to diabetes were included in the analysis. Of the users who generated the 528 posts, approximately 96.1% (275/286) were relatives of the care recipient with ADRD (eg, child, grandchild, spouse, sibling, or unspecified relative). Two researchers analyzed the data independently using thematic analysis. Any divergence was discussed among the research team, and an agreement was reached with a senior researcher’s input as deemed necessary.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis revealed 7 key themes. The results showed that comorbidities of ADRD were common topics of discussions among family caregivers. Diabetes management in ADRD challenged family caregivers. Family caregivers might neglect their own health care because of the caring burden, and they reported poor health outcomes and reduced quality of life. The online forum provided a platform for family caregivers to seek support in their attempts to learn more about how to manage the ADRD of their care recipients and seek support for managing their own lives as caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

The ALZConnected forum provided a platform for caregivers to seek informational and emotional support for caring for persons living with ADRD and diabetes. The overwhelming burdens with these two health conditions were apparent for both caregivers and care recipients based on discussions from the online forum. Studies are urgently needed to provide practical guidelines and interventions for diabetes management in individuals with diabetes and ADRD. Future studies to explore delivering diabetes management interventions through online communities in caregivers and their care recipients with ADRD and diabetes are warranted.
The Risk Assessment of Multi Hazard Area: A Case of Mitigation Consider in Spatial Planning of Bukittinggi City
Authors: Firmansyah Firmansyah , Syarifudin Deden , Rohjan Jajan
Published: January 2020

The city of Bukittinggi in West Sumatra Province is geographically prone to multi hazard. The located along the active fault line of Sumatra namely Ngarai Sianok that shifted eleven centimeters per year, which is surrounded by two volcanoes, namely Mount Singgalang and Mount Marapi. Looking at the potential of multihazard disasters, this study aims to analyze the multi-disaster that is the input for development policy. The method used to assess factors with Davidson standardization model and superimpose. To obtain the level of importance of disaster risk factors used weighting by using analytical hierarchy process method by expert judgement. The study results show areas at high risk for earthquake, landslide, fire and flood disasters and disaster mitigation measures to reduce risks to hazard, vulnerability and resilience factors. Contribution in this reseach that spatial multi-hazard consideration should be undertaken as a consideration of development policies in order to reduce disaster risk.
Human and Economic Resources Mapping Analysis to Evaluate the SDGs Accomplishment in South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Putri Ratih Fitria , SriSumantyo Josaphat Tetuko , Sukamdi Sukamdi , Harini Rika
Published: January 2020

Natural resource abundance in South Kalimantan has been expected to optimize public services. The SDGs accomplishment requires an equitable implementation in economic, social, and environmental aspects. This research aimed to (1) discover the human and economic condition and (2) determine the development direction of South Kalimantan Province. It was based on institutional-secondary data that were processed in GIS software and analyzed with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The results showed that: (1) the human resources in South Kalimantan could accelerate regional development—however, some of the qualitative indicators are associated with poverty complicated by gender disparity—, while the land resources became increasingly limited due to intensive agricultural practices that caused the rise of industrial and trade sectors; and (2) the development of South Kalimantan should improve people’s perception of gender-related topics, recruit more medical workers, and reduce pressures on agricultural land by switching into stable industrial activities.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Utilization for 3D Fiscal Cadastre
Authors: Hendriatiningsih Sadikin , Hernandi Andri , Saptari Asep Yusup , Widyastuti Ratri , Saragih Dhendy
Published: January 2020

Parcels data in Indonesia are still stored in 2-dimensional (2D) geometry which are integrated with other attribute data, such as the case with the Directorate of Land and Building Tax Indonesia. Whereas, building taxes assessment refers to a number of details that require the information to be stored in 3-dimensional (3D) forms. This study aims at the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, which widely used in building asset management in 3D. This research illustrates the usability of the role of BIM in assessing and managing building taxes in Indonesia. The point clouds were obtained using Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) technology. The point clouds processed so that it can form 3-dimensional geometrical apartment. The attributes of the 3-dimensional model integrated with the geometric model using the BIM concept. The results analyzed to assess whether BIM concept was able to fulfill the needs of the 3D fiscal cadastre in Indonesia.
Urban Temperature Profiles and Land Cover Detection in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area using Remote Sensing
Authors: Widyasamratri Hasti , Souma Kazuyoshi , Suetsugi Tadashi
Published: January 2020

