bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KARAKTERISTIK KONSELOR PADA CALON KONSELOR BERDASARKAN PERBEDAAN KELOMPOK GENDER
Authors: Mayasari Shinta
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT: COUNSELOR CHARACTERISTIC AMONG CANDIDATED COUNSELOR BASED ON GENDER GROUP DIFFERENCES A qualified counselor will determine the success of the counseling process. Three characteristics are needed and determine the quality of a counselor, namely: (1) congruence (authentic), (2) unconditional positive regard (acceptance), and (3) empathy (empathy). This study aims to describe the characteristics of counselors based on gender groups. The research sample consisted of 68 prospective counselor students who were divided into gender groups. The measuring instrument uses a counselor characteristic test developed using controversial statements with alternative Likert scale answers. The results of the study found that there were significant differences in the characteristics of counselors among students of the guidance and counseling study program based on differences in gender groups. There is a significant difference between the need to develop educational programs and effective counselor training for male and female students. The development of congruence characteristics is more needed for male students, while female students on the characteristics of unconditional positive regard. A larger sample size is needed to increase heterogeneity, and additional interviews are conducted individually to deepen the discussion. Key words: counselor characteristics, gender, measurement of emphaty, psychological instrument.  Konselor yang berkualitas akan menentukan keberhasilan proses konseling. Tiga karakteristik yang diperlukan dan menentukan kualitas konselor, yaitu: (1) congruence (otentik), (2) unconditional positive regard (penerimaan), dan (3) empathy (empati). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat gambaran karakteristik konselor berdasarkan kelompok gender. Sampel penelitian merupakan 68 mahasiswa calon konselor yang dibagi berdasarkan kelompok gender. Alat ukur menggunakan tes karakteristik konselor yang dikembangkan dengan menggunakan pernyataan kontroversial dengan alternatif jawaban skala Likert. Hasil penelitian menemukan ada perbedaan yang signifikan dalam karakteristik konselor pada mahasiswa program studi bimbingan dan konseling berdasarkan perbedaan kelompok gender. Ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara kebutuhan pengembangan program pendidikan dan pelatihan konselor yang efektif bagi mahasiswa laki-laki dan perempuan. Pengembangan karakteristik congruence lebih dibutuhkan untuk mahasiswa laki-laki, sementara mahasiswa perempuan pada karakteristik unconditional positive regard. Jumlah sampel yang lebih besar diperlukan untuk meningkatkan heterogenitas, dan melakukan wawancara tambahan secara individual untuk memperdalam diskusi. Kata kunci: karakteristik konselor, gender, pengukuran empati, instrumen psikologi.
Patterns of Islamic Education Learning in Applying 2013 Curriculum in SMPN 27 Medan
Authors: Imran Sinaga Ali , Salamuddin Salamuddin , Khairini Dewi
Published: September 2020

The research objectives were to find out: (1) how teachers implement Islamic religious education learning in the 2013 curriculum, (2) steps in applying the 2013 curriculum, and (3) problems related to the pattern of Islamic religious education in implementing the 2013 curriculum. The research method used is qualitative research, data collection is carried out in natural conditions and using data collection methods, namely: interview method, observation method, documentation method. Activities in data analysis are: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research findings show: (1) the teacher first makes a Learning Implementation Plan by paying attention to the aspects of the life skills developed, the media used and the assessments carried out, (2) the learning process is carried out by applying a scientific approach, as well as active learning strategies, including modeling the way, reading aloud, reading guide, group resume, and (3) evaluations conducted by the teacher using an authentic assessment system which includes cognitive aspects, skills aspects, and affective aspects (spiritual and social).
Justice for Children in Bangladesh: Legal and Ethical Issues
Authors: Ferdousi Nahid
Published: September 2020

Reform of child justice system has started with enactment of the Children Act 2013 in Bangladesh. The Act adopted a number of institutional setup for child friendly justice i.e. child help desks in the police station, separate children’s court, child development centres, national child welfare board etc. These all are inter-linked and the responsibilities of concerned authorities have been focused in the law. In practice, most of the children are deprived from their fair justice in different phases i.e. police arrest, prosecution, court hearing and correctional treatment as there are lack of professional ethics of concerned personnel. Ethical approach, skill and knowledge of personnel are major challenges for treatment of offender children. Thus code of ethics are important for professionals to provide value-based justice for the best interest of the children. The study focuses on the legal and ethical responsibility towards child justice system in the country to protect child rights and their childhood.
How were the Online Classes in Undergraduate Medical Teaching during COVID Pandemic? Students’ Views of a Non-Government Medical College in Bangladesh
Authors: Khanom Mehrunnissa , Hoque Afroza , Sharif Parvez Iqbal , Sabuj Muslim Uddin , Hossain Md Amir
Published: September 2020

