bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reference ideal TOPSIS method for linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy decision making based on linguistic scale function
Authors: Liu Donghai , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Lizhen
Published: July 2020

The linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy set is a powerful tool in representing linguistic assessments. Considering that the traditional decision making methods cannot deal with the situation that the best choice may not be the minimum or the maximum but between them, we propose an innovative TOPSIS method with linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers based on the reference ideal theory. Firstly, the new operations of linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets are introduced based on the linguistic scale function. In addition, we propose the Minkowski distance measure of linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers to make up for the defects of the existing distance measures based on the linguistic scale function. By using the new operations of linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers, we propose the linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy weighted averaging operator and the linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy weighted geometric operator to aggregate linguistic decision information. Furthermore, we develop a reference ideal TOPSIS method to the linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy decision making problems. Finally, an example concerning the postgraduate entrance qualification assessment is given to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method. Some comparative analysis is also given to show the efficiency of the method, in addition, the sensitivity analysis and stability analysis of the proposed method are also given.
Changes in eye movement parameters in the presence of an artificial central scotoma
Authors: Léné Paul , Ouerfelli-Ethier Julie , Fournet Romain , Laurin Anne-Sophie , Gosselin Frédéric , Khan Aarlenne Zein
Published: July 2020

Background:

Central vision loss, such as in the case of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has a a major negative impact on patients’ quality of life. However, some patients have shown spontaneous adaptive strategies development, mostly relying on their peripheral vision.

Objective:

This study assesses eye movement and eccentric visual function adaptive behaviors of a healthy population in the presence of simulated central vision loss. We wished to determine how central vision loss affects eye movements, specifically the foveal-target alignment.

Methods:

Fifteen healthy participants (7 females, M = 21.69, SD = 2.13) discriminated the orientation of a Gabor relative to the vertical located at 12 deg of eccentricity to the right of fixation, in the presence of a gaze-contingent artificial central scotoma either visible or invisible. The artificial central scotoma was 4° diameter in order to simulate an earlier stage of degenerative disease while still impairing foveal vision. The target’s orientation varied between 10° counter-clockwise and 10° clockwise. Each participant performed four blocks of 75 trials each per day over 10 days, the first day being a baseline without scotoma.

Results:

We found changes in the endpoints of the 1st saccade over the practice days. The most common pattern was a gradual upward shift. We also observed a significant increase in discrimination performance over the 9 days of practice. We did not find any difference linked to the scotoma types.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that the presence of an artificial central scotoma combined with a challenging discrimination task induces both changes in saccade planning mechanisms, resulting in a new eccentric-target alignment, and improvements in eccentric visual functions. This demonstrates the potential of this research paradigm to understand and potentially improve visual function in patients with central vision loss.
METHOD OF NAHWU IN ARABIC LEARNING
Authors: Asy'ari M.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Language is very important and the impression that Nahwu is a difficult science to learn, especially by Muslims. As one of the basic sciences in Arabic, Nahwu's science cannot be ignored because without Nahwu's knowledge, Arabic will become chaotic and the order of words and sentences will be disorganized. Therefore, in learning Arabic, it is important to know Nahwu's knowledge, even though this method of teaching science is quite widely practiced by nahwu teachers, but students continue to face difficulties in learning it. Therefore, it is necessary to use suitable teaching methods and appropriate steps and subject matter that must be prioritized to be taught to students, so as to facilitate them in learning Nahwu science.[1] Related to this, there are a number of issues that need to be discussed, namely: What is the importance of learning nahwu, especially by students who want to communicate in Arabic ?; What method should be used so that students can learn nahwu easily? Here are some important questions that will be discussed in this article.

Keywords: Nahwu, Learning, amd Arabic
COMMUNICATIVE SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AS AN EFFORT TO PREVENT RADICAL ISLAM IN STUDENTS
Authors: Umami Ida
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses the prevention efforts of radical understanding among students through communicative social interactions. This study is a literature study with a psychological approach. Data Research Methods use Library research derived from the literature, research results and various scientific articles and books collected with documentation techniques. The collected data is then analyzed using the content analysis method. This method is operationalized by making inferences – the inferences that can be imitated and valid for data by observing the context.  The results of this research are social interactions are indispensable in student life as individuals and community members so communicate and assist and cooperate in achieving common goals desired. Positive social interactions will be able to be a sense of religious understanding among closed and textual students, so they feel as a group that feels most understanding of God's teachings. Therefore, there needs to be a better knowledge and understanding of religion for students and strive to conduct harmonious and communicative social interaction so that students can avoid and be prevented from understanding religious-based radicals and become a person who has a high social concern.
Keywords: Communicative Social Interactions, Prevention, Radical Islam, Colleges
Gambaran Pengetahuan Perawat Tentang Perawatan Luka Modern Dressing di Satu Rumah Sakit Swasta di Indonesia Barat
Authors: Br. Sidabutar Anggiriani Meilin , Patty Rika Anggelina , Simanjuntak Sonta , Kartika Lia , Aiba Sumiaty
Published: July 2020

