bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Tailored Dietary Advice to Improve the Nutrient Adequacy of the Diet in French Pregnant Women
Authors: Bianchi Clélia M. , Mariotti François , Reulet Elodie , Le Goff Gaëlle , Lluch Anne , Verger Eric O. , Huneau Jean-François , Gurviez Patricia
Published: December 2021

Tailored dietary counseling could be specifically efficient during pregnancy, a period accompanied by a rise in nutrition awareness, but little is known about the expectations of pregnant women in this regard. We studied these expectations regarding tailored dietary advice in French women during their pregnancy, as well as their motivations and the perceived barriers and enablers. In French pregnant women, we evaluated the perceptions of tailored dietary advice provided by stepwise dietary counseling based on three types of dietary changes, consisting of: (1) a modification of the amounts consumed, (2) substitutions within the food subgroups, and (3) substitutions between food subgroups. A sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was designed. Using qualitative data from a focus group study (n = 40), we intended to explore in depth the women’s expectations regarding dietary advice and adherence to a tailored approach. These were combined with quantitative and qualitative data from a 6-week online longitudinal study (n = 115), using questionnaires designed to assess the modifications of dietary habits during pregnancy and to evaluate each type of dietary change. Both studies confirmed that most women in our samples did indeed intend to institute changes regarding healthier dietary practices during pregnancy. The principal motivation behind changes to their habits was to ensure the health and well-being of both their babies and themselves. The proposal of dietary advice that is tailored to both the current diet and the specific needs of pregnant women, but that is also positive and credible, was perceived as enabling implementing healthier dietary practices during pregnancy. Regarding the implementation of the dietary changes proposed, the enablers and barriers identified differed between modifications of the amounts consumed and substitutions. The women displayed interest in all types of dietary changes. This gave relevance to combining different types of changes in order to propose dietary counseling during pregnancy. Tailored dietary counseling was identified by French pregnant women in our samples as enabling them to adopt a healthier diet. However, perceived barriers might limit the implementation of dietary changes, especially when they involved marked modifications to their usual diet.
Nano Differential Scanning Fluorimetry-Based Thermal Stability Screening and Optimal Buffer Selection for Immunoglobulin G
Authors: Kim Soo Hyun , Yoo Han Ju , Park Eun Ji , Na Dong Hee
Published: December 2021

Nano differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF) is a high-throughput protein stability screening technique that simultaneously monitors protein unfolding and aggregation properties. The thermal stability of immunoglobulin G (IgG) was investigated in three different buffers (sodium acetate, sodium citrate, and sodium phosphate) ranging from pH 4 to 8. In all three buffers, the midpoint temperature of thermal unfolding (Tm) showed a tendency to increase as the pH increased, but the aggregation propensity was different depending on the buffer species. The best stability against aggregation was obtained in the sodium acetate buffers below pH 4.6. On the other hand, IgG in the sodium citrate buffer had higher aggregation and viscosity than in the sodium acetate buffer at the same pH. Difference of aggregation between acetate and citrate buffers at the same pH could be explained by a protein–protein interaction study, performed with dynamic light scattering, which suggested that intermolecular interaction is attractive in citrate buffer but repulsive in acetate buffer. In conclusion, this study indicates that the sodium acetate buffer at pH 4.6 is suitable for IgG formulation, and the nanoDSF method is a powerful tool for thermal stability screening and optimal buffer selection in antibody formulations.
Morphine Perinatal Exposure Induces Long-Lasting Negative Emotional States in Adult Offspring Rodents
Authors: Castro Nair C. F. , Silva Izabelle S. , Cartágenes Sabrina C. , Fernandes Luanna M. P. , Ribera Paula C. , Barros Mayara A. , Prediger Rui D. , Fontes-Júnior Enéas A. , Maia Cristiane S. F.
Published: December 2021

Psychoactive substances during pregnancy and lactation is a key problem in contemporary society, causing social, economic, and health disturbance. In 2010, about 30 million people used opioid analgesics for non-therapeutic purposes, and the prevalence of opioids use during pregnancy ranged from 1% to 21%, representing a public health problem. This study aimed to evaluate the long-lasting neurobehavioral and nociceptive consequences in adult offspring rats and mice exposed to morphine during intrauterine/lactation periods. Pregnant rats and mice were exposed subcutaneously to morphine (10 mg/kg/day) during 42 consecutive days (from the first day of pregnancy until the last day of lactation). Offspring were weighed on post-natal days (PND) 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 60, and behavioral tasks (experiment 1) or nociceptive responses (experiment 2) were assessed at 75 days of age (adult life). Morphine-exposed female rats displayed increased spontaneous locomotor activity. More importantly, both males and female rats perinatally exposed to morphine displayed anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. Morphine-exposed mice presented alterations in the nociceptive responses on the writhing test. This study showed that sex difference plays a role in pain threshold and that deleterious effects of morphine during pre/perinatal periods are nonrepairable in adulthood, which highlights the long-lasting clinical consequences related to anxiety, depression, and nociceptive disorders in adulthood followed by intrauterine and lactation morphine exposure.
Clinical Efficacy and Nephrotoxicity of the Loading Dose Colistin for the Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Katip Wasan , Uitrakul Suriyon , Oberdorfer Peninnah
Published: December 2021

