bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of C. citriodora wood species for kraft pulp production
Authors: Segura Tiago , Da Silva, Jr. Francides
Published: April 2019

This work characterizes the wood from Corymbia citriodora for pulp production. We evaluated wood chip samples from an 8-year-old C. citriodora plantation. A sample of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla chips from a 7-year-old plantation was used as reference material. Wood fiber morphology and chemical composition were analyzed. A modified kraft pulping was carried out to achieve kappa 18 on brownstock pulps. After that, pulps were oxygen delignified, and then underwent elemental chlorine free (ECF) bleaching to achieve the target brightness of 90±0.5% ISO. The bleached pulps were refined in a PFI mill at 0, 750, 1500, and 3000 revolutions, and their physical-mechanical properties were analyzed. C. citriodora wood had a relatively high wood basic density (0.568 g/cm³), low lignin content (22.3%), and high holocellulose content (73.1%) compared with E. grandis x E. urophylla. The fibers of this species had 1.07 mm length, 16.1 μm width, and 66% wall fraction, which reflect its high basic density. For the same kappa number, C. citriodora and E. grandis x E. urophylla yields were similar – the main pulping highlight for this wood species is the low specific wood consumption – 2.93 m³/a.d. ton. C. citriodora pulp had a relatively lower kappa number after oxygen delignification and lower bleaching chemical demand than Eucalyptus pulp. C. citriodora pulp had a high specific volume and capillarity, and low water retention value. The physical properties of C. citriodora suggest that it might be suitable for use in tissue paper manufacturing.
PENGGUNAAN JUS KULIT BUAH NAGA UNTUK MENGATASI NYERI SAAT MENSTRUASI (DISMENOREA)
Authors: Zulaikha Layla Imroatu , Paramita Yulia
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTMenstrual pain, or medical dysmenorrhea, is pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation and can also be felt on the hips, lower back, or thighs. The pain is convulsive (convulsions), which are felt by some women at the beginning of menstruation. Dysmenorrhoea can also be overcome non-pharmacologically, which can naturally reduce the intensity of the pain. This research is an experimental analytical research that is a research on the level of naturalness (setting) where research is in addition to survey research and naturalistic (qualitative). Essentially, experimental research is to examine the effect of the treatment on the behavior that results from the treatment. This study was conducted to determine the intensity of menstrual pain after eating dragon fruit skin juice. The first 3 months focused on reducing the intensity of pain after eating dragon fruit skin juice with a composition of 100 grams of dragon fruit skin mixed with sugar and enough water. The second 3 months focused on reducing the intensity of pain after eating dragon fruit skin juice with a composition of 200 grams of dragon fruit skin mixed with sugar and sufficient water. The third 3 months focused on reducing the intensity of pain after eating dragon fruit skin juice with a composition of 100 grams of dragon fruit skin mixed with milk and sufficient water. In addition, the study also received information on how to reduce the intensity of menstrual pain by applying non-pharmacological techniques by using dragon fruit
Financing Political Parties in France, Germany and The United Kingdom
Authors: Misiuna Jan
Published: April 2019

The paper compares the systems of financing political parties in France, Germany and the UK. The analysis concentrates on effectiveness of collecting contributions, dependency on large donors for providing funds for financing election campaigns and daily operation of political parties, and the level of transparency of finances of political parties. The final conclusion is that only introducing limits on expenditures on election campaigns allows to keep the costs of election campaigns and political parties at a low level, while mandatory common accounting standards and public access to financial information is necessary to preserve transparency of finances of political parties.
Infrastruktura publiczna - wybrane problemy
Authors: Cenkier Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

Today advanced infrastructure is essential for economic growth. Public funds are too short to finance all the infrastructural needs. Private entrepreneurs can supply the lacking funds. Using private funds for financing infrastructural project to help restart European economy is at heart of the Juncker plan. It also is a chance for development of public-private partnerships.
Estado nutricional de idosos internados na clí­nica médica de um hospital universitário
Authors: Da Silva Caroline Regina Silva , Maués Elisangela de Macedo , Alberto Miranda Rozinéia de Nazaré , Santos Tayana Caroline , Carvalho Elenilce Pereira , Serrão Fernanda Oliveira
Published: April 2019

Introdução: O envelhecimento humano é um processo natural que aponta para a vulnerabilidade da saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar o estado nutricional de idosos internados em um hospital universitário por meio da Mini Avaliação Nutricional (MAN). Métodos: Estudo transversal, prospectivo e descritivo, com a amostra composta por idosos, de ambos os sexos com idade â‰¥ 60 anos. Foi utilizado um questionário para coletar informações sociais e demográficas e a aplicação da MAN como instrumento avaliativo do estado nutricional. Aplicou-se o teste Qui-quadrado, ANOVA e Correlação de Pearson neste estudo e para todas as análises foi utilizado o p â‰¤ 0.05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 115 idosos, com predominância do sexo feminino (55,6%), em sua maioria aposentados (62,6%) e possuí­am baixa escolaridade. Ao associar as variáveis da MAN com o diagnostico do estado nutricional obtido pela mesma verificou-se significância estatí­stica entre a diminuição da ingesta alimentar, perda de peso e risco de desnutrição/desnutrição. O risco de desnutrição e desnutrição prevaleceu em todas as variáveis antropométricas. Verificou-se relação positiva e significante entre todas as variáveis analisadas. Conclusão: A maioria dos idosos apresentou risco de desnutrição e/ou desnutrição, sendo importante a aplicação deste instrumento para diagnóstico precoce para que seja assegurada a saúde integral os idosos hospitalizados.Palavras-chave: idosos, avaliação nutricional, estado nutricional.
Picamalácia infantil: um estudo de caso
Authors: Do Nascimento Isis Sousa , Alves Mônica de Almeida Lima
Published: April 2019