Abrupt closure of educational institutions due to COVID pandemic had created historical impact on educational system all over the world, the situation had been more challenging in undergraduate medical teaching. Moving smoothly from an environment of conventional education to virtual platform could not happen overnight. The current paper presents results of a cross-sectional study conducted from 13th July to 20th July, 2020 on MBBS students of Chattagram International Medical College, a non-Government Medical College of Bangladesh, exploring students’ views on online classes. A total of 217 students participated in the study, the response rate of survey was 87%. Among pre-clinical students, 47.6% ±1.1% and among clinical students 48.3% ±0.8% ‘sometimes’ felt interested in the class. Though majority of both pre-clinical and clinical students mentioned having appropriate device; there had been a wide range of variations in responses regarding their own internet connectivity. The most striking finding came out with the question if online class would be felt as a good substitute of ‘face-to-face’ class; it was ‘never’ response in more than 70% students in both pre-clinical and clinical groups. To take challenge of creating real-life picture in online class, there is necessity of a shift of traditional ‘lecture-based ’classes to more interactive, simulation-based classes; specially for clinical students. Institutional support needs to be strengthened for ensuring sound and visibility during the classes.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.11(2) 2020: 3-13
Tutkimusmenetelmäopetuksen arviointikäytännöt verkko-opetuksessa
Authors: Günther Kirsi , Kuusisto Katja
Published: September 2020

Aikuiskoulutuksessa oppiminen tapahtuu yhä enemmän erilaisissa verkostoissa. Ei-kasvokkaisessa verkkoympäristössä oppimista arvioidaan parhaiten koko oppimisprosessin kuluessa, pelkkien lopputulosten arvioinnin sijaan.
Is it really a seizure? The challenge of paroxysmal nonepileptic events in young infants
Authors: Jung Seung Yeon , Kang Joon Won
Published: September 2020

Paroxysmal nonepileptic events (PNE) comprise of a variety of nonepileptic behaviors and are divided into various types. A more accurate diagnosis is possible by examining the video clip provided by the caregiver. In infants, physiologic PNE accounts for the majority of the PNE. It is important to exclude epilepsy, for which blood tests, electroencephalography, and imaging tests can facilitate differential diagnosis. Since most PNE have a benign progress, symptoms often improve with age and without special treatment. Therefore, it is important to reassure the caregivers after making an accurate diagnosis.
Causes of acute gastroenteritis in Korean children between 2004 and 2019
Authors: Ryoo Eell
Published: September 2020

Since the 2000s, the major causes of acute gastroenteritis in children in Korea have been identified by classifying the pathogens into viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. For viruses, the detection rate is 20%–30%, and norovirus is being increasingly detected to account for the majority of viral gastroenteritis cases. In addition, despite the dissemination of the rotavirus vaccine, many rotavirus infections persist, and its seasonal distribution is changing. The detection rate of bacterial pathogens is 3%– 20%, with Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. infections being the most common, while the incidences of Bacillus cereus and Campylobacter spp. infections are gradually increasing. Owing to intermittent outbreaks of gastroenteritis caused by individual bacteria as well as the inflow of causative bacteria, such as E. coli, Vibrio spp., and Campylobacter spp., from overseas, continuous surveillance of and research into the characteristics and serotypes of each bacterium are needed.
Water Supply to the Small Cities in the Northern Region of the Russian Empire, 1890–1910s (Vologda, Staraya Russa and Cherepovets)
Authors: Agafonova Anna B.
Published: September 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of the process of the organization of centralized water supply systems in small Russian towns at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century. The causes and the process of pipeline building in three small cities, each of which became signifi cant transport hubs by 1914 and had populations of less than 50,000 people, are described in the research. The research interest in these towns is led by understanding how the transport position of small cities promoted the improvement of water supplies in them. It was essential due to the growth of the urban populations and increasing cases of cholera epidemics in transport-hub cities.
Collaborators, Informers and Agents in Occupied Krakow: A Contribution to Further Research
Authors: Jarkowska-Natkaniec Alicja
Published: September 2020

This study contributes new research exploring cases of collaboration with the German authorities and the phenomenon of delators (denouncers), informers and agents in occupied Krakow, as well as letters of denunciation. Cases linked to the blackmailing at the beginning of World War II of Jews, and as the war continued of colleagues and neighbours working for the resistance and of disliked relatives and in-laws are also taken into account. Letters written by Krakow inhabitants – some anonymous, others signed – are appraised for information contained therein on political, racial, economic, social and fi nancial matters. The article also describes the activities of the Polish resistance against collaborators and the post-war settling of scores through the Krakow Special Criminal Court in the early post-war years.
Address Unknown: Reshaping the Jewish Living Space and Social Mobility in the Slovak State (1939–1945)
Authors: Lônčíková Michala
Published: September 2020

