bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melhoria em cadeira de rodas, acoplando roquete ao eixo
Authors: Pinheiro Samuel Junio França , Vasconcelos Thiago De Oliveira , Melo Tiago De
Published: February 2021

Com a busca de evolução na acessibilidade para deficientes físicos, a Tecnologia Assistiva (TA) tem desenvolvido diversos artefatos para proporcionar tal êxito. Dentre os diversos grupos de deficientes, os cadeirantes têm sofrido bastante com a precariedade de recursos que os apoiam no dia a dia, sejam recursos da sua própria cadeira de rodas, ou até mesmo nos acessos (Rampas, acessos, apoio etc.) Assim, sabe-se que a engenharia mecânica objetiva criar medidas e soluções para qualquer tipo de artefato que se movimenta. E junto a tecnologia assistiva, são capazes de proporcionar excelentes projetos de melhorias para os cadeirantes. Dito isso, o presente artigo objetiva estudar e analisar a implementação da chave de roquete em cadeiras de rodas, visando a melhoria das limitações de segurança aos cadeirantes e muitos outros aspectos, como a sobreposição de um preço de mercado acessível aos indivíduos de baixa renda. Trata-se de uma pesquisa aplicada baseada em revisões bibliográficas, e de cunho descritivo e quantitativo que nos permitiu verificar a qualidade do uso destas cadeiras de rodas por cadeirantes.
Aborto no Brasil: Visões ideológicas
Authors: Ribeiro João Batista Almeida
Published: February 2021

O aborto durante o decorrer de muitas décadas foi visto como um ato imoral, tendo sido passível de grande repúdio pelas antigas civilizações, as legislações estadistas e o negativismo das doutrinas religiosas sempre se mostraram um grande embaraço a essa prática. A criminalização do aborto se arguiu em épocas remotas, tempos em que a igreja majorava grande influência sob impérios e nações, por consequência, as ordens religiosas usavam de tal status para satisfazer interesses das próprias congregações. Mas mesmo com situações adversas, a cultura dessa técnica permaneceu agindo em todo o mundo, só no Brasil estima-se que mais de 503 mil abortos são realizados por ano, denotasse que clandestinamente o aborto ainda persiste em existir. O fundamentalismo religioso do maior país católico do mundo, seguido pelo conservadorismo estatal, é um grande embaraço à aceitação de tal prática. A pesquisa foi construída com base nestas problemáticas: Qual a relação entre o aborto e as ideologias existentes no Brasil? Existe miscigenação entre o ordenamento jurídico e o fundamentalismo religioso? O presente artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma análise acerca dos magistérios da igreja e as legislações atuais, abordando as modalidades abortivas, demonstrando a veemência dessas práticas que atravessaram décadas, e que ainda hoje permanecem constantes em todas as classes sociais no Brasil.
Perfil De Sensibilidade A Antimicrobianos Dos Uropatógenos Em Um Laboratório De Macapá, Amapá, Amazônia Brasileira
Authors: Silva Ítalo Fernando Penha da , Serruya Júnior José Maria Henriques , Goés Tayonara Borges Gonçalves , Noronha Bruno Gomes de , Dias Cláudio Alberto Gellis de Mattos , Dendasck Carla Viana , Oliveira Euzébio de , Fecury Amanda Alves
Published: February 2021

As infecções do trato urinário (ITU) representam um problema de saúde mundial. A resistência microbiana, decorrente de pressão seletiva de antibióticos, tem influência direta na evolução e no impacto dessas infecções. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar o perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos dos uropatógenos isolados em amostras de uroculturas provenientes de um laboratório privado na cidade de Macapá/AP. É um estudo quantitativo, retrospectivo e transversal, utilizando base de dados do laboratório. Os dados foram coletados de resultados de uroculturas com antibiograma analisadas no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. O presente estudo avaliou 3.510 uroculturas, realizadas no período do estudo, das quais 1.269 tiveram crescimento bacteriano, que equivalente a 36,15%. Dentre os resultados positivos, encontraram-se as bactérias Escherichia coli (66,59%), Staphylococcus aureus (32,62%), colônias mistas de E. coli e S. aureus (0,47%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (0,24%) e Serratia marcescens (0,08%). O gênero masculino foi responsável por 16,35% (n = 574) das uroculturas analisadas, enquanto a população feminina foi de 83,65% (n = 2936). Ao analisar a distribuição de bactérias isoladas por gênero, o sexo masculino foi considerado fator protetor com 42% de chances a menos de apresentar bactérias na urina. A bactéria E. coli foi o patógeno predominante nestas infecções em ambos os sexos e em todas as faixas etárias.
THE SPECIFIC AND GENERAL NATURE OF LOGISTICS TASKS
Authors: Pató Beáta Sz. G. , Kovács Zoltán , Szabó László
Published: February 2021

