bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SISTEM CERDAS PEMBERI PAKAN IKAN SECARA OTOMATIS
Authors: Hayatunnufus Hayatunnufus , Alita Debby
Published: February 2021

Alat Pemberi Pakan Ikan Hias Di Aquarium Secara Otomatis merupakan sistem cerdas yang bertujuan untuk mempermudah dalam pemberian pakannya, sehingga ketika pemelihara ikan memiliki kesibukan yang cukup padat dan merasa kesulitan ketika akan pergi meninggalkan rumah dalam waktu yang cukup lama, maka ikan akan tetap terjaga dalam proses pemberian pakannya. Sistem yang dirancang terdiri dari empat bagian yaitu: catu daya, sistem minimum, rangkaian mekanika dan program. Cara kerja alat ini yaitu dengan mengatur pemberian makanan pada Alat Pemberi Pakan Ikan yang diatur oleh mikrokontroler menggunakan parameter waktu RTC (Real Time Clock), arduino sebagai proses, motor DC (Direct Current) sebagai kondisi output dan LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) sebagai user interface dan monitoring. Penambahan sensor Ultrasonik untuk memantau keadaan pakan dalam penampung. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian dan untuk kerja dari “Alat Pemberi Pakan Ikan Hias Di Aquarium Secara Otomatis” telah menunjukkan hasil yang sesuai dengan perencanaan yaitu alat dapat memberikan pakan ikan secara otomatis pada waktu yang telah ditentukan.
METAPHORICAL EXPRESSIONS IN EMILY DICKINSON’S POEMS
Authors: Cenita Lola , Nurmaily Ely
Published: February 2021

The poem has the role of the media to deliver the author’s opinion, messages, and feeling towards certain phenomena to the readers by using literary language. The idea of those poems needs to be interpreted by the readers and it is dealing with meaning. Problems occur when there is the literary language used by the author since not all the reader can understand the implicit meaning inside the poems which certainly used figurative language, especially metaphor. Thus, the study entitled Metaphorical Expressions in Emily Dickinson’s Poems aimed to find the metaphor inside three poems by Emily Dickinson entitled I Felt a Funeral in My Brain, Because I could Not Stop for Death and I Heard a Fly Buzz – when I Died. This study also aimed to identify the implicit meaning behind those metaphors. In analyzing the data, the researcher used the metaphor theory proposed by Lakoff and Johnson, they are structural metaphor, ontological metaphor, and orientational metaphor. To answer the second research question, the researcher used the theory of meaning by I. A Richard. This study used a descriptive qualitative method and stylistic approach, in which the researcher focuses on the aesthetic function of the language. In this research, the researcher found 17 metaphorical expressions divided into 5 types of metaphor there are: entity metaphor 4 data, structural metaphor 5 data, orientation metaphor 1 data, container metaphor 1data and personification 6 data.
KHALED HOSSEINI’S WORLD VIEW ON AFGHANISTAN SOCIETY DEPICTED IN A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS
Authors: Efrilia Efrilia , Setiawan Dwi Budi
Published: February 2021