Social mobility is a relatively common phenomenon in society; however, in the period of the Slovak State (1939–1945) it was predominantly caused by the economic and social engineering of the single ruling Hlinka’s Slovak People’s Party. Anti-Semitism was made one of the main pillars of the internal state policy. Systematic pauperisation of the Jewish community gradually aff ected each perspective of everyday life of Jews in Slovakia, including the limitation of Jewish people’s living space. This practice led to involuntary moving out from houses and fl ats in designated urban zones. Subsequently, this process culminated in the Aryanization of the housing formerly owned by Jews. The main aim of this contribution is to analyse spatial and social consequences of the reshaping of the Jewish housing opportunities with special interest in the entangled social mobilities of both Jews and Gentiles, which will be mainly exemplifi ed through selected cases from the Banská Bystrica district.
Molecular Mechanism of HER2 Rapid Internalization and Redirected Trafficking Induced by Anti-HER2 Biparatopic Antibody
Authors: Cheng Jackie , Liang Meina , Carvalho Miguel F. , Tigue Natalie , Faggioni Raffaella , Roskos Lorin K. , Vainshtein Inna
Published: September 2020

Amplification and overexpression of HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), an ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase, have been implicated in human cancer and metastasis. A bispecific tetravalent anti-HER2 antibody (anti-HER2-Bs), targeting two non-overlapping epitopes on HER2 in domain IV (trastuzumab) and domain II (39S), has been reported to induce rapid internalization and efficient degradation of HER2 receptors. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of this antibody-induced rapid HER2 internalization and intracellular trafficking. Using quantitative fluorescent imaging, we compared the internalization kinetics of anti-HER2-Bs and its parental arm antibodies, alone or in combinations and under various internalization-promoting conditions. The results demonstrated that concurrent engagement of both epitopes was necessary for rapid anti-HER2-Bs internalization. Cellular uptake of anti-HER2-Bs and parental arm antibodies occurred via clathrin-dependent endocytosis; however, inside the cells antibodies directed different trafficking pathways. Trastuzumab dissociated from HER2 in 2 h, enabling the receptor to recycle, whereas anti-HER2-Bs stayed associated with the receptor throughout the entire endocytic pathway, promoting receptor ubiquitination, trafficking to the lysosomes, and efficient degradation. Consistent with routing HER2 to degradation, anti-HER2-Bs significantly reduced HER2 shedding and altered its exosomal export. Collectively, these results enable a better understanding of the mechanism of action of anti-Her2-Bs and can guide the rational design of anti-HER2 therapeutics as well as other bispecific molecules.
Pathologic and Risk Analysis of the Lojuela Castle (Granada-Spain): Methodology and Preventive Conservation for Medieval Earthen Fortifications
Authors: Gutiérrez-Carrillo M. L. , Bestué Cardiel I. , Molero Melgarejo E. , Marcos Cobaleda M.
Published: September 2020

This study presents a methodology generated for the preventive conservation of defensive earthen architecture, applied to the case of the Lojuela Castle (Lecrin Valley, Granada, Spain). In the application of the designed protocol, a multidisciplinary analysis of its patrimonial characteristics and multidimensional evaluation was developed, applying the technique of qualitative consultation to a group of experts—the Delphi method. This methodology allowed us to relate the hazard factors and the vulnerability of the asset for each group of risks that affect it. The support of the method in with geographic information systems (GIS) has favored the production of predictive cartography and risk analysis—including the territorial dimensions and spatial interactions of the asset with the physical environment. This has facilitated the obtention of micro-zoning maps of each of the risks examined. The risk mapping in micro-zoning and the knowledge of the structure’s vulnerability represents an important contribution to the future conservation and management of this heritage. They favor strategies that minimize the incidence of risks and allow the prioritization of the conservation actions with a minimum economic investment, creating an efficient maintenance program. This will facilitate the protection, conservation and valorization decisions by the administration and the competent bodies involved in the protection of these sites.
PV-Powered Charging Station for Electric Vehicles: Power Management with Integrated V2G
Authors: Wang Dian , Sechilariu Manuela , Locment Fabrice
Published: September 2020

The increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to an increase in power demand from the public grid; hence, a photovoltaic based charging station for an electric vehicle (EV) can participate to solve some peak power problems. On the other hand, vehicle-to-grid technology is designed and applied to provide ancillary services to the grid during the peak periods, considering the duality of EV battery “load-source”. In this paper, a dynamic searching peak and valley algorithm, based on energy management, is proposed for an EV charging station to mitigate the impact on the public grid, while reducing the energy cost of the public grid. The proposed searching peak and valley algorithm can determine the optimal charging/discharging start time of EV in consideration of the initial state of charge, charging modes, arrival time, departure time, and the peak periods. Simulation results demonstrate the proposed searching peak and valley algorithm’s effectiveness, which can guarantee the balance of the public grid, whilst meanwhile satisfying the charging demand of EV users, and most importantly, reduce the public grid energy cost.
Instance Segmentation Method of User Interface Component of Games
Authors: Kang Shinjin , Choi Jong-in
Published: September 2020

