bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF STORYTELLING TOWARDS STUDENTS' SPEAKING SKILL AT X GRADE STUDENTS OF MA NURUL HARAMAIN BOARDING SCHOOL
Authors: Hidayati Yunita
Published: June 2020

This study was aimed to investigate whether or not the use of storytelling has positive effect towards the students' speaking skills at the tenth-grade students of MA Nurul Haramain. The form of this research was pre-experimental study with comparing the scores in pre-test and post-test. The population of this research is the tenth-grade students of MA Nurul Haramain Narmada, with the sample is class X B that consists of 21 students. The research findings show that the mean score of the pre-test is 59.05 and the mean score of post-test is 78.48. It shows that storytelling has a significant impact towards the students' speaking skill. The result of sig. 2-tailed (0.00) is lower than sig. level (0.05), also the result of the t-test is higher than t-table, the value is 4.1 >1.6 it means that the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted. It can be concluded that there is a highly significant effect of storytelling technique towards students' speaking skill on the tenth-grade students of MA Nurul Haramain.
AN ANALYSIS ON TEACHER’S COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES IN TEACHING SPEAKING AT MTS NW BONJERUK
Authors: Muhlisin Muhammad , Widyanto Anugrah
Published: June 2020

The objectives of this study are to reveal what communication strategies used by an English teacher in communication with first-grade students of MTs NW Bonjeruk. The research used a qualitative approach, more specifically classroom discourse analysis in analyzing this study since the source of the data was communication strategies which are used by an English teacher in communicating with students during an English teaching-learning activity. The result of the study showed that there were four of five communication strategies proposed that appeared in the teaching-learning process. They were achievement or compensatory strategies, stalling or time gaining strategies, self-monitoring strategies, and interactional strategies. The strategy which was not found in the transcription is avoidance or reduction strategy. Based on the results of the study, the teacher often uses code-switching more than other strategies.
ENHANCING THE STUDENTS’ PRONUNCIATION USING SHADOWING TECHNIQUE AT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Salim Agus , Terasne Terasne , Narasima Liza
Published: June 2020

Establishing students’ pronunciation needs a promising instructional method. One of the teachers’ efforts to develop students’ pronunciation is applying the shadowing technique. The shadowing technique was able to facilitate students to practice pronunciation skills. This study was categorized with a quasi-experimental study with the non-equivalent control group design. The samples were taken randomly using a purposive random sampling. The samples consist of 70 students that were divided into two classes, namely the experimental and control classes. The data were collected through interview, multiple-choice test, and record. Here it used descriptive and T-test analysis to find the ways they learned and the results. Finally, the researchers considered that shadowing technique is very good to be applied by the teachers and lecturers in class. The most surprising aspect of the findings are; 1) the students were motivated as long as teaching and learning conducted; 2) their response mostly positive to the way they learned; 3) and they got significant change on their pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. This change can be seen from their ability in expressing their ideas and 4) inferential statistic results; t-test was 4.077 and t-table was 2.021 with degree of freedom (df) 44 and the level of significance (0.05) in 95%.
EXPLORING THE TEACHING AND LEARNING BELIEF OF AN INDONESIAN ENGLISH TEACHER
Authors: Hadi Marham Jupri
Published: June 2020

The present study investigated an English teacher’s belief regarding the best strategies to learn and teach English. A case study was employed as it explored a case (an English teacher) in depth. In-depth interviews were carried to gain deep understanding about the participant’s belief. This study reveals that he has been learning English for roughly ten years and his motivation changed from being forced to learn English (external) to having internal motivation. He believed that quality teacher affects his motivation to learn English. Concerning his personal theory about best way to learn English, he argues that there is no any best way to learn English. Instead, he believes that there are other effective approaches fitting different learning purposes. For him, the key feature to learn and teach English in his context is exposure to the language. He also believes that doing some changes like how he evaluates the learner’s skill can reduce the students’ negative feeling. He admits that these preferences as the reflection of this previous learning experiences form all his experiences in learning.
COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY HIGHER EDUCATIONAL STUDENTS IN ORAL PRESENTATION OF DAYAK NGAJU LANGUAGE
Authors: Nurliana Nurliana
Published: June 2020

