bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS NILAI-NILAI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER DALAM NOVEL DAUN YANG JATUH TAK PERNAH MEMBENCI ANGIN KARYA TERE LIYE
Authors: Nurmawati Nurmawati
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study to get an explanation on the description of the Analysis of character education  Daun yang Jatuh Tak Pernah Membenci Angin Novel By Tere Liye. This research uses descriptive analysis method. descriptive analysis method used in this study  means to obtain an accurate picture of the values of character education in novel Daun yang Jatuh Tak Pernah Membenci Angin Novel By Tere Liye. Technique Data collection was done by using the documentation that specifically examined the values of character education in novel Daun yang Jatuh Tak Pernah Membenci Angin Novel By Tere Liye. Based on the analysis of educational values contained in this  novel  there are as follows (1) relegius educational value such as prayer , grave pilgrimage , grateful  (2) hard work as diligently and passionately in the work, (3) such as smart creative thinking and create the new things, (4) appreciate achievements such as awards to and achievement, (5) independent as not to depend on others, (6) curiosity such as asking questions, (7) friends / communicative as happy hanging out with other people, (8) social care such as giving comfort to those in need , and  (9) responsibilities such as completing tasks without being asked or told.
ANALISIS PENGARUH VISUAL MERCHANDISING PADA PERILAKU IMPULSE BUYING: STUDI MEREK H&M
Authors: Achyar Adrian , Rahardiana Andrea
Published: August 2019

This article aims to investigate the impact of visual merchandising on impulse buying behavior; case study on fashion retail outlet : H&M Grand Indonesia, Central Jakarta. Our respondents in this study are H&M consumers in this outlet who had experience in carrying out unplanned purchase transactions on products at H & M Grand Indonesia outlets in the last two months. The number of our respondents are 120 people. We process our ada using SPPS and Lisrel. The results show that the window display, in-store form, floor merchandising, and promotional signage have an effect on the behavior of impulse buying at the fashion retail outlets H & M Grand Indonesia Jakarta Pusat

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Visual Merchandising PadaPerilaku Impulse Buying: Studi Kasus Pada Gerai Ritel Fashion H&M Grand Indonesia Jakarta Pusat. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah para konsumen H&M Grand Indonesia Jakarta Pusat yang memiliki pengalaman melakukan transaksi pembelian tidak terencana terhadap produk di gerai H&M Grand Indonesia dalam kurun waktu dua bulan terakhir sebanyak 120 responden. Desain penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif. Data penelitian ini diolah dengan perangkat lunak SPSS dan Lisrel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa window display, in-store form, floor merchandising, dan promotional signage berpengaruh terhadap perilaku impulse buying di gerai ritel fashion H&M Grand Indonesia Jakarta Pusat.
IMPACT OF SERVICE QUALITY, TRUST, AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY IN PT MEGA MANUNGGAL PROPERTY TBK
Authors: Stefanie Maria Anna , Sitepu Badikenita
Published: August 2019

In order to compete, survive, and grow the company is required to provide a good quality services to meet the needs and desires of its customers. Companies must be able to maintain a good reputation in the eyes of its customers. A good quality services will tend to give more satisfaction to the customers who use the services of the company. With emphasis on good service it will build a long-term profitable relationships with customers while also achieving customer loyalty.

Therefore, this study is aiming to determine the importance of the impact of service quality, trust and customer satisfaction at PT Mega Manunggal Tbk Property in an effort to improve customer loyalty which will affect the company's survival. A questionnaire distribution method chosen in this study is to collect primary data. Completed questionnaires designed and distributed or disseminated to all customers. SPSS for windows has been used to process the primary data.Thefindings showed that there is a significant relationship between service quality and customer loyalty, meaning that if the quality of service increases, customer loyalty will also increase.There is a significant influence between customer trust and customerloyalty,meaning that if the customer trust increases, customer loyalty will also increase.
PERBANDINGAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS MASALAH DENGAN MODEL INKUIRI TERBIMBING DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MENULIS KARANGAN NARASI PADA SISWA KELAS VII SMP NEGERI 1 KADUGEDE
Authors: Iman Iman
Published: August 2019

