bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self Control and Religiosity Towards Free Sex Behavior Adolescent in Surabaya
Authors: Sukesi Sukesi , Husni Ervi , Pratami Evi
Published: November 2019

Background: Adolescent free sex and the incidence of premarital pregnancy from year to year are increasing. The causes include lack of implementation of consequent religion, lack of supervision of adolescents, lack of moral understanding in adolescent relationships and the influence of external cultural norms. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of Self Control and Religiosity on adolescent free sex. Method: This study used Analitic Design with Cross Sectional approach. The sample in this study were some teenagers in Kawung I Middle School and Surabaya MTsN I, the sample size is 260 students, with the Propotional Stratifield Sampling technique. Data collection instrument using questionnaire, the independent variable is Self control and Religiosity, the dependent variable is free sex, with the analysis of Linear Regression test. Results: Self control affects the knowledge of young women about free sex, the value of p = 006, affects the attitude with a value of p = 0.007 and influences the practice of adolescent free sex, with a value of p = 0.011. Religiosity affects the knowledge of young women about free sex, the value of p = 001, influences attitudes with p = 0,000 and influences the practice of adolescent free sex. with a value of p = 0.019 Conclusion: Self control and Religiosity significantly influence adolescent free sex. The higher the level of self control and religiosity, then adolescent free sex become more lower.

Keywords: self control, religiosity, free sex
DECADENCE DESCRIPTION OF THE LEXICON UNDERSTANDING IN THE PART OF THE BATAK TOBA’S BODY LANGUAGE BY TEENAGERS IN BATAM CITY
Authors: SIMANJUNTAK DAIRI SAPTA RINDU , Aldriani Yessie
Published: November 2019

Indonesia is known as the country "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" that means unity in diversity also symbolizes the unity of the NKRI which is strong and sturdy even though it consists of different backgrounds. Ethnic language is one type of diversity that Indonesian have. In heterogeneous societal structures, language clashes are an unavoidable phenomenon especially in big cities. Language attitudes are tested especially in groups of teenagers. If the speech community does not have a strong language attitude, it will certainly have an impact on language retention. One of the ethnic groups that experienced in this phenomenon was the Batak Toba ethnic group as the urban people in Batam. The aim of this study is to describe the occurrence of the understanding of the Batak Toba adolescents in Batam City in terms of lexicon mastery related to body parts. To get the data on the level of understanding of respondents, as many as 45 lexicon data were tested through a questionnaire to respondents aged 12-18 years who numbered 50 people, and the results were further described. The results showed that there was a decrease in understanding in the group of adolescents towards the body language lexicon of the Batak Toba language. The majority of respondents only heard of the lexicons but did not know the references. This is evidence of the gap in ethnic language understanding between parents and adolescents. This understanding gap is a result of the lack of learning or use of ethnic language in the family. If this condition is then left alone, it is certain that the lexicon will become extinct because it will disappear from the entity's understanding of the speaker.
ANALISIS YURIDIS PENGATURAN PEMBAGIAN WILAYAH ZEE DAN LANDAS KONTINEN DI SELAT MALAKA MENURUT UNITED NATION CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF (UNCLOS) 1982 DAN HUKUM NASIONAL
Authors: Iffan Ahmad , - Raihana , - Asrizal
Published: November 2019

This study aims to determine the international and national arrangements regarding the division of the continental shelf and the ZEE region in the Malacca Strait and the agreement between Indonesia and Malaysia in the division of the EEZ region and the continental shelf in the Malacca Strait.

The research method used is normative juridical research with this research is descriptive research that aims to determine the analysis and regulation of the United Nations Convention On The Law Of Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, National Law of the Republic of Indonesia and also cooperation between countries bordering the Malacca Strait in regulating the division of zee territories and continental shelf in the Malacca Strait and the data sources used are secondary data that is data obtained from library materials such as books, journals, articles and information from websites or data obtained by researchers indirectly from the object but from other sources both oral and written.

The results of this study are known to have an initial measurement of the continental shelf that was agreed to harm Indonesia from the point of view of measurements drawn from the baseline and also the results of this study indicate an agreement on the continental shelf boundary in the Malacca Strait between Indonesia and Malaysia which is very long and needs to be done renewal in accordance with the times. and the facts show that the Indonesian state has never had bilateral relations or ZEE boundary agreements in the Malacca Strait between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Hacia una comprensión fenomenológica del proceso de construcción de significado: aplicabilidad de la Rejilla de Evaluación Narrativa
Authors: Botella Luis , Vall Castelló Berta
Published: November 2019

