bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelarasan Gamelan Jawa
Authors: Risnandar Risnandar
Published: July 2019

Penelitian gamelan tuning adalah merumuskan teknik penyetelan gamelan Jawa. Gamelan pelaras. Belum ada teori atau cara kerja penyetelan gamelan, harmonisator umumnya masih mengandalkan insting dan pengalaman. Hal ini mengakibatkan generasi berikutnya sulit untuk meniru generasi senior, dan ada kemungkinan ilmu laras gamelan terdistorsi karena kematian Umpu untuk menyelaraskan gamelan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merumuskan teknik dan juga mencari jawaban terhadap perspektif pelaku. Fokus dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengungkapkan masalah yang terkait dengan teknik tuning, merujuk pada musik gamelan yang ada, dan menentukan rentang, serta gamelan gamelan. Mulai dari sudut pandang ini, penelitian ini akan menggunakan metode kualitatif untuk mengumpulkan dan mengolah data dari aktor, pemilik gamelan, dan seniman sebagai pengguna. Laras gamelan Jawa. ABSTRACTJavanese gamelan tunings research is an attempt to formulate a Javanese gamelan tunings techniques. There are various issues that still a mystery in Pelaras gamelan. There has been no theory or the workings of gamelan tunings, pelaras generally still rely on instinct and experience. This resulted in the next generation is difficult to imitate the senior generation, and it is possible gamelan tunings science is distorted due to the death of Umpu pelaras gamelan. This study aims to formulate techniques and also seek answers gamelan tunings issues from the perspective of the perpetrator (pelaras gamelan). The focus of this study is to reveal the problems associated with the technique tunings, mbabon process (refer to the existing gamelan tones), and specify ranges, as well as embat gamelan. Starting from this point of view, the study will use a method kulalitatif to collect and process data from pelaras (actor), the owner of gamelan, and artists as a user. Through this way is expected to uncover problems Javanese gamelan tunings.
Patent Activity as an Indicator Determining the Vector of Development of the World Economy
Authors: Nekrasov Sergey A. , Mironov V. N.
Published: July 2019

Analysis of the change in the number of annually filed patent applications is a new method for studying the patterns of economic development. The article considers two trends. Firstly, the growth of patent applications is decreasing in the whole world with the exception of China since the 1980s excluding the short – term interval of 1997–2002, after 2002 does not exceed 1.5% per year. In China, the annual 20% increase in the number of patent applications over 25 years led to an increase in its share in the patent applications of the world by more than 40%. At the same time, the distribution of patent applications in various areas in China almost completely correlates with the global vector of scientific and technological development. Secondly: there was a change in the nature of the movement in the direction of diversification of the global scientific and technological development, as indicated by the dynamics of the Herfindahl – Hirschman index. At least from 1980 to the end of the 20th century, the monopolization index had been decreasing. The change occurred in 1997–2002, and since 2002 the monopolization index has been growing. There is an increase in the share of patent applications in the areas of Computer technology, Digital communication, Electrical equipment apparatus, Energy, Measurement. At the same time, the share of both wellformed areas, the share of which is above 2–3% (these are Telecommunications, Textile and paper machines, Audiovisual technology, Machine tools, Organic fine chemistry, Chemical engineering), and those at the initial stage (basic communication, Micro-structural and nano-technology) are decreasing. The analysis of the dynamics Revealed Technological Advantage performed. For the leading economies of the world, directions of technological development have been revealed, along which the most successful development takes place. It is shown that the directions in which the share of patent applications in Russia is ahead of its average world level, namely Food chemistry, Micro-structural and nanotechnology, Analysis of biological materials, have had a negative dynamics in the world over the past five years. Therefore, the adjustment of the domestic vector of scientific and technological development and the transfer of efforts to the development of computer technology, medical technology, civil engineering, computer technology is required.
Technological Revolution: Impulses of Social and Economic Transformations
Authors: Zotova E. S.
Published: July 2019

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Tipe Magmatik Batuan Beku Formasi Gabon di Tinggian Karangbolong, Kebumen
Authors: Ansori Chusni , A Wardhani Fitriany
Published: July 2019

Karangbolong High located in Java Southern Mountain range is dominated by volcanic rocks of Gabon Formation in the form of volcanic breccia, some intrusion bodies and lavas. Research on the type of magma at Karangbolong high has never been done. This activity is intended to know the distribution, change the type of magma and tectonic position.This research includes field sampling and laboratory work which includes petrographic analysis using polarization microscope and geochemistry analysis 4 litho ICP-WRA for major element and ICP-WRA4B2 for trace elements and REE. Results of geochemistry analysis are.plot in Total Alkali Silica (TAS) diagrams, AFM diagram , SiO2 vs FeO(t) / MgO diagram, SiO2 Vs K2O and the spider diagram.for trace elements and REE.Most of the igneous rocks at Karangbolong Region are andesite pyroxene, basaltic andesite and slightly basalt olivine. To the northward, igneous rocks are tend to more acid as reflected by the increase of SiO2, Na2O and K2O and the decreasing of MgO and Fe2O3 content. The affinity of the magma in the northern part is mostly Calc-Alkaline series (KR-18, KR-28, KR-6, KR-23) and slightly Island Arc Tholeiite as intrusion and lava at southern part (KR-33 and KR- 17). The tectonic position of rock formation resides in Island Arc Plate Margin. The Calk-alkaline magma is enriched with the light rare earth elements (LREE) compared to the Tholeiite magma, while trace element Sr, K, Rb, Ba, and Th strongly enriched in.Keywords : Karangbolong High, igneous rock, magmatic type, tectonic position
Geology of the Eastern Part of the Volcanic-Kendeng Zone of East Java: Stratigraphy, Structures and Sedimentation Review from Besuki and Situbondo Areas
Authors: Harsolumakso Agus Handoyo , Noeradi Dardji , Rudyawan Alfend , Amiarsa Dadan , Wicaksono Satryo , Nurfarhan Affan A
Published: July 2019

