bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Synthesis and Characterization of Hexagonal and Ordered Al–MCM–41 from Natural Perlite
Authors: Chen Hongyun , Fu Siyao , Fu Liangjie , Yang Huaming , Chen Deliang
Published: April 2019

Silica reagents are expensive and toxic for use in the synthesis of mesoporous silica materials. It is imperative to take an interest in green silicon sources. In this paper, we report the synthesis of hexagonal and ordered aluminum-containing mesoporous silica materials (Al–MCM–41) from natural perlite mineral without addition of silica or aluminum reagents. A pretreatment process involving acid leaching, alkali leaching, and strongly acidic cation exchange resins treatment was critical to obtain silicon and aluminum sources from natural perlite mineral. The Al–MCM–41 material was synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction with hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as the template and subsequent calcination. The resulting mesophase had a hexagonal and ordered mesoporous structure, confirmed by small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Al–MCM–41 material had a high Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface area of 1024 m2/g, pore volume of 0.72 cm3/g and an average pore diameter of 2.8 nm with a pore size distribution centered at 2.5 nm. The thermal behavior of the as-synthesized samples during calcination was investigated by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) analysis. The Al–MCM–41 material showed a negative surface charge in aqueous solution with the pH value ranging from 2 to 13. The variations of chemical structures from natural perlite to Al–MCM–41 were traced by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A proposed mechanism for the synthesis of hexagonal and ordered mesoporous silica materials from natural perlite is discussed.
Archaeometric Approach for Studying Architectural Earthenwares from the Archaeological Site of S. Omobono (Rome-Italy)
Authors: Miriello Domenico , Antonelli Fabrizio , Bloise Andrea , Ceci Monica , Columbu Stefano , De Luca Raffaella , Lezzerini Marco , Pecci Alessandra , Mollo Bina Sara , Brocato Paolo
Published: April 2019

This paper reports the findings of an archaeometric study performed on 14 architectural earthenwares from the archaeological site of S. Omobono, located in the historic center of Rome (Italy). The archaeological site, accidentally discovered in 1937, includes the remains of a sacred area previously occupied by two temples, one of which was converted into the church of S. Omobono, in 1575. The samples, dated between the 7th and the 6th century BC, belong to different sectors of the site. Their petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical characterization was performed by optical microscopy (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The compositional data obtained were also subjected to the principal component analysis (PCA) in order to highlight similarities and differences among the samples. By combining geochemical and petrographic data, we were able to identify several different fabrics. Furthermore, the study provided valuable information on the firing temperatures of some samples and the provenance of the raw materials, by analyzing the chemical composition of clinopyroxenes present as non-plastic inclusions.
Structural Change Analysis of Cerianite in Weathered Residual Rare Earth Ore by Mechanochemical Reduction Using X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Tsunazawa Yuki , Liu Wenying , Tokoro Chiharu
Published: April 2019

Prolonged high-intensity grinding can modify the crystal structure of solid substances and/or induce chemical reaction, which is referred to as mechanochemical reaction. Such reactions can exert positive influences on hydrometallurgical processes, therefore, many researchers have applied mechanochemical reactions for metals dissolution from minerals. The mechanism of mechanochemical reaction has been investigated using solid analyses and simulations. Structural changes caused by mechanochemical reactions are not yet sufficiently clarified because the ground samples are amorphous. The objective of this study was to analyze structural changes of cerianite in weathered residual rare earth ore by mechanochemical reduction. The ore was ground by planetary ball milling for 10, 60 and 720 min. Structural change was analyzed by the X-ray absorption near-edge structure and extended x-ray absorption fine structure analysis at the cerium LIII- and K-edges. These analyses revealed that the structural change of cerianite in this ore induced by mechanochemical reduction involved oxygen vacancy production. The process of the oxygen vacancy formation was closely coupled with the quantum effect of localization–delocalization of the 4f electron of cerium.
Improvement of Ethanol Gas-Sensing Responses of ZnO–WO3 Composite Nanorods through Annealing Induced Local Phase Transformation
Authors: Liang Yuan-Chang , Chang Che-Wei
Published: April 2019

In this study, ZnO–WO3 composite nanorods were synthesized through a combination of hydrothermal growth and sputtering method. The structural analysis results revealed that the as-synthesized composite nanorods had a homogeneous coverage of WO3 crystallite layer. Moreover, the ZnO–WO3 composite nanorods were in a good crystallinity. Further post-annealed the composite nanorods in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere at 400 °C induced the local phase transformation between the ZnO and WO3. The ZnO–WO3 composite nanorods after annealing engendered the coexistence of ZnWO4 and WO3 phase in the shell layer which increased the potential barrier number at the interfacial contact region with ZnO. This further enhanced the ethanol gas-sensing response of the pristine ZnO–WO3 composite nanorods. The experimental results herein demonstrated a proper thermal annealing procedure of the binary composite nanorods is a promising approach to modulate the gas-sensing behavior the binary oxide composite nanorods.
Vitamin D in Wild and Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar)—What Do We Know?
Authors: Jakobsen Jette , Smith Cat , Bysted Anette , Cashman Kevin D.
Published: April 2019

