bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anchoring Water Soluble Phosphotungstic Acid by Hybrid Fillers to Construct Three-Dimensional Proton Transport Networks
Authors: He Shaojian , Lu Zhongrui , Dai Wenxu , Yang Kangning , Xue Yang , Jia Xiaoyang , Lin Jun
Published: July 2021

Phosphotungstic acid (HPW)-filled composite proton exchange membranes possess high proton conductivity under low relative humidity (RH). However, the leaching of HPW limits their wide application. Herein, we propose a novel approach for anchoring water soluble phosphotungstic acid (HPW) by polydopamine (PDA) coated graphene oxide and halloysite nanotubes (DGO and DHNTs) in order to construct hybrid three-dimensional proton transport networks in a sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membrane. The introduction of PDA on the surfaces of the hybrid fillers could provide hydroxyl groups and secondary amine groups to anchor HPW, resulting in the uniform dispersion of HPW in the SPEEK matrix. The SPEEK/DGO/DHNTs/HPW (90/5/5/60) composite membrane exhibited higher water uptake and much better conductivity than the SPEEK membrane at low relative humidity. The best conductivity reached wass 0.062 S cm−1 for the composite membrane, which is quite stable during the water immersion test.
Enhancement of Corrosion Properties of Fe-18Cr-9Mn-5.5Ni-0.3(C + N) Austenitic Stainless Steels by Carbon Alloying
Authors: Byeon Daun , Ha Heon-Young , Kim Sung-Dae , Jo Hyo-Haeng , Lee JinJong , Jang Jae Hoon , Lee Tae-Ho , Shin Jong-Ho , Kang Namhyun
Published: July 2021

In this study, the resistance to pitting corrosion of Fe-18Cr-9Mn-5.5Ni-0.3(C + N) austenitic stainless steel γ-SSs (in wt%) with different C/(C + N) ratios (0.02, 0.29, and 0.60) was evaluated. It was found to be difficult to form a γ-matrix without precipitation, because the Cr23C6 precipitation rate in the γ-SSs with the C/(C + N) value of 0.60 was too fast. Thus, it was recommended to maintain the C/(C + N) ratio below 0.6 in Fe-18Cr-9Mn-5.5Ni-0.3(C + N) γ-SSs. As a result of the potentiodynamic polarization tests, the γ-SS with a C/(C + N) ratio of 0.29 showed the highest resistance to pitting corrosion, and the resistance level of this alloy was superior to that of the AISI 304 γ-SS. Analysis of the passive film and matrix dissolution rates revealed that a higher C/(C + N) ratio of γ-SS increased the protective ability of the passive film and decreased the growth rate of the pits. Therefore, it could be concluded that partial substitution of C for N was advantageous for improving the pitting corrosion resistance of Fe-18Cr-9Mn-5.5Ni-0.3(C + N) γ-SSs, as long as C and N existed in a solid solution state.
Microfluidics-Based Plasmonic Biosensing System Based on Patterned Plasmonic Nanostructure Arrays
Authors: Liu Yanting , Zhang Xuming
Published: July 2021

This review aims to summarize the recent advances and progress of plasmonic biosensors based on patterned plasmonic nanostructure arrays that are integrated with microfluidic chips for various biomedical detection applications. The plasmonic biosensors have made rapid progress in miniaturization sensors with greatly enhanced performance through the continuous advances in plasmon resonance techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and localized SPR (LSPR)-based refractive index sensing, SPR imaging (SPRi), and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Meanwhile, microfluidic integration promotes multiplexing opportunities for the plasmonic biosensors in the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. Particularly, different types of microfluidic-integrated plasmonic biosensor systems based on versatile patterned plasmonic nanostructured arrays were reviewed comprehensively, including their methods and relevant typical works. The microfluidics-based plasmonic biosensors provide a high-throughput platform for the biochemical molecular analysis with the advantages such as ultra-high sensitivity, label-free, and real time performance; thus, they continue to benefit the existing and emerging applications of biomedical studies, chemical analyses, and point-of-care diagnostics.
Evaluation of Ruthenium(II) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes as Antibacterial Agents and Inhibitors of Bacterial Thioredoxin Reductase
Authors: Burmeister Hilke , Dietze Pascal , Preu Lutz , Bandow Julia E. , Ott Ingo
Published: July 2021

A series of ruthenium(II) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands of the general type (arene)(NHC)Ru(II)X2 (where X = halide) was prepared, characterized, and evaluated as antibacterial agents in comparison to the respective metal free benzimidazolium cations. The ruthenium(II) NHC complexes generally triggered stronger bacterial growth inhibition than the metal free benzimidazolium cations. The effects were much stronger against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) than against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and all complexes were inactive against the fungus Candida albicans. Moderate inhibition of bacterial thioredoxin reductase was confirmed for selected complexes, indicating that inhibition of this enzyme might be a contributing factor to the antibacterial effects.
New Type of Food Processing Material: The Crystal Structure and Functional Properties of Waxy and Non-Waxy Proso Millet Resistant Starches
Authors: Han Mengru , Dang Ke , Wang Jiale , Gao Licheng , Wang Honglu , Ivanistau Aliaksandr , Yang Qinghua , Feng Baili
Published: July 2021