Culture is the complex whole that man has acquired as a member of society. The culture shows the result of the behavior and habits of the societies of its place. Khaled Hosseini through his novel tries to extend his thought based on his view over the sociological problem which exists in Afghanistan. This investigation aims to explain the author's world view which focuses on a novel entitled A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. The setting of the novel is in Afghanistan from the 1960s until the early 2000s. Through this novel, Khaled Hosseini describes the Sociological issues which happen in Afghanistan at that time. In analyzing the data, the author uses a descriptive qualitative method and focused on Lucien Goldmann's theory of genetic structuralism. The result of this research shows that there are some problems within Afghan society such as (1) the education system, (2) marriage, and (3) domestic violence.
TINGKAT KECEMASAN SESEORANG TERHADAP PEMBERLAKUAN NEW NORMAL DAN PENGETAHUAN TERHADAP IMUNITAS TUBUH
Authors: Gumantan Aditya , Mahfud Imam , Yuliandra Rizki
Published: February 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tingkat kecemasan yang dialami masyarakat Provinsi Lampung terhadap pemberlakuannya kebijakan new normal, penelitian ini mengunakan jenis penelitian diskpirsi kualitatif. Dalam penelitian ini diketahui bahwa sebesar 48,9% mengalami kecemasan yang berlebihan, tedapat 39,1% mengalami cemas biasa dan 12% tidak mengalami kecemasan terhadap virus corona, pemberlakuan new normal terdapat 22,8% menghadapi kecemasan berlebihan, mengalami cemas biasa 52,7% dan 24,5% merasa tidak cemas dalam pemberlakuan new normal. Tingkat pengetahuan masyarkat terhadap sistem imunitas tubuh terdapat 91,6 % sebagai sistem antibodi melawan corona virus.
HASIL LOMPAT JAUH GAYA JONGKOK DITINJAU DARI KEMAMPUAN MOTOR ABILITY PADA SISWA KELAS IV DAN V SD NEGERI 1 WATES KECAMATAN GADINGREJO TAHUN 2019
Authors: Ramadhan Ziko Fajar , Wicaksono Bayu
Published: February 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui korelasi antara Motor Ability terhadap hasil lompat jauh pada siswa kelas IV dan V SD Negeri 1 Wates Gading Rejo . Sampel pada penelitian ini menggunakan seluruh kelas siswa IV dan V pada SDN 1 Wates Gading Rejo. Data yang diperoleh dalam penelitian ini merupakan hasil tes dan pengukuran antara motor ability dan lompat jauh gaya jongkok. Analisis data pada penelitian ini menggunakan uji korelasi Motor Ability terhadap hasil lompat jauh gaya jongkok. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan analisis data didapatkan hasil sebesar 9.933 > 1.911. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian hipotesis terdapat  korelasi antara Motor Ability dan hasil lompat jauh gaya jongkok memiliki korelasi yang signifikan.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN POWER OTOT TUNGKAI PADA ATLET BOLABASKET
Authors: Nugroho Reza Adhi , Yuliandra Rizki
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat kebugaran terutama power otot tungkai atlet bolabasket tim Porda Indpndnt di Pringsewu. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif yang nantinya akan diungkapkan digambarkan tentang kondisi fisik power otot tungkai atlet bolabasket. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan total sampling, atlet yang mengikuti berjumlah 12 atlet bolabasket tim Porda Indpndnt. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu vertical jump test. Dari hasil penelitian dan pembahasan dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwa hasil vertical jump test menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kemampuan power otot tungkai yang dimiliki atlet bolabasket secara keseluruhan masih memiliki rating yang kurang baik, Keterbatasan yang ada pada penelitian ini yakni tidak dapat mengkontrol kondisi ekternal seperti istrirahat dan nutrisi yang di makan atlet, maka dari itu perlunya dilakukan pengawasan yang lebih lagi agar atlet dapat mendapatkan hasil yang lebih maksimal.
ANALISIS PERKEMBANGAN MOTORIK HALUS USIA 5-6 TAHUN PADA ERA NEW NORMAL
Authors: Aguss Rachmi Marsheilla
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study aims to determine how the motor development of children aged 5-6 years in the new normal era. Six indicators are used as a description of fine motor skills in children aged 5-6 years.  The method used in this research is the questionnaire method with the instrument used in the form of a questionnaire seen from the google form which is distributed through social media.  The results of this study take subjects from the community who have children 5-6 years.  The results showed the highest value of the six indicators was using writing utensils and cutlery correctly which reached an average value of 96% which was included in the percentage of excellent development.  Then the indicator with the lowest score is drawing according to the idea which only contributes an average value of 76% into the percentage of expected development.  Overall, the fine motoric development of children aged 5-6 years has a percentage of 84.6% that is included in the expected development criteria.
Analysis of Jokowi’s Commissive Speech Acts in 2014 and 2019 Inaugural Address: A Pragmatic Study
Authors: Firdaus Salwa Fadila , Indrayani Lia Maulia , Soemantri Ypsi Soeria
Published: February 2021

This article attempted to identify and describe the commissive acts in the inaugural addresses delivered by the Indonesian president Joko Widodo in 2014 and 2019. This includes the felicity condition of the addresses. The differences between commissive speech acts produced in his inauguration address and the second terms were also contrasted. The data were the transcripts of the addresses in both terms. Descriptive qualitative was implied in this study. The results found that there were two categories of commissive acts in the first term and four in the second term. In contrast with the first term which was only 11, in his second term he uttered 15 commissive acts. The results concluded that to maintain people’s trust in his second term, the speaker proposed more commissive acts than in the first term.
Interpersonal Meaning in RAs: Some Traces of Modality
Authors: Hendrawan Wawan , Sujatna Eva Tuckyta Sari , Krisnawati Ekaning , Darmayanti Nani
Published: February 2021

Studies on interpersonal meaning have been well documented. However, few studies explored interpersonal meaning in the area of research articles. In responding to this, the present study tried to reveal interpersonal meaning in RAs’ discussion sections. The data taken were from five reputable international journals categorized in the subject of language and linguistics indexed by Scopus with the SJR value above one. Having been analyzed by using the theory of modality from Halliday (1994), the data demonstrated that three types of modality values were identified such as high, middle, and low. In addition, there were some disparities among the results investigated. If sequenced, the low outnumbered the middle and the high values. This suggested that the authors had different assessments towards the topics written.
The Implementation and the Impact of Attention Grabbers in Young Learners’ Classrooms: A Case Study
Authors: Recard Michael , Nathania Yolanda H.
Published: February 2021

Due to the importance of attention grabber in the classroom management for pre-service teachers, this study examines the implementation and impact of attention grabbers in young learners’ classroom. The scope of this study focuses on pre-service teachers of the English Department in one University in Jakarta from grade two to five, and to attention grabbers which are produced when students are noisy and moving around the class while the teacher is giving instruction or explanation. The data were gathered from observation and video recording. The results indicated that the pre-service teachers still need to be aware to use attention grabbers when the classroom situation is not conducive. In order to make attention grabber become more effective when the teachers use attention grabbers in the classroom, it is important to make sure all of the students are responding to the attention grabbers. Furthermore, the suggestion for the next study is to find more participants in different grades.
The development of Need–Threat Internal Resiliency Theory in COVID-19 crisis utilizing deductive axiomatic approach
Authors: Sadang Jonaid Mustapha , Palompon Daisy R
Published: February 2021