Salmon have been widely publicized as a good dietary source of vitamin D, but recent data points to large variation in vitamin D content and differences between wild and farmed salmon. We aimed to: (1) investigate the content of vitamin D in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in wild species caught in two different waters, (2) perform a 12-week feeding trial in farmed Salmo salar with 270–1440 µg vitamin D3/kg feed (4–20 times maximum level in the EU) and (3) conduct a review for the published data on the content of vitamin D in salmonids. Content of vitamin D3 in the fillet from wild salmon caught in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea was significantly different (p < 0.05), being 18.5 ± 4.6 µg/100 g and 9.4 ± 1.9 µg/100 g, respectively. In the farmed salmon the content ranged from 2.9 ± 0.7 µg vitamin D3/100 g to 9.5 ± 0.7 µg vitamin D3/100 g. Data from 2018 shows that farmed salmon contained 2.3–7.3 µg vitamin D3/100 g. Information on the content of vitamin D in wild and farmed salmonids is very limited, which calls for further research to ensure a sustainable production of salmon with adequate vitamin D.
The Resveratrol Rice DJ526 Callus Significantly Increases the Lifespan of Drosophila (Resveratrol Rice DJ526 Callus for Longevity)
Authors: Khan Mousumee , Park Soyeon , Kim Hyeon-Jin , Lee Kui-Jae , Kim Dea Heon , Baek So-Hyeon , Hong Seong-Tshool
Published: April 2019

Resveratrol has gained widespread scientific attention due to its ability to significantly extend the lifespan of yeast. However, research on the efficacy of resveratrol on lifespan extension has yielded mixed results in animal studies, making resveratrol a contentious subject. In our previous work, we reported that transgenic resveratrol rice DJ526 showed unusual health benefits beyond expectations. In this work, we established a callus culture of resveratrol rice DJ526, which contains 180 times more resveratrol than the grain, and found that resveratrol rice callus significantly extended the median lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster by up to 50% compared to the control. The resveratrol rice callus also ameliorated age-dependent symptoms, including locomotive deterioration, body weight gain, eye degeneration, and neurodegeneration of D. melanogaster with age progression. Considering that resveratrol is the most preferred antiaging compound due to its superior safety and proven mechanism against many serious adult diseases, the outstanding efficacy of resveratrol on the longevity of wild-type animals could cast a light on the development of antiaging therapeutic agents.
Effects of Resveratrol on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Glaucomatous Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells
Authors: Avotri Selom , Eatman Danita , Russell-Randall Karen
Published: April 2019

Purpose: Resveratrol (RSV), an antioxidant polyphenol, has demonstrated beneficial effects in various ocular diseases including glaucoma. Our study was designed to evaluate the effects of RSV on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 α), in human glaucomatous trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. Methods: Western blot was utilized to determine endothelial and inducible NOS (eNOS, iNOS) expression. The concentration-related effects of RSV on IL-1 α and NO levels were assessed using the respective ELISA kits. Results: Densitometry data showed concentration-related increases in eNOS, and reduction in iNOS expression at high RSV concentrations. RSV treatment (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 µM) resulted in increased NO levels (6 ± 0.7, 7 ± 0.8, 7.3 ± 0.7 and 9.5 ± 1 nM/mg protein, respectively). The average value obtained for control was 4.8 ± 0.6 nM/mg protein. Significant increases in IL-1α levels were observed with lower concentrations of RSV. However, at higher RSV concentrations (10–100 μM), IL-1 levels decreased. Conclusions: Resveratrol increased NO in glaucomatous TM cells, possibly by increasing eNOS expression. Thus, RSV-induced NO production supports the beneficial effects of this antioxidant in glaucoma. Furthermore, our results showing a reduction in iNOS, a contributor to oxidative stress expression, further support RSV’s antioxidant capabilities in vision.
Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion of Cocoa: Detection of Resistant Peptides and In Silico/In Vitro Prediction of Their Ace Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Marseglia Angela , Dellafiora Luca , Prandi Barbara , Lolli Veronica , Sforza Stefano , Cozzini Pietro , Tedeschi Tullia , Galaverna Gianni , Caligiani Augusta
Published: April 2019

In this study we investigated the oligopeptide pattern in fermented cocoa beans and derived products after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Peptides in digested cocoa samples were identified based on the mass fragmentation and on the software analysis of vicilin and 21 KDa cocoa seed protein sequences, the most abundant cocoa proteins. Quantification was carried out by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) using an internal standard. Sixty five peptides were identified in the digested samples, including three pyroglutamyl derivatives. The in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity of cocoa digests were tested, demonstrating a high inhibition activity, especially for digestates of cocoa beans. The peptides identified were screened for their potential ACE inhibitory activity through an in silico approach, and about 20 di-, three- and tetra-peptides actually present in our samples were predicted as active. Two of the potentially active peptides were chemically synthesized and then assessed for their inhibitory activity by using the ACE in vitro assay. These peptides demonstrated an ACE inhibitory activity, however, that was too weak to explain alone the high activity of cocoa digestates, suggesting a synergic effect of all cocoa peptides. As a whole, results showed that an average chocolate portion (30 g) ensures an amount of peptides after digestion that, assuming complete absorption, could reach almost a complete inhibition of ACE.
Vive la Difference! The Effects of Natural and Conventional Wines on Blood Alcohol Concentrations: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Controlled Study
Authors: Ferrero Federico Francesco , Fadda Maurizio , De Carli Luca , Barbetta Marco , Sethi Rajandrea , Pezzana Andrea
Published: April 2019

