bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Seera’h of the Holy Prophet (SAW) – A Mercy for Mankind- as Exemplified by his Life
Authors: uddin dr. badr
Published: December 2019

The prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW) has been introduced by Allah, the Creator of this universe, as the “Mercy for the whole universe”. The holy Prophet (SAW) lived his entire life as a testimony to this grand compliment from Allah Almighty. His extraordinary compassion towards his followers, all other human beings is acknowledged to be worth copying and there has been no denial of the claim yet. He was an epitome of love, mercy, compassion and tolerance. He not only practiced these virtues himself, but also inculcated them in his companions, advised his followers i.e. all Muslims to practice and preach them to entire humanity at large. He forgave his worst enemies and tormentors when he subdued them, either individually, or collectively. His historic declaration of universal pardon on the conquest of Makkah has no parallel in history. His life history and teachings are replete with examples of extreme compassion and mercy. This paper is an attempt to bring home this point by presenting the evidences to support this claim.
Щодо деяких підходів до здійснення аналізу стану із запровадженням нововведень у митній справі з позиції забезпечення митної безпеки держави
Authors: Пашко П. В. , Ємець А. В.
Published: December 2019

Досліджено стан із запровадженням у державі концепцій Рамкових стандартів безпеки та полегшення міжнародної торгівлі Всесвітньої митної організації та Угоди про спрощення процедур торгівлі на стан митної безпеки держави. Визначено основні напрями аналізу впливу нововведень у Митній справі на стан національної безпеки держави. Окреслено сучасний стан та перспективи імплементації положень вищезазначених міжнародних документів в Україні.
Адміністративна процедура в митній справі: питання структури
Authors: Прокопенко В. В.
Published: December 2019

У статті акцентується увага на наявність у нормативних актах України з питань митної справи підміни або ототожненні деяких ключових дефініцій, що значно ускладнює як сприйняття понятійно-категоріального апарату, так і правозастосовну діяльність у цій сфері. Встановлено, що деякі автори помилково митні формальності розглядають як різновид адміністративної процедури. Доведено, що внутрішню структуру адміністративної процедури в митній справі становлять митні формальності та дії. Запропоновано внесення змін у національне митне законодавство щодо заміни по всьому тексту і у всіх відмінках поняття «митний режим» на поняття «митна процедура».
Забезпечення безпеки агропродовольчого ринку України за умов глобалізації та СОТ
Authors: Туржанський В. А.
Published: December 2019

У статті досліджено проблеми розвитку агропродовольчого ринку України, його інтеграцію у світовий агропродовольчий ринок в умовах глобалізації та СОТ, а також забезпечення його економічної безпеки; проведено оцінку міжнародної конкурентоспроможності вітчизняної сільськогосподарської сировини і продовольства відповідно до товарної номенклатури УКТ ЗЕД; визначено пріоритети експортної спеціалізації агропродовольчого комплексу України; здійснено порівняльний аналіз товарних груп продукції рослинництва в контексті показників конкурентоспроможності та продовольчої незалежності; визначено стратегічні напрями адаптації агропродовольчого ринку України до умов глобалізації та СОТ; запропоновано комплекс заходів державної підтримки вітчизняного аграрного сектору з метою забезпечення адаптації агропродовольчих ринків України до умов глобалізації та СОТ
Удосконалення процесу інформаційної взаємодії економічних операторів та митниць ДФС в умовах запровадження системи попереднього інформування
Authors: Бережнюк І. Г. , Несторишен І. В. , Туржанський В. А.
Published: December 2019

У статті досліджено актуальні питання щодо необхідності запровадження системи попереднього інформування митниць ДФС. Авторами зазначено, що засади попереднього інформування під час переміщення товарів, транспортних засобів було визначено Рамковими стандартами забезпечення безпеки та спрощення міжнародної торгівлі, відповідно до яких попереднє інформування розглядається як один із основних елементів, що дозволяє митним органам перевіряти товари до прибуття товарів у пункт пропуску, підвищуючи безпеку та полегшення міжнародної торгівлі. У дослідженні систематизовано європейську практику запровадження системи попереднього інформування та визначено перелік відомостей, що зазначаються в короткій ввізній декларації (ENS) під час переміщення вантажів та їх можлива відповідність з відомостями митної декларації. Авторами проаналізовано особливості запровадження в Україні попереднього інформування відповідно до проекту Закону України «Про внесення змін до Митного кодексу України щодо уповноваженого економічного оператора та спрощень митних формальностей».
Протидія незаконному обігу тютюнових виробів через призму міжнародних нормативноправових актів
Authors: Капітанець С. В.
Published: December 2019

У статті здійснено огляд проблеми незаконного обігу тютюнових виробів. З’ясовано, що незаконне переміщення тютюнових виробів через митний кордон носить міжнародний характер. Проведено аналіз деяких міжнародних нормативно-правових актів щодо незаконного обігу тютюнових виробів (Віденської, Кіотської та Йоганнесбурзької конвенцій та Конвенції Найробі). Також розглянуто Рамкову конвенцію Всесвітньої організації охорони здоров’я із боротьби проти тютюну. Визначено місце і роль цих документів у протидії нелегальному переміщенню тютюнової продукції через митний кордон як однієї з ключових складових зазначеного обігу. Встановлено, що приєднання до згаданих конвенцій забезпечує не лише спільне прийняття та дотримання принципів, стандартів і норм міжнародного митного права, а й сприяє розвитку співробітництва між національними митними адміністраціями з питань протидії порушенням митного законодавства щодо незаконного обігу тютюнових виробів. Вказано на необхідність постійного ґрунтовного вивчення і глибокого аналізу міжнародних нормативно-правових актів та змін до них, особливостей інтеграційних процесів у галузі митної справи, наукових пошуків та системного дослідження пріоритетних тенденцій розвитку міжнародного та національного митного законодавства.
Spatial ecology study reveals nest attendance and habitat preference of banded kraits (Bungarus fasciatus)
Authors: Knierim Tyler
Published: December 2019

