bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Function of Green Tea Catechins in the Brain: Epigallocatechin Gallate and its Metabolites
Authors: Pervin Monira , Unno Keiko , Takagaki Akiko , Isemura Mamoru , Nakamura Yoriyuki
Published: July 2019

Over the last three decades, green tea has been studied for its beneficial effects, including anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. At present, a number of studies that have employed animal, human and cell cultures support the potential neuroprotective effects of green tea catechins against neurological disorders. However, the concentration of (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in systemic circulation is very low and EGCG disappears within several hours. EGCG undergoes microbial degradation in the small intestine and later in the large intestine, resulting in the formation of various microbial ring-fission metabolites which are detectable in the plasma and urine as free and conjugated forms. Recently, in vitro experiments suggested that EGCG and its metabolites could reach the brain parenchyma through the blood–brain barrier and induce neuritogenesis. These results suggest that metabolites of EGCG may play an important role, alongside the beneficial activities of EGCG, in reducing neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the function of EGCG and its microbial ring-fission metabolites in the brain in suppressing brain dysfunction. Other possible actions of EGCG metabolites will also be discussed.
Herb-Induced Liver Injury: Phylogenetic Relationship, Structure-Toxicity Relationship, and Herb-Ingredient Network Analysis
Authors: He Shuaibing , Zhang Chenyang , Zhou Ping , Zhang Xuelian , Ye Tianyuan , Wang Ruiying , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: July 2019

Currently, hundreds of herbal products with potential hepatotoxicity were available in the literature. A comprehensive summary and analysis focused on these potential hepatotoxic herbal products may assist in understanding herb-induced liver injury (HILI). In this work, we collected 335 hepatotoxic medicinal plants, 296 hepatotoxic ingredients, and 584 hepatoprotective ingredients through a systematic literature retrieval. Then we analyzed these data from the perspectives of phylogenetic relationship and structure-toxicity relationship. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that hepatotoxic medicinal plants tended to have a closer taxonomic relationship. By investigating the structures of the hepatotoxic ingredients, we found that alkaloids and terpenoids were the two major groups of hepatotoxicity. We also identified eight major skeletons of hepatotoxicity and reviewed their hepatotoxic mechanisms. Additionally, 15 structural alerts (SAs) for hepatotoxicity were identified based on SARpy software. These SAs will help to estimate the hepatotoxic risk of ingredients from herbs. Finally, a herb-ingredient network was constructed by integrating multiple datasets, which will assist to identify the hepatotoxic ingredients of herb/herb-formula quickly. In summary, a systemic analysis focused on HILI was conducted which will not only assist to identify the toxic molecular basis of hepatotoxic herbs but also contribute to decipher the mechanisms of HILI.
Newborn Screening Long Term Follow-Up in the Medical Home
Authors: Badawi Deborah , Bisordi Katharine , Timmel Marilyn J. , Sorongon Scott , Strovel Erin
Published: July 2019

This demonstration project explored the feasibility of utilizing data from pediatric primary care providers to evaluate the long-term outcomes of children with disorders identified by newborn screening (NBS). Compliance with national guidelines for care and the morbidity for this population was also examined. Primary care practices were recruited and patients with sickle cell disease or who were deaf/hard of hearing were given the opportunity to enroll in the study. Data were collected on the quality of the medical home with practice data compared to family responses. Clinical outcomes for each patient were assessed by review of medical records and patient surveys. These data sources were compared to determine accuracy of primary care data, morbidity, and receipt of preventive care. Electronic data sharing was explored through transmission of Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) files. Care coordination was a challenge, even in highly accredited medical homes. Providers did not have complete information regarding clinical outcomes and children were not consistently receiving recommended preventive care. Electronic data sharing with public health departments encountered interface challenges. Primary care providers in the USA should not currently be used as a sole source to evaluate long-term outcomes of children with disorders identified by NBS.
Improvement of Low-Temperature Performance of Buton Rock Asphalt Composite Modified Asphalt by Adding Styrene-Butadiene Rubber
Authors: Fan Xiyan , Lu Weiwei , Lv Songtao , He Fangwei
Published: July 2019

To improve the low-temperature performance of the Buton rock asphalt (BRA)-modified asphalt, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) was added to it. The BRA-modified asphalt and SBR-BRA composite modified asphalt were prepared by high-speed shearing method. The penetration, softening point, ductility, and Brookfield viscosity of the two kinds of asphalt were measured. The dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and the beam bending rheometer (BBR) were employed to research the performance of BRA-modified asphalt by adding SBR. The results showed that the pure asphalt in BRA was the main reason to reduce the low-temperature performance of neat asphalt when the content of BRA was 19%. However, the ash in BRA was the main factor to reduce the low-temperature performance when its content was more than 39.8%. When the BRA content was 59.8%, the SBR-BRA composite modified asphalt with SBR contents of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, and it shows that the penetration and ductility of the BRA-modified asphalt are increased by the addition of SBR. The equivalent brittle point was reduced, the stiffness modulus was decreased, and the creep rate was increased. At the same time, the Brookfield viscosity was reduced and the rutting factor was increased. The stiffness modulus of the SBR-BRA composite modified asphalt mixture was increased. That is to say, when SBR was mixed into the BRA-modified asphalt, the low-temperature performance could be remarkably improved based on ensuring high-temperature performance. The low-temperature index of composite modified asphalt was analyzed. It was recommended to apply the equivalent brittle point to evaluate the low-temperature performance of SBR-BRA composite modified asphalt.
Ionic Liquids-Functionalized Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework for Carbon Dioxide Adsorption
Authors: Song Xuyan , Yu Jialin , Wei Min , Li Ran , Pan Xi , Yang Guoping , Tang Haolin
Published: July 2019

