bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulation of Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Xinafoate in Modified Chitosan Microparticles for Release Optimization
Authors: Ainali Nina Maria , Xanthopoulou Eleftheria , Michailidou Georgia , Zamboulis Alexandra , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: August 2020

Chitosan (CS) is a natural polysaccharide, widely studied in the past due to its unique properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity. Chemical modification of CS is an effective pathway to prepare new matrices with additional functional groups and improved properties, such as increment of hydrophilicity and swelling rate, for drug delivery purposes. In the present study, four derivatives of CS with trans-aconitic acid (t-Acon), succinic anhydride (Succ), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (2-HEA) and acrylic acid (AA) were prepared, and their successful grafting was confirmed by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopies. Neat chitosan and its grafted derivatives were fabricated for the encapsulation of fluticasone propionate (FLU) and salmeterol xinafoate (SX) drugs, used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), via the ionotropic gelation technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrated that round-shaped microparticles (MPs) were effectively prepared with average sizes ranging between 0.4 and 2.2 μm, as were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), while zeta potential verified in all cases their positive charged surface. FTIR spectroscopy showed that some interactions take place between the drugs and the polymeric matrices, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns exhibited that both drugs were encapsulated in MPs’ interior with a lower degree of crystallinity than the neat drugs. In vitro release studies of FLU and SX exposed a great amelioration in the drugs’ dissolution profile from all modified CS’s MPs, in comparison to those of neat drugs. The latter fact is attributed to the reduction in crystallinity of the active substances in the MPs’ interior.
Determination of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Water and Wastewater Samples by Liquid Chromatography-Negative Ion Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Aborkhees Ghada , Raina-Fulton Renata , Thirunavokkarasu Ondiveerapan
Published: August 2020

A liquid chromatography-negative ion electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of bisphenol A, 4-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol, diethylstilbestrol, 17β-estradiol, estriol, estrone, 17α-ethinylestradiol, prednisone, and prednisolone. This method used solid-phase extraction with an elution solvent of acetonitrile to improve the stability of the analytes. To maintain the stability of analytes analyses were completed within five days. The recoveries ranged from 84 to 112% and the relative standard deviation of analysis of duplicate samples was <10%. The limits of quantitation were 1–10 ng/L. Surface water and wastewater were obtained from five wastewater treatment plants in Saskatchewan. Matrix effects were moderate to severe. Using standard addition calibration, all analytes except diethylstilbestrol and 17α-ethinyl estradiol were detected. There was a low frequency of detection of the target analytes in upstream and downstream water, indicating good removal efficiency during the wastewater treatment process. Bisphenol A and 4-nonylphenol were the only analytes detected downstream. Bisphenol A was the most frequently detected in raw wastewater (133 to 403 ng/L). Estriol was detected more often in raw wastewater than estrone or 17β-estradiol. This is the first Canadian study with the detection of prednisone and prednisolone with concentrations at 198–350 ng/L in raw wastewater at 60% of the wastewater treatment plants.
Characteristics of Polyphenolic Content in Brown Algae of the Pacific Coast of Russia
Authors: Aminina Natalia M. , Karaulova Ekaterina P. , Vishnevskaya Tatiana I. , Yakush Evgeny V. , Kim Yeon-Kye , Nam Ki-Ho , Son Kwang-Tae
Published: August 2020

Water and ethanol brown macroalgal extracts of nine species of Laminariales and four species of Fucales of the Pacific coast of Russia were investigated. It has been shown that brown algae species of Agarum, Thalassiophyllum, Fucus and Cystoseira can be a source of the polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Phenolic content in the ethanol algal extracts (Undaria pinnatifida, Arthrothamnus bifidus, Thalassiophyllum clathrus and Agarum turneri) was 1.1–3.5 times higher than in the water extracts. In Sargassum pallidum and Kjellmaniella crassifolia, the total polyphenolic content was 2.1 and 1.6 times higher, respectively, in water extracts than in ethanol extracts. The maximum radical scavenging activity has been detected in Agarum turneri ethanol extracts (38.8 mg ascorbic acid/g and 2506.8 µmol Trolox equiv/g dry algae). Phlorotannin content varies from 16.8 μg/g dry sample of Costaria costata to 2763.2 μg/g dry sample of Agarum turneri. It is found the content of polyphenolic compounds in brown algae is determined mainly by their species-specificity and by their belonging to the genus. The presence of major phenols in the extract of Thalassiophyllum clathrus, such as phenolic acid (gallic acid), hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid) and flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin) has been established.
Effects of the Non-Alcoholic Fraction of Beer on Abdominal Fat, Osteoporosis, and Body Hydration in Women
Authors: Trius-Soler Marta , Vilas-Franquesa Arnau , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna , Sasot Gemma , Storniolo Carolina E. , Estruch Ramon , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa M.
Published: August 2020