On the game screen, the UI interface provides key information for game play. A vision deep learning network exploits pure pixel information in the screen. Apart from this, if we separately extract the information provided by the UI interface and use it as an additional input value, we can enhance the learning efficiency of deep learning networks. To this end, by effectively segmenting UI interface components such as buttons, image icons, and gauge bars on the game screen, we should be able to separately analyze only the relevant images. In this paper, we propose a methodology that segments UI components in a game by using synthetic game images created on a game engine. We developed a tool that approximately detected the UI areas of an image in games on the game screen and generated a large amount of synthetic labeling data through this. By training this data on a Pix2Pix, we applied UI segmentation. The network trained in this way can segment the UI areas of the target game regardless of the position of the corresponding UI components. Our methodology can help analyze the game screen without applying data augmentation to the game screen. It can also help vision researchers who should extract semantic information from game image data.
Buckling of Planar Micro-Structured Beams
Authors: Ferretti Manuel , D’Annibale Francesco
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a Timoshenko beam model is formulated for buckling analysis of periodic micro-structured beams, uniformly compressed. These are planar grid beams, whose micro-structure consists of a square lattice of equal fibers, modeled as Timoshenko micro-beams. The equivalent beam model is derived in the framework of a direct one-dimensional approach and its constitutive law, including the effect of prestress of the longitudinal fibers, is deduced through a homogenization approach. Accordingly, micro–macro constitutive relations are obtained through an energy equivalence between a cell of the periodic model and a segment of the equivalent beam. The model also accounts for warping of the micro-structure, via the introduction of elastic and geometric corrective factors of the constitutive coefficients. A survey of the buckling behavior of sample grid beams is presented to validate the effectiveness and limits of the equivalent model. To this purpose, results supplied by the exact analyses of the equivalent beam are compared with those given by finite element models of bi-dimensional frames.
Study on Magnetic Resonance Characteristics of Coal Sample under Progressive Loads
Authors: Xie Zhengzheng , Zhang Nong , Wang Jin , Xiang Zhe , Zhang Chenghao
Published: September 2020

With the characteristics of gradual instability in the supporting pressure area of roadway as the engineering background, this paper aims to explore the evolution law of pore and fracture in the coal sample under progressive loads. The low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) test was designed and conducted with the coal sample under different axial loads (0, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 MPa). The characteristic parameters such as the porosity, the pore size distribution, the transverse relaxation time (T2) distribution curve, and the magnetic resonance image (MRI) were obtained. As the test results show, significant difference in the NMR characteristics of the coal samples can be observed throughout the compaction stage and the elastic stage. In the compaction stage, the porosity of the coal samples decreases slightly; the T2 distribution curve moves to the smaller value as a whole, and the percolation pore (PP) displays a tendency to transform to the adsorption pore (AP). In the elastic stage, the porosity of the coal samples rises gradually as the load increases; the T2 distribution curve moves to the larger value as a whole, and the AP tends to transform to the PP. The MRI shows that some pores and fissures in the coal sample close up and disappear as the load increases gradually, while the main pores and fissures expand and perforate till the macro failure occurs. Compared with one-time loading, the progressive multiple loads can ensure the fracture of the coal sample to develop more fully and the damage degree higher. It indirectly reflects that the instability and failure of the coal under the progressive load has the stage characteristics, verifying that the coal in the supporting pressure area needs to be controlled in advance.
Osseointegration of Antimicrobial Acrylic Bone Cements Modified with Graphene Oxide and Chitosan
Authors: Zapata Mayra Eliana Valencia , Hernandez José Herminsul Mina , Grande Tovar Carlos David , Valencia Llano Carlos Humberto , Vázquez-Lasa Blanca , San Román Julio , Rojo Luis
Published: September 2020

Acrylic bone cement (ABC) is one of the most used materials in orthopedic surgery, mainly for the fixation of orthopedic implants to the bone. However, ABCs usually present lack of biological activity and osseointegration capacity that leads to loosening of the prosthesis. This work reports the effect of introducing graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan (CS), separately or together, in the ABC formulation on setting performance, mechanical behavior, and biological properties. Introduction of both CS and GO to the ABC decreased the maximum temperature by 21% and increased the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli by 87%, while introduction of only CS decreased bending strength by 32%. The results of cell viability and cell adhesion tests showed in vitro biocompatibility. The in vivo response was investigated using both subdermal and bone parietal implantations in Wistar rats. Modified ABCs showed absence of immune response, as confirmed by a normal inflammatory response in Wistar rat subdermal implantation. The results of the parietal bone implantation showed that the addition of CS and GO together allowed a near total healing bone–cement interface, as observed in the micrographic analysis. The overall results support the great potential of the modified ABCs for application in orthopedic surgery mainly in those cases where osseointegration is required.
Dynamic Analysis of a Spring-Asphalt Three-Dimensional Isolation System Based on Cyclic Simple Shear and Shaking Table Tests
Authors: Shang Shouping , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2020

