bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New measure of consumer well-being for Indian car users
Authors: Manchanda Rimple , Manchiraju Srikant
Published: November 2020

Consumers today tend to look for material comfort and satisfaction from use and consumption of range of consumer durable goods, which are expected to induce consumer well-being. The current study investigates the consumer well-being of car users in Delhi and National Capital Region as this region has been recognized as biggest automobile market in India. Car industry is in the focus of the study because of its distinct features viz-aviz other consumer durable goods. The study is built around the existing conceptualization and measures of consumer well-being and intends to develop a separate measure of consumer well-being of car users in Delhi NCR through an exploratory research design. Three dimensional measure of consumer well-being has been developed.
An Exploration of Strategies of Human Resource Supervisor in Facilitating the Achievement of Organizational Goals: Implications for HR and Organizational Development
Authors: Ahmed Rukhsar , Masudi Jawed Aziz , Hafeez Khalid , Ahmed Urooj
Published: November 2020

The study of the role of Human Resource supervisor in achieving organization goals is very much useful and functional managers as well as for top-level management and entry-level employees in order to get success and attainment of their objectives. This study is helpful for almost every organization since every organization has an HR department, and this research covers how to attain organizational objectives and goals to fulfill the mission and vision of the company by applying innovative tactics and procedures to get maximum results. Accordingly, the results shed light on how to train the employees to complete the tasks appropriately and precisely. The relationship between human resource supervisor and organization goals has always been of great concernment for researchers and organizational scientists. This research takes the entire plan moreover by relating the set-up of different sectors in Karachi, Pakistan.
Effect of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz: Euphorbiaceae) Starch on the Stabilization of Malagasy Lateritic Soil
Authors: Razanajatovo Harinivo Olsynthique , Ravelomanantsoa Serge , Rasoazanany Elise Octavie , Matondo Aristote , Ashande Colette Masengo , Ridwan Muhammad , Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Baholy Robijaona Rahelivololoniaina
Published: November 2020

Laterite is one of the most widespread raw materials, especially in Madagascar. Its valorization as a building material would help to solve many socio-economic problems in Madagascar as well as in Africa. The use of this type of material fits well within the framework of high environmental quality, since the process uses an abundant material that does not require too much energy for its manufacture because it is dried in the open air. The aim of this work was to stabilize the laterite with cassava starch. The valorization of the latter would contribute to the development of new building materials. The study focuses on the mechanical characterization of specimens made with Vontovorona laterite in different proportions, which goes hand in hand with the determination of the physico-chemical parameters of the starch. To make specimens, we used techniques such as extraction, sieving, heating, laterite-stabilizing dosage, mixing, rotting, moulding, clamping, demoulding, drying. The results obtained show that the best stabilizing material is obtained if 15% of starch is mix to lateritic soil. The compressive strength in the dry state of the test specimens (samples) gave a significantly interesting result with a value of 54.8 bars (85% laterite with 15% starch). Thus the use of starch as a stabilizer in construction gave satisfactory results. This eco-friendly process, simple in its steps and practice, should be popularized among artisanal brick makers. Thus, replacing proportions of the Portland cement in soil stabilization with Cassava starch will reduce the overall environmental impact of the stabilization process.
Perilaku Berisiko dalam Berkendara dan Kejadian Kecelakaan Sepeda Motor pada Mahasiswa
Authors: Amalia Farah Multi , Nurmansyah Mochamad Iqbal
Published: November 2020

Kecelakaan lalu lintas menjadi penyebab utama kematian pada kelompok usia dewasa muda. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui hubungan perilaku berisiko dalam berkendara terhadap kejadian kecelakaan sepeda motor pada mahasiswa UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan desain cross sectional. Sampel berjumlah 502 mahasiswa yang dipilih dengan menggunakan metode purposive proportional sampling. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan uji Chi-Square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan 32.1% responden pernah mengalami kecelakaan sepeda motor. Uji statistik menunjukkan terdapat hubungan antara mendengarkan musik saat berkendara (p=0.013), berkendara dengan kecepatan lebih dari 50km/jam (p=0.001), rem mendadak (p=0.000), dan menyalip tanpa memberikan lampu sein (p=0.006) dengan kejadian kecelakaan sepeda motor. Perilaku berisiko dapat mengurangi konsentrasi seseorang dalam berkendara sehingga hal tersebut dapat meningkatkan peluang terjadinya kecelakaan kendaraan bermotor. Pihak universitas khususnya perlu memperketat peraturan dan edukasi bagi mahasiswa untuk dapat meingkatkan perilaku aman dalam berkendara.
Dimensions of Health Tourism in Turkey
Authors: Kol Emre
Published: November 2020