Ionic-liquid-functionalized zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) were synthesized using the co-ligands of 2-methylimidazole and amine-functionalized ionic liquid during the formation process of frameworks. The resulting ionic-liquid-modified ZIF had a specific surface area of 1707 m2·g−1 with an average pore size of about 1.53 nm. Benefiting from the large surface area and the high solubility of carbon dioxide in ionic-liquid moieties, the synthesized materials exhibited a carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of about 24.9 cm3·g−1, whereas it was 16.3 cm3·g−1 for pristine ZIF at 25 °C under 800 mmHg. The results demonstrate that the modification of porous materials with ionic liquids could be an effective way to fabricate solid sorbents for carbon dioxide adsorption.
Magnetron Sputtering of Polymeric Targets: From Thin Films to Heterogeneous Metal/Plasma Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Kylián Ondřej , Shelemin Artem , Solař Pavel , Pleskunov Pavel , Nikitin Daniil , Kuzminova Anna , Štefaníková Radka , Kúš Peter , Cieslar Miroslav , Hanuš Jan , Choukourov Andrei , Biederman Hynek
Published: July 2019

Magnetron sputtering is a well-known technique that is commonly used for the deposition of thin compact films. However, as was shown in the 1990s, when sputtering is performed at pressures high enough to trigger volume nucleation/condensation of the supersaturated vapor generated by the magnetron, various kinds of nanoparticles may also be produced. This finding gave rise to the rapid development of magnetron-based gas aggregation sources. Such systems were successfully used for the production of single material nanoparticles from metals, metal oxides, and plasma polymers. In addition, the growing interest in multi-component heterogeneous nanoparticles has led to the design of novel systems for the gas-phase synthesis of such nanomaterials, including metal/plasma polymer nanoparticles. In this featured article, we briefly summarized the principles of the basis of gas-phase nanoparticles production and highlighted recent progress made in the field of the fabrication of multi-component nanoparticles. We then introduced a gas aggregation source of plasma polymer nanoparticles that utilized radio frequency magnetron sputtering of a polymeric target with an emphasis on the key features of this kind of source. Finally, we presented and discussed three strategies suitable for the generation of metal/plasma polymer multi-core@shell or core-satellite nanoparticles: the use of composite targets, a multi-magnetron approach, and in-flight coating of plasma polymer nanoparticles by metal.
Prediction of the Work-Hardening Exponent for 3104 Aluminum Sheets with Different Grain Sizes
Authors: Tian Ni , Yuan Fei , Duan Ceheng , Liu Kun , Wang Guangdong , Zhao Gang , Zuo Liang
Published: July 2019

A practical approach to predict the yield strength and work-hardening exponent (n value) to evaluate the deep-drawing performance of annealed 3104 aluminum sheets is presented in the present work by only measuring and analyzing the grain size of the sheet. The various grain sizes were obtained through the different annealing treatment and then the evolution of the n value under different strains and the yield strength of annealed 3104 aluminum sheet were evaluated. Results showed that the n value and yield strength vary greatly with the grain size. A mathematical model relating grain size d, work-hardening exponent n, target strain ε, and yield strength Rp0.2 was developed in the present work. Within the studied grain size range d (12–29 μm), the n value generally increased with d in a strain-dependent manner, such that

n
=
0.1875
−
85.03
 
×
 
exp
[
−

d
/

1.94

]

when the ε was less than 0.5%, but

n
=
0.3
−
0.15

d

−
1
/
2

when the ε was greater than 2%. On the other hand, the n value was found to depend on the target strain ε as

n
=
0.276
−

A
1

×
exp

[

−
e
/
1.0435

]

, where A1 varies with d and its value is in the range of 0.132–0.364. In addition, the relationship between Rp0.2 and d followed the Hall-Petch equation (

R

p
0.2

=
36.273
 
+
 
139.8
 
×
 

d

−
1

/
2

).
Discovery of Primarolides A and B from Marine Fungus Asteromyces cruciatus Using Osmotic Stress and Treatment with Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid
Authors: Igboeli Hope A. , Marchbank Douglas H. , Correa Hebelin , Overy David , Kerr Russell G.
Published: July 2019