Resiliency for older people represents the capacity to return to equilibrium when difficulties arise and was found as integral predictor of their health status. This study aims to develop a theory that attempts to explain the older adults’ resiliency perspectives during crisis and how it has affected their well-being and quality of life as population group. Deductive theory generation using axiomatic approach was adopted resulting to five axioms that served as basis for the generation of three propositions such as: (1) An older person’s health needs have tendencies to develop into a health threat, (2) when the threat is perceived, older persons developed a sense of internal control and adaptation to the changes it creates known as internal resiliency, and (3) internal resiliency can influence the quality of life in old age. The evolved theory suggests that in times of crisis (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic), health needs develop into a health threat that compels older persons to develop internal resiliency in order to preserve their integrity, wellbeing and quality of life. This study widens the nursing perspectives in addressing older persons’ resiliency by the unique condition at which older clients are placed affecting both the pathological nature of the illness as well as the preventive interventions which the society is forced to implement.
PEMETAAN BATIMETRI PERAIRAN DANGKAL MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA JUPP PADA CITRA SPOT-7 DI PERAIRAN TANJUNG TIRAM
Authors: Harianto Kurniawan , Takwir Amadhan , Halili .
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui hubungan antara nilai-nilai setiap kanal citra SPOT-7 dengan kedalaman perairan dangkal Tanjung Tiram, mensimulasi tingkat akurasi serta memetakan kedalaman pada perairan Tanjung Tiram menggunakan algoritma Jupp. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Januari – Maret 2018 di perairan Tanjung Tiram. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah dengan pengumpulan data-data primer dan sekunder hingga pengolahan data citra. Data primer berupa data batimetri. Data sekunder berupa data pasang surut. Data citra yang digunakan adalah citra SPOT-7 yang memiliki 4 kanal, multispektral dengan resolusi spasial 6 m terdiri dari kanal spektral biru (450 – 520 nm), hijau (530-590 nm), merah (625- 695 nm) dan band NIR (760 - 890 nm). Pengolahan data citra dilakukan dengan mengubah nilai digital menjadi nilai kedalaman perairan berdasarkan algoritma Jupp lalu koreksi terhadap pasang surut. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa hubungan anatara nilai digital (DN) dan kedalaman lapangan cukup baik dengan nilai R2 0,71. Selain itu, terlihat bahwa nilai digital setiap kanal cenderung semakin rendah dengan bertambahnya kedalaman lapangan suatu perairan begitu pun sebaliknya.Kata Kunci : Tanjung Tiram, Batimetri, Citra SPOT-7, Algoritma Jupp
KAJIAN BIOAKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI DAN SENYAWA METABOLIT SEKUNDER SPONS LAUT Haliclona sp., DARI PERAIRAN TANJUNG TIRAM MORAMO UTARA, SULAWESI TENGGARA
Authors: Ode Muhammad Fajrin , Ramli Muhammad , Sahidin .
Published: February 2021

Spons merupakan salah satu komponen organisme penyusun terumbu karang yang menghasilkan senyawa metabolit sekunder dan mempunyai potensi yang belum banyak dimanfaatkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi senyawa metabolit sekunder dan bioaktivitas antibakteri ekstrak aseton spons Haliclona sp. terhadap tiga bakteri pathogen Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus dan Escherichia coli. Pengujian dan identifikasi senyawa metabolit sekunder dilakukan dengan menggunakan reagen (pereaksi). Sedangkan aktivitas antibakteri dilakukan dengan metode difusi cakram. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak aseton spons Haliclona sp. teridentifikasi senyawa alkaloid, flavonoid, steroid, terpenoid, tannin (terkondensasi) dan saponin. Sedangkan kemampuan bioaktivitas antibakteri ekstrak aseton spons Haliclona sp. dikategorikan sedang terhadap bakteri S. typhi, dan dikategorikan lemah terhadap bakteri E. coli dan S. aureus. Ekstrak aseton dari spons Haliclona sp. menunjukkan potensi aktivitas inhibitor pertumbuhan bakteri patogen (antibakteri) terhadap S. typhi.Kata Kunci: Antibakteri, Senyawa Metabolit Sekunder, Spons.
Autism Awareness Scale for Security Officers Working in Hospitals: A Study of Validity and Reliability
Authors: KARAVUŞ Melda , HIDIROĞLU Seyhan , SARISALTIK Alican , ILGIN Can , YÜKSEL Gülsüm Hatice , ŞEKER Abdullah , KUMRU Pınar , SAVE Dilşad , LÜLECİ Nimet  Emel
Published: February 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness toward autism among security officers working in hospitals and to explore the validity and reliability of the Autism Awareness Scale for Security Officers (AASSO) developed by the researchers.
Methods: This methodological study was conducted at two Government Training and Research Hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 135 security officers were included in the study and the data were obtained between February and April 2019. The AASSO is a 4-point Likert type scale and consists of 20 items. The factor structure of the scale was extracted by performing exploratory factor analysis.
Results: Most of the participants were males (n=79; 58.5%) and high school graduates (n=86; 67.7%). Participants considered autism mostly as “a kind of mental retardation” (n=69; 51.9%), followed by “social interaction problem” (n=24; 18.0%). The AASSO reduces autism awareness into 3 factors (‘Coming across’, ‘Communication’ and ‘Interaction with the environment’), with eigenvalues ranging from 9.417 to 1.201 and explained 65.45% of all variance. Cronbach’s alpha values for the AASSO was 0.936 and ranging from 0.921 to 0.809 for the subscales.
Conclusion: According to these results AASSO is a valid and reliable scale. The consequence of further studies especially conducted on non-healthcare professionals of hospitals should be establishing Autism-friendly Hospitals.
Recent Advancement of the Sensors for Monitoring the Water Quality Parameters in Smart Fisheries Farming
Authors: Akhter Fowzia , Siddiquei Hasin Reza , Alahi Md Eshrat E. , Mukhopadhyay Subhas C.
Published: February 2021

