bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reburning of Animal Waste Based Biomass with Coals for NOx Reduction, Part II: Dairy Biomass (DB) and Coal–DB Blends
Authors: Oh Hyukjin , Annamalai Kalyan , Sweeten John M. , Heflin Kevin
Published: December 2021

Concentrated animal feeding operations (both slaughter and dairy cattle) lead to land, water, and air pollution if waste storage and handling systems are not effectively managed. At the same time, cattle biomass (CB), which includes both slaughter/feedlot biomass (FB) and dairy biomass (DB), have the potential to be a source of green energy at coal-fired power plants. Part I presented results on NOx reductions with pure FB or Coal: FB blends as reburn fuels. Part II deals with results from reburning with pure DB or Coal: DB blends as reburn fuels. A mixture of NG with a small amount of NH3 was used to generate the baseline NOx of 400–420 ppm (or 185–194 g/GJ). NOx emissions were found to be reduced by as much as 96% when reburning with FB. The effects of reburn fuel type, equivalence ratio (ERRBZ) in the reburn zone, vitiated air, several injection configurations of reburn fuel and initial NO concentrations on NOx emissions were investigated. The ERRBZ shows a significant effect on the NOx reduction. The 20% heat input by reburning was the better operating condition for the long-term operation due to its ash production. The results reveal that reburn with DB fuels is an effective technology for NOx emission control when the initial NOx emission is higher than 275 ppm (or 127 g/GJ or 0.3 lb/MMBtu).
Frequent Gene Duplication/Loss Shapes Distinct Evolutionary Patterns of NLR Genes in Arecaceae Species
Authors: Li Xiao-Tong , Zhou Guang-Can , Feng Xing-Yu , Zeng Zhen , Liu Yang , Shao Zhu-Qing
Published: December 2021

Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes play a key role in plant immune responses and have co-evolved with pathogens since the origin of green plants. Comparative genomic studies on the evolution of NLR genes have been carried out in several angiosperm lineages. However, most of these lineages come from the dicot clade. In this study, comparative analysis was performed on NLR genes from five Arecaceae species to trace the dynamic evolutionary pattern of the gene family during species speciation in this monocot lineage. The results showed that NLR genes from the genomes of Elaeis guineensis (262), Phoenix dactylifera (85), Daemonorops jenkinsiana (536), Cocos nucifera (135) and Calamus simplicifolius (399) are highly variable. Frequent domain loss and alien domain integration have occurred to shape the NLR protein structures. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that NLR genes from the five genomes were derived from dozens of ancestral genes. D. jenkinsiana and E. guineensis genomes have experienced “consistent expansion” of the ancestral NLR lineages, whereas a pattern of “first expansion and then contraction” of NLR genes was observed for P. dactylifera, C. nucifera and C. simplicifolius. The results suggest that rapid and dynamic gene content and structure variation have shaped the NLR profiles of Arecaceae species.
An Update on the Pathogenic Role of Neutrophils in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Adult-Onset Still’s Disease
Authors: Kim Ji-Won , Ahn Mi-Hyun , Jung Ju-Yang , Suh Chang-Hee , Kim Hyoun-Ah
Published: December 2021

Neutrophils are innate immune phagocytes that play a key role in immune defense against invading pathogens. The main offensive mechanisms of neutrophils are the phagocytosis of pathogens, release of granules, and production of cytokines. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has been described as a novel defense mechanism in the literature. NETs are a network of fibers assembled from chromatin deoxyribonucleic acid, histones, and neutrophil granule proteins that have the ability to kill pathogens, while they can also cause toxic effects in hosts. Activated neutrophils with NET formation stimulate autoimmune responses related to a wide range of inflammatory autoimmune diseases by exposing autoantigens in susceptible individuals. The association between increased NET formation and autoimmunity was first reported in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-related vasculitis, and the role of NETs in various diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis, has since been elucidated in research. Herein, we discuss the mechanistic role of neutrophils, including NETs, in the pathogenesis of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD), and provide their clinical values as biomarkers for monitoring and prognosis.
The Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homolog Protein D (GhRbohD) Positively Regulates the Cotton Resistance to Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Huang Wanting , Zhang Yalin , Zhou Jinglong , Wei Feng , Feng Zili , Zhao Lihong , Shi Yongqiang , Feng Hongjie , Zhu Heqin
Published: December 2021