Resistant starch (RS) is widely used in the food industry because of its ability to regulate and protect the small intestine, but their distinct effects on the structural and functional properties of waxy and non-waxy proso millet starches are not completely understood. The crystalline structure and physicochemical properties of waxy and non-waxy proso millets’ starch samples were analyzed after heat-moisture treatment (HMT). The analysis revealed significant differences between the RS of waxy and non-waxy proso millets. The crystal type of proso millets’ starch changed from type A to type B + V. The relative crystallinity of the RS of waxy proso millet was better than that of non-waxy proso millet. The gelatinization temperature and thermal stability of RS significantly increased, and the pasting temperature (PTM) of the RS of waxy proso millet was the highest. The water solubility and swelling power of the RS in proso millet decreased, and the viscoelasticity improved. The correlation between the short-range ordered structure of RS and ΔH, and gelatinization properties has a stronger correlation. This study provides practical information for improving the nutritional benefits of waxy and non-waxy proso millet in food applications.
Seasonal Evaluation of Phlorotannin-Enriched Extracts from Brown Macroalgae Fucus spiralis
Authors: Almeida Belén , Barroso Sónia , Ferreira Ana S. D. , Adão Pedro , Mendes Susana , Gil Maria M.
Published: July 2021

Fucus spiralis that was collected in the four seasons was submitted to an extraction with ethanol:water (crude extracts Et80), followed by a liquid–liquid fractionation with organic solvents (fraction He from n-hexane; aqueous fractions AQ1, AQ2, AQ3 and AQ4; ethyl acetate fraction EA), with the aim of obtaining phlorotannin-enriched extracts. All the extracts (Et80, He, AQ1, AQ2, AQ3, AQ4 and EA) that were obtained for the F. spiralis of the four seasons were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds. The summer extracts presented the highest contents in polyphenols (TPC), as well as the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), when compared to the samples from the other seasons. The reductive percentage of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) compound was similar between the seasons. For all the seasons, the EA extract showed the highest polyphenol content (TPC), and the highest antioxidant capacity (highest ferric reducing power (FRAP) and lowest concentration needed to reduce 50% of the DPPH compound), which is in agreement with a phlorotannin-enriched fraction. This study revealed that the polyphenol content and antioxidant power of the F. spiralis extracts are influenced by the time of harvest, as well as by the solvents used for their extraction.
Impact of Peels Extracts from an Italian Ancient Tomato Variety Grown under Drought Stress Conditions on Vascular Related Dysfunction
Authors: Cesare Maria Michela , Felice Francesca , Conti Veronica , Cerri Luca , Zambito Ylenia , Romi Marco , Cai Giampiero , Cantini Claudio , Di Stefano Rossella
Published: July 2021

Background: Tomato by-products contain a great variety of biologically active substances and represent a significant source of natural antioxidant supplements of the human diet. The aim of the work was to compare the antioxidant properties of a by-product from an ancient Tuscan tomato variety, Rosso di Pitigliano (RED), obtained by growing plants in normal conditions (-Ctr) or in drought stress conditions (-Ds) for their beneficial effects on vascular related dysfunction. Methods: The antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content (TPC) were measured. The identification of bioactive compounds of tomato peel was performed by HPLC. HUVEC were pre-treated with different TPC of RED-Ctr or RED-Ds, then stressed with H2O2. Cell viability, ROS production and CAT, SOD and GPx activities were evaluated. Permeation of antioxidant molecules contained in RED across excised rat intestine was also studied. Results: RED-Ds tomato peel extract possessed higher TPC than compared to RED-Ctr (361.32 ± 7.204 mg vs. 152.46 ± 1.568 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight). All extracts were non-cytotoxic. Two hour pre-treatment with 5 µg GAE/mL from RED-Ctr or RED-Ds showed protection from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and significantly reduced ROS production raising SOD and CAT activity (* p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.005 vs. H2O2, respectively). The permeation of antioxidant molecules contained in RED-Ctr or RED-Ds across excised rat intestine was high with non-significant difference between the two RED types (41.9 ± 9.6% vs. 26.6 ± 7.8%). Conclusions: RED-Ds tomato peel extract represents a good source of bioactive molecules, which protects HUVECs from oxidative stress at low concentration.
Secondary Metabolites from Marine Sources with Potential Use as Leads for Anticancer Applications
Authors: Veríssimo Ana C. S. , Pacheco Mário , Silva Artur M. S. , Pinto Diana C. G. A.
Published: July 2021

The development of novel anticancer agents is essential to finding new ways to treat this disease, one of the deadliest diseases. Some marine organisms have proved to be important producers of chemically active compounds with valuable bioactive properties, including anticancer. Thus, the ocean has proved to be a huge source of bioactive compounds, making the discovery and study of these compounds a growing area. In the last few years, several compounds of marine origin, which include algae, corals, and sea urchins, have been isolated, studied, and demonstrated to possess anticancer properties. These compounds, mainly from securamines and sterols families, have been tested for cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity in different cell lines. Bioactive compounds isolated from marine organisms in the past 5 years that have shown anticancer activity, emphasizing the ones that showed the highest cytotoxic activity, such as securamines H and I, cholest-3β,5α,6β-triol, (E)-24-methylcholest-22-ene-3β,5α,6β-triol, 24-methylenecholesta-3β,5α,6β-triol, and 24-methylcholesta-3β,5α,6β-triol, will be discussed in this review. These studies reveal the possibility of new compounds of marine origin being used as new therapeutic agents or as a source of inspiration to develop new therapeutic agents.
Cadmium-Inspired Self-Polymerization of {LnIIICd2} Units: Structure, Magnetic and Photoluminescent Properties of Novel Trimethylacetate 1D-Polymers (Ln = Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb)
Authors: Shmelev Maxim A. , Polunin Ruslan A. , Gogoleva Natalia V. , Evstifeev Igor S. , Vasilyev Pavel N. , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Varaksina Evgenia A. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Taydakov Ilya V. , Sidorov Aleksey A. , Kiskin Mikhail A. , Gritsan Nina P. , Kolotilov Sergey V. , Eremenko Igor L.
Published: July 2021

