bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Low-Cost Stereo Video System for Measuring Directional Wind Waves
Authors: Vieira Matheus , Guimarães Pedro Veras , Violante-Carvalho Nelson , Benetazzo Alvise , Bergamasco Filippo , Pereira Henrique
Published: October 2020

Typical oceanographic instruments are expensive, complex to build, and hard to deploy and require constant and specialized maintenance. In this paper, we present a cheap and simple technique to estimate a three-dimensional surface elevation map, η(x,y,t), the directional spectrum, and the main sea state parameters using inexpensive smartphones. The proposed methodology uses Time Lagged Cross Correlation (TLCC) between the audio signals from two independent video records to perform the frame synchronization. This makes the system much easier to deploy, where the main requirement is a fixed or moving platform close to the sea. The time records are mostly limited by the equipment storage space and battery life, although it can be easily replaced or recharged. Here, we pose the basis for an inexpensive yet powerful stereo reconstruction device and discuss its capabilities and limitations. The smartphone system capabilities were illustrated here by near shore experiment, at Leme beach in the Southeast of Brazil, and the results were compared against a pressure sensor. For this particular setup, the root mean square error in terms of significant wave height is of the order of 11% with perfect estimation of the peak period. The results are promising and demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique.
Prognostic Value of CT-Attenuation and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake of Periprostatic Adipose Tissue in Patients with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lee Jeong Won , Jeon Youn Soo , Kim Ki Hong , Yang Hee Jo , Lee Chang Ho , Lee Sang Mi
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of computed tomography (CT)-attenuation and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake of periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) for predicting disease progression-free survival (DPFS) in patients with prostate cancer. Seventy-seven patients with prostate cancer who underwent staging FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/CT were retrospectively reviewed. CT-attenuation (HU) and FDG uptake (SUV) of PPAT were measured from the PET/CT images. The relationships between these PPAT parameters and clinical factors were assessed, and a Cox proportional hazard regression test was performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of PPAT HU and SUV. PPAT HU and SUV showed significant positive correlations with tumor stage and serum prostate-specific antigen level (PSA) (p < 0.05). Patients with high PPAT HU and SUV had significantly worse DPFS than those with low PPAT HU and SUV (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, PPAT SUV was a significant predictor of DPFS after adjusting for tumor stage, serum PSA, and tumor SUV (p = 0.003; hazard ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.96). CT-attenuation and FDG uptake of PPAT showed significant association with disease progression in patients with prostate cancer. These imaging findings may be evidence of the role of PPAT in prostate cancer progression.
Barriers to Green Entrepreneurship: An ISM-Based Investigation
Authors: Makki Anas A. , Alidrisi Hisham , Iqbal Asif , Al-Sasi Basil O.
Published: October 2020

Green entrepreneurship is a novel sustainability term. A strategy has recently been put forward to make a business greener by minimizing the harmful impact on the environment and committing to sustainability while maintaining financial imperishability. However, some barriers prevent its implementation to its full potential. This study aims at investigating such barriers following the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach for analyzing relationships among them and for their prioritization, for the effective construction of green entrepreneurship. The study revealed that collaboration among stakeholders of business activities is vital to green entrepreneurship. Results also show that R&D and technology are foundational to overcoming other barriers, such as the costs associated with green initiatives, lack of knowledge and subjective awareness in the market, shortage of investors and involvement of private sectors, government regulations, cultural differences, dominating industries, lack of incentive and support mechanism, and bureaucracy. Subsequently, the results indicated that overcoming these barriers will enable us to change the short-term mindset of investors towards green entrepreneurship. Implications of this study include using the revealed set of barriers and their modeled relationships for policymaking as well as the development of better targeted and more effective strategies to overcome these barriers, enabling its implementation to its full potential.
Antioxidant Intervention Attenuates Aging-Related Changes in the Murine Ovary and Oocyte
Authors: Katz-Jaffe Mandy G. , Lane Sydney L. , Parks Jason C. , McCallie Blair R. , Makloski Rachel , Schoolcraft William B.
Published: October 2020

Advanced maternal age (AMA) is associated with reduced fertility due in part to diminished ovarian follicle quantity, inferior oocyte quality, chromosome aneuploidy, and lower implantation rates. Ovarian aging is accompanied by increased oxidative stress and blunted antioxidant signaling, such that antioxidant intervention could improve reproductive potential. The first aim of this study was to determine the molecular effects of antioxidant intervention in the ovaries and oocytes of aged mice, utilizing a supplement containing only naturally occurring açaí (Euterpe oleracea) with an oxygen radical absorbance capacity of 208,628 μmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 g indicating high antioxidant activity. Nine month old female CF-1 mice were administered 80 mg/day antioxidants (n = 12) or standard diet (n = 12) for 12 weeks. In the ovary, antioxidant treatment upregulated β-adrenergic signaling, downregulated apoptosis and proinflammatory signaling, and variably affected cell growth and antioxidant pathways (p < 0.05). Exogenous antioxidants also increased the oocyte expression of antioxidant genes GPX1, SOD2, and GSR (p < 0.05). A feasibility analysis was then conducted on female AMA infertility patients as a proof-of-principle investigation. Patients (n = 121; <45 years old) consented to receiving 600 mg antioxidants three times daily for ≥8 weeks preceding infertility treatment. Preliminary results indicate promising outcomes for AMA patients, warranting further investigation.
Comparing the Field and Laboratory Curing Behaviour of Cold Recycled Asphalt Mixtures for Binder Courses
Authors: Ferrotti Gilda , Grilli Andrea , Mignini Chiara , Graziani Andrea
Published: October 2020