Verticillium wilt, mainly caused by a soil-inhabiting fungus Verticillium dahliae, can seriously reduce the yield and quality of cotton. The complex mechanism underlying cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt remains largely unknown. In plants, reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated by Rbohs is one of the earliest responses of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. In our previous study, we performed a time-course phospho-proteomic analysis of roots of resistant and susceptible cotton varieties in response to V. dahliae, and found early differentially expressed protein burst oxidase homolog protein D (GhRbohD). However, the role of GhRbohD-mediated ROS in cotton defense against V. dahliae needs further investigation. In this study, we analyzed the function of GhRbohD-mediated resistance of cotton against V. dahliae in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis showed that GhRbohD possessed the conservative structural attributes of Rbohs family, 12 members of RbohD out of 57 Rbohs in cotton. The expression of GhRbohD was significantly upregulated after V. dahliae inoculation, peaking at 6 hpi, and the phosphorylation level was also increased. A VIGS test demonstrated that ROS production, NO, H2O2 and Ca2+ contents of GhRbohD-silenced cotton plants were significantly reduced, and lignin synthesis and callose accumulation were damaged, important reasons for the impairment of GhRbohD-silenced cotton’s defense against V. dahliae. The expression levels of resistance-related genes were downregulated in GhRbohD-silenced cotton by qRT-PCR, mainly involving the lignin metabolism pathway and the jasmonic acid signaling pathway. However, overexpression of GhRbohD enhanced resistance of transgenic Arabidopsis to V. dahliae challenge. Furthermore, Y2H assays were applied to find that GhPBL9 and GhRPL12C may interact with GhRbohD. These results strongly support that GhRbohD activates ROS production to positively regulate the resistance of plants against V. dahliae.
Towards Automated Semantic Explainability of Multimedia Feature Graphs
Authors: Wagenpfeil Stefan , Mc Kevitt Paul , Hemmje Matthias
Published: December 2021

Multimedia feature graphs are employed to represent features of images, video, audio, or text. Various techniques exist to extract such features from multimedia objects. In this paper, we describe the extension of such a feature graph to represent the meaning of such multimedia features and introduce a formal context-free PS-grammar (Phrase Structure grammar) to automatically generate human-understandable natural language expressions based on such features. To achieve this, we define a semantic extension to syntactic multimedia feature graphs and introduce a set of production rules for phrases of natural language English expressions. This explainability, which is founded on a semantic model provides the opportunity to represent any multimedia feature in a human-readable and human-understandable form, which largely closes the gap between the technical representation of such features and their semantics. We show how this explainability can be formally defined and demonstrate the corresponding implementation based on our generic multimedia analysis framework. Furthermore, we show how this semantic extension can be employed to increase the effectiveness in precision and recall experiments.
Investment Evaluation and Partnership Selection Model in the Offshore Wind Power Underwater Foundations Industry
Authors: Cheng Min-Yuan , Wu Yung-Fu
Published: December 2021

With a plan to achieve a target of 5.7 GW offshore wind power capacity in 2025, Taiwan anticipates building a 36-billion USD industry, which makes Taiwan a center of attention in the global marketplace of civil engineering construction. Aimed at Taiwan’s underwater foundations industries, this study is the first to develop an investment evaluation model (IEM) by applying FPR to obtain risk factor weights and calculate the overall investment risk value with a numerical scoring method. In a context where no precedent exists for reference, this study provides auxiliary and supportive tools to help builders to make the decision, based on objective indicators, whether to undertake an investment. To date, no research has been conducted to introduce a reasonable mathematical model that discusses the issue of partner selection in the field of offshore wind power. This study is the first paper to construct a SWARA-FTOPSIS partner selection model, which enables underwater foundations builders to take specific Taiwanese characteristics into account in their selection of the best partners to meet transportation, construction, and installation requirements. Finally, the study uses the case of the Taipower Offshore Wind Power Project (2nd phase) to verify the feasibility of this model.
An Effective and Robust Approach Based on R-CNN+LSTM Model and NCAR Feature Selection for Ophthalmological Disease Detection from Fundus Images
Authors: Demir Fatih , Taşcı Burak
Published: December 2021

Changes in and around anatomical structures such as blood vessels, optic disc, fovea, and macula can lead to ophthalmological diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), myopia, hypertension, and cataracts. If these diseases are not diagnosed early, they may cause partial or complete loss of vision in patients. Fundus imaging is the primary method used to diagnose ophthalmologic diseases. In this study, a powerful R-CNN+LSTM-based approach is proposed that automatically detects eight different ophthalmologic diseases from fundus images. Deep features were extracted from fundus images with the proposed R-CNN+LSTM structure. Among the deep features extracted, those with high representative power were selected with an approach called NCAR, which is a multilevel feature selection algorithm. In the classification phase, the SVM algorithm, which is a powerful classifier, was used. The proposed approach is evaluated on the eight-class ODIR dataset. The accuracy (main metric), sensitivity, specificity, and precision metrics were used for the performance evaluation of the proposed approach. Besides, the performance of the proposed approach was compared with the existing approaches using the ODIR dataset.
Reanalysis of Exome Data Identifies Novel SLC25A46 Variants Associated with Leigh Syndrome
Authors: Li Qifei , Madden Jill A. , Lin Jasmine , Shi Jiahai , Rosen Samantha M. , Schmitz-Abe Klaus , Agrawal Pankaj B.
Published: December 2021

