bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La ambivalencia del poder ¿Concentración o difusión? Una relectura de Max Weber
Authors: Lamo de Espinosa Michels de Champourcin Emilio
Published: January 2020

En este texto de la conferencia impartida por el autor este mismo año, se realiza un análisis pormenorizado de lo que es el poder y sus implicaciones en la sociedad de hoy en día. Se parte del poder como control y límite de la acción de otros, acercándose al mismo desde sus tres dimensiones: el poder como acción o fuerza, como autoridad y como influencia. A ello se le añade lo que se conoce como poder “estructural”, ejercido por el sistema. Y es en relación con este último, y con el hecho de que la máxima configuración institucional en la actualidad sea el Estado con sus burocracias y su derecho formal, que el autor se centra a continuación en el poder político y en la estatalización del mundo. Señala una generalización de la estatalización que implica a su vez una concentración del poder y el papel de la arquitectura institucional europea en la política mundial, así como la emergencia de organismos transnacionales y de nuevos poderes globales. Paralelamente, se menciona el papel de los partidos políticos que controlan el Estado y, por tanto, también sus recursos. Finalmente, el autor realiza un análisis histórico de cómo se ha llegado a la mencionada concentración del poder en cada vez menos Estados en el llamado orden internacional.
La obra (escrita) de un Letrado de las Cortes Generales: Ramón Entrena Cuesta (Recensión)
Authors: Arnaldo Alcubilla Enrique
Published: January 2020

Recensión de la obra escrita de Ramón Entrena Cuesta como Letrado de las Cortes Generales: ENTRENA CUESTA, R. (1980). La Corona. En Comentarios a la Constitución Española. Madrid: Civitas. GARRIDO FALLA, F. (dir.) y ENTRENA CUESTA, R. et al. (1981). El modelo económico en la Constitución española. Madrid: Instituto de Estudios Económicos. ENTRENA CUESTA, R. (1997). El recurso contencioso-electoral: naturaleza y objetivo. En IV Jornadas de Derecho Parlamentario: reflexiones sobre el régimen electoral, enero 1993 (pp. 475-490). Madrid: Congreso de los Diputados. ENTRENA CUESTA, R. (2001). El proceso contencioso-electoral. En P. García Escudero (dir.). Derecho Contencioso-electoral (pp. 205-246). Madrid: Consejo General del Poder Judicial. ENTRENA CUESTA, R. (2010). Justicia electoral. En F. Pascua Mateo (coord.). Estado democrático y elecciones libres: cuestiones fundamentales de derecho electoral (pp. 631-662). Madrid: Thomson Reuters. ENTRENA CUESTA, R. (2014). Artículos 108 y 113. En M. Delgado-Iribarren (coord.). Comentarios a la Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General y a la Ley Orgánica de Referéndum. Madrid: La Ley. ENTRENA CUESTA, R. (1999). La capitalidad de la Comunidad de Madrid. En E. Arnaldo Alcubilla y J. J. Mollinedo Chocano (coords.). Comentarios al Estatuto de Autonomía de la Comunidad de Madrid (pp. 100-101). Madrid: Comunidad de Madrid. ENTRENA CUESTA, R. (1999). Régimen electoral y partidos políticos. En P. González-Trevijano y E. Arnaldo Alcubilla (coords.). Comentarios a la Constitución de la República Dominicana (pp. 1103-1128). Madrid: La Ley, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. ENTRENA CUESTA, R. (2002). Las campañas electorales ante la Junta Electoral Central. En E. Arnaldo Alcubilla, R. Ávila Ortiz y J (coord.). Elecciones y Justicia en España y México. Memorias del II Curso de Formación Judicial Electoral. México: Tribunal electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación.
Tolivar Alas, L. (2019). Parlamento y Universidad: los Senadores por la Universidad de Oviedo: lección inaugural del curso académico 2019-2020. Oviedo: Universidad de Oviedo (Recensión)
Authors: Jiménez-Blanco Carrillo de Albornoz Antonio
Published: January 2020

Recensión de la obra: Tolivar Alas, L. (2019). Parlamento y Universidad: los Senadores por la Universidad de Oviedo: lección inaugural del curso académico 2019-2020. Oviedo: Universidad de Oviedo
La aplicación del artículo 155 de la Constitución a la comunidad autónoma de Cataluña
Authors: Cavero Gómez Manuel
Published: January 2020

En sendos recursos de inconstitucionalidad contra el Acuerdo del Pleno del Senado de 27 de octubre de 2017 por el que se aprueban las medidas requeridas por el Gobierno de la nación al amparo del artículo 155 de la Constitución, promovidos por un grupo parlamentario y por el Parlamento de Cataluña, el Tribunal Constitucional acuerda desestimarlos en su prác­tica totalidad, con la excepción de una previsión sobre la publicación en los diarios oficiales de la comunidad autónoma de ciertos actos y disposiciones, y en consecuencia confirma la plena adecuación constitucional tanto del procedimiento seguido como de las medidas acordadas.
Influence of the physiological condition of bivalve recruits on their post-settlement dispersal potential
Authors: Forêt M , Olivier F , Miner P , Winkler G , Nadalini JB , Tremblay R
Published: January 2020

