bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KUALITAS BETON BERPORI DENGAN BAHAN TAMBAH SILICA FUME SEBAGAI BAHAN PERKERASAN KAKU YANG RAMAH LINGKUNGAN
Authors: Gina Mazaya Btari , Amalia Amalia
Published: August 2019

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisa pengaruh penggunaan silica fume terhadap kualitas beton berpori sebagai bahan perkerasan kaku. Kualitas beton segar yang diuji meliputi slump dan berat isi beton segar. Sedangkan, kualitas beton keras yang diuji meliputi berat isi beton keras, kuat tekan, kuat tarik belah, kuat tarik lentur, modulus elastisitas, tegangan regangan dan laju infiltrasi. Metode yang dipergunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen dengan membuat benda uji beton berpori sesuai dengan ACI 522R-10. Tiap Benda uji dibuat dengan faktor air semen sebesar 0,27. Variasi terdapat pada presentase silica fume pada campuran beton yaitu sebanyak 0%, 3%, 6%, dan 9% dari berat semen. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa beton berpori dengan silica fume 9% menghasilkan nilai tertinggi pada hampir semua pengujian untuk beton segar dan keras, kecuali pada nilai regangan dan laju infiltrasi. Nilai regangan tertinggi terdapat pada beton berpori dengan silica fume 6% dan nilai laju infiltrasi tertinggi terdapat pada beton berpori dengan silica fume 0%. Pengaruh silica fume terhadap kualitas beton segar dan keras dianalisa dengan uji regresi linear. Hasil regresi linear menunjukan bahwa silica fume sangat berpengaruh pada kualitas beton segar dan keras. Berdasarkan RSNI T-14-2004, beton berpori dengan silica fume minimum 9% dinilai layak digunakan sebagai bahan perkerasan kaku dengan beban lalu lintas menengah atau berat.Kata kunci: Beton Berpori, Silica Fume, Perkerasan KakuABSTRACTThe purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of using silica fume on the quality of porous concrete as a rigid pavement material. The quality of fresh concrete tested includes slump and the unit weight. While, the quality of hardened concrete tested includes the unit weight, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus, strain – stress, and infiltration rate. The method used in this research is experimental method by making porous concrete specimens according to ACI 522R-10. Each specimen is made with a water/cement ratio of 0,27. Variations were made in silica fume presentations in concrete mixture that are 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% of the weight of cement. The results showed that porous concrete with 9% silica fume produced the highest values in almost all tests for fresh and hardened concrete, except for the strain value and infiltration rate. The highest strain value was found in porous concrete with 6% silica fume and the highest infiltration rate was found in porous concrete with 0% silica fume. The effect of silica fume on the quality of fresh and hardened concrete was analyzed by linear regression test. Linear regression results showed that silica fume is very influential on the quality of fresh and hardened concrete. Based on RSNI T-14-2004, porous concrete with a minimum of 9% silica fume is considered suitable to use as rigid pavement material with medium or heavy traffic loads.Keywords: Porous Concrete, Silica Fume, Rigid Pavement
Pijat Bayi Meningkatkan Berat Badan Bayi Usia 0-6 Bulan
Authors: Harahap Novy Ramini
Published: August 2019

Pertumbuhan anak merupakan hal yang sangat penting dan aspek yang harus diperhatikan sejak usia dini. Salah satu penyebab permasalahan berat badan adalah nafsu makan yang turun, stimulasi yang dianjurkan adalah pijat bayi.Penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh pijat bayi terhadap kenaikan berat badan bayi usia 0-6 Tahun 2018. Desain Penelitian True Eksperimental dengan pendekatan randomized control group Pretest-Posttest Design. Populasi penelitian seluruh ibu yang mempunyai bayi yang berkunjung di klinik Siti Hajar bulan Agustus 2018 sebanyak 46 orang. Cara pengambilan sampel penelitian adalah Random Sampling dengan teknik simple random sampling. Sampel penelitian sebanyak 40 orang. Kelompok intervensi 20 responden dan kelompok kontrol 20 responden. Analisa data yang digunakan analisa uji paired sampel  T Test. Penelitian dengan kenaikan berat badan bayi pada kelompok tidak dilakukan sebanyak 570 gram, kelompok dilakukan sebanyak 1250 gram. Hasil р = 0,000 ( р< 0,05 ), maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa Ha diterima. penelitian ada pengaruh pijat bayi terhadap kenaikan berat badan bayi usia 0-6 bulan ,disarankan kepada ibu yang memiliki bayi usia 0-6 bulan agar memantau tumbuh kembang bayi dengan cara melakukan penimbangan berat badan bayi ke puskesmas atau fasilitas kesehatan terdekat dan saat menghadapi masalah dengan berat badan bayi dapat memanfaatkan pijat bayi.
Kelas Ibu Balita Meningkatkan Pengetahuan dan Keterampilan Ibu dalam Stimulasi Tumbuh Kembang
Authors: Legiati Titi , Hidayanti Desi , Indrayani Dian
Published: August 2019

