bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negotiating Institutional Pathways for Sustaining Climate Change Resilience and Risk Governance in Indonesia
Authors: Lassa Jonatan A.
Published: July 2019

Institutions matter because they are instrumental in systematically adapting to global climate change, reducing disaster risks, and building resilience. Without institutionalised action, adapting to climatic change remains ad-hoc. Using exploratory research design and longitudinal observations, this research investigates how urban stakeholders and policy entrepreneurs negotiate institutional architecture and pathways for sustaining climate change adaptation and resilience implementation. This paper introduces hybrid institutionalism as a framework to understand how city administrators, local policy makers, and policy advocates navigate complex institutional landscapes that are characterised by volatility and uncertainties. Grounded in the experience from a recent experiment in Indonesia, this research suggests that institutionalisation of adaptation and resilience agenda involves different forms of institutionalisation and institutionalism through time. Future continuity of adaptation to climate change action depends on the dynamic nature of the institutionalism that leads to uncertainty in mainstreaming risk reduction. However, this research found that pathway-dependency theory emerges as a better predictor for institutionalising climate change adaptation and resilience in Indonesia.
Starch/Poly (Glycerol-Adipate) Nanocomposite Film as Novel Biocompatible Materials
Authors: Sagnelli Domenico , Cavanagh Robert , Xu Jinchuan , Swainson Sadie M. E. , Blennow Andreas , Duncan John , Taresco Vincenzo , Howdle Steve
Published: July 2019

Starch is one of the most abundant polysaccharides on the earth and it is the most important source of energy intake for humans. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is also widely used for new bio-based materials. The blending of starch with other molecules may lead to new interesting biodegradable scaffolds to be exploited in food, medical, and pharmaceutical fields. In this work, we used native starch films as biopolymeric matrix carriers of chemo enzymatically-synthesized poly (glycerol-adipate) (PGA) nanoparticles (NPs) to produce a novel and biocompatible material. The prototype films had a crystallinity ranging from 4% to 7%. The intrinsic and thermo-mechanical properties of the composite showed that the incorporation of NPs in the starch films decreases the glass transition temperature. The utilization of these film prototypes as the basis for new biocompatible material showed promise, particularly because they have a very low or even zero cytotoxicity. Coumarin was used to monitor the distribution of the PGA NPs in the films and demonstrated a possible interaction between the two polymers. These novel hybrid nanocomposite films show great promise and could be used in the future as biodegradable and biocompatible platforms for the controlled release of amphiphilic and hydrophobic active ingredients.
Influence of the Heat Dissipation Mode of Long-Flute Cutting Tools on Temperature Distribution during HFCVD Diamond Films
Authors: Zhang Tao , Qian Yizheng , Wang Shu , Huang Guodong , Zhang Lijun , Xue Zhe
Published: July 2019

The distribution of substrate temperature plays a decisive role on the uniformity of polycrystalline diamond films on cemented carbide tools with a long flute, prepared by a hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD). In this work, the heat dissipation mode at the bottom of tools is a focal point, and the finite volume method (FVM) is conducted to simulate and predict the temperature field of tools, with the various materials of the holder placed under the tools. The simulation results show that the thermal conductivity of the holder affects the temperature difference of the individual tools greatly, but only affects the temperature of different tools at the same XY plane slightly. Moreover, the ceramic holder can reduce the difference in temperature of an individual tool by 54%, compared to a copper one. Afterwards, the experiments of the deposition of diamond films is performed using the preferred ceramic holder. The diamond coatings on the different positions present a highly uniform distribution on their grain size, thickness, and quality.
Reading Development of Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Inclusive Education Classrooms
Authors: Alasim Khalid Nasser
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this article is to discuss the major research findings associated with the reading/literacy development of students who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/Dhh) in inclusive education classrooms. The conditions for developing effective literacy skills are also described. A professional review approach was utilized, and relevant journal articles from 1985 to 2019, inclusive, were selected and analyzed. Other relevant publications including selected chapters and books were used to support the available salient findings. Results of the reviews, recommendations for future research and the limitations of the review process are also provided.
Erratum: Barchi, G. et al. Predictive Energy Control Strategy for Peak Switch and Shifting Using BESS and PV Generation Applied to the Retail Sector. Electronics 2019, 8, 526
Authors:   Electronics Editorial Office
Published: July 2019

After the publication of the research paper [...]
An Approach to Natural Sampling Using a Digital Sampling Technique for SPWM Multilevel Inverter Modulation
Authors: Muñoz-Ramírez Mauricio , Valderrama-Blavi Hugo , Rivera Marco , Restrepo Carlos
Published: July 2019