A series of heterometallic carboxylate 1D polymers of the general formula [LnIIICd2(piv)7(H2O)2]n·nMeCN (LnIII = Sm (1), Eu (2), Tb (3), Dy (4), Ho (5), Er (6), Yb (7); piv = anion of trimethylacetic acid) was synthesized and structurally characterized. The use of CdII instead of ZnII under similar synthetic conditions resulted in the formation of 1D polymers, in contrast to molecular trinuclear complexes with LnIIIZn2 cores. All complexes 1–7 are isostructural. The luminescent emission and excitation spectra for 2–4 have been studied, the luminescence decay kinetics for 2 and 3 was measured. Magnetic properties of the complexes 3–5 and 7 have been studied; 4 and 7 exhibited the properties of field-induced single-molecule magnets in an applied external magnetic field. Magnetic properties of 4 and 7 were modelled using results of SA-CASSCF/SO-RASSI calculations and SINGLE_ANISO procedure. Based on the analysis of the magnetization relaxation and the results of ab initio calculations, it was found that relaxation in 4 predominantly occurred by the sum of the Raman and QTM mechanisms, and by the sum of the direct and Raman mechanisms in the case of 7.
Heat Capacities of l-Histidine, l-Phenylalanine, l-Proline, l-Tryptophan and l-Tyrosine
Authors: Pokorný Václav , Štejfa Vojtěch , Havlín Jakub , Růžička Květoslav , Fulem Michal
Published: July 2021

In an effort to establish reliable thermodynamic data for proteinogenic amino acids, heat capacities for l-histidine (CAS RN: 71-00-1), l-phenylalanine (CAS RN: 63-91-2), l-proline (CAS RN: 147-85-3), l-tryptophan (CAS RN: 73-22-3), and l-tyrosine (CAS RN: 60-18-4) were measured over a wide temperature range. Prior to heat capacity measurements, thermogravimetric analysis was performed to determine the decomposition temperatures while X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and heat-flux differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to identify the initial crystal structures and their possible transformations. Crystal heat capacities of all five amino acids were measured by Tian–Calvet calorimetry in the temperature interval from 262 to 358 K and by power compensation DSC in the temperature interval from 307 to 437 K. Experimental values determined in this work were then combined with the literature data obtained by adiabatic calorimetry. Low temperature heat capacities of l-histidine, for which no literature data were available, were determined in this work using the relaxation (heat pulse) calorimetry from 2 K. As a result, isobaric crystal heat capacities and standard thermodynamic functions up to 430 K for all five crystalline amino acids were developed.
What Early User Involvement Could Look Like—Developing Technology Applications for Piano Teaching and Learning
Authors: Bobbe Tina , Oppici Luca , Lüneburg Lisa-Marie , Münzberg Oliver , Li Shu-Chen , Narciss Susanne , Simon Karl-Heinz , Krzywinski Jens , Muschter Evelyn
Published: July 2021

Numerous technological solutions have been proposed to promote piano learning and teaching, but very few with market success. We are convinced that users’ needs should be the starting point for an effective and transdisciplinary development process of piano-related Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (TaHIL) applications. Thus, we propose to include end users in the initial stage of technology development. We gathered insights from adult piano teachers and students through an online survey and digital interviews. Three potential literature-based solutions have been visualized as scenarios to inspire participants throughout the interviews. Our main findings indicate that potential end users consider posture and body movements, teacher–student communication, and self-practice as crucial aspects of piano education. Further insights resulted in so-called acceptance requirements for each scenario, such as enabling meaningful communication in distance teaching, providing advanced data on a performer’s body movement for increased well-being, and improving students’ motivation for self-practice, all while allowing or even promoting artistic freedom of expression and having an assisting instead of judging character. By putting the users in the center of the fuzzy front end of technology development, we have gone a step further toward concretizing TaHIL applications that may contribute to the routines of piano teaching and learning.
Phytomedicines Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: Therapeutic Opportunities and Prospects for Pharmaceutical Development
Authors: Gupta Piyush , Saraff Mrunmayee , Gahtori Rekha , Negi Nidhi , Tripathi Surya , Kumar Jatin , Kumar Sanjay , Aldhayan Saad , Dhanasekaran Sugapriya , Abomughaid Mosleh , Dua Kamal , Gundamaraju Rohit , Ojha Shreesh , Ruokolainen Janne , Jha Niraj , Kesari Kavindra
Published: July 2021