Recently, many people in various countries have preferred private healthcare organizations in Turkey for treatment. The most important reason for this situation is that medical operations performed with modern techniques in source countries are also performed in Turkey and at affordable prices. Because of the low cost, high quality, and technology standards, foreign patients prefer Turkish health institutions in almost every field such as plastic and aesthetic surgery, hair transplantation, eye surgery, in vitro fertilization, open-heart surgery, dermatological diseases, checkups, cancer treatments, otorhinolaryngology, dialysis, cardiovascular surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, dentistry, spa, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. The 2013 report of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) states that the number of international patients in Turkey has increased in recent years but is still behind the numbers of patients traveling for treatment purposes around the world. Important achievements, particularly in the fields of transplantation, genetic testing, eye surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and dentistry, bring Turkey to the forefront of health tourism. This study emphasizes the economic dimensions of health tourism by discussing the improvement of health tourism in Turkey. Advantages, disadvantages, and future opportunities for health tourism in Turkey are examined in terms of diversification of the country’s tourism, economic dimensions, and alternative tourism opportunities. In this context, the study mentions the notion of health tourism, boosting health tourism around the world and in Turkey, and the place and economic dimension of Turkey within world health tourism.
The Space Economy: Freedom and Fairness above the Skies
Authors: Dragomir Jora Octavian
Published: November 2020

The space economy encompasses the totality of activities resulting from and in the presence of humankind in space and, in addition to its governmental and research components, it also features a critical and crescent business and market-oriented segment. The number of space systems, especially those in Earth orbit, has augmented significantly, leading to a surge in satellite services that has strikingly outstripped global economic growth. The huge demand for communications, data gathering, navigation, positioning and timing services grows exponentially with the development of new applications with terrestrial debouche and encouraged by state actors seeing this field as a strategic force multiplier and area for competition/competitiveness. This research observes that even if costs continue to fall (on the technological “supply-side”) and reliance on circum-terrestrial space-based facilities continues to rise (on the “demand-side”), there are international institutional hurdles against the unleash of space quest for fear that uneven chances to accede in space will ignite old terrestrial conflicts. Special attention will be drawn on the reasons for the potential prolongation of the image of cosmic space as a “museum” rather that a “laboratory”, and a “laboratory” rather than an “workshop”, discussing whether the just / efficient paradigm in the outer space governance / ownership / sovereignty is “entrepreneurial liberal capitalism”, “egalitarian social democracy” or “reactionary conservatism”.
Application of New Information Technologies in Accounting – Analysis of Current State and Future Trends
Authors: Novak Ana , Sever Mališ Sanja , Barišić Ivana
Published: November 2020

Information technology has a particularly significant role in securing and distributing high quality information on business and financial performance, and the development of information technology causes great challenges for accounting profession. The application of information technology in accounting causes a “transformation of accounting practice” that requires from accountants’ development of new skills.Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to analyse the possibilities of applying new information technology in accounting practice through systematic analysis of recent studies and to investigate how the application of information technology affects the performance of accounting operations.In this context, there is a particularly significant impact of XBRL – the language of financial reporting, Cloud computing, Big Data, Data Analytics but also other emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.This paper also investigates future trends also most significant risks due to the use of information technology in accounting. Given their recent nature, the benefits of applying new information technologies in accounting have not yet been fully explored and their systematic analysis will serve as a basis for identifying directions of future development.
Measurement of Heat Output of a Loop Heat Pipe with Radiation Heating
Authors: Hrabovský Peter
Published: November 2020

The paper focuses on the ways of heat transfer due to the phase-phase change from liquid to gaseous and vice versa. Described herein are heat transfer devices through a heat pipe and methods for transferring heat from a heat source to a point of consumption. A heat pipe is a device described in the literature as a material with more than 100 times higher thermal conductivity than copper. A heat pipe is an energy-efficient device without the need for an electrically powered element (circulation pump). The aim of this experiment is to construct a loop heat pipe device. Construction of the cooling circuit and ensuring sufficient cooling capacity by external cooling sources. Construction of a heating circuit in the form of a heat source and its regulation of heat output. Another objective is to measure the input and output parameters of the device and to calculate the resulting heat output of the loop heat pipe. The device itself is a cooling system for the removal of generated or waste heat from technological elements such as: electrical transformers, biomass and fossil fuel combustion processes, cooling of high-performance computer workstations, etc. Another objective is to select a suitable heat transfer medium. The right choice guarantees the optimal use of the loop heat pipe device in the optimum temperature working environment while minimizing the formation of non-condensable gases generated by the chemical reactions of the loop heat pipe material itself and the heat transfer medium. This selection greatly affects the cooling performance of the device.
BUDGET ASPECTS OF FUNCTIONING OF SUBFEDERAL AUTHORITIES IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Sumskaya Tatiana V.
Published: November 2020