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah 1) untuk mengetahui proses pembelajaran menulis karangan narasi dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah dan model inkuiri terbimbing, 2) untuk mengetahui aktivitas siswa dalam pembelajaran menulis karangan narasi dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah dan model inkuiri terbimbing, 3) untuk mengetahui model pembelajaran berbasis masalah lebih efektif dibandingkan dengan model inkuiri terbimbing dalam pembelajaran menulis karangan narasi, dan di kelas VII SMP Negeri 1 Kadugede. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode ekseprimen.  Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas VII SMP Negeri 1 Kadugede Kabupaten Kuningan. Teknik pengumpulan data adalah tes menulis karangan narasi. Teknik pengolahan data yang digunakan adalah uji normalitas, uji homogenitas dan uji hipotesis. Berdasarkan perhitungan uji hipotesis diperoleh t hit (6,586) > t daf (1,67), maka terima Hi artinya bahwa model pembelajaran berbasis masalah lebih efektif dibandingkan dengan model inkuiri terbimbing terhadap kemampuan menulis karangan narasi pada siswa kelas VII SMP Negeri 1 Kadugede. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah 1) proses pembelajaran menulis karangan narasi dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah lebih baik dibandingkan dengan model inkuiri terbimbing, 2) aktivitas siswa dalam pembelajaran menulis karangan narasi dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah lebih baik dibandingkan dengan model inkuiri terbimbing, 3) model pembelajaran berbasis masalah lebih efektif dibandingkan dengan model inkuiri terbimbing terhadap kemampuan menulis karangan narasi.
KAJIAN STRUKTURAL DAN NILAI MORAL DALAM ANTOLOGI 20 CERPEN PILIHAN KOMPAS SERTA PEMANFAATANNYA SEBAGAI BAHAN AJAR CERITA PENDEK DI SMA
Authors: Kusmana Suherli , Yatimah Yatimah
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kajian unsur pembangun dan nilai moral cerita pendek yang terkandung dalam antologi 20 tahun cerpen pilihan kompas untuk kepentingan pemanfaatan bahan ajar pembelajaran cerita pendek di SMA. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif untuk data kajian unsur pembangun cerpen dan nilai moral. Implementasi bahan ajar cerita pendek dalam pembelajaran cerpen dinyatakan dalam uji-t sebagai berikut, jika thitung> dari ttabel maka perolehan kemampuan siswa dalam menulis cerpen dapat dipercaya sebagai hasil pembelajaran yang menggunakan antologi 20 tahun cerpen pilihan kompas, bahan ajar tersebut dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan ajar cerpen terbukti dengan adanya perubahan.
PENGEMBANGAN MODEL PAIKEM BERORIENTASI BERPIKIR KREATIF DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MENULIS PUISI PADA SISWA KELAS VIII SMP NEGERI 14 CIREBON
Authors: Tuminih Tuminih
Published: August 2019

Penelitian dan permasalahan yang menjadi bahan pembahasan dalam pengembangan model paikem berorientasi berpikir kreatif dalam pembelajaran menulis puisi  pada siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 14 Cirebon, mendeskripsikan rancangan pengembangan model paikem berorientasi berpikir kreatif dalam pembelajaran menulis puisi pada siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 14 Cirebon, mendeskripsikan penerapan model paikem berorientasi berpikir kreatif dalam pembelajaran menulis puisi pada siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 14 Cirebon, mendeskripsikan hasil pengembangan model paikem berorientasi berpikir kreatif dalam pembelajaran menulis puisi kelas VIII SMP Negeri 14 Cirebon. Pengembangan dilakukan melalui studi pendahuluan, pengembangan model (analisis, desain pengembangan, implementasi, penilaian) dan uji coba model pada satu kelas eksperimen. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini, yaitu metode pengembangan atau research development (R&D). Produk berupa rancangan model paikem berorientasi berpikir kreatif dalam pembelajaran menulis puisi pada siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 14 Cirebon. Produk divalidasi ahli model serta diuji coba terbatas pada siswa kelas VIII. Pengembangan model paikem berorientasi berpikir kreatif dalam pembelajaran menulis puisi, didasarkan pada kajian yuridis dan empiris serta kajian teoretis. Sintaks dari model ini terdiri dari 5 tahap, yaitu: (1) tahap pengembangan dan pemahaman (2) mengorganisasikan siswa (3) membimbing pelatihan menulis (4) strategi berpikir kreatif (5) penyajian hasil karya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengembangan model paikem berorientasi berpikir kreatif dalam pembelajaran menulis puisi termasuk dalam kategori baik di kelas VIII dengan nilai rata-rata 76,7. Sebelum menggunakan model paikem berorientasi berpikir kreatif, kemampuan siswa mendapat nilai 59. Dengan demikian, pengembangan model paikem berorientasi berpikir kreatif signifikan terhadap kemampuan menulis puisi.
KAJIAN TEKS PUISI DAN BAHAN AJAR BERBASIS PENDEKATAN INKUIRI UNTUK SMK
Authors: Miftarofah Aaf Afnita , Rozak Abdul
Published: August 2019

