bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS DAN DESAIN JALUR TRANSMISI JARINGAN ALTERNATIF MENGGUNAKAN VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN)
Authors: Amarudin Amarudin , Riskiono Sampurna Dadi
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pemanfaatan jalur transmisi jaringan dan keamanan jaringan pada Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia khususnya pada jalur jaringan di gedung pusat (Gd.A) dengan gedung Fakultas Sastra dan Ilmu Pendidikan (Gd.B). Berdasarkan hasil observasi dan wawancara dengan tim IT Pustik, penulis menemukan sebuah kelemahan dalam membangun sistem jaringan tersebut. Kelemahan dari implementasi jaringan yang digunakan selama ini yaitu jalur transmisi data antar gedung (Gd.A dan Gd.B) tidak dilengkapi dengan jalur alternatif untuk mengakses kedua gedung tersebut. Sehingga jika media transmisi antar gedung (Gd.A dan Gd.B) ada trouble, maka antar gedung tersebut tidak bisa saling askses. Padahal masing-masing gedung bisa terkoneksi ke jalur internet. Jadi, secara tidak langsung pemanfaatan jalur internet antar gedung tersebut belum maksimal. Oleh karena itu, perlu dirancang sebuah jalur alternatif yaitu menggunakan protokol Virtual Private Network (VPN). Dimana jalur ini akan digunakan jika jalur normal (eksisting) ada masalah. Jalur alternatif ini juga dilengkapi dengan sistem keamanan jaringan yang dapat berfungsi untuk mengenkripsi semua data yang ditransmisikan pada jalur tersebut. Berdasarkan hasil eksperiman dan analisis yang dilakukan, penulis menemukan bahwa penerapan jalur alternatif menggunakan protocol Virtual Private Network (VPN) sangat cocok untuk diterapkan. Walaupun protokol VPN ini lebis secure, akan tetapi pemanfaatan VPN ini juga terdapat kelemahan lain yang ditemukan. Yaitu ketika pada Gd.B tidak bisa mengakses internet, maka jalur alternatif (jalur VPN) tidak bisa digunakan. Sehingga pada Gd.B tersebut dibutuhkan perangkat tambahan (Modem), agar bisa mengakses internet sehingga dapat mengakses jalur VPN yang telah dibangun.Kata Kunci: Virtual Private Network (VPN), Jalur Alternatif, Keamanan Jaringan.
ANALISIS STRUKTUR RETORIKA DAN PENANDA KEBAHASAAN BAGIAN HASIL DAN PEMBAHASAN ARTIKEL JURNAL PENELITIAN BISA FKIP UNIB UNTUK BIDANG PENGAJARAN BAHASA
Authors: Yanita Herni
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to describe macro rhetoric structures and linguistic markers in the result and discussion of BISA journal of language pedagogy. This study used descriptive method. The data in this research were linguistic markers in text from Research Articles (RA) entitled research journal article BISA that specifically discuss about language pedagogy. The analysis of rhetoric structure used Swales theory consisting of 8 moves. Meanwhile, linguistic markers were defined as text genre regarding to active and passive sentence and cohession markers. The analysis result of rhetoric structures from result and discussion session in research journal article BISA research articles were the movements that were used in the rhetoric structure of  research journal article BISA Journal which were move 1 with (information about the research), move 2 (statement about the result of research), move 5 (explanation about the result of the research). On the other side, for the linguistic markers found in the result and discussion section of  research journal articles BISA journal were: linguistic markers in all movements (1) active sentence and passive sentence (2) cohession markers.
The crash performance of seagull intersections and intersections with left turn slip lanes
Authors: Turner Shane , Tate Fergus , Wood Graham
Published: August 2019

Alternative intersection layouts may reduce traffic delays and/or improve road safety. Two alternatives are reviewed in this research: ‘priority-controlled Seagull intersections’ and ‘priority-controlled intersections with a Left Turn Slip Lane’. Seagull intersections are used to reduce traffic delays. Some do experience high crash rates, however. Left Turn Slip Lanes allow turning traffic to move clear of the through traffic before decelerating, thereby reducing the risk of rear-end crashes. Although there is debate about the safety problems that occur at Seagull intersections and Left Turn Slip Lanes there has been very little research to quantify the safety impact of different layouts. In this study, crash prediction models have been developed to quantify the effect of various Seagull intersection and Left Turn Slip Lane designs on the key crash types that occur at priority intersections. The analysis showed that seagulls are not safe on 4-lane roads, that roadway features like kerb-side parking and nearby intersections can increase crash rates and that left turners in LTSLs can restrict visibility and create safety problems.
Road Traffic Fatalities in Malawi: The Role of Pedestrian Behaviour Factors
Authors: Ngwira Gibson , Bolaane Benjamin , Parida Bhagabat
Published: August 2019

