bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis reveals responses to Cycloastragenol in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mhiri Wissem , Ceylan Merve , Turgut-Kara Neslihan , Nalbantoğlu Barbaros , Çakır Özgür
Published: December 2020

Cycloastragenol (CAG), a molecule isolated from ‘Astragalus membranaceus’, stimulates the telomerase activity and cell proliferation significantly. It has been proven that CAG has the ability to prevent some diseases in humans. In this study, we aimed to figure out the CAG effects on the different signaling mechanisms in plants and to broadly analyze the genome-wide transcriptional responses in order to demonstrate CAG as a new key molecule that can potentially help plants to overcome different environmental stresses. RNA-seq strategy was employed to assess the transcriptional profiles in A. thaliana calli. Our work primarily focused on an overall study on the transcriptomic responses of A. thaliana to CAG. A total of 22593 unigenes have been detected, among which 1045 unigenes associated with 213 GO terms were differentially expressed and were assigned to 118 KEGG pathways. The up-regulated genes are principally involved in cellular and metabolic processes in addition to the response to a stimulus. The data analysis revealed genes associated with defense signaling pathways such as cytochrome P450s transporter, antioxidant system genes, and stress-responsive protein families were significantly upregulated. The obtained results can potentially help in better understanding biotic and/or abiotic tolerance mechanisms in response to CAG.
Worry and insomnia as risk factors for depression during initial stages of COVID-19 pandemic in India
Authors: Bajaj Sahil , Blair Karina S. , Schwartz Amanda , Dobbertin Matthew , Blair R. James R.
Published: December 2020

The biggest nationwide COVID-19 pandemic lockdown worldwide was enforced in India for an initial period of 21-days. Emerging evidence suggests that pandemic situations and associated lockdowns have an adverse impact on sleep and mental health. However, prediction of sleep health from sociodemographic characteristics and the public’s worry during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic has not been extensively explored so far. It’s also unclear whether sleep outcomes mediate the association between worry and mental health during pandemic situations. A web-survey (N = 391) on sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 related worry, sleep health (insomnia and daytime sleepiness), and depression was conducted during the initial 21-days of the COVID-19 stringent lockdown in India. Multiple regression analyses showed that variables, including sex, age, income level, and worry score, contributed to the significant regression equation for insomnia but not for daytime sleepiness. Specifically, the female, younger, lower income, and highly worried populations contributed significantly more than the male, elderly, higher income, and less worried populations, respectively, to the prediction of insomnia. Mediation analyses showed that insomnia, but not daytime sleepiness, fully mediated the relationship between worry score and severity of depressive symptoms. We provide evidence that the female, younger, lower income, and worried populations may be at higher risk for insomnia during pandemic situations. Current evidence gives hope that improving sleep may reduce depressive symptoms during a pandemic situation. This underscores the importance of the implementation of effective public health policies in conjunction with strategical responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Non-prescription sale of antibiotics and service quality in community pharmacies in Guangzhou, China: A simulated client method
Authors: Kuang Lishan , Liu Yizhuo , Wei Wei , Song Xueqing , Li Xiaoqian , Liu Qiqi , Hong Weimin , Liu Qian , Li Jingwei , Chen Zhongwei , Fang Yu , Xia Sujian
Published: December 2020

Objective

To measure the situation of the non-prescription sale of antibiotics and the service quality of community pharmacies in Guangzhou, China.

Methods

A simulated client method was conducted to estimate the non-prescription sale of antibiotics and service quality based on scenarios about adult acute upper respiratory tract infection in 2019. A total of 595 community pharmacies from 11 districts were investigated in Guangzhou, China. We used binary logistic regression to evaluate the factors associated with the non-prescription sale of antibiotics.

Results

The proportion of non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics was 63.1% in Guangzhou, China, with a higher incidence of antibiotic dispensing without prescription in outer districts (69.3%). Cephalosporin (44.1%) and Amoxicillin (39.0%) were sold more often than other antibiotics. Chain pharmacies had better performance on the prescription sale of antibiotics and service quality. Traditional Chinese medicine was commonly recommended by pharmacy staff.

Conclusion

Since the non-prescription sale of antibiotics is prevalent in Guangzhou, effective solutions should be determined. Strengthened public awareness and regulatory system innovation are needed.
Retrospective development of a novel resilience indicator using existing cohort data: The adolescent to adult health resilience instrument
Authors: Montoya-Williams Diana , Passarella Molly , Lorch Scott A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Cohort studies represent rich sources of data that can be used to link components of resilience to a variety of health-related outcomes. The Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) cohort study represents one of the largest data sets of the health and social context of adolescents transitioning into adulthood. It did not however use validated resilience scales in its data collection process. This study aimed to retrospectively create and validate a resilience indicator using existing data from the cohort to better understand the resilience of its participants.

Methods

Questions asked of participants during one Add Health data collection time period (N = 15,701) were matched to items on a well-known and widely validated resilience scale called the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale. Factor analysis and psychometric analyses were used to refine and validate this novel Adolescent to Adult Health Resilience Instrument. Construct validity utilized participants’ answers to the 10 item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, which has been used to validate other resilience scales.