Advances in whole-genome sequencing of many fungal species has revealed the presence of numerous “silent” biosynthetic genes, highlighting their potential to produce a wide variety of natural products. These silent biosynthetic genes are regulated in part by their highly condensed chromatin structure, which can be modified to allow transcription in response to external stimuli. In this study, Asteromyces cruciatus was subjected to both epigenetic modification and osmotic stress to enhance the production of new natural products. This “cooperative induction” strategy led to the isolation and characterization of two new polyketides from a fermentation of A. cruciatus treated with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and sodium chloride. The metabolic profiles of the control and treated samples were assessed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRESIMS) metabolomic analysis, highlighting the upregulation of two new polyketides, primarolides A and B. These compounds were purified using reversed-phase flash chromatography followed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and their planar structures were established using NMR spectroscopy.
CFD Investigation of Spacer-Filled Channels for Membrane Distillation
Authors: La Cerva Mariagiorgia , Cipollina Andrea , Ciofalo Michele , Albeirutty Mohammed , Turkmen Nedim , Bouguecha Salah , Micale Giorgio
Published: July 2019

The membrane distillation (MD) process for water desalination is affected by temperature polarization, which reduces the driving force and the efficiency of the process. To counteract this phenomenon, spacer-filled channels are used, which enhance mixing and heat transfer but also cause higher pressure drops. Therefore, in the design of MD modules, the choice of the spacer is crucial for process efficiency. In the present work, different overlapped spacers are investigated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and results are compared with experiments carried out with thermochromic liquid crystals (TLC). Results are reported for different flow attack angles and for Reynolds numbers (Re) ranging from ~200 to ~800. A good qualitative agreement between simulations and experiments can be observed for the areal distribution of the normalized heat transfer coefficient. Trends of the average heat transfer coefficient are reported as functions of Re for the geometries investigated, thus providing the basis for CFD-based correlations to be used in higher-scale process models.
Total Alkaloids from Bamboo Shoots and Bamboo Shoot Shells of Pleioblastus amarus (Keng) Keng f. and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Ren Yan , Ma Yisha , Zhang Zhidan , Qiu Liying , Zhai Huanhuan , Gu Ruimeng , Xie Yaping
Published: July 2019

The bamboo shoot of Pleioblastus amarus (Keng) Keng f. is a medicinal and edible plant product in China. In this study, the chemical composition of the total alkaloids from bamboo shoots and bamboo shoot shells of P. amarus (Keng) Keng f. (ABSP and ABSSP, respectively) were separated and investigated by UHPLC/QTOF-MS/MS. The results showed that a total of 32 alkaloids were extracted, with 15 common to both ABSP and ABSSP and 10 and 7 alkaloids distinct to ABSP and ABSSP, respectively. ABSP and ABSSP both decreased the lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 μg/mL)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 murine macrophages with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 78 and 55 μg/mL, respectively. We also found that ABSP and ABSSP (100 μg/mL) could decrease the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at both mRNA and protein levels in LPS-exposed RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, 100 μg/mL of ABSP and ABSSP also significantly inhibited LPS-induced mRNA expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Additionally, ABSP and ABSSP (100 μg/mL) decreased the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Collectively, the total alkaloids from the bamboo shoots and shells of P. amarus exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells through the inhibition of ERK signaling. This result can provide support for the medicinal use and further study of P. amarus.
Oxidosqualene Cyclase Knock-Down in Latex of Taraxacum koksaghyz Reduces Triterpenes in Roots and Separated Natural Rubber
Authors: van Deenen Nicole , Unland Kristina , Prüfer Dirk , Schulze Gronover Christian
Published: July 2019

In addition to natural rubber (NR), several triterpenes are synthesized in laticifers of the Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz). Detailed analysis of NR and resin contents revealed different concentrations of various pentacyclic triterpenes such as α-, β-amyrin and taraxasterol, which strongly affect the mechanical properties of the resulting rubber material. Therefore, the reduction of triterpene content would certainly improve the industrial applications of dandelion NR. We developed T. koksaghyz plants with reduced triterpene contents by tissue-specific downregulation of major laticifer-specific oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) by RNA interference, resulting in an almost 67% reduction in the triterpene content of NR. Plants of the T1 generation showed no obvious phenotypic changes and the rubber yield also remained unaffected. Hence, this study will provide a solid basis for subsequent modern breeding programs to develop Russian dandelion plants with low and stable triterpene levels.
CDFT-Based Reactivity Descriptors as a Useful MEDT Chemoinformatics Tool for the Study of the Virotoxin Family of Fungal Peptides
Authors: Flores-Holguín Norma , Frau Juan , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: July 2019

Virotoxins are monocyclic peptides formed by at least five different compounds: alaviroidin, viroisin, deoxoviroisin, viroidin and deoxovirodin. These are toxic peptides singularly found in Amanita virosa mushrooms. Here we perform computational studies on the structural and electronic conformations of these peptides using the MN12SX/Def2TZVP/H2O chemistry model to investigate their chemical reactivity. CDFT-based descriptors (for Conceptual Density Functional Theory) (e.g., Parr functions and Nucleophilicity) are also considered. At the same time, other properties (e.g., pKas) will be determined and used to study virotoxins solubility and to inform decisions about repurposing these agents in medicinal chemistry.
Silver Nanoparticles with Liquid Crystalline Ligands Based on Lactic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Troha Tinkara , Kaspar Miroslav , Hamplova Vera , Cigl Martin , Havlicek Jaroslav , Pociecha Damian , Novotna Vladimira
Published: July 2019