Pedestrian behaviour is one of the major contributors to road fatalities. The negative binomial regression model was found to better agree with road fatality data, and this study used this model to assess the influence of pedestrian behaviour factors on road fatalities in Malawi. The data used in this analysis were crash reports of pedestrian behaviour factors and observed fatalities for the period 2000–2015 obtained from the national database, except for the 2013 data, which were disregarded because they appeared to be incomplete. Whereas pedestrian behaviour factors of walking on roads, crossing outside pedestrian crossings, and other negligent and careless behaviours were found to be positively correlated with road deaths, indicating that road-related fatalities increased with increasing input data, factors of being under the influence of alcohol and crossing at pedestrian crossings demonstrated negligible influence. The study also found that there was a 1% increase in the number of crash deaths for every additional fatal crash involving pedestrians walking on roads. Moreover, an additional 0.5% increase in the number of fatalities was recorded for every fatal crash involving a pedestrian behaviour factor of crossing outside the pedestrian crossing or other negligent behaviour. An increase of 0.3% in the number of the fatalities was seen for every extra fatal crash caused by crossing carelessly or factors other than pedestrian behaviour. Despite coefficient values being small in all variables, which is a major limitation of this study, enforcement can prioritise those variables that increase road-related fatalities or even couple them with other risk factors such as speed.
THE EFFECT OF MARKETING COMMUNICATION MIX TOWARDS THE PURCHASE DE CISION OF MICE PRODUCTS: A CASE STUDY FROM SANTA MONICA HOTEL & CONVENTION IN BOGOR
Authors: Pratama Yudhistira , Prasandya Caroline Mutiara
Published: August 2019

The MICE industry has been growing in Indonesia. With this potential, the lodging and accommodation businesses have a bright prospect of growth. Due to this matter, the accommodation industry is facing a tight competition, struggling to stand out from other establishments. Marketing communication mix has been proven to affect consumer’s buying behavior and simultaneously consumer’s purchase decision. This study investigates the effect of the five elements of marketing communication mix, namely advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, public relation, and direct marketing towards consumer’s purchase decision. The study is conducted at Santa Monica Hotel & Conference Bogor, a convention hotel that focuses on the MICE market. Questionnaires are distributed to 100 organizations that have held MICE activity at the hotel. The data is tested for validity, reliability, normality, heteroscedasticity, and multicollinearity. T-test and F-test is done to test the presence or absence of effect from each marketing communication mix elements towards purchase decision. The result shows that marketing communication mix does have simultaneous effect on purchase decision of MICE products, with personal selling and sales promotion as the elements that affect purchase decision. Advertising, public relation, and direct marketing does not show any effect towards purchase decision.
PENGEMBANGAN MODEL PENGALAMAN (EXPERIENTIAL) BERBASIS KELOMPOK DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MENULIS TEKS DESKRIPSI PESERTA DIDIK KELAS VII DI SMP
Authors: Utarja Tantri Rachmiati
Published: August 2019

Penelitian yang dilakukan untuk mengembangkan model pembelajaran experiential berbasis kelompok ini bertujuan untuk mempermudah peserta didik dalam memahami materi teks deskripsi. Selain itu, dengan berbasiskan kelompok belajar diharapkan peserta didik dapat saling bertukar pendapat mengenai hasil pengalaman konkret sesuai pengamatan yang dilakukan. Model pengalaman berbasis kelompok yang dikembangkan ini memiliki empat tahapan dalam pembelajarannya yakni tahap pengalaman konkret, tahap observasi dan refleksi, tahap konseptualisasi dan tahap pengalaman aktif atau penerapan. Model yang dikembangkan didasarkan pada teori pengalaman dan teori kelompok belajar. Selain itu, teori tersebut disesuaikan dengan fakta yang ada di lapangan mengenai model pembelajaran.  Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian dan pengembangan (R&D) dengan langkah penelitian meliputi studi pendahuluan, pengembangan model dan uji model.  Dalam setiap langkahnya peneliti menggunakan instrument penelitian seperti lembar wawancara, lembar observasi, angket validasi dan lembar tes. Analisis data yang dilakukan berdasarkan pengelompokkan data dengan analisis secara deskriptif maupun perhitungan. Berdasarkan hasil implementasi terhadap model experiential berbasis kelompok dalam pembelajaran teks deskripsi, dapat diketahui aktivitas guru menunjukkan hasil yang baik dalam menerapkan model experiential berbasis kelompok; aktivitas peserta didik menunjukkan sikap aktif dan sesuai dengan tahapan model; dan hasil uji coba yang diukur berdasarkan uji t terbukti signifikan. Oleh karena itu, model experiential berbasis kelompok ini efekti digunakan dalam pembelajaran teks deskripsi di kelas VII SMP.
The First Identification and Antibiogram of Clostridium perfringens Type C Isolated from Soil and The Feces of Dead Foals in South Korea
Authors: Park Chul Song , Hwang Ji Yong , Cho Gil Jae
Published: August 2019