This paper introduces an approach that applies a digital sampling technique for a sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) multilevel inverter modulation that reduces the total harmonic contents in the output voltage compared to that of classical regular sampling techniques. This new modulation emulates with a high degree of fidelity a natural sampling pulse width modulation (PWM). The theoretical analysis of this new digital technique compared with natural sampling has been validated by simulations and through experiments with a built prototype that performed five–level inverter modulations with vertically displaced carriers in phase disposition. Both simulation and experimental results generate a SPWM output voltage with higher fidelity than classic regular sampling techniques, allowing a reduction of the filtering demands on the inverter output, which in turn can decrease the converter size and its manufacturing costs. As the presented technique is digital, the resulting modulation is more robust against switching noise, jitter, and other system perturbations and the modulation parameters can be changed easily, even in an automated way. For this reason, the modulation introduced here can be a useful tool to perform spectral analysis for different multilevel modulations and systems.
Occasional Energy Reviews from an External Expert Help to Reduce Building Energy Consumption at a Reduced Cost
Authors: Escrivá-Escrivá Guillermo , Roldán-Blay Carlos , Roldán-Porta Carlos , Serrano-Guerrero Xavier
Published: July 2019

Energy supply is becoming an important issue and electricity system reliability is sometimes difficult to ensure. Energy efficiency in buildings in use is a key element in the search for solutions to current energy problems. Many buildings in use can improve their energy consumption performance by implementing simple energy efficiency measures (EEM) in their facilities. After carrying out such actions, savings may be continued with just minimal maintenance. An additional key phase in classical energy studies is to define EEM to be implemented by the intervention of an external energy expert, since resident staff may not have the time, sufficient knowledge, nor experience in EEM. The energy expert intervention is of short duration (several days), and the total cost of the action may be moderate. In this paper, authors present several real examples implemented in three buildings on the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) campus after an external energy expert review. Savings, certified using real measured consumption before and after the action, represent around 10% of the total annual energy consumption in the buildings, and the payback of the EEM is approximately a few months.
Patterns of Biomass, Carbon, and Soil Properties in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) Plantations with Different Stand Ages and Management Practices
Authors: Ali Ashfaq , Ahmad Adnan , Akhtar Kashif , Teng Mingjun , Zeng Weisheng , Yan Zhaogui , Zhou Zhixiang
Published: July 2019

Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) has been planted extensively in different parts of China for timber production and habitat restoration. The effects of stand age and management of these plantations on biomass, carbon storage, and soil physicochemical properties are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated biomass, carbon storage, and soil physicochemical properties of Masson pine plantations. The plantations were divided into four age groups (9, 18, 28, and 48 years), and into managed (MS) and unmanaged stands (UMS) in Hubei province, Central China. Tree biomass increased with stand age. A growth model indicated that maximum tree growth occurred when the plantations were 17 years old, and the average growth rate occurred when plantations were 23 years old. Tree biomass in managed stands was 9.75% greater than that in unmanaged ones. Total biomass carbon was estimated at 27.4, 86.0, 112.7, and 142.2 Mg ha−1, whereas soil organic carbon was 116.4, 135.0, 147.4, and 138.1 Mg ha−1 in 9-, 18-, 28-, and 48-year-old plantations, respectively. Total carbon content was 122.6 and 106.5 Mg ha−1, whereas soil organic carbon content was 104.9 and 115.4 Mg ha−1 in MS and UMS, respectively. Total carbon storage in the plantations studied averaged 143.7, 220.4, 260.1, and 280.3 Mg ha−1 in 9-,18-, 28-, and 48-year-old stands, and 227.3 and 222.4 Mg ha−1 in MS and UMS, respectively. The results of our study provide a sound basis for estimating ecosystem carbon as it relates to forest management activity and stand age.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of HD-ZIP I Gene Subfamily in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Li Yueyue , Bai Bingchuan , Wen Feng , Zhao Min , Xia Qingyou , Yang Da-Hai , Wang Genhong
Published: July 2019

The homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) gene family, whose members play vital roles in plant growth and development, and participate in responding to various stresses, is an important class of transcription factors currently only found in plants. Although the HD-Zip gene family, especially the HD-Zip I subfamily, has been extensively studied in many plant species, the systematic report on HD-Zip I subfamily in cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is lacking. In this study, 39 HD-Zip I genes were systematically identified in N. tabacum (Nt). Interestingly, that 64.5% of the 31 genes with definite chromosome location information were found to originate from N. tomentosoformis, one of the two ancestral species of allotetraploid N. tabacum. Phylogenetic analysis divided the NtHD-Zip I subfamily into eight clades. Analysis of gene structures showed that NtHD-Zip I proteins contained conserved homeodomain and leucine-zipper domains. Three-dimensional structure analysis revealed that most NtHD-Zip I proteins in each clade, except for those in clade η, share a similar structure to their counterparts in Arabidopsis. Prediction of cis-regulatory elements showed that a number of elements responding to abscisic acid and different abiotic stresses, including low temperature, drought, and salinity, existed in the promoter region of NtHD-Zip I genes. The prediction of Arabidopsis ortholog-based protein–protein interaction network implied that NtHD-Zip I proteins have complex connections. The expression profile of these genes showed that different NtHD-Zip I genes were highly expressed in different tissues and could respond to abscisic acid and low-temperature treatments. Our study provides insights into the evolution and expression patterns of NtHD-Zip I genes in N. tabacum and will be useful for further functional characterization of NtHD-Zip I genes in the future.
A High Protein Model Alters the Endometrial Transcriptome of Mares
Authors: Boakari Yatta L. , El-Sheikh Ali Hossam , Dini Pouya , Loux Shavahn , Fernandes Claudia B. , Scoggin Kirsten , Esteller-Vico Alejandro , Lawrence Laurie , Ball Barry
Published: July 2019

High blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreases fertility of several mammals; however, the mechanisms have not been investigated in mares. We developed an experimental model to elevate BUN, with urea and control treatments (7 mares/treatment), in a crossover design. Urea-treatment consisted of a loading dose of urea (0.03 g/kg of body weight (BW)) and urea injections over 6 h (0.03 g/kg of BW/h). Control mares received the same volume of saline solution. Blood samples were collected to measure BUN. Uterine and vaginal pH were evaluated after the last intravenous infusion, then endometrial biopsies were collected for RNA-sequencing with a HiSeq 4000. Cuffdiff (2.2.1) was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) between urea and control groups (false discovery rate-adjusted p-value < 0.1). There was a significant increase in BUN and a decrease of uterine pH in the urea group compared to the control group. A total of 193 genes were DEG between the urea and control groups, with five genes identified as upstream regulators (ETV4, EGF, EHF, IRS2, and SGK1). The DEG were predicted to be related to cell pH, ion homeostasis, changes in epithelial tissue, and solute carriers. Changes in gene expression reveal alterations in endometrial function that could be associated with adverse effects on fertility of mares.
The Capability of O-Acetyl-ADP-Ribose, an Epigenetic Metabolic Small Molecule, on Promoting the Further Spreading of Sir3 along the Telomeric Chromatin
Authors: Tung Shu-Yun , Wang Sue-Hong , Lee Sue-Ping , Tsai Shu-Ping , Su Kuan-Chung , Shen Hsiao-Hsuian , Hong Jia-Yang , Tsai Ming-Shiun , Liou Gunn-Guang
Published: July 2019

O-acetyl-ADP-ribose (AAR) is a metabolic small molecule relevant in epigenetics that is generated by NAD-dependent histone deacetylases, such as Sir2. The formation of silent heterochromatin in yeast requires histone deacetylation by Sir2, structural rearrangement of SIR complexes, spreading of SIR complexes along the chromatin, and additional maturation processing. AAR affects the interactions of the SIR-nucleosome in vitro and enhances the chromatin epigenetic silencing effect in vivo. In this study, using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and dot blotting methods, we showed the direct interaction of AAR with Sir3. Furthermore, through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-chip and chromatin affinity purification (ChAP)-on chip assays, we discovered that AAR is capable of increasing the extended spreading of Sir3 along telomeres, but not Sir2. In addition, the findings of a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and examinations of an in vitro assembly system of SIR-nucleosome heterochromatin filament were consistent with these results. This study provides evidence indicating another important effect of AAR in vivo. AAR may play a specific modulating role in the formation of silent SIR-nucleosome heterochromatin in yeast.
Current Position of the Molecular Therapeutic Targets for Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma: A Literature Review
Authors: Amano Tsukuru , Chano Tokuhiro , Yoshino Fumi , Kimura Fuminori , Murakami Takashi
Published: July 2019

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) shows low sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy and has a poor prognosis, especially in advanced stages. Therefore, the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and precision medicine for the treatment of OCCC are important. Recently, several new molecular targets have been identified for OCCC, which can be broadly divided into four categories: (a) downstream pathways of receptor tyrosine kinases, (b) anti-oxidative stress molecules, (c) AT-rich interactive domain 1A-related chromatin remodeling errors, and (d) anti-programmed death ligand 1/programmed cell death 1 agents. Several inhibitors have been discovered for these targets, and the suppression of OCCC cells has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. However, no single inhibitor has shown a sufficient effectiveness in clinical pilot studies. This review outlines recent progress regarding the molecular biological characteristics of OCCC to identify future directions for the development of precision medicine and combinatorial therapies to treat OCCC.
Detecting the NIR Fingerprint of Colors: The Characteristic Response of Modern Blue Pigments
Authors: Yivlialin Rossella , Galli Anna , Raimondo Luisa , Martini Marco , Sassella Adele
Published: July 2019

