bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of mild viruses for control of plant pathogenic viruses
Authors:   De Ceuster Meststoffen BV (DCM), Belgium, Ortega-Parra Nelia ,   Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands, Zisi Zafeiro ,   Scientia Terrae Research Institute VZW, Belgium,   Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, Hanssen Inge M. ,   De Ceuster Meststoffen NV (DCM), Belgium
Published: November 2021

Plant virus management strategies have largely been limited to the application of hygiene protocols, the control of viral vectors such as insects and nematodes and the use of resistant varieties. However, these approaches are often insufficient to prevent infections. The rapid control of newly emerging viral diseases remains challenging. This chapter focuses on cross-protection using mild viruses as active substances in biocontrol. The chapter begins by describing the theoretical modes of action of cross-protection. It then goes on to discuss crucial elements in the development of a cross-protection strategy, taking into account new insights based on commercial application of cross-protection. The chapter also provides case studies in which cross-protection has been applied in commercial crops, in particular vaccination strategies to control Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) in greenhouse tomato. Finally, developments that may impact future research into the control of emerging viral pathogens are discussed.
Różnorodność języka hiszpańskiego. Badania porównawcze na materiale języka hiszpańskiego i jego odmian używanych w krajach Ameryki Łacińskiej
Authors: Włodarczyk Rita , Kocur Kacper
Published: November 2021

The authors of this article aimed to point out the diﬀerences in lexis and grammatical constructions between the varieties of Spanish spoken in Spain and Latin American countries. In order to obtain the most authoritative material the authors used the answers of respondents from six countries: Argentina, Chile, Spain, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. They made this choice because of the mentioned countries’ geographical location as well as the anticipated inﬂuence of other languages due to migration processes. This allowed the authors to show a lot of variety in the respondents’ choice of speciﬁc words and sentence constructions. The article also discusses the voseo phenomenon, the rioplatense dialect, and phonetic diﬀerences between them. They demonstrated the lexical, grammatical, and sociolinguistic diﬀerences between the varieties of Spanish.
Stosunek biskupa Ignacego Krasickiego do reform polityczno-prawnych w Polsce doby stanisławowskiej
Authors: Koredczuk Józef
Published: November 2021

Bishop Ignacy Krasicki’s attitude to the political-legal reforms in Poland of the King Stanisław era
Bishop Ignacy Krasicki was one of the best known figures in Poland of the King Stanisław era. He was known primarily as a poet, writer, author of fables. As the Bishop of Warmia, he occupied a very high position in Poland’s political hierarchy at the time — he was a member of the country’s Senate. Yet, he failed to meet the expectations of the people associated with him, primarily King Stanisław August Poniatowski, whose closest associates included Krasicki in the first period of his political career. His involvement after 1772, the most important time in the analysed period with regard to political-legal reforms in Poland, was made difficult by the fact that the Bishopric of Warmia, which he was the head of, found itself outside Poland’s borders, an event not without an impact on Krasicki’s political attitude. Krasicki not being much involved in the turbulent political life in Poland at the time does not mean that Poland’s affairs were not close to his heart. He was first and foremost a poet, not a politician, and that is why he referred to these affairs metaphorically in his literary works.
Die Stellung von Bischof Ignacy Krasicki zu den rechtlichen und politischen Reformen in Polen der Poniatowskizeit
Der Bischof Ignacy Krasicki war eine der bekanntesten Personen in Polen der Poniatowskizeit, bekannt vor allem als Dichter, Literat und Märchenschreiber. Als Bischof von Ermland und Mitglied des Senats hatte er auch eine sehr hohe Position in der damaligen politischen Hierarchie in Polen. Entgegen den Erwartungen der ihm nahe stehenden Personen, vor allem des Königs Stanislaus II. August Poniatowski, zu dessen engsten Mitarbeitern er in der ersten Phase seiner eigenen politischen Kariere gehörte, erfüllte er die an ihn gesetzten Hoffnungen nicht. Sein Engagement nach 1772, also dem wichtigsten Jahr in der besprochenen Zeit hinsichtlich der rechtlichen und politischen Reformen in Polen, war erschwert. Das Bistum Ermland, das er verwaltete, kam nämlich außerhalb der Grenzen von Polen, was nicht ohne Einfluss auf seine politische Haltung blieb. Das gemäßigte Engagement Krasickis in das rege politische Leben in Polen soll nicht so gedeutet werden, dass dieses Thema ihn nicht berührte. Er war vor allem ein Dichter und kein Politiker, so äußerte er sich zu den polnischen Angelegenheiten per Metaphern in seinen literarischen Werken.
Władysław Andrychiewicz’s views on the protection of the business name
Authors: Dolata Tomasz
Published: November 2021