Different alcoholic beverages can have different effects on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and neurotoxicity, even when equalized for alcohol content by volume. Anecdotal evidence suggested that natural wine is metabolized differently from conventional wines. This triple-blind study compared the BAC of 55 healthy male subjects after consuming the equivalent of 2 units of alcohol of a natural or conventional wine over 3 min in two separate sessions, one week apart. BAC was measured using a professional breathalyzer every 20 min after consumption for 2 h. The BAC curves in response to the two wines diverged significantly at twenty minutes (interval T20) and forty minutes (interval T40), and also at their maximum concentrations (peaks), with the natural wine inducing a lower BAC than the conventional wine [T20 = 0.40 versus 0.46 (p < 0.0002); T40 = 0.49 versus 0.53 (p < 0.0015); peak = 0.52 versus 0.56 (p < 0.0002)]. These differences are likely related to the development of different amino acids and antioxidants in the two wines during their production. This may in turn affect the kinetics of alcohol absorption and metabolism. Other contributing factors could include pesticide residues, differences in dry extract content, and the use of indigenous or selected yeasts. The study shows that with the same quantity and conditions of intake, natural wine has lower pharmacokinetic and metabolic effects than conventional wine, which can be assumed due to the different agronomic and oenological practices with which they are produced. It can therefore be hypothesized that the consumption of natural wine may have a different impact on human health from that of conventional wine.
Transport Properties of One-Step Compression Molded Epoxy Nanocomposite Foams
Authors: Martin-Gallego Mario , Lopez-Hernandez Emil , Pinto Javier , Rodriguez-Perez Miguel A. , Lopez-Manchado Miguel A. , Verdejo Raquel
Published: April 2019

Owing to their high strength and stiffness, thermal and environmental stability, lower shrinkage, and water resistance, epoxy resins have been the preferred matrix for the development of syntactic foams using hollow glass microspheres. Although these foams are exploited in multiple applications, one of their issues is the possibility of breakage of the glass hollow microspheres during processing. Here, we present a straightforward and single-step foaming protocol using expandable polymeric microspheres based on the well-established compression molding process. We demonstrate the viability of the protocol producing two sets of nanocomposite foams filled with carbon-based nanoparticles with improved transport properties.
Diagrams of States of Single Flexible-Semiflexible Multi-Block Copolymer Chains: A Flat-Histogram Monte Carlo Study
Authors: Maltseva Daria , Zablotskiy Sergey , Martemyanova Julia , Ivanov Viktor , Shakirov Timur , Paul Wolfgang
Published: April 2019

The combination of flexibility and semiflexibility in a single molecule is a powerful design principle both in nature and in materials science. We present results on the conformational behavior of a single multiblock-copolymer chain, consisting of equal amounts of Flexible (F) and Semiflexible (S) blocks with different affinity to an implicit solvent. We consider a manifold of macrostates defined by two terms in the total energy: intermonomer interaction energy and stiffness energy. To obtain diagrams of states (pseudo-phase diagrams), we performed flat-histogram Monte Carlo simulations using the Stochastic Approximation Monte Carlo algorithm (SAMC). We have accumulated two-Dimensional Density of States (2D DoS) functions (defined on the 2D manifold of macrostates) for a SF-multiblock-copolymer chain of length N = 64 with block lengths b = 4, 8, 16, and 32 in two different selective solvents. In an analysis of the canonical ensemble, we calculated the heat capacity and determined its maxima and the most probable morphologies in different regions of the state diagrams. These are rich in various, non-trivial morphologies, which are formed without any specific interactions, and depend on the block length and the type of solvent selectivity (preferring S or F blocks, respectively). We compared the diagrams with those for the non-selective solvent and reveal essential changes in some cases. Additionally, we implemented microcanonical analysis in the “conformational” microcanonical ( N V U , where U is the potential energy) and the true microcanonical ( N V E , where E is the total energy) ensembles with the aim to reveal and classify pseudo-phase transitions, occurring under the change of temperature.
A New Approach to Defining Uncertainties for MODIS Land Surface Temperature
Authors: Ghent Darren , Veal Karen , Trent Tim , Dodd Emma , Sembhi Harjinder , Remedios John
Published: April 2019