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections in critically ill patients. Colistin methanesulfonate (CMS), an inactive prodrug, has been considered as a last-resort treatment for CRAB infection in critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to assess 30-day survival and nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients who received non-loading dose (LD) versus LD of CMS for CRAB infection treatment. Between 2012 and 2017, this retrospective cohort analysis was performed at Chiang Mai University Hospital (CMUH), focusing on critically ill patients with CRAB infection who received either non-LD or LD of CMS. A total of 383 patients met the criteria for inclusion. At the 30th day of treatment, the survival rate of patients in the LD CMS group was 1.70 times (adjusted HR) of those in the non-LD group (95% CI = 1.17–2.50, p = 0.006). Clinical response was significantly higher in the LD CMS group than non-LD CMS group (aHR, 1.35, 95% CI, 1.01–1.82, p = 0.046). In addition, a microbiological response—eradication of pre-treatment isolated pathogens in post-treatment cultures—in patients with LD CMS was 1.57 times that of patients with non-LD CMS (95% CI, 1.15–2.15, p = 0.004). Additionally, there was a significant difference in nephrotoxicity between LD CMS and non-LD CMS (aHR, 1.57, 95% CI, 1.14–2.17, p = 0.006). Based on these results, LD CMS should be used to increase the opportunity of patients to achieve favourable outcomes. However, LD CMS was found associated with an increase in nephrotoxicity, so renal function should be closely monitored when LD colistin was administered.
Green by Design: Convergent Synthesis, Computational Analyses, and Activity Evaluation of New FXa Inhibitors Bearing Peptide Triazole Linking Units
Authors: Rodríguez Diego F. , Durán-Osorio Francisca , Duarte Yorley , Olivares Pedro , Moglie Yanina , Dua Kamal , Zacconi Flavia C.
Published: December 2021

Green chemistry implementation has led to promising results in waste reduction in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the early sustainable development of pharmaceutically active compounds and ingredients remains a considerable challenge. Herein, we wish to report a green synthesis of new pharmaceutically active peptide triazoles as potent factor Xa inhibitors, an important drug target associated with the treatment of diverse cardiovascular diseases. The new inhibitors were synthesized in three steps, featuring cycloaddition reactions (high atom economy), microwave-assisted organic synthesis (energy efficiency), and copper nanoparticle catalysis, thus featuring Earth-abundant metals. The molecules obtained showed FXa inhibition, with IC50-values as low as 17.2 μM and no associated cytotoxicity in HEK293 and HeLa cells. These results showcase the environmental potential and chemical implications of the applied methodologies for the development of new molecules with pharmacological potential.
Influence of Nitrogen Nutrition on Fatty Acids in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Zapletalová Alexandra , Ducsay Ladislav , Varga Ladislav , Sitkey Jakub , Javoreková Soňa , Hozlár Peter
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen nutrition on the content of fatty acids and selected qualitative parameters (nitrogenous substances, ash, crude fiber) in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). The experiment was carried out at the Vígľaš—Pstruša Research and Breeding Station in 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 by complete block design with four repetitions. Nitrogen fertilization was applied at four levels, plus an untreated control (after agrochemical soil analysis) by DAN 27 (Dolomite Ammonium Nitrate): 100, 120, 140, and 160 kg/ha N. Application date was in BBCH scale phase 59–60. The fatty acid contents (MUFA—monosaturated fatty acids; PUFA—polyunsaturated fatty acids) were determined by gas chromatography in the extracted fat, which is determined by extraction method. Within the result evaluation, statistically significant increases in the contents of linoleic and linolenic acids were recorded in all variants treated by nitrogen fertilizer, which is positive in terms of the use of rapeseed oil for food and energy purposes. The statistically significant decrease of oleic acid after the application of nitrogen fertilizers is negative for industry use of rapeseed oil.
Synergism in Antiplasmodial Activities of Artemether and Lumefantrine in Combination with Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen (Polygalaceae)
Authors: Ochora Douglas O. , Kakudidi Esezah K. , Namukobe Jane , Ipulet Perpetua , Wakoli Dancan M. , Okore Winnie , Mwakio Edwin W. , Yeda Redempthah A. , Cheruiyot Agnes C. , Juma Dennis W. , Andagalu Ben , Roth Amanda L. , Ogutu Bernhards R. , Yenesew Abiy , Akala Hoseah M.
Published: December 2021

