bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EN CASA DE JAVIER HERAUD
Authors: Gambetta Uría Fredy
Published: September 2019

La casa del poeta, donde viven sus padres, solos en amplia morada, hoy que los hijos crecieron y se fueron a caminar por los senderos de la vida y de la muerte, se encuentra ubicada en la calle San Martín 639, del cada vez menos romántico distrito de Miraflores, en la capital del Perú.

Llego a la familia Heraud-Pérez acompañado del Dr. Jorge Heraud, el mayor de los hermanos, que guarda un extraordinario parecido con el gran ausente.

Es a su hermano Jorge (Coco) a quien dedica el primer ejemplar de EL RÍO apenas aparecido en los artesanales talleres de la Rama Florida. En la dedicatoria, conservada con amoroso celo, Javier hace alusión a los cuentos que de niño le contaba su hermano para que sus sueños le fueran aún más dulces, revestidos por la imaginación del poeta que en el nacía. Pero también, en esa dedicatoria, que anonadado contemplo, sostenida en mis manos, el negro presagio de la muerte atraviesa las líneas de letras separadas. "Con el recuerdo del muerto de la familia" certifica, una vez más, lo que los antiguos pensaban respecto a las virtudes proféticas que acompañan a los poetas.
ANALISIS KINERJA EKONOMI SEBELUM DAN PADA ERA PENETAPAN KEISTIMEWAAN YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Anggara Putra Rosyid Nur , Nugroho Muh. Rudi
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTThis study aims to determine the level of success of economic performance before and in the era of Yogyakarta privileges determination. This study uses several relevant analytical methods to analyze economic performance. The economic performance will be observed through economic indicators and development indicators in support of the principle of the Specialties of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY). The methods applied in this research are description of indicators to provide a description of the performance of all activities carried out before and on the appointment of privilege, paired sample t-test to analyze situations that existed before and when implemented a police and Data Panel Regression Analysis. It was concluded that the adjustment funds before the dana istimewa (danais) had given good growth to DIY. DIY growth was seen after the danais program in 2013-2015 which increased by 0.98%. This finding is in accordance with the expectations of researchers. Danais in the 2015 APBNP was recorded at 0.547 TrillionKeywords: Economic Performance, Inequality and Growth  ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat keberhasilan kinerja ekonomi sebelum dan pada era penetapan keistimewaan Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini menggunakan beberapa metode analisis yang relevan untuk menganalisis kinerja ekonomi. Kinerja ekonomi akan diamati melalui indikator ekonomi dan indikator pembangunan untuk mendukung prinsip Keistimewaan Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY). Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskripsi indikator untuk memberikan deskripsi kinerja semua kegiatan yang dilakukan sebelum dan pada penetapan keistimewaan, paired sample t-test untuk menganalisis situasi yang ada sebelum dan pada implementasi kebijakan dan Analisis Regresi Panel Data. Disimpulkan bahwa dana penyesuaian sebelum adanya danais telah memberikan pertumbuhan yang baik terhadap DIY. Pertumbuhan DIY terlihat setelah adanya program danais pada tahun 2013-2015 yang meningkat sebesar 0,98%. Temuan ini sesuai dengan harapan peneliti. Danais pada APBNP-2015 tercatat sebesar 0,547 Triliun.Kata Kunci: Kinerja Ekonomi, Ketimpangan, dan Pertumbuhan
KONTRIBUSI GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE UNTUK MENGURANGI TERJADINYA AUDIT DELAY
Authors: Putri Gustita Arnawati
Published: September 2019

The delay of audit report being able to mislead stakeholders, especially investors in taking decision is the main issue of the research. The research objective is to prove empirically contribution of good corporate governance mechanism to decrease the audit delay. Banking companies listed in Indonesia stock exchange within 2011-2013 are the samples of the research. Multiple regression analysis, preceded by classical assumption test is used as analysis tool in the research. The research findings partially showed that managerial and institutional ownership did not affect to audit delay, while proportion of independent commissionairy boards significantly affected to audit delay. Nevertheless, simultaneously managerial and institutional ownership as well as proportion of independent commissionary boards and the number of audit committee significantly affected to audit delay.
PENGARUH INSENTIF DAN PEMANTAUAN : DAMPAK TERHADAP ORIENTASI KEUANGAN DAN NON-KEUANGAN DALAM PENGANGGARAN MODAL
Authors: Solovida Grace Tianna
Published: September 2019

This research aimed to investigate the influence of incentive and monitoring provided to the decision maker that impacted on finance and non-finance orientation in budget planning. The independent variable in this study was incentive and monitoring in budget planning focusing on the project recommendation selection. While the dependent variable was finance and non-finance orientation in budget planning. The research employed an experimental method using descriptive statistics analysis applying a case study approach. The analysis involved multinomial logistics regression using a statistics computer application. The result of this study indicated that the decision maker did not provide significant evidence that s/he made a high emphasis on the finance and non-finance orientation without incentive and monitoring. However, the decision maker receiving private incentive emphasized highly on cash inflows and a low emphasis on cash outflows, or vice versa. Keywords: budget planning, project selection, finance orientation, non-finance orientation, private incentive, monitoring.
INOVASI PEMBELAJARAN PAI DENGAN PENGEMBANGAN MODEL CONSTRUCTIVISM PADA JENJANG PENDIDIKAN DASAR DAN MENENGAH
Authors: Syaifuddin Syaifuddin
Published: September 2019

