bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Using Frontloading Strategy in Teaching Reading Comprehension at The Seventh Grade Students of SMP N 10 Bengkulu In The Academic Year of 2018/2019
Authors: Windiarti Nani , . Arasuli , Afriazi Rudi
Published: August 2019

This study was conducted to find out the effect of using frontloading strategy in teaching reading comprehension at the seventh grade students of SMPN 10 Bengkulu. This research was a quasi experimental research that is one short experiment which used post-test only. The population of this research were the seventh grade students of SMPN 10 Bengkulu there are 180 students. The sample of this research were 57 students from two classes; the experimental class and control class. The experimental class was treated by using frontloading strategy, while the control class was taught by conventional strategy. The two classes have similar ability in English based on the scores of mid-term examination. In experimental class there was a significant positive effect towards the students reading comprehension (it was found that the t-count 2.047 while t-table was 1.676). T-count was bigger than t-table (2.047<1.676).   Based on those results, it can be assumed frontloading strategy was effective in increasing students’ reading comprehension.
Students’ English Structure and Written Competence
Authors: Tilana Palentja Etta , Yunita Wisma , . Zahrida
Published: August 2019

This research aims to investigate the students’ English competence, the highest percentage of students’ mistake and their difficulties in responding to the TOEFL structure and written expression sections. All of the 6th semester students of the English Education Study Program of Universitas Bengkulu who had passed all structure courses were involved in this research. The data were collected through a TOEFL test and an interview. The results show that majority of the students’ English competence was poor. It also reveals that the most difficult topic in grammar section was redundancy. There were two factors that affected the students’ performance in redundancy, ambiguity and the interference of first language. In contrast, gerund and infinitives were the easiest topic in grammar section. Simple rules and the most common expression were contributed to the students’ performance in gerund and infinitives. In responding to structure and written expression section there were four factors that influenced students’ difficulties, poor understanding of grammar, less focus, lack of practice and limited vocabulary.
MODEL OF COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PERSONALITY OF ENGLISH TEACHER CANDIDATES THROUGH STUDENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT BASED ON ISLAMIC ACADEMIC CULTURE
Authors: Nuridin Nuridin , Anwar Choiril
Published: August 2019

The English Language Education Study Program of Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) has formulated a vision to become a leading study program in building the generation of khaira ummah, developing science and technology on the basis of Islamic values, and building Islamic civilization towards a prosperous society blessed by Allah. The effort to realize this vision was carried out through the implementation of Islamic Academic Culture as an implementation of fostering students who gave birth to the best generation. This study aims to (1) find a student development management model based on Islamic Academic Culture at Sultan Agung Islamic University, (2) find a model of personality development competence in English Education Study Program students as prospective teachers. This research was conducted at Sultan Agung Islamic University. The study population was students of the English Language Study Program, Dean and Deputy Dean of Academic and Student Affairs. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and documentation. Data then were analyzed by descriptive analysis. The results of the study show that (1) The factual model that has been carried out by Unissula in student development is based on three guidelines in its management, namely Unissula's vision, Unissula's Strategic Plan (Renstra), and Islamic Academic Culture values. The student development program is generally carried out through three stages, namely the initial stage when new students enter, coaching is done through the Pekan Taaruf program, the second stage, when becoming a student, guidance is carried out through tutorials, reasoning, leadership, entrepreneurship, and interest-sharing programs. talent. In the third stage of training before graduation students, it is conducted through a debriefing program; (2) the model of Islamic Academic Culture-based student development is effectively used in an effort to improve the personal competence of English Education Study Program students.
Tutoria a Distância: um estudo sobre as dimensões da mediação
Authors: Bessa Dayane Verginia Batista , Dias Fátima Aparecida da Silva , Da Silva Samira Fayes Kfouri , Prado Maria Elisabette Brisola Brito
Published: August 2019

A Educação a distância vem a cada dia ganhando mais espaço no âmbito educacional, assim, metodologias diversificadas são elaboradas em busca de possibilidades que visem alavancar as experiências desta modalidade de ensino, envolvendo todos os atores deste processo como professores e tutores. Este artigo apresenta o recorte de uma dissertação de mestrado que analisou a compreensão de tutores acerca da mediação nas dimensões pedagógica, afetiva e operacional, por entender o processo de mediação importante para a permanência e conclusão dos alunos nos cursos matriculados. Apoiamo-nos nas pesquisas realizadas por Masetto, Almeida, Moran, Silva, Freire e também nos referenciais de qualidade para a educação a distância ao conceituar mediação. Abordamos neste artigo, o conceito de mediação resultado de uma das análises realizada junto aos tutores de uma instituição de Educação a distância do país. A metodologia utilizada nesta pesquisa é do tipo exploratória, de cunho qualitativo com o objetivo de entender a mediação de tutores como parte indissociável da Educação a distância. Os resultados evidenciaram que os tutores buscavam por meio da mediação motivar e engajar os seus alunos nos cursos.
Análise da utilização das mídias digitais em um curso tecnólogo e um de engenharia
Authors: Rabelo Marcos Sousa , Voltolini Ana Graciela Mendes Fernandes da Fonseca , Bertoloto José Serafim
Published: August 2019

