bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The problem of abnormally low formation pressure on the oil and gas fields in Ukraine
Authors: Pokhylko A. M.
Published: January 2020

The article presented information about specific of geological conditions depleted oil and gas fields, which has Remaining Oil and Gas in Place. The reasons of abnormally low pressure nascency in the deposit has been analyzed. The article presents information about influence of geodynamic processes and structural and tectonics of Earth crust to formation pressure. The information about availability of initial abnormally low formation pressure in Ukrainian Oil and Gas-Condensate fields has been written. Supposition of nascence the abnormally low formation pressure in difficult oil/water/gas saturation geological formation has been analyzed. The drop of pressure in of initial formation has been analyzed and researched. The article presented that drop of pressure gradient in main Ukrainian oil and gas fields is equal to the value of abnormally low formation pressure.The problems of considerable remaining Oil and Gas in with abnormally low pressure in Ukrainian oil and gas field deposit has been analyzed. The information about oil and gas reservoir conditions of depleted field and brown fields in Ukraine has been analyzed.The plot of the formation pressure gradient decreasing for Chornukhynske, Denysivske, Solokhivske, Druzheliubivske, Tymofiivske and Yablunivske fields has been presented. The drop of pressure to abnormally low in Chornukhynske, Denysivske, Solokhivske, Druzheliubivske, Tymofiivske and Yablunivske fields has been established. The problems of drilling and cementing in the well with abnormally low pressure has been describe. Difficult geological conditions in Ukrainian oil and gas field deposit has been analyzed.The article shows the importance to control parameters of all technological liquids, especially density of drilling and cementing liquid in a time of drilling well with abnormally low pressure. The article shows the aspect of the using of lightweight grouting solutions for mounting wells with abnormally low reservoir pressures, the importance of controlling the contamination of the bottom zone of the formation and preventing the occurrence of hydraulic fracturing during cementing.
Comparison of an Online-Only Parkinson’s Disease Research Cohort to Cohorts Assessed In Person
Authors: Chahine Lana M. ,   on behalf of the Fox Insight Study, Chin Iris , Caspell-Garcia Chelsea , Standaert David G. , Brown Ethan , Smolensky Luba , Arnedo Vanessa , Daeschler Daisy , Riley Lindsey , Korell Monica , Dobkin Roseanne , Amondikar Ninad , Gradinscak Stephen , Shoulson Ira , Dean Marissa , Kwok Kevin , Cannon Paul , Marek Kenneth , Kopil Catherine , Tanner Caroline M. , Marras Connie
Published: January 2020

Background: Online tools for data collection could be of value in patient-oriented research. The Fox Insight (FI) study collects data online from individuals with self-reported Parkinson’s disease (PD). Comparing the FI cohort to other cohorts assessed through more traditional (in-person) observational research studies would inform the representativeness and utility of FI data. Objective: To compare self-reported demographic characteristics, symptoms, medical history, and PD medication use of the FI PD cohort to other recent observational research study cohorts assessed with in-person visits. Methods: The FI PD cohort (n = 12,654) was compared to 3 other cohorts, selected based on data accessibility and breadth of assessments: Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI; PD n = 422), Parkinson’s Disease Biomarker Program (PDBP; n = 700), and PD participants in the LRRK2 consortium without LRRK2 mutations (n = 508). Demographics, motor and non-motor assessments, and medications were compared across cohorts. Where available, identical items on surveys and assessments were compared; otherwise, expert opinion was used to determine comparable definitions for a given variable. Results: The proportion of females was significantly higher in FI (45.56%) compared to PPMI (34.36%) and PDBP (35.71%). The FI cohort had greater educational attainment as compared to all other cohorts. Overall, prevalence of difficulties with motor experiences of daily living and non-motor symptoms in the FI cohort was similar to other cohorts, with only a few significant differences that were generally small in magnitude. Missing data were rare for the FI cohort, except on a few variables. Discussion: Patterns of responses to patient-reported assessments obtained online on the PD cohort of the FI study were similar to PD cohorts assessed in-person.
EVALUATION OF ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF FICUS BENGALENSIS LINN IN ALLOXAN INDUCED RATS
Authors: A Fegade Sachin , M Siddaiah
Published: January 2020

The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of isolated compounds from aerial parts of Ficus bengalensis in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Diabetic wistar albino rats were treated with standard drug Glibenclamide and prepared drug extract in 150 mg/kg. Hypoglycemic effect was evaluated in these rats and the efficacy of isolated compounds was administered in alloxan induced diabetic rats. At the end of study period blood glucose level were statistically analyzed based on the results. Isolated fractions produced a significant reduction in blood glucose level when compared with non-treated diabetic rats. So the present research work was confirmed that the isolated compounds possess hypoglycemic effect significantly.