So far, the methods used by teachers in the learning process tend to conventional teaching methods which only includes students come , sit, write material that has been written by the teacher on the board , listening to the teacher explaining the material and do the work , using the lecture method . The impact, learning tends to be passive and bored quickly. This kind of learning situation is almost no opportunity for students to express their creativity, so the quality of the quality of learning also becomes low. Constructivism learning model seems to be one of the answers to these problems. Therefore, in this learning model students are preferred. Teaching and learning process in constructivism model student centered more colored than teacher centered. Constructivism model is more empowering for the class as a learning centered not for teaching; not teaching process but learning process. This is in accordance with the curriculum 2013, is autenthic assessment; assessment process and results.
REAKTUALISASI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER PESANTREN DI ERA GLOBALISASI
Authors: Lutfi Muhammad
Published: September 2019

Tulisan ini mendeskripsikan pendidikan karakter mulai dari definisi dan implementasinya dari berbagai tokoh. Menjelaskan peran pendidikan karakter dan pentingnya pendidikan karakter terutama di era globalisasi ini. Tulisan ini juga mendeskripsikan keadaan pesantren saat ini dan perbandingannya dengan pesantren yang dulu mulai dari tantangan dan penanggulangannya. Menggambarkan pola pendidikan karakter di pesantren dan pentingnya pesantren mengoptimalkan pendidikan karakter untuk mencetak santri yang berkipribadian baik baik ketika masih di dalam pesantren ataupun ketika sudah di luar pesantren.
DESAIN PENGEMBANGAN KURIKULUM PAI BERBASIS TEACHER AND STUDENT-CENTER
Authors: Efendi Ikwan
Published: September 2019

Design of curriculum development based Islamic religious education teachers and learners at the center of the learners become imperative applied in the education unit, because the subject is student learning in school. While the teacher becomes a facilitator should be able to direct, guide and a role model for their students. Islamic religious education curriculum development in general should be based on objectives and competencies, the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, flexibility, integrity, continuity, synchronization, objective and democratic. Additionally, in particular the development of Islamic religious education curriculum principle of curriculum objectives, principles of curriculum content, didactic-methodical principles, principles with regard to media and learning resources, and evaluation principles. Keyword: Curricullum Development Design, Islamic Educations, Teacher and Student-Center
PEMBAHARUAN PENDIDIKAN ISLAM TRADISIONALIS DI INDONESIA; ANALISIS PEMIKIRAN PENDIDIKAN K.H. A. WAHID HASYIM
Authors: Muzammil Muzammil
Published: September 2019

Terminologi Modernis dan Tradisionalis dalam pekembangan Islam di Indonesia muncul bukan hanya akibat dari konsistensi keduanya untuk mempertahankan model dan kultur beragama yang berbeda namun juga akibat dari pola pendidikan yang diidentifikasi berbeda satu dengan lainnya. Golongan modernis dianggap menganut pola pendidikan yang adaptif terhadap gaya pendidikan sekuler sedang golongan tradisionalis dianggap sebagai golongan yang hanya berkutat pada pendidikan agama saja. K.H. A. Wahid Hasyim sebagai tokoh yang merupakan bagian dari kaum tradisionalis menempatkan diri pada posisi diluar penilaian tersebut. Dia meskipun sebagai pribadi yang tak pernah berkesempatan menjalani pendidikan formal, ternyata memiliki gaya pemikiran progresif yang tak lumrah untuk ukuran pada masa itu dalam bingkai kepesantrenan. Progresifisme pemikiran K.H. A. Wahid Hasyim pada awalnya dianggap menentang tradisi pesantren dan bahkan dianggap berupaya mencampuradukkan antara agama dan dunia.
PARADIGMA PENDIDIKAN ISLAM MULTIKULTURAL DI ERA MELENIAL; SEBUAH KAJIAN DISKURTIF
Authors: Fauzi Ahmad
Published: September 2019

Sociologically, multicultural education is an attempt to preserve Islamic values as the vision of Islam rahmatanlil'alamin. Therefore, Islamic education today, faced with various increasingly crucial challenges, this view, cannot be separated from the atmosphere of modernization and globalization. Thus the presence of Islamic education is required to play its role dynamically and is expected to be able to provide change in the midst of a pluralistic society. Thus to build Islamic education in Indonesia which can bring a universal vision, it is necessary to have a paradigm of multicultural Islamic education, by promoting several principles, including; maintaining harmony, peace of mutual respect and liberation, not the other way around as domestication and social taming (social and cultural domestication). In this context, education is referred to as social enlightenment. Therefore, the effort to build the paradigm of Islamic education is a necessity, this can be done by restoring the social values of Islamic education universally besides being dynamic (inclusive), through several stages, namely a) building inclusive awareness by transmitting the entire system socio-religious values such as ketauhidan, tolerance and justice in the curriculum structure (culture domination and control). b) reconstructing the paradigm of Islamic education from the point of view of indoctrination to participatory, c) changing the ideological paradigm into scientific by giving the human mind the freedom to study and develop knowledge through His guidance.
Program Pembentukan Akhlak Siswa Pada Masa Pubertas (Studi Kasus di SMP Tri Bhakti Tegaldlimo Banyuwangi Tahun Pelajaran 2018/2019
Authors: Sanika Ervin , Hidayah Fathi
Published: September 2019

