bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orientation Matters: Polarization Dependent IR Spectroscopy of Collagen from Intact Tendon Down to the Single Fibril Level
Authors: Bakir Gorkem , Girouard Benoit E. , Wiens Richard , Mastel Stefan , Dillon Eoghan , Kansiz Mustafa , Gough Kathleen M.
Published: September 2020

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy has been used for decades to study collagen in mammalian tissues. While many changes in the spectral profiles appear under polarized IR light, the absorption bands are naturally broad because of tissue heterogeneity. A better understanding of the spectra of ordered collagen will aid in the evaluation of disorder in damaged collagen and in scar tissue. To that end, collagen spectra have been acquired with polarized far-field (FF) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging with a Focal Plane Array detector, with the relatively new method of FF optical photothermal IR (O-PTIR), and with nano-FTIR spectroscopy based on scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM). The FF methods were applied to sections of intact tendon with fibers aligned parallel and perpendicular to the polarized light. The O-PTIR and nano-FTIR methods were applied to individual fibrils of 100–500 nm diameter, yielding the first confirmatory and complementary results on a biopolymer. We observed that the Amide I and II bands from the fibrils were narrower than those from the intact tendon, and that both relative intensities and band shapes were altered. These spectra represent reliable profiles for normal collagen type I fibrils of this dimension, under polarized IR light, and can serve as a benchmark for the study of collagenous tissues.
Infrared Microspectroscopy and Imaging Analysis of Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cells and Their GAG Secretome
Authors: Mohamed Hossam Taha , Untereiner Valérie , Cinque Gianfelice , Ibrahim Sherif Abdelaziz , Götte Martin , Nguyen Nguyet Que , Rivet Romain , Sockalingum Ganesh D. , Brézillon Stéphane
Published: September 2020

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)/proteoglycans (PGs) play a pivotal role in the metastasis of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). They represent biomarkers and targets in diagnosis and treatment of different cancers including breast cancer. Thus, GAGs/PGs could represent potential prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers for IBC. In the present study, non-IBC MDA-MB-231, MCF7, SKBR3 cells and IBC SUM149 cells, as well as their GAG secretome were analyzed. The latter was measured in toto as dried drops with high-throughput (HT) Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy and imaging. FTIR imaging was also employed to investigate single whole breast cancer cells while synchrotron-FTIR microspectroscopy was used to specifically target their cytoplasms. Data were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis and principal components analysis. Results obtained from HT-FTIR analysis of GAG drops showed that the inter-group variability enabled us to delineate between cell types in the GAG absorption range 1350–800 cm−1. Similar results were obtained for FTIR imaging of GAG extracts and fixed single whole cells. Synchrotron-FTIR data from cytoplasms allowed discrimination between non-IBC and IBC. Thus, by using GAG specific region, not only different breast cancer cell lines could be differentiated, but also non-IBC from IBC cells. This could be a potential diagnostic spectral marker for IBC detection useful for patient management.
Printed and Flexible Microheaters Based on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Falco Aniello , Romero Francisco J. , Loghin Florin C. , Lyuleeva Alina , Becherer Markus , Lugli Paolo , Morales Diego P. , Rodriguez Noel , Salmerón Jose F. , Rivadeneyra Almudena
Published: September 2020

This work demonstrates a cost-effective manufacturing method of flexible and fully printed microheaters, using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the heating element. Two different structures with different number of CNT layers have been characterized in detail. The benchmarking has been carried out in terms of maximum operating temperature, as well as nominal resistance and input power for different applied voltages. Their performances have been compared with previous reports for similar devices, fabricated with other technologies. The results have shown that the heaters presented can achieve high temperatures in a small area at lower voltages and lower input power. In particular, the fully printed heaters fabricated on a flexible substrate covering an area of 3.2 mm2 and operating at 9.5 V exhibit a maximum temperature point above 70 °C with a power consumption below 200 mW. Therefore, we have demonstrated that this technology paves the way for a cost-effective large-scale fabrication of flexible microheaters aimed to be integrated in flexible sensors.
Urine Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling Is Associated with the Dietary Pattern of Successful Aging among Malaysian Elderly
Authors: Nik Mohd Fakhruddin Nik Nur Izzati , Shahar Suzana , Ismail Intan Safinar , Ahmad Azam Amalina , Rajab Nor Fadilah
Published: September 2020

