bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SWOT Application in Marketing Strategy for Chicken Egg Shredded in UKM "Raja Abon Makmur Lestari" in Pangkalpinang City
Authors: Yulia Yulia , Bahtera Novyandra Ilham , Evahelda Evahelda
Published: July 2019

This study was conducted based on not achieving the revenue target for the "Raja Abon Makmur Lestari" UKM in Pangkalpinang City. The purpose of this study was to analyze the position of SMEs in the IE matrix and formulate a marketing strategy for UKM "Raja Abon Makmur Lestari" in Pangkalpinang City. The research method used is case study. The number of samples used in this study were 55 samples, 5 samples from internal UKM "Raja Abon Makmur Lestari" and 50 samples from external UKM "Raja Abon Makmur Lestari". Methods of data collection using questionnaires and data analysis methods using IE analysis and SWOT analysis. The results showed that the position of "Raja Abon Makmur Lestari" UKM was in quadrant V. In this position SMEs could be managed with a strategy of maintaining and maintaining (hold and maintain), namely market penetration and development of abon telur products. The strategy formulation that must be carried out by UKM "Raja Abon Makmur Lestari" in Pangkalpinang City is to improve good and quality service to consumers, Maintain existing business places, Develop product delivery by having special vehicles, Maximize promotional activities by expanding market networks, Adjust product prices in accordance with the increase in raw materials, Increase innovation-new product innovations both in terms of taste, shape, Adjust product prices with the ability of consumers, and Have permanent outlets in developing the business.
The Uniqueness of Newborn Health Care in The Batak Toba Community
Authors: Situmorang Sri Rahayu Yusnita , Sanusi Sri Rahayu , Zuska Fikarwin , Rochadi R. Kintoko , Sudaryati Etti
Published: July 2019

This study aims to delve deeper into the uniqueness of newborn care applied by the Batak Toba Community. This research was conducted with a qualitative design using a phenomenological approach, data collection was done by in-depth interviews and observations to 8 informants in Tanjung Bunga Village, Pangururan District, Samosir Regency. The results showed the perspective of the Batak Toba Society regarding the care of newborns from maternal delivery assistance facility, umbilical cord care, children's nutritional needs, child hygiene, martataring/marsilusilu and eating with family as thanksgiving and showing joy because a child had been born inside family. Traditional practices are carried out in accordance with religion, values and beliefs adopted by the Batak Toba family. Traditionally, the practice of welcoming newbornsÂ  beneficial to the health of children, especially newborns. However, medically, the traditional practices given will have a positive or negative impact on newborns, so health workers are expected to provide assistance and socialization regarding the tradition of welcoming newborns to suit the needs and health of newborns.
Distribusi Foraminifera Bentonik Hidup dalam Hubungannya dengan Sedimen Dasar Laut di Selat Sumba, Nusa Tenggara Timur
Authors: Putra Purna Sulastya , Hari Nugroho Septriono
Published: July 2019

Marine geological survey of Ekspedisi Widya Nusantara (EWIN) LIPI 2016 was conducted by using RV Baruna Jaya VIII in the Sumba Waters from 4 to 26 August 2016. One of the aim of this survey is to understand the sea floor surface sediment characteristics and its influence to the benthic foraminifera distribution. Seven sediment samples were collected from sea floor surface in Sumba Strait, at the different location and depth using grabbing method with box corer. The samples have analyzed for the foraminifera content, sediment grain size, organic matter and carbonate content, and chemical element by XRF method. The living benthic foraminifera distribution increase to the east of the research area, which have higher content of the organic material and Fe, Rb, Zr, Zn and Sr elements in the sediment. The benthic foraminifera distribution most abundance founded at the depth of 800-1000 m with sediment types are sandy coarse silt  to sandy very coarse silt.Keywords: Benthic foraminifera, distribution, sea floor sediment, Sumba Strait. DOI: 10.33332/jgsm.2019.v20.1.17-26
Otro repoblar es posible. Ecoaldeas como modelo de repoblacion rural
Authors: Aldea El Calabacino Comunidad
Published: July 2019

El modelo de repoblacion rural desarrollado en las ecoaldeas representa una alternativa exitosa y alternativa para la lucha contra el despoblamiento rural. El artículo desarrolla claves del éxito de este modelo, cuestiones hacia su futuro y lecciones aprendidas referentes al despoblamiento rural y urbano.
Venice is Disneyland. Gentrificacion del patrimonio cultural en la sociedad globalizada actual
Authors: Alonso Arroba Patricia
Published: July 2019

Se analizan los diferentes aspectos sobre las problematicas del turismo, comunidades, poblacion y patrimonio cultural del debate.
Patrimonio cultural e identidad
Authors: Ruiz Salas Alejandro
Published: July 2019

Se habla con frecuencia de la España vacía, pero este hecho podría puntualizarse en cada una de las Comunidades Autónomas que la componen, hablándose en este caso en concreto de la Andalucía vacía, donde parte de los pequeños y medianos municipios asociados en gran medida al medio rural están sufriendo de forma devastadora los efectos de la despoblación, siendo el envejecimiento de sus habitantes y la destrucción de su patrimonio cultural material e inmaterial cada vez más preocupante.

Frente a esta situación desoladora provocada por la globalización, la construcción de identidades culturales locales se presenta como un medio para frenar dicho deterioro, apostando por nuevas formas de atraer el turismo cultural. Una construcción que requerirá del reconocimiento de los valores patrimoniales de cada municipio y que se podrá producir por identificación –desde dentro de la comunidad, que sería lo ideal- o por categorización –desde fuera-.