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar as principais dificuldades, acesso e uso das mídias digitais para discentes de dois cursos superiores, sendo um tecnólogo período noturno, e um bacharel em engenharia período integral. Para a validação foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem quantitativa através da aplicação de questionário, os resultados estão organizados e apresentados em gráficos. Observamos que os discentes utilizam o celular principalmente para acessar redes sociais, e-mail, escutar músicas e tirar foto, enquanto o computador é utilizado para formatação de textos, imagens, planilhas e apresentações. Outro ponto observado é que os discentes que estudam no turno integral apontaram o acesso à internet como maior dificuldade, enquanto no período noturno, a principal foi o conhecimento técnico.
Caracterização da prática fitoterápica nas unidades básicas de atenção primária à saúde em Picos-PI
Authors: Barbosa Marina Lacerda , Barbosa Maíza Lacerda , Soares Tamires da Cunha , Soares Ticianne da Cunha , Rocha Lindalva de Moura , Câmara Gabriel Barbosa
Published: August 2019

O presente estudo objetivou realizar a caracterização da prática fitoterápica nas unidades básicas de atenção primária à saúde em Picos-PI. Trata-se de análise quali-quantitativa, descritiva e exploratória. A população-alvo do estudo foi definida através de amostragem não probabilística e os dados foram obtidos com base na aplicação de 3 questionários distintos direcionados aos gestores (n = 6), profissionais da saúde (n = 25) atuantes nas Estratégias Saúde da Família e usuários (n = 50) deste serviço de saúde que requeriam este serviço na zona urbana. Observou-se que 92% dos profissionais da saúde apresentaram boa aceitação sobre a inserção da fitoterapia no Sistema Único de Saúde. Entre os gestores, houve unanimidade quanto à implementação da fitoterapia na atenção básica como tratamento alternativo. Constatou-se ainda que, segundo os gestores entrevistados, 67% dos usuários solicitaram tratamentos alternativos nas unidades de saúde. No entanto, observou-se que existem muitas dificuldades a serem enfrentadas quanto à infraestrutura dos serviços e à organização do sistema de saúde para que a fitoterapia seja devidamente aplicada como suporte aos cuidados em saúde, visto que esta é uma prática que pode auxiliar na manutenção das condições de saúde dos indivíduos. Um ponto de partida para a resolução dessas questões seria propor uma formação acadêmica e/ou capacitação/treinamento acerca da fitoterapia para os profissionais de saúde e gestores, pois são eles que podem buscar melhorias nas práticas em saúde, sendo que a partir disso os usuários poderão ser bem orientados sobre o uso das plantas e/ou fitoterápicos, o que vai desencadear diversas possibilidades para que outros entraves sejam resolvidos e, assim, haja melhorias na prática fitoterápica em Picos e também em todo o nosso país.
Hermeneutika Negosiatif Khaled Abou El Fadl: Menangkal Otoritarianisme Tafsir Agama dalam Hukum Islam
Authors: Fathony Alvan
Published: August 2019

In this era of disruption, many people spend their activities in cyberspace, including in terms of studying the religious doctrines. However, not a few of them are trapped in the textualist religious doctrine, so the application of religious values that are rahmatan lil ‘alamin is not actualized properly. Seeing this phenomenon, Abou El Fadl considered that in this modern era the interpretation of Islamic legal sources, both the Qur'an and Hadith textually, would not be able to carry humanist religious messages. Therefore, a hermeneutic method is needed as a tool in revealing the meaning behind the sound of the sacred texts in religion. Keywords: Hermeneutic, Aboe El Fadl, and Islamic Law
IMPLIKASI LITERASI MEDIA DALAM MENGUBAH PERILAKU MASYARAKAT KOTA PONTIANAK TERHADAP KABAR BOHONG
Authors: Utami Dewi
Published: August 2019

Whether consciously or not, social media users are active spreaders of fake/false news. Those who have an understanding of media literacy should be able to overcome the spread of fake/false news. This study intended to examine how media literacy values acquired beforehand by individuals can compete with stimulus in the form of potentially fake/false news before it is finally decided to be disseminated or not. This research rests on the principles of social judgment theory and uses in-depth interviews to collect data. The result shows that there is an attitude of restraint when the characteristics of fake/false news on a message are successfully marked. In addition, the mismatch of value references possessed by individuals with ideas offered by fake/false news lead to 3 types of behavior: muting, compromising, or actively rejecting.
Online EEG Seizure Detection and Localization
Authors: Mansouri Amirsalar , Singh Sanjay P. , Sayood Khalid
Published: August 2019