Food intake biomarkers (FIBs) can reflect the intake of specific foods or dietary patterns (DP). DP for successful aging (SA) has been widely studied. However, the relationship between SA and DP characterized by FIBs still needs further exploration as the candidate markers are scarce. Thus, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR)-based urine metabolomics profiling was conducted to identify potential metabolites which can act as specific markers representing DP for SA. Urine sample of nine subjects from each three aging groups, SA, usual aging (UA), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), were analyzed using the 1H-NMR metabolomic approach. Principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied. The association between SA urinary metabolites and its DP was assessed using the Pearson’s correlation analysis. The urine of SA subjects was characterized by the greater excretion of citrate, taurine, hypotaurine, serotonin, and melatonin as compared to UA and MCI. These urinary metabolites were associated with alteration in “taurine and hypotaurine metabolism” and “tryptophan metabolism” in SA elderly. Urinary serotonin (r = 0.48, p < 0.05) and melatonin (r = 0.47, p < 0.05) were associated with oat intake. These findings demonstrate that a metabolomic approach may be useful for correlating DP with SA urinary metabolites and for further understanding of SA development.
Food Addiction Is Associated with Binge Eating and Psychiatric Distress among Post-Operative Bariatric Surgery Patients and May Improve in Response to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Authors: Cassin Stephanie , Leung Samantha , Hawa Raed , Wnuk Susan , Jackson Timothy , Sockalingam Sanjeev
Published: September 2020

The current study examined clinical correlates of food addiction among post-operative bariatric surgery patients, compared the clinical characteristics of patients with versus without food addiction, and examined whether a brief telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy (Tele-CBT) intervention improves food addiction symptomatology among those with food addiction. Participants (N = 100) completed measures of food addiction, binge eating, depression, and anxiety 1 year following bariatric surgery, were randomized to receive either Tele-CBT or standard bariatric post-operative care, and then, repeated the measure of food addiction at 1.25 and 1.5 years following surgery. Thirteen percent of patients exceeded the cut-off for food addiction at 1 year post-surgery, and this subgroup of patients reported greater binge eating characteristics and psychiatric distress compared to patients without food addiction. Among those with food addiction, Tele-CBT was found to improve food addiction symptomatology immediately following the intervention. These preliminary findings suggest that Tele-CBT may be helpful, at least in the short term, in improving food addiction symptomatology among some patients who do not experience remission of food addiction following bariatric surgery; however, these findings require replication in a larger sample.
Does Curcumin Have a Role in the Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Schistosoma mansoni in Mice?
Authors: Anter Assmaa , El-Ghany Mohamed Abd , Abou El Dahab Marwa , Mahana Noha
Published: September 2020

There is strong correlation between changes in abundance of specific bacterial species and several diseases including schistosomiasis. Several studies have described therapeutic effects of curcumin (CUR) which may arise from its regulative effects on intestinal microbiota. Thus, we examined the impact of CUR on the diversity of intestinal microbiota with/without infection by Schistosoma mansoni cercariae for 56 days. Enterobacteriaceae was dominating in a naive and S. mansoni infected mice group without CUR treatment, the most predominant species was Escherichia coli with relative density (R.D%) = 80.66% and the least one was Pseudomonas sp. (0.52%). The influence of CUR on murine microbiota composition was examined one week after oral administration of high (40) and low (20 mg/kg b.w.) CUR doses were administered three times, with two day intervals. CUR induced high variation in the Enterobacteriaceae family, characterized by a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in E. coli and asignificant (p < 0.001) increase in Pseudomonas sp. in both naïve and S. mansoni-infected mice, compared to untreated mice, in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, our study showed the effects of high CUR doses on S. mansoni infection immunological and parasitological parameters. These data support CUR’s ability to promote Pseudomonas sp. known to produce schistosomicidal toxins and offset the sequelae of murine schistosomiasis.
Development and Application of Novel Chemiluminescence Immunoassays for Highly Sensitive Detection of Anisakis simplex Proteins in Thermally Processed Seafood
Authors: Kochanowski Maciej , Różycki Mirosław , Dąbrowska Joanna , Karamon Jacek , Sroka Jacek , Antolak Ewelina , Bełcik Aneta , Cencek Tomasz
Published: September 2020

The third-stage larvae (L3) of Anisakis simplex are the most important source of hidden allergens in seafood products. However, there exist no commercial methods for detecting Anisakis proteins in food. Furthermore, only a few methods have been validated for the detection of A. simplex in thermally processed food. The aims of our study are (i) the development and validation of high-sensitivity chemiluminescent (CL) immunoassays for the detection of A. simplex proteins in processed seafood, (ii) and A. simplex antigen detection in common seafood products from Polish markets. We developed and validated CL sandwich ELISA (S-ELISA) and CL competitive ELISA (C-ELISA) methods for A. simplex proteins detection in food, with respective detection limits of 0.5 and 5 ng/mL. The usefulness of the assays for detecting A. simplex proteins in highly processed food was evaluated by examination of autoclaved canned fish spiked with A. simplex larvae (1–8 larvae/200 g). Commercial real-time PCR was unable to detect A. simplex in autoclaved samples at all levels of enrichment with Anisakis larvae. CL-S-ELISA was used to test various types of seafood products from Polish markets. Among all tested products (n = 259), 28% were positive. A. simplex antigens were found mostly (n = 39) in smoked fish products: mackerel, herring, cod, and hake. Other positive samples were found in marinated herrings, canned cod livers, canned mackerels, and surimi sticks. In tuna, Atlantic argentine, anchovy, sardine, sprat, and squid products, A. simplex antigens were not detected. This study provides novel effective tools for the detection of A. simplex proteins in processed food and highlights the potential allergic hazards for Anisakis-sensitized Polish consumers of seafood.
Variation in Seed Metabolites between Two Indica Rice Accessions Differing in Seed Longevity
Authors: Lee Jae-Sung , Hay Fiona R.
Published: September 2020

