bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRINCIPLES OF SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION IN CHILDREN
Authors: Haerazi Haerazi
Published: October 2020

To understand the principles of second language acquisition, we could adopt a variety of perspective. Research on second language acquisition (SLA) by children and adults is characterized by many different subfields and perspectives, both cognitive and social in orientation. Although children feature as participants in this research, it is relatively rare to find reviews or overviews of SLA that deal specifically with child SLA although there are a few important exceptions. This general lack of focus on children’s SLA is somewhat surprising, considering that data from children as first language learners have often provided a basis and impetus for SLA theorizing. Among the best-known first language studies to prove influential was Brown’s seminal work showing a predictable order of morpheme acquisition by children under the age of three. Many early years settings now welcome children and families from different cultures who use languages other than English. Young children who are starting to learn English as an additional language may also be attending a nursery school, pre-school, day nursery or child-minder perhaps for the first time. They will bring with them many skills and experiences from their home culture and will be both anxious and excited about their new situation. A good foundation for learning English as an additional language is embedded in quality early years practice. To know more about the principle of second language acquisition in children, this paper will present some issues related with it such as the nature and the role of language learning and the logical problem in language learning.
IMPROVING STUDENTS’ WRITING SKILL THROUGH INTERACTIVE BLOG AT IKIP MATARAM
Authors: Suhaili Muhamad , Suadiyatno Taufik
Published: October 2020

This research is aimed to improve students’ writing skill through Interactive Blog at English Department of IKIP Mataram. The subjects of the research were A class students of the fifth semester of English Department that consist of 45 students. This research was a Classroom Action Research that involved critical analyses of the situation in classroom and system in which they worked. These situations were structured institutionally with some cycles that consist of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting which can help to define issues and ideas. There were four techniques of data collection that  were applied in this research; they were observation, interview, questioner and objective test. The techniques of analyzing data in this research used analytical scoring rubric adapted from Weigle. There were five components presented in the analytical scoring rubric for writing, i.e., content, organization, vocabulary, language use, and mechanics. The result of this research showed that interactive blog could improve students’ writing skill, It can be proved by some facts; first, related to the srudents’ result, there was 82% who passed the passing grade (60). Second, the observation result of students’ participation showed the good improvement from the first meeting until the last meeting. The last, the result of interview towards students and lecturer showed the positive response when the interactive blog was applied in improving students’ writing skill. It created a situation of feeling free and enjoyable. The students can explore and share their idea or opinion with other friends. Therefore students can help each other to do whatever was necessary to succeed. These situation made students’ writing skill and productivity were more increasing. In addition by using this media, students were able to improve their ability in working individually, students were able to build their own knowledge, students were able to find out steps in solving problem in writing. Based on the result of this research, it can be concluded that interactive blog is able to improve students writing skill at IKIP Mataram.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN THE SCARLET LETTER
Authors: Fadlilah Lilik
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this witing is to give a brief understandable of figurative language used in the Scarlet Letter novel and add references to undertand the social value and its implication. Figurative language that stated in the novel connects any object or character to a symbolic meaning through simile, metaphor, allusion, or personification. Hawthorne’s main device for communicating his message in The Scarlet Letter is figurative language that make  the story flew strongly and has a highly stylized symbolic fable.The tight structure and figurative language of the novel  is like walking in to many-sided of mirrors where we see every fact in unending succession of relation to every other fact. In other side, this writing can be used to   broader knowledge about stylistics that it is reliable or recommended strategy in teaching linguistics and literature.
TEST TAKING STRATEGY ON STUDENTS’ READING TEST
Authors: Rafi Muhammad Farhan , Islam Aang Fatikhul
Published: October 2020