Reflectance spectroscopy in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), and near infrared (NIR) range is widely applied to art studies for the characterization of paints and pigments, with the advantages of non-invasive techniques. Isolating and detecting the fingerprint of pigments, especially in the NIR range, is quite challenging, since the presence of vibrational transitions of the most common organic functional groups prevents to relate the optical spectrum of a composite sample, as an artwork is, to each one of its elements (i.e., support, binder, and specific pigment). In this work, a method is presented to obtain the UV-Vis-NIR optical response of the single components of a model composite sample reproducing an artwork, i.e., the support, the binder, and the pigment or dye, by using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. This allowed us to obtain the NIR spectral fingerprint of blue pigments and to identify specific features possibly applicable for detecting cobalt and phthalocyanine blue colors in artwork analysis.
Perceived Controlling Behaviors of Physical Education Teachers and Objectively Measured Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Adolescents
Authors: Koka Andre , Tilga Henri , Kalajas-Tilga Hanna , Hein Vello , Raudsepp Lennart
Published: July 2019

The facilitative role of perceived autonomy support from physical education (PE) teachers on adolescents’ leisure-time physical activity (PA) has been supported. This study aimed to examine the mechanism by which perceived controlling behaviors from PE teachers relate to adolescents’ objectively measured leisure-time PA. In a three-wave prospective study, a total of 159 students (64 boys) aged 11 to 19 years old (Mage = 14.94 years; SD = 2.11) completed measures of perceived controlling behavior, frustration of the basic psychological needs, and motivational regulations in PE. One week later, motivational regulations towards leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were assessed. Five weeks later, MVPA was measured using accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X) during seven consecutive days. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that perceived controlling behavior predicted students’ frustration of basic psychological needs in PE. The competence need frustration in PE had a negative direct effect on objectively measured MVPA. A significant indirect effect supported the mediating role of competence frustration in PE in the relation between perceived controlling behavior from PE teachers and MVPA in adolescents. Findings suggest that future interventions striving to promote adolescents’ PA engagement in their leisure-time should focus on decreasing controlling behaviors from teachers in PE that may manipulate the teacher–student relation.
The Stability and Complexity Analysis of a Low-Carbon Supply Chain Considering Fairness Concern Behavior and Sales Service
Authors: Li Qiuxiang , Chen Xingli , Huang Yimin
Published: July 2019

This paper studies a low-carbon dual-channel supply chain in which a manufacturer sells products through the direct channel and traditional channel, and a retailer sells products through the traditional channel. The manufacturer considers carbon emission reduction and has fairness concern behavior. The retailer provides sales service in the traditional channel and considers fairness concern behavior. The objective of this paper is to analyze the effects of different parameter values on the price stability and utility of the supply chain system emphatically using 2D bifurcation diagram, parameter plot basin, the basins of attraction, chaos attractor and sensitivity to the initial value, etc. The results find that the retailer’s fairness concern behavior shrinks the stability of the supply chain system more than that of the manufacturer’s fairness concern behavior. The system stability region decreases with the increase of carbon emission reduction level and the retailer’s fairness concern. The customers’ preference for the direct channel decreases the stable range of the direct channel, while it enlarges the stable range of the traditional channel. The supply chain system enters into chaos through flip bifurcation with the increase of price adjustment speed. In a stable state, the manufacture improving customer’s preference for the direct channel and the retailer choosing the appropriate fairness concern level can achieve the maximum utility separately. In a chaotic state, the average utilities of the manufacturer and retailer all decline, while that of the retailer declines even more. By selecting appropriate control parameter, the low-carbon dual-channel supply chain system can return to a stable state from chaos again. The research of this paper is of great significance to price decisions of participants and supply chain operation management.
A Systematic Review for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases on Ships: Evidence for Cross-Border Transmission and for Pre-Employment Immunization Need
Authors: Mouchtouri Varvara , Lewis Hannah , Hadjichristodoulou Christos ,   the EU SHIPSAN ACT Joint Action Partnership
Published: July 2019

A literature review was conducted to identify evidence of cases and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) that have been reported from on board ships and the methods applied on board for prevention and control, worldwide, in 1990 to April 2019. Moreover, evidence from seroprevalence studies for the same diseases were also included. The literature review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 1795 cases (115 outbreaks, 7 case reports) were identified, the majority were among crew (1466/1795, 81.7%) and were varicella cases (1497, 83.4%). The origin of crew cases was from sub-tropical countries in many reports. Measles (40 cases, 69% among crew), rubella (47, 88.7%), herpes zoster (9, 69.2%) and varicella cases (1316, 87.9%) were more frequent among crew. Mumps cases were equal among passengers and crew (22/22). Hepatitis A (73/92, 70.3%), meningococcal meningitis (16/29, 44.8%), and pertussis (9/9) were more frequent among passengers. Two outbreaks resulted in 262 secondary measles cases on land. Review results were used to draft a new chapter for prevention and control of VPDs in the European Manual for Hygiene Standards and Communicable Disease Surveillance on Passenger Ships. Despite past and current evidence for cross-border VPD transmission and maritime occupational risks, documented pre-employment examination of immune status, vaccination of seafarers, and travel advice to passengers are not yet regulated.
Community-Driven Priorities in Smartphone Application Development: Leveraging Social Networks to Self-Manage Type 2 Diabetes in a Low-Income African American Neighborhood
Authors: Surkan Pamela J. , Mezzanotte Kathryne S. , Sena Laura M. , Chang Larry W. , Gittelsohn Joel , Trolle Lagerros Ylva , Quinn Charlene C. , Zachary Wayne W.
Published: July 2019