In this paper we identify the conditions of formation of the financial base of subjects of Federation, the technique of analysis of the structure, stability of budgets and efficiency of sub-federal budget policy. The purpose of the analysis is the elaboration of the methodical approach to the justification and evaluation of principles and criteria to strengthen fiscal capacities of regions within sub-federal fiscal policy. The study used a system approach, comparative and regression analysis. Performed complex calculations on materials of subjects of RF for 2018 has revealed features of the forming of revenues of regional budgets, as well as to assess the impact of fiscal policy on the federal levels of government on incentives for economic development of the territories. Results of the study can be used in studying the possibilities for the improvement of fiscal policy in the direction of alignment and incentives of sub-national authorities to strengthen their own revenue base. The methodical approach to the study of the influence of sub-federal fiscal policy on territorial development made it possible to characterize the inter-governmental fiscal relations at the sub-national level in terms of overcoming the asymmetry in the budgetary provision of regions, as well as detect the presence of incentives for regions to increase tax and nontax revenues. It is concluded that the improvement of inter-budgetary fiscal relations should include measures to strengthen the own tax capacity of sub-national level. In addition, the measures to prevent the direct relationship between the actual and predictable revenues and expenditure budget and the amount of received grants for leveling the budget supply are necessary.
INVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT IN RUSSIA
Authors: Tagaeva Tatiana O. , Kazantseva Lidiya K.
Published: November 2020

The article describes environmental investments in the Russian Federation. It shows the reduction of number of organizations with special costs associated with environmental innovations, changes in the structure of environmental investments, analyzes the sources of funding, shows the dynamics of investments in areas of environmental protection. The information is based on statistics for the past more than 10 years. The paper concludes that there is a need to improve economic methods for stimulating environmental investments and increasing targeted public spending for environmental protection.
Analisis Power Quality Sistem Kelistrikan Pada Apartemen Malang City Point
Authors: Mulia Sari Zahra , Hermawan Ahmad , Wibowo Sapto
Published: November 2020

Abstract: The use of equipment with a high non-linear load causes a decrease in the quality of power (Power Quality) at Malang City Point Apartment. Power quality analysis is an important requirement in the electrical system and needs special attention to save energy and costs. Savings can be achieved by reducing or even eliminating losses resulting from the use of non-linear loads. This thesis aims to present the results of an analysis of power quality conditions at Malang City Point Apartments. This analysis includes voltage, current, voltage and current imbalance, power factor, current THD and measured voltage. The system is designed using Web - Based Power Quality Meter (PM 5110) as a measurement tool, then the results are analyzed and compared with existing standards to evaluate power quality in Malang City Point Apartments. Among the various power quality problems measured, it was found that the main problems of power quality in Malang City Point Apartments were the occurrence of overvoltages and current harmonic distortion. So it is necessary to do repairs on this to overcome the overvoltage by reducing the operation of equipment that has a large load and repairing neutral conductors. Furthermore, to reduce the system harmonics, it is designed by designing a single tuned passive filter and simulated using the ETAP software version 16.0.0.
Pemasangan Instalasi Listrik Penerangan Untuk Masyarakat Binaan Disnaker di Pemkot Malang
Authors: Sukamdi  , Kharisma Dhimas , Mochammad Mieftah  , Anang Dasa Novfowan  , Rachmat Sutijpto
Published: November 2020

Pelatihan tentang pemasangan instalasi listrik penerangan yang benar, tepat dan aman untuk masyarakat Binaan Dinas Tenaga Kerja di Pemerintahan Kota Malang. Adanya pelatihan ini diharapkan dapat memberikan tambahan keterampilan pemasangan instalasi penerangan, untuk digunakan dalam bekerja memasang instalasi penerangan yang benar dan aman serta sesuai dengan standar, sehingga bisa memperkecil bahaya atau kecelakaan kerja dikarenakan kesalahan akibat pemasangan dan penggunaannya.
Methods for Selection of Prioritized Elements in Quality Management of Health Services
Authors: Susatia Budi , NUGROHO Heru Santoso Wahito
Published: November 2020

Methods for Selection of Prioritized Elements in Quality Management of Health Services

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Assessment of the Functional Capacity of the Elderly of Barangay San Fabian, Echague, Isabela
Authors: Cacayan Edmelyn B. , Asuncion Kristel May B. , Alvarado Angelito Estoesta
Published: November 2020

Normal aging process, acute illness, worsening chronic illness, and hospitalization can contribute to a decline in the ability of the older adults to perform task necessary to live independently. One of the best way to evaluate the health status of the elderly is through functional assessment which provides data that may indicate future decline allowing the nurse and their primary care giver to intervene appropriately. This study was conducted to assess the functional capacity of the elderly living at San Fabian, Echague, Isabela. The Descriptive-Inferential design was used. A total of 107 respondents with a mean age of 70.26, majority are female (52.3%), married (62.6%), and obtained college education 29.9% and 10.3% are graduate and undergraduate respectively. 43% receives pension. Respondents and significant others were interviewed using a 3-point Likert scale. On the level of functional capacity, researcher found out that the elderly are independent in performing BADL and need assistance in performing of IADL such as ability to use phone, shopping, performing heavy domestic works, laundry, taking medication in correct time and handling of finances. Age has a negative significant relationship with their ability to perform both the BADL and IADL and there is a difference between gender and source of income and their ability to perform IADL. The study also shows a significant relationship between the respondent’s marital status and their education with their ability to do IADL.