There are many ways to define and to describe jobs and assigning to people. This is a key issue in both blue collar and in white collar jobs. This analysis focuses on the work content of jobs in logistics. However, the methodology allows the exploration of closely related issues to determine competence requirements as well. Jobs can be seen to have bearing on many areas including effectiveness, efficiency of individual and organizational level, social and political issues.
The purpose of the research carried out by authors was to identify the necessary competencies in logistics jobs. It included the analysis of the tasks using company document (job description) analysis in order to identify the tasks and required competencies. Researchers extracted and then standardized the verb - noun pairs which described the tasks. The frequency of these pairs gave the weight of the task in a job.
This method allowed the researchers to determine the overlapping rate of activities in different fields (trade, transport, comprehensive activities). It was found that the most different/independent field in the terms of similarities is warehousing.
Results suggest the rethinking of the training content in order to find the right balance between the general and specific competencies. They also help organizations to optimize the composition of cross-functional staff.
Key words: analysis of the tasks, supply chain, generalist logistics jobs, job descriptions, necessary competencies, cross-functional staff.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SECTOR AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Chowdhury Anup , Shil Nikhil Chandra
Published: February 2021

This research explored in depth the evolution of performance measurement systems in the context of new public management initiatives in Australian public sector. A governmental department in the Australian Capital Territory was selected for the purpose of the exploration. The qualitative research approach was adopted and data was collected following case study tradition. The main data sources were archival official documents and interviews. In addition, the researchers used direct observation to supplement and corroborate the archival documents and interview data. The empirical evidence presented in this research supports the fact that the selected Australian government department has implemented performance measurement systems in the line of new public management to illustrate the department’s commitment to efficiency and accountability. The research undertaken was in-depth, using a case study and though generalization is not possible from this single case study, the findings may be expected to add knowledge to existing literature and provide some important lessons for other public sector entities of the developing countries who are interested in adopting performance measurement systems as their control devices.
Keywords: public sector, performance measurement systems, new public management, developing countries, Australia.
Determination of Relation of Gender Variation in Age and Cardiac Risk Factors in Unstable Angina in Bangladeshi Population
Authors: Suhrawardy SM , Begum Momtaz , Akhter Nayeema , Sharif Jahid Hossain , Uddin Md Jashim , Hossain Moynal
Published: February 2021

The incidence of Unstable Angina is increasing. More than 80% of CAD is attributed to different modifiable cardiac risk factors. Evidence of effect of sex on different cardiac risk factor and as well as effect of age in different sex for CAD is still limited and needs evaluation. An observational case series study conducted on 50 consecutive cases following appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria in the Department of Physiology, Chittagong Medical College in collaboration with CCU of Chittagong Medical College Hospital from September 2006 to July 2008. The cases of unstable angina were diagnosed on the basis of clinical criteria and ECG findings. Serum Troponin I level were estimated to exclude Non-STE MI. There were statistically significant difference of cardiac risk factors (smoking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus) with sex variation (p value<0.05) Smoking habits were less in female, hypertension and diabetes detected more in female. This study concludes that significant difference of cardiac risk factors and age difference in both sexes may explain the outcome of UA in female.

JCMCTA 2012; 23(1): 42-45
Efficacy of Mycophenolate Mofetil (Mmf) in the Treatment of Chronic Plaque Type Psoriasis
Authors: Sultana Abida , Bhuiyan Md Saiful Islam , Bhuiyan Md Nur Hossain , Zakaria ASM , Rahman Md Mustafizur , Md Nizamuddin -
Published: February 2021

One to two percent of world population is suffering from psoriasis and treating moderate and severe psoriasis is a huge challenge as most of the systemic anti-psoriatics cause long term toxicities. The aim of the study was to see the efficacy and of Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque type psoriasis. It was an open prospective study conducted in the department of Dermatology and Venereology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Seven patients with moderate to severe plaque type psoriasis were treated with MMF 1gm twice daily for twelve weeks. Outcome was measured with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and adverse effects were recorded. Baseline PASI was 10.8 to 30 and PASI reduction after 4, 8 and 12 weeks treatment was 23.70% to 43.75%, 49.5% to 70.37% and 75.0% to 88.89% respectively. PASI-75 (PASI reduction >75.0% was achieved in all seven cases. No adverse effect was found. Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) is a effective treatment option for moderate to severe plaque type psoriasis.

JCMCTA 2012; 23(1): 46-48
INTERAÇÕES E BRINCADEIRAS COMO METODOLOGIA DE INCLUSÃO NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: Marques Circe Mara , Bicca Luciana , Kaim Luiza Inês , Silva Marli Aparecida da , Oliveira Thaís de , Miranda Zenaide da Rocha Fragata
Published: February 2021

Este artigo trata da inclusão na educação infantil. O objetivo foi conhecer os modos de interações entre crianças com e sem deficiência na escola de educação infantil. A pesquisa se constituiu em um estudo de caso e os dados foram produzidos a partir de observações em uma escola pública, localizada no oeste catarinense. Os participantes pertencem a uma turma de educação infantil, constituída por 22 crianças de 4 anos de idade, sendo uma delas com deficiência. Os resultados mostraram que as crianças protagonizam movimentos inclusivos em seus contextos de brincadeiras. Nesse sentido, entende-se a brincadeira como uma potente metodologia inclusiva na infância.

Palavras-chave: Educação Infantil. Inclusão. Brincar.