Currently, the wound care technique is experiencing rapid development, especially modern wound dressing treatments that maintain the moist dressing principle. Wound care is one of the nurses' skills that should be known by all nurses. Data shows that five out of eight nurses are not aware of modern wound dressing techniques. This condition was becoming a cause for concern because inadequate knowledge can make a non-comprehensive wound assessment and treatment that can slow down or even hinder the client's wound healing process. This study aimed to determine the description of nurses' knowledge of modern dressing wound care. Quantitative descriptive methods with total sampling techniques were conducted on 50 respondents who worked in the inpatient rooms on 5th, 6th, and 7th floor in June-July 2019. Univariate analysis was used to obtain an overview of nurses' knowledge of modern dressing wound care techniques. Most of the nurses' knowledge about modern wound dressing care has sufficient knowledge, namely 33 people (66%). Special training and seminars on modern dressing need to be carried out to increase knowledge and ensure the authority of nurses in wound care. Further researchers are advised to identify factors that influence nurses' knowledge of modern dressing wound care.
الحاجة إلى استبدال نظام الميراث الشرعيّ بالميراث العرفيّ في بلاد يوربا، نيجيريا
Authors: Yusuf Shittu Bilal , Nik Wajis Nik Rahim , Mohd Subri Irwan , Abdurrazzaq Alawiye Abdulmumin
Published: July 2020

This research work seeks to bring into view the status quo of the Yoruba customary system of inheritance, which is to some extent opposed to the Islamic legal system of inheritance. This is because it is observed that the Yoruba customary system is characterized by some oppression and injustice. Some eligible persons are being deprived their shares like the woman, children and so on. As it is known that Islamic legal rulings have come to put an end to the Pre-Islamic orders in all affairs, transactions and personal laws, including the inheritance. Allah prescribed them all for mankind to eliminate oppression and establish justice among the individuals and groups in the family and the society. Despite the fact that Muslims are in Majority in Yorubaland, Nigeria, most of the Muslims continue to practice the customary system of Inheritance, where some estates are being neglected and not shared, or enjoyed by the people who are not entitled to them.
Investigation of the Performance of V-cut Turbines for Stirring Shear-thinning Fluids in a Cylindrical Vessel
Authors: Ameur Houari
Published: July 2020

The impeller design is the most crucial parameter to enhance the performance of stirred tanks. The cut in the impeller blade is a new technique to save the energy of impellers in mixing vessels without increasing the mixing time or reducing the product quality. In this paper, the new technique of cut is applied for a disc turbine rotating in an unbaffled cylindrical tank. Effects of the V-cut shape are highlighted. Non-Newtonian shear-thinning fluids are considered for the three flow regimes (laminar, transient, and turbulent). Effects of the number of blades on the flow patterns, pumping rate (Nq) and power consumption (Np) are explored. From the obtained results, a recirculation loop of flow is observed at the tip of each blade for impellers with less than three blades. These recirculation loops disappear with the increased number of blades. Under laminar flow conditions, the obtained results also revealed a decrease in power consumption and an increase in the discharge flow rate with the rise of Reynolds number. However, almost any changes were observed for these parameters (Np and Nq) under turbulent flow conditions.
Fenofibrate reduces osteonecrosis without affecting antileukemic efficacy in dexamethasone-treated mice
Authors: Emily R. Finch  , Monique A. Payton  , David A. Jenkins  , Xiangjun Cai  , Lie Li  , Seth E. Karol  , Mary V. Relling  , Laura J. Janke
Published: July 2020