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh kelas ibu balita terhadap pengetahuan dan keterampilan ibu tentang stimulasi tumbuh kembang bayi balita. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain quasi experiment dengan teknik pre post test design. Populasi penelitian adalah semua ibu yang mempunyai balita di Kelurahan Pasir Kaliki Kota Cimahi Jawa Barat. Sampel adalah ibu yang mempunyai anak usia 0-5 tahun dengan kriteria inklusi yang sudah ditetapkan sebanyak 34 responden. Data yang didapatkan adalah data primer hasil penilaian kuesioner tentang  pengetahuan dan lembar observasi untuk menilai keterampilan ibu dalam stimulasi perkembangan balita. Uji-T berpasangan digunakan untuk menganalisis pengaruh kelas ibu balita terhadap pengetahuan dan keterampilan ibu dalam stimulasi tumbuh kembang balita.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kelas ibu balita berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan ibu dalam stimulasi tumbuh kembang balita dengan nilai p < 0,05. Responden yang mengikuti kelas ibu mengalami peningkatan pengetahuan sebesar 15,8 % dibandingkan dengan sebelum mengikuti kelas ibu balita, sedangkan peningkatan keterampilan sebesar 33,52%. Proses belajar dengan kelas ibu balita yang mengandalkan sumber belajar dari pengalaman peserta dan peran fasilitator dalam mengungkapkan pengalaman sebagai sumber belajar merupakan metode yang efektif dalam meningkatkan pengetahun dan keterampilan
Ferramentas da qualidade na produção de embutido vegetariano a base de abóbora
Authors: Silva Raí­ssa Andrade de Araújo , Alves Andressa Thauany de Sousa , Lins Maria Agnes Araújo , Finkler Leandro
Published: August 2019

A relevância nutricional da abóbora confere, a essa matéria prima, potencialidade de uso no desenvolvimento de novos produtos visto que é inserida com êxito em diferentes ambientes de alimentação. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse trabalho foi utilizar as ferramentas de qualidade como estratégia para elaborar um plano de produção de um embutido vegetariano a base de abóbora. Para tal fim, as ferramentas da qualidade (brainstorming, fluxograma, teoria dos obstáculos, folha de verificação, diagrama de Ishikawa e o ciclo PDCA) foram utilizadas. Como resultados, 24 matérias primas foram sugeridas e para aquela escolhida, a abóbora, outras 20 possibilidades de processamento foram anotadas. Disso, o embutido vegetariano foi o produto escolhido para ser produzido. Um fluxograma com 20 etapas foi proposto. Nesse, 5 parâmetros foram observados como responsáveis pela estabilidade microbiológica do produto. Um problema de reprocessamento foi observado durante a elaboração do produto. As possí­veis causas foram apontadas no diagrama de causa e efeito e, ao final, o ciclo PDCA foi estruturado para continua avaliação do processo. Por fim, o emprego das ferramentas de qualidade é uma estratégia importante para a elaboração de novos produtos alimentí­cios.Palavras-chave: tecnologia de alimentos, dieta vegetariana, controle de qualidade.
THE IMPACT OF THE LOW-FREQUENCY ROTATING ELECTRIC FIELD ON THE «MOTHER - PLACENTA - FETUS» SYSTEM IN RATS WITH VARIOUS PROGNOSTIC STRESS RESISTANCE
Authors: Zajnaeva T P , Yegorkina S B
Published: August 2019

The impact of the isolated low-frequency rotating electric field (the REF) and the one combined with animal immobilisation on the "mother-placenta-fetus" system in rats with various prognostic stress resistance was studied. The research showed that on the 10th experiment day stress hormone content in the blood plasma increased in experimental rats compared to the control group; the increase degree was dependant on individual species stress-resistance. Thus, on isolated action of technogeneous rotating electric field the level of 11-oxocorticosteroids increased by 7,8 % (p > 0,05) in "active" female rats and by 71,7 %in "passive" ones. In conditions of action of combined rotating electric field with immobilization of experimental animals the level of corticosteroids increased by 63,8 % (p< 0,05) in stress-resistant rats and by 35,4 % (p < 0,05) in stress-non-resistant rats. The results of the pathomorphological study of the afterbirth and fetuses from the experimental female rats indicated that the REF leads to the structural plasenta changes, hemodynamical disturbances and are accompanied by the late fetus growth and high embrional mortality rate. The most marked functional and structural changes in the afterbirth were seen under the REF combined with animal immobilisation.
HYPERBARIC RE-RESPIRATION AS AN OPTIMIZATION METHOD OF COMPLEX THERAPY OF ABACTERIAL CHRONIC PROSTATITIS IN MILITARY PERSONNEL
Authors: Barachevsky Yu E , Golendukhin K G , Groshilin V S , Linchenko S N , Kochubeinik N V , Karabach I V , Tagirov R T
Published: August 2019