The Tertiary stratigraphy of Situbondo was constructed by a series of volcanoclastic-carbonate turbidite facies of Menuran Formation with Pacalan limestone Member, and Leprak Formation. These formations formed a regional east-west trending circular anticlinorium. The Tertiary formations were covered by Quaternary volcano-clastic Ringgit Formation and subsequent younger Bagor volcanic products. The oldest Tertiary rock units are the Late Miocene-Pliocene Menuran Formation, with Pacalan Limestone Member. Formation is mainly composed of foram-rich marls and calcareous, sometimes tuffaceous sandstones, with conglomerate intercalations. Sedimentation of this formation is interpreted as to be a mixing, from proximal to distal turbidite, involving volcaniclastic and carbonate sources, in  a bathyal open marine environment. The Early Pliocene Leprak Formation overlies conformably the Menuran Formation, which consists of alternating calcareous sandstones and tuff sandstones deposited in a bathyal open marine environment with proximal turbidite mechanism suggesting that basin depocenter was located to the east. Up to Late Pliocene, the region was dominated by developments proximal turbidite volcanoclastic sedimentation of The Leprak Formation, contemporaneous with increasing volcanic activity in the south. Deformation of Plio-Pleistocene in Java is believed to be the last major tectonic period, which forms the west-east trending structures. In Situbondo area, folding structures in this direction involves the Neogene Menuran Formation, Pacalan Member and Leprak Formation. Volcanic activity persists, and increases, with the activity of Ringgit-Beser volcano in Pleistocene. These late events of magmatism, volcanism and uplift were contributed to the last structural configuration of the area.Keyword : Situbondo, structural geology, volcanic-kendeng zone, stratigraphy
El antiguo campamento minero de Potrerillos: memoria, patrimonialización y ¿turismo? en la región de Atacama, Chile
Authors: Lorca Mauricio
Published: July 2019

El yacimiento de Potrerillos se ubica al norte de la región de Atacama, en la comuna de Diego de Almagro, a 2800 msnm. Hasta la primera década del siglo XX el yacimiento fue explotado de forma tradicional para en 1916 pasar a manos de la estadounidense Anaconda Copper Company.
Cerebrolysin – mechanism of action and application in psychiatry and neurology
Authors: Bliźniewska-Kowalska Katarzyna , Łukasik Maria , Gałecki Piotr
Published: July 2019

Cerebrolysin is a medication, which has been used in psychiatry and neurology for over 50 years. The aim of this paper is to present the current state of knowledge on cerebrolysin. It is a non-lipid mixture of free L-amino acids and neuropeptides of low molecular weight that are purified via enzymatic proteolysis from brains of young pigs. It also contains magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and selenium. Cerebrolysin passes the blood-brain barrier. It was proved that it supports endogenous regeneration processes, mimics the behaviour of neurotrophic factors and modifies their level, affects the Sonic Hedgehog protein’s signalling pathway, protects from the pathological events and cascades which stem from an injury or a neurodegenerative disease, reduces amounts of free radicals as well as pro-apoptotic enzymes, modulates inflammatory response and also affects neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Because of these characteristics, cerebrolysin is used in treatment of patients suffering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, patients with cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s dementia and vascular dementia. The standard route of administration is via injections; however, some research was conducted on oral administration as well. The commonly reported adverse effects of cerebrolysin are transient and of mild severity. Results of research on the effectiveness and safety of cerebrolysin seem to be encouraging. They confirm high safety level and theoretical legitimacy of its use. The treatment of patients with organic, metabolic and neurodegenerative syndromes is difficult and often ineffective. Therefore, every available method of treatment needs to be taken under consideration.
Potensi Flindersia pimenteliana F Muel Di Kabupaten Manokwari Selatan
Authors: Baransano Falen , Siburian Rima Herlina , Angrianto Rusdi
Published: July 2019

Flindersia pimelentiana merupakan salah satu jenis endemik Papua yang saat ini telah masuk dalam status konservasi Endangered (terancam punah) berdasarkan data IUCN. Untuk itu perlu dilakukan penelitian mengenai potensi tanaman ini di alam, sehingga langkah penyelamatan jenis inipun dapat direncanakan. PenelitianÂ  iniÂ  merupakanÂ  penelitianÂ  deskriptifÂ  menggunakanÂ  metode deskriptif dengan teknik survey serta observasi lapang dengan menganalisis vegetasi pada lokasi penelitian untuk mengetahui jumlah individu F. pimentilliana serta nilai kerapatan, frekuensi, dominansi dan INP (Indeks Nilai Penting).Hasil penelitianÂ  menunjukkan bahwa vegetasi berkayu yang tumbuh bersama F. pimentilliana di hutan Bembab Distrik Oransbari Kabupaten Manokwari Selatan mulai dari fase semai sampai fase pohon ditemukan 223 jenis (spesies) yang merupakan bagian dari 45 famili. Namun potensi Flindersia pimelentiana yang ditemukan sangat sedikit, dimana untuk tingkat semai hanya ditemukan 5 individu, Pancang 2 individu, tiang 1 individu dan pohon 3 individu. Untuk itu perlu dilakukan perlindungan dan pengayaan jenis ini agar tidak punah.
Analisis Biaya Kecelakaan Lalu Lintas pada Ruas Jalan Nasional di Kota Pekanbaru
Authors: Rhoma Benny Hamdi
Published: July 2019