The accuracy of land surface temperature (LST) observations is critical to many applications. Any observation of LST is subject to incomplete knowledge, so an accurate assessment of the uncertainty budget is critical. We present a comprehensive and consistent approach to determining an uncertainty budget for LST products. We apply this approach to the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument on-board the Aqua satellite. In order to generate the uncertainty model, a new implementation of the generalised split-window algorithm is applied, in which retrieval coefficients are categorised by viewing angle and water vapour. Validation of the LST against in situ data shows a mean absolute bias of 0.37 K for daytime and 0.73 K for nighttime. The average standard deviation per site is 1.53 K for daytime and 1.21 K for nighttime. Uncertainties from the implemented model are estimates in their own right and are also validated. We do this by comparing the standard deviation of the differences between the satellite and in situ LSTs, and the total uncertainties of the validation matchups. We show that the uncertainty model provides a good fit. Our approach offers a framework for quantifying uncertainties for LST that is equally applicable across different sensors and different retrieval approaches.
Quantitative Aerosol Optical Depth Detection during Dust Outbreaks from Meteosat Imagery Using an Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Kolios Stavros , Hatzianastassiou Nikos
Published: April 2019

This study presents the development of an artificial neural network (ANN) model to quantitatively estimate the atmospheric aerosol load (in terms of aerosol optical depth, AOD), with an emphasis on dust, over the Mediterranean basin using images from Meteosat satellites as initial information. More specifically, a back-propagation ANN model scheme was developed to estimate visible (at 550 nm) aerosol optical depth (AOD550 nm) values at equal temporal (15 min) and spatial (4 km) resolutions with Meteosat imagery. Accuracy of the ANN model was thoroughly tested by comparing model estimations with ground-based AOD550 nm measurements from 14 AERONET (Aerosol Robotic NETwork) stations over the Mediterranean for 34 selected days in which significant dust loads were recorded over the Mediterranean basin. Using a testbed of 3076 pairs of modeled and measured AOD550 nm values, a Pearson correlation coefficient (rP) equal to 0.91 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.031 were found, proving the satisfactory accuracy of the developed model for estimating AOD550 nm values.
Comparison of Unsupervised Algorithms for Vineyard Canopy Segmentation from UAV Multispectral Images
Authors: Cinat Paolo , Di Gennaro Salvatore Filippo , Berton Andrea , Matese Alessandro
Published: April 2019

Technical resources are currently supporting and enhancing the ability of precision agriculture techniques in crop management. The accuracy of prescription maps is a key aspect to ensure a fast and targeted intervention. In this context, remote sensing acquisition by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is one of the most advanced platforms to collect imagery of the field. Besides the imagery acquisition, canopy segmentation among soil, plants and shadows is another practical and technical aspect that must be fast and precise to ensure a targeted intervention. In this paper, algorithms to be applied to UAV imagery are proposed according to the sensor used that could either be visible spectral or multispectral. These algorithms, called HSV-based (Hue, Saturation, Value), DEM (Digital Elevation Model) and K-means, are unsupervised, i.e., they perform canopy segmentation without human support. They were tested and compared in three different scenarios obtained from two vineyards over two years, 2017 and 2018 for RGB (Red-Green-Blue) and NRG (Near Infrared-Red-Green) imagery. Particular attention is given to the unsupervised ability of these algorithms to identify vines in these different acquisition conditions. This ability is quantified by the introduction of over- and under- estimation indexes, which are the algorithm’s ability to over-estimate or under-estimate vine canopies. For RGB imagery, the HSV-based algorithms consistently over-estimate vines, and never under-estimate them. The k-means and DEM method have a similar trend of under-estimation. While for NRG imagery, the HSV is the more stable algorithm and the DEM model slightly over-estimates the vines. HSV-based algorithms and the DEM algorithm have comparable computation time. The k-means algorithm increases computational demand as the quality of the DEM decreases. The algorithms developed can isolate canopy vegetation data, which is useful information about the current vineyard state, and can be used as a tool to be efficiently applied in the crop management procedure within precision viticulture applications.
Spatial Modeling of Mosquito Vectors for Rift Valley Fever Virus in Northern Senegal: Integrating Satellite-Derived Meteorological Estimates in Population Dynamics Models
Authors: Tran Annelise , Fall Assane , Biteye Biram , Ciss Mamadou , Gimonneau Geoffrey , Castets Mathieu , Seck Momar , Chevalier Véronique
Published: April 2019

