bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acknowledging Indigenous and Local Knowledge to Facilitate Collaboration in Landscape Approaches—Lessons from a Systematic Review
Authors: Adade Williams Portia , Sikutshwa Likho , Shackleton Sheona
Published: September 2020

The need to recognize diverse actors, their knowledge and values is being widely promoted as critical for sustainability in contemporary land use, natural resource management and conservation initiatives. However, in much of the case study literature, the value of including indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in the management and governance of landscapes tends to be overlooked and undervalued. Understanding ILK as comprising indigenous, local and traditional knowledge, this systematic review synthesizes how ILK has been viewed and incorporated into landscape-based studies; what processes, mechanisms and areas of focus have been used to integrate it; and the challenges and opportunities that arise in doing so. Queries from bibliographic databases (Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Africa Wide) were employed. Findings from the review underscore that the literature and case studies that link landscapes and ILK are dominated by a focus on agricultural systems, followed by social-ecological systems, indigenous governance, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and climate change studies, especially those related to early warning systems for disaster risk reduction. The growing importance of multi-stakeholder collaborations in local landscape research and the promotion of inclusive consultations have helped to bring ILK to the fore in the knowledge development process. This, in turn, has helped to support improved landscape management, governance and planning for more resilient landscapes. However, more research is needed to explore ways to more effectively link ILK and scientific knowledge in landscape studies, particularly in the co-management of these social-ecological systems. More studies that confirm the usefulness of ILK, recognize multiple landscape values and their interaction with structures and policies dealing with landscape management and conservation are necessary for enhanced sustainability.
Fractional-Order Thermoelastic Wave Assessment in a Two-Dimensional Fiber-Reinforced Anisotropic Material
Authors: Horrigue Samah , Abbas Ibrahim A.
Published: September 2020

The present work is aimed at studying the effect of fractional order and thermal relaxation time on an unbounded fiber-reinforced medium. In the context of generalized thermoelasticity theory, the fractional time derivative and the thermal relaxation times are employed to study the thermophysical quantities. The techniques of Fourier and Laplace transformations are used to present the problem exact solutions in the transformed domain by the eigenvalue approach. The inversions of the Fourier-Laplace transforms hold analytical and numerically. The numerical outcomes for the fiber-reinforced material are presented and graphically depicted. A comparison of the results for different theories under the fractional time derivative is presented. The properties of the fiber-reinforced material with the fractional derivative act to reduce the magnitudes of the variables considered, which can be significant in some practical applications and can be easily considered and accurately evaluated.
An Integrated Measurement of the Efficiency of China’s Industrial Circular Economy and Associated Influencing Factors
Authors: Lu Chenyu , Zhang Yang , Li Hengji , Zhang Zilong , Cheng Wei , Jin Shulei , Liu Wei
Published: September 2020

Since the 1990s, the notion of a circular economy has been developing globally; countries all over the world have been considering the development of a circular economy as an important means of achieving sustainable development. As the development of an industrial circular economy can help promote the efficient recycling of resources, it is an important starting point for industrial transformation and upgrading, and represents a key factor that will lead to the development of a circular economy in China. China’s varying provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) have successively implemented circular economy practices in the industrial field. The research object of the present study is 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the control of central government (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Tibet were not included owing to lack of data). Through the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) technology and the spatial analysis model, data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, and Tobit regression model, a measure model and index system are constructed, in order to carry out a multi-angle comprehensive study integrating the efficiency evaluation, spatial analysis, and influencing factors analysis of China’s industrial circular economy. It is an important innovation, and an important contribution to the existing research system. The conclusions are as follows: (1) In general, the overall level of China’s industrial circular economy’s efficiency was not high, and there was still a lot of room for improvement. The integrated efficiency of the industrial circular economy in the eastern region was relatively high, followed by that in the western region, and the lowest level in the middle region. (2) The efficiency of China’s industrial circular economy displayed obvious spatial aggregation characteristics at the provincial level, including clear spatial dependence and spatial heterogeneity. High-value aggregation areas were mainly distributed in the eastern coastal areas, and low-value aggregation areas were concentrated and contiguously distributed in the middle and western inland areas. (3) The four elements of economic level, openness to the outside, government regulation, and industrialization aggregation each impose a significant positive impact on the efficiency of China’s industrial circular economy, which can promote its efficiency. The level of industrialization exerts a significant negative impact on the efficiency of the industrial circular economy, which hampers its improvement. The impact of technological innovation on the efficiency of the industrial circular economy is not statistically significant.
Ionic Polyureas—A Novel Subclass of Poly(Ionic Liquid)s for CO2 Capture
Authors: Morozova Sofia M. , Lozinskaya Elena I. , Sardon Haritz , Suárez-García Fabian , Vlasov Petr S. , Vaudemont Régis , Vygodskii Yakov S. , Shaplov Alexander S.
Published: September 2020

