bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Інформаційна безпека країн Європейського Союзу: проблеми та перспективи правового регулювання
Authors: ПЕРУН ТАРАС
Published: March 2019

У статті проаналізовано міжнародні правові акти щодо забезпечення інформаційної безпеки країн Європейського союзу (далі – Євросоюз). Досліджено внутрішнє європейське законодавство щодо правового регулювання означеної проблематики. Охарактеризовано правові механізми регулювання міжнародних відносин у сфері інформаційної безпеки. Наголошено на існуванні на європейському просторі реальної небезпеки використання інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій з терористичною метою, зокрема для здійснення терористичних атак. Наголошено на високій вірогідності створення потужної, ефективної служби інтернет-пропаганди та інтернет-рекрутування в умовах відсутності загальноєвропейських узгоджених заходів та механізмів протидії кібернетичній агресії. Відзначено, що на сьогодні спостерігається тенденція деяких країн (насамперед Російської Феде рації) до домінування в світовому інформаційному просторі, що шкодить ефективній співпраці України з цивілізованими європейськими державами, а також містить загрози конституційним правам і свободам людини та громадянина, інформаційному забезпеченню державної політики, розвитку вітчизняної індустрії інформації, безпеки інформаційних засобів та систем. Акцентується увага на потребі “переорієнтування” законотворчої діяльності на розроблення концептуального механізму, визначення основних видів загроз, мети, завдань, пріоритетних напрямків у забезпеченні міжнародної інформаційної безпеки прийняттям спеціальних законів, а не лише через міжнародні угоди та проекти міжнародних конвенцій. Підкреслюється, що розроблення та реалізація міжнародних і національних програм створення інформаційних мереж та інформаційних технологій, заснованих на безперервному впровадженні засобів обчислювальної техніки і зв’язку, систем телекомунікацій, є ключовим завданням вступу України в міжнародну інформаційну спільноту. Мета статті полягає у з’ясуванні проблем та перспектив правового регулювання інформаційної безпеки країн Євросоюзу та виробленні на цій основі науково обґрунтованих пропозицій до інформаційного законодавства України.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE PICTURE AND PICTURE UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR IPS SISWA KELAS III SD NEGERI 37 PEKANBARU
Authors: Mayasari Siti , Lazim N. Lazim N. , Noviana Eddy
Published: March 2019

This research was motivated by the low learning outcomes of class III at Pekanbaru Public Elementary School 37 on social studies subjects. This study aims to improve social studies learning outcomes of class III at Pekanbaru Public Elementary School 37 by applying the cooperative learning model type picture and picture. The research subjects were class IIIB students at Pekanbaru Public Elementary School 37 which numbered 35 students. The results of the study showed that the application of the cooperative learning model type picture and picture can improve social studies learning outcomes of class III students at Pekanbaru Public Elementary School 37 in the academic year 2018/209. This was evident from the student learning outcomes in the basic score is 57.28 to 70.71, increasing by 23.45%. The average from the base score to the second cycle to 83.42 increased by 45.63%. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the application of the picture and picture cooperative learning model can improve the social studies learning outcomes of class III students at Pekanbaru Public Elementary School 37.
PENGGUNAAN METODE JIGSAW UNTUK MENINGKATKAN AKTIVITAS DAN HASIL BELAJAR SEJARAH POKOK BAHASAN PERKEMBANGAN PEMERINTAHAN ORDE BARU SISWA KELAS XII IPS SMA NEGERI 10 PEKANBARU
Authors: Nurani Zun
Published: March 2019

