bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE LITHUANIAN VERSION OF PROSOCIAL TENDENCIES MEASURE – REVISED (PTMR)
Authors: Šukys Saulius , Šukienė Edita
Published: May 2019

Background. The study was carried out with the aim to examine the construct validity and reliability of a
Prosocial Tendencies Measure–Revised (PTM-R) (Carlo, Hausmann, Christiansen, & Randall, 2003).
Methods. The study process was done following four stages. In stage 1, 984 adolescents between ages of
13 to 16 years (M age = 14.9, SD = 0.97; 50.3% girls) completed a translated version of the scale. In this stage
Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) was carried out in order to measure the structure of the PTM-R. In stage 2, 757
adolescents between ages of 13 to 16 years (M age = 14.24, SD = .81; 51.78% girls) completed the questionnaire
and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) was made. In stage 3, validity of the PTM-R was investigated. In stage 4,
reliability of the measure was tested by evaluating Cronbach’s alpha values.
Results. Exploratory Factor analysis of the PTM-R revealed four-factor solutions. A six-factor solution as
in original measure was not obtained. Confirmatory factor analysis confirms four-factor structure of PTM-R and
supports the multidimensional definition of prosocial behaviour. Three types of prosocial behaviour as anonymity,
altruism, and public prosocial behaviour was the same as in the original measure. Other three types of prosocial
behaviour emerged as one factor and were entitled as help in emergency. Correlation analyses between prosocial
behaviour and different types of aggression showed good level of discriminant validity.
Coefficient alpha was used to estimate of reliability based on the internal consistency among items. Alpha
coefficients were .85 for help in emergency, .71 for anonymous prosocial behaviour, .68 for altruistic behaviour,
and .59 for public prosocial behaviour.
Conclusions. In conclusion, the four-factor structure of PTM-R was obtained. Results showed that the adapted
measure was valid and reliable for Lithuanian adolescents aged between 13 and 16. Contradiction to the original
measure structure and future research directions are discussed.
PHYSICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FITNESS OF INDEPENDENT ACTIVE AND NON-ACTIVE OLDER FEMALE ADULTS
Authors: Prosoli Rebeka , Štefan Lovro , Barić Renata , Sporiš Goran
Published: May 2019

Background. Aging represents period of life when human body undergoes great changes affecting people’s
condition and overall health. The aim of the research was to determine differences of motor and functional abilities
along with satisfaction and quality of life between active and non-active female older adults.
Methods. Twenty-one elderly female adults were classified in two groups: thirteen active (mean age 66.54 ±
4.59 years; mean height 158.08± 5.35 cm; mean weight 75.47 ± 13.52 kg; mean body mass index 30.18 ± 0.49 kg/m 2 )
and eight non-active (mean age 71.81 ± 7.15 years; mean height 160.55 ± 6.34 cm; mean weight 74.40 ± 14.06 kg;
mean body mass index 28.84 ± 0.35 kg/m 2 ) female adults. For the purpose of this study, all participants were asked to
complete senior fitness test protocol prescribed by Rikli and Jones (2013), which consisted of eight tests: 30-second
chair stand test, 30-second arm curl test, 2-minute step test, chair sit-and-reach test, back scratch test, 8-foot up-and-
go test, height and weight. Along with that, participants filled in Croatian version of WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire
(Pibernik-Okanović, 2001) including four domains (physical health, psychological health, social environment and
environment) with two additional questions about their satisfaction with health and their quality of life on the Likert
scale ranging from 1to 5. The differences between active and non-active groups were examined using Man-Witney
U-test. Significance was set at p < .05.
Results. Results showed significant differences in four fitness tests: 30-second arm curl test (p = .03), 2-minute
step test (p = .00), chair sit-and-reach test (p = .02), 8-foot up-and-go test (p = .01) and two questionnaire domains:
psychological health (p = .04) and environment (p = .01). No statistical differences were found among perception of
the quality of life and health satisfaction between non-active and active participants (p > .05).
Conclusion. This study showed that older female adults had better achievements in motor and psychological
tests, which could be translated to better physical overall fitness and preparedness of doing everyday activities in
comparison to non-active group. Research showed the importance of exercising in older age, but further studies on
bigger samples need to be performed for better understanding of aging and differences in levels of fitness.
A DESCRIPTIVE PROFILE OF ISOMETRIC MUSCLE STRENGTH AND MUSCLE STRENGTH IMBALANCE IN YOUNG TENNIS PLAYERS
Authors: Zuša Anna , Lanka Jānis , Čupriks Lenīds , Dravniece Irēna
Published: May 2019

