bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complexity, interdisciplinarity and design literacy
Authors: RINGVOLD Tore Andre , NIELSEN Liv Merete
Published: January 2020

In today’s complex world, a variety of perspectives are needed to better understand and solve challenges. For decades, global organisations and researchers have pointed to interdisciplinarity as a way forward for educational systems. Educational research offers great possibilities and gains for students involved in interdisciplinary teaching and learning processes, and the interdisciplinary nature of design thinking and practice can play a vital role in interdisciplinary general education. This paper explores how future scenariobuilding, as part of general design education, can serve as a framework for interdisciplinarity in general education and contribute to a better understanding of complex problems, challenges and design literacy.
Track 2.e Introduction: Design Innovation and Philosophy of Technology, the Practical Turn
Authors: EGGINK Woutera , DORRESTIJN Steven
Published: January 2020

Human-technology relations are one of the key issues in design innovation and the shaping of our future. Also in the Philosophy of Technology human-technology relations are a central theme. New insights in the complex interplay between humans and technology can be gained from collaboration between Design and Philosophy of Technology, especially in the current of the so-called ‘empirical turn’ where the focus is on individual technologies and real-world contexts. Design Innovation can use the frameworks of philosophers to theorize the findings from practice or to make sense of past developments. And designing actual things provides a powerful laboratory to test philosophical frameworks in practice. Through the collaboration between design innovation and philosophy these conceptual frameworks can become ‘practical’. Therefore, in analogy with the empirical turn in philosophy of technology before, the further step of the present collaboration with design is termed a ‘practical turn’.
Design Thinking Mindset
Authors: SOBEL Leanne , SCHWEITZER Jochen , MALCOLM Bridget , GROEGER Lars
Published: January 2020

This case study reflects on the role of design thinking mindsets in building design thinking capability within professional services consultancies. The nine design thinking mindset attributes developed by Schweitzer et. al (2016) formed the basis of five engagements with consultancies including workshops and semi-structured interviews. Data collection and observation by the authors identified key themes relating to the role of design thinking mindsets at an individual, team and organisational level, as well as the challenges and opportunities of embedding design thinking mindsets to build capability. The authors believe that capability development through the use of design thinking mindsets has the potential to support professional service consultancies to make more significant progress in embedding design thinking beyond the current focus on methods. Potential experiential learning frameworks and measurement tools are also identified.
O ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA PAUTADO NAS FRAGILIDADES SOCIOAMBIENTAIS E SOCIOECONÔMICAS DE ÁREAS DE OCORRÊNCIA DA DESERTIFICAÇÃO NO SEMIÁRIDO BRASILEIRO: 21 ANOS DO PROJETO PLANTAR
Authors: Medeiros Josimar Araújo
Published: January 2020

A Geografia tem como objetivo mostrar ao aluno que cidadania é também o sentimento de pertencimento a uma realidade em que as relações sociedade e natureza constituem um todo integrado do qual ele é membro participante. O presente trabalho objetivou descrever, analisar e contribuir com a replicação do projeto plantar (PP) experiência desenvolvida como parte das aulas de Geografia, na E. E. Professor Raimundo Silvino da Costa (EEPRSC), desde 1998. As atividades são iniciadas com discussões em sala de aula referente às questões socioambientais globais e locais e a apresentação do projeto. Na etapa seguinte são coletadas embalagens plásticas para preparo do canteiro de mudas. O material usado é composto por uma mistura de barro, areia e esterco bovino. A rega diária das mudas é realizada pelos alunos. São 21 anos de atividades. O número de alunos que tem passado pelo PP é da ordem de 1800. São produzidas cerca de 400 mudas/ano. Parte das mudas são plantadas pelos alunos. O excedente é doado à comunidade. A área não construída e o entorno da EEPRSC transformou-se numa área verde com a presença de 134 plantas distribuídas em 31 espécies. A experiência deixa evidente que a escola pode ser o espaço onde a Geografia converte-se na produção de saberes que fazem da transformação do espaço vivido pelos educandos o objeto catalisador dos seus pensamentos e ações. A capilaridade do PP retrata a relevância de atividades capazes de aproximar o aluno da sua realidade imediata.
ECONOMIA COLABORATIVA DE SERVIÇOS: CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE APLICATIVOS DE TRANSPORTES EM JUAZEIRO DO NORTE/CE
Authors: Silva Bruno Nadson da , Paiva Maria Jeanne Gonzaga de , Mota João Luís Do Nascimento , Ferreira Emmanoel Lima
Published: January 2020