Secondary dispersal (= migration) of bivalves occurs after metamorphosis and is a key recruitment process that can radically change patterns of primary settlement. An example of secondary dispersal is active migration behavior of bivalve recruits such as in bysso-pelagic drift. We hypothesize that these active migrations represent an energy cost for recruits and that the ability to actively migrate will depend upon the recruit’s physiological profile (quantity and quality of energy reserves). In lab experiments, we hatched 4 batches of recruits ofVenus verrucosawith different physiological profiles by varying rearing temperature and diet composition. We then introduced these recruits into a fall velocity tube (5 m height) to estimate their vertical fall velocity as a proxy of their dispersal potential: slower fall velocity implies enhanced dispersal potential. We also compared alive vs. passive (dead) recruits to assess behavioral differences. Fall velocity increased logarithmically with recruit volume for each treatment, and no differences between active and passive individuals were observed for batches reared at 20°C with a mixture ofTisochrysis luteaandChaetoceros gracilis. By contrast, active recruits in 2 other treatments (T. luteaat 20°C and a mix ofC. gracilisandT. luteaat 15°C) significantly decreased their fall velocity regardless of their volume. Moreover, the ability of recruits to control their fall velocity by their behavior was correlated with triglyceride content. Recruits with the highest energy reserves had the greatest capacity to decrease their fall velocity, which suggests a major role of physiological conditions on potential secondary dispersal. We also used a benthic flume to test the substrate selection ability of recruits depending on their physiological profile and found no differences between physiologically different batches. However,V. verrucosarecruits preferred fine sediments, unlike adults, which live mainly in coarse sediment habitats; such difference in substrate preference suggests potential secondary migrations between nursery and adult areas.
Application of Fractal Methods to Ensure the Cyber-Resilience of Self-Organizing Networks
Authors: Ivanov D. V. , Moskvin D. A.
Published: January 2020

In the article the approach and methods of ensuring the security of VANET-networks based on automated counteraction to information security threats through self-regulation of the network structure using the theory of fractal graphs is provided.
Ethical issues in human cloning
Authors: Nwoye Leonard
Published: January 2020

Cloning, which for years has remained a fiction, has finally become a reality today. Genetic engineers can now clone animals to achieve a desired type of product with unique or specific genetic make-ups. Presently, actors in this field have produced cloned sheep, mice, monkeys, pigs and cows. This paper may not exhaust the list if it continues to outline the achievements of genetic engineers today. What is discussed in this research are not only the achievements of genetic engineers, rather the ethical problems surrounding them. How moral is it to clone a cow that will grow up abnormally and die in the shortest time? Also, human beings developed through cloning will experience identity problems, authenticity, freedom, autonomy, and the problem of uniqueness. These problems and more are what this research seeks to address using the methods of analysis, evaluation, and deduction.
A philosophical examination of the concept and nature of suicide as a socio-ethical issue
Authors: Osuala Amaobi Nelson
Published: January 2020

This paper critically examines the nature of suicide as a contemporary Socio-ethical issue. It argues that the phenomenon of suicide is one that can be understood from varied standpoints, especially where it refers to the reasons why most people contemplate suicide. In this paper, I tried to show those moments in which the notion of suicide seems to project ambivalence based on some foundational ethical principles, some of which seem to justify or condemn the act of suicide. Some of the arguments thus examined include amongst others, the theological argument, domino argument, legal principles, justice argument, and utilitarian principle etcetera. It was against this backdrop that I took a bent and reached a crescendo in which case I maintained that the notion of suicide runs contrary to the fundamental ethical value of traditional Igbo aborigines of the complementary system of thought, the latter who avers that ndu bu isi (life is of supreme value). It was upon this premise as well as other principles of human co-existential experience that I condemned the act of suicide. I employed the philosophical tools of skeptic-critical evaluation cum analysis to arrive at this conclusive conclusion.
DIVERSIFIKASI TALAS BOGOR (Colocasia Esculenta (L) Schott) SEBAGAI UPAYA OLAHAN PRODUK TAPAI KHAS BOGOR
Authors: Sanjaya Antony Rendi , Mulyati Ade Heri , Citroreksoko Padmono
Published: January 2020

In Bogor district as an Indonesian taro central production, recorded that it has almost 57000 ton taro each year in 2008. Bogor’s taro which is abundant in Bogor is still limited its use. Diversity the use of taro necessary to maximize available resources and make it becoming alternative processed products in market. Carbohydrat content in Bogor’s taro depends on data from Nutrition Directorate of Ministry of Health in 2008 is 23.79%, the high content of carbohydrate makes taro can be processed to a characteristic food such as tapai. This research aims to knowing type of taro’s effect to product and optimum fermentation time to make best tapai product. Research method begins with making tapai from three kind of taro, they are bentul taro, mentega taro and sutra taro. Then it fermentated at different time length, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours. After get the best product that liked by the panellist, conducted quality testing seen from moisture, ash content, total fat, protein, pH, reduction sugar, carbohydrate content, alcohol content and dietary fibre. Tapai bentul taro with fermentation length 48 hours is chosen and it use as a remain variable. The result of chemical analysis tapai bentul taro (B1) are moisture 59.27%, ash content 2.11%, total fat 1.78%, protein 2.96%, pH 5.48, reduction sugar 12.13%, carbohydrate 21.94%, alcohol 6.03% and dietary fibre 2.28%.
AKTIVITAS EKSTRAK ETANOL 96% KULIT BIJI MELINJO (Gnetum gnemon) SEBAGAI ANTIBAKTERI Salmonella enteritidis
Authors: Kusmiati Ade , Haryani Tri Saptari , . Triastinurmiatiningsih
Published: January 2020