La actividad narrativa ha constituido una estructura integral para la organización y construcción de significados de la experiencia humana. El presente estudio tiene dos objetivos principales vinculados a la actividad narrativa. El primer objetivo es la comprensión del proceso humano de construcción de significado. Para lograr este objetivo, analizamos cómo las narrativas se entienden a partir de los tres enfoques principales que los han examinado, el enfoque constructivista, el enfoque sistémico y el enfoque cognitivo. Por último, situamos nuestro estudio en el enfoque integrador que es el constructivismo relacional. Un segundo objetivo de nuestro estudio es contrastar la aplicabilidad y relevancia psicoterapéutica de la Rejilla de Evaluación Narrativa, una propuesta innovadora y pionera. Se propuso por primera vez por Botella y Gámiz (2011), en su estudio se utilizó para comparar pacientes con éxito terapéutico y pacientes sin éxito. Este estudio pretende contrastar y extender sus resultados, aumentando la muestra analizada y centrándose en el motivo de demanda del cliente.
Diálogo Abierto: Una Aproximación Narrativa a un caso de Terapia de Pareja con Malestar Conyugal
Authors: Artigas Miralles Lourdes , Vilaregut Puigdesens Anna , Vall Castelló Berta , Mateu Martínez Clara , Seikkula Jaakko
Published: November 2019

Investigaciones previas han encontrado patrones comunicativos específicos en parejas que lidian con la depresión, específicamente cuando la depresión está asociada con problemas conyugales. Este hecho puede conllevar a que las parejas presenten dificultades para desarrollar una comunicación colaborativa en las sesiones, lo que supone un verdadero reto para los terapeutas. Este estudio exploratorio examina desde un enfoque dialógico la dominancia y el tipo de diálogo establecido en una pareja que lidia con la depresión y que presenta un bajo ajuste diádico. Las respuestas de los terapeutas fueron exploradas para identificar cuáles fueron las más efectivas al propiciar una actitud colaborativa. El método utilizado para analizar el diálogo fue el Método de Investigaciones Dialógicas de Cambio (IDC). Los resultados sugirieron cualidades del diálogo ilustrativas del malestar conyugal presente en la pareja. Se identificaron respuestas terapéuticas a través del diálogo que pueden resultar eficaces si se mantienen a lo largo de la sesión para reducir la hostilidad en la pareja. Se discuten algunas implicaciones clínicas surgidas de los resultados.
Thermal Balance and Active Damping of a Piezoelectric Deformable Mirror for Adaptive Optics
Authors: Wang Kainan , Alaluf David , Preumont André
Published: November 2019

Piezoelectric unimorph deformable mirrors offer a cheap solution to adaptive optics, with mass production capability. However, standard solutions have significant drawbacks: (i) the static shape is sensitive to the temperature, and (ii) the low structural damping limits the control bandwidth, because of the interaction between the shape control and the vibration modes of the mirror. This paper discusses how these two problems may be alleviated by using a mirror covered with an array of actuators working in d31 mode on the back side and a ring of transducers (actuators and sensors) on the front side, outside the pupil of the mirror.
An Analysis of Irrigation Organizations in Colombia through the Prism of Collective Action
Authors: Molina-Ochoa Juan Patricio , Gallardo-Cobos Rosa , Sánchez-Zamora Pedro
Published: November 2019

The objective of this article is to deepen the knowledge of collective action in irrigation organizations in Colombia, by identifying the limitations of the members for their organizational work and the variables of context that determine collective behavior. Human and environmental factors have not been sufficiently considered in public irrigation policies, since, in the case of Colombia, these have focused almost exclusively on the physical infrastructure. The methodology develops a qualitative approach based on an ethnographic and quantitative study of the socioeconomic characteristics of irrigation users. The results allow us to affirm that the collective awareness of water is a common good. The vision of the associates about the associative work, the conformation and structuring of the organizations, the nature of the established agreements, and the socio-economic, environmental, and political environment of the organizations studied, are determining factors of their collective action and, therefore, should be taken into account in public policies of associative irrigation.
Repetitive Movements in Melon Cultivation Workers under Greenhouses
Authors: Gómez-Galán Marta , Callejón-Ferre Ángel-Jesús , Pérez-Alonso José , Díaz-Pérez Manuel , Golasi Iacopo
Published: November 2019

Musculoskeletal disorders cause serious problems that affect workers in many sectors. The objective of this study is the ergonomic analysis of melon cultivation farmers in Almeria-type greenhouses. For this, the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method has been applied after carrying out a detailed process of observing the farmers’ tasks. The study shows that 65% of the postures have a very-high-risk level, 26% high, 9% average, and no posture is found with a low risk. They also show that in 69.57% of the postures, the upper limbs are less affected than the others such as the neck, trunk, and lower limbs. Measures are proposed to improve the working conditions for workers.
Improved Accumulation Capabilities of Phosphorus and Potassium in Green Manures and Its Relationship with Soil Properties and Enzymatic Activities
Authors: Solangi Farheen , Bai Jinshun , Gao Songjuan , Yang Lu , Zhou Guopeng , Cao Weidong
Published: November 2019