Water quality is the most critical factor affecting fish health and performance in aquaculture production systems. Fish life is mostly dependent on the water fishes live in for all their needs. Therefore, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the water quality requirements of the fish. This research discusses the critical water parameters (temperature, pH, nitrate, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, and dissolved oxygen (DO)) for fisheries and reviews the existing sensors to detect those parameters. Moreover, this paper proposes a prospective solution for smart fisheries that will help to monitor water quality factors, make decisions based on the collected data, and adapt more quickly to changing conditions.
From Theory to Practice: Bone Health in Women with Early Breast Cancer Treated with Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Vasconcelos de Matos Leonor , Fernandes Leonor , Neves Maria Teresa , Alves Fátima , Baleiras Mafalda , Ferreira André , Giesteira Cotovio Pedro , Dias Domingues Tiago , Malheiro Mariana , Plácido Ana , Miranda Maria Helena , Martins Ana
Published: February 2021

Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are extensively used as adjuvant endocrine therapy in post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer (HR+ EBC), but their impact on bone health is not negligible. This work aimed to assess bone loss, fracture incidence, and risk factors associated with these events, as well as the prognostic influence of fractures. We have conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with HR+ EBC under adjuvant therapy with AI, during a 3-year period. Four-hundred-and-fifty-one eligible women were reviewed (median age 68 years). Median time under AI was 40 months. A fracture event occurred in 8.4%, mostly in the radium and femoral neck and in older women (mean 74 vs. 68 years, p = 0.006). Age (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, p = 0.024) and time under AI (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04, p = 0.037) were independent predictors of fracture, with a fair discrimination (AUC 0.71). Analysis of disease-free survival according to fracture event varied between groups, disfavoring the fracture cohort (at 73 months, survival 78.6%, 95% CI, 47.6–92.4 vs. 95.6%, 95% CI, 91.2–97.8, p = 0.027). The multivariate model confirmed the prognostic impact of fracture occurrence (adjusted HR of 3.17, 95% CI 1.10–9.11; p = 0.032). Bone health is often forgotten, despite its great impact in survivorship. Our results validate the pathophysiologic link between EBC and bone metabolism, which translates into EBC recurrence. Further research in this area may help refine these findings. Moreover, early identification of women at higher risk for fractures is warranted.
The Advances and Challenges of NK Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Kang Synat , Gao Xuefeng , Zhang Li , Yang Erna , Li Yonghui , Yu Li
Published: February 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells can be widely applied for cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to lyse tumor targets without prior sensitization or human leukocyte antigens-matching. Several NK-based therapeutic approaches have been attempted in clinical practice, but their efficacy is not sufficient to suppress tumor development mainly because of lacking specificity. To this end, the engineering of NK cells with T cell receptor along with CD3 subunits (TCR-NK) has been developed to increase the reactivity and recognition specificity of NK cells toward tumor cells. Here, we review recent advances in redirecting NK cells for cancer immunotherapy and discuss the major challenges and future explorations for their clinical applications.
Entangling Lattice-Trapped Bosons with a Free Impurity: Impact on Stationary and Dynamical Properties
Authors: Pyzh Maxim , Keiler Kevin , Mistakidis Simeon I. , Schmelcher Peter
Published: February 2021

We address the interplay of few lattice trapped bosons interacting with an impurity atom in a box potential. For the ground state, a classification is performed based on the fidelity allowing to quantify the susceptibility of the composite system to structural changes due to the intercomponent coupling. We analyze the overall response at the many-body level and contrast it to the single-particle level. By inspecting different entropy measures we capture the degree of entanglement and intraspecies correlations for a wide range of intra- and intercomponent interactions and lattice depths. We also spatially resolve the imprint of the entanglement on the one- and two-body density distributions showcasing that it accelerates the phase separation process or acts against spatial localization for repulsive and attractive intercomponent interactions, respectively. The many-body effects on the tunneling dynamics of the individual components, resulting from their counterflow, are also discussed. The tunneling period of the impurity is very sensitive to the value of the impurity-medium coupling due to its effective dressing by the few-body medium. Our work provides implications for engineering localized structures in correlated impurity settings using species selective optical potentials.
Ricci Curvature-Based Semi-Supervised Learning on an Attributed Network
Authors: Wu Wei , Hu Guangmin , Yu Fucai
Published: February 2021