This research aim to investigate the urban thermal environment profile and land cover classification  in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area (JMA) in 1989 and 2013. Thermal environment conducted by installing fix point ground measurement of air temperature and land surface temperature. The land cover classification was carried out  by using Landsat TM 5 and Landsat 7 ETM+ data sets. The diurnal variation of air temperature shows that Urban Heat Island (UHI) was occurring in urban and suburban JMA, which can be seen the slower cooling period in the urban area than suburban areas. Positive correlation between air temperature (Ta) and land surface temperature (Ts) on the brush (r2 = 0.78) and the asphalt surface (r2= 0.88) is clearly shown during the study. The rapid urbanization was detected during 1989 to 2013 where the urban sprawl is spread over to the whole area of JMA. Urban built up is the dominant of high increase due to years, while vegetation is decreasing.
We Three: My Brain, My Homunculus, and Me
Authors: Klemm W. R.
Published: January 2020

An unconscious sense of the body in all higher mammals is located in somatosensory and motor cortices, colloquially referred to as the Homunculus (H). The time has arrived to consider how H might engage in the dimensions of selfhood that go beyond embodiment. Surely, the neural network modules that process various dimensions of selfhood must at least access and interact with the H or a stored memory of it. In this review, I suggest that our traditional understanding of H is much too simplistic. This review specifies a set of experimental approaches that should enlarge our understanding of the brain mechanisms of selfhood.
A portable instrument with disposable cells for in-situ measurements of viscosity in liquids
Authors: Grossi Marco , Riccò Bruno
Published: January 2020

Viscosity is a very important property of liquids and its measure is mandatory for quality analysis in different industrial fields, such as food, paints, petroleum based products and cosmetics. Different types of viscometers exist that can measure fluids’ viscosity with high accuracy exploiting different physical principles, however these instruments are generally laboratory based and not suitable for quick in-situ measurements by untrained personnel.In this paper a portable instrument for in-situ measurement of liquids’ viscosity is presented. The instrument is based on the falling ball principle and features a battery operated electronic board, an LCD display and a disposable cell for measurements on samples for which cleaning would be difficult and time consuming. The instrument has been successfully tested by measuring the viscosity of tap water in the temperature range 15° - 45 °C and the viscosity of metalworking fluids in order to estimate oil concentration.
Wetting behavior and interfacial characteristic of eutectic In-Ag solders on Au thin films
Authors: Mansoor Muhammad Mansoor , Zilohu Ahnaf Usman , Mujahid Muhammad , Khan Shaheed
Published: January 2020

Soldering electrical contacts to gold thin films is a matter of consideration due to high soldering temperature, restricted wetting, excessive scavenging and low strength offered by most of the common soldering alloys. Indium alloys offer certain benefits for gold soldering justifying their increased cost. In the present study, hypo-, hyper- and eutectic In-Ag solder were prepared and investigated for compositional and structural homogeneity, soldering temperature, contact angle, spreading factor, scavenging zone and scavenging phase (i.e. AuIn2). It was found that addition of silver (~3.5%) ameliorated the above mentioned characteristics for better control of soldering practice with gold thin films besides lowering the soldering temperature.
Manufacture of lightweight clay bricks with improved thermal insulation properties via the incorporation of spent shea waste
Authors: Adazabra A.N. , Viruthagiri G. , Shanmugam N.
Published: January 2020