Mosquitoes are vectors of major pathogen agents worldwide. Population dynamics models are useful tools to understand and predict mosquito abundances in space and time. To be used as forecasting tools over large areas, such models could benefit from integrating remote sensing data that describe the meteorological and environmental conditions driving mosquito population dynamics. The main objective of this study is to assess a process-based modeling framework for mosquito population dynamics using satellite-derived meteorological estimates as input variables. A generic weather-driven model of mosquito population dynamics was applied to Rift Valley fever vector species in northern Senegal, with rainfall, temperature, and humidity as inputs. The model outputs using meteorological data from ground weather station vs satellite-based estimates are compared, using longitudinal mosquito trapping data for validation at local scale in three different ecosystems. Model predictions were consistent with field entomological data on adult abundance, with a better fit between predicted and observed abundances for the Sahelian Ferlo ecosystem, and for the models using in-situ weather data as input. Based on satellite-derived rainfall and temperature data, dynamic maps of three potential Rift Valley fever vector species were then produced at regional scale on a weekly basis. When direct weather measurements are sparse, these resulting maps should be used to support policy-makers in optimizing surveillance and control interventions of Rift Valley fever in Senegal.
A New Integrated System for Assistance in Communicating with and Telemonitoring Severely Disabled Patients
Authors: Bozomitu Radu Gabriel , Niţă Lucian , Cehan Vlad , Alexa Ioana Dana , Ilie Adina Carmen , Păsărică Alexandru , Rotariu Cristian
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we present a new complex electronic system for facilitating communication with severely disabled patients and telemonitoring their physiological parameters. The proposed assistive system includes three subsystems (Patient, Server, and Caretaker) connected to each other via the Internet. The two-way communication function is based on keywords technology using a WEB application implemented at the server level, and the application is accessed remotely from the patient’s laptop/tablet PC. The patient’s needs can be detected by using different switch-type sensors that are adapted to the patient’s physical condition or by using eye-tracking interfaces. The telemonitoring function is based on a wearable wireless sensor network, organized around the Internet of Things concept, and the sensors acquire different physiological parameters of the patients according to their needs. The mobile Caretaker device is represented by a Smartphone, which uses an Android application for communicating with patients and performing real-time monitoring of their physiological parameters. The prototype of the proposed assistive system was tested in “Dr. C.I. Parhon” Clinical Hospital of Iaşi, Romania, on hospitalized patients from the Clinic of Geriatrics and Gerontology. The system contributes to an increase in the level of care and treatment for disabled patients, and this ultimately lowers costs in the healthcare system.
Extrinsic Calibration between a Camera and a 2D Laser Rangefinder using a Photogrammetric Control Field
Authors: Fan Jia , Huang Yuchun , Shan Jie , Zhang Shun , Zhu Fei
Published: April 2019

The combination of a camera and a 2D laser rangefinder (LRF) is widely used in robotics, mapping, and unmanned driving to simultaneously obtain the 3D geometry and color texture of a scene. However, data misregistration between the camera and the LRF frequently occurs due to the difficulty of precise installation and alignment between them. Extrinsic calibration between the camera and the LRF is necessary. In this study, a photogrammetric control field is used to perform a robust and accurate calibration between the camera and the LRF which requires only one shot. With the use of the photogrammetric control field as the common reference, extrinsic calibration between two sensors is decoupled by calibrating each sensor separately. First, using the room corner of the control field, the LRF is calibrated with respect to the control field by solving a simplified perspective-three-point problem. Then, a large number of control points are used to obtain the robust and accurate extrinsic parameters of the camera with respect to the control field. Experiments with simulated and real data were performed. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme is accurate, precise, and robust under different noise levels, and the calibration results can be utilized in indoor and outdoor applications.
Countermovement Jump Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Collegiate Basketball Players
Authors: Heishman Aaron , Daub Bryce , Miller Ryan , Brown Brady , Freitas Eduardo , Bemben Michael
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the present study was to establish the intrasession and intersession reliability of variables obtained from a force plate that was used to quantitate lower extremity inter-limb asymmetry during the bilateral countermovement jump (CMJ). Secondarily, a comparison was performed to determine the influence of the jump protocol CMJ with or without an arm swing (CMJ AS and CMJ NAS, respectively) on inter-limb asymmetries. Twenty-two collegiate basketball players performed three CMJ AS and three CMJ NAS on dual force platforms during two separate testing sessions. A majority of variables met the acceptable criterion of intersession and intrasession relative reliability (ICC > 0.700), while fewer than half met standards established for absolute reliability (CV < 10%). CMJ protocol appeared to influence asymmetries; Concentric Impulse-100 ms, Eccentric Braking Rate of Force Development, Eccentric Deceleration, and Force at Zero velocity were significantly different between jumping conditions (CMJAS versus CMJ NAS; p < 0.05). The present data establish the reliability and smallest worthwhile change of inter-limb asymmetries during the CMJ, while also identifying the influence of CMJ protocol on inter-limb asymmetries, which can be useful to practitioners and clinicians in order to effectively monitor changes associated with performance, injury risk, and return-to-play strategies.
Content Analysis of Talent Policy on Promoting Sustainable Development of Talent: Taking Sichuan Province as an Example
Authors: Zhang Huiqin , Deng Ting , Wang Meng , Chen Xudong
Published: April 2019

Sustainable development of talent refers to the establishment of institutionalized, standardized, and systematic stabilization measures and procedures based on scientific principles. A talent management system is a series of systematic, regular, and systematic practices instead of policy that is short-term, fragmented, and involves special measures and practices. As an effective means of policy analysis, talent policy instruments play a critical role in promoting the sustainable development of talent. This study constructs an analytical framework from the dimensions of policy instruments, policy targets, and policy strength to examine the policy sustainability. It selects 30 talent policies issued by the Sichuan government as the research sample and uses ROST and NVivo software to quantify policy instruments, policy targets, and policy strength as analytical units. The results show that, in the supply-side policy instruments, many “capital investment” policy measures have been used, but the role of “talent information support” in the role of talent development has been neglected. Among the environmental policy instruments, “strategic measures” are used more frequently, and the economic leverage of “tax finance” has not been fully used. Among the demand-side policy instruments, “talent introduction” and “trade control” are used more frequently, but the application of “overseas talent agencies” remains unused. Policy targets focus on talent innovation and talent efficiency but pay less attention to talent flow, and policy strength is in line with strategic adjustments, but policies are not sufficiently sustainable. The formulation of regional talent policy should focus on the operability of policies, improve the structure of policy targets, and lead to sustainable development. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the implementation of policies and promote the sustainable development of talent.
Nodes and Networks: The Generative Role of Cultural Heritage for Urban Revival in Kikinda
Authors: Radosavljević Uroš , Đorđević Aleksandra , Lalović Kseniјa , Živković Jelena , Đukanović Zoran
Published: April 2019