Understanding the meaning of any passage is the aim of reading comprehension. This is one of objectives in Reading 2 class English Department at STKIP PGRI Jombang. To achieve a good score on this subject, students must take a test, they have the answers right in performing reading comprehension test, students could make use of test taking strategy. The research describe what test taking strategy used by students of STKIP PGRI Jombang in performing reading comprehension test are. This study was with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and descriptive. This research consisted of 95 correspondent of the third-semester students of English Department STKIP PGRI Jombang. It uses questionnaire and test as its instrument. The research found there were 7 factors from 28 strategy items accounted for 69.1% cumulative of the variance. They are Option-Selecting Strategies, Question-Rereading Strategies, Option Comprehension Strategies, Answer-Checking Strategies, Option Consideration Strategies, Cognitive Strategies and Clues-Finding Strategies.
STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN USING ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION AT IKIP MATARAM 2016
Authors: Ariani Sri , Hanan Ahmad
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this research is to describe the second semester students’ ability in using elliptical construction at the second semester students of English Department of IKIP Mataram 2016. Descriptive method is used as the design of this research. This research is indended to analize whether the second semester students of English Department of IKIP Mataram 2016 are able to use elliptical constructions or not and to analize percentage of ability of students in using elliptical constructions. The population of this research is the second semester students of English Department of IKIP Mataram Year 2016 (270 students). The researchers used cluster random sampling to select the sample. The total number of sample is 40 students. Technique of data collection is conducted by using grammar test and questioner. In analyzing the data, the researchers use statistic analysis, refers to descriptive statistic, it is enable the researchers to organize, to summarize, and to describe the observation. Furthermore, in describing the data, the researchers organize the data into frequency distribution. Then, measure the mean scores to find out a single score that can give the indication of the ability of the 40 students on an achievements test. For this purpose, the researchers find out the mean scores. The finding of this study revealed that : (1) The ability of second year students of English Department of IKIP Mataram year 2016  in using elliptical constructions is on low level, it can be seen from the mean score of the students which is 12,1 and this score is on low level. (2) The percentages of qualification for the second year students of English Department of IKIP Mataram year 2016  in using elliptical constructions are on low percentages, it can be seen from the rate percentage of the ability of students in using elliptical constructions. (3) The second semester students of English Department of IKIP Mataram year 2016 able to use elliptical constructions in small number of students. however, most of the students have lack interested about the way lecturer conduct elliptical construction.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RANSOM NOTE GAME IN LEARNING VOCABULARY AT SMPN 1 KERUAK
Authors: Zurri Arbi Maulida Hadijah , Kamarudin Kamarudin , Hanan Ahmad
Published: October 2020

This research was aimed at finding out the effectevenness of Ransom Note Game in learning vocabulary. this research was quasi experimental design. The populations of this research were all of students at second grade students of SMPN 1 KERUAK that consist of 284 students that consist of eight different classes. In which the sample of this research used two classes where VIII.1 Class as experimental group consisted of 32 student and VIII.3 as control group consisted of 31 students. The experimental was taught by Ransom Note Game Game and control group taught by Puzzle Game. The instruments that used were objective test with multiple choices, matching word, fill in the blank and true or false. The analysis used t-test formula. The result of the analysis, showed that the value of to (t obtained) 2, 0888 was higher than tt (t table) 1, 8702, the significant level 0, 05. Based on the result of this investigation, it was proved that the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted. In other words, there was significant effect of Ransom Note Game in learning vocabulary at the second grade students at SMPN 1 KERUAK in academic year 2016/2017.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MEMORY TRICKS GAME IN TEACHING GRAMMAR
Authors: Ningsi Cicilia , Suadiyatno Taufik , Sandiarsa S. K. Dedy
Published: October 2020

This research was aimed to find out the effectiveness of Memory Tricks game in teaching grammar. The research was experimental research and the design that was used was pre-test and post-test design. The population of the study was the first grade students of SMKN 1 Kuripan especially in TKJ (TeknikKomputer and Jaringan) course which consisted of three classes. Two classes were chosen as the samples, those were TKJ 1 Class as experimental group consisted of thirty five students and TKJ 3 Class as control group consisted thirty five students. They were chosen by usingSimple Random Sampling technique. Experimental group was treated by Memory Tricks game and control group was treated by Verb Search game. The instrument that was used objective test in forms of completion items test. Then, the scores were analyzed by using statistical analysis. It showed the mean score of experimental group was 76 while the mean score control group was 69.2 and the value of t (t test) = 2,7922 was higher than the value of  (t table) = 1.9955 at the significance level of 0.05% and the number of degree freedom (68). Therefore, according to the result of the analysis, it can be concluded that there is a significant difference between student’s grammar scores taught by Memory Tricks game and taught by Verb Search game. In other words, Memory Tricks game is effective in teaching grammar.
THINK-PAIR-SHARE STRATEGY IN TEACHING READING AT THE SECOND SEMESTER STUDENTS OF IKIP MATARAM
Authors: Utama I Made Permadi
Published: October 2020

This research was aimed to find out the effectiveness of using Think Pair Share (TPS) strategy in teaching reading at the second semester students of IKIP Mataram. Research design was quasi-experimental with nonequivalent control group design. The sample of the research was 79 students and it was taken by using cluster random sampling technique and the data gathering used multiple choice items that consist of 20 items. The data analysis used t-test formulation. Based on the data analysis, t-test score was 1.804 and t-table 1.664 with signification level 5% and degree of freedom N – 2 = 79 – 2 = 77. It means that t-test was higher than t-table (1.804 > 1.664). Therefore alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted and null hypothesis (Ho) was rejected. So, there was significant effect of using Think Pair Share (TPS) strategy in teaching reading at the second semester students of IKIP Mataram.
DIVERSITY OF LEARNING: THE BASIS FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTION IN TEACHING MODALITY
Authors: Muliani Muliani , Hidayatullah Heri
Published: October 2020