Damping is one of the important issues related to isolated structures, including the newly proposed low-cost spring-asphalt isolation system. In this study, the damping properties of the system in terms of displacement dependence, frequency dependence and temperature dependence were studied by a cyclic simple shear experiment. Then, the direct least-square method was used to identify the damping properties from the experimental data. Furthermore, to validate the effectiveness of the damping device, a modal analysis was conducted based on multi-dimensional shaking table tests. The results indicate that (1) the hysteretic curves are similar to an ellipse, which means that the asphalt shows characteristics of viscoelastic materials; (2) the damping properties are positively related to the loading frequency and inversely related to the temperature and displacement; and (3) asphalt can provide adequate damping and reduce the displacements of the superstructure by nearly half. On the basis of the experimental test results, an analysis of the modal information with multi-dimensional input is also presented.
Features of Electrophoretic Deposition of a Ba-Containing Thin-Film Proton-Conducting Electrolyte on a Porous Cathode Substrate
Authors: Kalinina Elena , Kolchugin Alexander , Shubin Kirill , Farlenkov Andrei , Pikalova Elena
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the study of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of a proton-conducting electrolyte of BaCe0.89Gd0.1Cu0.01O3-δ (BCGCuO) on porous cathode substrates of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3−δ (LNFO) and La1.7Ba0.3NiO4+δ (LBNO). EPD kinetics was studied in the process of deposition of both a LBNO sublayer on the porous LNFO substrate and a BCGCuO electrolyte layer. Addition of iodine was shown to significantly increase the deposited film weight and decrease the number of EPD cycles. During the deposition on the LNFO cathode, Ba preservation in the electrolyte layer after sintering at 1450 °C was achieved only with a film thickness greater than 20 μm. The presence of a thin LBNO sublayer (10 μm) did not have a pronounced effect on the preservation of Ba in the electrolyte layer. When using the bulk LBNO cathode substrate as a Ba source, Ba was retained in a nominal amount in the BCGCuO film with a thickness of 10 μm. The film obtained on the bulk LBNO substrate, being in composition close to the nominal composition of the BCGCuO electrolyte, possessed the highest electrical conductivity among the films deposited on the various cathode substrates. The technology developed is a base step in the adaptation of the EPD method for fabrication of cathode-supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) with dense barium-containing electrolyte films while maintaining their nominal composition and functional characteristics.
Energy Management of a Multi-Source Vehicle by λ-Control
Authors: Castaings Ali , Lhomme Walter , Trigui Rochdi , Bouscayrol Alain
Published: September 2020

This paper deals with the real-time energy management of a fuel cell/battery/supercapacitors energy storage system for electric vehicles. The association of the battery and the supercapacitors with the fuel cell aims to reduce the hydrogen consumption while limiting the constraints on the fuel cell and the battery. In this paper, a real-time optimization-based energy management strategy by λ-control is proposed. Simulation results on a standard driving cycle show that the hydrogen consumption is reduced by 7% in comparison with a fuel-cell-based electric vehicle without any secondary energy storage source. Moreover, the energy management strategy ensures the system safety while preserving the fuel cell and the battery. Experimental results show that the developed energy management strategy is well-suited for the real-time requirements, applicability, and safety.
Moth Mating: Modeling Female Pheromone Calling and Male Navigational Strategies to Optimize Reproductive Success
Authors: Stepien Tracy L. , Zmurchok Cole , Hengenius James B. , Caja Rivera Rocío Marilyn , D’Orsogna Maria R. , Lindsay Alan E.
Published: September 2020

Male and female moths communicate in complex ways to search for and to select a mate. In a process termed calling, females emit small quantities of pheromones, generating plumes that spread in the environment. Males detect the plume through their antennae and navigate toward the female. The reproductive process is marked by female choice and male–male competition, since multiple males aim to reach the female but only the first can mate with her. This provides an opportunity for female selection on male traits such as chemosensitivity to pheromone molecules and mobility. We develop a mathematical framework to investigate the overall mating likelihood, the mean first arrival time, and the quality of the first male to reach the female for four experimentally observed female calling strategies unfolding over a typical one-week mating period. We present both analytical solutions of a simplified model as well as results from agent-based numerical simulations. Our findings suggest that, by adjusting call times and the amount of released pheromone, females can optimize the mating process. In particular, shorter calling times and lower pheromone titers at onset of the mating period that gradually increase over time allow females to aim for higher-quality males while still ensuring that mating occurs by the end of the mating period.
Rescue of Hepatic Phospholipid Remodeling Defect in iPLA2β-Null Mice Attenuates Obese but Not Non-Obese Fatty Liver
Authors: Chamulitrat Walee , Jansakun Chutima , Li Huili , Liebisch Gerhard
Published: September 2020