Results

Factor analysis yielded an instrument with 13 items that showed appropriate internal consistency statistics. Resilience scores in our study were normally distributed with no ceiling or floor effects. Our instrument had appropriate construct validity, negatively correlating to answers on the depression scale (r = -0.64, p<0.001). We also found demographic differences in mean resilience scores: lower resilience scores were seen among women and those who reported lower levels of education and household income.

Conclusions

It is possible to retrospectively construct a resilience indicator from existing cohort data and achieve good psychometric properties. The Adolescent to Adult Health Resilience Instrument can be used to better understand the relationship between resilience, social determinants of health and health outcomes among young adults using existing data, much of which is publicly available.
Association between sinusitis and relapse and changes in the myeloperoxidase–antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody in microscopic polyangiitis
Authors: Tanaka Hiroya , Yamaguchi Makoto , Katsuno Takayuki , Sugiyama Hirokazu , Iwagaitsu Shiho , Nobata Hironobu , Kinashi Hiroshi , Banno Shogo , Ishimoto Takuji , Ito Yasuhiko
Published: December 2020

Previous studies have evaluated the risk factors for relapse of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and the biomarkers of AAV for predicting relapse. However, little is known about the association between the presence of sinusitis and relapse and changes in the ANCA levels in AAV. This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 104 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) between 2006 and 2018 and were treated at the Aichi Medical University Hospital in Japan. The relationships between sinusitis and relapse of vasculitis and elevated MPO-ANCA levels were assessed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models that were adjusted for clinically relevant factors. During the entire follow-up period (median, 24 months; interquartile range, 7–54 months), 93 (89.4%) patients achieved remission. After achieving remission, 38 (40.9%) patients experienced at least one relapse (13 [65.0%] in the sinusitis group; 25 [34.3%] in the non-sinusitis group). Sinusitis was identified as a significant predictor of relapse (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–4.88; P = 0.015). Furthermore, sinusitis was more likely to be associated with elevated MPO-ANCA levels (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.14–5.92; P = 0.024). In conclusion, sinusitis was associated with a higher risk of relapse and elevated MPO-ANCA levels in MPA patients, suggesting that careful management may be required to reduce the risk of relapse in patients with sinusitis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the optimal treatment strategy for these patients.
The risk factors for treatment-related mortality within first three months after kidney transplantation
Authors: Kim Ye Na , Kim Do Hyoung , Shin Ho Sik , Lee Sangjin , Lee Nuri , Park Min-Jeong , Song Wonkeun , Jeong Seri
Published: December 2020

Mortality at an early stage after kidney transplantation is a disastrous event. Treatment-related mortality (TRM) within 1 or 3 months after kidney transplantation has been rarely reported. We designed a cohort study using the national Korean Network for Organ Sharing database that includes information about kidney recipients between 2002 and 2016. Their demographic, and laboratory data were collected to analyze risk factors of TRM. A total of 19,815 patients who underwent kidney transplantation in any of 40 medical centers were included. The mortality rates 1 month (early TRM) and 3 months (TRM) after transplantation were 1.7% (n = 330) and 4.1% (n = 803), respectively. Based on a multivariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.044), deceased donor (HR = 2.210), re-transplantation (HR = 1.675), ABO incompatibility (HR = 1.811), higher glucose (HR = 1.002), and lower albumin (HR = 0.678) were the risk factors for early TRM. Older age (HR = 1.014), deceased donor (HR = 1.642), and hyperglycemia (HR = 1.003) were the common independent risk factors for TRM. In contrast, higher serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (HR = 1.010) was associated with TRM only. The identified risk factors should be considered in patient counselling, and management to prevent TRM. The recipients assigned as the high-risk group require intensive management including glycemic control at the initial stage after transplant.
RYGB increases postprandial gastric nesfatin-1 and rapid relieves NAFLD via gastric nerve detachment
Authors: Wang Geng , Wang Qingbo , Bai Jie , Li Gang , Tao Kaixiong , Wang Guobin , Xia Zefeng
Published: December 2020

Background

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) could reduce nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ahead of the weight-loss effects. But the detailed mechanisms remain unclear.

Material and methods

A high-fat diet (HFD) was fed to induce obesity. RYGB was then performed. Gastric nesfatin-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in portal vein and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in gastric tissues. Modified surgeries including vagus-preserved bypass and vagectomy were performed and postprandial gastric nesfatin-1 were analyzed. The effects of nesfatin-1 on hepatocytes were studied by PCR and immunohistochemistry. Both intraperitoneal and intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) were performed to analyze thein vivoeffects on liver lipid metabolism.