Os transtornos alimentares são doenças que interferem no comportamento e consumo alimentar, podendo causar distúrbios relacionados ao excesso ou í  carência nutricional. Um transtorno pouco comentado é a sí­ndrome de pica ou picamalácia, que é uma séria condição psiquiátrica, com consequências potencialmente fatais. Esta sí­ndrome é rara nos seres humanos, muito difí­cil de ser trabalhada devido o apetite da pessoa portadora ser voltado ao consumo de substâncias estranhas que não são alimentos. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi descrever as alterações de ingestão e os riscos associados de uma criança com picamalácia. Trata-se de um estudo de caso, realizado com uma criança de 8 anos, do gênero feminino, diagnosticada com picamalácia. A responsável descreveu todas as substâncias "estranhas" ingeridas por sua filha e a história da doença, incluindo seus medos e angústias e o tratamento atual. A mãe relatou que desde 1 ano de idade identificou a ingestão de "coisas" estranhas pela filha, como percevejo, desodorante, condicionador, medicamentos, soro fisiológico e cola de isopor. A mesma informa que nota um desejo exorbitante, pela filha, de ingerir estas substâncias, o que causa bastante angústia, já que pode haver intoxicação grave, sendo o tratamento atual acompanhamento psicológico.Palavras-chave: picamalácia, criança, riscos.Â
A obesidade e a ação dos prebióticos, probióticos e simbióticos na microbiota intestinal
Authors: Nunes Michely Lopes , Garrido Marilene Porawski
Published: April 2019

A crescente prevalência da obesidade e suas comorbidades apresentam-se como um dos principais problemas de saúde pública atualmente. O intestino é um órgão complexo que tem sido cada vez mais estudado na obesidade devido í  sua capacidade para sinalizar vias envolvidas na fisiopatologia da doença. Objetivo: Esclarecer os principais efeitos de prebióticos e probióticos nas alterações metabólicas e da microbiota intestinal na obesidade. A microbiota intestinal pode ser modulada pela dieta e atuar no controle da ingestão alimentar interagindo com receptores e enzimas que interferem nas alterações metabólicas decorrentes da obesidade e na modulação da resposta inflamatória. Pesquisas com animais mostraram resultados positivos do uso de prebióticos e probióticos como coadjuvantes no tratamento da obesidade, contudo, os resultados com humanos ainda apresentam dados controversos. Portanto a implementação de tal estratégias provavelmente vai abrir o caminho para alimentação personalizada e/ou estratégias terapêuticas inteligentes, incluindo a manipulação da microbiota intestinal através da concepção de novos probióticos, prebióticos e simbióticos para reverter problemas causados pela obesidade.Palavras-chave: prebioticos, probioticos, obesidade, microbiota intestinal
Contagem de carboidratos para adolescente com diabetes mellitus tipo 1: introdução do manejo nutricional
Authors: Locateli Gelvani , Fortes Mariluci dos Santos , Oldra Caroline de Maman , Zanuzo Késia , Nishiyama Márcia Fernandes , Koehnlein Eloá Angélica
Published: April 2019

Introdução: O Diabetes Mellitus (DM) é uma desordem metabólica caracterizada por hiperglicemia crônica, e possui importante prevalência mundial. Na DM tipo 1, ocorre a destruição das células pancreáticas responsáveis pela produção de insulina. Objetivo: Relatar o manejo nutricional de uma paciente adolescente com recente diagnóstico de DM tipo 1. Métodos: Foram avaliados os parâmetros antropométricos, dietéticos e bioquí­micos da paciente, adolescente de 11 anos e 6 meses. Resultados: Esta encontrava-se eutrófica para a idade e havia iniciado o uso de análogos de insulina. A fim de otimizar o tratamento, introduziu a contagem de carboidratos com correção de bolus de insulina, adaptando o plano alimentar e lista de substituição. Ainda, foi elaborado um material educativo com dicas para correção de hipoglicemia.Palavras-chave: diabetes mellitus, doença crônica, terapia nutricional.
Sistema de análisis energético y de temperatura de las ventanas de un aula de clase con y sin aislamiento térmico
Authors: Carvajal Rolando , Robles Jarol , Solís José , Vargas Jorge
Published: April 2019