The cold recycling of reclaimed asphalt (RA) for the rehabilitation of end-of-life pavements is becoming very common. Cold recycled asphalt mixtures (CRAMs) are characterised by a curing time, required to reach the material design mechanical performance. Since the laboratory simulation of the long-term field curing is not yet a standardised procedure, a CRAM was laid as binder course in a full-scale trial section that was monitored for more than two years. The comparison between field curing and oven-curing in laboratory at 40 °C was performed by carrying out indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM), indirect tensile strength (ITS) and complex modulus tests, as well as measurements of the air voids content. The evolution of the ITSM as a function of the curing time (field/oven-curing) was obtained for both gyratory specimens and cores taken from the trial section at different time periods. Results showed that the material stiffness development can be accelerated with a small effect on its long-term value if oven-curing is applied a few days/weeks after compaction. A linear relationship was found between the ITS measured on the cores and their air voids content. Finally, the complex modulus tests confirmed that CRAMs provide an intermediate behaviour between asphalt concrete mixtures and cement-bound mixtures.
Giant Vertical Magnetization Shift Caused by Field-Induced Ferromagnetic Spin Reconfiguration in Ni50Mn36Ga14 Alloy
Authors: Tian Fanghua , Zhang Yin , Zhou Chao , Zhao Qizhong , Yu Zhonghai , Murtaza Adil , Zuo Wenliang , Yang Sen , Song Xiaoping
Published: October 2020

Vertical magnetization shift (VMS) is a special type of exchange bias effect that may lead to a revolution in future ultrahigh-density magnetic recording technology. However, there are very few reports focusing on the performance of VMS due to the unclear mechanism. In this paper, a giant vertical magnetization shift (ME) of 6.34 emu/g is reported in the Ni50Mn36Ga14 alloy. The VMS can be attributed to small ferromagnetic ordered regions formed by spin reconfiguration after field cooling, which are embedded in an antiferromagnetic matrix. The strong cooling-field dependence, temperature dependence, and training effect all corroborate the presence of spin reconfiguration and its role in the VMS. This work can enrich VMS research and increase its potential in practical applications as well.
Gas Permeability of Mold during Freezing Process Alters the Pore Distribution of Gelatin Sponge and Its Bone-Forming Ability
Authors: Han Xiaoyu , Honda Yoshitomo , Tanaka Tomonari , Imura Kazuki , Hashimoto Yoshiya , Yoshikawa Kazushi , Yamamoto Kazuyo
Published: October 2020

Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is widely used in the preparation of porous biomaterials. Nevertheless, limited information is known regarding the effect of gas permeability on molds to obtain porous materials. We demonstrated that the different levels of gas permeability of molds remarkably altered the pore distribution of prepared gelatin sponges and distinct bone formation at critical-sized bone defects of the rat calvaria. Three types of molds were prepared: silicon tube (ST), which has high gas permeability; ST covered with polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) film, which has low gas permeability, at the lateral side (STPL); and ST covered with PVDC at both the lateral and bottom sides (STPLB). The cross sections or curved surfaces of the sponges were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and quantitative image analysis. The gelatin sponge prepared using ST mold demonstrated wider pore size and spatial distribution and larger average pore diameter (149.2 µm) compared with that prepared using STPL and STPLB. The sponges using ST demonstrated significantly poor bone formation and bone mineral density after 3 weeks. The results suggest that the gas permeability of molds critically alters the pore size and spatial pore distribution of prepared sponges during the freeze-drying process, which probably causes distinct bone formation.
A Clean Process for Obtaining High-Quality Cellulose Acetate from Cigarette Butts
Authors: De Fenzo Anna , Giordano Michele , Sansone Lucia
Published: October 2020