Keywords: Ficus begalensis, antidiabetic, allaxon induced, Diabetes mellitus.
ASSESSMENT OF MEDICATION KNOWLEDGE, MEDICATION ADHERENCE AND HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE (HRQoL) AMONG OUT PATIENTS IN TERTIARY CARE CARDIAC HOSPITAL
Authors: Mohamed Thayub S  , Lydia Jeris W  , RajGanesh R  , Jaya Shree D  , Kotturathu Mammen Cherian
Published: January 2020

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in India. Adherence to medication has been shown to reduce mortality and rate of hospital readmissions. Medication adherence as well as patient’s medication knowledge is also an important factor in validation and management of chronic illness. HRQoL indicates patient’s perceptions of their general, physical, mental health status and describes health burden in a population. Hence the aim of this was to assess the level of medication adherence, barrier to medication compliance, association between knowledge about medication and medication adherence and health related quality of life among CVD patients.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for a period3 months. Interview questionnaires for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics as well as the HRQoL, medication adherence, medication knowledge were used to collect data from 211 patients from the cardiovascular unit of Frontier Lifeline Hospital.

Result: Of the study population 59% were male and had a mean age of 58 years.  The majority of participants (53%) were taking more than five medications. 34% of the study population had low adherence towards medication intake. The physical component of HRQOoL revealed that 28% of the participants had low scores in physical functioning, bodily pain and general health domains.

Conclusion: Medication adherence may be a surrogate marker of Health Related Quality of Life among patients and hence health care providers should identify patients with poor medication adherence and monitor their medication use.

Keywords: Medication Adherence, HRQoL , Medication Knowledge , Cardiovascular Patients
Persepsi Masyarakat Terhadap Program Reklamasi Lahan Bekas Tambang di Desa Gunung Muda Kecamatan Belinyu Kabupaten Bangka
Authors: Habibah Nur , Agustina Fournita , Yulia Yulia
Published: January 2020

Kegiatan penambangan berdampak secara nyata terhadap lingkungan, sehingga perlu dilakukan reklamasi. Menurut bagian K3LH PT TIMAH Tbk Reklamasi Kebun Percontohan Air Nyatoh ialah salah satu reklamasi terbaik yang telah dilakukan PT TIMAH Tbk. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah (1) mendeskripsikan persepsi masyarakat terhadap program reklamasi lahan bekas tambang kebun percontohan Air Nyatoh  PT TIMAH Tbk  di Desa Gunung Muda Kecamatan Belinyu Kabupaten Bangka (2) menganalisis hubungan faktor sosial ekonomi dengan persepsi masyarakat terhadap program reklamasi lahan bekas tambang kebun percontohan Air Nyatoh PT TIMAH Tbk di Desa Gunung Muda Kecamatan Belinyu Kabupaten Bangka. Metode penelitian menggunakan adalah metode studi kasus. Alat analisis yang digunakan adalah statistik deskriptif atau deskriptif kuantitatif dengan skala likert dan analisis korelasi rank spearman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan masyarakat sangat setuju dengan program reklamasi dengan persentase nilai 83,7 persen sehingga program ini dinilai berhasil oleh masyarakat. Hasil analisis rank spearman diketahui bahwa hubungan faktor sosisal ekonomi dengan persepsi sangat lemah. Hubungan antara umur dengan persepsi dengan nilai -183. Hubungan antara pendidikan dengan persepsi dengan nilai 0,181. Hubungan antara pendapatan dengan persepsi dengan nilai -0,010. Hubungan antara lama bermukim dengan persepsi dengan nilai -0,182. Hubungan sangat lemah karena jawaban masyarakat yang homogen.
The Relationship between Type and Frequency of Online Food Ordering With Obesity in Students of Medan Area University
Authors: Hasanah Harahap Laila Apriani , Aritonang Evawany , Zulhaida Lubis
Published: January 2020

Online food ordering is a food delivery service through applications that are obtained quickly and safely. This is related to obesity. This type of research uses a descriptive type of study, with a cross sectional study design. This research was conducted at Medan, Medan University with 83 samples taken using purposive sampling method. The data used are primary data obtained based on measurements of student weight and height, recall and food frequency are analyzed by chi- square test. The results of the study showed that there was a correlation between the frequency of online food ordering with obesity (p <0.001) and there was no correlation between the types of food and obesity (p = 0.099) in the students of Medan Area University. To deal with the problem of obesity, it is easy to get access to online food ordering.
Por amor al arte
Authors: Castro Carbonell Ana Isabel
Published: January 2020

Se abordan los principales aspectos que alimentan el debate sobre financiación alternativa del patrimonio cultural: el patrocinio, la esponsorización y las plataformas de financiación participativa (micromecenazgo o crowdfunding). En segundo lugar, se hace hincapié en el componente ético y legal que atraviesa cada uno de estos planteamientos para valorar, en última instancia, el grado de concienciación de la ciudadanía.
¿Cuál es el compromiso de la ciudadanía española con el mecenazgo cultural y patrimonial?
Authors: Villarroya Planas Anna
Published: January 2020

Esta contribución tiene como objetivo poner el foco de atención del mecenazgo cultural y patrimonial en la sociedad civil. En concreto, conocer cuál es el interés y participación de ésta en las operaciones de mecenazgo y micro-mecenazgo patrimonial en nuestro país y relacionar esta contribución con el modelo de política cultural existente en España.
Feeding patterns of transforming and juvenile myctophids that migrate into neustonic layers
Authors: Contreras T , Olivar MP , González-Gordillo JI , Hulley PA
Published: January 2020