En la mayoría de las aplicaciones de edificios, el conocer los mecanismos de transferencia de calor y sus efectos permiterealizar mejoras en los diseños, como por ejemplo, al incrementar el aislamiento en paredes y ventanas se puede lograr un ahorro deenergía. En este trabajo se estudia la transferencia de calor en ventanas mediante un sistema experimental denominada 3JR meter,con base en una plataforma Arduino y sensores de temperatura. Se realizaron pruebas en condiciones de clima tropical para laevaluación de las ventanas de un aula de clase del Centro Experimental del Centro Regional de Azuero de la Universidad Tecnológicade Panamá. En este salón se realizaron estudios térmicos para observar el efecto que produce colocar cortinas de poliestirenoexpandido en un lugar irradiado por el sol y ver cómo esta puede mejorar en cierto modo tanto el confort de las personas como elposible ahorro energético en una unidad de acondicionamiento de aire. También se utilizó un analizador de energía para garantizarun buen funcionamiento del acondicionador de aire y verificar la existencia de variaciones en las tensiones, corrientes o en lafrecuencia.
Climate change effects on emperor penguins
Authors: Saavedra Casilda , Alhatem Taibah
Published: April 2019

Climate change is one of the major issues affecting our mother Earth. The change in climate include both the change intemperature and the change in precipitation. Both of these parameters are very crucial to animals and plants where they depend onthem for their survival. Climate change has so many negative impacts on the biodiversity of the Earth especially in the Arctic andAntarctic continents. The rise in temperature decreases the ice coverage which in return reduces the population of the wildlife. Theice coverage is crucial to the biodiversity living in Antarctica where they depend on it for their survival. It’s very important for theirfeeding, breeding, and habitat. However, with the reduction of ice, many animals are becoming close to extinction. One of thosespecies that were negatively impacted by climate change is emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri). These penguins require verylow temperatures in order to breed and populate. Very high temperatures for these penguins could result in decreased population ratearound Antarctica. An analysis was done of emperor penguin population data found in different research papers in conjunction withtemperature anomalies data in Antarctica from 1983 to 2005 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).The results indicated that there was an inverse relationship between the temperature and the penguin’s population. It was shownthrough the analysis conducted that the temperature impacted the penguins negatively throughout the years since the temperaturewas rising. It decreased their breeding population and chicks count dramatically in all the parts of Antarctica tested.
Effects of Increased Myocardial Tissue Concentration of Myristic, Palmitic and Palmitoleic Acids on the Course of Cardiac atrophy of the Failing Heart Unloaded by Heterotopic Transplantation
Authors: POKORNÝ M. , MRÁZOVÁ I. , MALÝ J. , PIRK J. , NETUKA I. , VAŇOURKOVÁ Z. , DOLEŽELOVÁ Š. , ČERVENKOVÁ L. , MAXOVÁ H. , MELENOVSKÝ V. , ŠOCHMAN J. , SADOWSKI J. , ČERVENKA L.
Published: April 2019

The present experiments were performed to evaluate if increased heart tissue concentration of fatty acids, specifically myristic, palmitic and palmitoleic acids that are believed to promote physiological heart growth, can attenuate the progression of unloading-induced cardiac atrophy in rats with healthy and failing hearts. Heterotopic abdominal heart transplantation (HTx) was used as a model for heart unloading. Cardiac atrophy was assessed from the ratio of the native- to-transplanted heart weight (HW). The degree of cardiac atrophy after HTx was determined on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after HTx in recipients of either healthy or failing hearts. HTx of healthy hearts resulted in 23±3, 46±3, 48±4 and 46±4 % HW loss at the four time-points. HTx of the failing heart resulted in even greater HW losses, of 46±4, 58±3, 66±2 and 68±4 %, respectively (P<0.05). Activation of “fetal gene cardiac program” (e.g. beta myosin heavy chain gene expression) and “genes reflecting cardiac remodeling” (e.g. atrial natriuretic peptide gene expression) after HTx was greater in failing than in healthy hearts (P<0.05 each time). Exposure to isocaloric high sugar diet caused significant increases in fatty acid concentrations in healthy and in failing hearts. However, these increases were not associated with any change in the course of cardiac atrophy, similarly in healthy and post-HTx failing hearts. We conclude that increasing heart tissue concentrations of the fatty acids allegedly involved in heart growth does not attenuate the unloading-induced cardiac atrophy.
Az érzékszervek hatása a borvásárlásra és fogyasztásra
Authors: Ambruzs Anett Márta , Böröndi-Fülöp Nikoletta
Published: April 2019

Interest in wine has grown in the recent decades. The examination of consumer behavior has become more and more important in countries with highly-developed wine cultures, which is a result of the developing market, the expending supply, the strengthening competition as well as the diverse demands (Hoffmeister & Totth, 2004).

Similarly to food consumption, wine consumption is also influenced by several factors. The purchasing decision is influenced by biological, economic, demographic, psychological, social and cultural factors. Sensory marketing is related to the biological factors from the factors in the above because it focuses on sensation and sensory perception (Lehota, 2001).

Seeing is the most intensive among our sensory organs, as we perceive 80% of the information from the world with our eyes. With the help of this we can recognize possible changes in the appearance of a product; we perceive the different design, colors, packaging, forms and materials. Thus, appearance is the most significant element of sensory marketing. When the appearance of a product is appealing, it will be able to satisfy functional as well as emotional needs (Tóbiás, 2010).