Cultivation of green manure crops is important strategy for improving soil fertility in South China. Therefore, it is important to obtain plant varieties that can better accumulate nutrients during the green manuring phase. The present study evaluated the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake efficiencies of various winter leguminous species at two different sites. Varieties tested included six Chinese milk vetch cultivars (i.e., Minzi No.6, Ningbodaqiao, Wanzi No.1, Xiangzi No.1, Yijiangzi, and Yujiangdaye), as well as hairy vetch and common vetch, while ryegrass was planted as a control. All leguminous species showed higher ability for P and K absorption in the two sites compared to the ryegrass. Hairy vetch and common vetch performed better than all six Chinese milk vetch cultivars, and the highest biomass and P and K uptake capacities were observed in hairy vetch. Green manuring had different effects on soil enzymes. Phosphatase (87.0%) and leucine-aminopeptidase (163.8%) were increased by hairy vetch. β-glucosidase (143.4%) and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (283.3%) were increased by Yijiangzi and Yujiangdaye, respectively, in Guangxi compared to the control. Xiangzi No.1 increased N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (352.6%), leucine-aminopeptidase (477.5%), phosphatase (591%), and β-glucosidase (786.0%) in Hunan compared to the ryegrass. Enzyme activities increased nutrient availability at both experimental sites. P and K uptake efficiencies significantly related with soil enzymes in Guangxi. It is suggested that hairy vetch has the largest capability for P and K uptake and might be a potential choice for improving P and K management in sustainable agriculture.
Productivity, Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Retention, and Meat Quality in Rabbits Fed Diets Supplemented with Sida hermaphrodita
Authors: Purwin Cezary , Gugołek Andrzej , Strychalski Janusz , Fijałkowska Maja
Published: November 2019

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important forage crop in rabbit nutrition. Despite the numerous advantages of alfalfa, efforts have been made to find its potential substitutes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Sida hermaphrodita meal as a substitute for alfalfa meal in rabbit diets. The experiment was performed on 90 New Zealand White rabbits divided into three groups. DA group was fed a diet containing 20% dehydrated alfalfa. In the DA/DS group, rabbits received a diet containing 10% dehydrated alfalfa and 10% dehydrated Sida. The diet administered to the DS group contained 20% dehydrated Sida. The results of this study indicate that the dietary supplementation with Sida contributed to an increase in the final body weight of rabbits and improved the feed-conversion ratio. Experimental diets had no influence on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and selected carcass characteristics of rabbits, except for the proportion of the hind part. The content of dry matter, total protein, and monounsaturated fatty acids in the hind leg muscles of rabbits was higher in the DA group than in the experimental groups. The concentrations of saturated fatty acids were higher in the tissues of animals fed diets supplemented with Sida.
Effects of Dietary Zeolite Supplementation as an Antibiotic Alternative on Growth Performance, Intestinal Integrity, and Cecal Antibiotic Resistance Genes Abundances of Broilers
Authors: Qu Hengman , Cheng Yefei , Chen Yueping , Li Jun , Zhao Yurui , Zhou Yanmin
Published: November 2019

The study investigated the effects of dietary zeolite supplementation as an antibiotic alternative on growth performance, intestinal integrity, and cecal antibiotic resistance genes abundances of broilers. One-day-old chicks were assigned into three groups and fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with antibiotics (50 mg/kg) or zeolite (10 g/kg). Antibiotic or zeolite increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) from 1 to 42 days and duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) at 21 days. Zeolite increased (p < 0.05) ADG and average daily feed intake from 1 to 21 days, jejunal VH:CD at 21 and 42 days, ileal VH and VH:CD at 42 days, zonula occludens-1 mRNA abundance at 21 days, and duodenal occludin mRNA abundance at 42 days, whereas reduced (p < 0.05) jejunal CD and malondialdehyde levels in ileum at 21 days and duodenum at 42 days, serum D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase levels at 42 days, and plasma lipopolysaccharide content at 21 and 42 days. Antibiotics reduced (p < 0.05) duodenal claudin-2 mRNA abundance at 21 days, whereas increased (p < 0.05) cecal tetB abundance at 42 days. These findings suggested that the beneficial effects of zeolite in broilers were more pronounced than that of antibiotics.
Polymorphisms within the Boule Gene Detected by Tetra-Primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR (T-ARMS-PCR) Are Significantly Associated with Goat Litter Size
Authors: Song Xiaoyue , Li Jie , Fei Panfeng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Pan Chuanying , Chen Hong , Qu Lei , Lan Xianyong
Published: November 2019

As a gene contributing to spermatogenesis, the Boule gene (also called Boll), whose mutations result in azoospermia and sterility of flies and mice, was conserved in reductional maturation divisions. However, in goats, the polymorphisms of Boule, especially with regard to their fundamental roles in female reproduction traits, are still unknown. Therefore, the aims of this study were to detect a potential mutation (rs661484476: g.7254T>C) located in intron 2 of the Boule gene by tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR (T-ARMS-PCR) and to explore its potential association with the litter size of Shaanbei White-Cashmere goats (SBWGs). In this study, g.7254T>C was firstly detected. The TT genotype was the dominant genotype in the single-lamb group, and T was also the dominant allele in all tested groups. Additionally, the detected locus displayed moderate polymorphism with polymorphism information content (PIC) values among all studied goats ranging from 0.303 to 0.344. Notably, according to the χ2 test, the distribution differences for the genotypic frequencies between the single- and multi-lamb groups was significant (p = 0.014). Furthermore, the polymorphisms of the goat Boule gene were significantly associated with the goat litter size in SBWGs (p < 0.05), which indicated that g.7254T>C could be a potential marker in the marker-assisted selection process for potential litter size in goats. These results also indicated that the Boule gene might exercise important functions in female goat reproduction, which provided new insight for female goat breeding and could accelerate the process of goat breeding.
Effects of Fat Supplementation in Dairy Goats on Lipid Metabolism and Health Status
Authors: Savoini Giovanni , Omodei Zorini Fabio , Farina Greta , Agazzi Alessandro , Cattaneo Donata , Invernizzi Guido
Published: November 2019