Planteado desde la participación social, esta identidad edificada por personas enraizadas en una cultura determinada –la que se pretende poner en valor- y acompañadas por equipos interdisciplinares que faciliten este proceso, pueden aportar un claro valor de Autenticidad, además de sembrar las primeras semillas de una planificación estratégica que suponga el reconocimiento, la protección y la conservación de su Patrimonio Cultural, la entrada de estos municipios en el mundo del turismo cultural –que planteado desde una perspectiva sostenible, puede suponer la creación de una nueva oferta turística y de nuevos empleos- y en última instancia y lo más importante, la revitalización de los municipios afectados.
Tasavvufta Bir Taarruf ve Mükâşefe İmkânı Olarak Cezbe
Authors: Koltaş Nurullah
Published: July 2019

Sûfîler arasında üst bir müşâhede seviyesi kabul edilen cezbe, Allah’a visâlde bir başlangıç olarak da görülmektedir. Umum nezdinde istiğrak ya da yoğun bir manevî coşku sonucu gerçekleşen tavır değişikliklikleri gibi farklı yaklaşımların konusu olan bu kavram, esasen kalbe ansızın ulaşan tecellilerin etkisiyle ortaya çıkan ilahî bir çekim hâlini ve bunun sonucunda erişilen mükâşefeyi ifade etmektedir. Mahiyetine yönelik farklı tanımlamalarda bulunulmuş olmakla birlikte cezbeye ilişkin bir üstükapalılığın olduğu aşikârdır. Sûfiler, ""Rahmân’ın cezbelerinden bir cezbe, ins ü cinin ameline denktir"" Hadis-i Şerîf’inden yola çıkarak, söz konusu çekimin çekilen kişinin bir gayreti olmaksızın Hakk’ın onu seçmesiyle ihsân edilen bir mertebe olarak kabul ederler. Cezbe esnasında normal bir seyirde gerçekleşen sülûka nazaran daha hızlı bir mesâfe kat edilişi, makâmları aşan bir tabiata da işaret etmektedir.
Cezbeye düçar olan kimselerden bir kısmı normal hallerine dönerken, bir kısmı da ulaştıkları bu mertebede kalıp sahva rücû edemezler. Klasik tasavvuf kaynaklarında cezbe ve cezbe ehli olan meczûblarla alakalı çok sayıda tasnifte bulunulmuştur. Özellikle Sühreverdî tarafından ortaya konan dörtlü tasnif, cezbenin seyrü sülûktaki yeri bakımından bir örneklik teşkil etmektedir.
Bu çalışmada, halk nezdinde belli bir cezbe hâliyle irtibatlı olduğu düşünülen divâne, mecnûn, behlül gibi kavramlar kısaca izah edildikten sonra cezbenin tanımı ve seyrü sülûktaki önemi üzerinde durulacaktır. Daha sonra meczûb sınıfları üzerinde durularak bir mükaşefe ve taarruf imkânı olarak cezbenin tasavvuftaki konumuna değinilecektir.
A Predictive Model for Inflation in Nigeria
Authors: Udoh Nse, S. , Isaiah Anietie S.
Published: July 2019

The study estimates a dynamic model using quarterly data spanning 1995 to 2016. Four dynamic models: level lagged variables, differenced lagged variables, log-transformed lagged variables and differenced log-transformed lagged variables were considered. The best predictive model was selected based on the Schwarz Information Criterion (SIC) value. From the empirical results, the level form models performed better than the differenced form models. On the basis of model parsimony, the level lagged model was the preferred model among the set of selected models. Predictions obtained from the model indicate that the model is stable as actual interest rate (IR) values, fall well within the computed 95% prediction interval. The study concludes that previous values of IR and money supply (MS) are significant in predicting future inflation rates in Nigeria.
Hubungan Motivasi Ekstrinsik Dengan Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa Kelas V SD Muhammadiyah 6 Pekanbaru
Authors: Hotmaida Hernilam Sharly
Published: July 2019

This research is background by the existence of students who have low motivation, this situation is characterized by a lack of enthusiasm in the learning process activities, lack of student attention to the teacher which results in not achieving an expected goal. This study aims to determine the relationship between extrinsic motivation and mathematics learning outcomes. The type of research used is quantitative research with correlational methods. The sample was 2 classes at SD Muhammadiyah 6 Pekanbaru using Saturated Sampling techniques. Extrinsic motivation data taken from questionnaires that have been filled by students, mathematics learning outcomes data taken from odd semester exam scores. Data analysis techniques go through four stages, namely data presentation, normality test, linearity test, and hypothesis testing using the Pearson Product Moment (PPM) correlation test. From the results of data analysis, the relationship between extrinsic motivation and mathematics learning outcomes of 0.662 is relatively strong. With a contribution of 43.82%, the remaining 56.18% is determined by other variables and the significance value is t count> t table or 5.790> 1.681, then Ho is rejected, meaning there is a significant relationship between extrinsic motivation and learning outcomes in mathematics..
PERBEDAAN PENGARUH EFEK AKUT INSTRUMENT ASSISSTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION (IASTM) DAN SELF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (SMFR) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN FLEKSIBILITAS OTOT HAMSTRING
Authors: . Wijianto , Wazdi Nizar
Published: July 2019

Latar Belakang:  Instrumen Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) merupakan prosedur terapi yang mana menggunakan instrumen untuk secara mekanik menstimulus struktur jaringan lunak untuk mengurangi nyeri otot, ketidaknyamanan, dan meningkatkan secara keseluruhan mobilitas dan fungsi Self Myofascial Release (SMFR) merupakan salah satu teknik manual terapi dengan cara memberikan tekanan pada otot dan fascia yang bertujuan untuk menambah Range of Motion (ROM), mengurangi nyeri, dan meningkatkan fungsi.