The complex experience provided by wine consumption is triggered by the simultaneous interaction of several sensory organs (Becker & Izsó, 2011). In our primary research we examined the role of the elements of sensory marketing in wine purchasing and consumption habits. In our focus group interviews we discussed participants’ wine purchasing and consumption habits and the factors influencing purchase
Kolbászfogyasztási szokások vizsgálata Magyarországon
Authors: Kesjár Szilvia , Balsa-Budai Nikolett , Soós Mihály
Published: April 2019

Appropriate nutrition and qualitative food have played an ever bigger role in the recent years. At the same time, pork meat standsin the middle of many discussions on account of medical judgement. Pork meat and the products of pork meat are popular in Hungariannutrition. In our country the tradition of pig breeding and pig slaughter – especially in villages and smaller settlements –has been present decidedly. We all know that many of us like it, but do we know what kind of sausage Hungarian people like themost, on what basis they choose, how much money they spend, how often they eat and where they pick the information up aboutthe Hungarian sausages? e goal of the study is to get a wider perspective about the consumption patterns of Hungarian people,helping the work of the market players who deal with sausage making and sale, and they would like to know the demand, opinionand criterion of decisions of the potential customer. regarding the methodology, we have choosen the online questionnaire, inwhich 690 members took part. e questionnaire is representative with regard to sex, in addition several answers have come fromall regions of our country.
TINJAUAN YURIDIS TERHADAP WANPRESTASI DALAM HAL HUTANG PIUTANG
Authors: Hendri Jon , Khoiri Khoiri
Published: April 2019

Kaselan S.Hut has lent money to Abdul Wahid bin Kosmol with the amount of money of Rp. 162,000,000. But abdul wahid bin kosmol wanprestasi until finally to the court but in the trial, the “majelis hakim”  did not consider the willingness shown by abdul Wahid to pay off the debts to kaselan. The problem of the study was how the judges’s  legal considerations in deciding cases Number 1372 K / PDT / 2008 and how about a way to prove the case Number 1372 K / PDT / 2008. Furthermore, the method of this journal was the type of normative research, the source data obtained from three parts of Primary Legal Material, the decision of the Supreme Court and the “Perdata" case No. 1372 K / PDT / 2008, secondary law materials from books and “hukum tersier”. From the results, its can be explained that the “majelis hakim mahkamah agung” in conducting examination of cases Number 1372 K / PDT / 2008 has been through legal procedures as defined by the law. However, in giving legal consideration in deciding the judgment only based on the validity of the agreement made by both parties, regardless of the "eksepsi" filed by the defendant, because the defendant also has good willingness and proven by the payment of the debt in several times. In reviewing the instruments of evidence the “majelis hakim mahkamah agung” only concerns for the evidence presented by the plaintiff, whereas the witness evidence presented by the defendant is not a part of assessment of the “majelis hakim”.
Estudio Piloto del Programa de Entrenamiento en Mindfulness Basado en Prácticas Breves Integradas (M-PBI)
Authors: Arredondo Marcial , Sabaté Montserrat , Botella Luis , Hurtado Villar Pilar , Acosta Argueta Lesly María
Published: April 2019

El objetivo de este estudio es valorar los primeros resultados del programa de mindfulness basado en prácticas breves integradas (M-PBI) en cuanto a su efecto sobre la capacidad de mindfulness (mediante el Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, FFMQ), descentramiento (Experiences Questionnaire-Decentering, EQ-D) y síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, DASS-21). Se incluyeron 74 participantes y la totalidad finalizaron el estudio. La media  de edad fue de 38.9 años (DE = 9), el 74.3% fueron mujeres y el 87% estaban laboralmente en activo. Las puntuaciones medias del FFMQ y EQ-D aumentaron significativamente y las del DASS-21 disminuyeron de forma también significativa en la medición post-entrenamiento vs. pre-entrenamiento (p <.0001, en todos los casos). Los cambios más altos se dieron en el aumento de la capacidad de descentramiento (cambio medio de 7.6 puntos; IC95%: 5.8 a 9.4), disminución del estrés (-6.6; IC95%: -8.5 a -4.8) y en la mejoría de tres facetas del FFMQ (no juicio, no reactividad y capacidad de observación: 5.8 [IC95%: 4 a 8.1], 4.9 [IC95%: 3.5 a 6.5] y 5.3 [IC95%: 4.4 a 6.3] respectivamente). Estos cambios parecen no depender de la edad, sexo, estar en tratamiento psicológico, profesión o tener práctica de meditación y motivación para la realización del programa. Como conclusión, estos primeros resultados sugieren que el entrenamiento en el programa M-PBI conlleva un aumento de las capacidades de mindfulness y descentramiento y una reducción de los síntomas de estrés, ansiedad y depresión. No obstante se requieren futuros estudios con un diseño aleatorizado y grupo control para confirmar estos resultados y controlar los posibles factores de confusión, así como minimizar los sesgos.
El Mindfulness en su Contexto: Logros y Retos de las Intervenciones Psicológicas Basadas en Mindfulness desde una Perspectiva Psicoterapéutica, Constructivista, Relacional e Integradora
Authors: Botella Luis , Riera Cristina
Published: April 2019

Este artículo presenta una reflexión sobre los logros y retos de las intervenciones psicológicas basadas en mindfulness desde una perspectiva psicoterapéutica, es decir, considerándolas formas de intervención psicoterapéutica. Además se abordan desde la perspectiva del constructivismo relacional, es decir desde la visión de que la construcción de significado a partir de la experiencia es un logro lingüístico, relacional y narrativo. Por último, el tema se enfoca desde una actitud integradora de la práctica y conceptualización de la psicoterapia.
Burnout y Autoconcepto en Psicólogos Clínicos
Authors: Oñate María Emilia , Resett Resett , Soledad Menghi María , Iglesia María Fabiola
Published: April 2019