Polymorphisms of group VIA calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β or PLA2G6) are positively associated with adiposity, blood lipids, and Type-2 diabetes. The ubiquitously expressed iPLA2β catalyzes the hydrolysis of phospholipids (PLs) to generate a fatty acid and a lysoPL. We studied the role of iPLA2β on PL metabolism in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By using global deletion iPLA2β-null mice, we investigated three NAFLD mouse models; genetic Ob/Ob and long-term high-fat-diet (HFD) feeding (representing obese NAFLD) as well as feeding with methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet (representing non-obese NAFLD). A decrease of hepatic PLs containing monounsaturated- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and a decrease of the ratio between PLs and cholesterol esters were observed in all three NAFLD models. iPLA2β deficiency rescued these decreases in obese, but not in non-obese, NAFLD models. iPLA2β deficiency elicited protection against fatty liver and obesity in the order of Ob/Ob › HFD » MCD. Liver inflammation was not protected in HFD NAFLD, and that liver fibrosis was even exaggerated in non-obese MCD model. Thus, the rescue of hepatic PL remodeling defect observed in iPLA2β-null mice was critical for the protection against NAFLD and obesity. However, iPLA2β deletion in specific cell types such as macrophages may render liver inflammation and fibrosis, independent of steatosis protection.
A Multi-Omics Approach Reveals New Signatures in Obese Allergic Asthmatic Children
Authors: Gomez-Llorente Mª Amelia , Martínez-Cañavate Ana , Chueca Natalia , Rico Mª de la Cruz , Romero Raquel , Anguita-Ruiz Augusto , Aguilera Concepción Mª , Gil-Campos Mercedes , Mesa Maria D , Khakimov Bekzod , Morillo Jose Antonio , Gil Ángel , Camacho José , Gomez-Llorente Carolina
Published: September 2020

Background: Asthma is a multifactorial condition where patients with identical clinical diagnoses do not have the same clinical history or respond to treatment. This clinical heterogeneity is reflected in the definition of two main endotypes. We aimed to explore the metabolic and microbiota signatures that characterize the clinical allergic asthma phenotype in obese children. Methods: We used a multi-omics approach combining clinical data, plasma and fecal inflammatory biomarkers, metagenomics, and metabolomics data in a cohort of allergic asthmatic children. Results: We observed that the obese allergic asthmatic phenotype was markedly associated with higher levels of leptin and lower relative proportions of plasma acetate and a member from the Clostridiales order. Moreover, allergic children with a worse asthma outcome showed higher levels of large unstained cells, fecal D lactate and D/L lactate ratio, and with a higher relative proportion of plasma creatinine and an unclassified family member from the RF39 order belonging to the Mollicutes class. Otherwise, children with persistent asthma presented lower levels of plasma citrate and dimethylsulfone. Conclusion: Our integrative approach shows the molecular heterogeneity of the allergic asthma phenotype while highlighting the use of omics technologies to examine the clinical phenotype at a more holistic level.
Effect of Synthesis Conditions of Nitrogen and Platinum Co-Doped Titania Films on the Photocatalytic Performance under Simulated Solar Light
Authors: Ihnatiuk Daryna , Tossi Camilla , Tittonen Ilkka , Linnik Oksana
Published: September 2020

Platinum and nitrogen co-doped titania films of different surface morphologies obtained via a sol-gel process have been tested for tetracycline hydrochloride photocatalytic decomposition under simulated solar light. Titania crystallization to anatase is shown by XRD for all films. A shift of the bandgap edge toward the visible region in absorption spectra and, consequently, a narrowing of the bandgap is observed for some films doped with nitrogen and/or exposed to UV pretreatment. The surface peculiarities of the samples are presented by an SEM and TEM investigation. The surface saturation by Pt and N with a homogeneous distribution of Pt ions on the surface as well as bulk as established by XPS and EDS data can be achieved with a certain synthesis procedure. The influence of the platinum content and of the pretreatment procedure on the state and atomic surface concentration of incorporated nitrogen and platinum is studied by XPS analysis: substitutional and interstitial nitrogen, non-metal containing fragments, Pt0, Pt2+ and Pt4+ ions. The photocatalytic activity of the films is ruled by the presence of Pt2+ ions and N rather than Pt0. The formation of the polycrystalline titania structure and Pt0 nanoparticles (NPs) is confirmed by TEM and electron diffraction images. The mechanism of primary photocatalytic processes is proposed.
Screen-Printed Sensor Based on Potentiometric Transduction for Free Bilirubin Detection as a Biomarker for Hyperbilirubinemia Diagnosis
Authors: H. Kamel Ayman , Amr Abd El-Galil E. , Galal Hoda R. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Almehizia Abdulrahman A.
Published: September 2020

Novel reliable and cost-effective potentiometric screen-printed sensors for free bilirubin (BR) detection were presented. The sensors were fabricated using ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) as an ion-to-electron transducer. The ion-association complex [Ni(bphen)3]2+[BR]2− was utilized as a sensory recognition material in the plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) membrane. The membrane was drop-casted on the OMC layer, which is attached on a carbon conductor (2-mm diameter). In a 50 mM phosphate solution of pH 8.5, the electrodes offered a Nernstian slope of −26.8 ± 1.1 (r2 = 0.9997) mV/decade with a range of linearity 1.0 × 10−6–1 × 10−2 M towards free bilirubin with a detection limit 8.8 × 10−7 M (0.52 µg/mL). The presented sensors offered good features in terms of reliability, ease of design, high potential stability, high specificity and good accuracy and precision. Chronopotentiometric and electrochemical impedance spectrometric measurements were used for short-term potential stability and interfacial capacitance calculations. The sensors were used for the determination of free bilirubin in biological fluids. The data obtained are fairly well consistent with those obtained by the reference spectophotometric method. Based on the interaction of free BR with albumin (1:1), the sensors were also utilized for the assessment of albumin in human serum.
Fabrication of a Porous Slippery Icephobic Surface and Effect of Lubricant Viscosity on Anti-Icing Properties and Durability
Authors: Liu Guoyong , Yuan Yuan , Liao Ruijin , Wang Liang , Gao Xue
Published: September 2020