The growing concern for climate change and global warming has given rise to investigations in various research fields, including one particular area dedicated to the creation of solid sorbents for efficient CO2 capture. In this work, a new family of poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) comprising cationic polyureas (PURs) with tetrafluoroborate (BF4) anions has been synthesized. Condensation of various diisocyanates with novel ionic diamines and subsequent ion metathesis reaction resulted in high molar mass ionic PURs (Mw = 12 ÷ 173 × 103 g/mol) with high thermal stability (up to 260 °C), glass transition temperatures in the range of 153–286 °C and remarkable CO2 capture (10.5–24.8 mg/g at 0 °C and 1 bar). The CO2 sorption was found to be dependent on the nature of the cation and structure of the diisocyanate. The highest sorption was demonstrated by tetrafluoroborate PUR based on 4,4′-methylene-bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) diisocyanate and aromatic diamine bearing quinuclidinium cation (24.8 mg/g at 0 °C and 1 bar). It is hoped that the present study will inspire novel design strategies for improving the sorption properties of PILs and the creation of novel effective CO2 sorbents.
Preliminary Discussion on the Highly Radiogenic Lead in Unalloyed Copper Artifacts of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty: Starting from the Huili Copper Spearheads
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Luo Wugan , Yang Yingdong , Chen Dian , Du Jing , Tang Xiang
Published: September 2020

The debate about the highly radiogenic lead in Chinese archaeology has never ceased. However, previous studies have mainly focused on high leaded bronzes and lead materials, and with little specific discussion on the unalloyed copper artifacts and the sources of copper materials in China. In this work, a trace of highly radiogenic lead was found in ten copper spearheads unearthed from Huili County, Sichuan Province, southwest China, which inspired our research on this issue. The pXRF results showed that their lead content is extremely low, so the lead isotope ratios can indicate the source of copper, and the data correspond to the local copper deposits. Combined with other relevant highly radiogenic lead isotope data of unalloyed copper artifacts, the results indicate that there were multiple sources of copper ores used in the Shang Dynasty, and copper mines were continuously used in Southwest China until the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
Effect of Sample Preparation Pressure on Transformation Law of Low-Valent Titanium Oxide in a Multi-Stage Reduction Process
Authors: Fan Shigang , Dou Zhihe , Zhang Ting’an , Yan Ji-sen , Niu Li-ping
Published: September 2020

A novel method for preparing titanium powder by multi-stage reduction of TiO2 was proposed. Its core is the preparation of high-quality low-valent titanium oxide. In this paper, the effect mechanism of different sample preparation pressures on the preparation of low-valent titanium oxide by the primary reduction (self-propagating high-temperature synthesis mode, SHS) of the Mg-TiO2 system was studied. The results show that the generation of Mg thermal fluid is the key link of the self-sustaining chemical reaction of the Mg-TiO2 system. Titanium exists inα-Ti and TiO at the end of combustion, and constitutes a non-stoichiometric low-valent titanium oxide. The sample preparation pressure determines the proportion of pores reserved for Mg diffusion in the compacts and the contact area of the reactants, thereby determining the partitioning behavior and heat transfer effect of Mg thermal fluid during the combustion process. When the sample preparation pressure is 75 MPa (relative density is 0.66 ± 0.01), the combustion effect is optimal, and the low-valent titanium oxide with oxygen content of 15.1% can be obtained. It was subjected to deep reduction to obtain a titanium powder product with an oxygen content of 0.27%.
Effectiveness of Different Sample Treatments for the Elemental Characterization of Bees and Beehive Products
Authors: Astolfi Maria Luisa , Conti Marcelo Enrique , Marconi Elisabetta , Massimi Lorenzo , Canepari Silvia
Published: September 2020

Bee health and beehive products’ quality are compromised by complex interactions between multiple stressors, among which toxic elements play an important role. The aim of this study is to optimize and validate sensible and reliable analytical methods for biomonitoring studies and the quality control of beehive products. Four digestion procedures, including two systems (microwave oven and water bath) and different mixture reagents, were evaluated for the determination of the total content of 40 elements in bees and five beehive products (beeswax, honey, pollen, propolis and royal jelly) by using inductively coupled plasma mass and optical emission spectrometry. Method validation was performed by measuring a standard reference material and the recoveries for each selected matrix. The water bath-assisted digestion of bees and beehive products is proposed as a fast alternative to microwave-assisted digestion for all elements in biomonitoring studies. The present study highlights the possible drawbacks that may be encountered during the elemental analysis of these biological matrices and aims to be a valuable aid for the analytical chemist. Total elemental concentrations, determined in commercially available beehive products, are presented.
Influence of Membrane Phase on the Optical Properties of DPH
Authors: Osella Silvio , Paloncýová Markéta , Sahi Maryam , Knippenberg Stefan
Published: September 2020