Social networks have the potential to enhance Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) self-management. We used qualitative methods to study if and how mobile application (app) functions that mobilize social resources to improve T2DM management would be desired in a low-income African American community. Data were collected through community discussions and in-depth interviews with 78 participants in 2016–2018. Participants included individuals with self-reported pre-diabetes, T2DM, close family members or friends of a T2DM patient, and healthcare providers. Open-ended questions solicited information about challenges with T2DM management and gathered ideas on features of a mobile app that could address them. Data were transcribed and thematically coded by two coders using Atlas-ti. Regarding types of app functions, main themes included: (1) the importance of having support in diabetes self-care; (2) using informal networks to help to each other; and (3) monitoring one another through an app. Suggested app features included reminders for and transportation to medical visits, sharing information and exercise companionship, and providing opportunities for monitoring by friends/family members, especially in case of emergencies. Participants viewed an app as a potential vehicle for reinforcing accomplishments in T2DM self-management. Future research should implement and test an app with these features in this or similar communities.
Optimal Water Resources Regulation for the Pond Irrigation System Based on Simulation—A Case Study in Jiang-Huai Hilly Regions, China
Authors: Jiang Shangming , Ning Shaowei , Cao Xiuqing , Jin Juliang , Song Fan , Yuan Xianjiang , Zhang Lei , Xu Xiaoyan , Udmale Parmeshwar
Published: July 2019

Due to the importance and complexity of water resources regulations in the pond irrigation systems of the Jiang-Huai hilly regions, a water allocation simulation model for pond irrigation districts based on system simulation theory was developed in this study. To maximize agricultural irrigation benefits while guaranteeing rural domestic water demand, an optimal water resources regulation model for pond irrigation districts and a simulation-based optimal water resources regulation technology system for the pond irrigation system were developed. Using this system, it was determined that the suitable pond coverage rate (pond capacity per unit area) was 2.92 × 105 m3/km2. Suitable water supply and operational rules for adjusting crop planting structure were also developed the water-saving irrigation method and irrigation system. To guarantee rural domestic water demand, the multi-year average total irrigation water deficit of the study area decreased by 4.66 × 104 m3/km2; the average multi-year water deficit ratio decreased from 20.40% to 1.18%; the average multi-year irrigation benefit increased by 1.11 × 105 RMB (16,128$)/km2; and the average multi-year revenue increased by 6.69%. Both the economic and social benefits were significant. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and technological support for comprehensive pone governance in the Jiang-Huai hilly regions and promote the establishment of a water allocation scheme and irrigation system for pond irrigation districts, which have practical significance and important application value.
Patients’ and Caregivers’ Conceptualisations of Pressure Ulcers and the Process of Decision-Making in the Context of Home Care
Authors: García-Sánchez Francisco José , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Rodríguez-Martín Beatriz
Published: July 2019

Background: Although the addition of patients in the process of shared decision-making can improve their recovery, there is a lack of knowledge about patients’ and caregivers’ perceptions on the management of pressure ulcers at home. Objectives: To explore the conceptualisations of patients with pressure ulcers and their caregivers on the barriers and facilitators for their involvement in home care and in the process of shared decision-making regarding the care provided. Methods: A qualitative study based on grounded theory in a theoretical sample of 10 patients with pressure ulcers and 15 main caregivers from the health district of Puertollano (Spain). The data were based on semi-structured interviews, analysed using a coding process and the constant comparative method. Results: According to the participants, personal motivation and the involvement of primary care professionals facilitated their participation in the process of shared decision-making and generated feelings of positivity. In contrast, older age, having disabling pathologies, a low educational level or health paternalism were perceived as barriers for their involvement. Conclusions: A non-paternalistic care model and personal motivation facilitate the process of shared decision-making in the care of people with pressure ulcers. Further studies are required to deepen the understanding of this phenomenon and examine the barriers and facilitators for the involvement of patients and caregivers in the management of these injuries in other contexts.
Parental Style, Dating Violence and Gender
Authors: Muñiz-Rivas María , Vera María , Povedano-Díaz Amapola
Published: July 2019