Kecelakaan menjadi salah satu pembunuh terbesar di Indonesia yang telah banyak merenggut korban jiwa maupun harta benda. Oleh karena besarnya kerugian tersebut maka sangat diperlukan adanya suatu studi khusus tentang karakteristik kecelakaan dan biaya kerugian akibat kecelakaan dalam upaya peningkatan keselamatan lalu lintas di jalan raya. Penelitian ini mengambil kasus pada Ruas Jalan Nasional di Kota  Pekanbaru. Data sekunder berupa laporan kecelakaan yang didapatkan dari Ditlantas Polda Riau. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah melakukan analisis karakteristik kecelakaan lalu lintas, dan menghitung biaya kecelakaan yang terjadi pada Ruas Jalan Nasional di Pekanbaru dengan metode The Gross Output (Human Capital). Dari hasil perhitungan menggunakan metode The Gross Output (Human Capital), Maka di dapat angka biaya kecelakaan di jalan nasional Kota Pekanbaru selama tiga tahun (2014-2016) sebesar Rp. 6.323.769.000 (enam milyar tiga ratus dua puluh tiga juta tujuh ratus enam puluh sembilan ribu rupiah).

Kata kunci : Kecelakaan lalu lintas,  jalan raya, Gross Output, pekanbaru.
Electrical Performance of a Piezo-inductive Device for Energy Harvesting with Low-Frequency Vibrations
Authors: Vargas Carlos Alberto , Tinoco Hector Andres
Published: July 2019

This study presents the experimental evaluation of a piezo-inductive mechanical system for applications of energy harvesting with low-frequency vibrations. The piezo-inductive vibration energy harvester (PI-VEH) device is composed of a voice coil motor (VCM) extracted from a hard disk drive. The proposed design allows the integration of different element types as beams and masses. The dynamic excitations in the system produce a pendular motion carried out by a hybrid arm (rigid-flexible) that generates energy with the rotations (with a coil) and the beam strains (with a piezoelectric material). The electrical assessment was performed through different working modes classified as inductive, inductive with magnetic instabilities, and piezo-inductive. The instabilities in the harvester refer to external forces induced by two magnets that repel each other. The first two inductive configurations were designed as a function of three parameters (length, mass, instability angle) to debug these using the maximum output voltage. The selected experiments were conducted in a piezo-inductive configuration. The results showed two effects on the output voltage—the first one is related to a system without resonances (higher broadband), and the second effect is associated with a multi-resonant system. As a final conclusion, it is pointed out that the electrical performance can be improved with the magnetic instabilities since these considerably amplified the output voltages.
Nutrient Solution Strength Does Not Interact with the Daily Light Integral to Affect Hydroponic Cilantro, Dill, and Parsley Growth and Tissue Mineral Nutrient Concentrations
Authors: Currey Christopher J. , Walters Kellie J. , Flax Nicholas J.
Published: July 2019

Our objectives were to quantify the growth and tissue mineral nutrient concentrations of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum ‘Santo’), dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Fernleaf’), and parsley (Petroselinum crispum ‘Giant of Italy’) in response to nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC) under low and high photosynthetic daily light integrals (DLI). Three-week old seedlings of cilantro, dill, and parsley were transplanted into nutrient-film technique hydroponic systems with one of five nutrient solution EC treatments (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0 dS·m−1) in greenhouses under a low (~7.0 mol·m−2·d−1) or high (~18.0 mol·m−2·d−1) DLI. The DLI, but not nutrient solution EC, affected culinary herb growth. For example, fresh mass increased by 21.0 (154%), 17.1 (241%), or 13.3 g (120%) for cilantro, dill, and parsley, respectively, for plants grown under high DLI compared to those grown under a low DLI; dry mass followed a similar trend. Tissue nutrient concentrations were generally affected by either DLI or EC. For those nutrients affected by DLI, concentrations increased with increasing DLI, except for potassium (K; all species) and manganese (Mn; dill). For those nutrients affected by EC, Ca and Mg decreased with increasing EC, while the remaining increased with increasing EC. When our tissue nutrient data are compared to recommended tissue concentrations, the vast majority of elements were either within or above recommended tissue ranges for cilantro, dill, and parsley. Our results demonstrate cilantro, dill, and parsley can be successfully grown across a range of EC, regardless of the light intensity of the growing environment.
Pollution, Source, and Relationship of Trace Metal(loid)s in Soil-Wheat System in Hebei Plain, Northern China
Authors: Cai Kui , Zhang Minjie , Yu Yanqiu , Kim Kangjoo
Published: July 2019