Several studies have shown that binge drinking of alcoholic beverages leads to non-desirable outcomes, which have become a serious threat to public health. However, the bioactive compounds in some alcohol-containing beverages might mitigate the negative effects of alcohol. In beer, the variety and concentration of bioactive compounds in the non-alcoholic fraction suggests that its consumption at moderate levels may not only be harmless but could also positively contribute to an improvement of certain physiological states and be also useful in the prevention of different chronic diseases. The present review focuses on the effects of non-alcoholic components of beer on abdominal fat, osteoporosis, and body hydration in women, conditions selected for their relevance to health and aging. Although beer drinking is commonly believed to cause abdominal fat deposition, the available literature indicates this outcome is inconsistent in women. Additionally, the non-alcoholic beer fraction might improve bone health in postmenopausal women, and the effects of beer on body hydration, although still unconfirmed seem promising. Most of the health benefits of beer are due to its bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols, which are the most studied. As alcohol-free beer also contains these compounds, it may well offer a healthy alternative to beer consumers.
The Glycan Structure of T. cruzi mucins Depends on the Host. Insights on the Chameleonic Galactose
Authors: Giorgi María Eugenia , Lederkremer Rosa M. de
Published: August 2020

Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoa that causes Chagas disease in humans, is transmitted by insects from the Reduviidae family. The parasite has developed the ability to change the structure of the surface molecules, depending on the host. Among them, the mucins are the most abundant glycoproteins. Structural studies have focused on the epimastigotes and metacyclic trypomastigotes that colonize the insect, and on the mammal trypomastigotes. The carbohydrate in the mucins fulfills crucial functions, the most important of which being the accepting of sialic acid from the host, a process catalyzed by the unique parasite trans-sialidase. The sialylation of the parasite influences the immune response on infection. The O-linked sugars have characteristics that differentiate them from human mucins. One of them is the linkage to the polypeptide chain by the hexosamine, GlcNAc, instead of GalNAc. The main monosaccharide in the mucins oligosaccharides is galactose, and this may be present in three configurations. Whereas β-d-galactopyranose (β-Galp) was found in the insect and the human stages of Trypanosoma cruzi, β-d-galactofuranose (β-Galf) is present only in the mucins of some strains of epimastigotes and α-d-galactopyranose (α-Galp) characterizes the mucins of the bloodstream trypomastigotes. The two last configurations confer high antigenic properties. In this review we discuss the different structures found and we pose the questions that still need investigation on the exchange of the configurations of galactose.
Aromatic Characterization of New White Wine Varieties Made from Monastrell Grapes Grown in South-Eastern Spain
Authors: Moreno-Olivares Juan , Giménez-Bañón Maria , Paladines-Quezada Diego , Gómez-Martínez Jose , Cebrián-Pérez Ana , Fernández-Fernández Jose , Bleda-Sánchez Juan , Gil-Muñoz Rocio
Published: August 2020

The aromatic profile of a wine is one of the main characteristics appreciated by consumers. Due to climate change, vineyards need to adapt to new conditions, and one of the strategies that might be followed is to develop new white varieties from Monastrell and other cultivars by means of intervarietal crosses, since white varieties are a minority in south-eastern Spain. Such crosses have already been obtained and have been seen to provide quality white wines of high acidity and with a good aromatic composition. To confirm this, a quantitative analysis was carried out during two vintages (2018 and 2019) in order to study and compare the volatile composition of Verdejo (V) wine with the aromatic composition of several wines made from different crosses between Cabernet Sauvignon (C), Syrah (S), Tempranillo (T), and Verdejo (V) with Monastrell (M), by means of headspace SPME-GC-MS analysis. Wine volatile compounds (alcohols, volatile acids, ethyl esters, terpenes, norisoprenoids, and two other compounds belonging to a miscellaneous group) were identified and quantified using a HS-SPME-GS-MS methodology. An additional sensory analysis was carried out by a qualified tasting panel in order to characterize the different wines. The results highlighted how the crosses MT103, MC69, and MC180 showed significant differences from and better quality than the Verdejo wine. These crosses produced higher concentrations of several aromatic families analyzed, which was supported by the views of the tasting panel, thus confirming their excellent aromatic potential as cultivars for producing grapes well adapted to this area for making white wines.
Design and Evaluation of Anti-SARS-Coronavirus Agents Based on Molecular Interactions with the Viral Protease
Authors: Akaji Kenichi , Konno Hiroyuki
Published: August 2020