An understanding of the spatial ecology of species living in and around human-dominated habitats is needed to develop conflict mitigation strategies and predict how organisms cope with ongoing anthropogenic habitat alteration. Here we present the results of a six-month telemetry study in Thailand of the banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus), a venomous elapid snake. We quantified home range size and habitat use of three adult kraits (1 male, 2 females) in an agricultural habitat. The kraits travelled an average of 47.20 m ± 23.54 m between shelter sites and occupied home ranges of on average 21.45 ha ± 19.56 ha (95 % dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models). They preferred to seek day time refuge amongst less disturbed habitat features, including waterways and rice paddy dykes, while avoiding routinely disturbed monoculture fields. The two female kraits also exhibited reduced movement while simultaneously attending their nests in a shared burrow complex. Fifteen neonates were observed emerging from the nest site. We recommend further investigation of banded krait reproductive ecology and ability to persist in heavily disturbed habitats.
Performance of hybrid rice grown from separated tillers
Authors: Munira FN Kamarum , Anwar Md. Parvez , Yeasmin Sabina , Rashid Md. Harun Or , Rahman Mst Farzana , Urmee Israt
Published: December 2019

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during July to November 2016 to investigate the performance of separated tillers of hybrid rice variety Dhani Gold. The experiment comprised three times of tiller transplantation viz. 3, 4 and 5 week aged tiller seedlings and four levels of number of tiller seedlings transplanted hill-1 viz. 2, 3, 4 and 5 tiller seedlings hill-1 laid out in a split plot design with 3 replications. The highest plant height was obtained when 3-week aged tiller seedlings were transplanted at the rate of 3 tiller seedlings hill-1. The highest number of total tillers hill-1 and number of effective tillers hill-1 were found when 3-week aged tiller seedlings were transplanted with 5 tiller seedlings hill-1. The highest grains panicle-1 was obtained when 4-week aged tiller seedlings were transplanted with 5 tiller seedlings hill-1. The highest grain yield was found when 3-week aged tiller seedlings were transplanted with 5 tiller seedlings hill-1. The lowest grain yield was found when 5-week aged tiller seedlings were transplanted with 2 tiller seedlings hill-1 in hybrid rice variety Dhani Gold. Based on the findings of the present study it may be concluded that 3-week old tiller seedlings of Dhani Gold should be transplanted at the rate of 4 or 5 tiller seedlings hill-1 for higher yield. Thus present study confirms the potentiality of growing hybrid rice from separated tillers in case of unavailability of seedlings or to minimize the seed cost of high value hybrid rice seeds.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(4): 507–513, 2019
Effect of crop establishment methods on the yield of boro rice
Authors: Rahman Afrina , Salam Md Abdus , Kader Md Abdul
Published: December 2019

Yield and yield penalty as well as economic suitability of various high yielding varieties needed to be assessed by different crop establishment methods before promoting a sustainable crop establishment method in Bangladesh. There for, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during November 2017 to June 2018 to study the effect of crop establishment methods on the yield and economics of boro rice. The experiment comprised of two factors; factor A: methods of crop establishment viz. dry direct seeding, unpuddle transplanting, AWD (Alternate Wetting and Drying) and puddle transplanting; factor B: rice cultivars viz. BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan58, BRRI dhan74 and BRRI hybrid dhan3. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications where method of crop establishment was assigned to the main plot and rice cultivar was assigned to the sub plots. The results showed that plant height, number of total tillers hill-1, effective tillers hill-1, number of grains panicle-1, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index were significantly influenced by crop establishment methods. The highest grain yield (5.54 t ha-1) was obtained in puddle transplanting method due to production of higher number of effective tiller hill-1 and higher number of grains panicle-1. Among varieties, the highest grain yield (4.80 t ha-1) was obtained in BRRI hybrid dhan3. The highest grain yield (6.21 t ha-1) was found in puddle transplanting with BRRI dhan28, while the lowest grain yield (2.80 t ha-1) was produced in dry direct seeding with BRRI dhan28. From the economic analysis it is observed that the highest BCR (benefit cost ratio) was observed in puddle transplanting with BBRI dhan28. Puddle transplanting with BRRI dhan28 might be recommended for obtaining higher grain yield and higher BCR of boro rice.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(4): 521–525, 2019
Effect of gamma irradiation on shelf life and quality of indigenous chicken meat
Authors: Islam Anisul , Sadakuzzaman Md , Hossain Md Anwar , Hossain Md Mujaffar , Hashem Md Abul
Published: December 2019

