bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serial and Parallel Iterative Splitting Methods: Algorithms and Applications to Fractional Convection-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Geiser Jürgen , Martínez Eulalia , Hueso Jose L.
Published: November 2020

The benefits and properties of iterative splitting methods, which are based on serial versions, have been studied in recent years, this work, we extend the iterative splitting methods to novel classes of parallel versions to solve nonlinear fractional convection-diffusion equations. For such interesting partial differential examples with higher dimensional, fractional, and nonlinear terms, we could apply the parallel iterative splitting methods, which allow for accelerating the solver methods and reduce the computational time. Here, we could apply the benefits of the higher accuracy of the iterative splitting methods. We present a novel parallel iterative splitting method, which is based on the multi-splitting methods, The flexibilisation with multisplitting methods allows for decomposing large scale operator equations. In combination with iterative splitting methods, which use characteristics of waveform-relaxation (WR) methods, we could embed the relaxation behavior and deal better with the nonlinearities of the operators. We consider the convergence results of the parallel iterative splitting methods, reformulating the underlying methods with a summation of the individual convergence results of the WR methods. We discuss the numerical convergence of the serial and parallel iterative splitting methods with respect to the synchronous and asynchronous treatments. Furthermore, we present different numerical applications of fluid and phase field problems in order to validate the benefit of the parallel versions.
Assessment of Insecticidal Activity of Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids from Chilean Rhamnaceae Plants against Fruit-Fly Drosophila melanogaster and the Lepidopteran Crop Pest Cydia pomonella
Authors: Quiroz-Carreño Soledad , Pastene-Navarrete Edgar , Espinoza-Pinochet Cesar , Muñoz-Núñez Evelyn , Devotto-Moreno Luis , Céspedes-Acuña Carlos L. , Alarcón-Enos Julio
Published: November 2020

The Chilean plants Discaria chacaye, Talguenea quinquenervia (Rhamnaceae), Peumus boldus (Monimiaceae), and Cryptocarya alba (Lauraceae) were evaluated against Codling moth: Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae), which is one of the most widespread and destructive primary pests of Prunus (plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, almonds), pear, walnuts, and chestnuts, among other. Four benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (coclaurine, laurolitsine, boldine, and pukateine) were isolated from the above mentioned plant species and evaluated regarding their insecticidal activity against the codling moth and fruit fly. The results showed that these alkaloids possess acute and chronic insecticidal effects. The most relevant effect was observed at 10 µg/mL against D. melanogaster and at 50 µg/mL against C. pomonella, being the alteration of the feeding, deformations, failure in the displacement of the larvae in the feeding medium of D. melanogaster, and mortality visible effects. In addition, the docking results show that these type of alkaloids present a good interaction with octopamine and ecdysone receptor showing a possible action mechanism.
Pinacolone-Alcohol Gas-Phase Solvation Balances as Experimental Dispersion Benchmarks
Authors: Zimmermann Charlotte , Fischer Taija L. , Suhm Martin A.
Published: November 2020

The influence of distant London dispersion forces on the docking preference of alcohols of different size between the two lone electron pairs of the carbonyl group in pinacolone was explored by infrared spectroscopy of the OH stretching fundamental in supersonic jet expansions of 1:1 solvate complexes. Experimentally, no pronounced tendency of the alcohol to switch from the methyl to the bulkier tert-butyl side with increasing size was found. In all cases, methyl docking dominates by at least a factor of two, whereas DFT-optimized structures suggest a very close balance for the larger alcohols, once corrected by CCSD(T) relative electronic energies. Together with inconsistencies when switching from a C4 to a C5 alcohol, this points at deficiencies of the investigated B3LYP and in particular TPSS functionals even after dispersion correction, which cannot be blamed on zero point energy effects. The search for density functionals which describe the harmonic frequency shift, the structural change and the energy difference between the docking isomers of larger alcohols to unsymmetric ketones in a satisfactory way is open.
Characterization of Ciprofloxacin-Bismuth-Loaded Antibacterial Wound Dressing
Authors: Kowalczuk Dorota , Miazga-Karska Małgorzata , Gładysz Agata , Warda Paweł , Barańska Agnieszka , Drop Bartłomiej
Published: November 2020

The research was focused on developing a potentially antibacterial wound dressing made of polyurethane foam and loaded with bismuth-ciprofloxacin (Cip-Bi). The Cip-Bi chemical structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. The sought after antibacterial wound dressing was obtained by modification of the raw dressing with an iodine or bromine solution and subsequently with a Cip-Bi hydrogel. The amount of Cip-Bi loaded into the dressing matrix was determined indirectly on the basis of the differences in Cip-Bi concentrations, before and after the modification process, and the determination was performed with the HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) method. The modified dressing was found to have a two-step release of Cip-Bi, a feature helpful in the treatment of locally infected wounds and prevention of secondary bacterial infection. The zone of inhibition test against the selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria confirmed the antibacterial activity of the Cip-Bi-modified dressing. Preliminary tests conducted so far have been indicative of the Cip-Bi dressing’s relatively high activity against the tested organisms.
Monitoring the Diversity and Metabolic Shift of Gut Microbes during Green Tea Feeding in an In Vitro Human Colonic Model
Authors: Xu Mengyang , Yang Kundi , Zhu Jiangjiang
Published: November 2020