Results

Increased postprandial portal vein nesfatin-1 was observed in RYGB but not in control groups. This increase is mainly due to induction of gastric nesfatin-1. A modified RYGB in which the gastric vagus is preserved is conducted and, in this case, this nesfatin-1 induction effect is diminished. Mere vagectomy could also induce a similar nesfatin-1 increase pattern. The infusion of nesfatin-1 in the brain could inhibit the expression of gastric nesfatin-1, and the effects are diminished after gastric vagectomy.In vivoandin vitronesfatin-1 stimulation in the liver resulted in improvements in lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

Severing the gastric vagus during RYGB could cut off the negative control from the central nervous system (CNS) and result in increased postprandial gastric nesfatin-1 post surgery, which in turn, improves NAFLD.
Calculation of displacements and internal forces of anchored retaining piles
Authors: Yuan Xiaoyi , Chen Longzhu , Deng Jianliang
Published: December 2020

Pile-anchor retaining structures are widely used in excavation engineering. The evaluation of lateral displacements, the internal forces of piles are extremely important for the performance of the structure. Most of the existing methods are empirical, semiempirical or FEM methods, while analytic calculation methods for this evaluation are rare. This paper presents an analytic method to calculate the displacements and internal forces of anchored retaining piles based on the existing design code. In the calculation method, the singular function is applied to evaluate the effect of segmented loading on the deflection of a beam with a nonuniform cross section. The load concentration function, expressed by the singular function, can describe the segmented load and be integrated without a complicated procedure for determining the integral constants. The method is applied to a structure in Wenzhou, China, and the calculation results are compared to the field measurement results. This method is only valid for pre-failure predictions.
Association between birth weight and risk of overweight at adulthood in Labrador dogs
Authors: Mugnier Amélie , Morin Anthony , Cellard Fanny , Devaux Loïc , Delmas Magalie , Adib-Lesaux Achraf , Flanagan John , Laxalde Jérémy , Chastant Sylvie , Grellet Aurélien
Published: December 2020

Several studies in humans indicate that low birth weight predisposes individuals to obesity in later life. Despite the constant increase in prevalence of obesity in the canine population and the major health consequences of this affection, few investigations have been carried out on the association between birth weight and the development of overweight in dogs. The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between birth weight and some other neonatal characteristics and overweight at adulthood in a population of purebred Labrador dogs. Information was collected about the sex, age, neuter status, birth weight, and growth rates (between 0–2 days and 2–15 days of age) in 93 Labrador dogs raised under similar environmental conditions until two months old. The body condition scores (BCS, scale of 1–9) of these dogs at adulthood were recorded, with BCS equal to or greater than 6 classified as overweight. Dogs were split into two groups based on the median birth weight in the population: lower than the median (LTM) and higher than the median (HTM). A logistic regression model was applied to analyse associations between the general characteristics of the dogs (sex, age, neuter status), early life parameters (birth weight, growth rates) and overweight at adulthood. Birth weight was the only early-life parameter found to be associated with overweight (p value = 0.032) with a prevalence of overweight of 70% among the dogs with LTM birth weight vs. 47% in dogs born with HTM birth weight. Overweight was also associated with age and neuter status (p value = 0.029 and 0.005 respectively). Our results suggest that, as in humans, dogs with the lowest birth weights are more likely to become overweight at adulthood. More studies are needed to further examine this relationship and to explore the underlying mechanisms. A subsequent objective could be to identify preventive strategies such as an adapted early nutrition programme for at-risk individuals.
Evaluation of the impact of surgical aortic valve replacement on short-term cardiovascular and cerebrovascular controls through spontaneous variability analysis
Authors: Porta Alberto , Fantinato Angela , Bari Vlasta , Gelpi Francesca , Cairo Beatrice , De Maria Beatrice , Bertoldo Enrico Giuseppe , Fiolo Valentina , Callus Edward , De Vincentiis Carlo , Volpe Marianna , Molfetta Raffaella , Ranucci Marco
Published: December 2020

We assessed the effect of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular controls via spontaneous variability analyses of heart period, approximated as the temporal distance between two consecutive R-wave peaks on the electrocardiogram (RR), systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP) and mean cerebral blood flow (MCBF). Powers in specific frequency bands, complexity, presence of nonlinear dynamics and markers of cardiac baroreflex and cerebral autoregulation were calculated. Variability series were acquired before (PRE) and after (POST) SAVR in 11 patients (age: 76±5 yrs, 7 males) at supine resting and during active standing. Parametric spectral analysis was performed based on the autoregressive model. Complexity was assessed via a local nonlinear prediction approach exploiting the k-nearest-neighbor strategy. The presence of nonlinear dynamics was checked by comparing the complexity marker computed over the original series with the distribution of the same index assessed over a set of surrogates preserving distribution and power spectral density of the original series. Cardiac baroreflex and cerebral autoregulation were estimated by assessing the transfer function from SAP to RR and from MAP to MCBF and squared coherence function via the bivariate autoregressive approach. We found that: i) orthostatic challenge had no effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular control markers in PRE; ii) RR variance was significantly reduced in POST; iii) complexity of SAP, DAP and MAP variabilities increased in POST with a greater likelihood of observing nonlinear dynamics over SAP compared to PRE at supine resting; iv) the amplitude of MCBF variations and MCBF complexity in POST remained similar to PRE; v) cardiac baroreflex sensitivity decreased in POST, while cerebrovascular autoregulation was preserved. SAVR induces important changes of cardiac and vascular autonomic controls and baroreflex regulation in patients exhibiting poor reactivity of cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms, while cerebrovascular autoregulation seems to be less affected.
Electrochemical Studies on Vanadyl Complex with meso-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)
porphyrin using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: MURUGAN A. , THANDIAYYAKONE V. , KUMARASAMY S. , RAVIKUMAR C.R. , MUTHAIAH S. , CHAKRABARTY MITHUN , ARASU P. THILLAI , RAJKUMAR T. , YADAV H.S.
Published: December 2020

