bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approach to the main imaging findings resulting from Respiratory Syndrome caused by COVID-19
Authors: Ederli Rosana Brambilla , Nascimento Maikiane Aparecida , Santos Elorraine Coutinho Mathias , Ederli João Pedro Brambilla , Santos Ildeny Alves dos , Souza Roberta Rosa de , Nascimento Murilo Neves do , Neves Felipe Antônio Basolli
Published: August 2020

SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the family of coronaviruses and is an infectious disease that threatens public health worldwide. The definitive diagnosis of the new coronavirus is made by molecular tests used in breathing tests, such as, for example, or rubbing the throat. However, most of the time, infectious diseases are diagnosed employing symptoms, laboratory, and image exams, like x-ray, computed tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. The present study aimed to analyze the main imaging tests found in the respiratory syndrome caused by the new coronavirus. This research deals with a narrative review of the literature published so far, having a descriptive and qualitative nature. A search took place in the databases of virtual health libraries. It was refined by Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Electronic Scientific Library (SCIELO), BIREME (Regional Library of Medicine), and MEDLINE. Among the authors published, the occurrence of ground-glass opacities, isolation, or multifocal, consolidations such as cardiomegaly, decreased air space, aerobocograms, and pleural effusion were observed. Also, some findings had atypical characteristics. We conclude that in several formed patterns found to characterize a lung disease, with main optional bilateral, peripheral, and essential features, with rounded morphologies, presence of lymph node enlargement, pleural effusion, excavation, and nodules in the most severe cases. In this way, it is suggested that the imaging exams be complementary to the laboratory diagnosis.
Kebisingan di Kapal KN Parajapati
Authors: Hendrawan Andi
Published: August 2020

Kebisingan dengan intensitas tinggi yang tidak disadari menyebabkan dampak yang serius bagi ABK serta ketidaknyamanan untuk setiap pekerja. Contoh kebisingan yang berpengaruh langsung pada kenyamanan pekerja antara lain dari main engine itu sendiri yang merupakan sumber kebisingan terbesar, exhaust gas outlet pada dek serta auxiliary machinery dan lain lain. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kebisingan pada setiap tempat di kapal KN Prajapati. Metode yang dipergunakan adalah pengukuran secara langsung pada obyek penelitian. Hasil kebisingan kapal berkisar Antara 50 sampai 65 dB  masih di bawah yang diperkenanlan IMO yaitu 65 dB dan Peraaturan Pmerintah Sebesar 60 dB,  menunjukan bahwa kebisingan masih ambang batas yang diijinkan oleh IMO dan pemerintah.
The Impact of Logistics Performance on Argentina, Brazil, and the US Soybean Exports from 2012 to 2018: A Gravity Model Approach
Authors: Mendes dos Reis João Gilberto , Sanches Amorim Pedro , Sarsfield Pereira Cabral José António , Toloi Rodrigo Carlo
Published: August 2020

Soybean is one of the main sources of protein directly and indirectly in human nutrition, and it is highly dependent on logistics to connect country growers and international markets. Although recent studies deal with the impact of logistics on international trade, this impact in agricultural commodities is still an open research question. Moreover, these studies usually do not consider the influence of all components of the logistics on trade. This paper, therefore, aims at identifying the role of logistics performance in soybean exports among Argentina, Brazil, the US and their trading partners from 2012 to 2018. Using an extended gravity model, we examine whether the indicators of the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI), adopted as a proxy of logistics efficiency, are an important determinant of bilateral soybean trade facilitation. The results lead to the conclusion that it is necessary to analyze the LPI throughout its indicators because they may affect trade differently. The novelty of this article is to provide an analysis of the impact of different logistics aspects on commodity trade, more specifically in the soybean case. Finally, regarding the model results, logistics infrastructure has a positive and significant correlation with soybean trade as supposed in most of the literature.
Global Research on Plant Nematodes
Authors: Mesa-Valle Concepción M. , Garrido-Cardenas Jose A. , Cebrian-Carmona Jose , Talavera Miguel , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: August 2020

Background: The more than 4100 species of phytoparasitic nematodes are responsible for an estimated economic loss in the agricultural sector of nearly $125 billion annually. Knowing the main lines of research and concerns about nematodes that affect plants is fundamental. Methods: For this reason, an analysis using bibliometric data has been carried out, with the aim of tracing the state of world research in this field, as well as knowing the main lines of work, their priorities, and their evolution. Results: This will allow us to establish strategic lines for the future development of this research. Conclusions: The analysis has allowed us to detect that the interest in nematodes affecting plants has not stopped growing in the last decades, and that tomato, soybean, and potato crops are the ones that generate the most interest, as well as nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne and Globodera. Likewise, we have detected that the main lines of research in this field are focused on biological control and host–parasite interaction.
The Ecology of Autogamy in Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton): Does the Early Clone Get the Bee?
Authors: Drummond Francis A. , Rowland Lisa J.
Published: August 2020