Materi instruksional dan mengajar adalah dua hal yang saling melengkapi. Dengan demikian proses pembelajaran harus dilengkapi dengan bahan ajar yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan guru dan peserta didik. Untuk materi tidak hanya berisi kumpulan materi yang harus dihafal, tetapi juga harus disajikan materi yang dapat merangsang siswa untuk berpikir lebih luas: kreatif dan reflektif. Artinya, bahan ajar harus disajikan dengan cara tertentu sehingga siswa memiliki kemampuan berkenaan dengan pemahaman, keterampilan, dan perasaan. Sebagai cerminan pada kemampuan, siswa dapat memecahkan masalah yang ditimbulkan dalam praktek. Penelitian ini adalah Penelitian dan Pengembangan (R & D). Pengembangan dilakukan dengan mengacu pada 10 tahapan Borg dan Gall. Disederhanakan menjadi 3 tahap: penelitian dan pengumpulan informasi, perencanaan bahan ajar pembuatan teks puisi, dan pengembangan produk, jenis data yang digunakan adalah mempelajari puisi yang diambil dari surat kabar edisi Pikiran Rakyat desember 2016. Hasil penelitian ini menghasilkan bahan ajar teks puisi berdasarkan pendekatan inkuiri pada siswa kelas X SMK. Buku ini terdiri dari tiga bagian, bagian pertama adalah presentasi penutup luar, kata kunci, presentasi SK dan KD, port kedua adalah conten berdasarkan SK dan KD. Tentukan makna puisi, tentukan tema puisi, tentukan makna puisi, analisis diksi dalam puisi. Tulis puisi untuk mengungkapkan perasaan menulis puisi berdasarkan berita yang dibaca atau didengar. Bagian ketiga dari penyajian buku ini dapat berupa daftar pustaka, daftar kata dan indeks. Adapun hasil validasi bahan ajar pada para ahli mata pelajaran, guru dan siswa inonesian menunjukkan bahwa (1) aspek kelayakan kategori konten “sangat baik” (2) aspek bahasa dan kategori gambar “baik” (3) aspek presentasi “sangat bagus” (4) aspek grafiti “sangat bagus”.
Implementasi Penyelesaian Tindak Lanjut Hasil Pengawasan Fungsional Pada Inspektorat Kabupaten Indramayu Tahun 2016
Authors: Hendriyani Sri , Suhendra K.
Published: August 2019

Supervision is not just a mere supervision, especially if it's just to find fault. Supervision starts from planning, implementing, reporting and finally follow up from the results of supervision. This research was conducted to analyze the Follow-up of Supervision Results conducted by the Regional Inspectorate of Indramayu Regency. Follow-up to Supervision Results are reviewed from the APIP policy aspects of the implementation of completion of Oversight Results Follow-up, audited responses to audit findings, causes of audit findings, audited responses to delays in Follow-up Monitoring Results. More in this study wants to examine the steps of policy makers in completing the findings of the Audit Results Report.The Examination Result Report contains findings, conditions, causes, consequences and recommendations for recommendations that must be followed up by the Regional Work Unit (SKPD) which is examined to correct errors in the implementation of the administration of the general government and government implementation affairs that occur in the SKPD examined. The follow-up itself aims to improve and improve the quality of good and clean governanceFactors that cause low or not yet achieved completion of follow-up include lack of leadership commitment or change of leadership in the work unit / work unit, so that new leaders are less concerned about the follow-up of the results of supervision because they feel it is not their responsibility. The cause of the findings (disobedience to the legislation and the weakness of the internal control system) and the delay in following up on the findings of the examination include internal factors and external factors. Internal factors include leadership and subordinate human resources, lack of subordinate human resource capabilities and leadership managerial abilities. An external factor is the third party's lack of discipline regarding the findings of the examination and the existence of social problems in the community.In order to resolve the follow-up to the audit results, it is necessary to conduct direct monitoring efforts, namely by reviewing directly to the audited work unit / work unit accompanied by a value test of the findings of the audit completed with the Follow-Up Update Minutes. While the indirect update is carried out based on a value test of supporting documents / evidence submitted by the work unit / work unit as a follow-up to the auditor's recommendations.
Calibration of Design Buckling Curves for Lateral-Torsional Buckling of Cantilever Beams Made of Glass—Experimental and Numerical Investigations
Authors: Timmers Ralph , Neulichedl Tobias
Published: August 2019

Using glass as a primary load-carrying element is becoming more and more popular in architecture. Probably the most used application is the single-span girder, but another important system is the cantilever beam, which is widely used, e.g., as a canopy in front of an entrance. Research on the lateral-torsional buckling behavior of glass beams has been typically performed on single-span girders. As a consequence, the design buckling curves provided in literature are usually too conservative for the widely used case of a cantilever beam, which is also related to the loading situation. Therefore, experimental and numerical investigations have been performed for this special case. Based on the obtained results, design buckling curves have been developed and resulted in being more economical than the curves already given in the literature. Among others, information on the shape and size of the real imperfections, a testing device for cantilever beams, and experimentally and numerically obtained load-deflection curves are additional outcomes of the investigations presented here.
Why is the North Atlantic Oscillation More Predictable in December?
Authors: Tian Baoqiang , Fan Ke
Published: August 2019

The prediction skill of the Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), for the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is evaluated in three winter months (December, January, and February). The results show that the CFSv2 model can skillfully predict the December NAO one month in advance. There are two main contributors to NAO predictability in December. One is the predictability of the relationship between the North Atlantic sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) tripole and the NAO and the other is the second empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode of the geopotential height at 50 hPa (Z50-EOF2). The relationship between the NAO and SSTA tripole index in December is the most significant in the three winter months. The significant monthly differences of surface heat fluxes in December over the whole North Atlantic are favorable for promoting the interaction between the NAO and North Atlantic SSTAs, in addition to improving the predictability of the December NAO. When the NAO is in a positive phase, easterly anomalies are located at the low and high latitudes and westerly anomalies prevail in the mid-latitudes of the troposphere. The correlation between the December Z50-EOF2 and zonal-mean zonal wind anomalies shows a similar spatial structure to that for the NAO. The possible reason why the CFSv2 model can predict the December NAO one month ahead is that it can reasonably reproduce the relationship between the December NAO and both the North Atlantic SST and stratospheric circulation.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Stem Cell and Biologic Scaffold Engineering
Authors: Mallis Panagiotis , Stavropoulos-Giokas Catherine , Michalopoulos Efstathios
Published: August 2019