The fluorescent molecule diphenylhexatriene (DPH) has been often used in combination with fluorescence anisotropy measurements, yet little is known regarding the non-linear optical properties. In the current work, we focus on them and extend the application to fluorescence, while paying attention to the conformational versatility of DPH when it is embedded in different membrane phases. Extensive hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations were performed to investigate the influence of the phase- and temperature-dependent lipid environment on the probe. Already, the transition dipole moments and one-photon absorption spectra obtained in the liquid ordered mixture of sphingomyelin (SM)-cholesterol (Chol) (2:1) differ largely from the ones calculated in the liquid disordered DOPC and solid gel DPPC membranes. Throughout the work, the molecular conformation in SM:Chol is found to differ from the other environments. The two-photon absorption spectra and the ones obtained by hyper-Rayleigh scattering depend strongly on the environment. Finally, a stringent comparison of the fluorescence anisotropy decay and the fluorescence lifetime confirm the use of DPH to gain information upon the surrounding lipids and lipid phases. DPH might thus open the possibility to detect and analyze different biological environments based on its absorption and emission properties.
Effect of the Solvent on Propolis Phenolic Profile and its Antifungal, Antioxidant, and In Vitro Cytoprotective Activity in Human Erythrocytes Under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Woźniak Magdalena , Mrówczyńska Lucyna , Kwaśniewska-Sip Patrycja , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Nowak Piotr , Ratajczak Izabela
Published: September 2020

Propolis is a natural bee product with various beneficial biological effects. The health-promoting properties of propolis depend on its chemical composition, particularly the presence of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between extraction solvent (acetone 100%, ethanol 70% and 96%) and the antifungal, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity of the extracts obtained from propolis. Concentrations of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the propolis extracts were determined using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant potential of different extracts was assessed on the basis of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) free-radical-scavenging activity, Fe3+-reducing power, and ferrous ion (Fe2+)-chelating activity assays. The ability of the extracts to protect human red blood cell membranes against free-radical-induced damage and their antifungal activity was also determined. The results showed that the concentration of flavonoids in the propolis extracts was dependent on the solvent used in the extraction process and pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and coumaric acid were the most abundant phenols. All extracts exhibited high antioxidant potential and significantly protected human erythrocytes against oxidative damage. On the other hand, the antifungal activity of the propolis extracts depended on the solvent used in extraction and the fungal strains tested. It needs to be stressed that, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study relating the effect of solvent used for extraction of Polish propolis to its phenolic profile, and its antifungal, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity.
The Effect of Simultaneous Si and Ti/Mo Alloying on High-Temperature Strength of Fe3Al-Based Iron Aluminides
Authors: Vodičková Věra , Švec Martin , Hanus Pavel , Novák Pavel , Záděra Antonín , Keller Vojtěch , Prokopčáková Petra Pazourková
Published: September 2020

The effect of phase composition and morphology on high-temperature strength in the compression of Fe-Al-Si-based iron aluminides manufactured by casting was investigated. The structure and high-temperature strength in the compression of three alloys—Fe28Al5Si, Fe28Al5Si2Mo, and Fe28Al5Si2Ti—were studied. Long-term (at 800 °C for 100 h) annealing was performed for the achievement of structural stability. The phase composition and grain size of alloys were primarily described by means of scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive analysis and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). The phase composition was verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The effect of Mo and Ti addition as well as the effect of long-term annealing on high-temperature yield stress in compression were investigated. Both additives—Mo and Ti—affected the yield stress values positively. Long-term annealing of Fe28Al5Si-X iron aluminide alloyed with Mo and Ti deteriorates yield stress values slightly due to grain coarsening.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of 2-Isoxazoline Derivatives
Authors: Alshamari Asma , Al-Qudah Mahmoud , Hamadeh Fedaa , Al-Momani Lo’ay , Abu-Orabi Sultan
Published: September 2020

A series of derivatives of trans-3-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)4,5-dihydroisoxazolo-4,5-bis[carbonyl-(4′phenyl)thiosemicarbazide (9) and of trans-3-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro isoxazolo-4,5-bis(aroylcarbohydrazide) (10a–c) were synthesized from trans-3-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4,5-bis(hydrazenocarbonyl)isoxazole (8). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by both elemental and spectral (IR, NMR, and MS) analysis. Compound 9 shows activity against some bacterial species. No antibacterial activities were observed for compounds 10a–c. The antioxidant activity of the new compounds has been screened. Compound 9 showed higher antioxidant activity using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2’-azino–bis(3-ethylbenzoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt methods.
Characterization of the Phenolic Compounds in Different Plant Parts of Amaranthus cruentus Grown under Cultivated Conditions
Authors: Manyelo Tlou Grace , Sebola Nthabiseng Amenda , Hassan Zahra Mohammed , Mabelebele Monnye
Published: September 2020

Phenolic compounds that are present in amaranth crops have gained a lot of interest from researchers due to their health benefits potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate phenolic compounds present in different plant parts of Amaranthuscruentus using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Moreover, data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance of the statistical analysis software, whereas commercial statistical package version 4.02 was used for principal component analysis. A total of 21 phenolic compounds were detected and eight were not identified. Caffeoylsaccharic acid isomer, coumaoryl saccharic acid, tryptophan, feruloyl-d-saccharic acid isomer a, b, and c, caffeoyl isocitrate, quercetin 3-O-rhamnosyl-rhamnosyl-glucoside, feruloyl isocitrate, hyperoside, kaempferol rutinoside, and alkaloid compounds were mostly detected in tender and mature leaves. Generally, rutin content was higher (p < 0.05) in most vegetative parts of the amaranth plant, thus, late maturity leaves, tender leaves, and mature leaves, respectively. Lower quantities of rutin were observed in tender grains, flowers, and mature grains. It can be concluded that amaranth contains phenolic compounds, predominantly in the vegetative parts, which makes it to be a promising source of phenolic compounds beneficial to human health.
Impact of Different Stoppers on the Composition of Red and Rosé Lagrein, Schiava (Vernatsch) and Merlot Wines Stored in Bottle
Authors: Rossetti Fabrizio , Jouin Alicia , Jourdes Michael , Teissedre Pierre-Louis , Foligni Roberta , Longo Edoardo , Boselli Emanuele
Published: September 2020