The relationship between parenting styles and teen dating violence has become a relevant research topic in recent years, especially related to violence inflicted online. To more fully understand this relationship, the objective of the present study was to examine which parenting style (authoritarian, indulgent, authoritative, or neglectful) best protects against dating violence in adolescent relationships. A total of 1132 adolescents of both sexes participated in this study (46.4% boys and 53.6% girls), with ages between 14 and 18 years old (M = 15.6, SD = 1.3). A multivariate factorial design was applied (MANOVA, 4 × 2), using the parenting style, the parents’ gender, and the adolescents’ gender as independent variables, and the dating violence dimensions (online and offline) as dependent variables. As the results show, the lowest scores on all the dating violence dimensions examined were obtained by adolescents from indulgent families. In addition, three interaction effects were observed between the mother’s parenting style and the adolescent’s gender on online violence (e-violence and control), and the father’s parenting style on offline violence (verbal-emotional). Thus, adolescents with authoritarian mothers obtained the highest scores on violence and control inflicted online, respectively, and adolescent girls with authoritarian fathers obtained the highest scores on verbal-emotional violence. These findings suggest that the indulgent style is the parenting style that protects against violence in teen dating relationships, and they also highlight the risks of the authoritarian style as a family child-rearing model.
Remote Diagnosis of Architectural Heritage Based on 5W1H Model-Based Metadata in Virtual Reality
Authors: Lee Jongwook , Kim Junki , Ahn Jaehong , Woo Woontack
Published: July 2019

We propose a framework based on the 5W1H model-based metadata for remote diagnosis in virtual reality (VR). For this purpose, we suggest unique metadata composed of Point of Interest (POI)-extended anchor (xAnchor)-content for a context-aware service in virtual and augmented reality. We define the attributes of the metadata based on the 5W1H context for information retrieval according to the context in a remote diagnosis. Second, we propose the ontology-based linker metadata that express the relations between AR scenes and that retrieve external information. Moreover, we suggest heritage building information metadata for information retrieval according to context. For evaluation, we created a geo-tagged content tool and a remote diagnosis VR application. We conducted focus-group interviews and heuristic evaluations for remote diagnosis in VR to verify the methodology of this study. As a result, we found that experts were most satisfied with the functions that provide the contextualized information. This study contributes to the geospatial metadata for a context-aware service in VR/AR as well as the remote diagnosis framework to overcome the time-consuming problem of the existing remote diagnosis.
DNAM-1 Activating Receptor and Its Ligands: How Do Viruses Affect the NK Cell-Mediated Immune Surveillance during the Various Phases of Infection?
Authors: Cifaldi Loredana , Doria Margherita , Cotugno Nicola , Zicari Sonia , Cancrini Caterina , Palma Paolo , Rossi Paolo
Published: July 2019

Natural Killer (NK) cells play a critical role in host defense against viral infections. The mechanisms of recognition and killing of virus-infected cells mediated by NK cells are still only partially defined. Several viruses induce, on the surface of target cells, the expression of molecules that are specifically recognized by NK cell-activating receptors. The main NK cell-activating receptors involved in the recognition and killing of virus-infected cells are NKG2D and DNAM-1. In particular, ligands for DNAM-1 are nectin/nectin-like molecules involved also in mechanisms allowing viral infection. Viruses adopt several immune evasion strategies, including those affecting NK cell-mediated immune surveillance, causing persistent viral infection and the development of virus-associated diseases. The virus’s immune evasion efficacy depends on molecules differently expressed during the various phases of infection. In this review, we overview the molecular strategies adopted by viruses, specifically cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), herpes virus (HSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), aiming to evade NK cell-mediated surveillance, with a special focus on the modulation of DNAM-1 activating receptor and its ligands in various phases of the viral life cycle. The increasing understanding of mechanisms involved in the modulation of activating ligands, together with those mediating the viral immune evasion strategies, would provide critical tools leading to design novel NK cell-based immunotherapies aiming at viral infection control, thus improving cure strategies of virus-associated diseases.
Furosine Posed Toxic Effects on Primary Sertoli Cells through Regulating Cep55/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/FOX01/TNF-α Pathway
Authors: Li Huiying , Wang Bingyuan , Yang Huaigu , Wang Yizhen , Xing Lei , Chen Wei , Wang Jiaqi , Zheng Nan
Published: July 2019