Malaria is the most lethal parasitic disease in the world. The frequent emergence of resistance by malaria parasites to any drug is the hallmark of sustained malaria burden. Since the deployment of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) it is clear that for a sustained fight against malaria, drug combination is one of the strategies toward malaria elimination. In Sub-Saharan Africa where malaria prevalence is the highest, the identification of plants with a novel mechanism of action that is devoid of cross-resistance is a feasible strategy in drug combination therapy. Thus, artemether and lumefantrine were separately combined and tested with extracts of Securidaca longipedunculata, a plant widely used to treat malaria, at fixed extract–drug ratios of 4:1, 3:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. These combinations were tested for antiplasmodial activity against three strains of Plasmodium falciparum (W2, D6, and DD2), and seven field isolates that were characterized for molecular and ex vivo drug resistance profiles. The mean sum of fifty-percent fractional inhibition concentration (FIC50) of each combination and singly was determined. Synergism was observed across all fixed doses when roots extracts were combined with artemether against D6 strain (FIC50 0.403 ± 0.068) and stems extract combined with lumefantrine against DD2 strain (FIC50 0.376 ± 0.096) as well as field isolates (FIC50 0.656 ± 0.067). Similarly, synergism was observed in all ratios when leaves extract were combined with lumefantrine against W2 strain (FIC50 0.456 ± 0.165). Synergism was observed in most combinations indicating the potential use of S. longipedunculata in combination with artemether and lumefantrine in combating resistance.
Phytochemical Characterization for Quality Control of Phyllostachys pubescens Leaves Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Diode Array Detector and Tandem Mass Detector
Authors: Seo Chang-Seob , Song Kwang-Hoon
Published: December 2021

Phyllostachys pubescens leaves are cultivated in a number of Asian countries and have been used for antipyretic and diuretic effects since ancient times, especially in Korea. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate of analytical method for quality control of P. pubescens leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC–DAD) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) detection. HPLC–DAD analysis was conducted with a Gemini C18 column, and distilled water–acetonitrile (both with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid) mobile-phase system. For the LC–MS/MS analysis, all markers were separated with a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column and gradient flow system of distilled water containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid and 5 mM ammonium formate–acetonitrile. In both method, major components were detected at 2.13–11.63 mg/g (HPLC–DAD) and 0.12–19.20 mg/g (LC–MS/MS). These methods were validated with respect to linearity (coefficient of determination >0.99), recovery (95.22–118.81%), accuracy (90.52–116.96), and precision (<4.0%), and were successfully applied for the quantitative analysis of P. pubescens leaves.
The Intragenesis and Synthetic Biology Approach towards Accelerating Genetic Gains on Strawberry: Development of New Tools to Improve Fruit Quality and Resistance to Pathogens
Authors: Súnico Victoria , Higuera José Javier , Molina-Hidalgo Francisco J. , Blanco-Portales Rosario , Moyano Enriqueta , Rodríguez-Franco Antonio , Muñoz-Blanco Juan , Caballero José L.
Published: December 2021

Under climate change, the spread of pests and pathogens into new environments has a dramatic effect on crop protection control. Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is one the most profitable crops of the Rosaceae family worldwide, but more than 50 different genera of pathogens affect this species. Therefore, accelerating the improvement of fruit quality and pathogen resistance in strawberry represents an important objective for breeding and reducing the usage of pesticides. New genome sequencing data and bioinformatics tools has provided important resources to expand the use of synthetic biology-assisted intragenesis strategies as a powerful tool to accelerate genetic gains in strawberry. In this paper, we took advantage of these innovative approaches to create four RNAi intragenic silencing cassettes by combining specific strawberry new promoters and pathogen defense-related candidate DNA sequences to increase strawberry fruit quality and resistance by silencing their corresponding endogenous genes, mainly during fruit ripening stages, thus avoiding any unwanted effect on plant growth and development. Using a fruit transient assay, GUS expression was detected by the two synthetic FvAAT2 and FvDOF2 promoters, both by histochemical assay and qPCR analysis of GUS transcript levels, thus ensuring the ability of the same to drive the expression of the silencing cassettes in this strawberry tissue. The approaches described here represent valuable new tools for the rapid development of improved strawberry lines.
Genetic Features of Triticale–Wheat Hybrids with Vaviloid-Type Spike Branching
Authors: Adonina Irina G. , Shcherban Andrey B. , Zorina Maremyana V. , Mehdiyeva Sabina P. , Timonova Ekaterina M. , Salina Elena A.
Published: December 2021

Vaviloid spike branching, also called sham ramification, is a typical trait of Triticum vavilovii Jakubz. and is characterized by a lengthening of the spikelet axis. In this article, we present the results of a study of three triticale–wheat hybrid lines with differences in terms of the manifestation of the vaviloid spike branching. Lines were obtained by crossing triticale with hexaploid wheat, T. aestivum var. velutinum. The parental triticale is a hybrid of synthetic wheat (T. durum × Ae. tauschii var. meyrei) with rye, S. cereale ssp. segetale. Line 857 has a karyotype corresponding to hexaploid wheat and has a spike morphology closest to normal, whereas Lines 808/1 and 844/4 are characterized by the greatest manifestation of vaviloid spike branching. In Lines 808/1 and 844/4, we found the substitution 2RL(2DL). The karyotypes of the latter lines differ in that a pair of telocentric chromosomes 2DS is detected in Line 808/1, and these telocentrics are fused into one unpaired chromosome in Line 844/4. Using molecular genetic analysis, we found a deletion of the wheat domestication gene Q located on 5AL in the three studied hybrid lines. The deletion is local since an analysis of the adjacent gene B1 showed the presence of this gene. We assume that the manifestation of vaviloid spike branching in two lines (808/1 and 844/4) is associated with a disturbance in the joint action of genes Q and AP2L2-2D, which is another important gene that determines spike morphology and is located on 2DL.
Transcriptomic and Physiological Response of Durum Wheat Grain to Short-Term Heat Stress during Early Grain Filling
Authors: Arenas-M Anita , Castillo Francisca M. , Godoy Diego , Canales Javier , Calderini Daniel F.
Published: December 2021