Tujuan: Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efek akut perubahan fleksibilitas otot hamstring setelah diberikan IASTM dan SMFR, juga mengetahui adanya perbedaan efek akut antara pemberian IASTM dan SMFR pada perubahan fleksibilitas otot hamtring.

Metode: Penelitian eksperimen dengan membandingan pre dan post tes dari dua kelompok yang berbeda perlakuan. Kelompok pertama diberikan perlakuan teknik IASTM, kelompok kedua diberikan perlakuan SMFR.  Data yang dikumpulkan dianalisa menggunakan paired t-test dan mann-whitney test.

Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan efek akut IASTM terhadap fleksibilitas otot hamstring (p = 0,001), efek akut SMFR terhadap fleksibilitas otot hamstring  (p = 0,000), Perbedaan pengaruh antara passive dan active MFR terhadap ketegangan otot (p = 0,134).

Kesimpulan: Terdapat peningkatan fleksibilitas otot hamstring pada grup 1 dan grup 2. Tidak ada beda pengaruh yang signifikan antara pemberian IASTM atau SMFR terhadap fleksibilitas otot hamstring.

 Kata Kunci: Hamstring, instrumen assisted soft tissue mobilization, fleksibilitas, self  myofascial release.
Once again on the Gatchina discharge and ball lightning: (comments on G D Shabanov’s paper “On the possibility of making natural ball lightning using a new pulse discharge type in the laboratory” [Phys. Usp. 62 92 (2019); Usp. Fiz. Nauk 189 95 (2019)])
Authors: Shmatov M L
Published: July 2019

We show that a recent paper by Shabanov [Phys. Usp.
62 92 (2019); Usp. Fiz. Nauk
189 95 (2019)] contains several important unsubstantiated and erroneous statements. In particular, the estimate of the average ball lightning charge presented in that paper corresponds to an impossible situation with an approximately 100-fold excess of the electric field strength near the outer boundary of the ball lightning over the air breakdown field under nearly standard conditions.
Necessary additions to the paper by Yu M Tsipenyuk [Phys. Usp. 55 796 (2012)] and to the review by B A Knyazev, V G Serbo [Phys. Usp. 61 449 (2018)]
Authors: Plekhanov V G
Published: July 2019

This letter, which provides a more detailed description of zero-point vibrations and the Sadovskii effect, is an addition to the papers: Yu M Tsipenyuk “Zero point energy and zero point oscillations: how they are detected experimentally” Phys. Usp.
55 796 (2012) and B A Knyazev, V G Serbo “Beams of photons with nonzero projections of orbital angular momenta: new results” Phys. Usp.
61 449 (2018).
Organic Compared with Conventional Wheat Had Competitive Yields during the Early Years of Organic Production in the Northeast USA
Authors: Cox William , Cherney Jerome , Sorrells Mark
Published: July 2019

Organic wheat production has increased significantly because of increased demand by consumers. We used the same variety to evaluate organic (seed treatment) and conventional wheat (no seed treatment) under no-till conditions in 2016 and 2018 with recommended (296 kernels/m2 and 80 kg N/ha) and high inputs (420 kernels/m2 and 56 + 56 kg N/ha) to identify the best organic management practices. Organic compared with conventional wheat with recommended inputs had ~13% lower yields in 2016 but ~7.5% higher yields with high inputs in 2018. Organic wheat emerged 1 to 1.5 days earlier, had 10 to 38% higher plant establishment rates, and had similar weed densities (<0.25 weeds/m2) to high input conventional wheat, which received a fall herbicide. Organic compared with conventional wheat had lower grain N% (0.3 to 0.45% in 2016 and 0.17 to 0.27% in 2018). Organic compared with conventional wheat had mostly higher spike densities, especially with high inputs (~60 more spikes/m2 in 2016 and ~130 more in 2018), probably because of better plant establishment, but mostly lower kernels/spike and kernel weight. Organic compared with conventional wheat had comparable yields, probably because of its competitiveness with weeds. We recommend that growers use recommended seeding and N rates on organic wheat because high seeding rates did not improve weed control, and high N rates were not economical.
Charcoal Fine Residues Effects on Soil Organic Matter Humic Substances, Composition, and Biodegradability
Authors: Leal Otávio dos Anjos , Dick Deborah Pinheiro , de la Rosa José María , Leal Daniela Piaz Barbosa , González-Pérez José A. , Campos Gabriel Soares , Knicker Heike
Published: July 2019