A economia colaborativa ou compartilhada é um fenômeno recente que vem crescendo e mudando os hábitos de consumo das pessoas. Nesse contexto, a pesquisa de natureza bibliográfica e descritiva tem como objetivo caracterizar a economia compartilhada com o uso de aplicativos tecnológicos, o caso Uber, em Juazeiro do Norte/CE em 2019. Os dados primários foram obtidos através de questionários no google forms de forma aleatória em redes sociais a sessenta e oito usuários do serviço de acordo com a fórmula n= /, onde z=nível de confiança (90%); p=estimativa de proporção (50%); n=Indivíduos; e = erro da amostra (10%) e, em questionários impressos por acessibilidade a sessenta e oito motoristas do serviço. Os principais resultados indicam que 54,4% dos usuários do serviço são do sexo feminino, 44,1% tem o curso superior completo e 54,4% da faixa etária se concentram entre 26 a 35 anos. Os motoristas representados por 82,35% são do sexo masculino, 32,35% com curso superior incompleto e 44,12% encontram-se na faixa de 26 a 35 anos. Observou-se que ao perguntar sobre a melhoria na mobilidade urbana no município, 44,1% dos usuários responderam que houve muita melhoria, já para os motoristas 94,12% responderam a mesma coisa. Levando-se em conta que 69,12% dos motoristas acham seguro a plataforma, e que se diferencia das demais pela questão comodidade e conforto, mas reclamam a questão da tarifação, assim como mais segurança e divulgação desses serviços no município.
ALTERNATIVAS AO DESENVOLVIMENTO: NOWTOPIA, DECRESCIMENTO E CONVIVIALIDADE
Authors: Stürmer Arthur Breno
Published: January 2020

Quando se fala em desenvolvimento como sinônimo de crescimento econômico – de uma nação, região ou local – aparecem muitas críticas, mas nem sempre se apontam as alternativas a ele. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir alguns pontos de vista sobre o desenvolvimento, enfatizando visões alternativas como as representadas pela nowtopia, decrescimento e convivialidade. A metodologia consiste de revisão teórica sobre autores críticos do desenvolvimento, em especial por trazerem preocupações sociais, econômicas e ambientais de interesse para a Geografia. Percebeu-se que eles sugerem caminhos complementares para se pensar o desenvolvimento, tendo em comum a crítica que propõe não apenas rupturas, mas a combinação de espírito criativo, solidariedades e novas formas de ser, pensar e agir. O resultado desta investigação revelou que as alternativas ao desenvolvimento como o conhecemos são propostas de ação variadas, cujo mérito está, entre outros aspectos, em não negar totalmente o que existe – as técnicas, os avanços tecnológicos, as instituições, certos modos de vida e as estruturas sociais consolidadas –, mas apontarem saídas afirmativas aos graves problemas gerados pelo atual modelo hegemônico de desenvolvimento capitalista, globalizado, moderno e modernizador. Para isso, procuram ressaltar as lógicas ignoradas e o potencial de mudança das sociedades a partir dos indivíduos, das coletividades e das suas diversas formas de se organizar.
Theoretical approaches of digital management in agricultural enterprises
Authors: Rudenko M.
Published: January 2020

The theoretical approaches to digitalization of management in agricultural enterprises has been researched in the article. It has been found that the majority of economists-agrarians consider management as a process that ordered to implement certain range of interrelated actions in order to achieve the intended result. The typology of the concept of "management" as a process has been presented and it has been proved that the study of the digitalization of management as a process allows more comprehensively to cover practically all aspects of the use of the given concept. There are six main management functions that are specific to agricultural enterprises, which consistently transform one another into a holistic, highly effective management cycle.
The group of modern technologies, inherent in the process of digitalization of management, has been grouped into five ones: internet technologies, information and communication technologies, sensors and sensors, space technologies and artificial intelligence, which allowed to comprehensively identify the influence of digitalization on the performance of managerial functions in agricultural enterprises and outline predictive effects of their use. The influence of modern technologies inherent in the process of digitalization on each separate management function has been analyzed in depth. It has been emphasized that with the development of digital technologies, the process of digitization of management in agricultural enterprises will only expand, grow and cover an increasing number of constituent elements. The challenges and threats of the process of digitalization of management has been highlighted, the main ones are the lack of IT specialists adapted to work on demand and needs of agribusinesses, the lack of agricultural specialists capable of working with computer programs, high-tech sensors, mobile applications and GPS systems, low qualifications of people , which should be serviced by digital equipment.
Key words: digitalization of management, agricultural enterprise, management functions, digital technologies, process, influence, planning, changes.
The Influence Aggregates Artificial to The Strength Concrete
Authors: Yusra Andi , Salena Inseun Yuri , Safrizal Heri
Published: January 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of using aggregates artificial that is clay soil as partial substitution for coarse aggregates in concrete by determine the mass of concrete and its effect on the compressive strength. The proportion of aggregate artificial in design mix is 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% with w/c ratio 0.3 and 25 MPa in strength design. The study used cylinder sample at test age 28 and 56 days. The weight of aggregates artificial is 12.97 kg and 13.05 kg for 0% subtitution, 12.07 kg and 12.12 kg, 10% subtitution, 11.45kg and 11.58kg (20%) and 10.95 kg and 11.17 kg, 30% subtitution. The test result in 0 % used aggregates artificial obtained strength concrete is 25.67 MPa and 25.95 MPa, 23.40 MPa and 23.87 MPa (10% used aggregates artificial), 18.02 MPa and 18.49 MPa (20% used) and 15.29 MPa and 15.85 MPa (30% used aggregates artificial). The results indicated that the higher the percentage in ALWA, the less the weight of concrete. Variation in aggregates artificial percentages affected the compressive strength, but in concrete ages, it did not have effect. However, the strength of the concrete may decrease, but still can be used as a structural concrete with a lighter weight of concrete.
Research and Modelling on Electrical and Thermal Mode of LEDs Operation in the Luminaire
Authors: Kapitonov Sergei S. , Kapitonova Anastasia V. , Grigorovich Sergei Yu. , Medvedev Sergei A. , Sobhy Taher
Published: January 2020

