bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence Empowered Multispectral Vision Based System for Non-Contact Monitoring of Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) Fillets
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Das Avik Kumar , Pang Jie , Liang Peng
Published: May 2021

A non-contact method was proposed to monitor the freshness (based on TVB-N and TBA values) of large yellow croaker fillets (Larimichthys crocea) by using a visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging system (400–1000 nm). In this work, the quantitative calibration models were built by using feed-forward neural networks (FNN) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). In addition, it was established that using a regression coefficient on the data can be further compressed by selecting optimal wavelengths (35 for TVB-N and 18 for TBA). The results validated that FNN has higher prediction accuracies than PLSR for both cases using full and selected reflectance spectra. Moreover, our FNN based model has showcased excellent performance even with selected reflectance spectra with rp = 0.978, R2p = 0.981, and RMSEP = 2.292 for TVB-N, and rp = 0.957, R2p = 0.916, and RMSEP = 0.341 for TBA, respectively. This optimal FNN model was then utilized for pixel-wise visualization maps of TVB-N and TBA contents in fillets.
Population Genetics of the Invasive Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes, in South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Watson Kalynda M.-A. , Mikac Katarina M. , Schwab Sibylle G.
Published: May 2021

The use of genetic information in conservation biology has become more widespread with genetic information more readily available for non-model organisms. It has also been recognized that genetic information from invasive species can inform their management and control. The red fox poses a significant threat to Australian native fauna and the agricultural industry. Despite this, there are few recently published studies investigating the population genetics of foxes in Australia. This study investigated the population genetics of 94 foxes across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions of New South Wales, Australia. Diversity Array sequencing technology was used to genotype a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (N = 33,375). Moderate genetic diversity and relatedness were observed across the foxes sampled. Low to moderate levels of inbreeding, high-levels of identity-by-state values, as well as high identity-by-descent values were also found. There was limited evidence for population genetic structure among the foxes across the landscape sampled, supporting the presence of a single population across the study area. This indicates that there may be no barriers hindering fox dispersal across the landscape.
Structural and Functional Characterization of the FGF Signaling Pathway in Regeneration of the Polychaete Worm Alitta virens (Annelida, Errantia)
Authors: Shalaeva Alexandra Y. , Kostyuchenko Roman P. , Kozin Vitaly V.
Published: May 2021

Epimorphic regeneration of lost body segments is a widespread phenomenon across annelids. However, the molecular inducers of the cell sources for this reparative morphogenesis have not been identified. In this study, we focused on the role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in the posterior regeneration of Alitta virens. For the first time, we showed an early activation of FGF ligands and receptor expression in an annelid regenerating after amputation. The expression patterns indicate that the entire regenerative bud is competent to FGFs, whose activity precedes the initiation of cell proliferation. The critical requirement of FGF signaling, especially at early stages, is also supported by inhibitor treatments followed by proliferation assay, demonstrating that induction of blastemal cells depends on FGFs. Our results show that FGF signaling pathway is a key player in regenerative response, while the FGF-positive wound epithelium, ventral nerve cord and some mesodermal cells around the gut could be the inducing tissues. This mechanism resembles reparative regeneration of vertebrate appendages suggesting such a response to the injury may be ancestral for all bilaterians.
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Ibuprofen and Manual Therapy in Young Women with Dysmenorrhea—A Pilot Study
Authors: Barcikowska Zofia , Rajkowska-Labon Elżbieta , Grzybowska Magdalena Emilia , Hansdorfer-Korzon Rita , Wąż Piotr , Zorena Katarzyna
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of manual therapy and the use of ibuprofen on the severity of dysmenorrhea and changes in the level of sex hormones in young women with dysmenorrhea. Material and methods: The study included six women, aged 22 ± 2 years, with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). A physiotherapist examined the tenderness and flexibility of the muscles. The patients were subjected to a gynecological and physiotherapeutic examination; the concentrations of progesterone and 17-beta-estradiol were also determined. In subgroup A (n = 3), manual therapy was performed 3 × 45 min; in subgroup B (n = 3), the patients received ibuprofen 3 × 400 mg/day. Results: In subgroup A, all patients showed a decrease in the level of progesterone and an increase in the concentration of estradiol. In subgroup B, the concentration of progesterone and 17-beta estradiol decreased in two subjects. In subgroup A, manual therapy reduced the severity of headache, back pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and PMS. In subgroup B, the use of ibuprofen only alleviated back pain and fatigue. Moreover, in subgroup A, after the application of manual therapy, improvement in flexibility and pain relief of the examined muscles was demonstrated. On the other hand, in subgroup B, no improvement in flexibility or reduction in muscle soreness was found in patients who took ibuprofen. Conclusions: Manual therapy may reduce menstrual pain in women with dysmenorrhea. However, the results need to be confirmed in studies conducted on a larger group of patients with dysmenorrhea.
Special Issue: Feature Papers 2020
Authors: Archbold Douglas D.
Published: May 2021