To study the complex migration and transformation of trace metal(loid)s in a soil–wheat system, 225 pairs of surface soil and wheat samples were collected from the Taihang Mountains front plain, Hebei Province, northern China. The concentrations and pools (F1, water-soluble; F2, exchangeable; F3, carbonate-bound; F4, humic acid-bound; F5, Fe–Mn oxide-bound; F6, organic matter-bound; and F7, residual) of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Hg, and the soil properties of the samples were analyzed. The sum of the F1, F2, F3, and F4 proportions of Cd was higher than that of the other trace metal(loid)s, implying that Cd has greater mobility. We found a significant correlation (p < 0.01) between pools of trace metal(loid)s and the corresponding elements in wheat and a significant correlation (p < 0.01) between pools of trace metal(loid)s and pH, cation exchange capacity, clay, and total organic carbon. The results of principle component analysis (PCA)indicated that Cr, Ni and As mainly come from natural sources and Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd from mixed groups related to farming and industry, Hg come from the coal burning. In addition, the total target hazard quotients showed the presence of harmful levels of trace metal(loid)s in wheat.
Cat Gets Its Tern: A Case Study of Predation on a Threatened Coastal Seabird
Authors: Greenwell Claire N. , Calver Michael C. , Loneragan Neil R.
Published: July 2019

Domestic cats have a cosmopolitan distribution, commonly residing in urban, suburban and peri-urban environments that are also critical for biodiversity conservation. This study describes the impact of a desexed, free-roaming cat on the behavior of a threatened coastal seabird, the Australian Fairy Tern, Sternula nereis nereis, in Mandurah, south-western Australia. Wildlife cameras and direct observations of cat incursions into the tern colony at night, decapitated carcasses of adult terns, dead, injured or missing tern chicks, and cat tracks and scats around the colony provided strong evidence of cat predation, which led to an initial change in nesting behavior and, ultimately, colony abandonment and the reproductive failure of 111 nests. The death of six breeding terns from the population was a considerable loss for this threatened species and had the potential to limit population growth. This study highlights the significant negative impacts of free-roaming cats on wildlife and the need for monitoring and controlling cats at sites managed for species conservation. It also provides strong evidence against the practice of trap-neuter-release programs and demonstrates that desexed cats can continue to negatively impact wildlife post-release directly through predation, but also indirectly through fundamental changes in prey behavior and a reduction in parental care.
The Spatiotemporal Characteristics of 0–24-Goal Polo
Authors: Best Russ , Standing Regan
Published: July 2019

Global positioning systems (GPS) have recently been shown to reliably quantify the spatiotemporal characteristics of Polo, with the physiological demands of Polo play at low- and high-goal levels also investigated. This study aims to describe the spatiotemporal demands of Polo across 0–24 goal levels. A player-worn GPS unit was used to quantify distance, speed and high-intensity activities performed. Data were divided into chukkas and five equine-based speed zones, grouped per cumulative player handicap and assessed using standardized mean differences. Average distance and speed per chukka increased in accordance with cumulative player handicap, with the magnitude of differences being trivial–large and trivial–very large, respectively. Differences between time spent in high-intensity speed zones (zones 4 and 5) show a linear increase in magnitude, when comparing 0 goal Polo to all other levels of play (Small–Very Large; 6–24 goals, respectively). High-intensity activities predominantly shared this trend, displaying trivial–large differences between levels. These findings highlight increased cardiovascular, anaerobic and speed based physiological demands on Polo ponies as playing level increases. Strategies such as high-intensity interval training, maximal speed work and aerobic conditioning may be warranted to facilitate this development and improve pony welfare and performance.
Flexible Use of Urban Resources by the Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata
Authors: Cronk Nadine Elizabeth , Pillay Neville
Published: July 2019

Several species are negatively impacted by urbanization, while others thrive in urban areas by exploiting anthropogenic habitats matching their pre-existing niche preferences, or by modifying their behavior for urban life. We studied the ecology of a recent urban resident, the yellow mongoose, in an urban ecological estate in South Africa. We assessed urban dwelling yellow mongooses’ diet, spatial and temporal occurrence, home range size, and whenever possible, compared our findings to the published literature on their non-urban conspecifics. Additionally, we evaluated occurrence overlap with residential gardens. Similar to their non-urban counterparts, scat analyses revealed that yellow mongooses in urban areas fed mainly on insects, particularly during spring/summer. In the colder months, anthropogenic items, small mammals and birds in scats increased. Camera trap surveys showed that the mongooses were common in open habitats, similar to previous studies, and exhibited a species-typical bimodal diurnal activity pattern. The occurrence of these mongooses was greater near human residences than at sites further away. Home range sizes were considerably smaller than those of non-urban mongoose. Mongoose occurred in residential gardens, more so during the colder months. The urban yellow mongooses’ diet, habitat preference and activity patterns were similar to non-urban conspecifics. Nonetheless, the exploitation of anthropogenic food sources, occurrence in residential gardens and smaller home range sizes showed that they respond flexibly to urbanization, and these modifications might aid in their success in urban areas.
Fatty Acid Profile in Goat Milk from High- and Low-Input Conventional and Organic Systems
Authors: Lopez Annalaura , Vasconi Mauro , Moretti Vittorio Maria , Bellagamba Federica
Published: July 2019