In an oral presentation of a second language, higher education students commonly face some problems in communication. To overcome these problems, communication strategies are necessary to be employed. In the speaking class of the Dayak Ngaju language course, especially in oral presentation in History of Islamic Civilization Study Program at IAIN Palangka Raya, the students employed communication strategies to overcome the problems in communication. However, most of the students tended to employ certain types of communication strategies in the oral presentation of the Dayak Ngaju language. Furthermore, there were no research reports which had been published regarding the types of communication strategies employed by the students of Dayak Ngaju language as a second language. Thus this study was intended to describe the types of communication strategies employed by the fifth-semester students of History of Islamic Civilization Study Program at IAIN Palangka Raya in oral presentation of Dayak Ngaju language. A descriptive qualitative design was employed in this study. Observation sheets, video recordings, field-notes, and interview guides are the instruments employed in this study. The results of this study showed that the students employed four of five types of communication strategies based on Celce-Murcia’s taxonomy, namely achievement or compensatory strategies, stalling or time-gaining strategies, self-monitoring strategies, and interactional strategies. The most frequent type employed was an achievement or compensatory strategies. Moreover, the most frequent subtype was code-switching.
SCRUTINIZING DIRECTED READING THINKING ACTIVITY (DRTA) STRATEGY ON STUDENTS' READING COMPREHENSION
Authors: Nerim Nerim
Published: June 2020

The aim of this research was to examine the directed reading thinking activity (DRTA) strategy on students’ reading skills. This research was classified as experimental research applying a quasi-experimental design. This study involved 60 students of second-grade students of SMPN 1 Jonggat. The students were divided into two groups, the experimental and control groups. The experimental group was subjected to DRTA strategy, while the control group was treated using the conventional learning strategy. The data were obtained by using a reading test. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The data were calculated using SPSS 19.0 for Windows. The descriptive statistic was aimed at finding out the students’ mean score, mode, median, and standard deviation. Hence, the inferential statistic was used to test the research hypothesis using the independent sample t-test. The results of the research showed that the DRTA strategy in teaching reading had a more positive effect than the conventional learning strategy. It was proven that the students’ mean score in the experimental class (78.80) was higher than those in the control group (73.73). In addition, the score of 2-tailed (0.032) was lower than the sig. level 0.05. Therefore, the hypothesis was accepted. It means that the directed reading thinking (DRTA) strategy had a significant effect on students’ reading comprehension.
GENDER DIFFERENCES OF STUDENTS’ WRITING ABILITY IN DESCRIPTIVE TEXT
Authors: Wiyanto Muhammad Saibani , Asmorobangun Panji Wisnu
Published: June 2020

Language has an important role for every member of the speech community. The connection between language and society is recognized as the main interest of sociolinguistics. Nowadays, sociolinguistic has involved many significant research topics. One of them is the relationship between gender and language. Studies about gender differences have been conducted for many years, which also deals with the use of a language as a foreign language. For instance, studying English as a foreign language (EFL) among the nonnative speakers and its gender-sensitive investigation. The current article provides insights on gender differences among senior high school students with a focus on their writing ability. The purposes of this article were to find the linguistic feature that male and female students tend to use and to find out the gender differences reflected on the students writing ability. The article used a qualitative design with document analysis as the approach. The subject of this article was one class of X MIPA 2 at MAN 6 Jombang. The source of the data was students’ writings, while the data were all linguistics components of the students’ works. The data contain some types of linguistic features based on Mulac’s theory. This article found four linguistic features used by the students. It can be concluded that males often used locative feature and females often used a reference to quantity feature and “I” reference feature.
THE INTERFERENCE OF INDONESIAN ON ENGLISH SECOND LANGUAGE WRITING
Authors: Iman Topan Rahmatul
Published: June 2020

Language transfer means the application of knowledge and understanding of a source language on a target language. Dissimilarities between the source language and the target language could result in a negative transfer. This essay aims to investigate the interference of Indonesian language on English second language writing regarding the order of noun phrase constituents, number marking, and verb tenses. The results presented in this essay were based on three elicitation tasks that were answered by 20 Indonesian students who studied English at a senior high school in Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia. Their ages were between 15 to 18 years old.  The participants were given a test that consisted of three elicitation tasks focusing on sentence writing. The results showed that the negative transfer was still found in the students’ writing. However, the students may make mistakes since they had a lack of knowledge, or because they were unable to apply what they knew in their writing.
Factors Affecting Family Business Succession In The Food Hawking Business In Malaysia
Authors: Ng Jonathan Cho Kin
Published: June 2020

Food hawking businesses around the world largely contribute to the economy of countries and provides much needed jobs that feed employment, even though earnings are low. The food hawking business in Malaysia is under threat of extinction due to the reluctance of the next generation in taking over the food hawking businesses from the elderships. As research in the area of family business succession is scarce, this study serves to add to the theoretical aspect of the area. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of vending environment, operating hours, successor willingness, relationship among family members and preparation level of heir on the intention of family succession in the food hawking business in Malaysia. Leader’s approval was also studied as a potential moderator.
Soil Fertilization with Urea Has Little Effect on Seed Quality but Reduces Soil N2O Emissions from a Hemp Cultivation
Authors: Tedeschi Anna , Volpe Maria Grazia , Polimeno Franca , Siano Francesco , Maglione Giuseppe , Di Tommasi Paul , Vasca Ermanno , Magliulo Vincenzo , Vitale Luca
Published: June 2020