The experiment was conducted on fresh indigenous chicken meat treated with 0 (non-irradiated), 1, 2 and 3 kGy  60Co gamma irradiation and stored for 0, 30 and 60 days at -20ºC to investigate the effects on proximate components, sensory attributes, and physicochemical, biochemical and microbial changes in meat quality. Data were analyzed under 4x3 factor CRD design of experiment in GLM procedure of SAS statistical package. The results showed that irradiation groups had significantly (p<0.05) higher color and tenderness of meat compared to that of non-irradiated group. The 2 kGy group showed significantly (p<0.05) higher Dry matter (DM) and Ether extract (EE) whereas the cooking loss, Free fatty acid (FFA), Peroxide value (PV),  and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were higher in 3 kGy irradiated group. With the advancement of storage periods pH significantly (p<0.05) decreased. The 2 kGy irradiation group showed significantly (p<0.05) lower numbers of Total viable count (TVC), Total coliform count (TCC), Total yeast and mold count (TYMC) compared to non-irradiated group. From this study, it may be concluded that the 2 kGy irradiated group had positive effects on sensory evaluation, biochemical and microbial qualities of indigenous chicken meat to increase the shelf life and the quality of indigenous chicken meat.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(4): 560–566, 2019
Product Performance Satisfaction Level of Mutual Fund Investors
Authors: Thomas Dr Basil John
Published: December 2019

Product performance satisfaction level can be referred to as the satisfaction level of mutual fund investors in terms of return, transparency, safety, liquidity, service quality, fund management and the overall performance of the mutual fund products. Here, the researcher attempted to analyze the satisfaction level of mutual fund investors concerning different funds/schemes opted by the investors. Based on these objectives seven parameters of satisfaction of mutual fund investors including the overall performance of the fund has been taken into consideration. The findings of the standardized regression weight of product performance satisfaction level and the Chi-square test reveals that there is a significant difference in the product performance satisfaction level of mutual fund investors about the funds opted by them (except in case of balanced-fund).
EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED ISLAMIC BANKS IN THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
Authors: Noor Kamal Hasan Mohamed Faisal Mohamed , P.Sankar, Ph.D. Jayendira
Published: December 2019

This research aimed to find the primary objective of human resource in any organization is to effectively manage its workforce by supporting positive attitude such as motivation, enhancing productivity, and organizational citizenship behavior and job satisfaction. Similarly, human resources should reduce negative employee attitudes such as absenteeism, increased turnover, and deviant workplace culture. This study attempts the relationship of employee empowerment on the performance of employees in the banking sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which has particularly experienced various crises in the recent past. The responses were collected through a survey that was based on a structured questionnaire on 150 participants. The collected responses were analyzed and tested on standard statistical tools such as frequency analysis on demographics, mean and Pearson’s correlation test. For instance, it has been found that in the current situation the employee in the Islamic banking sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain is motivated to improve their performance.
Productivity Convergence of High-Tech Automotive Industry in Asian
Authors: RUSU AZIRA , AWANG MARIKAN DAYANG AFFIZZAH
Published: December 2019

This study is attempting to study the convergence of high-technology productivity of the automotive industry in Asia. This study uses time series data collected from 10 Asian countries from 2002-2016. In addition, this study was tested using the panel method proposed by Phillips and Sul (2007a), to identify whether the convergence of automotive technology high-tech productivity convergence or divergence. The results for full panel convergence in this study show divergence. However, in this study there were three convergence clubs found. The first clubs are Japan, South Korea and Thailand, the second club is Indonesia and Iran while the third club is Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. This study suggests that governments need to play an important role to implement good policies to attract more Asian countries to work with each other. This study can be summarized that economies in Asian countries experience different levels of development and the shift in economic behaviour is very different among Asian countries.
PENGARUH EDUKASI GIZI DAN PEMBERIAN TABLET TAMBAH DARAH (TTD) TERHADAP KENAIKAN KADAR HEMOGLOBIN REMAJA PUTRI
Authors: Zaddana Cantika , Indriani Lusi , Nurdin Naufal Muharam , Sembiring Mutiara Oktavia
Published: December 2019

Anemia adalah adalah suatu kondisi yang ditandai dengan penurunan jumlah hemoglobin. Sampai saat ini kejadian anemia pada remaja masih cukup tinggi. Dampak anemia pada remaja antara lain terganggunya pertumbuhan dan perkembangan, kelelahan, tubuh lebih rentan terhadap infeksi, mengurangi kemampuan fisik dan kemampuan akademik Penanganan anemia dapat dilakukan dengan edukasi dan suplementasi tablet tambah darah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh edukasi tentang anemia dan pemberian suplementasi TTD terhadap kadar Hb pada remaja putri. Faktor-faktor lain yang berkaitan dengan kejadian anemia juga dianalisis seperti pola konsumsi, aktivitas fisik, dan tingkat stress. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat kenaikan skor pengetahuan responden setelah diberikan edukasi gizi. Kadar Hb responden juga mengalami peningkatan setelah diberikan edukasi gizi dan suplementasi TTD.
SEDIAAN TABLET KOMBINASI EKSTRAK DAUN SALAM (Eugenia polyantha) DAN HERBA SELEDRI (Apium graveolens) DENGAN VARIASI JENIS PENGIKAT
Authors: Rustiani Erni , Miranti Mira , Susanti Alciee Santika
Published: December 2019