Keywords: functional capacity; elderly; assessment
Perancangan Aplikasi Secure Message Berbasis Smartphone (Studi Kasus Di Dinas Komunikasi Dan Informasi Kabupaten Takalar)
Authors: Aminuddin Rosihan , Rais Muhammad
Published: November 2020

This study aims to develop software by building a secure message application based on a smartphone or android. This application was developed using a prototyping model. The prototyping model consists of several stages: the first stage, namely the gathering of needs, the second stage of building prototyping, the third stage of coding the system, the fifth stage of testing the system. The results obtained in this study are an Android-based secure message application that can improve performance for anyone who uses an Android-based smartphone. For testing using blackbox, whitebox and expert validation, this application is suitable for use
Desamparo e sociedade capitalista: o que a psicologia tem a dizer?
Authors: Martins Lígia Márcia
Published: November 2020

Consideramos que a temática proposta a esta conferência conclama, de partida, uma análise que tenha como eixo a articulação entre a psicologia e o marxismo. Isto porque o exame do desamparo também se faz presente em outras orientações do pensamento psicológico que, não obstante suas contribuições para a compreensão deste fenômeno, pouco avançam no estabelecimento de relações entre desamparo e trabalho, concebido como atividade vital humana e, por conseguinte, entre desamparo e alienação. Sabemos que a psicologia tradicional edificou-se preterindo o papel do trabalho na formação humana e com isso, deixou de lado o papel determinante das relações de produção como produtoras também da subjetividade dos indivíduos: dos seus feitos e dos seus dramas, dos seus logros e dos seus limites. Por essa via, enveredou por um humanismo abstrato que parcamente contribui para a transformação das condições objetivas que se impõem como obstáculos à máxima realização das pessoas como sujeitos de si e da história que, com seu trabalho, contribuem para que exista (...).
Princípios da periodização do desenvolvimento do psiquismo
Authors: Santos Andressa Carolina V. dos , Machado Gustavo Joaquim M. Martins , Fornazaro Karina , Beltrame Larissa A. , Silva Patrícia Barbosa , Teixeira Thomas Henrique da Silva , Penteado Vanessa de Oliveira B. , Franco Adriana de Fátima
Published: November 2020

Neste texto, objetivamos compreender o desenvolvimento humano com o respaldo dos pressupostos teóricos epistemológicos da Psicologia Histórico-Cultural, com destaque para a periodização do desenvolvimento psíquico. Salientamos que é resultado dos estudos realizados pelo Grupo de Estudos em Psicologia Histórico-Cultural ligado ao Lapsihc – Laboratório de Psicologia Histórico-Cultural – da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM). O Grupo visa promover o intercâmbio entre graduandos, pós-graduandos e professores em diferentes estágios de envolvimento com a teoria. As atividades ali desenvolvidas concentram-se em leituras coletivas de textos considerados clássicos da Psicologia Histórico Cultural com a finalidade de compreender o desenvolvimento social do psiquismo em seus fundamentos filosóficos metodológicos. Essa teoria assume como método e referência epistemológica o materialismo histórico dialético de Karl Marx (1818-1883) e Friedrich Engels (1820-1895), utilizando tal perspectiva de forma inovadora no campo da ciência psicológica para o entendimento dos fenômenos psíquicos. A fim de romper com dualismos existentes na época, a Psicologia Histórico-Cultural foi desenvolvida para construir uma Psicologia Geral. Martins (2008. p.36), ao tratar das bases dessa teoria, explica que “[...] seus esforços não apontavam na direção da proposição de ‘uma nova abordagem’ psicológica ou de uma ‘psicologia marxista’, outrossim, na luta pela sistematização das bases gerais”, para então construir uma psicologia científica que compreenda os sujeitos em suas raízes históricas e sociais (...).
Neuroprotectin D1 Protects Against Postoperative Delirium-Like Behavior in Aged Mice
Authors: Zhou Ying , Wang Jiayu , Li Xiaofeng , Li Ke , Chen Lei , Zhang Zongze , Peng Mian
Published: November 2020