The research objective is an assessment of hyperbaric re-respiration (HRR) effectiveness in treatment of military personnel suffering from chronic abacterial prostatitis (CAP). The research type is prospective (cohort), clinical and physiological. The subjects are 38 patients with CAP in the acute phase (category III A and III B), aged 32-46, were randomly allocated into 3 groups depending on the kind of therapy: the control group - conventional treatment of CAP in the acute phase (n = 10); the experimental group (n = 14) - traditional therapy and 12-14 hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments (35-40-minute stay in the oxygen chamber under pressure about 153 kPa); the treatment group (n = 14) - the traditional therapy and a course of HRR (12-14 treatments, 35-40 minute stay under the conditions of higher oxygen (27.9 kPa) and carbon dioxide (3.4 kPa) partial pressure produced in the pressure chamber at a total pressure of about 153 kPa). A comparative assessment of treatment effectiveness performed by using a standardized total score of symptoms of chronic prostatitis (CP), including the pain, dysuria, prostatorrhea, quality of life (QOL) scale as a basis for calculation of the clinical index of CP (CI-CP). Initial examination revealed the presence of acute CAP in all patients, manifested itself in the increased value of CI-CP in the range of 22-35 points, and corresponded with the severity of symptoms of the disease as moderate or frank degree on the standardized scale. The treatment was followed by the highly statistically significant (p
THE ROLE OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT CORRECTION IN INCREASING EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF SKIN PATHOLOGY
Authors: Shcherbo P P , Khachaturyan M R
Published: August 2019

The role of dietary factor not only in disorders formation in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) functioning but also in maintaining, protection and, if necessary, person's health resumption was mentioned in the article. Data on connection of functional and pathological GIT changes with skin cover pathology were presented. It causes necessity in diet correction and GIT state, as adequate clinical efforts in skin pathology complex therapy. Critical analysis of colon hydrotherapy role in GIT functional activity restoration and organism homeostasis as a whole was given. It was emphasized that colon hydrotherapy like any other physiotherapeutic procedure could be neither the only means of treatment, nor its support and panacea. Efforts on balance correction of digestive microbiocenosis as a factor of the bowel endo-ecology with use of liquid probiotics and prebiotics, which caused positive effects on skin cover were studied. Literature data on the topic was presented. Decision on necessity of further research on values and risks of colon hydrotherapy, as of a preventive procedure, and its place in medical and surgical practice was made.
Biologia floral, fenologia reprodutiva e polinização de Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) em uma área de Cerrado no oeste da Bahia
Authors: Aragão Daniele dos Santos , Costa Cristiana Barros Nascimento , Do Nascimento Viviany Teixeira
Published: August 2019

A família Annonaceae é comum no Cerrado do Oeste da Bahia, mas os estudos sobre a sua biologia floral, reprodutiva e fenológica na região, bem como dados sobre seus polinizadores, são raros. Uma das espécies comuns na área é a Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. cujos aspectos reprodutivos, motivo do presente trabalho, são pouco conhecidos. O presente artigo realiza também o estudo da biologia floral e reprodutiva, a fenologia e os polinizadores dessa espécie. O estudo foi desenvolvido em uma área de Cerrado no município de Barreiras-BA de outubro de 2015 a setembro de 2017 durante o qual foram feitas as análises da fenologia reprodutiva e dos cruzamentos do sistema reprodutivo, assim como observações da biologia floral e de visitantes florais. As flores de X. aromatica são dicogâmicas do tipo protogínicas. A floração é sincrônica e contínua, possibilitando o fluxo gênico entre os indivíduos da espécie. Dentre os visitantes florais, destacou-se um Curculionidae, único encontrado dentro da câmara floral. A protoginia de X. aromatica impede a autopolinização, evidenciando a dependência de polinizadores para seu sucesso reprodutivo. A maior formação de frutos por polinização cruzada, aliada à baixa taxa por geitonogamia, sugere um sistema reprodutivo autoincompatível para essa espécie.
Makna Smartphone Bagi Pelajar
Authors: M.Si Dani Miftahul Ula,
Published: August 2019

Pada awalnya pengguna smartphone ini dirancang untuk orang-orang yang memiliki tingkat kesibukan yang tinggi seperti para pejabat, karyawan swata, wanita karir dan juga eksekutif, namun saat ini tren smartphone telah menjadi lifestyle dikalangan pelajar, alat ini merupakan sebuah barang yang wajib dimiliki. Adapun penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui makna penggunaan smartphone dikalangan pelajar khususnya pelajar SMAN 1 Kota Malang, bagi sebagian pelajar smartphone mempunyai makna lebih dari sekedar alat komunikasi, ada makna lain yang terkandung pada smartphone yang sangat berkaitan dengan gaya hidup.
Applicability of Shape Memory Alloys in Aircraft Interiors
Authors: Weirich Antonia , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: August 2019

This paper evaluates possible applications for SMAs (Shape Memory Alloys) based on the requirements in the field of aircraft interiors. The authors gather requirements regarding industry standards and regulations by detailed literature research and lead user interviews. They develop a classification scheme for SMA-based actuators, which consists of SMA-specific technical attributes and requirements. This classification scheme allows one to evaluate the feasibility of using SMA-based systems in aircraft interiors. Furthermore, this paper clusters critical requirements and discusses solutions for limitations of SMAs in aircraft interiors. The authors identify critical and noncritical requirements for the implementation of SMA-based actuators. They suggest solutions for critical requirements in order to improve the possible range of applications for SMAs. The study exclusively regards the field of aircraft interiors and the currently existing industry standards and only indirectly takes laws into account. The evaluated requirements and proposed solutions can be transferred to other areas such as the automotive industry. This structured analysis of the feasibility of SMA-based systems in aircraft interiors is an innovative research work and, therefore, is valuable in order to benefit from the advantageous properties of SMAs.
Designing Organizational Eco-Map to Develop a Customer Value Proposition for a “Slow Tourism” Destination
Authors: Čirjevskis Andrejs
Published: August 2019