The presence of small subpopulations of cells within tumor cells are known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells have been the reason for metastasis, resistance with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and tumor relapse in several types of cancers. CSCs underwent to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resulted in the development of aggressive tumors. CSCs have potential to modulate numerous signaling pathways including Wnt, Hh, and Notch, therefore increasing the stem-like characteristics of cancer cells. The raised expression of drug efflux pump and suppression of apoptosis has shown increased resistance with anti-cancer drugs. Among many agents which were shown to modulate these, the plant-derived bioactive agents appear to modulate these key regulators and were shown to remove CSCs. This review aims to comprehensively scrutinize the preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the effects of phytocompounds on CSCs isolated from various tumors. Based on the available convincing literature from preclinical studies, with some clinical data, it is apparent that selective targeting of CSCs with plants, plant preparations, and plant-derived bioactive compounds, termed phytochemicals, may be a promising strategy for the treatment of relapsed cancers.
Preparation of p-Phenylenediamine Modified Graphene Foam/Polyaniline@Epoxy Composite with Superior Thermal and EMI Shielding Performance
Authors: Wang Liusi , Li Haoliang , Xiao Shuxing , Zhu Mohan , Yang Junhe
Published: July 2021

With the development of integrated devices, the local hot spot has become a critical problem to guarantee the working efficiency and the stability. In this work, we proposed an innovative approach to deliver graphene foam/polyaniline@epoxy composites (GF/PANI@EP) with improvement in the thermal and mechanical property performance. The graphene foam was firstly modified by the grafting strategy of p-phenylenediamine to anchor reactive sites for further in-situ polymerization of PANI resulting in a conductive network. The thermal conductivity (κ) and electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) performance of the optimized GF/PANI4:1@EP is significantly enhanced by 238% and 1184%, respectively, compared to that of pristine EP with superior reduced modulus and hardness. Such a method to deliver GF composites can not only solve the agglomeration problem in traditional high content filler casting process, but also provides an effective way to build up conductive network with low density for thermal management of electronic devices.
Voice Transformation Using Two-Level Dynamic Warping and Neural Networks
Authors: Al-Dulaimi Al-Waled , Moon Todd K. , Gunther Jacob H.
Published: July 2021

Voice transformation, for example, from a male speaker to a female speaker, is achieved here using a two-level dynamic warping algorithm in conjunction with an artificial neural network. An outer warping process which temporally aligns blocks of speech (dynamic time warp, DTW) invokes an inner warping process, which spectrally aligns based on magnitude spectra (dynamic frequency warp, DFW). The mapping function produced by inner dynamic frequency warp is used to move spectral information from a source speaker to a target speaker. Artifacts arising from this amplitude spectral mapping are reduced by reconstructing phase information. Information obtained by this process is used to train an artificial neural network to produce spectral warping information based on spectral input data. The performance of the speech mapping compared using Mel-Cepstral Distortion (MCD) with previous voice transformation research, and it is shown to perform better than other methods, based on their reported MCD scores.
Canada as a Case Study for Balanced Presentation to Address Controversy on Emission Reduction Policies
Authors: Parsons Robert V.
Published: July 2021

Controversy is common on environmental issues, with carbon taxation in Canada a current example. This paper uses Canada as a case study for analysis based around balanced presentation, a technique developed some time ago, yet largely forgotten. Using the method, analysis is shifted away from the point of controversy to a broader quantitative question, with comparative data employed from official government sources. Simple quantitative analysis is applied to evaluate emission trends of individual Canadian provinces, with quantitative metrics to identify and confirm the application of relevant emission reduction policies by individual jurisdictions. From 2005 through 2019, three provinces show consistent downward emission trends, two show consistent upward trends, and the remaining five have no trends, showing relatively “flat” profiles. The results clarify, in terms of diverse emission reduction policies, where successes have occurred, and where deficiencies or ambiguities have existed. Neither carbon taxation nor related cap-and-trade show any association with long-term reductions in overall emissions. One policy does stand out as being associated with long-term reductions, namely grid decarbonization. The results suggest a possible need within Canada to rethink emission reduction policies. The method may be relevant as a model for other countries to consider as well.
Acrylonitrile Process Enhancement through Waste Minimization: Effect of Reaction Conditions and Degree of Backmixing
Authors: Abu Reesh Ibrahim M.
Published: July 2021

Waste minimization in reactor design is an effective approach for pollution control, when compared to the traditional practice of the end-of-pipe treatment. Reactor degree of backmixing and operating conditions are important factors that determine the performance of chemical process, including environmental impact. For the purpose of waste minimization, two modeling methods were used for simulating the performance of the acrylonitrile production reactor, based on the ammoxidation of propylene. The effect of residence time, temperature, degree of backmixing on the steady-state propylene conversion, and production of waste were determined. The tanks-in-series model and the axial dispersion model were used to account for the degree of backmixing. The two main by-products in the acrylonitrile process are acetonitrile and hydrogen cyanide, which are both highly toxic waste. Extensive reactor backmixing reduces propylene conversion, especially at high temperature and residence time. Minimum acetonitrile production is favored by low residence time, high to moderate temperature, and no backmixing. Minimum hydrogen cyanide production is favored by low residence time, low temperature, and no backmixing. At 450 °C, the percentage of increase in the selectivity of acrylonitrile, with respect to hydrogen cyanide at plug-flow reactor conditions, as compared to a continuous stirred tank reactor, is 87.1, 74.3, 50.9, 30.4, and 12.4% at a residence time of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 s, respectively. The reactor degree of backmixing and operating conditions are important factors that affect the environmental friendliness of the acrylonitrile production process.
Particle–Antiparticle Asymmetry in Relativistic Deformed Kinematics
Authors: Carmona José Manuel , Cortés José Luis , Relancio José Javier
Published: July 2021

