bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KARAKTERISTIK IBU DAN POST NATAL TREATMENT (PNT) BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN TERJADINYA POSTPARTUM BLUES IBU NIFAS
Authors: Yuliyanik Yuliyanik
Published: August 2019

This study aimed at examining the occurrence of postpartum blues in postpartum mothers. Post partum blues is categorized as a mild mental disorder syndrome for it is often ignored so that it is undiagnosed and not treated as it should, which finally leads to a difficult and unpleasant problem that may create feelings of discomfort for women who experience it. The study is intended to prevent the occurrence of Post partum blues in postpartum mothers. Post Partum Blues can be prevented by doing ANC and Post Natal Treatment routinely. Post Natal Treatment is a series of treatments performed specifically for postpartum mothers, which include massage, breast care, oxytocin massage, postpartum spa and full-blooded face. The research employed observational methods. The population of all puerperal mothers was 20 people, using total sampling. Data is obtained from primary data and secondary data, then the data is processed using SPSS 16 with chi square test. The conclusion of the value of p = 0.01 is that there is a relationship between the characteristics of postpartum mothers and PNT with the occurrence of postpartum blues. Age, education and occupation of postpartum mothers are associated with the insidence of postpartum blues. PNT that had been received by postpartum mothers was also related to the insidence of postpartum blues. Researcher's suggestion is for postpartum mothers to carry out ANC and PNT routinely to prevent the occurrence of post partum blues.
MANAJEMEN STRATEGI KEBIJAKAN PUBLIK SEKTOR PARIWISATA DI DESA PUJON KIDUL KECAMATAN PUJON KABUPATEN MALANG JAWA TIMUR PADA ERA INDUSTRI 4.0
Authors: Laka Yohanes Handrianus , Sasmito Cahyo
Published: August 2019

Sektor pariwisata adalah sektor yang signifikan untuk peningkatan pendapatan daerah. Untuk merelasisikan hal tersebut, dibutuhkan strategi manajemen kebijakan publik bidang sektor pariwisata yang dijalankan melalui upaya serius dari pemerintahan daerah. Desa wisata Pujon Kudul Kecamatan Pujon Kabupaten Malang adalah salah satu ikon penting pariwisata di wilayah tersebut. Tujuan penilitian ini adalah 1) Mengkaji strategi manajemen kebijakan publik yang dilakukan oleh pemerintah Kabupaten Malang dalam mengelola desa wisata Pujon Kidul  2) Mencari model strategi manajemen terbaru untuk kebijakan publik sektor pariwisata berbasiskan revolusi industri 4.0 dalam pengelolan desa wisata pujon kidul. Metode penelitian dengan menggunakan analisis deskriptif kualtitatif dengan alat analisis SWOT. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa manajemen strategi kebijakan publik sektor pariwisata di desa Pujon Kudul sudah cukup signifikan dalam peningkatan PAD daerah, namun masih ditemukan hal-hal yang krusial dalam pengelolaan laporan dan sustainability aset desa pujon kidul yang masih tersentuh dengan model strategi berbasiskan revolusi industri 4.0. Dengan model baru yang ditawarkan dalam penelitian ini akan memberikan solusi yang efektif dalam setiap kinerja pengelolaan desa wisata melalui model integrated management public policy.
PENGARUH TEKNIK TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT TERHADAP KINERJA MANAJERIAL DENGAN SISTEM PENGUKURAN KINERJA DAN SISTEM PENGHARGAAN SERTA PERILAKU MANAJER SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERATING
Authors: Astuti Tita Boedi
Published: August 2019

Total Quality Management (TQM) merupakan suatu tehnik untuk meningkatkan performa suatu organisasi baik profit atau non profit secara berkelanjutan pada setiap tingkatan organisasi atau proses dalam setiap wilayah fungsional dalam suatu organisasi dengan menggunakan semua SDM serta modal yang dimiliki. Dalam era globalisasi setiap perusahaan harus menghadapi situasi persaingan yang semakin kompetitif dengan semakin banyaknya pesaing dan menuntut perusahaan harus selalu mampu memahami kebutuhan serta keinginan pelanggan dan berusaha memenuhinya dengan cara yang lebih unggul daripada yang dilakukan pesaing. Sehingga dalam proses globalisasi ini setiap organisasi untuk selalu tanggap terhadap perubahan. Pengumpulan data dilakukan pada setiap variabel sebagai suatu value dari tiap-tiap responden dapat dan metode analisa data menggunakan perhitungan statistic model analisis regresi dimana nilai koefisien TQM beserta sistem pengukuran kinerja yang berpengaruh positif.
ENDOCRINE PROFILE OF THE MALE POPULATION IN RUSSIA DEPENDING ON THE GEOGRAPHIC LATITUDE OF OCCUPATION
Authors: Tipisova E V , Elfimova A E , Gorenko I N , Popkova V A
Published: August 2019