Background. Tennis is assumed as asymmetric sport, prolonged training practice could affect muscle strength
imbalance. Muscle strength functional ratio imbalance could be a reason for poor posture, physical weakness and
increased risk of injury. The purpose of the research was to evaluate young tennis players’ main muscle group
strength topography and to investigate the level of different muscles groups’ bi-lateral and contra-lateral imbalance.
Methods. The participants of the study were six young right handed competitive tennis players (girls, age 11.4 ±
0.5 years, tennis experience 4.7 ± 0.6 years). Examination of main muscles groups was performed with an isokinetic
dynamometer.
Results. Young tennis players have pronounced bi-lateral imbalance between shoulder joint extensors and
flexors (25%), internal and external rotators (36%), left elbow flexors and extensors (58%), wrist pronator and
supinator (the right hand 17%, left 48%), hip flexors and extensors (35%); knee joint flexors and extensors (60%);
ankle dorsal flexors and plantar flexors (59%); spine and abdominal muscles (48%). It was detected that young tennis
players have pronounced contra-lateral imbalance between right and left internal rotators of the shoulder joint (27%)
and external rotators (26%), wrist joint supinators (41%).
Conclusions. To avoid the increase in muscle bi-lateral imbalance it is highly recommended to pay more
attention to shoulder adductors and shoulder external rotators, elbow flexors and extensors, wrist supinators and
extensors, knee extensors, ankle plantar flexors and spine flexors. For contra-lateral imbalance prevention in addition
to train non-dominant upper extremity muscles: shoulder internal and external rotators, wrist supinators.
Utopia: Entering the fortress of Europe's warrior culture
Authors: Wegemer Gerard
Published: May 2019

Utopia repeatedly sets forth the rhetorical strategy of using pleasant and healing words to “enter” or “flow” or “steal into” (influere) fortresses of hardened opinion and custom without arousing warlike passions to keep them out. An important part of this strategy is the creation of a character who denounces major instances and causes of injustice but who nonetheless supports war and other means of force at the expense of law in rectifying that injustice; another part of the strategy is the creation of a character and a plot that embody the “indirect” rhetorical approach aimed primarily at long-term persuasion needed to improve laws and institutions.
Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesinin Mali Yapısının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: AYGÜN KOZA Şerife , ŞATAF Ceyda
Published: May 2019

Ülkemizde ve dünyada kamu hizmetlerinin sunumu açısından yerel yönetimlerin rolü ve önemi giderek artmaktadır. Yerel hizmetlerin arzında önemli bir yere sahip olan yerel yönetim birimi de belediyelerdir. Ekonomik, siyasal ve sosyal yönlü gelişmelerle birlikte nüfus yapısındaki hareketlenme ve nüfus artışı şehirlerin büyümesine neden olmuştur. Büyüyen ve genişleyen şehirlerde yönetim kolaylığı açısından bazı girişimlerde bulunulmuş ve sonucunda büyükşehir belediyeleri kurulmuştur. Büyükşehir belediyelerinin halkın ihtiyacı olan hizmetleri etkin bir şekilde yerine getirebilmeleri amacıyla mali açıdan (gelir-harcama- borçlanma gibi) güçlü bir mali yapıya sahip olmaları gerekmektedir. Büyükşehir belediyeleri, Türkiye’nin mali yapısı açısından önemli bir yere sahiptir. Bu nedenle, geçmişten günümüze gelen kanun değişiklikleriyle yerel yönetimlerin payları değiştirilerek belediyelerin ve büyükşehir belediyelerinin mali açıdan güçlendirilmesi sağlanmaya çalışılmıştır. Bu bağlamda bu çalışmada, büyükşehir belediyelerinin mali yapısını Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi örneği üzerinden incelemektir. Çalışmada, genel olarak büyükşehir belediyelerinin kanunları çerçevesinde mali yapılarında ne gibi değişikliklerin olduğu ve bu değişikliklerin Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi üzerindeki etkilerini incelemek amaçlanmaktadır. Bu kapsamda, Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi’nin 2006-2017 yıllarını kapsayan döneminde mali yapı açısından gelir-gider karşılaştırmaları, bütçede en fazla paya sahip olan kalemlerin nedenleri ve oluşan finansman açıklarının nasıl karşılandığı analiz edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesinin mali yapısı incelendiğinde tahmin edilen bütçeden çok fazla sapma olmadığı ve gereksiz borçlanmaya başvurmadıkları görülmüştür.
ANALISIS KESESUAIAN APB DES DENGAN PERENCANAAN PEMBANGUNAN DESA BERDASARKAN PP 43 TAHUN 2014 DI DESA KALIGADING KECAMATAN BOJA KABUPATEN KENDAL PROPINSI JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Widyartati Penta , Indriastuti Aryani
Published: May 2019

The Village Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBDes) is the annual financial plan of the village government that is discussed and agreed upon jointly by the village government and Village Consultation, and is determined by village regulations. The mechanism for using village funds starts from the planning, implementation, accountability and utilization of village funds. In order for the use of village funds to be targeted and in accordance with the priorities of community needs, the planning process as a basis for implementing village funds is expected to be carried out in accordance with Government Regulation No. 43 of 2014 article 114 and article 117. From the results of the study obtained evidence that the Kaligading Village government has carried out the mandate in accordance with Government Regulation No. 43 of 2014 article 114 concerning deliberation for the screening of community aspirations which then results from the deliberations set forth in the RPJMDes.
PENGARUH LATIHAN NAFAS DALAM TERHADAP PENINGKATAN SATURASI OKSIGEN PADA KLIEN TERPASANG WATER SEAL DRAINAGE (WSD) DI RSUD KABUPATEN TANGERANG
Authors: Yuningsih Yuningsih
Published: May 2019