Wild blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton, for the most part requires cross-pollination. However, there is a continuum across a gradient from zero to 100% in self-compatibility. We previously found by sampling many fields that 20–25% of clones during bloom have high levels of self-compatibility (≥50%). In 2009–2011, and 2015 we studied the ecology of self-pollination in wild blueberry, specifically its phenology and bee recruitment and subsequent bee density on bloom. We found that highly self-compatible clones were predominantly early blooming genotypes in the wild blueberry population. On average, fruit set and berry weight were highest in self-compatible genotypes. The bumble bee community (queens only early in the spring) was characterized by bees that spent large amounts of time foraging in self-compatible plant patches that comprised only a small proportion of the blueberry field, the highest density in the beginning of bloom when most genotypes in bloom were self-compatible. As bloom proceeded in the spring, more plants were in bloom and thus more land area was occupied by blooming plants. The absolute density of bumble bee queens per m2 declined, as a dilution effect, and this probably resulted in lower fruit set throughout the field.
Review of Active Optical Sensors for Improving Winter Wheat Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Aula Lawrence , Omara Peter , Nambi Eva , Oyebiyi Fikayo B. , Raun William R.
Published: August 2020

Improvement of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) via active optical sensors has gained attention in recent decades, with the focus of optimizing nitrogen (N) input while simultaneously sustaining crop yields. To the authors’ knowledge, a comprehensive review of the literature on how optical sensors have impacted winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) NUE and grain yield has not yet been performed. This work reviewed and documented the extent to which the use of optical sensors has impacted winter wheat NUE and yield. Two N management approaches were evaluated; optical sensor and conventional methods. The study included 26 peer-reviewed articles with data on NUE and grain yield. In articles without NUE values but in which grain N was included, the difference method was employed to compute NUE based on grain N uptake. Using optical sensors resulted in an average NUE of 42% (±2.8% standard error). This approach improved NUE by approximately 10.4% (±2.3%) when compared to the conventional method. Grain yield was similar for both approaches of N management. Optical sensors could save as much as 53 (±16) kg N ha−1. This gain alone may not be adequate for increased adoption, and further refinement of the optical sensor robustness, possibly by including weather variables alongside sound agronomic management practices, may be necessary.
Flash Flood and Extreme Rainfall Forecast through One-Way Coupling of WRF-SMAP Models: Natural Hazards in Rio de Janeiro State
Authors: da Cunha Luz Barcellos Priscila , Cataldi Marcio
Published: August 2020

Flash floods and extreme rains are destructive phenomena and difficult to forecast. In 2011, the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro state suffered one of the largest natural hazards in Brazil, affecting more than 300,000 people, leaving more than 900 dead. This article simulates this natural hazard through Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting (QPF) and streamflow forecast ensemble, using 18 combinations of parameterizations between cumulus, microphysics, surface layer, planetary boundary layer, land surface and lateral contour conditions of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, coupling to the Soil Moisture Accounting Procedure (SMAP) hydrological model, seeking to find the best set of parametrizations for the forecasting of extreme events in the region. The results showed rainfall and streamflow forecast were underestimated by the models, reaching an error of 57.4% to QPF and 24.6% error to streamflow, and part of these errors are related to the lack of skill of the atmospheric model in predicting the intensity and the spatial-temporal distribution of rainfall. These results bring to light the limitations of numerical weather prediction, possibly due to the lack of initiatives involving the adaptation of empirical constants, intrinsic in the parametrization models, to the specific atmospheric conditions of each region of the country.
Ordinal Decision-Tree-Based Ensemble Approaches: The Case of Controlling the Daily Local Growth Rate of the COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Singer Gonen , Marudi Matan
Published: August 2020

In this research, we develop ordinal decision-tree-based ensemble approaches in which an objective-based information gain measure is used to select the classifying attributes. We demonstrate the applicability of the approaches using AdaBoost and random forest algorithms for the task of classifying the regional daily growth factor of the spread of an epidemic based on a variety of explanatory factors. In such an application, some of the potential classification errors could have critical consequences. The classification tool will enable the spread of the epidemic to be tracked and controlled by yielding insights regarding the relationship between local containment measures and the daily growth factor. In order to benefit maximally from a variety of ordinal and non-ordinal algorithms, we also propose an ensemble majority voting approach to combine different algorithms into one model, thereby leveraging the strengths of each algorithm. We perform experiments in which the task is to classify the daily COVID-19 growth rate factor based on environmental factors and containment measures for 19 regions of Italy. We demonstrate that the ordinal algorithms outperform their non-ordinal counterparts with improvements in the range of 6–25% for a variety of common performance indices. The majority voting approach that combines ordinal and non-ordinal models yields a further improvement of between 3% and 10%.
Density Difference Grid Design in a Point-Mass Filter
Authors: Matoušek Jakub , Duník Jindřich , Straka Ondřej
Published: August 2020