In the article, the electrical and thermal processes in the LED lamp with varied parameters are investigated. Voltage and current measurements on all LEDs of the luminaire are carried out in the nominal operating mode. The power allocated to each LED is determined. The calculation of the LED crystal temperature was carried out using the developed thermal LED model based on the results of the measurements and by using “Multisim” program. It has been established that the temperature of the crystals of individual LEDs in the luminaire differ significantly, which leads to unfavourable thermal conditions for them and an increased likelihood of premature failure.
On the Effectiveness of Modern Low-pressure Amalgam Lamps
Authors: van der Meer Michiel , van Lierop Fred , Sokolov Dmitry V.
Published: January 2020

A lot of attention is paid to the efficiency questions of modern amalgam lamps of low pressure in connection with more and more growing relevance of increasing energy efficiency of installations for water, air and surface disinfection. The real efficiency of a radiation source, as well as of the whole UV disinfection system, is an operational parameter much important for the customers. In this work, factors influencing efficiency of low pressure lamps are considered in detail. It is shown that efficiency of the modern amalgam lamps at the beginning of their lifetime is about (30–40)%.
Light Decoration of a City as an Art Interpretation of Architectural Basis (as Exemplified by Astana)
Authors: Nazarov Yuri V. , Kornilova Alla A. , Tyurin Sergei M.
Published: January 2020

The article is dedicated to some features of design and light decoration arrangement of Astana City being the young capital of Republic of Kazakhstan. A specific character of artificial illumination use is revealed in the context of implementing the general plan of development of Astana designed by Kisho Kurokawa (黒川 紀章). By means of an onsite investigation, light use is studied as an expression facility taking an active part in formation of artandcommunication environment of the capital. Difficulties in the illumination arrangement at the present development stage are revealed. Conclusions are formulated and development prospective of the light decoration of the city is planned.
PEMIKIRAN PENDIDIKAN ISLAM KH. ABDURRAHMAN WAHID DAN IMPLIKASINYA BAGI PENGEMBANGAN PENDIDIKAN ISLAM DI INDONESIA
Authors: Tohet Moch.
Published: January 2020

Pendidikan merupakan proses budaya untuk meningkatkan harkat dan martabat manusia yang berlangsung sepanjang hayat. Pendidikan selalu berkembang dan selalu dihadapkan pada perubahan zaman. Untuk itu, mau tak mau pendidikan harus didesain mengikuti irama perubahan tersebut. Apabila pendidikan tidak didesain mengikuti irama perubahan, maka pendidikan akan ketinggalan laju perkembangan zaman itu sendiri. Pendidikan Islam dalam pandangan KH. Abdurrahman Wahid haruslah menjadi pangkalan untuk merebut kembali wilayah-wilayah yang kini sudah mulai lepas. Ia menjadi tumpuan langkah strategis untuk membalik arus yang menggedor pintu pertahanan umat Islam. Sesuatu yang cukup vital adalah membuat sebuah kerangka pemahaman, khususnya dalam pendidikan Islam sehingga mampu menjadi inspirasi dalam mengamalkan ajaran-ajaran Islam yang sifatnya universal. Pemahaman terhadap nilai-nilai ajaran Islam pun menjadi pemahaman yang utuh dan komprehensif
PENDIDIKAN ISLAM DALAM MAMBANGUN ETIKA PERADABAN; SEBUAH KAJIAN DISKURTIF
Authors: Husni Muhamad
Published: January 2020

Humans are born in a state of fitrah, behavior and personality and character of an individual is influenced by several factors including: family, peers, educational environment and so forth. And the most dominant factor is education. Once the importance of education in public life, so he is a life for the life of society. Therefore, the organization of education should be designed properly to the roots. On another aspect that education is the design of philosophy, while philosophy can not be done without accompanied by high science gained through the process of education. Sedagkan a civilization will be easily destroyed if it has neglected ethics, so the main goal of an education is to shape the behavior of learners, by making the Qur'an and al-Hadith as the main basis, so that the ethics is expected that the appropriate ethics of the foundation.
An Exploration of the Professional Development Needs of Agricultural Educators within the VET Sector: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Flannery Sinead , Keaveney Karen , Murphy Frank
Published: January 2020