The most prominent lawyer involved in research on issues related to the protection of the business name within the Kingdom of Poland (1815–1915) was Władysław Andrychiewicz. In his views on the business name, Andrychiewicz clearly opposed the popular thesis at that time that the business name is a simple name of the enterprise. The scholar consistently tried to defend the thesis that the business name is a specific name, with which the entrepreneur (an individual, a partnership or a company) marks their existence on the market and all their commercial activity. Therefore the business name constituted a reflection of the merchant not as a person (a surname served this purpose), but as a trader. Moreover, the scholar has clearly explained how he understands and what it means to conduct the business under the specific merchant’s business name. Andrychiewicz was an advocate of the principle of the veracity of the business name, which consisted in unconditional compliance of the business name with the name of the entrepreneur running its business. This researcher, as well as the majority of the contemporary French doctrine opposed the practice of including in the business names the surnames of persons who in fact did not take part in the business activity, and whose only contribution was consenting to the use of their names. Such an action was considered to be contrary to law, morality, and the essence of the business name. According to Andrychiewicz, the business name was a certain type of legal good closely related to the existence and activity of the merchant, which made it a purely personal mark (right). It determined the inalienable nature of the business name. Therefore, the scholar was a strong opponent of the admissibility of selling the business name, both without the enterprise as well as together with the enterprise. The scholar has tried to implement his theoretical knowledge into the field of practice. He worked for the benefit of the amendments to regulations regarding the protection of the business name in force in the Kingdom of Poland. As a result, however, his efforts have been unsuccessful.
Os programas de esporte educacional nos governos Lula e Dilma
Authors: Reis Nadson Santana , Athayde Pedro Fernando Avalone de , Mascarenhas Fernando
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: O presente estudo buscou analisar o modelo técnico-operacional dos programas de esporte educacional implementados pelos Governos Lula e Dilma entre os anos de 2003 e 2016. Método: Para tanto, analisou-se as orientações técnico-operacionais do Programa Segundo Tempo, da Ação Descoberta do Talento Esportivo e do Projeto Esporte Brasil, bem como do Programa Esporte da Escola. A pesquisa, de natureza documental, avaliou materiais com orientações pedagógicas, manuais, cartilhas educativas, instrumentos de avaliação e de organização didática das ações em análise. Resultados: Os resultados indicam avanços, como a defesa da democratização do esporte e de seu trato didático-pedagógico pautado na inclusão e ludicidade; limites, cuja maior expressão é a ênfase no paradigma esportivo e da aptidão física/aprendizagem motora; e anacronismos, que implicam o reclame da Educação Física e da escola na seleção, identificação, orientação e formação de novos talentos. Considerações finais: As considerações, nessa direção, apontam para a ausência de alinhamento e definição quanto à linha de ação governamental que, não obstante, acaba por oscilar entre proposições divergentes, contraditórias e antagônicas, inclusive dentro de um mesmo programa.
O que mudou na Conexões?
Authors: Góis Junior Edivaldo , Moralez Andreia Manzato
Published: November 2021

Desde 2016, após reformulação da equipe editorial, a revista Conexões tem crescido em qualidade e visibilidade. O objetivo deste Editorial é apresentar as significativas mudanças que ocorreram na revista neste período de trabalho contínuo e comprometido. Apresentamos as intervenções estéticas e de qualidade que culminaram, em 2021, na indexação na base de dados LILACS. Apresentamos também os desafios futuros que a revista almeja alcançar e nos despedimos brevemente de nosso Editor Chefe, cuja gestão encerra-se em meados de 2022.
Main Factors That Facilitate Second Language Learning With Learning and Teaching Experience
Authors: Li Wenyi
Published: November 2021

There are many factors that influence and promote second language learning and this research examines how to promote second language learning and teaching by exploring three main individual factors, namely motivation, anxiety and enjoyment. By understanding students' extrinsic motivation, teachers can use rewards or foster a sense of responsibility in learners to stimulate their latent interest. Although anxiety is generally regarded as a negative factor in learning, it can be reduced and language learning facilitated by studying the mechanisms of anxiety. The opposite of anxiety is enjoyment, and teachers can find a rewarding and enjoyable way to encourage students to make progress. Second language learning can therefore be facilitated through a range of research into the three important individual differences in motivation, anxiety and enjoyment.
An Empirical Comparison of Portuguese and Multilingual BERT Models for Auto-Classification of NCM Codes in International Trade
Authors: de Lima Roberta Rodrigues , Fernandes Anita M. R. , Bombasar James Roberto , da Silva Bruno Alves , Crocker Paul , Leithardt Valderi Reis Quietinho
Published: November 2021

The classification of goods involved in international trade in Brazil is based on the Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM). The classification of these goods represents a real challenge due to the complexity involved in assigning the correct category codes especially considering the legal and fiscal implications of misclassification. This work focuses on the training of a classifier based on Bidirectional En-coder Representations from Transformers (BERT) for the tax classification of goods with NCM codes. In particular, this article presents results from using a specific Portuguese Language tuned BERT model as well results from using a Multilingual BERT. Experimental results justify the use of these models in the classification process and also that the language specific model has a slightly better performance.
Quantum Switchboard with Coupled-Cavity Array
Authors: Mok Wai-Keong , Kwek Leong-Chuan
Published: November 2021