In a changing climate, extreme weather events such as heatwaves will be more frequent and could affect grain weight and the quality of crops such as wheat, one of the most significant crops in terms of global food security. In this work, we characterized the response of Triticum turgidum L. spp. durum wheat to short-term heat stress (HS) treatment at transcriptomic and physiological levels during early grain filling in glasshouse experiments. We found a significant reduction in grain weight (23.9%) and grain dimensions from HS treatment. Grain quality was also affected, showing a decrease in starch content (20.8%), in addition to increments in grain protein levels (14.6%), with respect to the control condition. Moreover, RNA-seq analysis of durum wheat grains allowed us to identify 1590 differentially expressed genes related to photosynthesis, response to heat, and carbohydrate metabolic process. A gene regulatory network analysis of HS-responsive genes uncovered novel transcription factors (TFs) controlling the expression of genes involved in abiotic stress response and grain quality, such as a member of the DOF family predicted to regulate glycogen and starch biosynthetic processes in response to HS in grains. In summary, our results provide new insights into the extensive transcriptome reprogramming that occurs during short-term HS in durum wheat grains.
Effect of LED Lighting on Physical Environment and Microenvironment on In Vitro Plant Growth and Morphogenesis: The Need to Standardize Lighting Conditions and Their Description
Authors: Barceló-Muñoz Araceli , Barceló-Muñoz Marta , Gago-Calderon Alfonso
Published: December 2021

In the last decades, lighting installations in plant tissue culture have generally been renewed or designed based on LED technology. Thanks to this, many different light quality advances are available but, with their massive implementation, the same issue is occurring as in the 1960s with the appearance of the Grolux (Sylvania) fluorescent tubes: there is a lack of a methodological standardization of lighting. This review analyzes the main parameters and variables that must be taken into account in the design of LED-based systems, and how these need to be described and quantified in order to homogenize and standardize the experimental conditions to obtain reproducible and comparable results and conclusions. We have designed an experimental system in which the values of the physical environment and microenvironment conditions and the behavior of plant tissue cultures maintained in cabins illuminated with two lighting designs can be compared. Grolux tubes are compared with a combination of monochromatic LED lamps calibrated to provide a spectral emission, and light irradiance values similar to those generated by the previous discharge lamps, achieving in both cases wide uniformity of radiation conditions on the shelves of the culture cabins. This study can help to understand whether it is possible to use LEDs as one standard lighting source in plant tissue culture without affecting the development of the cultures maintained with the previously regulated protocols in the different laboratories. Finally, the results presented from this caparison indicate how temperature is one of the main factors that is affected by the chosen light source.
The Omics Hunt for Novel Molecular Markers of Resistance to Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Dufková Hana , Berka Miroslav , Greplová Marie , Shejbalová Šarlota , Hampejsová Romana , Luklová Markéta , Domkářová Jaroslava , Novák Jan , Kopačka Viktor , Brzobohatý Břetislav , Černý Martin
Published: December 2021

Wild Solanum accessions are a treasured source of resistance against pathogens, including oomycete Phytophthora infestans, causing late blight disease. Here, Solanum pinnatisectum, Solanum tuberosum, and the somatic hybrid between these two lines were analyzed, representing resistant, susceptible, and moderately resistant genotypes, respectively. Proteome and metabolome analyses showed that the infection had the highest impact on leaves of the resistant plant and indicated, among others, an extensive remodeling of the leaf lipidome. The lipidome profiling confirmed an accumulation of glycerolipids, a depletion in the total pool of glycerophospholipids, and showed considerable differences between the lipidome composition of resistant and susceptible genotypes. The analysis of putative resistance markers pinpointed more than 100 molecules that positively correlated with resistance including phenolics and cysteamine, a compound with known antimicrobial activity. Putative resistance protein markers were targeted in an additional 12 genotypes with contrasting resistance to P. infestans. At least 27 proteins showed a negative correlation with the susceptibility including HSP70-2, endochitinase B, WPP domain-containing protein, and cyclase 3. In summary, these findings provide insights into molecular mechanisms of resistance against P. infestans and present novel targets for selective breeding.
How Does the pH of Tree Bark Change with the Presence of the Epiphytic Bryophytes from the Family Orthotrichaceae in the Interaction with Trunk Inclination?
Authors: Kovářová Markéta , Pyszko Petr , Plášek Vítězslav
Published: December 2021