Adult and juvenile myctophids feed at night in the epipelagic zone (<200 m) and are more dispersed in the mesopelagic zone (200-1000 m) during the daylight hours. In contrast, larvae inhabit the upper 200 m throughout a 24 h period and have daylight feeding patterns. Transforming stages occur both at the surface and in the mesopelagic zone and show less-defined feeding patterns. In this study, we analysed the trophic ecology of transforming and juvenile stages of 4 myctophids that occupy the neustonic layers (first 0-20 cm of the water column) during their nightly vertical migrations: Dasyscopelus asper, Gonichthys cocco, Myctophum affine, and M. nitidulum. Day and night neuston samples were collected across the equatorial and tropical Atlantic in April 2015. Transforming and juvenile stages occurred at night in the neuston, where they fed, but were absent from this layer during the day. The highest prey ingestion was observed between 01:00 and 04:00 h (UTC). Feeding incidence and the number of prey ingested increased from transformation stages to juvenile stages. Although the maximum prey size increased with fish body length, there was no significant increasing trend in mean prey sizes, but a great variability in the sizes of consumed prey. Diets of the 4 species mainly comprised a variety of copepod genera, usually dominated by Oncaea species. There was no evidence of resource partitioning among the 4 myctophid species. Estimates of daily feeding rations, based on the relationship between carbon content per gut and carbon content of fish body, throughout the night feeding period, showed that these species in these early stages ingested between 0.43 and 5.78% of their body carbon weight daily. We suggest that the occurrence and feeding of these early stages in the neuston may contribute to reducing trophic competition between migrating myctophids by space segregation.
UNIVERSITIES OF THE THIRD AGE AS A CHANCE FOR SENIORS TO INTEGRATE INTO THE MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Authors: BALÁŽOVÁ ŽANETA
Published: January 2020

International cooperation, visiting new countries, meeting new people from all over the world are typical features of these days. The Universities of the Third Age as institutions focused on senior education and their opportunities to help people of older age familiarize with new cultures, it means to integrate into the multicultural society are presented in the paper. The European Union, especially the Erasmus+ program offers chances to students of all ages as well as seniors to enhance the knowledge and skills abroad, to make friends and to improve communication skills in English language.
Konsep Tasawuf Sunni: Mengurai Tasawuf Akhlaqi, Al-Maqamat dan Ahwal, Al-Ma’rifah dan Mahabbah Perspektif Tokoh Sufi Sunni
Authors: Hanifiyah Fitriyatul
Published: January 2020

Abstract: Sufism is self-cleansing and the human soul for the means to draw closer to God Almighty. The development of Sufism today can not be separated from the tendency of spiritualism. we cannot ignore that there are two very important technical terms namely maqamat and ahwal in Sufism. To reach the position of maqamat and ahwal the stages must be passed by a Sufi. Achievement at the highest station can be realized in the form of behavior changes or commendable morals. That character will deliver a Sufi to the level of mahabbah and ma'rifah. The research method used in this research is the study of literature (Library Research). For the results of this study that Sufism is a pattern of Sufism Sufism whose teachings go back to the Qur'an and Sunnah. Maqam and hal are a way to achieve the ideal of the Sufis. Through the process of purification of the soul against the tendency of matter to return to the light of God. When God manifests himself in the soul and clean heart of man in both His majesty and beauty, a person will love the manifestation and feel certain joys, heart feels close (qurb), love (mahabbah), raja’ , serenity and sense sure.These mental conditions are called ahwal. Keywords: Sufism, Maqamat and Ahwal, Mahabbah and Ma’rifah
Islam Transnasional vs Islam Moderat: Upaya NU dan MD dalam Menyuarakan Islam Moderat di Panggung Dunia
Authors: Asroor Zaimul
Published: January 2020

Abstract: Transnational ideologies with a "fierce" face such as HTI, Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi have progressed from year to year, especially after the reformation. This is evidenced by their success infiltrated into the bodies of two large Indonesian Islamic organizations known to be very moderate (NU and MD) in the 2006-2007s. In response to this, the 33rd NU conference and the 47th MD conference in 2015 seemed to be evidence of the seriousness of the two organizations to not only improve themselves after being infiltrated but also to make both of them intensified to introduce Indonesian Islamic patterns to the outside. This paper concludes that the face of moderate Islam in Indonesia will be maintained as long as NU and MD remain steadfast as the "bodyguards" of the Republic of Indonesia. More than that, both of them are determined to utter a new Islamic model typical of Indonesia on the world stage, namely Islam Nusantara Berkemajuan. Therefore, the efforts of the transnational movement whose agenda is to replace the foundation of the Indonesian state into a caliphate will end in vain. Keywords: Moderate Islam, Indonesia's Contributions, NU, MD, Transnational Ideology.
Kontestasi Hadis Azimat di Masyarakat Online
Authors: Qudsy Saifuddin Zuhri
Published: January 2020