Relativistic deformed kinematics are usually considered a way to capture the residual effects of a fundamental quantum gravity theory. These kinematics present a non-commutative addition law for the momenta so that the total momentum of a multi-particle system depends on the specific ordering in which the momenta are composed. We explore in the present work how this property may be used to generate an asymmetry between particles and antiparticles through a particular ordering prescription, resulting in a violation of CPT symmetry. We study its consequences for muon decay, obtaining a difference in the lifetimes of the particle and the antiparticle as a function of the new high-energy scale, parameterizing such relativistic deformed kinematics.
Real-World Dosing of OnabotulinumtoxinA and IncobotulinumtoxinA for Cervical Dystonia and Blepharospasm: Results from TRUDOSE and TRUDOSE II
Authors: Kent Ruth , Robertson Adrian , Quiñones Aguilar Sandra , Tzoulis Charalampos , Maltman John
Published: July 2021

The real-world use of onabotulinumtoxinA and incobotulinumtoxinA for cervical dystonia and blepharospasm treatment was assessed in two separate retrospective studies using identical protocols (TRUDOSE and TRUDOSE II). The studies were conducted in Mexico, Norway, and United Kingdom and designed to evaluate dose utilization of the two botulinum toxins in clinical practice. Eighty-three patients treated with both onabotulinumtoxinA and incobotulinumtoxinA for ≥2 years for each botulinum toxin were included, (52, cervical dystonia; 31, blepharospasm). All patients switched from onabotulinumtoxinA to incobotulinumtoxinA for administrative/financial reasons. A range of dose ratios (incobotulinumtoxinA to onabotulinumtoxinA) was reported; with the majority of dose ratios being >1. The mean dose ratio was >1 regardless of the study site or underlying clinical condition. The inter-injection interval was significantly longer for onabotulinumtoxinA versus incobotulinumtoxinA when assessed for all patients (15.5 vs. 14.3 weeks; p = 0.006), resulting in fewer onabotulinumtoxinA treatments over the study time period. Consistent with product labeling, no single fixed-dose ratio exists between incobotulinumtoxinA and onabotulinumtoxinA. The dosage of each should be individualized based on patient needs and used as per product labeling. These real-world utilization data may have pharmacoeconomic implications.
Measuring Catastrophic Costs Due to Tuberculosis in Myanmar
Authors: Aung Si , Thu Aung , Aung Htin , Thu Min
Published: July 2021

Background: This is the first survey to use the World Health Organization (WHO) methodology to document the magnitude and main drivers of tuberculosis (TB) patient costs in order to guide policies on cost mitigation and to produce a baseline measure for the percentage of TB-affected households experiencing catastrophic costs in Myanmar. Methods: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was administered to 1000 TB patients in health facilities from December 2015 to February 2016, focusing on costs of TB treatment (direct and indirect), household income, and coping strategies. A total cost was estimated for each household by extrapolating reported costs and comparing them to household income. If the proportion of total costs exceeded 20% of the annual household income, a TB-affected household was deemed to have faced catastrophic costs. Results: 60% of TB-affected households faced catastrophic costs in Myanmar. On average, total costs were USD 759, and the largest proportion of this total was accounted for by patient time (USD 365), followed by food costs (USD 200), and medical expenses (USD 130). Low household wealth quintile and undergoing MDR-TB treatment were both significant predictors for households facing catastrophic costs. Conclusions: The high proportion of TB-affected households experiencing catastrophic costs suggests the need for TB-specific social protection programs in patient-centered healthcare. The survey findings have led the government and donors to increase support for MDR-TB patients. The significant proportion of total spending attributable to lost income and food or nutritional supplements suggests that income replacement programs and/or food packages may ameliorate the burdensome costs.
Implementation of an Effective Decentralised Programme for Detection, Treatment and Prevention of Tuberculosis in Children
Authors: Dongo John , Graham Stephen , Nsonga Joseph , Wabwire-Mangen Fred , Maleche-Obimbo Elizabeth , Mupere Ezekiel , Nyinoburyo Rodrigo , Nakawesi Jane , Sentongo Gerald , Amuge Pauline , Detjen Anne , Mugabe Frank , Turyahabwe Stavia , Sekadde Moorine , Zawedde-Muyanja Stella
Published: July 2021

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is consistently under-detected in most high-burden countries, including Uganda, especially in young children at high risk for severe disease and mortality. TB preventive treatment (TPT) for high-risk child contacts is also poorly implemented. The centralised concentration of services for child TB at the referral level is a major challenge in the prevention, detection and treatment of TB in children. In 2015, the DETECT Child TB Project was implemented in two districts of Uganda and involved decentralisation of healthcare services for child TB from tertiary to primary healthcare facilities, along with establishing linkages to support community-based household contact screening and management. The intervention resulted in improved case finding of child and adult TB cases, improved treatment outcomes for child TB and high uptake and completion of TPT for eligible child contacts. A detailed description of the development and implementation of this project is provided, along with findings from an external evaluation. The ongoing mentorship and practical support for health workers to deliver optimal services in this context were critical to complement the use of training and training tools. A summary of the project’s outcomes is provided along with the key challenges identified and the lessons learnt.
Participatory and Transdisciplinary Studies of Brucella Infection in Humans and Animals in Yunnan Province, China—Lessons Learned
Authors: Li Wengui , Yang Xiangdong , Lindahl Johanna F. , Yang Guorong , Gilbert Jeffrey , Unger Fred
Published: July 2021