Multipurpose production of hemp has led to renewed interest for this crop cultivation, especially for human nutrition. To date, no information about the influence of nitrogen source on hemp seed quality is available. Hemp is also used for food and beverages due to its nutritional characteristics. This further use of hemp has led to an increase in hemp-grown areas. Therefore, it is important to get more information on the role of nitrogen on the quality production as well as to evaluate the environmental impact of the cultivation technique. In this work, we evaluate the influence of nitrogen source (i.e., NH4NO3 and urea) on the seed fatty acid composition of an edible hemp as well as on the environment in terms of soil N2O emission. Nitrogen source modified seed quality very little. Even if characterized by a lower acidic profile, seed from plants grown under urea and NH4NO3 had a ω-3/ω-6 ratio (0.3) within the optimal range from the nutritional standpoint, being considered as the optimal proportion for human metabolism and health. Urea fertilization reduced soil N2O emission. Our findings suggest that nitrogen source seems not to influence seed quality and that urea fertilizer might be more climate-friendly than NH4NO3 in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, in an extensive cultivation of hemp for industrial use.
Effect of Zilpaterol Hydrochloride on Performance and Meat Quality in Finishing Lambs
Authors: Cayetano-De-Jesus Jorge Adalberto , Rojo-Rubio Rolando , Grajales-Lagunes Alicia , Avendaño-Reyes Leonel , Macias-Cruz Ulises , Gonzalez-del-Prado Veronica , Olmedo-Juárez Agustin , Chay-Canul Alfonso , Roque-Jiménez José Alejandro , Lee-Rangel Héctor Aarón
Published: June 2020

Twenty-four Dorper x Pelibuey lambs were housed in individual pens during a 31-d feeding period and assigned to four treatments (n = 6) under a randomized complete block design with different daily doses of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH): 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg BW to determine the effects of ZH supplementation on productive performance, meat quality, and wholesale cut yields. Final BW (p = 0.02) and average daily gain (ADG, p = 0.04) were greater in lambs supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg BW. Supplemental ZH tended to improve dry matter intake (DMI, p = 0.008) and ADG:DMI ratio (p = 0.078). Wholesale cut yields were not affected by ZH supplementation. Percentage of head was greater (p = 0.04) in lambs treated with ZH. The ZH supplementation did not affect carcass characteristics. However, longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) presented a linear trend (p = 0.08) of increasing with ZH supplementation. Percentage of blood presented a trend (p = 0.051) of decreasing with ZH supplementation. Also, liver decreased in size (p < 0.05) for treatments where ZH was included. Values of luminosity decreased (p < 0.02) when ZH dosage increased. The value of protein Lowry was greater, with 0.3 mg kg−1 (p = 0.04). Cathepsin B + L was greater in the lambs from the control treatment (p = 0.05). In conclusion, using a daily ZH dosage of 0.2 mg per kg of BW produced the best productive performance, carcass characteristics, and some changes in the meat of hair-breed lambs.
The Role of Biochar and Soil Properties in Determining the Available Content of Al, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Cd in Soil
Authors: Hailegnaw Niguss Solomon , Mercl Filip , Pračke Kateřina , Praus Lukáš , Száková Jiřina , Tlustoš Pavel
Published: June 2020

The purpose of the study was to understand the mechanisms of biochar-induced changes in the available content of aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) in a wide range of soils. Five soils from different regions of the Czech Republic were incubated for 12 weeks with four rates of biochar (0.5%, 2%, 4%, and 8% w/w). The available concentrations of Al, Cd, Zn, Cu, and Mn were determined on the 7th and 84th day of incubation. There was a significant decline in the available content of Al, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Cd except in the available content of Al in one soil, which is characterized by very low Al content, higher cation exchange capacity (CEC), and neutral pH = 7.0. The decline in the mobile contents of Al, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Cd was significant in all cases of 8% biochar rate. The decline in the content of Al, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Cd was mainly due to the increment in soil pH and increment in CEC, decline in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and the release of exchangeable Ca2+ and K+ from biochar. The application of high amounts of biochar to soil could increase the available content of some metals like Al. On the other hand, biochar could efficiently reduce the mobility of Al, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Cd in soil, while the decline is mainly caused by biochar-induced changes in soil pH, CEC, DOC, and exchangeable Ca2+ and K+ content of treated soils.
Nutrient Diagnosis Norms for Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Tunisian Oases
Authors: Bendaly Labaied Mouna , Khiari Lotfi , Gallichand Jacques , Kebede Fassil , Kadri Nabila , Ben Ammar Nouha , Ben Hmida Foued , Ben Mimoun Mehdi
Published: June 2020