For a better understanding of germination after seed storage, metabolite profiling was conducted using hybrid triple quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry. After moisture content (MC) equilibration, seeds of “WAS170” (short-lived) and “IR65483” (long-lived) were stored at 10.9% MC and 45 °C. Samples for metabolite analysis were taken after 0 and 20 days of storage. Among 288 metabolites, two flavonoids (kaempferide and quercetin-3-arabinoside), one amino acid (S-sulfocysteine) and one sugar (D-glucose) increased in “IR65483” seeds after storage but were not detected in “WAS170” seeds. Based on the genome sequence database, we identified clear allelic differences with non-synonymous mutations on the six flavonol synthase genes regulating the accumulation of kaempferol- and quercetin-metabolites. On the other hand, two metabolites (thiamine monophosphate and harmaline) increased in short-lived seeds after storage; these metabolites could be potential biochemical indicators of seed deterioration.
Parallel Architectures for Humanoid Robots
Authors: Ceccarelli Marco , Russo Matteo , Morales-Cruz Cuauhtemoc
Published: September 2020

The structure of humanoid robots can be inspired to human anatomy and operation with open challenges in mechanical performance that can be achieved by using parallel kinematic mechanisms. Parallel mechanisms can be identified in human anatomy with operations that can be used for designing parallel mechanisms in the structure of humanoid robots. Design issues are outlined as requirements and performance for parallel mechanisms in humanoid structures. The example of LARMbot humanoid design is presented as from direct authors’ experience to show an example of the feasibility and efficiency of using parallel mechanisms in humanoid structures. This work is an extension of a paper presented at ISRM 2019 conference (International Symposium on Robotics and Mechatronics).
A High-Efficiency Driver Circuit for a Gas-Sensor Microheater Based on a Switch-Mode DC-to-DC Converter
Authors: Yang Tzu-Sen , Chiou Jin-Chern
Published: September 2020

Low power consumption is one of the critical factors for successful Internet of Things (IoT) applications. In such applications, gas sensors have become a main source of power consumption because energy conversion efficiency of the microheater is relative over a wide range of operating temperatures. To improve the energy-conversion efficiency of gas-sensor microheaters, this paper proposes integrated switch-mode DC-to-DC power converter technology which we compare with traditional driving methods such as pulse-width modulation and the linear mode. The results indicate that energy conversion efficiency with this proposed method remains over 90% from 150 °C to 400 °C when using a 3.0, 4.2 and 5.0 V power supply. Energy-conversion efficiency increases by 1–74% compared with results obtained using the traditional driving methods, and the sensing film still detects alcohol and toluene at 200 °C and 280 °C, respectively, with high energy conversion efficiency. These results show that the proposed method is useful and should be further developed to drive gas-sensor microheaters, and then integrated into the circuits of the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor micro electro mechanical systems (CMOS-MEMS).
Agent-Based Model of a Blockchain Enabled Peer-to-Peer Energy Market: Application for a Neighborhood Trial in Perth, Australia
Authors: Monroe Jacob G. , Hansen Paula , Sorell Matthew , Berglund Emily Zechman
Published: September 2020

The transfer of market power in electric generation from utilities to end-users spurred by the diffusion of distributed energy resources necessitates a new system of settlement in the electricity business that can better manage generation assets at the grid-edge. A new concept in facilitating distributed generation is peer-to-peer energy trading, where households exchange excess power with neighbors at a price they set themselves. However, little is known about the effects of peer-to-peer energy trading on the sociotechnical dynamics of electric power systems. Further, given the novelty of the concept, there are knowledge gaps regarding the impact of alternative electricity market structures and individual decision strategies on neighborhood exchanges and market outcomes. This study develops an empirical agent-based modeling (ABM) framework to simulate peer-to-peer electricity trades in a decentralized residential energy market. The framework is applied for a case study in Perth, Western Australia, where a blockchain-enabled energy trading platform was trialed among 18 households, which acted as prosumers or consumers. The ABM is applied for a set of alternative electricity market structures. Results assess the impact of solar generation forecasting approaches, battery energy storage, and ratio of prosumers to consumers on the dynamics of peer-to-peer energy trading systems. Designing an efficient, equitable, and sustainable future energy system hinges on the recognition of trade-offs on and across, social, technological, economic, and environmental levels. Results demonstrate that the ABM can be applied to manage emerging uncertainties by facilitating the testing and development of management strategies.
An Adaptive Machine Learning Methodology Applied to Neuromarketing Analysis: Prediction of Consumer Behaviour Regarding the Key Elements of the Packaging Design of an Educational Toy
Authors: Juárez-Varón David , Tur-Viñes Victoria , Rabasa-Dolado Alejandro , Polotskaya Kristina
Published: September 2020