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving research field that effectively combines stem cells and biologic scaffolds in order to replace damaged tissues. Biologic scaffolds can be produced through the removal of resident cellular populations using several tissue engineering approaches, such as the decellularization method. In addition, tissue engineering requires the interaction of biologic scaffolds with cellular populations. Stem cells are characterized by unlimited cell division, self-renewal, and differentiation potential, distinguishing themselves as a frontline source for the repopulation of decellularized matrices and scaffolds. However, parameters such as stem cell number, in vitro cultivation conditions, and specific growth media composition need further evaluation. The ultimate goal is the development of “artificial” tissues similar to native ones, which is achieved by properly combining stem cells and biologic scaffolds, thus bringing artificial tissues one step closer to personalized medicine. In this special issue of Bioengineering, we highlight the beneficial effects of stem cells and scaffolds in the emerging field of tissue engineering. The current issue includes articles regarding the use of stem cells in tissue engineering approaches and the proper production of biologically based scaffolds like nerve conduit, esophageal scaffold, and fibrin gel.
Mitigation of CO2e Emissions from the Municipal Solid Waste Sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Alsabbagh Maha
Published: August 2019

Mitigating climate change to limit the global temperature increase (relative to pre-industrial temperatures) to 2 °C is receiving considerable attention around the world. Here, historical and future carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) in Bahrain were calculated using the revised Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1996 and IPCC 2006 methods. The extent to which waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies can contribute to climate change mitigation was assessed by performing a multicriteria analysis. The results indicated that CO2e emissions from MSW in Bahrain have been increasing since the Askar landfill was constructed in 1986. Emission recalculations indicated that CO2e emissions from MSW contribute 6.2% of total emissions in Bahrain rather than the 11.6% reported in the second national communication. Methane emissions from MSW in 2030 are predicted to be 22–63 Gg. The WtE technologies anaerobic digestion and landfill gas recovery gave the best and gasification the worst multicriteria analysis model results. A database of WtE plants around the world should be compiled to allow decisions around the world to be based on best practices. The potential for maximizing energy recovery and decreasing costs needs to be investigated to allow WtE plants to compete better with renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.
A Dataset of Students’ Mental Health and Help-Seeking Behaviors in a Multicultural Environment
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Hoang , Ho Manh-Toan , Nguyen Quynh-Yen T. , Vuong Quan-Hoang
Published: August 2019

University students, especially international students, possess a higher risk of mental health problems than the general population. However, the literature regarding the prevalence and determinants of mental health problems as well as help-seeking behaviors of international and domestic students in Japan seems to be limited. This dataset contains 268 records of depression, acculturative stress, social connectedness, and help-seeking behaviors reported by international and domestic students at an international university in Japan. One of the main findings that can be drawn from this dataset is how the level of social connectedness and acculturative stress are predictive of the reported depression among international as well as domestic students. The dataset is expected to provide reliable materials for further study of cross-cultural public health studies and policy-making in higher education.
Rousseau in a Post-Apocalyptic Context: Angela Carter’s Heroes and Villains and Science Fiction
Authors: Okuhata Yutaka
Published: August 2019

The present paper discusses Angela Carter’s Heroes and Villains (1969), which parodies both “post-apocalyptic” novels in the Cold War era and Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s theory on civilisation. By analysing this novel in comparison, not only to Rousseau’s On the Origin of Inequality (1755), but also to the works of various science fiction writers in the 1950s and 1960s, the paper aims to examine Carter’s reinterpretation of Rousseau in a post-apocalyptic context. As I will argue, Heroes and Villains criticises Rousseau from a feminist point of view to not only represent the dystopian society as full of inequality and violence, but also to show that human beings, having forgotten the nuclear war as their great “sin” in the past, can no longer create a bright future. Observing the underlying motifs in the novel, the paper will reveal how Carter attempts to portray a world where human history has totally ended, or where people cannot make “history” in spite of the fact that they biologically survived the holocaust. From this perspective, I will clarify the way in which Carter reinterprets Rousseau’s notion of “fallen” civilisation in the new context as a critique of the nuclear issues in the late twentieth century.
Body Force Modeling of the Aerodynamics of a Low-Speed Fan under Distorted Inflow †
Authors: Benichou Emmanuel , Dufour Guillaume , Bousquet Yannick , Binder Nicolas , Ortolan Aurélie , Carbonneau Xavier
Published: August 2019