Indonesia dikenal sebagai bangsa yang multikultural, baik budaya, suku, agama, atau yang lainnya. Sebagai agama yang monoteis, Islam tidak serta merta menerima ragam budaya yang dijumpainya di Indonesia. Terhadap azimat misalnya, sebagai benda warisan budaya yang diyakini memiliki kekuatan, Islam menggaris bawahi dengan benang merah. Pasalnya, dengan benda yang mungil sangat rentan membawa penggunanya dalam kemusyrikan. Dalam menyikapi benang merah tersebut muncul pandangan dan sikap yang beragam dari umat Islam. Artikel ini membahas kontestasi azimat di tengah masyarakat online. Dari hasil penelusuran, diperoleh beberapa rujukan yang berupa hadis Nabi, atsar sahabat, dan pendapat ulama terkait azimat ini. Dua rujukan pertama, menyajikan informasi akan kebolehan sekaligus larangan penggunaan azimat. Sementara yang terakhir lebih pada menjelaskan kosa kata inti yang dinilai sebagai kunci dalam memahami persoalan ini. Dari sisi kontestasi yang terjadi di masyarakat online ditemukan adanya empat kecenderungan yang bisa digunakan sebagai pemetak sikap mereka; keilmiahan data, keobyektivan penilaian, wawasan seputar azimat, dan cara penyampaian pendapat. Masing-masing mengesankan adanya saling mempengaruhi dan pengeksistensian diri. Kemudian pada tingkat pemahaman mereka terhadap teks keislaman yang ada, mereka yang alergi terhadap azimat hanya berhenti pada hadis yang melarangnya. Mereka enggan menggali informasi lebih lanjut mengenai hadis-hadis yang lain atau penjelasan daripada hadis yang mereka pegang sebagaimana yang dilakukan masyarakat online satunya. Key Word: kontestasi, azimat, masyarakat online, pemahaman agama.
EKSPERIMENTASI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE STUDENT TEAMS ACHIEVEMENT DIVISIONS MODIFIKASI PENEMUAN TERBIMBING TERHADAP PRESTASI BELAJAR MATEMATIKA DITINJAU DARI KEMAMPUAN VERBAL
Authors: Herlina Herlina
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare the learning achievement using cooperative learning model Student Teams Achievement Divisions with cooperative learning model Student Teams Achievement Divisions modification of guided discovery in terms of verbal abality. Based on the results of the study concluded that (1) based on a model of learning, the mathematics achievement of students who use cooperative learning model Student Teams Achievement Divisions as good with mathematics achievement of students who use cooperative learning model Student Teams Achievement Divisions modifications guided discovery, both on students who have the high verbal skills, medium and low, (2) base on terms of verbal skills, mathematics achievement of students who have high verbal ability is better than mathematics achievement of students who have medium and low verbal ability, and mathematics achievement of students have medium verbal skillsbetter than mathematics achievement of students have the ability low verbal skills.

 

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perbandingan prestasi belajar yang menggunakan model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Student Teams Achievement Divisions dengan model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Student Teams Achievement Divisions modifikasi penemuan terbimbing ditinjau dari kemamuan verbal. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian disimpulkan bahwa (1) berdasarkan model pembelajaran, prestasi belajar matematika peserta didik yang menggunakan model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Student Teams Achievement Divisions sama baiknya dengan prestasi belajar matematika peserta didik yang dikenai model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Student Teams Achievement Divisions modifikasi penemuan terbimbing, baik pada peserta didik yang memiliki kemampuan verbal tinggi, sedang dan rendah, (2) ditinjau dari kemampuan verbal, peserta didik yang memiliki kemampuan verbal tinggi lebih baik daripada peserta didik yang memiliki kemampuan verbal sedang dan rendah, dan peserta didik yang memiliki kemampuan verbal sedang lebih baik daripada peserta didik yang memiliki kemampuan verbal rendah.
COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION THROUGH NON-FORMAL EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Ajmal Muhammad , M Phil Farzana
Published: January 2020

Pendidikan kesehatan merupakan komponen integral dari pelayanan kesehatan primer. Petugas kesehatan wanita menyediakan berbagai layanan kesehatan kepada masyarakat di Pakistan. Mereka harus menyadari dan dilatih tentang aspek kuratif dan preventif pelayanan kesehatan primer. Ada kebutuhan mendesak untuk mendidik dan mengatur kesehatan pelatihan pendidikan untuk petugas kesehatan wanita. Jadi studi ini dirancang pada "pendidikan kesehatan masyarakat melalui pendidikan non-formal". Populasi dari penelitian ini adalah petugas kesehatan wanita, master trainer dan masyarakat. Tanggal dikumpulkan melalui lima titik skala Likert dan beberapa pertanyaan terbuka untuk petugas kesehatan wanita dan master trainer dan wawancara checklist untuk masyarakat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa petugas kesehatan wanita tidak memiliki pengetahuan yang cukup tentang kesehatan dan penyakit umum. Ada cukup pelatihan in-service bagi petugas kesehatan wanita untuk meningkatkan keterampilan dan pengetahuan mereka untuk hasil yang lebih baik. Studi direkomendasikan bahwa selain program pelatihan yang ada, sesi kesehatan pelatihan harus diatur melalui videoconference / telekonferensi, kursus pelatihan online, media sosial, TV / program Radio FM, literatur terbaru, program CD yang direkam untuk petugas kesehatan wanita.