Recent studies have highlighted the contribution of education to the productivity and viability of the Irish agricultural sector. This paper explores the training needs of agricultural educators within the vocational education and training sector by examining educators’ experience in their role based on educator qualification, availability of continuous professional development and opportunities for development. The study was conducted in Ireland using a mixed methods explanatory sequential design. The study sample consisted of the national population of agricultural educators within the vocational education and training sector, i.e. agricultural colleges. Data collection methods included a national survey and three focus groups. The findings highlight a challenge across Irish agricultural colleges in how educators are trained to teach, in their motivations for the role, and their long-term desire to remain teaching. It also demonstrates the importance of continuous professional development and the need to enhance training, particularly, pedagogical training, to agricultural educators. It can be concluded that stronger supports are required at both recruitment and throughout an educator’s career for development and progression. This study is one of the first studies in Ireland to investigate the continuous professional development needs of agricultural educators within the vocational education and training sector. The paper explores the pedagogical underpinnings of agricultural education, with the aim of developing teaching and learning needs in parallel to technical expertise.
Antioxidant Properties of Plant Extracts
Authors: Jagessar Raymond C
Published: January 2020

There is a continued interest to screen plant extracts for their antioxidant properties, in light of the fact that antioxidant activities parallel anticancer activities, amongst their ability to combat other diseases. Cancer is one of the diseases that has a high mortality status in developed countries and is on the rise in developing countries. Plant extracts have been tested for their antimicrobial, anticancer, Antidiabetic, insect repellant and a range of other biological activities. Since 1990s, antioxidant research has expanded significantly, due to its potential benefits in disease prevention and health promotion. Guyana, a country located on the mainland of South America and whose rich diverse flora needs continual screening for plants with a range of pharmaceutical and medicinal activities of which, antioxidant is one. In addition, the isolation of known and unknown natural antioxidants may contribute to novel drug discovery. This article is a mini review of plants/plant extracts that have exhibited antioxidant properties.
PERANAN PENGURUS KELOMPOK BELAJAR PROGRAM PENDIDIKAN DASAR DALAM PENYELENGGARAAN LAYANAN SISTEM BELAJAR JARAK JAUH DI UPBJJ-UT SERANG
Authors: Saleha Eha
Published: January 2020

Group administrators Learning Pendas’s students is an important part of the system for implementing distance learning services in each Open University Distance Learning Program Unit. However, the description and research related to the role of the board of education officers is still very limited. To achieve this, descriptive qualitative research has been carried out with participatory action research (PAR) strategies for all PGSD and PG-PAUD student management and service activities carried out by pokar administrators throughout the Banten region under the auspices of UPBJJ-UT Serang. The results of the study showed that the administrators of the pendas program had a role in the implementation of distance learning system services at UT Serang UPBJJ especially in promotional activities, new student recruitment, New Student Study Orientation, distribution of teaching materials, PKP / PKM tutorials and compulsory and examination and Diploma Submission Ceremony (UPI).
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY): Recognition is the need of the hour.
Authors: Bhat Javaid , Masoodi Shariq Rashid , Bhat Moomin Hussain
Published: January 2020

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes that is characterized by autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, an early onset diabetes, mostly mild hyperglycemia as a result of a primary defect in pancreatic β-cell function. MODY represents less than 2% of all diabetes cases and is commonly misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.  It is a genetically heterogeneous form of monogenic diabetes that is caused by mutations occurring in a number of different genes thus tends to cause a slightly different variant of diabetes. At least 14 MODY subtypes with distinct genetic etiologies have been identified to date. MODY is typically diagnosed during late childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood and is usually observed to develop in adults during their late 50's. One of the main drawbacks in its diagnosis is that many people with MODY are misdiagnosed as having type 1 or type 2 diabetes owing to low index of suspicion and lack of availability of genetic testing at affordable cost. However, a molecular and genetic diagnosis results in a better treatment and could also help in identifying other family members with MODY. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose cases of MODY as misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment may have a significant impact on quality of life (QOL) with increased cost and unnecessary treatment with insulin.
Pulsed Blowing Interacting with a Leading-Edge Vortex
Authors: Buzica Andrei , Breitsamter Christian
Published: January 2020

Manipulation of vortex instabilities for aerodynamic performance increase is of great interest in numerous aeronautical applications. With increasing angle of attack, the leading-edge vortex of a semi-slender delta wing becomes unsteady and eventually collapses, endangering the flight stability. Hence, active flow control by pulsed blowing stabilizes the vortex system, enlarging the flight envelope for such wing configurations. The most beneficial outcome is the reattachment of the separated shear layer during post-stall, contributing to a lift increase of more than 50%. In contrast to high power consuming brute-force actuation, manipulating the flow instabilities offers a more efficient alternative for mean flow field control, which has direct repercussions on the aerodynamic characteristics. However, the flow mechanisms involving jet–vortex and vortex–vortex interactions and the disturbance convection through the flow field are little understood. This paper reports on the unsteady flow field above a generic half delta wing model with a 65 ° sweep angle and its response to periodic blowing. Numerical and experimental results are presented and discussed in a synergistic manner.
High-Temperature Hay Biochar Application into Soil Increases N2O Fluxes
Authors: Escuer-Gatius Jordi , Shanskiy Merrit , Soosaar Kaido , Astover Alar , Raave Henn
Published: January 2020