Clostridium (C.) perfringens was isolated from 25 (11.1%) of 225 sampled horses and from 16 (35.56%) of 45 farms. All of the samples were negative for cpe, etx, itx, NetF genes and cpa gene were detected in 100% (25 of 25) of the samples that were positive for C. perfringens. cpb and cpb2 were detected in 40.0% (10 of 25) and 60.0% (15 of 25) of the samples that were positive for C. perfringens, respectively. Of the 25 C. perfringens isolates, 15 (60%) were type A and 10 (40%) were type C. Type C was observed on all the farms where the foals’ deaths occurred. None of the isolates were positive for type B, type D, or type E. The MIC Evaluator strips antimicrobial susceptibility test showed meropenem (96%), ampicillin (92%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (84%), and tetracycline (8%) sensitivity.
Assessment of Performance of Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Composites by Experiment and Simulation Analysis
Authors: Pham Khoa V. A. , Nguyen Tan Khoa , Le Tuan Anh , Han Sang Whan , Lee Gayoon , Lee Kihak
Published: August 2019

In this work, the experimental and simulation analysis of the performance of geopolymer composites reinforced with steel fiber and polypropylene fiber is investigated. By embedding hooked end steel fiber and polypropylene fiber with various volume fractions of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% to the geopolymer concrete mixture, the mechanical behavior was enhanced significantly through experimental results. The compressive strength was improved 26% with 0.5% of polypropylene fiber and 46% with 1% of hooked end steel fiber while the increment of splitting tensile strength was 12% and 28%, respectively. The flexural strength of specimens using two fiber types was also improved when compared with the non-fiber geopolymer concrete. The highest increment obtained with 1.5% of fiber volume content was from 26% to 42%. The compressive performance and flexural performance of fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete were also better than specimens without fiber, with a higher load carrying capacity, higher stress, higher toughness and smaller strain. Using hooked end steel fiber resulted in better mechanical strength than using polypropylene fiber, and the presence of fibers is an important factor related to the strength improvements. A finite element analysis was modeled by the ANSYS program, and this showed that the load–deflection response and crack patterns also agreed quite well with experimental results.
Oblique Wide-Angle Multi-Sector Metamaterial Absorber for Space Applications
Authors: Rance Olivier , Lepage Anne Claire , Begaud Xavier , Elis Kevin , Capet Nicolas
Published: August 2019

This article presents the design, realization and measurement of lightweight absorbing material for space applications. The electromagnetic absorber, operating on the [2 GHz, 2.3 GHz] frequency band, is designed for oblique incidence ranging from 35° to 65°. Wide-angle designs are demonstrated to be particularly challenging at oblique incidence and an approach consisting in dividing the surface in two different sectors with respect to the incoming angle is proposed. A specific measurement setup is presented in order to characterize this new kind of evolutive absorber. The measurement results show that the sectorial absorber achieves a reflection coefficient inferior to −11.5 dB, corresponding to an absorptivity above 0.965 on the frequency band [2 GHz, 2.3 GHz] for both TE and TM polarizations for angles of incidence varying from 35° to 65°.
Quantitative CT Analysis for Predicting the Behavior of Part-Solid Nodules with Solid Components Less than 6 mm: Size, Density and Shape Descriptors
Authors: Borghesi Andrea , Scrimieri Alessandra , Michelini Silvia , Calandra Giulio , Golemi Salvatore , Tironi Andrea , Maroldi Roberto
Published: August 2019

Persistent part-solid nodules (PSNs) with a solid component <6 mm usually represent minimally invasive adenocarcinomas and are significantly less aggressive than PSNs with a solid component ≥6 mm. However, not all PSNs with a small solid component behave in the same way: some nodules exhibit an indolent course, whereas others exhibit more aggressive behavior. Thus, predicting the future behavior of this subtype of PSN remains a complex and fascinating diagnostic challenge. The main purpose of this study was to apply open-source software to investigate which quantitative computed tomography (CT) features may be useful for predicting the behavior of a select group of PSNs. We retrospectively selected 50 patients with a single PSN with a solid component <6 mm and diameter <15 mm. Computerized analysis was performed using ImageJ software for each PSN and various quantitative features were calculated from the baseline CT images. The area, perimeter, mean Feret diameter, linear mass density, circularity and solidity were significantly related to nodule growth (p ≤ 0.031). Therefore, quantitative CT analysis was helpful for predicting the future behavior of a select group of PSNs with a solid component <6 mm and diameter <15 mm.
Late Line-of-Sight Check and Prioritized Trees for Path Planning
Authors: Zhang Changwu , Tang Yuchen , Zhou Li , Liu Hengzhu
Published: August 2019

How to generate a safe and high-quality path for a moving robot is a classical issue. The relative solution is also suitable for computer games and animation. To make the problem simpler, it is common to discretize the continuous planning space into grids, with blocked cells to represent obstacles. However, grid-based path-finding algorithms usually cannot find the truly shortest path because the extending paths are constrained to grid edges. Meanwhile, Line-of-Sight Check (LoS-Check) is an efficient operation to find the shorter any-angle path by relaxing the constraint of grid edges, which has been successfully used in Theta*. Through reducing the number of LoS-Check operations in Theta*, a variant version called LazyTheta* speeds up the planning especially in the 3D environment. We propose Late LoS-Check A* (LLA*) to further reduce the LoS-Check amount. It uses the structure of the prioritized trees to partially update the gvalues of different successors that share the same parent (i.e., the parent of the current vertex waiting to be extended). The sufficient experiments on various benchmark maps show that LLA* costs less execution time than Lazy Theta* while generating shorter paths. If we just delay the LoS-Check, the path planned by LLA* will hardly be shorter than that of Lazy Theta*. Therefore, the key of LLA* is the discriminatory strategy, and we empirically explain the reason why both the path length and execution time of LLA* are shorter than those of Lazy Theta*.
Use of Logistic Regression to Identify Factors Influencing the Post-Incident State of Occupational Injuries in Agribusiness Operations
Authors: Davoudi Kakhki Fatemeh , Freeman Steven A. , Mosher Gretchen A.
Published: August 2019