SLC25A46 (solute carrier family 25 member 46) mutations have been linked to various neurological diseases with recessive inheritance, including Leigh syndrome, optic atrophy, and lethal congenital pontocerebellar hypoplasia. SLC25A46 is expressed in the outer membrane of mitochondria, where it plays a critical role in mitochondrial dynamics. A deceased 7-month-old female infant was suspected to have Leigh syndrome. Clinical exome sequencing was non-diagnostic, but research reanalysis of the sequencing data identified two novel variants in SLC25A46: a missense (c.1039C>T, p.Arg347Cys; NM_138773, hg19) and a donor splice region variant (c.283+5G>A) in intron 1. Both variants were predicted to be damaging. Sanger sequencing of cDNA detected a single missense allele in the patient compared to control, and the SLC25A46 transcript levels were also reduced due to the splice region variant. Additionally, Western blot analysis of whole-cell lysate showed a decrease of SLC25A46 expression in proband fibroblasts, relative to control cells. Further, analysis of mitochondrial morphology revealed evidence of increased fragmentation of the mitochondrial network in proband fibroblasts, compared to control cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that these novel variants in SLC24A46, the donor splice one and the missense variant, are the cause of the neurological phenotype in this proband.
Economic Evaluation of Universal Lynch Syndrome Screening Protocols among Newly Diagnosed Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hao Jing , Hassen Dina , Gudgeon James M. , Snyder Susan R. , Hampel Heather , Williams Marc S. , Sharaf Ravi N. , Lu Christine Y. , Williams Janet L. , Schlieder Victoria , Rahm Alanna Kulchak
Published: December 2021

We conducted an updated economic evaluation, from a healthcare system perspective, to compare the relative effectiveness and efficiency of eight Lynch syndrome (LS) screening protocols among newly diagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We developed decision analytic models for a hypothetical cohort of 1000 patients. Model assumptions and parameter values were based on literature and expert opinion. All costs were in 2018 USD. For identifying LS cases, the direct germline sequencing (DGS) protocol provided the best performance (sensitivity 99.90%, 99.57–99.93%; specificity 99.50%, 97.28–99.85%), followed by the tumor sequencing to germline sequencing (TSGS) protocol (sensitivity, 99.42%, 96.55–99.63%; specificity, 96.58%, 96.46–96.60%). The immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocol was most efficient at $20,082 per LS case identified, compared to microsatellite instability (MSI) ($22,988), DGS ($31,365), and TSGS ($104,394) protocols. Adding double-somatic testing to IHC and MSI protocols did not change sensitivity and specificity, increased costs by 6% and 3.5%, respectively, but reduced unexplained cases by 70% and 50%, respectively. DGS would be as efficient as the IHC protocol when the cost of germline sequencing declines under $368 indicating DGS could be an efficient option in the near future. Until then, IHC and MSI protocols with double-somatic testing would be the optimal choices.
Attractiveness of Central Public Spaces in Small Polish Towns Based on a Spatial Order Analysis
Authors: Kamińska Wioletta , Mularczyk Mirosław
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the attractiveness of centrally located public spaces (main squares) in select new small towns in Poland. The evaluation was conducted from the spatial order perspective. Spatial order is composed of five elements: architectural and urban planning, functional, aesthetic, social, and “green” orders. The new small towns included in this analysis are settlement units, which in 2020 were populated by up to 20,000 inhabitants and received municipal rights in the 21st century. We used the point bonitation method in our research based on the source material collected during a field study. A total of 286 inventory cards of buildings and nine cards of town squares were compiled. The analysis demonstrated that the main squares in the towns studied are characterised by low or average levels of attractiveness from the spatial order perspective. The architectural–urban planning order in the towns in question was related to the number of inhabitants as well as the period over which a given settlement unit had municipal rights. A larger number of inhabitants had a positive influence on the functional diversification of the central squares and their development, whereas a small number limited both the functional diversification and the number of small architectural elements found at the square. The social order in the given towns was not connected to the number of inhabitants. The elements of social order were assessed favourably, both in larger towns that revitalised their central squares and in smaller settlements. The aesthetic and green orders were strongly related to the revitalisation of public space.
Structure and Mechanical Properties of Shipbuilding Steel Obtained by Direct Laser Deposition and Cold Rolling
Authors: Mendagaliyev Ruslan , Zotov Oleg , Korsmik Rudolf , Zadykyan Grigoriy , Lebedeva Nadezhda , Klimova-Korsmik Olga
Published: December 2021

The study of the formation of microstructural features of low-alloy bainite-martensitic steel 09CrNi2MoCu are of particular interest in additive technologies. In this paper, we present a study of cold-rolled samples after direct laser deposition (DLD). We investigated deposited samples after cold plastic deformation with different degrees of deformation compression (50, 60 and 70%) of samples from steel 09CrNi2MoCu. The microstructure and mechanical properties of samples in the initial state and after heat treatment (HT) were analyzed and compared with the samples obtained after cold rolling. The effect on static tensile strength and impact toughness at −40 °C in the initial state and after cold rolling was investigated. The mechanical properties and characteristics of fracture in different directions were determined. Optimal modes and the degree of cold rolling deformation compression required to obtain balanced mechanical properties of samples obtained by additive method were determined. The influence of structural components and martensitic-austenitic phase on the microhardness and mechanical properties of the obtained samples was determined.
Review of the Problems of Additive Manufacturing of Nanostructured High-Energy Materials
Authors: Kudryashova Olga , Lerner Marat , Vorozhtsov Alexander , Sokolov Sergei , Promakhov Vladimir
Published: December 2021