Recent clinical trials in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) indicate that severe hypertriglyceridemia (> 1000 mg/dL) during therapy is associated with increased frequency of symptomatic osteonecrosis. Interventions to lower triglycerides have been considered, but there have been no pre-clinical studies investigating impact of lowering triglycerides on osteonecrosis risk, nor whether such interventions interfere with the antileukemic efficacy of ALL treatment. We utilized our clinically relevant mouse model of dexamethasone-induced osteonecrosis to determine if fenofibrate decreased osteonecrosis. To test whether fenofibrate affected the antileukemic efficacy of dexamethasone, we utilized a BCR-ABL+ model of ALL. Serum triglycerides were reduced with fenofibrate throughout treatment, with the most pronounced 4.5-fold decrease at week 3 (p<1x10-6). Both frequency (33% versus 74%, p=0.006) and severity (median necrosis score of 0 versus 75; p=6x10-5) of osteonecrosis were reduced with fenofibrate. Fenofibrate had no impact on BCR-ABL+ ALL survival (p=0.65) nor on the antileukemic properties of dexamethasone (p=0.49). These data suggest that lowering triglycerides with fenofibrate reduces dexamethasone-induced osteonecrosis while maintaining antileukemic efficacy, and thus may be considered for clinical trials.
Dependence of field germination and survival of chamomile plants on vegetation and agro-technical factors
Authors: Padalko T.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the research was to study the essence of ensuring high germination of seeds and survival of chamomile plants depending on the variety, seeding rate and sowing time in the Right-bank Forest Steppe. Chamomile plants have been found to be signifi cantly responsive to the soil and climatic conditions of the region, which has led to uneven seedlings, so it is important to investigate agrotechnological techniques aimed at increasing of seed germination energy and simultaneity of sprouts. The agrobiological features of medicinal plants cultivation in the conditions of the RightBank Forest Steppe, in particular, of chamomile (Matricaria recutita), which is most used in offi cial and folk medicine among medicinal plants due to the presence of various biologically active substances in it, were investigated. The study was conducted with samples of chamomile plants in the area of the Right-bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine (field of study (IE Prudyvus), a branch of the department of Podilsky State Agrarian and Technical University), taking into account all the requirements of the methodology of the research case. The following results were obtained: the period of vegetation of chamomile was mainly dependent on the sowing time, the duration ranged from 83 to 240 days; fi eld germination of chamomile plants in the average for 2017‒2019 was in the range of 71‒89 %; the maximum rate of plant survival at the end of the growing season was 93 %, which was obtained on the variant of autumn sowing with a sowing rate of 6 kg/ha in the Perlyna of the Forest-steppe, the minimum indicator was noted 72 % for the summer sowing with a sowing rate of 8 kg/ha in the Bodegold variety; the germination and survival rate exceeded the control by
10‒13 %.
Today, this crop is quite widespread and is cultivated independently of the fi rst established cultivation areas and existing research stations of medicinal plants, and in particular, as a culture of a wide range of use of raw materials both in Ukraine and abroad.
Key words: chamomile, variety, seeding rate, sowing period, fi eld germination, plant survival, vegetation factors.
Efficacy of Implantable Bone Conduction Hearing Aids in Single-Sided Deafness
Authors: Lee Ji Hyeon , Seo Young Joon
Published: July 2020

As the technology advances and bone conduction implant (BCI) use increases, implantable bone conduction hearing aids are regarded as a treatment method for single-sided deafness (SSD) and their efficacy on SSD must be discussed. Therefore, we organized the problems of SSD and types of implantable bone conduction hearing aids and explained their effectiveness in the treatment of SSD in terms of changes in 1) speech recognition in a noisy environment, 2) sound localization, 3) subjective satisfaction as assessed by questionnaire, and 4) tinnitus. Although bone conduction hearing aids do not significantly improve localization ability in SSD, they increase the ability to listen under noise, increasing subjective satisfaction. Tinnitus improvement was also reported. The active forms of BCI like MED-EL BONEBRIDGE®2 and Cochlear Osia®2 have been developed well. Based on these technological developments and effects, bone conduction hearing aids would be a good option for treatment option of SSD.
THE ERGONOMIC RISK ANALYSIS WITH REBA METHOD IN PRODUCTION LINE
Authors: TARAKÇI Emin , CAN Emine , SAKALLI Ahmet Ebrar , TAK Gökmen
Published: July 2020

Ergonomics is a group of multidisciplinary studies that investigate and improve the compatibility of humans with the machine and the environment by examining the physical, environmental and psychological risk factors. The primary purpose of ergonomics is to ensure employee health and safety, and increase work efficiency (such as reduced idle capacity, increased production, increased product quality). Because employing workers in a healthy and safe condition enables an increase in work efficiency. In this study, ergonomic risk analysis was selected on the production line of an enterprise with the REBA method and suggestions for improvement were included. The working cluster consists of 30 unskilled workers on the production line. As a result of the analysis, 66.6% of the production process is at medium risk and 33.4% is at high risk. After the improvement works to be done, it is expected that ergonomic risks would reduce and an increase in production and efficiency.
Longitudinal survey of Flavobacterium species in Icelandic salmonid fish farms
Authors: Einarsdottir T , Guttormsdottir G , Connaghan D , Hjartardottir S
Published: July 2020

Flavobacterium species cause significant disease in salmonid farming worldwide, typically seen as mortality in sac fry and later as necrosis and ulceration in fingerlings and fry. In this study, we sampled Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus from 5 Icelandic fish farms in 2014 and 2017, where flavobacteria were suspected to cause disease. The objective of the study was to identify and characterise the bacteria by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and multilocus sequence type housekeeping genes. We found 5 distinct groups of flavobacteria: 3 that were homogeneous and appeared to persist in the fish farms between 2014 and 2017 and 2 that were heterogeneous and transient. Flavobacterium psychrophilum could be isolated from diseased Arctic char from all 5 fish farms in both 2014 and 2017. However, while the other 4 Flavobacterium sp. groups were isolated from Atlantic salmon, water and roe, F. psychrophilum could not be isolated from these samples. This indicates that flavobacteria other than F. psychrophilum may be the primary cause of fin and tail rot in Icelandic Atlantic salmon fry.
RAPID PRODUCTION INCREASES POSSIBLE ON WANGANUI HILLS
Authors: Tripe J.N.
Published: July 2020