Di Indonesia kasus efusi pleura disebabkan oleh infeksi tuberkulosa. Tujuan umum penelitian ini terindentifikasi pengaruh nafas dalam terhadap saturasi oksigen pada klien terpasang WSD di RSU Kab.Tangerang. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pra eksperimen dengan rancangan penelitian yang digunakan pretest dan postest kelompok tunggal. Pada rancangan ini pengaruh efek atau treatmen diputuskan berdasarkan perbedaan antara pretest dan postest. Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 20 orang. Menggunakan analisa data univariat dan bivariat. Hasil penelitian : Usia terbanyak pada responden dewasa pertengahan, klien bekerja, Jenis kelamin terbanyak: laki â€“ laki, Pendidikan : SMA. Lamanya penyakit : 1- 3 bulan. Rata-rata saturasi oksigen sebelum dilakukan nafas dalam pada pagi hari: 96,65 sedangkan setelah dilakukan nafas dalam pada siang hari : 97,62 denganÂ  P value : 0,000 (P < 0,05) terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan saturasi oksigen antara sebelum dan setelah dilakukan nafas dalam. Variabel confounding tidak berpengaruh terhadap saturasi oksigen. Saran untuk perawat di ruang penyakit dalam : memberikan tindakan mandiri berupa nafas dalam agar ekspansi paru maksimal.
Pengaruh Pendidikan Kesehatan Terhadap Pengetahuan Deteksi Dini Dan Pencegahan Anemia Dalam Upaya Menurunkan Aki Pada Kader Posyandu
Authors: Solehati Tetti , Sari Citra Windani Mambang , Lukman Mamat , Kosasih Cecep Eli
Published: May 2019

ABSTRAKLatar belakang: salah satu faktor penyebab masih tingginya angka mortalitas pada ibu antara lain anemiaÂ  ibu hamil. Peran kader masyarakat yang tergabung dalam posyandu sangat diperlukan untuk ibu hamil dalam bentuk pendidikan kesehatan kepada ibu hamil untuk mengetahui pengaruh edukasi deteksi dini anemia terhadap pengetahuanÂ  kader posyandu. Tujuan Penelitian: penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pendidikan kesehatan terhadap pengetahuan deteksi dini dan penceghan anemia pada kader posyandu. Metode: desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah quasi eksperimen dengan pretest dan post test without control. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan metode total sampling sebanyak 21 kader kesehatan posyandu di Cipamokolan Kelurahan Mekarjaya Kecamatan Rancasari Bandung. Analisis data meliputi univariat dan bivariat dengan menggunakan uji t test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan rata-rata tingkat pengetahuan sebelum intervensi dalam kategori kurangÂ  (19%), cukup (76,2%), baik (4,8%) meningkat setelah intervensi menjadi cukup (14,3%) dan baik (85,7%). Pada analisis lanjut ditemukan rata-rata tingkat pengetahuan sebelum intervensi dari 60 menjadi 90 (p= 0.001). Kesimpulan: pendidikan kesehatan berpengaruh dalam meningkatkan tingkat pengetahuan kader kesehatan. Â Â tingkat pengetahuan kader kesehatan. Â ABSTRACTBackground: one of the contributing factors of high maternal mortality rate is pregnant mother's anemia. The role of community cadres incorporated in Posyandu is very necessary for pregnant women in the form of health education to pregnant women. Research Objectives: this study aimed to determine the effect of health education on knowledge of early detection of anemia and prevention of anemia of Posyandu cadres. Methods: the quasi experiment with pre test and post test without control design was used in this study. Sampling was collected by total sampling method as many as 21 health cadres of posyandu in Cipamokolan Kelurahan Mekarjaya, Rancasari District of Bandung. Data analysis included univariate and bivariate by using t-test. The results showed that the average level of knowledge before the intervention was in the category of less (19%), enough (76.2%), good (4.8%), it increased after intervention to enough (14.3%) and good (85.7 %). In the advanced analysis found that the average level of knowledge before the intervention was 60 to 90 (p = 0.001). Conclusion: health education is influential in increasing the level of health cadre knowledge
Persepsi Pasien/keluarga terhadap Mutu Pelayanan Rawat Jalan (Reliability, Assurance, Empathy) di RS Misi Lebak
Authors: Eko Natalia Sinaga Sarma
Published: May 2019

Adapun tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat gambaran persepsi pasien terhadap mutu pelayanan RS Misi Lebak berdasarkan jenis kelamin, reliability (kehandalan) , assurance (jaminan) dan empathy (kepedulian). Penelitian dilakukan di pelayanan rawat jalan RS Misi Lebak. Metode penelitian ini adalah survey dengan pendekatan cross sectional, dengan jumlah sampel 110 orang yang merupakan pasien rawat jalan yang telah selesai mendapatkan pelayanan kesehatan. Â Pengumpulan data didapatkan melalui kuesioner kepuasan pasien, sedangkan analisa data yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan analisa Univariat, Bivariat Uji Chi-Square. Hasil uji statistika diperoleh ada hubungan yang signifikan antara reliability Â (P = 0.040), assurance (P = 0.000 ), empathy (P = 0.000 ) dengan persepsi terhadap mutu pelayanan rawat jalan.
PENGARUH METODE HEARTH DALAM MODIFIKASI DIET PADA BALITA DENGAN MALNUTRISI
Authors: Hadiyani Wini , Hendra Agus , Lindayani Linlin
Published: May 2019