This research is in response to the question of which aspects of package design are more relevant to consumers, when purchasing educational toys. Neuromarketing techniques are used, and we propose a methodology for predicting which areas attract the attention of potential customers. The aim of the present study was to propose a model that optimizes the communication design of educational toys’ packaging. The data extracted from the experiments was studied using new analytical models, based on machine learning techniques, to predict which area of packaging is observed in the first instance and which areas are never the focus of attention of potential customers. The results suggest that the most important elements are the graphic details of the packaging and the methodology fully analyzes and segments these areas, according to social circumstance and which consumer type is observing the packaging.
Just a Matter of Time? Women’s Career Advancement in Neo-Liberal Academia. An Analysis of Recruitment Trends in Italian Universities
Authors: Gaiaschi Camilla , Musumeci Rosy
Published: September 2020

Recently, the Italian higher education system has experienced two profound changes: the strong feminization of its academic staff and the implementation of market-based reforms aimed at fostering cost efficiency and economic productivity. Such reforms include the reshaping of the academic career ladder envisaged by the last university reform, the so called Gelmini reform (law 240/2010), and the adoption of a performance-based funding system. Both elements occurred in parallel with a strong cut in turnover. By accessing unique data on recruitment covering the last two decades, which were provided by the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research’s statistical office, this study aims at investigating these changes from a gendered perspective. More specifically, it firstly aims at analyzing if the feminization of the academic staff is due to an effective improvement of gender equality in recruitment or, rather, to demographic dynamics; secondly, it investigates to what extent the recent neo-liberal transformations, and more specifically the reshaping of the career structure combined with the limitations on hiring, has had any implications in terms of women’s recruitment and advancement. The results suggest that the road to gender equality is extremely slow and non-linear. The introduction, with the Gelmini reform, of the new fixed-term assistant professor has tightened female access to the tenure track. Moreover, female recruitment remained substantially unchanged over the period among associate and full professors, thus suggesting that the feminization of the academic staff is not due to an effective improvement of gender equality in recruitment, but also to demographic dynamics, such as the retirement of men who are concentrated in the older cohorts.
Hybrid Wind–PV Frequency Control Strategy under Variable Weather Conditions in Isolated Power Systems
Authors: Fernández-Guillamón Ana , Martínez-Lucas Guillermo , Molina-García Ángel , Sarasua Jose-Ignacio
Published: September 2020

Over the last two decades, variable renewable energy technologies (i.e., variable-speed wind turbines (VSWTs) and photovoltaic (PV) power plants) have gradually replaced conventional generation units. However, these renewable generators are connected to the grid through power converters decoupled from the grid and do not provide any rotational inertia, subsequently decreasing the overall power system’s inertia. Moreover, the variable and stochastic nature of wind speed and solar irradiation may lead to large frequency deviations, especially in isolated power systems. This paper proposes a hybrid wind–PV frequency control strategy for isolated power systems with high renewable energy source integration under variable weather conditions. A new PV controller monitoring the VSWTs’ rotational speed deviation is presented in order to modify the PV-generated power accordingly and improve the rotational speed deviations of VSWTs. The power systems modeled include thermal, hydro-power, VSWT, and PV power plants, with generation mixes in line with future European scenarios. The hybrid wind–PV strategy is compared to three other frequency strategies already presented in the specific literature, and gets better results in terms of frequency deviation (reducing the mean squared error between 20% and 95%). Additionally, the rotational speed deviation of VSWTs is also reduced with the proposed approach, providing the same mean squared error as the case in which VSWTs do not participate in frequency control. However, this hybrid strategy requires up to a 30% reduction in the PV-generated energy. Extensive detailing of results and discussion can be also found in the paper.
The Utilization of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index to Map Habitat Quality in Turin (Italy)
Authors: Salata Stefano , Giaimo Carolina , Barbieri Carlo Alberto , Ballocca Andrea , Scalise Francesco , Pantaloni Giulio
Published: September 2020