Several studies have pointed out the promising use of nutritional diagnosis methods for the determination of optimum nutrient contents in plant tissues. The present investigation was carried out in different oases in Southern Tunisia to determine reference values for the interpretation of leaf analyses of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Deglet Nour cultivar with the Critical Value Approach (CVA) and the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND). A database (n = 100) of yield and mineral concentrations taken from date palm leaflets in October, at the maturity stage of dates, was used. The yield cut-off between low-yield and high-yield subpopulations, selected from cumulative variance ratio functions across survey data, was 76 kg palm−1 and the global nutrient imbalance index (CNDr2) was 10.06. Critical CND nutrient indices were found to be symmetrical around zero as follows: (1.59; +1.59) for IN, (−0.44, +0.44) for IP, (−0.63, +0.63) for IK, (−0.94, +0.94) for ICa, (−1.05, +1.05) for IMg, (−0.80, +0.80) for IFe, (−0.74, +0.74) for ICu, (−0.80, +0.80) for IB, (−0.93, +0.93) for IZn, (−1.04, +1.04) for IMn, and (−1.03, +1.03) for the residual value. Compared to CND, the CVA approach shows weak detection of the nutrients that cause nutritional imbalance. CND indices revealed, except for N, the presence of nutrient imbalances and the necessity to correct the mineral nutrition of date palm in the Kebeli oases.
Label-Free Electrochemical Microfluidic Chip for the Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Jeon Hyoil , A. Khan Zeeshan , Barakat Emad , Park Seungkyung
Published: June 2020

The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a global threat to human health. An accurate antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) before initiating the treatment is paramount in the treatment and bacterial resistance control. However, the current AST methods either are complex, use chemical and biological labels, lack multiplexing, are expensive, or are too slow to be used for routine screening. The primary objective of the current study is to develop an automated electrochemical microfluidic chip (EMC) for simple and rapid AST. The microfluidic channels and gold microelectrodes were designed for the automation of antibiotic mixing and distribution in multiple test chambers and for electrical signal measurements. The designed chip was tested for AST with E. coli samples, and the results were compared with conventional broth microdilution. The presented EMC provided rapid bacterial count and AST in 170 and 150 min, respectively, while the conventional broth microdilution evaluates in 450 and 240 min, respectively. The rapid AST capability of the EMC was further demonstrated with the artificial urine samples, and the results were obtained in 270 min, which was 90 min faster than the broth microdilution method. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated on the EMC and compared with the results from an AlamarBlue assay. The experimental results indicate the sensitivity of the chip, minimum loss of antibiotics, and eventually, reduction in the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Cumulatively, we have developed an automated, label-free, economical, rapid, robust, and user-friendly EMC for the evaluation of AST in urine samples.
University Students’ Antibiotic Use and Knowledge of Antimicrobial Resistance: What Are the Common Myths?
Authors: Shahpawee Nurul Shaheera , Chaw Li Ling , Muharram Siti Hanna , Goh Hui Poh , Hussain Zahid , Ming Long Chiau
Published: June 2020

We aimed to assess antibiotic usage and knowledge regarding antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among undergraduate students of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), public university located in Brunei Darussalam. A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was adapted from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Antibiotic resistance: Multi-country public awareness” survey distributed online. Students at the UBD were invited to participate in the online survey through internal email. The questionnaire consisted of five sections: demographic information, antibiotic usage, knowledge on antibiotics, antibiotic resistance (AMR), and use of antibiotics in agriculture. The data were analyzed descriptively and appropriate inferential statistics were used accordingly. A total of 130 students returned a completed questionnaire. The result of the study found that 51% (n = 66) of the students had good level of knowledge of antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance with a mean total knowledge score of nine out of 14. Of note, 76% (n = 99) of the respondents mistakenly believed that antibiotic resistance is the result of the body becoming resistant to antibiotics. Only 14% (n = 18) of the respondents were found to have poor knowledge on antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in the study. Misconceptions in regards to the use of antibiotics for conditions related to viral illnesses like cold and flu (41%, n = 53) were noticed among the respondents in our study. Thus, improving knowledge on antibiotics is crucial to address these beliefs.
Isolation and Characterization of Pectobacterium Phage vB_PatM_CB7: New Insights into the Genus Certrevirus
Authors: Buttimer Colin , Lynch Caoimhe , Hendrix Hanne , Neve Horst , Noben Jean-Paul , Lavigne Rob , Coffey Aidan
Published: June 2020