ABSTRACT: This article deals about children’s social inclusion in early childhood education. The objective was to know the ways of interactions between children with and without disability at early childhood education school. The research was constituted in a case’s study and the data were produced from observations in a public school, located in Santa Catarina west region. The participating children belong to a childhood education class, constituted by 22 children with 4 years old, one of them with a disability. The results showed that children lead inclusive movements in their play contexts. In this sense, we understand the children’s play as a powerful inclusive methodology in childhood.

Keywords: Early Childhood Education. Inclusion. Play.
Utilização da concentração plasmática de fibrinogênio e velocidade de hemossedimentação como parâmetro prognóstico em cães com leucocitose
Authors: Portas Barbara , Souza Ana Flávia Alves de , Mazzucatto Barbara Cristina , Wosiacki Sheila Rezler , Taffarel Marilda Onghero , Macedo Michelly Fernandes de , Merlini Natalie Bertelis , Marcusso Paulo Fernandes
Published: February 2021

O processo inflamatório envolve várias mudanças vasculares controladas por mediadores da inflamação. Dentre elas, são aumento vasodilatação, aumento da permeabilidade vascular, diminuição do fluxo sanguíneo local. O processo inflamatório também induz a mobilização e a migração de leucócitos dos seus sítios de armazenamento para o local de ação. Durante o processo ocorre aumento do metabolismo hepático que leva a aumento dos níveis de proteínas de fase aguda: fibrinogênio, proteína C reativa, entre outros. Neste trabalho foram medidos parâmetros no hemograma como proteína plasmática total, fibrinogênio e VHS para mensurar o grau de inflamação, a série vermelha foi avaliada levando em consideração a presença de anemia e qual o seu tipo e a série branca classificando as leucocitoses e porque o surgimento de cada uma delas. Para chegar em tais resultados foi realizado hemograma, proteína plasmática total e a velocidade de hemossedimentação pelo método Westergren. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é mensurar a velocidade de hemossedimentação, fazendo uma comparação entre animais com VHS elevado e animais com VHS dentro dos valores de referência, observando o tempo de recuperação e grau de inflamação do paciente. Nos resultados, pudemos perceber singelas alterações no VHS com animais portadores de processos inflamatórios, fazendo que, num futuro próximo, este parâmetro também seja utilizado como exame complementar para auxiliar no diagnóstico de enfermidades que envolvem o processo inflamatório em si. Conclui-se que o VHS é um exame valido em processos inflamatórios, mesmo com sua baixa especificidade.
Evaluación de la eficiencia de soluciones de refuerzo en estructuras de hormigón mediante análisis no lineal evolutivo
Authors: Marí Bernat Antonio , Bairán García Jesús M. , Oller Ibars Eva
Published: February 2021

Al diseñar una solución de refuerzo estructural, se debe evaluar la influencia del estado tenso-deformacional previo de la estructura en la capacidad portante de la misma después del refuerzo. Además, las intervenciones de refuerzo pueden involucrar operaciones tales como la descarga parcial de la estructura, colocación y retirada de puntales provisionales, aplicación de cargas o pre-deformaciones, restauración de armaduras dañadas o hormigón desconchado o constreñimiento de deformaciones laterales. Por tanto, pueden producirse cambios en la geometría de la sección transversal y en la armadura, en el esquema longitudinal, en las condiciones de apoyo, en las cargas y en el estado tensodeformacional. Además, debe evitarse la aparición de fenómenos que produzcan el fallo prematuro o un cambio en el modo de rotura. Para tener en cuenta la gran variedad de causas y fenómenos que afectan la respuesta estructural, en este artículo se describe un modelo de análisis no lineal evolutivo en el tiempo de pórticos tridimensionales de hormigón armado y pretensado, capaz de captar diferentes modos de rotura y teniendo en cuenta la historia de la estructura. El modelo ha sido verificado reproduciendo ensayos sobre estructuras reforzadas disponibles en la literatura y ha sido aplicado a una estructura real remodelada, comparando las ventajas y desventajas de dos propuestas de refuerzo diferentes, mostrando su capacidad para evaluar la eficiencia de los sistemas de refuerzo estructural.
Physical Activity Level and Factors Affecting Exercise Participation among Nigerian Adults with and Without Diabetes
Authors: Ikechukwu Ezema Charles , Gloria Mgbeojedo Ukamaka , Ikenna Uchenwoke Chigozie , Chinonso Ugwueze Vitalis , Mmanwanne Uduonu Ekezie , Chinedu Okezue Obinna , Chukwudi Anyachukwu Canice , Nene John Jeneviv , Chinwe Obiekwe , Nkechi Amarachukwu Charity
Published: February 2021

Background: Diabetes presents a multifaceted challenge to health systems in Nigeria and beyond. Physical activity is a cornerstone of diabetes management but is often underutilised. Despite the positive effects of physical activity on different dimensions of health to patients with diabetes, most fail to maintain long-term adherence to physical activity programmes.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the physical activity level and factors affecting exercise participation among patients with and without diabetes.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 400 participants recruited by convenience sampling. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Exercise Benefit and Barrier Scale (EBBS) questionnaires were used to measure physical activity and perceived benefits and barriers to exercise, respectively. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of percentages and frequency, mean and standard deviation, and independent t-test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The majority of the patients with diabetes (71%) had low physical activity levels while 52% of the nondiabetic group were moderately active. There was a significant difference between physical activity levels of patients with diabetes and the nondiabetic group (p<0.05). Physical exertion was reported by both patients with and without diabetes as the greatest barrier to exercise participation.