The oxidation products of transition metal complexes with porphyrin are being examined currently by many research groups. meso-
5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)porphyrin [T(2,5-(OCH3)2)PP] and its coordination compound with oxovanadium(IV) resulting
in VO[T(2,5-(OCH3)2)PP] were prepared by the standard procedures. The resulting complex was characterized with or without the
addition of antimony pentachloride by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and cyclic
voltammetry (CV). The UV-visible absorption spectrum of porphyrin ligand-based oxidation of vanadyl porphyrin VO[T(2,5-(OCH3)2)PP]
in the presence of 0.5 mM SbCl5 has shown bands at 425, 540 and 650 nm. The final electro-oxidation product has a broad absorption
band centered at 650 nm. It is characteristic of a porphyrin mono- cation which is seen due to oxidation at 0.0995V of ΔE value in the
cyclic voltammogram of VO[T(2,5-(OCH3)2)PP]. These spectral features observed during the oxidation are in good agreement with the
stepwise formation of mono-cation radical and di-cation. The EPR spectrum of VO[T(2,5-(OCH3)2)PP] suggests that it could be oxidized
to the radical cation by oxidation with SbCl5 in dichloromethane. A radical cation is observed at low temperature and this spectrum corresponds
to monomeric π-cation radical. A spectrum of fifteen lines is observed on the further addition of SbCl5 in dichloromethane. Thus, monomeric
π-cation radical is recognized as [VO(TPP)]+. It is confirmed by the appearance of a new band at 1275 cm-1 in the IR spectrum. Zero field
splitting (ZFS) was calculated from the triplet state on the EPR spectrum. It is suggested that ZFS interaction occurs from the dipolar
coupling between the two electrons.
Keywords: meso-Vanadyl porphyri
Kinetics and Mechanism of Slurry Phase Air Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol over Zirconium Vanadate Catalyst
Authors: Joshi Shweta Kanungo , Sohani Neena , Khare Savita , Prasad Rajendra
Published: December 2020

The kinetics of slurry phase air oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde over zirconium vanadate catalyst is reported in this study. Initial rates for the formation of product were determined by varying the partial pressures of the reactants. The data collected were found to satisfy a rate law: R = [(k1PBk2Po)/(k1PB + k2Po)]. The study suggests that reaction follows a Mars-Van Krevelen type of redox mechanism.
Effects of Formulated Nano-Urea Hydroxyapatite Slow Release Fertilizer Composite on the
Physical, Chemical Properties, Growth and Yield of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Cluster Beans)
Authors: Singam Shylaja , Mesineni Anand Rao , Chakra Ch. Shilpa
Published: December 2020

Urea and phosphorous fertilizers are commonly used in agriculture but, due to their solubility in water
and transportation, cause eutrophication. Hence, it is thought worthwhile to investigate for urea
hydroxyapatite nanoparticles which have less mobility and could supply required N and P
macronutrients to the crops. These high surface area nanoparticles are synthesized through chemical
co-precipitation method and it is assumed that due to their biocompatibility, act as rich phosphorous
and nitrogen source. These are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), dynamic light
scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and
Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The impact of urea hydroxyapatite nanofertilizer on growth and
yield of cluster bean plants for the period of four months has been carried out. The experimental
results have shown that the usage of these nanofertilizers have enhanced both the plant growth and
yield. The application of urea hydroxyapatite nanocomposites for the bio-availability of plants
considered to be environment friendly.
Molecular Interactions of Piperidinium Based Ionic
Liquids with Water/Alcohol at Different Temperatures
Authors: Rao G.V. Gangadhara , Babu Shaik
Published: December 2020

In this experimental investigation, the thermodynamic fundamental parameters of density (ρ) and
speed of sound(U) were calibrated for aqueous solution/alcoholic (1-propanol and 2-propanol) solutions
of piperidinium based ionic liquids of 1-butyl-1-methylpiperidinium tetrafluoroborate (BMPiBF4) in
various concentrations within temperatures from 303.15 to 313.15 K. From these experimental
determined values, various thermodynamic acoustic parameters of excess molar isentropic
compressibility (KE
s,m), excess molar volume (VE
m) are expressed in specific and non-specific molecular
interactions. Moreover, calibration of the partial molar volume′s and partial isentropic compressibility′s
of both components shows strong interaction in BMPiBF4 + 2-proponol combination than any other
executed binary composites. In addition to this, the FTIR characteristic spectrum of all combinations
at different concentrations gives the more promising features such as interaction behaviour that helps
our analysis to guide the interactions of individual bonds.
Theoretical Evaluation on The Interaction Between Triglycerides and Methylxanthines Using
Density Functional Theory B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and Molecular Electrostatic Potential
Authors: Azmi N.F.M. , Ali R. , Azmi A.A. , Rozaini M.Z.H. , Bulat K.H.K. , Anuar S.T.
Published: December 2020