To date, Certrevirus is one of two genera of bacteriophage (phage), with phages infecting Pectobacterium atrosepticum, an economically important phytopathogen that causes potato blackleg and soft rot disease. This study provides a detailed description of Pectobacterium phage CB7 (vB_PatM_CB7), which specifically infects P. atrosepticum. Host range, morphology, latent period, burst size and stability at different conditions of temperature and pH were examined. Analysis of its genome (142.8 kbp) shows that the phage forms a new species of Certrevirus, sharing sequence similarity with other members, highlighting conservation within the genus. Conserved elements include a putative early promoter like that of the Escherichia coli sigma70 promoter, which was found to be shared with other genus members. A number of dissimilarities were observed, relating to DNA methylation and nucleotide metabolism. Some members do not have homologues of a cytosine methylase and anaerobic nucleotide reductase subunits NrdD and NrdG, respectively. Furthermore, the genome of CB7 contains one of the largest numbers of homing endonucleases described in a single phage genome in the literature to date, with a total of 23 belonging to the HNH and LAGLIDADG families. Analysis by RT-PCR of the HNH homing endonuclease residing within introns of genes for the large terminase, DNA polymerase, ribonucleotide reductase subunits NrdA and NrdB show that they are splicing competent. Electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) was also performed on the virion of CB7, allowing the identification of 26 structural proteins—20 of which were found to be shared with the type phages of the genera of Vequintavirus and Seunavirus. The results of this study provide greater insights into the phages of the Certrevirus genus as well as the subfamily Vequintavirinae.
Edible Leafy Plants from Mexico as Sources of Antioxidant Compounds, and Their Nutritional, Nutraceutical and Antimicrobial Potential: A Review
Authors: Mateos-Maces Lourdes , Chávez-Servia José Luis , Vera-Guzmán Araceli Minerva , Aquino-Bolaños Elia Nora , Alba-Jiménez Jimena E. , Villagómez-González Bethsabe Belem
Published: June 2020

A review of indigenous Mexican plants with edible stems and leaves and their nutritional and nutraceutical potential was conducted, complemented by the authors’ experiences. In Mexico, more than 250 species with edible stems, leaves, vines and flowers, known as “quelites,” are collected or are cultivated and consumed. The assessment of the quelite composition depends on the chemical characteristics of the compounds being evaluated; the protein quality is a direct function of the amino acid content, which is evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the contribution of minerals is evaluated by atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or ICP mass spectrometry. The total contents of phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, saponins and other general compounds have been analyzed using UV-vis spectrophotometry and by HPLC. For the determination of specific compounds such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, organic acids and other profiles, it is recommended to use HPLC-DAD, UHPLC-DAD, UFLC-PDA or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The current biochemical analysis and biological evaluations were performed to understand the mechanisms of action that lead to decreased glucose levels and lipid peroxidation, increased hypoglycemic and antitumor activity, immune system improvement, increased antibacterial and antifungal activity and, in some cases, anti-Helicobacter pylori activity.
A Review of the Potential Benefits of Plants Producing Berries in Skin Disorders
Authors: Piazza Stefano , Fumagalli Marco , Khalilpour Saba , Martinelli Giulia , Magnavacca Andrea , Dell’Agli Mario , Sangiovanni Enrico
Published: June 2020

During the last 30 years, berries have gained great attention as functional food against several risk factors in chronic diseases. The number of related publications on Pubmed rose from 1000 items in 1990 to more than 11,000 in 2019. Despite the fact that a common and clear definition of “berries” is not shared among different scientific areas, the phytochemical pattern of these fruits is mainly characterized by anthocyanins, flavanols, flavonols, and tannins, which showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in humans. Skin insults, like wounds, UV rays, and excessive inflammatory responses, may lead to chronic dermatological disorders, conditions often characterized by long-term treatments. The application of berries for skin protection is sustained by long traditional use, but many observations still require a clear pharmacological validation. This review summarizes the scientific evidence, published on EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scholar, to identify extraction methods, way of administration, dose, and mechanism of action of berries for potential dermatological treatments. Promising in vitro and in vivo evidence of Punica granatum L. and Vitis vinifera L. supports wound healing and photoprotection, while Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Vaccinium spp. showed clear immunomodulatory effects. Oral or topical administrations of these berries justify the evaluation of new translational studies to validate their efficacy in humans.
Study of the In Vitro Digestion of Olive Oil Enriched or Not with Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds. Relationships between Bioaccessibility of Main Components of Different Oils and Their Composition
Authors: Alberdi-Cedeño Jon , Ibargoitia María L. , Guillén María D.
Published: June 2020

The changes provoked by in vitro digestion in the lipids of olive oil enriched or not with different phenolic compounds were studied by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and solid phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). These changes were compared with those provoked in the lipids of corn oil and of virgin flaxseed oil submitted to the same digestive conditions. Lipolysis and oxidation were the two reactions under consideration. The bioaccessibility of main and minor components of olive oil, of phenolic compounds added, and of compounds formed as consequence of the oxidation, if any, were matters of attention. Enrichment of olive oil with antioxidant phenolic compounds does not affect the extent of lipolysis, but reduces the oxidation degree to minimum values or avoids it almost entirely. The in vitro bioaccessibility of nutritional and bioactive compounds was greater in the olive oil digestate than in those of other oils, whereas that of compounds formed in oxidation was minimal, if any. Very close quantitative relationships were found between the composition of the oils in main components and their in vitro bioaccessibility. These relationships, some of which have predictive value, can help to design lipid diets for different nutritional purposes.
Low Thermal Conductivity Materials and Very Low Heat Power: A Demanding Challenge in the Detection of Flaws in Multi-Layer Wooden Cultural Heritage Objects Solved by Pulse-Compression Thermography Technique
Authors: Sfarra Stefano , Laureti Stefano , Gargiulo Gianfranco , Malekmohammadi Hamed , Sangiovanni Mario Andrea , La Russa Mauro , Burrascano Pietro , Ricci Marco
Published: June 2020