According to the knowledge that the composition in fatty acids of milk is related to the production system, we determined the fatty acid composition of goat milk yielded in three different Italian farms. Two low-input system farms; one organic (LI-O) and one conventional (LI-C), and one high-input system conventional farm (HI-C) were involved in the study. Significant differences were detected among the different groups considering the fatty acid pattern of milk. Fatty acids (FA) strictly related to the rearing system, such as odd and branched chain fatty acids (OBCFA), linoleic acid (LA, 18:2 n6), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3 n3), elaidic acid (EA, 18:1 n9), total n6 and total n3 FA, were identified as the most significant factors in the characterization of samples coming from low- or high-input systems. OBCFA amounts were found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the LI-O milk (4.7%), followed by the LI-C milk (4.5%) and then by the HI-C milk (3.4%). The same trend was observed for Σn3 FAs, mainly represented by ALA (0.72%–0.81% in LI-O systems and 0.41% in HI-system), and the opposite for Σn6 FAs, principally represented by LA (2.0%–2.6% in LI-systems and 3.1% in HI-system). A significant (p < 0.01) discrimination among samples clusters coming from the different systems was allowed by the principal component analysis (PCA).
Nutraceutical Properties of Mulberries Grown in Southern Italy (Apulia)
Authors: Negro Carmine , Aprile Alessio , De Bellis Luigi , Miceli Antonio
Published: July 2019

In this work, for the first time, were analyzed mulberry genotypes grown in Apulia (Southern Italy, Salento region) were analyzed. Two local varieties of Morus alba (cv. Legittimo nero and cv. Nello) and one of Morus nigra were characterized for content in simple sugars, organic acids, phenols, anthocyanins; fruit antioxidant activity (AA) was also evaluated by three different methods (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH; 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ABTS; and Ferric reducing antioxidant potential, FRAP test). The results showed that the sugars amount ranged between 6.29 and 7.66 g/100 g fresh weight (FW) while the malic and citric acids content was low, at about 0.1–1 g/100 g FW. Mulberries are a good source of phenols which are present in higher values in M. nigra and M. alba cv. Legittimo nero (485 and 424 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/ 100 g FW, respectively). The high performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector/mass spectrometry (HPLC/DAD/MS) analysis identified 5 main anthocyanin compounds present in different concentrations in each variety of mulberry: cyanidin 3-sophoroside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-rutinoside. The highest concentration of anthocyanins was determined in Morus alba Legittimo (about 300 mg/100 g FW) while the lowest content (about 25 mg/100 g FW) was measured in M. alba cv. Nello. Morus nigra showed a good AA in comparison with the different M. alba genotypes with all the used methods; its AA was equal to 33, 26 and 21 μmols Trolox/g FW when using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP tests, respectively. All genotypes showed an anti-inflammatory activity (measured by cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory assay) which was also compared with two commercial anti-inflammatory drugs. The data obtained support the high biological qualities of mulberry fruits and their diffusion in human nutrition.
Saffron: A Multitask Neuroprotective Agent for Retinal Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Di Marco Stefano , Carnicelli Veronica , Franceschini Nicola , Di Paolo Mattia , Piccardi Marco , Bisti Silvia , Falsini Benedetto
Published: July 2019

Both age related macular degeneration (AMD) and light induced retinal damage share the common major role played by oxidative stress in the induction/progression of degenerative events. Light damaged (LD) rats have been widely used as a convenient model to gain insight into the mechanisms of degenerative disease, to enucleate relevant steps and to test neuroprotectants. Among them, saffron has been shown to ameliorate degenerative processes and to regulate many genes and protective pathways. Saffron has been also tested in AMD patients. We extended our analysis to a possible additional effect regulated by saffron and compared in AMD patients a pure antioxidant treatment (Lutein/zeaxanthin) with saffron treatment. Methods: Animal model. Sprague-Dawley (SD) adult rats, raised at 5 lux, were exposed to 1000 lux for 24 h and then either immediately sacrificed or placed back at 5 lux for 7 days recovery period. A group of animals was treated with saffron. We performed in the animal model: (1) SDS-PAGE analysis; (2) Western Blotting (3) Enzyme activity assay (4) Immunolabelling; in AMD patients: a longitudinal open-label study 29 (±5) months in two groups of patients: lutein/zeaxanthin (19) and saffron (23) treated. Visual function was tested every 8 months by ERG recordings in addition to clinical examination. Results: Enzymatic activity of MMP-3 is reduced in LD saffron treated retinas and is comparable to control as it is MMP-3 expression. LD treated retinas do not present “rosettes” and microglia activation and migration is highly reduced. Visual function remains stable in saffron treated AMD patients while deteriorates in the lutein/zeaxanthin group. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of an additional way of action of saffron treatment confirming the complex nature of neuroprotective activities of its chemical components. Accordingly, long term follow-up in AMD patients reveals an added value of saffron supplementation treatment compared to classical antioxidant protocol.
Interfacial Characteristics of Boron Nitride Nanosheet/Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Li Jiacai , Chen Jiming , Zhu Mingxiao , Song Henggao , Zhang Hongyu
Published: July 2019