Conclusion: Patients with diabetes in Nigeria have a low level of physical activity and are also faced with certain barriers which limit their participation in exercise programmes. Exercise barrier identification and public awareness on the health benefits of exercise and physical activity in the prevention and management of diabetes should thus be encouraged.
ПАЛІ, ЯКІ ВИГОТОВЛЯЮТЬСЯ ЗГІДНО ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ «CONTROLLED MODULUS COLUMNS» КОМПАНІЇ «МЕНАРД»
Authors: КОВАЛЬСЬКИЙ Р. К. , МИКОЛЕНКО А. Д.
Published: February 2021

Тип фундаменту суттєво впливає на вартість та час влаштування будівлі. Геотехнічне проектування завжди вимагало інноваційного підходу. Інноваційність диктувалася необхідністю вирішення складних проблем щодо поліпшення, прискорення, здешевлення і спрощення процесувлаштування фундаментів будівлі.Кількість вільних майданчиків будівництва зі сприятливими ґрунтовими умовами з кожним роком зменшуються на теренах України. Як правило, будівництво цивільних громадських об’єктів ведеться в щільній міській забудові та на ґрунтовій основі, що має специфічні властивості. Крім того,фундування будівель необхідно здійснювати таким чином, щоб вплив на існуючу забудову та інженерні мережі не перевищував допустимихвеличин. Такі задачі вирішуються з використанням фундаментів глибокого закладання – пальових фундаментів.Переважна більшість будівель в щільній міській забудові зводяться на буронабивних палях, буроін’єкційних палях та палях, що задавлюються.Перевагами буронабивних та буроінєкційних паль є значна несуча здатність за властивостями ґрунтової основи, можливість виконувати палізначної глибини (до 50 м). Недоліком - значний час на їх влаштування (особливо буронабивних).Перевагами паль, що вдавлюються, фактично є відсутність впливу при їх влаштуванні на оточуючу забудову, швидкість виконання. Недоліками- обмеження по довжині палі, яку можна влаштувати, необхідність присутності на майданчику масивного обладнання для створення реактивного зусилля. Для максимального використання переваг буронабивних, буронієкційних та паль, що задавлюються, на початку 90-х років французькоюкомпанією «Менард» була винайдена і запатентована технологія нового типу бурових паль СМС (з анг. Controlled Modulus Columns), що в перекладіз англійської звучить як «колони контрольованої жорсткості». Така назва обумовлена тим, що початково зазначена технологія була призначена дляпідсилення слабких ґрунтів. З часом, вона була пристосована для влаштування паль, які безпосередньо контактують з ростверком.В статті наведено переваги такої технології влаштування паль перед традиційними технологіями. Вказані межі її використання, приведені величининесучої здатності паль за властивостями ґрунтової основи на реальних об’єктах, показана можливість прогнозованого визначення величини її несучої здатності за властивостями ґрунтової основи з урахуванням даних статичного зондування.
O IMPACTO ECONÔMICO NAS MICROEMPRESAS BRASILEIRAS DURANTE A CRISE DA COVID-19 E AS MEDIDAS ADOTADAS POR PARTE DO GOVERNO FEDERAL NO MERCADO DE TRABALHO
Authors:   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, MENDES Daniel da Silva , PEDROSO FILHO José ,   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, FREITAS SILVA Josney ,   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to address the economic impact during the health and economic crisis of COVID-19, in the Brazilian micro-enterprises raised by SEBRAE, as well as to understand what measures were adopted by the Federal Government and the Ministry of Economy to reduce this shock, in the context of the labor market. Methodologically, we use the inductive method, using the procedure of presenting some data capable of sampling the dimension of the current situation, combined with a quantitative research applied by SEBRAE / FGV, a study in which the consequences of COVID-19 for the operation of micro-enterprises. As part of the results of our investigation, we see that the aggravation of the current situation would be more easily overcome, if the majority of the population were engaged in formal jobs and had a financial stability different from the reality that the country is experiencing.
Microbiome Analyses Demonstrate Specific Communities Within Five Shark Species
Authors: Storo Rachael , Easson Cole , Shivji Mahmood , Lopez Jose V.
Published: February 2021