In recent years, on the basis of drawing lessons from traditional neural network models, people have been paying more and more attention to the design of neural network architectures for processing graph structure data, which are called graph neural networks (GNN). GCN, namely, graph convolution networks, are neural network models in GNN. GCN extends the convolution operation from traditional data (such as images) to graph data, and it is essentially a feature extractor, which aggregates the features of neighborhood nodes into those of target nodes. In the process of aggregating features, GCN uses the Laplacian matrix to assign different importance to the nodes in the neighborhood of the target nodes. Since graph-structured data are inherently non-Euclidean, we seek to use a non-Euclidean mathematical tool, namely, Riemannian geometry, to analyze graphs (networks). In this paper, we present a novel model for semi-supervised learning called the Ricci curvature-based graph convolutional neural network, i.e., RCGCN. The aggregation pattern of RCGCN is inspired by that of GCN. We regard the network as a discrete manifold, and then use Ricci curvature to assign different importance to the nodes within the neighborhood of the target nodes. Ricci curvature is related to the optimal transport distance, which can well reflect the geometric structure of the underlying space of the network. The node importance given by Ricci curvature can better reflect the relationships between the target node and the nodes in the neighborhood. The proposed model scales linearly with the number of edges in the network. Experiments demonstrated that RCGCN achieves a significant performance gain over baseline methods on benchmark datasets.
Porous Manganese Oxide Networks as High-Capacity and High-Rate Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Choi Jaeho , Byun Woo Jin , Kang DongHwan , Lee Jung Kyoo
Published: February 2021

A mesoporous MnOx network (MMN) structure and MMN/C composites were prepared and evaluated as anodes for high-energy and high-rate lithium-ion batteries (LIB) in comparison to typical manganese oxide nanoparticle (MnNP) and graphite anodes, not only in a half-cell but also in a full-cell configuration (assembled with an NCM523, LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2, cathode). With the mesoporous features of the MMN, the MMN/C exhibited a high capacity (approximately 720 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1) and an excellent cycling stability at low electrode resistance compared to the MnNP/C composite. The MMN/C composite also showed much greater rate responses than the graphite anode. Owing to the inherent high discharge (de-lithiation) voltage of the MMN/C than graphite as anodes, however, the MMN‖NCM523 full cell showed approximately 87.4% of the specific energy density of the Gr‖NCM523 at 0.2 C. At high current density above 0.2 C, the MMN‖NCM523 cell delivered much higher energy than the Gr‖NCM523 mainly due to the excellent rate capability of the MMN/C anode. Therefore, we have demonstrated that the stabilized and high-capacity MMN/C composite can be successfully employed as anodes in LIB cells for high-rate applications.
Methodology to Evaluate the Impact of Electric Vehicles on Electrical Networks Using Monte Carlo
Authors: Betancur Daniel , Duarte Luis F. , Revollo Jesús , Restrepo Carlos , Díez Andrés E. , Isaac Idi A. , López Gabriel J. , González Jorge W.
Published: February 2021

In preparation for the electric mobility technological transition in Colombia, an impact assessment of the electric power system is required, considering the increasing loading that must be able to be managed in the future. In this paper, a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging simulation methodology is developed in order to dimension the impact of this type of load on power grids. PEV electric properties, user charging behaviors, geographic location, trip distances, and other variables of interest are modeled from empirical or known probability distributions and later evaluated in different scenarios using Monte Carlo simulation and load flow analysis. This methodology is later applied to the transmission network of Antioquia (a department of Colombia) resulting in load increases of up to 40% on transmission lines and 20% on transformers in a high PEV penetration scenario in 2030, increases that are well within the expected grid capacity for that year, avoiding the need for additional upgrades.
An Active Cascaded Battery Voltage Balancing Circuit Based on Multi-Winding Transformer with Small Magnetizing Inductance
Authors: Park Young-Hwa , Kim Rae-Young , Choi Yeong-Jun
Published: February 2021

This paper covers the active voltage balancing method of secondary batteries. The number of applications using secondary batteries is increasing, and the batteries are normally connected in series/parallel to increase discharge cycle and power. The problem is that when there is a voltage imbalance between the cells or modules of a battery, there is a risk of an accident in the near-sighted way, shortening the life of the battery cells. Although this risk was prevented through passive balancing, this approach has limitations, including heat generation, long balancing time, and in the case of a battery that needs to be balanced between modules (or between stacks), its effectiveness decreases. Therefore, in this paper, an active cell balancing method that can overcome the limitations mentioned before is proposed. The proposed method uses a multi-winding transformer, and to increase the power density, the magnetizing inductance is decreased, and an auxiliary circuit is added. The validity of the proposed circuit was verified through mode analysis and simulation. In addition, waveforms showing the balancing performance under various conditions and the comparison results between conventional and proposed methods are given.
Multiterminal HVDC System with Power Quality Enhancement
Authors: Roncero-Sánchez Pedro , Parreño Torres Alfonso , Vázquez Javier , López-Alcolea Francisco Javier , Molina-Martínez Emilio J. , Garcia-Torres Felix
Published: February 2021