The human gut microbiome plays an important role in human health, and many factors such as environment, host genetics, age, and diet have been found to influence the microbial composition. Tea, as one of the widely consumed beverages, has been known for centuries to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. To investigate the impact of green tea polyphenol on the diversity and metabolic functions of human gut microbes, we applied an in vitro human colonic model (HCM) in this study to mimic a short-term green tea ingestion event and investigate its related changes to gut microbial composition and their metabolic functions. The pH, temperature, anaerobic environment, feeding nutrient, and time point in each compartment of the HCM were tightly controlled to simulate the intestinal system, and pooled human fecal samples of two healthy volunteers were used for the colon microbiota inoculation within the colonic model. By adding green tea extract (GTE) to the growth medium, the detailed impacts of GTE polyphenol on gut microbial population/diversity, gut microbial metabolites, metabolic pathways, and their associations were investigated via 16 S ribosomal DNA sequencing and liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses. Our data indicated that the treatment of green tea extract applied to gut microbiota can induce a significant decrease in the abundance of Firmicutes and a slight decrease in the abundance of Bacteroidetes, and these changes result in a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which can be an effective indicator for successful GTE intervention, which may generate beneficial health effect to human. Meanwhile, the relative abundances of many detected bacteria genera among three HCM vessels changed through the GTE intervention. The overall effects of GTE on gut microbial beta-diversity were observed by multivariate statistical analyses, and the differences in metabolic profiles from different GTE treatment stages were detected. Moreover, we identified several associations between microbial population and microbial metabolites, which may assist us in establishing new hypotheses for future related studies. In summary, our study suggested that the microbial compositional changes induced by GTE also changed their metabolic functions, and consequentially, may change the host metabolism and impact human health.
A New UPLC-qTOF Approach for Elucidating Furan and 2-Methylfuran Metabolites in Human Urine Samples after Coffee Consumption
Authors: Stegmüller Simone , Beißmann Nadine , Kremer Jonathan Isaak , Mehl Denise , Baumann Christian , Richling Elke
Published: November 2020

We have investigated urine samples after coffee consumption using targeted and untargeted approaches to identify furan and 2-methylfuran metabolites in urine samples by UPLC-qToF. The aim was to establish a fast, robust, and time-saving method involving ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quantitative time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-qToF-MS/MS). The developed method detected previously reported metabolites, such as Lys-BDA, and others that had not been previously identified, or only detected in animal or in vitro studies. The developed UPLC-qToF method detected previously reported metabolites, such as lysine-cis-2-butene-1,4-dial (Lys-BDA) adducts, and others that had not been previously identified, or only detected in animal and in vitro studies. In sum, the UPLC-qToF approach provides additional information that may be valuable in future human or animal intervention studies.
Inclusion Complexes of Concentrated Orange Oils and β-Cyclodextrin: Physicochemical and Biological Characterizations
Authors: Torres-Alvarez Cynthia , Castillo Sandra , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Aguilera González Carlos , Galindo-Rodríguez Sergio Arturo , Gabaldón-Hernández José A. , Báez-González Juan G.
Published: November 2020

Concentrated orange oils (5x, 10x, 20x) are ingredients used in different industries as components of flavors and aromas due to their great organoleptic qualities. This research focuses on the search for alternative uses for their application through encapsulation in inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin (β–CD). Inclusion complexes of concentrated orange oils (COEO) and β–CD were developed by the co-precipitated method in ratios of 4:96, 12:88, and 16:84 (w/w, COEO: β–CD). The best powder recovery was in the ratio 16:84 for the three oils, with values between 82% and 84.8%. The 20x oil in relation 12:88 showed the highest entrapment efficiency (89.5%) with 102.3 mg/g of β–CD. The FT-IR analysis may suggest an interaction between the oil and the β–CD. The best antioxidant activity was observed in the ratio 12:88 for the three oils. The antifungal activity was determined for all the inclusion complexes, and the 10x fraction showed the highest inhibition at a concentration of 10 mg/mL in ratios 12:88 and 16:84. Antibacterial activity was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and was found at a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL in ratios 12:88 and 16:84 for 5x and 20x oils.
Effects of the Preschool-Based Family-Involving DAGIS Intervention on Family Environment: A Cluster Randomised Trial
Authors: Ray Carola , Figueiredo Rejane , Pajulahti Riikka , Vepsäläinen Henna , Lehto Elviira , Lehto Reetta , Erkkola Maijaliisa , Roos Eva
Published: November 2020