Profiles of symbiotic microbial communities (“microbiomes”) can provide insight into the natural history and ecology of their hosts. Using high throughput DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 region, microbiomes of five shark species in South Florida (nurse, lemon, sandbar, Caribbean reef, and tiger) have been characterized for the first time. The microbiomes show species specific microbiome composition, distinct from surrounding seawater. Shark anatomical location (gills, teeth, skin, cloaca) affected the diversity of microbiomes. An in-depth analysis of teeth communities revealed species specific microbial communities. For example, the genus Haemophilus, explained 7.0% of the differences of the teeth microbiomes of lemon and Caribbean reef sharks. Lemon shark teeth communities (n = 11) contained a high abundance of both Vibrio (10.8 ± 26.0%) and Corynebacterium (1.6 ± 5.1%), genera that can include human pathogenic taxa. The Vibrio (2.8 ± 6.34%) and Kordia (3.1 ± 6.0%) genera and Salmonella enterica (2.6 ± 6.4%) were the most abundant members of nurse shark teeth microbial communities. The Vibrio genus was highly represented in the sandbar shark (54.0 ± 46.0%) and tiger shark (5.8 ± 12.3%) teeth microbiomes. The prevalence of genera containing potential human pathogens could be informative in shark bite treatment protocols and future research to confirm or deny human pathogenicity. We conclude that South Florida sharks host species specific microbiomes that are distinct from their surrounding environment and vary due to differences in microbial community composition among shark species and diversity and composition among anatomical locations. Additionally, when considering the confounding effects of both species and location, microbial community diversity and composition varies.
Risk for African Swine Fever Introduction Into Kazakhstan
Authors: Schettino Daniella N. , Abdrakhmanov Sarsenbay K. , Beisembayev Kanatzhan K. , Korennoy Fedor I. , Sultanov Akhmetzhan A. , Mukhanbetkaliyev Yersyn Y. , Kadyrov Ablaikhan S. , Perez Andres M.
Published: February 2021

African swine fever (ASF) is a disease of swine that is endemic to some African countries and that has rapidly spread since 2007 through many regions of Asia and Europe, becoming endemic in some areas of those continents. Since there is neither vaccine nor treatment for ASF, prevention is an important action to avoid the economic losses that this disease can impose on a country. Although the Republic of Kazakhstan has remained free from the disease, some of its neighbors have become ASF-infected, raising concerns about the potential introduction of the disease into the country. Here, we have identified clusters of districts in Kazakhstan at highest risk for ASF introduction. Questionnaires were administered, and districts were visited to collect and document, for the first time, at the district level, the distribution of swine operations and population in Kazakhstan. A snowball sampling approach was used to identify ASF experts worldwide, and a conjoint analysis model was used to elicit their opinion in relation to the extent at which relevant epidemiological factors influence the risk for ASF introduction into disease-free regions. The resulting model was validated using data from the Russian Federation and Mongolia. Finally, the validated model was used to rank and categorize Kazakhstani districts in terms of the risk for serving as the point of entry for ASF into the country, and clusters of districts at highest risk of introduction were identified using the normal model of the spatial scan statistic. Results here will help to allocate resources for surveillance and prevention activities aimed at early detecting a hypothetical ASF introduction into Kazakhstan, ultimately helping to protect the sanitary status of the country.
Novel Aero-Engine Multi-Disciplinary Preliminary Design Optimization Framework Accounting for Dynamic System Operation and Aircraft Mission Performance
Authors: Alexiou Alexios , Aretakis Nikolaos , Kolias Ioannis , Mathioudakis Konstantinos
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a modular, flexible, extendable and fast-computational framework that implements a multidisciplinary, varying fidelity, multi-system approach for the conceptual and preliminary design of novel aero-engines. In its current status, the framework includes modules for multi-point steady-state engine design, aerodynamic design, engine geometry and weight, aircraft mission analysis, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions, control system design and integrated controller-engine transient-performance analysis. All the modules have been developed in the same software environment, ensuring consistent and transparent modeling while facilitating code maintainability, extendibility and integration at modeling and simulation levels. Any simulation workflow can be defined by appropriately combining the relevant modules. Different types of analysis can be specified such as sensitivity, design of experiment and optimization. Any combination of engine parameters can be selected as design variables, and multi-disciplinary requirements and constraints at different operating points in the flight envelope can be specified. The framework implementation is exemplified through the optimization of an ultra-high bypass ratio geared turbofan engine with a variable area fan nozzle, for which specific aircraft requirements and technology limits apply. Although the optimum design resulted in double-digit fuel-burn benefits compared to current technology engines, it did not meet engine-response requirements, highlighting the need to include transient-performance assessments as early as possible in the preliminary engine design phase.
Computational Simulation of Filters Used in the Removal of Heavy Metals Using Rice Husks
Authors: Barrero-Moreno M. C. , Diaz-Vargas C. A. , Restrepo-Parra E.
Published: February 2021

The biofiltration technique is of great importance for the removal of heavy metals. In the present work, a laboratory-scale biofilter was modeled using rice husk as a filter material. The Wolborska model was used to know the dimensions necessary for the biofilter to function. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were performed to quantify the filter adsorption process, showing that the Langmuir isotherms are the ones that present the highest correlation coefficient and best represent the removal process of Cd (II), Cu (II) and Cr (VI). According to the Langmuir isotherms, the maximum operating temperature allowed for this model was chosen, which was 303.15 K, because it presents the maximum removal of heavy metals. Regarding the pH variations for Cd (II) and Cu (II), the maximum removal was presented with a pH = 9.0 and for Cr (VI) with a pH = 3.0 the maximum removal was presented. According to the rupture curves, the blocking times were obtained for each height: for Cd (II) the highest tb for h = 0.55, Cu (II) the highest tb for h = 0.40 and for Cr (VI) the highest tb for h = 0.40.
Combining Process Modelling and LAI Observations to Diagnose Winter Wheat Nitrogen Status and Forecast Yield
Authors: Revill Andrew , Myrgiotis Vasileios , Florence Anna , Hoad Stephen , Rees Robert , MacArthur Alasdair , Williams Mathew
Published: February 2021