Fat supplementation has long been used in dairy ruminant nutrition to increase the fat content of milk and supply energy during particularly challenging production phases. Throughout the years, advances have been made in the knowledge of metabolic pathways and technological treatments of dietary fatty acids (FAs), resulting in safer and more widely available lipid supplements. There is an awareness of the positive nutraceutical effects of the addition of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to fat supplementation, which provides consumers with healthier animal products through manipulation of their characteristics. If it is true that benefits to human health can be derived from the consumption of animal products rich in bioactive fatty acids (FAs), then it is reasonable to think that the same effect can occur in the animals to which the supplements are administered. Therefore, recent advances in fat supplementation of dairy goats with reference to the effect on health status have been summarized. In vivo trials and in vitro analysis on cultured cells, as well as histological and transcriptomic analyses of hepatic and adipose tissue, have been reviewed in order to assess documented relationships between specific FAs, lipid metabolism, and immunity.
Research on Optimized Energy Scheduling of Rural Microgrid
Authors: Liu Ziqi , Yang Junjie , Jiang Wei , Wei Chunjuan , Zhang Pengpeng , Xu Jiahui
Published: November 2019

This paper introduces a new rural microgrid model, including residents and agricultural greenhouses. Based on the new model framework, the precise energy scheduling of a rural microgrid is realized by means of load classification and load forecasting. Moreover, we also adopt a new energy-storage mode, cloud energy storage (CES), as the shared energy-storage unit of rural microgrid, and analyze the service and operation mechanism of CES in detail. The shared storage characteristic and adjustable storage capacity of CES are helpful for the precise management of power dispatching. At the same time, in order to accurately implement energy scheduling, we fully consider the load characteristics of rural areas and divide the load into residential load and agricultural load. Then the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm is used to predict the short-term power consumption of the two types of load respectively, which can effectively alleviate the uncertainty of load power consumption and improve the accuracy of scheduling. Finally, an illustrative example of rural energy scheduling is given. The example studies the impact of energy-storage capacity on the cost of the scheduling scheme, and designs a power-dispatching scheme based on load forecasting, which accurately solves the energy charging and discharging planning and grid energy trading planning.
Novel Nature-Inspired Hybrids of Neural Computing for Estimating Soil Shear Strength
Authors: Moayedi Hossein , Tien Bui Dieu , Dounis Anastasios , Kok Foong Loke , Kalantar Bahareh
Published: November 2019

This paper focuses on the prediction of soil shear strength (SSS), which is one of the most fundamental parameters in geotechnical engineering. Consisting of 12 influential factors, namely depth of sample, percentage of sand, percentage of loam, percentage of clay, percentage of moisture content, wet density, dry density, void ratio, liquid limit, plastic limit, plastic Index, and liquidity index as input variables, as well as the shear strength as the desired output, the dataset is provided through a field survey in Vietnam. Thereafter, as for used intelligent techniques, the main focus of the current study is on evaluating the efficiency of three novel optimization techniques for optimizing an artificial neural network (ANN) in predicting the SSS. To this end, the dragonfly algorithm (DA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and invasive weed optimization (IWO) are synthesized with ANN to prevail its computational drawbacks. The complexity of the models is optimized by sensitivity analysis. The results confirmed the effectiveness of all three applied algorithms, as the learning error was reduced by nearly 17%, 27%, and 32%, respectively by functioning the DA, WOA, and IWO. As for the testing phase, the IWO and DA achieved a close prediction accuracy. Overall, due to the superiority of the IWO-ANN ensemble, this model could be a promising alternative to traditional methods of shear strength determination.
Optimization of Processing Parameters to Increase Thermal Conductivity of Rice Straw Fiber Film
Authors: Ming Xianglan , Chen Haitao , Wang Donghai
Published: November 2019

Biodegradable mulching film (BMF) is a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastic mulching film. Thermal conductivity is an important quality factor of BMF that affects the heat transfer between ambient to soil and plant growth. The objective of this research was to enhance the thermal conductivity of fiber film through an environmentally friendly agent and optimized processing conditions. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the processing conditions. With optimized process conditions of 70 g/m2 basis weight, 1.5% wet strength agent content, 0.5% neutral sizing agent content, 15% charcoal addition ratio, and 55 °SR beating degree, the films showed satisfactory thermal conductivity (0.0714 W/m·K) and high dry and wet tensile strengths (33.4 and 12.2 N). The addition of charcoal increased the thermal conductivity of the film by 34.31%. This promising result shows the biodegradable fiber film is able to increase soil temperature and meet the required temperature for crop growth.
The Performance Assessment of a Precast, Panel-Segmented Arch Bridge with Outriggers
Authors: Jeon Seok Hyeon , Cho Kwang-Il , Huh Jungwon , Ahn Jin-Hee
Published: November 2019