The ability to control the flow of quantum information deterministically is useful for scaling up quantum computation. In this paper, we demonstrate a controllable quantum switchboard which directs the teleportation protocol to one of two targets, fully dependent on the sender’s choice. The quantum switchboard additionally acts as a optimal quantum cloning machine. We also provide a physical implementation of the proposal using a coupled-cavity array. The proposed switchboard can be utilized for the efficient routing of quantum information in a large quantum network.
Toward a Taxonomy of Virus-ncRNAs Interactions in an RNA World for Disentangling Some Tiny Secrets of Dengue Virus
Authors: Bermudez-Santana Clara Isabel , Gallego-Gómez Juan Carlos
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating cell physiology has begun to be better understood. Recent discoveries in viral molecular biology have revealed that such cellular functions are disturbed during viral infections mainly due to host cell ncRNAs, cellular factors, and virus-derived ncRNAs. Apart from the interplay between those molecules, other interactions derive from the specific folding of RNA virus genomes. These fulfill canonical regulation functions such as replication, translation, and viral packaging. In some cases, folds serve as precursors of small viral RNAs whose biogenesis is not yet clearly understood. Since ncRNAs and RNA viral genomes modulate complex molecular and cellular processes in viral infections, a new taxonomy is being proposed here overarching three main categories, considering the current information about ncRNA interactions in some well-known viral infections. The first category shows examples of host ncRNAs associated with the trigger of the immune response under viral infections. The second category describes interactions between the virus and host ncRNAs. The last category shows how the shape of the RNA viral genome is essential in processing RNAs derived from viruses. Finally, we introduce evidence of how these three categories can also work as a framework in order to organize known interactions of ncRNAs and cellular factors under DENV infection. This new taxonomy of interactions provides a comprehensive framework for organizing the ncRNA regulatory roles in the context of viral interactions and an RNA world.
Balance Differences between North and South American Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional, Age and Sex Matched Study
Authors: Souza Matheus Almeida , Goble Daniel , Arney Paige , Vieira Edgar Ramos , Silveira-Nunes Gabriela , Intelangelo Leonardo , Barbosa Michelle Almeida , Barbosa Alexandre Carvalho
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to characterize the risk of falling in low, moderate and high risk participants from two different geographical locations using a portable force-plate. A sample of 390 older adults from South and North America were matched for age, sex, height and weight. All participants performed a standardized balance assessment using a force plate. Participants were classified in low, moderate and high risk of falling. No differences were observed between South and North American men, nor comparing North American men and women. South American women showed the significantly shorter center of pressure path length compared to other groups. The majority of the sample was categorized as having low risk of falling (male: 65.69 % and female: 61.87 %), with no differences between men and women. Also, no differences were found between North vs. South Americans, nor for falls risk levels when male and female groups were compared separately. In conclusion, South American women had better balance compatible with the status of the 50-59 years’ normative age-range. The prevalence of low falls risk was ~ 61-65 % and the prevalence of moderate to high risk was ~ 16-19 %. The frequency of fall risk did not differ significantly between North and South Americans, nor between males and females.
Fish Upstream Passage Through Gauging Stations. Experiences With Iberian Barbel in Flat-V Weirs
Authors: Sanz-Ronda Francisco Javier , Bravo-Córdoba Francisco Javier , García-Vega Ana , Valbuena-Castro Jorge , Martínez-de-Azagra Andrés Manuel , Fuentes-Pérez Juan Francisco
Published: November 2021

The monitoring of river discharge is vital for the correct management of water resources. A worldwide facility used for measuring discharge are flat-V gauging weirs. These structures consist of a small weir, with a triangular cross-section and a flat “V”-shaped notch. Their extensive use is a consequence of their utility in the measurement of both low and high flow conditions. However, depending on their size, local morphology and river discharge can act as full or partial hydraulic barriers to fish migration. To give answer to this question, the present work studies fish passage performance over flat-V weirs considering their hydraulic performance. For this, radio-tracking and video monitoring observations were combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models in two flat-V weirs, using Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) as target species. Results show that fish passage is conditioned by both hydraulic and behavioral processes, providing evidences about the scenarios where flat-V weirs may act as full or partial barriers to upstream movements. For the studied flat-V weirs, a discharge range of 0.27-8 m3/s, with a water drop difference between upstream and downstream water levels lower than 0.7 m and a depth downstream the weir higher than 0.30 m can be considered as an effective passage situation for barbels. These findings are of interest to quantify flat-V weir impacts, for engineering applications and to establish managing or retrofitting actions when required.
Virtual Reality and Digital Human Modeling for the Physical Ergonomic Analysis in Product Development in Industry: A Systematic Review
Authors: da Silva Adailton , Mendes Marcus , Winkler Ingrid
Published: November 2021