Uno de los posibles riesgos psicosociales de la actividad laboral es desarrollar el síndrome de quemarse por el trabajo o burnout. El burnout puede manifestarse en cualquier persona que esté en una relación de cuidado con respecto a otra y es por esto que la mayoría de las investigaciones se ha orientado a los profesionales de los servicios humanos. Esta preocupación se ha extendido también a los psicólogos que trabajan en el campo clínico, sin embargo, existen pocos estudios empíricos a este respecto en Argentina. Así el propósito de esta investigación descriptivo-correlacional era describir los niveles de burnout y su relación con los diferentes dominios del autoconcepto, en una muestra de 81 profesionales psicólogos/as clínicos de la ciudad de Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina. Se utilizó el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach y Jackson y el Perfil de Autopercepción para Adultos de Messer y Harter. En este estudio se advirtieron niveles medios de agotamiento emocional, altos de realización personal en el trabajo y bajos en despersonalización. Se evidenció que aquellos sujetos con niveles altos de burnout se evaluaban más negativamente y que el burnout era un predictor de algunos dominios del autoconcepto (competencia laboral, inteligencia, manejo del hogar, moralidad, protección, provisión, relaciones íntimas y humor).En las conclusiones se analizan estos hallazgos y sus implicancias; asimismo, se brindan sugerencias para futuros estudios.
Actualización en torno a la Emoción Expresada: Consideraciones teóricas, metodológicas y prácticas
Authors: Medina-Pradas Cristina
Published: April 2019

En el presente trabajo teórico se revisan cuestiones de diferente índole relacionadas con la Emoción Expresada (EE), un campo de trabajo que desde sus inicios a finales de los años sesenta ha llegado a ser muy fructífero para el entendimiento de los factores familiares implicados en los trastornos mentales graves y enfermedades de curso crónico, aunque al que no se le ha dedicado demasiada reflexión crítica. En varios aspectos se hace necesaria una actualización desde una mirada comprehensiva de la literatura que permita avanzar cualitativamente en su estudio, y que repercute en sus aplicaciones clínicas. Primero, se aboga por la consideración de la baja EE y la inclusión de los aspectos positivos, fundamentalmente la calidez, como factores de protección, redirigiendo el tema hacia la psicología positiva. Segundo, se subraya la naturaleza bidireccional y diádica de las relaciones entre pacientes y sus familias en torno a la EE, con las consecuentes implicaciones metodológicas y prácticas a nivel de medida, diseño de estudios y trabajo clínico.
Effects of Bottom Layer Sputtering Pressures and Annealing Temperatures on the Microstructures, Electrical and Optical Properties of Mo Bilayer Films Deposited by RF/DC Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Zhao Haili , Xie Jingpei , Mao Aixia
Published: April 2019

Most of the molybdenum (Mo) bilayer films are deposited by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering at the bottom and the top layer (DC/DC). However, the deposition of Mo bilayer film by radio frequency (RF) Mo bottom layer and DC Mo top layer magnetron sputtering has been less studied by researchers. In this paper, the bottom layer of Mo bilayer film was deposited by RF magnetron sputtering to maintain its good adhesion and high reflectance, and the top layer was deposited by DC magnetron sputtering to obtain good conductivity (RF/DC). Generally, the bottom layer sputtering pressure is relatively random, in this paper, the effects of the bottom layer RF sputtering pressures on the microstructures and properties of Mo bilayer films were first studied in detail. Next, in order to further improve their properties, the as-prepared Mo bilayer films at 0.4 Pa bottom layer RF sputtering pressure were annealed at different temperatures and then investigated. Specifically, Mo bilayer films were deposited on soda-lime glass substrates by RF/DC magnetron sputtering at different bottom layer RF sputtering pressures in the range of 0.4–1.2 Pa, the powers of bottom layer RF sputtering and top layer DC sputtering were 120 W and 100 W, respectively. Then, Mo bilayer films, prepared at a bottom layer sputtering pressure of 0.4 Pa and top layer sputtering pressure of 0.3 Pa, were annealed for 30 min at various temperatures in the range of 100–400 °C. The effects of bottom layer sputtering pressures and the annealing temperatures on the microstructures, electrical and optical properties of Mo bilayer films were clarified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic-force microscopy (AFM), and ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectra, respectively. It is shown that with decreasing bottom layer sputtering pressure from 1.2 to 0.4 Pa and increasing annealing temperature from 100 to 400 °C, the crystallinity, electrical and optical properties of Mo bilayer films were improved correspondingly. The optimized Mo bilayer film was prepared at the top layer sputtering pressure of 0.3 Pa, the bottom layer sputtering pressure of 0.4 Pa and the annealing temperature of 400 °C. The extremely low resistivity of 0.92 × 10−5 Ω.cm was obtained. The photo-conversion efficiency of copper indium gallium selenium (CIGS) solar cell with the optimized Mo bilayer film as electrode was up to as high as 13.5%.
Modeling and Analysis Framework for Investigating the Impact of Dust and Temperature on PV Systems’ Performance and Optimum Cleaning Frequency
Authors: Al-Kouz Wael , Al-Dahidi Sameer , Hammad Bashar , Al-Abed Mohammad
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes computational models to investigate the effects of dust and ambient temperature on the performance of a photovoltaic system built at the Hashemite University, Jordan. The system is connected on-grid with an azimuth angle of 0° and a tilt angle of 26°. The models have been developed employing optimized architectures of artificial neural network (ANN) and extreme learning machine (ELM) models to estimate conversion efficiency based on experimental data. The methodology of building the models is demonstrated and validated for its accuracy using different metrics. The effect of each parameter was found to be in agreement with the well-known relationship between each parameter and the predicted efficiency. It is found that the optimized ELM model predicts conversion efficiency with the best accuracy, yielding an R2 of 91.4%. Moreover, a recommendation for cleaning frequency of every two weeks is proposed. Finally, different scenarios of electricity tariffs with their sensitivity analyses are illustrated.
Analysis of the Additional Stress and Ground Settlement Induced by the Construction of Double-O-Tube Shield Tunnels in Sandy Soils
Authors: Zhao Wen , Jia Peng-jiao , Zhu Lin , Cheng Cheng , Han Jianyong , Chen Yang , Wang Zhi-guo
Published: April 2019