Epilepsy is one of the three most prevalent neurological disorders. A significant proportion of patients suffering from epilepsy can be effectively treated if their seizures are detected in a timely manner. However, detection of most seizures requires the attention of trained neurologists—a scarce resource. Therefore, there is a need for an automatic seizure detection capability. A tunable non-patient-specific, non-seizure-specific method is proposed to detect the presence and locality of a seizure using electroencephalography (EEG) signals. This multifaceted computational approach is based on a network model of the brain and a distance metric based on the spectral profiles of EEG signals. This computationally time-efficient and cost-effective automated epileptic seizure detection algorithm has a median latency of 8 s, a median sensitivity of 83%, and a median false alarm rate of 2.9%. Hence, it is capable of being used in portable EEG devices to aid in the process of detecting and monitoring epileptic patients.
Simple K-Medoids Partitioning Algorithm for Mixed Variable Data
Authors: Budiaji Weksi , Leisch Friedrich
Published: August 2019

A simple and fast k-medoids algorithm that updates medoids by minimizing the total distance within clusters has been developed. Although it is simple and fast, as its name suggests, it nonetheless has neglected local optima and empty clusters that may arise. With the distance as an input to the algorithm, a generalized distance function is developed to increase the variation of the distances, especially for a mixed variable dataset. The variation of the distances is a crucial part of a partitioning algorithm due to different distances producing different outcomes. The experimental results of the simple k-medoids algorithm produce consistently good performances in various settings of mixed variable data. It also has a high cluster accuracy compared to other distance-based partitioning algorithms for mixed variable data.
P and K Accumulation by Rapeseed as Affected by Biostimulant under Different NPK and S Fertilization Doses
Authors: Szczepanek Małgorzata , Siwik-Ziomek Anetta
Published: August 2019

Biostimulants are gaining growing importance among preparations used for plant production. They may cause increasing the effectiveness of nutrient uptake. The aim of the study was to assess P and K accumulation by winter rapeseed after the application of a biostimulant under conditions of varied NPK and S fertilization levels. The field experiment was established on Alfisol, and the factors were: Two levels of NPK fertilization (high 180 N, 70 P, 132 K (kg ha−1) or low 144 N, 35 P, 66 K (kg ha−1)); elementary S fertilization (36 or 0 kg ha−1) and application of seaweed biostimulant or without that treatment. Biostimulant caused an increase in P and K accumulation in the shoots of rapeseed during generative development. Application of biostimulant in rapeseed fertilized with lower NPK rates or not fertilized with S increased P and K accumulation in shoots to the level obtained at higher NPK and S rates without that treatment. Increased level of NPK fertilization caused an increase in P and K accumulation in both shoots and roots at flowering and ripening stages. At the fruit development stage, under higher NPK fertilization there was higher uptake of P and K in rapeseed shoots after presowing fertilization with S.
Soil Extracellular Enzyme Activities and Uptake of N by Oilseed Rape Depending on Fertilization and Seaweed Biostimulant Application
Authors: Siwik-Ziomek Anetta , Szczepanek Małgorzata
Published: August 2019

The present study has aimed at enhancing the insufficient knowledge of functional soil enzymes properties influenced by inorganic fertilization and biostimulant application to increase the uptake of nitrogen affecting the winter oilseed rape yield. Field experiments were conducted in Poland (53° N, 18° E) in Alfisol (USDA). In this experiment, the NPK rates applied were as follows: high 180 N, 70 P and 160 K 132 N (kg ha−1) or low 144 N, 35 P and 66 K (kg ha−1); fertilization with elemental S 36 or 0 (kg ha−1); and the seaweed biostimulant Kelpak was applied or there was no such treatment. Due to low NPK fertilization rates, the activity of dehydrogenases, peroxidases, and catalase increased in subsistent generative development stages from flowering to ripening. At the ripening stage, the activity of these enzymes, as well as nitroreductase activity, were inhibited by high NPK fertilizer rates. The seaweed biostimulant application and S fertilization increased N accumulation in plants of oilseed rape in generative development, by 16% and 13%, respectively, as compared with the lack of these treatments. The application of S increased the uptake of nitrogen in shoots and in whole oilseed rape plants only after application of higher rates of NPK.
Foliar Applications of Biostimulants Promote Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Strawberry Plants Grown under Nutrient Limitation
Authors: Soppelsa Sebastian , Kelderer Markus , Casera Claudio , Bassi Michele , Robatscher Peter , Matteazzi Aldo , Andreotti Carlo
Published: August 2019