Different technical cork stoppers (blend of natural cork microgranules, one-piece natural cork, agglomerated natural cork, technical cork 1+1) were compared to evaluate the effects on the phenolic, volatile profiles and dissolved oxygen in three red (Merlot, Lagrein red, St. Magdalener) and one rosé (Lagrein rosé) wines, which were stored in bottles for 12 months. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, trans-resveratrol, glutahionyl caftaric acid and protocatechuic acid did not vary remarkably during the first three months, whereas at six months a net increase was reported, followed by a clear decrease at 12 months. The same trend was observed in Lagrein rosé, but only for gallic acid. The total anthocyanins content decreased during the storage period in the four wines. Isopentyl acetate, 1-hexanol, ethyl hexanoate, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, diethyl succinate, ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate were the main volatile compounds. The sum of alcohols decreased in all four of the wines. The esters decreased in Merlot; however, they increased in Lagrein rosé, Lagrein red and St. Magdalener during the storage. Univariate and multivariate statistics and a sensory discriminant triangle test displayed similar influences of the different stoppers on the phenolic and volatile compounds during the whole storage duration. The changes detected in the phenolic and volatile concentrations were presumably due to the non-oxygen-mediated reactions occurring during 12 months of storage in bottle.
In Vitro and In Vivo Screening of Wild Bitter Melon Leaf for Anti-Inflammatory Activity against Cutibacterium acnes
Authors: Chuang Lu-Te , Shih Ya-Hsin , Huang Wen-Cheng , Lin Lie-Chwen , Hsu Chin , Chyuan Jong-Ho , Tsai Tsung-Hsien , Tsai Po-Jung
Published: September 2020

Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a key pathogen involved in the development and progression of acne inflammation. The numerous bioactive properties of wild bitter melon (WBM) leaf extract and their medicinal applications have been recognized for many years. In this study, we examined the suppressive effect of a methanolic extract (ME) of WBM leaf and fractionated components thereof on live C. acnes-induced in vitro and in vivo inflammation. Following methanol extraction of WBM leaves, we confirmed anti-inflammatory properties of ME in C. acnes-treated human THP-1 monocyte and mouse ear edema models. Using a bioassay-monitored isolation approach and a combination of liquid–liquid extraction and column chromatography, the ME was then separated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water-soluble fractions. The hexane fraction exerted the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, suppressing C. acnes-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) production by 36%. The ethanol-soluble fraction (ESF), which was separated from the n-hexane fraction, significantly inhibited C. acnes-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated cellular IL-8 production. Similarly, the ESF protected against C. acnes-stimulated mouse ear swelling, as measured by ear thickness (20%) and biopsy weight (23%). Twenty-four compounds in the ESF were identified using gas chromatograph–mass spectrum (GC/MS) analysis. Using co-cultures of C. acnes and THP-1 cells, β-ionone, a compound of the ESF, reduced the production of IL-1β and IL-8 up to 40% and 18%, respectively. β-ionone also reduced epidermal microabscess, neutrophilic infiltration and IL-1β expression in mouse ear. We also found evidence of the presence of anti-inflammatory substances in an unfractionated phenolic extract of WBM leaf, and demonstrated that the ESF is a potential anti-inflammatory agent for modulating in vitro and in vivo C. acnes-induced inflammatory responses.
Semi-Continuous Flow Biocatalysis with Affinity Co-Immobilized Ketoreductase and Glucose Dehydrogenase
Authors: Plž Michal , Petrovičová Tatiana , Rebroš Martin
Published: September 2020

The co-immobilization of ketoreductase (KRED) and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) on highly cross-linked agarose (sepharose) was studied. Immobilization of these two enzymes was performed via affinity interaction between His-tagged enzymes (six histidine residues on the N-terminus of the protein) and agarose matrix charged with nickel (Ni2+ ions). Immobilized enzymes were applied in a semicontinuous flow reactor to convert the model substrate; α-hydroxy ketone. A series of biotransformation reactions with a substrate conversion of >95% were performed. Immobilization reduced the requirement for cofactor (NADP+) and allowed the use of higher substrate concentration in comparison with free enzymes. The immobilized system was also tested on bulky ketones and a significant enhancement in comparison with free enzymes was achieved.
Quinoline-Based Molecules Targeting c-Met, EGF, and VEGF Receptors and the Proteins Involved in Related Carcinogenic Pathways
Authors: Martorana Annamaria , La Monica Gabriele , Lauria Antonino
Published: September 2020