Biochar has been shown as a potential mean to enhance carbon sequestration in the soil. In Brazil, approximately 15% of the produced charcoal is discarded as charcoal fines, which are chemically similar to biochar. Therefore, we aimed to test charcoal fines as a strategy to increase soil carbon sequestration. Charcoal fines of hardwood Mimosa scabrella were incorporated into a Cambisol down to 10 cm (T1 = 0 and T4 = 40 Mg ha−1) in Southern Brazil. Soil samples were collected (0–30 cm) 20 months after charcoal amendment. Soil organic matter (SOM) acid extract, humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin fractions were separated. Solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra from charcoal and SOM in T1 and T4 were obtained before and after 165 days of incubation under controlled conditions. Charcoal increased soil carbon as fulvic (10–20 cm) and humic acids (10–30 cm) and, especially, as humin (0–5 cm), which probably occurred due to the hydrophobic character of the charcoal. The 13C NMR spectra and mean residence times (MRT) measured from incubation essays indicated that the charred material decomposed relatively fast and MRT of T1 and T4 samples were similar. It follows that the charcoal fines underwent similar decomposition as SOM, despite the high charcoal dose applied to the soil and the high aryl C contribution (78%) to the total 13C intensity of the charcoal NMR spectra.
Silicon Improves the Production of High Antioxidant or Structural Phenolic Compounds in Barley Cultivars under Aluminum Stress
Authors: Vega Isis , Nikolic Miroslav , Pontigo Sofía , Godoy Karina , Mora María de La Luz , Cartes Paula
Published: July 2019

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is one of the main growth and yield limiting factors for barley grown on acid soils. Silicon (Si) ameliorates Al toxicity as well as it promotes the phenolic compounds production that have antioxidant or structural role. We evaluated the time-dependent kinetics of Al and Si uptake and the impact of Si on the production of antioxidant- or structural- phenols in barley cultivars at the short-term. Two barley cultivars with contrasting Al tolerance (Hordeum vulgare ‘Sebastian’, Al tolerant; and H. vulgare ‘Scarlett’, Al sensitive), exposed to either −Al (0 mM) or +Al (0.2 mM) nutrient solutions without Si (−Si) or with 2 mM (+Si) were cultured for 48 h. Aluminum and Si concentration decreased in plants at all harvest times when Al and Si were simultaneously supplied; this effect was more noticeable in ‘Scarlett’. Nevertheless, Si influenced the antioxidant system of barley irrespective of the Al tolerance of the cultivar, decreasing oxidative damage and enhancing radical scavenging activity, the production of phenolic compounds, and lignin accumulation in barley with short-term exposure to Al.
Morphometry of the Wheat Spike by Analyzing 2D Images
Authors: Genaev Mikhail A. , Komyshev Evgenii G. , Smirnov Nikolai V. , Kruchinina Yuliya V. , Goncharov Nikolay P. , Afonnikov Dmitry A.
Published: July 2019

Spike shape and morphometric characteristics are among the key characteristics of cultivated cereals associated with their productivity. Identification of the genes controlling these traits requires morphometric data at harvesting and analysis of numerous plants, which could be automatically done using technologies of digital image analysis. A method for wheat spike morphometry utilizing 2D image analysis is proposed. Digital images are acquired in two variants: a spike on a table (one projection) or fixed with a clip (four projections). The method identifies spike and awns in the image and estimates their quantitative characteristics (area in image, length, width, circularity, etc.). Section model, quadrilaterals, and radial model are proposed for describing spike shape. Parameters of these models are used to predict spike shape type (spelt, normal, or compact) by machine learning. The mean error in spike density prediction for the images in one projection is 4.61 (~18%) versus 3.33 (~13%) for the parameters obtained using four projections.
Assessing the Potential of Cereal Production Systems to Adapt to Contrasting Weather Conditions in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Abi Saab Marie Therese , Houssemeddine Sellami Mohamed , Giorio Pasquale , Basile Angelo , Bonfante Antonello , Rouphael Youssef , Fahed Salim , Jomaa Ihab , Stephan Chafic , Kabalan Rabih , Massaad Randa , Todorovic Mladen , Albrizio Rossella
Published: July 2019

Variable rainfall, water stress, and spring frost are the main challenges for cereal growers in the Mediterranean region. The potential of wheat and barley to adapt to contrasting weather conditions was investigated through the adoption of no-till, supplemental irrigation and drought tolerant cultivars over a period of three years. Seasonal precipitation was 732, 336 and 685 mm in the first, second and third seasons, respectively. The second and third seasons were characterized by the occurrence of spring frost. No tillage did not affect productivity in either crop, while supplemental irrigation increased yield only in barley. For wheat, the grain yield was 60 and 43% respectively lower in the second and third seasons than in the first season. For barley, grain yield was 43% higher in the first season than the other two. The negative effect of frost on wheat yield was indirectly assessed by crop growth simulation. Principal component analysis shows that freezing temperatures associated with spring frost and rainfall both dictated crop growth and productivity.
Identification of the Ovine Keratin-Associated Protein 21-1 Gene and Its Association with Variation in Wool Traits
Authors: Li Shaobin , Zhou Huitong , Gong Hua , Zhao Fangfang , Wang Jiqing , Liu Xiu , Hu Jiang , Luo Yuzhu , Hickford Jon G.H.
Published: July 2019

Keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are key constituents of wool and hair fibers. In this study, an ovine KAP gene encoding a HGT-KAP protein was identified. The gene was different from all of the HGT-KAP genes identified in sheep, but was closely related to the human KAP21-1 gene, suggesting that it represented the unidentified ovine KRTAP21-1. Four variants (named A to D) of ovine KRTAP21-1 were found in 360 Merino × Southdown-cross lambs from four sire lines. Three sequence variations were detected among these variants. Two of the sequence variations were located upstream of the coding region and the remaining one was a synonymous variation in the coding sequence. Six genotypes were found in the Merino-cross lambs, with only two of the genotypes (AA and AC) occurring at a frequency of over 5%. Wool from sheep of genotype AA had a higher yield than that from AC sheep (p = 0.014), but tended to have a lower greasy fleece weight (GFW) than that of genotype AC (P = 0.078). This suggests that variation in KRTAP21-1 affects wool yield and the gene may have potential for use as a genetic maker for improving wool yield.
Hyper-spectral Recovery of Cerebral and Extra-Cerebral Tissue Properties Using Continuous Wave Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Data
Authors: Veesa Joshua Deepak , Dehghani Hamid
Published: July 2019