An effective environmentally correct disposal option for spent shea waste is remarkably constrained by many factors regardless of the disposal method adopted hitherto. Dumping of spent shea waste in farmlands or its landfilling have serious long-term ramifications to environment. Besides, it cannot be openly burned without violating international treaties on global warming issues. For this reason, we incorporated spent shea waste into brick making clay towards the manufacture of lightweight clay bricks with improved insulation properties. In this regard, bricks were prepared under various sintering conditions by replacing 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.% of the clay material with spent shea waste. The results show bricks fired at 1000 °C with 15 wt.% spent shea waste incorporation is most optimized manufacturing condition. These bricks demonstrated a 13.82 wt.% reduction in weight, compressive strength of 6 Mpa, water absorption of 15.95 % and a beneficial reduced thermal conductivity of 0.31 W/(mK), which translated to about 58.06 % increase in thermal insulation relative to the reference brick samples. This research has therefore provided convincing evidence on the possible widespread valorization of spent shea waste in manufacture of lightweight clay bricks with improved insulation properties. Hence, an ecofriendly disposal method of spent shea waste.
Tribological studies on bearings coated with titanium carbo-nitride (TiCN) using chemical vapour deposition (Cvd) method
Authors: Banapurmath N. R. , Tungal Monisha R. , Hallad Shankar A. , Kaladagi Komal Swaroop , Angadi Nandish B. , Shettar A.S.
Published: January 2020

The present work mainly focus on the development of a coating material for bearing applications using Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) method. The presence of coatings and surface topography play a vital role in the tribological performance of sliding components such as bearing. The coating used should reduce friction as well as wear of the components. An attempt has been made to develop a coating material that is provided on bearings in order to facilitate wear-resisting property improving the bearing properties significantly. Titanium Carbonitride TiCN is an extensively used material on tools used for abrasive cutting and machining operations, but still not used as a coating material in bearing applications. In this direction, (TiCN), an abrasion resistant ceramic coating was formed by adding a small amount of carbon to the Titanium Nitride (TiN) and the developed coating was applied on the bearings in the form of a thin film of 3 μm thickness. The carbon makes the coating harder and thereby provides a lower friction coefficient. Specimens were developed as per ASTM standards with size 10 x 10 x 20mm with and without coating material. The coated specimens were tested on Pin-on-disc wear testing machine and a comparative study between the TiCN coated bearing and the conventional bearing was carried out in terms of wear rates determination. SEM and EDAX analysis was also carried out for the tested specimens to ensure proper distribution of carbon in TiN. From the study it was found that the coated material showed lesser wear rate by 21% when compared to the conventional uncoated specimen and SEM showed proper bonding between the carbon and TiN.
Firefly optimization technique based test scenario generation and prioritization
Authors: Panthi Vikas , Mohapatra Durga Prasad
Published: January 2020

Model-based testing shows a significant role-play in the area of software testing. This paper presents a new automatic test scenarios generation technique using UML state machine diagram having composite states. The intention of this research is to generate test scenarios for concurrent and composite states in state machines using the proposed algorithm SMToTSG (State Machine To Test Scenarios Generation). We have prioritized the test scenarios using Firefly optimization algorithm. We have used state-based coverage criteria such as state, transition, transition pair coverage to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The proposed approach is useful for feasible test scenario generation. Generating exhaustive test scenarios for all concurrent interdependent sequences is very difficult. In this paper, we generate the important test scenarios in the presence of concurrency in composite models. After prioritization, we apply Average Percentage Fault Detection (APFD) metric to calculate the efficiency of the prioritized test scenarios.
Voice activity detection using smoothed-fuzzy entropy (smFuzzyEn) and support vector machine
Authors: Elton R. Johny , Vasuki P. , Mohanalin J. , Gnanasekaran J. S.
Published: January 2020

In this paper a novel voice activity detection approach using smoothed fuzzy entropy (smFuzzyEn) feature using support vector machine is proposed. The proposed approach (smFESVM) uses total variation filter and Savitzky-Golay filter to smooth the FuzzyEn feature extracted from the noisy speech signals. Also, convolution of the first order difference of TV filter and noisy fuzzy entropy feature (conFETV') is also proposed. The obtained smoothed feature vectors are further normalized using min-max normalization and the normalized feature vectors train SVM model for speech/non-speech classification. The proposed smFESVM method shows better discrimination of noise and noisy speech when tested under various nonstationary background noises of different signal-to-noise ratio levels. 10 – fold cross validation was used to validate the efficacy of the SVM classifier. The performance of the smFESVM is compared against various algorithms and comparison suggests that the results obtained by the smFESVM is efficient in detecting speech under low SNR conditions with an accuracy of 93.88%.
Effect of annealing temperature on the structural, morphological and optical properties of TiO2 nanotubes and their composites with CdSe Quantum dots
Authors: Vats Tani , Sharma Shailesh N.
Published: January 2020