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis occurring globally. In addition to the risk for disease in humans, the disease causes production losses, since the disease in livestock is characterized by abortion and other reproductive failures. The disease is a public health concern in China, but no information is available on knowledge, perception and awareness of potential risk groups such as farmers, butchers and animal health workers; yet successful control requires compliance of those affected groups to be effective. Following the principles of the Ecohealth approach, emphasis was given to participation of all relevant stakeholders, use of qualitative and quantitative tools, and cross-sectorial collaboration. Data collection included on-farm questionnaires (N = 192) and collection of bulk milk samples of goat (N = 40), cattle (N = 45) and buffalo (N = 41) from farms, as well as serum samples (N = 228) from humans. Milk samples were tested with an ELISA for presence of antibodies, while a serum agglutination test was used for human samples. Qualitative work included 17 focus group discussion (FGD) with villagers and 47 in-depth interviews (IDI) with village animal health workers, doctors, and butchers, focused on knowledge, perception and awareness on zoonoses including brucellosis. Results from questionnaires indicate that abortions are a common problem; cattle with abortion history are kept for further insemination and the milk still consumed or sold. Antibodies against Brucella were detected in cows’ (5/45) and goats’ (1/40) milk samples, and in human samples (5/126) in Yiliang, while in Mangshi, all buffalo (N = 41) and humans (N = 102) were negative. FGD and IDI results showed an alarmingly low knowledge and awareness on zoonoses; particularly, low awareness about brucellosis was noted, even among the professional groups. Collaboration between village animal health workers and doctors was uncommon. No confirmed brucellosis cases were found in retrospective investigation of hospital and veterinary stations. This study demonstrates the presence of brucellosis in livestock and humans in Yunnan, indicating a non-negligible risk for humans. It is also made apparent that there is a need for increased awareness among both farmers and professionals in order to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmissions.
Dynamics in Interacting Scalar-Torsion Cosmology
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: July 2021

In a spatially flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker background space, we consider a scalar-torsion gravitational model which has similar properties to the dilaton theory. This teleparallel model is invariant under a discrete transformation similar to the Gasperini–Veneziano duality transformation. Moreover, in the gravitational action integral, we introduce the Lagrangian function of a pressureless fluid source which is coupled to the teleparallel dilaton field. This specific gravitational theory with interaction in the dark sector of the universe was investigated by using methods of the dynamical system analysis. We calculate that the theory provides various areas of special interest for the evolution of the cosmological history. Inflationary scaling solutions and the de Sitter universe are recovered. Furthermore, we calculate that there exist an attractor which provides a stable solution where the two fluid components, the scalar field and the pressureless matter, contribute in the cosmological fluid. This solution is of special interest because it can describe the present epoch. Finally, the qualitative evolution of the cosmographic parameters is discussed.
Improved Activity against Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-NK-92 Cells Designed to Target CD123
Authors: Morgan Michael A. , Kloos Arnold , Lenz Daniela , Kattre Nadine , Nowak Juliette , Bentele Marco , Keisker Maximilian , Dahlke Julia , Zimmermann Katharina , Sauer Martin , Heuser Michael , Schambach Axel
Published: July 2021

Anti-cancer activity can be improved by engineering immune cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that recognize tumor-associated antigens. Retroviral vector gene transfer strategies allow stable and durable transgene expression. Here, we used alpharetroviral vectors to modify NK-92 cells, a natural killer cell line, with a third-generation CAR designed to target the IL-3 receptor subunit alpha (CD123), which is strongly expressed on the surface of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Alpharetroviral vectors also contained a transgene cassette to allow constitutive expression of human IL-15 for increased NK cell persistence in vivo. The anti-AML activity of CAR-NK-92 cells was tested via in vitro cytotoxicity assays with the CD123+ AML cell line KG-1a and in vivo in a patient-derived xenotransplantation CD123+ AML model. Unmodified NK-92 cells or NK-92 cells modified with a truncated version of the CAR that lacked the signaling domain served as controls. Alpharetroviral vector-modified NK-92 cells stably expressed the transgenes and secreted IL-15. Anti-CD123-CAR-NK-92 cells exhibited enhanced anti-AML activity in vitro and in vivo as compared to control NK-92 cells. Our data (1) shows the importance of IL-15 expression for in vivo persistence of NK-92 cells, (2) supports continued investigation of anti-CD123-CAR-NK cells to target AML, and (3) points towards potential strategies to further improve CAR-NK anti-AML activity.
Assessment of Shallow Groundwater Purification Processes after the Construction of a Municipal Sewerage Network
Authors: Mester Tamás , Szabó György , Balla Dániel
Published: July 2021

In the present study, the impact of the construction of the sewerage network (2014) on groundwater quality was studied on the example of a middle-sized settlement in the Great Hungarian Plain and changes in water quality were assessed using GIS and multivariate statistical analysis. As a result of the pollution that has been going on for decades, the groundwater supply of the municipality has become heavily polluted. In the period before sewerage (2011–2013), clear spatial differences were shown in the degree of contamination in the area of the settlement: the degree of contamination increased in the direction of local groundwater flow. Based on our results, the construction of the sewerage network resulted in marked changes in the quality of groundwater wells. Our studies showed a clear decrease in the concentrations of inorganic pollutants (NH4+, NO2−, NO3−, PO43−). In the fifth year of the post-sewerage period (2019), the clear spatial difference between wells was eliminated. We have observed a strong descent (1.5 to 2 m) in groundwater levels in the post-sewerage period, the reason for that is clearly due to that wastewater outflow was eliminated. On this basis, it can be declared that the purification processes in the area have started, but at the same time, our results show that pollutants entering environment undergo a number of transformations and remain in the system for a long time.
Changing Land Use and Population Density Are Degrading Water Quality in the Lower Mekong Basin
Authors: Tromboni Flavia , Dilts Thomas E. , Null Sarah E. , Lohani Sapana , Ngor Peng Bun , Soum Savoeurn , Hogan Zeb , Chandra Sudeep
Published: July 2021