Stone arch bridges, which are globally implemented, are advantageous with respect to material strength and durability. To minimize environmental damage from arch bridges, a structurally stable scheme that can resist variable external loads is required. This paper proposes a segmented precast arch bridge with outriggers to resist both the tensile force applied on the precast panels and the compressive force during construction and use. To assess the structural behavior and safety of the proposed arch bridge, a three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear structural analysis was conducted, considering the construction step and rise ratio of the arch bridge. The structural analysis of the proposed arch bridge revealed that its maximum horizontal and vertical displacements occurred at the support of the precast panel and the arch crown in a self-weight state. However, because of the compressive resistance characteristics of the outriggers connected to the precast panels, the structure demonstrated an effective performance in the self-weight state. With an increase in the construction steps, and the final completion of proposed arch bridge via installation of the precast arch segments and earthwork for the precast arch bridge with outriggers, the deformation of the arch members was mitigated, and the relative difference between the stress distributions of the members reduced. Hence, the arch bridge achieved structural stability. Based on the thrust line analysis results of the arch bridge with respect to the construction step using 3D structural analysis results, the thrust line was formed outside the precast panel at the arch crown and support, so was attributed to the behavior of the arch bridge in a self-weight state. The thrust line was found to act within the precast panel depending on the construction step. Analysis results confirmed that the behavior of the precast panel arch bridge with the proposed outrigger was stable and structurally effective.
Improving Electrochemical Performance at Graphite Negative Electrodes in Concentrated Electrolyte Solutions by Addition of 1,2-Dichloroethane
Authors: Song Hee-Youb , Jung Moon-Hyung , Jeong Soon-Ki
Published: November 2019

In concentrated propylene carbonate (PC)-based electrolyte solutions, reversible lithium intercalation and de-intercalation occur at graphite negative electrodes because of the low solvation number. However, concentrated electrolyte solutions have low ionic conductivity due to their high viscosity, which leads to poor electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the addition of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE), a co-solvent with low electron-donating ability, on the electrochemical properties of graphite in a concentrated PC-based electrolyte solution. An effective solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) was formed, and lithium intercalation into graphite occurred in the concentrated PC-based electrolyte solutions containing various amounts of DCE, while the reversible capacity improved. Raman spectroscopy results confirmed that the solvation structure of the lithium ions, which allows for effective SEI formation, was maintained despite the decrease in the total molality of LiPF6 by the addition of DCE. These results suggest that the addition of a co-solvent with low electron-donating ability is an effective strategy for improving the electrochemical performance in concentrated electrolyte solutions.
Woc-Bots: An Agent-Based Approach to Decision-Making
Authors: Grimes Sean , Breen David E.
Published: November 2019

We present a flexible, robust approach to predictive decision-making using simple, modular agents (WoC-Bots) that interact with each other socially and share information about the features they are trained on. Our agents form a knowledge-diverse crowd, allowing us to use Wisdom of the Crowd (WoC) theories to aggregate their opinions and come to a collective conclusion. Compared to traditional multi-layer perceptron (MLP) networks, WoC-Bots can be trained more quickly, more easily incorporate new features, and make it easier to determine why the network gives the prediction that it does. We compare our predictive accuracy with MLP networks to show that WoC-Bots can attain similar results when predicting the box office success of Hollywood movies, while requiring significantly less training time.
A Review on Anaerobic Digestion of Lignocellulosic Wastes: Pretreatments and Operational Conditions
Authors: Sayara Tahseen , Sánchez Antoni
Published: November 2019

Anaerobic digestion (AD) has become extremely popular in the last years to treat and valorize organic wastes both at laboratory and industrial scales, for a wide range of highly produced organic wastes: municipal wastes, wastewater sludge, manure, agrowastes, food industry residuals, etc. Although the principles of AD are well known, it is very important to highlight that knowing the biochemical composition of waste is crucial in order to know its anaerobic biodegradability, which makes an AD process economically feasible. In this paper, we review the main principles of AD, moving to the specific features of lignocellulosic wastes, especially regarding the pretreatments that can enhance the biogas production of such wastes. The main point to consider is that lignocellulosic wastes are present in any organic wastes, and sometimes are the major fraction. Therefore, improving their AD could cause a boost in the development in this technology. The conclusions are that there is no unique strategy to improve the anaerobic biodegradability of lignocellulosic wastes, but pretreatments and codigestion both have an important role on this issue.
Simple Synthesis Method and Characterizations of Aggregation-Free Cysteamine Capped PbS Quantum Dot
Authors: Kang Daekyung , Bharath Kumar Mareddi , Son Changhee , Park Hongsik , Park Jonghoo
Published: November 2019