Using heritage as a cultural artifact in city development is not new, but little has been explored about how urban heritage can be utilized as new generative value and a new planning instrument for the revival of cities. The purpose of this paper is to show the creative and the generative use of urban heritage, both for the extension of cultural and tourist offer of the city and for the improvement of the quality of life in physical, social and economic terms for the community. The case study method was used for the adaptive reuse of projects for heritage buildings and urban revival in Kikinda. We argue that urban heritage has to be used, bearing in mind its spatial, economic and social sustainability aspects, and become a generator of urban revival. We go beyond recognition of the value of heritage as a cultural artifact that should solely be preserved and used as a static element in urban development, and view it more as a dynamic asset for city revival processes. We found that for the heritage nodes to be utilized as the new generative value for the revival of cities, they have to be perceived from the network perspective, thus influencing the urban environment in a sustainable way.
Financial Performance of Government Bond Portfolios Based on Environmental, Social and Governance Criteria
Authors: Badía Guillermo , Pina Vicente , Torres Lourdes
Published: April 2019

We evaluated the financial performance of government bond portfolios formed according to socially responsible investment (SRI) criteria. We thus open a discussion on the financial performance of SRI for government bonds. Our sample includes 24 countries over the period of June 2006 to December 2017. Using various financial performance measures, the results suggest that high-rated government bonds, according to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions, outperform low-ranked bonds under any cut-off, although differences are not statistically significant. These findings suggest that ESG screenings can be used for government bonds without sacrificing financial performance.
A Multilevel Model Approach for Assessing the Effects of House and Neighborhood Characteristics on Housing Vacancy: A Case of Daegu, South Korea
Authors: Park Jeong-Il
Published: April 2019

Previous studies on housing vacancy mostly focused on variables representing regional characteristics while overlooking the characteristics of individual houses. This is due to the limitations of available data. Using the house-level Housing Vacancy Database, this study aims to identify the spatial clustering pattern of vacant houses by examining single-family houses in Daegu, South Korea, and analyze the factors affecting housing vacancy. The Housing Vacancy Database built in this study provides accurate location information of vacant houses, making it possible to analyze the clustering pattern of vacant houses in a more detailed spatial unit. Furthermore, the Housing Vacancy Database considered various physical and neighborhood factors at the house level. The result of hot spot analysis showed that vacant houses were spatially concentrated in the city center. As a result of analyzing the factors affecting housing vacancy at the house level and neighborhood level using a multilevel model, it was found that the physical environment characteristics of individual houses were key factors affecting housing vacancy. Additionally, the probability of housing vacancy tended to increase when the land prices were higher, the houses were located in redevelopment zones, and there were more neighboring vacant houses nearby. Meanwhile, population decline and the ratio of old houses were the only significant variables at the neighborhood level. Thus, this study addresses that policies are needed to improve housing and physical environment characteristics that contribute to housing vacancy.
Proteomic Analysis of Human Blister Fluids Following Envenomation by Three Snake Species in India: Differential Markers for Venom Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Macêdo Jéssica K. A. , Joseph Joseph K. , Menon Jaideep , Escalante Teresa , Rucavado Alexandra , Gutiérrez José María , Fox Jay W.
Published: April 2019

Skin blistering as a result of snakebite envenomation is characteristic of some bites, however little is known regarding the mechanism of blister formation or the composition of the blister fluid. In order to investigate if blister fluid proteomes from humans suffering snakebite envenomation could provide insights on the pathophysiology of these skin alterations, blister fluid was collected from six patients upon presentation at a clinic in India bitten by three species of snakes, Daboia russelii (3), Hypnale hypnale (2), or Naja naja (1). Standard clinical data were recorded throughout the treatment. Approximately 805 proteins were identified in blister fluids using proteomic analyses. Informatics analyses of the proteomes identified the top biological response categories as: platelet degranulation, innate immune response, receptor-mediated endocytosis, complement activation, and blood coagulation. Hierarchical clustering did not show a clear segregation of patients’ proteomes being associated with the species of snake involved, suggesting that either the proteomic profiles described reflect a general response to venom-induced tissue damage or more patient data sets will be required to observe significant differences. Finally, it is of interest that venom proteins were also identified in the blister fluids suggesting that this fluid may serve as a reservoir of venom biologically active proteins/toxins, and as such, may indicate the clinical value of removing blister fluid to attenuate further tissue damage.
Coxsackievirus B3 Responds to Polyamine Depletion via Enhancement of 2A and 3C Protease Activity
Authors: Dial Courtney N. , Tate Patrick M. , Kicmal Thomas M. , Mounce Bryan C.
Published: April 2019