The goal of research is to examine the characteristics of the hormones of the pituitary-gonadal and pituitary-thyroid gland systems in the peripheral blood of the male population living in different areas of Russia, taking into account the population groups. The study involved 136 men aged 22 to 50 years old, who are permanently resident in the North no less than three generations. Among them there are 80 local residents of Arkhangelsk (64° 32' N), 19 local residents of Vologda (59° 13' N) and 37 local residents of Nes, Nenets Autonomous Okrug (66° 36' N). According to the basis of nationality group of men living in Nes was divided into: Russian - 23 people and settled aboriginal population (Nenets, Komi) - 14 people. We have shown that functional activity of the pituitary-thyroid axis (thyrotropin, thyroxine, free triiodothyronine) in the male Caucasoid and settled aboriginal population of the polar region exceeds its level in the inhabitants of the circumpolar area (Arkhangelsk). At the same time, men living in the mid-latitude area (Vologda) had minimal activity of the pituitary-thyroid axis (triiodothyronine, free thyroxine), compared with polar and circumpolar areas. It was shown that the functional activity of the pituitary-gonadal axis in men living in Vologda (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) and in Nes (follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, testosterone, free testosterone, sex-hormone-binding globuline) was higher compared with the inhabitants of the city of Arkhangelsk. The levels of sperm antibodies were minimal in men living in Nes. At the same time, changing the traditional way of life from nomadic to a settled one leads to the negative tendencies such as the decrease of the synthesis reserves of steroid hormones in the settled aboriginal population that is shown by the decreased serum levels of progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.
CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDIES: PLANNING, SAMPLE SIZE, DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Kholmatova K K , Gorbatova M A , Kharkova O A , Grjibovski A M
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we have described the main principles of cross-sectional studies planning and data analysis. A theoretical base for cross-sectional studies' design has been presented as well as advantages and disadvantages of this type of studies. We present the methods for sample size calculation and data analysis using statistical software. Calculation of confidence intervals using free software "Epi Info" and online calculators has also been presented. The main effect measures used in cross-sectional studies have been described. Examples of cross-sectional studies in the fields of clinical medicine, dentistry and public health performed in the Arkhangelsk region have been given. The primary audience for this article consists of master and doctoral students whose research is still in the planning phase. This paper supplements, but does not substitute the literature in the field of clinical epidemiology.
ASSESSMENT OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM WHEN EXPOSED TO LEAD
Authors: Rybchenko A A , Kiku P F , Shabanov A G , Kryzhanovsky S P , Yarygina M V
Published: August 2019

The article presents the results of the response of the central nervous system during lead exposure using the diagnostic complex "Registrar of the spectrum of electromagnetic brain activity induction (MS MAGEE-01)". The principle of operation of MS MAGEE-01 is based on the known physiological principles of segmental structure of the peripheral nervous system and neurophysiological models of integration of autonomic and somatic functions of the nervous system developed by G.A. Shabanov and co. According to the results of functional topical diagnosis with use of the diagnostic complex MS MAGEE - 01, it has been revealed that various functions responsible for the body performance responded to the interaction of persons and lead in the form of changes in the brain tonic activity in certain groups of peripheral receptors (reflex links). The greatest response was observed in the interval from 10 to 20 minutes after exposure, in 30-40 minutes, the effect decreased slowly and all functions returned to the status of the background research phase. After the interaction with lead, there appeared changes in various organs and tissues registered for some time on the diagnostic complex MS MAGEE - 01. This determines the direction of further research and allows identification of effective ways for further screening.
Climate Driven Changes in Timing, Composition and Magnitude of the Baltic Sea Phytoplankton Spring Bloom
Authors: Hjerne Olle , Hajdu Susanna , Larsson Ulf , Downing Andrea S. , Winder Monika
Published: August 2019

Spring phytoplankton blooms contribute a substantial part to annual production, support pelagic and benthic secondary production and influence biogeochemical cycles in many temperate aquatic systems. Understanding environmental effects on spring bloom dynamics is important for predicting future climate responses and for managing aquatic systems. We analyzed long-term phytoplankton data from one coastal and one offshore station in the Baltic Sea to uncover trends in timing, composition and size of the spring bloom and its correlations to environmental variables. There was a general trend of earlier phytoplankton blooms by 1–2 weeks over the last 20 years, associated with more sunshine and less windy conditions. High water temperatures were associated with earlier blooms of diatoms and dinoflagellates that dominate the spring bloom, and decreased diatom bloom magnitude. Overall bloom timing, however, was buffered by a temperature and ice related shift in composition from early blooming diatoms to later blooming dinoflagellates and the autotrophic ciliateMesodinium rubrum.Such counteracting responses to climate change highlight the importance of both general and taxon-specific investigations. We hypothesize that the predicted earlier blooms of diatoms and dinoflagellates as a response to the expected temperature increase in the Baltic Sea might also be counteracted by more clouds and stronger winds. A shift from early blooming and fast sedimenting diatoms to later blooming groups of dinoflagellates andM. rubrumat higher temperatures during the spring period is expected to increase energy transfers to pelagic secondary production and decrease spring bloom inputs to the benthic system, resulting in lower benthic production and reduced oxygen consumption.
Global Mapping of H3K4 Trimethylation (H3K4me3) and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal Genes Involved in the Response to Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Infections in Pigs
Authors: Wang Haifei , Yang Li , Qu Huan , Feng Haiyue , Wu Shenglong , Bao Wenbin
Published: August 2019