The integration of ecosystem service mapping in decision-making is crucial to place effective urban design and sustainable planning solutions. Nonetheless, often ecosystem service maps are the product of different data inputs that influences the final modeling output thus affecting final decisions, especially when a finer and site-specific assessment is required to design practical and effective solutions. In this work, the city of Turin (Northwest Italy) was selected as a test site for an empirical experiment of ecosystem service mapping using the software Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST): two habitat quality models of the city were compared in a Geographic Information System environment, the first using the “traditional” sensitivity employed during the LIFE SAM4CP European research while the second using the natural difference vegetation index to re-assign the sensitivity scores. Results demonstrate that the integration of site-specific information in the habitat quality input model generates a different result, which is capable of differentiating all those dense built-up areas of the dense settlement system that provide ecosystem supporting functions at the city-level. These differences were analyzed to define new green hotspots in the compact city while furnishing a new perspective for sustainable city planning.
Poverty—A Challenge for Economic Development? Evidences from Western Balkan Countries and the European Union
Authors: Mansi Egla , Hysa Eglantina , Panait Mirela , Voica Marian Catalin
Published: September 2020

During the last few decades, economists have tried to find a solution to eradicate poverty, especially since the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals were launched. The target of Goal 1 is to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. While income inequality and unemployment have played a major part in contributing to poor wellbeing in the world, other factors such as political instability, a lack of good investment opportunities, and living conditions have contributed to it as well. Thus, in this work, the authors analyze the factors that impact poverty and compare these results between countries within the European Union and post-communist countries that include the Western Balkan (WB) countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The method used consists of both descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis using the fixed effect model where poverty is taken as the dependent variable. The data used in this study are gathered from the World Bank and Legatum Prosperity, during the period between 2009 and 2018. The results show that income inequality does indeed impact the further progress of poverty for both the EU and WB, while economic development in terms of GDP is shown to have a more significant impact on EU than in WB, where the most significant impact was through income per capita. Other factors such as education, investment environment, and especially unemployment also significantly impacted on decreasing the poverty rate in both economic zones.
Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Point Distribution Pattern of Schools Using Spatial Autocorrelation Indices in Bojnourd City
Authors: Ghodousi Mostafa , Sadeghi-Niaraki Abolghasem , Rabiee Farzaneh , Choi Soo-Mi
Published: September 2020

In recent years, attention has been given to the construction and development of new educational centers, but their spatial distribution across the cities has received less attention. In this study, the Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN) and the optimized hot spot analysis methods have been used to determine the general spatial distribution of the schools. Also, in order to investigate the spatial distribution of the schools based on the substructure variables, which include the school building area, the results of the general and local Moran and Getis Ord analyses have been investigated. A differential Moran index was also used to study the spatial-temporal variations of the schools’ distribution patterns based on the net per capita variable, which is the amount of school building area per student. The results of the Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN) analysis indicated that the general spatial patterns of the primary schools, the first high schools, and the secondary high schools in the years 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2021 are clustered. Applying the optimized hot spot analysis method also identified the southern areas and the suburbs as cold polygons with less-density. Also, the results of the differential Moran analysis showed the positive trend of the net per capita changes for the primary schools and first high schools. However, the result is different for the secondary high schools.
Demographic Resilience in Local Systems: An Empirical Approach with Census Data
Authors: Colantoni Andrea , Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir Rares , Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir Cristina , Cudlin Pavel , Salvati Luca , Gimenez Morera Antonio
Published: September 2020

This study estimates demographic resilience in local socioeconomic systems of Southern Europe using long-term population dynamics. We assume attractive places with a continuously expanding (resident) population as ‘demographically resilient’, and locations experiencing a persistent decline of population as more fragile to external shocks. Based on these premises, a comprehensive assessment of demographic resilience in more than 1000 municipalities along the urban–rural gradient in Greece, a Mediterranean country with marked regional disparities, was carried out between 1961 and 2011. Municipalities were considered representative of homogeneous local communities, especially in rural areas. The results of non-parametric correlations suggest how basic geographical gradients (coastal–inland and urban–rural) have significantly influenced the demographic resilience of Greek municipalities. These findings outline two contrasting spatial patterns that reflect (i) continuous expansion of peri-urban local communities and (ii) a particularly intense rural shrinkage, linking depopulation to land abandonment and scarce accessibility of inland districts. While long-term population growth in Greece has progressively re-shaped the intrinsic divide in urban and rural areas, the traditional gap in central and peripheral districts is still reflected in the spatial polarization between the ‘demographically resilient’, socially dynamic coastal locations and the ‘demographically fragile’ inland, economically marginal places. These results indicate the persistence of a center–periphery model characterizing long-term settlement expansion in Greece, with spatial patterns delineating ‘resilient’ and ‘fragile’ districts based essentially on infrastructures, accessibility, and amenities.
A Sporadic and Lethal Lassa Fever Case in Forest Guinea, 2019
Authors: Magassouba N’Faly , Koivogui Enogo , Conde Sory , Kone Moussa , Koropogui Michel , Soropogui Barrè , Kekoura Ifono , Hinzmann Julia , Günther Stephan , Keita Sakoba , Duraffour Sophie , Fichet-Calvet Elisabeth
Published: September 2020