Three types of new coronaviruses (CoVs) have been identified recently as the causative viruses for the severe pneumonia-like respiratory illnesses, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Neither therapeutic agents nor vaccines have been developed to date, which is a major drawback in controlling the present global pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has resulted in more than 20,439,814 cases and 744,385 deaths. Each of the 3C-like (3CL) proteases of the three CoVs is essential for the proliferation of the CoVs, and an inhibitor of the 3CL protease (3CLpro) is thought to be an ideal therapeutic agent against SARS, MERS, or COVID-19. Among these, SARS-CoV is the first corona-virus isolated and has been studied in detail since the first pandemic in 2003. This article briefly reviews a series of studies on SARS-CoV, focusing on the development of inhibitors for the SARS-CoV 3CLpro based on molecular interactions with the 3CL protease. Our recent approach, based on the structure-based rational design of a novel scaffold for SARS-CoV 3CLpro inhibitor, is also included. The achievements summarized in this short review would be useful for the design of a variety of novel inhibitors for corona-viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Improved Extraction Efficiency of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds from Tetraselmis chuii and Phaedoactylum tricornutum Using Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: Kokkali Marialena , Martí-Quijal Francisco J. , Taroncher Mercedes , Ruiz María-José , Kousoulaki Katerina , Barba Francisco J.
Published: August 2020

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) is a promising technology that allows the selective extraction of high-added value compounds by electroporation. Thus, PEF provides numerous opportunities for the energy efficient isolation of valuable microalgal bioactive substances (i.e., pigments and polyphenols). The efficiency of PEF-assisted extraction combined with aqueous or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvents in recovering pigments and polyphenols from microalgae Tetraselmis chuii (T. chuii) and Phaeodactylum tricornutum (P. tricornutum) was evaluated. Two PEF treatments were applied: (1 kV/cm/400 pulses, 3 kV/cm/45 pulses), with a specific energy input of 100 kJ/kg. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was positively influenced by the use of DMSO. The highest TAC in the T. chuii culture was achieved at a lower extraction time and electric field than for P. tricornutum. The use of DMSO only improved the polyphenols′ extraction for P. tricornutum, whereas the PEF and extraction time were more important for T. chuii. Carotenoids and chlorophyll a were more efficiently extracted using DMSO, while chlorophyll b levels were higher following aqueous extraction for both microalgae. In P. tricornutum, the TAC and pigment extraction efficiency were in general higher at lower extraction times. It can be concluded that PEF may be a promising alternative for the enhancement of the selective extraction of antioxidant bioactive compounds from microalgae.
Facile Synthesis of Ultrastable Fluorescent Copper Nanoclusters and Their Cellular Imaging Application
Authors: Yan Wei , Zhang Jianqiao , Abbas Muhammad , Li Yulian , Hussain Syed Zajif , Mumtaz Shazia , Song Zhengwei , Hussain Irshad , Tan Bien
Published: August 2020

Copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) are generally formed by several to dozens of atoms. Because of wide range of raw materials and cheap prices, Cu NCs have attracted scientists’ special attention. However, Cu NCs tend to undergo oxidation easily. Thus, there is a dire need to develop a synthetic protocol for preparing fluorescent Cu NCs with high QY and better stability. Herein, we report a one-step method for preparing stable blue-green fluorescent copper nanoclusters using glutathione (GSH) as both a reducing agent and a stabilizing agent. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (ESI-MS) were used to characterize the resulting Cu NCs. The as-prepared Cu NCs@GSH possess an ultrasmall size (2.3 ± 0.4 nm), blue-green fluorescence with decent quantum yield (6.2%) and good stability. MTT results clearly suggest that the Cu NCs@GSH are biocompatible. After incubated with EB-labeled HEK293T cells, the Cu NCs mainly accumulated in nuclei of the cells, suggesting that the as-prepared Cu NCs could potentially be used as the fluorescent probe for applications in cellular imaging.
Impact of Thermal Treatment of Nb2O5 on Its Performance in Glucose Dehydration to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Water
Authors: Morawa Eblagon Katarzyna , Malaika Anna , Ptaszynska Karolina , Pereira Manuel Fernando R. , Figueiredo José Luís
Published: August 2020

The cascade dehydration of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was carried out in water over a series of Nb2O5 catalysts, which were derived from the thermal treatment of niobic acid at 300 and 550 °C, under air or inert atmosphere. Amorphous niobic acid showed high surface area (366 m2/g) and large acidity (2.35 mmol/g). With increasing the temperature of the thermal treatment up to 550 °C, the amorphous Nb2O5 was gradually transformed into a pseudohexagonal phase, resulting in a decrease in surface area (27–39 m2/g) and total acidity (0.05–0.19 mmol/g). The catalysts’ performance in cascade dehydration of glucose realized in pure water was strongly influenced by the total acidity of these materials. A remarkable yield of 37% HMF in one-pot reaction in water was achieved using mesoporous amorphous niobium oxide prepared by thermal treatment of niobic acid at 300 °C in air. The best-performing catalyst displayed a total acidity lower than niobic acid (1.69 mmol/g) which afforded a correct balance between a high glucose conversion and limited further conversion of the target product to numerous polymers and humins. On the other hand, the treatment of niobic acid at 550 °C, independently of the atmosphere used during the sample preparation (i.e., air or N2), resulted in Nb2O5 catalysts with a high ratio of Lewis to Brønsted acid sites and poor total acidity. These materials excelled at catalyzing the isomerization step in the tandem process.
Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts
Authors: Ruiz Antonio Guerrero , Rodríguez-Ramos Inmaculada
Published: August 2020