Biostimulants have been found effective in enhancing plant resistance toward stressful conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of selected biostimulants to overcome the negative effects of nutrient limitation on the growth performances and on the fruit quality of soilless cultivated strawberry plants. The condition of nutrient limitation was imposed by supplying the plants with only a single fertilization at transplantation and by excluding any further nutrient supply for the entire duration of the experiment (three months, from May to July). Strawberry plants were treated seven times during the period from preflowering up to berry maturation with different classes of biostimulants (humic acids, alfalfa hydrolysate, macroseaweed extract and microalga hydrolysate, amino acids alone or in combination with zinc, B-group vitamins, chitosan, and a commercial product containing silicon) at commercial dosages. The use of alfalfa hydrolysate, vitamins, chitosan, and silicon was able to promote biomass accumulation in roots (four to seven folds) and fruits (+20%) of treated plants, whereas the total leaf area increased by 15%–30%. Nutrient concentrations in leaves and roots showed variations for microelements (e.g., Fe, B, Zn, and Si) in response to biostimulant applications, whereas no significant differences were observed for macronutrient contents among treatments. Final berry yield was found around 20% higher in chitosan- and silicon-treated plants. Chitosan treatment significantly increased pulp firmness (by 20%), while a high nutritional value (e.g., phenolic compounds concentration) was observed in alfalfa- and seaweed-treated fruits (+18%–20% as compared to control). The overall outcomes of the present experiment show that selected biostimulants can be considered as a valid agronomic tool able to contrast the negative consequence of growing crops under insufficient nutritional conditions.
Sweet Corn Stalk Treated with Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Alone or in Combination with Lactobacillus Plantarum: Nutritional Composition, Fermentation Traits and Aerobic Stability
Authors: Zhou Xiaoling , Ouyang Zhu , Zhang Xiaoli , Wei Yuqing , Tang Shaoxun , Ma Zhiyuan , Tan Zhiliang , Zhu Nong , Teklebrhan Tsegay , Han Xuefeng
Published: August 2019

This study examined the effects of a high-dose Saccharomyces cerevisiae inoculant alone or jointly with Lactobacillus plantarum on nutrient preservation, fermentation quality, and aerobic stability of sweet corn stalk silage. Fresh stalks (231 g dry matter (DM)/kg) were chopped and subjected to the following treatments: (1) deionized water (Uninoculated; U); (2) S. cerevisiae at 1 × 108 cfu/g of fresh forage (S); and (3) S. cerevisiae at 1 × 108 cfu/g plus L. plantarum at 1 × 105 cfu/g (SL). Treated stalks were ensiled in 5-litre laboratory silos for 30, 60, and 90 day. The S and SL silages had a greater (p < 0.001) pH and greater crude protein, ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and ethanol contents at all three ensiling periods than the U silage. Acetate, propionate and volatile fatty acids in the S and SL silages after 30 and 90 day of ensiling were greater (p < 0.05) than those in the U silage, but they were lower (p < 0.05) in the S and SL silages than in the U silage after 60 day. The lactate and V-score of the S and SL silages were lower (p < 0.001) than those of the U silage at all three ensiling periods. Compared with the U group, the aerobic stability of the S silage after 90 day of ensiling decreased (p < 0.05), and the aerobic stability of the SL silage was unaffected (p > 0.05). Overall, the quality of sweet corn stalk silage was not improved by inoculation with 108 cfu/g of S. cerevisiae alone or in combination with 1 × 105 cfu/g of L. plantarum.
Effects of Land Transport Stress on Variations in Ruminal Microbe Diversity and Immune Functions in Different Breeds of Cattle
Authors: Li Fengpeng , Shah Ali Mujtaba , Wang Zhisheng , Peng Quanhui , Hu Rui , Zou Huawei , Tan Cui , Zhang Xiangfei , Liao Yupeng , Wang Yongjie , Wang Xueying , Zeng Lei , Xue Bai , Wang Lizhi
Published: August 2019

The intensity and specialization of beef cattle production make off-site fattening, and introduce new breeds need transportation to achieve the goals. The present study was aimed to investigate effects of land transport stress on hormones levels, microbial fermentation, microbial composition, immunity and correlation among them among Simmental Crossbred Cattle (SC), Native Yellow Cattle (NY), and Cattle Yak (CY). High-throughput sequencing was used to investigate the rumen microbial diversity. After transport stress cortisol (COR), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were increased (p < 0.05) in all groups. Rumen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was increased (p < 0.05) in SC and CY groups. Total volatile fatty acids were increased (p < 0.05) in all groups. The ruminal microbiota about OTUs, Chao1, and Shannon in SC and CY groups were higher than before transport. Prevotella1 in NY group was higher (p < 0.05) than other groups before transport; after transport Firmicutes and Lactobacillus were increased (p < 0.05) than other groups in CY. Lactobacillus was positively correlated with IL-6 and IL-4. Under transport stress, cattle may suffer from inflammatory response through modulating HPA axis and microbiota metabolite affects the secretion of hormone levels and immune function and breeds factor affect the performance of stress resistance.
Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Hospitalized Neonatal Foals: Prevalence, Risk Factors for Shedding and Association with Infection
Authors: Shnaiderman-Torban Anat , Paitan Yossi , Arielly Haia , Kondratyeva Kira , Tirosh-Levy Sharon , Abells-Sutton Gila , Navon-Venezia Shiri , Steinman Amir
Published: August 2019