This research is a classroom action research which is entitled Using the Jigsaw Method to improve the activities and Learning Outcomes on subject matter of the History of the Development of the New Order Government of grade XII IPS (Social science) Students of SMA 10 Pekanbaru. The porpuse of this research is to improve activities and learning outcomes conducted in two cycles. Before conducting the learning process a test is administered, namely the cycle of total scores (2390); cycle I (2885), and cycle II (3070). For the average pre-cycle score was 68.29, the first cycle increased to 78.92, and the second cycle increased to 87.71. The results obtained based on criterion of Minimal Completness 80. The score of completeness in the complete pre-cycle is only 8 students (22.86%), not complete was 27 students (77.14%). In the first cycle there were 24 students who got complete score (68.57%, and 11 students who got uncompleted score (31.43%). In the second cycle there were 34 students who got complete score (97.14%) and uncomplete score was 2.86%. The score based on the range is the highest with 85 and the lowest one with 45; the first cycle with the highest 95 and the lowest based on the range and criterion score, on the cycle the percentage is 31,43% (enough); the first cycle was very high with 37.14 % and the second cycle was very high at 51.43%. For student activities each cycle increased, namely cycle 1reached to 71.43 and cycle II reached to 85.71.  Keywords: Historics, Jigsaw method. Learning activities and outcome. Abstrak Penelitian ini penelitian tindakan kelas dengan judul Penggunaan Metode Jigsaw untuk meningkatkan aktivitas dan Hasil Belajar Sejarah Pokok Bahasan Perkembangan Pemerintahan OtdeBaru Siswa Kelas XII IPS SMA Negeri 10 Pekanbaru. Tujuannya adalah memperbaiki aktivitas dan hasil belajar dilaksanakan sebanyak dua siklus. Sebelum melakukan proses pembelajaran diadakan tes yaitu prasiklus jumlah nilai ( 2390); siklus I (2885), dan  siklus II (3070). Untuk rata-rata nilai perkelas prasiklus  68,29, siklus I meningkat menjadi 78,92, dan siklus II meningkat menjadi 87,71. Hasil nilai yang diperoleh berdasarkan  KKM 80.  Nilai ketuntasan pada prasiklus  tuntas hanya 8 orang (22,86 %), tidak tuntas sebanyak 27 orang (77,14 %). Pada siklus I meningkat yang tuntas 24 orang (68,57 %, tidak tuntas 11 orang (31,43 %). Pada siklus II yang tuntas 34 orang *97,14 %) dan tidak tuntas 02,86 %). Hasil nilai berdasarkan tinggi dan rendahnya nilai prasiklus tertinggi 85 dan terendah 45; siklus I tertinggi 95 dan terendah 75 berdasarkan  rentang dan kriteria nilai, pada prasiklus persentasinya 3143 % (cukup); siklus I  sangat tinggi 37,14 ^ dan  siklus II pada kriteria sangat tinggi 51,43 %. Aktivitas siswa  setiap siklus meningkat yaitu siklus 1 berjumlah 71,43 dan siklus II berjumlah 85,71. Kata Kunci : Pelajaran Sejarah, metode Jigsaw. aktivitas dan hasil belajar.
La gratificación percibida de los estudiantes universitarios hacia los anuncios en las comunidades virtuales
Authors: Ortiz Rivera Eileen , Mancera Torres Michelle
Published: March 2019

El propósito de esta investigación es examinar la gratificación percibida de los estudiantes universitarios hacia los anuncios en las redes sociales en línea. Se administró un cuestionario a una muestra de 147 estudiantes de una institución de educación superior en Puerto Rico. Se examinaron las variables de influencia social y las variables relacionadas a los anuncios en las redes sociales en línea. Los resultados del presente estudio muestran que, la gratificación percibida de los estudiantes universitarios impacta positivamente a las normas del grupo, las intenciones del grupo, la relevancia percibida del anuncio y la respuesta hacia los anuncios en las redes sociales en línea; por lo tanto, los anuncios pueden dirigirse al consumidor de acuerdo con sus intereses, valores y creencias dentro de la comunidad virtual, maximizando así el uso de las redes sociales como una herramienta de mercadeo digital.
Improved Super-elastic Ti–Ni Alloy Wire Treatment for Skeletal Class III Malocclusion with Anterior Crossbite Dentition
Authors: Chang Yuan-Chieh , Tsai Ming-Ke , Yu Jian-Hong
Published: March 2019

A 20-year-old man presented at our clinic with a primary complaint of irregular dentition and reverse bite. Clinical examination revealed skeletal Class III malocclusion with an anterior crossbite and a completely blocked #25 in the maxilla. Because he refused to receive orthognathic surgery and experienced only mild functional interference, a nonextraction treatment method was adopted. Space creation on the left upper arch was successfully performed using an open coil spring for molar distalization and the improved super-elastic Ti–Ni alloy wire (ISW) Multi-bends Edgewise Arch Wire (MEAW) technique. Furthermore, #25 was aligned completely. The Class III malocclusion was corrected using the ISW MEAW technique combined with Class III elastics on the lower arch. Treatment was completed in approximately 16 months and a satisfactory occlusion was achieved after active treatment.
MEDIA LEAFLET MENCEGAH LEPRA DI DESA KAYULOMA KECAMATAN BASIDONDO KABUPATEN TOLI-TOLI
Authors: Sudarman H Melangka Yulianus
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT Leprosy is one of the infectious diseases caused by Mycobakterium leprae. Lack of knowledge, attitudes and actions against leprosy, making this disease feared by the public. This study aims to knowing the effect of education method with leaflet media on knowledge, attitude and actions on behavior of leprosy patients to prevention of leprosy in the Kayulompah Village Basidondo District  of Tolitoli Regency. This study used quasi eksperimen technique with non-randomized pre dan posttest only control design. The study sample are the 40 leprosy patients with purposive sampling technique. The independent variables are educational methods of lectures with media leaflets about leprosy and it’s prevention, while the dependent variable is knowledge, attitude and action of respondent. The technique of data analysis used paired sample t-test. The result of the study show that there are influence of educational intervention using lecture method with media leaflet on knowledge, attitude and actions on behavior of leprosy patients to prevention of leprosy in the Kayulompah Village Basidondo District  of Tolitoli Regency 2017. It is proved by the p-value of pretest and posttest in each variable is significantly smaller than 0.05 (5%) is knowledge 0,000; attitude is 0,000 and actions is 0,000. The average value of knowledge, attitudes and actions of respondents who experienced an increase each week, show that intervention using lecture method with media leaflet give a positive impact of change on knowledge, attitudes and actions of leprosy patients and prevention.Keywords : leprosy, health education, leaflet media
PENGARUH TEKNIK RELAKSASI NAFAS DALAM TERHADAP INTENSITAS NYERI IBU BERSALIN KALA I FASE LATEN DI PRAKTIK BIDAN MANDIRI ANATAPURA
Authors: Taqwin Taqwin
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT The object of this research is to determine the effect of deep breathing relaxation techniques on the intensity of maternal pain during the first latent phase in Anatapura Midwifery Clinic. The research method used pre-experimental pretest-posttest design. The research sample was a part of maternity mothers who were selected based on the criteria determined by researchers at Anatapura Midwifery Clinic. The number of samples were 15 respondents. The sampling technique used purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed by univariate and bivariate analysis with the Wilcoxon test. The results showed that, from total 15 respondents, before the deep breath relaxation technique, there were 11 people (73.3%) who had average pain and 4 people (26.7%) who had high pain and after deep breathing relaxation techniques, there were 12 people (80%) who had low pain and 3 people (20%) who had average pain. The Wilcoxon test results showed p value 0,000 (P <0.05). As conclusion, there is an effect of deep breathing relaxation techniques towards the intensity of maternal pain during the first latent phase in the Anatapura Midwifery Clinic. It is suggested for midwives at PBM Anatapura to actively use the deep breathing relaxation methods to reduce labor pain and to improve patient care.Keywords : Pain relaxation techniques, intensity, maternity
Comparison of Sodium Fluorescein Dye and Magnifying Loupes in location of canal orifices in vital primary molars
Authors: Gandhi Zeel , Katre Amar
Published: March 2019