An inlay sample with artificial defects was inspected via the pulse-compression thermography (PuCT) technique. The sample belongs to the cultural heritage field, and it was realized by a professional restorer based on his long-time experience, imitating historical art crafting styles. The tesserae composing the inlay were not treated by any protective paints, so that external thermal stimuli may cause physical/mechanical alterations of the cell walls, with consequent colour changes, cracks, and eventually damage to its surface. To avoid any alteration of the sample, the PuCT technique was used for inspecting the inlay sample as it allows the heating power to be very low, while assuring enough thermal contrast for the defects to be detected after the exploitation of the pulse-compression algorithm. Even if a maximum ΔT slightly exceeding 1 °C was detected during the PuCT test of the inlay sample, it is shown that this is enough for detecting several defects. Further, image processing based on the Hilbert transform increases defect detection and characterization. In addition, a novel normalization technique, i.e., a pixel-by-pixel data normalization with respect to the absorbance estimated by considering a characteristic value of the compression peak, is introduced here for the first time. The proposed normalization enhances the defect detection capability with respect to the standard pixel-by-pixel amplitude visualization. This has been demonstrated for two experimental setups, both exploiting the same LED chips system as heating source but different thermal camera sensors, i.e., one in the mid-infrared spectrum, the other in the far infrared one. Thus, the present work is also the first small-scale test of a future portable system that will include low-power LED chip feed in DC by metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) devices, and a handy far-infrared camera.
Remote Design and Manufacture through the Example of a Ventilator
Authors: Paszkiewicz Andrzej , Bolanowski Marek , Budzik Grzegorz , Sowa Piotr , Pisz Tomasz , Oleksy Mariusz , Przeszłowski Łukasz
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the authors present a completely new approach to the remote prototyping process, taking into account the distributed nature of design and manufacturing resources. A new model is suggested, taking into account the conditions of the Industry 4.0 concept, along with a component of remote implementation and coordination of operations. On the basis of this model, the architecture of the target system is developed, which is further built and implemented in the actual productive environment. The system’s functionality additionally enables the implementation of the design and production process in critical conditions resulting from natural disasters or epidemic states. The practical application of the developed solutions is presented on the design of a ventilator, which is dedicated to help in the fight against epidemic states, e.g., coronavirus.
Numerical Prediction of the Behavior of CO2 Bubbles Leaked from Seafloor and Their Convection and Diffusion near Southeastern Coast of Korea
Authors: Jeong Se-Min , Ko Seokwon , Sean Wu-Yang
Published: June 2020

Among various carbon capture and storage technologies to mitigate global warming and ocean acidification due to greenhouse gases, ocean geological storage is considered the most feasible for Korea due to insufficient inland space to store CO2. However, the risk of CO2 leakage and the behavior and environmental effects of the leaked CO2 need to be assessed for its successful implementation. Therefore, the behavior of CO2 bubbles/droplets dissolving into the surrounding seawater and the diffusion of dissolved CO2 by ocean flows should be accurately predicted. However, finding corresponding research has been difficult in Korea. Herein, the behavior and convection-diffusion of CO2 that was assumed to have leaked from the seafloor near the southeastern coast of Korea were numerically predicted using a multi-scale ocean model for the first time. In the simulation region, one of the pilot projects of CO2 ocean geological storage had started but has been temporarily halted. In the ocean model, hydrostatic approximation and the Eulerian–Lagrangian two-phase model were applied for meso- and small-scale regions, respectively. Parameters for the simulations were the leakage rate and the initial diameter of CO2. Results revealed that all leaked and rising CO2 bubbles were dissolved into the seawater before reaching the free surface; further, the change in the partial pressure of CO2 did not exceed 500 ppm during 30 days of leakage for all cases.
Genetic Algorithm with Radial Basis Mapping Network for the Electricity Consumption Modeling
Authors: Elias Israel , Rubio José de Jesús , Martinez Dany Ivan , Vargas Tomas Miguel , Garcia Victor , Mujica-Vargas Dante , Meda-Campaña Jesus Alberto , Pacheco Jaime , Gutierrez Guadalupe Juliana , Zacarias Alejandro
Published: June 2020