Salmonella enteritidis contamination in chicken meat causes chicken meat to rapidly decay. The use of chemical preservatives is very harmful, therefore the use of natural materials is recommended because it is safer to consume for humans. One of them is using Melinjo seed skin which has antibacterial power. The purpose of the study is to find out the activity of Melinjo seed bark extract (Gnetum gnemon) in inhibiting the growth of Salmonella enteritidis that can be used as a natural preservative in chicken meat. The first stage of the study was by extracting Melinjo seed bark using ethanol 96% with maceration method for 6 days. Activity test of Melnjo seed bark extract against Salmonella enteritidis using method of disc paper with a variation of the treatment of 25%, 50%, 75% and tetracycline positive control. The observed parameter is the measurement of the inhibited region Diameter (DDH) and the phytochemical test against Melinjo seed bark extract. The research results for the testing of the area Diameter of the hhibited region obtained the most effective concentration of 75% in the diameter of the area of the barrier of 10.3 mm and categorized with antimicrobial power levels of moderate sensitivity as well as can be used as natural preservatives in chicken meat. Phytochemical test results indicate the presence of compound flavonoids, tannins, saponins and triterpenoid.
MODEL VEHICLE ROUTING PROBLEM DALAM MENENTUKAN BANYAKNYA RUTE DAN ARMADA PENGANGKUTAN SAMPAH DI KOTA BOGOR
Authors: Widyastiti Maya , Kamila Isti
Published: January 2020

Garbage problem is a common problem in urban areas, including in Bogor. This study aims to determine the number of routes and fleet of garbage transportation in Bogor. The method used is the Branch and Bound method by using the Vehicle Routing Problem model. The results obtained in the form of 69 garbage transportation routes and 36 garbage transport fleets are needed, with details of Central Bogor as many as 7 routes and 4 garbage transport fleets, North Bogor as many as 13 routes and 4 transport fleet units, East Bogor as much as 6 units 3 units of transport routes and fleets, 14 units of West Bogor and 7 units of transport fleet, 16 units of Bogor Selatan and 8 units of transport fleet, and 12 units of Tanah Sareal and 6 units of garbage transport fleet.
AKTIVITAS ANTIOKSIDAN DAN IDENTIFIKASI SENYAWA EKSTRAK JAMUR LINGZHI (Ganoderma lucidum) DENGAN LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY (LC-MS)
Authors: Nuraeni Farida , Br Sembiring Septi Bernadetha
Published: January 2020

Lingzhi mushroom is widely used as an alternative treatment to reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels, to maximize the potential of the Lingzhi fungus antioxidant tests are carried out. This study aims to determine the potential antioxidant activity of water extract and 70% ethanol extract of Lingzhi mushroom with maceration extraction time variation and identification of compounds with Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). This research begins with the determination of fresh lingzhi mushrooms then made simplicia and extracted by maceration with time variation with soaking time of 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours each with 2 solvents namely water and 70% ethanol. The extract was tested by phytochemistry followed by testing the antioxidant activity of Lingzhi mushroom extract (ganoderma lucidum) by DPPH method. Then the compounds were identified by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Based on the results of research that maceration for 1 hour (1 day) Lingzhi mushroom with 70% ethanol extraction has the potential as an antioxidant with an IC50 value of 94.83 ppm. The results of identification with LC-MS in 70% ethanol extract as a compound that has potential as an antioxidant are Bisphenol M compounds, and 1- - [[2- (3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl) amino]} -3-methyl-2-octylpyrido [1 , 2-a] benzimidazole-4-carbonitrile.
SISTEM INFORMASI PRESENSI FINGERPRINT DIKTENDIK BERBASIS WEB (STUDI KASUS : MA AR-ROSYIDIYAH BENGKALIS)
Authors: Wulandari Ratna , Febriani Anita , Rahmalisa Uci
Published: January 2020

Madrasah Aliyah Ar-Rosyidiyah Bengkalis menerapkan presensi pendidik dan tenaga kependidikan dengan cara manual dimana setiap pendidik dan tenaga kependidikan menandatangani sebuah lembar absen untuk presensi, kemudian lembar absen tersebut diolah kembali kedalam laporan bulanan. Presensi secara manual juga membuat tenaga kependidikan dalam hal ini staf tata usaha masih sulit mencari data presensi yang dibutuhkan. Dari sisi keamanan, sistem presensi manual masih sangat rawan terhadap kecurangan data, rusak atau hiangnya berkas yang dapat menyebabkan terlambatnya arus informasi presensi dalam proses merekap data, dan menjadi kurang efektif bagi suatu lembaga sekolah. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, maka dibutuhkan sebuah sistem yang terintergrasi dengan fingerprint yang dapat menerima data dari fingerprint dan  dilengkapi dengan pencatatan, pengolahan dan rekapitulasi data.  Penelitian ini akan menghasilkan sistem presensi diktendik berbasis web yang terintegrasi dengan finger print, yang dilengkapi dengan pencatatan, pengolahan dan rekapitulasi data presensi dalam bentuk tabel dan grafik. Sistem informasi presensi fingerprint diktendik berbasis web, mampu mengubah kegiatan presensi yang menggunakan cara manual menjadi menggunakan sistem yang terintegrasi dengan fingerprint, mempermudah staf tata usaha dalam hal mencari dan mengolah data presensi, serta mampu meningkatkan keamanan presensi.
SISTEM PRESENSI ANDROID BERBASIS QRCODE DAN DSRSA MENGGUNAKAN TEMPLATE MATCHING
Authors: Putra Dimas Rossiawan Hendra , Rahmad Cahya , Yuninanto Dika Rizky , Saputro Bayu Hari
Published: January 2020