Daun salam (Eugenia polyantha) dan herba seledri (Apium graveolens) memiliki kandungan senyawa flavonoid yang diduga mempunyai efek menurunkan kadar gula di dalam darah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menentukan formula tablet ekstrak daun salam dan herba seledri dengan pengikat tertentu yang memiliki mutu terbaik. Ditentukan juga   kadar flavonoid yang terkandung dalam ekstrak daun salam, ekstrak herba seledri, dan sediaan tablet. Uji stabilita dilakukan terhadap tablet yang disimpan pada suhu kamar 25-30°C. Tablet dibuat tiga formula dengan metode granulasi basah menggunakan pengikat yang berbeda yaitu PVP K-30, Na-CMC, dan gelatin dengan konsentrasi masing-masing 4%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tablet yang dihasilkan berwarna krem, berbau khas aromatik, dan memiliki rasa pahit di lidah. Hasil evaluasi mutu tablet untuk seluruh formula memenuhi persyaratan Farmakope Indonesia. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan kadar flavonoid ekstrak kering daun salam sebesar 2,619%, ekstrak kering herba seledri 2,675%, dan sediaan tablet formula 1  (3,432%), formula 2 (3,948%) dan formula 3 (4,006%). Berdasarkan hasil uji stabilita, formula dengan pengikat PVP K-30 merupakan formula terbaik.
PERBANDINGAN EFEKTIVITAS ANALGETIK EKSTRAK ETANOL DAN EKSTRAK AIR DAUN UNGU PADA MENCIT (Mus musculus L.)
Authors: Nhestricia Nhadira , Rahminiwati Min , Rustiani Erni , Dwiputri Fitri
Published: December 2019

Nyeri adalah perasaan sensorik atau emosional berupa perasaan tidak nyaman yang berhubungan dengan kerusakan dari suatu jaringan. Obat analgesik adalah obat yang memiliki aktivitas mengurangi rasa nyeri tanpa menghilangkan kesadaran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan efek analgetik ekstrak etanol 96% dan ekstrak air, menentukan dosis ekstrak daun ungu yang paling efektif dan menentukan jangka waktu efek analgesik ekstrak obat pada mencit putih jantan (Mus musculus L.). Hewan coba  digunakan sebanyak 20 ekor mencit putih jantan yang dibagi menjadi 5 kelompok perlakuan mulai P1 sampai P5. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ekstrak daun ungu dengan pelarut etanol 96% mempunyai efektivitas analgesik setara dengan kontrol positif. Sediaan paling paling efektif sebagai analgesik adalah Ekstrak Etanol Daun ungu 12 mg/20 g BB dengan nilai rata-rata lama mencit menahan rasa nyeri selama 16,08 detik yang diberikan pada kelompok P3, sedangkan kontrol positif Asetosal 1,82 mg/20 g BB memberikan waktu  rata-rata 17,47 detik  untuk menahan rasa sakit pada mencit.
Kualitas Hidup Penderita Penyakit Hipertensi Peserta Prolanis Di Puskesmas Kecamatan Padang Utara Kota Padang
Authors: Abdiana Abdiana
Published: December 2019

Hypertension is the highest prevalence of visits every year. Data from the Health Office in Padang in 2013 showed that the visit of hypertension sufferers in 2013 was the highest visit with 6,714 new hypertension case visits and 35,054 old case visits. For this reason, it is necessary to conduct research in the context of maintaining health for BPJS Health participants who suffer from chronic diseases to achieve optimal quality of life, especially hypertension. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of life of hypertension sufferers of Prolanis participants in Padang Utara District, Padang City. The study was conducted with a cross sectional design of hypertension disease prolanis participants in the district of Padang Utara, Padang City in 2017 as many as 126 people. The sampling technique is simple random sampling. Data were analyzed univariately and bivariately with Chi-square test. The results showed that most hypertension sufferers aged ≥60 years old, low educated, female sex, low education, married status and long suffered from hypertension <10 years. The conclusion of this study is that there is a significant relationship between marital status and the quality of life of hypertensive illnesses of prolanis participants in Padang Utara Subdistrict, Padang City. It is suggested that the Puskesmas formulate efforts to prevent hypertension and be a source of data for research organizations and other parties involved in preventing hypertension.
Response of U.S. Rice Cultivars Grown under Non-Flooded Irrigation Management
Authors: McClung Anna M. , Rohila Jai S. , Henry Christopher G. , Lorence Argelia
Published: December 2019

Achieving food security along with environmental sustainability requires high yields with reduced demands on irrigation resources for rice production systems. The goal of the present investigation was to identify traits and germplasms for rice breeding programs that target effective grain production (EGP) under non-flooded field systems where the crop can be subjected to intermittent water stress throughout the growing season. A panel of 15 cultivars was evaluated over three years regarding phenological and agronomic traits under four soil moisture levels ranging from field capacity (29% volumetric water content; VWC) to just above the wilting point (16% VWC) using subsurface drip irrigation. An average of 690 ha-mm ha−1 water was applied for the 30% VWC treatment compared to 360 ha-mm ha−1 for the 14% VWC treatment. The average soil moisture content influenced several traits, including grain quality. Regression analysis identified six traits that explained 35% of the phenotypic variability of EGP. Four varieties (PI 312777, Francis, Zhe 733, and Mars) were found possessing significant slopes for 10 or more traits that respond to a range in soil moisture levels, indicating that they may offer promise for future rice breeding programs. Furthermore, based on the contrasting responses of four parent cultivars, two mapping populations were identified as potential genetic resources for identifying new quantitative trait loci/genes for improving EGP of tropical japonica rice varieties.
Macro-Nutritional Adaptive Strategies of Moose (Alces alces) Related to Population Density
Authors: Ma Yingjie , Bao Heng , Bencini Roberta , Raubenheimer David , Dou Hongliang , Liu Hui , Wang Sirui , Jiang Guangshun
Published: December 2019