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) have been investigated in adult horses, but not in foals. We aimed to determine shedding and infection in neonatal foals and mares. Rectal swabs were sampled from mare and foal pairs on admission and on the 3rd day of hospitalization; enriched, plated, and bacteria were verified for ESBL production. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined (Vitek2). Genotyping was performed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Genes were identified by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Medical data were analyzed for risk factors (SPSS). On admission, 55 pairs were sampled, of which 33 pairs were re-sampled. Shedding rates on admission in foals and mares were 33% (95% CI 21–47%) and 16% (95% CI 8–29%), respectively, and during hospitalization, these increased significantly to 85% (95% CI 70–94%) and 58% (95% CI 40–73%), respectively. Foal shedding was associated with umbilical infection on admission (P = 0.016) and with ampicillin treatment during hospitalization (p = 0.011), and was independent of the mare’s shedding. The most common ESBL-E was Escherichia coli. During hospitalization, species diversity increased. Four foals were infected with ESBL-E strains, including umbilical infections and wounds. This study substantiates an alarming prevalence of shedding in neonatal foals, which should be further investigated in order to reduce resistance rates.
Exploratory Investigation of Infrared Thermography for Measuring Gorilla Emotional Responses to Interactions with Familiar Humans
Authors: Heintz Matthew R. , Fuller Grace , Allard Stephanie
Published: August 2019

Interactions between zoo professionals and animals occur regularly and are believed to be enriching for animals. Little empirical information exists on how animals perceive these interactions, and particularly how the interactions affect the emotional states of animals. Infrared thermography (IRT) has shown some promise in the assessment of emotions in a variety of species, but further research is needed to determine if this method is useful in a zoo setting. We conducted a pilot study to determine if IRT is a valid measure of the emotional responses to routine interactions (positive reinforcement training and cognitive tasks, compared to a control condition) with familiar humans on three western lowland gorillas at the Detroit Zoo. We measured nasal temperatures associated with emotional change using IRT. To examine the validity of the IRT data, we collected saliva samples for hormone analysis before and after each condition, in addition to behavioral data during the interactions and control condition. Decreases in nasal temperatures for two gorillas and an increase in the third indicate that arousal changed consistently within individuals following the interactions but not the control condition. Pre-post cortisol levels and oxytocin concentrations decreased for all conditions, but the decreases seen did not differ among the conditions. The gorillas were highly engaged in the interactions, and two produced more grumble vocalizations during the human-animal interactions (HAIs) compared to the control condition. Additionally, the gorillas performed self-directed behaviors more often during the control condition, also suggesting HAIs were not a negative experience. In summary, we were able to measure changes in arousal using IRT, but we were unable to determine the emotional valence of these changes based on the additional indicators employed. Additionally, the inconsistency across these measures precluded firm conclusions about either the validity of IRT for measuring emotion in this context or how the interactions impacted these gorillas. These findings highlight the challenges of using IRT to measure emotional states in non-human animals, and we discuss further steps necessary to apply this method in future studies.
Increased Flight Initiation Distance (FID) in Golden Marmots (Marmota caudata aurea) Responding to Domestic Dogs in A Landscape of Human Disturbance
Authors: Zaman Muhammad , Tolhurst Bryony A. , Zhu Mengyan , Jiang Guangshun
Published: August 2019

Humans and dogs initiate measurable escape responses in wild animals including flight initiation distance (FID), with potentially negative consequences. Golden marmots are important prey for endangered carnivores and are subject to human persecution including via marmot baiting with dogs. We quantified FID at four marmot colonies (72 individuals) in the Karakoram range, Pakistan in response to approach by a pedestrian with a leashed dog versus approach by a pedestrian alone (i.e., a control). Additionally, we related FID to background variables of human activity, namely proximity to roads, and presence of other pedestrians in the vicinity of study sites during sampling. We also controlled for potential environmental and social covariates (e.g., group size, age and sex, and colony substrate). Dogs initiated greater FID than pedestrians alone, and there was evidence that roads increased FID. However, these effects were weaker than those of marmot age and colony substrate. FID was greater at lower elevations, but this may reflect the clustering in these zones of human settlements and livestock pasture. Further work is needed elucidate the importance of colony substrate (linked to ease of human persecution), the effect of settlements and pasture, and the impact of increased FID on marmot fitness.
Modeling and Analysis of Multiple-Supplier Selection Problem with Price Discounts and Routing Decisions
Authors: Çabuk Selin , Erol Rızvan
Published: August 2019

This study investigates a multiple-supplier selection problem in which a firm or buyer aims to find an optimal set of suppliers to satisfy its demand for multiple components for a planning horizon. A distinctive feature of our problem formulation is to integrate decisions relevant to supplier selection, such as determining the order quantities from each supplier under price discounts and the order collection routes for multiple vehicles. In other words, the traveling purchaser problem is combined with multiple supplier selection. A new mixed-integer programming model is developed to optimally solve this problem. The model considers costs of inventory holding, ordering, transportation and purchasing along with supplier’s supply capacity, vehicle capacity constraints. A numerical example is provided to illustrate how the model is executed. Scenario analysis is performed to assess the model’s results under varying conditions.
Dynamic Behaviour Adaptation of Lightweight Structures by Compressible Constrained Layer Damping with Embedded Polymeric Foams and Nonwovens
Authors: Ehrig Tom , Holeczek Klaudiusz , Modler Niels , Kostka Pawel
Published: August 2019