Pelaksanaan sistem presensi pada Jurusan Teknologi Informasi di Politeknik Negeri Malang perlu dikembangkan agar lebih efektif dalam implementasinya. Efektifitas yang dimaksud adalah mahasiswa tidak perlu lagi untuk mengambil lembar presensi saat akan melakukan presensi perkuliahan dan mengembalikan lembar tersebut setelah selesai melakukan presensi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membangun suatu sistem presensi untuk menjawab permasalahan yang telah dipaparkan. Dalam pembangunan sistem presensi, digunakan 2 algoritma yaitu DS RSA dan Template Matching. Algoritma DS RSA yang disisipkan pada pembangkitan QR Code digunakan demi keamanan dan reliabilitas pada pengacakan kunci yang telah diinisialisasi oleh algoritma DS RSA. Pengacakan itu bermaksud untuk memberikan batasan pada mahasiswa agar tidak bisa melakukan presensi jika kelasnya tidak sesuai. Sedangkan untuk Template Matching digunakan untuk pengecekan wajah mahasiswa. Hal ini dilakukan untuk memastikan bahwa mahasiswa tersebut hadir pada kelas dan dosen dapat mengantisipasi adanya kecurangan mahasiswa dalam melakukan absensi. Penerapan sistem presensi ini membutuhkan setiap mahasiswa untuk memfoto wajah mereka lalu membaca QR Code yang telah dibangkitkan dengan smartphone sesuai dengan kelas dan ditampilkan pada layar proyektor kelas. Penelitian ini berhasil membangun sistem presensi berbasis QR Code dengan mengimplementasikan algoritma DS RSA dan template matching. Sistem pembangkitan QR Code ini memiliki reliabilitas sangat baik dan akurasi tertinggi dari algoritma template matching adalah 93.33% dengan jumlah 80 template.
Synthesis of Benzoxazine-Based N-Doped Mesoporous Carbons as High-Performance Electrode Materials
Authors: Zhang Haihan , Xu Li , Liu Guoji
Published: January 2020

In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon materials (NCMs) were prepared using aniline-phenol benzoxazine (BOZ) or aniline-cardanol benzoxazine as the carbon precursor and SBA-15 as the hard template. The effects of the carbonization temperature (700, 800, and 900 °C) and different nitrogen contents on the electrochemical properties of carbon materials were investigated. The samples synthesized using aniline-phenol benzoxazine as precursors and treated at 900 °C (NCM-900) exhibited an excellent electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance was 460 F/g at a current density of 0.25 A/g and the cycle stability was excellent (96.1% retention rate of the initial capacitance after 2000 cycles) in a 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte with a three-electrode system. Furthermore, NCM-900 also exhibited a high specific capacitance, comparable energy/power densities, and excellent cycling stability using a symmetrical electrode system. The characterization of the morphology and structure of the materials suggests it possessed an ordered mesoporous structure and a large specific surface area. NCM-900 could thus be considered a promising electrode material for supercapacitors.
Groundwater Spring Potential Mapping Using Artificial Intelligence Approach Based on Kernel Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Alternating Decision Tree Models
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Yang , Tsangaratos Paraskevas , Shahabi Himan , Ilia Ioanna , Xue Weifeng , Bian Huiyuan
Published: January 2020

This study presents a methodology for constructing groundwater spring potential maps by kernel logistic regression, (KLR), random forest (RF), and alternating decision tree (ADTree) models. The analysis was based on data concerning groundwater springs and fourteen explanatory factors (elevation, slope, aspect, plan curvature, profile curvature, stream power index, sediment transport index, topographic wetness index, distance to streams, distance to roads, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), lithology, soil, and land use), which were divided into training and validation datasets. Ningtiaota region in the northern territory of Shaanxi Province, China, was considered as a test site. Frequency Ratio method was applied to provide to each factor’s class a coefficient weight, whereas the linear support vector machine method was used as a feature selection method to determine the optimal set of factors. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the performance of each model using the training dataset, with the RF model providing the highest AUC value (0.909) followed by the KLR (0.877) and ADTree (0.812) models. The same performance pattern was estimated based on the validation dataset, with the RF model providing the highest AUC value (0.811) followed by the KLR (0.797) and ADTree (0.773) models. This study highlights that the artificial intelligence approach could be considered as a valid and accurate approach for groundwater spring potential zoning.
Inter-Segmental Coordination during a Unilateral 180° Jump in Elite Rugby Players: Implications for Prospective Identification of Injuries
Authors: Krajewski Kellen T. , McCabe Carla , Sinnott Aaron M. , Moir Gavin L. , Lamont Hugh S. , Brown Susan , Connaboy Chris
Published: January 2020