Postoperative delirium (POD) is the most common postoperative complication affecting elderly patients, yet the underlying mechanism is elusive, and effective therapies are lacking. The neuroinflammation hypothesis for the pathogenesis of POD has recently emerged. Accumulating evidence is supporting the role of specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) in regulating inflammation. Neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), a novel docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-derived lipid mediator, has shown potent immunoresolvent and neuroprotective effects in several disease models associated with inflammation. Here, using a mouse model of POD, we investigated the role of NPD1 in postoperative cognitive impairment by assessing systemic inflammatory changes, the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), neuroinflammation, and behavior in aged mice at different time points. We report that a single dose of NPD1 prophylaxis decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-6 and upregulated the expression of IL-10 in peripheral blood, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex. Additionally, NPD1 limited the leakage of the BBB by increasing the expression of tight junction (TJ)-associated proteins such as ZO-1, claudin-5, and occludin. NPD1 also abolished the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which is associated with improved general and memory function after surgery. In addition, NPD1 treatment modulated the inflammatory cytokine expression profile and improved the expression of the M2 marker CD206 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, which may partly explain the beneficial effects of NPD1 on inflammation. Collectively, these findings shed light on the proresolving activities of NPD1 in the pro-inflammatory milieu both in vivo and in vitro and may bring a novel therapeutic approach for POD.
Modern Seed Technology: Seed Coating Delivery Systems for Enhancing Seed and Crop Performance
Authors: Afzal Irfan , Javed Talha , Amirkhani Masoume , Taylor Alan G.
Published: November 2020

The objective of modern seed-coating technology is to uniformly apply a wide range of active components (ingredients) onto crop seeds at desired dosages so as to facilitate sowing and enhance crop performance. There are three major types of seed treating/coating equipment: dry powder applicator, rotary pan, and pelleting pan with the provisions to apply dry powders, liquids, or a combination of both. Additional terms for coatings produced from these types of equipment include dry coating, seed dressing, film coating, encrustments, and seed pelleting. The seed weight increases for these different coating methods ranges from <0.05% to >5000% (>100,000-fold range). Modern coating technology provides a delivery system for many other materials including biostimulants, nutrients, and plant protectants. This review summarizes seed coating technologies and their potential benefits to enhance seed performance, improve crop establishment, and provide early season pest management for sustainable agricultural systems.
Effect of the Foliar Application of Microalgae Hydrolysate (Arthrospira platensis) and Silicon on the Growth of Pelargonium hortorum L.H. Bailey under Salinity Conditions
Authors: Tejada-Ruiz Salvador , Gonzalez-Lopez Cynthia , Rojas Elisa , Jiménez-Becker Silvia
Published: November 2020

Plant growth is limited by salinity stress. There are few strategies for alleviating it although Arthrospira platensis and silicon can stimulate plants to grow under stress conditions. The aim of this work was to study the effects of both a single and a joint application of Arthrospira platensis and silicon on the growth of Pelargonium hortorum L.H. Bailey under salt stress conditions. Plants were exposed to 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 dS m−1 EC (electrical conductivity), with and without the application of microalgae and silicon. At the end of the trial, the biometric parameters and the plant analysis were determined. The microalgae hydrolysate concentration was 5 g L−1 and the silicon concentration was 150 mg L−1. Foliar spraying was applied weekly. Pelargonium can be grown in moderately saline irrigation water (3.0 dS m−1). This bedding plant mitigates salt stress by avoiding the uptake of Cl− ions and by tolerating a high Na+ concentration in the tissue. The joint foliar application of Arthrospira microalgae and silicon stimulates root, shoot, leaf, and flower formation in the Pelargonium hortorum L.H. Bailey crop under salinity conditions (3.5 dS m−1).
Performance of Grain Sorghum and Forage of the Genus Brachiaria in Integrated Agricultural Production Systems
Authors: Oliveira Stella , Costa Kátia Aparecida , Severiano Eduardo , da Silva Alessandro , Dias Mariana , Oliveira Guilherme , Costa João Victor
Published: November 2020

Forages of the genus Brachiaria stand out among those used in integrated systems. Little is known about the potential value of new species and cultivars when intercropped with sorghum and planted in the second crop season. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance (agronomic characteristics) of grain sorghum and the production and nutritional characteristics of forage plants of the genus Brachiaria in an integrated agricultural production system in the second season. The experiment had a randomized block design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of the intercropping of sorghum with forage plants of the genus Brachiaria (Ruziziensis grass, Marandu, Xaraes, Piata, Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass), in addition to an extra treatment with sorghum in monoculture. The results showed that sorghum intercropping with Ruziziensis grass, Paiaguas palisadegrass, Piata, and Ipypora grass did not cause a reduction in grain yield. The Xaraes, Piata, and Paiaguas palisadegrass showed higher forage production. However, the Paiaguas, Piata palisadegrass, and Ipypora grass showed better nutritional value. The sorghum intercropping with forage plants of the genus Brachiaria were promising alternatives for grain and forage production in the off-season. The right forage grass combined with sorghum in an integrated system can intensify agricultural production, optimizing the use of the area and increasing sustainability.
Longitudinal Improvements in Zoo-Housed Elephant Welfare: A Case Study at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Authors: Finch Katherine , Sach Fiona , Fitzpatrick Malcolm , Masters Nic , Rowden Lewis J.
Published: November 2020