The main purpose of this study is to introduce a modified method for recovering and recycling huge number of cigarette butts (CBs) and convert them into a fashion product. CBs are non-biodegradable waste, generally, discarded improperly into the environment. CBs consist of cellulose acetate, which can be recovered through extraction and purification processes. CBs are the most numerically frequent form of waste in the world. A relevant portion of CBS are discarded improperly into the environment. The principal filter components are plasticized cellulose acetate fibers that have the slowest degradation rate (up to years). In fact, a limiting step is the hydrolysis of cellulose acetate polymer into cellulose and acetic acid, which is extremely slow under ambient conditions and represents a relevant environmental risk. A number of studies have been realized on recycling cigarette butts with encouraging results, and several methods have been studied, including recycling of cigarette butts in asphalt concrete and fired clay bricks, as a carbon source, sound-absorbing material, corrosion inhibitor, biofilm carrier, and many more. In this study, we propose a novel, green, low cost, simple, and efficient extraction method of cellulose acetate fibers (CA) from discarded cigarette butts (DCBs). CBs extraction procedure involves a two-step process consisting of washings in water and some subsequent washings in ethanol. The obtained samples of CA are dried at 60 °C for 60 min in the oven. The quality and properties of cellulose acetate extracted and purified are comparable to the pure cellulose acetate fiber used for cigarette butts. The preliminary results obtained on the recovered CA look promising to the use of this recovery material from cigarette butts to obtain a wide consumption fashion product, such as eyeglass frames.
Effect of Silicon Concentration on the Properties of Al-Cr-Si-N Coatings Deposited Using Cathodic Arc Evaporation
Authors: Warcholinski Bogdan , Gilewicz Adam , Myslinski Piotr , Dobruchowska Ewa , Murzynski Dawid , Kuznetsova Tatyana A.
Published: October 2020

The current market requirements are related to the introduction of new protective coatings for tools and machine parts with much better performance properties. These requirements are met by the AlCrSiN coatings; however, knowledge on the adhesion of these coatings to the substrate, as well as on their corrosion resistance, is deficient. The article presents the results of technological works on the coating deposition from AlCrSi cathodes with a silicon concentration from 0 at% to 10 at% by the cathodic arc evaporation and the results of systematic studies of their structure, mechanical, tribological and electrochemical properties. A correlation between the above-mentioned properties and the silicon concentration in the AlCrSiN coatings has been found and discussed. The coatings formed from cathodes containing less than 5 at% Si crystallize in the cubic structure. The size of the crystallites decreases with the silicon concentration increase. The coatings are characterized by a high hardness with a maximum of about 37 GPa (2 at% Si). The adhesion of the coatings is almost independent of the concentration of silicon. The wear rate is about one order of magnitude higher for coatings deposited from cathodes with a silicon concentration of 5 at% and 10 at% compared to a coating with a lower silicon concentration. This finding is consistent with the results of corrosion resistance studies. The coating deposited from the cathode with 10 at% of silicon exhibits the best anticorrosion properties against the salt solution.
Analysis of the Possibility of Using Wavelet Transform to Assess the Condition of the Surface Layer of Elements with Flat-Top Structures
Authors: Karolczak Paweł , Kowalski Maciej , Wiśniewska Magdalena
Published: October 2020

The paper focused on a topic related to the possibilities of using wavelet analysis to evaluate the changes in the geometrical structures of the surfaces arising during the honing process with whetstones with variable granularity. The cylinder liners of the combustion engine are machined elements. The basics of the wavelet analysis and the differences between filtering with standardized filters (e.g., Gauss filter), Fourier analysis, and the analysis of the results obtained when measuring the surface roughness with other wavelets were described. Trials of honing four cylinder liners were carried out. Roughness measurements of 3D spatial structures of the prepared liners were made. The principle of selecting wavelets for roughness assessment of structures with cross-hatch pattern was described. Roughness structures generated on the honed surfaces of cylinder liners were assessed using Gaussian filtration and Morlet, Daubechies Db6, and Mexican hat wavelets. In order to demonstrate the differences generated when the Gaussian filtration and selected wavelets were used on surface structures, the surfaces obtained with the use of these filtering tools were subtracted from each other, which allowed obtaining information about the changes occurring on the assessed surfaces, which were generated after the use of various filtering tools. For the assessed surfaces, during the subtraction operation, the mean square error was calculated, informing about the degree of similarity of both compared surfaces. The result of the work carried out is the creation of basic recommendations for the selection of wavelets when assessing honed surfaces with different degrees of regularity of the traces generated on them.
Boundary Control for a Certain Class of Reaction-Advection-Diffusion System
Authors: Cruz-Quintero Eduardo , Jurado Francisco
Published: October 2020

There are physical phenomena, involving diffusion and structural vibrations, modeled by partial differential equations (PDEs) whose solution reflects their spatial distribution. Systems whose dynamics evolve on an infinite-dimensional Hilbert space, i.e., infinite-dimensional systems, are modeled by PDEs. The aim when designing a controller for infinite-dimensional systems is similar to that for finite-dimensional systems, i.e., the control system must be stable. Another common goal is to design the controller in such a way that the response of the system does not be affected by external disturbances. The controller design for finite-dimensional systems is not an easy task, so, the controller design for infinite-dimensional systems is even more challenging. The backstepping control approach is a dominant methodology for boundary feedback design. In this work, we try with the backstepping design for the boundary control of a reaction-advection-diffusion (R-A-D) equation, namely, a type parabolic PDE, but with constant coefficients and Neumann boundary conditions, with actuation in one of these latter. The heat equation with Neumann boundary conditions is considered as the target system. Dynamics of the open- and closed-loop solution of the PDE system are validated via numerical simulation. The MATLAB®-based numerical algorithm related with the implementation of the control scheme is here included.
The Impact of Cesarean and Vaginal Delivery on Results of Psychological Cognitive Test in 5 Year Old Children
Authors: Blazkova Barbora , Pastorkova Anna , Solansky Ivo , Veleminsky Milos , Veleminsky Milos , Rossnerova Andrea , Honkova Katerina , Rossner Pavel , Sram Radim J.
Published: October 2020