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is widely used as a non-invasive method to monitor the hemodynamics of biological tissue. A common approach of NIRS relies on continuous wave (CW) methodology, i.e. utilizing intensity-only measurements, and, in general, assumes homogeneity in the optical properties of the biological tissue. However, in monitoring cerebral hemodynamics within humans, this assumption is not valid due to complex layered structure of the head. The NIRS signal that contains information about cerebral blood hemoglobin levels is also contaminated with extra-cerebral tissue hemodynamics, and any recovery method based on such a priori homogenous approximation would lead to erroneous results. In this work, utilization of hyper-spectral intensity only measurements (i.e., CW) at multiple distances are presented and are shown to recover two-layered tissue properties along with the thickness of top layer, using an analytical solution for a two-layered semi-infinite geometry. It is demonstrated that the recovery of tissue oxygenation index (TOI) of both layers can be achieved with an error of 4.4%, with the recovered tissue thickness of 4% error. When the data is measured on a complex tissue such as the human head, it is shown that the semi-infinite recovery model can lead to uncertain results, whereas, when using an appropriate model accounting for the tissue-boundary structure, the tissue oxygenation levels are recovered with an error of 4.2%, and the extra-cerebral tissue thickness with an error of 11.8%. The algorithm is finally used together with human subject data, demonstrating robustness in application and repeatability in the recovered parameters that adhere well to expected published parameters.
Heuristic Approaches to Attribute Reduction for Generalized Decision Preservation
Authors: Zhang Nan , Gao Xueyi , Yu Tianyou
Published: July 2019

Attribute reduction is a challenging problem in rough set theory, which has been applied in many research fields, including knowledge representation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The main objective of attribute reduction is to obtain a minimal attribute subset that can retain the same classification or discernibility properties as the original information system. Recently, many attribute reduction algorithms, such as positive region preservation, generalized decision preservation, and distribution preservation, have been proposed. The existing attribute reduction algorithms for generalized decision preservation are mainly based on the discernibility matrix and are, thus, computationally very expensive and hard to use in large-scale and high-dimensional data sets. To overcome this problem, we introduce the similarity degree for generalized decision preservation. On this basis, the inner and outer significance measures are proposed. By using heuristic strategies, we develop two quick reduction algorithms for generalized decision preservation. Finally, theoretical and experimental results show that the proposed heuristic reduction algorithms are effective and efficient.
Multi Simulation Platform for Time Domain Diffuse Optical Tomography: An Application to a Compact Hand-Held Reflectance Probe
Authors: Ferocino Edoardo , Pifferi Antonio , Arridge Simon , Martelli Fabrizio , Taroni Paola , Farina Andrea
Published: July 2019

Time Domain Diffuse Optical Tomography (TD-DOT) enables a full 3D reconstruction of the optical properties of tissue, and could be used for non-invasive and cost-effective in-depth body exploration (e.g., thyroid and breast imaging). Performance quantification is crucial for comparing results coming from different implementations of this technique. A general-purpose simulation platform for TD-DOT clinical systems was developed with a focus on performance assessment through meaningful figures of merit. The platform was employed for assessing the feasibility and characterizing a compact hand-held probe for breast imaging and characterization in reflectance geometry. Important parameters such as hardware gating of the detector, photon count rate and inclusion position were investigated. Results indicate a reduced error (<10%) on the absorption coefficient quantification of a simulated inclusion up to 2-cm depth if a photon count rate ≥ 106 counts per second is used along with a good localization (error < 1 mm down to 25 mm-depth).
A New Modeling Method of Angle Measurement for Intelligent Ball Joint Based on BP-RBF Algorithm
Authors: Hu Peng-Hao , Lu Ze-Xun , Zhang Yuan-Qi , Liu Shan-Lin , Dang Xue-Ming
Published: July 2019

The rotation orientation and the angle of precision of an intelligent ball joint cannot be automatically obtained in passive motion. In this paper, a new method based on a Hall sensor with a permanent magnet (PM) is proposed to identify the spatial rotation orientation and angle. The basic idea is to embed a PM on a ball while the Hall sensors are arrayed into the ball socket. When the ball rotates, the Hall sensor array detects the variation of the magnetic induction intensity in space. By establishing a mathematical model between the variation of the magnetic induction intensity and the orientation and angle of rotation, the rotation angle in the space where the ball is located can be inversely solved. The establishment of the theoretical model is based on the theory of the equivalent magnetic charge method, which has a few native defects that cannot be overcome by itself. This paper presents the relationship between the magnetic induction intensity change and the rotation angle of the ball in space, which was constructed by an artificial neural network (ANN) and will simplify the mathematical model, shorten the operation time, and improve the efficiency of real-time detection. Based on the simulation analysis, the optimal matching scheme between the PM and the magnetic effect sensor was determined, and the structural parameters of the ball joint prototype were optimized. The data training and comparison test of the neural network model were completed on a self-developed calibration device. The experimental results show that for a ±20° measurement range, the average errors of the uniaxial measurements are 1′51″ and 1′55″ on the two axes, respectively. At present, the measurement accuracy of the prototype is still relatively low; however, this idea of modeling based on ANN removes the shackles of mathematical modeling, reminding us that we can consider the design of sensors or complete geometric measurement modeling from a new perspective.
How Can the International Monitoring System Infrasound Network Contribute to Gravity Wave Measurements?
Authors: Hupe Patrick , Ceranna Lars , Le Pichon Alexis
Published: July 2019