Over the last two decades, criticisms were raised regarding the welfare experienced by elephants in European and North American zoos. Concerns regarding the welfare of zoo-housed elephants in the UK and Europe were consolidated in the publication of several key reports, and media interest peaked. Throughout this study we aim to outline the behavioural measures of welfare observed in the current group of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Whipsnade Zoo, using key welfare indicators for this species and comparing them to previous published work. Following the instigation of a species-specific research programme, empirical behavioural data were available to quantify any developments in care and welfare. The collection of behavioural information revealed that individuals in our study group engage in low levels of stereotypic behaviour, have formed and maintain strong associations with one another and display a high proportion of engagement in lying rest. We outline that by applying simple, low-cost methods of behavioural data collection and analysis, it is possible to collect evidence that allows us to evaluate individual level welfare. This facilitates the adoption of an evidence-based approach to zoo management as well as demonstrating compliance with updated legislation for this species.
The Sulfilimine Analogue of Allicin, S-Allyl-S-(S-allyl)-N-Cyanosulfilimine, Is Antimicrobial and Reacts with Glutathione
Authors: Horn Tobias , Bettray Wolfgang , Noll Ulrike , Krauskopf Felix , Huang Meng-Ruo , Bolm Carsten , Slusarenko Alan J. , Gruhlke Martin C. H.
Published: November 2020

When cells of garlic (Allium sativum) are disrupted by wounding, they produce the defense substance allicin (diallylthiosulfinate). Allicin is an efficient thiol trap and readily passes through cell membranes into the cytosol, where it behaves as a redox toxin by oxidizing the cellular glutathione (GSH) pool and producing S-allylmercaptoglutathione (GSSA). An N-cyanosulfilimine analogue of allicin (CSA), which was predicted to have similar reactivity towards thiol groups but be more stable in storage, was synthesized and its properties investigated. Similarly to allicin, CSA was shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria, a fungus (baker’s yeast), and Arabidopsis roots. A chemogenetic screen showed that yeast mutants with compromised GSH levels and metabolism were hypersensitive to CSA. GSH reacted with CSA to produce allyltrisulfanylglutathione (GS3A), which was a white solid virtually insoluble in water. Yeast Δgsh1 mutants are unable to synthesize GSH because they lack the γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GSH1) gene, and they are unable to grow without GSH supplementation in the medium. GS3A in the growth medium supported the auxotrophic requirement for GSH in Δgsh1 mutants. This result suggests that GS3A is being reduced to GSH in vivo, possibly by the enzyme glutathione reductase (GR), which has been shown to accept GSSA as a substrate. The results suggest that CSA has a mode of action similar to allicin and is effective at similar concentrations.
Is Melatonin the Cornucopia of the 21st Century?
Authors: Ferlazzo Nadia , Andolina Giulia , Cannata Attilio , Costanzo Maria Giovanna , Rizzo Valentina , Currò Monica , Ientile Riccardo , Caccamo Daniela
Published: November 2020

Melatonin, an indoleamine hormone produced and secreted at night by pinealocytes and extra-pineal cells, plays an important role in timing circadian rhythms (24-h internal clock) and regulating the sleep/wake cycle in humans. However, in recent years melatonin has gained much attention mainly because of its demonstrated powerful lipophilic antioxidant and free radical scavenging action. Melatonin has been proven to be twice as active as vitamin E, believed to be the most effective lipophilic antioxidant. Melatonin-induced signal transduction through melatonin receptors promotes the expression of antioxidant enzymes as well as inflammation-related genes. Melatonin also exerts an immunomodulatory action through the stimulation of high-affinity receptors expressed in immunocompetent cells. Here, we reviewed the efficacy, safety and side effects of melatonin supplementation in treating oxidative stress- and/or inflammation-related disorders, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, as well as osteoporosis and infertility.
Impact of Old and Recent Gold Mining Sites on Mercury Fluxes in Suspended Particulate Matter, Water and Sediment in French Guiana
Authors: Hellal Jennifer , Schäfer Jörg , Vigouroux Régis , Lanceleur Laurent , Laperche Valérie
Published: November 2020

In 2006 the use of mercury (Hg) was banned for gold mining in French Guiana. However, mining of old placers could mobilize Hg accumulated in soils and sediment. This study aimed to measure the current impact of a mining concession (Boulanger site) on the Hg load in the watershed. Turbidity, Total Mercury (THg), and Monomethylmercury (MMHg) were measured in water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), river sediment and sediments from old tailing ponds along a river section of 30 km up and downstream from a mining concession in French Guiana during a dry and a rainy season. Total dissolved Hg (THgD) concentrations varied little from up- to down-stream but were all higher (fourfold on average) during the rainy season (3.2 to 4.4 ng L−1), than during the dry season and consistent with previous data known for the Amazonian area. Dissolved MMHg (MMHgD) represented up to 30% of THgD during the dry season, which is higher than previous results (typically around 2%). Mercury concentrations in sediments were highest in the vicinity of areas affected by old (before 2006) rather than new gold mining practices. Even though Hg was banned in 2006, present gold mining practices still release natural Hg and Hg inherited from older mining practices into the watershed.
Landslide Displacement Prediction Combining LSTM and SVR Algorithms: A Case Study of Shengjibao Landslide from the Three Gorges Reservoir Area
Authors: Jiang Hongwei , Li Yuanyao , Zhou Chao , Hong Haoyuan , Glade Thomas , Yin Kunlong
Published: November 2020