Despite the widespread agreement on the importance of customer value proposition (CVP) as one of the most critical aspects of business models (BM), little is known about how strategically valuable organizational resources may contribute to the transformation of CVP. This paper aims to develop and to test a new research framework: The organizational eco-map to explore how strategically valuable resources are underpinning a new customer value proposition of a focal company. Customer value proposition hence is an encapsulation of a strategic management decision on what the company believes its customers value the most and what it can deliver in a way that gives it a competitive advantage. Being a research-based paper, the topic is approached by theoretical analysis, conceptual development, and empirical justification. The presented organizational eco-map model encourages practitioners to grasp an exact relationship between strategically valuable resources of the organization and customer value proposition. Empirically, the paper examines the role of Latvian cultural resources in the forthcoming transformation of the customer value proposition for Riga Central Market of Latvia, a huge infrastructural establishment. Therefore, marketing practitioners will find new ways of understanding customers’ value creation for a “slow tourism” destination to develop marketing strategies to engage cultural resources of suppliers with their customers’ consumption processes to enhance better customer satisfaction.
Leaf-to-Fruit Ratios in Vitis vinifera L. cv. “Sauvignon Blanc”, “Carmenère”, “Cabernet Sauvignon”, and “Syrah” Growing in Maule Valley (Chile): Influence on Yield and Fruit Composition
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gamboa Gastón , Díaz-Galvéz Irina , Verdugo-Vásquez Nicolás , Moreno-Simunovic Yerko
Published: August 2019

A trial was conducted during the 2005–2006 season in order to determine the effects of different leaf-to-fruit ratios on yield components and fruit composition in four Vitis vinifera L. cultivars. The treatments consisted of selecting shoots of four lengths (>1.3 m, 1.3–0.8 m, 0.8–0.4 m, and <0.4 m) with two crop levels (1–2 clusters/shoot), which allowed defining eight ratios. Berry composition and yield components were measured. The treatments affected the accumulation of soluble solids in “Sauvignon blanc”, “Cabernet Sauvignon”, and “Syrah”, delaying it as the ratio decreased. All yield components were affected in “Sauvignon blanc”, while bunch weight and the number of berries per bunch were altered without a clear trend. None of the yield components were affected in “Cabernet Sauvignon”, while the lowest ratio presented the lowest number of berries per bunch in “Syrah”. Total polyphenol index (TPI) was affected in “Carmenère” without a clear trend. A highly significant correlation was found between shoot length and leaf area in all studied cultivars. As the ratio increased, the shoot lignification increased in “Sauvignon blanc”. However, studies must be conducted during more seasons to establish better conclusions about the effects of leaf-to-fruit ratios on yield and fruit composition.
Screening of Diverse Ethiopian Durum Wheat Accessions for Aluminum Tolerance
Authors: Wayima Edossa , Ligaba-Osena Ayalew , Dagne Kifle , Tesfaye Kassahun , Machuka Eunice , Mutiga Samuel , Delhaize Emmanuel
Published: August 2019

Acid soils and associated Al3+ toxicity are prevalent in Ethiopia where normally Al3+-sensitive durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp durum Desf.) is an important crop. To identify a source of Al3+ tolerance, we screened diverse Ethiopian durum germplasm. As a center of diversity for durum wheat coupled with the strong selection pressure imposed by extensive acid soils, it was conceivable that Al3+ tolerance had evolved in Ethiopian germplasm. We used a rapid method on seedlings to rate Al3+ tolerance according to the length of seminal roots. From 595 accessions screened using the rapid method, we identified 21 tolerant, 180 intermediate, and 394 sensitive accessions. When assessed in the field the accessions had tolerance rankings consistent with the rapid screen. However, a molecular marker specific for the D-genome showed that all accessions rated as Al3+-tolerant or of intermediate tolerance were hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that had contaminated the durum grain stocks. The absence of Al3+ tolerance in durum has implications for how Al3+ tolerance evolved in bread wheat. There remains a need for a source of Al3+-tolerance genes for durum wheat and previous work that introgressed genes from bread wheat into durum wheat is discussed as a potential source for enhancing the Al3+ tolerance of durum germplasm.
Pursuing the Potential of Heirloom Cultivars to Improve Adaptation, Nutritional, and Culinary Features of Food Crops
Authors: Dwivedi Sangam , Goldman Irwin , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: August 2019