The efficacy of the product development process is measured by the ability to launch a project with product and production process specifications that could guarantee that the manufacturing can produce it with the least impact. If a problem is detected late, they bring consequences beyond the high cost of the solution, if related to physical ergonomics, which will influence the well-being of operators, productivity, and quality. Virtual Reality (VR) and Digital Human Modeling (DHM) are ones of the enabling technologies of Industry 4.0 and has already been applied on a large scale in industries such as automotive, construction, and aeronautics. However, even though the huge applications, these technologies are not yet applied by these industries for the analysis of physical ergonomics during product development phases. This study aims to characterize the state of the art and technology about the application of Virtual Reality and Digital Human Modeling for the physical ergonomics analysis in the during product development phases in the industry through a systematic review of the literature and patents. In patent documents recovery, we used Derwent Innovation database. The research is based on searching the selected terms in the title, summary, and claims of the documents through a search strategy containing IPC code and keywords. In articles recovery, we searched ScienceDirect, Springer, and IEEExplore databases for scientific publications. The search resulted in 311 patents documents and 16 articles in the scientific database. This study analyzed the patents to map out the technological progress in this area, where we found in the charts and data an increasing number of publications per year and a spread application with a considerable number of new technologies presented in these recent patents. The literature review indicated that Virtual Reality technology complements the Digital Human Modeling during physical ergonomics analysis for manufacturing process already designed. The majority of research on the use of VR and DHM technologies for physical ergonomics analysis focus on the automotive industry and the ergonomic assessment of workstations and current processes. Further research is needed to investigate how Virtual Reality and Digital Human Modeling might assist in the understanding of physical ergonomics in certain tasks throughout the product development process, such as the simulation of worker posture or effort when assembling parts.
In Vitro Cytotoxic Effect of 2-(Morpholin-4-Yl)-4,5-Bis(2’’,2’’,2’’-Trinitroethoxy)-1,3,5-Triazine on Human Fibroblasts, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Limareva Larisa , Iliasov Pavel , Gidaspov Alexander , Zalomlenkov Vladimir , Sustretov Aleksey , Sizova Arina , Rossinskaya Viktoriya
Published: November 2021

2-(Morpholin-4-yl)-4,5-bis(2’’,2’’,2’’-trinitroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazine having QSAR-predicted anti-tumor activity was tested for the cytotoxicity using MTT and LDH cell viability tests. The experiments were conducted using human fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and breast cancer cells and allowed to identify effective cytotoxic concentration ant therapeutic range of this compound. The data obtained suggest the feasibility of the further studies of the test compound as a potential anti-cancer agent.
Real-Time Tephra Detection and Dispersal Forecasting by a Ground-Based Weather Radar
Authors: Syarifuddin Magfira , Jenkins Susanna F. , Hapsari Ratih Indri , Yang Qingyuan , Taisne Benoit , Aji Andika Bayu , Aisyah Nurnaning , Mawanda Hanggar Ghanara , Legono Djoko
Published: November 2021

Tephra plumes can cause a significant hazard for surrounding towns, infrastructure, and air traffic. The current work presents the use of a small and compact X-band Multi-Parameter (X-MP) radar for the remote tephra detection and tracking of two eruptive events at Merapi Volcano, Indonesia, in May and June 2018. Tephra detection was done by analysing the multiple parameters of radar: copolar correlation and reflectivity intensity. These parameters were used to cancel unwanted clutter and retrieve tephra properties, which are grain size and concentration. Real-time spatial and temporal forecasting of tephra dispersal was performed by applying an advection scheme (nowcasting) in the manner of Ensemble Prediction System (EPS). Cross-validation was done using field-survey data, radar observations, and Himawari-8 imagery. The nowcasting model computed both the displacement and growth and decaying rate of the plume based on the temporal changes in two-dimensional movement and tephra concentration, respectively. Our results with ground-based data, where the radar-based estimated grain size distribution fell within the range of in-situ data. The uncertainty of real-time forecasted tephra plume depends on the initial condition, which affects the growth-and decaying rate estimation. The EPS improves the predictability rate by reducing the number of missed and false forecasted events. Our findings and the method presented here are suitable for early warning of tephra fall hazard at the local scale.
Sensory-processing Sensitivity and Pathways to Depression and Aggression: The Mediating Role of Trait Emotional Intelligence and Decision-making Style. A Pilot Study.
Authors: Drndarevic Nikola , Protic Sonja , Mestre Jose M
Published: November 2021

While the link between Sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS) and internalizing symptoms has been well-established, a link to externalizing problems is still to be explored. This study aimed to further examine the relation between SPS and behavioral problems by testing the potential mediating roles of trait emotional intelligence (TEI) and decision-making styles. Pathway analyses were conducted on data from 268 community sample participants (Mage= 25.81, SD=2.41, 61.2% females). Results indicated gender differences in the pathway level outcomes of SPS, as well as potential partial mediators in men and women. SPS both directly and via the mediating effects of well-being factor (TEI) and avoidant decision-making influenced depression, regardless of gender. Direct effects on aggression were, however, obtained only in the male sample. Indirect effects of SPS on aggression were found in spontaneous decision-making for men, and in self-control and sociability factors of TEI for women. Directions for future research were discussed. sensory-processing sensitivity, depression, aggression, emotional intelligence, decision-making style, gender differences
Reoccurring Bovine Anthrax in Germany on the Same Pasture after 12 Years
Authors: Braun Peter , Beyer Wolfgang , Hanczaruk Matthias , Riehm Julia , Antwerpen Markus , Otterbein Christian , Oesterheld Jacqueline , Grass Gregor
Published: November 2021