Biochar has been proposed as an amendment that can improve soil conditions, increase harvest yield, and reduce N losses through NO3− leaching and N2O emissions. We conducted an experiment to test the hay biochar mitigation effect on N2O emissions depending on its production temperature. The pot experiment consisted of the soil amendment with three different production temperature biochars (300 °C, 550 °C, 850 °C) alone and in combination with three different organic fertilizers (cattle slurry, slurry digestate, vinasse), in growth chamber conditions. The effects of biochar and fertilizer were both significant, but the interaction biochar:fertilizer was not. The amendment with the three fertilizer types and with the highest production temperature biochar resulted in significantly higher cumulative N2O fluxes. Biochar did not show a mitigation effect on N2O emissions when applied with organic fertilizer. Cumulative emissions were higher with biochar addition, with increasing emissions for increasing biochar production temperature. Our results support the idea that biochar cannot be considered as a universal tool for the reduction of N2O emissions.
Positive Roles of Resveratrol in Early Development of Testicular Germ Cells against Maternal Restraint Stress in Mice
Authors: Mustafa Sheeraz , Ennab Wael , Nazar Korejo , Wei Quanwei , Lv Zengpeng , Shi Zhicheng , Shi Fangxiong
Published: January 2020

Our present study was designed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol (RES) in Swiss mice by exposing them to prenatal stress. Twenty-four Swiss mice were divided into four groups: control (C), maternal restraint stress (MRS), maternal restraint stress + resveratrol (MRS + RES) 2 mg, and maternal restraint stress + resveratrol (MRS + RES) 20 mg. Dams were exposed to stress by restraint in plastic tubes for four hours a day from 12–18 days of gestation. The results showed that male pups of MRS were significantly decreased in the testis weight, anogenital distance, area of seminiferous tubules, diameter of seminiferous tubules, area of the lumen, diameter of the lumen, and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules. However, the anomalies of the reproductive tract produced under restraint stress were neutralized by the use of RES 2 mg/kg. A significant difference was observed between terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)- positive germ cells in MRS and MRS + RES 20 mg/kg groups, while it was non-significant between MRS + RES 2 mg/kg and C groups. Apart from these effects, blood glucose levels were increased in MRS and MRS + RES 20 mg/kg groups, while experimental animals of the MRS + RES 2 mg/kg group significantly recovered. These results suggested that a lower dose of RES could cure the adverse effects of prenatal stress in early age male progeny. Thus, our study suggests, for the first time, practical values for a lower dose of RES 2 mg/kg as a safe and effective agent in the first week age of prenatally stressed mice.
Evaluation of SCD, ACACA and FASN Mutations: Effects on Pork Quality and Other Production Traits in Pigs Selected Based on RNA-Seq Results
Authors: Piórkowska Katarzyna , Małopolska Martyna , Ropka-Molik Katarzyna , Szyndler-Nędza Magdalena , Wiechniak Angelika , Żukowski Kacper , Lambert Barry , Tyra Mirosław
Published: January 2020

In recent years, pig producers have struggled with the problem of low intramuscular fat levels in pork, which impacts palatability and ultimately meat quality. Reduced levels of intramuscular fat are likely the result of breeding objectives aimed at increasing lean meat content. In this study, three mutations within candidate genes for fat content (SCD, ACACA, and FASN) were selected, based on RNA-seq results and the relationship between polymorphisms in genes related to lipid metabolism, fattening and slaughter characteristics, as well as pork quality, including IMF level, were evaluated to identify selection markers. Moreover, their impact on gene expression was also examined. The PCR–RFLP (polymerase cha- in reaction – restriction fragments length) method was used to establish genotypes and effect sizes of potential genetic markers were estimated using a GLM model. It was identified that a FASN missense variant was positively associated with the expression level of this gene, which suggested its linkage with a mutation having a regulatory function. The association study indicated that the FASN missense variant may play a role in the determination of feed conversion and meat colour. In turn, a mutation in the ACACA gene showed a relationship with IMF content in the Puławska breed where the differences reached as much as 20%. We suggest considering all three mutations in further studies based on different pig populations due to the crucial role of SCD, ACACA, and FASN genes in lipid metabolism.
Designed Antimicrobial Peptides for Topical Treatment of Antibiotic Resistant Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Woodburn Kathryn W. , Jaynes Jesse , Clemens L. Edward
Published: January 2020

Acne vulgaris, caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, is a prevalent dermatologic condition with substantial cutaneous and psychological morbidity. Mild acne is treated with topical antibiotics with more severe inflammatory forms requiring the prolonged use of oral antibiotics, resulting in antimicrobial resistance development. Innovative treatment alternatives, providing complete microbicidal eradication with minimal safety issues and limited susceptibility to microbial resistance, are fervently sought. Designed antimicrobial peptides (dAMPs) are engineered analogs of naturally occurring AMPs that possess a reduced likelihood of developing bacterial resistance. Seven novel dAMP sequences were screened for in vitro bactericidal effectiveness against antibiotic resistant C. acnes clinical isolates. Five peptides (RP444, RP551, RP554, RP556, and RP557) exhibited potent in vitro antibacterial activity. The Therapeutic Index, a measure of specificity for killing multidrug resistant C. acnes over mammalian cells, was determined using bioluminescent human keratinocytes. The Therapeutic Index was highest for the disulfide dAMP, RP556, with a value of 130. The lead dAMP candidate RP556, was further evaluated in a multidrug-resistant C. acnes intradermal murine infection model. A topical application of 5 mg/mL RP556 (0.5%) eliminated infection. If these preclinical results are translated clinically, dAMPs may become a viable topical monotherapy for the treatment of recalcitrant acne infections.
Effects of Bionic Curves on Penetration Force under Difference Soils
Authors: Ma Yunhai , Wang Huixin , Zhuang Jian , Qi Hongyan , Yu Jiangtao
Published: January 2020