Aim and objectives:The present study aims to compare Magnifying Loupes and Sodium Fluorescein Dye in locating root canal orifices in vital primary molars. Objective was to assess and compare the ease of location of canal orifices and ease of use of Sodium Fluorescein dye and Magnifying Loupes with unaided eye in vital primary molars. Materials and Methods: 6 calibrated operators were selected for the study and their preferences related to the ease of locating the canal orifices and ease of use in primary molars with an unaided eye, Magnifying Loupes and Sodium Fluorescein Dye were recorded on a Likert rating scale. Results: On the parameter of ease of locating, 40% of times the operators were extremely satisfied with the dye, as against 2% with magnifying lopes and 1% times with unaided eye. On the parameter of ease of use, it was seen that 62% of times operators were satisfied with the Sodium Fluorescein Dye as against 32% for Magnifying Loupes and 38% for unaided eye. Summary and Conclusion: This study concludes Sodium Fluorescein facilitates ease of location and ease of use when compared with the Magnifying Loupes. Key Words:Endodontics, canal orifices, sodium fluorescein, deciduous teeth, Magnification
PENGUJIAN EFEK MARKETING MIX DAN PERLINDUNGAN PADA SEKTOR RETAIL DI KOTA BATAM SEBAGAI SUATU KAJIAN SINTESA META ANALYSIS
Authors: Kurniawan Putu Hari , Heryenzus Heryenzus
Published: March 2019

This research is to purpose the small retail distribution who have always worked to establish close relationship with customer throught the Retail Marketing mix. Thus the literature has a long tradition of testing the effect of various instrument on Retail Patronage. This Meta-Study synthesis prior research into one comprehensive frame work. We use 120 responden which evaluate from 4 district extracted from 250 shopper to test the impact of 24 marketing mix instrument on retail patronage. Specifically, we investigate the direct and indirect effect in marketing mix of these instrument display to observe strongest effect of most outcome variable whereas price, communication service, WOM, hedonic behaviour, retail environment and  other especially in Batam. To resolve the problem in the research we used Structure Equation Model (SEM) with Covarian basic approach.
ANALISIS PERSEPSI STAKEHOLDER TERKAIT IMPLEMENTASI KAWASAN EKONOMI KHUSUS (KEK) VERSUS FREE TRADE ZONE (FTZ) DI KOTA BATAM
Authors: Tampubolon Rikson Pandapotan
Published: March 2019

This study aims to evaluate the free trade zone system that has been carried out with the planned implementation of special economic zones in Batam City. The economic downturn in the city of Batam has made stakeholders think again about the concept of free trade zone (ftz) or Free Port and Free Trade Zone. The FTZ concept is deemed no longer compatible with the current flow and competitiveness of change. For this reason, the central government offers the concept of special economic zones (KEK) to revive the passion of economic growth in this Industrial City. However, in the implementation there were many criticisms made by the community, especially businessmen who considered SEZ not to answer the problems that exist in Batam's economic growth. This study uses a qualitative approach to see each perception from stakeholders (stakeholders) to be a consideration in making decisions. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that it was important that all stakeholders would sit together to discuss the good about the economy. The government must prioritize a bottom-up approach to find solutions to problems regarding the polemic of the best economic system problems for Batam City.
PENGARUH CITRA MEREK DAN KUALITAS PELAYANAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN NASABAH PT PEGADAIAN (PERSERO) BATAM
Authors: Syaifullah Syaifullah , Mira Mira
Published: March 2019