In the present work we have synthesized Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes using hydrothermal method, and studied the effect of annealing temperature on the crystalinity of the nanotubes. The nanotubes obtained were annealed at 400o C and 600o C. In order to elucidate the changes caused by the annealing temperature transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used. The composites of titania nanotubes and CdSe quantum dots were prepared using bifunctional linker, mercaptopropionic acid. The nanocomposites were characterized using TEM and XDR. The optical propierties of the modified TiO2 nanotubes and their composites with CdSe (for potential solar cell applications) were characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra.
Characterization of compact and efficient patch antenna with single inset feeding technique for wireless applications
Authors: Rajan S. Palanivel , Paranthaman M.
Published: January 2020

Microstrip patch antenna has made great progress in recent years. Wireless application including radars, cellulars phones, wireless sensor networks, and in medical applications are used in microstrip patch antenna. The proposed antenna used for double inset feeding technique with the generation of millimeter-wave Hermite-Gaussian (HG) beams at HG11 in feeding network. Relative permittivity of 3.75 and loss tangent of 0.018, designed antennas are si,ulated on a high performance of FR4 substrate. To simulate the proposed antennas are used by the ADS Momentum software. The usage of ADS Momentum is various parameters for instance S11 Parameter, return losses, directivity and gain of the proposed antennas are also obtained using ADS momentum.
CREATING AN ENGLISH MATERIALS IN ORAL DISCOURSE ASPECT FOR THE TAXI DRIVERS
Authors: Kadek Claria Dewa Ayu
Published: January 2020

This research was concerned in creating an English material in oral discourse aspect for the Taxi Drivers. The research conducted based on the problems faced by the taxi drivers in the tourism object which need English as a main language in communicating with the international passenger. The improvement in English skill especially in oral discourse for the taxi drivers was aimed to provide a better service in their job which runs in tourism field. The method used in conducting the research consists of three steps; they are chose the data source, collect the data, and analyse the data. The data was taken by doing the interview and spread the questionnaire to the taxi drivers in Sanur. The material selection was done by selecting the most difficult aspect that the drivers thought in learning English especially in oral discourse aspect. The analysed data provide the basis in creating an English material for the drivers. The theory applied in this research are theory of Hutchinson and Waters in their book entitled English for Specific purpose (1987) as the main theory and the theory of Van Dijk (1993) in his book entitled Principles od Discourse analysis and Searle, J. R. (1696) in her book entitled Speech Acts, an essay in the philosophy of language as supporting theories. As the result, the English materials was created based on Hutchinson and Waters theory which consists of input, content focus, language focus and task. Those model of learning was the most suitable to the taxi driver seen from the layout and also the English material has more specific material organization by applied this model.
Apoyo y participación educativa de las familias de los países del sur de Europa: una aproximación a la realidad española y portuguesa
Authors: Martín-Lagos López María Dolores , Luque Suárez Mónica
Published: January 2020

Se presentan los resultados de una investigación en la que se le ha preguntado a los estudiantes universitarios de las ciudades de Granada, Lisboa y Melilla, cuál ha sido el apoyo y la participación de sus padres y madres durante su trayectoria educativa. La investigación comparada atribuye un conjunto de características a los países del sur de Europa que influyen sobre las interacciones diarias de sus habitantes. Mediante el análisis de las relaciones paterno filiares en materia educativa se ha querido conocer cómo responde la familia, en los momentos de crisis económica, en la educación, si continúa existiendo una división de roles y, finalmente, cuál es el balance emocional experimentado por los estudiantes durante su trayectoria educativa. Para lograr desentrañar los discursos y vivencias, se ha empleado una metodología cualitativa.
Quantized Three-Ion-Channel Neuron Model for Neural Action Potentials
Authors: Gonzalez-Raya Tasio , Solano Enrique , Sanz Mikel
Published: January 2020