Agribusiness industries are among the most hazardous workplaces for non-fatal occupational injuries. The term “post-incident state” is used to describe the health status of an injured person when a non-fatal occupational injury has occurred, in the post-incident period when the worker returns to work, either immediately with zero days away from work (medical state) or after a disability period (disability state). An analysis of nearly 14,000 occupational incidents in agribusiness operations allowed for the classification of the post-incident state as medical or disability (77% and 23% of the cases, respectively). Due to substantial impacts of occupational incidents on labor-market outcomes, identifying factors that influence the severity of such incidents plays a significant role in improving workplace safety, protecting workers, and reducing costs of the post-incident state of an injury. In addition, the average costs of a disability state are significantly higher than those of a medical state. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the contributory factors to such post-incident states with logistic regression using information from workers’ compensation claims recorded between 2008 and 2016 in the Midwest region of the United States. The logistic regression equation was derived to calculate the odds of disability post-incident state. Results indicated that factors influencing the post-incident state included the injured body parts, injury nature, and worker’s age, experience, and occupation, as well as the industry, and were statistically significant predictors of post-incident states. Specific incidents predicting disability outcomes included being caught in/between/under, fall/slip/trip injury, and strain/injury by. The methodology and estimation results provide insightful understanding of the factors influencing medical/disability injuries, in addition to beneficial references for developing effective countermeasures for prevention of occupational incidents.
Using CFD Simulation as a Tool to Identify Optimal Operating Conditions for Regeneration of a Catalytic Diesel Particulate Filter
Authors: Di Sarli Valeria , Di Benedetto Almerinda
Published: August 2019

In the work presented in this paper, CFD-based simulations of the regeneration process of a catalytic diesel particulate filter were performed with the aim of identifying optimal operating conditions in terms of trade-off between time for regeneration and peak temperature. In the model, all the soot trapped inside the filter was assumed to be in contact with the catalyst. Numerical results have revealed that optimization can be achieved at low inlet gas velocity by taking advantage of the high sensitivity of the soot combustion dynamics to the availability of oxygen. In particular, optimal conditions have been identified when operating with highly active catalysts at sufficiently low inlet gas temperatures, so as to lie on the boundary between kinetics-limited regeneration and oxygen transport-limited regeneration. As catalyst activity is increased, this boundary progressively shifts towards lower inlet gas temperatures, resulting in lower peak temperatures and shorter times for filter regeneration. Under such conditions, in order to further speed up the process while still ensuring temperature control, it is essential to keep the filter adequately hot, thus minimizing the time required for the preheating phase, which may be a significant part (up to 65%) of the total time required for regeneration (preheating plus soot consumption).
Perception of Bitter Taste through Time-Intensity Measurements as Influenced by Taste Modulation Compounds in Steviol Glycoside Sweetened Beverages
Authors: Pierce-Feldmeyer Alex M. , Josephson Dave , Johnson Adrianne , Wieland Robert
Published: August 2019

To limit sugar consumption and maintain sweetness levels in the diet, food and beverage developers often use high potency sweeteners (HPSs) as alternatives. Steviol glycosides are considered a consumer-friendly alternative but they are perceived to have a bitter taste accompanied by sweet and bitter lingering. Recently, taste modulators have been discovered that help to alleviate negative attributes like bitterness of HPSs. To show that taste modulation compounds (TMCs) decrease perceived bitterness associated with steviol glycosides, a trained descriptive panel (n = 9) performed a single-attribute time-intensity (TI) assessment over 2 min. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze TI curves and curve parameters (AUC, Imax and Tmax). Principal components analysis (PCA) was also used to assess TI curves. Results showed that statistically significant results depended on the analysis method. Bitterness perception was shown to persist less over 2 min for steviol glycosides with TMCs when assessing raw scores and parameters. The same was not found using differences from control curves or weighted curves from PCA. These findings demonstrate that particular TMCs may subtly decrease perceived bitterness of steviol glycosides. However, business objectives of TMC use may dictate what kind of analysis method to use when analyzing perceived bitter perception of TMCs over time.
Growing Cities and Mass Participant Sport Events: Traveling Behaviors and Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Triantafyllidis Stavros , Davakos Harry
Published: August 2019