Nanocatalysts, more precisely solids nanomaterials with catalytic properties to be used as heterogeneous catalysts, are an extended and very diverse group of nanostructured materials representing, at present, an active area of research with application in many catalyzed processes [...]
Emerging Parasitic Protozoa
Authors: Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Piñero José E.
Published: August 2020

The terms emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases have been related to a group of diseases that have appeared in a population in the recent past or that have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or changing their geographic range [...]
Differential Evolution of α-Glucan Water Dikinase (GWD) in Plants
Authors: Adegbaju Muyiwa S. , Morenikeji Olanrewaju B. , Borrego Eli J. , Hudson André O. , Thomas Bolaji N.
Published: August 2020

The alpha-glucan water dikinase (GWD) enzyme catalyzes starch phosphorylation, an integral step in transitory starch degradation. The high phosphate content in stored starch has great industrial value, due to its physio–chemical properties making it more versatile, although the phosphate content of stored starch varies depending on the botanical source. In this study, we used various computational approaches to gain insights into the evolution of the GWD protein in 48 plant species with possible roles in enzyme function and alteration of phosphate content in their stored starch. Our analyses identified deleterious mutations, particularly in the highly conserved 5 aromatic amino acid residues in the dual tandem carbohydrate binding modules (CBM-45) of GWD protein in C. zofingiensis, G. hirsutum, A. protothecoides, P. miliaceum, and C. reinhardtii. These findings will inform experimental designs for simultaneous repression of genes coding for GWD and the predicted interacting proteins to elucidate the role this enzyme plays in starch degradation. Our results reveal significant diversity in the evolution of GWD enzyme across plant species, which may be evolutionarily advantageous according to the varying needs for phosphorylated stored starch between plants and environments.
Effect of Bio-Oil Species on Rheological Behaviors and Gasification Characteristics of Coal Bio-Oil Slurry Fuels
Authors: Feng Ping , Li Jie , Wang Jinyu , Wang Huan , Xu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2020

Bio-oil is a promising fuel as one of the main products from biomass fast pyrolysis for improving energy density and reducing transportation cost, but high acidity and low calorific value limit its direct application. It can be used to prepare coal bio-oil slurry as partial green fuels for potential feeds for synthesis gas production via gasification with the advantages over traditional coal-water slurries of calorific values and being additives-free. In the present work, three bio-oils were blended with lignite to prepare slurry fuels for the investigation of the effect of bio-oil species on rheological behaviors and gasification characteristics of coal bio-oil slurry fuels. Results show that slurry prepared with bio-oil from fruit tree pyrolysis is highly viscous and has higher activation energy in gasification. Slurries prepared with bio-oils from straw pyrolysis and pyroligneous acid from wood pyrolysis exhibited an acceptably lower viscosity, and the gasification temperatures were lower than for coal. The activation energy decreased by 15.98 KJ/mol and 2.77 KJ/mol, respectively, which indicates these bio-oils are more suitable with lignite for slurries preparation.
Special Issue on “Design and Control of Sustainable Processes”
Authors: Jogwar Sujit S. , Wang Xiaonan
Published: August 2020

Sustainability has been one of the key drivers for technological innovation in this century [...]
Diospyrin Modulates Inflammation in Poly I:C-Induced Macrophages via ER Stress-Induced Calcium-CHOP Pathway
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ju , Khan Inamullah , Shahidullah Adnan , Halimi Syed Muhammad Ashhad , Rauf Abdur , Lee Ji-Young , Kim Young-Jin , Kim Bong-Youn , Park Wansu
Published: August 2020

Diospyrin, plant-derived bisnaphthoquinonoid, is known to have anticancer activity. However, pharmacological activity of diospyrin on viral infection is not well known. We investigated effects of diospyrin on macrophages induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a mimic of double-stranded viral RNA. Various cytokines, intracellular calcium, nitric oxide (NO), phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and phosphorylated ERK1/2 as well as mRNA expressions of transcription factors were evaluated. Diospyrin significantly reduced NO production, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor production, and intracellular calcium release in poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7. The phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 was also significantly suppressed. Additionally, diospyrin inhibited mRNA levels of nitric oxide synthase 2, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II alpha, signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT3, STAT4, Janus kinase 2, first apoptosis signal receptor, c-Jun, and c-Fos in poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7. Taken together, this study represents that diospyrin might have the inhibitory activity against viral inflammation such as excessive production of inflammatory mediators in poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7 via ER stress-induced calcium-CHOP pathway.
Assessment of the Renewable Energy Sector Performance Using Selected Indicators in European Union Countries
Authors: Čeryová Dominika , Bullová Tatiana , Turčeková Natália , Adamičková Izabela , Moravčíková Danka , Bielik Peter
Published: August 2020