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is currently detected as the main pathogen causing severe diarrhea in pig farms. The phenotypic alterations induced by pathogenic infections are usually tightly linked with marked changes in epigenetic modification and gene expression. We performed global mapping of H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and transcriptomic analyses in the jejunum of PEDV-infected and healthy piglets using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA-seq techniques. A total of 1885 H3K4me3 peaks that are associated with 1723 genes were characterized. Moreover, 290 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 104 up-regulated and 186 down-regulated genes. Several antiviral genes including 2’-5’-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), 2’-5’-oligoadenylate synthetase 2 (OAS2), ephrin B2 (EFNB2), and CDC28 protein kinase regulatory subunit 1B (CKS1B) with higher H3K4me3 enrichment and expression levels in PEDV-infected samples suggested the potential roles of H3K4me3 deposition in promoting their expressions. Transcription factor annotation analysis highlighted the potential roles of two transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) and Kruppel like factor 4 (KLF4) in modulating the differential expression of genes involved in PEDV infection. The results provided novel insights into PEDV infection from the transcriptomic and epigenetic layers and revealed previously unknown and intriguing elements potentially involved in the host responses.
One- and Two-Dimensional NMR in Studying Wood–Water Interaction at Moisturizing Spruce. Anisotropy of Water Self-Diffusion
Authors: Rodin Victor V.
Published: August 2019

This paper examines how wetting the surface of wood affects characteristics of wood materials. An important question is how moisturizing wood has an effect on diffusion parameters of water, which will change conditions of the technological treatment of material. A fibrous structure of wood can result in different diffusivities of water in the perpendicular direction and along the wood fibers. The work explores how 1- and 2-dimensional NMR with pulsed field gradients (PFG) highlights an anisotropic diffusion of water when moisturizing spruce wood. The methods applied: T2-relaxation (CPMG) measurements with the application of inverse Laplace transform (ILT), cross-relaxation experiments (Goldman–Shen pulse sequence), 1D PFG NMR on oriented wood pieces or applying gradients in various orientation, and 2D diffusion-diffusion correlation spectroscopy (DDCOSY) with two pairs of colinear gradient pulses. The results showed anisotropic restricted diffusion correlating the size of tracheid cells. The experimental 2D diffusion-diffusion correlation maps were compared with model calculations based on parameters of 2D experiment on spruce and the theory of 2D DDCOSY with ILT. Moisturizing spruce wood resulted in anisotropic diffusion coefficient which can be monitored in 2D NMR to discover different diffusion coefficients of water along the axis of wood fibers and in orthogonal direction.
Synaptic Information Transmission in a Two-State Model of Short-Term Facilitation
Authors: Salmasi Mehrdad , Stemmler Martin , Glasauer Stefan , Loebel Alex
Published: August 2019

Action potentials (spikes) can trigger the release of a neurotransmitter at chemical synapses between neurons. Such release is uncertain, as it occurs only with a certain probability. Moreover, synaptic release can occur independently of an action potential (asynchronous release) and depends on the history of synaptic activity. We focus here on short-term synaptic facilitation, in which a sequence of action potentials can temporarily increase the release probability of the synapse. In contrast to the phenomenon of short-term depression, quantifying the information transmission in facilitating synapses remains to be done. We find rigorous lower and upper bounds for the rate of information transmission in a model of synaptic facilitation. We treat the synapse as a two-state binary asymmetric channel, in which the arrival of an action potential shifts the synapse to a facilitated state, while in the absence of a spike, the synapse returns to its baseline state. The information bounds are functions of both the asynchronous and synchronous release parameters. If synchronous release facilitates more than asynchronous release, the mutual information rate increases. In contrast, short-term facilitation degrades information transmission when the synchronous release probability is intrinsically high. As synaptic release is energetically expensive, we exploit the information bounds to determine the energy–information trade-off in facilitating synapses. We show that unlike information rate, the energy-normalized information rate is robust with respect to variations in the strength of facilitation.
Pathways for Germany’s Low-Carbon Energy Transformation Towards 2050
Authors: Bartholdsen Hans-Karl , Eidens Anna , Löffler Konstantin , Seehaus Frederik , Wejda Felix , Burandt Thorsten , Oei Pao-Yu , Kemfert Claudia , Hirschhausen Christian
Published: August 2019

Like many other countries, Germany has defined goals to reduce its CO2-emissions following the Paris Agreement of the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP). The first successes in decarbonizing the electricity sector were already achieved under the German Energiewende. However, further steps in this direction, also concerning the heat and transport sectors, have stalled. This paper describes three possible pathways for the transformation of the German energy system until 2050. The scenarios take into account current climate politics on a global, European, and German level and also include different demand projections, technological trends and resource prices. The model includes the sectors power, heat, and transportation and works on a Federal State level. For the analysis, the linear cost-optimizing Global Energy System Model (GENeSYS-MOD) is used to calculate the cost-efficient paths and technology mixes. We find that a reduction of CO2 of more than 80% in the less ambitious scenario can be welfare enhancing compared to a scenario without any climate mitigating policies. Even higher decarbonization rates of 95% are feasible and needed to comply with international climate targets, yet related to high effort in transforming the subsector of process heat. The different pathways depicted in this paper render chances and risks of transforming the German energy system under various external influences.
Perceived Parenting Styles and Adjustment during Emerging Adulthood: A Cross-National Perspective
Authors: Parra Águeda , Sánchez-Queija Inmaculada , García-Mendoza María del Carmen , Coimbra Susana , Egídio Oliveira José , Díez Marta
Published: August 2019