The burdens of malnutrition, protein and micronutrient deficiency, and obesity cause enormous costs to society. Crop nutritional quality has been compromised by the emphasis on edible yield and through the loss of biodiversity due to the introduction of high-yielding, uniform cultivars. Heirloom crop cultivars are traditional cultivars that have been grown for a long time (>50 years), and that have a heritage that has been preserved by regional, ethnic, or family groups. Heirlooms are recognized for their unique appearance, names, uses, and historical significance. They are gaining in popularity because of their unique flavors and cultural significance to local cuisine, and their role in sustainable food production for small-scale farmers. As a contrast to modern cultivars, heirlooms may offer a welcome alternative in certain markets. Recently, market channels have emerged for heirloom cultivars in the form of farmer–breeder–chef collaborations and seed-saver organizations. There is therefore an urgent need to know more about the traits available in heirloom cultivars, particularly for productivity, stress tolerance, proximate composition, sensory quality, and flavor. This information is scattered, and the intention of this review is to document some of the unique characteristics of heirloom cultivars that may be channeled into breeding programs for developing locally adapted, high-value cultivars.
Antibiofilm Activity of Three Different Irrigation Techniques: An in Vitro Study
Authors: Eneide Caterina , Castagnola Raffaella , Martini Cecilia , Grande Nicola Maria , Bugli Francesca , Patini Romeo , Cordaro Massimo , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Olivi Giovanni , Isola Gaetano , Marigo Luca
Published: August 2019

The microbial infection of the endodontic space occurs in a necrotic tooth as a result of dental caries, trauma, periodontal disease, or previous root canal therapy. The disruption of the biofilms and the reduction of the bacterial load inside root canals are crucial for the success of root canal therapy. The aim of this study was to compare, in vitro, the antibiofilm efficacy of a novel passive sonic irrigation (PSI) device with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and conventional needle irrigation (CNI). Forty-four single-rooted human teeth were inoculated with a culture of E. faecalis for 28 days. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups: PUI, CNI, and PSI (n = 12). The activation protocols were performed using both 17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl. Residual bacterial biofilm was taken by means of a canal brush and colony-forming unit (CFU) were counted. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Games-Howell’s post hoc tests. A major reduction in CFU was observed in the PSI and PUI groups, in comparison with the CNI group. No difference was found (p > 0.05) in terms of CFU reduction between PSI and PUI. PSI could be as effective as PUI in the removal of bacterial biofilms from straight root canals.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Crude Extracts of Moringa oleifera from Kenya and Their Correlations with Flavonoids
Authors: Xu Yong-Bing , Chen Gui-Lin , Guo Ming-Quan
Published: August 2019

Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) is commonly distributed and utilized in tropical and sub-tropical areas. There has been a large number of reports on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of its leaves, but only a few about its seeds and roots. Hence, in this work we aimed to systematically compare the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol crude extracts of leaves, seeds, and roots of M. oleifera from Kenya, and further correlate the differential activities with the chemical constituents from these three parts. The antioxidant activities were measured by using three different assays (DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and FRAP (Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power), respectively). Results showed that the leaf extracts displayed the highest DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP total reducing power activities with IC50 values of 1.02 ± 0.13 mg/mL and 0.99 ± 0.06 mM Fe2+/g, respectively; the leaf and root extracts exhibited potential ABTS radical scavenging activities with the IC50 values of 1.36 ± 0.02 and 1.24 ± 0.03 mg/mL. Meanwhile, the leaf and seed extracts (11.1–100 µg/mL) also exerted obvious anti-inflammatory activities, as indicated by the inhibition of NO production. To further reveal correlations between these differential activities with the chemical constituents in the three organs, the total flavonoids content (TFC) of the three different extracts were evaluated, and the TFC of leaves, seeds and roots were found to be 192.36 ± 2.96, 5.89 ± 0.65 and 106.79 ± 2.12 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g, respectively. These findings indicated the important impacts of the total flavonoid contents on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, we further determined the phytochemical profiles of M. oleifera by HPLC-UV/ESI-MS/MS, and identified most of the chemical constituents of leaves as flavonoids. In summary, the leaves of M. oleifera are a better potential natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, and very promising for development into the health promoting dietary supplements.
Influence of the Scanning Temperature on the Classification of Whisky Samples Analysed by UV-VIS Spectroscopy
Authors: Joshi Ishita , Truong Vi Khanh , Elbourne Aaron , Chapman James , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: August 2019

The definition of the optimal temperature and its effects (either increasing or variations) during analysis of alcoholic beverages are of importance to develop protocols based in spectroscopy. Although several reports have been published on the use of spectroscopy combined with chemometrics to classify and authenticate alcoholic beverages (e.g., wine, tequila, whisky), few reports deal with issues related with the spectra collection (e.g., temperature, path length) and its effect on the classification performances. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing temperature on both the UV-VIS spectra of whisky and on the classification results of the samples according to country of origin. Whisky samples from different commercial labels were analysed at different temperatures (25, 35, 45, 55 °C) using a UV-VIS instrument (Agilent, Cary 3500). Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models based in cross validation were used to classify whisky samples according to scanning temperature and origin. The results of this study indicated that temperature did not affect the classification of whisky samples according to country of origin. Overall, well defined protocols need to be defined for routine use of these methods in research and by the industry.
Determination of pH in Powdered Concrete Samples or in Suspension
Authors: Stojanović Goran , Radovanović Milan , Krstić Dejan , Ignjatović Ivan , Dragaš Jelena , Carević Vedran
Published: August 2019