The goal of this Special Issue is to highlight, through selected works, frontier research in basic to applied horticulture among those published in Horticulturae in 2020 [...]
Volatile Organic Compounds in Underground Shopping Districts in Korea
Authors: Won Soo Ran , Ghim Young Sung , Kim Jeonghoon , Ryu Jungmin , Shim In-Keun , Lee Jongchun
Published: May 2021

Underground shopping districts (USDs) are susceptible to severe indoor air pollution, which can adversely impact human health. We measured 24 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 13 USDs throughout South Korea from July to October 2017, and the human risk of inhaling hazardous substances was evaluated. The sum of the concentrations of the 24 VOCs was much higher inside the USDs than in the open air. Based on factor analysis, six indoor air pollution sources were identified. Despite the expectation of a partial outdoor effect, the impacts of the indoor emissions were significant, resulting in an indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio of 5.9 and indicating elevated indoor air pollution. However, the effects of indoor emissions decreased, and the contributions of the pollution sources reduced when the USD entrances were open and the stores were closed. Although benzene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde exhibited lower concentrations compared to previous studies, they still posed health risks in both indoor and outdoor settings. Particularly, while the indoor excess cancer risk (ECR) of formaldehyde was ~10 times higher than its outdoor ECR, benzene had a low I/O ratio (1.1) and a similar ECR value. Therefore, indoor VOC concentrations could be reduced by managing inputs of open air into USDs.
Characterization of a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R23 Isolated from Arugula by Whole-Genome Sequencing and Its Bacteriocin Production Ability
Authors: Barbosa Joana , Albano Helena , Silva Beatriz , Almeida Maria Helena , Nogueira Teresa , Teixeira Paula
Published: May 2021

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is one of the lactic acid bacteria species most used as probiotics and starter cultures in food production. Bacteriocin-producers Lpb. plantarum are also promising natural food preservatives. This study aimed to characterize Lpb. plantarum R23 and its bacteriocins (R23 bacteriocins). The genome sequence of Lpb. plantarum R23 was obtained by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in an Illumina NovaSeq platform. The activity of Lpb. plantarum R23-produced bacteriocin against two Listeria monocytogenes strains (L7946 and L7947) was evaluated, and its molecular size was determined by tricine-SDS-PAGE. No virulence or antibiotic resistance genes were detected. Four 100% identical proteins to the class II bacteriocins (Plantaricin E, Plantaricin F, Pediocin PA-1 (Pediocin AcH), and Coagulin A) were found by WGS analysis. The small (<6.5 kDa) R23 bacteriocins were stable at different pH values (ranging from 2 to 8), temperatures (between 4 and 100 °C), detergents (all, except Triton X-100 and Triton X-114 at 0.01 g/mL), and enzymes (catalase and α-amylase), did not adsorb to the producer cells, had a bacteriostatic mode of action and their maximum activity (AU/mL = 12,800) against two L. monocytogenes strains occurred between 15 and 21 h of Lpb. plantarum R23 growth. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R23 showed to be a promising bio-preservative culture because, besides being safe, it produces a stable bacteriocin or bacteriocins (harbors genes encoding for the production of four) inhibiting pathogens as L. monocytogenes. Further studies in different food matrices are required to confirm this hypothesis and its suitability as a future starter culture.
Validation of the Italian Version of the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire (BIQ) for Preschool Children
Authors: Agostini Francesca , Benassi Mariagrazia , Minelli Marianna , Mandolesi Luca , Giovagnoli Sara , Neri Erica
Published: May 2021

Behavioral Inhibition (BI) is a temperamental trait characterized by fear and wariness in reaction to new and unfamiliar stimuli, both social and non-social. BI has been recognized as possible forerunner of anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety and phobia; therefore, its assessment is clinically relevant. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Italian adaptation of the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire (BIQ), which measures BI in preschool children. The BIQ was completed by 417 Italian parents (230 mothers, 187 fathers) of 270 preschoolers aged 3–5. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good internal validity: the factorial structure was corresponding to the original six-factor version. Results showed excellent internal consistency, significant item-total correlations, good inter-rater reliability, convergent validity (by correlating the BIQ with the Italian Questionnaires of Temperament-QUIT, the Anxiety-Shy Conner’s Scale and the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery) and discriminant validity (i.e., no correlation with Conners’ ADHD scale). Significant correlations emerged between BI indexes and total BIQ scores of parents and maternal (but not paternal) versions of the questionnaire. Altogether, the results are promising and consistent with previous validation studies, suggesting the BIQ as a reliable and valid measure for evaluating parents’ perception of BI in Italian preschoolers.
Women’s Cognition and Attitude with Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products by Consumer Lifestyle
Authors: Tu Jui-Che , Lo Ting-Yun , Lai Yi-Ting
Published: May 2021