School as an institution that is obliged to guide students to be strong, morally and hardworking must have breakthroughs in developing student morals, especially for the school level where students are in puberty. The activity carried out by Tri Bhakti Tegaldlimo Banyuwangi Middle School as an effort to assist students through puberty is a complete package because it is done through several methods. Habitual methods through religious activities, additional knowledge insights around puberty, and mentoring activities of talent and interest skills. In addition to the form of habituation, also do not forget to be provided with an example by the teacher through disciplinary activities and the most important thing is giving advice. These methods are the answers to the problems of today's youth education. Schools as parents do not only cram students with various forms of theoretical discourse, but also provide facilities as forming the moral virtues of their students.
Prinsip – Prinsip Pengembangan Kurikulum dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Kualitas Pembelajaran
Authors: Shofiyah Shofiyah
Published: September 2019

Education occupies a very strategic position in realizing the process of maturity and human thinking. Given the importance of education for human life, education must be carried out as well as possible. To achieve the educational goals, a curriculum is needed as one of the tools and guidelines in achieving educational goals. The curriculum is a device that is inseparable from the operation of education itself, because the preparation of the curriculum is spelled out from certain educational theories. This means that the curriculum is seen as a concrete plan in the application of educational theory. In the development of an educational curriculum must follow the principles of curriculum development that are in harmony with human nature and directed to achieve the ultimate goal of education. The curriculum should pay attention to the periodization of the development of students and maintain the needs of the community and their organizations not contradictory and not cause conflict. Effective curriculum and curriculum that pay attention to the level of development of students. Curriculum development is one of the efforts made to achieve educational goals, one of which is to improve the quality of learning
Review of Electrothermal Actuators and Applications
Authors: Potekhina Alissa , Wang Changhai
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a review of electrothermal micro-actuators and applications. Electrothermal micro-actuators have been a significant research interest over the last two decades, and many different designs and applications have been investigated. The electrothermal actuation method offers several advantages when compared with the other types of actuation approaches based on electrostatic and piezoelectric principles. The electrothermal method offers flexibility in the choice of materials, low-cost fabrication, and large displacement capabilities. The three main configurations of electrothermal actuators are discussed: hot-and-cold-arm, chevron, and bimorph types as well as a few other unconventional actuation approaches. Within each type, trends are outlined from the basic concept and design modifications to applications which have been investigated in order to enhance the performance or to overcome the limitations of the previous designs. It provides a grasp of the actuation methodology, design, and fabrication, and the related performance and applications in cell manipulation, micro assembly, and mechanical testing of nanomaterials, Radio Frequency (RF) switches, and optical Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS).
Abiotic and Biotic Limitations to Nodulation by Leguminous Cover Crops in South Texas
Authors: Kasper Stephanie , Christoffersen Bradley , Soti Pushpa , Racelis Alexis
Published: September 2019

Many farms use leguminous cover crops as a nutrient management strategy to reduce their need for nitrogen fertilizer. When they are effective, leguminous cover crops are a valuable tool for sustainable nutrient management. However, the symbiotic partnership between legumes and nitrogen fixing rhizobia is vulnerable to several abiotic and biotic stressors that reduce nitrogen fixation efficiency in real world contexts. Sometimes, despite inoculation with rhizobial strains, this symbiosis fails to form. Such failure was observed in a 14-acre winter cover crop trial in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of Texas when three legume species produced no signs of nodulation or nitrogen fixation. This study examined the role of nitrogen, phosphorus, moisture, micronutrients, and native microbial communities in the nodulation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) and assessed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as an intervention to improve nodulation. Results from two controlled studies confirm moisture and native microbial communities as major factors in nodulation success. Micronutrients showed mixed impacts on nodulation depending on plant stress conditions. Nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies, however, were not likely causes, nor was mycorrhizal inoculation an effective intervention to improve nodulation. Inoculation method also had a major impact on nodulation rates. Continued research on improved inoculation practices and other ways to maximize nitrogen fixation efficiency will be required to increase successful on-farm implementation.
Melatonin as a Chemical Substance or as Phytomelatonin Rich-Extracts for Use as Plant Protector and/or Biostimulant in Accordance with EC Legislation
Authors: Arnao Marino B. , Hernández-Ruiz Josefa
Published: September 2019