We have prepared and studied silver nanoparticles functionalized with ligands based on lactic acid derivatives. Several types of hybrid systems that differed in the size of silver nanoparticles as well as the length of surface ligands were analyzed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation provided information about the size and shape of nanoparticles and proved good homogeneity of studied systems. By dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements, we have measured the size distribution of nanoparticle systems. Plasmonic resonance was detected at around 450 nm. For two hybrid systems, the mesomorphic behaviour has been demonstrated by x-ray measurements. The observed thermotropic liquid crystalline phases reveal lamellar character. We have proposed a model based on self-assembly of intercalated liquid crystalline ligands.
Microencapsulated Pomegranate Reverts High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Reduces Postprandial Triglyceridemia in Women with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Estrada-Luna Diego , Carreón-Torres Elizabeth , Bautista-Pérez Rocío , Betanzos-Cabrera Gabriel , Dorantes-Morales Alan , Luna-Luna María , Vargas-Barrón Jesús , Mejía Ana María , Fragoso José Manuel , Carvajal-Aguilera Karla , García-Trejo José J. , Vargas-Alarcón Gilberto , Pérez-Méndez Óscar
Published: July 2019

(1) Background: the composition of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) becomes altered during the postprandial state, probably affecting their functionality vis-à-vis the endothelium. Since acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in women is frequently associated with endothelial dysfunction, it is likely that HDL are unable to improve artery vasodilation in these patients. Therefore, we characterized HDL from women with ACS in fasting and postprandial conditions. We also determined whether microencapsulated pomegranate (MiPo) reverts the HDL abnormalities, since previous studies have suggested that this fruit improves HDL functionality. (2) Methods: Eleven women with a history of ACS were supplemented daily with 20 g of MiPo, for 30 days. Plasma samples were obtained during fasting and at different times, after a lipid load test to determine the lipid profile and paraoxonase–1 (PON1) activity. HDL were isolated by sequential ultracentrifugation to determine their size distribution and to assess their effect on endothelial function, by using an in vitro model of rat aorta rings. (3) Results: MiPo improved the lipid profile and increased PON1 activity, as previously reported, with fresh pomegranate juice. After supplementation with MiPo, the incremental area under the curve of triglycerides decreased to half of the initial values. The HDL distribution shifted from large HDL to intermediate and small-size particles during the postprandial period in the basal conditions, whereas such a shift was no longer observed after MiPo supplementation. Consistently, HDL isolated from postprandial plasma samples hindered the vasodilation of aorta rings, and this endothelial dysfunction was reverted after MiPo consumption. (4) Conclusions: MiPo exhibited the same beneficial effects on the lipid profile and PON1 activity as the previously reported fresh pomegranate. In addition, MiPo supplementation reverted the negative effects of HDL on endothelial function generated during the postprandial period in women with ACS.
The Role of Muscle Mass Gain Following Protein Supplementation Plus Exercise Therapy in Older Adults with Sarcopenia and Frailty Risks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Liao Chun-De , Chen Hung-Chou , Huang Shih-Wei , Liou Tsan-Hon
Published: July 2019

Aging and frailty are associated with a high risk of lean mass (LM) loss, which leads to physical disability and can be effectively alleviated by protein supplementation (PS) and muscle strengthening exercise (MSE). In this study, the associations between LM gain and PS + MSE efficacy (measured using physical outcomes) in elderly patients with a high risk of sarcopenia or frailty were identified. A comprehensive search of online databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy of PS + MSE in elderly patients with sarcopenia or frailty. The included RCTs were analyzed using meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment. We finally included 19 RCTs in this meta-analysis with a median (range/total) Physiotherapy Evidence Database score of 7/10 (5–9/10). The PS + MSE group exhibited significant improvements in the whole-body LM (standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.66; p < 0.00001), appendicular LM (SMD = 0.35; p < 0.00001), leg strength (SMD = 0.65; p < 0.00001), and walking capability (SMD = 0.33; p = 0.0006). Meta-regression analyses showed that changes in appendicular LM were significantly associated with the effect sizes of leg strength (β = 0.08; p = 0.003) and walking capability (β = 0.17; p = 0.04), respectively. Our findings suggest that LM gain after PS + MSE significantly contributes to the efficacy of the intervention in terms of muscle strength and physical mobility in elderly patients with a high risk of sarcopenia or frailty.
Non-Equilibrium Potential Responses towards Neutral Orcinol Using All-Solid-State Potentiometric Sensors Integrated with Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Authors: S. M. Hassan Saad , E. Amr Abd El-Galil , H. A. Elbehery Nada , A. Al-Omar Mohamed , H. Kamel Ayman
Published: July 2019