ModelÂ  Tungku (Hearth) merupakan salah satu pendekatan yang efektif dalam mengatasi gizi buruk karena berbasis empowering dan pembelajaran bagi masyarakat bahwa dalam pemecahan masalah sosial sebenarnya solusi ada di dalam masyarakat itu sendiri. PenelitianÂ  ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penerapan model tungku (Hearth) dalam meningkatkan status gizi balita malnutrisi melalui modifikasi diet. Jenis penelitian ini adalah Quasi eksperimen tanpa pembandingÂ  denganÂ Â  tehnik one group pre test and post testÂ  design. Sampel didapatkan sebanyak 17 balita dengan tehnik purposive sampling. Status gizi balita dianalisa menggunakan pendekatanÂ  standar antropometri balita berdasarkan ambang batas (Z-score). Hasil ujiÂ  T menunjukkan adanya pengaruh model hearth terhadap status gizi balita dengan p value 0,00 (p < 0,05). Nilai beda didapatkan sebesar 1,482. Kesimpulannya adalah pendekatan model Hearth memberikan pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap perubahan status gizi pada balita malnutrisiÂ
What is the Impact of Implant-supported Mandibular Overdentures on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life? A Retrospective Study
Authors: ALTAY Mehmet Ali , OZARSLAN Mehmet Mustafa , YILDIRIMYAN Nelli , SİNDEL Alper
Published: May 2019

Objective: Oral health-related quality of life (QoL) is significantly influenced by the type of the prostheses that is used for prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with complete edentulism. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of mandibular implant-supported overdentures (MODs) through patients’ perceptions by analyzing the results from OHIP-14 index.Methods: Relationships between OHIP-14 scores, and clinical and patient-based findings are investigated.Results: Forty-seven patients were included in the study. OHIP-14 scores ranged from 0 to 35, with a mean score of 5.81 (±6.89), indicating an overall “very high” quality of life. Patients with “very high” QoL had significantly lower pain scores than those with both “high” and “low” QoL (p=0.000, p=0.036 respectively). Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between total OHIP points and pain level (r= 0.738, p=0.000).Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that patients with complete edentulism of the mandible can effectively be rehabilitated with two implant-supported mandibular overdentures and be provided with a “very high” oral health-related QoL.
Evaluation of Nurses’ Knowledge about Risk Monitoring and Risk Prevention for Pressure Ulcers
Authors: KOPUZ Elif , Karaca Anita
Published: May 2019

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of nurse’s knowledge on prevention of pressure ulcers and its associated factors.Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The research sample consisted of 250 nurses who worked at a training research hospital from 1 September to 1 December 2016. The research data were collected using the “Nurse Information Form” and “Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Survey” prepared in light of the literature.ResultsResults: The sample was mostly undergraduate (70.0%) and the mean age was 26.11±5.33 years. Nurses (98.8%) indicated that “advanced age” has a significant influence among risk factors that cause pressure ulcers. The item on the “Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Survey”, that was answered incorrectly most often (92.8%) was “when conscious patients with learning ability sit on chairs, they should be informed that they should shift their weight every 15 minutes,” in the sub-dimension of “Nursing Interventions for Preventing Pressure Ulcers”. There was a statistically significant difference between the knowledge level scores of nurses with respect to nurses’ age, education level, working unit and pressure ulcer education (p<0.05).Conclusion: Nurses’ knowledge level scores for prevention of pressure ulcers were above the average value. It is important to organize continuous education programs to increase nurses’ knowledge about the risk factors for pressure ulcers and their prevention.
Drivers, Process, and Consequences of Native Grassland Degradation: Insights from a Literature Review and a Survey in Río de la Plata Grasslands
Authors: Tiscornia Guadalupe , Jaurena Martín , Baethgen Walter
Published: May 2019

Natural grasslands are being progressively degraded around the world due to human-induced action (e.g., overgrazing), but there is neither a widely accepted conceptual framework to approach degradation studies nor a clear definition of what “grassland degradation” is. Most of the drivers, processes, and consequences related to grassland degradation are widespread and are usually separately quoted in the literature. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive framework with different conceptual categories, for monitoring grassland degradation, and a new definition based on current ones. We provide a conceptual update of grassland degradation based on a literature review and an expert survey, focused on the Río de la Plata grasslands (RPG). We identified “drivers” as external forces or changes that cause degradation; “processes” as measurable changes in grasslands conditions that can be evaluated using indicators; and “consequences” as the impacts or results of the process of grassland degradation. We expect that this conceptual framework will contribute to monitoring programs, to support management decisions, to design conservation measures, and to communicate the importance of grasslands conservation and the different concepts involved. Particularly for RPG, we expect that this paper will contribute to promote sustainable management practices in this important and often neglected ecosystem.
Evaluation of Yield-Based Low Nitrogen Tolerance Indices for Screening Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines
Authors: Zhao Zhixin , He Kunhui , Feng Zhiqian , Li Yanan , Chang Liguo , Zhang Xinghua , Xu Shutu , Liu Jianchao , Xue Jiquan
Published: May 2019