Renewable energy is the key pillar and plays an important role in the energy systems of European Union member states and in mitigating climate change. It is supporting the transition towards a greener, resource-efficient and more competitive, low-carbon European Union economy. Above-average, average and below-average values of monitored indicators in member states of the European Union in 2009–2016 were ascertained by using principal component analysis. Monitored indicators of the renewable energy sector included electricity generation, electricity capacity, investments of public financial institutions, number of employees and turnover achieved from the economic activities related to production, distribution, installation, operation and maintenance of equipment (all of them per capita). Based on the achieved results, we can state that the situation changed during the period under review. Member states have moved between above-average, average and below-average levels of renewable energy indicators. However, a lack of change in the indicators was recorded in some member states throughout the eight-year period (Finland, France, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Spain did not move significantly). Renewable energy sources (hydro, wind, solar, geothermal and energy from biomass) were evaluated as a whole due to different natural, economic and legislative conditions of European Union countries.
The Various Oximetric Techniques Used for the Evaluation of Blood Oxygenation
Authors: Nitzan Meir , Nitzan Itamar , Arieli Yoel
Published: August 2020

Adequate oxygen delivery to a tissue depends on sufficient oxygen content in arterial blood and blood flow to the tissue. Oximetry is a technique for the assessment of blood oxygenation by measurements of light transmission through the blood, which is based on the different absorption spectra of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Oxygen saturation in arterial blood provides information on the adequacy of respiration and is routinely measured in clinical settings, utilizing pulse oximetry. Oxygen saturation, in venous blood (SvO2) and in the entire blood in a tissue (StO2), is related to the blood supply to the tissue, and several oximetric techniques have been developed for their assessment. SvO2 can be measured non-invasively in the fingers, making use of modified pulse oximetry, and in the retina, using the modified Beer–Lambert Law. StO2 is measured in peripheral muscle and cerebral tissue by means of various modes of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), utilizing the relative transparency of infrared light in muscle and cerebral tissue. The primary problem of oximetry is the discrimination between absorption by hemoglobin and scattering by tissue elements in the attenuation measurement, and the various techniques developed for isolating the absorption effect are presented in the current review, with their limitations.
Superb Monocular Depth Estimation Based on Transfer Learning and Surface Normal Guidance
Authors: Huang Kang , Qu Xingtian , Chen Shouqian , Chen Zhen , Zhang Wang , Qi Haogang , Zhao Fengshang
Published: August 2020

Accurately sensing the surrounding 3D scene is indispensable for drones or robots to execute path planning and navigation. In this paper, a novel monocular depth estimation method was proposed that primarily utilizes a lighter-weight Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) structure for coarse depth prediction and then refines the coarse depth images by combining surface normal guidance. Specifically, the coarse depth prediction network is designed as pre-trained encoder–decoder architecture for describing the 3D structure. When it comes to surface normal estimation, the deep learning network was designed as a two-stream encoder–decoder structure, which hierarchically merges red-green-blue-depth (RGB-D) images for capturing more accurate geometric boundaries. Relying on fewer network parameters and simpler learning structure, better detailed depth maps are produced than the existing states. Moreover, 3D point cloud maps reconstructed from depth prediction images confirm that our framework can be conveniently adopted as components of a monocular simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) paradigm.
Reversal of Forest Soil Acidification in the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada: Site and Soil Factors Contributing to Recovery
Authors: Hazlett Paul , Emilson Caroline , Lawrence Greg , Fernandez Ivan , Ouimet Rock , Bailey Scott
Published: August 2020

As acidic deposition has decreased across Eastern North America, forest soils at some sites are beginning to show reversal of soil acidification. However, the degree of recovery appears to vary and is not fully explained by deposition declines alone. To assess if other site and soil factors can help to explain degree of recovery from acid deposition, soil resampling chemistry data (8- to 24-year time interval) from 23 sites in the United States and Canada, located across 25° longitude from Eastern Maine to Western Ontario, were explored. Site and soil factors included recovery years, sulfate (SO42−) deposition history, SO42− reduction rate, C horizon pH and exchangeable calcium (Ca), O and B horizon pH, base saturation, and exchangeable Ca and aluminum (Al) at the time of the initial sampling. We found that O and B horizons that were initially acidified to a greater degree showed greater recovery and B horizon recovery was further associated with an increase in recovery years and lower initial SO42− deposition. Forest soils that seemingly have low buffering capacity and a reduced potential for recovery have the resilience to recover from the effects of previous high levels of acidic deposition. This suggests, that predictions of where forest soils acidification reversal will occur across the landscape should be refined to acknowledge the importance of upper soil profile horizon chemistry rather than the more traditional approach using only parent material characteristics.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Is More Difficult to Neutralize by Antibodies Than Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Authors: Silke Heilingloh Christiane , Lull Christopher , Kleiser Elissa , Alt Mira , Schipper Leonie , Witzke Oliver , Trilling Mirko , Eis-Hübinger Anna-Maria , Dittmer Ulf , Krawczyk Adalbert
Published: August 2020