Interventions promoting young children’s healthy energy balance-related behaviours (EBRBs) should also examine changes in the family environment as this is an important determinant that may affect the effectiveness of the intervention. This study examines family environmental effects of the Increased Health and Wellbeing in Preschools (DAGIS) intervention study, and whether these effects differed when considering three parental educational level (PEL) groups. The DAGIS intervention was conducted in preschools and involving parents in Southern Finland from September 2017 to May 2018. It was designed as a randomised trial, clustered at preschool-level. Parents of 3–6-year-olds answered questionnaires recording PEL, parental role modelling for EBRBs, and the family environment measured as EBRBs availability and accessibility. Linear Mixed Models with Repeated Measures were used in order to detect intervention effects. Models included group by time interactions. When examining intervention effects separated by PEL groups, models with three-level interactions (group × time-points × PEL) were evaluated. There was an interaction effect for the availability of sugary everyday foods and drinks (p = 0.002). The analyses showed that the control group increased availability (p = 0.003), whereas in the intervention group no changes were detected (p = 0.150). In the analysis separated by PEL groups, changes were found only for the accessibility of sugary treats at home; the high PEL control group increased the accessibility of sugary treats (p = 0.022) (interaction effect: p = 0.027). Hence, results suggest that the DAGIS multicomponent intervention had a limited impact on determinants for children’s healthy EBRBs, and no impact was found in the low PEL group.
Mildly Pasteurized Whey Protein Promotes Gut Tolerance in Immature Piglets Compared with Extensively Heated Whey Protein
Authors: Navis Marit , Schwebel Lauriane , Soendergaard Kappel Susanne , Muncan Vanesa , Sangild Per Torp , Abrahamse Evan , Aunsholt Lise , Thymann Thomas , van Elburg Ruurd M. , Renes Ingrid B.
Published: November 2020

Human milk is the optimal diet for infant development, but infant milk formula (IMF) must be available as an alternative. To develop high-quality IMF, bovine milk processing is required to ensure microbial safety and to obtain a protein composition that mimics human milk. However, processing can impact the quality of milk proteins, which can influence gastro-intestinal (GI) tolerance by changing digestion, transit time and/or absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of structural changes of proteins due to thermal processing on gastro-intestinal tolerance in the immature GI tract. Preterm and near-term piglets received enteral nutrition based on whey protein concentrate (WPC) either mildly pasteurized (MP-WPC) or extensively heated (EH-WPC). Clinical symptoms, transit time and gastric residuals were evaluated. In addition, protein coagulation and protein composition of coagulates formed during in vitro digestion were analyzed in more detail. Characterization of MP-WPC and EH-WPC revealed that mild pasteurization maintained protein nativity and reduced aggregation of β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin, relative to EH-WPC. Mild pasteurization reduced the formation of coagulates during digestion, resulting in reduced gastric residual volume and increased intestinal tract content. In addition, preterm piglets receiving MP-WPC showed reduced mucosal bacterial adherence in the proximal small intestine. Finally, in vitro digestion studies revealed less protein coagulation and lower levels of β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin in the coagulates of MP-WPC compared with EH-WPC. In conclusion, minimal heat treatment of WPC compared with extensive heating promoted GI tolerance in immature piglets, implying that minimal heated WPC could improve the GI tolerance of milk formulas in infants.
Anti-Obesity Effects of a Prunus persica and Nelumbo nucifera Mixture in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Song Jungbin , Kim Jiye , Park Hyo Jin , Kim Hocheol
Published: November 2020

Prunus persica and Nelumbo nucifera are major crops cultivated worldwide. In East Asia, both P. persica flowers and N. nucifera leaves are traditionally used for therapeutic purposes and consumed as teas for weight loss. Herein, we investigated the anti-obesity effects of an herbal extract mixture of P. persica and N. nucifera (HT077) and the underlying mechanism using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet, HFD, HFD containing 0.02% orlistat (positive control), or HFD containing 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4% HT077 for 12 weeks. HT077 significantly reduced final body weights, weight gain, abdominal fat weights, liver weights, and hepatic levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol. HT077 also lowered glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and leptin levels and increased AST/ALT and adiponectin/leptin ratios and adiponectin levels. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that HT077 decreased the expression of lipogenic genes and increased the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in adipose tissue. Our results indicate that HT077 exerts anti-obesity effects and prevents the development of obesity-related metabolic disorders. These beneficial effects might be partially attributed to ameliorating adipokine imbalances and regulating lipid synthesis and fatty acid oxidation in adipose tissue.
An Improved Oil Palm Genome Assembly as a Valuable Resource for Crop Improvement and Comparative Genomics in the Arecoideae Subfamily
Authors: Ong Ai-Ling , Teh Chee-Keng , Mayes Sean , Massawe Festo , Appleton David Ross , Kulaveerasingam Harikrishna
Published: November 2020

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the most traded crop among the economically important palm species. Here, we report an extended version genome of E. guineensis that is 1.2 Gb in length, an improvement of the physical genome coverage to 79% from the previous 43%. The improvement was made by assigning an additional 1968 originally unplaced scaffolds that were available publicly into the physical genome. By integrating three ultra-dense linkage maps and using them to place genomic scaffolds, the 16 pseudomolecules were extended. As we show, the improved genome has enhanced the mapping resolution for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and permitted further identification of candidate genes/protein-coding regions (CDSs) and any non-coding RNA that may be associated with them for further studies. We then employed the new physical map in a comparative genomics study against two other agriculturally and economically important palm species—date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.)—confirming the high level of conserved synteny among these palm species. We also used the improved oil palm genome assembly version as a palm genome reference to extend the date palm physical map. The improved genome of oil palm will enable molecular breeding approaches to expedite crop improvement, especially in the largest subfamily of Arecoideae, which consists of 107 species belonging to Arecaceae.
Histological Changes Associated with the Graft Union Development in Tomato
Authors: Frey Carlos , Acebes José Luis , Encina Antonio , Álvarez Rafael
Published: November 2020