High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems are a feasible solution that allows the transmission of energy between several power networks. As a consequence of the use of HVDC systems, renewable energy sources can be integrated more easily into distribution grids and smart grids. Furthermore, HVDC systems can contribute to improving the power quality (PQ) of the grids to which they are connected. This paper presents a multiterminal HVDC system that not only controls the flows of active power between four different networks, but also compensates imbalances and harmonics in the grid currents to maintain balanced and sinusoidal voltages at the point of common coupling of the various grids. The compensation is carried out by the voltage-source converters (VSCs) connected to their respective AC grids. A control scheme based on the use of resonant regulators and proportional–integral (PI) controllers is responsible for of achieving the necessary power flow control with the amelioration of the PQ. A case study of a multiterminal HVDC system that comprises four terminals sharing a DC bus of 80 kV is simulated by means of PSCADTM/EMTDCTM (Power System Computer-Aided Design; Electromagnetic Transients including Direct Current), where the AC grids associated with the terminals suffer from voltage imbalances and voltage harmonics owing to the connection of unbalanced loads and nonlinear loads. The obtained simulation results show the performance of the complete system in terms of active power flow, voltage regulation, and harmonic distortions of the grid current and the grid voltage.
A Novel De Novo SP6 Mutation Causes Severe Hypoplastic Amelogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Kim Youn Jung , Lee Yejin , Zhang Hong , Song Ji-Soo , Hu Jan C.-C. , Simmer James P. , Kim Jung-Wook
Published: February 2021

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders affecting tooth enamel formation. Here we report an identification of a novel de novo missense mutation [c.817_818delinsAT, p.(Ala273Met)] in the SP6 gene, causing non-syndromic autosomal dominant AI. This is the second paper on amelogenesis imperfecta caused by SP6 mutation. Interestingly the identified mutation in this study is a 2-bp variant at the same nucleotide positions as the first report, but with AT instead of AA insertion. Clinical phenotype was much more severe compared to the previous report, and western blot showed an extremely decreased level of mutant protein compared to the wild-type, even though the mRNA level was similar.
Droplet Sizes Emitted from Demonstration Electric Toothbrushes
Authors: Mark Erwin P. , Lewis Michael A. O. , Graziani Filippo , Atlas Boris , Utsch Joern
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to microbial transmission risk via aerosols in dental practice. Demonstration electric toothbrushes are used intra-orally for education. The aim of this investigation was to measure the size of droplets emitted by the brush head of two demonstration oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes. Measurement of droplet production and size was recorded in vitro using three methods: (1) Malvern Spraytec (LASER particle size measurement device with detectable particle size of 0.1–2500 µm) and brushes mounted on a 3D-printed, two-shell form-fit fixture with a supply of tap water; (2) a DustTrak aerosol measurement device and toothpaste slurry, with brushing simulated in the oral cavity of a phantom head; (3) high-speed visualization in a simulated-use situation in the oral cavity of a phantom head, with individual evaluation of tap water, water with detergent, 70% ethanol, glycerin and toothpaste slurry. Both brushes showed the size of emitted droplets was consistently between 200 and 1200 µm, categorized as splatter (dental aerosols are <50 µm diameter). No significant incremental aerosol-sized matter was detected during toothbrush operation. The high-speed video visualization confirmed only splatter-sized droplets during operation. These findings indicate that oscillating-rotating toothbrushes do not produce aerosol-sized particles during simulated use.
Health Promotion as a Motivational Factor in Alpine Cycling
Authors: Haid Marco , Nöhammer Elisabeth , Albrecht Julia N. , Plaikner Alexander , Stummer Harald , Heimerl Peter
Published: February 2021

The present study examines motives for cycling in the alpine region and focuses on the relative importance of health promotion with respect to other motives. Furthermore, the influences of person-specific characteristics on the rank of the motives are examined, and possibilities for advertising bike tourism based on these motives and characteristics are derived. By applying a quantitative approach, a total of 175 cyclists were surveyed using questionnaires on person-specific characteristics, motives, and their relevance for alpine cycling. Data analysis revealed that health promotion is the most important motive for alpine cycling after fun and action as well as nature experience. Further health-related motives such as stress reduction are also perceived as important. The social component, on the other hand, was given the least priority. The results also showed that person-specific characteristics influence the relative importance of motives. For example, elderly persons and people with children perceive the motive of health promotion as the most important. The study shows that the health-promoting effect of alpine cycling is noticed and may be further encouraged. This study demonstrates that alpine cyclists are a heterogeneous group and that health benefits are perceived by various sub-groups therein. Therefore, any marketing for alpine cycling needs to reflect the diversity of cyclists, and approaches need to be adapted according to the respective target group.
Micro-Vesicles of Moringa oleifera Seeds in Heterozygous Rats for DAT Gene: Effects of Oral Intake on Behavioral Profile and Hematological Parameters
Authors: Buccheri Clelia , Festucci Fabiana , Potestà Marina , Roglia Valentina , Bernardini Roberta , Minutolo Antonella , Montesano Carla , Adriani Walter
Published: February 2021