The zoonotic disease anthrax caused by the endospore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis is very rare in Germany. In the state of Bavaria, the last case occurred in July of 2009 resulting in four dead cows. In August of 2021, the disease reemerged after heavy rains, killing one gestating cow. Notably, both outbreaks affected the same pasture, suggesting a close epidemiological connection. B. anthracis could be grown from blood culture and the presence of both virulence plasmids (pXO1 and pXO2) were confirmed by PCR. Also, recently developed diagnostic tools enabled rapid detection of B. anthracis cells and nucleic acids directly in clinical samples. The complete genome of the strain isolated from blood, designated BF-5, was DNA-sequenced and phylogenetically grouped within the B.Br.CNEVA clade that is typical for European B. anthracis strains. The genome was almost identical to BF-1, the isolate of 2009, separated only by three single nucleotide polymorphisms on the chromosome, one on plasmid pXO2 and three indel-regions. Further, B. anthracis DNA was detected by PCR from soil-samples taken from spots, where the cow had fallen onto the pasture. New tools based on phage receptor binding proteins enabled the microscopic detection and isolation of B. anthracis directly from soil-samples. These environmental isolates were genotyped and found to be SNP-identical to BF-1. Therefore, it seems that the BF-5 genotype is currently the prevalent one at the affected premises. The contaminated area was subsequently disinfected with formaldehyde.
Brain Signaling of Indispensable Amino Acid Deficiency
Authors: Gietzen Dorothy Winter
Published: November 2021

Our health requires continual protein synthesis for maintaining and repairing tissues. For protein synthesis to function, all the essential (indispensable) amino acids (IAA) that must be available in the diet, along with those AAs that the cells can synthesize, the dispensable amino acids. Here we review studies that have shown the location of the detector for IAA deficiency in the brain, specifically for recognition of IAA deficient diets (IAAD diets) in the anterior piriform cortex (APC), with subsequent responses in downstream brain areas. The APC is highly excitable, uniquely suited to serve as an alarm for reductions in IAAs. With a balanced diet, these neurons are kept from over-excitation by GABAergic inhibitory neurons. Because several transporters and receptors on the GABAergic neurons have rapid turnover times, they rely on intact protein synthesis to function. When an IAA is missing, its unique tRNA cannot be charged. This activates the enzyme General Control Nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) that is important in the initiation phase of protein synthesis. Without the inhibitory control supplied by GABAergic neurons, excitation in the circuitry is free to signal an urgent alarm. Studies in rodents have shown rapid recognition of IAA deficiency by quick rejection of the IAAD diet.
Digitalizalization in Food Supply Chains: A Bibliometric Review and Key-route Main Path Analysis
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Rejeb Karim , Abdollahi Alireza , Zailani Suhaiza , Mohammad Iranmanesh , Gobakhloo Morteza
Published: November 2021

Technological advances such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, big data, social media, geographic information systems represent a building block of the digital transformation that supports the resilience of the food supply chain (FSC) and increases its efficiency. This paper reviews the literature surrounding digitalization in FSCs. A bibliometric and key-route main path analysis was carried out to objectively and analytically uncover the knowledge development in digitalization within the context of sustainable FSCs. The research began with the selection of 2140 articles published nearly over five decades. Then, the articles were examined according to several bibliometric metrics such as year of publication, countries, institutions, sources, authors, and keywords frequency. A keyword co-occurrence network was generated to cluster the relevant literature. Findings of the review and bibliometric analysis indicate that research at the intersection of technology and the FSC has gained substantial interest from scholars. On the basis of keyword co-occurrence network, the literature is focused on the role of information communication technology for agriculture and food security, food waste and circular economy, and the merge of the Internet of Things and blockchain in the FSC. The analysis of the key-route main path uncovers three critical periods marking the development of technology-enabled FSCs. The study offers scholars a better understanding of digitalization within the agri-food industry and the current knowledge gaps for future research. Practitioners may find the review useful to remain ahead of the latest discussions of technology-enabled FSCs. To the authors’ best knowledge, the current study is one of the few endeavors to explore technology-enabled FSCs using a comprehensive sample of journals articles published during the past five decades.
Two Compounds of 1-((4-Bromothiophen-2-Yl)Methylene)-2-(Perfluorophenyl)Hydrazine, and 1-((4-Bromo-5-Methylthiophen-2-Yl)Methylene)-2-(Perfluorophenyl)Hydrazine and They Crystal, Molecular and Electronic Properties
Authors: Sivý Július , Bortňák Dušan , Végh Daniel , Rakovský Erik
Published: November 2021