The quinoline ring system has long been known as a versatile nucleus in the design and synthesis of biologically active compounds. Currently, more than one hundred quinoline compounds have been approved in therapy as antimicrobial, local anaesthetic, antipsychotic, and anticancer drugs. In drug discovery, indeed, over the last few years, an increase in the publication of papers and patents about quinoline derivatives possessing antiproliferative properties has been observed. This trend can be justified by the versatility and accessibility of the quinoline scaffold, from which new derivatives can be easily designed and synthesized. Within the numerous quinoline small molecules developed as antiproliferative drugs, this review is focused on compounds effective on c-Met, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and EGF (epidermal growth factor) receptors, pivotal targets for the activation of important carcinogenic pathways (Ras/Raf/MEK and PI3K/AkT/mTOR). These signalling cascades are closely connected and regulate the survival processes in the cell, such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and angiogenesis. The antiproliferative biological data of remarkable quinoline compounds have been analysed, confirming the pivotal importance of this ring system in the efficacy of several approved drugs. Furthermore, in view of an SAR (structure-activity relationship) study, the most recurrent ligand–protein interactions of the reviewed molecules are summarized.
The Potential of Novel Chitosan-Based Scaffolds in Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Treatment through Tissue Engineering
Authors: Radwan-Pragłowska Julia , Stangel-Wójcikiewicz Klaudia , Piątkowski Marek , Janus Łukasz , Matýsek Dalibor , Majka Marcin , Amrom Dalia
Published: September 2020

The growing number of female reproductive system disorders creates a need for novel treatment methods. Tissue engineering brings hope for patients, which enables damaged tissue reconstruction. For this purpose, epithelial cells are cultured on three-dimensional scaffolds. One of the most promising materials is chitosan, which is known for its biocompatibility and biodegradability. The aim of the following study was to verify the potential of chitosan-based biomaterials for pelvic organ prolapse regeneration. The scaffolds were obtained under microwave-assisted conditions in crosslinking reactions, using dicarboxylic acids and aminoacid as crosslinkers, including l-glutamic acid, adipic acid, malonic acid, and levulinic acid. The products were characterized over their physicochemical and biological properties. FT–IR analysis confirmed formation of amide bonds. The scaffolds had a highly porous structure, which was confirmed by SEM analysis. Their porosity was above 90%. The biomaterials had excellent swelling abilities and very good antioxidant properties. The cytotoxicity study was performed on vaginal epithelial VK2/E6E7 and human colon cancer HCT116 cell lines. The results showed that after certain modifications, the proposed scaffolds could be used in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treatment.
Synthesis of Fucose Derivatives with Thiol Motifs towards Suicide Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Reihill Mark , Guazzelli Lorenzo , Remaut Han , Oscarson Stefan
Published: September 2020

The syntheses of six thiol-exhibiting monosaccharides towards suicide inhibition of Helicobacter pylori are reported. Blood group Antigen Binding Adhesin (BabA), a bacterial membrane-bound lectin, binds to human ABO and Lewis b blood group structures displayed on the surface of host epithelial cells. Crystal structures of the carbohydrate-recognition domain revealed a conserved disulfide bonded loop that anchors a critical fucose residue in these blood group structures. Disruption of this loop by N-acetylcysteine results in reduced BabA-mediated adherence to human gastric tissue sections and attenuated virulence in Lewis b-expressing transgenic mice. With a view of creating specific inhibitors of the lectin, we designed and successfully synthesised six fucose-derived compounds with thiol motifs to engage in a thiol-disulfide exchange with this disulfide bond of BabA and form a glycan-lectin disulfide linkage. Branching and extending the fucose backbone with 2- and 3-carbon thiol motifs delivered a range of candidates to be tested for biological activity against BabA.
Cathepsin B-Cleavable Cyclopeptidic Chemotherapeutic Prodrugs
Authors: Herceg Viktorija , Bouilloux Jordan , Janikowska Karolina , Allémann Eric , Lange Norbert
Published: September 2020

Cyclopeptidic chemotherapeutic prodrugs (cPCPs) are macromolecular protease-sensitive doxorubicin (DOX) prodrugs synthesized from a cyclodecapeptidic scaffold, termed Regioselectively Addressable Functionalized Template (RAFT). In order to increase the chemotherapeutic potential of DOX and limit its toxicity, we used a Cathepsin B (Cat B)-sensitive prodrug concept for its targeted release since this enzyme is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells. Copper-free “click” chemistry was used to synthesize cPCPs containing up to four DOX moieties tethered to the upper face of the scaffold through a Cat B-cleavable peptidic linker (GAGRRAAG). On the lower part, PEG 5, 10 and 20 kDa and a fifth peptidyl DOX moiety were grafted in order to improve the solubility, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles of the compound. In vitro results on HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells showed that cPCPs display a delayed action that consists of a cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase comparable to DOX alone, and increased cell membrane permeability.
Thermal Conductivity of Metastable Ionic Liquid [C2mim][CH3SO3]
Authors: Lozano-Martín Daniel , Inês Cardoso Vieira Salomé , Paredes Xavier , Vitoriano Lourenço Maria José , Nieto de Castro Carlos A. , Sengers Jan V. , Massonne Klemens
Published: September 2020

