bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengajaran Tafsir di Dayah Terpadu Al-Muslimun, Aceh Utara: Analisis Sejarah, Metode Pengajaran dan Pengaruhnya
Authors: Rousydiy Rousydiy
Published: August 2019

The Islamic education is became considerable concern in Aceh from time to time and Dayah is one of the educational institution model which teaches the Quran. The weaknesses of the students both in reading and understanding the contents of Quran affected the goals and learning objectives, therefore the method of teaching is the key of learning achievement for individual who love the Quran. This study aims to identify the design and historical Tafsir studies at Dayah in Indonesia and in Aceh and analyzing the teaching method used and to know the extent influence of the methods practiced at integrated Dayah Al-Muslimun in North Aceh. A qualitative study was employed to collect the data from the respondents. A semi structure interview was conducted from four subjects’ teachers to explore the influence of the teaching method at Dayah Al-Muslimun Aceh. The result of study showed that the history of Tafsir studies at Dayah in Indonesia cannot be separated from the history of early spreading Islam in the Malay Archipelago. Moreover, the majority of Tafsir’s teachers at integrated Dayah Al-Muslimun used translation method and telling story in their teaching method. In term of interpretation of verse the majority of teachers used “tahlili methods” (problem solving). The impact of learning Tafsir was reviewed from three aspects, namely understanding, practice, and the result of examination. Moreover, this study emphasized that the teaching methods used for teaching Tafsir are good and have a good influence on students, this proven from the good aspect of understanding, the appropriate practice and the result of examination, however it still need to be evaluated and improved.
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI PENJUALAN DENGAN MODEL WATERFALL BERBASIS JAVA DESKTOP
Authors: Muthia Nurul , Amalia Hilda , Puspita Ari , Lestari Ade Fitria
Published: August 2019

Every business entity is required to be able to improve their services to customers. With good service it will increase customer satisfaction so that it ultimately increases profits from the business entity itself. To be able to improve service to customers, business entities must be able to present an efficient and accurate sales transaction process. For this reason, sales information system design is needed. Sales accounting information system can streamline the sales transaction process and can produce sales reports that are more accurate and timely and able to record accounting transactions in a short time. Timely and accurate sales reports are needed for the decision making process for business entity owners. The research objective is to develop software using the waterfall device development method, so that it can produce software that is able to improve sales system work and increase profits. The design results of the sales information system using the waterfall method can reduce errors caused by human factors (avoiding human error), avoiding the combination of data entry and presentation of sales reports presented in a fast and precise time so as to help the owner to make the decision making process .
PENAKSIRAN PARAMETER ANALISIS REGRESI COX DAN ANALISIS SURVIVAL BAYESIAN
Authors: Wijayanti Rina
Published: August 2019

In the theory of estimation, there are two approaches, namely the classical statistical approach and global statistical approach (Bayesian). Classical statistics are statistics in which the procedure is the decision based only on the data samples taken from the population. While Bayesian statistics in making decisions based on new information from the observed data (sample) and prior knowledge. At this writing Cox Regression Analysis will be taken as an example of parameter estimation by the classical statistical approach Survival Analysis and Bayesian statistical approach as an example of global (Bayesian). Survival Bayesial parameter estimation using MCMC algorithms for model complex / complicated and difficult to resolve while the Cox regression models using the method of partial likelihood. Results of the parameter estimates do not close form that needs to be done by the method of Newton-Raphson iteration.
PENERAPAN METODE INKUIRI DENGAN PENDEKATAN TANOSHII JUGYOU UNTUK MEMPERBAIKI KONSEP OPERASI BILANGAN
Authors: Cipta Dyah Ayu Sulistyaning
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to describe the design of inquiry learning methods with Tanoshii Jugyou's approach so that students who take the SD Mathematics Study course understand the concept of operations on integers and fractions. This research is a qualitative research that illustrates how the learning of inquiry methods with Tanoshii Jugyou approach is applied in the classroom. The results of the study concluded that the learning design of inquiry methods with Tanoshii Jugyou's approach to the concept of operations on integers and fractions is: 1) orientation to create a more responsive learning atmosphere, 2) formulating problems to bring students to a problem that must be solved, 3) making hypothesis, 4) collect data to capture the required information which will then be used to test hypotheses that have been proposed, 5) test the hypothesis. In testing this hypothesis lies the emphasis of this learning so that students can truly understand the concept of operations on integers and fractions. All learning activities are carried out by making the classroom atmosphere very pleasant. Students are welcome to issue their creative ideas without the slightest fear.
PERBANDINGAN METODE ANALISIS DISKRIMINAN, NEURAL NETWORK, DISKRIMINAN KERNEL, REGRESI LOGISTIC, MARS UNTUK DATA BANGKITAN (KOMBINASI VARIANS, OVERLAP DAN KORELASI)
Authors: Nariswari Rinda , Rafikasari Elok Fitriani
Published: August 2019