The aim of the present study is to determine whether the influence of parenting style on children’s wellbeing is sustained during emerging adulthood. This is a stage in which young people, despite feeling themselves to be adults, often remain in the family home and continue to be financially dependent on their parents. Moreover, since parents’ beliefs, attitudes and behaviors are constructed and interpreted within their cultural milieu, the study also aims to explore the situation in Spain (SP) and Portugal (PT). Those two Southern Europe countries are representative of what is known as the “family welfare regime”, in which the family acts as the main provider of care and security not only during childhood, but also during emerging adulthood. Thus, the present study examines, from a cross-cultural perspective, the relationship between perceived parenting styles and psychological adjustment among a sample of 1047 emerging adults from Spain and Portugal. The results reveal that the most beneficial styles during this stage are the authoritative and permissive ones, with the authoritarian style being more closely related to psychological distress. The study highlights intercultural similarities and the positive role played by more symmetrical relationships in the adjustment of emerging adults in both countries.
Trends in Prevalence and Related Risk Factors of Overweight and Obesity among Women of Reproductive Age in Zimbabwe, 2005–2015
Authors: Mukora-Mutseyekwa Fadzai , Zeeb Hajo , Nengomasha Lydia , Kofi Adjei Nicholas
Published: August 2019

Background: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is rising in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Zimbabwe, yet, the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among women in the country have not been explored. This study investigated the trends in prevalence and demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors of overweight and obesity among Zimbabwean women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from 2005–2015. Methods: Data from the 2005/2006, 2010/2011 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral risk factors and obesity and overweight (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). We further estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the period covered by the surveys. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased substantially from 25.0% in 2005 to 36.6% in 2015. Some of the risk factors for overweight and obesity were older age (40+) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.73–6.01) in 2015, being married, high economic status, being employed, residence in urban areas and alcohol use. Educational attainment and smoking status were not associated with overweight and obesity across all surveys. Conclusions: We provide the first detailed analysis of trends and risk factors for overweight and obesity between 2005 and 2015 among women in Zimbabwe. The findings indicate that women of reproductive age are at high, and increasing, risk of excess weight. Thus, prevention and control measures are needed to address the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in Zimbabwe.
Impact of Carers’ Smoking Status on Childhood Obesity in the Growing up in Ireland Cohort Study
Authors: Sunday Salome , Kabir Zubair
Published: August 2019

Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide. The association between childhood obesity and maternal smoking and/or paternal smoking has been reported. However, few studies have explored the association between childhood obesity and exposure to carers’ smoking status. This study aimed to assess the impact of carers’ smoking status on childhood obesity in a cohort of children enrolled in the Growing up in Ireland (GUI) study. Participants from the GUI infant cohort were categorized into four groups based on their exposure status: Neither caregiver smoked (60.4%), only primary caregiver smoked (13.4%), both caregivers smoked (10.9%). Exposure to primary carers’ smoking (98% are biological mothers) was found to be significantly associated with childhood overweight/obesity at age three (Odds Ratio: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.17–1.46) and at age five (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.16–1.49). Exposure to both carers’ smoking status was significantly associated with increased odds of childhood overweight/obesity across both waves. These findings emphasize the health burden of childhood obesity that may be attributable to maternal smoking postnatally and through early childhood in Ireland.
Dynamic Anemia Status from Infancy to Preschool-Age: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Mengjie , Dill Sarah-Eve , Hu Yiwei , Rozelle Scott
Published: August 2019