Double-O-tube shield tunneling has attracted increasing attention because it offers cost-efficiency in underground construction. Prediction of ground surface settlement and the variety of additional stresses induced by shield construction is crucial to underground construction in metropolises since excessive settlement could trigger potential damage to the surrounding environment. The additional stresses induced by the propulsion of double-O-tube shields are calculated by means of the Mindlin’s equations of elasticity. The characteristics of additional stresses are analyzed with compound Gauss-Legendre integral arithmetic, and the frontal additional thrust, the lateral friction, and the ground loss are taken into account. Subsequently, based on field measurements, the maximum settlement coefficient and width of the settlement trough coefficient of the typical Peck formula are modified. The predictive curve of the Peck formula is closer to the engineering measured data than that of the typical formula. The cut-off functions of ground surface settlement caused by double-O-tube tunnel shield construction are proposed and can predict the shape of ground surface settlement, such as single peak or double peak. The correctness of the proposed functions is verified based on an engineering project.
Environmental Pollutants Impair Transcriptional Regulation of the Vitellogenin Gene in the Burrowing Mud Crab (Macrophthalmus Japonicus)
Authors: Park Kiyun , Jo Hyunbin , Kim Dong-Kyun , Kwak Ihn-Sil
Published: April 2019

Vitellogenesis is a pivotal reproductive process of the yolk formation in crustaceans. Vitellogenin (VTG) is the precursor of main yolk proteins and synthesized by endogenous estrogens. The intertidal mud crab (Macrophthalmus japonicus) inhabits sediment and is a good indicator for assessing polluted benthic environments. The purpose of this study was to identify potential responses of M. japonicus VTG under environmental stresses caused by chemical pollutants, such as 1, 10, and 30 µg L−1 concentrations in di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), bisphenol A (BPA) and irgarol. We characterized the M. japonicus VTG gene and analyzed the transcriptional expression of VTG mRNA in M. japonicus exposed to various chemicals and exposure periods. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the M. japonicus VTG clustered closely with Eriocheir sinensis (Chinese mitten crab) VTG, in contrast with another clade that included the VTG ortholog of other crabs. The basal level of VTG expression was the highest in the hepatopancreas and ovaries, and tissues. VTG expression significantly increased in the ovaries and hepatopancreas after 24 h exposure to DEHP. Increased responses of VTG transcripts were found in M. japonicus exposed to DEHP and BPA for 96 h; however, VTG expression decreased in both tissues after irgarol exposure. After an exposure of 7 d, VTG expression significantly increased in the ovaries and hepatopancreas for all concentrations of all chemicals. These results suggest that the crustacean embryogenesis and endocrine processes are impaired by the environmental chemical pollutants DEHP, BPA, and irgarol.
An Auto-Scaling Framework for Analyzing Big Data in the Cloud Environment
Authors: Jannapureddy Rachana , Vien Quoc-Tuan , Shah Purav , Trestian Ramona
Published: April 2019

Processing big data on traditional computing infrastructure is a challenge as the volume of data is large and thus high computational complexity. Recently, Apache Hadoop has emerged as a distributed computing infrastructure to deal with big data. Adopting Hadoop to dynamically adjust its computing resources based on real-time workload is itself a demanding task, thus conventionally a pre-configuration with adequate resources to compute the peak data load is set up. However, this may cause a considerable wastage of computing resources when the usage levels are much lower than the preset load. In consideration of this, this paper investigates an auto-scaling framework on cloud environment aiming to minimise the cost of resource use by automatically adjusting the virtual nodes depending on the real-time data load. A cost-effective auto-scaling (CEAS) framework is first proposed for an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud environment. The proposed CEAS framework allows us to scale the computing resources of Hadoop cluster so as to either reduce the computing resource use when the workload is low or scale-up the computing resources to speed up the data processing and analysis within an adequate time. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, a case study with real-time sentiment analysis on the universities’ tweets is provided to analyse the reviews/tweets of the people posted on social media. Such a dynamic scaling method offers a reference to improving the Twitter data analysis in a more cost-effective and flexible way.
Rotation of Liquid Metal Droplets Solely Driven by the Action of Magnetic Fields
Authors: Shu Jian , Tang Shi-Yang , Zhao Sizepeng , Feng Zhihua , Chen Haoyao , Li Xiangpeng , Li Weihua , Zhang Shiwu
Published: April 2019