Metode untuk pengklasifikasian data diantaranya menggunakan analisis diskriminan, analisis diskriminan kernel, analisis regresi logistik, neural network, dan MARS. Secara keseluruhan masing-masing metode jika diterapkan pada data mempunyai kelebihan maupun kekurangan. Pada pengelompokan data iris virginica dan vercicolor, metode MARS dan NN FeedForward paling baik digunakan. Sedangkan pada pengelompokan data iris setosa dan vercicolor, metode Analisis Diskriminan, NN RBF dan NN FeedForward adalah metode yang paling baik digunakan dalam pengelompokan. Namun berbeda dengan hasil analisis data simulasi yang dibangkitkan melalui Minitab, metode MARS adalah satu-satunya metode yang paling baik digunakan untuk data simulasi karena mempunyai rata-rata ketepatan klasifikasi yang paling besar diantara metode lainnya.
PENGARUH TENAGA TATA HIDANG PARIWISATA TERHADAP KUALITAS PELAYANAN DI HOTEL
Authors: Wahyuningsih Sri
Published: August 2019

Tata hidang adalah suatu cara menghidangkan makanan ataupunminuman kepada tamu dengan multi pelayanan seperti keramahan, kecepatan, danjuga ketelitian dalam melayani tamu. Saat menghidangkan diperlukan perhatian yang fokus karena kita langsung berhadapan dengan tamu dan juga gambaran baik buruknya kinerja restaurant akan sangat terlihat dari caranya memberikan pelayanan terhadap para tamu. Peralatan penyajian makanan dan minuman meliputi peralatan chinaware, peralatan silverware, dan peralatan glassware. Table setting suatu restoran merupakan awal dari persiapan suatu restaurant dalam rangka penjualan dan penyajian makanan dan minuman. rumusan masalah mengenai bagaimanakah pengaruh penyiapan tenaga tata hidang pariwisata terhadap perkembangan Pariwisata. melihat pengaruh penyiapan tenaga tata hidang pariwisata terhadap perkembangan Pariwisata dengan subyek penelitian yang digunakan adalah mahasiwa STP mataram yang sedang dan telah On the Job traiining di hotel di Pulau Lombok. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, Empathy dan kepuasan pelanggan  dengan beberapa indikator telah dilaksanakan oleh mahasiswa STP Mataram dengan baik, sehingga mereka sudah dirasakan cukup untuk bekerja di hotel
Three Enemies of Circadian Rhythm: Anxiety, Sleeplessness and Pain in Patients Following Open-Heart Surgery
Authors: KANKAYA Eda Ayten , BİLİK Ozlem
Published: August 2019

Objective: This study aimed to determine the
relationship between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain and
perioperative sleep quality in open-heart surgery patients.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. The research sample included 126 patients
who underwent open-heart
surgery for the
first time and remained in intensive care for a maximum period of 48 hours. All patients’ procedures were
performed with cardiopulmonary bypass and sternotomy.
Data were collected using a Patient Identification Form, developed by the researcher and
used to determine patients’ characteristics; the Anxiety Specific to Surgery Questionnaire
(ASSQ), used to determine patients’ anxiety level; the Pittsburgh
Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), used to measure perioperative sleep quality,
and the Numeric
Pain Scale (NPS), used to determine postoperative pain levels.

Results: Open-heart
surgery
patients experienced moderate levels of anxiety (27.28±8.48), moderate
postoperative pain (4.30±2.29) and poor sleep quality (10.27±4.23) perioperative period. In this paper, a significant,
weak, and positive correlation between ASSQ score and postoperative NPS score
(r=0.318, p<0.05) was found; no correlation between the ASSQ score and
perioperative PSQI score was found. It was determined that 90.48% (n = 114) of
patients who underwent open heart surgery had poor sleep quality and there was
no relation between preoperative anxiety and postoperative sleep quality.Conclusion: The authors concluded that preoperative
anxiety impacts postoperative pain but has no effect on sleep quality for open-heart
surgery patients
in Turkish people.
Temperature-Activated Change of Permeable Material Properties for Low-Noise Trailing Edge Applications
Authors: Mayer Jonathan , Rubio Carpio Alejandro , Ragni Daniele
Published: August 2019

The present work analyses broadband noise scattering from permeable trailing edges with identical micro-structure but under a change of temperature. Experiments are performed in an anechoic wind tunnel using a NACA0018 airfoil at chord-based Reynolds numbers between 1.88 × 105 and 3.14 × 105 and no incidence. A microphone array is used to determine far-field sound pressure level changes upon trailing edge heating. It is found that broadband noise emission can be actively controlled by varying the temperature of the porous trailing edge inserts. Specifically, the electrically heated inserts yield a noise level variation of up to 2.5 dB with the heated one being noisier compared to a baseline, unheated material with similar micro-structure. Resistivity measurements of permeable samples with varying temperature show that flow resistivity increases with the fluid temperature which is in agreement with the reported trailing edge noise increase.
Development and Implementation of a Platform for Public Information on Air Quality, Sensor Measurements, and Citizen Science
Authors: Wesseling Joost , de Ruiter Henri , Blokhuis Christa , Drukker Derko , Weijers Ernie , Volten Hester , Vonk Jan , Gast Lou , Voogt Marita , Zandveld Peter , van Ratingen Sjoerd , Tielemans Erik
Published: August 2019