New propulsive concepts, such as boundary layer ingestion, involve stronger interactions between the engine and its environment, and are thus more complex flows compared to classical architectures. Usual turbomachinery design tools are inadequate, and new numerical methodologies are needed to accurately predict the engine performance with affordable CPU resources. The present paper examines the relevance of a reduced-order modeling approach—the body force modeling (BFM) method—for a low-speed cooling fan with inflow distortion. The formulation itself accounts for the blade metal blockage and compressibility effects, and it relies on a semiempirical loss model, independent of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calibration. The BFM results obtained in the present work are assessed against full-annulus unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) results and experiments. The comparison shows that the BFM approach successfully quantifies the fan stage performance. Furthermore, the distortion transfer across the stage is examined and the flow patterns observed are found to be the same as in the URANS results and in the measurements. Hence, this methodology, coming at a low CPU cost, is well-adapted to the early design phase of an innovative propulsion system.
Effects of Nano Organoclay and Wax on the Machining Temperature and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP)
Authors: El-Ghaoui Khalid , Chatelain Jean-Francois , Ouellet-Plamondon Claudiane , Mathieu Ronan
Published: August 2019

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are appreciated for their high mechanical properties and lightness. Due to their heterogeneous nature, CFRP machining remains delicate. Damages are caused on the material and early tool wear occurs. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of fillers on CFRP machinability and mechanical behavior. CFRP laminates were fabricated by the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process, using a modified epoxy resin. Three fillers (organoclay, hydrocarbon wax, and wetting agent) were mixed with the resin prior to the laminate infusion. Milling tests were performed with polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools, equipped with thermocouples on their teeth. Machinability was then studied through the cutting temperatures and forces. Tensile, flexural, and short-beam tests were carried out on all samples to investigate the effects of fillers on mechanical properties. Fillers, especially wax, allowed us to observe an improvement in machinability. The best improvement was observed with 1% wax and 2% organoclay, which allowed a significant decrease in the cutting forces and the temperatures, and no deteriorations were seen on mechanical properties. These results demonstrate that upgrades to CFRP machining through the addition of nanoclays and wax is a path to explore.
An Efficient Conjugate Gradient Method for Convex Constrained Monotone Nonlinear Equations with Applications
Authors: Abubakar Auwal Bala , Kumam Poom , Mohammad Hassan , Awwal Aliyu Muhammed
Published: August 2019

This research paper proposes a derivative-free method for solving systems of nonlinear equations with closed and convex constraints, where the functions under consideration are continuous and monotone. Given an initial iterate, the process first generates a specific direction and then employs a line search strategy along the direction to calculate a new iterate. If the new iterate solves the problem, the process will stop. Otherwise, the projection of the new iterate onto the closed convex set (constraint set) determines the next iterate. In addition, the direction satisfies the sufficient descent condition and the global convergence of the method is established under suitable assumptions. Finally, some numerical experiments were presented to show the performance of the proposed method in solving nonlinear equations and its application in image recovery problems.
Characterization of Non-O157 Escherichia coli from Cattle Faecal Samples in the North-West Province of South Africa
Authors: Bumunang Emmanuel W. , McAllister Tim A. , Zaheer Rahat , Ortega Polo Rodrigo , Stanford Kim , King Robin , Niu Yan D. , Ateba Collins N.
Published: August 2019

Escherichia coli are commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, but some strains have acquired Shiga-toxins and can cause enterohemorrhagic diarrhoea and kidney failure in humans. Shiga-toxigenic E. coli (STEC) strains such as E. coli O157:H7 and some non-O157 strains also contain other virulence traits, some of which contribute to their ability to form biofilms. This study characterized non-O157 E. coli from South African cattle faecal samples for their virulence potential, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), biofilm-forming ability, and genetic relatedness using culture-based methods, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Of 80 isolates screened, 77.5% (62/80) possessed Shiga-toxins genes. Of 18 antimicrobials tested, phenotypic resistance was detected against seven antimicrobials. Resistance ranged from 1.3% (1/80) for ampicillin-sulbactam to 20% (16/80) for tetracycline. Antimicrobial resistance genes were infrequently detected except for tetA, which was found in 31.3% (25/80) and tetB detected in 11.3% (9/80) of isolates. Eight biofilm-forming associated genes were detected in STEC isolates (n = 62) and two non-STEC strains. Prevalence of biofilm genes ranged from 31.3% (20/64) for ehaAβ passenger to 100% for curli structural subunit (csgA) and curli regulators (csgA and crl). Of the 64 STEC and multi-drug resistant isolates, 70.3% (45/64) and 37.5% (24/64) formed strong biofilms on polystyrene at 22 and 37 °C, respectively. Of 59 isolates screened by PFGE, 37 showed unique patterns and the remaining isolates were grouped into five clusters with a ≥90% relatedness. In silico serotyping following WGS on a subset of 24 non-O157 STEC isolates predicted 20 serotypes comprising three novel serotypes, indicating their diversity as potential pathogens. These findings show that North West South African cattle harbour genetically diverse, virulent, antimicrobial-resistant and biofilm-forming non-O157 E. coli. Biofilm-forming ability may increase the likelihood of persistence of these pathogens in the environment and facilitate their dissemination, increasing the risk of cross contamination or establishment of infections in hosts.
Colonization of Germ-Free Piglets with Commensal Lactobacillus amylovorus, Lactobacillus mucosae, and Probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 and Their Interference with Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Splichal Igor , Donovan Sharon M. , Splichalova Zdislava , Neuzil Bunesova Vera , Vlkova Eva , Jenistova Vera , Killer Jiri , Svejstil Roman , Skrivanova Eva , Splichalova Alla
Published: August 2019