The paper deals with the Bayesian state estimation of nonlinear stochastic dynamic systems. The stress is laid on the point-mass filter, solving the Bayesian recursive relations for the state estimate conditional density computation using the deterministic grid-based numerical integration method. In particular, the grid design is discussed and the novel density difference grid is proposed. The proposed grid design covers such regions of the state-space where the conditional density is significantly spatially varying, by the dense grid. In other regions, a sparse grid is used to keep the computational complexity low. The proposed grid design is thoroughly discussed, analyzed, and illustrated in a numerical study.
A U-Shaped Oscillatory Liquid Piston Compression Air Conditioner Driven by Rotary Displacer Stirling Engine
Authors: Lin Chang-Sheng , Liu Jui-Kai , Chiang Hung-Tse
Published: August 2020

A rotary displacer, Stirling engine-driven, oscillatory liquid piston-compression air conditioning unit is analyzed, designed, and conceptually proved by experiments on its cooling capability and performance efficiency. The engine itself aims to work compatibly with a conventional solar water heater as its power source, with a rotary displacer to manipulate its operation frequency. A U-shaped, oscillatory liquid piston, with the cylinder chamber vented to low pressure, aims to both reduce the sealing friction and serve as the refrigerant. During the experiments, the engine is fed with an electrically heated hot bath whose temperature profile is determined according to a field test of solar thermal collectors in summer conditions. Experimental results show that the coefficient of performance (COP) of the oscillatory liquid piston air conditioning unit would be in the range of 1.3 to 1.5.
Control Analysis of a Real-World P2 Hybrid Electric Vehicle Based on Test Data
Authors: Lee Woong , Kim Tacksu , Jeong Jongryeol , Chung Jaewoo , Kim Deokjin , Lee Beomho , Kim Namwook
Published: August 2020

The control strategy of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is generally not disclosed to public because it is a significant factor in determining the performance of the system. However, engineers desiring to understand the control concept of real-world HEVs can gain knowledge in various ways. In this study, we used test data obtained from a bench dynamometer and real driving to analyze the supervisory control strategy of Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. This research can be described in three steps. First, an understanding of the mode control strategy is obtained by investigating the engine on/off behavior, which determines when the pure electric driving mode is used. Second, the shifting patterns are studied by observing the speed ratios according to the vehicle speed and the torque demand. Third, the strategy for distributing the torque between the engine and the motor is analyzed by studying the motor assistant operation. Based on the analyzed control concept, it is possible to understand the technical strategy for improving the fuel efficiency of the parallel hybrid system. This study would be useful for engineers who want to design controllers for HEVs, in that it provides the analyzed control concept and the real-world operating behaviors.
The Impact of English Learning Motivation and Attitude on Well-Being: Cram School Students in Taiwan
Authors: Lo Chih-Fong , Lin Chin-Huang
Published: August 2020

As English is a global language, it is important for students to learn it effectively and efficiently. Learning English from English cram schools is very popular in Taiwan. Most students have studied in English cram schools for some period of time of their English learning experience. The present study concerns about how English cram school learners’ English learning attitudes related to their learning motivation and learning well-being in Taiwan. By using the quantitative research methodology, an empirical research model has been proposed and 277 valid questionnaires were collected. The research results show that learning motivation has a significant impact on learning attitude and learning well-being. Then, the English learning attitude provides mediated effects between learning motivation and well-being. Learning attitude is the key to English learning well-being. Furthermore, a participant’s gender has a significant moderating effect between learning intrinsic motivation and attitude. According to research findings, some suggestions such as using e-learning tools were provided for teachers and educators of the cram schools in Taiwan.
First-Year Antibiotics Exposure in Relation to Childhood Asthma, Allergies, and Airway Illnesses
Authors: Zou Zhijun , Liu Wei , Huang Chen , Sun Chanjuan , Zhang Jialing
Published: August 2020

Background: Associations of early antibiotics exposures with childhood asthma, allergies, and airway illnesses are debated. Objectives: We aimed to investigate associations of first-year antibiotics exposure with childhood asthma, allergies, and airway illnesses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among preschoolers in Shanghai, China during 2011–2012. A questionnaire regarding household environment and lifestyles and childhood health outcomes was reported by the child’s parents. Results: In total, 13,335 questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%) were analyzed and 3049 (24.1%) children had first-year antibiotics exposure. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, first-year antibiotics exposure had significant associations with the higher odds of lifetime-ever pneumonia (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 2.15, 1.95–2.37), croup (1.46, 1.24–1.73), wheeze (1.44, 1.30–1.60), asthma (1.38, 1.19–1.61), food allergy (1.29, 1.13–1.46), and allergic rhinitis (1.23, 1.07–1.41), and as well as current (one year before the survey) common cold (≥3 times) (1.38, 1.25–1.52), dry cough (1.27, 1.13–1.42), atopic dermatitis (1.25, 1.09–1.43), wheeze (1.23, 1.10–1.38), and rhinitis symptoms (1.15, 1.04–1.26). These associations were different in children with different individual characteristics (age, sex, family history of atopy, and district) and other early exposures (breastfeeding, home decoration, pet-keeping, and environmental tobacco smoke). Conclusions: Our results indicate that first-year antibiotics exposure could be a strong risk factor for childhood pneumonia, asthma, allergies, and their related symptoms. The individual characteristics and other early exposures may modify effects of early antibiotic exposure on childhood allergies and airway illnesses.
Personality Traits and Aggression as Explanatory Variables of Cyberbullying in Spanish Preadolescents
Authors: Escortell Raquel , Aparisi David , Martínez-Monteagudo María Carmen , Delgado Beatriz
Published: August 2020