The binding, interaction and distortion energies between the main triglycerides, palmitic-oleic-stearic
(POS) in cocoa butter versus palmitic-oleic-palmitic (POP) in refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD)
palm oil with cocoa′s methylxanthines (caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline) during the production
of chocolate were theoretically studied and reported. The quantum mechanical software package of
Gaussian09 at the theoretical level of density functional theory B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) was employed for
all calculations, optimization, and basis set superposition errors (BSSE). Geometry optimizations were
carried out to the minimum potential energy of individual species and binary complexes formed between
the triglycerides, methylxanthines and polyphenols. The interaction energies for the optimized
complexes were then corrected for the BSSE using the counterpoise method of Boys and Bernardi.
The results revealed that the binding energy and interaction energy between methylxanthine components
in cocoa powder with triglycerides were almost of the same magnitude (13.6-14.5 and 3.4-3.7 kJ/mol,
respectively), except for the binary complex of POS-caffeine (25.1 and 10.7 kJ/mol, respectively).
Based on the molecular geometry results, the hydrogen bond length and angle correlated well with the
interaction energies. Meanwhile, the POS-caffeine complex with two higher and almost linear bond
angles showed higher binding and interaction energies as compared to the other methylxanthines.
Therefore, a donor-acceptor analysis showed that the hydrogen bond strength was proven using the
molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), which resulted in parallel outcomes. The research results
were believed to be one of the factors that contributed to the rheological behaviour and sensory
perception of cocoa products, especially chocolate.
Synthesis of Melamine Core Starburst Polyamide G1
Dendrimer and its Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Balu Periyasamy , Asharani Indira Viswambaran , Thirumalai Dhakshamurthy
Published: December 2020

A novel polyamide first-generation dendrimer 7 was synthesized from new methodology under mild
reaction conditions. The AB2 adduct, ethyl 2-[N-[2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionyl]amino]ethylate
(3), was prepared from 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis-MPA) and glycine as a linker. Further,
G1 dendrimer 7 was synthesized by coupling melamine (5) with monomer 3. The structural elucidations
of all the compounds were confirmed by FTIR, 1H & 13C NMR and HRMS. The G1 dendrimer was
found to exhibit significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. cloacae and antioxidant
activity by DPPH scavenging method when compared to the standard, ascorbic acid.
Photocatalytic Activity of Nickel Doped CoO Nanocomposite
for the Degradation of Azure A Dye
Authors: Singh Nirmal , Rai Avinash Kumar , Vyas Ritu , Ameta Rameshwar
Published: December 2020

Nanocrystalline cobalt(II) oxide doped with nickel was prepared using the sol-gel method and employed
as a photocatalyst for azure A dye degradation under visible light. The prepared photocatalyst was
analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, field emission
scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD)
and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. The photocatalytic activity of
Ni-doped CoO under different working parameters, like concentration, pH, dosage (Ni-doped and
undoped CoO), light intensity for the degradation of azure A dye was also optimzed. It was observed
that the dye degradation rate improved after doping. Approximately 76% and 85% of azure A dye was
degraded within 90 min through undoped and Ni-doped CoO, respectively.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF DAMAGED CR-COATED FUEL CLADDING IN POST-ACCIDENT CONDITIONS
Authors: Červenka Petr , Krejčí Jakub , Cvrček Ladislav , Rozkošný Vojtěch , Manoch František , Rada David , Kabátová Jitka
Published: December 2020

To enhance the safety of nuclear power, the focus of researchers all around the world has recently mainly objected on the development of Accident Tolerant Fuels. Especially the Chromium coating of current Zirconium based cladding has been widely suggested and discussed for its immense positive effect on overall cladding properties. Nevertheless, it was observed that during the first stage of the Loss of Coolant Accident, cracks appear in the Cr coating due to its inability to tolerate higher plastic strain. Therefore, experimental methodology used in this article focuses on testing fuel cladding with damaged Cr coating after the high-temperature transient. The impact of cracks on degradation of cladding mechanical properties was observed using optical microscopy, ring compression test, microhardness, and evaluating hydrogen content and weight gain.
SISTEMA DE INFORMAÇÕES GEOGRÁFICAS APLICADO À ANÁLISE ESPACIAL DA COVID-19 NO ESTADO DE ALAGOAS, NORDESTE DO BRASIL
Authors: Ribeiro Daniela Dantas de Menezes , Silva Heibe Santana da
Published: December 2020