The crystals, C11H4BrF5N2S, (I), 1-((4-bromothiophen-2-yl)methylene)-2-(perfluorophenyl)hydrazine and C12H6BrF5N2S, (II), 1-((4-bromo-5-methylthiophen-2-yl)methylene)-2-(perfluorophenyl)hydrazine are molecules with two rings and hydrazone part like a centre of the molecule. The compounds have been synthesized and characterized by elemental, spectroscopic (1H-NMR) analysis. The crystal structures of the solid phase were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. They crystallize in the monoclinic space group with Z = 4 and Z = 2 molecules per unit-cell. The compound (I) crystallizes as a racemate in the centrosymmetric space group and the compound (II) crystallizes as a non-racemate in the non-centrosymmetric space group. The “absolute configuration and conformation for bond values” were derived from the anomalous dispersion (ad) for (II). The crystal structures are revealed diverse non-covalent interactions such as intra- and interhydrogen bonding, π-ring···π-ring, C-H···π-ring and they were investigated. The expected stereochemistry of hydrazones atoms C7, N2 and N1 were confirmed for (I) and (II). The hole molecule of the (I), and (II) possesses “a boat conformation” like a 6-membered ring. The results of the single crystal studies are reproduced with the help of Hirshfeld surface study and Gaussian software.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defenses in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nantachai Gallayaporn , Vasupanrajit Asara , Tunvirachaisakul Chavit , Solmi Marco , Michael Maes Michael Maes
Published: November 2021

This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze the nitro-oxidative stress (O&NS)/antioxidant (ANTIOX) ratio in the peripheral blood of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for articles published from inception until July 31, 2021. Forty-six studies on 3.798 MCI individuals and 6.063 healthy controls were included. The O&NS/ANTIOX ratio was significantly higher in MCI than in controls with a Standardized Mean Difference (SMD)=0.378 (95% CI: 0.250; 0.506). MCI individuals showed increased lipid peroxidation (SMD=0.774, 95%CI: 4.416; 1.132) and O&NS-associated toxicity (SMD=0.621, CI: 0.377; 0.865) and reduced glutathione (GSH) defenses (SMD=0.725, 95%CI: 0.269; 1.182) as compared with controls. MCI was also accompanied by significantly increased homocysteine (SMD=0.320, CI: 0.059; 0.581), but not protein oxidation, and lowered non-vitamin (SMD=0.347, CI: 0.168; 0.527) and vitamin (SMD=0.564, CI: 0.129; 0.999) antioxidant defenses. The results show that MCI is at least in part due to increased neuro-oxidative toxicity and suggest that treatments targeting lipid peroxidation and the GSH system may be used to treat or prevent MCI.
Investigation of the Participatory Approach to Decision Making for Urban Regeneration Intervention
Authors: Jayaprakash Sumana - , Swamy Vimala
Published: November 2021

Public participation in the decision-making process in Urban Interventions is the key to the success of the project for improving the quality of life of its citizens. The citizen has the democratic right to express his needs and aspiration; he is the final user who experiences the outcomes of the policy decisions. Non involvement of the citizens in the planning process can bring about the misinterpretation of the intention of political leadership and lead to opposition and protest. The inadequate understanding of citizens of the urban context makes public participation ineffective. In this context, the decision-makers are often faced with the challenges of the level of confidence of the citizens about their ideas and responses being incorporated in the project and the confidence of the citizens in the local urban authority in its ability to carry out the project. However, the decision-makers base their decision on the assumption that the citizens have a general understanding of the urban issues. This research work investigates the basis of this assumption. 1. Do the citizens have confidence that the local urban authority considers their choices and responses in the course of decision making 2. Do the citizens have the confidence that the local urban authority can undertake the Urban Regeneration project 3. Whether in the decision-making process of urban regeneration intervention, citizen's responses are backed by a general understanding of urban issues. The case study taken up is of Hassan city. Five areas of crucial importance have been selected based on the development plan report of the city. The integrated approach aims to find the most appropriate area for proposing the Urban Regeneration project. The framework adopted includes 1. Questionnaire survey: to collect citizens’ responses 2. Analysis of variance (ANNOVA) for analysis of the data collected.
The Moderating Role of CSR On the Antecedents And Out Come of Earnings Management in The Iraqi Firm
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed Ghanim , Ganesan Yuvaraj , Hashim Fathyah
Published: November 2021