The self-rotation of liquid metal droplets (LMDs) has garnered potential for numerous applications, such as chip cooling, fluid mixture, and robotics. However, the controllable self-rotation of LMDs utilizing magnetic fields is still underexplored. Here, we report a novel method to induce self-rotation of LMDs solely utilizing a rotating magnetic field. This is achieved by rotating a pair of permanent magnets around a LMD located at the magnetic field center. The LMD experiences Lorenz force generated by the relative motion between the droplet and the permanent magnets and can be rotated. Remarkably, unlike the actuation induced by electrochemistry, the rotational motion of the droplet induced by magnetic fields avoids the generation of gas bubbles and behaves smoothly and steadily. We investigate the main parameters that affect the self-rotational behaviors of LMDs and validate the theory of this approach. We further demonstrate the ability of accelerating cooling and a mixer enabled by the self-rotation of a LMD. We believe that the presented technique can be conveniently adapted by other systems after necessary modifications and enables new progress in microfluidics, microelectromechanical (MEMS) applications, and micro robotics.
Mechanical and Fracture Properties of Steel/GFRP Hybrid Panels for an Improved Moveable Weir after Exposure to Accelerated Natural Environmental Conditions
Authors: Yoo Seong-Yeoul , Lee Jin-Hyung , Shin Hyung-Jin , Park Chan-Gi
Published: April 2019

This study evaluated the performance of a hybrid panel in an improved moveable weir after exposure to accelerated environmental climate conditions. When exposed to a river environment, corrosion problems on improved moveable weir steel panels can occur. To address this, a hybrid panel with structure layering glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) panels on both sides of the steel panel was used. The steel was, therefore, not exposed to the outside. However, this hybrid panel is a structure that uses a mixture of two materials with different properties and there is the possibility of performance degradation when the GFRP composite material, i.e., the structure that wraps around the bond interface, and the steel panel are exposed to a river environment. Thus, we evaluated the durability of the hybrid panels by repeated exposure to long-term high temperatures, dry–wet environmental cycling, long-term freezing, and freeze–thaw cycling in an accelerated climate deterioration environment. In the flexural tests, the surface processing of the steel panel was shown to be important, with sand-blasted test specimens showing higher flexural strength. For the control specimens, the flexural strength decreased as the thickness of the GFRP panels increased. However, for the sand-blasted specimens, the flexural strength increased as the thickness of the GFRP panels increased. After exposure to accelerated climate deterioration, the flexural strength tests showed that the residual strength increased with panel thickness and that the residual strengths were greater for specimens incorporating sand-blasted steel panels. The results of our testing show that hybrid panels incorporating sand-blasted steel were adequate for use in improved moveable weirs.
Dynamics of a Partially Confined, Vertical Upward-Fluid-Conveying, Slender Cantilever Pipe with Reverse External Flow
Authors: Ge Xinbo , Li Yinping , Chen Xiangsheng , Shi Xilin , Ma Hongling , Yin Hongwu , Zhang Nan , Yang Chunhe
Published: April 2019

A linear theoretical model is established for the dynamics of a hanging vertical cantilevered pipe which is subjected concurrently to internal and reverse external axial flows. Such pipe systems may have instability by flutter (amplified oscillations) or static divergence (buckling). The pipe system under consideration is a slender flexible cantilevered pipe hanging concentrically within an inflexible external pipe of larger diameter. From the clamped end to the free end, fluid is injected through the annular passage between the external pipe and the cantilevered pipe. When exiting the annular passage, the fluid discharges in the counter direction along the cantilevered pipe. The inflexible external pipe has a variable length and it can cover a portion of the length of the cantilevered pipe. This pipe system has been applied in the solution mining and in the salt cavern underground energy storage industry. The planar motion equation of the system is solved by means of a Galerkin method, and Euler–Bernoulli beam eigenfunctions are used as comparison functions. Calculations are conducted to quantify the effects of different confinement conditions (i.e., the radial confinement degree of the annular passage and the confined-flow length) on the cantilevered pipe stability, for a long leaching-tubing-like system. For a long system, an increase in the radial confinement degree of the annular passage and the confined-flow length gives rise to a series of flutter and divergence. Additionally, the effect of the cantilevered pipe length is studied. Increasing the cantilevered pipe length results in an increase of the critical flow velocity while a decrease of the associated critical frequency. For a long enough system, the critical frequency almost disappears.
Application of a Real-Time Visualization Method of AUVs in Underwater Visual Localization
Authors: Wang Ran , Wang Xin , Zhu Mingming , Lin Yinfu
Published: April 2019