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a ubiquitous molecule present in animals and plants, and also in bacteria and fungi. In plants, it has an important regulatory and protective role in the face of different stress situations in which it can be involved, mainly due to its immobility. Both in the presence of biotic and abiotic stressors, melatonin exerts protective action in which, through significant changes in gene expression, it activates a stress tolerance response. Its anti-stress role, along with other outstanding functions, suggests its possible use in active agricultural management. This review establishes considerations that are necessary for its possible authorization. The particular characteristics of this substance and its categorization as plant biostimulant are discussed, and also the different legal aspects within the framework of the European Community. The advantages and disadvantages are also described of two of its possible applications, as a plant protector or biostimulant, in accordance with legal provisions.
Closing Yield Gaps through Soil Improvement for Maize Production in Coastal Saline Soil
Authors: Zhang Jishi , Jiang Xilong , Xue Yanfang , Li Zongxin , Yu Botao , Xu Liming , Lu Xingchen , Miao Qi , Liu Zitong , Cui Zhenling
Published: September 2019

As efforts to close crop production yield gaps increase, the need has emerged to identify cost-effective strategies to reduce yield losses through soil improvement. Maize (Zea mays L.) production in coastal saline soil is limited by high salinity and high pH, and a limited number of soil amendment options are available. We performed a field experiment in 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the ability of combined flue gas desulfurization gypsum and furfural residue application (CA) to reduce the maize yield gap and improve soil properties. We carried out the same amendment treatments (CA and no amendment as a control) under moderate (electrical conductivity (EC1:1) ≈ 4 dS m−1) and high (EC1:1 ≈ 6 dS m−1) salinity levels. Averaged over all salinity levels and years, maize yields increased from 32.6% of yield potential in the control to 44.2% with the CA treatments. Post-harvest CA treatment increased the calcium (Ca2+) and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents while decreasing the sodium (Na+) content and pH in the upper soil layer. Corresponding nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium accumulations in maize were significantly increased, and Na accumulation was decreased in the CA group compared with the control. The economic return associated with CA treatment increased by 215 $ ha−1 at the high salinity level compared with the control, but decreased at the moderate salinity level because of the minor increase in yield. The results of this study provide insight into the reduction of yield gaps by addressing soil constraints.
Potato Germplasm Enhancement Enters the Genomics Era
Authors: Bethke Paul C. , Halterman Dennis A. , Jansky Shelley H.
Published: September 2019

The goal of germplasm enhancement is to introgress traits from wild crop relatives into cultivated material and eventually cultivars. It seeks to restore genetic diversity that has been lost over time or to augment cultivated material with novel alleles that improve parents in breeding programs. This paper discusses potato germplasm enhancement efforts in the past, focusing on effective examples such as disease resistance and processing quality. In addition, it outlines new strategies for enhancement efforts, shifting the focus from evaluating phenotypes to tracking and manipulating specific DNA sequences. In the genomics era, germplasm enhancement will increasingly be focused on identifying and introgressing alleles rather than traits. Alleles will come from a broad pool of genetic resources that include wild species relatives of potato, landraces, cultivated potato itself, and distantly-related species. Genomics tools will greatly increase the efficiency of introgressing multi-genic traits and will make it possible to identify rare alleles and utilize recessive alleles.
Rein Tension in Transitions and Halts during Equestrian Dressage Training
Authors: Egenvall Agneta , Clayton Hilary M. , Eisersiö Marie , Roepstorff Lars , Byström Anna
Published: September 2019

In dressage, the performance of transitions between gaits and halts is an integral part of riding sessions. The study aimed to evaluate rein tension before, during and after the transitions between different gaits and the transitions into halts. The kinematic (inertial measurement units) data for the head and croup, and rein tension data, were collected (128 Hz) from six professional riders each riding three of their own horses, training levels varying from basic to advanced, during normal training sessions. The activities were categorised into gaits, halts and transitions based on video evaluation. The transitions were categorised as without (type 1) or with (type 2) intermediate steps that are not normally present in the gaits preceding or following the transition. The differences in the median rein tension before/during/after transitions, between the types and left/right reins were analysed in mixed models. The rein tension just before the transition was the strongest determinant of tension during the transition. The rein tension was slightly lower during upward transitions compared to downward transitions, reflecting the pattern of the preceding gait. Type 1 and 2 downward transitions were not different regarding rein tension. The left rein tension was lower than right rein tension. The rein tension associated with the transitions and halts varied substantially between riders and horses. The generally strong association of the gaits and their inherent biomechanics with rein tension should be taken into account when riding transitions and halts.
The Effect of 2-Thiocyanatopyridine Derivative 11026103 on Burkholderia Cenocepacia: Resistance Mechanisms and Systemic Impact
Authors: Nunvar Jaroslav , Hogan Andrew M. , Buroni Silvia , Savina Svetlana , Makarov Vadim , Cardona Silvia T. , Drevinek Pavel
Published: September 2019