Evanescent morphing in combination with an original concept of Compressible Constrained Layer Damping (CCLD) is a novel and promising approach for dynamic behaviour adaptation. The crucial component of the CCLD is a compressible intermediate layer with its thickness and material properties controlled by fluid actuation, enabling the adjustment of the damping and stiffness of the overall system. To estimate the potential of the CCLD, an analytical model was developed which describes the vibration behaviour of the overall structure, taking into account the compression-driven properties of the intermediate layer. The results confirm the principal correctness of the initial theoretical assumptions regarding the adaptive dynamic behaviour of structures with CCLD treatment. A significant vibration mitigation as well as a high adaptability of dynamic behaviour were observed, however, they show a complex dependence on the system configuration. Nevertheless, the developed analytical modelling approach can already be used for a preliminary system design. Besides the analysed polymer-based foams as the intermediate layer, nonwovens also exhibit compression-dependent shear properties and can therefore be used in CCLD. First preliminary investigations show that the damping performance is on average about ten times better than that of the polymeric foams.
Model-Based Test Suite Generation Using Mutation Analysis for Fault Localization
Authors: Choi Yoo-Min , Lim Dong-Jin
Published: August 2019

Fault localization techniques reduce the effort required when debugging software, as revealed by previous test cases. However, many test cases are required to reduce the number of candidate fault locations. To overcome this disadvantage, various methods were proposed to reduce fault-localization costs by prioritizing test cases. However, because a sufficient number of test cases is required for prioritization, the test-case generation cost remains high. This paper proposes a test-case generation method using a state chart to reduce the number of test suites required for fault localization, minimizing the test-case generation and execution times. The test-suite generation process features two phases: fault-detection test-case generation and fault localization in the test cases. Each phase uses mutation analysis to evaluate test cases; the results are employed to improve the test cases according to the objectives of each phase, using genetic algorithms. We provide useful guidelines for application of a search-based mutational method to a state chart; we show that the proposed method improves fault-localization performance in the test-suite generation phase.
Research on Performance Prediction Model of Impeller-Type Breather
Authors: Zhang Xiaobin , Zhu Weibing , Qian Lei , Li Miao
Published: August 2019

To investigate the characteristics of separation and resistance of an impeller-type breather in an aeroengine lubrication system, orthogonal test design is used in calculation of the operating condition. Also, phase coupling of the RNG(Renormalization Group) k − ε model and the DPM model (Discrete Phase Model) is used in calculating the selected operating condition. Through analysis of the results, combined with dimensional analysis, it shows the significance of various influencing factors and the optimal level. Based on this, a general formed dimensionless group equation is established for comprehensive separation efficiency, breather separation efficiency, and ventilation resistance. Also, through the least squares method, the performance prediction model of the breather is obtained considering five operating conditions and six structural parameters. The theoretical calculation of separation efficiency and ventilation resistance of an impeller-type breather can be performed. The results show that: the main factors affecting the separation efficiency are the rotating speed and the number of impeller blades; the main factors affecting the ventilation resistance are the ventilation rate and the diameter of the vent hole; the variation trends of the calculated values of the performance prediction model and the experimental values are consistent. The mean error of the comprehensive separation efficiency is 0.97% and the mean error of the ventilation resistance is 11.73%. The calculated values and the experimental values remain consistent, which proves that this performance prediction model can provide references to the assessment and the design of an impeller breather.
Fabric Defect Detection Using L0 Gradient Minimization and Fuzzy C-Means
Authors: Zhang Huanhuan , Ma Jinxiu , Jing Junfeng , Li Pengfei
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we present a robust and reliable framework based on L0 gradient minimization (LGM) and the fuzzy c-means (FCM) method to detect various fabric defects with diverse textures. In our framework, the L0 gradient minimization is applied to process the fabric images to eliminate the influence of background texture and preserve sharpened significant edges on fabric defects. Then, the processed fabric images are clustered by using the fuzzy c-means. Through continuous iterative calculation, the clustering centers of fabric defects and non-defects are updated to realize the defect regions segmentation. We evaluate the proposed method on various samples, which include plain fabric, twill fabric, star-patterned fabric, dot-patterned fabric, box-patterned fabric, striped fabric and statistical-texture fabric with different defect types and shapes. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has a good detection performance compared with other state-of-the-art methods in terms of both subjective and objective tests. In addition, the proposed method is applicable to industrial machine vision detection with limited computational resources.
Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC02 Prevents Obesity in Mice through the PPAR-α Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhang Jing , Yi Sha , Li Xixi , Guo Zemei , Zhou Xianrong , Mu Jianfei , Yi Ruokun
Published: August 2019