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are widely used, but it is a tough challenge to guarantee the underwater location accuracy of AUVs. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to improve the accuracy of vision-based localization systems in feature-poor underwater environments. The traditional stereo visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm, which relies on the detection of tracking features, is used to estimate the position of the camera and establish a map of the environment. However, it is hard to find enough reliable point features in underwater environments and thus the performance of the algorithm is reduced. A stereo point and line SLAM (PL-SLAM) algorithm for localization, which utilizes point and line information simultaneously, was investigated in this study to resolve the problem. Experiments with an AR-marker (Augmented Reality-marker) were carried out to validate the accuracy and effect of the investigated algorithm.
Modelling of Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways in Melanoma and Other Cancers
Authors: Kunz Manfred , Vera Julio
Published: April 2019

Melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor with a strong dependence on intracellular signaling pathways. Almost half of all melanomas are driven by mutations in the v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) with BRAFV600E being the most prevalent mutation. Recently developed targeted treatment directed against mutant BRAF and downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) MAP2K1 (also termed MEK1) have improved overall survival of melanoma patients. However, the MAPK signaling pathway is far more complex than a single chain of consecutively activated MAPK enzymes and it contains nested-, inherent feedback mechanisms, crosstalk with other signaling pathways, epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, and interacting small non-coding RNAs. A more complete understanding of this pathway is needed to better understand melanoma development and mechanisms of treatment resistance. Network reconstruction, analysis, and modelling under the systems biology paradigm have been used recently in different malignant tumors including melanoma to analyze and integrate ‘omics’ data, formulate mechanistic hypotheses on tumorigenesis, assess and personalize anticancer therapy, and propose new drug targets. Here we review the current knowledge of network modelling approaches in cancer with a special emphasis on melanoma.
Targeted Therapies and Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Where Do We Stand Today and Where to Go?
Authors: von der Grün Jens , Rödel Franz , Brandts Christian , Fokas Emmanouil , Guckenberger Matthias , Rödel Claus , Balermpas Panagiotis
Published: April 2019

With an increased understanding of the tumor biology of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), targeted therapies have found their way into the clinical treatment routines against this entity. Nevertheless, to date platinum-based cytostatic agents remain the first line choice and targeting the epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) with combined cetuximab and radiation therapy remains the only targeted therapy approved in the curative setting. Investigation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), such as antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, resulted in a change of paradigms in oncology and in the first approval of new drugs for treating SCCHN. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab, two anti-PD-1 antibodies, were the first agents shown to improve overall survival for patients with metastatic/recurrent tumors in recent years. Currently, several clinical trials investigate the role of ICI in different therapeutic settings. A robust set of biomarkers will be an inevitable tool for future individualized treatment approaches including radiation dose de-escalation and escalation strategies. This review aims to summarize achieved goals, the current status and future perspectives regarding targeted therapies and ICI in the management of SCCHN.
HDAC Inhibitors Exert Anti-Myeloma Effects through Multiple Modes of Action
Authors: Imai Yoichi , Hirano Mitsuhito , Kobayashi Masayuki , Futami Muneyoshi , Tojo Arinobu
Published: April 2019

HDACs are critical regulators of gene expression that function through histone modification. Non-histone proteins and histones are targeted by these proteins and the inhibition of HDACs results in various biological effects. Moreover, the aberrant expression and function of these proteins is thought to be related to the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM) and several inhibitors have been introduced or clinically tested. Panobinostat, a pan-HDAC inhibitor, in combination with a proteasome inhibitor and dexamethasone has improved survival in relapsing/refractory MM patients. We revealed that panobinostat inhibits MM cell growth by degrading the protein PPP3CA, a catalytic subunit of calcineurin. This degradation was suggested to be mediated by suppression of the chaperone function of HSP90 due to HDAC6 inhibition. Cytotoxicity due to the epigenetic regulation of tumor-associated genes by HDAC inhibitors has also been reported. In addition, HDAC6 inhibition enhances tumor immunity and has been suggested to strengthen the cytotoxic effects of therapeutic antibodies against myeloma. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies to enhance the anti-myeloma effects of HDAC inhibitors through the addition of other agents has been intensely evaluated. Thus, the treatment of patients with MM using HDAC inhibitors is promising as these drugs exert their effects through multiple modes of action.
Contingencies of UTX/KDM6A Action in Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Lang Alexander , Yilmaz Merve , Hader Christiane , Murday Sammy , Kunz Xenia , Wagner Nicholas , Wiek Constanze , Petzsch Patrick , Köhrer Karl , Koch Julian , Hoffmann Michéle J. , Greife Annemarie , Schulz Wolfgang A.
Published: April 2019

The histone demethylase Ubiquitously Transcribed Tetratricopeptide Repeat Protein X-Linked (UTX/KDM6A) demethylates H3K27me2/3 at genes and enhancers and is often inactivated by mutations in urothelial carcinoma (UC). The consequences of its inactivation are however poorly understood. We have investigated the consequences of moderate UTX overexpression across a range of UC cell lines with or without mutations in KDM6A or its interaction partners and in a normal control cell line. Effects on cell proliferation, especially long-term, varied dramatically between the cell lines, ranging from deleterious to beneficial. Similarly, effects on global gene expression determined by RNA-Seq were variable with few overlapping up- or downregulated genes between the cell lines. Our data indicate that UTX does not act in a uniform fashion in UC. Rather, its effect depends on several contingencies including, prominently, the status of KMT2C and KMT2D which interact with UTX in the COMPASS complex. In particular, we provide evidence that these factors determine the amount of nuclear UTX.