With rapid technology developments and the convenient and fast pace of life in recent years, many people are using disposable products, which cause environmental and ecological damages. A variety of eco-friendly menstrual products have been launched on the market, and “menstrual pads” now have a large market share in Taiwan’s menstrual product industry. This study interviewed experts and collected questionnaires for qualitative and quantitative investigation and analysis. The results show that women have positive and open concepts regarding sustainability, as well as a good understanding of their body and are very interested in the performance and usage efficiency of products. The results also indicate that consumers purchase based on their lifestyles; most women collected enough product information before purchasing while overcoming the difficulties in dealing with the environment and learning to adapt them, and the majority of consumers attach importance to comfort, volume, and duration of blood absorption. The results suggest that the government and private enterprises should increase and improve sanitation education and sanitary facilities and guide the approach and serve as an important reference index for the promotion of eco-friendly menstrual products for environmental benefits.
Molecular Imaging and Preclinical Studies of Radiolabeled Long-Term RGD Peptides in U-87 MG Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Lo Wei-Lin , Lo Shih-Wei , Chen Su-Jung , Chen Ming-Wei , Huang Yuan-Ruei , Chen Liang-Cheng , Chang Chih-Hsien , Li Ming-Hsin
Published: May 2021

The Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) peptide shows a high affinity for αvβ3 integrin, which is overexpressed in new tumor blood vessels and many types of tumor cells. The radiolabeled RGD peptide has been studied for cancer imaging and radionuclide therapy. We have developed a long-term tumor-targeting peptide DOTA-EB-cRGDfK, which combines a DOTA chelator, a truncated Evans blue dye (EB), a modified linker, and cRGDfK peptide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of indium-111(111In) radiolabeled DOTA-EB-cRGDfK in αvβ3 integrin-expressing tumors. The human glioblastoma cell line U-87 MG was used to determine the in vitro binding affinity of the radiolabeled peptide. The in vivo distribution of radiolabeled peptides in U-87 MG xenografts was investigated by biodistribution, nanoSPECT/CT, pharmacokinetic and excretion studies. The in vitro competition assay showed that 111In-DOTA-EB-cRGDfK had a significant binding affinity to U-87 MG cancer cells (IC50 = 71.7 nM). NanoSPECT/CT imaging showed 111In-DOTA-EB-cRGDfK has higher tumor uptake than control peptides (111In-DOTA-cRGDfK and 111In-DOTA-EB), and there is still a clear signal until 72 h after injection. The biodistribution results showed significant tumor accumulation (27.1 ± 2.7% ID/g) and the tumor to non-tumor ratio was 22.85 at 24 h after injection. In addition, the pharmacokinetics results indicated that the 111In-DOTA-EB-cRGDfK peptide has a long-term half-life (T1/2λz = 77.3 h) and that the calculated absorbed dose was safe for humans. We demonstrated that radiolabeled DOTA-EB-cRGDfK may be a promising agent for glioblastoma tumor imaging and has the potential as a theranostic radiopharmaceutical.
Virtual World as an Interactive Safety Training Platform
Authors: Shiradkar Sayli , Rabelo Luis , Alasim Fahad , Nagadi Khalid
Published: May 2021