Bacteria of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are associated with significant decline of lung functions in cystic fibrosis patients. Bcc infections are virtually impossible to eradicate due to their irresponsiveness to antibiotics. The 2-thiocyanatopyridine derivative 11026103 is a novel, synthetic compound active against Burkholderia cenocepacia. To characterize mechanisms of resistance to 11026103, B. cenocepacia was subjected to chemical mutagenesis, followed by whole genome sequencing. Parallel mutations in resistant isolates were localized in a regulatory protein of the efflux system Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND)-9 (BCAM1948), RNA polymerase sigma factor (BCAL2462) and its cognate putative anti-sigma factor (BCAL2461). Transcriptomic analysis identified positive regulation of a major facilitator superfamily (MFS) efflux system BCAL1510-1512 by BCAL2462. Artificial overexpression of both efflux systems increased resistance to the compound. The effect of 11026103 on B. cenocepacia was analyzed by RNA-Seq and a competitive fitness assay utilizing an essential gene knockdown mutant library. 11026103 exerted a pleiotropic effect on transcription including profound downregulation of cluster of orthologous groups (COG) category “Translation, ribosomal structure, and biogenesis”. The competitive fitness assay identified many genes which modulated susceptibility to 11026103. In summary, 11026103 exerts a pleiotropic cellular response in B. cenocepacia which can be prevented by efflux system-mediated export.
Do Global Regulators Hold the Key to Production of Bacterial Secondary Metabolites?
Authors: Thapa Sudarshan Singh , Grove Anne
Published: September 2019

The emergence of multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria has pushed the available pool of antibiotics to the brink. Bacterial secondary metabolites have long been a valuable resource in the development of antibiotics, and the genus Burkholderia has recently emerged as a source of novel compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-cancer activities. Genome mining has contributed to the identification of biosynthetic gene clusters, which encode enzymes that are responsible for synthesis of such secondary metabolites. Unfortunately, these large gene clusters generally remain silent or cryptic under normal laboratory settings, which creates a hurdle in identification and isolation of these compounds. Various strategies, such as changes in growth conditions and antibiotic stress, have been applied to elicit the expression of these cryptic gene clusters. Although a number of compounds have been isolated from different Burkholderia species, the mechanisms by which the corresponding gene clusters are regulated remain poorly understood. This review summarizes the activity of well characterized secondary metabolites from Burkholderia species and the role of local regulators in their synthesis, and it highlights recent evidence for the role of global regulators in controlling production of secondary metabolites. We suggest that targeting global regulators holds great promise for the awakening of cryptic gene clusters and for developing better strategies for discovery of novel antibiotics.
S-Nitrosylation: An Emerging Paradigm of Redox Signaling
Authors: Fernando Veani , Zheng Xunzhen , Walia Yashna , Sharma Vandana , Letson Joshua , Furuta Saori
Published: September 2019

Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly reactive molecule, generated through metabolism of L-arginine by NO synthase (NOS). Abnormal NO levels in mammalian cells are associated with multiple human diseases, including cancer. Recent studies have uncovered that the NO signaling is compartmentalized, owing to the localization of NOS and the nature of biochemical reactions of NO, including S-nitrosylation. S-nitrosylation is a selective covalent post-translational modification adding a nitrosyl group to the reactive thiol group of a cysteine to form S-nitrosothiol (SNO), which is a key mechanism in transferring NO-mediated signals. While S-nitrosylation occurs only at select cysteine thiols, such a spatial constraint is partially resolved by transnitrosylation, where the nitrosyl moiety is transferred between two interacting proteins to successively transfer the NO signal to a distant location. As NOS is present in various subcellular locales, a stress could trigger concerted S-nitrosylation and transnitrosylation of a large number of proteins involved in divergent signaling cascades. S-nitrosylation is an emerging paradigm of redox signaling by which cells confer protection against oxidative stress.
LC-ESI-QTOF/MS Characterisation of Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids in Polyphenol-Rich Fruits and Vegetables and Their Potential Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Gu Chunhe , Howell Kate , Dunshea Frank R. , Suleria Hafiz A. R.
Published: September 2019

Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found largely in fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant properties of these polyphenols including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), tannin content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging abilities and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured among sixteen (16) plant foods (mango, blueberry, strawberry, black carrot, raspberry, dark grapes, garlic, ginger, onion, cherry, plum, apple, papaya, peach, pear and apricot) by modifying, standardising and translating existing antioxidant methods using a 96-well plate reader. Eighteen targeted phenolic acids and flavonoids were characterised and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-photometric diode array (HPLC-PDA) and verified by modifying an existing method of liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray-ionisation triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF/MS). While most of these compounds were accurately detected by the HPLC-PDA at a low concentration, a few polyphenols in low concentrations could be only be characterised using the LC-ESI-QTOF/MS method. Our results showed that mango possessed the highest overall antioxidant activity, phenolic acid and flavonoid content among the selected fruits. Factor analysis (FA) and Pearson’s correlation tests showed high correlations among ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and phenolic acids, implying the comparable capabilities of scavenging the DPPH/ABTS free radicals and reducing ferric ions from the antioxidant compounds in the samples. Phenolic acids contributed significantly to the antioxidant activities, and flavonoids contributed more to tannin content based on the correlations. Overall, methods modified and standardized in this study can provide better understanding of high throughput technologies and increase the reliability of antioxidant data of different plant foods.
The Potential of Seaweeds as a Source of Functional Ingredients of Prebiotic and Antioxidant Value
Authors: Gomez-Zavaglia Andrea , Prieto Lage Miguel A. , Jimenez-Lopez Cecilia , Mejuto Juan C. , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: September 2019