Polyamines are small positively-charged molecules abundant in eukaryotic cells that are crucial to RNA virus replication. In eukaryotic cells, polyamines facilitate processes such as transcription, translation, and DNA replication, and viruses similarly rely on polyamines to facilitate transcription and translation. Whether polyamines function at additional stages in viral replication remains poorly understood. Picornaviruses, including Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), are sensitive to polyamine depletion both in vitro and in vivo; however, precisely how polyamine function in picornavirus infection has not been described. Here, we describe CVB3 mutants that arise with passage in polyamine-depleted conditions. We observe mutations in the 2A and 3C proteases, and we find that these mutant proteases confer resistance to polyamine depletion. Using a split luciferase reporter system to measure protease activity, we determined that polyamines facilitate viral protease activity. We further observe that the 2A and 3C protease mutations enhance reporter protease activity in polyamine-depleted conditions. Finally, we find that these mutations promote cleavage of cellular eIF4G during infection of polyamine-depleted cells. In sum, our results suggest that polyamines are crucial to protease function during picornavirus infection. Further, these data highlight viral proteases as potential antiviral targets and highlight how CVB3 may overcome polyamine-depleting antiviral therapies.
Crossbill (Genus Loxia) evolution in the West Palearctic – a look at the fossil evidence
Authors: Tyrberg Tommy
Published: April 2019

The systematics of West Palearctic crossbills of Genus Loxia has long been disputed. The Scottish form scotica has been considered a species or a subspecies of either Loxia curvirostra or L. pytyopsittacus. The reason is the size and form of its bill which is intermediate between that of the two species. It feeds on pine cones as do four Mediterranean subspecies which also have larger bills than spruce feeding curvirostra. An examination of about 30 fossil Loxia records reveals that curvirostra type crossbills lived in South Europe and the Near East all through the last glaciation and that pytyopsittacus type crossbills lived in the Alps towards the end of the glaciation. These South European crossbills must have fed on Pine since no other conifers were available, and they must have been isolated from Siberian congeners. With the spread of Pines northwards with the retreat of the ice the crossbills followed. The fossils allow two alternative hypothesis depending on whether the large crossbills in the Alps are considered a species or not. If they were pytyopsittacus this species is rather old and both curvirostra and pytyopsittacus spread northwards at the end of the glaciation. One of the species must have gone extinct in Scotland and South Europe and possible curvirostra must have merged with curvirostra spreading with the Spruce from the east. On the other hand, if the Mediterranean crossbills of the Ice Age represent a single, variable species then all the large-billed forms, pytyopsittacus, scotica and the Mediterranean subspecies are descendants of the old “Pine” crossbills of South Europe.
Are there more ground-dwelling invertebrates inside than outside Grashopper Warbler Locustella naevia territories?
Authors: Engzell Jonas
Published: April 2019

I investigated differences in the number of ground-dwelling invertebrates inside as compared with just outside Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia territories, using glue traps. No statistical difference was found in the total number of invertebrates caught. There was, however, a significantly higher number of spiders within territories. This may indicate that spiders are an important food source for Grasshopper Warblers, or that spider density indicates other territory qualities for Grasshopper Warblers.
PENGARUH MOTIVASI AWAL KULIAH BAGI MAHASISWA STKIP WIDYA YUWANA TERHADAP SEMANGAT PELAYANAN DI LINGKUNGAN
Authors: Caraka Bonaventura Praba , Supriyadi Agustinus
Published: April 2019

Motivation is a conscious effort, which comes from within and outside of a person. Motivation is affecting a person's behavior so that he moved his heart to act to do something to achieve a certain result or goal. The call to be a catechist must be well motivated and not just looking for a position. This motivation is also needed by students of STKIP Widya Yuwana, as a potential catechist. The issues that arise are: whether the students of STKIP Widya Yuwana have pure motivation from inside themself as catechist? Are their motivations fixed or changed? Do they have the motivation to serve? How far the initial motivation to enter college to give influence for students of STKIP Widya Yuwana? How does motivation have an impact on pastoral care, which is the duty and responsibility of students of STKIP Widya Yuwana, as a potential catechist?Based on the problem, the purpose of this research is to see how far the influence of early motivation for college students of STKIP Widya Yuwana to the spirit of service in the environment.Through questionnaires to 48 respondents using quantitative research methods, it was found that most of the students admitted that there was an influence between the initial motivation to enter the lecture toward the pastoral practice in the environment, but the initial motivation of the students as candidates for catechism and/religious teachers needs to be refined so that students seriously answer the call of his life as a catechist candidate, not just to pursue offers that offer a position or salary alone. Thus, the coaching of these students needs to get the attention of many parties.
IMPLEMENTASI KEGIATAN DOA REMAJA KATOLIK (REKAT) DI PAROKI SANTO HILARIUS KLEPU
Authors: Darmanto Ag Efendi , Ardijanto Don Bosco Karnan
Published: April 2019