Lassa fever is a rodent-borne disease caused by Lassa virus (LASV). It causes fever, dizziness, vertigo, fatigue, coughing, diarrhea, internal bleeding and facial edema. The disease has been known in Guinea since 1960 but only anectodical acute cases have been reported to date. In January 2019, a 35-year-old man, a wood merchant from Kissidougou, Forest Guinea, presented himself at several health centers with persistent fever, frequent vomiting and joint pain. He was repeatedly treated for severe malaria, and died three weeks later in Mamou regional hospital. Differential diagnosis identified LASV as the cause of death. No secondary cases were reported. The complete LASV genome was obtained using next-generation sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this strain, namely the Kissidougou strain, belongs to the clade IV circulating in Guinea and Sierra Leone, and is thought to have emerged some 150 years ago. Due to the similarity of symptoms with malaria, Lassa fever is still a disease that is difficult to recognize and that may remain undiagnosed in health centers in Guinea.
The Power of First Impressions: Can Influenza Imprinting during Infancy Inform Vaccine Design?
Authors: Rioux Melissa , McNeil Mara , Francis Magen E. , Dawe Nicholas , Foley Mary , Langley Joanne M. , Kelvin Alyson A.
Published: September 2020

Influenza virus infection causes severe respiratory illness in people worldwide, disproportionately affecting infants. The immature respiratory tract coupled with the developing immune system, and lack of previous exposure to the virus is thought to synergistically play a role in the increased disease severity in younger age groups. No influenza vaccines are available for those under six months, although maternal influenza immunization is recommended. In children aged six months to two years, vaccine immunogenicity is dampened compared to older children and adults. Unlike older children and adults, the infant immune system has fewer antigen-presenting cells and soluble immune factors. Paradoxically, we know that a person’s first infection with the influenza virus during infancy or childhood leads to the establishment of life-long immunity toward that particular virus strain. This is called influenza imprinting. We contend that by understanding the influenza imprinting event in the context of the infant immune system, we will be able to design more effective influenza vaccines for both infants and adults. Working through the lens of imprinting, using infant influenza animal models such as mice and ferrets which have proven useful for infant immunity studies, we will gain a better understanding of imprinting and its implications regarding vaccine design. This review examines literature regarding infant immune and respiratory development, current vaccine strategies, and highlights the importance of research into the imprinting event in infant animal models to develop more effective and protective vaccines for all including young children.
Hydropower Potential of Run of River Schemes in the Himalayas under Climate Change: A Case Study in the Dudh Koshi Basin of Nepal
Authors: Bocchiola Daniele , Manara Mattia , Mereu Riccardo
Published: September 2020

In spite of the very large hydropower potential given from the melting snow and ice of Himalayas, Nepal’s population has little hydropower production. The high use of fossil fuels and biomasses results in measurable air pollution, even in the mountain areas. Hydropower planning and implementation, in the face of the changing climate, is therefore paramount important. We focus here on Nepal, and particularly on the Dudh Koshi river basin, with a population of ca. 170,000 people, within an area with large potential for hydropower production. Our main objectives are to (i) preliminarily design a local hydropower grid based on a distributed run of river ROR scheme, and (ii) verify the resilience of the grid against modified hydrology under perspective climate change, until the end of the century. To do so, we set up and tune the Poli-Hydro semi-distributed glacio-hydrological model, mimicking the complex hydrology of the area. We then modify a state of the art algorithm to develop and exploit a heuristic, resource-demand based model, called Poli-ROR. We use Poli-ROR to assess the (optimal) distribution of a number of ROR hydropower stations along the river network, and the structure of the local mini-grids. We then use downscaled outputs from three general circulation models GCMs (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, 8.5) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC AR5, to assess the performance of the system under future modified hydrological conditions. We find that our proposed method is efficient in shaping ROR systems, with the target of the largest possible coverage (93%), and of the least price (0.068 € kWh−1 on average). We demonstrate also that under the projected hydrological regimes until 2100, worse conditions than now may occur, especially for plants with small drainage areas. Days with energy shortage may reach up to nf = 38 per year on average (against nf = 24 now), while the maximum daily energy deficit may reach as high as edef% = 40% (against edef% = 20% now). We demonstrate that our originally proposed method for ROR grid design may represent a major contribution towards the proper development of distributed hydropower production in the area. Our results may contribute to improve energy supply, and living conditions within the Dudh Koshi river. It is likely that our approach may be applied in Nepal generally. Impending climate change may require adaptation in time, including the use of other sources which are as clean as possible, to limit pollution. Our Poli-ROR method for grid optimization may be of use for water managers, and scientists with an interest in the design of optimal hydropower schemes in topographically complex catchments.
Translation Technique of English to Indonesian Subtitle in “Crazy Rich Asian” Movie
Authors: Fitria Tira Nur
Published: September 2020