Musculoskeletal injuries often occur during the execution of dynamic sporting tasks that involve rotation. The prescription of appropriate prevention strategies of musculoskeletal injury relies on assessments to identify risk, but current assessment tools focus on uniplanar movements. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the utility of the unilateral 180° jump as a potential assessment tool for injury risk in the lower body by (1) providing descriptive kinematics of the knee, thigh, and pelvis (2) conducting inter-segmental coordination analysis, and (3) comparing the knee kinematics between the dominant and non-dominant limb (NDL) during the loading (LOP) and landing phase (LAP). Elite rugby players completed one session, performing five 180° unilateral jumps on each limb while collecting kinematic data. Independent t-tests were used to compare peak angles of DL and NDL. Continuous Relative Phase (CRP) plots were constructed for thorax and pelvis in the transverse plane. At the loading phase, the non-dominant limb had greater peak knee abduction (ABD) (p = 0.01). At the landing phase, the dominant limb had greater peak knee adduction (ADD) (p = 0.05). At the landing phase, the non-dominant limb had greater peak knee ABD (p = 0.01). CRP plots indicate participants can utilize a thorax-led, pelvis-led, or synchronized rotational method. Bilateral asymmetries were observed, indicated by significant differences in the bilateral landing phase peak ADD/ABD, which is of particular interest considering all participants were healthy. Therefore, additional research is needed to determine thresholds for injury risk during rotational tasks.
Auditory Coding of Reaching Space
Authors: Fehse Ursula , Schmitz Gerd , Hartwig Daniela , Ghai Shashank , Brock Heike , Effenberg Alfred O.
Published: January 2020

Reaching movements are usually initiated by visual events and controlled visually and kinesthetically. Lately, studies have focused on the possible benefit of auditory information for localization tasks, and also for movement control. This explorative study aimed to investigate if it is possible to code reaching space purely by auditory information. Therefore, the precision of reaching movements to merely acoustically coded target positions was analyzed. We studied the efficacy of acoustically effect-based and of additional acoustically performance-based instruction and feedback and the role of visual movement control. Twenty-four participants executed reaching movements to merely acoustically presented, invisible target positions in three mutually perpendicular planes in front of them. Effector-endpoint trajectories were tracked using inertial sensors. Kinematic data regarding the three spatial dimensions and the movement velocity were sonified. Thus, acoustic instruction and real-time feedback of the movement trajectories and the target position of the hand were provided. The subjects were able to align their reaching movements to the merely acoustically instructed targets. Reaching space can be coded merely acoustically, additional visual movement control does not enhance reaching performance. On the basis of these results, a remarkable benefit of kinematic movement acoustics for the neuromotor rehabilitation of everyday motor skills can be assumed.
Exosomal miR-92a Concentration in the Serum of Shift Workers
Authors: Bracci Massimo , Eléxpuru Zabaleta Maria , Tartaglione Maria Fiorella , Ledda Caterina , Rapisarda Venerando , Santarelli Lory
Published: January 2020

Shift work is associated with alterations in the human biological clock and metabolism. Serum exosomal miR-92a concentration was inversely correlated with brown adipose tissue activity playing a pivotal role in energy balance. In this study, miR-92a was measured in serum exosomes of 30 workers engaged in shift and daytime work. No significant metabolic alterations were shown between daytime and shift workers while a difference in serum exosomal miR-92a levels was found between the two groups. The lower levels of miR-92a in shift workers were suggestive of a higher brown adipose tissue activity compared with daytime workers. However, the possibility that other physiological and pathological processes may influence miR-92a cannot be ruled out. Our results suggest further investigations on brown adipose tissue activity and on miR-92a regulatory mechanisms, such as those related to the estrogen pathway, in shift workers.
Thermally Stratified Darcy Forchheimer Flow on a Moving Thin Needle with Homogeneous Heterogeneous Reactions and Non-Uniform Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Shaheen Naila , Kadry Seifedine , Ratha Yeu , Nam Yunyoung
Published: January 2020

This study discusses the flow of viscous fluid past a moving thin needle in a Darcy–Forchheimer permeable media. The novelty of the envisioned mathematical model is enhanced by adding the effects of a non-uniform source/sink amalgamated with homogeneous–heterogeneous (hh) reactions. The MATLAB bvp4c function is employed to solve the non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which are obtained via similarity transformations. The outcomes of numerous parameters are explicitly discussed graphically. The drag force coefficient and heat transfer rate are considered and discussed accordingly. It is comprehended that higher estimates of variable source/sink boost the temperature profile.
Developing a New Computational Intelligence Approach for Approximating the Blast-Induced Ground Vibration
Authors: Li Guichen , Kumar Deepak , Samui Pijush , Nikafshan Rad Hima , Roy Bishwajit , Hasanipanah Mahdi
Published: January 2020

Ground vibration induced by blasting operations is an important undesirable effect in surface mines and has significant environmental impacts on surrounding areas. Therefore, the precise prediction of blast-induced ground vibration is a challenging task for engineers and for managers. This study explores and evaluates the use of two stochastic metaheuristic algorithms, namely biogeography-based optimization (BBO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), as well as one deterministic optimization algorithm, namely the DIRECT method, to improve the performance of an artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting the ground vibration. It is worth mentioning this is the first time that BBO-ANN and DIRECT-ANN models have been applied to predict ground vibration. To demonstrate model reliability and effectiveness, a minimax probability machine regression (MPMR), extreme learning machine (ELM), and three well-known empirical methods were also tested. To collect the required datasets, two quarry mines in the Shur river dam region, located in the southwest of Iran, were monitored, and the values of input and output parameters were measured. Five statistical indicators, namely the percentage root mean square error (%RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), Ratio of RMSE to the standard deviation of the observations (RSR), mean absolute error (MAE), and degree of agreement (d) were taken into account for the model assessment. According to the results, BBO-ANN provided a better generalization capability than the other predictive models. As a conclusion, BBO, as a robust evolutionary algorithm, can be successfully linked to the ANN for better performance.
Numerical Study of an Ultra-Broadband All-Silicon Terahertz Absorber
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Lang Tingting , Shen Tingting , Shen Changyu , Hong Zhi , Lu Congcong
Published: January 2020