This article dwells upon the additive manufacturing of high-energy materials (HEM) with regards to the problems of this technology’s development. This work is aimed at identifying and describing the main problems currently arising in the use of AM for nanostructured high-energy materials and gives an idea of the valuable opportunities that it provides in the hope of promoting further development in this area. Original approaches are proposed for solving one of the main problems in the production of nanostructured HEM—safety and viscosity reduction of the polymer-nanopowder system. Studies have shown an almost complete degree of deagglomeration of microencapsulated aluminum powders. Such powders have the potential to create new systems for safe 3D printing using high-energy materials.
Characterization of Silver Nanowire Layers in the Terahertz Frequency Range
Authors: Przewłoka Aleksandra , Smirnov Serguei , Nefedova Irina , Krajewska Aleksandra , Nefedov Igor S. , Demchenko Petr S. , Zykov Dmitry V. , Chebotarev Valentin S. , But Dmytro B. , Stelmaszczyk Kamil , Dub Maksym , Zasada Dariusz , Lisauskas Alvydas , Oberhammer Joachim , Khodzitsky Mikhail K. , Knap Wojciech , Lioubtchenko Dmitri
Published: December 2021

Thin layers of silver nanowires are commonly studied for transparent electronics. However, reports of their terahertz (THz) properties are scarce. Here, we present the electrical and optical properties of thin silver nanowire layers with increasing densities at THz frequencies. We demonstrate that the absorbance, transmittance and reflectance of the metal nanowire layers in the frequency range of 0.2 THz to 1.3 THz is non-monotonic and depends on the nanowire dimensions and filling factor. We also present and validate a theoretical approach describing well the experimental results and allowing the fitting of the THz response of the nanowire layers by a Drude–Smith model of conductivity. Our results pave the way toward the application of silver nanowires as a prospective material for transparent and conductive coatings, and printable antennas operating in the terahertz range—significant for future wireless communication devices.
The Interdiffusion Behavior of NiCoCrAlYHf Coating Deposited by Arc Ion Plating on Carburized Ni-Based Single Crystal Superalloy
Authors: Chen Zun , Zhong Jinyan , Yang Shanglin , Li Songmei , Liu Jianhua , Yu Mei
Published: December 2021

In the present study, arc ion plating (AIP) was used to prepare a NiCoCrAlYHf coating (HY5 coating) on a carburized third-generation single-crystal superalloy DD10. The interdiffusion behavior of the carburized superalloy with an HY5 coating was investigated for a 1000 h oxidation time at 1100 °C. Carburization enhanced the interfacial bonding force and improved the microstructure of the NiCoCrAlYHf coating. An interdiffusion zone (IDZ) formed after a 300 h oxidation time, and the formation of a carburized layer effectively suppressed an inward diffusion of cobalt, aluminium, and chromium to the DD10 superalloy as well as an outward diffusion of nickel and refractory elements for instance rhenium and tungsten to the HY5 coating that occurred in static air at 1100 °C. The roles of the carburized layer in affecting thermal cyclic oxidation and element interdiffusion were studied. Subsequently, a modified form of the Boltzmann–Matano analysis was used to present the interdiffusion coefficients of aluminium.
Bioactive Modified Non-Wovens as a Novel Approach of Plants Protection against Invasive Slugs
Authors: Rosowski Marcin , Puchowicz Dorota , Jaskulska Monika , Kozłowski Jan , Cieślak Małgorzata
Published: December 2021

Invasive slugs generate significant problems in the area of horticultural and agricultural production. Despite the multitude of methods to reduce the pest population, including preventive, mechanical, agrotechnical, cultivation, biological, and chemical treatments, no effective plant protection strategy has been developed so far. In this paper, a solution based on modified non-woven fabric with bioactive molluscicidal properties using the extract of tansy flower, metaldehyde, and abamectin (Vertigo® 018 EC) was proposed. All modified mats show significant anti-slug properties in comparison to control, and molluscicidal properties depend on the type of active substance. Non-woven modified with commonly used metaldehyde demonstrated fast action against slugs and presents the highest efficiency. The effectiveness of non-woven mats with Vertigo® 018 EC is lower than for the mats with metaldehyde but higher than for the mats modified with tansy flower extract. The proposed solution will enable removing and neutralization of molluscicide from the fields, after the efficient pest control, according to circular economy principles. Moreover, it may allow for better control of the molluscicide release to the environment in comparison to widely used pellets, and contribute to the virtual protection of plants against invasive slugs.
The Immunomodulatory Function of Vitamin D, with Particular Reference to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Caballero-García Alberto , Noriega David C. , Bello Hugo J. , Roche Enrique , Córdova-Martínez Alfredo
Published: December 2021

Vaccines are the only way to reduce the morbidity associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The appearance of new mutations urges us to increase the effectiveness of vaccines as a complementary alternative. In this context, the use of adjuvant strategies has improved the effectiveness of different vaccines against virus infections such as dengue, influenza, and common cold. Recent reports on patients infected by COVID-19 reveal that low levels of circulating vitamin D correlate with a severe respiratory insufficiency. The immunomodulatory activity of this micronutrient attenuates the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and at the same time, increases antibody production. Therefore, the present review proposes the use of vitamin D as adjuvant micronutrient to increase the efficacy of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Energy Dissipation and Electromagnetic Radiation Response of Sandstone Samples with a Pre-Existing Crack of Various Inclinations under an Impact Load
Authors: Zang Zesheng , Li Zhonghui , Niu Yue , Tian He , Zhang Xin , Li Xiaoliang , Ali Muhammad
Published: December 2021