Concrete is a material that is widely used by mankind. Although different deterioration mechanisms can lead to degradation of the concrete itself, reinforcement corrosion is the biggest durability issue for reinforced concrete structures. One of the key parameters influencing the corrosion rate is pH value. Accordingly, this work presents two capacitive sensor platforms—one based on parallel plate electrodes and the other based on a planar interdigitated electrode structure. The first platform is used to determine whether the pH value is lower or higher than a predetermined limit (around 11) and this device was successfully tested using concrete suspensions. The second platform can determine the pH value by establishing a relationship between pH and measured capacitance from a powdered concrete specimen. Both multi-layered platforms were manufactured by means of a cost-effective xurography technique, which provides technically and mechanically robust structures very quickly.
Maintenance Process Simulation Based Maintainability Evaluation by Using Stochastic Colored Petri Net
Authors: Lu Zhong , Liu Jie , Dong Li , Liang Xihui
Published: August 2019

Maintainability is a critical design characteristic of products. Maintainability evaluation plays an important role in maintainability design. Existing maintainability evaluation approaches neglect logistic effects on system maintainability. In this paper, tuples of stochastic colored petri nets (SCPN) are used to express the constituents of a maintenance process; and the maintenance process model is developed based on the SCPN. Approaches for calculating the required maintenance resources are proposed according to the state equation of the SCPN, and a method for calculating maintenance time is proposed by using an SCPN based discrete-event simulation. Finally, the line maintenance of a wheel steering system is used as a case study to illustrate the application and effectiveness of our proposed approaches. The work discussed herein provides a maintainability evaluation methodology based on the maintenance task demonstration that is conducted on the digital mockup of products. The approaches can be applied in the design stage when there are no physical mockups, and the maintainability design can be carried on concurrently with the development of products.
Clean Energy and Fuel Storage
Authors: Srinivasan Sesha S. , Stefanakos Elias K.
Published: August 2019

Clean energy and fuel storage is often required for both stationary and automotive applications. Some of the clean energy and fuel storage technologies currently under extensive research and development are hydrogen storage, direct electric storage, mechanical energy storage, solar-thermal energy storage, electrochemical (batteries and supercapacitors), and thermochemical storage. The gravimetric and volumetric storage capacity, energy storage density, power output, operating temperature and pressure, cycle life, recyclability, and cost of clean energy or fuel storage are some of the factors that govern efficient energy and fuel storage technologies for potential deployment in energy harvesting (solar and wind farms) stations and on-board vehicular transportation. This Special Issue thus serves the need to promote exploratory research and development on clean energy and fuel storage technologies while addressing their challenges to a practical and sustainable infrastructure.
Blind Image Deblurring Based on Local Edges Selection
Authors: Han Yue , Kan Jiangming
Published: August 2019

The edges of images are less sparse when images become blurred. Selecting effective image edges is a vital step in image deblurring, which can help us to build image deblurring models more accurately. While global edges selection methods tend to fail in capturing dense image structures, the edges are easy to be affected by noise and blur. In this paper, we propose an image deblurring method based on local edges selection. The local edges are selected by the difference between the bright channel and the dark channel. Then a novel image deblurring model including local edges regularization term is established. The obtaining of a clear image and blurring kernel is based on alternating iterations, in which the clear image is obtained by the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). In the experiments, tests are carried out on gray value images, synthetic color images and natural color images. Compared with other state-of-the-art blind image deblurring methods, the visualization results and performance verify the effectiveness of our method.
Comparison of Anthropogenic Aerosol Climate Effects among Three Climate Models with Reduced Complexity
Authors: Shi Xiangjun , Zhang Wentao , Liu Jiaojiao
Published: August 2019

The same prescribed anthropogenic aerosol forcing was implemented into three climate models. The atmosphere components of these participating climate models were the GAMIL, ECHAM, and CAM models. Ensemble simulations were carried out to obtain a reliable estimate of anthropogenic aerosol effective radiative forcing (ERF). The ensemble mean ERFs from these three participating models with this aerosol forcing were −0.27, −0.63, and −0.54 W∙m−2. The model diversity in ERF is clearly reduced as compared with those based on the models’ own default approaches (−1.98, −0.21, and −2.22 W∙m−2). This is consistent with the design of this aerosol forcing. The modeled ERF can be decomposed into two basic components, i.e., the instantaneous radiative forcing (RF) from aerosol–radiation interactions (RFari) and the aerosol-induced changes in cloud forcing (△Fcloud*). For the three participating models, the model diversity in RFari (−0.21, −0.33, and −0.29 W∙m−2) could be constrained by reducing the differences in natural aerosol radiative forcings. However, it was difficult to figure out the reason for the model diversity in △Fcloud* (−0.05, −0.28, and −0.24 W∙m−2), which was the dominant source of the model diversity in ERF. The variability of modeled ERF was also studied. Ensemble simulations showed that the modeled RFs were very stable. The rapid adjustments (ERF − RF) had an important role to play in the quantification of the perturbation of ERF. Fortunately, the contribution from the rapid adjustments to the mean ERF was very small. This study also showed that we should pay attention to the difference between the aerosol climate effects we want and the aerosol climate effects we calculate.
Synthesis of Non-Uniform Functionalized Amphiphilic Block Copolymers and Giant Vesicles in the Presence of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky Reaction
Authors: Berlanga Isadora
Published: August 2019