In this article we present and numerically investigate a broadband all-silicon terahertz (THz) absorber which consists of a single-layer periodic array of a diamond metamaterial layer placed on a silicon substrate. We simulated the absorption spectra of the absorber under different structural parameters using the commercial software Lumerical FDTD solutions, and analyzed the absorption mechanism from the distribution of the electromagnetic fields. Finally, the absorption for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations under different incident angles from 0 to 70° were investigated. Herein, electric and magnetic resonances are proposed that result in perfect broadband absorption. When the absorber meets the impedance matching principle in accordance with the loss mechanism, it can achieve a nearly perfect absorption response. The diamond absorber exhibits an absorption of ~100% at 1 THz and achieves an absorption efficiency >90% within a bandwidth of 1.3 THz. In addition, owing to the highly structural symmetry, the absorber has a polarization-independent characteristic. Compared with previous metal–dielectric–metal sandwiched absorbers, the all-silicon metamaterial absorbers can avoid the disadvantages of high ohmic losses, low melting points, and high thermal conductivity of the metal, which ensure a promising future for optical applications, including sensors, modulators, and photoelectric detection devices.
A Model In Vitro Study Using Hypericin: Tumor-Versus Necrosis-Targeting Property and Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Shuncong , Zhao Yuanyu , Saiyin Hexige , He Xiaoyan , Zhao Juanzhi , Li Ling , Talebi Ali , Huang Gang , Ni Yicheng
Published: January 2020

Hypericin (Hyp) had been explored as a tumor-seeking agent for years; however, more recent studies showed its necrosis-avidity rather than cancer-seeking property. To further look into this discrepancy, we conducted an in vitro study on Hyp retention in vital and dead cancerous HepG2 and normal LO2 cell lines by measuring the fluorescence intensity and concentration of Hyp in cells. To question the DNA binding theory for its necrosis-avidity, the subcellular distribution of Hyp was also investigated to explore the possible mechanisms of the necrosis avidity. The fluorescence intensity and concentration are significantly higher in dead cells than those in vital cells, and this difference did not differ between HepG2 and LO2 cell lines. Hyp was taken up in vital cells in the early phase and excreted within hours, whereas it was retained in dead cells for more than two days. Confocal microscopy showed that Hyp selectively accumulated in lysosomes rather than cell membrane or nuclei. Hyp showed a necrosis-avid property rather than cancer-targetability. The long-lasting retention of Hyp in dead cells may be associated with halted energy metabolism and/or binding with certain degraded cellular substrates. Necrosis-avidity of Hyp was confirmed, which may be associated with halted energy metabolism in dead LO2 or HepG2 cells.
Essential Oils of Lamiaceae Family Plants as Antifungals
Authors: Karpiński Tomasz M.
Published: January 2020

The incidence of fungal infections has been steadily increasing in recent years. Systemic mycoses are characterized by the highest mortality. At the same time, the frequency of infections caused by drug-resistant strains and new pathogens e.g., Candida auris increases. An alternative to medicines may be essential oils, which can have a broad antimicrobial spectrum. Rich in the essential oils are plants from the Lamiaceae family. In this review are presented antifungal activities of essential oils from 72 Lamiaceae plants. More than half of these have good activity (minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) < 1000 µg/mL) against fungi. The best activity (MICs < 100) have essential oils from some species of the genera Clinopodium, Lavandula, Mentha, Thymbra, and Thymus. In some cases were observed significant discrepancies between different studies. In the review are also shown the most important compounds of described essential oils. To the chemical components most commonly found as the main ingredients include β-caryophyllene (41 plants), linalool (27 plants), limonene (26), β-pinene (25), 1,8-cineole (22), carvacrol (21), α-pinene (21), p-cymene (20), γ-terpinene (20), and thymol (20).
IL10 rs1800872 Is Associated with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Exacerbated Respiratory Disease in Mexican-Mestizo Patients
Authors: Pavón-Romero Gandhi Fernando , Pérez-Rubio Gloria , Ramírez-Jiménez Fernando , Ambrocio-Ortiz Enrique , Merino-Camacho Cristian Rubén , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés , Teran Luis M.
Published: January 2020

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD) is a disease integrated by asthma, nasal polyps, and hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Genetic association studies have explored single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in theoretical pathophysiological mechanisms, but most of these lack replication of findings in second populations. Our objective was to evaluate the association of SNPs in candidate genomic regions described in Asian and European subjects with N-ERD in Mexican-mestizo patients. We designed a replicative study in two stages. We included 381 SNPs selected by fine mapping of associated genes in a microarray, which were tested in three groups: N-ERD (N), asthma (A), and control group (CG); by means of GoldenGate array, positive results by genetic models were validated in the second stage in another population through qPCR with the same methodology. In the allelic model, we identified 11 SNPs in N vs. CG comparison, and five in N vs. A and A vs. CG, respectively. By genetics models, all SNPs in PPARG, rs13239058 in TBXAS1, and rs1554286 and rs1800872 in IL10 were associated in both models. In the second stage, only rs1800872CC showed an association in the dominant model comparing N vs. GC, p = 0.004, OR = 0.44. In conclusion, rs1800872 in IL10 was the only associated with N-ERD in Mexican-mestizo patients.
Recent Advances in Selective Photo-Epoxidation of Propylene: A Review
Authors: Nguyen Van-Huy , Nguyen Ba-Son , Vo Hieu-Thao , Nguyen Chinh Chien , Bae Sa-Rang , Kim Soo Young , Le Quyet Van
Published: January 2020