Infections with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are a global health burden. Besides painful oral or genital lesions in otherwise healthy subjects, both viruses can cause devastating morbidity and mortality in immune-compromised and immune-immature individuals. The latter are particularly susceptible to a disseminated, life-threatening disease. Neutralizing antibodies (NAb) constitute a correlate of protection from disease, and are promising candidates for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of severe HSV infections. However, a clinical vaccine trial suggested that HSV-2 might be more resistant to NAbs than HSV-1. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral efficacy of the well-characterized humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) hu2c against HSV-2, in a NOD/SCID immunodeficiency mouse model. Despite the fact that hu2c recognizes a fully conserved epitope and binds HSV-1 and HSV-2 glycoprotein B with equal affinity, it was much less effective against HSV-2 in vitro and in NOD/SCID mice. Although intravenous antibody treatment prolonged the survival of HSV-2-infected mice, complete protection from death was not achieved. Our data demonstrate that HSV-2 is more resistant to NAbs than HSV-1, even if the same antibody and antigen are concerned, making the development of a vaccine or therapeutic antibodies more challenging.
Determinants of Vaccination Uptake in Risk Populations: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Doornekamp Laura , van Leeuwen Leanne , van Gorp Eric , Voeten Helene , Goeijenbier Marco
Published: August 2020

Vaccination uptake has decreased globally in recent years, with a subsequent rise of vaccine-preventable diseases. Travellers, immunocompromised patients (ICP), and healthcare workers (HCW) are groups at increased risk for (severe) infectious diseases due to their behaviour, health, or occupation, respectively. While targeted vaccination guidelines are available, vaccination uptake seems low. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of determinants—based on the integrated change model—predicting vaccination uptake in these groups. In travellers, low perceived risk of infection and low awareness of vaccination recommendations contributed to low uptake. Additionally, ICP were often unaware of the recommended vaccinations. A physician’s recommendation is strongly correlated with higher uptake. Furthermore, ICP appeared to be mainly concerned about the risks of vaccination and fear of deterioration of their underlying disease. For HCW, perceived risk of (the severity of) infection for themselves and for their patients together with perceived benefits of vaccination contribute most to their vaccination behaviour. As the determinants that affect uptake are numerous and diverse, we argue that future studies and interventions should be based on multifactorial health behaviour models, especially for travellers and ICP as only a limited number of such studies is available yet.
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Jing Rize , Lai Xiaozhen , Zhang Haijun , Lyu Yun , Knoll Maria Deloria , Fang Hai
Published: August 2020

Background: Faced with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the development of COVID-19 vaccines has been progressing at an unprecedented rate. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in China and give suggestions for vaccination strategies and immunization programs accordingly. Methods: In March 2020, an anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted online among Chinese adults. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic characteristics, risk perception, the impact of COVID-19, attitudes, acceptance and attribute preferences of vaccines against COVID-19 during the pandemic. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the influencing factors of vaccination acceptance. Results: Of the 2058 participants surveyed, 1879 (91.3%) stated that they would accept COVID-19 vaccination after the vaccine becomes available, among whom 980 (52.2%) wanted to get vaccinated as soon as possible, while others (47.8%) would delay the vaccination until the vaccine’s safety was confirmed. Participants preferred a routine immunization schedule (49.4%) to emergency vaccination (9.0%) or either of them (41.6%). Logistic regression showed that being male, being married, perceiving a high risk of infection, being vaccinated against influenza in the past season, believing in the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination or valuing doctor’s recommendations could increase the probability of accepting COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, while having confirmed or suspected cases in local areas, valuing vaccination convenience or vaccine price in decision-making could hinder participants from immediate vaccination. Conclusion: During the pandemic period, a strong demand for and high acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination has been shown among the Chinese population, while concerns about vaccine safety may hinder the promotion of vaccine uptake. To expand vaccination coverage, immunization programs should be designed to remove barriers in terms of vaccine price and vaccination convenience, and health education and communication from authoritative sources are important ways to alleviate public concerns about vaccine safety.
Challenges of the environmental management of Mining in Mexico
Authors: Rivera-Acosta Patricia , Martinez-Torres Rosa Elia
Published: August 2020