The interface between nanofillers and matrix plays a key role in determining the properties of nanocomposites, but the interfacial characteristics of nanocomposites such as molecular structure and interaction strength are not fully understood yet. In this work, the interfacial features of a typical nanocomposite, namely epoxy resin (EP) filled with boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) are investigated by utilizing molecular dynamics simulation, and the effect of surface functionalization is analyzed. The radial distribution density (RDD) and interfacial binding energy (IBE) are used to explore the structure and bonding strength of nanocomposites interface. Besides, the interface compatibility and molecular chain mobility (MCM) of BNNS/EP nanocomposites are analyzed by cohesive energy density (CED), free volume fraction (FFV), and radial mean square displacement (RMSD). The results indicate that the interface region of BNNS/EP is composed of three regions including compact region, buffer region, and normal region. The structure at the interfacial region of nanocomposite is more compact, and the chain mobility is significantly lower than that of the EP away from the interface. Moreover, the interfacial interaction strength and compatibility increase with the functional density of BNNS functionalized by CH3–(CH2)4–O– radicals. These results adequately illustrate interfacial characteristics of nanocomposites from atomic level.
Development of Machine Learning for Asthmatic and Healthy Voluntary Cough Sounds: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Hee Hwan Ing , Balamurali BT , Karunakaran Arivazhagan , Herremans Dorien , Teoh Onn Hoe , Lee Khai Pin , Teng Sung Shin , Lui Simon , Chen Jer Ming
Published: July 2019

(1) Background: Cough is a major presentation in childhood asthma. Here, we aim to develop a machine-learning based cough sound classifier for asthmatic and healthy children. (2) Methods: Children less than 16 years old were randomly recruited in a Children’s Hospital, from February 2017 to April 2018, and were divided into 2 cohorts—healthy children and children with acute asthma presenting with cough. Children with other concurrent respiratory conditions were excluded in the asthmatic cohort. Demographic data, duration of cough, and history of respiratory status were obtained. Children were instructed to produce voluntary cough sounds. These clinically labeled cough sounds were randomly divided into training and testing sets. Audio features such as Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients and Constant-Q Cepstral Coefficients were extracted. Using a training set, a classification model was developed with Gaussian Mixture Model–Universal Background Model (GMM-UBM). Its predictive performance was tested using the test set against the physicians’ labels. (3) Results: Asthmatic cough sounds from 89 children (totaling 1192 cough sounds) and healthy coughs from 89 children (totaling 1140 cough sounds) were analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of the audio-based classification model was 82.81% and 84.76%, respectively, when differentiating coughs from asthmatic children versus coughs from ‘healthy’ children. (4) Conclusion: Audio-based classification using machine learning is a potentially useful technique in assisting the differentiation of asthmatic cough sounds from healthy voluntary cough sounds in children.
Light Transmission in Fog: The Influence of Wavelength on the Extinction Coefficient
Authors: Duthon Pierre , Colomb Michèle , Bernardin Frédéric
Published: July 2019

Autonomous driving is based on innovative technologies that have to ensure that vehicles are driven safely. LiDARs are one of the reference sensors for obstacle detection. However, this technology is affected by adverse weather conditions, especially fog. Different wavelengths are investigated to meet this challenge (905 nm vs. 1550 nm). The influence of wavelength on light transmission in fog is then examined and results reported. A theoretical approach by calculating the extinction coefficient for different wavelengths is presented in comparison to measurements with a spectroradiometer in the range of 350 nm–2450 nm. The experiment took place in the French Cerema PAVIN BPplatform for intelligent vehicles, which makes it possible to reproduce controlled fogs of different density for two types of droplet size distribution. Direct spectroradiometer extinction measurements vary in the same way as the models. Finally, the wavelengths for LiDARs should not be chosen on the basis of fog conditions: there is a small difference (<10%) between the extinction coefficients at 905 nm and 1550 nm for the same emitted power in fog.
Raised Pedestrian Crossings: Analysis of Their Characteristics on a Road Network and Geometric Sizing Proposal
Authors: Loprencipe Giuseppe , Moretti Laura , Pantuso Antonio , Banfi Eligio
Published: July 2019

In urban areas traffic-calming strategies and pedestrian friendly measures are often adopted to reduce the adverse impacts of motor vehicles on vulnerable users. This study surveyed 24 raised pedestrian crossings (RPCs) to examine their geometrical and functional characteristics. Geometric characteristics, location, administrative and effective vehicle speed, and the whole-body vibration acceleration induced to vehicle occupants while they are passing over, were considered. In addition to the analysis of the field data, geometrical and functional criteria to design RPCs were carried out. Particularly, two design approaches have been considered. In the first one, RPC provides a designated route across a carriageway raised to the same level, or close to the same level, as the sidewalks that provide access to the pedestrian crossing. In such condition, an RPC is not a traffic-calming device and its design should satisfy geometrical and comfort criteria for designing roads. The results from the surveys demonstrated that less than 10% of RPCs guarantee ride comfort. According to the second design approach, an RPC acts both as a marked pedestrian feature and as a traffic-calming device (i.e., it is trapezoidal in shape with sharp edges). The analysis of the vertical accelerations on vehicle occupants reveal that more than 90% of the surveyed RPCs comply with geometrical and dynamic criteria for speed tables. Extreme variations concerning the observed geometrical characteristics of RPCs and the modelled dynamic performances have been observed: It results in noneffective treatments. Therefore, the results of this study would contribute to providing geometric best practices for overcoming the regulation gap in this subject, and designing RPCs according to international standards.
Biopurification of Oligosaccharides by Immobilized Kluyveromyces Lactis
Authors: Yeo In-Seok , Yoon Yeo-Jin , Seo Nari , An Hyun Joo , Kim Jae-Han
Published: July 2019