The pH of tree bark is affected by many factors, amongst them epiphytic bryophytes changing in their active state environment. Thus, we hypothesized that bryophytes can change bark acidity, dependently of the inclination of the branches, as inclination affect the water regime and particle deposition. We measured the pH under bryophyte cushions and compared it to nearby naked bark. Additionally, we compared results with experimental bark covering with neutral cover. We found that the pH of naked bark declines with decreasing inclination of trunks. Although bryophyte cover did not generally change the pH of the bark, there was a significant interaction with inclination: with higher inclination, bryophytes decrease the pH reaction of bark, while with lower inclination they increase it. One possible explanation may lie in changes to alkaline particle deposition, or conversely in the acidification of the bark by leaching. In addition, an experiment with a neutral cover showed that naked bark covering would substantially increase pH. As, on average, bryophytes do not change the pH of bark, there can be mutual interference between the alkalizing effect of the bark cover itself and the acidifying biological effect of bryophytes.
The Impact of Climate Change on Forest Development: A Sustainable Approach to Management Models Applied to Mediterranean-Type Climate Regions
Authors: Nunes Leonel J. R. , Meireles Catarina I. R. , Gomes Carlos J. Pinto , Ribeiro Nuno M. C. Almeida
Published: December 2021

Forest ecosystems are divided into three major groups: boreal, temperate, and tropical. These can be subdivided according to the particularities of each type due to its relative location (littoral, mountain, etc.), climatic conditions, or even geological substrate. Climate change affects each type of forest ecosystem differently. However, it seems to affect temperate forests in Mediterranean-type climate regions more intensely. These regions are located over several continents, with major impacts of increased temperature during summer and decreased precipitation during winter. This situation affects Mediterranean forest ecosystems by increasing the risk of fires, which arise more frequently and are more severe. In addition, the emergence of pests and the spread of invasive species are well-known problems affecting these ecosystems. All of these conditions contribute to losses of productivity and biodiversity. To avoid the destruction of forest resources, and since Mediterranean-type climate regions are considered climate change hot spots with increased vulnerability to disturbances, the implementation of adaptive forest management models could contribute to increasing the resilience of such forests, which could also contribute to mitigating climate change.
A Review of Prestressed Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Ogunleye Raphael Olabanji , Rusnakova Sona
Published: December 2021

This review examines various studies on reducing tensile stresses generated in a polymer matrix composite without increasing the mass or dimension of the material. The sources of residual stresses and their impacts on the developed composite were identified, and the different techniques used in limiting residual stresses were also discussed. Furthermore, the review elaborates on fibre-prestressing techniques based on elastically (EPPMC) and viscoelastically (VPPMC) prestressed polymer matrix composites, while advantages and limitations associated with EPPMC and VPPMC methods are also explained. The report shows that tensile residual stresses are induced in a polymer matrix composite during production as a result of unequal expansion, moisture absorption and chemical shrinkage; their manifestations have detrimental effects on the mechanical properties of the polymer composite. Both EPPMC and VPPMC have great influence in reducing residual stresses in the polymer matrix and thereby improving the mechanical properties of composite materials. The reports from this study provide some basis for selecting a suitable technique for prestressing as well as measuring residual stresses in composite materials.
Effects of Composition Type and Activator on Fly Ash-Based Alkali Activated Materials
Authors: Lin Chan-Yi , Chen Tai-An
Published: December 2021

The compressive strengths of fly ash-based alkali-activated materials (AAM), produced using various activators of only sodium hydroxide, were measured. Fly ash-based AAM specimens, produced by mixing different kinds of fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFs) with an activator containing only sodium hydroxide, were cured at ambient temperature, and then placed in air for different numbers of days. The short- and long-term compressive strengths and shrinkage of fly ash-based AAM were measured and compared to one another. The effects of type of fly ash, alkali-equivalent content, GGBFs replace percentage, and ages on the compressive strengths and shrinkage of fly ash-based AAM were investigated. Even when different fly ash was used as the raw material for AAM, a similar compressive strength can be achieved by alkali-equivalent content, GGBFs replaces percentage. However, the performance of shrinkage due to different types of fly ash differed significantly.
Complex Behavior in the Dynamics of a Polymeric Biocomposite Material—“Liquid Wood”. Experimental and Theoretical Aspects
Authors: Petrescu Tudor-Cristian , Mihai Petru , Voordijk Johannes Theodorus , Nedeff Valentin , Văideanu Dorin , Nedeff Florin , Babor Traian-Dănuț , Vasincu Decebal , Agop Maricel
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the present paper is to analyze, both experimentally and theoretically, the behavior of the polymeric biocomposite generically known as “liquid wood”, trademarked as Arbofill. The experimental part refers to the mechanical performance in tension and compression, having as finality the possibility of using “liquid wood” as a material suitable for the rehabilitation of degraded wooden elements in civil structures (ex. use in historical buildings, monuments etc.). The theoretical part refers to computer simulations regarding the mechanical behavior of “liquid wood” as well as to a theoretical model in the paradigm of motion, which describes the same behavior. This model is based on the hypothesis that “liquid wood” can be assimilated, both structurally and functionally, to a multifractal object, situation in which its entities are described through continuous, non-differentiable curves. Then, descriptions of the behavior of “liquid wood”, both in the Schrödinger-type and in hydrodynamic-type representations at various scale resolutions, become operational. Since in the hydrodynamic-type representation, the constitutive law of “liquid wood” can be highlighted, several operational procedures (Ricatti-type gauge, differential geometry in absolute space etc.) will allow correlations between the present proposed model and the experimental data. The obtained results, both practical (81% bearing capacity in compression and 36% bearing capacity in tension, compared to control samples) and theoretical (validation of material performance in virtual environment simulations, stresses and strains correlations in a theoretical model) indicate that “liquid wood” could be used in the construction industry, as a potential rehabilitation material, but with more development clearly needed.
Simultaneous Sonochemical Coloration and Antibacterial Functionalization of Leather with Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs)
Authors: Abou Elmaaty Tarek , Sayed-Ahmed Khaled , Mohamed Ali Radwan , El-Khodary Kholoud , Abdeldayem Shereen A.
Published: December 2021