The use of low-cost sensors for air quality measurements is expanding rapidly, with an associated rise in the number of citizens measuring air quality themselves. This has major implications for traditional air quality monitoring as performed by Environmental Protection Agencies. Here we reflect on the experiences of the Dutch Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) with the use of low-cost sensors, particularly NO2 and PM10/PM2.5-sensors, and related citizen science, over the last few years. Specifically, we discuss the Dutch Innovation Program for Environmental Monitoring, which comprises the development of a knowledge portal and sensor data portal, new calibration approaches for sensors, and modelling and assimilation techniques for incorporating these uncertain sensor data into air pollution models. Finally, we highlight some of the challenges that come with the use of low-cost sensors for air quality monitoring, and give some specific use-case examples. Our results show that low-cost sensors can be a valuable addition to traditional air quality monitoring, but so far, their use in official monitoring has been limited. More research is needed to establish robust calibration methods while ongoing work is also aimed at a better understanding of the public’s needs for air quality information to optimize the use of low-cost sensors.
A Space Decomposition-Based Deterministic Algorithm for Solving Linear Optimization Problems
Authors: Febres Gerardo L.
Published: August 2019

This document introduces a method to solve linear optimization problems. The method’s strategy is based on the bounding condition that each constraint exerts over the dimensions of the problem. The solution of a linear optimization problem is at the intersection of the constraints defining the extreme vertex. The method decomposes the n-dimensional linear problem into n-1 two-dimensional problems. After studying the role of constraints in these two-dimensional problems, we identify the constraints intersecting at the extreme vertex. We then formulate a linear equation system that directly leads to the solution of the optimization problem. The algorithm is remarkably different from previously existing linear programming algorithms in the sense that it does not iterate; it is deterministic. A fully c-sharp-coded algorithm is made available. We believe this algorithm and the methods applied for classifying constraints according to their role open up a useful framework for studying complex linear problems through feasible-space and constraint analysis.
Waste Coffee Management: Deriving High-Performance Supercapacitors Using Nitrogen-Doped Coffee-Derived Carbon
Authors: Choi Jonghyun , Zequine Camila , Bhoyate Sanket , Lin Wang , Li Xianglin , Kahol Pawan , Gupta Ram
Published: August 2019

In this work, nitrogen-doped activated carbon was produced from waste coffee powder using a two-step chemical activation process. Nitrogen doping was achieved by treating the coffee powder with melamine, prior to chemical activation. The produced nitrogen-doped carbon resulted in a very high surface area of 1824 m2/g and maintained a high graphitic phase as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The elemental composition of the obtained coffee-derived carbon was analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated using coffee-waste-derived carbon and analyzed using a three-electrode cell testing system. It was observed that nitrogen-doping improved the electrochemical performance of the carbon and therefore the charge storage capacity. The nitrogen-doped coffee carbon showed a high specific capacitance of 148 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g. The symmetrical coin cell device was fabricated using coffee-derived carbon electrodes to analyze its real-time performance. The device showed the highest specific capacitance of 74 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. The highest energy and power density for the device was calculated to be 12.8 and 6.64 kW/kg, respectively. The stability test of the device resulted in capacitance retention of 97% after 10,000 cycles while maintaining its coulombic efficiency of 100%. These results indicate that the synthesized nitrogen-doped coffee carbon electrode could be used as a high-performance supercapacitor electrode for energy storage applications, and at the same time manage the waste generated by using coffee.
Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), Immunity, Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Georgila Konstantina , Vyrla Dimitra , Drakos Elias
Published: August 2019

Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), the major protein component of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) is a multifunctional protein, involved in cholesterol traffic and inflammatory and immune response regulation. Many studies revealing alterations of ApoA-I during the development and progression of various types of cancer suggest that serum ApoA-I levels may represent a useful biomarker contributing to better estimation of cancer risk, early cancer diagnosis, follow up, and prognosis stratification of cancer patients. In addition, recent in vitro and animal studies disclose a more direct, tumor suppressive role of ApoA-I in cancer pathogenesis, which involves anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory mechanisms. Herein, we review recent epidemiologic, clinicopathologic, and mechanistic studies investigating the role of ApoA-I in cancer biology, which suggest that enhancing the tumor suppressive activity of ApoA-I may contribute to better cancer prevention and treatment.
Application of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate/Activated Carbon onto the Preconcentration of Cadmium Ions in Solid-Phase Extraction Flow System
Authors: Furukawa Mai , Tateishi Ikki , Katsumata Hideyuki , Kaneco Satoshi
Published: August 2019