The epoxidation of propylene to produce propylene oxide (PO) has a vital role in the industrial production of several commercial compounds and the synthesis of numerous intermediates, fine chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. However, the current PO production processes pose significant problems regarding the environment and economy. The direct photo-epoxidation of propylene using molecular oxygen (an ideal oxidant with active oxygen of 100 wt %) under light irradiation is a promising technology to produce PO. This process offers numerous advantages, including the use of simple technologies, low-cost methods, and environmental friendliness. Many efforts have focused on the design of new photocatalyst systems, optimizing the conditions for a photocatalytic reaction, and elucidating the mechanisms of photo-epoxidation. This review is expected to serve as a comprehensive background, providing researchers with insight into the recent developments regarding the direct photo-epoxidation of propylene.
Post-Translational Modification and Natural Mutation of TRPC Channels
Authors: Liu Xianji , Yao Xiaoqiang , Tsang Suk Ying
Published: January 2020

Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) channels are homologues of Drosophila TRP channel first cloned in mammalian cells. TRPC family consists of seven members which are nonselective cation channels with a high Ca2+ permeability and are activated by a wide spectrum of stimuli. These channels are ubiquitously expressed in different tissues and organs in mammals and exert a variety of physiological functions. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) including phosphorylation, N-glycosylation, disulfide bond formation, ubiquitination, S-nitrosylation, S-glutathionylation, and acetylation play important roles in the modulation of channel gating, subcellular trafficking, protein-protein interaction, recycling, and protein architecture. PTMs also contribute to the polymodal activation of TRPCs and their subtle regulation in diverse physiological contexts and in pathological situations. Owing to their roles in the motor coordination and regulation of kidney podocyte structure, mutations of TRPCs have been implicated in diseases like cerebellar ataxia (moonwalker mice) and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The aim of this review is to comprehensively integrate all reported PTMs of TRPCs, to discuss their physiological/pathophysiological roles if available, and to summarize diseases linked to the natural mutations of TRPCs.
Delineating the Molecular Basis of the Calmodulin–bMunc13-2 Interaction by Cross-Linking/Mass Spectrometry—Evidence for a Novel CaM Binding Motif in bMunc13-2
Authors: Piotrowski Christine , Moretti Rocco , Ihling Christian H. , Haedicke André , Liepold Thomas , Lipstein Noa , Meiler Jens , Jahn Olaf , Sinz Andrea
Published: January 2020

Exploring the interactions between the Ca2+ binding protein calmodulin (CaM) and its target proteins remains a challenging task. Members of the Munc13 protein family play an essential role in short-term synaptic plasticity, modulated via the interaction with CaM at the presynaptic compartment. In this study, we focus on the bMunc13-2 isoform expressed in the brain, as strong changes in synaptic transmission were observed upon its mutagenesis or deletion. The CaM–bMunc13-2 interaction was previously characterized at the molecular level using short bMunc13-2-derived peptides only, revealing a classical 1–5–10 CaM binding motif. Using larger protein constructs, we have now identified for the first time a novel and unique CaM binding site in bMunc13-2 that contains an N-terminal extension of a classical 1–5–10 CaM binding motif. We characterize this motif using a range of biochemical and biophysical methods and highlight its importance for the CaM–bMunc13-2 interaction.
Investigating the Potential and Pitfalls of EV-Encapsulated MicroRNAs as Circulating Biomarkers of Breast Cancer
Authors: Moloney Brian M. , Gilligan Katie E. , Joyce Doireann P. , O’Neill Clodagh P. , O’Brien Killian P. , Khan Sonja , Glynn Claire L. , Waldron Ronan M. , Maguire Ciarán M. , Holian Emma , Naughton Erin , Elhadi Mohamed , Grealish Andrea B. , Malone Carmel , McDermott Emma , Dockery Peter , Ritter Thomas , Prina-Mello Adriele , Kerin Michael J. , Dwyer Róisín M.
Published: January 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) shuttle microRNA (miRNA) throughout the circulation and are believed to represent a fingerprint of the releasing cell. We isolated and characterized serum EVs of breast tumour-bearing animals, breast cancer (BC) patients, and healthy controls. EVs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), protein quantification, western blotting, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Absolute quantitative (AQ)-PCR was employed to analyse EV-miR-451a expression. Isolated EVs had the appropriate morphology and size. Patient sera contained significantly more EVs than did healthy controls. In tumour-bearing animals, a correlation between serum EV number and tumour burden was observed. There was no significant relationship between EV protein yield and EV quantity determined by NTA, highlighting the requirement for direct quantification. Using AQ-PCR to relate miRNA copy number to EV yield, a significant increase in miRNA-451a copies/EV was detected in BC patient sera, suggesting potential as a novel biomarker of breast cancer.
Effect of 0.8 at.% H on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Evolution of a Ti–45Al–9Nb Alloy Under Uniaxial Tension at High Temperature
Authors: Yu Qiqi , Wen Daosheng , Wang Shouren , Kong Beibei , Wu Shuxu , Xiao Teng
Published: January 2020