Oligosaccharides with diverse and complex structures such as milk oligosaccharides have physiological functions including modulating intestinal microbiota or stimulating immune cell responses. However, milk carbohydrates include about 40–50% of lactose which requires a cost-effective method to separate. We developed a new method to purify the oligosaccharides from carbohydrate mixtures such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) by exploiting immobilized Kluyveromyces lactis as microbial catalysts. Evaluation of media components exhibited no significant differences in the lactose removal efficiency when nutrient-rich media, minimal salt media, and distilled water without any media components were used. With the immobilization on alginate beads, the lactose removal efficiency was increased 3.4 fold compared to that of suspension culture. When the immobilized cells were reused to design a continuous process, 4 h of pre-activation enhanced the lactose eliminating performance 2.5 fold. Finally, immobilized K. lactis was used as microbial catalysts for the biopurification of HMOs and GOSs, and lactose was effectively removed without altering the overall distribution of oligosaccharides.
Chalcones and Flavanones Bearing Hydroxyl and/or Methoxyl Groups: Synthesis and Biological Assessments
Authors: Rosa Gonçalo P. , Seca Ana M. L. , Barreto Maria do Carmo , Silva Artur M. S. , Pinto Diana C. G. A.
Published: July 2019

Chalcones and flavanones are isomeric structures and also classes of natural products, belonging to the flavonoid family. Moreover, their wide range of biological activities makes them key scaffolds for the synthesis of new and more efficient drugs. In this work, the synthesis of hydroxy and/or methoxychalcones was studied using less common bases, such as sodium hydride (NaH) and lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), in the aldol condensation. The results show that the use of NaH was more effective for the synthesis of 2′-hydroxychalcone derivatives, while LiHMDS led to the synthesis of polyhydroxylated chalcones in a one-pot process. During this study, it was also possible to establish the conditions that favor their isomerization into flavanones, allowing at the same time the synthesis of hydroxy and/or methoxyflavanones. The chalcones and flavanones obtained were evaluated to disclose their antioxidant, anticholinesterasic, antibacterial and antitumor activities. 2′,4′,4-Trihydroxychalcone was the most active compound in terms of antioxidant, anti-butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 26.55 ± 0.55 μg/mL, similar to control drug donepezil, IC50 28.94 ± 1.76 μg/mL) and antimicrobial activity. 4′,7-Dihydroxyflavanone presented dual inhibition, that is, the ability to inhibit both cholinesterases. 4′-Hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavanone and 2′-hydroxy-4-methoxychalcone were the compounds with the best antitumor activity. The substitution pattern and the biological assay results allowed the establishment of some structure/activity relationships.
A Macroscopic Traffic Model based on Driver Reaction and Traffic Stimuli
Authors: H. Khan Zawar , Imran Waheed , Azeem Sajid , S. Khattak Khurram , Gulliver T. Aaron , Aslam Muhammad Sagheer
Published: July 2019

A new macroscopic traffic flow model is proposed, which considers driver presumption based on driver reaction and traffic stimuli. The Payne–Whitham (PW) model characterizes the traffic flow based on a velocity constant C 0 which results in unrealistic density and velocity behavior. Conversely, the proposed model characterizes traffic behavior with velocities based on the distance headway. The performance of the proposed and PW models is evaluated over a 300 m circular road for an inactive bottleneck. The results obtained show that the traffic behavior with the proposed model is more realistic.
Characterization of Copper–Graphite Composites Fabricated via Electrochemical Deposition and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Byun Myunghwan , Kim Dongbae , Sung Kildong , Jung Jaehan , Song Yo-Seung , Park Sangha , Son Injoon
Published: July 2019

In the present study, we have demonstrated a facile and robust way for the fabrication of Cu-graphite composites (CGCs) with spatially-aligned graphite layers. The graphite layers bonded to the copper matrix and the resulting composite structure were entirely characterized. The preferential orientation and angular displacement of the nano-sized graphite fiber reinforcements in the copper matrix were clarified by polarized Raman scattering. Close investigation on the change of the Raman G-peak frequency with the laser excitation power provided us with a manifestation of the structural and electronic properties of the Cu-graphite composites (CGCs) with spatially-distributed graphite phases. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation and Raman analysis revealed that reduced graphite oxide (rGO) phase existed at the CGC interface. This work is highly expected to provide a fundamental way of understanding how a rGO phase can be formed at the Cu-graphite interface, thus finally envisioning usefulness of the CGCs for thermal management materials in electronic applications.
Modeling Investigation of Diurnal Variations in Water Flux and Its Components with Stable Isotopic Tracers
Authors: Wang Pei , Deng Yujing , Wei Zhongwang
Published: July 2019