Establishing reference conditions in rivers is important to understand environmental change and protect ecosystem integrity. Ranked third globally for fish biodiversity, the Mekong River has the world’s largest inland fishery providing livelihoods, food security, and protein to the local population. It is therefore of paramount importance to maintain the water quality and biotic integrity of this ecosystem. We analyzed land use impacts on water quality constituents (TSS, TN, TP, DO, NO3−, NH4+, PO43−) in the Lower Mekong Basin. We then used a best-model regression approach with anthropogenic land-use as independent variables and water quality parameters as the dependent variables, to define reference conditions in the absence of human activities (corresponding to the intercept value). From 2000–2017, the population and the percentage of crop, rice, and plantation land cover increased, while there was a decrease in upland forest and flooded forest. Agriculture, urbanization, and population density were associated with decreasing water quality health in the Lower Mekong Basin. In several sites, Thailand and Laos had higher TN, NO3−, and NH4+ concentrations compared to reference conditions, while Cambodia had higher TP values than reference conditions, showing water quality degradation. TSS was higher than reference conditions in the dry season in Cambodia, but was lower than reference values in the wet season in Thailand and Laos. This study shows how deforestation from agriculture conversion and increasing urbanization pressure causes water quality decline in the Lower Mekong Basin, and provides a first characterization of reference water quality conditions for the Lower Mekong River and its tributaries.
Temporalidade retradutória na concepção bermaniana
Authors: Stradioto-Casolato Ana Magda
Published: July 2021

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a temporalidade na concepção bermaniana de retradução. Para tanto, abordamos os elementos constitutivos tais quais indicados pelo próprio Antoine Berman nos diversos ensaios em que trata do tema bem como nos questionamentos deles decorrentes contidos especialmente em Gambier (2011) e Godard (2001). Sugerimos um outro ponto de vista para algumas dessas categorias temporais, ou seja, uma outra perspectiva cultural que seria mais fecunda às proposições do autor acerca da temporalidade da retradução. Assim, partindo de um exemplo do próprio Berman do que seria uma grande retradução, propomos um redimensionamento da categoria temporal de base ocidental-grega – kairós –, substituindo-a por outra análoga, porém de origem oriental-chinesa – shí –, revelando-se, esta última mais profícua para a temporalidade retradutória na concepção de Antoine Berman.
Sintaxe mimética nas traduções virgilianas de Odorico Mendes
Authors: De Vasconcellos Paulo Sergio
Published: July 2021

A “sintaxe mimética”, que sumariamente se poderia definir como um emprego da ordem das palavras que mimetiza o significado veiculado por elas, foi recentemente estudada por Gonçalves (2021), que chama a atenção para a escassez de trabalhos a respeito desse tema que tomem por corpus a antiga poesia latina. Estimulado por tal pesquisa, este artigo examina passagens em que Manuel Odorico Mendes (1799-1864) parece recriar a sintaxe mimética do original virgiliano, que ele traduz de forma poética, mas aponta também vários passos em que uma possível sintaxe mimética do original não é recriada em português (e só podemos especular a razão de isso não ocorrer) por esse tradutor, de resto, muito atento à ordo uerborum. Tem-se, aqui, um critério importante (o tradutor recria o mimetismo da sintaxe?), entre outros, para se avaliar criticamente as traduções que se pretendem recriações poéticas dos textos de partida.
Digital Sigillography Resource, version 1
Authors: McEwan John
Published: July 2021

The DIGISIG project, begun in 2013, initially aimed to address a long-standing challenge for sigillographers. Hundreds of repositories in England hold medieval seals, but in 2013 there was no single resource that could tell a researcher where any particular seal was located. DIGISIG is designed to enable researchers not only to discover seals, but to analyze, compare and combine information from multiple reference works. These capacities may transform sigillography by enabling scholars to consider long-standing problems in the history of sealing practices, based on a fuller understanding of the evidence.
FAST NETWORK CODING SIMULATION WITH PARALLELIZATION OF PROCESSES IN THE DTSMS SYSTEM
Authors: ВЛАДИМИРОВ С.С.
Published: July 2021

Изложены принципы быстрого имитационного моделирования процедур сетевого кодирования с распараллеливанием процессов в многоядерных ЭВМ на основе разработанной системы моделирования DTSMS. Представлены способы и схемы взаимодействия элементов модели с реализацией модели сети в соответствии с общепринятой в сетевом кодировании архитектурой «бабочка» для последовательного и асинхронного режимов работы. Выполнена оценка объема выделяемой памяти и времени моделирования для DTSMS в сравнении с реализацией на открытой системе компьютерной алгебры GNU/Octave.