Prayer was very important in Jesus’ life and the saints’ lives. Prayer also becomes the important need in the faithfuls’ life. Prayer is a mean to fight againts the devil and the power of sin. Prayer is also an expression of faith in God. It also becomes the way of human being to always remember to God. There are some problems: what is prayer? How do the Catholic teens of St. Hilarius’ Parish, Klepu pray together? What kind of benefits of praying together for the Catholic Teens in St. Hilarius’ parish, Klepu? What kind of impedements in praying together that the Catholic Teens of St. Hilarius’ Parish experience? The aims of this research are: to clarify the definition of prayer, to explain how the Catholic Teens of Hilarius’ parish, Klepu to do their praying together, to explain the benefits of prayer together for the Catholic Teens of St. Hilarius’ parish, Klepu. Finally, to identify various factors that supporting or inhibiting the practice of prayer of the Catholic Teens of St. Hilarius’ parish, Klepu. This research used qualitative research methods. In this study there are 10 respondents consisting of 4 male respondents and 6 female respondents. They are between 13-15 years old. They are members of St. Hilarius’ parish, Klepu. The conclusions of the research are: 1) The Catholic Teens of St. Hilarius’ parish, Klepu know the understanding of prayer. 2) The Catholic Teens of St. Hilarius’ parihs, Klepu already carry out prayers in certain times either personally or communal prayer in St. Hilarius’ parish, Klepu. 3) The Catholic Teens of St. Hilarius’ parish, Klepu understand that the benefits of communal prayer are: creating a partnership or relationship with God and friends, as well as the means to develop their personality.
Pierre Belon du Mans’ın Filistin Seyahati ve Bitkibilim Tarihi Açısından Önemi
Authors: YAVUZ Mustafa , ÇELİK Elif
Published: April 2019

Fransa, 1500’lü yılların ilk yarısının sonlandığı zamanlarda
Osmanlı devleti ile ilişkilerini kâğıt üzerinde de netleştirmek ve bazı
imtiyazlar kazanmak ister. Çünkü o sıralarda Osmanlı ile Venedik’in arası
iyidir ve Venedik çeşitli imtiyazlara sahiptir. 1547 yılında Fransa Kralı I.
François’nın emri ile Büyükelçi Gabriel d’Aramon ve maiyeti Osmanlı
topraklarına bir seyahat düzenlerler. Söz konusu elçilik heyetinde çeşitli
bilim insanları ve gezginler de yer almaktadır. Rönesans etkisiyle de bilimle
uğraşmanın bir ihtiyaç olduğuna inanan Pierre Belon du Mans, d’Aramon’un bu
heyeti ile doğuya seyahat etmiştir. Belon, Levant bölgesinden ve Anadolu’dan
geçerek ulaştığı Filistin topraklarından edindiği botanik ve zooloji üzerine
bilgilerle, doğa gözlemlerine bugün de rağbet edilen katkılarda bulunmuştur. Bu
çalışmada, seyahatin özellikle Filistin bölgesini içeren kısmı ele alınmış
burada yaptığı gözlem ve tespitler için ise Les Observations (Gözlemler) adını
verdiği eserine başvurulmuştur. Bitki isimleri, Belon’un verdiği terminoloji ve
İsrail Florası analiz edilerek, çoğunlukla tür seviyesinde, günümüz botanik
nomenklatüründe esas olduğu şekilde otörleri ile birlikte verilmiştir. Tür
isimleri tespit edilemeyen bitkilerin isimleriyse cins seviyesinde
bırakılmıştır.
Road transport of liquid aluminium
Authors: Banasiak Jacek , Milewski Andrzej
Published: April 2019

New casting technologies of crucial aluminum parts for automotive industry are bound with melted aluminum transport and create necessity to define terms and conditions of permission for IBC (Intermediate Bulk Containers) dedicated for this transport. COBRO – Packaging Research Institute worked out the IBC testing program and implemented the permission procedure for IBC dedicated for melted aluminum transport according to proper packing instruction included in European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
Safety of Chemical - storage of hazardous materials
on multimodal container terminals
Authors: Grobelny Piotr
Published: April 2019

Multimodal transport is still growing sector of economic activity in Poland. In 2015, transported in this way, more than 10 million tons of goods, an increase compared to 2014 by 7.5%. According to the Railway Transport Office (RTO) Multimodal Transportation in Poland constitute only 2.37% of commodity mass transported by rail and 4.53% made by her carriage transport work, which in comparison with other countries puts Poland on one of the last places in Europe. According to the forecasts of the RTO share of intermodal transport in the Polish railway market in the years 2003-2020 will increase from 1% to almost 6%. The increase in the commodity mass passing through the container terminals carries an increased risk of major failure involving dangerous chemicals. The question then arises: how to take care of the appropriate level of security acceptable to the general public.
Metro in Warsaw as an example of protection against vibration
in the process of rail transport infrastructure creation
Authors: Stypuła Krzysztof , Kozioł Krzysztof
Published: April 2019

The work addresses the problem of environmental protection against vibration caused by rail transport considered in the stage of preparation and design of rail transport infrastructure. In the example the subway in Warsaw, guidelines and standards for assessing the impact of vibration on buildings and people in these buildings were indicated. We presented procedures for protection against vibrations in the case of the rail transport and discussed kinds of analyses of the impact of vibration on structures of buildings and people staying in them. We also described the design procedure of vibroisolation in the structure of the rail track.