The isotopic compositions of water fluxes provide valuable insights into the hydrological cycle and are widely used to quantify biosphere–atmosphere exchange processes. However, the combination of water isotope approaches with water flux components remains challenging. The Iso-SPAC (coupled heat, water with isotopic tracer in soil–plant–atmosphere-continuum) model is a useful framework for simulating the dynamics of water flux and its components, and for coupling with isotopic fractionation and mixing processes. Here, we traced the isotopic fractionation processes with separate soil evaporation (Ev) and transpiration (Tr), as well as their mixing in evapotranspiration (E) for simulating diurnal variations of isotope compositions in E flux (δE). Three sub modules, namely isotopic steady state (ISS), non-steady-state (NSS), and NSS Péclet, were tested to determine the true value for the isotope compositions of plant transpiration (δTr) and δE. In situ measurements of isotopic water vapor with the Keeling-plot approach for δE and robust eddy covariance data for E agreed with the model output (R2 = 0.52 and 0.98, RMSD = 2.72‰, and 39 W m−2), illustrating the robustness of the Iso-SPAC model. The results illustrate that NSS is a better approximation for estimating diurnal variations in δTr and δE, specifically during the alternating periods of day and night. Leaf stomata conductance regulated by solar radiation controlled the diurnal variations in transpiration fraction (Tr/E). The study emphasized that transpiration and evaporation, respectively, acted to increase and decrease the δ18O of water vapor that was affected by the diurnal trade-off between them.
River-Induced Anomalies in Seasonal Variation of Traffic-Emitted CO Distribution over the City of Krasnoyarsk
Authors: Hrebtov Michael , Hanjalić Kemal
Published: July 2019

Seasonal variation of air quality in a city with a large river was investigated by means of numerical simulations of air movement and pollutant dispersion over inversion-capped diurnal cycles using a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach with algebraic turbulent flux model. The study accounts for the effects of urban heat island (UHI), terrain orography and high thermal inertia of the river body. The case mimics the real environment of the Krasnoyarsk region with the river Yenisei (Russia). Two scenarios were considered typical of the winter and summer seasons. The study is focused on the dynamics of dispersion of CO emanating mainly from road traffic, which remains fairly uniform throughout the year. The simulation starts from a mild low-altitude inversion with penetrative convection gradually developing over the daytime and attenuating during the night. The main difference between the two cases is in the temperature of the river surface relative to the ambient air. In winter, the non-freezing river acts as a source of positive thermal buoyancy, while in summer the cool river at the daytime acts in the opposite way, as a heat sink. The effect of the river-induced air circulation appears significant enough to account for the observed winter accumulation of the pollutant in the city center.
CoCUN, a Novel Ubiquitin Binding Domain Identified in N4BP1
Authors: Nepravishta Ridvan , Ferrentino Federica , Mandaliti Walter , Mattioni Anna , Weber Janine , Polo Simona , Castagnoli Luisa , Cesareni Gianni , Paci Maurizio , Santonico Elena
Published: July 2019

Ubiquitin binding domains (UBDs) are modular elements that bind non-covalently to ubiquitin and act as downstream effectors and amplifiers of the ubiquitination signal. With few exceptions, UBDs recognize the hydrophobic path centered on Ile44, including residues Leu8, Ile44, His68, and Val70. A variety of different orientations, which can be attributed to specific contacts between each UBD and surface residues surrounding the hydrophobic patch, specify how each class of UBD specifically contacts ubiquitin. Here, we describe the structural model of a novel ubiquitin-binding domain that we identified in NEDD4 binding protein 1 (N4BP1). By performing protein sequence analysis, mutagenesis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of the 15N isotopically labeled protein, we demonstrate that a Phe-Pro motif in N4BP1 recognizes the canonical hydrophobic patch of ubiquitin. This recognition mode resembles the molecular mechanism evolved in the coupling of ubiquitin conjugation to endoplasmic-reticulum (ER) degradation (CUE) domain family, where an invariant proline, usually following a phenylalanine, is required for ubiquitin binding. Interestingly, this novel UBD, which is not evolutionary related to CUE domains, shares a 40% identity and 47% similarity with cullin binding domain associating with NEDD8 (CUBAN), a protein module that also recognizes the ubiquitin-like NEDD8. Based on these features, we dubbed the region spanning the C-terminal 50 residues of N4BP1 the CoCUN domain, for Cousin of CUBAN. By performing circular dichroism and 15N NMR chemical shift perturbation of N4BP1 in complex with ubiquitin, we demonstrate that the CoCUN domain lacks the NEDD8 binding properties observed in CUBAN. We also show that, in addition to mediating the interaction with ubiquitin and ubiquitinated substrates, both CUBAN and CoCUN are poly-ubiquitinated in cells. The structural and the functional characterization of this novel UBD can contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing N4BP1 function, providing at the same time a valuable tool for clarifying how the discrimination between ubiquitin and the highly related NEDD8 is achieved.
Diazonium-Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes for Immunosensing Growth Hormone in Blood Samples
Authors: Li Nan , Chow Ari M. , Ganesh Hashwin V. S. , Ratnam Melanie , Brown Ian R. , Kerman Kagan
Published: July 2019

Altered growth hormone (GH) levels represent a major global health challenge that would benefit from advances in screening methods that are rapid and low cost. Here, we present a miniaturized immunosensor using disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) for the detection of GH with high sensitivity. The diazonium-based linker layer was electrochemically deposited onto SPCE surfaces, and subsequently activated using covalent agents to immobilize monoclonal anti-GH antibodies as the sensing layer. The surface modifications were monitored using contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The dissociation constant, Kd, of the anti-GH antibodies was also determined as 1.44 (±0.15) using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The immunosensor was able to detect GH in the picomolar range using a 20 µL sample volume in connection with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The selectivity of the SPCE-based immunosensors was also challenged with whole blood and serum samples collected at various development stages of rats, demonstrating the potential applicability for detection in biological samples. Our results demonstrated that SPCEs provided the development of low-cost and single-use electrochemical immunosensors in comparison with glassy carbon electrode (GCE)-based ones.