 

Health education is an integral component of primary health care services. Lady health workers provide a broad range of health services to the communities in Pakistan. They should be aware and trained about curative and preventive aspects of primary health care services. There is an urgent need to educate and organize health educational trainings for Lady Health Workers. So this study was designed on “community health education through Non-formal education”. The population of this study was lady health workers, master trainers and community people. Date was collected through five point Likert scale and some open-ended questions for lady health workers and master trainers and interview checklist for community people. Results showed that the lady health workers do not have sufficient knowledge about health and common diseases. There are insufficient in-service trainings for lady health workers to enhance their skill and knowledge for better outcomes. Study recommended that in addition to existing training program, training health sessions should be arranged through videoconferencing/ teleconferencing, online training courses, social media, TV/ FM Radio programs, latest literature, CD recorded programs for lady health workers.
Publishing in “Aircraft Design” with a Continuous Open Access Special Issue
Authors: Scholz Dieter
Published: January 2020

The article looks at publishing options in the field of aircraft design to find that no dedicated journal on aircraft design exists. For this reason, a Continuous Special Issue Aircraft Design of the well established journal “Aerospace” at the Open Access publisher MDPI is started. Often special issues of a journal are introduced for “hot topics”. Here, the subset “special issue” is used for a scientific domain—in this case “aircraft design”. Recurring single special issues are numbered in sequence and are identified by the year of the deadline for manuscript submissions. This allows for the delivery of several single special issues over time in a row without the need to define a publishing schedule up front. Together these single issues form the Continuous Special Issue Aircraft Design and offer a new publishing home for the aircraft design community.
What Makes an Organic Dairy Farm Profitable in the United States? Evidence from 10 Years of Farm Level Data in Vermont
Authors: Walsh Jonathan , Parsons Robert , Wang Qingbin , Conner David
Published: January 2020

Many U.S. dairy farms, especially small farms, are struggling to stay in business due to difficult economic conditions. While switching to organic milk production has been identified as one way to improve farm profitability, there are very limited economic data available on organic dairy profitability and the key factors contributing to its variation among organic dairy farms. This study analyzes a 10-year longitudinal dataset of Vermont organic dairy farms (2006–2016), collected by the University of Vermont Extension, to identify key factors influencing farm profitability and quantify their impact on farm return on assets (ROA) through a multivariate fixed-effects regression model. Results suggest that significant factors for organic farm profitability measured by ROA include feeding management, farm management, farm size, milk price and input costs. Such findings may help many organic dairy farms identify potential areas for improving their profitability and conventional farms evaluate the potential financial benefits of switching to organic operation.
Conjugation of Penicillin-G with Silver(I) Ions Expands Its Antimicrobial Activity against Gram Negative Bacteria
Authors: Ketikidis Ioannis , Banti Christina N. , Kourkoumelis Nikolaos , Tsiafoulis Constantinos G. , Papachristodoulou Christina , Kalampounias Angelos G. , Hadjikakou Sotiris K.
Published: January 2020

Conjugation of penicillin G (PenH) with silver(I) ions forms a new CoMeD (conjugate of metal with a drug) with formula [Ag(pen)(CH3OH)]2 (PenAg). PenAg was characterized by a plethora of physical and spectroscopic techniques, which include in the solid state m.p.; elemental analysis; X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy; scanning electron microscopy (SEM); energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX); FT-IR; and in solution: attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (FT-IR-ATR), UV–Vis, 1H NMR, and atomic absorption (AA). The structure of PenAg was determined by NMR spectroscopy. Silver(I) ions coordinate to the carboxylic group of PenH, while secondary intra-molecular interactions are developed through (i) the nitrogen atom of the amide group in MeOD-d4 or (ii) the sulfur atom in the thietane ring in deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide DMSO-d6. The antibacterial activities of PenAg and the sodium salt of penicillin (PenNa) (the formulation which is clinically used) against Gram positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)) and Gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeuroginosa PAO1)) bacteria were evaluated by the means of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and inhibition zone (IZ). PenAg inhibits the growth of the Gram negative bacterial strain P. aeuroginosa with a MIC value of 23.00 ± 2.29 μM, in contrast to PenNa, which shows no such activity (>2 mM). The corresponding antimicrobial activities of PenAg against the Gram positive bacteria S. epidermidis and S. aureus are even better than those of PenNa. Moreover, PenAg exhibits no in vivo toxicity against Artemia salina at concentration up to 300 μΜ. The wide therapeutic window and the low toxicity, make PenAg a possible candidate for the development of a new antibiotic.
Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from the Algerian Endemic Origanum glandulosum Desf. against Multidrug-Resistant Uropathogenic E. coli Isolates
Authors: Zakaria Nabti Larbi , Sahli Farida , Laouar Hocine , Olowo-okere Ahmed , Nkuimi Wandjou Joice Guileine , Maggi Filippo
Published: January 2020