Quantum dots have diverse chemical properties with different ligands attached on the surface. The cysteamine has been used as a ligand for various quantum dots because it has high solubility in water, and it facilitates binding of quantum dot and gold surface. However, the hydrogen bonds in cysteamine cause aggregation of the cysteamine capped quantum dots. In this study, we suggested a simple synthesis method of aggregation-free PbS quantum dot and analyzed the electric and optical properties of the synthesized quantum dot. This study on aggregation-free cysteamine capped quantum dots has the potential to develop advanced quantum dot-based sensor technologies, including biomedical imaging and environmental sensors.
Dynamic Handwriting Analysis for Neurodegenerative Disease Assessment: A Literary Review
Authors: Vessio Gennaro
Published: November 2019

Studying the effects of neurodegeneration on handwriting has emerged as an interdisciplinary research topic and has attracted considerable interest from psychologists to neuroscientists and from physicians to computer scientists. The complexity of handwriting, in fact, appears to be sensitive to age-related impairments in cognitive functioning; thus, analyzing handwriting in elderly people may facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of these impairments. A large body of knowledge has been collected in the last thirty years thanks to the advent of new technologies which allow researchers to investigate not only the static characteristics of handwriting but also especially the dynamic aspects of the handwriting process. The present paper aims at providing an overview of the most relevant literature investigating the application of dynamic handwriting analysis in neurodegenerative disease assessment. The focus, in particular, is on Parkinon’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as the two most widespread neurodegenerative disorders. More specifically, the studies taken into account are grouped in accordance with three main research questions: disease insight, disease monitoring, and disease diagnosis. The net result is that dynamic handwriting analysis is a powerful, noninvasive, and low-cost tool for real-time diagnosis and follow-up of PD and AD. In conclusion of the paper, open issues still demanding further research are highlighted.
Working State of ECC Link Slabs Used in Continuous Bridge Decks
Authors: Zhong Junfei , Shen Jiyang , Wang Wei , Shi Jun , Yang Xiaocong , Zhou Guangchun
Published: November 2019

The working states of three types of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) link slabs subjected to vertical loads are investigated based on the structural working state theory. The scattered measured strains are firstly expanded into spatially continuous data using the response simulating interpolation method without loss of original information. The generalized strain energy density (GSED) is derived from these data and the sum of which are used to characterize the working states of ECC link slabs. Thereafter, the Mann-Kendall (M-K) criterion is introduced to detect the working state leaps during the whole loading procedure and two critical mutations are revealed: The yielding point and the initial structural failure point. Finally, the working state modes, the characteristics of strain fields and the development of internal forces are employed to verify the working state mutations around the revealed critical points. The GSED-based analysis of structural working state is an innovative method to discern some unseen working behavior characteristics which are ignored by traditional structural analysis theory. The work reported herein has a further effect in improving the structural design codes for ECC link slabs.
A Climatological Satellite Assessment of Absorbing Carbonaceous Aerosols on a Global Scale
Authors: Hatzianastassiou Nikolaos , Kalaitzi Nikoleta , Gavrouzou Maria , Gkikas Antonis , Korras-Carraca Marios-Bruno , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos
Published: November 2019

A global climatology of absorbing carbonaceous aerosols (ACA) for the period 2005–2015 is obtained by using satellite MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)-Aqua and OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument)-Aura aerosol optical properties and by applying an algorithm. The algorithm determines the frequency of presence of ACA (black and brown carbon) over the globe at 1° × 1° pixel level and on a daily basis. The results of the algorithm indicate high frequencies of ACA (up to 19 days/month) over world regions with extended biomass burning, such as the tropical forests of southern and central Africa, South America and equatorial Asia, over savannas, cropland areas or boreal forests, as well as over urban and rural areas with intense anthropogenic activities, such as the eastern coast of China or the Indo-Gangetic plain. A clear seasonality of the frequency of occurrence of ACA is evident, with increased values during June–October over southern Africa, during July–November over South America, August–November over Indonesia, November–March over central Africa and November–April over southeastern Asia. The estimated seasonality of ACA is in line with the known annual patterns of worldwide biomass-burning emissions, while other features such as the export of carbonaceous aerosols from southern Africa to the southeastern Atlantic Ocean are also successfully reproduced by the algorithm. The results indicate a noticeable interannual variability and tendencies of ACA over specific world regions during 2005–2015, such as statistically significant increasing frequency of occurrence over southern Africa and eastern Asia.
An Exceptional Case of Freezing Rain in Bucharest (Romania)
Authors: Andrei Simona , Antonescu Bogdan , Boldeanu Mihai , Mărmureanu Luminiţa , Marin Cristina Antonia , Vasilescu Jeni , Ene Dragoş
Published: November 2019