Ionic liquids have been suggested as new engineering fluids, namely in the area of heat transfer, as alternatives to current biphenyl and diphenyl oxide, alkylated aromatics and dimethyl polysiloxane oils, which degrade above 200 °C and pose some environmental problems. Recently, we have proposed 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate, [C2mim][CH3SO3], as a new heat transfer fluid, because of its thermophysical and toxicological properties. However, there are some interesting points raised in this work, namely the possibility of the existence of liquid metastability below the melting point (303 K) or second order-disorder transitions (λ-type) before reaching the calorimetric freezing point. This paper analyses in more detail this zone of the phase diagram of the pure fluid, by reporting accurate thermal-conductivity measurements between 278 and 355 K with an estimated uncertainty of 2% at a 95% confidence level. A new value of the melting temperature is also reported, Tmelt = 307.8 ± 1 K. Results obtained support liquid metastability behaviour in the solid-phase region and permit the use of this ionic liquid at a heat transfer fluid at temperatures below its melting point. Thermal conductivity models based on Bridgman theory and estimation formulas were also used in this work, failing to predict the experimental data within its uncertainty.
Resveratrol Suppresses Cross-Talk between Colorectal Cancer Cells and Stromal Cells in Multicellular Tumor Microenvironment: A Bridge between In Vitro and In Vivo Tumor Microenvironment Study
Authors: Buhrmann Constanze , Shayan Parviz , Brockmueller Aranka , Shakibaei Mehdi
Published: September 2020

The interaction between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important process for the development of tumor malignancy. Modulation of paracrine cross-talk could be a promising strategy for tumor control within the TME. The exact mechanisms of multi-targeted compound resveratrol are not yet fully understood. Whether resveratrol can modulate paracrine signal transduction-induced malignancy in the multicellular-TME of colorectal cancer cells (CRC) was investigated. An in vitro model with 3D-alginate HCT116 cells in multicellular-TME cultures (fibroblast cells, T-lymphocytes) was used to elucidate the role of TNF-β, Sirt1-ASO and/or resveratrol in the proliferation, invasion and cancer stem cells (CSC) of CRC cells. We found that multicellular-TME, similar to TNF-β-TME, promoted proliferation, colony formation, invasion of CRC cells and enabled activation of CSCs. However, after co-treatment with resveratrol, the malignancy of multicellular-TME reversed to HCT116. In addition, resveratrol reduced the secretion of T-lymphocyte/fibroblast (TNF-β, TGF-β3) proteins, antagonized the T-lymphocyte/fibroblast-promoting NF-κB activation, NF-κB nuclear translocation and thus the expression of NF-κB-promoting biomarkers, associated with proliferation, invasion and survival of CSCs in 3D-alginate cultures of HCT116 cells induced by TNF-β- or multicellular-TME, but not by Sirt1-ASO, indicating the central role of this enzyme in the anti-tumor function of resveratrol. Our results suggest that in vitro multicellular-TME promotes crosstalk between CRC and stromal cells to increase survival, migration of HCT116 and the resveratrol/Sirt1 axis suppresses this loop by modulating paracrine agent secretion and NF-κB signaling. Fibroblasts and T-lymphocytes are promising targets for resveratrol in the prevention of CRC metastasis.
The Molecular and Functional Characterization of the Durum Wheat Lipoxygenase TdLOX2 Suggests Its Role in Hyperosmotic Stress Response
Authors: Menga Valeria , Trono Daniela
Published: September 2020

In plants, lipoxygenases (LOXs) are involved in various processes, such as growth, development, and response to stress cues. In the present study, the expression pattern of six durum wheat LOX-encoding genes (TdLpx-B1.1, TdLpx-B1.2, TdLpx-A2, TdLpx-B2, TdLpx-A3 and TdLpx-B3) under hyperosmotic stress was investigated. With osmotic (0.42 M mannitol) and salt (0.21 M NaCl) stress imposed at the early stages of seedling growth, a strong induction of the TdLpx-A2 gene expression in the shoots paralleled an equally strong increase in the LOX activity. Enhanced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased rates of superoxide anion generation were also observed as a result of the stress imposition. Sequence analysis of the TdLOX2 encoded by the TdLpx-A2 gene revealed that it belonged to the type-1 9-LOX group. When overexpressed in E. coli, TdLOX2 exhibited normal enzyme activity, high sensitivity to specific LOX inhibitors, with 76% and 99% inhibition by salicylhydroxamic and propyl gallate, respectively, and a preference for linoleic acid as substrate, which was converted exclusively to its corresponding 13-hydroperoxide. This unexpected positional specificity could be related to the unusual TV/K motif that in TdLOX2 replaces the canonical TV/R motif of 9-LOXs. Treatment of seedlings with propyl gallate strongly suppressed the increase in LOX activity induced by the hyperosmotic stress; the MDA accumulation was also reduced but less markedly, whereas the rate of superoxide anion generation was even more increased. Overall, our findings suggest that the up-regulation of the TdLpx-A2 gene is a component of the durum wheat response to hyperosmotic stress and that TdLOX2 may act by counteracting the excessive generation of harmful reactive oxygen species responsible for the oxidative damages that occur in plants under stress.
A Numerical Investigation on De-NOx Technology and Abnormal Combustion Control for a Hydrogen Engine with EGR System
Authors: Guo Hao , Zhou Song , Zou Jiaxuan , Shreka Majed
Published: September 2020