Antibiotics are becoming ineffective against resistant bacteria. The use of essential oils (EOs) may constitute an alternative solution to fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study aims to determine the chemical composition of EOs from five populations of the endemic Algerian Origanum glandulosum Desf. and to investigate their potential antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant uropathogenic E. coli strains. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and their composition was investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the disc diffusion method against eight E. coli strains (six uropathogenic resistant and two referenced susceptible strains). Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) were obtained by the broth microdilution method. The main EO components were thymol (15.2–56.4%), carvacrol (2.8–59.6%), γ-terpinene (9.9–21.8%) and p-cymene (8.5–13.9%). The antibacterial tests showed that all the EOs were active against all the strains, including the multidrug-resistant strains. The EO from the Bordj location, which contained the highest amount of carvacrol (59.6%), showed the highest antibacterial activity (inhibition diameters from 12 to 24.5 mm at a dilution of 1/10). To our knowledge, this is the first description of the activity of O. glandulosum EOs against resistant uropathogenic strains. Our study suggests that O. glandulosum EO could be used in some clinical situations to treat or prevent infections (e.g., urinary tract infections) with multidrug-resistant strains.
Oxidative Stress and Cancer: Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Role of Triphala
Authors: Prasad Sahdeo , Srivastava Sanjay K.
Published: January 2020

Oxidative stress, caused by the overproduction of free radicals, leads to the development of many chronic diseases including cancer. Free radicals are known to damage cellular biomolecules like lipids, proteins, and DNA that results in activation of multiple signaling pathways, growth factors, transcription factors, kinases, inflammatory and cell cycle regulatory molecules. Antioxidants, which are classified as exogenous and endogenous, are responsible for the removal of free radicals and consequently the reduction in oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Diet and medicinal herbs are the major source of antioxidants. Triphala, which is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation that has been used for centuries, has been shown to have immense potential to boost antioxidant activity. It scavenges free radicals, restores antioxidant enzymes and non-enzyme levels, and decreases lipid peroxidation. In addition, Triphala is revered as a chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, immunomodulatory, and radioprotective agent. Accumulated evidence has revealed that Triphala modulates multiple cell signaling pathways including, ERK, MAPK, NF-κB, Akt, c-Myc, VEGFR, mTOR, tubulin, p53, cyclin D1, anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins. The present review focuses on the comprehensive appraisal of Triphala in oxidative stress and cancer.
Editorial for Special Issue “Energy Dissipation and Vibration Control: Materials, Modeling, Algorithm, and Devices”
Authors: Song Gangbing , Li Hong-Nan , Cai Steve C.S.
Published: January 2020

Many engineering systems, from subsea pipelines to space structures, from moving vehicles to stationary skyscrapers, are subject to unwanted vibration excitations. Often vibration control can be considered as a problem of energy dissipation and vibration damping. The aims of this issue are to accumulate, disseminate, and promote new knowledge about vibration control, especially for topics related to energy dissipation methods for vibration damping. Topics in this issue reflect the start-of-the-arts in the field of vibration control, such as inerter dampers and pounding tuned mass dampers (PTMDs). This special issue also reports other types of new energy dissipation devices, including a multi-unit particle damper, a nonlinear eddy current damper, and layered dampers. Also reported in this issue are structural elements with innovative designs to dissipate energy. In addition, this special issue also reports two research studies on the dynamic responses of a structural foundation and an earth-retaining structure. Though most papers in this special issue are related to passive methods, one paper reports a semi-active vibration control via magnetorheological dampers (MRDs), and another two papers report active vibration controls using piezoelectric transducers and inertial actuators, respectively.
Influence of Cutting Angle of Blade Trailing Edge on Unsteady Flow in a Centrifugal Pump Under Off-Design Conditions
Authors: Cui Baoling , Zhang Chenliang , Zhang Yuliang , Zhu Zuchao
Published: January 2020

The parameters of blade trailing edge have an important influence on the performance of centrifugal pump and internal unstable flow. In this study, the influences of cutting angles of blade trailing edge on unstable pressure pulsation and unstable flow structure are investigated using a centrifugal pump under off-design conditions through large eddy simulation. Three typical blade trailing edges, namely, original trailing edge (OTE), 15° cutting angle of blade trailing edge (OBS15) and 30° cutting angle of blade trailing edge (OBS30), are analysed. Results show that the cutting angle of blade trailing edge has a certain effect on the performance of the centrifugal pump. Under part-load conditions, the OBS30 impeller evidently contributes to the reduction in pressure pulsation intensity. By contrast, the OBS15 impeller has opposite effect because of the increase in wake vortex intensity. The OBS30 impeller can effectively improve the unstable vortex structure caused by backflow at the centrifugal pump tongue using a new Ω method. Consequently, reduction in the unstable flow structure mainly contributes to the reduction in pressure pulsation used by the proper cutting angle of blade trailing edge.
Power Load Demand Forecasting Model and Method Based on Multi-Energy Coupling
Authors: Liu Dunnan , Wang Lingxiang , Qin Guangyu , Liu Mingguang
Published: January 2020