"WAIRERE", the property discussed in this paper, is 1,454 acres in extent, and situated 25 miles inland from Wanganui between the Whangaehu and Turakina rivers. It is hill country which would be classified as moderate to steep hills with an average rainfall of 41 in. The soil tends to be very light and sandy - described as Whangaehu sandy silt loam. Deep gorges reduce the productive acreage to approxi mately 1,300 acres. The 150 acres of gorges have adjacent to them 25 acres of flat which play an important part in the management of the property.
THE ECONOMICS OF HILL COUNTRY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Holden J.S.
Published: July 2020

THE Agricultural Development Conference has called for an enormous increase in agricultural investment of between f400 million and f600 million in the next eight to ten years. The magnitude of the planning problem is clear when it is realized that gross farm investment must reach about f45 million annually to reach the targets. This figure, suggested by Professor B. P. Philpott in 1963, is about double that achieved in the last few years.
Headache in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Meshkov A. D. , Lukina G. V. , Novikov P. I. , Fedorov K. E.
Published: July 2020

Headaches are a common, but under-recognized symptom of rheumatic diseases. They can result from intracranial (inflammation, thrombosis, etc.) or extracranial pathology, such as irritation, or degeneration of anatomically related structures such as the eyes, neck, and sinuses. In addition, patients with rheumatologic disorders have the same tendencies as the general population to develop primary headaches. While the latter are benign in nature, the former type of headaches may signal disease manifestation, progression, or complication. Information on headache syndromes related to rheumatologic disorders as well as understanding of underlying disease processes and mechanisms is important. This will help to improve diagnostics and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR MATA PELAJARAN PENDIDIKAN LINGKUNGAN HIDUP (PLH) MELALUI PENERAPAN MODEL KONTEKSTUAL BERBASIS PROYEK PADA SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Fatihah Nurur Rosyidah  , Bambang Yulianto  , Emy Yunita Rahma Pratiwi
Published: July 2020

Pembelajaran PLH yang terjadi di kelas didominasi dengan penggunaan model pembelajaran langsung sehingga berakibat pada menurunya hasil belajar siswa, menurunnya hasil belajar siswa dari segi kogntif dan afektif . Tujuan yang ingin dicapai dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui bagaimana perencanaan pembelajaran, bagaimana mendeskripsikan aktivitas guru dan siswa selama pembelajaran serta mendeskripsikan hasil belajar siswa melalui penerapan model kontekstual berbasis proyek. Tekhnik pengumpulan data yang digunakan melalui wawancara, observasi, serta dokumentasi. Jenis pendekatan yang digunakan ialah penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK), tekhnik analisis yang digunakan adalah statistik deskriptif guna menjelaskan hasil dari penelitian. Hasil dari penelitian ini bisa dilihat pada tahap pelaksanaan pembelajaran yang dilakukan 2 siklus. Hasil belajar siswa mengalami peningkatan, pada siklus I siswa mengalami peningkatan dengan nilai persentase 75,45% sedangkan pada siklus II siswa mengalami peningkatan dengan persentase 91,2%. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa adanya peningkatan belajar terhadap diterapkannya model kontekstual berbasis proyek yang dilaksanakan di SD.

Kata kunci: Penerapan Model Kontekstual Berbasis Proyek, Hasil Belajar Proyek
Ethylene Enhances Seed Germination and Seedling Growth Under Salinity by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Promoting Chlorophyll Content via ETR2 Pathway
Authors: Wang Yue , Diao Pengfei , Kong Lingqi , Yu Ruonan , Zhang Man , Zuo Tiantian , Fan Yanyan , Niu Yiding , Yan Fang , Wuriyanghan Hada
Published: July 2020

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important forage, and salinity is a major stress factor on its yield. In this study, we show that osmotic stress retards alfalfa seedling growth, while ionic/oxidative stress reduces its seed germination. Ethylene treatment can recover the germination rate of alfalfa seeds under salt stress, while ethylene inhibitor silver thiosulfate exacerbates salt effects. ETH reduces the accumulation of MDA and H2O2 and increases POD activity. ETH and ACC improve the salt tolerance of alfalfa by increasing proline content under salt stress. In contrast, STS inhibits alfalfa seed germination by reducing POD activity. NaCl treatment reduces chlorophyll content in alfalfa leaves, while ETH and ACC can increase the chlorophyll content and promote seedling growth. ETH promotes the growth of alfalfa in saline condition by reducing the expression of MsACO and MsERF8 genes, while increases its germination rate by upregulating MsERF11 gene. Silencing of MsETR2, a putative ethylene receptor gene in alfalfa, abolishes ethylene triggered tolerance to salt stress. In summary, we show that ethylene improves salt tolerance in alfalfa via MsETR2 dependent manner, and we also analyze the regulatory mechanism of ethylene during germination of alfalfa seeds under salt stress.
Plant Responses to UV Blocking Greenhouse Covering Materials: A Review
Authors: Katsoulas Nikolaos , Bari Anastasia , Papaioannou Chryssoula
Published: July 2020