The combustion emissions of the hydrogen-fueled engines are very clean, but the problems of abnormal combustion and high NOx emissions limit their applications. Nowadays hydrogen engines use exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology to control the intensity of premixed combustion and reduce the NOx emissions. This study aims at improving the abnormal combustion and decreasing the NOx emissions of the hydrogen engine by applying a three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a single-cylinder hydrogen-fueled engine equipped with an EGR system. The results indicated that peak in-cylinder pressure continuously increased with the increase of the ignition advance angle and was closer to the top dead center (TDC). In addition, the mixture was burned violently near the theoretical air–fuel ratio, and the combustion duration was shortened. Moreover, the NOx emissions, the average pressure, and the in-cylinder temperature decreased as the EGR ratio increased. Furthermore, increasing the EGR ratio led to an increase in the combustion duration and a decrease in the peak heat release rate. EGR system could delay the spontaneous combustion reaction of the end-gas and reduce the probability of knocking. The pressure rise rate was controlled and the in-cylinder hot spots were reduced by the EGR system, which could suppress the occurrence of the pre-ignition in the hydrogen engine.
PID Tuning Method Based on IMC for Inverse-Response Second-Order Plus Dead Time Processes
Authors: Castellanos-Cárdenas Duby , Castrillón Fabio , Vásquez Rafael E. , Smith Carlos
Published: September 2020

This work addresses a set of tuning rules for PID controllers based on Internal Model Control (IMC) for inverse-response second-order systems with dead time. The transfer function, and some time-response characteristics for such systems are first described. Then, the IMC-based methodology is developed by using an optimization objective function that mixes performance and robustness. A correlation that minimizes the objective function and that allows the user to compute the controller’s tuning parameter is found. The obtained expressions are mathematically simple, which facilitate their application in a ten-step systematic methodology. Finally, the proposed tuning method is compared to other well-known tuning rules that have been reported in literature, for a wide range of parameters of the process. The performance achieved with the proposed method is very good not only for disturbance rejection but for set-point tracking, when considering a wide-range of parameters of the process’ transfer function.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Bolt Loosening Diagnosis Using Deep Learning Algorithms for Laser Ultrasonic Wave Propagation Data
Authors: Tran Dai Quoc , Kim Ju-Won , Tola Kassahun Demissie , Kim Wonkyu , Park Seunghee
Published: September 2020

The application of deep learning (DL) algorithms to non-destructive evaluation (NDE) is now becoming one of the most attractive topics in this field. As a contribution to such research, this study aims to investigate the application of DL algorithms for detecting and estimating the looseness in bolted joints using a laser ultrasonic technique. This research was conducted based on a hypothesis regarding the relationship between the true contact area of the bolt head-plate and the guided wave energy lost while the ultrasonic waves pass through it. First, a Q-switched Nd:YAG pulsed laser and an acoustic emission sensor were used as exciting and sensing ultrasonic signals, respectively. Then, a 3D full-field ultrasonic data set was created using an ultrasonic wave propagation imaging (UWPI) process, after which several signal processing techniques were applied to generate the processed data. By using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) with a VGG-like architecture based regression model, the estimated error was calculated to compare the performance of a DCNN on different processed data set. The proposed approach was also compared with a K-nearest neighbor, support vector regression, and deep artificial neural network for regression to demonstrate its robustness. Consequently, it was found that the proposed approach shows potential for the incorporation of laser-generated ultrasound and DL algorithms. In addition, the signal processing technique has been shown to have an important impact on the DL performance for automatic looseness estimation.
A Capacitated House Allocation Game for the Energy Efficient Relays Selection in 5G Multicast Context
Authors: Chiti Francesco , Fantacci Romano , Picano Benedetta , Pierucci Laura
Published: September 2020

The upcoming fifth generation (5G) wireless networks making use of higher-frequency spectrum bands suffer from serious propagation issues due to high path loss and beam directivity requirements. This promotes the device-to-device communications to boost the transmission reliability at the network edges, providing remarkable benefits in terms of the energy and spectrum efficiency, essential for a wide class of sensors networks and Internet-of-Things. More in general, applications where devices are usually constrained in computational and transmission range capabilities. In such a context, the selection of the proper number of devices arranged as a relay plays a crucial role. Towards this goal, this paper proposes an efficient relay selection scheme minimizing both the delivery transmission delay and the overall energy consumption, i.e., the overall number of relays to be used. By focusing on a multicast content delivery application scenario the problem of interest is formulated as a one-sided preferences matching game. In addition, the strategy designed takes into account specific information, named reputation coefficient, associated to each device jointly with link propagation conditions for allowing the selection of suitable relays for disseminating the content among the devices. The effectiveness of the proposed solution is underpinned by computer simulations, and the performance is evaluated in terms of power consumption, end-to-end delay, and number of selected relays. As confirmed by results, the proposed approach improves network performance compared to the greedy approach, the random algorithm, a scheme previously proposed in literature, and with two game theory-based strategies.
Assessment of Rice Developmental Stage Using Time Series UAV Imagery for Variable Irrigation Management
Authors: Yang Chin-Ying , Yang Ming-Der , Tseng Wei-Cheng , Hsu Yu-Chun , Li Guan-Sin , Lai Ming-Hsin , Wu Dong-Hong , Lu Hsiu-Ying
Published: September 2020