The distribution area of moose in China has been shrinking back toward the north and northeast because of climate change and human disturbance, and the population number has been declining. Between 2011 and 2015, we studied moose at six sites in the northeast of China during the snowy seasons. We collected fecal samples and plant samples that were used to estimate population densities for moose, as well as their macro-nutrient selection. Out of a total of 257 fecal samples collected at six sites, we identified a total of 120 individual moose (57 females and 63 males). The population density (moose/km2 ± SE) was highest at Hanma with 0.305 ± 0.064 moose/km2 and lowest at Meitian with only 0.028 ± 0.013 moose/km2. Forage availability was different among sites, with the lowest availability at Mohe (58.17 number/20 m2) and highest was Zhanhe (250.44 number/20 m2). Moose at Zhanhe, Hanma, and Nanwenghe had a balanced diet with higher N:C (1:7), while at Meitian, Shuanghe and Mohe the N:C was 1:8. Our results indicate that the southern areas had low forage quality and quantity and this may be the reason for the distribution of the population of moose shrinking northward.
Celastrol Inhibits Dopaminergic Neuronal Death of Parkinson’s Disease through Activating Mitophagy
Authors: Lin Ming-Wei , Lin Chi Chien , Chen Yi-Hung , Yang Han-Bin , Hung Shih-Ya
Published: December 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, which is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal protein accumulation. No treatment can stop or slow PD. Autophagy inhibits neuronal death by removing damaged mitochondria and abnormal protein aggregations. Celastrol is a triterpene with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Up until now, no reports have shown that celastrol improves PD motor symptoms. In this study, we used PD cell and mouse models to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of celastrol. In the substantia nigra, we found lower levels of autophagic activity in patients with sporadic PD as compared to healthy controls. In neurons, celastrol enhances autophagy, autophagosome biogenesis (Beclin 1↑, Ambra1↑, Vps34↑, Atg7↑, Atg12↑, and LC3-II↑), and mitophagy (PINK1↑, DJ-1↑, and LRRK2↓), and these might be associated with MPAK signaling pathways. In the PD cell model, celastrol reduces MPP+-induced dopaminergic neuronal death, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and ATP reduction. In the PD mouse model, celastrol suppresses motor symptoms and neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra and striatum and enhances mitophagy (PINK1↑ and DJ-1↑) in the striatum. Using MPP+ to induce mitochondrial damage in neurons, we found celastrol controls mitochondrial quality by sequestering impaired mitochondria into autophagosomes for degradation. This is the first report to show that celastrol exerts neuroprotection in PD by activating mitophagy to degrade impaired mitochondria and further inhibit dopaminergic neuronal apoptosis. Celastrol may help to prevent and treat PD.
Deep Learning-Based Template Matching Spike Classification for Extracellular Recordings
Authors: Park In Yong , Eom Junsik , Jang Hanbyol , Kim Sewon , Park Sanggeon , Huh Yeowool , Hwang Dosik
Published: December 2019

We propose a deep learning-based spike sorting method for extracellular recordings. For analysis of extracellular single unit activity, the process of detecting and classifying action potentials called “spike sorting” has become essential. This is achieved through distinguishing the morphological differences of the spikes from each neuron, which arises from the differences of the surrounding environment and characteristics of the neurons. However, cases of high structural similarity and noise make the task difficult. And for manual spike sorting, it requires professional knowledge along with extensive time cost and suffers from human bias. We propose a deep learning-based spike sorting method on extracellular recordings from a single electrode that is efficient, robust to noise, and accurate. In circumstances where labelled data does not exist, we created pseudo-labels through principal component analysis and K-means clustering to be used for multi-layer perceptron training and built high performing spike classification model. When tested, our model outperformed conventional methods by 2.1% on simulation data of various noise levels, by 6.0% on simulation data of various clusters count, and by 1.7% on in-vivo data. As a result, we showed that the deep learning-based classification can classify spikes from extracellular recordings, even showing high classification accuracy on spikes that are difficult even for manual classification.
The Suitability of Short Rotation Coppice Crops for Phytoremediation of Urban Soils
Authors: Padoan Elio , Passarella Iride , Prati Marco , Bergante Sara , Facciotto Gianni , Ajmone-Marsan Franco
Published: December 2019