Two thirds of the world is covered by oceans, whose upper layer is inhabited by algae. This means that there is a large extension to obtain these photoautotrophic organisms. Algae have undergone a boom in recent years, with consequent discoveries and advances in this field. Algae are not only of high ecological value but also of great economic importance. Possible applications of algae are very diverse and include anti-biofilm activity, production of biofuels, bioremediation, as fertilizer, as fish feed, as food or food ingredients, in pharmacology (since they show antioxidant or contraceptive activities), in cosmeceutical formulation, and in such other applications as filters or for obtaining minerals. In this context, algae as food can be of help to maintain or even improve human health, and there is a growing interest in new products called functional foods, which can promote such a healthy state. Therefore, in this search, one of the main areas of research is the extraction and characterization of new natural ingredients with biological activity (e.g., prebiotic and antioxidant) that can contribute to consumers’ well-being. The present review shows the results of a bibliographic survey on the chemical composition of macroalgae, together with a critical discussion about their potential as natural sources of new functional ingredients.
The Anti-Cancer Effect of Mangifera indica L. Peel Extract is Associated to γH2AX-mediated Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Lauricella Marianna , Lo Galbo Valentina , Cernigliaro Cesare , Maggio Antonella , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio , Calvaruso Giuseppe , Carlisi Daniela , Emanuele Sonia , Giuliano Michela , D’Anneo Antonella
Published: September 2019

Ethanolic extracts from Mangifera indica L. have been proved to possess anti-tumor properties in many cancer systems. However, although most effects have been demonstrated with fruit pulp extract, the underlying molecular mechanisms of mango peel are still unclear. This study was designed to explore the effects of mango peel extract (MPE) on colon cancer cell lines. MPE affected cell viability and inhibited the colony formation trend of tumor cells, while no effects were observed in human dermal fibroblasts used as a non-cancerous cell line model. These events were a consequence of the induction of apoptosis associated to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, activation of players of the oxidative response such as JNK and ERK1/2, and the increase in Nrf2 and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Significantly, mango peel-activated stress triggered a DNA damage response evidenced by the precocious phosphorylation of histone 2AX (γH2AX), as well as phosphorylated Ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase and p53 upregulation. Mango peel extract was also characterized, and HPLC/MS (High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) analysis unveiled the presence of some phenolic compounds that could be responsible for the anti-cancer effects. Collectively, these findings point out the importance of the genotoxic stress signaling pathway mediated by γH2AX in targeting colon tumor cells to apoptosis.
p53-Mediated Oxidative Stress Enhances Indirubin-3′-Monoxime-Induced Apoptosis in HCT116 Colon Cancer Cells by Upregulating Death Receptor 5 and TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Expression
Authors: Dilshara Matharage Gayani , Molagoda Ilandarage Menu Neelaka , Jayasooriya Rajapaksha Gedara Prasad Tharanga , Choi Yung Hyun , Park Cheol , Lee Kyoung Tae , Lee Seungheon , Kim Gi-Young
Published: September 2019

Indirubin-3′-monoxime (I3M) exhibits anti-proliferative activity in various cancer cells; however, its anti-cancer mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. This study revealed that I3M promotes the expression of death receptor 5 (DR5) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in HCT116 p53+/+ cells, resulting in caspase-mediated apoptosis. However, this study demonstrated that HCT116 p53−/− cells were insensitive to I3M-mediated apoptosis, indicating that I3M-induced apoptosis depends on the p53 status of HCT116 cells. Additionally, in HCT116 p53-/- cells, I3M significantly increased Ras expression, while in HCT116 p53+/+ cells, it reduced Ras expression. Furthermore, I3M remarkably increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which were reduced in transient p53 knockdown, indicating that I3M-mediated apoptosis was promoted by p53-mediated ROS production. Our results also showed that I3M enhanced transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression, resulted in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated DR5 expression, which was upregulated by ROS production in HCT116 p53+/+ cells. Moreover, co-treatment with I3M and TRAIL enhanced DR5 expression, thereby triggering TRAIL-induced apoptosis of HCT116 p53+/+ cells, which was interfered by a DR5-specific blocking chimeric antibody. In summary, I3M potently enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis by upregulating DR5 expression via p53-mediated ROS production in HCT116 p53+/+ cells. However, HCT116 p53−/− cells were less sensitive to I3M-mediated apoptosis, suggesting that I3M could be a promising anti-cancer candidate against TRAIL-resistant p53+/+ cancer cells. Additionally, this study also revealed that I3M sensitizes colorectal cancer cells such as HT29 and SW480 to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
Effects of Laser Fluence and Pulse Overlap on Machining of Microchannels in Alumina Ceramics Using an Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Mohammed Muneer Khan , Umer Usama , Abdulhameed Osama , Alkhalefah Hisham
Published: September 2019