In the present study, activated carbon (AC) surface modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), written as SDS/AC, was applied as an adsorbent for preconcentration and determination of trace amount of cadmium ions in environmental sample waters. The SDS modification on AC was performed at the same time, while cadmium ions were concentrated in the flow system as solid-phase extraction. After the separation and preconcentration steps, cadmium retained on SDS/AC was eluted with HNO3 and was subsequently determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The analytical parameters that influence the quantitative determination of trace cadmium, such as SDS concentration, pH and volume of sample solution, eluent conditions, and interference, were optimized. At the optimum conditions, the general matrix elements had little interference on the proposed procedure. The detection limits was 17 ng·L−1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) for 12 experiments at 10 µg·L−1 cadmium solutions was 2.8%. The developed method was applied into the analysis of environmental samples spiked cadmium.
Identification of Potential Skin Sensitizers in Myrrh
Authors: Zhou Qi , Liu Yongbei , Tang Yanran , Shokoohinia Yalda , Chittiboyina Amar G. , Wang Mei , Avonto Cristina
Published: August 2019

The exudate of Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) has been known for centuries as one of the most popular natural skin remedies. The characterization and safety assessment of myrrh ingredients are challenging due to the chemical variability of commercially available sources, as well as potential adulteration. Human and animal data have reported potential concerns about myrrh as a skin sensitizer, although no specific chemical entity has been identified as a potential culprit yet. In the present work, the in chemico high-throughput method using dansylated cysteamine (HTS-DCYA) was applied to extract and fractions of myrrh samples in an attempt to identify potential skin sensitizers. Nine oxo-furanogermacranes and the sesquiterpenoid alismol were isolated as major constituents. Five of the compounds were identified as weakly to moderately reactive in HTS-DCYA and could therefore trigger the molecular initiating event leading to skin sensitization. The reactive compounds were identified as 6-oxofuranodienones (2 and 5) and methoxyfuranogermacrenones (7 and 9). The reaction adducts of 2 with DCYA was confirmed by HPLC-DAD-MS and by HPLC-MS/MS experiments. A comparison of the chemical profile of myrrh samples available in-house confirmed a certain degree of chemical variability, with compounds 1, 7, and 9 occurring in four of the six samples.
Secure Service Composition with Quantitative Information Flow Evaluation in Mobile Computing Environments
Authors: Xi Ning , Lv Jing , Sun Cong , Ma Jianfeng
Published: August 2019

The advances in mobile technologies enable mobile devices to cooperate with each other to perform complex tasks to satisfy users’ composite service requirements. However, data with different sensitivities and heterogeneous systems with diverse security policies pose a great challenge on information flow security during the service composition across multiple mobile devices. The qualitative information flow control mechanism based on non-interference provides a solid security assurance on the propagation of customer’s private data across multiple service participants. However, strict discipline limits the service availability and may cause a high failure rate on service composition. Therefore, we propose a distributed quantitative information flow evaluation approach for service composition across multiple devices in mobile environments. The quantitative approach provides us a more precise way to evaluate the leakage and supports the customized disciplines on information flow security for the diverse requirements of different customers. Considering the limited energy feature on mobile devices, we use a distributed evaluation approach to provide a better balance on consumption on each service participant. Through the experiments and evaluations, the results indicate that our approach can improve the availability of composite service effectively while the security can be ensured.
Changes of Bacterial Communities in an Anaerobic Digestion and a Bio-Electrochemical Anaerobic Digestion Reactors According to Organic Load
Authors: Park Jun-Gyu , Shin Won-Beom , Shi Wei-Qi , Jun Hang-Bae
Published: August 2019

Bacterial communities change in bulk solution of anaerobic digestion (AD) and bio-electrochemical anaerobic digestion reactors (BEAD) were monitored at each organic loading rate (OLR) to investigate the effect of voltage supply on bacterial species change in bulk solution. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) degradation and methane production from AD and BEAD reactors were also analyzed by gradually increasing food waste OLR. The BEAD reactor maintained stable COD removal and methane production at 6.0 kg/m3·d. The maximum OLR of AD reactor for optimal operation was 4.0 kg/m3·d. pH and alkalinity decline and volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation, which are the problem in high load anaerobic digestion of readily decomposable food wastes, were again the major factors destroying the optimal operation condition of the AD reactor at 6.0 kg/m3·d. Contrarily, the electrochemically activated dense communities of exoelectrogenic bacteria and VFA-oxidizing bacteria prevented VFAs from accumulating inside the BEAD reactor. This maintained stable pH and alkalinity conditions, ultimately contributing to stable methane production.
Contribution of Forest Stewardship Council Certification to Sustainable Forest Management of State Forests in Selected Southeast European Countries
Authors: Pezdevšek Malovrh Špela , Bećirović Dženan , Marić Bruno , Nedeljković Jelena , Posavec Stjepan , Petrović Nenad , Avdibegović Mersudin
Published: August 2019