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) receptors have been synthesized, characterized, and applied as new selective receptors in solid-contact ion selective electrodes (ISEs) towards non-dissociated 3,5-dihydroxytoluene (orcinol). Two monomers, namely methacrylic acid (MAA) and acrylamide (AA), were used in the preparation of MIP receptors. Graphene (Gr) was used as the solid contact material between the sensing membrane and the electrical contact substrate. Based on non-equilibrium sensing mechanism, the proposed sensors reveal observably enhanced detection sensitivity towards orcinol with detection limits 1.7 × 10−5 and 3.3 × 10−6 M for sensors based on MIP/MAA and MIP/AA, respectively. The selectivity coefficients measured by the modified separate solution method (MSSM) for the proposed sensors showed good selectivity towards orcinol over most common other phenols and inorganic anions. All measurements were made in the presence of 30 mM phosphate buffer solution (PBS) with a pH of 7.0. Potential stability for the proposed sensors was tested by constant-current chronopotentiometry. No water films were formed between the sensing membrane and the electron conductor substrate. The applicability of MIP/MAA incorporated ISE has been checked by recovery test of orcinol in the presence of soil matrix and by standard addition method.
Modelling the Spectral Uncertainty of Geographic Features in High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images: Semi-Supervising and Weighted Interval Type-2 Fuzzy C-Means Clustering
Authors: Guo Jifa , Du Shihong , Huo Hongyuan , Du Shouji , Zhang Xiuyuan
Published: July 2019

The spectral uncertainty refers to the diversity and variations of spectral characteristics within a single geographic object or across different objects of the same class. Usually, existing methods represent the spectral characteristics as precise single-valued curves. Thus, the spectral variations cannot be modeled, which further restricts the analysis and classification performance of remote sensing images. On the other hand, unsupervised methods have poor performance in classification and modeling uncertainty, while supervised methods need a large number of samples with high quality. Fuzzy semi-supervised clustering (FSSC) methods achieve a high accuracy with limited labelled samples. Thus, currently, FSSC methods attract more and more attention. This paper proposes a novel method to model the spectral uncertainty for very-high-resolution (VHR) images based on interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2 FSs), namely the hierarchical semi-supervising and weighted interval type-2 fuzzy c-means for objects (hierarchical SSW-IT2FCM-O) clustering method. In this method, the VHR image is segmented into image objects to reduce spectral uncertainty within objects. Spectral values, spectral indices and textures were weighted for object-based image classification. To further reduce spectral uncertainty across different objects of the same class, the spectral characteristics of land cover types were represented as banded curves with certain widths instead of precise single-valued spectral curves. The experimental results show that the banded spectral curves produced by the hierarchical SSW-IT2FCM-O can effectively model the spectral uncertainty of geographic objects. From the perspective of classification, four typical validity indices along with the confusion matrix and kappa coefficient were used to test the effectiveness of the hierarchical SSW-IT2FCM-O method, and these indices show that the presented method SSW-IT2FCM-O has greater classification accuracy than the existing FSSC methods and, more importantly, it requires smaller training samples than the existing methods.
HBIM for Conservation: A New Proposal for Information Modeling
Authors: Bruno Nazarena , Roncella Riccardo
Published: July 2019

Thanks to its capability of archiving and organizing all the information about a building, HBIM (Historical Building Information Modeling) is considered a promising resource for planned conservation of historical assets. However, its usage remains limited and scarcely adopted by the subjects in charge of conservation, mainly because of its rather complex 3D modeling requirements and a lack of shared regulatory references and guidelines as far as semantic data are concerned. In this study, we developed an HBIM methodology to support documentation, management, and planned conservation of historic buildings, with particular focus on non-geometric information: organized and coordinated storage and management of historical data, easy analysis and query, time management, flexibility, user-friendliness, and information sharing. The system is based on a standalone specific-designed database linked to the 3D model of the asset, built with BIM software, and it is highly adaptable to different assets. The database is accessible both with a developed desktop application, which acts as a plug-in for the BIM software, and through a web interface, implemented to ensure data sharing and easy usability by skilled and unskilled users. The paper describes in detail the implemented system, passing by semantic breaking down of the building, database design, as well as system architecture and capabilities. Two case studies, the Cathedral of Parma and Ducal Palace of Mantua (Italy), are then presented to show the results of the system’s application.
3D Convex Hull-Based Registration Method for Point Cloud Watermark Extraction
Authors: Lipuš Bogdan , Žalik Borut
Published: July 2019

Most 3D point cloud watermarking techniques apply Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to protect the watermark against affine transformation attacks. Unfortunately, they fail in the case of cropping and random point removal attacks. In this work, an alternative approach is proposed that solves these issues efficiently. A point cloud registration technique is developed, based on a 3D convex hull. The scale and the initial rigid affine transformation between the watermarked and the original point cloud can be estimated in this way to obtain a coarse point cloud registration. An iterative closest point algorithm is performed after that to align the attacked watermarked point cloud to the original one completely. The watermark can then be extracted from the watermarked point cloud easily. The extensive experiments confirmed that the proposed approach resists the affine transformation, cropping, random point removal, and various combinations of these attacks. The most dangerous is an attack with noise that can be handled only to some extent. However, this issue is common to the other state-of-the-art approaches.
Learning Environments in Health and Medical Studies: The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Tur-Porcar Ana M. , Cuartero-Monteagudo Noemí , Fernández-Garrido Julio
Published: July 2019