Non-typhoid Salmonellae are worldwide spread food-borne pathogens that cause diarrhea in humans and animals. Their multi-drug resistances require alternative ways to combat this enteric pathogen. Mono-colonization of a gnotobiotic piglet gastrointestinal tract with commensal lactobacilli Lactobacillus amylovorus and Lactobacillus mucosae and with probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 and their interference with S. Typhimurium infection was compared. The impact of bacteria and possible protection against infection with Salmonella were evaluated by clinical signs, bacterial translocation, intestinal histology, mRNA expression of villin, claudin-1, claudin-2, and occludin in the ileum and colon, and local intestinal and systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10. Both lactobacilli colonized the gastrointestinal tract in approximately 100× lower density compare to E. coli Nissle and S. Typhimurium. Neither L. amylovorus nor L. mucosae suppressed the inflammatory reaction caused by the 24 h infection with S. Typhimurium. In contrast, probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 was able to suppress clinical signs, histopathological changes, the transcriptions of the proteins, and the inductions of the inflammatory cytokines. Future studies are needed to determine whether prebiotic support of the growth of lactobacilli and multistrain lactobacilli inoculum could show higher protective effects.
Development and Validation of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Immunodiagnostic Assay
Authors: Silva Miriam , Santos Anna , Rocha Leticia , Caetano Bruna , Mitsunari Thais , Santos Luanda , Polatto Juliana , Horton Denise , Guth Beatriz , dos Santos Luís , Piazza Roxane
Published: August 2019

Shiga toxin (Stx)–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and its subgroup enterohemorrhagic E. coli are important pathogens involved in diarrhea, which may be complicated by hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome, the leading cause of acute renal failure in children. Early diagnosis is essential for clinical management, as an antibiotic treatment in STEC infections is not recommended. Previously obtained antibodies against Stx1 and Stx2 toxins were employed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the latex Agglutination test (LAT), lateral flow assay (LFA), and capture ELISA (cEIA) for STEC detection. The LAT (mAb Stx1 plus mAb stx2) showed 99% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Individually, Stx1 antibodies showed 95.5% and 94% sensitivity and a specificity of 97% and 99% in the cEIA and LFA assay, respectively. Stx2 antibodies showed a sensitivity of 92% in both assays and a specificity of 100% and 98% in the cEIA and LFA assay, respectively. These results allow us to conclude that we have robust tools for the diagnosis of STEC infections.
Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Oncological Patients: Insights from a Five-Year Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis
Authors: Perdikouri Eleni Isidora A. , Arvaniti Kostoula , Lathyris Dimitrios , Apostolidou Kiouti Fani , Siskou Eleni , Haidich Anna Bettina , Papandreou Christos
Published: August 2019

Bacterial infections are frequent complications in cancer patients. Among them, those caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria increase morbidity and mortality mainly because of limited therapeutic options. Current knowledge regarding MDR infections in patients with solid tumors is limited. We assessed the epidemiology and risk factors of increased mortality in these patients. In this retrospective five-year single cohort observational study, we included all oncological patients with MDR infections. Cancer-related parameters, comorbidities, prior use of antibiotics, previous surgical interventions and hospitalization, as well as the use of invasive procedures were investigated as potential risk factors causing adverse outcomes. Seventy-three patients with MDR infection were included: 37% with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, 24% with oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 21% with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumanni. Previous colonization with MDR bacteria was detected in 14% patients, while 20% of the patients presented MDR colonization or infection at ward admission. Mortality during the infection episode was 32%. Duration of hospitalization and CRP were statistically significant risk factors of mortality, whereas administration of guided antibiotics was a protective factor. Knowledge of local epidemiology of MDR bacteria can help physicians promptly identify cancer patients at risk of MDR infections and initiate timely effective empirical antibiotic treatment that can eventually improve the overall therapeutic management.
Chloramphenicol Resurrected: A Journey from Antibiotic Resistance in Eye Infections to Biofilm and Ocular Microbiota
Authors: Drago Lorenzo
Published: August 2019

The advent of multidrug resistance among pathogenic bacteria is devastating the worth of antibiotics and changing the way of their administration, as well as the approach to use new or old drugs. The crisis of antimicrobial resistance is also due to the unavailability of newer drugs, attributable to exigent regulatory requirements and reduced financial inducements. The emerging resistance to antibiotics worldwide has led to renewed interest in old drugs that have fallen into disuse because of toxic side effects. Thus, comprehensive efforts are needed to minimize the pace of resistance by studying emergent microorganisms and optimize the use of old antimicrobial agents able to maintain their profile of susceptibility. Chloramphenicol is experiencing its renaissance because it is widely used in the treatment and prevention of superficial eye infections due to its broad spectrum of activity and other useful antimicrobial peculiarities, such as the antibiofilm properties. Concerns have been raised in the past for the risk of aplastic anemia when chloramphenicol is given intravenously. Chloramphenicol seems suitable to be used as topical eye formulation for the limited rate of resistance compared to fluoroquinolones, for its scarce induction of bacterial resistance and antibiofilm activity, and for the hypothetical low impact on ocular microbiota disturbance. Further in-vitro and in vivo studies on pharmacodynamics properties of ocular formulation of chloramphenicol, as well as its real impact against biofilm and the ocular microbiota, need to be better addressed in the near future.
Optogenetics in Brain Research: From a Strategy to Investigate Physiological Function to a Therapeutic Tool
Authors: Montagni Elena , Resta Francesco , Mascaro Anna Letizia Allegra , Pavone Francesco Saverio
Published: August 2019