No presente artigo são aplicadas diferentes metodologias e ferramentas, disponíveis no Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG), na análise da distribuição espacial da Covid-19 no Estado de Alagoas. Para isso, representa espacialmente os casos de Covid-19 por municípios, a densidade demográfica, a incidência por 100 mil habitantes e as taxas de mortalidade por 100 mil habitantes. Através dos métodos de figuras geométricas proporcionais, do coroplético univariado e bivariado e da técnica de anamorfose foram gerados diferentes mapas. Com isso, os resultados mostram como os produtos cartográficos podem representar o espaço geográfico, o território e as rugosidades que estão presentes em ambos os conceitos. Além disso, correlaciona os dados acima com outras questões, como econômicas e sociais, que são importantes para entender a sociedade e como suas relações ocorrem. Conclui-se que as melhorias em geotecnologias nos últimos anos foram essenciais para ampliar as possibilidades de compreensão do espaço/território, o que permite diferentes aplicações de métodos cartográficos na análise espacial do fenômeno geográfico.
EKSISTENSI MEGONO SEBAGAI IDENTITAS KULTURAL: Sebuah Kajian Antropologi Kuliner dalam Dinamika Variasi Makanan Global
Authors: Sofyan M. Ali
Published: December 2020

Megono is one of the typical foods for the Batang and Pekalongan people, which is made from young jackfruit. Every tourist from outside the area, usually looking for a megono as a sign of having visited and take it as a gift. This study is the result of deepening data about the megono and its existence as a cultural identity for the Batang people in the midst of globalization. This research was conducted using a qualitative method with an open interview approach. Traders and consumers are the main informants for this study. This research employs Baudrillard concept of habitus. The results showed that every morning, the people of Batang seemed obliged to consume sego megono sambel. According to the results of data analysis, megono Batang has different characteristics compare to megono from other places, namely its distinctive aroma. As a traditional food, megono can still exist and become a cultural symbol in the midst of the many variations of modern food. For consumers, this food can deconstruct the social class created by capitalism. Megono does not belong to any classes. This means that megono can be a symbol of equality for society.Megono adalah salah satu makanan khas bagi masyarakat Batang dan Pekalongan yang terbuat dari bahan baku nangka muda. Setiap pengunjung dari luar daerah, biasanya mencari megono sebagai tanda telah berkunjung dan barang bawaaan. Kajian ini merupakan hasil dari pendalaman data tentang megono dan eksistensinya sebagai identitas kultural masyarakat Batang di tengah globalisasi. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode kualtitatif dengan pendekatan wawancara terbuka. Pedagang dan konsumen menjadi informan utama dalam menjelaskan kajian ini. Menurut Baudrillard, arena konsumsi pada globalisme adalah kehiduapan sehari-hari yang merupakan sistem interpretasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan setiap pagi, masyarakat Batang seolah wajib untuk mengkonsumsi sego megono sambel. Menurut hasil analisa data, megono Batang memiliki karakteristik daripada megono dari tempat lain yaitu aromanya yang khas. Sebagai makanan tradisional, megono tetap dapat hadir dan menjadi simbol kultural di tengah banyaknya variasi makanan modern. Bagi konsumen, makanan ini dapat mendekonstruksi kelas sosial yang diciptakan kapitalisme. Megono tidak mengenal kelas. Artinya megono adalah simbol kesetaraan bagi masyarakat.
What’s in a Title: The Long-debated Question on the Title of Sacchetti’s Novelle
Authors: Zaccarello Michelangelo
Published: December 2020

Franco Sacchetti (1332–1400) may be considered Boccaccio’s most important follower in the ‘golden century’ of the Italian literary language, and his Novelle rank among the undisputed classics of early Italian literature. However, with no extant autograph witness, their text must be reconstructed from manuscripts copied almost two centuries after (second half of the sixteenth century). Thus, the authorial form of the collection title has been long disputed, but often with little attention paid to period documentation. This essay attempts to outline the main issues of the discussion, which has been recently reopened with new arguments, and to reassess it in the light of the work’s reception history as well as authorial intention.
The Editorial Principles of Anton Federigo Seghezzi and His Giuntina Project
Authors: Bowen Edward
Published: December 2020

This essay examines the editorial principles and activity of the Venetian editor Anton Federigo Seghezzi (1706–1743) and investigates especially the construction of his monumental expansion of one of Italy’s earliest and most important anthologies of early lyric poetry, the 1527 Giuntina, in his 1731 and 1740 editions of the Rime di diversi antichi autori toscani in dodici libri raccolti.
Steal not this book my honest friend : Threats, Warnings, and Curses in the Edwardian Book
Authors: O’Hagan Lauren Alex
Published: December 2020

This article explores the role of the book inscription as an important rite of property in Edwardian Britain (1901–1914). In particular, it uses a multimodal ethnohistorical approach to examine the use of ownership marks as threats, warnings, and curses, and to explore how they were employed by their owners to deter potential malefactors. It reveals that these inscriptions were discursive acts that operated on a cline of politeness that stretched from mitigated to stronger ownership claims. However, while in the Medieval period book curses carried a serious threat of punishment, by the Edwardian era, most were written out of adherence to social tradition, thus their force lay in performing rather than describing a future act. This suggests that in the early twentieth century, book inscriptions were strongly linked to their owners’ social class and functioned symbolically to index ownership, property rights and power.
Química com sinais: o ensino visual da química para alunos surdos por meio de website
Authors: Leão Ferreira Luana Melka Vanderlei , Da Silva Barroso Maria Cleide , De Goes Sampaio Caroline
Published: December 2020