Background and objectives: The impact of cesarean and vaginal delivery on cognitive development was analyzed in 5 year old children. Materials and Methods: Two cohorts of 5 year old children born in the years 2013 and 2014 in Karvina (Northern Moravia) and Ceske Budejovice (Southern Bohemia) were studied for their cognitive development related to vaginal (n = 117) and cesarean types of delivery (n = 51). The Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test (BG test) and the Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM test) were used as psychological tests. Results: In the comparison of vaginal delivery vs. cesarean section, the children delivered by cesarean section scored lower and, therefore, achieved poorer performance in cognitive tests compared to those born by vaginal delivery, as shown in the RCPM (p < 0.001) and in the BG test (p < 0.001). When mothers’ education level was considered, the children whose mothers achieved a university degree scored higher in both the RCPM test (p < 0.001) and the BG test (p < 0.01) compared to the children of mothers with lower secondary education. When comparing mothers with a university degree to those with higher secondary education, there was a significant correlation between level of education and score achieved in the RCPM test (p < 0.001), but not in the BG test. Conclusions: According to our findings, the mode of delivery seems to have a significant influence on performance in psychological cognitive tests in 5 year old children in favor of those who were born by vaginal delivery. Since cesarean-born children scored notably below vaginally born children, it appears possible that cesarean delivery may have a convincingly adverse effect on children’s further cognitive development.
Regulation of Cell Death by Mitochondrial Transport Systems of Calcium and Bcl-2 Proteins
Authors: Naumova Natalia , Šachl Radek
Published: October 2020

Mitochondria represent the fundamental system for cellular energy metabolism, by not only supplying energy in the form of ATP, but also by affecting physiology and cell death via the regulation of calcium homeostasis and the activity of Bcl-2 proteins. A lot of research has recently been devoted to understanding the interplay between Bcl-2 proteins, the regulation of these interactions within the cell, and how these interactions lead to the changes in calcium homeostasis. However, the role of Bcl-2 proteins in the mediation of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, and therefore the induction of cell death pathways, remain underestimated and are still not well understood. In this review, we first summarize our knowledge about calcium transport systems in mitochondria, which, when miss-regulated, can induce necrosis. We continue by reviewing and analyzing the functions of Bcl-2 proteins in apoptosis. Finally, we link these two regulatory mechanisms together, exploring the interactions between the mitochondrial Ca2+ transport systems and Bcl-2 proteins, both capable of inducing cell death, with the potential to determine the cell death pathway—either the apoptotic or the necrotic one.
Interfacial Aspects of Metal Matrix Composites Prepared from Liquid Metals and Aqueous Solutions: A Review
Authors: Baumli Peter
Published: October 2020

The paper reviews the preparation of the different metallic nanocomposites. In the preparation of composites, especially in the case of nanocomposites, interfacial phenomena play an important role. This review summarizes the literature on various interfacial phenomena, such as wettability and reactivity in the case of casting techniques and colloidal behavior in the case of electrochemical and electroless methods. The main contribution of this work lies in the evaluation of collected interfacial phenomena and difficulties in the production of metal matrix composites, for both nano-sized and micro-sized reinforcements. This study can guide the composite maker in choosing the best criteria for producing metal matrix composites, which means a real interface with good adhesion between the matrix and the reinforcement. This criterion results in desirable mechanical and physical properties and homogenous dispersion of the reinforcement in the matrix.
Retrospective Analysis on Antimicrobial Resistance Trends and Prevalence of β-lactamases in Escherichia coli and ESKAPE Pathogens Isolated from Arabian Patients during 2000–2020
Authors: Nasser Mahfouz , Palwe Snehal , Bhargava Ram Naresh , Feuilloley Marc G. J. , Kharat Arun S.
Published: October 2020