Giant vesicles with several-micrometer diameters were prepared by the self-assembly of an amphiphilic block copolymer in the presence of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. The vesicle is composed of a non-uniform triblock copolymer synthesized by multi-step reactions in the presence of air at room temperature. The triblock copolymer contains poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) (PGMA) as the hydrophilic block copolymerized with tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)3), which catalyzes the BZ reaction, and 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) as the hydrophobic block. In this new approach, the radicals generated in the BZ reaction can activate a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to self-assemble the polymer into vesicles with diameters of approximately 3 µm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements demonstrated that the PGMA-b-Ru(bpy)3-b-PHPMA triblock copolymer is brominated and increases the osmotic pressure inside the vesicle, leading to micrometer-sized features. The effect of solvent on the morphological transitions are also discussed briefly. This BZ strategy, offers a new perspective to prepare giant vesicles as a platform for promising applications in the areas of microencapsulation and catalyst support, due to their significant sizes and large microcavities.
Whole Conversion of Soybean Molasses into Isomaltulose and Ethanol by Combining Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Successive Selective Fermentations
Authors: Wang Zhi-Peng , Zhang Lin-Lin , Liu Song , Liu Xiao-Yan , Yu Xin-Jun
Published: August 2019

Isomaltulose is mainly produced from sucrose by microbial fermentation, when the utilization of sucrose contributes a high production cost. To achieve a low-cost isomaltulose production, soy molasses was introduced as an alternative substrate. Firstly, α-galactosidase gene from Rhizomucor miehei was expressed in Yarrowia lipolytica, which then showed a galactosidase activity of 121.6 U/mL. Under the effects of the recombinant α-galactosidase, most of the raffinose-family oligosaccharides in soy molasses were hydrolyzed into sucrose. Then the soy molasses hydrolysate with high sucrose content (22.04%, w/w) was supplemented into the medium, with an isomaltulose production of 209.4 g/L, and the yield of 0.95 g/g. Finally, by virtue of the bioremoval process using Pichia stipitis, sugar byproducts in broth were transformed into ethanol at the end of fermentation, thus resulting in high isomaltulose purity (97.8%). The bioprocess employed in this study provides a novel strategy for low-cost and efficient isomaltulose production from soybean molasses.
Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Attributes of Different Solvent Extracts from Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex. D. Don Leaves
Authors: Kabra Atul , Sharma Rohit , Hano Christophe , Kabra Ruchika , Martins Natália , Baghel Uttam Singh
Published: August 2019

Background: Plant diversity is a basic source of food and medicine for local Himalayan communities. The current study was designed to assess the effect of different solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, and water) on the phenolic profile, and the corresponding biological activity was studied. Methods: Antioxidant activity was investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2″-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS) assay, while the antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method using various bacterial and fungal strains. Results: The outcomes demonstrated that methanol acted as the most effective solvent for polyphenols extraction, as strengthened by the liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. M. esculenta methanol extract showed the highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenger antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 39.29 μg/mL and 52.83 μg/mL, respectively, while the ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts revealed minimum antioxidant potential. Methanol extract also revealed higher phenolic content, 88.94 ± 0.24 mg of equivalent gallic acid (GAE)/g), measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while the minimum content was recorded for aqueous extract (62.38 ± 0.14 GAE/g). The highest flavonoid content was observed for methanol extract, 67.44 ± 0.14 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g) measured by an aluminum chloride colorimetric method, while the lowest content was recorded for aqueous extract (35.77 ± 0.14 QE/g). Antimicrobial activity findings also reveal that the methanol extract led to a higher inhibition zone against bacterial and fungal strains. FTIR analysis reveals the presence of various functional groups, viz. alkenes, amines, carboxylic acids, amides, esters, alcohols, phenols, ketones, carboxylic acids, and aromatic compounds. This FTIR analysis could serve as a basis for the authentication of M. esculenta extracts for future industrial applications. Compounds identified by LC-MS analysis were gallic acid, myricanol, myricanone, epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate, β-sitosterol, quercetin, p-coumaric acid, palmitic acid, n-pentadecanol, n-octadecanol, stigmasterol, oleanolic acid, n-hexadecanol, cis-β-caryophyllene, lupeol, and myresculoside. Conclusion: This study suggests that the methanolic extract from M. esculenta leaves has strong antioxidant potential and could be a significant source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials for functional foods formulation.
Type 1 Sodium Calcium Exchanger Forms a Complex with Carbonic Anhydrase IX and Via Reverse Mode Activity Contributes to pH Control in Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Liskova Veronika , Hudecova Sona , Lencesova Lubomira , Iuliano Filippo , Sirova Marta , Ondrias Karol , Pastorekova Silvia , Krizanova Olga
Published: August 2019

Hypoxia and acidosis are among the key microenvironmental factors that contribute to cancer progression. We have explored a possibility that the type 1Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) is involved in pH control in hypoxic tumors. We focused on changes in intracellular pH, co-localization of NCX1, carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), and sodium proton exchanger type 1 (NHE1) by proximity ligation assay, immunoprecipitation, spheroid formation assay and migration of cells due to treatment with KB-R7943, a selective inhibitor of the reverse-mode NCX1. In cancer cells exposed to hypoxia, reverse-mode NCX1 forms a membrane complex primarily with CA IX and also with NHE1. NCX1/CA IX/NHE1 assembly operates as a metabolon with a potent ability to extrude protons to the extracellular space and thereby facilitate acidosis. KB-R7943 prevents formation of this metabolon and reduces cell migration. Thus, we have shown that in hypoxic cancer cells, NCX1 operates in a reverse mode and participates in pH regulation in hypoxic tumors via cooperation with CAIX and NHE1.
SETDB-1: A Potential Epigenetic Regulator in Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Batham Jacob , Lim Pek Siew , Rao Sudha
Published: August 2019