There is a growing interest in preventing cyberbullying in youth. However, multiple questions remain as to the relationship between cyberbullying and psychosocial variables. This study examines the relationship between personality traits, aggression and cyberbullying (victims, bullies, victimized bullies and not involved) in 548 Spanish students aged 10 to 13 (50.2% boys). To do so, the Screening of Peer Harassment, the Big Five Questionnaire for Children and the Aggression Questionnaire were used. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the extraversion trait is an explanatory factor for being a victim and openness is a protective factor against being a cyberbully. Agreeableness was found to be a positive predictor of being a cyberbullying victim. Only verbal aggression and anger were included as explanatory factors of being a victim and a victimized bully, respectively. The results are discussed, suggesting their potential implications in the development of preventive programs.
Automatic Process Comparison for Subpopulations: Application in Cancer Care
Authors: Marazza Francesca , Bukhsh Faiza Allah , Geerdink Jeroen , Vijlbrief Onno , Pathak Shreyasi , Keulen Maurice van , Seifert Christin
Published: August 2020

Processes in organisations, such as hospitals, may deviate from the intended standard processes, due to unforeseeable events and the complexity of the organisation. For hospitals, the knowledge of actual patient streams for patient populations (e.g., severe or non-severe cases) is important for quality control and improvement. Process discovery from event data in electronic health records can shed light on the patient flows, but their comparison for different populations is cumbersome and time-consuming. In this paper, we present an approach for the automatic comparison of process models that were extracted from events in electronic health records. Concretely, we propose comparing processes for different patient populations by cross-log conformance checking, and standard graph similarity measures obtained from the directed graph underlying the process model. We perform a user study with 20 participants in order to obtain a ground truth for similarity of process models. We evaluate our approach on two data sets, the publicly available MIMIC database with the focus on different cancer patients in intensive care, and a database on breast cancer patients from a Dutch hospital. In our experiments, we found average fitness to be a good indicator for visual similarity in the ZGT use case, while the average precision and graph edit distance are strongly correlated with visual impression for cancer process models on MIMIC. These results are a call for further research and evaluation for determining which similarity or combination of similarities is needed in which type of process model comparison.
Openness and Communication Effects on Relationship Satisfaction in Women Experiencing Infertility or Miscarriage: A Dyadic Approach
Authors: Kiełek-Rataj Ewa , Wendołowska Anna , Kalus Alicja , Czyżowska Dorota
Published: August 2020

Openness and communication between partners are key elements of dyadic coping with stress. Our main research question is: what is the impact of these factors on relational satisfaction in spouses struggling with infertility or miscarriage? In the current study, by applying the actor–partner interdependence model to 90 heterosexual couples (N = 180), we examined the link between the spouses’ openness (the Giessen Test), communication (Flexibility and Cohesion Evaluation Scales) and relationship satisfaction (the Marriage Success Scale). Controlling for relevant covariates (communication, own openness and type of stress experienced by the spouses: infertility or miscarriage), a dyadic analysis revealed significant actor (−0.24; p < 0.001) and partner effects (−0.20; p < 0.001). We conclude that the relationship between the perception of the partner’s openness and the relationship satisfaction in women is strong, in the context of the analyzed potential confounding variables. We also observe that the relationship satisfaction in women from the group of infertile spouses is 6.06 points lower compared to women from the group of marriages after miscarriage (p = 0.034).
CD36 and CD97 in Pancreatic Cancer versus Other Malignancies
Authors: Tanase Cristiana , Gheorghisan-Galateanu Ancuta-Augustina , Popescu Ionela Daniela , Mihai Simona , Codrici Elena , Albulescu Radu , Hinescu Mihail Eugen
Published: August 2020