This experiment was aimed at verifying the usefulness of phytoremediation using Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) in an urban Zn-contaminated site. Besides elemental uptake and reclamation, the SRC method was applied to evaluate the additional benefits of a green infrastructure. Nine different plants with rapid growth and large biomass production were selected: three Populus clones, three Salix hybrids, and three Robinia genotypes. Annual and biennial coppicing were evaluated. Poplar clones were more productive using annual coppicing, while Salix and Robinia produced higher biomass in blocks not coppiced. Poplar had the highest phytoextraction rate during the second year, with 1077 g/ha. Salix clones S1 and S3 extracted similar quantities using biennial coppicing. After two years, the bioavailable fraction of Zn decreased significantly using all species, from the 26% decrease of Robinia to the 36% decrease of Salix. The short rotation coppice method proved to be useful in an urban context, for both landscape and limiting the access to the contaminated area. Improving the biomass yield through the phytomanagement options (fertilization, irrigation, coppicing, etc.) could make SRC phytoremediation an economic and effective solution to manage urban contaminated areas, coupling the added values of biomass production to the landscape benefits.
Control and Backbone Identification for the Resilient Recovery of a Supply Network Utilizing Outer Synchronization
Authors: Geng Liang , Xiao Renbin
Published: December 2019

The control and measurement for resilient recovery is important for a supply network facing disruption. Outer synchronization is useful for the supply network to recover to its scheduled state. In this paper, a dynamic model for a supply network is established, and measurement with memory of resilient recovery is proposed based on outer synchronization. An impulsive controller is designed to improve the control effectiveness. Afterwards, an algorithm is adopted to identify the resilient recovery backbone. Based on these factors, an efficient resilient recovery method considering cost is applied in the case study. This study improves the measurement and control of the supply network’s resilient recovery through outer synchronization, and is easily integrated with practical problems to make better control decisions.
Robust Prediction of Single and Multiple Point Protein Mutations Stability Changes
Authors: Álvarez-Machancoses Óscar , De Andrés-Galiana Enrique J. , Fernández-Martínez Juan Luis , Kloczkowski Andrzej
Published: December 2019

Accurate prediction of protein stability changes resulting from amino acid substitutions is of utmost importance in medicine to better understand which mutations are deleterious, leading to diseases, and which are neutral. Since conducting wet lab experiments to get a better understanding of protein mutations is costly and time consuming, and because of huge number of possible mutations the need of computational methods that could accurately predict effects of amino acid mutations is of greatest importance. In this research, we present a robust methodology to predict the energy changes of a proteins upon mutations. The proposed prediction scheme is based on two step algorithm that is a Holdout Random Sampler followed by a neural network model for regression. The Holdout Random Sampler is utilized to analysis the energy change, the corresponding uncertainty, and to obtain a set of admissible energy changes, expressed as a cumulative distribution function. These values are further utilized to train a simple neural network model that can predict the energy changes. Results were blindly tested (validated) against experimental energy changes, giving Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.66 for Single Point Mutations and 0.77 for Multiple Point Mutations. These results confirm the successfulness of our method, since it outperforms majority of previous studies in this field.
Using Supercritical CO2 in the Preparation of Metal-Organic Frameworks: Investigating Effects on Crystallisation
Authors: Doan Huan , Cheng Fei , Dyirakumunda Thandeka , Elsegood Mark , Chin Jiamin , Rowe Oliver , Redshaw Carl , Ting Valeska
Published: December 2019

In this report, we explore the use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) in the synthesis of well-known metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) including Zn-MOF-74 and UiO-66, as well as on the preparation of [Cu24(OH-mBDC)24]n metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs) and two new MOF structures {[Zn2(L1)(DPE)]∙4H2O}n and {[Zn3(L1)3(4,4′-azopy)]∙7.5H2O}n, where BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate, BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate, L1 = 4-carboxy-phenylene-methyleneamino-4-benzoate, DPE = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene, 4.4′-azopy = 4,4′- azopyridine, and compare the results versus traditional solvothermal preparations at low temperatures (i.e., 40 °C). The objective of the work was to see if the same or different products would result from the scCO2 route versus the solvothermal method. We were interested to see which method produced the highest yield, the cleanest product and what types of morphology resulted. While there was no evidence of additional meso- or macroporosity in these MOFs/MOPs nor any significant improvements in product yields through the addition of scCO2 to these systems, it was shown that the use of scCO2 can have an effect on crystallinity, crystal size and morphology.
Do Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts Work Equally with Three Different Red Grape Varieties?
Authors: Escribano-Viana Rocío , Garijo Patrocinio , López-Alfaro Isabel , López Rosa , Santamaría Pilar , Gutiérrez Ana Rosa , González-Arenzana Lucía
Published: December 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the oenological changes induced by non-Saccharomyces yeasts in three red grape varieties from the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin. Pilot plants fermentation of three different varieties, were conducted following early inoculations with Metschnikowia pulcherrima and with mixed inoculum of Lachancea thermotolerans-Torulaspora delbrueckii from La Rioja and compared to a wine inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of vinifications were analysed. Results showed that most of the variations due to inoculation strategies were observed in Tempranillo just after the alcoholic fermentation, probably because of the better adaptation of the inocula to the must’s oenological properties. Finally, after the malolactic fermentation the inoculation with the mix of Lachancea thermotolerans and Torulaspora delbrueckii caused more changes in Tempranillo and Grenache wines while the early inoculation with Metschnikowia pulcherrima had more effects on Grenache wines. Therefore, the study was aimed to identify the fermentation effects of each inoculation strategy by using different non-Saccharomyces yeasts and different grape varieties.
Low-Level Laser Therapy with a 635 nm Diode Laser Affects Orthodontic Mini-Implants Stability: A Randomized Clinical Split-Mouth Trial
Authors: Flieger Rafał , Gedrange Tomasz , Grzech-Leśniak Kinga , Dominiak Marzena , Matys Jacek
Published: December 2019