Gravity waves (GWs) propagate horizontally and vertically in the atmosphere. They transport energy and momentum, and therefore GWs can affect the atmospheric circulation at different altitude layers when dissipating. Thus knowledge about the occurrence of GWs is essential for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP). However, uniform networks for covering GW measurements globally are rare, especially in the troposphere. It has been shown that an infrasound station of the International Monitoring System (IMS) infrasound network is capable of measuring GWs at the Earth’s surface. The IMS was deployed for monitoring the atmosphere to verify compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty. In this study, the Progressive Multi-Channel Correlation Method (PMCC) is used for re-processing up to 20 years of IMS infrasound recordings in order to derive GW detections. For this purpose, two alternative PMCC configurations are discussed, covering GW frequencies equivalent to periods of between 5 min and 150 min. These detections mainly reflect sources of deep convection, particularly in the tropics. At mid-latitudes, coherent wind noise more often produces spurious detections. Combining the results of both configurations provides a global dataset of ground-based GW measurements, which enables the calculation of GW parameters. These can be used for improving NWP models.
Atmospheric Chemistry in a Box or a Bag
Authors: Hidy G. M.
Published: July 2019

Environmental chambers have proven to be essential for atmospheric photochemistry research. This historical perspective summarizes chamber research characterizing smog. Experiments with volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-nitrogen oxides (NOx) have characterized O3 and aerosol chemistry. These led to the creation and evaluation of complex reaction mechanisms adopted for various applications. Gas-phase photochemistry was initiated and developed using chamber studies. Post-1950s study of photochemical aerosols began using smog chambers. Much of the knowledge about the chemistry of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) derives from chamber studies complemented with specially designed atmospheric studies. Two major findings emerge from post-1990s SOA experiments: (1) photochemical SOAs hypothetically involve hydrocarbons and oxygenates with carbon numbers of 2, and (2) SOA evolves via more than one generation of reactions as condensed material exchanges with the vapor phase during “aging”. These elements combine with multiphase chemistry to yield mechanisms for aerosols. Smog chambers, like all simulators, are limited representations of the atmosphere. Translation to the atmosphere is complicated by constraints in reaction times, container interactions, influence of precursor injections, and background species. Interpretation of kinetics requires integration into atmospheric models addressing the combined effects of precursor emissions, surface exchange, hydrometeor interactions, air motion and sunlight.
Exposures to Carbon Monoxide in a Cookstove Intervention in Northern Ghana
Authors: Piedrahita Ricardo , Coffey Evan R. , Hagar Yolanda , Kanyomse Ernest , Wiedinmyer Christine , Dickinson Katherine L. , Oduro Abraham , Hannigan Michael P.
Published: July 2019

Biomass burning for home energy use is a major environmental health concern. Improved cooking technologies could generate environmental health benefits, yet prior results regarding reduced personal exposure to air pollution are mixed. In this study, two improved stove types were distributed over four study groups in Northern Ghana. Participants wore real-time carbon monoxide (CO) monitors to measure the effect of the intervention on personal exposures. Relative to the control group (those using traditional stoves), there was a 30.3% reduction in CO exposures in the group given two Philips forced draft stoves (p = 0.08), 10.5% reduction in the group given two Gyapa stoves (locally made rocket stoves) (p = 0.62), and 10.2% reduction in the group given one of each (p = 0.61). Overall, CO exposure for participants was low given the prevalence of cooking over traditional three-stone fires, with 8.2% of daily samples exceeding WHO Tier-1 standards. We present quantification methods and performance of duplicate monitors. We analyzed the relationship between personal carbonaceous particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and CO exposure for the dataset that included both measurements, finding a weak relationship likely due to the diversity of identified air pollution sources in the region and behavior variability.
Impacts of In-Cabin Exposure to Size-Fractionated Particulate Matters and Carbon Monoxide on Changes in Heart Rate Variability for Healthy Public Transit Commuters
Authors: Tang Chin-Sheng , Wu Tzu-Yi , Chuang Kai-Jen , Chang Ta-Yuan , Chuang Hsiao-Chi , Lung Shih-Chun Candice , Chang Li-Te
Published: July 2019