To screen the desired criterion to identify desirable genotypes and select genotypes best suited to limited nitrogen availability in order to facilitate the practice of low-nitrogen-tolerant breeding in maize, the response of 31 maize inbred lines, containing four control inbred lines (PH6WC, PH4CV, Zheng58, and Chang7-2) and others selected from the Shaan A and Shaan B heterotic groups cultivated at Northwest A&F University (Yangling, Shaanxi, China), were evaluated. The experiment was conducted following a split plot design with two replications during three growing seasons (2015, 2016, and 2017) under both high nitrogen (HN) and low nitrogen (LN) conditions at the Yulin and Yangling in Shaanxi Province, China. Seven screening indices, based on grain yield under two contrasting nitrogen (N) conditions, the stress susceptibility index (SSI), yield stability index (YSI), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), harmonic mean (HM), and low nitrogen tolerance index (LNTI), were computed to assess the overall index that accurately screened the desirable genotypes. The results of the correlation analyses and principal component analysis showed that MP, GMP, HM and STI were correlated with grain yield significantly and positively under contrasting N conditions, and were able to accurately discriminate the desirable genotypes. Compared with the control inbred lines, many inbred lines selected from the Shaan A and Shaan B groups showed a higher LN tolerance. This shows that we can effectively improve the LN tolerance of maize inbred lines through LN screening. Based on the screening indices, the three-dimensional diagram and genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplots are agreed with this results, and we identified KA105, KB081, KA225, 91227, and 2013KB-47 as the desired genotypes that have the potential to be used to breed a high yield and stable hybrid.
Evaluation of Performance, Nitrogen Metabolism and Tissue Composition in Barrows Fed an n-3 PUFA-Rich Diet
Authors: Hăbeanu Mihaela , Lefter Nicoleta Aurelia , Gheorghe Anca , Untea Arabela , Ropotă Mariana , Grigore Daniela-Mihaela , Varzaru Iulia , Toma Smaranda Mariana
Published: May 2019

We investigated changes in nitrogen metabolism and chemical, fatty acid (FA) and amino acid (AA) composition in tissues (longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles, heart, spleen, liver and cecum) following the dietary addition of extruded linseed and walnut meal (50:50 mix). Plasma creatinine and urea nitrogen were determined as well. Two trials were designed using barrows (five replicates) allotted in two groups [(control, (SM) and experimental, (LEW))] in metabolic cages. The experimental diet rich in n-3 FA led to a significant increase of retained nitrogen (>8.09% in the LEW group). The biological value of feed protein was 14.8% higher in the LEW group than in the SM group. LD muscles from the SM group and liver from the LEW group had greater nitrogen contents, whereas the heart and spleen had lower concentrations of nitrogen in the LEW group. Diet had a pronounced effect on n-3 FA, particularly on α-linolenic fatty acid (ALA) (p < 0.0001). The highest levels of ALA were recorded in the cecum (>6.06 times in LEW) and heart (>5.44 times in LEW). The highest level of lysine was noticed in the LD muscle (>2.1% in SM). An n-3-rich diet significantly reduced the amount of nitrogen excreted; greater than 40% nitrogen was retained, thus improving the meat composition.
Dynamic Response of Copper Plates Subjected to Underwater Impulsive Loading
Authors: Dai Kaida , Liu Han , Chen Pengwan , Guo Baoqiao , Xiang Dalin , Rong Jili
Published: May 2019

Understanding the mechanical response and failure behaviors of thin plates under impact loading is helpful for the design and improvement of thin plate structures in practical applications. The response of a copper plate subjected to underwater impulsive loading has been studied in fluid-structure interaction (FSI) experiments. Three typical copper plates, (a) without a pre-notch, (b) with a cross-shaped pre-notch (+), and (c) with a ring-shaped pre-notch (○) were selected. A high-speed photography system recorded the full-field shape and displacement profiles of the specimens in real time. The 3D transient deformation fields’ measurements were obtained using a 3D digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Strain results from DIC and the strain gauges technique were in good agreement. A dimensionless deflection was used to analyze the effect of plate thickness and loading intensity on the deformation of the copper plates. The typical failure modes of different copper plates were identified. The test plates exhibited large ductile deformation (mode I ) for copper plates without a pre-notch, and large ductile deformation with local necking (mode I c ), splitting (mode II ), splitting and tearing (mode II c ), and fragment (mode III ) for the copper plate with a pre-notch.
Enhancing Recommendation Accuracy of Item-Based Collaborative Filtering via Item-Variance Weighting
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Peng , Kudo Yasuo , Murai Tetsuya , Ren Yong-Gong
Published: May 2019

Recommender systems (RS) analyze user rating information and recommend items that may interest users. Item-based collaborative filtering (IBCF) is widely used in RSs. However, traditional IBCF often cannot provide recommendations with good predictive and classification accuracy at the same time because it assigns equal weights to all items when computing similarity and prediction. However, some items are more relevant and should be assigned greater weight. To address this problem, we propose a niche approach to realize item-variance weighting in IBCF in this paper. In the proposed approach, to improve the predictive accuracy, a novel time-related correlation degree is proposed and applied to form time-aware similarity computation, which can estimate the relationship between two items and reduce the weight of the item rated over a long period. Furthermore, a covering-based rating prediction is proposed to increase classification accuracy, which combines the relationship between items and the target user’s preference into the predicted rating scores. Experimental results suggest that the proposed approach outperforms traditional IBCF and other existing work and can provide recommendations with satisfactory predictive and classification accuracy simultaneously.
Structural Performance of a New Blind-Bolted Frame Modular Beam-Column Connection under Lateral Loading
Authors: Cho Bong-Ho , Lee Jae-Sub , Kim Hongjin , Kim Dae-Jin
Published: May 2019