Rice is one of the three major crops in the world and is the major crop in Asia. Climate change and water resource shortages may result in decreases in rice yields and possible food shortage crises. In this study, water-saving farming management was tested, and IOT field water level monitoring was used to regulate water inflow automatically. Plant height (PH) is an important phenotype to be used to determine difference in rice growth periods and yields using water-saving irrigation. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with an RGB camera captured sequential images of rice fields to estimate rice PH compared with PH measured on site for estimating rice growth stages. The test results, with two crop harvests in 2019, revealed that with adequate image calibration, the correlation coefficient between UAV-PH and field-PH was higher than 0.98, indicating that UAV images can accurately determine rice PH in the field and rice growth phase. The study demonstrated that water-saving farming is effective, decreasing water usage for the first and second crops of 2019 by 53.5% and 21.7%, respectively, without influencing the growth period and final yield. Coupled with an automated irrigation system, rice farming can be adaptive to water shortage situations.
Research on a Dynamic Algorithm for Cow Weighing Based on an SVM and Empirical Wavelet Transform
Authors: Feng Ningning , Kang Xi , Han Haoyuan , Liu Gang , Zhang Yan’e , Mei Shuli
Published: September 2020

Weight is an important indicator of the growth and development of dairy cows. The traditional static weighing methods require considerable human and financial resources, and the existing dynamic weighing algorithms do not consider the influence of the cow motion state on the weight curve. In this paper, a dynamic weighing algorithm for cows based on a support vector machine (SVM) and empirical wavelet transform (EWT) is proposed for classification and analysis. First, the dynamic weight curve is obtained by using a weighing device placed along a cow travel corridor. Next, the data are preprocessed through valid signal acquisition, feature extraction, and normalization, and the results are divided into three active degrees during motion for low, medium, and high grade using the SVM algorithm. Finally, a mean filtering algorithm, the EWT algorithm, and a combined periodic continuation-EWT algorithm are used to obtain the dynamic weight values. Weight data were collected for 910 cows, and the experimental results displayed a classification accuracy of 98.6928%. The three algorithms were used to calculate the dynamic weight values for comparison with real values, and the average error rates were 0.1838%, 0.6724%, and 0.9462%. This method can be widely used at farms and expand the current knowledgebase regarding the dynamic weighing of cows.
“It’s Important, but It’s Not Everything”: Practitioners’ Use, Analysis and Perceptions of Fitness Testing in Academy Rugby League
Authors: McCormack Sam , Jones Ben , Scantlebury Sean , Rotheram Dave , Till Kevin
Published: September 2020

A plethora of research exists examining the physical qualities of rugby league players. However, no research has investigated practitioners’ insights into the use, analysis and perceptions of such fitness testing data that is vital for applying research into practice. Therefore, this study aimed to examine practitioners’ (coaches and strength & conditioning [S&C] coaches) perceptions and challenges of using fitness testing and the development of physical qualities. Twenty-four rugby league practitioners were purposefully sampled and completed a semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed identifying five themes (it’s important, but it’s not everything; monitoring; evaluation and decision making; motivation; and other external challenges). The theme of “it’s important, but it’s not everything” emerged as a fundamental issue with regard fitness testing and the use of such data and that physical data alone does not inform coaches decisions. There appears conflicts between coaches and S&C coaches’ perceptions and use of fitness data, identifying complexities of supporting players in multidisciplinary teams. Collectively, the findings highlight the multifaceted nature of academy rugby league and suggest that practitioners should utilise fitness testing to inform player evaluations, positively influence training and assist with decision making. Moreover, practitioners should understand the combination of factors that influence fitness testing and work collaboratively to enhance talent development strategies.
DINAMIZANDO UM PROTOCOLO DE ORIENTAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL
Authors: Gomes Fernanda , Dupré Silva Ana Beatriz , Martins Rafaela De Abreu
Published: September 2020

Sabe-se que durante o período da adolescência o indivíduo precisa tomar decisões em relação ao seu futuro (ALMEIDA; PINHO, 2008) e, diante da necessidade deescolha por uma profissão, a Orientação Profissional tem sido apresentada como um suporte nesse processo. Destaca-se o trabalho da psicóloga Cynthia Borges de Moura (MOURA, 2004), que propôs um Programa-Modelo de Orientação Profissional, baseado na Análise do Comportamento, que contém atividades vivenciais além de materiais que exigem as práticas de leitura e escrita. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve por objetivo traçar adaptações a este protocolo, para que ele se tornasse mais dinâmico quando utilizado com indivíduos pouco letrados, numa pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva, aplicada, com levantamento de campo e ex post facto. A amostra foi composta por 20 participantes, que relataram suas experiências na condução de grupos. Por meio da análise do conteúdo verbalizado pelos participantes foi proposta uma releitura do Programa.