The production of diverse and extended spectrum β-lactamases among Escherichia coli and ESKAPE pathogens is a growing threat to clinicians and public health. We aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of evolving trends of antimicrobial resistance and β-lactamases among E. coli and ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acine to bacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) in the Arabian region. A systematic review was conducted in Medline PubMed on papers published between January 2000 and February 2020 on countries in the Arab region showing different antibiotic resistance among E. coli and ESKAPE pathogens. A total of n = 119,144 clinical isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial resistance in 19 Arab countries. Among these clinical isolates, 74,039 belonged to E. coli and ESKAPE pathogen. Distribution of antibiotic resistance among E. coli and ESKAPE pathogens indicated that E. coli (n = 32,038) was the predominant pathogen followed by K. pneumoniae (n = 17,128), P. aeruginosa (n = 11,074), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA, n = 4370), A. baumannii (n = 3485) and Enterobacter spp. (n = 1574). There were no reports demonstrating Enterococcus faecium producing β-lactamase. Analyses revealed 19 out of 22 countries reported occurrence of ESBL (Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase) producing E. coli and ESKAPE pathogens. The present study showed significantly increased resistance rates to various antimicrobial agents over the last 20 years; for instance, cephalosporin resistance increased from 37 to 89.5%, fluoroquinolones from 46.8 to 70.3%, aminoglycosides from 40.2 to 64.4%, mono-bactams from 30.6 to 73.6% and carbapenems from 30.5 to 64.4%. An average of 36.9% of the total isolates were reported to have ESBL phenotype during 2000 to 2020. Molecular analyses showed that among ESBLs and Class A and Class D β-lactamases, blaCTX-M and blaOXA have higher prevalence rates of 57% and 52.7%, respectively. Among Class B β-lactamases, few incidences of blaVIM 27.7% and blaNDM 26.3% were encountered in the Arab region. Conclusion: This review highlights a significant increase in resistance to various classes of antibiotics, including cephalosporins, β-lactam and β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, carbapenems, aminoglycosides and quinolones among E. coli and ESKAPE pathogens in the Arab region.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Ultramafic Rocks from Rachoni Magnesite Mine, Gerakini (Chalkidiki, Northern Greece)
Authors: Tzamos Evangelos , Bussolesi Micol , Grieco Giovanni , Marescotti Pietro , Crispini Laura , Kasinos Andreas , Storni Niccolò , Simeonidis Konstantinos , Zouboulis Anastasios
Published: October 2020

The importance of magnesite for the EU economy and industry is very high, making the understanding of their genesis for the exploration for new deposits a priority for the raw materials scientific community. In this direction, the study of the magnesite-hosting ultramafic rocks can be proved very useful. For the present study, ultramafic rock samples were collected from the magnesite ore-hosting ophiolite of the Gerakini mining area (Chalkidiki, Greece) to investigate the consecutive alteration events of the rocks which led to the metallogenesis of the significant magnesite ores of the area. All samples were subjected to a series of analytical methods for the determination of their mineralogical and geochemical characteristics: optical microscopy, XRD, SEM, EMPA, ICP–MS/OES and CIPW normalization. The results of these analyses revealed that the ultramafic rocks of the area have not only all been subjected to serpentinization, but these rocks have also undergone carbonation, silification and clay alteration. The latter events are attributed to the circulation of CO2-rich fluids responsible for the formation of the magnesite ores and locally, the further alteration of the serpentinites into listvenites. The current mineralogy of these rocks was found to be linked to one or more alteration event that took place, thus a significant contribution to the metallo- and petrogenetic history of the Gerakini ophiolite has been made. Furthermore, for the first time in literature, Fe inclusions in olivines from Greece were reported.
Virtual Reality Nature Exposure and Test Anxiety
Authors: O’Meara Alison , Cassarino Marica , Bolger Aaron , Setti Annalisa
Published: October 2020

The number of students affected by exam anxiety continues to rise. Therefore, it is becoming progressively relevant to explore innovative remediation strategies that will help mitigate the debilitating effects of exam anxiety. The study aimed to investigate whether green environment exposure, delivered by virtual reality (VR) technology, would serve as an effective intervention to mitigate participants’ test anxiety and therefore improve the experience of the exam, measured by positive and negative affect, and increase test scores in a pseudo exam. Twenty high and twenty low exam anxiety students completed a pseudo exam before and after being exposed to either a simulated green environment or urban environment. Only those who had high anxiety and were exposed to the nature VR intervention had significant reductions in negative affect (F(1, 31) = 5.86, p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.15), supporting the idea that exposure to nature, even if simulated, may benefit students’ feelings about their academic performance. The findings are discussed in light of future developments in nature and educational research.
SERS Immunosensor of Array Units Surrounded by Particles: A Platform for Auxiliary Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Mingyu , Zhang Yongjun , Wang Yaxin , Zhu Aonan , Chen Lei , Hua Zhong , Zhang Xiaolong
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the diseases with high mortality worldwide, so its early diagnosis and treatment have attracted much attention. Due to the advantages of the high sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection, SERS has excellent application value in the diagnosis of HCC. In this paper, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are modified by magnetron sputtering on the surface of polystyrene (PS) templates with spheres of two different diameters. The array of units surrounded by particles is successfully prepared and the SERS performance is characterized. The effect of the gap between AgNPs on plasmon coupling and hot spot distribution is discussed. Finite-difference time domain (FDTD) simulation is used to verify the electric fields and hot spot distribution of the array. The differences in the concentrations of HCC markers are analyzed by using the change of SERS signal intensity of the array. The whole process proves that the preparation of structures with a strong local electric field to provide highly sensitive SERS signals is a key link in the detection of HCC markers, which is conducive to the diagnosis of HCC and has potential application value in clinical diagnosis.
Dietary Plant-Origin Bio-Active Compounds, Intestinal Functionality, and Microbiome
Authors: Tako Elad
Published: October 2020