Despite the importance of grafting in horticultural crops such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), the structural changes that occur during the graft establishment are little understood. Using histological techniques, the present work examines the time course of changes on the anatomical structure of the graft junction in functional tomato homografts and compares it to that of heterografts and non-functional grafts. No apparent differences were detected between homo- and heterografts, showing similar tissue development. At 10 days after grafting, the cell walls of the scion and rootstock in the area of the graft junction were thicker than usual. Undifferentiated cells and new vascular tissue emerged from the pre-existing vasculature. Adventitious roots appeared mainly on the scion, arising from the pre-existing vasculature. At 20 days, more pronounced vascular tissue was visible, along with large areas showing vascular connection. At 210 days, vestiges of the changes undergone in graft development were still visible. Generally, non-functional grafts presented layers of necrotic remains and deposition of cell wall material in the cut edges, impeding the suitable scion-rootstock connection. Our results show that accurate changes in pre-existing vasculature and the cell walls of the adhesion line are crucial to the development of functional grafts.
Optimization of a Green Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Different Polyphenols from Pistacia lentiscus L. Leaves Using a Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Detti Cassandra , dos Santos Nascimento Luana Beatriz , Brunetti Cecilia , Ferrini Francesco , Gori Antonella
Published: November 2020

Pistacia lentiscus leaves are used in several applications, thanks to their polyphenolic abundance. Thiswork aimed to characterize the polyphenols and to optimize the extraction conditions to shorten the time, decrease the consumption of solvent, and to maximize the yield of different classes of phenolics, which have diverse industrial applications. The variables were optimized by applying a Box–Behnken design. Galloyl and myricetin derivatives were the most abundant compounds, and two new tetragalloyl derivatives were identified by LC-MS/MS. According to the models, the maximum yields of polyphenols (51.3 ± 1.8 mg g−1 DW) and tannins (40.2 ± 1.4 mg g−1 DW) were obtained using 0.12 L g−1 of 40% ethanol at 50 °C. The highest content of flavonoids (10.2 ± 0.8 mg g−1 DW) was obtained using 0.13 L g−1 of 50% ethanol at 50 °C, while 0.1 L g−1 of 30% ethanol at 30 °C resulted in higher amounts of myricitrin (2.6 ± 0.19 mg g−1 DW). Our optimized extraction decreased the ethanolic fraction by 25% and halved the time compared to other methods. These conditions can be applied differently to obtain P. lentiscus extracts richer in tannins or flavonoids, which might be employed for various purposes.
Transformation and Characterization of Δ12-Fatty Acid Acetylenase and Δ12-Oleate Desaturase Potentially Involved in the Polyacetylene Biosynthetic Pathway from Bidens pilosa
Authors: Chen Po-Yen , Hsieh Mi-Jou , Tsai Yung-Ting , Chung Hsiao-Hang , Shyur Lie-Fen , Hsieh Cheng-Han , To Kin-Ying
Published: November 2020

Bidens pilosa is commonly used as an herbal tea component or traditional medicine for treating several diseases, including diabetes. Polyacetylenes have two or more carbon–carbon triple bonds or alkynyl functional groups and are mainly derived from fatty acid and polyketide precursors. Here, we report the cloning of full-length cDNAs that encode Δ12-fatty acid acetylenase (designated BPFAA) and Δ12-oleate desaturase (designated BPOD) from B. pilosa, which we predicted to play a role in the polyacetylene biosynthetic pathway. Subsequently, expression vectors carrying BPFAA or BPOD were constructed and transformed into B. pilosa via the Agrobacterium-mediated method. Genomic PCR analysis confirmed the presence of transgenes and selection marker genes in the obtained transgenic lines. The copy numbers of transgenes in transgenic lines were determined by Southern blot analysis. Furthermore, 4–5 FAA genes and 2–3 OD genes were detected in wild-type (WT) plants. Quantitative real time-PCR revealed that some transgenic lines had higher expression levels than WT. Western blot analysis revealed OD protein expression in the selected transformants. High-performance liquid chromatography profiling was used to analyze the seven index polyacetylenic compounds, and fluctuation patterns were found.
3D Printing PLA Waste to Produce Ceramic Based Particulate Reinforced Composite Using Abundant Silica-Sand: Mechanical Properties Characterization
Authors: Ahmed Waleed , Siraj Sidra , Al-Marzouqi Ali H.
Published: November 2020