At the present stage, China’s energy development has the following characteristics: continuous development of new energy technology, continuous expansion of comprehensive energy system scale, and wide application of multi-energy coupling technology. Under the new situation, the accurate prediction of power load is the key to alleviate the problem that the planning and dispatching of the current power system is more complex and more demanding than the traditional power system. Therefore, firstly, this paper designs the calculation method of the power load demand of the grid under the multi-energy coupling mode, aiming at the important role of the grid in the power dispatching in the comprehensive energy system. This load calculation method for regional power grid operating load forecasting is proposed for the first time, which takes the total regional load demand and multi-energy coupling into consideration. Then, according to the participants and typical models in the multi-energy coupling mode, the key factors affecting the load in the multi-energy coupling mode are analyzed. At this stage, we fully consider the supply side resources and the demand side resources, innovatively extract the energy system structure characteristics under the condition of multi-energy coupling technology, and design a key factor index system for this mode. Finally, a least squares support vector machine optimized by the minimal redundancy maximal relevance model and the adaptive fireworks algorithm (mRMR-AFWA-LSSVM) is proposed, to carry out load forecasting for multi-energy coupling scenarios. Aiming at the complexity energy system analysis and prediction accuracy improvement of multi-energy coupling scenarios, this method applies minimal redundancy maximal relevance model to the selection of key factors in scenario analysis. It is also the first time that adaptive fireworks algorithm is applied to the optimization of adaptive fireworks algorithm, and the results show that the model optimization effect is good. In the case of A region quarterly load forecasting in southwest China, the average absolute percentage error of a least squares support vector machine optimized by the minimal redundancy maximal relevance model and the adaptive fireworks algorithm (mRMR-AFWA-LSSVM) is 2.08%, which means that this model has a high forecasting accuracy.
An Analytical Game for Knowledge Acquisition for Maritime Behavioral Analysis Systems
Authors: de Rosa Francesca , De Gloria Alessandro
Published: January 2020

The use of Bayesian networks for behavioral analysis is gaining attention. The design of such algorithms often makes use of expert knowledge. The knowledge is collected and organized during the knowledge acquisition design task. In this paper, we discuss how analytical games can be exploited as knowledge acquisition techniques in order to collect information useful to intelligent systems design. More specifically, we introduce a recently developed method, called the MARISA (MARItime Surveillance knowledge Acquisition) Game. The aim of this game is to ease the elicitation from domain experts of a considerable amount of conditional probabilities to be encoded into a maritime behavioral analysis service based on a multi-source dynamic Bayesian network. The game has been deployed in two experiments. The main objectives of such experiments are the validation of the network structure, the acquisition of the conditional probabilities for the network, and the overall validation of the game method. The results of the experiment show that the objectives have been met and that the MARISA Game proved to be an effective and efficient approach.
A Digital Reconstruction of a Historical Building and Virtual Reintegration of Mural Paintings to Create an Interactive and Immersive Experience in Virtual Reality
Authors: Soto-Martin Ovidia , Fuentes-Porto Alba , Martin-Gutierrez Jorge
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, virtual reality technologies and immersive virtual reality (VR) apps allow people to view, explore, engage with and learn about historic monuments and buildings, historic sites, and even historic scenes. To preserve our cultural heritage for future generations. it is essential that damaged and dilapidated historic artefacts are accurately documented, and that steps are taken to improve user experiences in the areas of virtual visits, science and education. This paper describes an approach to reconstruct and restore historic buildings and mural paintings. The work process uses digital models that are then inserted into an interactive and immersive VR environment. Windows-Mixed Reality is used to visualize the said VR environment. The work method was applied at a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), thereby creating a virtual three dimensional (3D) rendering of the architectural structures of the St Augustine Church in La Laguna and its murals. A combination of topography and terrestrial photogrammetry was used to reconstruct its architectural features, and the digital imaging tool DStretch® to recover its murals. The resulting 3D model was then inserted into an immersive and interactive VR environment created using the cross-platform game engine Unity. One of the greatest challenges of this project revolved around recovering the dilapidated and virtually nonexistent mural paintings using DStretch®. However, the final result is an immersive and interactive VR environment containing architectural and artistic information created within the video game engine Unity, which thereby allows the user to explore, observe and interact with a cultural heritage site in real time.
Interdisciplinarily Exploring the Most Potential IoT Technology Determinants in the Omnichannel E-Commerce Purchasing Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Yuan
Published: January 2020

This research has interdisciplinarily employed the “SoLoMo” concept of Intern of Things (IoT) technology, Social Cognitive Theory and the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) into the hierarchical Analytical Network Process (ANP) model of qualitative analysis in order to concretively construct the most comprehensive IoT technology model in the purchasing decision-making process of the omnichannel e-commerce model. Statistically, this research not only employed the Factor Analysis (FA) approach of quantitative analysis for systematically assaying the data results from the dispensation of large-scale questionnaires to refine the commonality of each sub-criterion with higher research representativeness and validity but it also applied the Fuzzy Set Theory (FST) and Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) methods of qualitative analyses for in-depth analytically evaluate the data results from the operation of expert’s questionnaires to refine the measured consequences of the ANP model with higher research accuracy and reliability. Conclusively, the “Purchasing Original Intentions” has been the most critical purchasing factors in the omnichannel e-commerce purchasing decision-making processes which means current omnichannel e-commerce consumers have commenced to firstly and rationally think over before making purchasing decisions and actions without any irrational consumptions. Conclusively, “Purchasing Importance-Purchasing Importance (PI)”, “Purchasing Financial Status-Purchasing Financial Status (PFS)” and “Purchaser’s Personality-Purchaser’s Personality (PP)” were the most potential IoT technology determinants in the omnichannel e-commerce purchasing decision-making processes because (1) omnichannel e-commerce consumers have been rationally focused on what they demand without traditional emotional purchasing consumptions, (2) omnichannel e-commerce consumers have rationally considered their financial resources without impulsive purchasing consumptions and (3) omnichannel e-commerce consumers have rationally respected their personal characteristics and individual value without blindly purchasing consumptions.
A Contactless Respiratory Rate Estimation Method Using a Hermite Magnification Technique and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Brieva Jorge , Ponce Hiram , Moya-Albor Ernesto
Published: January 2020