In recent decades, the concept of forest certification under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has been widely adopted in selected Southeast European countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia). As sustainability is traditionally recognised as a leading principle in the forest management doctrine in these countries, the aim of this study was to understand whether, and how, FSC forest certification contributes to the sustainable management of state forests. The research was carried out in two phases. First, in order to assess forest management compliance with FSC standard, non-conformities for the period 2014–2018, identified in audit Public Summary Reports, were analysed in all public companies that managed state-owned forests in selected countries. Further, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the professionals responsible for forest certification in these companies were conducted (n = 11) to determine the contribution of forest certification to the economic, ecological, and social aspects of sustainable forest management. In total, 185 non-conformities were analysed. The results showed that FSC certification was successful in addressing certain problems in forest management practices and contributed to sustainable forest management, mainly covering social and ecological issues. The most frequently identified non-conformities were those related to FSC Principle 4 Community relations and worker’s rights (32.3% of all non-conformities) and Principle 6 Environmental impact (30.4% of all non-conformities). The contribution of FSC certification to sustainable forest management is mainly reflected in the following aspects: Worker’s rights; health and safety of employees; availability of appropriate personal protective equipment; consultation with local people and interest groups; awareness of environmental impacts of forestry operations; waste disposal and storage of fuel; improving the image of forest companies and maintenance of high-conservation-value forests. The majority of non-conformities were minor and required procedural changes to be closed. Moreover, there are no statistically significant differences between the countries with regard to the number of non-conformities for all principles. It can be concluded that FSC certification, as a market-driven mechanism, plays an important role by influencing forest management practices and business operations of public forest companies in a positive manner.
Norway Spruce (Picea abies L.) Provenances Use Different Physiological Strategies to Cope with Water Deficit
Authors: Jamnická Gabriela , Fleischer Peter , Konôpková Alena , Pšidová Eva , Kučerová Jana , Kurjak Daniel , Živčák Marek , Ditmarová Ľubica
Published: August 2019

Research Highlights: In this study, we found different regulatory mechanisms in two contrasting provenances of Norway spruce responding to progressive drought stress. Background and Objectives: In the context of climate and environmental changes, the following question of high importance in scientific studies is: How will Norway spruce, which forms a dominant component in European mountain and boreal forests, be able to cope with the increasing frequencies and intensities of drought periods? The aim of the study was to investigate the physiological responses of eight-month-old seedlings, as a most vulnerable phase of forest tree life, for different spruce provenances, to find out variable strategies in relation to controlled drought stress. Materials and Methods: We performed an experiment under controlled conditions with spruce seedlings from a climatologically warmer stand of 410 m above sea level (a.s.l.), and a moderately cool stand of 931 m a.s.l. The soil water content, leaf predawn water potential, the osmotic potential of needles, the relative water content of needles, and the photosynthetic performance and the contents of primary metabolites (proline and abscisic acid) were investigated as indicators of the spruce seedlings’ responses to water stress. The status of the indicators was analyzed at different temporal intervals, using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), reflecting the seedlings’ water conditions (early drought, drought, or recovery). On a daily basis, the differences among the indicators were tested with one-way ANOVA. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the provenance-specific responses of tree drought indicators in a multi-dimensional data set. Results: The responses to drought stress differed between the provenances. Whereas seedlings of ‘warm’ provenance from a low altitude performed a conservation strategy, with high amounts of accumulated abscisic acid and closing the stomata faster, the reactions of ‘cool’ provenance seedlings from a higher altitude were not so sensitive and the plants’ water supply and photosynthetic performance remained significantly higher. These findings indicate that a higher drought resistance in ‘cool’ provenance could be related to greater amounts of proline amino-acids, which are accumulated from the beginning of the drought simulation. Furthermore, proline accumulation resulting in increased stress tolerance is controlled through another mechanism than osmotic adjustment. Conclusions: The observed variations in the regulatory mechanisms used to develop adaptive strategies in different provenances are an important factor for seedling survival under a changing climate.
Thyroid Cancer: The Quest for Genetic Susceptibility Involving DNA Repair Genes
Authors: Santos Luís S. , Gomes Bruno Costa , Bastos Hélder N. , Gil Octávia M. , Azevedo Ana Paula , Ferreira Teresa C. , Limbert Edward , Silva Susana N. , Rueff José
Published: August 2019

The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC), particularly well-differentiated forms (DTC), has been rising and remains the highest among endocrine malignancies. Although ionizing radiation (IR) is well established on DTC aetiology, other environmental and genetic factors may also be involved. DNA repair single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be among the former, helping in explaining the high incidence. To further clarify the role of DNA repair SNPs in DTC susceptibility, we analyzed 36 SNPs in 27 DNA repair genes in a population of 106 DTCs and corresponding controls with the aim of interpreting joint data from previously studied isolated SNPs in DNA repair genes. Significant associations with DTC susceptibility were observed for XRCC3 rs861539, XPC rs2228001, CCNH rs2230641, MSH6 rs1042821 and ERCC5 rs2227869 and for a haplotype block on chromosome 5q. From 595 SNP-SNP combinations tested and 114 showing relevance, 15 significant SNP combinations (p < 0.01) were detected on paired SNP analysis, most of which involving CCNH rs2230641 and mismatch repair variants. Overall, a gene-dosage effect between the number of risk genotypes and DTC predisposition was observed. In spite of the volume of data presented, new studies are sought to provide an interpretability of the role of SNPs in DNA repair genes and their combinations in DTC susceptibility.
In Vivo Response of Growth Plate to Biodegradable Mg-Ca-Zn Alloys Depending on the Surface Modification
Authors: Song Mi Hyun , Yoo Won Joon , Cho Tae-Joon , Park Yong Koo , Lee Wang-Jae , Choi In Ho
Published: August 2019