The purpose of  research is to know the partial influence (T test) and simultaneously (F test) between brand image variable and service quality to customer satisfaction PT Pegadaian (Persero) Batam. The research method used in this research is descriptive research method with quantitative approach Data collection techniques were done by distributing questionnaires to each respondent as much as 294 respondents. The results showed that the value of R Square of 0,135 or 13,5% of the value can be known the brand image and service quality affect the customer satisfaction of 13,5% while the rest is 86,5% influenced by other factors not examined. The result of research based on t test for brand image has  value equal to 6,080 > 1,968 (t table) and significant value 0,000 <0,05 meaning that variable of brand image  have significant effect to customer satisfaction, while service quality has value of 2,281 > 1,968 (t table) and significant value 0,023<0,05 meaning service quality variable have significant effect to customer satisfaction. And the result of F test has value equal to 22,670>3,03 (F table) and significant value 0,000 <0,05 can be interpreted that variable brand image and service quality simultaneously have significant effect toeffect to customer satisfaction.
PENGARUH BRAND DESTINATION DAN PRODUK WISATATERHADAP NIAT BERKUNJUNG KEMBALI MELALUI WORD OF MOUTH (STUDI PADA OBJEK WISATA PANTAI KARANGTAWULAN KABUPATEN TASIKMALAYA)
Authors: Widjaja Yani Restiani
Published: March 2019

The tourism industry has an important role in the development of a region. Even in some areas shows that the tourism industry is able to boost the region from backwardness become the main source of income. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of brand destination and tourism products on the intention of visiting again through word of mouth (study on pantai karangtawulan) . Basically Tasikmalaya Regency has interesting tourism potential and can be developed. A concept of brand destination, based on passion and interesting identity that are interconnected with various things that will make it easier for people to have an association with the place. Brand destination is believed to have the power to change perceptions and change a person's perspective on a place or a destination including seeing the difference of a place with another place to choose as a destination. This type of research is eksplanatory research, where the data collection technique used is a questionnaire tool, Sample selected amounted to 100 people with accidental sampling and purposive sampling. The respondents are visitors of the beach resort of karangtawulan who have been to the beach. Based on this, the authors suggest that the management of beach attractions karangtawulan to further improve tourism products, which is to increase the direction of the road to the beach tawulan coral, adding public facilities for the end of the tourist attraction, improve tourist attractions, improve facilities and more active in offering a guide to visitors , so it can increase tourists visit karangtawulan beach.
Characterization of the Interactive Effects of Labile and Recalcitrant Organic Matter on Microbial Growth and Metabolism
Authors: Quigley Lauren N. M. , Edwards Abigail , Steen Andrew D. , Buchan Alison
Published: March 2019

Geochemical models typically represent organic matter (OM) as consisting of multiple, independent pools of compounds, each accessed by microorganisms at different rates. However, recent findings indicate that organic compounds can interact within microbial metabolisms. The relevance of interactive effects within marine systems is debated and a mechanistic understanding of its complexities, including microbe-substrate relationships, is lacking. As a first step toward uncovering mediating processes, the interactive effects of distinct pools of OM on the growth and respiration of marine bacteria, individual strains and a simple, constructed community of Roseobacter lineage members were tested. Isolates were provided with natural organic matter (NOM) and different concentrations (1, 4, 40, 400 μM-C) and forms of labile OM (acetate, casamino acids, tryptone, coumarate). The microbial response to the mixed substrate regimes was assessed using viable counts and respiration in two separate experiments. Two marine bacteria and a six-member constructed community were assayed with these experiments. Both synergistic and antagonistic growth responses were evident for all strains, but all were transient. The specific substrate conditions promoting a response, and the direction of that response, varied amongst species. These findings indicate that the substrate conditions that result in OM interactive effects are both transient and species-specific and thus influenced by both the composition and metabolic potential of a microbial community.
Progression of the Total and Individual Capsaicinoids Content in the Fruits of Three Different Cultivars of Capsicum chinense Jacq.
Authors: Olguín-Rojas José Arturo , Fayos Oreto , Vázquez-León Lucio Abel , Ferreiro-González Marta , Rodríguez-Jimenes Guadalupe del Carmen , Palma Miguel , Garcés-Claver Ana , Barbero Gerardo F.
Published: March 2019

The evolution of individual and total capsaicinoids content in three pepper varieties of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (‘Bode’ (B), ‘Habanero’ (H), and ‘Habanero Roxo’ (Hr)) during fruit ripening was studied. The five major capsaicinoids (nordihydrocapsaicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin) were extracted using ultrasound-assisted extraction and the extracts were analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (UHPLC-Fl). The plants were grown in a glasshouse and sampled every 7 days until over-ripening. As expected, the results indicated that the total capsaicinoids content increases during the ripening of pepper fruits. The maximum contents of capsaicinoids were reached at different fruit development stages depending on the cultivar. The ‘Habanero Roxo’ pepper presented the greatest total capsaicinoids content (3.86 mg g−1 fresh weigh, F.W.), followed by the ‘Habanero’ pepper (1.33 mg g−1 F.W.) and ‘Bode’ pepper (1.00 mg g−1 F.W.). In all the samples, capsaicin represented more than 80% of the total capsaicinoids content. Due to the high variability observed in the evolution of capsaicinoids content over the ripening process, this work intends to contribute to the existing knowledge on this aspect in relation to the quality of peppers.
Comparison of Nest Defense Behaviors of Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) from Finland and Montana
Authors: Wright Marilyn , Tornberg Risto , Ranglack Dustin H. , Bickford Nate
Published: March 2019