The full epigenetic repertoire governing breast cancer metastasis is not completely understood. Here, we discuss the histone methyltransferase SET Domain Bifurcated Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1) and its role in breast cancer metastasis. SETDB1 serves as an exemplar of the difficulties faced when developing therapies that not only specifically target cancer cells but also the more elusive and aggressive stem cells that contribute to metastasis via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and confer resistance to therapies.
The Relationship between Reaction Temperature and Carbon Deposition on Nickel Catalysts Based on Al2O3, ZrO2 or SiO2 Supports during the Biogas Dry Reforming Reaction
Authors: Charisiou Nikolaos , Douvartzides Savvas , Siakavelas Georgios , Tzounis Lazaros , Sebastian Victor , Stolojan Vlad , Hinder Steven , Baker Mark , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki , Goula Maria
Published: August 2019

The tackling of carbon deposition during the dry reforming of biogas (BDR) necessitates research of the surface of spent catalysts in an effort to obtain a better understanding of the effect that different carbon allotropes have on the deactivation mechanism and correlation of their formation with catalytic properties. The work presented herein provides a comparative assessment of catalytic stability in relation to carbon deposition and metal particle sintering on un-promoted Ni/Al2O3, Ni/ZrO2 and Ni/SiO2 catalysts for different reaction temperatures. The spent catalysts were examined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-HAADF) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the formation and nature of carbonaceous deposits on catalytic surfaces (and thus catalytic stability) depend on the interplay of a number of crucial parameters such as metal support interaction, acidity/basicity characteristics, O2– lability and active phase particle size. When a catalytic system possesses only some of these beneficial characteristics, then competition with adverse effects may overshadow any potential benefits.
High Performance of Mn-Doped MgAlOx Mixed Oxides for Low Temperature NOx Storage and Release
Authors: Cui Chenchen , Ma Junwei , Wang Zhongpeng , Liu Wei , Liu Wenxu , Wang Liguo
Published: August 2019

NOx storage-reduction (NSR) is a potential approach for the effective removal of NOx under the lean conditions in lean-burn engines. Herein, manganese-doped mixed oxides (Mn/MgAlOx) with high performance for low temperature NOx storage and release were derived from hydrotalcites precursors prepared by a facile coprecipitation method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption, H2-TPR, FT-IR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The Mn-doped MgAlOx catalysts exhibited high NOx storage capacity (NSC) at low temperature range (150–300 °C), which was related to their increased surface area, improved reducibility and higher surface Mn3+ content. The largest NSC measured, 426 μmol/g, was observed for NOx adsorption at 200 °C on Mn15 catalyst (the sample containing 15 wt% of Mn). The in situ DRIFTS spectra of NOx adsorption proved that the Mn-doped hydrotalcite catalysts are preferred for low temperature NOx storage and release due to their ability to store NOx mainly in the form of thermally labile nitrites. NSR cycling tests revealed the NOx removal rate of Mn15 sample can reach above 70% within the wide temperature range of 150–250 °C. Besides, the influence of CO2, soot, H2O and SO2 on NOx storage performance of Mn15 catalyst was also studied. In all, owning to their excellent NOx storage capacity, NSR cycling performance, and resistance to CO2, soot, SO2 and H2O, the Mn-doped MgAlOx NSR catalysts have broad application prospects in NOx control at low temperatures.
Insights into the TiO2-Based Photocatalytic Systems and Their Mechanisms
Authors: Sakar Mohan , Mithun Prakash Ravikumar , Do Trong-On
Published: August 2019

Photocatalysis is a multifunctional phenomenon that can be employed for energy applications such as H2 production, CO2 reduction into fuels, and environmental applications such as pollutant degradations, antibacterial disinfection, etc. In this direction, it is not an exaggerated fact that TiO2 is blooming in the field of photocatalysis, which is largely explored for various photocatalytic applications. The deeper understanding of TiO2 photocatalysis has led to the design of new photocatalytic materials with multiple functionalities. Accordingly, this paper exclusively reviews the recent developments in the modification of TiO2 photocatalyst towards the understanding of its photocatalytic mechanisms. These modifications generally involve the physical and chemical changes in TiO2 such as anisotropic structuring and integration with other metal oxides, plasmonic materials, carbon-based materials, etc. Such modifications essentially lead to the changes in the energy structure of TiO2 that largely boosts up the photocatalytic process via enhancing the band structure alignments, visible light absorption, carrier separation, and transportation in the system. For instance, the ability to align the band structure in TiO2 makes it suitable for multiple photocatalytic processes such as degradation of various pollutants, H2 production, CO2 conversion, etc. For these reasons, TiO2 can be realized as a prototypical photocatalyst, which paves ways to develop new photocatalytic materials in the field. In this context, this review paper sheds light into the emerging trends in TiO2 in terms of its modifications towards multifunctional photocatalytic applications.