The conventional approach to sustainability is being extended through approaches such as the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development. Under such approaches, the analysis of sustainability also involves understanding improvements in people’s quality of life in environments such as education and learning. Based on this theoretical approach, this study explored the relationships between anxiety, emotional intelligence, and mechanisms for coping with stressful situations. The mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between anxiety and coping mechanisms was also assessed. The anxiety, emotional intelligence, and coping variables were measured using standardized tests administered to students. This cross-sectional study was based on self-reports by health students at universities in Valencia (Spain). The study conformed to the ethical standards established by the Declaration of Helsinki. In total, 434 students participated in the study. The students were aged between 17 and 54 years (M = 21; SD = 0.320). From the perspective of the psychology of sustainability, the results indicate that avoidance coping strategies are positively related to anxiety and are negatively related to emotional intelligence. However, the results also show that approach coping strategies are positively related to emotional intelligence. In addition, the analysis shows the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between anxiety and coping. This study shows the need to encourage the sustainable development of emotional intelligence among health professionals and to consider this sustainable development when designing education programs for health-related fields.
Auditing the Marketing and Social Media Communication of Natural Protected Areas. How Marketing Can Contribute to the Sustainability of Tourism
Authors: Luque-Martínez Teodoro , Faraoni Nina , Doña-Toledo Luis
Published: July 2019

Natural Protected Areas face the challenge of conciliating attractions with satisfaction of their different stakeholders without compromising their own resources. Marketing can play an important role to this challenge from a macromarketing perspective. No studies are found in the literature on the integral assessment of marketing practices in Natural Protected Areas. For the first time, it proposes a marketing audit in Natural Protected Areas to fill that gap applying the Importance-Performance Analysis matrix, useful in strategic decisions, through interviews with directors of Natural Protected Areas. The main strengths, weaknesses, and deficits in the application of marketing are identified. The presence of a restricted and biased attitude towards marketing was noted among directors. In addition, the marketing behaviour is studied in two of the main social networks (Twitter/Facebook), comparisons were established in the USA, Spain, Italy and Mexico, identifying behavioural profiles in five groups in accordance with the 26 indicators under analysis.
New Technological Approach to Cable Car Boarding
Authors: Težak Sergej , Lep Marjan
Published: July 2019

This paper will present a new concept of cable cars with central entry and exit. First, existing systems of cable cars and their properties will be presented and advantages of the new concept will be explained. The new concept utilizes solution geometry as the basis of the idea. 3D computer graphic tools were used for the design. In the second part of the article, the geometric procedure of the design of the rope flow curve in the station is presented. This is necessary in order to stop the cabin steadily in the central position. If the station is designed in such a way that passengers enter and exit on a stationary platform separate from the device, the capacities of the device can be large. In this case, passengers entering and exiting do not interfere with the other passengers who are traveling with the cable car on the line.
Human Factor in Food Label Design to Support Consumer Healthcare and Safety: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Corallo Angelo , Latino Maria Elena , Menegoli Marta , De Devitiis Biagia , Viscecchia Rosaria
Published: July 2019

Labels play a strategic role in communication, representing the interface between consumers and the food system. Consumers’ ability to correctly understand product label information was essential for health and safety, making a sustainable choice, as also demonstrated by the Federal Regulations of USA, which define several guidelines to increase the readability of labels. Human Factor studies the interface design in order to assure users’ safety, comfort, and productiveness. So, it could be applied in label design to enhance consumers’ safeguard and healthcare. The aim of this study is to analyze the fields of application of the Human Factor in label design to evaluate the current methods of utilization in the food industry. A two-step literature review was applied, using bibliometric and content analysis. From bibliometric analysis, 6 clusters of themes and the predominance of medical terms arose. The absence of terms related to the food domain is surprising. So, a content analysis on lead papers’ sample related to the Food Industry was carried out to identify evidence about the human factor in food label design. From content analysis, 2 groups of works’ results, focused on the possibility to consider the human factor in: i) pharmaceutical label design, ii) food label design, respectively. The studies in food label design primarily focused on label readability related to content positioning and not on its understandability. The practical implications of the study include the construction of a new concept of label in terms of contents and communication channels.
Antimony Mining from PET Bottles and E-Waste Plastic Fractions
Authors: Alassali Ayah , Picuno Caterina , Samara Hanin , Diedler Sascha , Fiore Silvia , Kuchta Kerstin
Published: July 2019