Mexico has a high potential in terms of mineral resources, promoting investment, employment generation and strong fiscal contributions; mining activity at the national level has incorporated strategies that also allow it to comply with environmental protection requirements, so it recognizes that sustainable development allows it to harmonize this economic growth, with the right of future generations to achieve their well-being. Based on the descriptions provided in a Focus Group composed of the members of Minera Tierra Adentro, environmental challenges are identified that the Mexican Mining and Metallurgical Industry faces with respect to the fulfillment of goals derived from the Sustainable Development Goals (UN, 2015). Therefore, the objective of this work is to describe the main environmental challenges currently faced by mining companies in Mexico, to contribute as a sector oriented towards sustainability. The methodology, of qualitative nature, includes documentary research and the analysis of different sources of information through its reading and reflection, the Focal Group is also used as a technique for the collection of information.
Betalains from prickly-pear fruit: An alternative natural coloring for food
Authors: Ramírez-Granados Juan Carlos , Gómez-Luna Blanca Estela , Morales-Vargas Adán Topiltzin , Mejía-Teniente Laura
Published: August 2020

Food coloring are additives that are usually incorporated into foods to make them more attractive to people. However, some mineral and synthetic dyes used in the food industry are related to harmful effects on human health. Natural dyes, such as betalains extracted from prickly-pear fruit, have fewer restrictions on use and represent a healthier alternative to enhance the appearance of food. In this work, a process to extract betalains from the pulp and peel of Cardona prickly-pear fruit was implemented and optimized. The extracted pigment was encapsulated in cornstarch. Then, it was analyzed the effect of the extract/encapsulant ratio on the amount of encapsulated betalains. It was found that the peel of this variety of prickly-pear fruit represents about 48% of its total weight. It was also demonstrated that concentrations of betalains in the peel (12.0 mg/g) and in the pulp (16.5 mg/g) are alike. For these reasons, we consider that the peel of red prickly-pear fruit is an ideal material for the extraction of betalains because it is a waste material with high content of red pigments.
Diagnosis of the Cost System in SME companies in the textile sector of South Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Millanes-Moreno María Dolores , Ruiz-Perez Roberto , Valenzuela-Reynaga Rodolfo , Vázquez-Jimenez Imelda Lorena
Published: August 2020

The objective of this work is to diagnose the current situation of the Mypmes of the textile sector of the South of Sonora for the determination of how the financial administrator can make decisions through the analysis of the environment and the veracity of the information that the cost system throws, and with it facilitate the development of possible solutions that maximize the profitability of companies. The research has two approaches: qualitative for the characterization of the phenomenon and quantitative for the causal relationships between the variables under study. The study is exploratory, since it works on knowledge gaps that have different results depending on the context; It is descriptive because specific results of microenterprises are shown. The research is non-experimental, since there is no control over the variables. The instrument was designed based on the National Survey on Productivity and Competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ENAPROCE) 2015. The SPSS and SmartPLS were used to determine the causal relationships and validation of the instrument's reliability, as well as the verification of the hypotheses. It contributes to the promotion of applied research in regional issues for possible solutions associated with the well-being of organizations.
Diagnostic study of cost management in manufacturing SMEs in Colotlán Jalisco
Authors: Lomeli Rodríguez Sandra Eva , Guzman-Aguilar Ernesto , González-Orozco Raúl , Vergara-Mesa Gerardo Alexander
Published: August 2020

Cost control in companies plays a vital role in decision making, regardless of size. Before this investigation, there was no precise information regarding the situation of cost management in manufacturing SMEs in Colotlán Jalisco, Mexico. When carrying out this research work, information was obtained according to the measurement, analysis, and cost management of these companies. The methodology used was a quantitative type by applying an instrument/questionnaire to a sample of the study universe. The surveys were applied to 51 companies, which were selected in a multivariate way with respect to each economic activity. The universe of manufacturing SMEs in Colotlán Jalisco was taken from the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units (DENUE) of INEGI. The sample was calculated with 95% confidence and an error margin of +/- 5%. (DENUE, 2019) By having this information, it will be possible to have indicators that will work as a basis for the generation and application of projects that have an impact on the improvement of the integral management of the SMEs under study. Projects that will be carried out in conjunction with the research group of the University of Buenaventura Colombia.
Estudio sistemático de las propiedades mecánicas de las micropartículas de magnetita embebidas en una matriz de concreto polimérico
Authors: Villanueva-Raya Dulce Magdalena , Béjar-Barrientos Gerardo Enrique , Guerrero Serrano Azdrubal Lobo , Cabal-Velarde Javier Gustavo
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterization of magnetic polymeric concrete with microparticles of magnetite embedded in a polymeric concrete matrix. Including the systematic study of the mechanic properties varying the concentration of concrete and magnetite microparticles like the reinforcement of the polymeric matrix. This sampling has been made varying the concentration of the reactive in the process of synthesis to analyze by a detailed way the change of physic properties. This characterization has been made by tension and compression tests, such as the optic microscopic, scanning electronics and XRD. The obtained results contribute to the systematic control of the physics properties about the polymeric magnetic sintered with microparticles of magnetite (Fe3O4) and microparticles of concrete. According to the minimum concentration of oleophilic substances, the mechanic the behavior of the probes is stiffer (plastic). Instead when there has a high concentration of oleophilic substance the behavior is more elastic (elastomer) because the probe presents more displacement. The behavior plastic-elastic is presented in a medium concentration of oleophilic substance.
Aprendizajes clave y su impacto en el ámbito socioemocional del estudiante de nivel secundaria
Authors: Villarreal-Soto Blanca Margarita , Ramos-Jaubert Roció Isabel , Cepeda-Gonzalez María Cristina , Espericueta-Medina Marta Nieves
Published: August 2020