Anemia is a serious nutritional deficiency among infants and toddlers in rural China. However, it is unclear how the anemia status changes among China’s rural children as they age. This study investigates the prevalence of anemia as children grow from infancy to preschool-age, as well as the dynamic anemia status of children over time. We conducted longitudinal surveys of 1170 children in the Qinba Mountain Area of China in 2013, 2015 and 2017. The results show that 51% of children were anemic in infancy (6–12 months), 24% in toddlerhood (22–30 months) and 19% at preschool-age (49–65 months). An even larger share of children (67%) suffered from anemia at some point over the course of study. The data also show that although only 4% of children were persistently anemic from infancy to preschool-age, 8% of children saw their anemia status deteriorate. We further found that children may be at greater risk for developing anemia, or for having persistent anemia, during the period between toddlerhood and preschool-age. Combined with the finding that children with improving anemia status showed higher cognition than persistently anemic children, there is an urgent need for effective nutritional interventions to combat anemia as children grow, especially between toddlerhood and preschool age.
Effect of Music Listening on Physiological Condition, Mental Workload, and Driving Performance with Consideration of Driver Temperament
Authors: Wen Huiying , Sze N. N. , Zeng Qiang , Hu Sangen
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the study on the association between in-vehicle music listening, physiological and psychological response, and driving performance, using the driving simulator approach, with which personality (temperament) was considered. The performance indicators considered were the standard deviation of speed, lane crossing frequency, perceived mental workload, and mean and variability of heart rate. Additionally, effects of the presence of music and music genre (light music versus rock music) were considered. Twenty participants of different personalities (in particular five, four, seven, and four being choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic, and melancholic, respectively) completed a total of 60 driving simulator tests. Results of mixed analysis of variance (M-ANOVA) indicated that the effects of music genre and driver character on driving performance were significant. The arousal level perceived mental workload, standard deviation of speed, and frequency of lane crossing were higher when driving under the influence of rock music than that when driving under the influence of light music or an absence of music. Additionally, phlegmatic drivers generally had lower arousal levels and choleric drivers had a greater mental workload and were more likely distracted by music listening. Such findings should imply the development of cost-effective driver education, training, and management measures that could mitigate driver distraction. Therefore, the safety awareness and safety performance of drivers could be enhanced.
Treatment with 3-Aminobenzamide Negates the Radiofrequency-Induced Adaptive Response in Two Cell Models
Authors: Sannino Anna , Zeni Olga , Romeo Stefania , Lioi Maria Brigida , Scarfì Maria Rosaria
Published: August 2019

In previous investigations, we demonstrated that pre-exposure of different cell cultures to radiofrequency fields can reduce the damage induced by genotoxic agents, an effect resembling the so-called adaptive response. In this study, we pre-exposed human peripheral blood lymphocytes and Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cell line to 1950 MHz, UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) signal, for 20 h, and then treated cultures with Mitomycin-C. After confirming the induction of an adaptive response in terms of the reduction of micronuclei formation, we observed that such a response was negated by treatments with 3-aminobenzamide. Since 3-aminobenzamide is an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase enzyme, which is involved in DNA repair, these results support the possible involvement of DNA repair mechanisms in radiofrequency-induced adaptive response.
Physical Activity among Spanish Undergraduate Students: A Descriptive Correlational Study
Authors: Acebes-Sánchez Jorge , Diez-Vega Ignacio , Rodriguez-Romo Gabriel
Published: August 2019

Achieving the recommended levels of physical activity (PA) is associated with better health. Despite this, most undergraduate students report low levels of PA. This study aimed to assess the achievement of recommended PA levels in a wide sample of undergraduate students from Madrid (N = 2960). Overall PA and leisure-time PA (LTPA) were measured with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Descriptive analyses and logistic regression were performed. It was revealed that 22.4% and 55.6% of overall PA and LTPA, respectively, did not achieve World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. When PA was measured as overall PA, the achievement of the recommended level was positively predicted by male sex; a Body Mass Index (BMI) indicative of normal weight or being overweight; spending less time sitting or reclining; work; and studying health science, social sciences, engineering, or architecture (all p < 0.001; r2 = 0.075). Using LTPA, the positive predictors of achieving recommended PA levels were male sex, having a BMI indicative of normal weight or being overweight, work, studying at a public university, and studying health science (r2 = 0.048). These findings suggest that universities should implement strategies to promote PA.
Removal of Chromium from a Contaminated Soil Using Oxalic Acid, Citric Acid, and Hydrochloric Acid: Dynamics, Mechanisms, and Concomitant Removal of Non-Targeted Metals
Authors: Sun Yuhuan , Guan Feng , Yang Weiwei , Wang Fayuan
Published: August 2019

Soil leaching is an effective remediation technique using agents to leach the target pollutants from the soil. However, the dynamics and mechanisms for leaching of Cr and other non-pollutant metals from Cr-contaminated soils are not yet well understood. Here, column leaching experiments were conducted to determine the effect of hydrochloric acid (HCl), citric acid (CA), and oxalic acid (OX) on the leaching of Cr, as well as of Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn, from a soil contaminated by a Cr slag heap. Acid leaching decreased soil pH and enhanced the mobility of all the surveyed metals. Leaching dynamics varied with both metals and acids. OX had the highest removal rates for Cr, Fe, Mn, and Mg, but had the poorest ability to leach Ca. HCl leached the largest amount of Ca, while CA leached similar amounts of Mg and Mn to OX, and similar amounts of Fe and Cr to HCl. Cr in the leachates was correlated with Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn. Cr mainly interacted with soil mineral components and showed a punctate distribution in soil particles. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses showed soil mineralogical and morphological properties were differently altered after leaching by different acids. Complexation of Cr(III), competitive desorption, and reduction of Cr(VI) make significant contribution to Cr leaching by organic acids. In conclusion, OX can be applied in leaching remediation of Cr-contaminated soil, but the concomitant removal of other non-targeted metals should be taken into account because of the loss of soil minerals and fertility.
An Insight into the Proteome of Uveal Melanoma-Derived Ectosomes Reveals the Presence of Potentially Useful Biomarkers
Authors: Surman Magdalena , Hoja-Łukowicz Dorota , Szwed Sabina , Kędracka-Krok Sylwia , Jankowska Urszula , Kurtyka Magdalena , Drożdż Anna , Lityńska Anna , Stępień Ewa , Przybyło Małgorzata
Published: August 2019