This study proposes an effective steel frame modular system and evaluates the structural performance of its beam-column connection through experimental and analytical work. The new steel frame modular system utilizes the blind bolts, which allow free access to the structural members of the closed cross-section. In addition, the new modular system is designed such that the strength of its beam members is considerably lower than that of its column members to implement the strong column-weak beam concept. In order to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed modular beam-column connection, two types of specimens were designed and tested. One of the two specimens has four knee brace members to increase the bending stiffness of the connection, while the other does not have these components. The applied load versus displacement curves are plotted for the two specimens, and their failure modes are identified. Finally, a simplified analytical model for the modular beam-column connection is proposed, and its effectiveness is validated by performing its push-over analysis and comparing its results with the test results.
A Tightly Coupled GIS and Spatiotemporal Modeling for Methane Emission Simulation in the Underground Coal Mine System
Authors: Liu Hui , Mao Shanjun , Li Mei , Wang Shuangyong
Published: May 2019

Mine safety is of primary concern in the underground coal mining system. At present, there is a lack of an efficient platform to manage the numerical simulation procedure and inherent spatiotemporal data for coal mine disasters. This necessitates the coupling of spatiotemporal model with geographic information system (GIS) in practical application. Here, a novel spatiotemporal model tightly coupled with GIS is presented to improve the model-data integration. Such tight coupling is achieved by developing a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) based turbulent model with an underlying shared FluentEntity model within the LongRuanGIS platform. The case study and comparison with the traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method demonstrated that the platform is capable and effective in providing functionalities for lattice domain decomposition, simulation, visualization and analyses, as well as improving the computational efficiency. The proposed approach and platform, promising for the disaster prevention, offer a template for future GIS-Model integration and also applicable for other underground coal mine disasters.
Design Optimization of the Aeronautical Sheet Hydroforming Process Using the Taguchi Method
Authors: Muñoz-Rubio Aurelio , Bienvenido-Huertas David , Bermúdez-Rodríguez Francisco Javier , Tornell-Barbosa Manuel
Published: May 2019

The aluminium alloy sheet forming processes forging in rubber pad and diaphragm presses (also known as hydroforming processes) are simple and economical processes adapted to aeronautical production. Typical defects of these processes are elastic recovery, necking, and wrinkling, and they present difficulties in control mainly due to property variations of the sheet material that take place during the process. In order to make these processes robust and unresponsive to material variations, a multiobjective optimization methodology based on the Taguchi method is proposed in the present study. The design of experiments and process simulation are combined in the methodology, using the nonlinear finite element method. The properties of sheet material are considered noise factors of the hydroforming process, the objective being to find a combination of the control factors that causes minimal defects to noise factors. The methodology was applied to an AA2024-T3 aluminium alloy sheet of 1 mm thickness stamping process in a diaphragm press. The results allowed us to establish the optimal pressure values, friction coefficient between sheet and block, and friction coefficient between sheet and rubber to reduce the elastic recovery variations and the minimal thickness before noise facts.
Identification and Characterization of Janthinobacterium svalbardensis F19, a Novel Low-C/N-Tolerant Denitrifying Bacterium
Authors: Chen Yinyan , Jin Peng , Cui Zhiwen , Xu Tao , Zhao Ruojin , Zheng Zhanwang
Published: May 2019

Herein, we isolated Janthinobacterium svalbardensis F19 from sludge sediment. Strain F19 can simultaneously execute heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification under aerobic conditions. The organism exhibited efficient nitrogen removal at a C/N ratio of 2:1, with an average removal rate of 0.88 mg/L/h, without nitrite accumulation. At a C/N ratio of 2, an initial pH of 10.0, a culturing temperature of 25 °C, and sodium acetate as the carbon source, the removal efficiencies of ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, and hydroxylamine were 96.44%, 92.32%, 97.46%, and 96.69%, respectively. The maximum removal rates for domestic wastewater treatment for ammonia and total nitrogen were 98.22% and 92.49%, respectively. Gene-specific PCR amplification further confirmed the presence of napA, hao, and nirS genes, which may contribute to the heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification capacity of strain F19. These results indicate that this bacterium has potential for efficient nitrogen removal at low C/N ratios from domestic wastewater.
An Improved Gradient Boosting Regression Tree Estimation Model for Soil Heavy Metal (Arsenic) Pollution Monitoring Using Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Wei Lifei , Yuan Ziran , Zhong Yanfei , Yang Lanfang , Hu Xin , Zhang Yangxi
Published: May 2019