Fast-growing cities are expected to become a key contributor to the global climate crisis. A key characteristic of those urban districts is the accommodation of mass participant sport events. Sport entities, in collaboration with city governments, plan annually active participation sport events to promote their cities as tourism destinations. Mass participant sport events aim to attract more visitors to the cities and to establish a successful social and economically sustainable future to those places. Given the fact that transportation is a critical factor of the residents and the visitors’ behavior, it is crucial to research the quantity of CO2 emissions generated to those places in association with the travel behaviors of the active sport event participants. Data collected from an annual mass participant running event in a highly ranked growing city in the United States. Findings showed that most of the active sport event participants traveled more than 150 miles to participate in the race and they used their vehicles. The largest quantity of CO2 emissions derived from those participants who traveled a round trip of, on average, 500 miles. The long-distance travelers alone generated 338 million kg of CO2 emissions. The conclusions recommend that growing cities and sport events should target long-distance travelers for promotions concerning sustainable transportation. Consequently, mass participant sport events could play a crucial role in the development of growing cities, and, in turn, growing cities that control long-distance traveling behaviors can reduce the global amount of greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the global environmental destruction.
LAG3: The Biological Processes That Motivate Targeting This Immune Checkpoint Molecule in Human Cancer
Authors: Solinas Cinzia , Migliori Edoardo , De Silva Pushpamali , Willard-Gallo Karen
Published: August 2019

The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) pathway is an important regulator of immune responses in peripheral tissues, including abnormal situations such as the tumor microenvironment. This pathway is currently the principal target for immunotherapeutic compounds designed to block immune checkpoint pathways, with these drugs improving clinical outcomes in a number of solid and hematological tumors. Medical oncology is experiencing an immune revolution that has scientists and clinicians looking at alternative, non-redundant inhibitory pathways also involved in regulating immune responses in cancer. A variety of targets have emerged for combinatorial approaches in immune checkpoint blockade. The main purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the biological role of lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), an emerging targetable inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule. We briefly discuss its role in infection, autoimmune disease and cancer, with a more detailed analysis of current data on LAG3 expression in breast cancer. Current clinical trials testing soluble LAG3 immunoglobulin and LAG3 antagonists are also presented in this work.
Determination of the Potential Tumor-Suppressive Effects of Gsdme in a Chemically Induced and in a Genetically Modified Intestinal Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Croes Lieselot , Fransen Erik , Hylebos Marieke , Buys Kimberly , Hermans Christophe , Broeckx Glenn , Peeters Marc , Pauwels Patrick , Op de Beeck Ken , Van Camp Guy
Published: August 2019

Gasdermin E (GSDME), also known as deafness autosomal dominant 5 (DFNA5) and previously identified to be an inducer of regulated cell death, is frequently epigenetically inactivated in different cancer types, suggesting that GSDME is a tumor suppressor gene. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the tumor-suppressive effects of GSDME in two intestinal cancer mouse models. To mimic the silencing of GSDME by methylation as observed in human cancers, a Gsdme knockout (KO) mouse was developed. The effect of GSDME on tumorigenesis was studied both in a chemically induced and in a genetic intestinal cancer mouse model, as strong evidence shows that GSDME plays a role in human colorectal cancer and representative mouse models for intestinal cancer are available. Azoxymethane (AOM) was used to induce colorectal tumors in the chemically induced intestinal cancer model (n = 100). For the genetic intestinal cancer model, Apc1638N/+ mice were used (n = 37). In both experiments, the number of mice bearing microscopic proliferative lesions, the number and type of lesions per mouse and the histopathological features of the adenocarcinomas were compared between Gsdme KO and wild type (WT) mice. Unfortunately, we found no major differences between Gsdme KO and WT mice, neither for the number of affected mice nor for the multiplicity of proliferative lesions in the mice. However, recent breakthroughs on gasdermin function indicate that GSDME is an executioner of necrotic cell death. Therefore, it is possible that GSDME may be important for creating an inflammatory microenvironment around the tumor. This is in line with the trend towards more severe inflammation in WT compared to Gsdme KO mice, that we observed in our study. We conclude that the effect of GSDME in tumor biology is probably more subtle than previously thought.
Wnt Signaling Pathways in Keratinocyte Carcinomas
Authors: Lang Christopher M. R. , Chan Chim Kei , Veltri Anthony , Lien Wen-Hui
Published: August 2019

The skin functions as a barrier between the organism and the surrounding environment. Direct exposure to external stimuli and the accumulation of genetic mutations may lead to abnormal cell growth, irreversible tissue damage and potentially favor skin malignancy. Skin homeostasis is coordinated by an intricate signaling network, and its dysregulation has been implicated in the development of skin cancers. Wnt signaling is one such regulatory pathway orchestrating skin development, homeostasis, and stem cell activation. Aberrant regulation of Wnt signaling cascades not only gives rise to tumor initiation, progression and invasion, but also maintains cancer stem cells which contribute to tumor recurrence. In this review, we summarize recent studies highlighting functional evidence of Wnt-related oncology in keratinocyte carcinomas, as well as discussing preclinical and clinical approaches that target oncogenic Wnt signaling to treat cancers. Our review provides valuable insight into the significance of Wnt signaling for future interventions against keratinocyte carcinomas.
Impact of Tumor and Immunological Heterogeneity on the Anti-Cancer Immune Response
Authors: Shembrey Carolyn , Huntington Nicholas D. , Hollande Frédéric
Published: August 2019