Soil penetration is the most important process during soil tilling. To optimize the soil penetration process, six specimens were designed and fabricated based on the badger teeth outlines. Both experimental investigation and numerical analysis were conducted with three types of soil. Results showed the specimen C, B, and D got the lowest penetration force and reduced the force by 26.15%, 22.68%, and 25.86% compared with that of specimen A under soil 1, soil 2, and soil 3, respectively. Depth-force curve analysis showed that the bionic specimens can slow down the force increase rate by reducing the coefficient of the force-depth curve equations. The bionic specimens obtained a lower increase of internal friction angle and cohesion after penetration, indicating the soil strength after penetration was lower. Furthermore, the rise in soil surface was observed after the penetration, and the penetration with the bionic specimens got a higher rise. Simulation analysis showed that the mechanism for the force reduction was because the force direction was changed, which brought a better flowability and less strength for the soil. It concludes that the badger teeth outlines reduce the penetration force by changing the force directions and optimizing the soil properties. Based on research results, the optimal bionic curve for penetration in different types of soil was determined.
Evaluation of Spent Grain Biochar Impact on Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Growth by Multivariate Image Analysis
Authors: Amoriello Tiziana , Fiorentino Simona , Vecchiarelli Valerio , Pagano Mauro
Published: January 2020

Biochar is generally considered as an effective soil amendment, which can improve soil organic matter and nutrients content and enhance crop productivity. In this study, biochar derived from brewers’ spent grain (BSG) was used in a pot and field experiment to assess whether its addition to soil could affect hop plant growth. The experiment was conducted in Central Italy during the period March–August 2017. Three different German cultivars of hop plant (Hallertau Magnum, Perle, Spalter spalt) were considered. Biochar was added to the pot soil at 20% level. Its effect on the roots was evaluated using multivariate image analysis (MIA) and the statistical technique of general linear models (GLM), whereas the shoots, bines length and yield using GLM. Results showed that biochar significantly improved root growth (p < 0.0001). Regarding shoots, no variability for the genotypes was observed during the vegetative period, whereas slight differences resulted before plant dormancy, especially for the Hallertau Magnum cultivar. No differences in the number of leaves or bines length were observed between the two treatments for all cultivars. The addition of biochar to the soil significantly improved yield (number of cones). These results highlighted that BSG-derived biochar can be useful to improve hop plant growth and cones production.
Optimization of the Storage Location Assignment and the Picker-Routing Problem by Using Mathematical Programming
Authors: Bolaños Zuñiga Johanna , Saucedo Martínez Jania Astrid , Salais Fierro Tomas Eloy , Marmolejo Saucedo José Antonio
Published: January 2020

The order picking process involves a series of activities in response to customer needs, such as the selection or programming of orders (batches), and the selection of different items from their storage location to shipment. These activities are accomplished by a routing policy that determines the picker sequence for retrieving the items from the storage location. Therefore, the order picking problem has been plenty investigated; however, in previous research, the proposed models were based on demand fulfilling, putting aside factors such as the product weight—which is an important criterion—at the time of establishing routes. In this article, a mathematical model is proposed; it takes into account the product’s weight derived from a case study. This model is relevant, as no similar work was found in the literature that improves the order picking by making simultaneous decisions on the storage location assignment and the picker-routing problem, considering precedence constraints based on the product weight and the characteristics of the case study, as the only location for each product in a warehouse with a general layout.
Study on the Common Rail Type Injector Nozzle Design Based on the Nozzle Flow Model
Authors: Han Sang-Wook , Shin Yun-Sub , Kim Hyun-Chul , Lee Gee-Soo
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a nozzle flow model was used to design an injector nozzle and obtain initial spray conditions for the dimethyl ether (DME) common rail-injection system. In order to deliver the same amount of energy as that provided by diesel at a low injection pressure of 50 MPa, the injector for DME needs nozzle holes with larger diameters and a higher SAC volume for the same injection duration. In addition, the needle lift and needle seat diameter should be increased to maintain a minimum flow area ratio. Although the vapour pressure and maximum injection pressure of DME are lower than those of diesel, the nozzle in a DME system showed higher discharge coefficients and effective nozzle exit diameters for the same injection duration owing to low kinematic viscosity. However, because the maximum injection pressure in DME is lower than that with diesel, and the length of the cavitation region is narrower.
Special Issue on “Human Health Engineering”
Authors: Aerts Jean-Marie
Published: January 2020

A total of 52 manuscripts were received for our Special Issue (SI), of which eight manuscripts were directly rejected without peer review [...]
Screening of Carbamate and Organophosphate Pesticides in Food Matrices Using an Affordable and Simple Spectrophotometric Acetylcholinesterase Assay
Authors: Tsagkaris Aristeidis S. , Uttl Leos , Pulkrabova Jana , Hajslova Jana
Published: January 2020