Cancer cells are known to release extracellular vesicles that often promote disease development and progression. The present study investigated the protein content and glycosylation pattern of ectosomes released in vitro by a human primary uveal melanoma Mel202 cell line. Ectosomes released by Mel202 cells were isolated from conditioned media using sequential centrifugation, and a nano-LC-MS/MS approach was used to determine their protein content. Subsequently, proteins from ectosomes, the whole cell extracts, and the membrane fractions were probed with a panel of lectins using Western blotting and flow cytometry to reveal characteristic glycan structures. As many as 2527 unique proteins were identified, and many of them are known to be involved in cancer cell proliferation and altered metabolism, tumor invasion, metastasis, or drug resistance. Lectin-based studies revealed a distinct glycosylation pattern between Mel202-derived ectosomes and the parental cell membranes. Selective enrichment of ectosomal proteins with bisected complex type N-glycans and α2,6-linked sialic acids may be significant for ectosome formation and sequestration. Differences in the surface glycosylation of Mel202 cells and ectosomes supports recent findings that the budding of ectosomes occurs within strictly determined fragments of the plasma membrane, and thus ectosomes contain a unique protein and glycan composition.
Characterization of Material Properties Based on Inverse Finite Element Modelling
Authors: Jamal Mikdam , Morgan Michael N.
Published: August 2019

This paper describes a new approach that can be used to determine the mechanical properties of unknown materials and complex material systems. The approach uses inverse finite element modelling (FEM) accompanied with a designed algorithm to obtain the modulus of elasticity, yield stress and strain hardening material constants of an isotropic hardening material model, as well as the material constants of the Drucker–Prager material model (modulus of elasticity, cap yield stress and angle of friction). The algorithm automatically feeds the input material properties data to finite element software and automatically runs simulations to establish a convergence between the numerical loading–unloading curve and the target data obtained from continuous indentation tests using common indenter geometries. A further module was developed to optimise convergence using an inverse FEM analysis interfaced with a non-linear MATLAB algorithm. A sensitivity analysis determined that the dual spherical and Berkovich (S&B) approach delivered better results than other dual indentation methods such as Berkovich and Vickers (B&V) and Vickers and spherical (V&S). It was found that better convergence values can be achieved despite a large variation in the starting parameter values and/or material constitutive model and such behaviour reflects the uniqueness of the dual S&B indentation in predicting complex material systems. The study has shown that a robust optimization method based on a non-linear least-squares curve fitting function (LSQNONLIN) within MATLAB and ABAQUS can be used to accurately predict a unique set of elastic plastic material properties and Drucker–Prager material properties. This is of benefit to the scientific investigation of properties of new materials or obtaining the material properties at different locations of a part which may be not be similar because of manufacturing processes (e.g., different heating and cooling rates at different locations).
Influence of Surface Chemistry on the Electrochemical Performance of Biomass-Derived Carbon Electrodes for its Use as Supercapacitors
Authors: Elmouwahidi Abdelhakim , Bailón-García Esther , Romero-Cano Luis A. , Zárate-Guzmán Ana I. , Pérez-Cadenas Agustín F. , Carrasco-Marín Francisco
Published: August 2019

Activated carbons prepared by chemical activation from three different types of waste woods were treated with four agents: melamine, ammonium carbamate, nitric acid, and ammonium persulfate, for the introduction of nitrogen and oxygen groups on the surface of materials. The results indicate that the presence of the heteroatoms enhances the capacitance, energy density, and power density of all samples. The samples treated with ammonium persulfate show the maximum of capacitance of 290 F g−1 while for the melamine, ammonium carbamate, and nitric acid treatments, the samples reached the maximum capacitances values of 283, 280, and 455 F g−1 respectively. This remarkable electro-chemical performance, as the high specific capacitances can be due to several reasons: i) The excellent and adequate textural characteristics makes possible a large adsorption interface for electrolyte to form the electrical double layer, leading to a great electrochemical double layer capacitance. ii) The doping with hetero-atoms enhances the surface interaction of these materials with the aqueous electrolyte, increasing the accessibility of electrolyte ions. iii) The hetero-atoms groups can also provide considerable pseudo-capacitance improving the overall capacitance.
The Influence of Aging in Solvents on Dental Cements Hardness and Diametral Tensile Strength
Authors: Szczesio-Wlodarczyk Agata , Rams Karolina , Kopacz Karolina , Sokolowski Jerzy , Bociong Kinga
Published: August 2019