We determined the lipid-lowering effect of a new strain of the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC02 (LP-CQPC02), from Sichuan pickled cabbages, using an in vivo animal model. A high-fat diet was used to generate obese mice. The effect of LP-CQPC02 was measured using serum parameters and tissues collected from the mice. Obese mice treated with LP-CQPC02 had a lower organ index for liver, epididymal fat, and perirenal fat, and lower levels of aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) but higher levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the serum and liver. LP-CQPC02-treated obese mice also had lower serum levels of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and higher levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). LP-CQPC02 treatment lessened the obesity-associated pathological changes in the liver and epididymal adipose tissue and reduced adipocyte enlargement. The quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot results showed that LP-CQPC02 treatment up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), but down-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP-α) expression in the liver and epididymal adipose tissue. LP-CQPC02 effectively inhibited high-fat diet-induced obesity. The effects of LP-CQPC02 are comparable to the drug l-carnitine but superior to Lactobacillus delbruechii subsp. bulgaricus (LDSB), which is commonly used in the dairy industry. LP-CQPC02 is a potentially useful, high-quality probiotic strain.
Procyanidin B2 3″-O-gallate Isolated from Reynoutria elliptica Prevents Glutamate-Induced HT22 Cell Death by Blocking the Accumulation of Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Song Ji Hoon , Kim Sil , Yu Jae Sik , Park Do Hwi , Kim Song-Yi , Kang Ki Sung , Lee Sullim , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: August 2019

In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effects of MeOH extract and bioactive compounds obtained from Reynoutria elliptica seeds using HT22 cells from the murine hippocampal cell line as its underlying molecular basis, which has not yet been elucidated. Our study showed that the MeOH extract of R. elliptica seeds strongly protected HT22 cells from glutamate toxicity. To clarify the responsible compound for the neuroprotective effects, we took an interest in procyanidins of R. elliptica since procyanidins are known to exhibit high structural diversity and neuroprotective activity. To isolate the procyanidins efficiently, a phytochemical investigation of the MeOH extract from R. elliptica seeds using the LC/MS-guided isolation approach was applied, and procyanidin B2 3″-O-gallate (1) was successfully isolated. The structure of 1 was elucidated by analyzing the nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data and LC/MS analysis. The neuroprotective activities of 1 were thoroughly examined using HT22 cells. Compound 1 exhibited a strong antioxidant efficacy and blocked glutamate-mediated increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, compound 1 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, which were increased by glutamate. These findings prove that the extract of R. elliptica seeds containing procyanidin B2 3″-O-gallate, which is a strong neuroprotective component, can be used as a functional food forattenuating and regulating neurological disorders.
The Inhibitory Effect of Cordycepin on the Proliferation of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells, and Its Mechanism: An Investigation Using Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis
Authors: Lee Dahae , Lee Won-Yung , Jung Kiwon , Kwon Yong , Kim Daeyoung , Hwang Gwi , Kim Chang-Eop , Lee Sullim , Kang Ki
Published: August 2019

Cordyceps militaris is a well-known medicinal mushroom. It is non-toxic and has clinical health benefits including cancer inhibition. However, the anticancer effects of C. militaris cultured in brown rice on breast cancer have not yet been reported. In this study, we simultaneously investigated the anticancer effects of cordycepin and an extract of C. militaris cultured in brown rice on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells using a cell viability assay, cell staining with Hoechst 33342, and an image-based cytometric assay. The C. militaris concentrate exhibited significant MCF-7 cell inhibitory effects, and its IC50 value was 73.48 µg/mL. Cordycepin also exhibited significant MCF-7 cell inhibitory effects, and its IC50 value was 9.58 µM. We applied network pharmacological analysis to predict potential targets and pathways of cordycepin. The gene set enrichment analysis showed that the targets of cordycepin are mainly associated with the hedgehog signaling, apoptosis, p53 signaling, and estrogen signaling pathways. We further verified the predicted targets related to the apoptosis pathway using western blot analysis. The C. militaris concentrate and cordycepin exhibited the ability to induce apoptotic cell death by increasing the cleavage of caspase-7 -8, and -9, increasing the Bcl-2-associated X protein/ B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax/Bcl-2) protein expression ratio, and decreasing the protein expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in MCF-7 cells. Consequently, the C. militaris concentrate and cordycepin exhibited significant anticancer effects through their ability to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
Polysaccharide Fraction Extracted from Endophytic Fungus Trichoderma atroviride D16 Has an Influence on the Proteomics Profile of the Salvia miltiorrhiza Hairy Roots
Authors: Peng Wei , Ming Qian-liang , Zhai Xin , Zhang Qing , Rahman Khalid , Wu Si-jia , Qin Lu-ping , Han Ting
Published: August 2019

Trichoderma atroviride develops a symbiont relationship with Salvia miltiorrhiza and this association involves a number of signaling pathways and proteomic responses between both partners. In our previous study, we have reported that polysaccharide fraction (PSF) of T. atroviride could promote tanshinones accumulation in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. Consequently, the present data elucidates the broad proteomics changes under treatment of PSF. Furthermore, we reported several previously undescribed and unexpected responses, containing gene expression patterns consistent with biochemical stresses and metabolic patterns inside the host. In summary, the PSF-induced tanshinones accumulation in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots may be closely related to Ca2+ triggering, peroxide reaction, protein phosphorylation, and jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction, leading to an increase in leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein synthesis. This results in the changes in basic metabolic flux of sugars, amino acids, and protein synthesis, along with signal defense reactions. The results reported here increase our understanding of the interaction between T. atroviride and S. miltiorrhiza and specifically confirm the proteomic responses underlying the activities of PSF.
The Oncogene Metadherin Interacts with the Known Splicing Proteins YTHDC1, Sam68 and T-STAR and Plays a Novel Role in Alternative mRNA Splicing
Authors: Luxton Hayley J. , Simpson Benjamin S. , Mills Ian G. , Brindle Nicola R. , Ahmed Zeba , Stavrinides Vasilis , Heavey Susan , Stamm Stefan , Whitaker Hayley C.
Published: August 2019