The Hodgkin-Huxley model describes the conduction of the nervous impulse through the axon, whose membrane's electric response can be described employing multiple connected electric circuits containing capacitors, voltage sources, and conductances. These conductances depend on previous depolarizing membrane voltages, which can be identified with a memory resistive element called memristor. Inspired by the recent quantization of the memristor, a simplified Hodgkin-Huxley model including a single ion channel has been studied in the quantum regime. Here, we study the quantization of the complete Hodgkin-Huxley model, accounting for all three ion channels, and introduce a quantum source, together with an output waveguide as the connection to a subsequent neuron. Our system consists of two memristors and one resistor, describing potassium, sodium, and chloride ion channel conductances, respectively, and a capacitor to account for the axon's membrane capacitance. We study the behavior of both ion channel conductivities and the circuit voltage, and we compare the results with those of the single channel, for a given quantum state of the source. It is remarkable that, in opposition to the single-channel model, we are able to reproduce the voltage spike in an adiabatic regime. Arguing that the circuit voltage is a quantum variable, we find a purely quantum-mechanical contribution in the system voltage's second moment. This work represents a complete study of the Hodgkin-Huxley model in the quantum regime, establishing a recipe for constructing quantum neuron networks with quantum state inputs. This paves the way for advances in hardware-based neuromorphic quantum computing, as well as quantum machine learning, which might be more efficient resource-wise.
Microcefalia por Zika un problema latente: Reporte de Caso y Aspectos Moleculares
Authors: Patiño Oscar , Muñoz Nelson , Pinzón Hernando , Reyes Melissa , Moneriz Carlos
Published: January 2020

Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 20 días de nacido, procedente de Cartagena (Bolívar), hospitalizado por presentar fiebre de 6 días de evolución asociado a sintomatología respiratoria con evaluación neurológica normal. La ecografía obstétrica evidenció una microcefalia con un percentil de perímetro cefálico <2, con hipoplasia del cuerpo calloso y tomografía axial computarizada de cráneo que reportó diámetros cefálicos disminuidos, finas calcificaciones residuales en región frontal-parietal y cambios atróficos cerebrales subcorticales. Se le inició terapia antibiótica por presentar sepsis neonatal, las pruebas serológicas y la PCR para Zika resultaron positivas. Se decidió dar el alta médica al 6 día por mejoría clínica y no presentar déficit neurológico aparente. Aunque no existe un tratamiento específico, el pilar del manejo de un recién nacido con microcefalia es el seguimiento y la vigilancia futura de las posibles comorbilidades, como epilepsia, parálisis cerebral o retraso cognitivo y motor.
A Importância do planejamento estratégico para a gestão da assistência farmacêutica sob a ótica do diagrama de Ishikawa.
Authors: Gonçalves de Freitas Carina , De Jesus Paixão Marcelo Ney
Published: January 2020