Climate, nitrogen (N) and leaf area index (LAI) are key determinants of crop yield. N additions can enhance yield but must be managed efficiently to reduce pollution. Complex process models estimate N status by simulating soil-crop N interactions, but such models require extensive inputs that are seldom available. Through model-data fusion (MDF), we combine climate and LAI time-series with an intermediate-complexity model to infer leaf N and yield. The DALEC-Crop model was calibrated for wheat leaf N and yields across field experiments covering N applications ranging from 0 to 200 kg N ha−1 in Scotland, UK. Requiring daily meteorological inputs, this model simulates crop C cycle responses to LAI, N and climate. The model, which includes a leaf N-dilution function, was calibrated across N treatments based on LAI observations, and tested at validation plots. We showed that a single parameterization varying only in leaf N could simulate LAI development and yield across all treatments—the mean normalized root-mean-square-error (NRMSE) for yield was 10%. Leaf N was accurately retrieved by the model (NRMSE = 6%). Yield could also be reasonably estimated (NRMSE = 14%) if LAI data are available for assimilation during periods of typical N application (April and May). Our MDF approach generated robust leaf N content estimates and timely yield predictions that could complement existing agricultural technologies. Moreover, EO-derived LAI products at high spatial and temporal resolutions provides a means to apply our approach regionally. Testing yield predictions from this approach over agricultural fields is a critical next step to determine broader utility.
The Adoption of Landraces of Durum Wheat in Sicilian Organic Cereal Farming Analysed Using a System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Varia Francesca , Macaluso Dario , Vaccaro Alessandra , Caruso Paolo , Guccione Giovanni Dara
Published: February 2021

The adoption of rare, traditional crops represents a good example of enhancing functional agrobiodiversity, not only to provide benefits for farmers but also for society as a whole. The study outlined in this paper aims to verify how and under local social-ecological conditions the combination of organic cereal farming and growing of durum wheat landraces can be profitably applied. Focusing on Sicily as one of the most developed cereal systems existing in southern Italy, the study deployed a comparison between data from the regional dataset by the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) and the data provided by the Association of farmers called Simenza. Thereafter, we used a System Dynamics Approach (SDA) for a better understanding of the main drivers which will most likely affect the profitability of the system in the medium and long term. The results clearly demonstrated how the durum wheat organic system under investigation might still develop under the push of an increasing relative economic advantage between standard varieties and landraces.
Water Reuse Study from Urban WWTPs via c-Ultrafiltration and Ozonation Technologies: Basis for Resilient Cities and Agriculture
Authors: Ferreiro Cristian , Villota Natalia , de Luis Ana , Lombraña José Ignacio , Etxebarria Nestor , Lomas Jose María
Published: February 2021

The water–development nexus is essential for the advancement and progress of cities in the face of problems such as climate change, water security and increasing environmental stress in the agricultural sector. Aiming for a circular economy and, at the same time, improving the resilience of water supply alternatives and achieving a goal of zero waste, this work presents a technical–economic study of a novel continuous ultrafiltration (c-UF) system with self-cleaning capacity coupled to an ozonation process, for the treatment of urban WWTP effluent. The removal efficiencies achieved were analysed both through macroscopic parameters (suspended solids, turbidity) and for the most frequently occurring contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Consequently, an effluent suitable for irrigation was obtained, with a total recovery factor of 97.92%, a concentration of suspended solids (SS) below 1 mg L−1, 0.06 NTU turbidity and toxicity free, complying with the new European Regulation on Water Reuse (EU 2020/741). A comparative analysis of the proposed process with regard to conventional tertiary treatment revealed that the proposed process was 39.1% more economic, with a cost of 0.0325 € m−3. This alternative treatment will be of great interest because of its favourable technical–economic characteristics, being postulated as a basic process for implementation in modern water reuse plants.
On the Applicability of Chitosan Oligomers-Amino Acid Conjugate Complexes as Eco-Friendly Fungicides against Grapevine Trunk Pathogens
Authors: Buzón-Durán Laura , Langa-Lomba Natalia , González-García Vicente , Casanova-Gascón José , Martín-Gil Jesús , Pérez-Lebeña Eduardo , Martín-Ramos Pablo
Published: February 2021