Due to the significant properties of silica, thermostatics can be enhanced using silica-additives to maximize the quality of polymer compounds and transform plastics into tailored properties. The silica additives can enhance the handling and quality performance of composites and thermoplastic polymers due to their diverse potential. Besides, using silica as an additive in different characteristics can allow granulates and powders to flow easily, minimize caking, and control rheology. On the other hand, the eruption of 3D printing technology has led to a massive new waste source of plastics, especially the polylactic acid (PLA) that is associated with the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. In this paper, the impact on the mechanical properties when silica is mixed with waste PLA from 3D printing was studied. The PLA/silica mixtures were prepared using different blends through twin extruders and a Universal Testing Machine was used for the mechanical characterization. The result indicated that increasing silica composition resulted in the increase of the tensile strength to 121.03 MPa at 10 wt%. Similar trends were also observed for the toughness, ductility, and the yield stress values of the PLA/silica blends at 10 wt%, which corresponds to the increased mechanical property of the composite material reinforced by the silica particles. Improvement in the mechanical properties of the developed composite material promotes the effective recycling of PLA from applications such as 3D printing and the potential of reusing it in the same application.
Topological Disentanglement of Linear Polymers under Tension
Authors: Caraglio Michele , Marcone Boris , Baldovin Fulvio , Orlandini Enzo , Stella Attilio L.
Published: November 2020

We develop a theoretical description of the topological disentanglement occurring when torus knots reach the ends of a semiflexible polymer under tension. These include decays into simpler knots and total unknotting. The minimal number of crossings and the minimal knot contour length are the topological invariants playing a key role in the model. The crossings behave as particles diffusing along the chain and the application of appropriate boundary conditions at the ends of the chain accounts for the knot disentanglement. Starting from the number of particles and their positions, suitable rules allow reconstructing the type and location of the knot moving on the chain Our theory is extensively benchmarked with corresponding molecular dynamics simulations and the results show a remarkable agreement between the simulations and the theoretical predictions of the model.
Effect of Fabrication Method on Fracture Strength of Provisional Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses
Authors: Suralik Kelly , Sun Jie , Chen Chia-Yu , Lee Sang
Published: November 2020

There has been an increase in utilizing 3D printers in dental restorations. The purpose of the study is to compare mechanical properties of 3D-printed prostheses to those of self-cured and/or computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) restorations. A metal master typodont was prepared for the mandibular left sextant with implant analogs embedded at the first premolar and first molar positions with a missing second premolar. Three-unit provisional fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) was designed utilizing the 3Shape tooth library and forty-five uniform specimens were fabricated with different materials: self-cured poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (N = 15), milled PMMA CAD-CAM blocks (N = 15) and 3D-printed resin (N = 15). All specimens were tested using an Instron machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min by an axial load on the occlusal surface of the second premolar pontic site. Statistical analysis was completed with Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. Mean fracture force was 300.61 N, 294.64 N and 408.49 N for self-cured PMMA, milled PMMA and 3D-printed resin, respectively. Mean force at FDP fracture of 3D-printed resin was significantly greater than the mean fracture force of either self-cured (p = 0.016, 95% CI [17.86, 197.91]) or milled (p = 0.010, 95% CI [23.83, 203.88]) PMMA.
Validation of the Short Forms of Centrality of Religiosity Scale in Russia
Authors: Ackert Michael , Prutskova Elena , Zabaev Ivan
Published: November 2020

Since the end of the Soviet Union, Christian Orthodoxy has regained importance in Russian society. Considering the religious dynamics in the decades after 1990, scholars working in the field have been debating about a reliable measuring tool for religiosity. The present study provides a validation of two short forms of the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS), the CRS-5, and CRSi-7 in Russia, as well as its corresponding translated items. Therefore, data from two large-scale sociological surveys from 2008 (N = 894) and 2019 (N = 1768) were used. A multigroup confirmatory factor analysis with restrictions on the variance and covariance structure of the model shows good results in terms of absolute, parsimony, and relative model fit for the CRS-5 and CRSi-7. Moreover, the models indicate time-invariance, which is a consistent psychometric characteristic of both short forms. The time-invariance is accompanied by the good internal consistency of the scales: The CRS-5 with α=0.85 and the CRSi-7 with α=0.84. The results of the analysis encourage the use of the CRS-5 and the CRSi-7 for research on religiosity in Russia. While the CRS-5 is especially suitable for the Orthodox-dominated religious landscape, the CRSi-7 should be used if non-monotheistic private religious practice and religious experience are the focus of the scientific investigation.
Feminism from the Perspective of Catholic Theology
Authors: Rowland Tracey
Published: November 2020

The first time I visited this topic was back in 2015, when I was invited to a debate at El Escorial with one of the leading Spanish feminists [...]
Least-Squares Monte Carlo for Proxy Modeling in Life Insurance: Neural Networks
Authors: Krah Anne-Sophie , Nikolić Zoran , Korn Ralf
Published: November 2020