Because Mg-Ca-Zn alloys are biodegradable and obviate secondary implant removal, they are especially beneficial for pediatric patients. We examined the degradation performance of Mg-Ca-Zn alloys depending on the surface modification and investigated the in vivo effects on the growth plate in a skeletally immature rabbit model. Either plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO)-coated (n = 18) or non-coated (n = 18) Mg-Ca-Zn alloy was inserted at the distal femoral physis. We measured the degradation performance and femoral segment lengths using micro-CT. In addition, we analyzed the histomorphometric and histopathologic characteristics of the growth plate. Although there were no acute, chronic inflammatory reactions in either group, they differed significantly in the tissue reactions to their degradation performance and physeal responses. Compared to non-coated alloys, PEO-coated alloys degraded significantly slowly with diminished hydrogen gas formation. Depending on the degradation rate, large bone bridge formation and premature physeal arrest occurred primarily in the non-coated group, whereas only a small-sized bone bridge formed in the PEO-coated group. This difference ultimately led to significant shortening of the femoral segment in the non-coated group. This study suggests that optimal degradation could be achieved with PEO-coated Mg-Ca-Zn alloys, making them promising and safe biodegradable materials with no growth plate damage.
Gas and Solution Uptake Properties of Graphene Oxide-Based Composite Materials: Organic vs. Inorganic Cross-Linkers
Authors: Sabzevari Mina , Cree Duncan E. , Wilson Lee D.
Published: August 2019

This study focused on a comparison of the adsorption properties of graphene oxide (GO) and its composites that were prepared via cross-linking with chitosan (CTS) or Al3+ species, respectively. Comparative material characterization was achieved by several complementary methods: SEM, NMR spectroscopy, zeta-potential, dye-based adsorption, and gas adsorption at equilibrium and dynamic conditions. SEM, solids NMR, and zeta-potential results provided supporting evidence for cross-linking between GO and the respective cross-linker units. The zeta-potential of GO composites decreased upon cross-linking due to electrostatic interactions and charge neutralization. Equilibrium and kinetic adsorption profiles of the GO composites with methylene blue (MB) in aqueous media revealed superior uptake over pristine GO. The monolayer adsorption capacity (mg g−1) of MB are listed in descending order for each material: GO–CTS (408.6) > GO–Al (351.4) > GO (267.1). The gas adsorption results showed parallel trends, where the surface area and pore structure of the composites exceeded that for GO due to pillaring effects upon cross-linking. The green strategy reported herein for the preparation of tunable GO-based composites revealed versatile adsorption properties for diverse heterogeneous adsorption processes.
On the Solution of an Imprecisely Defined Nonlinear Time-Fractional Dynamical Model of Marriage
Authors: Jena Rajarama , Chakraverty Snehashish , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: August 2019

The present paper investigates the numerical solution of an imprecisely defined nonlinear coupled time-fractional dynamical model of marriage (FDMM). Uncertainties are assumed to exist in the dynamical system parameters, as well as in the initial conditions that are formulated by triangular normalized fuzzy sets. The corresponding fractional dynamical system has first been converted to an interval-based fuzzy nonlinear coupled system with the help of a single-parametric gamma-cut form. Further, the double-parametric form (DPF) of fuzzy numbers has been used to handle the uncertainty. The fractional reduced differential transform method (FRDTM) has been applied to this transformed DPF system for obtaining the approximate solution of the FDMM. Validation of this method was ensured by comparing it with other methods taking the gamma-cut as being equal to one.
Use the K-Neighborhood Subgraphs to Compute Canonical Labelings of Graphs
Authors: Hao Jianqiang , Gong Yunzhan , Sun Jianzhi , Tan Li
Published: August 2019

This paper puts forward an innovative theory and method to calculate the canonical labelings of graphs that are distinct to N a u t y ’s. It shows the correlation between the canonical labeling of a graph and the canonical labeling of its complement graph. It regularly examines the link between computing the canonical labeling of a graph and the canonical labeling of its o p e n k- n e i g h b o r h o o d s u b g r a p h . It defines d i f f u s i o n d e g r e e s e q u e n c e s and e n t i r e d i f f u s i o n d e g r e e s e q u e n c e . For each node of a graph G, it designs a characteristic m _ N e a r e s t N o d e to improve the precision for calculating canonical labeling. Two theorems established here display how to compute the first nodes of M a x Q ( G ) . Another theorem presents how to determine the second nodes of M a x Q ( G ) . When computing C m a x ( G ) , if M a x Q ( G ) already holds the first i nodes u 1 , u 2 , ⋯ , u i , Diffusion and Nearest Node theorems provide skill on how to pick the succeeding node of M a x Q ( G ) . Further, it also establishes two theorems to determine the C m a x ( G ) of disconnected graphs. Four algorithms implemented here demonstrate how to compute M a x Q ( G ) of a graph. From the results of the software experiment, the accuracy of our algorithms is preliminarily confirmed. Our method can be employed to mine the frequent subgraph. We also conjecture that if there is a node v ∈ S ( G ) meeting conditions C m a x ( G − v ) ⩽ C m a x ( G − w ) for each w ∈ S ( G ) ∧ w ≠ v , then u 1 = v for M a x Q ( G ) .
Perspectives on Interval Exercise Interventions for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Hamasaki Hidetaka
Published: August 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Exercise therapy is the most effective treatment for patients with NAFLD. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is attracting attention as a time-efficient and an effective exercise modality for treating patients with NAFLD. Previous studies have shown that HIIT can reduce fat mass, visceral adipose tissue, and intrahepatic lipid levels and improve hepatic stiffness. HIIT may be an optimal exercise therapy to improve NAFLD in patients with a lack of time.
Performance Enhancement Method for Angular Rate Measurement Based on Redundant MEMS IMUs
Authors: Xing Li , Tu Xiaowei , Qian Weixing , Chen Zhi , Yang Qinghua
Published: August 2019