In recent years, plant-origin bio-active compounds in foods (staple crops, fruit, vegetables, and others) have been gaining interest, and processes to consider them for public health recommendations are being presented and discussed in the literature. However, at times, it may be challenging to demonstrate causality, and there often is not a single compound–single effect relationship. Furthermore, it was suggested that health benefits may be due to metabolites produced by the host or gut microbiome rather than the food constituent per se. Over the years, compounds that were investigated were shown to increase gut microbial diversity, improve endothelial function, improve cognitive function, reduce bone loss, and many others. More recently, an additional and significant body of evidence further demonstrated the nutritional role and potential effects that plant-origin bio-active compounds might have on intestinal functionality (specifically the duodenal brush border membrane, morphology, and the abundance of health-promoting bacterial populations). Hence, the special issue “Dietary Plant-Origin Bio-Active Compounds, Intestinal Functionality, and Microbiome” comprises 11 peer-reviewed papers on the most recent evidence regarding the potential dietary intake and effects of plant-origin bio-active compounds on intestinal functionality, primarily in the context of brush border functional proteins (enzymes and transporters), mineral (and other nutrients) dietary bioavailability, and the intestinal microbiome. Original contributions and literature reviews further demonstrated the potential dietary relevance that plant bio-active compounds hold in human health and development. This editorial provides a brief and concise overview that addresses and summarizes the content of the Dietary Plant-Origin Bio-Active Compounds, Intestinal Functionality, and Microbiome special issue.
Diet Quality, Saturated Fat and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Harrison Stéphanie , Couture Patrick , Lamarche Benoît
Published: October 2020

Indices reflecting overall diet quality are used globally in research to predict the risk of various diseases and metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Such indices are built to measure adherence to current dietary guidelines or to best assess the diet–disease relationship. Although mostly food-based, dietary guidelines often include recommendations to limit saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, not all diet quality indices consider SFA in their definition of diet quality. Additionally, the relationship between SFA consumption and the development of MetS remains unclear. The purpose of this short review was to explore the association between MetS and various diet quality indices and dietary patterns, with a focus on how SFA contributes to these associations.
Geographical Distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ticks Collected from Wild Rodents in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Seong Yoon , Kim Tae-Kyu , Kim Tae Yun , Lee Hee Il
Published: October 2020

Lyme disease is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.) via transmission cycles involving competent tick vectors and vertebrate reservoirs. Here, we determined the prevalence and distribution of Borrelia genospecies in 738 ticks of at least three species from wild rodents in nine regions of the Republic of Korea (ROK). Ticks were analyzed using nested PCR targeting partial flagellin B gene sequences, followed by sequence analysis. The prevalence of Borrelia infection was 33.6%, and the most common genospecies were B. afzelii (62.5%), B. valaisiana (31.9%), B. yangtzensis (2.4%), B. garinii (1.6%), and B. tanukii (1.6%). Borrelia afzelii was found in all regions except Jeju Island; this predominant genospecies was found in the northern and central sampling regions. Borrelia valaisiana, B. yangtzensis, and B. tanukii were found only in the southern regions with B. valaisiana being the most common, whereas B. yangtzensis and B. tanukii were only found on Jeju Island. Our study is the first to describe the nationwide prevalence of B. burgdorferi s. l. in ticks from wild rodents in the ROK. Continuous surveillance in ticks, animals, humans, and different regions is required to avoid disease distribution and possible transmission to humans in the ROK.
Interactions of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi with Hyphosphere Microbial Communities in a Saline Soil: Impacts on Phosphorus Availability and Alkaline Phosphatase Gene Abundance
Authors: Masrahi Abdurrahman , Somenahally Anil , Gentry Terry
Published: October 2020

The limited availability of soil phosphorus to plants under salinity stress is a major constraint for crop production in saline soils, which could be alleviated by improving mycorrhizal and soil microbial interactions. This study investigated the effects of Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) inoculation on phosphorus (P) availability to Sorghum bicolor, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and gene abundance (phoD) in a P-deficient naturally saline soil. A greenhouse study was conducted in order to compare the experimental treatments of Fm inoculated vs. control plants grown in saline soil with and without (sterilized soil) native microbial community. A separate hyphosphere (root-free) compartment was constructed within the mycorrhizosphere and amended with phosphate. After four weeks of transplanting, shoot, roots, mycorrhizosphere, and hyphosphere samples were collected and analyzed for soil and plant P concentrations, root colonization, and abundance of ALP and phoD. The results showed significantly higher colonization in Fm-inoculated treatments compared to uninoculated. Plant available P concentrations, phoD gene abundance and ALP activity were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in sterilized-hyphosphere as compared to unsterilized in both Fm-inoculated and uninoculated treatments. Inoculation with Fm significantly increased the plant P uptake (p < 0.05) when compared to uninoculated treatments, but only in the plants gown in unsterile mycorrhizosphere. It can be concluded that inoculation of Fm increased root colonization and the uptake of P by sorghum plant in saline soil and native microbial community interactions were critical for increasing bioavailable P concentrations. These beneficial interactions between plants, mycorrhizae, and native microbes should be considered for soil fertility management in saline soils.
Entrepreneurialism through Self-Management in Afghan Guest Towns in Iran
Authors: Jauhiainen Jussi S. , Eyvazlu Davood
Published: October 2020