Há alguns anos no Brasil está acontecendo à integração de alunos com necessidades educativas especiais em escolas regulares, no entanto, as escolas e os professores não estavam preparados para esta mudança. O trabalho que ora se desenvolve tem por finalidade aplicar junto aos professores de química do ensino médio, um web site chamado Química com Sinais, que deverá favorecer o aprendizado dos alunos surdos, de maneira responsável e eficiente, permitindo que os mesmos, possam participar e aprender de forma efetiva os conteúdos apresentados pelo professor, atendendo de forma hábil as particularidades no aprendizado do educando surdo, tornando positivo o uso dos visuais. Esta pesquisa tem caráter qualitativo e inicialmente dialogamos com a diretora de uma escola de ensino médio e o intérprete sobre as condições de aprendizado da aluna surda regularmente matriculada em uma escola estadual. Seguidamente, foi aplicado um questionário para compreender as dificuldades encontradas pela aluna, iniciando, posteriormente a construção do website — Química com Sinais. Como o foco deste método é dar sentido as expressões dos participantes estudados, um segundo questionário foi aplicado a fim de identificar o nível de aprendizado após o uso do site. Esta pesquisa, possibilitou a elaboração, desenvolvimento e verificação do website — Química com Sinais, averiguando a sua eficiência e a capacidade de elevar a compreensão dos alunos surdos através da utilização de recursos visuais aliados ao mundo virtual e ao aprimoramento do ensino de química. Detectou-se que explorar o visual, além de ser essencial para a comunidade surda é também eficiente para a retenção de aprendizado do aluno, seja ele surdo ou ouvinte. Considerando que a presente pesquisa indica a promissora efetividade do site como recurso facilitador da aprendizagem do surdo e, pensando neste sentido, a adoção deste recurso motiva os alunos surdos a aprenderem química de forma lúdica e eficaz.
A ciência enquanto um tema sociocientífico na formação inicial de professores de ciências biológicas
Authors: Baccin Bruna Ambros , Dutra Raiane da Rosa , Coutinho Renato Xavier
Published: December 2020

Este artigo propõe uma discussão acerca da Ciência e seus aspectos epistemológicos, no contexto da formação inicial de professores de Ciências Biológicas, a partir da realização de um processo formativo. A abordagem metodológica foi de cunho qualitativo, caracterizando-se como pesquisa-ação. Além do processo formativo realizou-se a análise do Projeto Pedagógico de Curso e entrevistas. Entre os resultados obtidos, destaca-se que a temática Ciência está contemplada na ementa e bibliografia deste documento, assegurando que a mesma deveria ser trabalhada durante o curso, mas as respostas e o discurso dos Licenciandos mostram o contrário. Nesse sentido, considera-se a formação inicial de professores de Ciências, como espaço ideal para a discussão e aprendizagem sobre a Ciência e seus aspectos epistemológicos, na perspectiva de que estes futuros professores propaguem esse aprendizado aos seus alunos.
Título: La sociología del cuerpo. Autor: David Le Breton
Authors: Abella Niño Nathalia
Published: December 2020

El antropólogo y sociólogo David Le Breton, escritor asiduo de temas asociados al cuerpo humano, su construcción social y cultural, analiza en este título el cuerpo humano como eje de la existencia de la persona y su configuración objetual simbólica, y en el que se entraman las representaciones socioculturales del sujeto y de la sociedad. En siete capítulos, el autor presenta relaciones categoriales que entrelazan su discurso desde donde devela cómo “a través de su corporeidad, el hombre hace que el mundo sea la medida de su experiencia” (p. 8).
Forecasting prices of dairy commodities – a comparison of linear and nonlinear models
Authors: Hansen B.G.
Published: December 2020

Dairy commodity prices have become more volatile over the last 10–11 yr. The aim of this paper was to produce reliable price forecasts for the most frequently traded dairy commodities. Altogether five linear and nonlinear time series models were applied. The analysis reveals that prices of dairy commodities reached a structural breakpoint in 2006/2007. The results also show that a combination of linear and nonlinear models is useful in forecasting commodity prices. In this study, the price of cheese is the most difficult to forecast, but a simple autoregressive (AR) model performs reasonably well after 12 mo. Similarly, for butter the AR model performs the best, while for skimmed milk powder (Smp), whole milk powder (Wmp) and whey powder (Whp) the nonlinear methods are the most accurate. However, few of the differences between models are significant according to the Diebold–Mariano (DM) test. The findings could be of interest to the whole dairy industry.
Measuring total factor productivity on Irish dairy farms: a Fisher index approach using farm-level data
Authors: McCormack M. , Thorne F. , Hanrahan K.
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a Fisher index measure of the total factor productivity (TFP) performance of Irish dairy farms over the period 2006–2016 using the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) data. The removal of milk quotas in 2015 has led to an increase of over 30% in dairy cow numbers since 2010, and although suckler cow numbers have dropped slightly, the total number of cows in Ireland reached an all-time high of 2.5 million head in 2016. This large increase adds to the environmental pressures attributed to agricultural output and puts the focus firmly on how efficiently the additional agricultural output associated with higher cow numbers is produced. The primary purpose of this paper is to identify a standardised measure of the TFP performance of Irish dairy farms that can be routinely updated using Teagasc NFS data. We found that relative to 2010 the TFP of Irish dairy farms has increased by almost 18%; however, in one production year 2015, when milk quota was removed, the TFP measure increased by 7% and TFP continued to grow by 2.5% in the production year 2016. It would seem therefore that the removal of the European dairy quota system has resulted in a windfall gain for Irish dairy farmers but that productivity gains are continuing. Future data will be required to investigate the longer-term TFP performance of Irish dairy farms in the post-milk quota era.
The Beast from the East: impact of an atypical cold weather event on hydrology and nutrient dynamics in two Irish catchments
Authors: Vero S.E. , McDonald N.T. , McGrath G. , Mellander P.-E.
Published: December 2020