Pure polyethylene (PE) is enriched with several additives to make it a smart application material in protected cultivation, as a cover material for either greenhouses or screenhouses. When this material completely or partially absorbs ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation, then it is called UV blocking material. The current work presents a review on the effects of the UV blocking covering materials on crop growth and development. Despite the passage of several years and the evolution of the design technology of plastic greenhouse covers, UV blocking materials have not ceased to be a rather interesting technique for the protection of several vegetable and ornamental species. Much of the research on UV blocking materials focuses on their indisputable effect on reducing the activity of pests and viral-related diseases, rather than on the effects on the crop physiology itself. In the present paper, representative studies dealing with the effect of the UV blocking materials on the agronomic factors of different crops are presented and discussed. The results reveal that UV blocking materials have mainly positive effects on the different plant physiological functions, such as photosynthesis and transpiration rate, and on growth characteristics, while they might have a negative effect on the production and content of secondary compounds, as anthocyanins and total phenolics.
Chemical Composition of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Biofortified with Iodine by KIO3, 5-Iodo-, and 3.5-Diiodosalicylic Acid in a Hydroponic Cultivation
Authors: Sularz Olga , Smoleń Sylwester , Koronowicz Aneta , Kowalska Iwona , Leszczyńska Teresa
Published: July 2020

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the daily consumption of table salt should be reduced. To avoid the health consequences of iodine deficiency, it is necessary to include alternative food sources of this trace element in the human diet. One of the most effective ways of improving nutrition is the biofortification of crops with minerals and vitamins. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of iodine biofortification (potassium iodate/KIO3/, 5-iodosalicylic acid/5-ISA/and 3.5-diiodosalicylic acid/3.5-diISA/) on the chemical composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. capitata) cv. ‘Melodion’. Plants were cultivated in a hydroponic system NFT (Nutrient Film Technique). We compared the effect of iodine fertilization on the basic chemical composition, fatty acid profile, macro- and micronutrients, content of sugars, nitrogenous compounds, chlorides, and iodine compounds. The results obtained in this research indicate that the application of iodine compounds has an influence on changes of concentration of iodine and other compounds in the treated samples. In lettuce, the main fatty acid was linolenic acid; however, fertilization with iodine did not affect the fatty acid profile in plants, except for concentrations of myristic and arachidic acids. We also found that iodine fortification has positive effects on concentrations of some micro- and micronutrients. Moreover, the application of 3.5-diISA decreased the concentration of nitrates as compared to control and other treatments. Therefore, it may be postulated that the production of lettuce fortified with iodosalicylates is worthy of consideration due to the fact that it may be a good source of iodine and other compounds in the human diet.
Release of Medicago truncatula Gaertn. and Pisum sativum subsp. elatius (M. Bieb.) Asch. et Graebn. Seed Dormancy Tested in Soil Conditions
Authors: Renzi Juan Pablo , Brus Jan , Pirintsos Stergios , Erdős László , Duchoslav Martin , Smýkal Petr
Published: July 2020

Medicago truncatula (barrel medic) and Pisum sativum subsp. elatius (wild pea) accessions originating from variable environmental conditions in the Mediterranean basin were used to study physical seed dormancy (PY) release. The effect of soil burial on PY release was tested on 112 accessions of medic and 46 accessions of pea over the period of 3 months in situ at three common gardens (Hungary, Spain and Greece) from 2017 through 2019. PY release after soil exhumation followed by experimental laboratory germination of remaining dormant seeds (wet, 25 °C, 21 days) were related to the environmental conditions of the common garden and macroclimatic variables of the site of origin of the accessions. Higher PY release was observed in buried seeds under humid rather than under dry and hot environments. Exposure of remaining dormant seeds to experimental laboratory conditions increased total PY release up to 70% and 80% in barrel medic and wild pea, respectively. Wild pea showed higher phenotypic plasticity on PY release than barrel medic, which had higher bet-hedging within-season. Wild pea showed lower bet-hedging among-season (PY < 10%) in relation to precipitation than barrel medic, which was more conservative (PY ≈ 20%). Observed variability suggests that these species have the capability to cope with ongoing climate change.
Bacteriophages and the One Health Approach to Combat Multidrug Resistance: Is This the Way?
Authors: Garvey Mary
Published: July 2020