In a context in which the incidence and severity of grapevine fungal diseases is increasing as a result of both climate change and modern management culture practices, reducing the excessive use of phytosanitary products in viticulture represents a major challenge. Specifically, grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs), caused by several complexes of wood decay or xylem-inhabiting fungi, pose a major challenge to vineyard sustainability. In this study, the efficacy of chitosan oligomers (COS)–amino acid conjugate complexes against three fungal species belonging to the Botryosphaeriaceae family (Neofusicoccum parvum, Diplodia seriata, and Botryosphaeria dothidea) was investigated both in vitro and in planta. In vitro tests led to EC50 and EC90 effective concentrations in the 254.6−448.5 and 672.1−1498.5 µg·mL−1 range, respectively, depending on the amino acid involved in the conjugate complex (viz. cysteine, glycine, proline or tyrosine) and on the pathogen assayed. A synergistic effect between COS and the amino acids was observed against D. seriata and B. dothidea (synergy factors of up to 2.5 and 2.8, respectively, according to Wadley’s method). The formulations based on COS and on the conjugate complex that showed the best inhibition rates, COS−tyrosine, were further investigated in a greenhouse trial on grafted vines of two varieties (”Tempranillo” on 775P and “Garnacha” on 110R rootstock), artificially inoculated with the mentioned three Botryosphaeriaceae species. The in planta bioassay revealed that the chosen formulations induced a significant decrease in disease severity against N. parvum and B. dothidea. In summary, the reported conjugate complexes may be promising enough to be worthy of additional examination in larger field trials.
Mechanism of Antifungal Activity by 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carbohydrazonamide Derivatives against Candida albicans and Candida krusei
Authors: Cerqueira Fátima , Maia Marta , Gabriel Carla , Medeiros Rui , Cravo Sara , Ribeiro Ana Isabel , Dantas Daniela , Dias Alice Maria , Saraiva Lucília , Raimundo Liliana , Pinto Eugénia
Published: February 2021

Systemic mycoses are one major cause of morbidity/mortality among immunocompromised/debilitated individuals. Studying the mechanism of action is a strategy to develop safer/potent antifungals, warning resistance emergence. The major goal of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of action of three (Z)-5-amino-N’-aryl-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbohydrazonamides (2h, 2k, 2l) that had previously demonstrated strong antifungal activity against Candida krusei and C. albicans ATCC strains. Activity was confirmed against clinical isolates, susceptible or resistant to fluconazole by broth microdilution assay. Ergosterol content (HPLC-DAD), mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (MTT), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (flow cytometry), germ tube inhibition and drug interaction were evaluated. None of the compounds inhibited ergosterol synthesis. Ascorbic acid reduced the antifungal effect of compounds and significantly decreased ROS production. The metabolic viability of C. krusei was significantly reduced for values of 2MIC. Compounds 2h and 2k caused a significant increase in ROS production for MIC values while for 2l a significant increase was only observed for concentrations above MIC. ROS production seems to be involved in antifungal activity and the higher activity against C. krusei versus C. albicans may be related to their unequal sensitivity to different ROS. No synergism with fluconazole or amphotericin was observed, but the association of 2h with fluconazole might be valuable due to the significant inhibition of the dimorphic transition, a C. albicans virulence mechanism.
Effectiveness of Propolis in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease: Updated Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: López-Valverde Nansi , Pardal-Peláez Beatriz , López-Valverde Antonio , Flores-Fraile Javier , Herrero-Hernández Silvia , Macedo-de-Sousa Bruno , Herrero-Payo Julio , Ramírez Juan Manuel
Published: February 2021

In recent times, the use of natural products has gained momentum, either as a treatment or as adjuvants for other drugs in the treatment of different conditions. Propolis is a natural substance produced by bees which has proven useful for treating periodontal disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis gather evidence of the effectiveness of propolis in this kind of condition. The MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for scientific articles to identify the findings published up to October 2020. The MeSH phrases used in the search were: “periodontal diseases AND propolis treatment”; “gingivitis AND propolis treatment”; “periodontitis AND propolis treatment”; “propolis treatment AND oral health”; “propolis AND oxidative stress AND periodontitis”. The Boolean operator “AND” was used to combine the searches. Randomized trials where propolis was used in the treatment of different periodontal conditions were included. Non-randomized clinical studies were systematically reviewed and 224 studies were detected, eight of which met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Only three of these were selected for quantitative synthesis. In conclusion, propolis is safe to use and can improve the results of periodontal disease treatment, reducing probing pocket depth compared with treatment with a placebo (difference in means, fixed effects −0.67 [95% CI: −0.84, −0.50]).
Mechanisms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Metabolic Syndrome. A Narrative Review
Authors: Rinaldi Luca , Pafundi Pia Clara , Galiero Raffaele , Caturano Alfredo , Morone Maria Vittoria , Silvestri Chiara , Giordano Mauro , Salvatore Teresa , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo
Published: February 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are two different entities sharing common clinical and physio-pathological features, with insulin resistance (IR) as the most relevant. Large evidence leads to consider it as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, regardless of age, sex, smoking habit, cholesterolemia, and other elements of MS. Therapeutic strategies remain still unclear, but lifestyle modifications (diet, physical exercise, and weight loss) determine an improvement in IR, MS, and both clinical and histologic liver picture. NAFLD and IR are bidirectionally correlated and, consequently, the development of pre-diabetes and diabetes is the most direct consequence at the extrahepatic level. In turn, type 2 diabetes is a well-known risk factor for multiorgan damage, including an involvement of cardiovascular system, kidney and peripheral nervous system. The increased MS incidence worldwide, above all due to changes in diet and lifestyle, is associated with an equally significant increase in NAFLD, with a subsequent rise in both morbidity and mortality due to both metabolic, hepatic and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the slowdown in the increase of the “bad company” constituted by MS and NAFLD, with all the consequent direct and indirect costs, represents one of the main challenges for the National Health Systems.
Nano-Structured Lignin as Green Antioxidant and UV Shielding Ingredient for Sunscreen Applications
Authors: Piccinino Davide , Capecchi Eliana , Tomaino Elisabetta , Gabellone Sofia , Gigli Valeria , Avitabile Daniele , Saladino Raffaele
Published: February 2021