The modified backpropagation algorithm based on the backpropagation with momentum is used for the parameters updating of a radial basis mapping (RBM) network, where it requires of the best hyper-parameters for more precise modeling. Seeking of the best hyper-parameters in a model it is not an easy task. In this article, a genetic algorithm is used to seek of the best hyper-parameters in the modified backpropagation for the parameters updating of a RBM network, and this RBM network is used for more precise electricity consumption modeling in a city. The suggested approach is called genetic algorithm with a RBM network. Additionally, since the genetic algorithm with a RBM network starts from the modified backpropagation, we compare both approaches for the electricity consumption modeling in a city.
Experimental Evaluation of the Impact of Different Types of Jamming Signals on Commercial GNSS Receivers
Authors: Elghamrawy Haidy , Karaim Malek , Tamazin Mohamed , Noureldin Aboelmaged
Published: June 2020

The received global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal has a very low power due to traveling a very long distance and to the nature of the signal’s propagation medium. Thus, GNSS signals are easily susceptible to signal interference. Signal interference can cause severe degradation or interruption in GNSS position, navigation, and timing (PNT) services which could be very critical, especially in safety-critical applications. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the presence of jamming signals on a high-end GNSS receiver and investigate the benefits of using a multi-constellation system under such circumstances. Several jamming signals are considered in this research, including narrowband and wideband signals that are located on GPS L1 or GLONASS L1 frequency bands. Quasi-real dynamic trajectories are generated using the Spirent™ GSS6700 GNSS signal simulator combined with an interference signal generator through a Spirent™ GSS8366 unit. The performance evaluation was carried out using several evaluation metrics, including signal power degradation, navigation solution availability, dilution of precision (DOP), and positioning accuracy. The multi-constellation system presented better performance over the global positioning system (GPS)-only constellation in most cases. Moreover, jamming the GPS band caused more critical effects than jamming the GLONASS band.
Multidisciplinary Approach for Evaluating the Geochemical Degradation of Building Stone Related to Pollution Sources in the Historical Center of Naples (Italy)
Authors: Comite Valeria , Ricca Michela , Ruffolo Silvestro Antonio , Graziano Sossio Fabio , Rovella Natalia , Rispoli Concetta , Gallo Chiara , Randazzo Luciana , Barca Donatella , Cappelletti Piergiulio , La Russa Mauro Francesco
Published: June 2020

Natural stones have represented one of the main building materials since ancient times. In recent decades, a worsening in degradation phenomena related mostly to environmental pollution was observed, threatening their conservation. The present work is focused on the minero-petrographic and geochemical characterization of black crust (BC) samples taken from the historical center of Naples, after selecting two pilot monumental areas. The latter were chosen based on their historical importance, type of material, state of preservation and position in the urban context (i.e., high vehicular traffic area, limited traffic area, industrial area, etc.). The building materials used and their interaction with environmental pollutions were studied comparing the results obtained by means of different analytical techniques such as polarized light Optical Microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion system (SEM-EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and laser ablation coupled with inductive plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).
Concepts and Capabilities of In-House Built Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field (nsPEF) Generators for Electroporation: State of Art
Authors: Butkus Paulius , Murauskas Arūnas , Tolvaišienė Sonata , Novickij Vitalij
Published: June 2020

Electroporation is a pulsed electric field triggered phenomenon of cell permeabilization, which is extensively used in biomedical and biotechnological context. There is a growing scientific demand for high-voltage and/or high-frequency pulse generators for electropermeabilization of cells (electroporators). In the scope of this article we have reviewed the basic topologies of nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) generators for electroporation and the parametric capabilities of various in-house built devices, which were introduced in the last two decades. Classification of more than 60 various nsPEF generators was performed and pulse forming characteristics (pulse shape, voltage, duration and repetition frequency) were listed and compared. Lastly, the trends in the development of the electroporation technology were discussed.
Structural Damage Features Extracted by Convolutional Neural Networks from Mode Shapes
Authors: Zhong Kefeng , Teng Shuai , Liu Gen , Chen Gongfa , Cui Fangsen
Published: June 2020

This paper aims to locate damaged rods in a three-dimensional (3D) steel truss and reveals some internal working mechanisms of the convolutional neural network (CNN), which is based on the first-order modal parameters and CNN. The CNN training samples (including a large number of damage scenarios) are created by ABAQUS and PYTHON scripts. The mode shapes and mode curvature differences are taken as the inputs of the CNN training samples, respectively, and the damage locating accuracy of the CNN is investigated. Finally, the features extracted from each convolutional layer of the CNN are checked to reveal some internal working mechanisms of the CNN and explain the specific meanings of some features. The results show that the CNN-based damage detection method using mode shapes as the inputs has a higher locating accuracy for all damage degrees, while the method using mode curvature differences as the inputs has a lower accuracy for the targets with a low damage degree; however, with the increase of the target damage degree, it gradually achieves the same good locating accuracy as mode shapes. The features extracted from each convolutional layer show that the CNN can obtain the difference between the sample to be classified and the average of training samples in shallow layers, and then amplify the difference in the subsequent convolutional layer, which is similar to a power function, finally it produces a distinguishable peak signal at the damage location. Then a damage locating method is derived from the feature extraction of the CNN. All of these results indicate that the CNN using first-order modal parameters not only has a powerful damage location ability, but also opens up a new way to extract damage features from the measurement data.
Quantum Mechanical Coherence of K+ Ion Wave Packets Increases Conduction in the KcsA Ion Channel
Authors: Summhammer Johann , Sulyok Georg , Bernroider Gustav
Published: June 2020