Antimicrobial resistance necessitates action to reduce and eliminate infectious disease, ensure animal and human health, and combat emerging diseases. Species such as Acinetobacter baumanniii, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus, methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as other WHO priority pathogens, are becoming extremely difficult to treat. In 2017, the EU adopted the “One Health” approach to combat antibiotic resistance in animal and human medicine and to prevent the transmission of zoonotic disease. As the current therapeutic agents become increasingly inadequate, there is a dire need to establish novel methods of treatment under this One Health Framework. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses infecting bacterial species, demonstrate clear antimicrobial activity against an array of resistant species, with high levels of specificity and potency. Bacteriophages play key roles in bacterial evolution and are essential components of all ecosystems, including the human microbiome. Factors such are their specificity, potency, biocompatibility, and bactericidal activity make them desirable options as therapeutics. Issues remain, however, relating to their large-scale production, formulation, stability, and bacterial resistance, limiting their implementation globally. Phages used in therapy must be virulent, purified, and well characterized before administration. Clinical studies are warranted to assess the in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic characteristics of phages to fully establish their therapeutic potential.
Genetic Subtyping, Biofilm-Forming Ability and Biocide Susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated from a Ready-to-Eat Food Industry
Authors: Andrade Joana Catarina , João António Lopes , Alonso Carlos de Sousa , Barreto António Salvador , Henriques Ana Rita
Published: July 2020

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of special concern for ready-to-eat food producers. The control of its presence is a critical step in which food-grade sanitizers play an essential role. L. monocytogenes is believed to persist in food processing environments in biofilms, exhibiting less susceptibility to sanitizers than planktonic cells. This study aimed to test the susceptibility of L. monocytogenes in planktonic culture and biofilm to three commercial food-grade sanitizers and to benzalkonium chloride; together with the genetic subtyping of the isolates. L. monocytogenes isolates were collected from raw materials, final products and food-contact surfaces during a 6-year period from a ready-to-eat meat-producing food industry and genetically characterized. Serogrouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed genetic variability and differentiated L. monocytogenes isolates in three clusters. The biofilm-forming ability assay revealed that the isolates were weak biofilm producers. L. monocytogenes strains were susceptible both in the planktonic and biofilm form to oxidizing and ethanol-based compounds and to benzalkonium chloride, but not to quaternary ammonium compound. A positive association of biofilm-forming ability and LD90 values for quaternary ammonium compound and benzalkonium chloride was found. This study highlights the need for preventive measures improvement and for a conscious selection and use of sanitizers in food-related environments to control Listeria monocytogenes.
Hydrogen Sulfide: From a Toxic Molecule to a Key Molecule of Cell Life
Authors: Aroca Angeles , Gotor Cecilia , Bassham Diane C. , Romero Luis C.
Published: July 2020

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has always been considered toxic, but a huge number of articles published more recently showed the beneficial biochemical properties of its endogenous production throughout all regna. In this review, the participation of H2S in many physiological and pathological processes in animals is described, and its importance as a signaling molecule in plant systems is underlined from an evolutionary point of view. H2S quantification methods are summarized and persulfidation is described as the underlying mechanism of action in plants, animals and bacteria. This review aims to highlight the importance of its crosstalk with other signaling molecules and its fine regulation for the proper function of the cell and its survival.
Antioxidant Activity in Supramolecular Carotenoid Complexes Favored by Nonpolar Environment and Disfavored by Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Gao Yunlong , Focsan A. Ligia , Kispert Lowell D.
Published: July 2020

Carotenoids are well-known antioxidants. They have the ability to quench singlet oxygen and scavenge toxic free radicals preventing or reducing damage to living cells. We have found that carotenoids exhibit scavenging ability towards free radicals that increases nearly exponentially with increasing the carotenoid oxidation potential. With the oxidation potential being an important parameter in predicting antioxidant activity, we focus here on the different factors affecting it. This paper examines how the chain length and donor/acceptor substituents of carotenoids affect their oxidation potentials but, most importantly, presents the recent progress on the effect of polarity of the environment and orientation of the carotenoids on the oxidation potential in supramolecular complexes. The oxidation potential of a carotenoid in a nonpolar environment was found to be higher than in a polar environment. Moreover, in order to increase the photostability of the carotenoids in supramolecular complexes, a nonpolar environment is desired and the formation of hydrogen bonds should be avoided.
Artificial Intelligence-Driven Composition and Security Validation of an Internet of Things Ecosystem
Authors: Hatzivasilis George , Papadakis Nikos , Hatzakis Ilias , Ioannidis Sotiris , Vardakis George
Published: July 2020

Key challenges in Internet-of-Things (IoT) system design and management include the secure system composition and the calculation of the security and dependability level of the final system. This paper presents an event-based model-checking framework for IoT systems’ design and management, called CompoSecReasoner. It invokes two main functionalities: (i) system composition verification, and (ii) derivation and validation of security, privacy, and dependability (SPD) metrics. To measure the SPD values of a system, we disassemble two well-known types of security metrics—the attack surface methodologies and the medieval castle approach. The first method determines the attackable points of the system, while the second one defines the protection level that is provided by the currently composed system-of-systems. We extend these techniques and apply the Event Calculus method for modelling the dynamic behavior of a system with progress in time. At first, the protection level of the currently composed system is calculated. When composition events occur, the current system status is derived. Thereafter, we can deploy reactive strategies and administrate the system automatically at runtime, implementing a novel setting for Moving Target Defenses. We demonstrate the overall solution on a real ambient intelligence application for managing the embedded devices of two emulated smart buildings.
Removable Weighing Lysimeter for Use in Horticultural Crops
Authors: Nicolás-Cuevas Juan Antonio , Parras-Burgos Dolores , Soler-Méndez Manuel , Ruiz-Canales Antonio , Molina-Martínez José Miguel
Published: July 2020