Displacement predictions are essential to landslide early warning systems establishment. Most existing prediction methods are focused on finding an individual model that provides a better result. However, the limitation of generalization that is inherent in all models makes it difficult for an individual model to predict different cases accurately. In this study, a novel coupled method was proposed, combining the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks and support vector regression (SVR) algorithm with optimal weight. The Shengjibao landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir area was taken as a case study. At first, the moving average method was used to decompose the cumulative displacement into two components: trend and periodic terms. Single-factor models based on LSTM neural networks and SVR algorithms were used to predict the trend terms of displacement, respectively. Multi-factors LSTM and SVR models were used to predict the periodic terms of displacement. Precipitation, reservoir water level, and previous displacement are considered as the candidate factors for inputs in the models. Additionally, ensemble models based on the SVR algorithm are used to predict the optimal weight to combine the results of the LSTM and SVR models. The results show that the LSTM models display better performance than SVR models; the ensemble model with optimal weight outperforms other models. The prediction accuracy can be further improved by also considering results from multiple models.
Optimizing Viscoelastic Properties of Rubber Compounds for Ballistic Applications
Authors: Karl Janis , Kirsch Franziska , Faderl Norbert , Perko Leonhard , Fras Teresa
Published: November 2020

Using interlayers of rubber adds a positive effect to the synergy of disruptor–absorber armors. Emerging from its viscoelasticity the material is able to transform mechanical stress into heat. The dynamic mechanical properties of elastomers depend on both ambient temperature and frequency of an applied mechanical load. The damping shows a maximum in the glass transition area. If the frequency of the glass transition is in the magnitude of the mechanical stress rate applied by ballistic impact, the elastomer will undergo the transition and thus show maximized damping. An ideal material for ballistic protection against small calibers is developed by making use of dynamic mechanical analysis and the time–temperature superposition principle. The material is later analyzed by ballistic experiments and compared to other nonideal rubbers with regard to glass transition temperature, hardness and damping. It is shown that by choosing a material correctly with certain glass transition temperature and hardness, the ballistic properties of a steel–rubber–aluminum armor can be enhanced. The chosen material (butyl rubber) with a hardness of 50 °ShA is able to enhance energy absorption during ballistic impact by around 8%, which is twice as good as other rubber with non-optimized properties.
SPEKS: Forward Private SGX-Based Public Key Encryption with Keyword Search
Authors: Yoon Hyundo , Moon Soojung , Kim Youngki , Hahn Changhee , Lee Wonjun , Hur Junbeom
Published: November 2020

Public key encryption with keyword search (PEKS) enables users to search over encrypted data outsourced to an untrusted server. Unfortunately, updates to the outsourced data may incur information leakage by exploiting the previously submitted queries. Prior works addressed this issue by means of forward privacy, but most of them suffer from significant performance degradation. In this paper, we present a novel forward private PEKS scheme leveraging Software Guard Extension (SGX), a trusted execution environment provided by Intel. The proposed scheme presents substantial performance improvements over prior work. Specifically, we reduce the query processing cost from O(n) to O(1), where n is the number of encrypted data. According to our performance analysis, the overall computation time is reduced by 80% on average. Lastly, we provide a formal security definition of SGX-based forward private PEKS, as well as a rigorous security proof of the proposed scheme.
Effect of Biochar and Hydrochar on Forms of Aluminium in an Acidic Soil
Authors: Paz-Ferreiro Jorge , Álvarez-Calvo María Luisa , Figueiredo Cícero Célio de , Mendez Ana-Maria , Gascó Gabriel
Published: November 2020