In this study antimony concentration was analyzed in 30 plastic items (from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and e-waste) directly by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) spectroscopy. PET samples were digested in a microwave oven with aqua regia. The plastic components deriving from e-waste followed three parallel routes: 1. microwave digestion using different acids (aqua regia, 18 M H2SO4, 12 M HCl and 6 M HCl); 2. conversion into ash (at 600 °C) and then microwave digestion with aqua regia, and 3. extraction with 12 M HCl at room temperature for different durations (2 h and 24 h). Results showed that antimony extraction yields from PET were between 57% and 92%. Antimony extraction from e-waste plastics was more challenging: aqua regia was inefficient for poly (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) (ABS) samples (extraction yield was about 20% only), while on a mixture of ABS and polycarbonate (PC), aqua regia, H2SO4 and HCl exhibited equivalent performances (~21%). Ashed samples returned yields ranging from 20% to over 50%. Room temperature extraction on e-waste plastics obtained lower extraction efficiencies, yet longer incubation durations lead to higher yields. In conclusion, the main challenge associated with antimony mining from plastic waste could be its heterogeneous composition; therefore, the development of reference analytical procedures is highly needed.
Closed-Form Solution of a Special Case of a Vehicle Longitudinal Motion Model
Authors: Blagojevic Miroslav , Djudurovic Milan , Bajic Borislav
Published: July 2019

One of the most common approaches in modern engineering research, including vehicle dynamics, is to formulate an accurate, but typically complex, mathematical model of a system or phenomenon and then use a software package to solve it. Typically, the solution is obtained in the form of a large data set, which may be difficult to analyse and interpret. This paper represents a purely theoretical analysis of a special case of vehicle longitudinal motion. Starting from a simplified mathematical model, a set of transcendental equations was derived that represents the exact solution of the model (i.e., in a closed form). The equations are analysed and interpreted in terms of what is their physical meaning. Although the equations derived here have only limited application in studying real world problems, due to the simplicity of the mathematical model, they offer a deeper insight into the nature of vehicle longitudinal motion.
Diverse Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Communities Colonize Plants Inhabiting a Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Calheiros Cristina , Pereira Sofia , Franco Albina , Castro Paula
Published: July 2019

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are biological wastewater treatment systems that comprise several components where plants and associated organisms play an important role in water depuration. Microbial studies emphasize bacterial dynamics, whereas studies of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are scarce and the functional role of AMF in aquatic and wetland plants is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the AMF communities colonizing the roots of Canna indica, Canna flaccida, and Watsonia borbonica inhabiting a CW treating wastewater of a tourism unit. The dynamics of the AMF communities were evaluated by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) of 18S rRNA gene amplification products along cold (C) and hot (H) seasons for three consecutive years. DGGE profiles allowed the estimation of AMF species richness (S), and Shannon-Wienner (H) and Pielou (J) indexes, for the different plant species, showing differences between species and along the years. Excised bands from DGGE were analyzed and identified through sequencing for arbuscular mycorrhiza, revealing the presence of AMF strains closely related to Glomus sp., Rhizophagus sp. and Acaulospora sp. genera. Concomitant water quality analyses showed that the system was effective in organic and nutrient removal during the sampling period. Findings from this study suggest that AMF diversity found in the CW is influenced by the water constituents, season, and plant species.
Implementação de Banco de Dados Distribuídos em MySQL para o portal (En)cena
Authors: Silva Maria do Carmo Brito da , Cruz Muriel Souza da , Brandão José Henrique Coelho , Silva Pedro Sousa , Bogo Madianita
Published: July 2019

O presente trabalho aborda conceitos de bancos de dados distribuídos, bem como apresenta uma proposta de banco de dados distribuído para o portal (En)Cena do CEULP/ULBRA. São mostrados os materiais e procedimentos necessários para disponibilizar o banco de dados de forma distribuída usando o MySQL.
Aplicação Web para o Ensino de Árvore Binária de Busca
Authors: Silva Gedilson Pessoa da , Oliveira Fernando Luiz de , Fagundes Fabiano , Leão Heloise Acco Tives , Marioti Madianita Bogo
Published: July 2019

A proposta deste trabalho foi apresentar uma ferramenta online que trabalha os conceitos de árvore binária, bem como elementos de seu funcionamento, oferecendo ao usuário a possibilidade de criar, inserir, excluir, buscar nós, percorrer e ilustrar graficamente os conceitos relacionados ao tema. Para o desenvolvimento da ferramenta foi utilizado o framework Bootstrap para criação da interface, Javascript para implementação dos códigos e, para desenhar os elementos gráficos, foi utilizado o framework svg.js. O ambiente foi desenvolvido tendo como objetivo principal servir como ferramenta auxiliar no estudo e aprendizado de árvore binária permitindo ao estudante criar, de forma dinâmica, nós e executar funções relacionadas ao conceito abordado.
Desenvolvimento de um Data Mart e Automatização do Processo ETL no contexto da Produção Acadêmica do CEULP/ULBRA
Authors: Lima Murillo Roseno Feitoza , Souza Jackson Gomes de
Published: July 2019