Water resources management is a priority issue in agriculture, especially in areas with water supply problems. Recently, one of the most widespread technologies for measuring crop water requirements are weighing lysimeters. Nevertheless, this type of lysimeters are of large dimensions and require a civil work for their installation. In this article, we present a weighing lysimeter prototype (1000 × 600 mm and 350 mm depth) designed to be used in agricultural farming of horticultural crops. We described the design details that includes ease of assembly, carriage and minimum soil alteration. Structural design results and construction process are also provided showing their performance under different tractors scenarios. The measurements accuracy results show the outcomes of the prototype after being tested. Finally, we discuss our design and measurements results by comparing them with other weighing lysimeters. In comparison, the prototype designed is an accurate and reliable device which reduces the surface and depth of the current weighing lysimeters.
Effect of Physical Exercise on the Release of Microparticles with Angiogenic Potential
Authors: Di Credico Andrea , Izzicupo Pascal , Gaggi Giulia , Di Baldassarre Angela , Ghinassi Barbara
Published: July 2020

Cellular communication has a fundamental role in both human physiological and pathological states and various mechanisms are involved in the crosstalk between organs. Among these, microparticles (MPs) have an important involvement. MPs are a subtype of extracellular vesicles produced by a variety of cells following activation or apoptosis. They are normally present in physiological conditions, but their concentration varies in pathological states such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or cancer. Acute and chronic physical exercise are able to modify MPs amounts as well. Among various actions, exercise-responsive MPs affect angiogenesis, the process through which new blood vessels grow from pre-existing vessels. Usually, the neo vascular growth has functional role; but an aberrant neovascularization accompanies several oncogenic, ischemic, or inflammatory diseases. In addition, angiogenesis is one of the key adaptations to physical exercise and training. In the present review, we report evidence regarding the effect of various typologies of exercise on circulating MPs that are able to affect angiogenesis.
Numerical and Experimental Investigations of Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) Using STS 316L
Authors: Park Jaewoong , Kim Jin-young , Ji Inseo , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to understand the effect of heat accumulation on microstructure formation on STS 316L during multilayer deposition by a laser metal deposition (LMD) process and to predict the microstructure morphology. A comprehensive experimental and numerical study was conducted to quantify the solidification parameters (temperature gradient (G) and growth rate (R)) in the LMD multilayer deposition process. During deposition, the temperature profile at a fixed point in the deposit was measured to validate the numerical model, and then the solidification parameters were quantified using the model. Simultaneously, the microstructure of the deposit was investigated to confirm the microstructure morphology. Then, a relationship between the microstructure morphology and the G/R was proposed using a solidification map. The findings of this study can guide the design of scanning paths to produce deposits with a uniform structure.
Effect of Burn Joss Paper Ash on Properties of Ground-Granulated Blast Furnace-Based Slag Geopolymer
Authors: Kuo Wen-Ten , Juang Chuen-Ul , Chen Zhi-Rong
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to make geopolymers using burned joss paper ash (BJPA)—which is used in traditional Chinese festivals—and ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS). GGBFS-based geopolymers were replaced by BJPA, by mass, at levels of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% and the liquid-to-solid ratios (L/Ss) were 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5. The properties of fresh, hardening, durability and microscopic analysis were examined to determine the effect of BJPA-substitution ratios and L/S on the engineering properties of composite geopolymers. The results show that among the fresh properties, as the amount of BJPA replacement increases, the setting time tended to increase, but the fluidity slowed down. The maximum compressive strength reached 81.1 MPa. As the amount of BJPA replacement increased, the elastic modulus of the geopolymer increased and the brittleness decreased. However, in the dry shrinkage test, it was found that an increase in BJPA helped reduce the dry shrinkage of the geopolymer. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that a rise in the BJPA-substitution ratio increased the peak value of calcium carbonate. Scanning electron microscope images showed that microcrack size decreased with an increase in the BJPA-substitution ratio, with maximum and minimum crack sizes of 5.80 μm and 176.8 nm, respectively. This was because BJPA was unable to undergo complete polymerization and therefore was able to fill the cracks produced during the polymerization. In conclusion, BJPA may be used for waste recycling in the production of geopolymers.
Pedestrian Attribute Analysis Using Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Shaaban Khaled , Abdelwarith Karim
Published: July 2020