The monitoring of respiratory rate is a relevant factor in medical applications and day-to-day activities. Contact sensors have been used mostly as a direct solution and they have shown their effectiveness, but with some disadvantages for example in vulnerable skins such as burns patients. For this reason, contactless monitoring systems are gaining increasing attention for respiratory detection. In this paper, we present a new non-contact strategy to estimate respiratory rate based on Eulerian motion video magnification technique using Hermite transform and a system based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The system tracks chest movements of the subject using two strategies: using a manually selected ROI and without the selection of a ROI in the image frame. The system is based on the classifications of the frames as an inhalation or exhalation using CNN. Our proposal has been tested on 10 healthy subjects in different positions. To compare performance of methods to detect respiratory rate the mean average error and a Bland and Altman analysis is used to investigate the agreement of the methods. The mean average error for the automatic strategy is 3.28 ± 3.33 % with and agreement with respect of the reference of ≈98%.
Numerical Parametric Study of Countermeasures to Alleviate the Tunnel Excavation Effects on an Existing Tunnel in a Shallow-Buried Environment near a Slope
Authors: He Ziyong , Li Chao , He Qiao , Liu Yang , Chen Jiangong
Published: January 2020

This paper studies the influence law of existing tunnels on the construction of intersecting new tunnels in a shallow slope burial context through 3D numerical analysis. The emphasis is on exploring the effect of new tunnels constructed in 54 conditions, including three ratios of overburden to tunnel height (C/H), three ratios of slope distance to tunnel span (D/W), two backfilling conditions of the existing tunnel (“hty” and “htn” conditions), and three magnitudes of surface loads (10 kPa, 20 kPa, and 30 kPa), on the deformation of lateral slopes and the overlying road. As the results show, the rigidly separated area between the existing and newly built tunnels in parallel to the excavation direction was precisely the sensitive area affected by the existing tunnel backfilling condition. The road settlement simulations perpendicular to the excavation direction revealed that various C/H and D/W ratio combinations controlled the shape and size differences of the settlement trough curve. This was because the C/H ratio primarily controlled the effective span and height transition of the newly built tunnel, whereas the D/W ratio mainly controlled the intersection position of the tunnels. Next, model A-A (“hty” condition) was identified as the only feasible construction model among all models in accordance with the engineering safety control criteria. Lastly, comparison of monitoring data with simulations found a slight difference in the distribution pattern between the two. Nevertheless, the final maximum settlement fully satisfied the construction control requirements overall. Aside from proving the correctness of simulation results, the present study also sets an excellent referential example for similar projects.
Questionnaires or Inner Feelings: Who Measures the Engagement Better?
Authors: Nonis Francesca , Olivetti Elena Carlotta , Marcolin Federica , Violante Maria Grazia , Vezzetti Enrico , Moos Sandro
Published: January 2020

This work proposes an innovative method for evaluating users’ engagement, combining the User Engagement Scale (UES) questionnaire and a facial expression recognition (FER) system, active research topics of increasing interest in the human–computer interaction domain (HCI). The subject of the study is a 3D simulator that reproduces a virtual FabLab in which users can approach and learn 3D modeling software and 3D printing. During the interaction with the virtual environment, a structured-light camera acquires the face of the participant in real-time, to catch its spontaneous reactions and compare them with the answers to the UES closed-ended questions. FER methods allow overcoming some intrinsic limits in the adoption of questioning methods, such as the non-sincerity of the interviewees and the lack of correspondence with facial expressions and body language. A convolutional neural network (CNN) has been trained on the Bosphorus database (DB) to perform expression recognition and the classification of the video frames in three classes of engagement (deactivation, average activation, and activation) according to the model of emotion developed by Russell. The results show that the two methodologies can be integrated to evaluate user engagement, to combine weighted answers and spontaneous reactions and to increase knowledge for the design of the new product or service.
Fractional View Analysis of Acoustic Wave Equations, Using Fractional-Order Differential Equations
Authors: Ali Izaz , Khan Hassan , Shah Rasool , Baleanu Dumitru , Kumam Poom , Arif Muhammad
Published: January 2020

In the present research work, a newly developed technique which is known as variational homotopy perturbation transform method is implemented to solve fractional-order acoustic wave equations. The basic idea behind the present research work is to extend the variational homotopy perturbation method to variational homotopy perturbation transform method. The proposed scheme has confirmed, that it is an accurate and straightforward technique to solve fractional-order partial differential equations. The validity of the method is verified with the help of some illustrative examples. The obtained solutions have shown close contact with the exact solutions. Furthermore, the highest degree of accuracy has been achieved by the suggested method. In fact, the present method can be considered as one of the best analytical techniques compared to other analytical techniques to solve non-linear fractional partial differential equations.