The development of antibacterial coatings for footwear components is of great interest both from an industry and consumer point of view. In this work, the leather material was developed taking advantage of the intrinsic antibacterial activity and coloring ability of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The SeNPs were synthesized and implemented into the leather surface by using ultrasonic techniques to obtain simultaneous coloring and functionalization. The formation of SeNPs in the solutions was evaluated using UV/Vis spectroscopy and the morphology of the NPs was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The treated leather material (leather/SeNPs) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The effects of SeNPs on the coloration and antibacterial properties of the leather material were evaluated. The results revealed that the NPs were mostly spherical in shape, regularly distributed, and closely anchored to the leather surface. The particle size distribution of SeNPs at concentrations of 25 mM and 50 mM was in the range of 36–77 nm and 41–149 nm, respectively. It was observed that leather/SeNPs exhibited a higher depth of shade compared to untreated ones, as well as excellent fastness properties. The results showed that leather/SeNPs can significantly enhance the antibacterial activity against model of bacteria, including Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli). Moreover, the resulting leather exhibited low cytotoxicity against HFB4 cell lines. This achievement should be quite appealing to the footwear industry as a way to prevent the spread of bacterial infection promoted by humidity, poor breathability and temperature which promote the expansion of the microflora of the skin.
Performance Enhancement of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators with Polyethylene Oxide
Authors: Zhao Dongxu , Ru Jie , Wang Tong , Wang Yanjie , Chang Longfei
Published: December 2021

Current ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) always proves inadequate in terms of large attenuation and short working time in air due to water leakage. To address this problem, a feasible and effective solution was proposed in this study to enhance IPMC performance operating in air by doping polyethylene oxide (PEO) with superior water retention capacity into Nafion membrane. The investigation of physical characteristics of membranes blended with varying PEO contents revealed that PEO/Nafion membrane with 20 wt% PEO exhibited a homogeneous internal structure and a high water uptake ratio. At the same time, influences of PEO contents on electromechanical properties of IPMCs were studied, showing that the IPMCs with 20 wt% PEO presented the largest peak-to-peak displacement, the highest volumetric work density, and prolonged stable working time. It was demonstrated that doping PEO reinforced electromechanical performances and restrained displacement attenuation of the resultant IPMC.
Valorization of Tomato Residues by Supercritical Fluid Extraction
Authors: Aniceto José P. S. , Rodrigues Vítor H. , Portugal Inês , Silva Carlos M.
Published: December 2021

Tomato processing leads to the production of considerable amounts of residues, mainly in the form of tomato skins, seeds and vascular tissues, which still contain bioactive molecules of interest for food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. These include carotenoids, such as lycopene and β-carotene, tocopherols and sitosterols, among others. Supercritical fluid extraction is well positioned for the valorization of tomato residues prior to disposal, because it remains an environmentally safe extraction process, especially when using carbon dioxide as the solvent. In this article, we provide an extensive literature overview of the research on the supercritical fluid extraction of tomato residues. We start by identifying the most relevant extractables present in tomatoes (e.g., lycopene) and their main bioactivities. Then, the main aspects affecting the extraction performance are covered, starting with the differences between tomato matrixes (e.g., seeds, skins and pulp) and possible pretreatments to enhance extraction (e.g., milling, drying and enzymatic digestion). Finally, the effects of extraction conditions, such as pressure, temperature, cosolvent, flow rate and time, are discussed.
Diels–Alder Cycloadditions of Bio-Derived Furans with Maleimides as a Sustainable «Click» Approach towards Molecular, Macromolecular and Hybrid Systems
Authors: Galkin Konstantin I. , Sandulenko Irina V. , Polezhaev Alexander V.
Published: December 2021

This mini-review highlights the recent research trends in designing organic or organic-inorganic hybrid molecular, biomolecular and macromolecular systems employing intermolecular Diels–Alder cycloadditions of biobased, furan-containing substrates and maleimide dienophiles. The furan/maleimide Diels–Alder reaction is a well-known process that may proceed with high efficiency under non-catalytic and solvent-free conditions. Due to the simplicity, 100% atom economy and biobased nature of many furanic substrates, this type of [4+2]-cycloaddition may be recognized as a sustainable “click” approach with high potential for application in many fields, such as fine organic synthesis, bioorganic chemistry, material sciences and smart polymers development.
Protective Effects of Chlorogenic Acid against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Hsu Yu-Wen , Chen Ya-Yu , Tsai Chia-Fang
Published: December 2021

The protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) against liver injury were evaluated by its reduction in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice. The animals were orally given CGA (60, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively) or silymairn (200 mg/kg) daily with 0.3% CCl4 administration (3 mL/kg, dissolved in olive oil) after medicament treatment on the 7th day. Compared with the normal group, CCl4 caused severe impairment in liver according to the evidence of significant reduction in the level of total albumin and expansion (p < 0.05) of the activities in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and total albumin in serum, decreased the level of glutathione (GSH), and diminished the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in liver while increasing the level of hepatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). However, oral administration of CGA or silymarin could significantly (p < 0.05) decrease the serum levels of AST, ALT, cholesterol, TG, and total albumin and elevated the serum total albumin and the activities of GSH, catalase, SOD, GSH-Rd, and GSH-Px while leading to decline the TBARS in liver compared with CCl4-intoxicated group. Moreover, histopathology displayed that CGA decreased the formation of lesions in liver resulted from CCl4. The outcomes indicate that CGA shows the efficiency hepatoprotective consequences for CCl4-incited liver injuries in mice by the elevation of the activities of antioxidant enzymes and hindrance of lipid peroxidation.
Modulation of Functional Characteristics of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells by Acellular Preparation of Porcine Hemoglobin
Authors: Stančić Ana Z. , Drvenica Ivana T. , Ilić Vesna Lj. , Bugarski Branko M. , Bugarski Diana S.
Published: December 2021

Exploring the potential usage of the acellular preparation of porcine hemoglobin (PHb) isolated from slaughterhouse blood as a cell culture media component, we have tested its effects on the functional characteristics of stromal cells of mesodermal origin. Human peripheral blood mesenchymal stromal cells (PB-MSCs) were used in this study as a primary cell model system, along with three mouse cell lines (ATDC5, MC3T3-E1, and 3T3-L1), which represent more uniform model systems. We investigated the effect of PHb at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 μM on these cells’ proliferation, cycle, and clonogenic and migratory potential, and found that PHb’s effect depended on both the cell type and its concentration. At the lowest concentration used (0.1 μM), PHb showed the least evident impact on the cell growth and migration; hence, we analyzed its effect on mesenchymal cell multilineage differentiation capacity at this concentration. Even under conditions that induce a specific type of MSC differentiation (cultivation in particular differentiation media), PHb modulated chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation, making it a potential candidate for a supplement of MSC culture. Through a model of porcine hemoglobin, these findings also contribute to improving the knowledge of extracellular hemoglobin’s influence on MSCs >in vivo.
Research on On-Line Monitoring System of Hydraulic Actuator of Combine Harvester
Authors: Li Ruichuan , Cheng Yi , Xu Jikang , Li Yanchao , Ding Xinkai , Zhao Shan
Published: December 2021

In view of the complicated hydraulic system, the many driving parts and the great load variation in the combine harvester, and on-line monitoring methods of hydraulic actuating parts such as cutting tables, conveyors and threshing drums were studied. By analyzing the working principle of the hydraulic system of the combine harvester, a mathematical model of the hydraulic system of the combine harvester was established; a simulation model for the fault diagnosis of the hydraulic system of the combine harvester was established based on AMESim. The load signal was introduced to simulate the feeding amount, and the simulation test was carried out. According to the simulation analysis results, the best position of each monitoring point was determined. The on-line monitoring system of the hydraulic actuators of the combine harvester was designed by using LabView, which can collect and display the working parameters of the main working parts of a combine harvester in real time, and alarm the user to faulty working conditions. The field experiment results show that the function and precision of the monitoring system completely meet the requirements of field operation condition monitoring of combine harvesters. The accuracy rate of the fault alarm is 96.5%, and the automatic diagnosis time of the fault alarm is less than 1 min and 18 s, which greatly improves the operation efficiency of the combine harvester.
Hybrid Grey Wolf Optimization-Based Gaussian Process Regression Model for Simulating Deterioration Behavior of Highway Tunnel Components
Authors: Abdelkader Eslam Mohammed , Al-Sakkaf Abobakr , Elshaboury Nehal , Alfalah Ghasan
Published: December 2021