To investigate the effect of hydrogen on the high-temperature deformation behaviors of TiAl-based alloys, the high-temperature tensile experiment was carried out on a Ti–45Al–9Nb (at.%) alloy with the H content of 0 and 0.8 at.%, respectively. Then, the effect of hydrogen on the high-temperature mechanical properties of the as-cast alloy was studied, the constitutive relations among stress, temperature, and strain rate were established, and the microstructure was analyzed. The results indicated that, compared with the unhydrogenated alloy, the flow stress of the hydrogenated alloy was significantly reduced, and the peak stress of the hydrogenated alloy decreased by (16.28 ± 0.17)% deformed at 1150 °C/0.0004 s−1. Due to the presence of hydride (TiAl)Hx in the alloy, the elongation showed a decline trend with increasing strain rate at the same deformation temperature. Compared with the unhydrogenated alloy, the elongation of the hydrogenated alloy reduced by (26.05 ± 0.45)% (0.0004 s−1), (23.49 ± 0.38)% (0.001 s−1), and (14.23 ± 0.19)% (0.0025 s−1), respectively, indicating that 0.8 at.% H softened the Ti–45Al–9Nb alloy and reduced the high-temperature plastic deformability. Under the same deformation condition, the deformation extent of the hydrogenated alloy was less than that of the unhydrogenated alloy. There were more residual lamellae in the hydrogenated alloy, and the extent of dynamic recrystallization was lower than that of the unhydrogenated alloy.
Deep Learning Techniques for Automatic Detection of Embryonic Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Attallah Omneya , Sharkas Maha A. , Gadelkarim Heba
Published: January 2020

The increasing rates of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) are threatening pregnant women, parents, and clinicians caring for healthy infants and children. NDs can initially start through embryonic development due to several reasons. Up to three in 1000 pregnant women have embryos with brain defects; hence, the primitive detection of embryonic neurodevelopmental disorders (ENDs) is necessary. Related work done for embryonic ND classification is very limited and is based on conventional machine learning (ML) methods for feature extraction and classification processes. Feature extraction of these methods is handcrafted and has several drawbacks. Deep learning methods have the ability to deduce an optimum demonstration from the raw images without image enhancement, segmentation, and feature extraction processes, leading to an effective classification process. This article proposes a new framework based on deep learning methods for the detection of END. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that uses deep learning techniques for detecting END. The framework consists of four stages which are transfer learning, deep feature extraction, feature reduction, and classification. The framework depends on feature fusion. The results showed that the proposed framework was capable of identifying END from embryonic MRI images of various gestational ages. To verify the efficiency of the proposed framework, the results were compared with related work that used embryonic images. The performance of the proposed framework was competitive. This means that the proposed framework can be successively used for detecting END.
Promoting Inclusion Oral Health: Social Interventions to Reduce Oral Health Inequities
Authors: Freeman Ruth
Published: January 2020

To advance our understanding of inclusion oral health and to address the impact of social exclusion upon oral health, this group of papers sets out to provide an argument for the need for social and community-based interventions, theoretically underpinned by pluralistic definitions of evidence-based practice and the radical discourse of health promotion for those experiencing exclusion. Using the definition and framework of inclusion oral health, these papers illustrate the requirement for mixed-methods research, the incorporation of experts by experience in the research process, and the need for co-design and co-produced interventions. The papers in this Special Issue present various sources of evidence used to transform top-down into bottom-up community-based interventions for people experiencing homelessness, people in custody, and families residing in areas of high social deprivation. The first two papers provide the evidence for extreme oral health in those experiencing exclusion, and the final four papers report on the implementation and evaluation of social or community-based interventions. This collection of research papers will be of interest to all those wishing to reduce health inequities. This will be achieved by focusing on prevention, adopting a common risk factor agenda, and incorporating co-design and co-production elements into interventions, to tackle the oral health inequities felt by those most excluded in our societies.
Whey Protein Concentrate as a Novel Source of Bifunctional Peptides with Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme Inhibitory and Antioxidant Properties: RSM Study
Authors: Hussein Fatima Abdelhameed , Chay Shyan Yea , Zarei Mohammad , Auwal Shehu Muhammad , Hamid Azizah Abdul , Wan Ibadullah Wan Zunairah , Saari Nazamid
Published: January 2020

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is a unique source of protein with numerous nutritional and functional values due to the high content of branched-chain amino acid. This study was designed to establish the optimum conditions for Alcalase-hydrolysis of WPC to produce protein hydrolysates with dual biofunctionalities of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities via response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that the optimum conditions were achieved at temperature = 58.2 °C, E/S ratio = 2.5%, pH = 7.5 and hydrolysis time = 361.8 min in order to obtain the maximum DH (89.2%), ACE-inhibition (98.4%), DPPH• radical scavenging activity (50.1%) and ferrous ion chelation (73.1%). The well-fitted experimental data to predicted data further validates the regression model adequacy. Current study demonstrates the potential of WPC to generate bifunctional hydrolysates with ACE inhibition and antioxidant activity. This finding fosters the use of WPC hydrolysate as a novel, natural ingredient for the development of functional food products.