Various primary fissures and defects are widely present in a rock mass and have a significant impact on the stability of the rock mass. We studied the influence of the crack inclination angle on the energy dissipation and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) response of sandstone under an impact load. Impact tests were conducted on red sandstone samples with different inclination angles, in addition to test energy dissipation and EMR signals. The results showed that as the energy of the stress wave increased, the energy consumption density and damage variables of the sample gradually increased, and the electromagnetic radiation energy also increased. As the crack inclination increased, the energy consumption density first decreased and then increased, while the damage variable and electromagnetic radiation energy first increased and then decreased. In the process of impact damage, the main frequency of EMR was 0~5 kHz. As the energy of the stress wave increased, the dominant frequency band of the main frequency expanded from low frequency to high frequency, and the amplitude signal gradually increased; the α = 45° specimen frequency domain was the widest, and the amplitude was the largest. The crack inclination significantly changed the failure state of the sample, resulting in changes in the energy dissipation and the electromagnetic radiation response of the sample.
In Vitro Antioxidant, Antitumor and Photocatalytic Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Equisetum Species: A Green Approach
Authors: Batir-Marin Denisa , Mircea Cornelia , Boev Monica , Burlec Ana Flavia , Corciova Andreia , Fifere Adrian , Iacobescu Alexandra , Cioanca Oana , Verestiuc Liliana , Hancianu Monica
Published: December 2021

The ethanolic extracts of three Equisetum species (E. pratense Ehrh., E. sylvaticum L. and E. telmateia Ehrh.) were used to reduce silver ions to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements. FTIR data revealed the functional groups of biomolecules involved in AgNPs synthesis, such as O-H, C-H, C=O, C-O, and C-C. EDX spectroscopy was used to highlight the presence of silver, while DLS spectroscopy provided information on the mean diameter of AgNPs, that ranged from 74.4 to 314 nm. The negative Zeta potential values (−23.76 for Ep–AgNPs, −29.54 for Es–AgNPs and −20.72 for Et–AgNPs) indicate the stability of the obtained colloidal solution. The study also focused on establishing the photocatalytic activity of AgNPs, which is an important aspect in terms of removing organic dyes from the environment. The best photocatalytic activity was observed for AgNPs obtained from E. telmateia, which degraded malachite green in a proportion of 97.9%. The antioxidant action of the three AgNPs samples was highlighted comparatively through four tests, with the best overall antioxidant capacity being observed for AgNPs obtained using E. sylvaticum. Moreover, the biosynthesized AgNPs showed promising cytotoxic efficacy against cancerous cell line MG63, the AgNPs obtained from E. sylvaticum L. providing the best result, with a LD50 value around 1.5 mg/mL.
Encapsulation of Metronidazole in Biocompatible Macrocycles and Structural Characterization of Its Nano Spray-Dried Nanostructured Composite
Authors: Mirankó Mirella , Megyesi Mónika , Miskolczy Zsombor , Tóth Judit , Feczkó Tivadar , Biczók László
Published: December 2021

Due to the great potential of biocompatible cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and 4-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SCX4) macrocycles in drug delivery, the confinement of the pharmaceutically important metronidazole as an ionizable model drug has been systematically studied in these cavitands. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements gave 1.9 × 105 M−1 and 1.0 × 104 M−1 as the association constants of the protonated metronidazole inclusion in CB7 and SCX4, whereas the unprotonated guests had values more than one order of magnitude lower, respectively. The preferential binding of the protonated metronidazole resulted in 1.91 pH unit pKa diminution upon encapsulation in CB7, but the complexation with SCX4 led to a pKa decrease of only 0.82 pH unit. The produced protonated metronidazole–SCX4 complex induced nanoparticle formation with protonated chitosan by supramolecular crosslinking of the polysaccharide chains. The properties of the aqueous nanoparticle solutions and the micron-sized solid composite produced therefrom by nano spray drying were unraveled. The results of the present work may find application in the rational design of tailor-made self-assembled drug carrier systems.
Aminopropylimidazole as an Advantageous Coating in the Synthesis of Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Nan Alexandrina , Ganea Iolanda-Veronica , Macavei Sergiu , Turcu Rodica
Published: December 2021

Implementing new methods to prepare magnetite nanoparticles with a covered or uncovered surface has been, and still is, a significant challenge. In this work, we describe a very clear and effortless way for the preparation of magnetite nanoparticles using two types of bases, namely: 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole and sodium hydroxide. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) served as a tool for the structural investigation of the as-prepared magnetite nanoparticles. The morphology of the samples was investigated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Comprehensive high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations (XPS) were applied as an effective tool for analyzing the composition of the various types of magnetic nanoparticles. Further polymer linkage was accomplished with poly(benzofuran-co-arylacetic acid) on the amino-functionalized surface of aminopropylimidazole-containing magnetic nanoparticles. The findings are promising for biomedicine, catalysis, and nanotechnology applications.
Comparative Study of Four Coloured Nanoparticle Labels in Lateral Flow Immunoassay
Authors: Razo Shyatesa C. , Elovenkova Anastasiya I. , Safenkova Irina V. , Drenova Natalia V. , Varitsev Yuri A. , Zherdev Anatoly V. , Dzantiev Boris B.
Published: December 2021