Background: The study aimed to clinically estimate an influence of a 635 nm diode laser on the stability of orthodontic mini-implants, to assess mini-implants loss, and to evaluate a pain level after the treatment. Materials and Methods: The randomized clinical split-mouth trial included 20 subjects (13 women and 7 men; age: 32.5 ± 6.1 years), 40 implants (RMO, West Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, USA) with a diameter 1.4 mm and length of 10 mm. Mini-implants were placed in the area of the attached gingiva between the second premolar and first molar teeth, 2 mm below the mucogingival junction of both sides of the maxilla. Each implant on the right side (G1, n = 20) of the maxilla was irradiated with a diode laser, and the implants on the opposite side (left, G2, n = 20) were a control group (without laser irradiation). The 635-nm laser parameters; dose: 10 J per point (20 J/cm2), time: 100 s per point, two points (irradiation on a buccal, and a palatal side of the alveolus/implant), the total energy per session 20 J. Laser application protocol: immediately and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 30 days after surgery. The total energy after all therapeutic sessions was 140 J. The implants’ stability was measured employing a Periotest device (Periotest Test Value—PTV) immediately and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 30, and 60 days after the insertion of the mini-implants. Results: We found significantly higher secondary stability, lower mean PTV (6.18 ± 5.30) and (1.51 ± 2.25), for self-drilling mini-implants (G1, test group) in contrast to the control, G2 group (9.17 ± 8.25) and (5.00 ± 3.24), after 30 (p = 0.0003) and 60 days (p = 0.0000). Moreover, the analysis of the mini-implants stability after 635-nm diode laser application revealed significant higher stability in comparison with none irradiated implants (G2 group) after 3 days. (p = 0.0000) There was no significant difference in pain level measured on the NRS-11 scale on both sides of the maxilla. (p = 0.3665) An important finding was that all inserted mini-implants survived during a two-month observation period. Conclusions: 635-nm diode laser at laser irradiation increases the secondary stability of orthodontic mini-implants.
Tachykinins and Kisspeptins in the Regulation of Human Male Fertility
Authors: Blasco Víctor , Pinto Francisco M. , González-Ravina Cristina , Santamaría-López Esther , Candenas Luz , Fernández-Sánchez Manuel
Published: December 2019

Infertility is a global disease affecting one out of six couples of reproductive age in the world, with a male factor involved in half the cases. There is still much to know about the regulation of human male fertility and thus we decided to focus on two peptide families that seem to play a key role in this function: tachykinins and kisspeptins. With this aim, we conducted an exhaustive review in order to describe the role of tachykinins and kisspeptins in human fertility and their possible implications in infertility etiopathogenesis. Many advances have been made to elucidate the roles of these two families in infertility, and multiple animal species have been studied, including humans. All of this knowledge could lead to new advances in male infertility diagnosis and treatment, but further research is needed to clarify all the implications of tachykinins and kisspeptins in fertility.
The Feasibility and Effectiveness of a New Practical Multidisciplinary Treatment for Low-Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wippert Pia-Maria , Drießlein David , Beck Heidrun , Schneider Christian , Puschmann Anne-Katrin , Banzer Winfried , Schiltenwolf Marcus
Published: December 2019

Low-back pain is a major health problem exacerbated by the fact that most treatments are not suitable for self-management in everyday life. Particularly, interdisciplinary programs consist of intensive therapy lasting several weeks. Additionally, therapy components are rarely coordinated regarding reinforcing effects, which would improve complaints in persons with higher pain. This study assesses the effectiveness of a self-management program, firstly for persons suffering from higher pain and secondly compared to regular routines. Study objectives were treated in a single-blind multicenter controlled trial. A total of n = 439 volunteers (age 18–65 years) were randomly assigned to a twelve-week multidisciplinary sensorimotor training (3-weeks-center- and 9-weeks-homebased) or control group. The primary outcome pain (Chronic-Pain-Grade) as well as mental health were assessed by questionnaires at baseline and follow-up (3/6/12/24 weeks, M2-M5). For statistical analysis, multiple linear regression models were used. N = 291 (age 39.7 ± 12.7 years, female = 61.1%, 77% CPG = 1) completed training (M1/M4/M5), showing a significantly stronger reduction of mental health complaints (anxiety, vital exhaustion) in people with higher than those with lower pain in multidisciplinary treatment. Compared to regular routines, the self-management–multidisciplinary treatment led to a clinically relevant reduction of pain–disability and significant mental health improvements. Low-cost exercise programs may provide enormous relief for therapeutic processes, rehabilitation aftercare, and thus, cost savings for the health system.
Design of Monovalent Ion Selective Membranes for Reducing the Impacts of Multivalent Ions in Reverse Electrodialysis
Authors: Besha Abreham Tesfaye , Tsehaye Misgina Tilahun , Aili David , Zhang Wenjuan , Tufa Ramato Ashu
Published: December 2019