Dissecting the functional roles of neuronal circuits and their interaction is a crucial step in basic neuroscience and in all the biomedical field. Optogenetics is well-suited to this purpose since it allows us to study the functionality of neuronal networks on multiple scales in living organisms. This tool was recently used in a plethora of studies to investigate physiological neuronal circuit function in addition to dysfunctional or pathological conditions. Moreover, optogenetics is emerging as a crucial technique to develop new rehabilitative and therapeutic strategies for many neurodegenerative diseases in pre-clinical models. In this review, we discuss recent applications of optogenetics, starting from fundamental research to pre-clinical applications. Firstly, we described the fundamental components of optogenetics, from light-activated proteins to light delivery systems. Secondly, we showed its applications to study neuronal circuits in physiological or pathological conditions at the cortical and subcortical level, in vivo. Furthermore, the interesting findings achieved using optogenetics as a therapeutic and rehabilitative tool highlighted the potential of this technique for understanding and treating neurological diseases in pre-clinical models. Finally, we showed encouraging results recently obtained by applying optogenetics in human neuronal cells in-vitro.
Development of a Simplified Radiation-Induced Emulsion Graft Polymerization Method and Its Application to the Fabrication of a Heavy Metal Adsorbent
Authors: Omichi Masaaki , Ueki Yuji , Seko Noriaki , Maekawa Yasunari
Published: August 2019

A simplified radiation-induced emulsion graft polymerization (SREG) method is proposed. This method involves a convenient and easy degassing process of a monomer solution using a commercially available sealed glass jar. A loaded weight on the lid of the jar was used to control the jar’s internal pressure as the degassing of the monomer solution took place using a vacuum pump. The degassing method was highly reproducible, resulting from no bumping of the monomer solution. The initial grafting velocity was proportional to the absorbed doses of pre-irradiation between 5 and 20 kGy. This result indicates that dissolved oxygen was sufficiently eliminated from the monomer solution at such a level where the remaining oxygen had little effect on the grafting reaction at a dose of 5 kGy. The method was then applied to the fabrication of a heavy metal adsorbent that possessed a sufficient adsorption capacity of Co(II) ions. The SREG method is applicable to the fabrication of a wide variety of functional graft polymers because high-dose-rate gamma-ray radiation and expensive experimental equipment are not necessary.
Significance of the High Abundance of Pentacyclic Triterpenyl and Hopenyl Acetates in Sphagnum Peat Bogs from Northern Spain
Authors: López-Días Veneranda , Borrego Angeles G. , Blanco Carlos G. , Bechtel Achim , Püttmann Wilhelm
Published: August 2019

Global warming is expected to increase the rate of CH4 emission from acidic peatlands leading to an increased interest on its mechanisms of formation. The main routes are through the reduction of CO2 by molecular hydrogen and through the cleavage of acetate. A predominance of the former, a reaction which also competes with homoacetogenesis to form acetate, may enrich the media in acetate, which could potentially be incorporated in the peat molecular markers. Acetates of triterpenoid biomarkers have been identified in peats and lake sediments and related to the input of higher plants. Nevertheless, the acetyl derivatives are found in very low amounts in fresh plants and in much lower amount than other derivatives with alcohol or ketone functional groups. The dichloromethane/methanol extracts of Asturian peat bog profiles (North Spain) were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and compound-specific-isotope-analysis (CSIA). They show abundance of acetates of compounds with oleanane, ursane, and lupane skeletons derived from higher plants and with hopane skeleton, which can be considered a characteristic of these peats. Two families of 3-oxyhopenyl acetates with -17(21)- and -22(29)- configurations were detected in the upper part of the peat profiles, having a δ13C isotopic composition enriched by 4‰ compared with that of higher plant triterpenoids, and similar to that of microorganism-derived regular hopanoids. Both the acetate and ketone derivatives with the oxygenated functionality at C-3 were generally present in a given extract and tended to accumulate at certain depth in the profiles and in specific levels. The widespread occurrence of acetyl-derivatives, their higher concentration in the deeper layers of the peat, the fact that the acetates correspond to different compound families of diverse source and the very low amount of acetates identified in Ericaceae-contributing to the peat compared to the alcohols suggest that they were formed in the peat under particularly favorable environmental conditions. We postulate that these conditions could have been the existence of a medium enriched in acetic acid produced by the dominance of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and/or homoacetogenesis over acetoclastic methanogenesis. This phenomenon that has been preferentially described in Sphagnum bogs at high latitudes, and in the deeper layers of peat, appears to be also present in the temperate peats of the Asturian coast.
Desorption of Arsenic from Calcareous Mine Affected Soils by Phosphate Fertilizers Application in Relation to Soil Properties and As Partitioning
Authors: Zafeiriou Ioannis , Gasparatos Dionisios , Kalyvas Georgios , Ioannou Dafni , Massas Ioannis
Published: August 2019