As one of the Maillard reaction products, furosine has been widely reported in a variety of heat-processed foods, while the toxicity of furosine on the reproductive system and related mechanisms are unclear. Here, we constructed an intragastric gavage male mice model (42-day administration, 0.1/0.25/0.5 g furosine/Kg body weight per day) to investigate its effects on mice testicle index, hormones in serum, and mice sperm quality. Besides, the lipid metabonomics analysis was performed to screen out the special metabolites and relatively altered pathways in mice testicle tissue. Mice primary sertoli cells were separated from male mice testicle to validate the role of special metabolites in regulating pathways. We found that furosine affected testicle index, hormones expression level and sperm quality, as well as caused pathological damages in testicle tissue. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (18:0/16:1) was upregulated by furosine both in mice testicle tissue and in primary sertoli cells, meanwhile, PE(18:0/16:1) was proved to activate Cep55/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/FOX01/TNF-α pathway, and as a functional protein in dairy products, lactoferrin could inhibit expression of this pathway when combined with furosine. In conclusion, for the first time we validated that furosine posed toxic effects on mice sperms and testicle tissue through upregulating PE(18:0/16:1) and activating Cep55/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/FOX01/TNF-α pathway.
Evaluation of the Common Molecular Basis in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases
Authors: Rana Pratip , Franco Edian F. , Rao Yug , Syed Khajamoinuddin , Barh Debmalya , Azevedo Vasco , Ramos Rommel T. J. , Ghosh Preetam
Published: July 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative disorders related to aging. Though several risk factors are shared between these two diseases, the exact relationship between them is still unknown. In this paper, we analyzed how these two diseases relate to each other from the genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic viewpoints. Using an extensive literature mining, we first accumulated the list of genes from major genome-wide association (GWAS) studies. Based on these GWAS studies, we observed that only one gene (HLA-DRB5) was shared between AD and PD. A subsequent literature search identified a few other genes involved in these two diseases, among which SIRT1 seemed to be the most prominent one. While we listed all the miRNAs that have been previously reported for AD and PD separately, we found only 15 different miRNAs that were reported in both diseases. In order to get better insights, we predicted the gene co-expression network for both AD and PD using network analysis algorithms applied to two GEO datasets. The network analysis revealed six clusters of genes related to AD and four clusters of genes related to PD; however, there was very low functional similarity between these clusters, pointing to insignificant similarity between AD and PD even at the level of affected biological processes. Finally, we postulated the putative epigenetic regulator modules that are common to AD and PD.
Sulfoxaflor and Natural Pyrethrin with Piperonyl Butoxide Are Effective Alternatives to Neonicotinoids against Juveniles of Philaenus spumarius, the European Vector of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Dáder Beatriz , Viñuela Elisa , Moreno Aránzazu , Plaza María , Garzo Elisa , del Estal Pedro , Fereres Alberto
Published: July 2019

The threat imposed by the bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa to crops of utter importance to European agriculture such as olive, stone fruit and grapevine calls for immediate research against the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.), the main European vector. Management tools should consider reducing juveniles of vector populations growing on weeds or cover crops during spring as nymphs have limited movement and do not contribute to disease spread. We examined a wide range of insecticides with different modes of action against P. spumarius nymphs in laboratory and semi-field glasshouse conditions. Pyrethroids (delthamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin) and natural pyrethrin (Pirecris®) + piperonyl butoxide (PBO) efficacy surpassed 86% after 24 h of exposure, without significant differences in the PBO amount tested. The inclusion of PBO caused a 3-fold increase in the mortality of P. spumarius nymphs compared to pyrethrin alone. Sulfoxaflor (Closer®) exhibited similar efficacy at 48 and 72 h but it was slow acting and mortality only reached 60% at 24 h. The LC90 was 34 ppm at 72 h. Pymetrozine, spirotetramat, azadirachtin and kaolin were not effective against nymphs (mortality <33%) although in azadirachtin-treated plants, mortality had a 3-fold increase from 24 to 72 h. Our results will help decision-making policy bodies to set up a sustainable integrated pest management of P. spumarius in areas where X. fastidiosa becomes a problem.
Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome with Anemia-Polycythemia: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Outcome
Authors: Tollenaar Lisanne S. A. , Slaghekke Femke , van Klink Jeanine M. M. , Groene Sophie G. , Middeldorp Johanna M. , Haak Monique C. , Klumper Frans J. C. M. , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of co-existing anemia-polycythemia (AP) in twin pregnancies with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) prior to laser surgery, and to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes in TTTS twins with and without AP. All TTTS cases treated with laser between 2001 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of AP before surgery. AP was defined as delta middle cerebral artery–peak systolic velocity > 0.5 multiples of the median. The primary outcome was a composite of perinatal survival and severe neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Secondary outcomes included procedure-related characteristics, severe neonatal morbidity, and disease-free survival. In total, 66% (461/696) of TTTS twin pregnancies were eligible for analysis. AP was detected in 15% (70/461) of the TTTS twins prior to laser surgery. Gestational age at laser was higher in the TTTS+AP group compared to the TTTS-only group—21.0 weeks (interquartile rage (IQR): 18.8–24.0) versus 19.3 weeks (IQR: 17.3–21.9), respectively (p < 0.0001). Fewer placental anastomoses were detected in the TTTS+AP group than in the TTTS-only group—five (IQR: 4–6) versus six (IQR: 5–8), respectively (p < 0.0001). Perinatal survival was 77% (599/782) in the TTTS-only group and 83% (118/142) in the TTTS+AP group (p = 0.130). Severe NDI was 8% (28/370) in TTTS-only and 3% (2/74) in TTTS+AP. TTTS-only twins showed more severe neonatal morbidity than twins with TTTS+AP—23% (132/575) versus 11% (13/115), respectively (p = 0.005). Disease-free survival was lower in the TTTS-only group compared to the TTTS+AP group—62% (341/548) versus 73% (72/98), respectively (p = 0.046). Thus, AP complicates 15% of TTTS twins prior to laser. TTTS+AP twins show a different placental angioarchitecture, a later time of onset of the disease, and a more favorable outcome.
Nutritional Management of Medical Inpatients
Authors: Reber Emilie , Gomes Filomena , Bally Lia , Schuetz Philipp , Stanga Zeno
Published: July 2019