Aiming at the low-cost, wide-range, and accurate measurement requirement for Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) on a multi-rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the paper designs a heterogeneous parallel redundancy configuration scheme. In redundant MEMS IMUs, a high-cost and small-range MEMS gyroscope is combined with low-cost and large-range MEMS gyroscopes. Then, an adaptive data fusion method of redundant MEMS gyroscopes is proposed. By the designed experiments based on the simulation data and the sensor measurement data, the proposed method has been proved that it can effectively improve the angular rate measurement performance of the multi-rotor UAV and broaden the angular rate measurement range on the basis of saving the configuration cost and volume of the micro IMU.
Generation of BSA-capsaicin Nanoparticles and Their Hormesis Effect on the Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Yeast
Authors: Sánchez-Arreguin Alejandro , Carriles Ramón , Ochoa-Alejo Neftalí , López Mercedes G. , Sánchez-Segura Lino
Published: August 2019

Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in pungent chili peppers (Capsicum spp.). In biotechnology, capsaicin has been proposed as a pathogen control; however, its low solubility in water and high instability limits its uses. The aim of this work was to study the effect of high concentrations of capsaicin on the synthesis of nanoparticles and to evaluate their inhibitory effect on the growth of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa yeast. Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-capsaicin nanoparticles were formulated at 0, 16.2, 32.5, 48.7 and 65.0 µg of capsaicin per mg of BSA. Nanoparticle properties were evaluated and they were added to cultures of R. mucilaginosa to quantify their effect on cell viability. We found that increased capsaicin levels caused several changes to the physicochemical parameters, probably due to changes in the hydrophobicity sites of the albumin during the nanostructuration. The administration of nanoparticles to cultures of R. mucilaginosa produced a maximal viability with nanoparticles at 16.2 µg/mg; on the contrary, nanoparticles at 65.0 µg/mg caused maximal cell death. R. mucilaginosa cells displayed a hormesis effect in response to the nanoparticle dose concentration. The nanoparticles showed different responses during the uptake process, probably as a consequence of the nanostructural properties of capsaicin in the BSA molecules.
Primaquine and Chloroquine Fumardiamides as Promising Antiplasmodial Agents
Authors: Beus Maja , Fontinha Diana , Held Jana , Rajić Zrinka , Uzelac Lidija , Kralj Marijeta , Prudêncio Miguel , Zorc Branka
Published: August 2019

This paper describes a continuation of our efforts in the pursuit of novel antiplasmodial agents with optimized properties. Following our previous discovery of biologically potent asymmetric primaquine (PQ) and halogenaniline fumardiamides (1–6), we now report their significant in vitro activity against the hepatic stages of Plasmodium parasites. Furthermore, we successfully prepared chloroquine (CQ) analogue derivatives (11–16) and evaluated their activity against both the hepatic and erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium. Our results have shown that PQ fumardiamides (1–6) exert both higher activity against P. berghei hepatic stages and lower toxicity against human hepatoma cells than the parent drug and CQ derivatives (11–16). The favourable cytotoxicity profile of the most active compounds, 5 and 6, was corroborated by assays performed on human cells (human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and non-tumour embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T)), even when glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was inhibited. The activity of CQ fumardiamides on P. falciparum erythrocytic stages was higher than that of PQ derivatives, comparable to CQ against CQ-resistant strain PfDd2, but lower than CQ when tested on the CQ-sensitive strain Pf3D7. In addition, both sets of compounds showed favourable drug-like properties. Hence, quinoline fumardiamides could serve as a starting point towards the development of safer and more effective antiplasmodial agents.
Effect of Excitation Wavelength on Optical Performances of Quantum-Dot-Converted Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Yan Caiman , Du Xuewei , Li Jiasheng , Ding Xinrui , Li Zongtao , Tang Yong
Published: August 2019