Starting from the recent identification of CD36 and CD97 as a novel marker combination of fibroblast quiescence in lung during fibrosis, we aimed to survey the literature in search for facts about the separate (or concomitant) expression of clusters of differentiation CD36 and CD97 in either tumor- or pancreatic-cancer-associated cells. Here, we provide an account of the current knowledge on the diversity of the cellular functions of CD36 and CD97 and explore their potential (common) contributions to key cellular events in oncogenesis or metastasis development. Emphasis is placed on quiescence as an underexplored mechanism and/or potential target in therapy. Furthermore, we discuss intricate signaling mechanisms and networks involving CD36 and CD97 that may regulate different subpopulations of tumor-associated cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocyte-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, or neutrophils, during aggressive pancreatic cancer. The coexistence of quiescence and activated states in cancer-associated cell subtypes during pancreatic cancer should be better documented, in different histological forms. Remodeling of the local microenvironment may also change the balance between growth and dormant state. Taking advantage of the reported data in different other tissue types, we explore the possibility to induce quiescence (similar to that observed in normal cells), as a therapeutic option to delay the currently observed clinical outcome.
Metabolic Dysregulation in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Bargagli Elena , Refini Rosa Metella , d’Alessandro Miriana , Bergantini Laura , Cameli Paolo , Vantaggiato Lorenza , Bini Luca , Landi Claudia
Published: August 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibroproliferative disorder limited to the lung. New findings, starting from our proteomics studies on IPF, suggest that systemic involvement with altered molecular mechanisms and metabolic disorder is an underlying cause of fibrosis. The role of metabolic dysregulation in the pathogenesis of IPF has not been extensively studied, despite a recent surge of interest. In particular, our studies on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid have shown that the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), the hypoxia/oxidative stress response, and changes in iron and lipid metabolism are involved in onset of IPF. These processes appear to interact in an intricate manner and to be related to different fibrosing pathologies not directly linked to the lung environment. The disordered metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and hormones has been documented in lung, liver, and kidney fibrosis. Correcting these metabolic alterations may offer a new strategy for treating fibrosis. This paper focuses on the role of metabolic dysregulation in the pathogenesis of IPF and is a continuation of our previous studies, investigating metabolic dysregulation as a new target for fibrosis therapy.
Development and Evaluation of Novel and Highly Sensitive Single-Tube Nested Real-Time RT-PCR Assays for SARS-CoV-2 Detection
Authors: Yip Cyril Chik-Yan , Sridhar Siddharth , Leung Kit-Hang , Ng Anthony Chin-Ki , Chan Kwok-Hung , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Tsang Owen Tak-Yin , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai , Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Yuen Kwok-Yung , To Kelvin Kai-Wang
Published: August 2020

Sensitive molecular assays are critical for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. Here, we designed and evaluated two single-tube nested (STN) real-time RT-PCR assays, targeting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp/Hel and N genes. Both STN assays had a low limit of detection and did not cross react with other human coronaviruses and respiratory viruses. Using 213 initial respiratory specimens from suspected COVID-19 patients, the sensitivity of both the STN COVID-19-RdRp/Hel and the STN COVID-19-N assays was 100% (99/99), while that of the comparator non-nested N assay was 95% (94/99). Among 108 follow-up specimens from confirmed COVID-19 patients who tested negative by the non-nested COVID-19-RdRp/Hel assay, 28 (25.9%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by the STN COVID-19-RdRp/Hel or the STN COVID-19-N assay. To evaluate the performance of our novel STN assays in pooled specimens, we created four sample pools, with each pool consisting of one low positive specimen and 49 negative specimens. While the non-nested COVID-19-RdRp/Hel assay was positive in only one of four sample pools (25%), both of the STN assays were positive in two of four samples pools (50%). In conclusion, the STN assays are highly sensitive and specific for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Their boosted sensitivity offers advantages in non-traditional COVID-19 testing algorithms such as saliva screening and pooled sample screening during massive screening.
Application of Regression Analysis to Achieve a Smart Monitoring System for Aquaculture
Authors: Hsu Wei-Chih , Chao Pao-Yuan , Wang Chia-Sui , Hsieh Jen-Chieh , Huang Wesley
Published: August 2020

The consumption awareness of people in recent years has increased, with food safety becoming more and more important. While non-toxic products can be achieved by avoiding using too much antibiotics to control growth factors in a water environment, the measurement tools for dissolved oxygen on the market are very expensive and a great economic burden to fishermen. Thus, the purpose of this study is to design more economical measurement modules and algorithms for monitoring ponds. The research collected pond data through Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), pH and temperature sensors, used regression analysis to infer Dissolved Oxygen (DO) by ORP and pH, and employed a real-time pond monitoring data map to figure out pond conditions. Compared with traditional equipment, findings show our approach reduces costs by about 20%, and increases production capacity and output value.
Seasonal Dynamics of the Alien Invasive Insect Pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Manica Province, Central Mozambique
Authors: Caniço Albasini , Mexia António , Santos Luisa
Published: August 2020

The alien invasive insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly referred to as fall armyworm (FAW), is causing significant losses to maize production in Africa since its detection in 2016. Despite being the primary insect pest of the main food crop in the country, researchers have concentrated their efforts on methods of control, and there are no published studies on its seasonality which could assist farmers in delivering effective methods of control in periods of heavy infestations. The primary goal of this study was to assess the seasonal dynamics of FAW in maize fields. We conducted a field survey from May to August 2019 (dry season of the 2018/2019 cropping season) and in December 2019 and January 2020 (rainy season of the 2019/2020 cropping season) in 622 maize fields. In each field, 20 plants were selected in a “W” pattern and checked for the presence of FAW egg masses and/or larvae. Plants were also assessed for damage. Preliminary results show increased infestation, damages, and population density of FAW in the dry season. Our results suggest that early planting of maize in the primary cropping season may significantly reduce the infestation and damage by FAW when compared to the dry season.
The Accumulated Effect of the Number of Ethylene Oxide Units and/or Carbon Chain Length in Surfactants Structure on the Nano-Micellar Extraction of Flavonoids
Authors: Śliwa Karolina , Śliwa Paweł
Published: August 2020