The principles of fast network coding simulation with parallelization of processes in multicore computers based on the developed DTSMS simulation system are stated. Methods and schemes of the sequential and asynchronous model elements interaction within the framework of the "butterfly" network model architecture generally accepted in network coding are presented. The allocated memory amount and simulation time for DTSMS are estimated in comparison with the open computer algebra system GNU/Octave.
ALGORITHM OF SPATIAL POLARIZATION CODING FOR THE DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OF THE COMBINED HF RADIO CENTER
Authors: БАРАБОШИН А.Ю. , ЛУЧИН Д.В.
Published: July 2021

Рассматриваются вопросы увеличения скорости передачи данных разнесенным радиоцентром декаметрового диапазона (с помощью поляризационного разнесения). Сделан обзор основных исследований и экспериментов, проводимых в этом направлении. Разработан алгоритм поляризационного пространственного кодирования и способ одновременного формирования волн с левой и правой круговыми поляризациями. Приведены результаты математического моделирования, показывающие работоспособность предложенного алгоритма.

The article discusses the issues of increasing the data transfer rate by the spaced HF radio center using polarization diversity. A review of the main research and experiments carried out in this direction is made. An algorithm for polarization spatial coding and a method for the simultaneous formation of waves with left and right circular polarizations has been developed. The results of mathematical modeling showing the efficiency of the proposed algorithms are presented.
FEATURES OF CONSTRUCTION AND UNIFICATION OF FLEXIBLE PAYLOAD OF ONBOARD TRANSPONDER COMPLEXES OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT EXTERNAL INFLUENCING FACTORS
Authors: ТИТОВ Д.А. , МЫРОВА Л.О.
Published: July 2021

Рассматриваются принципы построения и унификации бортовых ретрансляционных комплексов, а также гибкой полезной нагрузки и ее составляющих. Анализируются конструктивные ограничения, связанные с внешними воздействующими факторами.

The principles of construction and unification of onboard transponder complexes, as well as flexible payload and its components, are considered. The design constraints associated with external influencing factors are analyzed.
EVALUASI PROGRAM PENGENDALIAN PENYAKIT DEMAM BERDARAH DENGUE (P2DBD)
Authors: Susmaneli Herlina , Yuliastri Marni , Auzar Ulfa Khaira
Published: July 2021

Penyakit Deman Berdarah dengue merupakan masalah kesehatan. Berdasarkan profil dinas kesehatan kota pekanbaru, pada tahun 2017 kasus kematian DBD tertinggi di puskesmas Lima Puluh Kota Pekanbaru dengan angka kematian 3,4%, Tujuan dari penelitian ini secara umum untuk memperoleh informasi tentang pelaksanaan monitoring dan evaluasi program pengendalian DBD, dengan variabel pemeriksaan jentik berkala, penyelidikan epidemiologi, penyuluhan dan fogging. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan berupa deskriptif kualitatif. Dengan jumlah informan 5. Dari hasil penelitian ini ada keberhasilan dalam pelaksanaan monitoring pemeriksaan jentik berkala yang sesuai dengan standar operasioan prosedur, dan ada beberapa program yang belum termonitoring yaitu program penyelidikan epidemiologi kurangnya koordinasi dan lambatnya laporan kasus, penyuluhan yang kurang terjadwal, monitoring hanya dilakukan kepada petugas fogging untuk pelaksanaan fogging hanya dari dinas kesehatan dan dilihat dari hasil evaluasi pemeriksaan jentik berkala yang sesuai standar nasional 95%, evaluasi penyelidikan epidemiologi yang tidak sesuai dengan jumlah kasus DBD, evaluasi terhadap penyuluhan dilihat dari jumlah penyuluhan DBD setahun dilakukan 9 kali, evaluasi fogging yang hanya di lakukan 1 siklus sehingga keberhasilan fogging tidak sesuai standar.

 

 

Kata kunci:  Program Pengendalian DBD, Evaluasi
ASUPAN ENERGI TERHADAP STATUS GIZI ANAK TK AN NAMIROH PUSAT PEKANBARU
Authors: Zabaldi Annisa , Hayu Riska Epina , Mayasari Eva
Published: July 2021

Status gizi anak yang baik merupakan wujud keberhasilan dalam fase pertumbuhan. Anak prasekolah merupakan fase dimana sangat membutuhkan nutrisi dari makanan sebagai pemenuhan kebutuhan gizi. Status gizi dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor salah satunya faktor asupan energi. Tujuan Penelitian ini adalah mengetahui hubungan antara asupan energi terhadap status gizi anak prasekolah di TK An Namiroh Pusat menggunakan desain cross sectional, sebanyak 154 anak yang dipilih dengan cara simple random sampling. Data status gizi anak didapatkan melalui pengukuran antropometri menggunakan timbangan dan microtoise kemudian dihitung dengan Z-score dengan indeks IMT/U, sedangkan hasil asupan energy anak menggunakan kuesioner semi quantitatif food frequency. Jenis penelitian ini kuantitatif. Subjek penelitian dari informan utama adalah orang tua dari anak-anak yang bersekolah di TK An Namiroh Pusat. Pengolahan dan analisis data menggunakan analisis menggunakan komputerisasi dengan uji chi-square dengan taraf signifikan 95%. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan terdapat 57,9% dengan asupan energi normal yang memiliki status gizi yang kurus, terdapat 60,9% dengan asupan energi normal yang memiliki status gizi yang normal, dan terdapat 71,4% dengan asupan energi normal yang memiliki status gizi gemuk, 42,1% dengan asupan energi tidak normal yang memiliki status gizi kurus, 39,1% dengan asupan energi tidak normal yang memiliki status gizi  normal, dan terdapat 28,6% anak dengan asupan energi tidak normal yang memiliki status gizi gemuk. Berdasarkan uji yang telah dilakukan menunjukkan tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara asupan energi terhadap status gizi anak TK An Namiroh Pusat Pekanbaru.