Highway tunnels are one of the paramount infrastructure systems that affect the welfare of communities. They are vulnerable to higher limits of deterioration, yet there are limited available funds for maintenance and rehabilitation. This state of circumstances entails the development of a deterioration model to forecast the performance condition behavior of critical tunnel elements. Accordingly, this research paper proposes an integrated deterioration prediction model for five highway tunnel elements, namely, cast-in-place tunnel liners, concrete interior walls, concrete portal, concrete ceiling slab, and concrete slab on grade. The developed deterioration model is envisioned in two fundamental components, which are model calibration and model assessment. In the first component, an integrated model of Gaussian process regression and a grey wolf optimization algorithm (GWO-GPR) is introduced for deterioration behavior prediction of highway tunnel elements. In this regard, the grey wolf optimizer is exploited to improve the prediction accuracies of the Gaussian process through optimal estimation of its hyper parameters and to automatically interpret the significant deterioration factors. The second component involves three tiers of performance evaluation comparison, statistical significance comparisons, and consolidated ranking to assess the prediction accuracies of the developed GWO-GPR model. In this regard, the developed model is validated against six widely acknowledged machine learning models, which are back-propagation artificial neural network, Elman neural network, cascade forward neural network, generalized regression neural network, support vector machines, and regression tree. Results demonstrate that the developed GWO-GPR model significantly outperformed other deterioration prediction models in the five tunnel elements. In cast-in-place tunnel liners it accomplished a mean absolute percentage error, mean absolute error, root mean square percentage error, root relative squared error, and relative absolute error of 1.65%, 0.018, 0.21%, 0.018, and 0.147, respectively. In this context, it was inferred that the developed GWO-GPR model managed to reduce the prediction errors of the back-propagation artificial neural network, Elman neural network, and support vector machines by 84.71%, 76.91%, and 69.6%, respectively. It can be concluded that the developed deterioration model can assist transportation agencies in creating timely and cost-efficient maintenance schedules of highway tunnels.
How Environmental Knowledge and Green Values Affect the Relationship between Green Human Resource Management and Employees’ Green Behavior: From the Perspective of Emission Reduction
Authors: Zhu Shaoying , Wu Yuxin , Shen Qian
Published: December 2021

Green human resource management (GHRM) determines the green behavior practice of employees and affects the social environment and the realization of “Beautiful China” and “Green Development”. In this study, to explore the impact mechanism of GHRM on employees’ green behavior, employees at all levels in an enterprise were selected to be research subjects and a regulated intermediary model was established, based on social exchange theory and the individual-environment matching theory. This paper investigated the enterprise’s GHRM, personal green behavior, relational psychological contract, environmental knowledge and green values. The results show that GHRM has a significant positive predictive effect on employees’ green behavior, the relational psychological contract plays an intermediary role between GHRM and employees’ green behavior and the intermediary role of the relational psychological contract is regulated by environmental knowledge and green values. These research results explain the relationship between GHRM and employees’ green behavior and provide an important basis for enterprises to implement GHRM practice and promote employees’ green behavior.
Judaism, Enlightenment, and Ideology
Authors: Rashkover Randi Lynn
Published: December 2021

The co-existence of Enlightenment and ideology has long vexed Jews in modernity. They have both loved and been leary of Enlightenment reason and its attending scientific and political institutions. Jews have also held a complex relationship to ideological forms that exist alongside Enlightenment reason and which have both lured and victimized them alike. Still, what accounts for this historical proximity between Enlightenment and ideology? and how does this relationship factor into the emergence of modern anti-Semitism? Can Jewish communities participate in contemporary societies committed to scientific developments and deliberative democracies and neither be targeted by totalizing systems of thought that eliminate Judaism’s difference nor fall prey to the power and seduction of ideological forces that compete with the Jewish life-world? This article argues that Hegel’s discussion of the Enlightenment in the Phenomenology of Spirit as a social practice of critical common sensism provides an immanent critique of Max Horkheimer’s and Theodore Adorno’s analysis of the absolutism of the Enlightenment that can bolster Jewish communal and philosophical hope in the commensurability between Judaism and the contemporary expressions of Enlightenment reason, even if it does not fully eradicate the challenges presented by ideology for Jewish communities and thinkers.
Social Media Marketing in Practice of Polish Nationwide Catholic Opinion-Forming Weeklies: Case of Instagram and YouTube
Authors: Kaczmarek-Śliwińska Monika , Piechnik-Czyż Gabriela , Jupowicz-Ginalska Anna , Leonowicz-Bukała Iwona , Adamski Andrzej
Published: December 2021

This article, as the fourth in the cycle, presents the conclusions of the research project analysing marketing activities of Polish Catholic opinion-forming weeklies on the chosen social media platforms. This paper aims at presenting the results of the study on the use of Instagram and YouTube as marketing tools by the aforementioned weeklies. The authors focus on such topics as: (1) social media as a way of creating and distributing media products; (2) social media as a way of commercialising the content; (3) social media as carriers of marketing communication (including self-promotion). The empirical research is based on case studies and the content analysis of the social media profiles of the five selected magazines (Gość Niedzielny (GN), Tygodnik Katolicki Niedziela (TKN), Przewodnik Katolicki (PK), Idziemy (I) and Tygodnik Rodzin Katolickich Źródło (TRKŹ)). It can be concluded that some Catholic weeklies manage their accounts in a moderately professional way, using their visual and distribution potential and some functions of the platforms quite efficiently. On the other hand, they do not apply a regular and purposeful self-promotion strategy, do not use important mechanisms of the platforms such as the Shop and IGTV (on Instagram), and do not consistently build a profile or create playlists on YouTube.