Light-emitting diode (LED) combined with quantum dots (QDs) is an important candidate for next-generation high-quality semiconductor devices. However, the effect of the excitation wavelength on their optical performance has not been fully explored. In this study, green and red QDs are applied to LEDs of different excitation wavelengths from 365 to 455 nm. The blue light is recommended for exciting QDs from the perspective of energy utilization. However, QD LEDs excited at 365 nm have unique advantages in eliminating the original peaks from the LED chip. Moreover, the green or red light excited by ultraviolet light has an advantage in colorimetry. Even for the 455 nm LED with the highest QD concentration at 7.0 wt%, the color quality could not compete with the 365 nm LED with the lowest QD concentration at 0.2 wt%. A 117.5% (NTSC1953) color gamut could be obtained by the 365 nm-excited RGB system, which is 32.6% higher than by the 455 nm-excited solution, and this can help expand the color gamut of LED devices. Consequently, this study provides an understanding of the properties of QD-converted LEDs under different wavelength excitations, and offers a general guide to selecting a pumping source for QDs.
Antibacterial Activities of Aliphatic Polyester Nanocomposites with Silver Nanoparticles and/or Graphene Oxide Sheets
Authors: Liao Chengzhu , Li Yuchao , Tjong Sie Chin
Published: August 2019

Aliphatic polyesters such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) copolymers have been widely used as biomaterials for tissue engineering applications including: bone fixation devices, bone scaffolds, and wound dressings in orthopedics. However, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters are prone to bacterial infections due to the lack of antibacterial moieties in their macromolecular chains. In this respect, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), graphene oxide (GO) sheets and AgNPs-GO hybrids can be used as reinforcing nanofillers for aliphatic polyesters in forming antimicrobial nanocomposites. However, polymeric matrix materials immobilize nanofillers to a large extent so that they cannot penetrate bacterial membrane into cytoplasm as in the case of colloidal nanoparticles or nanosheets. Accordingly, loaded GO sheets of aliphatic polyester nanocomposites have lost their antibacterial functions such as nanoknife cutting, blanket wrapping and membrane phospholipid extraction. In contrast, AgNPs fillers of polyester nanocomposites can release silver ions for destroying bacterial cells. Thus, AgNPs fillers are more effective than loaded GO sheets of polyester nanocomposiites in inhibiting bacterial infections. Aliphatic polyester nanocomposites with AgNPs and AgNPs-GO fillers are effective to kill multi-drug resistant bacteria that cause medical device-related infections.
Novel LDPE/Chitosan Rosemary and Melissa Extract Nanostructured Active Packaging Films
Authors: Giannakas Aris , Salmas Constantinos , Leontiou Areti , Tsimogiannis Dimitrios , Oreopoulou Antigoni , Braouhli Joerg
Published: August 2019

The increased global market trend for food packaging is imposing new improved methods for the extension of shelf-life and quality of food products. Active packaging, which is based on the incorporation of additives into packaging materials, is becoming significant for this purpose. In this work, nanostructured low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was combined with chitosan (CS) to aim for a food packaging development with an increased oxygen permeability barrier and higher antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, essential oil extracts as rosemary (RO) and Melissa (MO) were added to this packaging matrix in order to improve its antioxidant properties and vanish food odor problems. The novel nanostructured active packaging film was tested using laboratory instrumental methods, such as thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, a dilatometer for tensile properties (DMA), and an oxygen permeation analyzer (OPA). Moreover, laboratorian tests according to ASTM standards were carried out for the estimation of water sorption, water vapor permeability, overall migration, and, finally, the antioxidant properties of such films. The experimental results have indicated that the final material exhibits advanced properties. More specifically, chitosan addition was observed to lead to an enhanced oxygen and water-vapor permeability barrier while the extracted essential oil addition led to enhanced tensile strength and antioxidant properties.
Age-Associated Changes in Gut Microbiota and Dietary Components Related with the Immune System in Adulthood and Old Age: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Salazar Nuria , Arboleya Silvia , Fernández-Navarro Tania , de los Reyes-Gavilán Clara G. , Gonzalez Sonia , Gueimonde Miguel
Published: August 2019

The fecal microbiota plays an important role in human health, and alterations in the microbiota–host interaction seem to be involved in the ageing process. Therefore, it is of interest to develop strategies for promoting a balanced microbiota in old age in order to prevent the physiological and immune decline associated with age. However, the specific microbiota changes in the transition from adulthood to senescence are not yet well understood. Here we assessed the levels of some intestinal microorganisms and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) across different age-groups. In total, 153 adults from four age groups (<50, 50–65, 66–80, and >80 years-old) were recruited; the levels of different bacterial groups in fecal samples were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and those of SCFA by gas chromatography. Dietary information was collected by using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The presence of the Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides group, and Clostridium cluster XIVa decreased with age up to 66–80 years of age, with differences reaching statistical significance for the latter group. Interestingly, the levels of some of these microorganisms recovered in the very old age group (>80 years), with these older individuals presenting significantly higher counts of Akkermansia and Lactobacillus group than adults and the younger elderly. In addition, ageing was associated with a progressively and statistically significant reduction in the fecal concentrations of SCFAs. Dietary intakes also showed some statistically significant differences among the groups for some macro- and micronutrients. Moreover, associations of some microorganisms with age and macronutrients were also evidenced. Considering the role that fecal microbiota alterations may have in terms of impairing homeostasis and resilience, our results underline the importance of understanding the ageing and immunosenescence processes by including the microbiota perspective.