Crossing a road outside of a crosswalk is a major cause of pedestrian fatalities. The aim of this study was to investigate this type of behavior for different pedestrian attributes in terms of risk and gap acceptance using agent-based modeling techniques. An agent-based model was developed and tested to represent pedestrian behavior in different situations. Different pedestrian attributes were analyzed, including gender, age, type of clothing, carrying bags, using mobile phones, and crossing in a group. The results showed that pedestrians add a positive risk factor to the speed of approaching vehicles before evaluating a gap, then proceed with the crossing decision. The factor for the female pedestrians was smaller in comparison to their male counterparts, which may infer that they are more prone to taking risks during crossing compared to male pedestrians. Another interpretation can be that they have a better ability to discern vehicle speeds and thus a better assessment of the critical gap. Compared to pedestrians crossing individually, the factor was smaller for pedestrians crossing in a group, which can be an indication that pedestrians have a higher sense of safety when crossing as a group. Moreover, the analysis suggested that there is no difference in perception between old and middle-age pedestrians, pedestrians carrying bags or not, and pedestrians using a mobile phone while crossing or not. These results can be useful in evaluating pedestrian safety at midblock crossings and providing a framework for modeling this type of behavior in simulation models.
Effects of Backpack Loads on Leg Muscle Activation during Slope Walking
Authors: Liu Yali , Qiang Ligang , Song Qiuzhi , Zhao Mingsheng , Guan Xinyu
Published: July 2020

Hikers and soldiers usually walk up and down slopes with a load carriage, causing injuries of the musculoskeletal system, especially during a prolonged load journey. The slope walking has been reported to lead to higher leg extensor muscle activities and joint moments. However, most of the studies investigated muscle activities or joint moments during slope walking without load carriage or only investigated the joint moment changes and muscle activities with load carriages during level walking. Whether the muscle activation such as the signal amplitude is influenced by the mixed factor of loads and grades and whether the influence of the degrees of loads and grades on different muscles are equal have not yet been investigated. To explore the effects of backpack loads on leg muscle activation during slope walking, ten young male participants walked at 1.11 m/s on a treadmill with different backpack loads (load masses: 0, 10, 20, and 30 kg) during slope walking (grade: 0, 3, 5, and 10°). Leg muscles, including the gluteus maximus (GM), rectus femoris (RF), hamstrings (HA), anterior tibialis (AT), and medial gastrocnemius (GA), were recorded during walking. The hip, knee, and ankle extensor muscle activations increased during the slope walking, and the hip muscles increased most among hip, knee, and ankle muscles (GM and HA increased by 46% to 207% and 110% to 226%, respectively, during walking steeper than 10° across all load masses (GM: p = 1.32 × 10−8 and HA: p = 2.33 × 10−16)). Muscle activation increased pronouncedly with loads, and the knee extensor muscles increased greater than the hip and ankle muscles (RF increased by 104% to 172% with a load mass greater than 30 kg across all grades (RF: p = 8.86 × 10−7)). The results in our study imply that the hip and knee muscles play an important role during slope walking with loads. The hip and knee extension movements during slope walking should be considerably assisted to lower the muscle activations, which will be useful for designing assistant devices, such as exoskeleton robots, to enhance hikers’ and soldiers’ walking abilities.
High-Resolution Temperature Variability Reconstructed from Black Pine Tree Ring Densities in Southern Spain
Authors: Esper Jan , Hartl Claudia , Tejedor Ernesto , de Luis Martin , Günther Björn , Büntgen Ulf
Published: July 2020

The presence of an ancient, high-elevation pine forest in the Natural Park of Sierras de Cazorla in southern Spain, including some trees reaching >700 years, stimulated efforts to develop high-resolution temperature reconstructions in an otherwise drought-dominated region. Here, we present a reconstruction of spring and fall temperature variability derived from black pine tree ring maximum densities reaching back to 1350 Coefficient of Efficiency (CE). The reconstruction is accompanied by large uncertainties resulting from low interseries correlations among the single trees and a limited number of reliable instrumental stations in the study region. The reconstructed temperature history reveals warm conditions during the early 16th and 19th centuries that were of similar magnitude to the warm temperatures recorded since the late 20th century. A sharp transition from cold conditions in the late 18th century (t1781–1810 = −1.15 °C ± 0.64 °C) to warm conditions in the early 19th century (t1818–1847 = −0.06 °C ± 0.49 °C) is centered around the 1815 Tambora eruption (t1816 = −2.1 °C ± 0.55 °C). The new reconstruction from southern Spain correlates significantly with high-resolution temperature histories from the Pyrenees located ~600 km north of the Cazorla Natural Park, an association that is temporally stable over the past 650 years (r1350–2005 > 0.3, p < 0.0001) and particularly strong in the high-frequency domain (rHF > 0.4). Yet, only a few of the reconstructed cold extremes (1453, 1601, 1816) coincide with large volcanic eruptions, suggesting that the severe cooling events in southern Spain are controlled by internal dynamics rather than external (volcanic) forcing.