Hyperspectral remote sensing can be used to effectively identify contaminated elements in soil. However, in the field of monitoring soil heavy metal pollution, hyperspectral remote sensing has the characteristics of high dimensionality and high redundancy, which seriously affect the accuracy and stability of hyperspectral inversion models. To resolve the problem, a gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT) hyperspectral inversion algorithm for heavy metal (Arsenic (As)) content in soils based on Spearman’s rank correlation analysis (SCA) coupled with competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the CARS algorithm is used to roughly select the original spectral data. Second derivative (SD), Gaussian filtering (GF), and min-max normalization (MMN) pretreatments are then used to improve the correlation between the spectra and As in the characteristic band enhancement stage. Finally, the low-correlation bands are removed using the SCA method, and a subset with absolute correlation values greater than 0.6 is retained as the optimal band subset after each pretreatment. For the modeling, the five most representative characteristic bands were selected in the Honghu area of China, and the nine most representative characteristic bands were selected in the Daye area of China. In order to verify the generalization ability of the proposed algorithm, 92 soil samples from the Honghu and Daye areas were selected as the research objects. With the use of support vector machine regression (SVMR), linear regression (LR), and random forest (RF) regression methods as comparative methods, all the models obtained a good prediction accuracy. However, among the different combinations, CARS-SCA-GBRT obtained the highest precision, which indicates that the proposed algorithm can select fewer characteristic bands to achieve a better inversion effect, and can thus provide accurate data support for the treatment and recovery of heavy metal pollution in soils.
Special Issue on “Nanotech for Oil and Gas”
Authors: Yu Zhixin , Zhou Yingfang
Published: May 2019

Nanotechnology has important applications in many industries, including oil and gas [...]
Timely and Durable Polymer Modified Patching Materials for Pothole Repairs in Low Temperature and Wet Conditions
Authors: Han Sen , Liu Mengmei , Shang Weigong , Qi Xiang , Zhang Zhuang , Dong Shihao
Published: May 2019

Aiming to solve the contradiction between the workability and performance of pothole patching using cold mixtures, this paper proposed new patching materials based on the microcapsule technique and polymer reinforcement, namely cold mixtures with polymer modified asphalt and dense graded (DG) of aggregates (PADG) mixtures. Laboratory tests were conducted to compare the PADG mixtures with commonly used DG mixtures and open graded (OG) mixtures concerning workability, storability, cohesion, stability, and durability of each mixture. The results found that the PADG mixtures were satisfactory in their workability and storability and were as satisfactory as the OG mixtures. Meanwhile, stability and durability of the PADG mixtures was better than the DG mixtures and OG mixtures, i.e., the PADG mixtures showed stability in the conditions of the timeliness, low temperature, and immersion, as well as the freeze-thaw resistance and wear resistance in wet conditions. Therefore, it can be concluded that PADG mixtures are applicable in timely and durable pothole repairs in low temperatures and wet conditions.
A Post-Mortem Study of Stacked 16 Ah Graphite//LiFePO4 Pouch Cells Cycled at 5 °C
Authors: Moretti Arianna , Carvalho Diogo Vieira , Ehteshami Niloofar , Paillard Elie , Porcher Willy , Brun-Buisson David , Ducros Jean-Baptiste , de Meatza Iratxe , Eguia-Barrio Aitor , Trad Khiem , Passerini Stefano
Published: May 2019

Herein, the post-mortem study on 16 Ah graphite//LiFePO4 pouch cells is reported. Aiming to understand their failure mechanism, taking place when cycling at low temperature, the analysis of the cell components taken from different portions of the stacks and from different positions in the electrodes, is performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). Also, the recovered electrodes are used to reassemble half-cells for further cycle tests. The combination of the several techniques detects an inhomogeneous ageing of the electrodes along the stack and from the center to the edge of the electrode, most probably due to differences in the pressure experienced by the electrodes. Interestingly, XPS reveals that more electrolyte decomposition took place at the edge of the electrodes and at the outer part of the cell stack independently of the ageing conditions. Finally, the use of high cycling currents buffers the low temperature detrimental effects, resulting in longer cycle life and less inhomogeneities.
Cell Integration with Electrospun PMMA Nanofibers, Microfibers, Ribbons, and Films: A Microscopy Study
Authors: Ura Daniel P. , Karbowniczek Joanna E. , Szewczyk Piotr K. , Metwally Sara , Kopyściański Mateusz , Stachewicz Urszula
Published: May 2019

Tissue engineering requires properly selected geometry and surface properties of the scaffold, to promote in vitro tissue growth. In this study, we obtained three types of electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) scaffolds—nanofibers, microfibers, and ribbons, as well as spin-coated films. Their morphology was imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and characterized by average surface roughness and water contact angle. PMMA films had a smooth surface with roughness, Ra below 0.3 µm and hydrophilic properties, whereas for the fibers and the ribbons, we observed increased hydrophobicity, with higher surface roughness and fiber diameter. For microfibers, we obtained the highest roughness of 7 µm, therefore, the contact angle was 140°. All PMMA samples were used for the in vitro cell culture study, to verify the cells integration with various designs of scaffolds. The detailed microscopy study revealed that higher surface roughness enhanced cells’ attachment and their filopodia length. The 3D structure of PMMA microfibers with an average fiber diameter above 3.5 µm, exhibited the most favorable geometry for cells’ ingrowth, whereas, for other structures we observed cells growth only on the surface. The study showed that electrospinning of various scaffolds geometry is able to control cells development that can be adjusted according to the tissue needs in the regeneration processes.
New Evaluation Procedure for Multi-Dimensional Mechanical Strains and Tangent Moduli of Breast Implants: IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant Compared to Silicone Gel Implants
Authors: Brandon Harold J. , Nichter Larry S. , Back Dwight D.
Published: May 2019

The IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant is a dual lumen saline-filled implant with capsular contracture and deflation/rupture rates much lower than single-lumen silicone gel-filled implants. To better understand the implant’s mechanical properties and to provide a potential explanation for these eight-year clinical results, a novel approach to compressive load testing was employed. Multi-dimensional strains and tangent moduli, metrics describing the shape stability of the total implant, were derived from the experimental load and platen spacing data. The IDEAL IMPLANT was found to have projection, diametric, and areal strains that were generally less than silicone gel implants, and tangent moduli that were generally greater than silicone gel implants. Despite having a relatively inviscid saline fill, the IDEAL IMPLANT was found to be more shape stable compared to gel implants, which implies potentially less interaction with the capsule wall when the implant is subjected to compressive loads. Under compressive loads, the shape stability of a higher cross-link density, cohesive gel implant was unexpectedly found to be similar to or the same as a gel implant. In localized diametric compression testing, the IDEAL IMPLANT was found to have a palpability similar to a gel implant, but softer than a cohesive gel implant.
Incomplete Healing as a Cause of Aging: The Role of Mitochondria and the Cell Danger Response
Authors: Naviaux Robert K.
Published: May 2019

The rate of biological aging varies cyclically and episodically in response to changing environmental conditions and the developmentally-controlled biological systems that sense and respond to those changes. Mitochondria and metabolism are fundamental regulators, and the cell is the fundamental unit of aging. However, aging occurs at all anatomical levels. At levels above the cell, aging in different tissues is qualitatively, quantitatively, and chronologically distinct. For example, the heart can age faster and differently than the kidney and vice versa. Two multicellular features of aging that are universal are: (1) a decrease in physiologic reserve capacity, and (2) a decline in the functional communication between cells and organ systems, leading to death. Decreases in reserve capacity and communication impose kinetic limits on the rate of healing after new injuries, resulting in dyssynchronous and incomplete healing. Exercise mitigates against these losses, but recovery times continue to increase with age. Reinjury before complete healing results in the stacking of incomplete cycles of healing. Developmentally delayed and arrested cells accumulate in the three stages of the cell danger response (CDR1, 2, and 3) that make up the healing cycle. Cells stuck in the CDR create physical and metabolic separation—buffer zones of reduced communication—between previously adjoining, synergistic, and metabolically interdependent cells. Mis-repairs and senescent cells accumulate, and repeated iterations of incomplete cycles of healing lead to progressively dysfunctional cellular mosaics in aging tissues. Metabolic cross-talk between mitochondria and the nucleus, and between neighboring and distant cells via signaling molecules called metabokines regulates the completeness of healing. Purinergic signaling and sphingolipids play key roles in this process. When viewed against the backdrop of the molecular features of the healing cycle, the incomplete healing model provides a new framework for understanding the hallmarks of aging and generates a number of testable hypotheses for new treatments.
Mitochondria’s Role in Skin Ageing
Authors: Stout Roisin , Birch-Machin Mark
Published: May 2019

Skin ageing is the result of a loss of cellular function, which can be further accelerated by external factors. Mitochondria have important roles in skin function, and mitochondrial damage has been found to accumulate with age in skin cells, but also in response to solar light and pollution. There is increasing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key features in all ageing tissues, including skin. This is directly linked to skin ageing phenotypes: wrinkle formation, hair greying and loss, uneven pigmentation and decreased wound healing. The loss of barrier function during skin ageing increases susceptibility to infection and affects wound healing. Therefore, an understanding of the mechanisms involved is important clinically and also for the development of antiageing skin care products.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Effects on Oxidative Stress, Epigenetics, Gene Regulation, and Aging
Authors: Wimalawansa Sunil J.
Published: May 2019

Recent advances in vitamin D research indicate that this vitamin, a secosteroid hormone, has beneficial effects on several body systems other than the musculoskeletal system. Both 25 dihydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)2D] and its active hormonal form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] are essential for human physiological functions, including damping down inflammation and the excessive intracellular oxidative stresses. Vitamin D is one of the key controllers of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial respiratory function, and thus, the aging process in humans. In turn, molecular and cellular actions form 1,25(OH)2D slow down oxidative stress, cell and tissue damage, and the aging process. On the other hand, hypovitaminosis D impairs mitochondrial functions, and enhances oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. The interaction of 1,25(OH)2D with its intracellular receptors modulates vitamin D–dependent gene transcription and activation of vitamin D-responsive elements, which triggers multiple second messenger systems. Thus, it is not surprising that hypovitaminosis D increases the incidence and severity of several age-related common diseases, such as metabolic disorders that are linked to oxidative stress. These include obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, pregnancy complications, memory disorders, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, and systemic inflammatory diseases. Vitamin D adequacy leads to less oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial and endocrine functions, reducing the risks of disorders, such as autoimmunity, infections, metabolic derangements, and impairment of DNA repair; all of this aids a healthy, graceful aging process. Vitamin D is also a potent anti-oxidant that facilitates balanced mitochondrial activities, preventing oxidative stress-related protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. New understandings of vitamin D-related advances in metabolomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, in relation to its ability to control oxidative stress in conjunction with micronutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, following normalization of serum 25(OH)D and tissue 1,25(OH)2D concentrations, likely to promise cost-effective better clinical outcomes in humans.