A breakdown caused by the icing of power generation infrastructure is one of the serious disasters occurring in the power system. Slippery lubricant-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs), whose ice adhesion strength is extremely low, have a promising application in the anti-icing field. In the present study, we fabricated SLIPSs with low ice adhesion strength by infusing silicone oil into an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate. In addition, the effects of the viscosity of silicone oil on the anti-icing properties and durability of the SLIPSs were investigated. The results show that a lower viscosity silicone oil brings about more slippery surfaces and lower ice adhesion strength. The ice adhesion strength was reduced by 99.3% in comparison with the bare Al alloy. However, low-viscosity silicone oil has worse de-icing resistance and heat resistance. Additionally, the porous films filled with low-viscosity silicone oil possess a better self-healing property after icing/de-icing cycles and followed by exposure to the atmosphere. When the viscosity of silicone oil is 50 mPa·s, the SLIPSs exhibit the best durability for anti-icing. Even after 21 de-icing tests or 168 h of heating at 90 °C, the ice adhesion strength still remains below 10% compared with that of bare Al. This work provides some useful advice for the design and fabrication of anti-icing SLIPSs.
Cement-Based Composites: Advancements in Development and Characterization
Authors: Sikora Pawel , Chung Sang-Yeop
Published: September 2020

This Special Issue on “Cement-Based Composites: Advancements in Development and Characterization” presents the latest research and advances in the field of cement-based composites. This special issue covers a variety of experimental studies related to fibre-reinforced, photocatalytic, lightweight, and sustainable cement-based composites. Moreover, simulation studies are present in this special issue to provide the fundamental knowledge on designing and optimizing the properties of cementitious composites. The presented publications in this special issue show the most recent technology in the cement-based composite field.
Intraguild Predation by the Eagle Owl Determines the Space Use of a Mesopredator Carnivore
Authors: Virgós Emilio , Baniandrés Noemí , Burgos Tamara , Recio Mariano R.
Published: September 2020

Top predators shape the communities of sympatric predators by killing and displacing smaller predators. Predation risk pushes smaller predators to select enemy-free spaces irrespective of food availability, which results in changes in their behaviour, space use, distribution, and abundance. Although the landscape of fear dynamics are known for top predators such as the eagle owl and its impact on smaller raptors, the effect of the presence and abundance of the eagle owl on the space use of mesopredator carnivores remains poorly understood. Here, we studied this effect on the space use of the stone marten in a Mediterranean ecosystem where it shares rabbits as main prey with the eagle owl. We also accounted for the presence of another sympatric carnivore, the red fox. Using a multi-model inference, we found stone martens avoided areas with a higher abundance of eagle owls and rabbits, which suggested a hyperpredation process and a cognitive association by stone martens between rabbit hotspots and owl presence. We found a positive relationship between the space use of the red fox and the stone marten, which suggested foxes behaved as competitors and not predators of martens. Understanding intraguild predation can assist the conservation and management of predators and their prey.
A Quality Control System for Automated Prostate Segmentation on T2-Weighted MRI
Authors: Sunoqrot Mohammed R. S. , Selnæs Kirsten M. , Sandsmark Elise , Nketiah Gabriel A. , Zavala-Romero Olmo , Stoyanova Radka , Bathen Tone F. , Elschot Mattijs
Published: September 2020

Computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) systems have the potential to improve robustness and efficiency compared to traditional radiological reading of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fully automated segmentation of the prostate is a crucial step of CAD for prostate cancer, but visual inspection is still required to detect poorly segmented cases. The aim of this work was therefore to establish a fully automated quality control (QC) system for prostate segmentation based on T2-weighted MRI. Four different deep learning-based segmentation methods were used to segment the prostate for 585 patients. First order, shape and textural radiomics features were extracted from the segmented prostate masks. A reference quality score (QS) was calculated for each automated segmentation in comparison to a manual segmentation. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was trained and optimized on a randomly assigned training dataset (N = 1756, 439 cases from each segmentation method) to build a generalizable linear regression model based on the radiomics features that best estimated the reference QS. Subsequently, the model was used to estimate the QSs for an independent testing dataset (N = 584, 146 cases from each segmentation method). The mean ± standard deviation absolute error between the estimated and reference QSs was 5.47 ± 6.33 on a scale from 0 to 100. In addition, we found a strong correlation between the estimated and reference QSs (rho = 0.70). In conclusion, we developed an automated QC system that may be helpful for evaluating the quality of automated prostate segmentations.
Modeling I(2) Processes Using Vector Autoregressions Where the Lag Length Increases with the Sample Size
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Bauer Dietmar
Published: September 2020