The detection limit of lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is largely determined by the properties of the label used. We compared four nanoparticle labels differing in their chemical composition and colour: (1) gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), red; (2) Au-core/Pt-shell nanoparticles (Au@Pt NPs), black; (3) latex nanoparticles (LPs), green; and (4) magnetic nanoparticles (MPs), brown. The comparison was carried out using one target analyte—Erwinia amylovora, the causal bacterial agent of fire blight. All nanoparticles were conjugated with antibodies through methods that provide maximum functional coverage like physical adsorption (Au NPs, Au@Pt NPs) and covalent bonding (LPs, MPs). All conjugates demonstrated the same ability to bind with E. amylovora through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay where optical properties of the nanoparticles do not determine the registered signal. However, half-maximal binding was achieved at different numbers of nanoparticles because they differ in size. All conjugates based on four nanoparticle labels were used for lateral flow assays. As a result, Au@Pt NPs provided the minimal detection limit that corresponded to 103 CFU/mL. Au NPs and LPs detected 104 CFU/mL, and MPs detected 105 CFU/mL. The results highlight that simply choosing a coloured label can significantly affect the detection limit of LFIA.
Dietary Habits and Relationship with the Presence of Main and Trace Elements, Bisphenol A, Tetrabromobisphenol A, and the Lipid, Microbiological and Immunological Profiles of Breast Milk
Authors: Castro Irma , Arroyo Rebeca , Aparicio Marina , Martínez María Ángeles , Rovira Joaquim , Ares Susana , Cunha Sara Cristina , Casal Susana , Oliveira Fernandes Jose , Schuhmacher Marta , Nadal Martí , Rodríguez Juan Miguel , Fernández Leónides
Published: December 2021

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed an infant, although it can also be a source of abiotic contaminants such as heavy metals or bisphenol A (BPA). The early life exposure to these compounds can lead to serious toxic effects in both the short and long-term. These substances can reach breast milk through the mother’s habits, diet being one of the main routes of exposure. The aim of the present work was to analyse possible associations between the dietary habits of women and the content of major trace elements, BPA, fatty acids and lipids, and the microbiological and immunological profiles of human milk. Possible associations between major trace elements and BPA and the lipid, microbiological and immunological profiles were also analysed. The results of this study support that the microbiological composition of human milk is associated with the dietary habits of the women, and that the consumption of canned drinks is related to the presence of BPA in human milk. Furthermore, some relationships were found between the amount of major trace elements and the microbiological and immunological profile of the milk samples. Finally, the presence of BPA was associated with changes in the immunological profile of human milk.
Versatile Sensing Structure: GaP/Au/Graphene/Silicon
Authors: Mishra Satyendra Kumar , Verma Rajneesh Kumar , Mishra Akhilesh Kumar
Published: December 2021

A versatile sensing scheme for gas and biomolecule detection has been proposed theoretically using optimized GaP/Au/Graphene/Silicon structures. A Gallium Phosphide (GaP) prism is used as a substrate in the proposed surface plasmon resonance based sensing scheme, which is designed to be in Kretschmann configuration. The thicknesses of different constituent layers have been optimized for the maximum values of the sensitivities of the gas and bio-sensing probes. To delineate the role of the silicon layer, sensing probes without a silicon layer have also been numerically modelled and compared. The present GaP/Au/Graphene/Silicon probes possess higher values of sensitivity for the detection of gas and biomolecules compared to the conventional SPR sensing probes reported in the literature.
Robot-Aided Prostate Cancer Diagnosis with Fiber Optic Sensing: A Validation Study on Phantoms and Ex-Vivo Tissues
Authors: Pecorella Claudia , Cirillo Andrea , Siciliano Bruno , Iele Antonio , Ricciardi Armando , Consales Marco , Cusano Andrea , Capece Marco , Celentano Giuseppe , La Rocca Roberto , Mirone Vincenzo , Ficuciello Fanny
Published: December 2021

Despite technological progress in instrumental diagnostic investigations of the last decade, prostate cancer remains one of the most frequent malignant tumors and the second leading cause of cancer death among men. Although prostate biopsy remains the reference among all diagnosis procedures, it still exposes patients to the risk of developing complications. In this paper, the authors present a novel robotic system for prostate cancer diagnosis aimed at improving the current diagnostic procedures and reducing their undesired effects. The purpose of this work is to validate the proposed methodology by considering experimental analysis on both phantom and ex-vivo prostate tissues.
Climate agenda on the eve of COP-26: experience of Latin America
Authors: Troyansky Mikhail G. , Karpovich Oleg G. , Davydova Alina V.
Published: December 2021