Introdução: O profissional farmacêutico que atua na gestão de projetos na área da Assistência Farmacêutica assume grandes desafios no aperfeiçoamento e na busca de estratégias efetivas, que possam garantir bons Resultados: para a garantia do acesso aos medicamentos. Uma das principais ferramentas de gestão consiste no planejamento estratégico, que pode ser considerada como uma técnica que busca analisar o ambiente de forma estratégica, identificando as melhores práticas administrativas a serem adotadas, podendo ser aplicada na gestão da assistência farmacêutica.Entre os instrumentos para o planejamento estratégico, o Diagrama de Ishikawa destaca-se por identificar as possíveis causas e efeitos reais de um determinado problema, ampliando a análise dos fatores envolvidos no processo. Objetivo: Demonstrar a importância do Planejamento Estratégico para a gestão da Assistência Farmacêutica, através do Diagrama de Ishikawa. Métodos: A construção do Diagrama de Ishikawa foi realizada em uma disciplina de Gestão da Assistência Farmacêutica em uma Universidade particular em Salvador. Inicialmente foram levantados, através da técnica de Brainstorming, os principais problemas que podem ocorrer na área da Assistência Farmacêutica. Utilizando a Matriz GUT, chegou-se ao problema referente ao alto índice de desperdício de medicamentos. Dessa forma, o trabalho consistiu em identificar possíveis causas e efeitos do problema, através do Diagrama de Ishikawae, assim, facilitar a interpretação e análise crítica das causas. Resultados: Entre as principais causas levantadas para o alto índice de desperdício de medicamentos, destacam-se a aquisição de medicamentos sem critérios técnicos, armazenamento inadequado de medicamentos, erro no mapeamento epidemiológico e falhas no processo logístico de distribuição de medicamentos, cuja causa convergente consistiu no inefetivo controle dos processos de gestão do medicamento. Perdas por validade, descarte incorreto, geração de resíduos tóxicos e poluição ambiental foram as principais consequências levantadas, sendo o prejuízo aos cofres públicos apontado como a consequência convergente. Como imagem objetivo, ou seja, situação a que se quer chegar, foi definido o aperfeiçoamento do controle do processo de gestão do medicamento. A partir dessa análise, foi possível a discussão e elaboração de ações estratégicas para as causas levantadas do problema central. Conclusão: O uso do Diagrama de Ishikawa na área da Assistência Farmacêutica demonstra a importância do planejamento estratégico para o setor, pois contribui para a construção de ações de melhorias no desempenho dentro do sistema de saúde, a partir da identificação de possíveis causas e consequências para os problemas a serem enfrentados.
Chemical characterization of the species Raphanus sativus L. under different conditions of fertilization and water stress conditions
Authors: Cunha Amanda Lima , Costa Marília Layse Alves , Maranhão Tereza Lucio Gomes Quirino , Do Nascimento Rocha Mabel Alencar , Da Silva Alex Teófilo , Do Nascimento Cícera Maria Alencar , Souza Mayara Andrade , Gomes Tâmara Cláudia De Araújo , Da Costa João Gomes , Dos Santos Aldenir Feitosa
Published: January 2020

This study quantifies phenolic and flavonoid compounds and evaluates the antioxidant activity by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method, also identifying some secondary metabolites of R. sativus under organic fertilization and water stress. For this, a greenhouse experiment was carried out with the preparation of plant extracts (leaves and roots), quantification of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, analysis of antioxidant activity, and phytochemical screening. Different classes of secondary metabolites (catechins, steroids, saponins, among others) were identified. The DPPH method showed that the leaf extract has higher DPPH radical scavenging activity. The leaf extract had a high content of phenolic compounds, especially in treatments without water stress, either with organic fertilization (1925.59 mg GAE/g extract) or with mineral fertilization (2058.47 mg GAE/g extract). For root extracts, R. sativus developed under water stress and organic fertilization showed higher phenolic content (1383.24 mg GAE/g extract). Regarding flavonoid content, the root extract that showed the highest concentration corresponded to the treatment under water stress and without fertilization (82.1 mg QE/g extract). Therefore, radish was shown to be rich in bioactive compounds and with antioxidant potential in both its leaves and roots.
Antimicrobial activity of isolated compounds and semisynthetic derivatives from Miconia ferruginata
Authors: Cunha Gracielle Oliveira Sabbag , Terezan Ana Paula , Matos Andreia Pereira , Burger Marcela Carmen De Melo , Vieira Paulo Cezar , Fernandes João Batista , Fernandes da Silva Maria Fátima Das Graças , Menezes Antônio Carlos Severo
Published: January 2020