As human impacts on wildlife have become a topic of increasing interest, studies have focused on issues such as overexploitation and habitat loss. However, little research has examined potential anthropogenic impacts on animal behavior. Understanding the degree to which human interaction may alter natural animal behavior has become increasingly important in developing effective conservation strategies. We examined two populations of northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) in Montana and Finland. Goshawks in Finland were not protected until the late 1980s, and prior to this protection were routinely shot, as it was believed that shooting goshawks would keep grouse populations high. In the United States, Goshawk were not managed as predator control. Though aggressive nest defense has been characterized throughout North America, goshawks in Finland do not show this same behavior. To quantify aggression, we presented nesting goshawks with an owl decoy, a human mannequin, and a live human and recorded their responses to each of the trial conditions. We evaluated the recordings for time of response, duration of response, whether or not an active stimulus was present to elicit the response (i.e., movement or sound), and the sex of the bird making the response. We used t-Test with unequal variance to compare mean number of responses and response duration. Our results suggested that goshawks in Montana exhibit more aggressive nest defense behaviors than those in Finland. While this could be due to some biotic or abiotic factor that we were not able to control for in a study on such a small scale, it is also possible that the results from this study suggest another underlying cause, such as an artificial selection pressure created by shooting goshawks.
Antibiotic Resistance in Pacific Island Countries and Territories: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Foxlee Nicola D. , Townell Nicola , McIver Lachlan , Lau Colleen L.
Published: March 2019

Several studies have investigated antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries, but to date little attention has been paid to the Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs). This study aims to review the literature on antibiotic resistance (ABR) in healthcare settings in PICTs to inform further research and future policy development for the region. Following the PRISMA-ScR checklist health databases and grey literature sources were searched. Three reviewers independently screened the literature for inclusion, data was extracted using a charting tool and the results were described and synthesised. Sixty-five studies about ABR in PICTs were identified and these are primarily about New Caledonia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Ten PICTs contributed the remaining 21 studies and nine PICTs were not represented. The predominant gram-positive pathogen reported was community-acquired methicillin resistant S. aureus and the rates of resistance ranged widely (>50% to <20%). Resistance reported in gram-negative pathogens was mainly associated with healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing K. pneumoniae isolates were reported in New Caledonia (3.4%) and Fiji (22%) and carbapenem resistant A. baumannii (CR-ab) isolates in the French Territories (24.8%). ABR is a problem in the PICTs, but the epidemiology requires further characterisation. Action on strengthening surveillance in PICTs needs to be prioritised so strategies to contain ABR can be fully realised.
Electroadsorptive Removal of Gaseous Pollutants
Authors: Pierpaoli Mattia , Fava Gabriele , Ruello Maria Letizia
Published: March 2019

Adsorption is a consequence of surface energy distribution, and the existence of electrostatic bonding suggests that the presence of an external electric field may affect adsorbate/adsorbent interactions. Nevertheless, this aspect has been poorly studied in the literature, except under non-thermal plasma or corona discharge conditions. After having demonstrated in our previous work that the adsorption kinetics of gaseous organic compounds can be enhanced by the presence of an external applied electric field, in this study, we focus on the influence of the electric field on adsorbent and adsorptive interactions. By using a commercially available activated carbon cloth, in addition to increasing the adsorbent mass transfer coefficient by virtue of the increasing intensity of the applied electric field, the results suggest that adsorbent morphology is only influenced by the formation of new surface functional groups. Moreover, enhanced adsorption kinetics and capacity may result from the electrohydrodynamic force induced by the movement of charged and neutral particles towards the adsorbent, as confirmed by the reversibility of the process. Such enhancement results in a negligible increase, of about 3%, in adsorption capacity (i.e., from 91 mmol m−2 Pa−1 for only adsorption to 94 mmol m−2 Pa−1 in the presence of the applied electric field), but also in a dramatic doubling of adsorption kinetics (i.e., from 0.09 min−1 for only adsorption to 0.19 min−1 in the presence of the applied electric field). In reality, the application of an electric field to an activated carbon cloth leads to faster adsorption kinetics, without substantially altering its adsorption capacity.
Enhancing Disease Diagnosis: Biomedical Applications of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Chisanga Malama , Muhamadali Howbeer , Ellis David I. , Goodacre Royston
Published: March 2019

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has recently gained increasing attention for the detection of trace quantities of biomolecules due to its excellent molecular specificity, ultrasensitivity, and quantitative multiplex ability. Specific single or multiple biomarkers in complex biological environments generate strong and distinct SERS spectral signals when they are in the vicinity of optically active nanoparticles (NPs). When multivariate chemometrics are applied to decipher underlying biomarker patterns, SERS provides qualitative and quantitative information on the inherent biochemical composition and properties that may be indicative of healthy or diseased states. Moreover, SERS allows for differentiation among many closely-related causative agents of diseases exhibiting similar symptoms to guide early prescription of appropriate, targeted and individualised therapeutics. This review provides an overview of recent progress made by the application of SERS in the diagnosis of cancers, microbial and respiratory infections. It is envisaged that recent technology development will help realise full benefits of SERS to gain deeper insights into the pathological pathways for various diseases at the molecular level.
A Multi-Robot Formation Platform based on an Indoor Global Positioning System
Authors: Yang Hong’an , Bao Xuefeng , Zhang Shaohua , Wang Xu
Published: March 2019