This objective of the research is to classify the types of translation technique from English to Indonesian subtitle, to determine the most dominant type of translation technique of English to Indonesian subtitle of “Crazy Rich Asian” movie. This research is descriptive qualitative research. It presents the problem clearly based on the most accurate data, explaining and describing the topic of a problem based on the theory used. The technique of collecting data used is documentation. There are 8 types of translation techniques found in the subtitle Crazy Rich Asian movie. The type of translation techniques used are Shift/Transposition as 72 data or 19.46 %, Literal as 70 data or 18.92 %, Established Equivalence as 62 data or 16.76 %, Reduction/Omission as 53 data or 14.32 %, Borrowing as 52 data or 14.05 %, Addition/Amplification as 30 data or 8.11 %, Modulation as 26 data or 7.03 % and Adaptation as 5 data or 1.35 %. While the most dominant type of translation technique of English to Indonesian subtitle of “Crazy Rich Asian” movie is shift/transposition.
Teacher Professional Development: The Story of English Teacher's Beliefs and Practices
Authors: Shinta Sari Septhina , Nurkamto Joko , Rochsantiningsih Dewi
Published: September 2020

Teacher professional development is often seen as the key to powerful education improvement. Therefore, teachers are expected to experience continuous professional development to keep abreast with the endless change taking place in the education routines. This study revealed the teacher’s beliefs and practices regarding with teacher professional development activities. Using qualitative study, mainly through written guided reflection and interview, this investigation resulted in two important findings. The first dealt with the teacher’s strong and positive beliefs toward teacher professional development activities and the other revealed the teacher’s exemplary practices. Hence, this research gives the implication for the teachers to always be involved in life-long endeavor to maintain the professionalism.
Developing Students’ Reading Comprehension through Think-Pair-Share Strategy
Authors: Agussatriana Agussatriana
Published: September 2020

The objective of the research was to find out whether or not Think-Pair-Share Strategy develops the students’ reading comprehension. The researcher applied quasi-experimental with the form of pre-test and post-test control group design and took the second year students of senior high school as the population. The researcher employed cluster random sampling consists of 60 students. The data were collected through pre-test and post-test in form of reading test. To find out whether or not Think-Pair-Share strategy develops the students’ reading comprehension, the researcher used t-test analysis. The result of the data analysis showed that the value of t-counted (5.747) was greater than the value of the t-table (2.002) at the level of significance (a = 0.05) and the degree of freedom df = 58 which meant that the null hypothesis (H0) was rejected and the alternative hypothesis (H1) was accepted. Based on the result of data analysis, the mean score of students’ post-test (84.44) was greater than the mean score of students’ pre-test (63.11). Based on the finding and discussion, the researcher concludes that Think-Pair-Share strategy is effective and gives positive effect to the students’ reading comprehension achievement.
The Impact of Face Threatening Acts on Hearer (The Wife) Face in A Household Conflict: A Pragmatic Study
Authors: Rahmansyah Sutiadi , Nur Tajudin , Marta Davidescu Cristiana Victoria , Indrayani Lia Maulia
Published: September 2020

Conflict is a problem that is often faced in daily life, including husband and wife. Conflict in the household can lead to positive and negative things such as a divorce or violence in a household. The problem of conflict is closely related to the threat of “face” or a person self-esteem. The purpose of this article is to study the impact of face experienced by hearer (wife) in a household conflict that is particularly occurred on wife after her husband performs Face Threatening Acts. The method used in this research was qualitative, descriptive methods, i.e. it gives descriptive result about the impact of Face Threatening Acts usage and strategies in a household conflict obtained from several popular psychology books. The results showed that in general the impact of FTA used by a husband against his wife in the household conflict caused face loss on behalf of his wife (the loss of self-esteem). This happened because her feelings were more dominant and she generally avoided a conflict that could trigger further disputes with her husband to maintain her household.
Reflective Teacher Journal to Develop Teacher’s Professionalism
Authors: Cholifah Anjar Nur , Asib Abdul , Suparno Suparno
Published: September 2020

To be good a teacher, a teacher must incessantly improve her/his teaching practice and skill/knowledge to produce and keep the academic quality. Mechanically, a teacher requires to concern a particular method/ technique or strategy and use a certain tool/type to fulfill the benchamark of excellence in teaching. Hence, reflection is substantial as one of the indispensable approaches that can be practiced to direct teacher’s performance becomes more experienced. In teaching, the term reflection refers to the opportunity of teachers to think back critically after the teaching-learning process. Previous studies that have been conducted to observe the efficiency of teacher journal in the education field. Conversely, only a few kinds research explored teacher’s perceptions toward the utilization of the teacher’s journal. Likewise, this research was located in Indonesia and engage an in-service EFL teacher of Junior High School to accomplish the gap. It intended at determining the parts reflected from the teacher journal. Moreover, to investigate the research problems, the researcher used an in-depth interview to explore the teacher’s experience in utilizing teacher diary. Consequently, this study employed a qualitative method since it was considered as the appropriate design to accomplish the research. The researcher concluded that the teacher has a positive perceptions related to the teacher’s diary/teacher’s journal. It gives precious involvement for English teachers to be more experienced and professional to help students in mastering English skills and help the teacher to do reflection in order to make a better teaching practice for the next English teaching.
Students’ Perception on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tools in English Language Teaching
Authors: Alkaromah Anisa Husni , Fauziati Endang , Asib Abdul
Published: September 2020