To evaluate the cardiovascular impact of traffic-related pollutant exposure on healthy young adults, the research team has collected the primary data of in-cabin exposure to air pollutants and heart rate variability (HRV). Twenty young healthy college students were recruited in Taipei metropolitan area. In addition to electrocardiogram, personal exposure to air pollutants, i.e., particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO), and weather conditions, including temperature and relative humidity (RH), on campus, bus, and mass rapid transit were monitored continuously. The following HRV parameters were evaluated using generalized additive mixed model to adjust for personal and meteorological variables: heart rate (HR), the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent normal-to-normal (NN) intervals (r-MSSD), the standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN), the percentage of successive NN interval differences greater than 50 ms (pNN50), low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency power (HF), total power (TP), and LF/HF. They were assessed to find out the association between in-cabin exposure and HRV parameters. Compared with the HRV parameters measured on campus, the percent changes in r-MSSD, SDNN, pNN50+1, LF, HF, and TP decreased when the participants were in public transits. After adjusting for all locations, 5 min moving averages of PM2.5–10 and PM1 were significantly associated with the increase in the percent changes in HR and SDNN. Additionally, 5 min moving averages of PM2.5–10 exposure were significantly associated with the decrease in the percent change in HF, while it was significantly associated with the increase of the percent change in LF/HF. The reduction of the percent change in HR was also found to be significantly associated with 5 min CO moving averages. To conclude, current analyses have shown that size-fractionated PMs and CO exposure in public transits might lead to significant changes of HRV parameters for healthy young adults.
Sex Differences in the Effect of Alcohol Drinking on Myelinated Axons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Adolescent Rats
Authors: Tavares Elizabeth R. , Silva-Gotay Andrea , Vargas Riad Wanette , Bengston Lynn , N. Richardson Heather
Published: July 2019

Cognitive deficits associated with teenage drinking may be due to disrupted myelination of prefrontal circuits. To better understand how alcohol affects myelination, male and female Wistar rats (n = 7–9/sex/treatment) underwent two weeks of intermittent operant self-administration of sweetened alcohol or sweetened water early in adolescence (postnatal days 28–42) and we tested for macro- and microstructural changes to myelin. We previously reported data from the males of this study showing that alcohol drinking reduced myelinated fiber density in layers II–V of the anterior cingulate division of the medial prefrontal cortex (Cg1); herein, we show that myelinated fiber density was not significantly altered by alcohol in females. Alcohol drinking patterns were similar in both sexes, but males were in a pre-pubertal state for a larger proportion of the alcohol exposure period, which may have contributed to the differential effects on myelinated fiber density. To gain more insight into how alcohol impacts myelinated axons, brain sections from a subset of these animals (n = 6/sex/treatment) were used for microstructural analyses of the nodes of Ranvier. Confocal analysis of nodal domains, flanked by immunofluorescent-labeled contactin-associated protein (Caspr) clusters, indicated that alcohol drinking reduced nodal length-to-width ratios in layers II/III of the Cg1 in both sexes. Despite sex differences in the underlying cause (larger diameter axons after alcohol in males vs. shorter nodal lengths after alcohol in females), reduced nodal ratios could have important implications for the speed and integrity of neural transmission along these axons in both males and females. Alcohol-induced changes to myelinated axonal populations in the Cg1 may contribute to long-lasting changes in prefrontal function associated with early onset drinking.
Anti-tumor Activity and Epigenetic Impact of the Polyphenol Oleacein in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Juli Giada , Oliverio Manuela , Bellizzi Dina , Gallo Cantafio Maria Eugenia , Grillone Katia , Passarino Giuseppe , Colica Carmela , Nardi Monica , Rossi Marco , Procopio Antonio , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Amodio Nicola
Published: July 2019

Olive oil contains different biologically active polyphenols, among which oleacein, the most abundant secoiridoid, has recently emerged for its beneficial properties in various disease contexts. By using in vitro models of human multiple myeloma (MM), we here investigated the anti-tumor potential of oleacein and the underlying bio-molecular sequelae. Within a low micromolar range, oleacein reduced the viability of MM primary samples and cell lines even in the presence of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), while sparing healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We also demonstrated that oleacein inhibited MM cell clonogenicity, prompted cell cycle blockade and triggered apoptosis. We evaluated the epigenetic impact of oleacein on MM cells, and observed dose-dependent accumulation of both acetylated histones and α-tubulin, along with down-regulation of several class I/II histone deacetylases (HDACs) both at the mRNA and protein level, providing evidence of the HDAC inhibitory activity of this compound; conversely, no effect on global DNA methylation was found. Mechanistically, HDACs inhibition by oleacein was associated with down-regulation of Sp1, the major transactivator of HDACs promoter, via Caspase 8 activation. Of potential translational significance, oleacein synergistically enhanced the in vitro anti-MM activity of the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib. Altogether, these results indicate that oleacein is endowed with HDAC inhibitory properties, which associate with significant anti-MM activity both as single agent or in combination with carfilzomib. These findings may pave the way to novel potential anti-MM epi-therapeutic approaches based on natural agents.
Simvastatin Induces Apoptosis in Medulloblastoma Brain Tumor Cells via Mevalonate Cascade Prenylation Substrates
Authors: Sheikholeslami Kimia , Ali Sher Annan , Lockman Sandhini , Kroft Daniel , Ganjibakhsh Meysam , Nejati-Koshki Kazem , Shojaei Shahla , Ghavami Saeid , Rastegar Mojgan
Published: July 2019