The quality of micro-features in various technologies is mostly affected by the choice of the micro-fabrication technique, which in turn results in several limitations with regard to materials, productivity, and cost. Laser beam micro-machining has a distinct edge over other non-traditional methods in terms of material choices, precision, shape complexity, and surface integrity. This study investigates the effect of laser fluence and pulse overlap while developing microchannels in alumina ceramic using an neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Microchannels 200 µm wide with different depths were machined using different laser peak fluence and pulse overlap (percentage of overlap between successive laser pulses) values. It was found that high pulse overlaps and fluences should be avoided as they give rise to V-shaped microchannels i.e., 100% bottom width errors. The optimal peak fluence range was found to be around 125–130 J/cm2 corresponding to 3–5 µm depth per scan. In addition, channels fabricated with moderate pulse overlap were found to be of good quality compared to low pulse overlaps.
Effects of Mixing Feldspathic Sandstone and Sand on Soil Microbial Biomass and Extracellular Enzyme Activities—A Case Study in Mu Us Sandy Land in China
Authors: Feng Xiuxiu , Zhang Lu , Zhao Fazhu , Bai Hongying , Doughty Russell
Published: September 2019

Microbial biomass, extracellular enzyme activity, and their stoichiometry in soil play an important role in ecosystem dynamics and functioning. To better understand the improvement of sand soil quality and the limitation of soil nutrients after adding feldspathic sandstone, we investigated changes in soil microbial activity after 10 months of mixing feldspathic sandstone and sand, and compared the dynamics with soil properties. We used fumigation extraction to determine soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), phosphorus (MBP), and microplate fluorometric techniques to measure soil β-1,4-glucosidase (BG), β-1,4-xylosidase (BX), β-D-cellobiohydrolase (CBH), N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG), and Alkaline phosphatase (AKP). We also measured soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil inorganic carbon (SIC), and soil water content (SWC). Our results showed that the soil microbial biomass C, N, P, and individual extracellular enzyme activities significantly increased in mixed soil. Similarly, the soil microbial biomass C:N, C:P, N:P, MBC:SOC, and BG:NAG significantly increased by 54.3%, 106.3%, 33.1%, 23.0%, and 65.4%, respectively. However, BG:AKP and NAG:AKP decreased by 19.0% and 50.3%, respectively. Additionally, redundancy analysis (RDA) and Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that SWC, SOC, porosity and field capacity were significantly associated with soil microbial biomass indices (i.e., C, N, P, C:N, C:P, N:P in microbial biomass, and MBC:SOC) and extracellular enzyme activity metrics (i.e., individual enzyme activity, ecoenzymatic stoichiometry, and vector characteristics of enzyme activity), while pH, EC, and SIC had no correlation with these indices and metrics. These results indicated that mixing feldspathic sandstone and sand is highly susceptible to changes in soil microbial activity, and the soil N limitation decreased while P became more limited. In summary, our research showed that adding feldspathic sandstone into sand can significantly improve soil quality and provide a theoretical basis for the development of desertified land resources.
JFET Integration Using a Foundry SOI Photonics Platform
Authors: Li Shuxia , Tarr N. Garry , Ye Winnie N.
Published: September 2019

We explore the monolithic integration of conventional electronics with SOI photonics using the commercial silicon photonics foundry technology offered by A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME). This process offers optical waveguide modulators and photodetectors, but was not intended to support transistors. We present the implementation of junction field effect transistors (JFETs) integrated with optical waveguides and photodetectors. A simple SPICE model is developed for the JFETs based on the available ion implant parameters, and the geometry feature size allowed by the technology’s layout rules. We have demonstrated the monolithic integration of photonics and electronics circuits. This work could be useful for application in waveguide sensors and optical telecommunications.
Statistical Analysis and Data Envelopment Analysis to Improve the Efficiency of Manufacturing Process of Electrical Conductors
Authors: Zamora-Antuñano Marco Antonio , Cruz-Salinas Jorge , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , González-Gutiérrez Carlos Alberto , Méndez-Lozano Néstor , Paredes-García Wilfrido Jacobo , Altamirano-Corro José Antonio , Gaytán-Díaz José Alfredo
Published: September 2019