The least-squares Monte Carlo method has proved to be a suitable approximation technique for the calculation of a life insurer’s solvency capital requirements. We suggest to enhance it by the use of a neural network based approach to construct the proxy function that models the insurer’s loss with respect to the risk factors the insurance business is exposed to. After giving a mathematical introduction to feed forward neural networks and describing the involved hyperparameters, we apply this popular form of neural networks to a slightly disguised data set from a German life insurer. Thereby, we demonstrate all practical aspects, such as the hyperparameter choice, to obtain our candidate neural networks by bruteforce, the calibration (“training”) and validation (“testing”) of the neural networks and judging their approximation performance. Compared to adaptive OLS, GLM, GAM and FGLS regression approaches, an ensemble built of the 10 best derived neural networks shows an excellent performance. Through a comparison with the results obtained by every single neural network, we point out the significance of the ensemble-based approach. Lastly, we comment on the interpretability of neural networks compared to polynomials for sensitivity analyses.
Land Cover Dynamics and Mangrove Degradation in the Niger Delta Region
Authors: Nababa Iliya , Symeonakis Elias , Koukoulas Sotirios , Higginbottom Thomas , Cavan Gina , Marsden Stuart
Published: November 2020

The Niger Delta Region is the largest river delta in Africa and features the fifth largest mangrove forest on Earth. It provides numerous ecosystem services to the local populations and holds a wealth of biodiversity. However, due to the oil and gas reserves and the explosion of human population it is under threat from overexploitation and degradation. There is a pressing need for an accurate assessment of the land cover dynamics in the region. The limited previous efforts have produced controversial results, as the area of western Africa is notorious for the gaps in the Landsat archive and the lack of cloud-free data. Even fewer studies have attempted to map the extent of the degraded mangrove forest system, reporting low accuracies. Here, we map the eight main land cover classes over the NDR using spectral-temporal metrics from all available Landsat data centred around three epochs. We also test the performance of the classification when L-band radar data are added to the Landsat-based metrics. To further our understanding of the land cover change dynamics, we carry out two additional assessments: a change intensity analysis for the entire NDR and, focusing specifically on the mangrove forest, we analyse the fragmentation of both the healthy and the degraded mangrove land cover classes. We achieve high overall classification accuracies in all epochs (~79% for 1988, and 82% for 2000 and 2013) and are able to map the degraded mangroves accurately, for the first time, with user’s accuracies between 77% and 87% and producer’s accuracies consistently above 82%. Our results show that mangrove forests, lowland rainforests, and freshwater forests are reporting net and highly intense losses (mangrove net loss: ~500 km2; woodland net loss: ~1400 km2), while built-up areas have almost doubled in size (from 1990 km2 in 1988 to 3730 km2 in 2013). The mangrove forests are also consistently more fragmented, with the opposite effect being observed for the degraded mangroves in more recent years. Our study provides a valuable assessment of land cover dynamics in the NDR and the first ever accurate estimates of the extent of the degraded mangrove forest and its fragmentation.
Projection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions for the Road Transport Sector Based on Multivariate Regression and the Double Exponential Smoothing Model
Authors: Alhindawi Reham , Abu Nahleh Yousef , Kumar Arun , Shiwakoti Nirajan
Published: November 2020

The economic and health impacts resulting from the greenhouse effect is a major concern in many countries. The transportation sector is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. Almost 15 percent of the global GHG and over 20 percent of energy-related CO2 emissions are produced by the transportation sector. Quantifying GHG emissions from the road transport sector assists in assessing the existing vehicles’ energy consumptions and in proposing technological interventions for enhancing vehicle efficiency and reducing energy-supply greenhouse gas intensity. This paper aims to develop a model for the projection of GHG emissions from the road transport sector. We consider the Vehicle-Kilometre by Mode (VKM) to Number of Transportation Vehicles (NTV) ratio for the six different modes of transportation. These modes include motorcycles, passenger cars, tractors, single-unit trucks, buses and light trucks data from the North American Transportation Statistics (NATS) online database over a period of 22 years. We use multivariate regression and double exponential approaches to model the projection of GHG emissions. The results indicate that the VKM to NTV ratio for the different transportation modes has a significant effect on GHG emissions, with the coefficient of determination adjusted R2 and R2 values of 89.46% and 91.8%, respectively. This shows that VKM and NTV are the main factors influencing GHG emission growth. The developed model is used to examine various scenarios for introducing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles in the future. If there will be a switch to battery electric vehicles, a 62.2 % reduction in CO2 emissions would occur. The results of this paper will be useful in developing appropriate planning, policies, and strategies to reduce GHG emissions from the road transport sector.
Sustainable Engineering: Load Transfer Characterization for the Structural Design of Thinner Concrete Pavements
Authors: César Andrés , Pradena Mauricio
Published: November 2020

Concrete pavements are characterized by their high durability and low conservation costs. However, concrete production causes large amounts of harmful emissions. In this context, short slab pavements allow us to reduce the slab thickness and the amount of concrete used in their construction. These benefits are only valid if the design assumptions are fulfilled, one of which is the provision of enough Load Transfer Efficiency (LTE) by the aggregate interlock. However, the current design method for short slabs does not relate the LTE with the Crack Width (CW) under the joints. This can jeopardize the sustainable benefits of short slabs. The objective of this study is to propose a method to develop the LTE–CW relationship for the short slabs’ design. The sustainable and accessible approach adopted in the proposal represents a paradigm shift compared to the traditional methods, which are limited to laboratories with sufficient resources to perform real-scale testing. The results show that it is possible to develop the LTE–CW relation in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, the aggregates that fulfill the technical specifications for pavements provide enough LTE when most of the joints are activated. When that happens, short slab pavements reduce environmental and human health impacts by 33% and 26%, respectively.
Heritage, Tourism and Local Development in Peripheral Rural Spaces: Mértola (Baixo Alentejo, Portugal)
Authors: García-Delgado F. Javier , Martínez-Puche Antonio , Lois-González Rubén C.
Published: November 2020