Oncogenic metadherin is a key contributor to tumourigenesis with metadherin expression and cytoplasmic localisation previously linked to poor survival. A number of reports have shown metadherin localises specifically to nuclear speckles known to be rich in RNA-binding proteins including the splicing proteins YTHDC1, Sam68 and T-STAR, that have been shown to select alternative splice sites in mRNA of tumour-associated proteins including BRCA, MDM2 and VEGF. Here we investigate the interaction and relationship between metadherin and the splice factors YTHDC1, T-STAR and Sam68. Using a yeast two-hybrid assay and immunoprecipitation we show that metadherin interacts with YTHDC1, Sam68 and T-STAR and demonstrate that T-STAR is significantly overexpressed in prostate cancer tissue compared to benign prostate tissue. We also demonstrate that metadherin influences splice site selection in a dose-dependent manner in CD44v5-luc minigene reporter assays. Finally, we demonstrate that prostate cancer patients with higher metadherin expression have greater expression of the CD44v5 exon. CD44v5 expression could be used to discriminate patients with poor outcomes following radical prostatectomy. In this work we show for the first time that metadherin interacts with, and modulates, the function of key components of splicing associated with cancer development and progression.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Response to First-Line Treatment Predicts Survival in Metastatic Breast Cancer: First Clues for a Cost-Effective and Dynamic Biomarker
Authors: Pelizzari Giacomo , Basile Debora , Zago Silvia , Lisanti Camilla , Bartoletti Michele , Bortot Lucia , Vitale Maria Grazia , Fanotto Valentina , Barban Serena , Cinausero Marika , Bonotto Marta , Gerratana Lorenzo , Mansutti Mauro , Curcio Francesco , Fasola Gianpiero , Minisini Alessandro Marco , Puglisi Fabio
Published: August 2019

Background: Elevated plasmatic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are associated with worse prognosis in various malignancies, including metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Nevertheless, no data are available on the prognostic role of LDH as a dynamic biomarker during first-line treatment in unselected MBC. Methods: We reviewed data of 392 women with MBC to evaluate the association between LDH variation after 12 weeks of first-line treatment and survival. The prognostic impact was tested by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: Plasmatic LDH was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor in MBC. Patients who maintained elevated LDH levels after 12 weeks of first-line treatment experienced worse progression-free survival (PFS, HR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.40–5.89, p = 0.0038) and overall survival (OS, HR 2.61, 95% CI 1.16–5.86, p = 0.02) compared to patients with stable normal LDH levels, even after adjustment for other prognostic factors. Notably, LDH low-to-high variation emerged as an unfavorable prognostic factor for PFS (HR 3.96, 95% CI 2.00–7.82, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Plasmatic LDH and its variation during first-line treatment predict PFS and OS in MBC, providing independent prognostic information. It would be worthwhile to prospectively evaluate the association between LDH variation and therapeutic benefit in MBC, and explore how it may affect treatment strategies.
Multifaceted Regulation of PTEN Subcellular Distributions and Biological Functions
Authors: Liu Tian , Wang Yiwei , Wang Yubing , Chan Andrew M.
Published: August 2019

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a tumor suppressor gene frequently found to be inactivated in over 30% of human cancers. PTEN encodes a 54-kDa lipid phosphatase that serves as a gatekeeper of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway involved in the promotion of multiple pro-tumorigenic phenotypes. Although the PTEN protein plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, cumulative evidence has implicated it as a key signaling molecule in several other diseases as well, such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism spectrum disorders. This finding suggests that diverse cell types, especially differentiated cells, express PTEN. At the cellular level, PTEN is widely distributed in all subcellular compartments and organelles. Surprisingly, the cytoplasmic compartment, not the plasma membrane, is the predominant subcellular location of PTEN. More recently, the finding of a secreted ‘long’ isoform of PTEN and the presence of PTEN in the cell nucleus further revealed unexpected biological functions of this multifaceted molecule. At the regulatory level, PTEN activity, stability, and subcellular distribution are modulated by a fascinating array of post-translational modification events, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation. Dysregulation of these regulatory mechanisms has been observed in various human diseases. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the knowledge gained in the last decade on how different functional domains of PTEN regulate its biological functions, with special emphasis on its subcellular distribution. This review also highlights the findings of published studies that have reported how mutational alterations in specific PTEN domains can lead to pathogenesis in humans.