Medulloblastoma is a common pediatric brain tumor and one of the main types of solid cancers in children below the age of 10. Recently, cholesterol-lowering “statin” drugs have been highlighted for their possible anti-cancer effects. Clinically, statins are reported to have promising potential for consideration as an adjuvant therapy in different types of cancers. However, the anti-cancer effects of statins in medulloblastoma brain tumor cells are not currently well-defined. Here, we investigated the cell death mechanisms by which simvastatin mediates its effects on different human medulloblastoma cell lines. Simvastatin is a lipophilic drug that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase and has pleotropic effects. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase prevents the formation of essential downstream intermediates in the mevalonate cascade, such as farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and gernaylgerany parophosphate (GGPP). These intermediates are involved in the activation pathway of small Rho GTPase proteins in different cell types. We observed that simvastatin significantly induces dose-dependent apoptosis in three different medulloblastoma brain tumor cell lines (Daoy, D283, and D341 cells). Our investigation shows that simvastatin-induced cell death is regulated via prenylation intermediates of the cholesterol metabolism pathway. Our results indicate that the induction of different caspases (caspase 3, 7, 8, and 9) depends on the nature of the medulloblastoma cell line. Western blot analysis shows that simvastatin leads to changes in the expression of regulator proteins involved in apoptosis, such as Bax, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xl. Taken together, our data suggests the potential application of a novel non-classical adjuvant therapy for medulloblastoma, through the regulation of protein prenylation intermediates that occurs via inhibition of the mevalonate pathway.
An NF-kappaB- and IKK-Independent Function of NEMO Prevents Hepatocarcinogenesis by Suppressing Compensatory Liver Regeneration
Authors: Koppe Christiane , Reisinger Florian , Wehr Karina , Vucur Mihael , Trautwein Christian , Tacke Frank , Heikenwalder Mathias , Luedde Tom
Published: July 2019

The I-κB-Kinase (IKK) complex represents a central signaling nexus in the TNF-dependent activation of the pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway. However, recent studies suggested that the distinct IKK subunits (IKKα, IKKβ, and NEMO) might withhold additional NF-κB-independent functions in inflammation and cancer. Here, we generated mice lacking all three IKK subunits in liver parenchymal cells (LPC) (IKKα/β/NEMOLPC-KO) and compared their phenotype with mice lacking both catalytic subunits (IKKα/βLPC-KO), allowing to functionally dissect putative I-κB-Kinase-independent functions of the regulatory subunit NEMO. We show that the additional deletion of NEMO rescues IKKα/βLPC-KO mice from lethal cholestasis and biliary ductopenia by triggering LPC apoptosis and inducing a strong compensatory proliferation of LPC including cholangiocytes. Beyond this beneficial effect, we show that increased hepatocyte cell-death and compensatory proliferation inhibit the activation of LPC-necroptosis but trigger spontaneous hepatocarcinogenesis in IKKα/β/NEMOLPC-KO mice. Collectively, our data show that free NEMO molecules unbound to the catalytic IKK subunits control LPC programmed cell death pathways and proliferation, cholestasis and hepatocarcinogenesis independently of an IKK-related function. These findings support the idea of different functional levels at which NEMO controls inflammation and cancer in the liver.
Characterization of Dermal Stem Cells of Diabetic Patients
Authors: Ferroni Letizia , Gardin Chiara , Dalla Paola Luca , Campo Gianluca , Cimaglia Paolo , Bellin Gloria , Pinton Paolo , Zavan Barbara
Published: July 2019

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are lesions that involve loss of epithelium and dermis, sometimes involving deep structures, compartments, and bones. The aim of this work is to investigate the innate regenerative properties of dermal tissue around ulcers by the identification and analysis of resident dermal stem cells (DSCs). Dermal samples were taken at the edge of DFUs, and genes related to the wound healing process were analyzed by the real-time PCR array. The DSCs were isolated and analyzed by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR array to define their stemness properties. The gene expression profile of dermal tissue showed a dysregulation in growth factors, metalloproteinases, collagens, and integrins involved in the wound healing process. In the basal condition, diabetic DSCs adhered on the culture plate with spindle-shaped fibroblast-like morphology. They were positive to the mesenchymal stem cells markers CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105, but negative for the hematopoietic markers CD14, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. In diabetic DSCs, the transcription of genes related to self-renewal and cell division were equivalent to that in normal DSCs. However, the expression of CCNA2, CCND2, CDK1, ALDH1A1, and ABCG2 was downregulated compared with that of normal DSCs. These genes are also related to cell cycle progression and stem cell maintenance. Further investigation will improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which these genes together govern cell proliferation, revealing new strategies useful for future treatment of DFUs.
Ciliary Proteins: Filling the Gaps. Recent Advances in Deciphering the Protein Composition of Motile Ciliary Complexes
Authors: Osinka Anna , Poprzeczko Martyna , Zielinska Magdalena M. , Fabczak Hanna , Joachimiak Ewa , Wloga Dorota
Published: July 2019

Cilia are highly evolutionarily conserved, microtubule-based cell protrusions present in eukaryotic organisms from protists to humans, with the exception of fungi and higher plants. Cilia can be broadly divided into non-motile sensory cilia, called primary cilia, and motile cilia, which are locomotory organelles. The skeleton (axoneme) of primary cilia is formed by nine outer doublet microtubules distributed on the cilium circumference. In contrast, the skeleton of motile cilia is more complex: in addition to outer doublets, it is composed of two central microtubules and several diverse multi-protein complexes that are distributed periodically along both types of microtubules. For many years, researchers have endeavored to fully characterize the protein composition of ciliary macro-complexes and the molecular basis of signal transduction between these complexes. Genetic and biochemical analyses have suggested that several hundreds of proteins could be involved in the assembly and function of motile cilia. Within the last several years, the combined efforts of researchers using cryo-electron tomography, genetic and biochemical approaches, and diverse model organisms have significantly advanced our knowledge of the ciliary structure and protein composition. Here, we summarize the recent progress in the identification of the subunits of ciliary complexes, their precise intraciliary localization determined by cryo-electron tomography data, and the role of newly identified proteins in cilia.