The progressive advancement of societies as a result of globalization establishes a competitive scenario in which the individual must seek continuous improvement and compliance with professionalization standards. Therefore, the objective of this research is to know the repercussions of the application of the new educational model in secondary education institutions on educational quality. The sample consisted of 50 secondary school teachers, aged between 23 and 45 years. An instrument was applied with 4 signalitic variables and 36 variables of the study phenomenon, considered with a scale of decimal ratio; which were processed in the statistical programs SPSS and Statistica. The main results show that the evaluation of teaching performance is significant to highlight the application of didactic procedures that ensure student learning. In addition, as long as human development and socio-emotional education are promoted, satisfactory results will be obtained in the application of the new educational model. Therefore, it is proposed to carry out continuous improvement forums where students, teachers, executives, parents and social agents that derive in the creation of public policies participate.
Tecnología móvil en el ambiente académico y su uso en videojuegos
Authors: Soto Hernández Ana María , Vargas Pérez Laura Silvia , Peralta Escobar Jorge , Saldaña García Sergio
Published: August 2020

The use of mobile devices among the young population has become widespread, to read newspapers, books or magazines, find information for school assignments, and communicate with their peers for student activities, which can be used to motivate better academic performance. New applications and platforms for learning management, related to new technologies, increasingly accessible such as mobile, with smartphones or tablets in the classroom, forces teachers to use these advantages in their teaching and learning strategies. This paper presents a study, at the National Technological Institute of Mexico, on how the use of this mobile technology is correlated with better results in academic performance for engineering students in mathematics and written language, not so for physics. So also, how the widespread use of social networks and applications for leisure, such as video games, can become a strategic motivational element for learning. The study also shows the need to strengthen the commitment of teachers to link these technologies effectively in the classroom, and not leave it in an intentionality.
Sitio web y aplicación móvil de control de uso del suelo a través del mapa interactivo de la región norte del estado de Guerrero, segunda fase
Authors: De León-Castrejón Andrés , Ochoa-López Ana Laura , Noriega-Cantú David Heriberto , Salgado Mora Gabriela
Published: August 2020

This work is based on the project of stays carried out by three students of the educational program of Engineering in Information Technology at the Technological University of the Northern Region of Guerrero in the period from January - April 2017, the work has been restructured into a Second phase, giving continuity to the research project carried out at the National Institute of Forestry, Livestock and Agricultural Research of the State of Guerrero, that to obtain the type of treatment called technological fertilization package in the sowing land in the northern region of the state of Guerrero , the formula 90-60-00 of the inifap is applied by means of three tables found at the end of this work in the annex section. With this technological information and the recommended fertilization formula, (90-60-00), the source and amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus to be used are suggested. The source of nutrients depends on the Fertilizer Program, for nitrogen, ammonium sulfate (21% N) or phosphonitrate (33% N, 3% P2O5) was available and for phosphorus, diammonium phosphate (18% N, 46% P2 O5) [8].
Public Accounting and Sustainability: An academic approach
Authors: Berttolini-Díaz Gilda María , González-López Olga Yeri , Pérez-Cano Marina , Ireta-López Hugo
Published: August 2020

Environmental education emerges as a crucial need in today’s circumstances, in academic contexts such as universities, it implies introducing environmental contents and criteria in the corpus of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values outlined in the curricula, which could allow the students to perform professionally in environmental schemes and circumstances. The objective of this essay is to analyze: 1) The insertion of the issue of Sustainable Development in Public Accounting, and 2) To identify the different possible approaches to Sustainable Development in the curricula. The environmental framework represents an innovation in the curricula development, since it highlights not only the human being as an individual and the society as important participants in this issue, but also the global environment in a double role, both as a partaker and a mediating element for a new society, Chacón, 2004 quoted by (Cóndor, 2018). Starting from the fact that universities have included the environmental framework in their programs and as part of their quality standards, we analyze how sustainability is insert in the Public Accounting Degree since the curriculum was restructured in 2015 (DACEA-UJAT. LCP. 206). An exploratory analysis is undertaken, to compare UJAT with other universities in Mexico by identifying indicators that represent the insertion of this framework with a transversal design among institutions and their curricula. The main goal is to strengthen the outline and contents of the subject Accounting for Sustainability.