The newest world history has been marked by economic crises, environmental disasters an increase in intrastate and interstate armed conflicts, as well as an escalating confrontation in the field of energy resources. Among these risks, environmental problems such as global warming, sea level rise, soil erosion and shortages of food and fossil fuels have become unprecedentedly visible. This article focuses on a new climate agenda in the light of COP-26, taking place in Glasgow, and the regional experience of Latin America in confronting climate threats and adapting to climate changes since the ratification of the 2015 Paris Agreement. The authors consider the main international climate instruments, as well as those achievements on the way to greening national economies, which were undertaken by the LAC states within the mechanisms of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Since the ratification of the Paris Agreement, every Latin American state has made progress in implementing the environmental agenda and developing legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. The conclusion highlights the need for broad state participation on the base of proven instruments for solving major environmental problems, further developing early warning systems and consistent implementation of the planned action plans to reduce the risk of disasters and their consequences. Primary importance is attached to interstate dialogue to tackle the environmental challenges, commitment to the responsible fulfillment of international climate agreements and further development of international framework in the field of environmental law. Joint initiatives among the states of the region are expected to have significant effect on reducing emissions of these gases. Moreover, the market-based instruments proposed by the Paris Agreement are known to be an important complement to the ongoing efforts to comply with the overall UNFCCC climate agenda.
“OTHERNESS” AS A CONFLICT OF IDENTITIES IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Usanova L. , Suprun H.
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an attempt to analyse the growth of conflict in the context of globalization processes of the XXI century, in particular the clash of cultural and social identities. The development of digital technologies has provoked an increased array of information flows, which bring disorienting sentiments to society. This resulted in the spread of such social phenomena as “echo chamber” and gaslighting. Conflict of identities is a response to the collapse of a unified society. Purpose and objectives of the paper. The objective is to conduct a socio-philosophical analysis of identity as a conflict-causing phenomenon in the globalized digital age, based on the achievements of modern science and philosophy. Methodology of Research. The main research methods are structural-functional, philosophico-cultural and philosophico-anthropological. The principle “from abstract to concrete” and the principle of systemicity were applied to solve specific research tasks. Research results. On the one hand, modern globalization processes allow the interaction of previously distant or even mutually exclusive cultures, patterns of behaviour, or identities. On the other hand, there is a clash of previously separated and relatively closed cultural, civilizational groups, which becomes a catalyst in forming a completely new (or hybrid) identity and advocating existing identification values, where the alternative reality is perceived as a threat of losing the uniqueness or value of the heritage of generations. As a result, there is a conflict of identities at both the individual and social levels. Conclusion.The globalization processes of the XXI century are penetrating more and more actively into all spheres of social life: there is a clash of cultural and social identities, which provokes increasing conflict levels and grouping to preserve uniqueness in response to global trends, the establishment of new social norms and expansion of human rights. The world is in a state of formation, constant change, and the understanding of the described trends features and their mechanisms reveals their contradictory phenomena “echo chamber”, gaslighting etc. “Otherness” has become an integral feature of today and in our opinion, the search for practices of mutual understanding is becoming another cultural challenge.
Perspectives of pharmacists in general practice from qualitative focus groups with patients during a pilot study
Authors: Mann Claire , Anderson Claire , Boyd Matthew , Karsan Yasmin , Emerson Tristan
Published: December 2021

Background

Utilising skill mix in general practice is proposed as a solution to the demand–supply issue. Pharmacists can play an important role in this context, leading to an increase in training and funding for independent prescriber roles. A role for pharmacists in general practice was funded, piloted, and evaluated by NHS England (NHSE) from 2015.

Aim

To answer the following question: what is the patient perspective of pharmacists in patient-facing roles in general practice in the UK?

Design & setting

Focus group interviews exploring patient perspectives on the pharmacist role in the UK.

Method

Thirty-four patients were interviewed in five focus group (January–December 2016). Data were iteratively analysed using the one sheet of paper technique.

Results

While the public were aware of the primary care crisis, they were less well informed about potential solutions. Data showed patients primarily sought access to a clinician over expressing a preference for any type of clinician. Low awareness was shown about the pharmacist role and there was initial confusion about it. Acceptability levels were high. It was found that pharmacists added value and provided an expert medication-focused service, which had a positive impact on medicines use. Patients reported benefit from longer appointments, feeling they were not rushed, and that all their conditions were being considered holistically. They trusted pharmacists as experts in medication and trust was consolidated over time. Regular coaching from a pharmacist could lead to improved patient self-monitoring and self-care.

Conclusion

Pharmacists can add value to the general practice team and this is recognised by patients.
Three-Dimensional Super-Resolved Imaging of Paraffin-Embedded Kidney Samples
Authors: Unnersjö-Jess David , Ramdedovic Amer , Höhne Martin , Butt Linus , Koehler Felix C. , Müller Roman-Ulrich , Hoyer Peter F. , Blom Hans , Schermer Bernhard , Benzing Thomas
Published: December 2021

Key Points

Our previous protocols for 3D super-resolution kidney imaging have not been optimized to be compatible with paraffin-embedded samples.

This study overcomes these limitations, allowing 3D super-resolved imaging in FFPE kidney blocks.

This advancement opens up for 3D super-resolution kidney imaging of biobank material and in clinical settings.

Background

Diseases of the glomeruli, the renal filtration units, are a leading cause of progressive kidney disease. Assessment of the ultrastructure of podocytes at the glomerular filtration barrier is essential for diagnosing diverse disease entities, providing insight into the disease pathogenesis, and monitoring treatment responses.