Classical extraction methods used for isolation of active substances from plant material are expensive, complicated and often environmentally unfriendly. The ultrasonic assistance micelle-mediated extraction method (UAMME), based on green chemistry principles, seems to be an interesting alternative. This work aimed to find a connection between the chemical structure of non-ionic surfactants and the efficiency of the extraction process. The effect of hydrophobic chain length and number of ethoxy groups on the quality of Bidens tripartite extracts was investigated. Several ethoxylated fatty alcohols were used: Ceteareth-20, Steareth-20, Oleth-20, Oleth-10, Oleth-5, C12-C13 Pareth-12, C12-C15 Pareth-12 and Ceteareth-12. The bioflavonoid compositions with the HPLC method was determined. The hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) of studied surfactants, as well as the surface tension of surfactant solutions, were compared, to determine the explanation for the obtained differences in bioflavonoids concentration. The structural changes influenced by polyphenol extraction were monitored using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements. In this work, probably for the first time, the connection between the chemical structure of non-ionic surfactants and the efficiency of the extraction process was found. The experimental and theoretical approach rationalized the choice of an appropriate eluent. We propose some structurally dependent factors, whose optimal value gave a high efficiency to the UAMME.
Natural Products from Endophytic Fungi Associated with Rubiaceae Species
Authors: Cruz Jacqueline Santos , da Silva Carla Amaral , Hamerski Lidilhone
Published: August 2020

This review presents the chemical diversity and pharmacological properties of secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi associated with various genera of Rubiaceae. Several classes of natural products are described for these endophytes, although, this study highlights the importance of some metabolites, which are involved in antifungal, antibacterial, anti-protozoal activities; neurodegenerative diseases; cytotoxic activity; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; and hyperglycemic control.
Correction: Lyubomirskiy, N., et al. Intensive Ways of Producing Carbonate Curing Building Materials Based on Lime Secondary Raw Materials. Materials 2020, Vol. 13, 2304
Authors: Lyubomirskiy Nikolai , Bakhtin Aleksandr , Fic Stanisław , Szafraniec Małgorzata , Bakhtinа Tamara
Published: August 2020

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Fabrication of Chalcogenide Glass Based Hexagonal Gapless Microlens Arrays via Combining Femtosecond Laser Assist Chemical Etching and Precision Glass Molding Processes
Authors: Zhang Fan , Yang Qing , Bian Hao , Li Minjing , Hou Xun , Chen Feng
Published: August 2020

Chalcogenide glasses (ChGs) are emerging as critical infrared (IR)-enabled materials in advanced IR optical systems by the wealth of their transparency in the key wide infrared (IR) transmission window. However, fabrication of ChG-based integrated micro-optical components in an efficient and economical way remains a huge challenge. In this paper, a 3D close-packed hexagonal microlens array (MLA) possessing over 6000 convex hexagonal micro-lenslets with the size of tens of micrometers within a footprint of 10 mm × 10 mm on a Ge20Sb15Se65 ChG surface was successfully fabricated via a precise thermal-mechanical molding process. The master mold of ChG MLA was firstly fabricated by a femtosecond laser-assisted chemical etching process and then transferred on to the surface of the ChG via a precision thermo-mechanical molding process, which resulted in a convex MLA. The morphology, imaging and focusing performances of the as-prepared ChG MLA were investigated and demonstrated the advancement of the method. Meanwhile, the IR transmittance and x-ray diffraction image of the ChG MLAs were measured to verify the structural and compositional stability of the ChG under the given molding conditions. The combined results proved a new route to mass production of miniaturized gapless ChG MLAs for advanced infrared micro-optics.
Anti-Tumor Effects of Astaxanthin by Inhibition of the Expression of STAT3 in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sun Shao-Qian , Zhao You-Xi , Li Si-Yu , Qiang Jing-Wen , Ji Yi-Zhi
Published: August 2020

Astaxanthin is a natural product gaining increasing attention due to its safety and anti-cancer properties. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of astaxanthin on prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines using aggressive PCa DU145 cells. Also an instantaneous silenced cell line (si-STAT3) derived from DU145 and a control cell line (si-NK) were used for the MTT and colony formation assays to determine the role of astaxanthin in proliferation and colony formation abilities. Flow cytometry assays were used to detect the apoptosis of tumor cells. Migration and invasion assays detected the weakening of the respective abilities. Western blot and RT-PCR tests detected the levels of STAT3 protein and mRNA. Astaxanthin resulted in suppression of the proliferation of DU145 cells and the level of STAT3. The treatment of DU145 cells with astaxanthin decreased the cloning ability, increased the apoptosis percentage and weakened the abilities of migration and invasion of the cells. Furthermore, astaxanthin reduced the expression of STAT3 at protein and mRNA levels. The effects were enhanced when astaxanthin and si-STAT3 were combined. The results of animal experiments were consistent with the results in cells. Thus, astaxanthin inhibits the proliferation of DU145 cells by reducing the expression of STAT3.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Nonlinear Photonics Devices
Authors: Sirleto Luigi , Righini Giancarlo C.
Published: August 2020