Este artigo apresenta o processo de desenvolvimento de um data mart e automatização do processo ETL no contexto da produção acadêmica do CEULP/ULBRA. O procedimento realizado tem como intuito centralizar os dados referentes a produção acadêmica que estão armazenados em diversas fontes de dados da instituição. Deste modo, o presente trabalho tem como finalidade automatizar a integração desses dados a partir do processo ETL e armazená-los em um data mart
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Akuntansi Pajak Bumi Dan Bangunan (PBB) Pada Kantor Kecamatan Cileunyi Bandung Dengan Menggunakan Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Dan Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Berbasis Client Server
Authors: Jayinudin J
Published: July 2019

Conditions that occur in the calculation of land tax and building in the Cileunyi District Office already using is based on Law No. 12 of 1994, but in performing procedures tax such as making tax monthly and annual reports are still using Microsoft Office Excel 2007. To the problems, then writer take the title: "Perancangan Sistem Informasi Akuntansi Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan (PBB) Pada Kantor Kecamatan Cileunyi Bandung Dengan Menggunakan Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Dan Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Berbasis Client Server".

The research used is basic research, the data used is qualitative data and quantitative data, the type of research design used is research design with primary data and secondary data, method of research used is exploratory research and descriptive, data collection techniques used is research field that consists of an interview and observation and research library.
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Akuntansi Laporan Keuangan Laba Rugi pada Restoran Eatboss Dengan Menggunakan PHP dan MySQL
Authors: Tazkia Zilzi Zade
Published: July 2019

This study aims to design a  financial statement accounting information system application for  Eatboss restaurant using the PHP and MySQL programming languages. The design of the financial statement accounting information system application in Eatboss restaurant using PHP and MySQL is done using library research and survey methods. At this time, it is necessary to prepare financial statements of profit and loss for each company, including restaurants, to find out the profit or loss gained during the specified  period of the company. So that the company can determine the next decision for the continuity of better company activities.The design of  fiinancial statement accounting information system in Eatboss reataurant using PHP and MySQL can facilitate omapnies in managing financial reports. With the maximum use of the financial statement accounting information system design  at Eatboss restaurant using PHP and MySQL, it is expected that the company can more quickly and easily manage its financial statements based on accounting standards.
PELAKSANAAN STANDAR PELAYANAN MINIMUM DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEPATUHAN FORMAL WAJIB PAJAK (Survey WP OP pada KPP PRATAMA MAJALAYA)
Authors: Suhayati Ely
Published: July 2019

Standar pelayanan minimum adalah spesifikasi secara teknis atau patokansecara minimal yang dapat digunakan sebagai acuan/pedoman bagi penyelenggaraanpelayanan dan sumber daya manusia, dan sarana prasarana. Sedangkan kepatuhanformal adalah suatu keadaan dimana wajib pajak memenuhi kewajiban secara formalsesuai dengan perundang-undangan yang berlaku. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untukmengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh penerapan standar pelayanan minimumterhadap tingkat kepatuhan formal pada KPP Pratama Majalaya. Metode yangdigunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Metode deskriptif dan verifikatif. Untukmengetahui Pengaruh Standar pelayanan minimum terhadap tingkat kepatuhan formal.digunakan pengujian statistik menggunakan aplikasi SPSS 15.0 for Windows. Hasilpenelitian menunjukkan bahwa Standar pelayanan minimum pada KPP PratamaMajalaya Cukup baik, tingkat kepatuhan formal cukup baik serta Standar pelayananminimum berpengaruh terhadap kepatuhan formal  Hal ini dapat terlihat dariperhitungan statistik yang diperoleh angka koefisien korelasi pearson yangmenunjukkan hubungan yang kuat dan positif yaitu dengan nilai koefisien korelasi0,634 serta diketahui H0 ada pada daerah penolakan berarti Ha diterima atau Standarpelayanan minimum mempunyai pengaruh yang signifikan dan positif terhadap Kepatuhan formal.
Pengaruh Keahlian Auditor Eksternal Terhadap Audit E-Commerce (Survey Pada Lima Kantor Akuntan Publik Di Bandung)
Authors: Ritonga Jayanthi Oktavia
Published: July 2019

Audit E-Commerce adalah jasa audit yang dilakukan untuk memberikan assurance kepada pihak-pihak yang berkepentingan akan tingkat keamanan yaitubahwa seluruh data yang dikirim via Internet hanya dapat diakses oleh orang-orangyang berhak untuk bertransaksi jual-beli secara on-line pada suatu perusahaan ECommercedan bahwa sistem transaksi E-Commerce tersebut berjalan dengan baik.Tujuan penelitian ini ialah untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh keahlian auditoreksternal terhadap keamanan audit E-Commerce. Metode yang digunakan ialahmetode deskriftif analisis dan deskriptif verifikatif. Populasi penelitian ini ialah limakantor akuntan publik yang berada dibandung. Pengujian hipotesis statistika inimenggunakan uji yang dikenal dengan uji t-student. Hasil Penelitian menunjukanbahwa dengan taraf signifikansi sebesar 5% atau dengan taraf kepercayaan sebesar95%, Terdapat hubungan antara keahlian auditor eksternal dengan audit ecommercedengan arah hubungan positif. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapatpengaruh positif antara keahlian auditor eksternal terhadap audit E-Commerce.