Green, biocompatible, and biodegradable antioxidants represent a milestone in cosmetic and cosmeceutical applications. Lignin is the most abundant polyphenol in nature, recovered as a low-cost waste from the pulp and paper industry and biorefinery. This polymer is characterized by beneficial physical and chemical properties which are improved at the nanoscale level due to the emergence of antioxidant and UV shielding activities. Here we review the use of lignin nanoparticles in cosmetic and cosmeceutical applications, focusing on sunscreen and antiaging formulations. Advances in the technology for the preparation of lignin nanoparticles are described highlighting structure activity relationships.
Anti-IL-20 Antibody Protects against Ischemia/Reperfusion-Impaired Myocardial Function through Modulation of Oxidative Injuries, Inflammation and Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Tsai Kun-Ling , Chou Wan-Ching , Cheng Hui-Ching , Huang Yu-Ting , Chang Ming-Shi , Chan Shih-Hung
Published: February 2021

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most critical event in the disease spectrum of coronary artery disease. To rescue cardiomyocytes in AMI, it is important to restore blood supply as soon as possible to reduce ischemia-induced injury. However, worse damage can occur during the reperfusion phase, called the reperfusion injury. Under ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, elevated oxidative stress plays a critical role in regulation of apoptosis, inflammation and remodeling of myocardium. Our previous study has demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-20 is increased during hypoxia/reoxygenation stimulation and promotes apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. This study was, therefore, designed to investigate whether IL-20 antibody could reduce I/R-induced myocardial dysfunction. Results from this study revealed that IL-20 antibody treatment significantly suppressed I/R-induced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, oxidative stress, apoptosis, proinflammatory responses, cardiac fibrosis, and expression of cardiac remodeling markers in Sprague-Dawley rats. Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level was also reduced by IL-20 antibody injection. IL-20 antibody treatment appeared to restore cardiac function under the I/R injury in terms of greater values of ejection fraction and fractional shortening compared to the control group. Two commonly used indicators of cardiac injury, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase-MB, were also lower in the IL-20 antibody injection group. Taken together, our results suggested that IL-20 antibody holds the potential to reduce the I/R-elicited cardiac dysfunction by preventing cardiac remodeling.
Classification of the Microstructural Elements of the Vegetal Tissue of the Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Oblitas Jimy , Mejia Jezreel , De-la-Torre Miguel , Avila-George Himer , Seguí Gil Lucía , Mayor López Luis , Ibarz Albert , Castro Wilson
Published: February 2021

Although knowledge of the microstructure of food of vegetal origin helps us to understand the behavior of food materials, the variability in the microstructural elements complicates this analysis. In this regard, the construction of learning models that represent the actual microstructures of the tissue is important to extract relevant information and advance in the comprehension of such behavior. Consequently, the objective of this research is to compare two machine learning techniques—Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Radial Basis Neural Networks (RBNN)—when used to enhance its microstructural analysis. Two main contributions can be highlighted from this research. First, a method is proposed to automatically analyze the microstructural elements of vegetal tissue; and second, a comparison was conducted to select a classifier to discriminate between tissue structures. For the comparison, a database of microstructural elements images was obtained from pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) micrographs. Two classifiers were implemented using CNN and RBNN, and statistical performance metrics were computed using a 5-fold cross-validation scheme. This process was repeated one hundred times with a random selection of images in each repetition. The comparison showed that the classifiers based on CNN produced a better fit, obtaining F1–score average of 89.42% in front of 83.83% for RBNN. In this study, the performance of classifiers based on CNN was significantly higher compared to those based on RBNN in the discrimination of microstructural elements of vegetable foods.
A Disturbance Rejection Control Method Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning for a Biped Robot
Authors: Liu Chuzhao , Gao Junyao , Tian Dingkui , Zhang Xuefeng , Liu Huaxin , Meng Libo
Published: February 2021

The disturbance rejection performance of a biped robot when walking has long been a focus of roboticists in their attempts to improve robots. There are many traditional stabilizing control methods, such as modifying foot placements and the target zero moment point (ZMP), e.g., in model ZMP control. The disturbance rejection control method in the forward direction of the biped robot is an important technology, whether it comes from the inertia generated by walking or from external forces. The first step in solving the instability of the humanoid robot is to add the ability to dynamically adjust posture when the robot is standing still. The control method based on the model ZMP control is among the main methods of disturbance rejection for biped robots. We use the state-of-the-art deep-reinforcement-learning algorithm combined with model ZMP control in simulating the balance experiment of the cart–table model and the disturbance rejection experiment of the ASIMO humanoid robot standing still. Results show that our proposed method effectively reduces the probability of falling when the biped robot is subjected to an external force in the x-direction.