Carbamates (CMs) and organophosphates (OPs) are widely used pesticides with known neurotoxicity arising from the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). When AChE is active, in vitro, it can hydrolyze certain substrates to colored products while in the presence of an inhibitor this color development is decreased. Based on this principle, an AChE assay for CM and OP compounds was optimized and validated for carbofuran, carbofuran-3-hydroxy and dichlorvos in lettuce and strawberry extracts. The analytical performance of the assay was confirmed by an accredited liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method. The developed AChE assay achieved low limits of detection (LODs) at the part per billion (ppb) level, depending the analyte inhibitory strength, recovery rates higher than 70% and good repeatability. Moreover, the toxic unit (TU) approach was applied, for extracts containing the validated analytes, and antagonism was noticed in all cases. Overall, the developed method is rapid, simple, cost-effective and may find application as a low-cost pre-screening tool of AChE inhibitors presence. Last but not least, this study can be considered a guide on development, validation and benchmarking of bioassays in food safety, a topic, which is commonly mispresented in the available literature.
Glucose Favors Lipid Anabolic Metabolism in the Invasive Breast Cancer Cell Line MDA-MB-231
Authors: Ocaña Mª Carmen , Martínez-Poveda Beatriz , Quesada Ana R. , Medina Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2020

Metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. Many studies have been carried out in order to elucidate the effects of tumor cell metabolism on invasion and tumor progression. However, little is known about the immediate substrate preference in tumor cells. In this work, we wanted to study this short-time preference using the highly invasive, hormone independent breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. By means of Seahorse and uptake experiments, our results point to a preference for glucose. However, although both glucose and glutamine are required for tumor cell proliferation, MDA-MB-231 cells can survive two days in the absence of glucose, but not in the absence of glutamine. On the other hand, the presence of glucose increased palmitate uptake in this cell line, which accumulates in the cytosol instead of going to the plasma membrane. In order to exert this effect, glucose needs to be converted to glycerol-3 phosphate, leading to palmitate metabolism through lipid synthesis, most likely to the synthesis of triacylglycerides. The effect of glucose on the palmitate uptake was also found in other triple-negative, invasive breast cancer cell lines, but not in the non-invasive ones. The results presented in this work suggest an important and specific role of glucose in lipid biosynthesis in triple-negative breast cancer.
We Do Not Eat Alone: Formation and Maturation of the Oral Microbiota
Authors: Fiorillo Luca
Published: January 2020

From the earliest moments of life, contact with the outside world and with other individuals invalidates the sterility of the oral cavity. The oral cavity passes from a sterility condition, that is present only during intrauterine life, to a condition in which a microbiota organizes and evolves itself, accompanying the person throughout their life. Depending on a patient’s age, systemic conditions and/or oral conditions, different characteristics of the oral microbiome are shown. By verifying and analyzing this process it is possible to understand what is at the basis of the etiopathogenesis of some oral pathologies, and also the function of the oral microbiome.
A Critical Regulation of Th17 Cell Responses and Autoimmune Neuro-Inflammation by Ginsenoside Rg3
Authors: Park Young-Jun , Cho Minkyoung , Choi Garam , Na Hyeongjin , Chung Yeonseok
Published: January 2020

Among diverse helper T-cell subsets, Th17 cells appear to be pathogenic in diverse autoimmune diseases, and thus, targeting Th17 cells could be beneficial for the treatment of the diseases in humans. Ginsenoside Rg3 is one of the most potent components in Korean Red Ginseng (KRG; Panax ginseng Meyer) in ameliorating inflammatory responses. However, the role of Rg3 in Th17 cells and Th17-mediated autoimmunity is unclear. We found that Rg3 significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells from naïve precursors in a dendritic cell (DC)–T co-culture system. While Rg3 minimally affected the secretion of IL-6, TNFα, and IL-12p40 from DCs, it significantly hampered the expression of IL-17A and RORγt in T cells in a T-cell-intrinsic manner. Moreover, Rg3 alleviated the onset and severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), induced by transferring myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-reactive T cells. Our findings demonstrate that Rg3 inhibited Th17 differentiation and Th17-mediated neuro-inflammation, suggesting Rg3 as a potential candidate for resolving Th17-related autoimmune diseases.
Improving Effects of Hop-Derived Bitter Acids in Beer on Cognitive Functions: A New Strategy for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Ayabe Tatsuhiro , Fukuda Takafumi , Ano Yasuhisa
Published: January 2020