In the context of multiple repurposing of rural spaces, tourism represents a path for development, with the potential to revitalize these areas. The conservation and restoration of heritage, and its promotion through tourism, can become an opportunity for local development, in which a range of stakeholders fulfil different roles in the carrying out of the processes involved. The aim of the study was to analyse the heritagisation processes and their tourist value enhancement and how it affects local development in Mértola (Baixo Alentejo, Portugal). A series of interviews with the chief stakeholders in the process were conducted, from which the contexts and conceptualisations of development were determined. On the basis of secondary data in terms of statistics, an analysis of the impacts of the process of heritagisation and the development of tourism was undertaken. The main conclusions drawn by the research are the following: (a) the importance of the process of heritagisation in Mértola; (b) the viability of the project, given the cost and lack of comprehensive conservation, in creating a unified whole; (c) the performance of, and power relationships between, the various stakeholders; (d) the limited participation of locals due to disaffection with the project; (e) the correlation between heritage, rural tourism, and local development.
Effect of Protocatechuic Acid on Euglena gracilis Growth and Accumulation of Metabolites
Authors: Tan Xiaomiao , Zhu Jiangyu , Wakisaka Minato
Published: November 2020

The development of efficient, environmentally friendly, low-cost approaches used to boost the growth of microalgae is urgently required to meet the increasing demands for food supplements, cosmetics, and biofuels. In this study, the growth promotion effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) in the freshwater microalga Euglena gracilis were confirmed for the first time. PCA is a simple phenolic compound derived from natural plants and has a range of biological functions. The highest biomass yield, 3.1-fold higher than that of the control, used at 1.3 g·L−1, was obtained at 800 mg·L−1 of PCA. The yields of the metabolites chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and paramylon in the presence of PCA at 800 mg·L−1 were 3.1, 3.3, and 1.7 times higher than those of the control group, respectively. The highest paramylon yield was achieved at a lower dosage of PCA (100 mg·L−1), which is considered to be feasible for economic paramylon production. The growth and biosynthesis of metabolites stimulated by phytochemicals such as PCA could be an efficient and cost-effective strategy to enhance the productivity of microalgae in large-scale cultivations.
Factors Affecting Electric Vehicle Uptake: Insights from a Descriptive Analysis in Australia
Authors: Foley Bethany , Degirmenci Kenan , Yigitcanlar Tan
Published: November 2020

Transport activities are among the major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting global climate crisis. Despite some efforts in shifting from internal combustion engines to electric motors, the global market share of electric vehicles (EVs) is very low—about 1%. This figure even goes as low as 0.4% for some developed countries—e.g., Australia. There is a growing, but still limited, number of studies investigating the key factors affecting the uptake of EVs. Additionally, there is no regional analysis in late-moving countries, which would provide knowledge for a better understanding why some countries are falling behind in the EV market. This paper focuses on Australia as a late mover in the EV market and generates insights into a regional analysis of key factors affecting the uptake of EVs. The unit of analysis for this study is determined as the states and territories of Australia. The methodologic approach of the study includes a descriptive analysis of publicly accessible fast and slow charging stations in Australia, the distribution of renewable energy, as well as electric vehicle sales in Australia, along with further factors relating to differences in income and education and subsidies for EVs from the government. The findings of the study reveal that (a) EV uptake conditions is an emerging research topic; (b) renewable energy, EV subsidies, charging stations, income, and education do generally favor EV sales in Australia; (c) the Australian Capital Territory has the highest readiness level among all the Australian states and territories; and (d) future research should be conducted on a local government level to capture the local readiness levels accurately. The study findings inform policymakers, car manufacturers, the energy sector, and scholars on the critical success factors for the uptake of EVs in Australia.
Portable Rabies Virus Sequencing in Canine Rabies Endemic Countries Using the Oxford Nanopore MinION
Authors: Gigante Crystal M. , Yale Gowri , Condori Rene Edgar , Costa Niceta Cunha , Long Nguyen Van , Minh Phan Quang , Chuong Vo Dinh , Tho Nguyen Dang , Thanh Nguyen Tat , Thin Nguyen Xuan , Hanh Nguyen Thi Hong , Wambura Gati , Ade Frederick , Mito Oscar , Chuchu Veronicah , Muturi Mathew , Mwatondo Athman , Hampson Katie , Thumbi Samuel M. , Thomae Byron G. , de Paz Victor Hugo , Meneses Sergio , Munyua Peninah , Moran David , Cadena Loren , Gibson Andrew , Wallace Ryan M. , Pieracci Emily G. , Li Yu
Published: November 2020