This research deals with the diversity of learning as part the development of Interstate New Teachers Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC Standards) teaching model in teaching Modality. Regarding the use of modalities in English as foreign language for students in Indonesia,it cannot be denied that to most of the students particularly where this research is being carried out,  the students awareness of the of modalality limits up to the use of those modal verbs in text ignoring the context. In other words, the ignorance of cultural use occurs in which in contrast, language use must take tense and aspect into consideration. By that reason, the need of teaching modalities further is the main concern as the aim of this research. 80 students of the English Department of IKIP Mataram were involved as the subject of the research where formative assessment were found by applying “learning style” topic. It was implemented b means of preparing the questionnaire consisting of 1-10 with three-color-box (a,b,c) in which the students were asked to color the box with question mark inside where eventually it was found that the students’ diversity can be seen from their hobbies which they use as their learning styles. Most of students love to do sport exercise, watch movie, listening to the music, travelling, reading novel, and singing. Besides, it is also found that students are different in their learning style where some students prefer to learn by discussing, in peer, move around, learn in quite, or even to some of them, any situation things that can distract theirconcentration. In short, it can be concluded that the students are categorized as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.
The Effect of Talking Chips Towards Students’ Self-Assurance in Speaking Skill
Authors: Sudirman Sudirman , Rahmadani Tya Putri
Published: October 2020

This research is aimed to find out whether Talking Chips has positive effect or not toward students’ self-assurance in speaking of the second grade students at SMAN 4 Mataram. The research was experimental research and the design used was Pre Experimental with one group without control group and used one group pre-test post-test design only. The population of the study was the second grade students of SMAN 4 Mataram which consisted of one class (19 students). One class was chosen by using accidental sampling technique and the result was XI IPS 1. In collecting the data pre-test and post-test were done. And then, the data analyzed by using SPSS. The result of data analysis showed that t-test was 3.457 and t-table was 2.109, it means that t-test was higher than t-table as the level of significance level 0,05. It can be concluded that teaching self-assurance in speaking skill at SMAN 4 Mataram using talking chips produce much greater change in the students’ self-assurance in speaking. On the other words, talking chips technique is effective in teaching self-assurance in speaking at SMAN 4 Mataram.
Upaya Peningkatan Minat Baca dan Pengetahuan Siswa Melalui Model Pembelajaran Inkuiri di MTs. Miftahul Huda Jleper Demak Jawa Tengah
Authors: Anisah Noor
Published: October 2020

This study aims to increase students' reading interest and knowledge by using an inquiry model. This research method uses Classroom Action Research. The study population used all class VIII students of MTs Miftahul Huda Jleper for the 2020/2021 academic year and the subjects of this study were students of class VIII-C. This data collection technique used tests and observations, while the data analysis techniques used quantitative and qualitative descriptive analysis. The results of this study indicate that the average observations of the syntax implementation of the inquiry learning model in each cycle are; the first cycle (74.5%), the second cycle (83.3%), the third cycle (92.7%). The results of the average value of learning assessments and the number of students who completed learning in each cycle, namely cycle I had an average value of 76 with students who completed 16, cycle II had an average value of 82 with students who completed 21, and cycle III had an average score of 82. average score 91 with students who completed 28 students. Based on the reading interest questionnaire, it was obtained an increase in each cycle, namely in cycle I (65.2%), cycle II (79.7%), and cycle III (87.6%).
Continuities in the Party System of the Republic of Korea from the Authoritarian to the Democratic Era: The Conservative Party(ies) in the
National Assembly between 1972 and 1997
Authors: Plana Aranda Vicent
Published: October 2020

In scholarship about the South Korean party system, the two main political parties are seen as organizations with a certain degree of continuity despite constant party name changes, mergers and splits, but, at the same time, as lacking institutionalization because of those constant changes. This article argues that, after the democratic transition, an important part of the authoritarian institutional setting and of the political elites of the previous period had a continuation in the new system. To prove this argument this article looks at the so-called conservative party(ies) between 1972 and 1997 and traces its continuity in the National Assembly.
The Nation over Gender and Class: Media Framing of Comfort Women in South Korea and Japan
Authors: Song Jay , Ohashi Jun
Published: October 2020

In December 2015, South Korea and Japan reached an agreement on resolving the “comfort women” issue that sparked media interests. This article analyses how the South Korean and Japanese media covered comfort women in 2013–2018. The study collects over 20,000 newspaper articles and analyses distinctive media framings in liberal, conservative and leftist newspapers in South Korea and Japan. During this period, the South Korean media have gone beyond the extant nationalist and feminist narratives and incorporated a class dimension. The authors
find that there have been dynamic interplays among nation, gender and class that make the debates more complex and transnational, yet the dominant narratives are still from liberal or leftist nationalists in Korea and conservative statists in Japan.
A Reconsideration of the New Right’s Formative Period (2003–2008): Conservative Experiences, Mass Media and Cultural Memory in Post-Authoritarian South Korea
Authors: Vierthaler Patrick
Published: October 2020