Methods

Here we apply previously published sample preparation methods together with stimulated emission depletion and confocal microscopy for resolving nanoscale podocyte substructure. The protocols are modified and optimized in order to be applied to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples.

Results

We successfully modified our protocols to allow for deep three-dimensional stimulated emission depletion and confocal imaging of FFPE kidney tissue with similar staining and image quality compared with our previous approaches. We further show that quantitative analysis can be applied to extract morphometrics from healthy and diseased samples from both mice and humans.

Conclusions

The results from this study could increase the feasibility of implementing optical kidney imaging protocols in clinical routines because FFPE is the gold-standard method for storage of patient samples.
A Ingestão dietética de nutrientes fotoprotetores da dieta está associada com menor reatividade da pele á exposição solar
Authors: Fernandes Simone Pereira , Schneider Aline Petter , Tiburi Marcelo Franciso , da Rocha Laura Mariano
Published: December 2021

Objective: To relate the intake of photo protective dietary nutrients to the reactivity of the skin to UV exposure. Materials and methods: Two hundred and twelve individuals participated on the study, of which 60 were and 152 were women. The population was composed by adultos and young adults vacationing in Xangrilá beach (in the south of Brazil). Data such as photo type (skin reactivity to sun exposure), body mass index, frequency and quantity of dietary photo protective food sources were obtained through a questionnaire. In order to evaluate the skin photo type the Fitzpatrick Scale was used and the individuals divided in 2 groups: photo types I and II ( the ones that would burn) and photo types III and IV( the ones that would tan). Results: For photo types III and IV there was a greater frequency (F) of olive oil (p= 0,01), plum (p= 0,02), and grape juice (p= 0,02) intake and a significant quantity [Q] of tomato intake (p= 0,05) . As for the concomitant quantity and frequency of whole rice ([F] p= 0,06 and [Q] p= 0,02) and whole bread ([F] p= 0,01) and [Q] (0,01) intake they were negatively associated with a lesser reactivity of the skin. As for the frequency (>= 5 times a week) of photo protective foods intake we found milk, olive oil and vegetable oils and the food that was rarely or never consumed was the kiwi fruit. Conclusion: There was an association among a diversity of dietary nutrients and the reactivity of the skin on this study with individuals vacationing in the southern coast of Brazil. Nevertheless, there was an association between the intake of photo protective dietary nutrients with the less sensitive photo types, which made us wonder about a possible association to be investigated in further studies.
Barış Manço Şarkılarında Yer Alan Değerler
Authors: COŞKUN KESKİN Sevgi , AKYILDIZ Medine
Published: December 2021

Bu araştırmanın amacı, Barış Manço şarkılarında yer alan değerleri belirlemektir. Nitel araştırma yönteminin kullanıldığı araştırma, 1964-1999 tarihleri arasında yer alan 22 albüm ve bu albümlerde yer alan 251 şarkı üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak doküman analizi tekniği kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler; literatürün taranması, veri toplama araçlarının seçimi, veri analizi birimlerinin oluşturulması, verilerin analizi, geçerlik-güvenirliğin sağlanması aşamalarıyla analiz edilerek raporlaştırılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda, Barış Manço’nun şarkı sözlerinde; saygı, sevgi, duyarlılık, kanaatkâr olma, paylaşma, vefalı olma, görgülü olma, insana değer verme, sabır, aile birliğine önem verme, bağımsızlığa önem verme, barışsever olma, dostluk, merhamet, namuslu olma, sağlıklı olmaya önem verme, şükretme, affedici olma, cömertlik, çalışkanlık, dürüstlük, hoşgörü, iyi niyetli olma, misafirperverlik, mürüvvet, onurlu olmak, sadelik gibi değerler tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca, Barış Manço’nun şarkılarında; helâl kazanç, selamlaşma, dünya malına tamâh etmeme, eşitlik, kul hakkı yememe, bereket, nasip/kısmet, işini iyi yapma, helâlleşme gibi değerleri güçlendiren ve bu değerlerin sergilenmesini sağlayan davranışlar, tutumlar, inançlar ve kavramlar tespit edilmiştir. Bu nedenle değer eğitimi bağlamında, Barış Manço’nun şarkıları çeşitli derslerde etkinlik hazırlamak için kullanılabilir.
PERANAN SISTEM PENGENDALIAN INTERNAL DALAM PENANGGULANGAN PIUTANG TAK TERTAGIH
Authors: Kuncara Valentina Christabella
Published: December 2021

The internal control system, if implemented properly, will certainly create a systematic work procedure and make it in accordance with the rules used in the organization. This research aims to determine and also explain the role of the internal control system in handling uncollectible accounts receivable.  This study uses a qualitative descriptive analysis method. This data is processed and obtained through observation, interviews and documentation.  The population and sample in this study are social conditions with the sampling technique used is purposive sampling.  The interviewees of this research are part of ARH and AR.  The results of this study show that the role of the internal control system in overcoming uncollectible accounts receivable when the customer has become a WO is no longer paying the installments, but paying all the arrears.  When the debtor is not with the unit, the company will involve a third party, namely PT which is engaged in securing assets.