A high-impact freezing rain event affected parts of southeastern Romania on 24–26 January 2019. The freezing rain caused extensive damages in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. The meteorological analysis highlighted the presence of a particular synoptic pattern involving a high-pressure system advecting cold air mass at low levels, while at mid-levels a warm and humid intrusion was associated with a low-pressure system of Mediterranean origin. At Bucharest, the vertical profiles from ERA5 and radiosondes emphasized the presence of a thick warm layer between 1000–1400 m above the re-freezing layer close to the surface. A climatology of freezing rain events in Bucharest was built to understand the frequency and intensity of this phenomenon. On average, there were approximately 5 observations of freezing rain in Bucharest per year between 1980–2018. The number of consecutive freezing rain days was used as a proxy for the event severity. Moderate-duration events (2 consecutive days) represented 16 periods of all 59 non-overlapping freezing rain periods in Bucharest and long-duration events (3 consecutive days) represented 3 periods. The monthly distribution showed that freezing rain occurs more frequently between December–February with a maximum in December. The moderate and long-duration freezing rain events were associated with two main sub-synoptic patterns related to the Carpathians lee cyclogenesis.
Topological Characterization of the Crystallographic Structure of Titanium Difluoride and Copper (I) Oxide
Authors: Yang Hong , Muhammad Mehwish Hussain , Rashid Muhammad Aamer , Ahmad Sarfraz , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Naeem Muhammad
Published: November 2019

Owing to their distinguished properties, titanium difluoride (TiF2) and the crystallographic structure of Cu2O have attracted a great deal of attention in the field of quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPRs) in recent years. A topological index of a diagram (G) is a numerical quantity identified with G which portrays the sub-atomic chart G. In 1972, Gutman and Trinajstić resented the first and second Zagreb topological files of atomic diagrams. In this paper, we determine a hyper-Zagreb list, a first multiple Zagreb file, a second different Zagreb record, and Zagreb polynomials for titanium difluoride (TiF2) and the crystallographic structure of Cu2O.
Advanced Control Strategies to Improve Nonlinear Automotive Dynamical Systems Consumption
Authors: Scaradozzi David , Fanesi Marika
Published: November 2019

Electric motors and Internal Combustion Engine test benches allow for testing, under various conditions, the behavior of the Electric Vehicles and they are essential in the automotive field development. In this paper, we introduce the state-of-art of the control algorithms and their validation over different test runs, on the standard driving cycles. Ad-hoc simulations and test benches designed for the issue offer a significant opportunity to reduce costs. The modelling of automotive systems is a non-trivial problem due to the non-linearities. The paper presents a linearized solution and an adaptive control scheme to improve model performances starting from real data, and also discusses the behavior of the proposed system and the control law reporting emissions of the considered virtual vehicle when compared with the target emission regulations.
Oleanolic Acid Exerts a Neuroprotective Effect Against Microglial Cell Activation by Modulating Cytokine Release and Antioxidant Defense Systems
Authors: Castellano José M. , Garcia-Rodriguez Silvia , Espinosa Juan M. , Millan-Linares María C. , Rada Mirela , Perona Javier S.
Published: November 2019

Microglia respond to adverse stimuli in order to restore brain homeostasis and, upon activation, they release a number of inflammatory mediators. Chronic microglial overactivation is related to neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease. In this work, we show that oleanolic acid (OA), a natural triterpene present in food and medicinal plants, attenuates the activation of BV2 microglial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell pretreatment with OA inhibited the release of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NO, which was associated with the downregulation of the expression of genes encoding for these cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the reinforcement of the endogenous antioxidant cell defense. These findings advocate considering OA as a novel neuroprotective agent to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response in activated microglia associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
An Insight into Storage Lipid Synthesis by Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast Relating to Lipid and Sugar Substrates Metabolism
Authors: Fabiszewska Agata , Misiukiewicz-Stępień Paulina , Paplińska-Goryca Magdalena , Zieniuk Bartłomiej , Białecka-Florjańczyk Ewa
Published: November 2019

Single cell oil (SCO) is the lipid accumulated in the cells of oleaginous microorganisms. Cellular lipids can be synthesized in two different pathways: de novo by metabolizing hydrophilic substrates and ex novo by fermenting hydrophobic substrates. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of carbon source (glucose and olive oil) in the culture medium on the course of microbial oil accumulation in Y. lipolytica cells. The level of selected gene expression by real time quantitative PCR method was investigated. The significant increase in expression of the POX2 gene encoding acyl-CoA oxidase II, which preferentially oxidizes long-chain acyl-CoAs formed from substrate fatty acids incorporated inside the microbial cell, was observed in medium with olive oil in relation to glucose containing medium. Noteworthily, the presence of lipid carbon substrate did not inhibit the level of ACL gene transcription coding for ATP-citrate lyase, the key enzyme of the lipid de novo accumulation process. The present study indicated that de novo lipid biosynthesis could occur despite the presence of fatty acids in the medium, and the synthesis of storage lipids in the presence of lipid carbon substrates could be carried out with the use of both pathways (de novo and ex novo).
Primary Membranous Glomerulonephritis: The Role of Serum and Urine Biomarkers in Patient Management
Authors: Maifata Sadiq Mu’azu , Hod Rafidah , Zakaria Fadhlina , Abd Ghani Fauzah
Published: November 2019