Aimed at the problem that experimental verifications are difficult to execute due to lacking effective experimental platforms in the research field of multi-robot formation, we design a simple multi-robot formation platform. This proposed general and low-cost multi-robot formation platform includes the indoor global-positioning system, the multi-robot communication system, and the wheeled mobile robot hardware. For each wheeled mobile robot in our platform, its real-time position information in the centimeter-level precise is obtained by the Marvelmind Indoor Navigation System and orientation information is obtained by the six-degree-of-freedom gyroscope. The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) wireless communication infrastructure is selected to support the communication among robots and the data collection in the process of experiments. Finally, a set of leader–follower formation experiments are performed by our platform, which include three trajectory tracking experiments of different types and numbers under deterministic environment and a formation-maintaining experiment with external disturbances. The results illustrate that our multi-robot formation platform can be effectively used as a general testbed to evaluate and verify the feasibility and correctness of the theoretical methods in the multi-robot formation. What is more, the proposed simple and general formation platform is beneficial to the development of platforms in the fields of multi-robot coordination, formation control, and search and rescue missions.
Research on the Blow-Off Impulse Effect of a Composite Reinforced Panel Subjected to Lightning Strike
Authors: Jia Senqing , Wang Fusheng , Huang Weichao , Xu Bin
Published: March 2019

The blow-off impulse effect of a composite reinforced panel subjected to lightning strike is studied combing electric-thermal coupling with explicit dynamic methods. A finite element model of a composite reinforced panel is established under the action of 2.6/10.5 µs impulse current waveform with current peak 60 kA. Blow-off impulse elements are selected according to numerical results of electric-thermal coupling analysis. Elements failure, pressure, and von Mises stress distribution are discussed when blow-off impulse analysis is completed. The results show that the blow-off impulse effect can alter the damage forms of a composite reinforced panel and causes the damage distribution to deviate from the initial fiber direction in each layer. Elements failure modes around the blow-off impulse area are similar to that around the attachment area of the lightning strike. The blow-off impulse effect can well model the internal damage, concave pit, and bulge phenomenon around the attachment area. Additionally, pressure contours are not presented as an anisotropic characteristic but an isotropic characteristic under the blow-off impulse effect, which indicates that the mechanical behavior of composite materials presents as an anisotropic characteristic in low pressure while as an isotropic characteristic in high pressure. This method is suitable to evaluate shock damage of a composite reinforced panel induced by lightning strike.
Can Machines Be Artists? A Deweyan Response in Theory and Practice
Authors: Still Arthur , d’Inverno Mark
Published: March 2019

To speak comfortably of the machine artist (as outlined in the call for papers for this Special Issue) makes key assumptions about what it is to be an artist. It assumes, for instance, that the experience of living as an artist, which includes the socialisation, hard work, single-mindedness, and focused energy of creative activity, is incidental rather than essential since these aspects are not comfortably applicable to machines. Instead, it supposes that what is essential is the artistic product, and it is the similarity of human and machine products that makes it possible to speak of machine artists. This definition of art in terms of products is supported by modern psychological theories of creativity, defined as the generation of novel ideas which give rise to valuable products. These ideas take place in the mind or brain, regarded as a closed system within whose workings the secret of creativity will eventually be revealed. This is the framework of what is widely referred to as “cognitivism”. This definition in terms of novel ideas and valuable products has been widely assumed by artificial intelligence (AI) and computational creativity (CC), and this has been backed up through a particular version of the Turing Test. In this, a machine can be said to be a creative artist if its products cannot be distinguished from human art. However, there is another psychological view of creativity, that of John Dewey, in which a lived experience of inquiry and focus is essential to being creative. In this theory, creativity is a function of the whole person interacting with the world, rather than originating in the brain. This makes creativity a Process rather than a Cognitivist framework. Of course, the brain is crucial in a Process theory, but as part of an open system which includes both body and environment. Developments in “machine art” have been seen as spectacular and are widely publicised. But there may be a danger that these will distract from what we take to be the most exciting prospect of all. This is the contribution of computer technology to stimulate, challenge, and provoke artistic practice of all forms.
Recycling of Alkaline Batteries via a Carbothermal Reduction Process
Authors: Yeşiltepe Selçuk , Buğdaycı Mehmet , Yücel Onuralp , Şeşen Mustafa Kelami
Published: March 2019

Primary battery recycling has important environmental and economic benefits. According to battery sales worldwide, the most used battery type is alkaline batteries with 75% of market share due to having a higher performance than other primary batteries such as Zn–MnO2. In this study, carbothermal reduction for zinc oxide from battery waste was completed for both vacuum and Ar atmospheres. Thermodynamic data are evaluated for vacuum and Ar atmosphere reduction reactions and results for Zn reduction/evaporation are compared via the FactSage program. Zn vapor and manganese oxide were obtained as products. Zn vapor was re-oxidized in end products; manganese monoxide and steel container of batteries are evaluated as ferromanganese raw material. Effects of carbon source, vacuum, temperature and time were studied. The results show a recovery of 95.1% Zn by implementing a product at 1150 °C for 1 h without using the vacuum. The residues were characterized by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) methods.
Human Semen Samples with High Antioxidant Reservoir May Exhibit Lower Post-Cryopreservation Recovery of Sperm Motility
Authors: Banihani Saleem A. , Alawneh Razan F.
Published: March 2019