We simulate the transmission of K+ ions through the KcsA potassium ion channel filter region at physiological temperatures, employing classical molecular dynamics (MD) at the atomic scale together with a quantum mechanical version of MD simulation (QMD), treating single ions as quantum wave packets. We provide a direct comparison between both concepts, embedding the simulations into identical force fields and thermal fluctuations. The quantum simulations permit the estimation of coherence times and wave packet dispersions of a K+ ion over a range of 0.5 nm (a range that covers almost 50% of the filter domains longitudinal extension). We find that this observed extension of particle delocalization changes the mean orientation of the coordinating carbonyl oxygen atoms significantly, transiently suppressing their ‘caging action’ responsible for selective ion coordination. Compared to classical MD simulations, this particular quantum effect allows the K+ ions to ‘escape’ more easily from temporary binding sites provided by the surrounding filter atoms. To further elucidate the role of this observation for ion conduction rates, we compare the temporal pattern of single conduction events between classical MD and quantum QMD simulations at a femto-sec time scale. A finding from both approaches is that ion permeation follows a very irregular time pattern, involving flushes of permeation interrupted by non-conductive time intervals. However, as compared with classical behavior, the QMD simulation shortens non-conductive time by more than a half. As a consequence, and given the same force-fields, the QMD-simulated ion current appears to be considerably stronger as compared with the classical current. To bring this result in line with experimentally observed ion currents and the predictions based on Nernst–Planck theories, the conclusion is that a transient short time quantum behavior of permeating ions can successfully compromise high conduction rates with ion selectivity in the filter of channel proteins.
Experimental Implementation of Power-Split Control Strategies in a Versatile Hardware-in-the-Loop Laboratory Test Bench for Hybrid Electric Vehicles Equipped with Electrical Variable Transmission
Authors: Vafaeipour Majid , El Baghdadi Mohamed , Verbelen Florian , Sergeant Peter , Van Mierlo Joeri , Hegazy Omar
Published: June 2020

The energy management strategy (EMS) or power management strategy (PMS) unit is the core of power sharing control in the hybridization of automotive drivetrains in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Once a new topology and its corresponding EMS are virtually designed, they require undertaking different stages of experimental verifications toward guaranteeing their real-world applicability. The present paper focuses on a new and less-extensively studied topology of such vehicles, HEVs equipped with an electrical variable transmission (EVT) and assessed the controllability validation through hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) implementations versus model-in-the-loop (MiL) simulations. To this end, first, the corresponding modeling of the vehicle components in the presence of optimized control strategies were performed to obtain the MiL simulation results. Subsequently, an innovative versatile HiL test bench including real prototyped components of the topology was introduced and the corresponding experimental implementations were performed. The results obtained from the MiL and HiL examinations were analyzed and statistically compared for a full input driving cycle. The verification results indicate robust and accurate actuation of the components using the applied EMSs under real-time test conditions.
Ridge Preservation Using a Novel Enzyme-Treated Xenograft. A Preliminary Retrospective Histomorphometric Investigation
Authors: Di Stefano Danilo Alessio , Orlando Francesco
Published: June 2020

The use of xenografts to preserve the post-extraction alveolar ridge is an established and effective procedure. Recently, a novel freeze-dried, enzyme-deantigenic equine bone (EDEB) particulate combined with a hydrogel carrier (Exur®) containing ascorbic acid has been developed (EDEBEX). The aim of this study was to preliminarily investigate histomorphometric and early implant survival outcomes following the graft of EDEBEX in post-extractive sockets. Records of patients who underwent ridge preservation using EDEBEX followed by two-step implant placement were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Newly Formed Bone (NFB) and Residual Biomaterial (RB) at the implant placement site were measured through histomorphometric analysis, and early Marginal Bone Loss (MBL) for implants was calculated at the final follow-up. Records concerned 13 patients (nine women and four men, average age 54.1 ± 9.5 years). The 13 sockets were considered healed 4.5 ± 2.6 months (mean ± SD) after grafting, with NFB and RB values of 43.2 ± 22.1% and 8.8 ± 5.9%, respectively. 8.4 ± 5.8 months after implant placement, the median MBL was 0.20 [0.00–0.45] mm. No correlation was observed between MBL and NFB. EDEBEX grafted in post-extractive sockets for ridge preservation seems to allow for new bone formation with satisfactory implant outcomes. Future prospective studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.