The increase in the number of firms manipulating financial reports has misled shareholders' investment decisions and resulted in an indelible blot on foreign investors’ trust. Due to earnings management (EM) practice, managers' inefficiency, and lack of transparency in Iraq companies. This study tested the influence of the corporate governance mechanisms (CG), (board independence, audit committee, meeting frequency) on EM based on agency theory, as well, to link between EM and firm's performance (FP) in Iraqi listed companies and the impact of moderating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on the Stakeholder Theory. The study's sample consists of 65 companies for the 2013-2018 financial years. Data were collected mainly from the annual reports (secondary data) of the Iraqi listed firms. This study uses the M-score model to detect EM practices as practical techniques in detecting earnings manipulation practices. The panel static model estimators. Hence, this paper adds to the CG literature from the perspective of stakeholder theory using Iraq's unique industrial environment. Based on the research results, policy-makers might use the study‘s findings to recognize the essential roles of several CG mechanisms in alleviating the opportunistic practices in Iraq. Further, companies should also be encouraged to enhance the CSR disclosure quality.
Ficus thonningii Stem Bark Extracts Prevent High Fructose Diet Induced Increased Plasma Triglyceride Concentration, Hepatic Steatosis and Inflammation in Growing Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Chivandi Eliton , Mhosva Yvonne , Nyakudya Trevor , Nkomozepi Pilani
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: Ficus thonningii extracts exhibit hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activities. We investigated the potential of methanolic F. thonningii stem-bark extracts (MEFT) to protect growing Sprague-Dawley (SD) against high-fructose diet-induced metabolic derangements (MD) in a model mimicking children fed obesogenic diets. METHODS: Eighty (40 males; 40 females) 21-days old SD rat pups were randomly allocat-ed to and administered, for 8 weeks, five treatment regimens: 1 - standard rat chow (SC) + water (PW), 2 - SC + 20% (w/v) fructose solution (FS), 3 - SC + FS + fenofibrate at 100 mg/kg bwt/day, 4 - SC + FS + low dose MEFT (LD; 50 mg/kg bwt/day) and 5 - SC + FS + high dose MEFT (HD; 500 mg/kg bwt/day). Body weight, glucose load tolerance, fasting blood glucose and triglyceride, plasma insulin concentration, sensitivity to insulin, liver mass and fat content, steatosis and inflammation were determined. RESULTS: Fructose had no effect on the rats’ growth, glucose and insulin concentration, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (P>0.05) but increased triglycerides in females; in-duced hepatic microsteatosis and inflammation in both sexes but macrosteatosis in females (P<0.05). In females, MEFT prevented fructose-induced plasma triglyceride increase. Low dose MEFT increased liver lipid content in females (P<0.05). The MEFT protected the rats against hepatic steatosis and inflammation but fenofibrate protected against hepatic mi-crosteatosis. CONCLUSION: MEFT can be used as prophylaxis against dietary fructose-induced ele-ments of MD but caution must be taken as low dose MEFT increases hepatic lipid accretion in females predisposing to fatty liver disease.
Age-Dependent Decline of NAD+ - Universal Truth or Confounded Consensus?
Authors: Peluso Augusto , Damgaard Mads Vargas , Mori Marcelo Alves , Treebak Jonas Thue
Published: November 2021

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential molecule involved in various metabolic reactions, acting as an electron donor in the electron transport chain and as a co-factor for NAD+-dependent enzymes. In the early 2000s, reports that NAD+ declines with aging introduced the notion that NAD+ metabolism is globally and progressively impaired with time. Since then, NAD+ became an attractive target for potential pharmacological therapies aiming to boost NAD+ levels to promote vitality and protect against age-related diseases. This review summarizes and discusses a collection of studies that report the levels of NAD+ with aging in different species (i.e., yeast, C. elegans, rat, mouse, monkey, and human) to determine whether the notion that overall NAD+ levels decrease with aging stands true. We find that despite systematic claims of overall changes in NAD+ levels with aging, the evidence to support it is very limited and often restricted to a single tissue or cell type. This is particularly true in humans, where the development of NAD+ levels during aging is still poorly characterized. There is a need for much larger, preferably longitudinal, studies aimed to assess how NAD+ levels develop with aging in various tissues. This will strengthen our conclusions on NAD+ during aging and should provide a foundation for better pharmacological targeting of relevant tissues.
Measurement of Dry and Autogenous Shrinkages and Thermal Strain of Early Age Concrete Pavement
Authors: Ku Jaewook , Roh Seunghyun , Hwang Hyunsik
Published: November 2021

(1)Background: Early-age concrete shrinkage induces stress that impact the cost and service life of concrete pavements. (2)Methods: In this study, strain measurements of field slabs were conducted and a methodology was presented that independently derived autogenous, drying, and thermal shrinkages in the initial stages of concrete placement. Total strain was measured according to five different environmental conditions and shrinkage strain was calculated for each condition. (3)Results: By measuring the strain of the slab and the specimen, the drying shrinkage strain was measured to be approximately 54% better than that by the conventional non-stressed cylinder method because it was possible to measure the drying shrinkage strain at the surface rather than in the middle part of the slab along its depth direction. When the water-to-cement ratio increased (35→40%), there was a considerable reduction (317με→82με) of autogenous shrinkage strain for the concrete at 28 days of age. Furthermore, calculation of stress-dependent strain allowed the presentation of more intuitive and accurate results. (4)Conclusion: As the measurement of independent shrinkage occurrence is possible, the consequent calculated result of the stress-dependent strain acting on real slabs will facilitate improvement in the construction quality, reduction in the development of defects in the concrete structure, and increase in the service life.
Efficient and Stable Voxel-Based Algorithm for Computing 3D Zernike Moments and Shape Reconstruction
Authors: Deng An-Wen , Gwo Chih-Ying
Published: November 2021