Cryopreservation-thawing of human semen was found to reduce the level of antioxidant activity surrounding the sperm, which may negatively affect post-cryopreservation (post-thaw) recovery of sperm motility. Therefore, the current manufactured cryoprotectant media have been supplemented with certain antioxidants to preserve the loss in seminal antioxidant activity. In this study, we aimed to explore the correlation between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of human semen samples before cryopreservation and the post-thaw recovery of sperm motility. Normal semen specimens (n = 77) were recruited in this study. Sperm motility was measured for each semen sample before and after cryopreservation and the post-thaw recovery of sperm motility was calculated. Seminal TAC was measured spectrophotometrically before cryopreservation for each semen sample using the sensitive cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method. The results from this study showed that the post-thaw recovery of sperm motility is negatively correlated (p = 0.0404, p = 0.0402) with the absorbance at 450 nm and the values of seminal TAC in terms of µM Trolox equivalents, as evaluated by CUPRAC, respectively. In conclusion, the total antioxidant reservoir in each ejaculated semen specimen could be a factor in determining the post-thaw recovery of sperm motility toward lower recovery for semen specimens of high antioxidant content.
Dual Mode Gait Sonification for Rehabilitation After Unilateral Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Reh Julia , Hwang Tong-Hun , Schmitz Gerd , Effenberg Alfred O.
Published: March 2019

The pattern of gait after hip arthroplasty strongly affects regeneration and quality of life. Acoustic feedback could be a supportive method for patients to improve their walking ability and to regain a symmetric and steady gait. In this study, a new gait sonification method with two different modes—real-time feedback (RTF) and instructive model sequences (IMS)—is presented. The impact of the method on gait symmetry and steadiness of 20 hip arthroplasty patients was investigated. Patients were either assigned to a sonification group (SG) (n = 10) or a control group (CG) (n = 10). All of them performed 10 gait training sessions (TS) lasting 20 min, in which kinematic data were measured using an inertial sensor system. Results demonstrate converging step lengths of the affected and unaffected leg over time in SG compared with a nearly parallel development of both legs in CG. Within the SG, a higher variability of stride length and stride time was found during the RTF training mode in comparison to the IMS mode. Therefore, the presented dual mode method provides the potential to support gait rehabilitation as well as home-based gait training of orthopedic patients with various restrictions.
TGF-β Signaling in Cancer: Control by Negative Regulators and Crosstalk with Proinflammatory and Fibrogenic Pathways
Authors: Ungefroren Hendrik
Published: March 2019

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of secreted growth factors controls many aspects of cell and tissue physiology in multicellular eukaryotes. Dysregulation of its pathway contributes to a broad variety of pathologies, including fibrosis and cancer. TGF-β acts as a powerful tumor suppressor in epithelial cells but during later stages of tumor development cancer cells eventually respond to this cytokine with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression. This collection of articles covers some important aspects of TGF-β signaling in cancer. Two articles focus on the role of TGF-β in tumor immunity and pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling, with one analyzing its impact on T-cell biology and different T-cell subsets, while the other deals with modulation of anti-inflammatory signaling by TGF-β receptors through proinflammatory signaling by immune receptors and the role of mechanotransduction in TGF-β-dependent immunosuppression. Another set of four chapters highlights the fact that context-dependent responsiveness to TGF-β is largely controlled by inputs from negative regulators and cooperation with proinflammatory and proapoptotic pathways. This theme is extended to the regulation of Smad signaling by differential phosphorylation, eventually converting canonical Smad signaling to a mitogenic, fibrogenic and carcinogenic outcome. Last, it is discussed how another posttranslational modification, SUMOylation, can modify protein function and impact TGF-β-induced EMT, invasion and metastasis.
NAB 2-Expressing Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Promotes HNSCC Progression
Authors: Choi So-Young , Oh Su Young , Kang Soo Hyun , Kang Sung-Min , Kim Jinkyung , Lee Heon-Jin , Kwon Tae-Geon , Kim Jin-Wook , Hong Su-Hyung
Published: March 2019

Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-specific proteins serve as both prognostic biomarkers and targets for anticancer drugs. In this study, we investigated the role of NGFI-A-binding protein (NAB)2 derived from CAFs in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Patient-derived HNSCC and paired metastatic lymph node tissues were examined for NAB2 expression by immunohistochemistry. Primary CAF cultures were established from HNSCC patient tissue, with paired non-tumor fibroblasts (NTFs) serving as a control. CAF or NTF was used to evaluate the effect of NAB2 on HNSCC progression using FaDu cell spheroids and an in vivo mouse xenograft model. NAB2 was detected in interstitial CAFs in primary and metastatic lymph node tissues of HNSCC patients. NAB2 mRNA and protein levels were higher in CAFs as compared to paired NTFs. Conditioned medium (CM) of NAB2-overexpressing CAFs increased the invasion of FaDu spheroids in the Matrigel invasion assay as compared to CM of NTF. Co-injection of NAB2-overexpressing CAFs with FaDu spheroids into mice enhanced the growth of tumors. These data suggest that NAB2-overexpressing CAFs promotes HNSCC progression and is a potential therapeutic target for preventing HNSCC metastasis.
Cu(II)-Catalyzed Oxidative Trifluoromethylation of Indoles with KF as the Base
Authors: Shi Xiaolin , Li Xiaowei , Ma Lina , Shi Dayong
Published: March 2019

This paper offers an efficient copper-catalyzed oxidative trifluoromethylation of indoles with low-cost CF3SO2Na via C–H activation. Notably, the use of a base is crucial for the trifluoromethylation of indoles. This reaction proceeds efficiently in good to excellent yields and is tolerance of a broad range of functional groups. Furthermore, melatonin, a medicine for sleep disorders, is converted to its 2-CF3 analogue in 68% yield. Studies of possible reaction pathways suggest that this reaction proceeds through a radical process.
Photocatalytic Activity of Nanostructured Titania Films Obtained by Electrochemical, Chemical, and Thermal Oxidation of Ti6Al4V Alloy—Comparative Analysis
Authors: Radtke Aleksandra
Published: March 2019

Three different Ti6Al4V surface oxidation methods have been applied to obtain three types of titania materials of different nanoarchitecture. Electrochemical oxidation of titanium alloy allowed for obtaining titania nanotubes (TNT), chemical oxidation led to obtain titania nanofibers (TNF), and thermal oxidation gave titania nanowires (TNW). My earlier investigations of these nanomaterials were focused mainly on the estimation of their bioactivity and potential application in modern implantology. In this article, the comparative analysis of the photocatalytic activity of produced systems, as well as the impact of their structure and morphology on this activity, are discussed. The activity of studied nanomaterials was estimated basis of UV-induced degradation of methylene blue and also acetone, and it was determined quantitatively according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood reaction mechanism. The obtained results were compared to the activity of Pilkington Glass ActivTM (reference sample). Among analyzed systems, titania nanofibers obtained at 140 and 120 °C, possessing anatase and anatase/amorphous structure, as well as titania nanowires obtained at 475 and 500 °C, possessing anatase and anatase/rutile structure, were better photocatalyst than the reference sample. Completely amorphous titania nanotubes, turned out to be an interesting alternative for photocatalytic materials in the form of thin films, however, their photocatalytic activity is lower than for Pilkington Glass ActivTM.
A New Wetness Index to Evaluate the Soil Water Availability Influence on Gross Primary Production of European Forests
Authors: Proietti Chiara , Anav Alessandro , Vitale Marcello , Fares Silvano , Fornasier Maria Francesca , Screpanti Augusto , Salvati Luca , Paoletti Elena , Sicard Pierre , De Marco Alessandra
Published: March 2019

Rising temperature, drought and more-frequent extreme climatic events have been predicted for the next decades in many regions around the globe. In this framework, soil water availability plays a pivotal role in affecting vegetation productivity, especially in arid or semi-arid environments. However, direct measurements of soil moisture are scarce, and modeling estimations are still subject to biases. Further investigation on the effect of soil moisture on plant productivity is required. This study aims at analyzing spatio-temporal variations of a modified temperature vegetation wetness index (mTVWI), a proxy of soil moisture, and evaluating its effect on gross primary production (GPP) in forests. The study was carried out in Europe on 19 representative tree species during the 2000–2010 time period. Results outline a north–south gradient of mTVWI with minimum values (low soil water availability) in Southern Europe and maximum values (high soil water availability) in Northeastern Europe. A low soil water availability negatively affected GPP from 20 to 80%, as a function of site location, tree species, and weather conditions. Such a wetness index improves our understanding of water stress impacts, which is crucial for predicting the response of forest carbon cycling to drought and aridity.
Classification and Selection of Cellular Materials in Mechanical Design: Engineering and Biomimetic Approaches
Authors: Bhate Dhruv , Penick Clint A. , Ferry Lara A. , Lee Christine
Published: March 2019

Recent developments in design and manufacturing have greatly expanded the design space for functional part production by enabling control of structural details at small scales to inform behavior at the whole-structure level. This can be achieved with cellular materials, such as honeycombs, foams and lattices. Designing structures with cellular materials involves answering an important question: What is the optimum unit cell for the application of interest? There is currently no classification framework that describes the spectrum of cellular materials, and no methodology to guide the designer in selecting among the infinite list of possibilities. In this paper, we first review traditional engineering methods currently in use for selecting cellular materials in design. We then develop a classification scheme for the different types of cellular materials, dividing them into three levels of design decisions: tessellation, element type and connectivity. We demonstrate how a biomimetic approach helps a designer make decisions at all three levels. The scope of this paper is limited to the structural domain, but the methodology developed here can be extended to the design of components in thermal, fluid, optical and other areas. A deeper purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how traditional methods in design can be combined with a biomimetic approach.