Malnutrition is a common condition in hospitalized patients that is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Hospital malnutrition has multifactorial causes and is associated with negative clinical and economic outcomes. There is now growing evidence from clinical trials for the efficiency and efficacy of nutritional support in the medical inpatient population. Since many medical inpatients at nutritional risk or malnourished are polymorbid (i.e., suffer from multiple comorbidities), this makes the provision of adequate nutritional support a challenging task, given that most of the clinical nutrition guidelines are dedicated to single diseases. This review summarizes the current level of evidence for nutritional support in not critically ill polymorbid medical inpatients.
Comparison between Post-Operative Analgesic Efficacy of Low-Concentration High-Volume and High-Concentration Low-Volume Combinations of Ropivacaine for Transverse Abdominis Plane Block in Pediatric Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Lee Hyungmook , Chung Jaehee , Lee Minsoo , Yang Sungwon , Lee Haejin
Published: July 2019

Transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block can provide post-operative analgesia in children undergoing open inguinal hernia repair. However, the optimal anesthetic dose, and concentration for TAP block in the pediatric population, is not well defined. This study compared the post-operative analgesic effect of TAP block between low-concentration, with high-volume (LCHV) and high-concentration, with low-volume (HCLV) combinations of local anesthetic. Forty-four patients who underwent open inguinal hernia repair were randomly assigned to two groups. The patients in the LCHV group received 0.67 mL/kg of 0.15% ropivacaine. Whereas, those in the HCLV group received 0.4 mL/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine. Both groups received the same amount of ropivacaine (1 mg/kg). The primary outcome measure was the face, leg, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) scale score at post-anesthetic care unit (PACU; T1). FLACC scale score at T1 was significantly lower in the HCLV group (2.91 versus 1.43; mean difference, −1.49; 95% confidence interval, −0.0245 to −2.936; p = 0.0464). FLACC scale scores one hour and six hours after the surgery were not different between the two groups. This study reports better post-operative analgesic effects after unilateral open inguinal hernia repair with 1 mg/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine than 1 mg/kg of 0.15% ropivacaine at PACU.
Communicative Acts Used by Emergent Trilingual Pupils in English Classrooms in the Basque Autonomous Community
Authors: Fernández Amaia , Sagasta Pilar , Ipiña Nagore
Published: July 2019

This research aims at examining the communicative acts (CA) performed by Grade 5 emergent trilingual pupils in the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC) in northern Spain when interacting in the English classroom. Likewise, it examines translanguaging practices when performing CA to analyze whether pupils deploy similar linguistic resources (LR) regardless of the CA they enact. Moreover, it investigates whether pupils from different sociolinguistic contexts behave similarly. Preliminary results suggest that Grade 5 pupils taking part in this study enact CA related to inviting elaboration or reasoning, expressing or inviting ideas, guiding direction of dialogue or activity, positioning and coordination, and showing understanding by using LR coming from different linguistic systems (mostly English and Basque) when interacting in the English classroom across sociolinguistic areas.
Key Parameters in the Manufacture of SiC-Based Composite Materials by Reactive Melt Infiltration
Authors: Caccia Mario , Narciso Javier
Published: July 2019

The manufacture of SiC-based composites is quite widespread, and currently different methods are employed to produce them. The most efficient method, taking into account the cost/performance ratio, is reactive melt infiltration. It consists in infiltrating liquid silicon into a porous preform that must contain carbon, so that SiC is produced during infiltration. In the present work, the synthesis of two SiC-based composite materials with very different applications and microstructures has been studied and optimized. In both cases, materials have been obtained with suitable properties for the selected applications. One of the materials studied is silicon carbide particles/silicon (SiCp/Si) for protection systems such as armor jackets, and the other one is carbon fiber/silicon carbide (Cf/SiC) for use in braking systems. For the optimization, the dwell time and the atmosphere (Ar or primary vacuum) were used as variables. It has been found that in both preforms, the optimum conditions are 1 h dwell time and a vacuum atmosphere at 1450 °C. The effect of these parameters on microstructure and infiltration kinetics are discussed.