Previous studies have shown multiple biological properties of Moringa oleifera, a plant native to Africa and Asia. In the present study, potential physiological properties of microvesicles extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds were assessed. For this purpose, we investigated behavioral profile and hematological parameters in a recent rat model characterized by dysregulation in dopamine transporter, a key regulator of dopaminergic system. Experimental design consisted of male Wistar-DAT rats aged between two and four months: wild-type (WT) (n = 5) and heterozygous (DATHET) (n = 4) control groups, which drank tap water; WT (n = 5) and DATHET (n = 6) groups which drank a solution of Moringa microvesicles and water (2: 68 mL per day), which was orally administered for two months. Rats were monitored for spontaneous locomotor activity on a 24/7 basis. In the early lit hours, treated DATHET subjects showed higher locomotor activity, proposing a sleep-delay effect of Moringa. In forced swimming test, WT subjects who took Moringa exhibited more depressive behavior. In DATHET rats, Moringa seemed to potentiate the struggle to find a way out, counteracting an initial panic. Hemoglobin and hematocrit underwent opposite changes in either genotype, supporting the opposite effects on behavioral phenotype observed. Future work is clearly needed to further explore these preliminary profiles.
Pulmonary Function Testing in Work-Related Asthma: An Overview from Spirometry to Specific Inhalation Challenge
Authors: Poussel Mathias , Thaon Isabelle , Penven Emmanuelle , Tiotiu Angelica I.
Published: February 2021

Work-related asthma (WRA) is a very frequent condition in the occupational setting, and refers either to asthma induced (occupational asthma, OA) or worsened (work-exacerbated asthma, WEA) by exposure to allergens (or other sensitizing agents) or to irritant agents at work. Diagnosis of WRA is frequently missed and should take into account clinical features and objective evaluation of lung function. The aim of this overview on pulmonary function testing in the field of WRA is to summarize the different available tests that should be considered in order to accurately diagnose WRA. When WRA is suspected, initial assessment should be carried out with spirometry and bronchodilator responsiveness testing coupled with first-step bronchial provocation testing to assess non-specific bronchial hyper-responsiveness (NSBHR). Further investigations should then refer to specialists with specific functional respiratory tests aiming to consolidate WRA diagnosis and helping to differentiate OA from WEA. Serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) with calculation of the occupation asthma system (OASYS) score as well as serial NSBHR challenge during the working period compared to the off work period are highly informative in the management of WRA. Finally, specific inhalation challenge (SIC) is considered as the reference standard and represents the best way to confirm the specific cause of WRA. Overall, clinicians should be aware that all pulmonary function tests should be standardized in accordance with current guidelines.
Socioeconomic Differences in Walking Time of Children and Adolescents to Public Green Spaces in Urban Areas—Results of the German Environmental Survey (2014–2017)
Authors: Rehling Julia , Bunge Christiane , Waldhauer Julia , Conrad André
Published: February 2021

Public green spaces have a high potential for a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing, especially in urban areas. Studies on environmental justice indicate socially unequal access possibilities to urban green spaces. This article presents results on associations between individual socioeconomic position (SEP) and walking time from home to public green spaces in young people living in urban areas with more than 20,000 inhabitants in Germany. Data were derived from the German Environmental Survey for Children and Adolescents 2014–2017 (GerES V), the environmental module of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Wave 2). The sample comprises 1149 participants aged 3 to 17 years. A total of 51.5% of the participants reach a public green space on foot within five and 72.8% within ten minutes from home. The lower the participant’s SEP, the longer the walking time. Logistic regression models controlling for age group, sex, migration background, and region of residence show that participants with a low SEP have a significantly higher risk (odds ratio = 1.98; 95% confidence interval: 1.31–2.99) of needing more than ten minutes to walk from home to a public green space than participants with a high SEP. GerES V data indicate that young people living in urban areas in Germany do not equally benefit from the health-promoting potential of green spaces, which is an important aspect of environmental health inequalities.
Treatments for NAFLD: State of Art
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Dalbeni Andrea
Published: February 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is to date the most common chronic liver disease in clinical practice and, consequently, a major health problem worldwide. It affects approximately 30% of adults in the general population and up to 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Despite the current knowledge of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and natural history of NAFLD, no specific pharmacological therapies are until now approved for this disease and, consequently, general strategies have been proposed to manage it. They include: (a) lifestyle change in order to promote weight loss by diet and physical activity, (b) control of the main cardiometabolic risk factors, (c) correction of all modifiable risk factors leading the development and progression of advanced forms of NAFLD, and (d) prevention of hepatic and extra-hepatic complications. In the last decade, several potential agents have been widely investigated for the treatment of NAFLD and its advanced forms—shedding some light but casting a few shadows. They include some glucose-lowering drugs (such as pioglitazone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors), antioxidants (such as vitamin E), statins or other lipid lowering agents, bile and non-bile acid farnesoid X activated receptor (FXR) agonists, and others. This narrative review discusses in detail the different available approaches with the potential to prevent and treat NAFLD and its advanced forms.
Effects of Microbiota Imbalance in Anxiety and Eating Disorders: Probiotics as Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Navarro-Tapia Elisabet , Almeida-Toledano Laura , Sebastiani Giorgia , Serra-Delgado Mariona , García-Algar Óscar , Andreu-Fernández Vicente
Published: February 2021