Dementia and cognitive decline are global public health problems. Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages reduces the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. For instance, resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in red wine, has been well studied and reported to prevent dementia and cognitive decline. However, the effects of specific beer constituents on cognitive function have not been investigated in as much detail. In the present review, we discuss the latest reports on the effects and underlying mechanisms of hop-derived bitter acids found in beer. Iso-α-acids (IAAs), the main bitter components of beer, enhance hippocampus-dependent memory and prefrontal cortex-associated cognitive function via dopamine neurotransmission activation. Matured hop bitter acids (MHBAs), oxidized components with β-carbonyl moieties derived from aged hops, also enhance memory functions via norepinephrine neurotransmission-mediated mechanisms. Furthermore, the effects of both IAAs and MHBAs are attenuated by vagotomy, suggesting that these bitter acids enhance cognitive function via vagus nerve stimulation. Moreover, supplementation with IAAs attenuates neuroinflammation and cognitive impairments in various rodent models of neurodegeneration including Alzheimer’s disease. Daily supplementation with hop-derived bitter acids (e.g., 35 mg/day of MHBAs) may be a safe and effective strategy to stimulate the vagus nerve and thus enhance cognitive function.
Associations of Patient Mood, Modulators of Quality of Life, and Pharmaceuticals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Survival Duration
Authors: Bond Leila , Bowen Gloria , Mertens Benjamin , Denson Keelie , Jordan Kathleen , Vidakovic Branislav , Mitchell Cassie S.
Published: January 2020

Associations of modulators of quality of life (QoL) and survival duration are assessed in the fatal motor neuron disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Major categories include clinical impression of mood (CIM); physical health; patient social support; and usage of interventions, pharmaceuticals, and supplements. Associations were assessed at p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 significance thresholds using applicable methods (Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, logistical regression, random forests, Fisher’s exact test) within a retrospective cohort of 1585 patients. Factors significantly correlated with positive (happy or normal) mood included family support and usage of bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP) and/or cough assist. Decline in physical factors like presence of dysphagia, drooling, general pain, and decrease in ALSFRS-R total score or forced vital capacity (FVC) significantly correlated with negative (depressed or anxious) mood (p < 0.05). Use of antidepressants or pain medications had no association with ALS patient mood (p > 0.05), but were significantly associated with increased survival (p < 0.05). Positive patient mood, Bi-PAP, cough assist, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), and accompaniment to clinic visits associated with increased survival duration (p < 0.001). Of the 47 most prevalent pharmaceutical and supplement categories, 17 associated with significant survival duration increases ranging +4.5 to +16.5 months. Tricyclic antidepressants, non-opioids, muscle relaxants, and vitamin E had the highest associative increases in survival duration (p < 0.05). Random forests, which examined complex interactions, identified the following pharmaceuticals and supplements as most predictive to survival duration: Vitamin A, multivitamin, PEG supplements, alternative herbs, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, stimulant laxatives, and antispastics. Statins, metformin, and thiazide diuretics had insignificant associations with decreased survival.
Influence of Baseline Cardiovascular Comorbidities on Mortality after Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wu Szu-Yuan , Fang Su-Chen , Hwang Olivia Rachel , Shih Hung-Jen , Shao Yu-Hsuan Joni
Published: January 2020

Few studies have assessed the benefits of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with metastatic prostate cancer (PC; mPC) at an old age or with major cardiovascular conditions. A retrospective cohort consisted of 3835 men with newly diagnosed mPC from the Taiwan Cancer Registry of 2008–2014. Among them, 2692 patients received only ADT in the first year after the cancer diagnosis, and 1143 patients were on watchful waiting. The inverse probability of treatment-weighted Cox model was used to estimate the effects of ADT on all-cause mortality and PC-specific mortality according to age, and the status of congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary arterial diseases (CADs), and stroke at the baseline. After a median follow-up of 2.65 years, 1650 men had died. ADT was associated with a 17–22% risk reduction in all-cause and PC-specific mortality in men without stroke, CAD, or CHF in the 65–79-year group. The survival benefit diminished in men with any of these preexisting conditions. In contrast, ADT was not found to be associated with any survival benefit in the ≥80-year group, even though they did not present with any major cardiovascular disease at the baseline. Patients who had CHF, CAD, or stroke at the baseline did not show a survival benefit following ADT in any of the age groups. Men who have preexisting major cardiovascular diseases or are ≥80 years do not demonstrate a survival benefit from ADT for mPC. The risk–benefit ratio should be considered when using ADT for mPC in older men especially those with major cardiovascular comorbidities.
Systemic Actions of Breast Cancer Facilitate Functional Limitations
Authors: Wang Ruizhong , Nakshatri Harikrishna
Published: January 2020

Breast cancer is a disease of a specific organ, but its effects are felt throughout the body. The systemic effects of breast cancer can lead to functional limitations in patients who suffer from muscle weakness, fatigue, pain, fibromyalgia, or many other dysfunctions, which hasten cancer-associated death. Mechanistic studies have identified quite a few molecular defects in skeletal muscles that are associated with functional limitations in breast cancer. These include circulating cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and TGF-β altering the levels or function of myogenic molecules including PAX7, MyoD, and microRNAs through transcriptional regulators such as NF-κB, STAT3, and SMADs. Molecular defects in breast cancer may also include reduced muscle mitochondrial content and increased extracellular matrix deposition leading to energy imbalance and skeletal muscle fibrosis. This review highlights recent evidence that breast cancer-associated molecular defects mechanistically contribute to functional limitations and further provides insights into therapeutic interventions in managing functional limitations, which in turn may help to improve quality of life in breast cancer patients.