The ability of fertilizer phosphates to desorb arsenates from soils is not yet adequately studied especially in cases of mining lands severely contaminated with arsenic (As). In this study, two soils with different physicochemical properties and heavily contaminated with As equilibrated with solutions containing various rates of phosphates either in the form of triple superphosphate fertilizer (TSP) or as NH4H2PO4 using NaNO3 as background electrolyte. A treatment with TSP in water was also applied to mimic agronomic practices. In general, increased P rates resulted in higher As release and to lower P sorption. Depending on the P rate, desorbed As ranged between 8 and 64.4 mg/kg for soil 1 and between 16.5 and 35.3 mg/kg for soil 2, corresponding to more than 50% of the potentially available As, as defined by the sum of the two first fractions of Wenzel sequential extraction scheme. Arsenic desorption patterns substantially differ between the two soils, mainly affected by active carbonates, organic matter and Fe and Al oxides contents. Though the differences between P treatments were not always significant, the presence of NaNO3 increased the desorbing strength of the solutions. Phosphorus sorption capacity was high for both soils, but excess P addition led to high P concentrations in the equilibrium solutions, implying leaching hazard.
Painting-Emotion Matching Technology Learning System through Repetition
Authors: Lee Taemin , Seo Sanghyun
Published: August 2019

People’s interest in paintings has increased as artists have easier access to an audience. However, at times, laypersons may not understand the significance of a painting. With the development of computer science, it has become possible to analyze paintings using machines, but some limitations remain. In this paper, we present a learning tool to help analyze the sensitivity of a given painting. To this end, the proposed system provides users with the ability to predict the emotions expressed by a painting through repeated learning of a matched painting. Using this learning tool, users can improve their ability to understand paintings.
Features of R&D Teams and Innovation Performances of Sustainable Firms: Evidence from the “Sustainability Pioneers” in the IT Hardware Industry
Authors: Bianco Federica , Venezia Marica
Published: August 2019

The aim of this work is to characterize the R&D teams of sustainable companies and analyze how they perform in terms of patent quality. The study is based on 13,355 patents filed by leading companies in the IT hardware industry. Team of inventors are characterized in terms of size, mobility, experience and openness. Sustainability is measured in terms of its environmental dimension. Patent quality is defined using ex ante and post hoc indicators. Innovation and financial performances, together with some contextual features, are also considered. One-way ANOVA is performed using “sustainability” as a discriminating factor to analyze whether significant differences are found between sustainable and not sustainable companies. Correlations between team features and patent quality are calculated. Results show that the R&D teams of sustainable companies feature a higher degree of mobility but less experience than those of non-sustainable firms; moreover, a less receptive attitude toward open innovation is observed. Even if, on average, sustainable companies develop less patents, the quality is higher regarding most attributes: scope, architectural capability, scientific and technological value; moreover, superior financial performances are achieved. The features that have a more significant impact on patent quality are the size of the R&D team and the presence of inventors who have published on Scopus.
Port’s Role as a Determinant of Cruise Destination Socio-Economic Sustainability
Authors: Santos Maria , Radicchi Elena , Zagnoli Patrizia
Published: August 2019

This article argues that the cruise terminal ports play a crucial role in the economic and socio-cultural sustainability of destinations, bridging the onshore tourism offered among cruise companies, global operators, and local business and infrastructures. They support the promotion of local brands and reduce congestion. The impact of crowds on the identity of coastal cities triggered the attention of academia and media, alerting for their negative impact, specifically from the Mediterranean cruises. In parallel, it raised the research interest on cruise tourism carrying capacity and ports planning the integration of cruise tourists’ flow. However, previous studies focused on the residents’ and passengers’ perception of a specific destination, neglecting the port management role. This study aims to clarify the underneath dynamics that allow sustainable cruise–land visit. Employing a qualitative case study approach, it compares data obtained from secondary sources and port executives’ structured deep interviews from two leading transit ports connected with the Mediterranean. Lisbon is amongst the most popular tourism destinations and international cruise terminals; Livorno is a gateway port to Tuscany, mainly Florence and Pisa. Despite their different patterns, in both ports of call, a strong concern with sustainability and a reduced congestion effect are observed from the management actions on promoting the local offer and on revitalizing the terminal infrastructures in order to provide comfort shopping and entertainment amenities to passengers.
Is Metaphysics a Science?
Authors: Burke Thomas J.
Published: August 2019

Once esteemed as the highest form of knowledge, the legitimacy of metaphysics as a rational discipline has been severely challenged since the rise of modern science, particularly since it seemed that while the latter reached overall consensus, the disputes in the former seemed interminable. The question naturally arises whether metaphysics could ever achieve the status of a science. The following article presents the view that metaphysics is not nor could ever become a science in the sense of the modern “hard” sciences today because a) it seeks a different sort of knowledge, which b) cannot be acquired by the methods of modern science; and c) metaphysics serves a different cognitive purpose than the sort of knowledge that science can provide. It is, nevertheless, a rational subject, one in fact that supplies the necessary rational foundation for the positive sciences.