Anxiety and eating disorders produce a physiological imbalance that triggers alterations in the abundance and composition of gut microbiota. Moreover, the gut–brain axis can be altered by several factors such as diet, lifestyle, infections, and antibiotic treatment. Diet alterations generate gut dysbiosis, which affects immune system responses, inflammation mechanisms, the intestinal permeability, as well as the production of short chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters by gut microbiota, which are essential to the correct function of neurological processes. Recent studies indicated that patients with generalized anxiety or eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorders) show a specific profile of gut microbiota, and this imbalance can be partially restored after a single or multi-strain probiotic supplementation. Following the PRISMA methodology, the current review addresses the main microbial signatures observed in patients with generalized anxiety and/or eating disorders as well as the importance of probiotics as a preventive or a therapeutic tool in these pathologies.
Overexpression of A Biotic Stress-Inducible Pvgstu Gene Activates Early Protective Responses in Tobacco under Combined Heat and Drought
Authors: Stavridou Evangelia , Voulgari Georgia , Michailidis Michail , Kostas Stefanos , Chronopoulou Evangelia G. , Labrou Nikolaos E. , Madesis Panagiotis , Nianiou-Obeidat Irini
Published: February 2021

Drought and heat stresses are major factors limiting crop growth and productivity, and their effect is more devastating when occurring concurrently. Plant glutathione transferases (GSTs) are differentially expressed in response to different stimuli, conferring tolerance to a wide range of abiotic stresses. GSTs from drought-tolerant Phaseolus vulgaris var. “Plake Megalosperma Prespon” is expected to play an important role in the response mechanisms to combined and single heat and drought stresses. Herein, we examined wild-type N. tabacum plants (cv. Basmas Xanthi) and T1 transgenic lines overexpressing the stress-induced Pvgstu3–3 and Pvgstu2–2 genes. The overexpression of Pvgstu3–3 contributed to potential thermotolerance and greater plant performance under combined stress. Significant alterations in the primary metabolism were observed in the transgenic plants between combined stress and stress-free conditions. Stress-responsive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and transcription factors (TFs) related to photosynthesis, signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, osmotic adjustment and thermotolerance, were identified under combined stress. In contrast, induction of certain DEGs and TF families under stress-free conditions indicated that transgenic plants were in a primed state. The overexpression of the Pvgstu3–3 is playing a leading role in the production of signaling molecules, induction of specific metabolites and activation of the protective mechanisms for enhanced protection against combined abiotic stresses in tobacco.
ATF3-Induced Mammary Tumors Exhibit Molecular Features of Human Basal-Like Breast Cancer
Authors: Yan Leqin , Gaddis Sally , Coletta Luis Della , Repass John , Powell Katherine Leslie , Simper Melissa S. , Chen Yueping , Byrom Michelle , Zhong Yi , Lin Kevin , Liu Bin , Lu Yue , Shen Jianjun , MacLeod Michael C.
Published: February 2021

Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is an aggressive and deadly subtype of human breast cancer that is highly metastatic, displays stem-cell like features, and has limited treatment options. Therefore, developing and characterizing preclinical mouse models with tumors that resemble BLBC is important for human therapeutic development. ATF3 is a potent oncogene that is aberrantly expressed in most human breast cancers. In the BK5.ATF3 mouse model, overexpression of ATF3 in the basal epithelial cells of the mammary gland produces tumors that are characterized by activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Here, we used RNA-Seq and microRNA (miRNA) microarrays to better define the molecular features of BK5.ATF3-derived mammary tumors. These analyses showed that these tumors share many characteristics of human BLBC including reduced expression of Rb1, Esr1, and Pgr and increased expression of Erbb2, Egfr, and the genes encoding keratins 5, 6, and 17. An analysis of miRNA expression revealed reduced levels of Mir145 and Mir143, leading to the upregulation of their target genes including both the pluripotency factors Klf4 and Sox2 as well as the cancer stem-cell-related gene Kras. Finally, we show through knock-down experiments that ATF3 may directly modulate MIR145/143 expression. Taken together, our results indicate that the ATF3 mouse mammary tumor model could provide a powerful model to define the molecular mechanisms leading to BLBC, identify the factors that contribute to its aggressiveness, and, ultimately, discover specific genes and gene networks for therapeutic targeting.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Disease Modelling Using Stem Cell Technology and Organoids
Authors: Trevisan Marta , Riccetti Silvia , Sinigaglia Alessandro , Barzon Luisa
Published: February 2021

In this Review, we briefly describe the basic virology and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, highlighting how stem cell technology and organoids can contribute to the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 cell tropisms and the mechanism of disease in the human host, supporting and clarifying findings from clinical studies in infected individuals. We summarize here the results of studies, which used these technologies to investigate SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in different organs. Studies with in vitro models of lung epithelia showed that alveolar epithelial type II cells, but not differentiated lung alveolar epithelial type I cells, are key targets of SARS-CoV-2, which triggers cell apoptosis and inflammation, while impairing surfactant production. Experiments with human small intestinal organoids and colonic organoids showed that the gastrointestinal tract is another relevant target for SARS-CoV-2. The virus can infect and replicate in enterocytes and cholangiocytes, inducing cell damage and inflammation. Direct viral damage was also demonstrated in in vitro models of human cardiomyocytes and choroid plexus epithelial cells. At variance, endothelial cells and neurons are poorly susceptible to viral infection, thus supporting the hypothesis that neurological symptoms and vascular damage result from the indirect effects of systemic inflammatory and immunological hyper-responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.