This article studies the self-management of guest towns (GTs) in Iran and the development of Afghan refugees’ employment and entrepreneurship in these settlements. No earlier research exists on refugee entrepreneurialism in GTs in Iran. The research is based on surveys (546 refugee respondents), interviews (35 refugees) and observations in four GTs in Iran, and interviews (12) with key public authorities related to Afghan refugees in Iran. Of the nearly one million Afghan refugees in Iran, approximately 30,000 reside in 20 GTs, each having up to a few thousand inhabitants. Following a decrease in international support for Afghan refugees and national privatisation policies, the Iranian government decided in 2003 that GTs needed to be self-managed to be financially self-sustainable by their Afghan refugee inhabitants. The motivation and necessity generated by GT self-management led to the increase, diversification, and profit orientation in Afghan refugees’ economic activities in the GTs. The GT refugee councils facilitated internal entrepreneurship fostered externally by state policies, such as the GTs’ obligation to become economically self-sustainable and the provision of tax exemptions and other incentives to GTs. A larger number of Afghan refugees (including women) obtained employment, various entrepreneurial trajectories emerged, and several businesses connected the GTs to the external economy.
How HIV-1 Integrase Associates with Human Mitochondrial Lysyl-tRNA Synthetase
Authors: Phongsavanh Xaysongkhame , Al-Qatabi Noha , Shaban Mohammed Samer , Khoder-Agha Fawzi , El Asri Merwan , Comisso Martine , Guérois Raphaël , Mirande Marc
Published: October 2020

Replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) requires the packaging of tRNALys,3 from the host cell into the new viral particles. The GagPol viral polyprotein precursor associates with mitochondrial lysyl-tRNA synthetase (mLysRS) in a complex with tRNALys, an essential step to initiate reverse transcription in the virions. The C-terminal integrase moiety of GagPol is essential for its association with mLysRS. We show that integrases from HIV-1 and HIV-2 bind mLysRS with the same efficiency. In this work, we have undertaken to probe the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the complex of integrase with mLysRS. We first established that the C-terminal domain (CTD) of integrase is the major interacting domain with mLysRS. Using the pBpa-photo crosslinking approach, inter-protein cross-links were observed involving amino acid residues located at the surface of the catalytic domain of mLysRS and of the CTD of integrase. In parallel, using molecular docking simulation, a single structural model of complex was found to outscore other alternative conformations. Consistent with crosslinking experiments, this structural model was further probed experimentally. Five compensatory mutations in the two partners were successfully designed which supports the validity of the model. The complex highlights that binding of integrase could stabilize the tRNALys:mLysRS interaction.
The Importance of Research on the Origin of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lundstrom Kenneth , Seyran Murat , Pizzol Damiano , Adadi Parise , Mohamed Abd El-Aziz Tarek , Hassan Sk. Sarif , Soares Antonio , Kandimalla Ramesh , Tambuwala Murtaza M. , Aljabali Alaa A. A. , Kumar Azad Gajendra , Pal Choudhury Pabitra , Uversky Vladimir N. , Sherchan Samendra P. , Uhal Bruce D. , Rezaei Nima , Brufsky Adam M.
Published: October 2020

The origin of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been fully determined. Despite the consensus about the SARS-CoV-2 origin from bat CoV RaTG13, discrepancy to host tropism to other human Coronaviruses exist. SARS-CoV-2 also possesses some differences in its S protein receptor-binding domain, glycan-binding N-terminal domain and the surface of the sialic acid-binding domain. Despite similarities based on cryo-EM and biochemical studies, the SARS-CoV-2 shows higher stability and binding affinity to the ACE2 receptor. The SARS-CoV-2 does not appear to present a mutational “hot spot” as only the D614G mutation has been identified from clinical isolates. As laboratory manipulation is highly unlikely for the origin of SARS-CoV-2, the current possibilities comprise either natural selection in animal host before zoonotic transfer or natural selection in humans following zoonotic transfer. In the former case, despite SARS-CoV-2 and bat RaTG13 showing 96% identity some pangolin Coronaviruses exhibit very high similarity to particularly the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2. In the latter case, it can be hypothesized that the SARS-CoV-2 genome has adapted during human-to-human transmission and based on available data, the isolated SARS-CoV-2 genomes derive from a common origin. Before the origin of SARS-CoV-2 can be confirmed additional research is required
Seasonal Regime Shift in the Viral Communities of a Permafrost Thaw Lake
Authors: Girard Catherine , Langlois Valérie , Vigneron Adrien , Vincent Warwick F. , Culley Alexander I.
Published: October 2020