This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of isolated compounds and semisynthetic derivatives from Miconia ferruginata (Melastomataceae) against five microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6623), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). The isomeric mixture of ursolic and oleanolic acids was active against S. aureus (MIC = 250 μg mL-1) and against E. coli, B. subtilis, and P. aeruginosa (MIC = 500 μg mL-1). The flavone 5,6,7-trihydroxy-4’-methoxyflavone and the methyl esters, semisynthetic derivatives of a mixture of ursolic and oleanolic acids, showed no activity against the tested microorganisms. These results suggest that the carboxyl group present in the triterpenes may contribute to antimicrobial activity.
Strength Comparison of Accelerated Cured & Normal Cured Fly-Ash Based Concrete
Authors: Khan Muhammad Adil , Javed Asjad , Choudhry Mahboob Ali
Published: January 2020

The most important property of concrete is its compressive strength, which is carried out after 28-days of proper curing of concrete. This test is affected by other factors like the condition of curing, water to cement ratio, method of transportation, handling of the concrete, extent of vibrations and quality of the ingredients of mix proportion. This research study is an attempt to develop a simple mathematical model, by using linear regression analysis to estimate the 28-day fc’ (Compressive Strength) of concrete from the test results carried out at early age. This simple linear equation develops a relationship of 28.5 hours. These results show that most of the predicted values of compressive strength, calculated via equations, lie within permissible range difference for compressive strength achieved by experimental method, which is clear indication of credibility of the equations obtained for compressive strength at different age of concrete. The results show that compressive strength of concrete increases with the increase in content of FA (Fly Ash) upto 30% replacement, and the compressive strength of the concrete starts decreasing beyond 30% FA substitution. This argument is totally in line with all the literature carried out for this research.
Mechanical and Flame-Retardant Properties of Exoxy Epikote 240/Epoxidized Linseed Oil Composites Using Fiber-Glass
Authors: Anh Nguyen Tuan
Published: January 2020

Flammability of polymer composite appears to be one of the greatest threats and hence limits its advanced applications. Polymer composite materials can be designed to obtain wide ranges of properties in comparison with traditional materials. However, almost common polymers include the intrinsic flammability, restricting their applications in spite of their flexibility and performance efficiency. In this study, a material based on epoxy Epikote 240 resin 90 phr and epoxidized linseed oil 10 phr was prepared. In order to improve the material's flame retardancy ability but maintain its mechanical strength, the mixture of flame retardants including 9 phr antimony trioxide and 11 phr chlorinated paraffins along with amin compounds as a curing agent were added into the material. In addition, E-glass woven fabric (E 600g/m2 ) was used to improve mechanical strength of the material. As a result, the material was considered as the flame- retardant material with LOI index to be 30.3%.
A Hybrid Sine Cosine Algorithm with SQP for Solving Convex and Nonconvex Economic Dispatch Problem
Authors: Babar Muhammad Imran , Ahmad Aftab , Fayyaz Saqib
Published: January 2020

ED (Economic Dispatch) is one of the major problems of power system operation. The aim of ED problem is the efficient utilization of resources to provide the demanded power while generating cost turns out to be minimum and no constraint is violated either equality or inequality. The ED optimization problem, is necessary because of limited resources, high fuel cost and ever growing demand of power. This paper presents solution to convex and nonconvex ED problems using a novel HSCA (Hybrid Sine Cosine Algorithm). The proposed HSCA technique enhances the exploration capabilities of SCA (Sine Cosine Algorithm) by equipping it with mutation and crossover operators from DE(Differential Evolution) algorithm. DE algorithm introduces diversity in the operation of SCA enabling it to avoid local minima and premature convergence. To ensure precise and accurate optimum tracking results are finally refined by SQP (Sequential Quadratic Programming) algorithm. The high feasibility and applicability of proposed technique has been tested and validated on 13, 15 and 40 IEEE Standard test systems considering transmission losses and prohibited operating zones in “MATLAB 2014a”. Comparisons of results obtained from HSCA indicate significant improvement in convergence time and fuel cost as compared to the techniques reported in the literature.
A Database for Urdu Text Detection and Recognition in Natural Scene Images
Authors: Leghari Mehwish , Memon Mukhtiar Ahmad , Leghari Mehjabeen , Jalbani Akhtar  Hussain
Published: January 2020