A historic lack of continuous stream nutrient monitoring at the catchment scale limits understanding of the effects of snowstorms. The most significant snowstorm since 1985, nicknamed “the Beast from the East”, occurred in February–March 2018. High-frequency stream outlet monitoring in two close but hydrologically and agriculturally contrasting catchments (<1,200 ha) captured phosphorus (total and reactive), total oxygenated nitrogen (TON), temperature and discharge dynamics during and after the event. The grassland catchment consists of poorly drained gley soils and exhibits overland flow pathways, while the arable catchment consists of well-drained brown earths and is dominated by subsurface pathways. Nitrate (NO3-N) concentrations were initially elevated (3.50 and 7.89 mg/L for poorly drained grassland and well-drained arable catchments, respectively) before becoming diluted by meltwater. Total reactive phosphorus (TRP) displayed a distal (anti-clockwise) concentration-discharge hysteresis in the poorly drained grassland catchment suggesting low mobilisation from the soil. Conversely, the well-drained arable catchment displayed proximal (clockwise) hysteresis, indicative of the mobilisation from stream and bank sediment. These relatively infrequent snow events behave similarly to heavy rainfall as regards nutrient losses, albeit subject to a time-lag induced by the speed of snowmelt and the soil moisture deficit (SMD) prior to snowfall. Antecedent land management is crucial to mitigate risk. The current absence of records and analyses of catchment response, particularly nutrient dynamics, to atypical cold weather events in Ireland limits understanding of their effects on water quality. The present study provides the first such baseline information from which land management strategies and the implications for attaining environmental targets can be explored.
Effects of Age, Word Frequency, and Noise on the Time Course of Spoken Word Recognition
Authors: Van Engen Kristin J. , Dey Avanti , Runge Nichole , Spehar Brent , Sommers Mitchell S. , Peelle Jonathan E.
Published: December 2020

This study assessed the effects of age, word frequency, and background noise on the time course of lexical activation during spoken word recognition. Participants (41 young adults and 39 older adults) performed a visual world word recognition task while we monitored their gaze position. On each trial, four phonologically unrelated pictures appeared on the screen. A target word was presented auditorily following a carrier phrase (“Click on ________”), at which point participants were instructed to use the mouse to click on the picture that corresponded to the target word. High- and low-frequency words were presented in quiet to half of the participants. The other half heard the words in a low level of noise in which the words were still readily identifiable. Results showed that, even in the absence of phonological competitors in the visual array, high-frequency words were fixated more quickly than low-frequency words by both listener groups. Young adults were generally faster to fixate on targets compared to older adults, but the pattern of interactions among noise, word frequency, and listener age showed that older adults’ lexical activation largely matches that of young adults in a modest amount of noise.
The Development of Scene Semantics: First ERP Indications for the Processing of Semantic Object-Scene Inconsistencies in 24-Month-Olds
Authors: Maffongelli Laura , Öhlschläger Sabine , Lê-Hoa Võ Melissa
Published: December 2020

Finding a bottle of milk in the bathroom would probably be quite surprising to most of us. Such a surprised reaction is driven by our strong expectations, learned through experience, that a bottle of milk belongs in the kitchen. Our environment is not randomly organized but governed by regularities that allow us to predict what objects can be found in which types of scene. These scene semantics are thought to play an important role in the recognition of objects. But when during development are the semantic predictions so far implemented that such scene-object inconsistencies would lead to semantic processing difficulties? Here we investigated how toddlers perceive their environments, and what expectations govern their attention and perception. To this aim, we used a purely visual paradigm in an ERP experiment and presented 24-month-olds with familiar scenes in which either a semantically consistent or an inconsistent object would appear. The scene-inconsistency effect has been previously studied in adults by means of the N400, a neural marker responding to semantic inconsistencies across many types of stimuli. Our results show that semantic object-scene inconsistencies indeed elicited an enhanced N400 over the left anterior brain region between 750 and 1150 ms post stimulus onset. This modulation of the N400 marker provides first indications that by the age of two toddlers have already established their scene semantics allowing them to detect a purely visual, semantic object-scene inconsistency. Our data suggest the presence of specific semantic knowledge regarding what objects occur in a certain scene category.