As countries with endemic canine rabies progress towards elimination by 2030, it will become necessary to employ techniques to help plan, monitor, and confirm canine rabies elimination. Sequencing can provide critical information to inform control and vaccination strategies by identifying genetically distinct virus variants that may have different host reservoir species or geographic distributions. However, many rabies testing laboratories lack the resources or expertise for sequencing, especially in remote or rural areas where human rabies deaths are highest. We developed a low-cost, high throughput rabies virus sequencing method using the Oxford Nanopore MinION portable sequencer. A total of 259 sequences were generated from diverse rabies virus isolates in public health laboratories lacking rabies virus sequencing capacity in Guatemala, India, Kenya, and Vietnam. Phylogenetic analysis provided valuable insight into rabies virus diversity and distribution in these countries and identified a new rabies virus lineage in Kenya, the first published canine rabies virus sequence from Guatemala, evidence of rabies spread across an international border in Vietnam, and importation of a rabid dog into a state working to become rabies-free in India. Taken together, our evaluation highlights the MinION’s potential for low-cost, high volume sequencing of pathogens in locations with limited resources.
Short-Term Soil Moisture Forecasting via Gaussian Process Regression with Sample Selection
Authors: Liu Mingshuai , Huang Chao , Wang Long , Zhang Yu , Luo Xiong
Published: November 2020

Soil moisture is a critical limiting factor for crop growth. Accurate soil moisture prediction helps to schedule irrigation and improve the crop production. A soil moisture prediction method based on Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) is proposed in this paper. In order to reduce the computation time of the GPR model, the Radially Uniform (RU) design algorithm was incorporated into the sample selection during the training procedure. Thus, representative training samples are identified and less training time is required. To validate the proposed prediction model, the soil moisture data collected in Beijing, China, was fully utilized. The experimental results demonstrate that the forecasting performance of the GPR model with the RU design algorithm is generally better than that of the generic GPR model in terms of less forecasting errors for both deterministic and probabilistic forecasting, while less computing time is needed for the model training.
Efeitos do exercício sobre a regeneração do nervo ciático de ratos Wistar após axonotmese
Authors: Guedert Denis Guilherme , Sanfelice André Edison
Published: November 2020

Introdução. Lesões do sistema nervoso periférico são comuns e acarretam perdas tanto sensitivas quanto motoras. Tais lesões interferem na vida do indivíduo devido à diminuição do rendimento profissional. O exercício físico é um dos meios empregados no tratamento das lesões nervosas periféricas. Objetivos. Objetivamos estudar os efeitos do exercício físico (nado forçado) em ratos submetidos a axonotmese. Método. Neste estudo utilizamos quatro grupos: G1 – grupo controle sedentário, G2 – Grupo submetido ao exercício diariamente durante 21 dias iniciando 24 horas após a lesão nervosa, G3 – grupo submetido ao exercício 7 dias após a lesão durante 14 dias consecutivos, G4 – grupo submetido ao exercício 24 horas após a lesão, durante 21 dias, porém em dias alternados. Resultados. Nossos dados apontam para uma melhora funcional observada através do índice funcional do isquiático, incremento na produção de fatores neurotróficos (BDNF e NGF) e diminuição da expressão da enzima iNOS e da citocina TNF–α nos grupos exercitados. Conclusão. O exercício físico na forma em que foi empregado melhorou a função motora e acelerou e a regeneração nervosa periférica.
RESEARCH ON THE STRUCTURE OF CLAY RAW MATERIALS FOR CERAMIC PRODUCTS
Authors: Batrshina G. , Davletshina A.
Published: November 2020

the research uses some methods for determining materials, strictly applying the current standards and requirements of the Russian Federation. The degree of scientific development of this research is that specialists of the Department of Engineering Physics and Materials Physics of Engineering Faculty of Bashkir State University and the laboratory of JSC "Ceramics" of the Republic of Bashkortostan conducted research in the field of ceramic materials science for construction purposes. The methodological basis of the research is based on well-known methods of studying the structure of clay raw materials suitable for the production of construction products, with the choice of a stable light range of products and eliminates cracking in the technological process of brick production. The correct composition leads to a reduction in energy consumption without compromising the physical and mechanical characteristics of products.
INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF MINERAL POWDER FROM TECHNOGENIC RAW MATERIALS DUE TO ITS HYDROPHOBIZATION
Authors: Yadykina V. , Gridchin Anatoliy , Kuznecova E. , Lebedev M.
Published: November 2020

a promising direction in solving the problem of obtaining high-quality asphalt concrete is the use of mineral fillers, including from industrial waste.

The article considers the use of OEMK slag as a mineral powder in the asphalt concrete mix.

The influence of hydrophobization of mineral powder by GF Preparation on moisture absorption and its structuring ability to change the maximum shear stress from the content of mineral powder before and after hydrophobization was studied. It is established that the treatment of the filler provides the necessary hydrophobicity of the mineral material, reduces the bituminous capacity, water saturation, porosity of the asphalt binder, and increases its strength and water resistance. The results of studies of the main characteristics of asphalt concrete on the example of a mixture of type G III of the brand showed that as a result of hydrophobization, the strength, water resistance, water saturation, and swelling of the composite significantly increase