The present article re-considers the emergence and institutionalization of the South Korean New Right Movement (2003–2007). Tracing institutional changes in post-democratization South Korea, I argue that the New Right can be evaluated as a process of Cultural Trauma within the conservative ideological spectrum. Revealing the movement’s institutionalization until the inauguration of the Lee Myung-bak government in 2008, I investigate in detail the role of the conservative mass media in the movement’s rise. Furthermore, I examine the movement’s relation to contemporary Korean history and memory, clarifying why the New Right ultimately failed in gaining wide-spread support for their historical narratives.
Sources of anthroponyms in P. Kulish’s novel “Chorna Rada”
Authors: Fedoruk Oles
Published: October 2020

The paper analyzes different sources of anthroponyms in the original and final texts of P. Kulish’s novel “Chorna Rada: Khronika 1663 Roku” (“The Black Council: A Chronicle of the Year 1663”). Three types of sources have been identified: the historical prototypes, names and surnames of Kulish’s friends, and archival (documentary) records. In addition, numerous notes in the early editions of the Russian novel contain references to the works of various people (M. Markevych, D. Bantysh-Kamenskyi, V. Kokhovskyi, etc.). The last group of anthroponyms stands outside of the plot, and the paper does not focus on it. The historical and autobiographical sources of anthroponyms are generally known. Among the first are prototypes of two hetmans — Yakym Somko and Ivan Briukhovetskyi, military secretary M. Vukhaievych, regimental osaul M. Hvyntovka. The second group comprises the occasional characters Hordii Kostomara (a historian M. Kostomarov), Ivan Yusko (a teacher I. Yuskevych-Kraskovskyi), Hulak (M. Hulak, the founder of The Brotherhood of Saints Cyril and Methodius), Bilozerets (Kulish’s brother-in-law V. Bilozerskyi), Petro Serdiuk (Kulish’s close friend Petro Serdiukov), Oleksa Senchylo (teacher Oleksa Senchylo-Stefanovskyi). In the novel, Kulish drew the love line as a projection of his relationship with Oleksandra Bilozerska and her mother Motrona. The characters of Petro Shramenko, Lesia Cherevanivna and her mother Melaniia have an autobiographical basis. Accordingly, Lesia’s name was also taken from real life. The third group of sources supplying the anthroponyms is archival records. The paper analуzes Kulish’s extracts from the roster of Cossack regiments of the Hetmanate (1741). This source wasn’t used previously. It contains the anthroponyms Vasyl Nevolnyk (‘Slave’), Puhach, Petro Serdiuk, Taranukha, Chepurnyi, Cherevan, Tur, Shramko and Shramchenko, Shkoda, which the author used in various editions of the novel.
Osteolysis of the Carpus as a Presentation of Pancoast's Tumor
Authors: Pineiro Sergio Morales , Pazos Claribel Plain , Plain Leonardo Dominguez , Sarduy Alejandro , Moreira Tatiana Morales , Plain Anisbel Perez de Alejo
Published: October 2020

Lung cancer is most often located in the right upper lobe and is called a Pancoast tumor. On many occasions, the Pancoast tumor begins with osteomyoarticular manifestations. A 72-year-old white male patient of peasant origin is presented who attends the Guard Corps because for a few weeks an increase in volume has been noted on the back of the right hand accompanied by pain in the absence of trauma. An X-ray of the hand was performed, observing osteolysis of the carpal bones, in the preoperative preparation a chest X-ray was performed where an image of condensation of the upper lobe of the right lung was observed. An excisional biopsy of the carpal lesion was performed, the result of which was metastasis of highly undifferentiated lung adenocarcinoma.
The Effect of Diet On Gallstones Formation in Turkish Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Idiz Cemile , Cakir Coskun
Published: October 2020

Aim: There are many defined risk factors for the formation of gallstones and nutrition is one of them. We have investigated if there is a relationship between diet and gallstone formation in Turkish gallstone patients.

Methods: This prospective case-control study were performed between July 2018- March 2019. A food consumption survey was performed to the gallstone patients and control group. The results of demographic and food consumption data of gallstone patients were compared.

Results: There were 110 patients with gallbladder stones and 115 controls with no gallbladder stones. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic data; but body mass index was higher and regular physical activity was lower in case group. Although case group eat more eggs than the controls, there were no statistically significant difference. In case group, the consumption of snack and cheese, energy intake, more daily fat consumption, more saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol uptake was higher, whereas red meat consumption was lower.

Conclusion: A significant association between the gallstone and the nutrition especially in particular nutritional elements supports the fact that, diet is an important risk factor for gallbladder stone formation.

Keywords: gallstones, nutrition, cholesterol, diet
Evaluation of Patients’ Behavior with Bleeding Disorder in Preferring Primary Health Care Centre for Follow-Up and Treatment
Authors: Özceylan Gökmen
Published: October 2020

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the behaviors of patients who are members of the hemophilia association due to bleeding disorder, and due to health problems related to their diseases preferring primary health care institutions first, and to determine the reasons if they do not.

Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The universe of the study was composed of hemophilia patients who are members of the hemophilia association living in Tekirdağ province (n=48). In the study face to face questionnaire was applied. People were asked about their first medical institutions in their complaints about their illness. The patients were asked about their age, gender, working status, educational status, types of bleeding disorders, severity and history of diseases.

Results: Nobody preferred the primary health care institution for his complaints about bleeding disorder. Of the participants, 42.9% (n=18) stated that family physicians do not have sufficient information about this disease as the reason for not choosing primary health care institution.

Conclusion: The trust of patients with bleeding disorders to family physicians is not sufficient. Regardless of the severity, type and prophylactic drug use of their disease, they do not prefer primary health care institution for their follow-up and treatment.

Keywords: hemophilia, bleeding, family practice
Yeasts Associated with the Olive Fruit Fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae) Lead to New Attractants
Authors: Vitanović Elda , Lopez Julian M. , Aldrich Jeffrey R. , Jukić Špika Maja , Boundy-Mills Kyria , Zalom Frank G.
Published: October 2020

The olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae Rossi) is the primary insect pest in all olive-growing regions worldwide. New integrated pest management (IPM) techniques are needed for B. oleae to mitigate reliance on pesticides used for its control which can result in negative environmental impacts. More effective lures for monitoring olive flies would help to know when and where direct chemical applications are required. The aim of this research was to find new, more effective methods for B. oleae detection and monitoring. Twelve insect-associated yeasts were selected and tested as living cultures in McPhail traps for the attraction of olive flies. Certain yeasts were more attractive than others to B. oleae; specifically, Kuraishia capsulata, Lachancea thermotolerans, Peterozyma xylosa, Scheffersomyces ergatensis, and Nakazawae ernobii, than the industry-standard dried torula yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii; syn. Candida utilis). The attractiveness of dry, inactive (i.e., non-living) formulations of these five yeasts was also tested in the field. Inactive formulations of K. capsulata, P. xylosa, N. ernobii, and L. thermotolerans were significantly more attractive to B. oleae than commercially available torula yeast. Green lacewing, Chrysoperla comanche (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), adults were incidentally caught in traps baited with the live yeast cultures. This is the first field study that compares olive fly attraction to yeast species other than torula yeast. Commercialization of yeasts that are more attractive than the torula standard would improve monitoring and associated control of the olive fruit fly.
Changes in the Activity and Concentration of Superoxide Dismutase Isoenzymes (Cu/Zn SOD, MnSOD) in the Blood of Healthy Subjects and Patients with Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Ściskalska Milena , Ołdakowska Monika , Marek Grzegorz , Milnerowicz Halina
Published: October 2020

This study was aimed at evaluating the changes in the concentration and activity of all superoxide dismutase isoenzymes (SOD1, SOD2, SOD3) in the blood of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and healthy subjects, taking into account the extracellular (plasma) and intracellular (erythrocyte lysate) compartment. The relationships between the activity/concentration of SODs, metal concentration and the markers of inflammation were evaluated. To assess the pro/antioxidative imbalance, the malonyldialdehyde (MDA) concentration and the value of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. The impact of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the SOD1 gene (rs2070424) on the activity/concentration of SOD1 as the main isoenzyme of the SOD family was also analyzed in this study. The SOD2 activity in erythrocytes was increased compared to plasma: 10-fold in the AP patient group and 5-fold in healthy subjects. The plasma of AP patients showed an increased SOD1 concentration and decreased SOD2 and SOD3 concentrations compared to healthy subjects. The Cu/Zn SOD (SOD1 + SOD3) concentration in plasma of AP patients was elevated compared to healthy subjects, but changes in plasma Cu/Zn SOD (SOD1 + SOD3) activity in the examined groups were not observed. An influence of SNP rs2070424 in the SOD1 gene on the total activity of SOD in AP patients (with AG genotype), accompanied by an increased IL-6 concentration, was observed. In oxidative stress conditions induced by inflammation, the participation of individual forms of plasma SOD isoenzymes in total antioxidative activity of SOD changed. A significant increase in the intracellular SOD1 concentration in plasma of AP patients proves the important role of this isoenzyme in the neutralization of oxidative stress induced by impaired Cu and Zn homeostasis. The presence of increased concentration of SOD2 in erythrocytes of healthy subjects and AP patients confirms the important function of this isoenzyme in the antioxidative defense.
Molecular Characterization, Protein–Protein Interaction Network, and Evolution of Four Glutathione Peroxidases from Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Ferro Diana , Bakiu Rigers , Pucciarelli Sandra , Miceli Cristina , Vallesi Adriana , Irato Paola , Santovito Gianfranco
Published: October 2020

Glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) form a broad family of antioxidant proteins essential for maintaining redox homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. In this study, we used an integrative approach that combines bioinformatics, molecular biology, and biochemistry to investigate the role of GPxs in reactive oxygen species detoxification in the unicellular eukaryotic model organism Tetrahymena thermophila. Both phylogenetic and mechanistic empirical model analyses provided indications about the evolutionary relationships among the GPXs of Tetrahymena and the orthologous enzymes of phylogenetically related species. In-silico gene characterization and text mining were used to predict the functional relationships between GPxs and other physiologically-relevant processes. The GPx genes contain conserved transcriptional regulatory elements in the promoter region, which suggest that transcription is under tight control of specialized signaling pathways. The bioinformatic findings were next experimentally validated by studying the time course of gene transcription and enzymatic activity after copper (Cu) exposure. Results emphasize the role of GPxs in the detoxification pathways that, by complex regulation of GPx gene expression, enable Tethraymena to survive in high Cu concentrations and the associated redox environment.
Key Developments in the Potential of Curcumin for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathies
Authors: Caillaud Martial , Aung Myo Yu , McKiver Bryan , Warncke Urszula Osinska , Thompson Danielle , Mann Jared , Del Fabbro Egidio , Desmoulière Alexis , Billet Fabrice , Damaj M.
Published: October 2020

Peripheral neuropathies (PN) can be triggered after metabolic diseases, traumatic peripheral nerve injury, genetic mutations, toxic substances, and/or inflammation. PN is a major clinical problem, affecting many patients and with few effective therapeutics. Recently, interest in natural dietary compounds, such as polyphenols, in human health has led to a great deal of research, especially in PN. Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the root of Curcuma longa. This molecule has long been used in Asian medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. However, like numerous polyphenols, curcumin has a very low bioavailability and a very fast metabolism. This review addresses multiple aspects of curcumin in PN, including bioavailability issues, new formulations, observations in animal behavioral tests, electrophysiological, histological, and molecular aspects, and clinical trials published to date. The, review covers in vitro and in vivo studies, with a special focus on the molecular mechanisms of curcumin (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress (anti-ER-stress), neuroprotection, and glial protection). This review provides for the first time an overview of curcumin in the treatment of PN. Finally, because PN are associated with numerous pathologies (e.g., cancers, diabetes, addiction, inflammatory disease...), this review is likely to interest a large audience.
Macro Photogrammetry & Surface Features Extraction for Paleolithic Portable Art Documentation
Authors: Cabrelles Miriam , Lerma José Luis , Villaverde Valentín
Published: October 2020

In this article, we propose a methodology for the archaeological documentation of limestone plaquettes decorated with faint paintings and fine engravings. The plaquette number 16330 is presented, belonging to the portable art collection in Cova del Parpalló (Gandía, Spain), one of the most important Paleolithic sites in the UNESCO’s Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula. Macro photogrammetry is used to generate a 3D model and basic treatments on raster images. The resulting 3D model has a spatial resolution of tens of microns and was used to generate a digital elevation model (DEM) and orthorectified macro photographs for documenting the engravings and paintings. All stages of the workflow are detailed in-depth, specifying the data collection parameters and the configuration used in the subsequent processing with HyperCube and DStretch software. The resulting documentation is accurate, reproducible, and objective and allows the reinterpretation of the available graphic documentation started in the 1990s.
Crosslinking Collagen Constructs: Achieving Cellular Selectivity Through Modifications of Physical and Chemical Properties
Authors: Nair Malavika , Best Serena M. , Cameron Ruth E.
Published: October 2020

Collagen-based constructs have emerged in recent years as ideal candidates for tissue engineering implants. For many biomedical applications, collagen is crosslinked in order to improve the strength, stiffness and stability of the construct. However, the crosslinking process may also result in unintended changes to cell viability, adhesion or proliferation on the treated structures. This review provides a brief overview of some of both the most commonly used and novel crosslinkers used with collagen, and suggests a framework by which crosslinking methods can be compared and selected for a given tissue engineering application.
Pomegranate: Nutraceutical with Promising Benefits on Human Health
Authors: Caruso Anna , Barbarossa Alexia , Tassone Antonio , Ceramella Jessica , Carocci Alessia , Catalano Alessia , Basile Giovanna , Fazio Alessia , Iacopetta Domenico , Franchini Carlo , Sinicropi Maria Stefania
Published: October 2020

Pomegranate is an old plant made up by flowers, roots, fruits and leaves, native to Central Asia and principally cultivated in the Mediterranean and California (although now widespread almost all over the globe). The current use of this precious plant regards not only the exteriority of the fruit (employed also for ornamental purpose) but especially the nutritional and, still potential, health benefits that come out from the various parts composing this one (carpellary membranes, arils, seeds and bark). Indeed, the phytochemical composition of the fruit abounds in compounds (flavonoids, ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins, mineral salts, vitamins, lipids, organic acids) presenting a significant biological and nutraceutical value. For these reasons, pomegranate interest is increased over the years as the object of study for many research groups, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Specifically, in-depth studies of its biological and functional properties and the research of new formulations could be applied to a wide spectrum of diseases including neoplastic, cardiovascular, viral, inflammatory, metabolic, microbial, intestinal, reproductive and skin diseases. In this review, considering the increasing scientific and commercial interest of nutraceuticals, we reported an update of the investigations concerning the health-promoting properties of pomegranate and its bioactive compounds against principal human pathologies.
Discovery, Pharmacological Characterisation and NMR Structure of the Novel µ-Conotoxin SxIIIC, a Potent and Irreversible NaV Channel Inhibitor
Authors: McMahon Kirsten L. , Tran Hue N.T. , Deuis Jennifer R. , Lewis Richard J. , Vetter Irina , Schroeder Christina I.
Published: October 2020

Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel subtypes, including NaV1.7, are promising targets for the treatment of neurological diseases, such as chronic pain. Cone snail-derived µ-conotoxins are small, potent NaV channel inhibitors which represent potential drug leads. Of the 22 µ-conotoxins characterised so far, only a small number, including KIIIA and CnIIIC, have shown inhibition against human NaV1.7. We have recently identified a novel µ-conotoxin, SxIIIC, from Conus striolatus. Here we present the isolation of native peptide, chemical synthesis, characterisation of human NaV channel activity by whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and analysis of the NMR solution structure. SxIIIC displays a unique NaV channel selectivity profile (1.4 > 1.3 > 1.1 ≈ 1.6 ≈ 1.7 > 1.2 >> 1.5 ≈ 1.8) when compared to other µ-conotoxins and represents one of the most potent human NaV1.7 putative pore blockers (IC50 152.2 ± 21.8 nM) to date. NMR analysis reveals the structure of SxIIIC includes the characteristic α-helix seen in other µ-conotoxins. Future investigations into structure-activity relationships of SxIIIC are expected to provide insights into residues important for NaV channel pore blocker selectivity and subsequently important for chronic pain drug development.
The State of the Art of Energy Harvesting and Storage in Silk Fibroin-Based Wearable and Implantable Devices
Authors: Lima Ravi Moreno Araújo Pinheiro , de Oliveira Mário César Albuquerque , de Oliveira Helinando Pequeno
Published: October 2020

The energy autonomy of self-powered wearable electronics depends on the adequate development of new technologies for energy harvesting and energy storage devices based on textile fibers to facilitate the integration with truly flexible and wearable devices. Silk fiber-based systems are attractive for the design of biomedical devices, lithium-ion batteries and flexible supercapacitors, due to their nitrogen-rich structure (for preparation of hierarchical carbon-based structures), and available surface for chemical modification reinforcing electroactive properties for use in batteries and supercapacitors. Herein, this paper reviews recent advances on silk fiber-based systems for harvesting and the storage of energy and the corresponding strategies to reinforce the physical and chemical properties of the resulting composites applied as electrodes and battery separators.
Soft-Switching Technology of Three-Phase Six-Switch PFC Rectifier
Authors: Zhen Qihui , Di Qingyun
Published: October 2020

An active clamp, three-phase, six-switch power factor correction rectifier with a one-cycle controller is proposed, which can effectively suppress the reverse recovery of the reverse parallel diode of the bridge arm switch and reduce the reverse recovery loss. The main switches and auxiliary switch are both zero-voltage switches. It works in a fixed switching frequency and low power stress during the switching period. The specific working process and control circuit are analyzed in detail, and the model simulation is carried out. The experimental platform of a 2.5 KW prototype, with a complete test and verification of the soft switch technology proposed in this paper, was set up in the laboratory.
Predictable and Unpredictable Climate Variability Impacts on Optimal Renewable Energy Mixes: The Example of Spain
Authors: Maimó-Far Aina , Tantet Alexis , Homar Víctor , Drobinski Philippe
Published: October 2020

We analyzed the role of predictable and unpredictable variability in the identification of optimal renewable energy mixes in an electricity system. Renewable energy sources are the fastest growing energy generation technology, but the variable nature of production linked to climate variability raises structural, technological and economical issues. This work proposes the differentiation of the treatment applied to predictable and unpredictable variability in the context of Markowitz portfolio theory for optimal renewable deployment. The e4clim model was used as a tool to analyze the impact of predictable sources of generation variability on the optimal renewable energy mixes. Significant differences appeared, depending on the consideration of risk, all of them showing room for improvement with respect to the current situation. The application of the methods developed in this study is encouraged in mean-variance analyses, since its contribution favors scenarios where unpredictable variability in the climate-powered renewable energy sources are considered for their risk introduction.
Field Measurements of Wind Characteristics Using LiDAR on a Wind Farm with Downwind Turbines Installed in a Complex Terrain Region
Authors: Kogaki Tetsuya , Sakurai Kenichi , Shimada Susumu , Kawabata Hirokazu , Otake Yusuke , Kondo Katsutoshi , Fujita Emi
Published: October 2020