There is some incertitude on the creation of the term “photonics” and some ambiguity about its frontiers (and differences with respect to optoelectronics and electro-optics) [...]
Microbial Communities in Permafrost Soils of Larsemann Hills, Eastern Antarctica: Environmental Controls and Effect of Human Impact
Authors: Alekseev Ivan , Zverev Aleksei , Abakumov Evgeny
Published: August 2020

Although ice-free areas cover only about 0.1% of Antarctica and are characterized by harsh environmental conditions, these regions provide quite diverse conditions for the soil-forming process, having various physical and geochemical properties, and also assuring different conditions for living organisms. This study is aimed to determine existing soil microbial communities, their relationship with soil parameters and the influence of anthropogenic activity in Larsemann Hills, Eastern Antarctica. The soil microbiome was investigated at different locations using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. The taxonomic analysis of the soil microbiomes revealed 12 predominant bacterial and archaeal phyla—Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, Bacteroidetes, Armatimonadetes, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Thaumarchaeota. Some specific phyla have been also found in sub-surface horizons of soils investigated, thus providing additional evidence of the crucial role of gravel pavement in saving the favorable conditions for both soil and microbiome development. Moreover, our study also revealed that some bacterial species might be introduced into Antarctic soils by human activities. We also assessed the effect of different soil parameters on microbial community in the harsh environmental conditions of Eastern Antarctica. pH, carbon and nitrogen, as well as fine earth content, were revealed as the most accurate predictors of soil bacterial community composition.
Does Biological Denitrification Inhibition (BDI) in the Field Induce an Increase in Plant Growth and Nutrition in Apium graveolens L. Grown for a Long Period?
Authors: Galland William , Piola Florence , Mathieu Céline , Bouladra Lyna , Simon Laurent , Haichar Feth el Zahar
Published: August 2020

Intensive agriculture uses a lot of nitrogen fertilizers to increase crop productivity. These crops are in competition with soil-denitrifying microorganisms that assimilate nitrogen in the form of nitrate and transform it into N2O, a greenhouse gas, or N2. However, certain plant species exude secondary metabolites, called procyanidins, which inhibit denitrifiers and increase the nitrate pool in the soil available for plant nutrition. This phenomenon is called biological denitrification inhibition. Previously, we showed that the addition of exogenous procyanidins to a lettuce crop induces denitrifier inhibition and increases nitrate content in the soil, affecting lettuce morphological traits. Here, the effects of procyanidin amendments in the field on a more long-term and nitrogen-consuming crop species such as celery were tested. The effects of procyanidin amendment on celery growth with those of conventional ammonium nitrate amendments were, therefore, compared. Denitrification activity, nitrate concentration, the abundance of denitrifying bacteria in the soil, and traits related to celery growth were measured. It was shown that the addition of procyanidins inhibits denitrifiers and increases the soil nitrate level, inducing an improvement in celery morphological traits. In addition, procyanidin amendment induces the lowest nitrogen concentration in tissues and reduces N2O emissions.
Fedorite from Murun Alkaline Complex (Russia): Spectroscopy and Crystal Chemical Features
Authors: Kaneva Ekaterina V. , Shendrik Roman Yu. , Radomskaya Tatiana A. , Suvorova Ludmila F.
Published: August 2020

Fedorite is a rare phyllosilicate, having a crystal structure characterized by SiO4-tetrahedral double layers located between continuous layers formed by edge-sharing (Ca,Na)-octahedra, and containing interlayer K, Na atoms and H2O molecules. A mineralogical-petrographic and detailed crystal-chemical study of fedorite specimens from three districts of the Murun alkaline complex was performed. The sequence of the crystallization of minerals in association with fedorite was established. The studied fedorite samples differ in the content of interlayer potassium and water molecules. A comparative analysis based on polyhedral characteristics and deformation parameters was carried out. For the first time, EPR, optical absorption and emission spectra were obtained for fedorite. The raspberry-red coloration of the mineral specimens could be attributed to the presence of Mn4+ ions.
Iron Oxide Mediated Photothermal Therapy in the Second Biological Window: A Comparative Study between Magnetite/Maghemite Nanospheres and Nanoflowers
Authors: Cabana Sonia , Curcio Alberto , Michel Aude , Wilhelm Claire , Abou-Hassan Ali
Published: August 2020