The main focus of this research was to develop an approach using statistical tools and Data envelopment analysis (DEA) to tackling productivity measurements and benchmarking problems in electrical conductor manufacturing environment. In the present work, a tooling efficiency study was carried out with a nozzle used for the manufacture of 23-AWG wires. The efficiency of five types of tooling, four non-Mexican-manufactured types and one Mexican-manufactured type, were compared. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test were applied. Six factors were considered that influence of the performance of the tooling during the manufacturing process: productivity, quality, time, machine, operator, and color of the insulating material, but the research work focuses on the efficiency of the tooling die-nozzle. The results demonstrated that two die-nozzle models exhibited the best performance; one of them was the Mexican model, surpassed by a non-Mexican model, the capability process index Cpk = 1.26 manifested a better performance for the 3DND die-nozzle according to the statistical analysis and the tests performed. Subsequently, through a super-efficiency DEA model of inputs-oriented with non-decreasing returns to scale (NDRS). The results obtained in the statistical analysis were corroborated using this technique, its application combined with statistical tools represents an innovation for knowledge in manufacturing processes of electrical conductors. Input data were obtained at a manufacturer of electrical conductors supplier of the automotive sector in the Querétaro City of Mexico.
A New Concept Compliant Platform with Spatial Mobility and Remote Actuation
Authors: Belfiore Nicola Pio
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a new tendon-driven platform with spatial mobility. The system can be obtained as a monolithic structure, and its motion is based on the concept of selective compliance. The latter contributes also to optimizing the use of the material by avoiding parasitic deformations. The presented platform makes use of lumped compliance with three different kinds of elastic joints. An analysis of the platform mobility based on finite element analysis is provided together with an assembly mode analysis of the equivalent pseudo-rigid body mechanism. Surgical operations in laparoscopic environments are the natural fields of applications for this device.
A Novel Hybrid Model of WRF and Clearness Index-Based Kalman Filter for Day-Ahead Solar Radiation Forecasting
Authors: Che Yuzhang , Chen Lewei , Zheng Jiafeng , Yuan Liang , Xiao Feng
Published: September 2019

Day-ahead forecasting of solar radiation is essential for grid balancing, real-time unit dispatching, scheduling and trading in the solar energy utilization system. In order to provide reliable forecasts of solar radiation, a novel hybrid model is proposed in this study. The hybrid model consists of two modules: a mesoscale numerical weather prediction model (WRF: Weather Research and Forecasting) and Kalman filter. However, the Kalman filter is less likely to predict sudden changes in the forecasting errors. To address this shortcoming, we develop a new framework to implement a Kalman filter based on the clearness index. The performance of this hybrid model is evaluated using a one-year dataset of solar radiation taken from a photovoltaic plant located at Maizuru, Japan and Qinghai, China, respectively. The numerical results reveal that the proposed hybrid model performs much better in comparison with the WRF-alone forecasts under different sky conditions. In particular, in the case of clear sky conditions, the hybrid model can improve the forecasting accuracy by 95.7% and 90.9% in mean bias error (MBE), and 42.2% and 26.8% in root mean square error (RMSE) for Maizuru and Qinghai sites, respectively.
Smart Footwear Insole for Recognition of Foot Pronation and Supination Using Neural Networks
Authors: Domínguez-Morales Manuel J. , Luna-Perejón Francisco , Miró-Amarante Lourdes , Hernández-Velázquez Mariló , Sevillano-Ramos José L.
Published: September 2019

Abnormal foot postures during gait are common sources of pain and pathologies of the lower limbs. Measurements of foot plantar pressures in both dynamic and static conditions can detect these abnormal foot postures and prevent possible pathologies. In this work, a plantar pressure measurement system is developed to identify areas with higher or lower pressure load. This system is composed of an embedded system placed in the insole and a user application. The instrumented insole consists of a low-power microcontroller, seven pressure sensors and a low-energy bluetooth module. The user application receives and shows the insole pressure information in real-time and, finally, provides information about the foot posture. In order to identify the different pressure states and obtain the final information of the study with greater accuracy, a Deep Learning neural network system has been integrated into the user application. The neural network can be trained using a stored dataset in order to obtain the classification results in real-time. Results prove that this system provides an accuracy over 90% using a training dataset of 3000+ steps from 6 different users.
The Use of High-Alloyed EAF Slag for the Neutralization of On-Site Produced Acidic Wastewater: The First Step Towards a Zero-Waste Stainless-Steel Production Process
Authors: De Colle Mattia , Jönsson Pär , Karasev Andrey , Gauffin Alicia , Renman Agnieszka , Renman Gunno
Published: September 2019

Recycling of steelmaking slags has well-established applications, such as their use in cement, asphalt, or fertilizer industries. Although in some cases, such as the electric arc furnace (EAF) high-alloyed stainless-steel production, the slag’s high metal content prevents its use in such applications. This forces companies to accumulate it as waste. Using concepts such dematerialization, waste management, industrial symbiosis, and circular economy, the article drafts a conceptual framework on the best route to solving the landfilling issue, aiming at a zero-waste process re-design. An experimental part follows, with an investigation of the use of landfill slag as a substitute of limestone for the neutralization of acidic wastewater, produced by the rinsing of steel after the pickling process. Neutralization of acidic wastewater with both lime and slag samples was performed with two different methods. Two out of four slag samples tested proved their possible use, reaching desired pH values compared to lime neutralizations. Moreover, the clean waters resulting from the neutralizations with the use of both lime and slag were tested. In terms of hazardous element concentrations, neutralization with slag yielded similar results to lime. The results of these trials show that slag is a potential substitute of lime for the neutralization of acidic wastewater.