Biochars and hydrochars have a significant effect on soil properties linked to fertility or to carbon cycling and have been proposed as an amendment to increase soil productivity, particularly in acidic soils. Phytotoxic forms of aluminium (Al) are relatively abundant in acidic soils and, for a long period of time, liming has been used to correct this. Ca(OH)2, a pig manure (PM) and two biochars and two hydrochars prepared from pig manure were studied for their effects on Al fractions. Biochars were prepared at 450 °C (BPC450) and 600 °C (BPC600) and hydrochars were obtained using a pig manure solution (ratio 30:70) that was heated at 200 °C (HPC200) and 240 °C (HPC240). A treatment with an amount of Ca(OH)2 necessary to increase soil pH to the same pH value as the average in the treatments BPC450, BPC600, HPC200, HPC240 and PM was used for comparison. The fractionation of Al was studied, with the liming treatment allowing the differentiation between changes in fractionation driven by pH changes from other mechanisms. In relation to the control, all soil amendments presented high capacity of controlling toxic Al, similar to a traditional liming product (Ca(OH)2) and decreased the exchangeable Al extracted by NH4Cl. Both types of materials (biochars and hydrochars) lead to the formation of an increased number of organo-aluminium complexes (OAC). Biochars lead to the formation of OAC of low to medium stability, while hydrochars promoted the formation of OAC of high stability.
Modified Topology for Three-Phase Multilevel Inverters Based on a Developed H-Bridge Inverter
Authors: Tackie Samuel Nii , Babaei Ebrahim
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a modified three-phase inverter from the developed H-bridge structure having multilevel functionality. The proposed topology can generate 7-levels of phase voltages and 13-levels of line voltages. Simple control methods such as fundamental frequency control method can be applied to the proposed topology. By adding three single-phase transformers, galvanic isolation is created for use in three-phase Dynamic Voltage Restorer systems. The proposed three-phase inverter utilizes less number of components; dc sources, semiconductor switches and driver circuits. Lower rated power switches with reduced blocking voltages are also used. These attributes make the proposed topology less complex in-terms of architecture and control. Comprehensive analysis of the proposed three-phase multilevel inverter and other presented topologies are investigated with respect to levels of output voltage, driver circuit quantity, dc voltage count, total component quantity and standing voltage. Details of the appropriate control technique employed is explained. Finally, practicability of the proposed inverter is validated by simulation using EMTDC/PSCAD software and experimental prototype.
Prediction-Based Error Correction for GPU Reliability with Low Overhead
Authors: Lim Hyunyul , Kim Tae Hyun , Kang Sungho
Published: November 2020

Scientific and simulation applications are continuously gaining importance in many fields of research and industries. These applications require massive amounts of memory and substantial arithmetic computation. Therefore, general-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU), which combines the computing power of graphics processing units (GPUs) and general CPUs, have been used for computationally intensive scientific and big data processing applications. Because current GPU architectures lack hardware support for error detection in computation logic, GPGPU has low reliability. Unlike graphics applications, errors in GPGPU can lead to serious problems in general-purpose computing applications. These applications are often intertwined with human life, meaning that errors can be life threatening. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel prediction-based error correction method called Prediction-based Error Correction (PRECOR) for GPU reliability, which detects and corrects errors in GPGPU platforms with a focus on errors in computational elements. The implementation of the proposed architecture needs a small number of checkpoint buffers in order to fix errors in computational logic. The PRECOR architecture has prediction buffers and controller units for predicting erroneous outputs before performing rollback. Following a rollback, the architecture confirms the accuracy of its predictions. The proposed method effectively reduces the hardware and time overheads required to correct errors. Experimental results confirm that PRECOR efficiently fixes errors with low hardware and time overheads.
Driver Fatigue Detection via Differential Evolution Extreme Learning Machine Technique
Authors: Chen Long , Zhi Xiaojie , Wang Hai , Wang Guanjin , Zhou Zhenghua , Yazdani Amirmehdi , Zheng Xuefeng
Published: November 2020

Fatigue driving (FD) is one of the main causes of traffic accidents. Traditionally, machine learning technologies such as back propagation neural network (BPNN) and support vector machine (SVM) are popularly used for fatigue driving detection. However, the BPNN exhibits slow convergence speed and many adjustable parameters, while it is difficult to train large-scale samples in the SVM. In this paper, we develop extreme learning machine (ELM)-based FD detection method to avoid the above disadvantages. Further, since the randomness of the weight and biases between the input layer and the hidden layer of the ELM will influence its generalization performance, we further apply a differential evolution ELM (DE-ELM) method to the analysis of the driver’s respiration and heartbeat signals, which can effectively judge the driver fatigue state. Moreover, not only will the Doppler radar and smart bracelet be used to obtain the driver respiration and heartbeat signals, but also the sample database required for the experiment will be established through extensive signal collections. Experimental results show that the DE-ELM has a better performance on driver’s fatigue level detection than the traditional ELM and SVM.
Enterococcus casseliflavus Bacteraemia in a Patient with Chronic Renal Disease
Authors: Vasilakopoulou Alexandra , Vourli Sophia , Siafakas Nikolaos , Kavatha Dimitra , Tziolos Nikolaos , Pournaras Spyros
Published: November 2020

Enterococcus casseliflavus is a rare pathogen that usually causes urinary tract and abdominal infections. Its main characteristics are positive motility, yellow colonies and constitutive low-level resistance to vancomycin. We present a case of E. casseliflavus bacteraemia due to thrombophlebitis at the site of the central venous catheter used for hemodialysis in a renal patient. The biochemical identification of the microorganism was further corroborated by molecular detection of the vanC gene. The patient received antibiotic therapy initially with daptomycin and gentamicin, and then with ampicillin and ceftriaxone. The outcome was cure, and he was released from the hospital after seven weeks afebrile with negative blood cultures.