Permafrost thaw lakes including thermokarst lakes and ponds are ubiquitous features of Subarctic and Arctic landscapes and are hotspots of microbial activity. Input of terrestrial organic matter into the planktonic microbial loop of these lakes may greatly amplify global greenhouse gas emissions. This microbial loop, dominated in the summer by aerobic microorganisms including phototrophs, is radically different in the winter, when metabolic processes shift to the anaerobic degradation of organic matter. Little is known about the viruses that infect these microbes, despite evidence that viruses can control microbial populations and influence biogeochemical cycling in other systems. Here, we present the results of a metagenomics-based study of viruses in the larger than 0.22 µm fraction across two seasons (summer and winter) in a permafrost thaw lake in Subarctic Canada. We uncovered 351 viral populations (vOTUs) in the surface waters of this lake, with diversity significantly greater during the summer. We also identified and characterized several phage genomes and prophages, which were mostly present in the summer. Finally, we compared the viral community of this waterbody to other habitats and found unexpected similarities with distant bog lakes in North America.
A Dynamic Particle Swarm Optimisation and Fuzzy Clustering Means Algorithm for Segmentation of Multimodal Brain Magnetic Resonance Image Data
Authors: Karima Kies , Nacera Benamrane
Published: October 2020

Fuzzy Clustering Means (FCM) algorithm is a widely used clustering method in image segmentation, but it often falls into local minimum and is quite sensitive to initial values which are random in most cases. In this work, we consider the extension to FCM to multimodal data improved by a Dynamic Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO) algorithm which by construction incorporates local and global optimization capabilities. Image segmentation of three-variate MRI brain data is achieved using FCM-3 and DPSOFCM-3 where the three modalities T1-weighted, T2-weighted and Proton Density (PD), are treated at once (the suffix -3 is added to distinguish our three-variate method from mono-variate methods usually using T1-weighted modality). FCM-3 and DPSOFCM-3 were evaluated on several Magnetic Resonance (MR) brain images corrupted by different levels of noise and intensity non-uniformity. By means of various performance criteria, our results show that the proposed method substantially improves segmentation results. For noisiest and most no-uniform images, the performance improved as much as 9% with respect to other methods
Some Novel Tricyclic Caged-Nitramines - A DFT Study
Authors: Türker Lemi
Published: October 2020

A tricyclic caged-nitramine structure having embedded RDX base has been designed. It also has three etheric linkages in the cage structure. In that sense it reminds TEX structure but it has much better oxygen balance than RDX and TEX. Then two hetero atom exchange operation (N to O replacement) at a time has been carried out to produce different isomeric structures. Through optimization process (B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)) they have yielded some conformers and stereoisomers. The effect of heteroatom replacement on various geometrical, quantum chemical and spectral properties of the isomers have been investigated and discussed.
DETERMINATION OF LOAD-BEARING STRUCTURE'S MAXIMUM LOAD ONTO FOUNDATION GROUND FOR THE CRNA RIJEKA SMALL POWER PLANT
Authors: Buhavac Biljana , Pamuk Suada
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the determination of the maximum load of load-bearing structures with terrain contact according to EN 1997-1 (Geotechnical design) and EN 1998-5 (Foundations, supporting structures and geotechnical issues). Processed is a concrete example of SPP Crna rijeka which will be based in rock material, and which does not require “additional“ interventions for the stability of structures (water intake with sedimentation tank and engine room).
Influence of institutional factors on the performance of the agricultural sector in Mozambique
Authors: Carrilho João Z. , Ribeiro Rui N.
Published: October 2020

This paper is a review of the institutions and the performance of the agricultural sector in Mozambique, using an analysis table adapted to the assessment of the connections between the institutions and economic development. In the first part, information is presented on the performance of the sector between 2008 and 2017, showing a per capita reduction in productivity and the production of foodstuffs. The second part offers an analysis on the extent to which, and the way that, the development of the sector institutions influenced agricultural performance during that period. There was found to have been institutional instability that affected performance in the sector, which was unable to slow the reduction in production and productivity, which could reflect a wider socioeconomic and institutional environment, i.e. beyond the agricultural sector. The third part looks at some elements for reflection on institutional issues that could contribute to the debate on the future development of the agricultural sector. We refer to the need to think about the future of agriculture in Mozambique from a long-term perspective, focusing on the adoption and stabilization of an institutional framework aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and preserving the environment.
Health, development, and institutional factors: The Mozambique case
Authors: Garrido Paulo Ivo
Published: October 2020

The central aim of this text is to show the impact institutions have on the performance of the health sector in Mozambique. The text shows that of the social determinants of health, institutions play a central role in the performance of the Mozambican health sector—and, through it, economic and social development—particularly for the poorer and more vulnerable, such as children, women, the disabled, and the elderly. It is also argued that the deficiencies and inefficiencies of the operation of the health sector in Mozambique are largely the result of the fact that the institutions with influence on the health sector are controlled by a minority of privileged people who do not give the appropriate priority to the basic health needs of the majority of the population. Finally, it is argued that the most important institutional measures for improving the state of health of Mozambicans are the revision of the Constitution of the Republic, the strengthening of the National Health System (particularly the National Health Service), and the reduction of poverty and economic and social inequality.