The detection of phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin domain containing 7A THSD7A among primary membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) patients transformed the diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis. Anti-PLA2R can be detected in 70–90% of primary MGN patients while anti-THSD7A in 2–3% of anti-PLA2R negative primary MGN patients depending on the technique used. Serum and urine samples are less invasive and non-invasive, respectively, and thus can detect the presence of anti-PLA2R and anti-THSD7A with higher sensitivity and specificity, which is significant in patient monitoring and prognosis. It is better than exposing patients to a frequent biopsy, which is an invasive procedure. Different techniques of detection of PLA2R and THSD7A in patients’ urine and sera were reviewed to provide newer and alternative techniques. We proposed the use of biomarkers (PLA2R and THSD7A) in the diagnosis, treatment decision, and follow-up of patients with primary MGN. In addition, other prognostic renal biomarkers like retinol binding protein (RBP) and beta-2 microglobulin were reviewed to detect the progression of renal damage for early intervention.
Findings of Case-Study Analysis: System-Level Biomimicry in Built-Environment Design
Authors: Hayes Samantha , Desha Cheryl , Gibbs Mark
Published: November 2019

Complex systems challenges like those facing 21st-century humanity, require system-level solutions that avoid siloed or unnecessarily narrow responses. System-level biomimicry aims to identify and adopt design approaches that have been developed and refined within ecosystems over 3.8 billion years of evolution. While not new, system-level biomimetic solutions have been less widely applied in urban design than the ‘form’ and ‘process’ level counterparts. This paper explores insights from a selection of system-level case studies in the built environment, using meta-analysis to investigate common challenges and priorities from these projects to support knowledge-sharing and continued development in the field. Using a grounded research approach, common themes are distilled, and findings presented regarding success and barriers to implementation and scaling. Considering the findings, and drawing on complex adaptive systems theory, the paper posits opportunities to facilitate broader implementation and mainstreaming of system-level biomimetic design approaches in the built environment.
Electrical Stimulation in the Claustrum Area Induces a Deepening of Isoflurane Anesthesia in Rat
Authors: Pavel Bogdan , Menardy Fabien , Rotaru Diana , Paslaru Alexandru Catalin , Acatrinei Camelia , Zagrean Leon , Popa Daniela , Zagrean Ana-Maria
Published: November 2019

The role of the claustrum in consciousness and vigilance states was proposed more than two decades ago; however, its role in anesthesia is not yet understood, and this requires more investigation. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of claustrum electrical stimulation during isoflurane anesthesia in adult rats. The claustrum in the left hemisphere was electrically stimulated using a bipolar tungsten electrode inserted stereotaxically. In order to monitor the anesthetic depth, the electrocorticogram (ECoG) was recorded before, during, and after claustrum stimulation using frontal and parietal epidural electrodes placed over the left hemisphere. After reaching stabilized slow-wave isoflurane anesthesia, twenty stimuli, each of one second duration with ten seconds interstimulus duration, were applied. ECoG analysis has shown that, after a delay from the beginning of stimulation, the slow-wave ECoG signal changed to a transient burst suppression (BS) pattern. Our results show that electrical stimulation of the claustrum area during slow-wave isoflurane anesthesia induces a transitory increase in anesthetic depth, documented by the appearance of a BS ECoG pattern, and suggests a potential role of claustrum in anesthesia.
Treatment Outcome of 227 Patients with Sinonasal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) after Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy and Active Raster-Scanning Carbon Ion Boost: A 10-Year Single-Center Experience
Authors: Akbaba Sati , Ahmed Dina , Mock Andreas , Held Thomas , Bahadir Suzan , Lang Kristin , Syed Mustafa , Hoerner-Rieber Juliane , Forster Tobias , Federspil Philippe , Herfarth Klaus , Plinkert Peter , Debus Juergen , Adeberg Sebastian
Published: November 2019

We aimed to evaluate the treatment outcome of primary and postoperative bimodal radiotherapy (RT) including intensity modulated photon radiotherapy (IMRT) and carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) patients. Medical records of 227 consecutive patients who received either a primary (n = 90, 40%) or postoperative (n = 137, 60%; R2, n = 86, 63%) IMRT with doses between 48 and 56 Gy in 1.8 or 2 Gy fractions and active raster-scanning carbon ion boost with 18 to 24 Gy (RBE, relative biological effectiveness) in 3 Gy (RBE) fractions between 2009 and 2019 up to a median total dose of 80 Gy (EQD2, equivalent dose in 2 Gy single dose fractions, range 71–80 Gy) were reviewed. Results: Median follow-up was 50 months. In univariate and multivariate analysis, no significant difference in local control (LC) could be shown between the two treatment groups (p = 0.33). Corresponding 3-year LC rates were 79% for primary bimodal RT and 82% for postoperative bimodal RT, respectively. T4 stage (p = 0.002) and solid histology (p = 0.005) were identified as independent prognostic factors for decreased LC. Significant worse long-term treatment tolerance was observed for postoperatively irradiated patients with 17% vs. 6% late grade 3 toxicity (p < 0.001). Primary radiotherapy including IMRT and carbon ion boost for dose-escalation results in adequate LC with less long-term grade 3 toxicity compared to postoperative bimodal radiotherapy in sinonasal ACC patients. The high rate of macroscopic tumor disease in the postoperative group makes the interpretation of the beneficial results in LC for primary RT difficult.