Downwind turbines have favorable characteristics such as effective energy capture in up-flow wind conditions over complex terrains. They also have reduced risk of severe accidents in the event of disruptions to electrical networks during strong storms due to the free-yaw effect of downwind turbines. These favorable characteristics have been confirmed by wind-towing tank experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. However, these advantages have not been fully demonstrated in field experiments on actual wind farms. In this study—although the final objective was to demonstrate the potential advantages of downwind turbines through field experiments—field measurements were performed using a vertical-profiling light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system on a wind farm with downwind turbines installed in complex terrains. To deduce the horizontal wind speed, vertical-profiling LiDARs assume that the flow of air is uniform in space and time. However, in complex terrains and/or in wind farms where terrain and/or wind turbines cause flow distortion or disturbances in time and space, this assumption is not valid, resulting in erroneous wind speed estimates. The magnitude of this error was evaluated by comparing LiDAR measurements with those obtained using a cup anemometer mounted on a meteorological mast and detailed analysis of line-of-sight wind speeds. A factor that expresses the nonuniformity of wind speed in the horizontal measurement plane of vertical-profiling LiDAR is proposed to estimate the errors in wind speed. The possibility of measuring and evaluating various wind characteristics such as flow inclination angles, turbulence intensities, wind shear and wind veer, which are important for wind turbine design and for wind farm operation is demonstrated. However, additional evidence of actual field measurements on wind farms in areas with complex terrains is required in order to obtain more universal and objective evaluations.
Experimental Investigation of Inhibitive Drilling Fluids Performance: Case Studies from United States Shale Basins
Authors: Konate Nabe , Salehi Saeed
Published: October 2020

Shale formations are attractive prospects due to their potential in oil and gas production. Some of the largest shale formations in the mainland US, such as the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS), have reserves estimated to be around 7 billion barrels. Despite their huge potential, shale formations present major concerns for drilling operators. These prospects have unique challenges because of all their alteration and incompatibility issues with drilling and completion fluids. Most shale formations undergo numerous chemical and physical alterations, making their interaction with the drilling and completion fluid systems very complex to understand. In this study, a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) drilling simulator was used to mimic real time drilling operations to investigate the performance of inhibitive drilling fluid systems in two major shale formations (Eagle Ford Shale and Tuscaloosa Marine Shale). A series of drilling experiments using the drilling simulator and clay swelling tests were conducted to evaluate the drilling performance of the KCl drilling fluid and cesium formate brine systems and their effectiveness in minimizing drilling concerns. Cylindrical cores were used to mimic vertical wellbores. It was found that the inhibitive muds systems (KCl and cesium formate) provided improved drilling performance compared to conventional fluid systems. Among the inhibitive systems, the cesium formate brine showed the best drilling performances due to its low swelling rate and improved drilling performance.
Smart Grid State Estimation with PMUs Time Synchronization Errors
Authors: Todescato Marco , Carli Ruggero , Schenato Luca , Barchi Grazia
Published: October 2020

State Estimation (SE) is one of the essential tasks to monitor and control the smart power grid. This paper presents a method to estimate the state variables combining the measurement of power demand at each bus with the data collected from a limited number of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). Although PMU data are usually assumed to be perfectly synchronized with the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), this work explicitly considers the presence of time-synchronization errors due, for instance, to the actual performance of GPS receivers and the limited stability of the internal oscillator. The proposed algorithm is a recursive Kalman filter which not only estimates the state variables of the power system, but also the frequency deviations causing clock offsets which eventually affect the timestamps of the measures returned by different PMUs. The proposed solution was tested and compared with alternative approaches using both synthetic data applied to the IEEE 123 bus distribution feeder and real-field data collected from a small-size medium-voltage (MV) distribution system located inside the EPFL campus in Lausanne. Results show the validity of the proposed method in terms of state estimation accuracy. In particular, when some synchronization errors are present, the proposed algorithm can estimate and compensate for them.
Effect of Temperature and Organic Load on the Performance of Anaerobic Bioreactors Treating Grasses
Authors: Achinas Spyridon , Euverink Gerrit Jan Willem
Published: October 2020

The organic residues generated in grasslands can be treated by adopting anaerobic digestion technology. This technology can enhance the efforts for sustainable waste management around the world. In the northern Netherlands, there is a vast amount of ditch clippings and canal grasses that can be used as a renewable source of energy; however, optimal bioenergy production from grasses is still under research and this study aims to evaluate biogas production from grassy residues at the local level in the context of a sustainable waste management scheme. Batch tests were facilitated to investigate the impact of temperature and organic load on the anaerobic digestion performance of grass mixtures (ditch clippings and canal grasses). The results showed that high temperature favors the degradation of high lignocellulosic materials like grasses. Specifically, bioreactors at 55 °C with an organic load of 30 g volatile solids (VS) L−1 reached 360.4 mL g VSsubstrate−1. Moreover, reactors with low organic loads resulted in a lower methane yield. The kinetics study also showed good fitting of the predicted and experimental values.