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) represents one of the most promising membrane-based technologies for clean and renewable energy production from mixing water solutions. However, the presence of multivalent ions in natural water drastically reduces system performance, in particular, the open-circuit voltage (OCV) and the output power. This effect is largely described by the “uphill transport” phenomenon, in which multivalent ions are transported against the concentration gradient. In this work, recent advances in the investigation of the impact of multivalent ions on power generation by RED are systematically reviewed along with possible strategies to overcome this challenge. In particular, the use of monovalent ion-selective membranes represents a promising alternative to reduce the negative impact of multivalent ions given the availability of low-cost materials and an easy route of membrane synthesis. A thorough assessment of the materials and methodologies used to prepare monovalent selective ion exchange membranes (both cation and anion exchange membranes) for applications in (reverse) electrodialysis is performed. Moreover, transport mechanisms under conditions of extreme salinity gradient are analyzed and compared for a better understanding of the design criteria. The ultimate goal of the present work is to propose a prospective research direction on the development of new membrane materials for effective implementation of RED under natural feed conditions.
Mercury Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Modified Pyrite: A Column Experiment
Authors: Zhu Yucheng , Peng Shuchuan , Lu Ping , Chen Tianhu , Yang Yan
Published: December 2019

Modified pyrite (MPy), which was obtained from calcination in an N2 atmosphere, was used as a sorbent for removing Hg(II) from aqueous solutions. Fixed-bed column experiments were conducted to determine the Hg(II) removal ability of MPy from aqueous solutions. MPy was found to be much better than natural pyrite for mercury removal. The concentration of Hg(II) in effluents was much lower than that of the emission standard used for Hg wastewater in China (0.05 mg/L), and the removal efficiency of Hg(II) was greater than 99% before breakthrough. When the capacity was 3274 times the column bed volume (1 bed volume = 25.12 cm3), the column breakthrough and the sorption amount of Hg(II) were 54.44 mg/g. The Hg(II) content in the used MPy sorbent was up to 24.79%. The mechanism was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The main mechanism of Hg(II) removal by MPy was the chemical reactions between mercury ions and mineral fillers, and HgS precipitated on the surface of MPy to remove Hg(II). The reaction was also accompanied by surface complexation and adsorption. The results of this work show that MPy can be used as a sorbent for continuous Hg(II) removal.
Smart Non-Woven Fiber Mats with Light-Induced Sensing Capability
Authors: Krupa Igor , Sobolčiak Patrik , Mrlik Miroslav
Published: December 2019

This article is focused on the facile procedure for 2D graphene oxide (GO) fabrication, utilizing reversible de-activation polymerization approach and therefore enhanced compatibility with surrounding polymer matrix. Such tunable improvement led to a controllable sensing response after irradiation with light. The neat GO as well as surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) grafted particles were investigated by atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. To confirm the successful surface reduction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy was utilized. The composites in form of non-woven fiber mats containing ungrafted GO and controllably grafted GO with compact layer of polymer dispersed in poly(vinylidene-co-hexafluoropropylene) were prepared by electrospinning technique and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical performance was characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis. Thermal conductivity was employed to confirm that the conducting filler was well-dispersed in the polymer matrix. The presented controllable coating with polymer layer and its impact on the overall performance, especially photo-actuation and subsequent contraction of the material aiming on the sensing applications, was discussed.
Transcriptomic and Functional Studies of the RGS Protein Rax1 in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Choi Yong-Ho , Lee Min-Woo , Igbalajobi Olumuyiwa Ayokunle , Yu Jae-Hyuk , Shin Kwang-Soo
Published: December 2019

In the comparative transcriptomic studies of wild type (WT) and rax1 null mutant strains, we obtained an average of 22,222,727 reads of 101 bp per sample and found that 183 genes showed greater than 2.0-fold differential expression, where 92 and 91 genes were up-and down-regulated in Δrax1 compared to WT, respectively. In accordance with the significantly reduced levels of gliM and casB transcripts in the absence of rax1, the Δrax1 mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to exogenous gliotoxin (GT) without affecting levels of GT production. Moreover, Δrax1 resulted in significantly restricted colony growth and reduced viability under endoplasmic reticulum stress condition. In summary, Rax1 positively affects expression of gliM and metacaspase genes.
Camera-Integrable Wide-Bandwidth Antenna for Capsule Endoscope
Authors: Baek Jong Jin , Kim Se Woong , Kim Youn Tae
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a new antenna design for a capsule endoscope. The proposed antenna comprises a camera hole and meandered line. These features enable the antenna to be integrated on the same side as the camera, within the capsule endoscope. Moreover, light-emitting diodes can be mounted on the surface of the antenna for illumination. The antenna achieves a wide bandwidth, despite the small size owing to its meandered line structure.
Baryon Physics and Tight Coupling Approximation in Boltzmann Codes
Authors: C. Pookkillath Masroor , De Felice Antonio , Mukohyama Shinji
Published: December 2019

We provide two derivations of the baryonic equations that can be straightforwardly implemented in existing Einstein–Boltzmann solvers. One of the derivations begins with an action principle, while the other exploits the conservation of the stress-energy tensor. While our result is manifestly covariant and satisfies the Bianchi identities, we point out that this is not the case for the implementation of the seminal work by Ma and Bertschinger and in the existing Boltzmann codes. We also study the tight coupling approximation up to the second order without choosing any gauge using the covariant full baryon equations. We implement the improved baryon equations in a Boltzmann code and investigate the change in the estimate of cosmological parameters by performing an MCMC analysis. With the covariantly correct baryon equations of motion, we find 1 % deviation for the best fit values of the cosmological parameters that should be taken into account. While in this paper, we study the Λ CDM model only, our baryon equations can be easily implemented in other models and various modified gravity theories.