The pedagogies of English teaching are rapidly changing due to the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT). According to curriculum 2013, ICT is an essential component that should be integrated into each subject including English. It can be expected that it is essential for the teacher to use ICT in the teaching and learning process in order to help students to achieve a high quality of English subjects. To know the ICT role in the classroom so that this study was conducted to investigate senior high school students’ perceptions toward ICT usage in the EFL classroom. There are two students from the public school participated in Surakarta. This research design was a qualitative method with a case study approach to determine students’ perceptions and their experience in using ICT. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The result indicated that the students perceived ICT usage and perceived access to ICT. Although the students use ICT and access it in the classroom, the domination of the level is at substitution and augmentation. These two levels are called enhancement. The findings reveal the usage of ICT in the EFL classroom. The students are reflected only to be able to use a basic function in a limited mobile application with only little change and improvement.
A Voyage To Lilliput of Gulliver's Travel: Environmental Hedonism
Authors: Anggawirya Arin Mantara , Prihandoko Lastika Ary
Published: September 2020

This paper analyzes the notion of environment pictured in Gulliver’s Travel: A Voyage to Lilliput by Jonathan Swift in 1762. In analyzing the environment, the writers related some issues in this novel to the concept of eco-cosmopolitan society by P. Marland, and elaborating the issues of environment in this novel through the concept of ecocriticism by L. Buell. Through Gulliver’s travel: a Voyage to Lilliput, the notions of Plague, Economical Crisis, Famine and Environmental hedonism were pictured. Lilliput society that living with Gulliver rise another perspective on seeing the environment, which gives the illustration on how these small creatures adapt to sustain Gulliver as a giant
A Case Study of Pre-Service Teachers’ Enabling TPACK Knowledge: Lesson Design Projects
Authors: Tyarakanita Agustina
Published: September 2020

Teacher education program are expected to be able in developing pre-service teachers that capable in integrating three domains of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (TPACK) for future classroom practices. Every teacher program may be varied and has their own ways in developing TPACK knowledge and skill for pre-service teachers. However, the investigation of lesson design as one of instructional design resulted from the teacher program is rare especially concern on the quality of each domain within lesson design and challenges that were raised within the process of lesson plan making. Therefore, this study aims to explores the TPACK component within of pre-service teacher lesson design project of master degree of teacher education program in Indonesian University through analysing the lesson design project and conducting semi structure interview to provide the justification of determining of each component in the lesson design. The findings show that pre-service teachers’ lesson plan has been represented the domain of TPACK, but there were some domains that not showing strong representation. Also, this study found that the challenges faced by the pre-service teachers were mostly as the reason of lack teaching experiences.
Women’s Roles in Puritan Society as reflected in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlett Letter
Authors: Marliana Rina , Afdaliah Nihla , Rismawati Rismawati
Published: September 2020

Literature has a function as reflection or as mirror of the society. The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of literary works that could reflect the social condition or phenomena of the Puritan society in America. This research was a descriptive qualitative research. The data were collected by using library research and it was analyzed by applying sociological approach proposed by Swingewood (1972) who revealed three classifications of sociology of literature. In this case, the researcher focused on the classification of sociology as the mirror of age. The result of this research showed that the important women’s roles in puritan society is teaching their children about the scripture
Who was Nyerere? The Mythical Recreation of Nyerere the Person in Banyakyusa Narratives
Authors: Fedeo Ignas , Kiyimba Abasi , Okot Benge
Published: September 2020

AbstractAsking about who Nyerere was is obviously a surprising option in this century especially when we pay a particular attention to literatures devoted to his life and career. A number of politicians and scholars have written in length on Nyerere’s individual life and his political career. However, the question remains significant on the sense that irrespective of the Nyerere we know from politicians and academicians’ perspectives, little is known about him in the perceptions and beliefs of local Tanzanians. By looking at the Banyakyusa process of mythmaking about Nyerere, this qualitative study examines images and symbols associated with Nyerere’s nature. The paper interrogates Banyakyusa voice, beliefs and point of views on Nyerere’s personality embedded in their mythical narratives. To Banyakyusa, as the paper establishes, Nyerere was endowed with supernatural powers including immense mystical abilities by which he was able to foresee the future and to protect himself against his enemies. Also, Nyerere was blessed with inborn intelligent abilities. The abilities made him be able to train himself various skills such as reading, writing and counting. In general, the recreation of Nyerere’s personality in Banyakyusa myths reflects Banyakyusa traditional beliefs on powers and abilities of their traditional leaders.