Metastatic tumors are the primary cause of cancer-related mortality. In recent years, interest in the immunologic control of malignancy has helped establish escape from immunosurveillance as a critical requirement for incipient metastases. Our improved understanding of the immune system’s interactions with cancer cells has led to major therapeutic advances but has also unraveled a previously unsuspected level of complexity. This review will discuss the vast spatial and functional heterogeneity in the tumor-infiltrating immune system, with particular focus on natural killer (NK) cells, as well as the impact of tumor cell-specific factors, such as secretome composition, receptor–ligand repertoire, and neoantigen diversity, which can further drive immunological heterogeneity. We emphasize how tumor and immunological heterogeneity may undermine the efficacy of T-cell directed immunotherapies and explore the potential of NK cells to be harnessed to circumvent these limitations.
The Multifaceted p21 (Cip1/Waf1/CDKN1A) in Cell Differentiation, Migration and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Kreis Nina-Naomi , Louwen Frank , Yuan Juping
Published: August 2019

Loss of cell cycle control is characteristic of tumorigenesis. The protein p21 is the founding member of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and an important versatile cell cycle protein. p21 is transcriptionally controlled by p53 and p53-independent pathways. Its expression is increased in response to various intra- and extracellular stimuli to arrest the cell cycle ensuring genomic stability. Apart from its roles in cell cycle regulation including mitosis, p21 is involved in differentiation, cell migration, cytoskeletal dynamics, apoptosis, transcription, DNA repair, reprogramming of induced pluripotent stem cells, autophagy and the onset of senescence. p21 acts either as a tumor suppressor or as an oncogene depending largely on the cellular context, its subcellular localization and posttranslational modifications. In the present review, we briefly mention the general functions of p21 and summarize its roles in differentiation, migration and invasion in detail. Finally, regarding its dual role as tumor suppressor and oncogene, we highlight the potential, difficulties and risks of using p21 as a biomarker as well as a therapeutic target.
Understanding (R) Specific Carbonyl Reductase from Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330 [CpCR]: Substrate Scope, Kinetic Studies and the Role of Zinc
Authors: Karanam Vinay Kumar , Chaudhury Debayan , Chadha Anju
Published: August 2019

CpCR, an (R) specific carbonyl reductase, so named because it gave (R)-alcohols on asymmetric reduction of ketones and ketoesters, is a recombinantly expressed enzyme from Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330. It turns out to be a better aldehyde reductase and catalyses cofactor (NADPH) specific reduction of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes. Kinetics studies against benzaldehyde and 2,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde show that the enzyme affinity and rate of reaction change significantly upon substitution on the benzene ring of benzaldehyde. CpCR, an MDR (medium chain reductase/dehydrogenase) containing both structural and catalytic Zn atoms, exists as a dimer, unlike the (S) specific reductase (SRED) from the same yeast which can exist in both dimeric and tetrameric forms. Divalent metal salts inhibit the enzyme even at nanomolar concentrations. EDTA chelation decreases CpCR activity. However, chelation done after the enzyme is pre-incubated with the NADPH retains most of the activity implying that Zn removal is largely prevented by the formation of the enzyme-cofactor complex.
Effect of Cu and Ni Undercoatings on the Electrochemical Corrosion Behaviour of Cr–C-Coated Steel Samples in 0.1 M H2SO4 Solution with 1 g/L NaCl
Authors: Huang Ching An , Yang Shu Wei , Liu Yu Wei , Lai Po Liang
Published: August 2019

The electrochemical corrosion behaviour of trivalent Cr-C-coated steel samples with Ni and Cu undercoatings was studied in the 0.1 M H2SO4 + 1 g/L NaCl solution. The corrosion resistance of Cr–C-coated samples depends strongly on the undercoating material and the polarised anodic potential. With a soft undercoating, the cracks and crack width in the Cr–C coating can be obviously reduced. Different corrosion potentials were measured from Cr–C-coated steel samples with Ni and Cu-undercoatings. Better electrochemical corrosion resistance of a Cr–C/Cu-coated steel sample was detected at 0 V, but it easily corroded at 0.5 V. On the contrary, the Cr–C/Ni-coated steel sample had better electrochemical corrosion resistance at 0.5 V, and poor at 0 V. The through-coating cracks in the Cr–C coating could provide active corrosion paths for dissolution of the Ni or Cu undercoating during potentiostatic tests polarised at 0 and 0.5 V. The reduction behaviour of Cu2+ ions dissolved from the Cu undercoating of the heat-hardened Cr–C-coated sample was studied and recognised by means of the immersion test in a solution composed of 200 g/L CuSO4·5H2O and 70 g/L H2SO4.
Bacterial Communities from Extreme Environments: Vulcano Island
Authors: Fagorzi Camilla , Del Duca Sara , Venturi Stefania , Chiellini Carolina , Bacci Giovanni , Fani Renato , Tassi Franco
Published: August 2019