3D Zernike moments based on 3D Zernike polynomials have been successfully applied to the field of voxelized 3D shape retrieval and have attracted more attention in biomedical image processing. As the order of 3D Zernike moments increases, both computational efficiency and numerical accuracy decrease. Due to this phenomenon, a more efficient and stable method for computing high-order 3D Zernike moments was proposed in this study. The proposed recursive formula for computing 3D Zernike radial polynomials combines the recursive calculation of spherical harmonics to develop a voxel-based algorithm for the calculation of 3D Zernike moments. The algorithm was applied to the 3D shape Michelangelo's David with a size of 150×150×150 voxels. As compared to the method without additional acceleration, the proposed method uses a group action of order sixteen orthogonal group and saving unnecessary iterations, the factor of speed-up is 56.783±3.999 when the order of Zernike moments is between 10 and 450. The proposed method also obtained an accurate reconstructed shape with the error rate (normalized mean square error) of 0.00 (4.17×10^-3) when the reconstruction was computed for all moments up to order 450.
Genome-guided Discovery of the First Myxobacterial Biarylitide Myxarylin Reveals Distinct C–N Biaryl Crosslinking in RiPP Biosynthesis
Authors: Hug Joachim J. , Frank Nicolas A. , Walt Christine , Šenica Petra , Panter Fabian , Müller Rolf
Published: November 2021

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a structurally diverse group of natural products. They feature a wide range of intriguing posttranslational modifications as exemplified by the biarylitides. These are a family of cyclic tripeptides found in Planomonospora, carrying a biaryl-linkage between two aromatic amino acids. Recent genomic analyses revealed the minimal biosynthetic prerequisite of biarylitide biosynthesis consisting of only one ribosomally synthesized pentapeptide precursor as substrate and a modifying cytochrome P450 dependent enzyme. In silico analyses revealed that the minimal biarylitide RiPP clusters are widespread among natural product producers across phylogenetic borders including myxobacteria. We report here the genome-guided discovery of the first myxobacterial biarylitide MeYLH termed Myxarylin from Pyxidicoccus fallax An d48. Myxarylin was found to be an N-methylated tripeptide surprisingly exhibiting a C–N biaryl crosslink. In contrast to Myxarylin, previously isolated biarylitides are N-acetylated tripeptides featuring a C–C biaryl crosslink. Furthermore, the formation of Myxarylin was confirmed by heterologous expression of the identified biosynthetic genes in Myxococcus xanthus DK1622. These findings expand the structural and biosynthetic scope of biarylitide type RiPPs and emphasize the distinct biochemistry found in the myxobacterial realm.
A Thermally Stable Quasi-CMOS Bipolar Logic
Authors: Kuzmicz Wieslaw
Published: November 2021

Logic gates made of pairs of NPN and PNP bipolar transistors, similar to CMOS logic gates, have been proposed and patented long ago but did not find any practical application until now. Other bipolar technologies (TTL, TTL-S, ECL), once the technologies of choice for digital systems, were abandoned and superseded by CMOS. In this paper it is shown that now, when truly com-plementary pairs of bipolar transistors can be made, properly biased bipolar gates similar to CMOS gates are feasible, can be thermally stable and find practical applications.
You + ME Registry: A Research Platform to Facilitate Clinical and Therapeutic Discoveries in ME/CFS and Related Diseases
Authors: Ramiller Allison , Mudie Kathleen , Seibert Elle , Whittaker Sadie
Published: November 2021

ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is a chronic, complex, heterogeneous disease that affects millions and lacks both diagnostics and treatments. Big data, or the collection of vast quantities of data that can be mined for information, has transformed the understanding of many complex illnesses like cancer (1,2) and multiple sclerosis (3,4), by dissecting heterogeneity, identifying subtypes, and enabling the development of personalized treatments. It is possible that big data can reveal the same for ME/CFS. Solve M.E. developed and launched the You + ME Registry to collect longitudinal health data from people with ME/CFS, people with Long COVID (LC) and control volunteers using rigorous protocols designed to harmonize with other groups collecting data from similar groups of people. The Registry is an invaluable resource because it integrates with a symptom tracking app, as well as a biorepository, to provide a robust and rich dataset that is available to qualified researchers. Accordingly, it facilitates collaboration that may ultimately uncover causes and help accelerate the development of therapies.
The Mechanics of Forming Ideal Polymer Solvent Combinations for Open-Loop Chemical Recycling of Plastics and Solvents
Authors: Tsampanakis Ioannis , Orbaek White Alvin
Published: November 2021

The inherent value and use of hydrocarbon from waste plastics and solvents can be extended through open-loop chemical recycling as this process converts plastic to range of non-plastic materials. This process is enhanced by first creating plastic-solvent-combinations from multiple sources which are then streamlined through single process stream. We report on the relevant mechanics for streamlining industrially relevant polymers such as polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) into chemical slurries mixed with various organic solvents such as toluene, xylene and cyclohexane. The miscibility of the polymer feedstock within the solvent was evaluated using the Relative Energy Difference method, and the dissolution process was evaluated using the “Molecular theories in a continuum framework” model. These models were used to design a batch process yielding 1 tonne/h slurry by setting appropriate assumptions including constant viscosity of solvents, disentanglement-controlled dissolution mechanism and linear increase of the dissolved polymer’s mass fraction over time. Solvent selection was found to be the most critical parameter for the dissolution process. The characteristics of the ideal solvent are high affinity to the desired polymer and low viscosity. This work serves as a universal technical guideline for open-loop chemical recycling of plastics avoiding the growth of waste plastic in a circular economy framework.