Conventional solar cells are not economical and are recently too expensive to the manufacturers for extensive-scale electricity generation. Cost and efficiency is most vital factor in the accomplishment of any solar technology. In order to improve the conversion efficiency, the major research in third generation photovoltaic (PV) cells is directed toward retaining more sunlight using nanotechnology. Advancement in nanotechnology solar cell via quantum dots (QDs) could reduce the cost of PV cell and additionally enhance cell conversion efficiency. Silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) are semiconductor nano crystals of nanometers dimension whose electron-holes are confined in all three spatial dimensions. Quantum dots have discrete electronic states. Quantum dots have capacity to change band gap with the adjustment in size of quantum dot. As the quantum dots size fluctuates over a wide range that demonstrates the variety of band gap so it will assimilate or discharge light. In this paper, the generic mathematical models of PV cell are adopted and then I-V and P-V characteristic curves are obtained from selected parameters using MATLAB software. The essential parameters are taken from datasheets. I-V and P-V characteristics curves are obtained for selected model. Silicon quantum dots have the tunable band gap that is added to conventional PV cell and obtain the I-V and P-V curves. After simulation, efficiency and power of Conventional PV cell to quantum dots based PV cell is compared. The property of quantum dots is used in extending the band gap of solar cells and increasing the maximum proportion of incident sunlight absorbed, hence improving efficiency.
Improving Efficiency of Photovoltaic Cell Using Nanomaterials
Authors: Memon Batool , Jatoi Samia , Ali Zeeshan , Larik Javed Rehman , Jamro Liaquat Ali
Published: January 2020

Conventional solar cells are not economical and are recently too expensive to the manufacturers for extensive-scale electricity generation. Cost and efficiency is most vital factor in the accomplishment of any solar technology. In order to improve the conversion efficiency, the major research in thirdgeneration photovoltaic (PV) cells is directed toward retaining more sunlight using nanotechnology. Advancement in nanotechnology solar cell via quantum dots (QDs) could reduce the cost of PV cell and additionally enhance cell conversion efficiency. Silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) are semiconductor nano crystals of nanometers dimension whose electron-holes are confined in all three spatial dimensions. Quantum dots have discrete electronic states. Quantum dots have capacity to change band gap with the adjustment in size of quantum dot. As the quantum dots size fluctuates over a wide range that demonstrates the variety of band gap so it will assimilate or discharge light. In this paper, the generic mathematical models of PV cell are adopted and then I-V and P-V characteristic curves are obtained from selected parameters using MATLAB software. The essential parameters are taken from datasheets. I-V and P-V characteristics curves are obtained for selected model. Silicon quantum dots have the tunable band gap that is added to conventional PV cell and obtain the I-V and P-V curves. After simulation, efficiency and power of Conventional PV cell to quantum dots based PV cell is compared. The property of quantum dots is used in extending the band gap of solar cells and increasing the maximum proportion of incident sunlight absorbed, hence improving efficiency.
Effects of Sr and Mn co-doping on microstructural evolution and electrical properties of LaAlO3
Authors: Villas-Boas Lúcia , Goulart Celso , Ferreira de
Published: January 2020

In this work, we investigate the effects of Sr and Mn co-doping on the
microstructural development and electrical properties of LaAlO3 synthesised
by solid state reaction and sintered at 1500 and 1600?C. The addition of Sr
and Mn contributed to the crystallization and stabilization of the
perovskite structure. However, the addition of Sr alone lead to the
formation of heterogeneous microstructure, while the combined effect of Sr
and Mn improved Al and La homogeneity in the perovskite structure. Total
electrical conductivity is enhanced by three orders of magnitude with Sr
addition (La0.8Sr0.2AlO3-?: 5.74 ? 10?4 S/cm at 600?C) and five orders of
magnitude with Mn co-doping (La0.8Sr0.2Al0.8Mn0.2O3-?: 3.6 ? 10?2 S/cm at
600?C) compared to the undoped LaAlO3 (2.96 ? 10?6 S/cm at 600?C). The Sr
and Mn co-doped LaAlO3 present favourable catalytic activity for electrode
reactions even with a low dopant concentration (20mol%).