Although volcanoes represent extreme environments for life, they harbour bacterial communities. Vulcano Island (Aeolian Islands, Sicily) presents an intense fumarolic activity and widespread soil degassing, fed by variable amounts of magmatic gases (dominant at La Fossa Crater) and hydrothermal fluids (dominant at Levante Bay). The aim of this study is to analyse the microbial communities from the different environments of Vulcano Island and to evaluate their possible correlation with the composition of the gas emissions. Microbial analyses were carried out on soils and pioneer plants from both La Fossa Crater and Levante Bay. Total DNA has been extracted from all the samples and sequenced through Illumina MiSeq platform. The analysis of microbiome composition and the gases sampled in the same sites could suggest a possible correlation between the two parameters. We can suggest that the ability of different bacterial genera/species to survive in the same area might be due to the selection of particular genetic traits allowing the survival of these microorganisms. On the other side, the finding that microbial communities inhabiting different sites exhibiting different emission profiles are similar might be explained on the basis of a possible sharing of metabolic abilities related to the gas composition.
Biogeography, Systematics, and Ecomorphology of Pacific Island Anoles
Authors: Phillips John G. , Burton Sarah E. , Womack Margarita M. , Pulver Evan , Nicholson Kirsten E.
Published: August 2019

Anoles are regarded as important models for understanding dynamic processes in ecology and evolution. Most work on this group has focused on species in the Caribbean Sea, and recently in mainland South and Central America. However, the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) is home to seven species of anoles from three unique islands (Islas Cocos, Gorgona, and Malpelo) that have been largely overlooked. Four of these species are endemic to single islands (Norops townsendi on Isla Cocos, Dactyloa agassizi on Isla Malpelo, D. gorgonae and N. medemi on Isla Gorgona). Herein, we present a phylogenetic analysis of anoles from these islands in light of the greater anole phylogeny to estimate the timing of divergence from mainland lineages for each species. We find that two species of solitary anoles (D. agassizi and N. townsendi) diverged from mainland ancestors prior to the emergence of their respective islands. We also present population-wide morphological data suggesting that both display sexual size dimorphism, similar to single-island endemics in the Caribbean. All lineages on Isla Gorgona likely arose during past connections with South America, and ecologically partition their habitat. Finally, we highlight the importance of conservation of these species and island fauna in general.
Suggested Integral Analysis for Chaos-Based Image Cryptosystems
Authors: Murillo-Escobar Miguel Angel , Meranza-Castillón Manuel Omar , López-Gutiérrez Rosa Martha , Cruz-Hernández César
Published: August 2019

Currently, chaos-based cryptosystems are being proposed in the literature to provide confidentiality for digital images, since the diffusion effect in the Advance Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm is weak. Security is the most important challenge to assess in cryptosystems according to the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST), then cost and performance, and finally algorithm and implementation. Recent chaos-based image encryption algorithms present basic security analysis, which could make them insecure for some applications. In this paper, we suggest an integral analysis framework related to comprehensive security analysis, cost and performance, and the algorithm and implementation for chaos-based image cryptosystems. The proposed guideline based on 20 analysis points can assist new cryptographic designers to present an integral analysis of new algorithms. Future comparisons of new schemes can be more consistent in terms of security and efficiency. In addition, we present aspects regarding digital chaos implementation, chaos validation, and key definition to improve the security of the overall cryptosystem. The suggested guideline does not guarantee security, and it does not intend to limit the liberty to implement new analysis. However, it provides for the first time in the literature a solid basis about integral analysis for chaos-based image cryptosystems as an effective approach to improve security.
Improving the Energy Efficiency, Limiting Costs and Reducing CO2 Emissions of a Museum Using Geothermal Energy and Energy Management Policies
Authors: Cadelano Gianluca , Cicolin Francesco , Emmi Giuseppe , Mezzasalma Giulia , Poletto Davide , Galgaro Antonio , Bernardi Adriana
Published: August 2019

Museums are major energy consumers amongst buildings, especially if they are housed in historical constructions. Museums usually present high energy demand for the air-conditioning due to their architectonical and structural characteristics, such as the presence of large exhibition rooms and open spaces. At the same time, temperature and humidity have to be strictly controlled in order to assure proper microclimate conditions for the conservation of the housed collections and adequate thermal comfort for visitors and personnel. Moreover, despite being subjected to architectural protection that limits most structural refurbishment interventions, these buildings must be adequate from an energy point of view to allow their reuse or continuity of use according to current quality standards, while retaining their heritage significance. In this awkward context, ground source heat pump working with high temperature terminals is proposed as a viable refurbishment solution. The use of shallow geothermal systems can improve the energy efficiency of the heating ventilation air-conditioning systems and, at the same time, increases the renewable energy source exploitation without affecting the indoor environmental conditions. However, after the interventions, the expected benefits and the sought-after limitation of energy consumption/cost may not occur for different reasons. In fact, even if the installed solution is working perfectly and properly designed, every effort will be in vain if adequate attention is not paid to the management of the plants during the operational phase. This document is meant to evaluate and compare the magnitude that invasive (i.e., technical interventions) and not invasive (i.e., energy management policies) actions respectively and their combined interaction, have on a museum. Through energy simulations it has been possible to quantify the effects that different interventions and energy management strategies had on an existing museum housed in an historical building, from energy consumption, energy costs and CO2 emission standpoints.
Fast Modelling of nZEB Metrics of Office Buildings Built with Advanced Glass and BIPV Facade Structures
Authors: Domjan Suzana , Medved Sašo , Černe Boštjan , Arkar Ciril
Published: August 2019