In this paper the theory on the estimation of vector autoregressive (VAR) models for I(2) processes is extended to the case of long VAR approximation of more general processes. Hereby the order of the autoregression is allowed to tend to infinity at a certain rate depending on the sample size. We deal with unrestricted OLS estimators (in the model formulated in levels as well as in vector error correction form) as well as with two stage estimation (2SI2) in the vector error correction model (VECM) formulation. Our main results are analogous to the I(1) case: We show that the long VAR approximation leads to consistent estimates of the long and short run dynamics. Furthermore, tests on the autoregressive coefficients follow standard asymptotics. The pseudo likelihood ratio tests on the cointegrating ranks (using the Gaussian likelihood) used in the 2SI2 algorithm show under the null hypothesis the same distributions as in the case of data generating processes following finite order VARs. The same holds true for the asymptotic distribution of the long run dynamics both in the unrestricted VECM estimation and the reduced rank regression in the 2SI2 algorithm. Building on these results we show that if the data is generated by an invertible VARMA process, the VAR approximation can be used in order to derive a consistent initial estimator for subsequent pseudo likelihood optimization in the VARMA model.
Intrapersonal Emotional Intelligence during Adolescence: Sex Differences, Connection with other Variables, and Predictors
Authors: Garaigordobil Maite
Published: September 2020

This study explores Intrapersonal Emotional Intelligence (IEI) with the objectives of: (1) analyzing possible differences due to sex and age, and the request for psychological assistance for behavioral and emotional problems; (2) finding evidence of personality traits, social behaviors, and parental socialization styles that are characteristic of adolescents with low IEI; and (3) identifying variables that predict high IEI. The sample comprised 2283 participants aged 12–17 years from the Basque Country (northern Spain). Results: (1) Females had greater emotional attention capacity but there were no sex differences in emotional comprehension and emotion regulation; (2) adolescents aged 12–14 showed higher scores in comprehension and emotion regulation than those aged 15–17; (3) adolescents who consulted a psychologist for problems (anxiety, depression, violence, etc.) had lower emotion regulation; (4) adolescents with low IEI had less empathy, self-esteem, extroversion, openness, agreeableness, and responsibility, and lower use of cooperative and passive conflict-resolution strategies, and their parents had a low level of acceptance-affection towards their children. They also engaged in more bullying/cyberbullying and antisocial behaviors. (5) High IEI predictor variables were: using cooperative conflict-resolution strategies; traits such as extroversion, responsibility, openness, and empathy; and a high level of maternal acceptance-affection. The work identifies relevant variables for designing intervention programs and shows the importance of promoting IEI and interpersonal emotional intelligence as a factor in the development and prevention of bullying/cyberbullying.
Machine Learning-Based Approach to Predict Energy Consumption of Renewable and Nonrenewable Power Sources
Authors: Khan Prince Waqas , Byun Yung-Cheol , Lee Sang-Joon , Kang Dong-Ho , Kang Jin-Young , Park Hae-Su
Published: September 2020

In today’s world, renewable energy sources are increasingly integrated with nonrenewable energy sources into electric grids and pose new challenges because of their intermittent and variable nature. Energy prediction using soft-computing techniques plays a vital role in addressing these challenges. As electricity consumption is closely linked to other energy sources such as natural gas and oil, forecasting electricity consumption is essential for making national energy policies. In this paper, we utilize various data mining techniques, including preprocessing historical load data and the load time series’s characteristics. We analyzed the power consumption trends from renewable energy sources and nonrenewable energy sources and combined them. A novel machine learning-based hybrid approach, combining multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector regression (SVR), and CatBoost, is proposed in this paper for power forecasting. A thorough comparison is made, taking into account the results obtained using other prediction methods.
Investigation and Modeling of the Magnetic Nanoparticle Aggregation with a Two-Phase CFD Model
Authors: Pálovics Péter , Németh Márton , Rencz Márta
Published: September 2020

In this paper the magnetic nanoparticle aggregation procedure in a microchannel in the presence of external magnetic field is investigated. The main goal of the work was to establish a numerical model, capable of predicting the shape of the nanoparticle aggregate in a magnetic field without extreme computational demands. To that end, a specialized two-phase CFD model and solver has been created with the open source CFD software OpenFOAM. The model relies on the supposed microstucture of the aggregate consisting of particle chains parallel to the magnetic field. First, the microstructure was investigated with a micro-domain model. Based on the theoretical model of the particle chain and the results of the micro-domain model, a two-phase CFD model and solver were created. After this, the nanoparticle aggregation in a microchannel in the field of a magnet was modeled with the solver at different flow rates. Measurements with a microfluidic device were performed to verify the simulation results. The impact of the aggregate on the channel heat transfer was also investigated.