Prosthetic materials must exhibit adequate resistance to the oral environment. The aim of this paper was to study the resistance of selected cements used for cementing restorations (Breeze—composite, Adhesor Carbofine—zinc-polycarboxylate and IHDENT–Giz type II—glass-ionomer) against ethanol, soda and green tea solutions. The highest values of hardness and DTS (diametral tensile strength) were obtained by composite cement (HV = 15–31, DTS = 34–45 MPa). Ethanol solution had the greatest impact on the hardness value of composite cement, and soda solution on zinc-polycarboxylate cement. No significant differences were noted in the DTS values of composite cements after immersion in solvents; however, the DTS value of zinc-polycarboxylate cement increased after prolonged immersion time in ethanol and the DTS of glass-ionomer cement (IHDENT Giz type II) clearly decreased after submersion in soda solutions. Variation in pH across the range of 6 (tea) to 9 (soda solution) had a low impact on the properties of dental cements. Extended exposure to solvents appears to worsen the properties of cements.
Achieving Lower District Heating Network Temperatures Using Feed-Forward MPC
Authors: Zimmerman Nathan , Kyprianidis Konstantinos , Lindberg Carl-Fredrik
Published: August 2019

The focus of this work is to present the feasibility of lowering the supply and return temperatures of district heating networks in order to achieve energy savings through the implementation of feed-forward model predictive control. The current level of district heating technology dictates a need for higher supply temperatures, which is not the case when considering the future outlook. In part, this can be attributed to the fact that current networks are being controlled by operator experience and outdoor temperatures. The prospects of reducing network temperatures can be evaluated by developing a dynamic model of the process which can then be used for control purposes. Two scenarios are presented in this work, to not only evaluate a controller’s performance in supplying lower network temperatures, but to also assess the boundaries of the return temperature. In Scenario 1, the historical load is used as a feed-forward signal to the controller, and in Scenario 2, a load prediction model is used as the feed-forward signal. The findings for both scenarios suggest that the new control approach can lead to a load reduction of 12.5% and 13.7% respectively for the heat being supplied to the network. With the inclusion of predictions with increased accuracy on end-user demand and feed-back, the return temperature values can be better sustained, and can lead to a decrease in supply temperatures and an increase in energy savings on the production side.
Nonlinear Modulation of Plasmonic Resonances in Graphene-Integrated Triangular Dimers at Terahertz Frequencies
Authors: Li Quan , Wang Shuang , Chen Tai
Published: August 2019

Metamaterials made from artificial subwavelength structures hold great potential in designing functional devices at microwave, terahertz, infrared, and optical frequencies. In this work, we study the active switching effect of the plasmonic resonance modes in triangular dimer (DTD) structure using graphene in the terahertz regime. The sole DTD structure can only support a dipolar bonding dimer plasmonic (BDP) mode, whose field enhancement factor at the gap center can reach 67.4. However, with a metallic junction in the dimer, the BDP mode switches to a charge transfer plasmonic (CTP) mode. When changing the metallic junction to a graphene stripe, an active modulation effect of the CTP mode can be realized by altering the nonlinear conductivity of graphene through strong-field terahertz incidence. The proposed design is quite promising in terahertz sensing, amplitude switching and nonlinear effect enhancement, etc.
Discrepancies in the Microstructures of Annealed Cu–Zr Bulk Alloy and Cu–Zr Alloy Films
Authors: Sun Haoliang , Huang Xiaoxue , Lian Xinxin , Wang Guangxin
Published: August 2019

Copper–zirconium bulk alloy and Cu–Zr alloy films are prepared by vacuum smelting and magnetron sputtering, respectively, and subsequently annealing is conducted. Results show that Cu–Zr bulk alloy and alloy films exhibit significantly different microstructure evolution behaviors after annealing due to different microstructures and residual stress states. CuxZr alloy compounds disperse at the grain boundary of Cu grains in as-cast and annealed Cu–Zr bulk alloys. However, unlike bulk alloys, a large number of polyhedral Cu particles are formed on the Cu–Zr thin films’ surface upon thermal annealing. Kinetically, the residual compressive stress in the Cu–Zr films promotes the formation of Cu particles. The influencing factors and the path for mass transport in the formation of the particles are discussed. The large-specific surface area particles/film composite structure has potential applications in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering, catalysis, and other fields.
Influence of Carbon Nanoparticle Addition (and Impurities) on Selective Laser Melting of Pure Copper
Authors: Jadhav Suraj Dinkar , Dadbakhsh Sasan , Vleugels Jozef , Hofkens Johan , Van Puyvelde Peter , Yang Shoufeng , Kruth Jean-Pierre , Van Humbeeck Jan , Vanmeensel Kim
Published: August 2019

The addition of 0.1 wt % carbon nanoparticles significantly improved the optical absorption and flowability of gas-atomized copper powder. This facilitated selective laser melting (SLM) by reducing the required laser energy density to obtain 98% dense parts. Moreover, the carbon addition led to an in situ de-oxidation of the copper parts during the SLM process. The properties of the as-built copper parts were limited to a tensile strength of 125 MPa, a ductility of 3%, and an electrical conductivity of 22.7 × 106 S/m, despite the advantageous effect of carbon on the powder characteristics and SLM behavior. The modest mechanical properties were associated with the segregation of carbon nanoparticles and other impurities, such as phosphorus and oxygen along grain boundaries of epitaxially grown grains. Whereas, the low electrical conductivity was mainly attributed to the phosphorus impurity in solid-solution with copper.
Analysis of the Carry-Over of Ochratoxin A from Feed to Milk, Blood, Urine, and Different Tissues of Dairy Cows Based on the Establishment of a Reliable LC-MS/MS Method
Authors: Zhang Zhiqi , Fan Zhichen , Nie Dongxia , Zhao Zhihui , Han Zheng
Published: August 2019