The photothermal use of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) is becoming more and more popular and documented. Herein, we compared the photothermal (PT) therapy potential versus magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) modality of magnetic nanospheres, largely used in the biomedical field and magnetic multicore nanoflowers known among the best nanoheaters. The NPs were imaged using transmission electron microscopy and their optical properties characterized by UV-Vis-NIR-I-II before oxidation (magnetite) and after oxidation to maghemite. The efficiency of all NPs in MHT and PT in the preferred second near-infrared (NIR-II) biological window was carried out in water and in cancer cells. We show that, in water, magnetite nanoflowers are the most efficient nanoheaters for both modalities. Moreover, PT appears much more efficient than MHT at low NP dose, whatever the NP. In the cellular environment, for PT, efficiency was totally conserved, with magnetite nanoflowers as the best performers compared to MHT, which was totally lost. Finally, cell uptake was significantly increased for the nanoflowers compared to the nanospheres. Finally, the antitumor therapy was investigated for all NPs at the same dose delivered to the cancer cells and at reasonable laser power density (0.3 W/cm2), which showed almost total cell death for magnetite nanoflowers.
Cu/CuO Composite Track-Etched Membranes for Catalytic Decomposition of Nitrophenols and Removal of As(III)
Authors: Mashentseva Anastassiya A. , Barsbay Murat , Zdorovets Maxim V. , Zheltov Dmitriy A. , Güven Olgun
Published: August 2020

One of the promising applications of nanomaterials is to use them as catalysts and sorbents to remove toxic pollutants such as nitroaromatic compounds and heavy metal ions for environmental protection. This work reports the synthesis of Cu/CuO-deposited composite track-etched membranes through low-temperature annealing and their application in catalysis and sorption. The synthesized Cu/CuO/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composites presented efficient catalytic activity with high conversion yield in the reduction of nitro aryl compounds to their corresponding amino derivatives. It has been found that increasing the time of annealing raises the ratio of the copper(II) oxide (CuO) tenorite phase in the structure, which leads to a significant increase in the catalytic activity of the composites. The samples presented maximum catalytic activity after 5 h of annealing, where the ratio of CuO phase and the degree of crystallinity were 64.3% and 62.7%, respectively. The catalytic activity of pristine and annealed composites was tested in the reduction of 4-nitroaniline and was shown to remain practically unchanged for five consecutive test cycles. Composites annealed at 140 °C were also tested for their capacity to absorb arsenic(III) ions in cross-flow mode. It was observed that the sorption capacity of composite membranes increased by 48.7% compared to the pristine sample and reached its maximum after 10 h of annealing, then gradually decreased by 24% with further annealing.
A Low-FODMAP Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Some Answers to the Doubts from a Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Bellini Massimo , Tonarelli Sara , Barracca Federico , Morganti Riccardo , Pancetti Andrea , Bertani Lorenzo , de Bortoli Nicola , Costa Francesco , Mosca Marta , Marchi Santino , Rossi Alessandra
Published: August 2020

A low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet (LFD) is a possible therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study investigates the short- and long-term efficacy and nutritional adequacy of an LFD and the patients’ long-term acceptability. Patients’ adherence and ability to perceive the “trigger” foods were also evaluated. Seventy-three IBS patients were given an LFD (T0) and after 2 months (T1), 68 started the reintroduction phase. At the end of this period (T2), 59 were advised to go on an Adapted Low-FODMAP Diet (AdLFD) and 41 were evaluated again after a 6–24 month follow-up (T3). At each time, questionnaires and Biolectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) were performed. The LFD was effective in controlling digestive symptoms both in the short- and long-term, and in improving quality of life, anxiety and depression, even if some problems regarding acceptability were reported and adherence decreased in the long term. The LFD improved the food-related quality of life without affecting nutritional adequacy. When data collected at T0 were compared with those collected at T2, the perception of trigger foods was quite different. Even if some problems of acceptability and adherence are reported, an LFD is nutritionally adequate and effective in improving IBS symptoms also in the long term.
Association between Maternal Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index and Breastfeeding Duration in Taiwan: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Chi-Nien , Yu Hung-Chen , Chou An-Kuo
Published: August 2020

An association between high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and early breastfeeding cessation has been previously observed, but studies examining the effect of underweight are still scant and remain inconclusive. This study analyzed data from a nationally representative cohort of 18,312 women (mean age 28.3 years; underweight 20.1%; overweight 8.2%; obesity 1.9%) who delivered singleton live births in 2005 in Taiwan. Comprehensive face-to-face interviews and surveys were completed at 6 and 18 months postpartum. BMI status and breastfeeding duration were calculated from the self-reported data in the questionnaires. In the adjusted ordinal logistic regression model, maternal obesity and underweight had a higher odds of shorter breastfeeding duration compared with normal-weight women. The risk of breastfeeding cessation was significantly higher in underweight women than in normal-weight women after adjustments in the logistic regression model (2 m: aOR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03–1.2; 4 m: aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.21–1.43; 6 m: aOR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.18–1.42). Our findings indicated that maternal underweight and obesity are associated with earlier breastfeeding cessation in Taiwan. Optimizing maternal BMI during the pre-conception period is essential, and future interventions to promote and support breastfeeding in underweight mothers are necessary to improve maternal and child health.