The planning process of nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB), as defined in Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), requires that designers check their solutions at all stages of planning. In the initial design phase, methods and tools for which only basic design knowledge of the modelling of energy efficiency indicators is required are often sufficient. With the introduction of fast modelling techniques, designers’ work can be simplified. A method and software for the fast modelling of nZEB energy efficiency indicators of buildings constructed with advanced multi-layer glass and building integrated photovoltaics facade (BIPV) structures are presented. The computer tool for fast modelling combines (i) upgraded national certificated software for energy performance of buildings (EPB) evaluation, which is used for performing auto-repeating numerical calculations based on the design of experiments (DOE) and (ii) software for the determination of multiple linear regression models and the presentation of results. The case studies made for different buildings and climate conditions show the variety of options offered by the developed fast modelling approach. It can be seen that buildings with a large proportion of advanced glassed facade and even all-glass buildings can fulfil nZEB requirements via the on-site production of electricity with BIPV facade structures.
Study of Solid Calcium Diglyceroxide for Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using a High Speed Homogenizer
Authors: Hsiao Ming-Chien , Chang Li-Wen , Hou Shuhn-Shyurng
Published: August 2019

Biodiesel has been one of the potential candidates in the field of renewable energy due to its biodegradability and non-toxicity in the natural environment. In addition, due to its high boiling point, the transportation of biodiesel is much safer than that of conventional fuel. However, the cost remains a challenge for the development of biodiesel. In this study, a homogenizer system, which can intensively minimize raw materials, is utilized as an effective approach to assist the production of both the calcium diglyceroxide (CaDG) catalyst and biodiesel. Several operational factors were evaluated to obtain the optimal conditions, and a desirable biodiesel conversion of 77.24% was achieved at a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 7, with 2.0 g of calcium diglyceroxide, a rotation speed of 7000 rpm, a reaction temperature of 65 °C and a reaction period of 90 min.
Evaluation of the Economic and Environmental Performance of Low-Temperature Heat to Power Conversion using a Reverse Electrodialysis – Multi-Effect Distillation System
Authors: Papapetrou Michael , Kosmadakis George , Giacalone Francesco , Ortega-Delgado Bartolomé , Cipollina Andrea , Tamburini Alessandro , Micale Giorgio
Published: August 2019

In the examined heat engine, reverse electrodialysis (RED) is used to generate electricity from the salinity difference between two artificial solutions. The salinity gradient is restored through a multi-effect distillation system (MED) powered by low-temperature waste heat at 100 °C. The current work presents the first comprehensive economic and environmental analysis of this advanced concept, when varying the number of MED effects, the system sizing, the salt of the solutions, and other key parameters. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) has been calculated, showing that competitive solutions can be reached only when the system is at least medium to large scale. The lowest LCOE, at about 0.03 €/kWh, is achieved using potassium acetate salt and six MED effects while reheating the solutions. A similar analysis has been conducted when using the system in energy storage mode, where the two regenerated solutions are stored in reservoir tanks and the RED is operating for a few hours per day, supplying valuable peak power, resulting in a LCOE just below 0.10 €/kWh. A life-cycle assessment has been also carried out, showing that the case with the lowest environmental impact is the same as the one with the most attractive economic performance. Results indicate that the material manufacturing has the main impact; primarily the metallic parts of the MED. Overall, this study highlights the development efforts required in terms of both membrane performance and cost reduction, in order to make this technology cost effective in the future.
Density Dependence of Egg Recruitment and Moth Dispersal in Spruce Budworms
Authors: Régnière Jacques , Nealis Vincent G.
Published: August 2019

Egg recruitment quantifies the relative importance of realized fecundity and migration rates in the population dynamics of highly mobile insects. We develop here a formal context upon which to base the measurement and interpretation of egg recruitment in population dynamics of eastern and western spruce budworms, two geographically separated species that share a very similar ecology. Under most circumstances, per capita egg recruitment rates in these budworms are higher in low-density populations and lower in high-density populations, relative to the regional mean: Low-density populations are nearly always migration sinks for gravid moths, and dense populations nearly always sources. The slope of this relationship, measured on a log scale, is negatively correlated with migration rate, and ranges between 0 and −1. The steeper the slope, the more marked net migration. Using our western spruce budworm observations, we found strong evidence of density-dependent emigration in budworms, so migration is not simply a random perturbation in the lagged, density-dependent stochastic process leading to budworm outbreaks. It is itself statistically and biologically density-dependent. Therefore, moth migration is a synchronizing factor and a spread mechanism that is essential to understanding the development and expansion of spruce budworm outbreaks at regional scales in the boreal forests of North America.