A rapid and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of ochratoxin A (OTA) and its metabolite ochratoxin α (OTα), for the first time, in dairy cow plasma, milk, urine, heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney. The established method was extensively validated by determining the linearity (R2 ≥ 0.990), sensitivity (lower limit of quantification, 0.1–0.2 ng mL−1), recovery (75.3–114.1%), precision (RSD ≤ 13.6%), and stability (≥83.0%). Based on the methodological advances, the carry-over of OTA was subsequently studied after oral administration of 30 μg/kg body weight OTA to dairy cows. As revealed, OTA and OTα were detected in urine, with maximal concentrations of 1.8 ng mL−1 and 324.6 ng mL−1, respectively, but not in milk, plasma, or different tissues, verifying the protection effects of rumen flora against OTA exposure for dairy cows. Moreover, 100 fresh milk samples randomly collected from different supermarkets in Shanghai were also analyzed, and no positive samples were found, further proving the correctness of the in vivo biotransformation results. Thus, from the currently available data, regarding OTA contamination issues on dairy cows, no significant health risks were related to OTA exposure due to the consumption of these products.
Molecular-Charge-Contact-Based Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor Sensor in Microfluidic System for Protein Sensing
Authors: Yang Haoyue , Sakata Toshiya
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we demonstrate the possibility of direct protein sensing beyond the Debye length limit using a molecular-charge-contact (MCC)-based ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) sensor combined with a microfluidic device. Different from the MCC method previously reported, biotin-coated magnetic beads are set on the gate insulator of an ISFET using a button magnet before the injection of target molecules such as streptavidin. Then, the streptavidin—a biotin interaction, used as a model of antigen—antibody reaction is expected at the magnetic beads/gate insulator nanogap interface, changing the pH at the solution/dielectric interface owing to the weak acidity of streptavidin. In addition, the effect of the pH or ionic strength of the measurement solutions on the electrical signals of the MCC-based ISFET sensor is investigated. Furthermore, bound/free (B/F) molecule separation with a microfluidic device is very important to obtain an actual electrical signal based on the streptavidin–biotin interaction. Platforms based on the MCC method are suitable for exploiting the advantages of ISFETs as pH sensors, that is, direct monitoring systems for antigen–antibody reactions in the field of in vitro diagnostics.
An Improved Low-Noise Processing Methodology Combined with PCL for Industry Inspection Based on Laser Line Scanner
Authors: Li Jianxiong , Zhou Qian , Li Xinghui , Chen Ruiming , Ni Kai
Published: August 2019

This paper introduces a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data obtained method based on a laser line scanner and data processing technology via a PCL open project. This paper also provides a systematical analysis of the error types of laser line scanner and common error reducing solutions and calibration of the laser line scanner. The laser line scanner is combined with a precision motorized stage to obtain the 3D information of a measurand, and the format of point cloud data is converted via the set of x, y, and z coordinates. The original signal is processed according to the noise signal types of the raw point cloud data. This paper introduced a denoise process step by step combining various segmentation methods and a more optimized three-dimensional data model is obtained. A novel method for industry inspection based on the numerous point cloud for the dimensions evaluation via feature extraction and the deviation of complex surface between scanned point cloud and designed point cloud via registration algorithm is proposed. Measurement results demonstrate the good performance of the proposed methods. An obtained point cloud precision of ±10 μm is achieved, and the precision of dimension evaluation is less than ±40 μm. The results shown in the research demonstrated that the proposed method allows a higher precision and relative efficiency in measurement of dimensions and deviation of complex surfaces in industrial inspection.
The Fabrication and Characterization of InAlAs/InGaAs APDs Based on a Mesa-Structure with Polyimide Passivation
Authors: Liu Jheng-Jie , Ho Wen-Jeng , Chen June-Yan , Lin Jian-Nan , Teng Chi-Jen , Yu Chia-Chun , Li Yen-Chu , Chang Ming-Jui
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a novel front-illuminated InAlAs/InGaAs separate absorption, grading, field-control and multiplication (SAGFM) avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with a mesa-structure for high speed response. The electric fields in the InAlAs-multiplication layer and InGaAs-absorption layer enable high multiplication gain and high-speed response thanks to the thickness and concentration of the field-control and multiplication layers. A mesa active region of 45 micrometers was defined using a bromine-based isotropic wet etching solution. The side walls of the mesa were subjected to sulfur treatment before being coated with a thick polyimide layer to reduce current leakage, while lowering capacitance and increasing response speeds. The breakdown voltage (VBR) of the proposed SAGFM APDs was approximately 32 V. Under reverse bias of 0.9 VBR at room temperature, the proposed device achieved dark current of 31.4 nA, capacitance of 0.19 pF and multiplication gain of 9.8. The 3-dB frequency response was 8.97 GHz and the gain-bandwidth product was 88 GHz. A rise time of 42.0 ps was derived from eye-diagrams at 0.9 VBR. There was notable absence of intersymbol-interference and the signals remained error-free at data-rates of up to 12.5 Gbps.