Virtual training platform allows interactive and engaging learning through practice without exposing trainees to hazards. In the recent pandemic (COVID-19) situation, online training is gaining importance as it allows learning with social distancing. This research study develops two online training modes—slide-based and virtual world—and assesses them on factors such as knowledge retention, engagement, and attention. Fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures were selected for online training development, focusing on a university community. A Lean Startup methodology was employed to develop training content for virtual and slide-based safety training (SBST). A virtual university building was developed with 15 learning objectives on fire safety. An empirical evaluation of the training modes was conducted with 143 participants. The results validated that a Virtual Safety World (VSW) can provide the same knowledge as SBST but can do so in a more engaging manner. Retention of concepts after a month was higher in VSW participants. The participants’ attention levels, measured by employing qEEG, showed that participants exhibited better-sustained attention while in VSW than in SBST mode. In addition, initial studies of the virtual training platform, designed to be adaptive to the user, are performed using deep learning and qEEG.
Controlled Magnetic Isolation and Decoupling of Perpendicular FePt Films by Capping Ultrathin Cu(002) Nano-Islands
Authors: Wei Da-Hua , Chang Ji-Hong , Hsu Chi-Chun , Yang Cheng-Jie , Liang Yuan-Chang , Dong Chung-Li , Yao Yeong-Der
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the ultrathin Cu(002) capping nano-island effects on the magnetic characterizations and microstructure of epitaxial FePt(001) films directly fabricated on MgO(001) substrates at the relatively low temperature of 300 °C via electron-beam deposition. The enhancement of the coercivity is attributed to the lowered exchange coupling of FePt magnetic grains that begun from Cu atom behavior of spreading in many directions mainly along grain boundaries due to its lower surface energy than that of pure Fe or Pt. The measurement of angular-dependent coercivity shows a tendency of a domain-wall motion shift toward the rotation of the reverse-domain type upon the thickness of the Cu capping nano-island layer atop the FePt films. The intergranular interaction was clarified by the Kelly–Henkel plot, which indicated that there was strong exchange coupling (positive δM) between neighboring grains in the FePt continuous films without Cu capping nano-islands. On the other hand, a negative δM value was gained when the FePt films were capped with a Cu(002) single layer, indicating that the Cu capping layer can be used to control the strength of intergrain exchange coupling between the adjacent FePt grains and thicker Cu(002) capping nano-islands toward magnetic isolation; thus, there was an existence of dipole interaction in our designed Cu/FePt composite structure of stacked films.
Pathogenicity Assessment of Colombian Strains of Candida auris in the Galleria mellonella Invertebrate Model
Authors: Carvajal Silvia Katherine , Alvarado Maira , Rodríguez Yuli M. , Parra-Giraldo Claudia M. , Varón Carmen , Morales-López Soraya E. , Rodríguez José Y. , Gómez Beatriz L. , Escandón Patricia
Published: May 2021

Candida auris, first described in 2009, is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that causes nosocomial outbreaks around the world, with high mortality rates associated with therapeutic failure. In this study, we evaluated the pathogenicity of 107 isolates from two cities in Colombia, associated with fungemia or colonization processes; to achieve this, we used the Galleria mellonella invertebrate model to compare pathogenicity. Our results showed that less than half of the total isolates of C. auris presented a high pathogenicity compared to the reference strain SC5314, and most of those highly pathogenic strains were from colonization processes. We observed that there was formation of large aggregates of cells that cannot be disrupted easily, without statistically significant differences between the pathogenicity of the aggregated and non-aggregated strains. In addition, protease activity was observed in 100% of the C. auris strains; phospholipase and hemolysin activity were observed in 67.3 and 68.2% of the studied strains, respectively. In conclusion, these results highlight the utility of determining survival using G. mellonella, which allowed us to provide new information on the pathogenicity, enzymatic activity, and the relationship of the aggregated and non-aggregated phenotypes of C. auris in this model.
Mycorrhiza-Induced Resistance against Foliar Pathogens Is Uncoupled of Nutritional Effects under Different Light Intensities
Authors: Pozo de la Hoz Judith , Rivero Javier , Azcón-Aguilar Concepción , Urrestarazu Miguel , Pozo María J.
Published: May 2021

The use of microbial inoculants, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, has great potential for sustainable crop management, which aims to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, one of the major challenges of their use in agriculture is the variability of the inoculation effects in the field, partly because of the varying environmental conditions. Light intensity and quality affect plant growth and defense, but little is known about their impacts on the benefits of mycorrhizal symbioses. We tested the effects of five different light intensities on plant nutrition and resistance to the necrotrophic foliar pathogen Botrytis cinerea in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal lettuce plants. Our results evidence that mycorrhiza establishment is strongly influenced by light intensity, both regarding the extension of root colonization and the abundance of fungal vesicles within the roots. Light intensity also had significant effects on plant growth, nutrient content, and resistance to the pathogen. The effect of the mycorrhizal symbiosis on plant growth and nutrient content depended on the light intensity, and mycorrhiza efficiently reduced disease incidence and severity under all light intensities. Thus, mycorrhiza-induced resistance can be uncoupled from mycorrhizal effects on plant nutrition. Therefore, mycorrhizal symbioses can be beneficial by providing biotic stress protection even in the absence of nutritional or growth benefits.
Sex as a Prognostic Factor in Systematic Reviews: Challenges and Lessons Learned
Authors: Stallings Elena , Antequera Alba , López-Alcalde Jesús , García-Martín Miguel , Urrútia Gerard , Zamora Javier
Published: May 2021

Sex is a common baseline factor collected in studies that has the potential to be a prognostic factor (PF) in several clinical areas. In recent years, research on sex as a PF has increased; however, this influx of new studies frequently shows conflicting results across the same treatment or disease state. Thus, systematic reviews (SRs) addressing sex as a PF may help us to better understand diseases and further personalize healthcare. We wrote this article to offer insights into the challenges we encountered when conducting SRs on sex as a PF and suggestions on how to overcome these obstacles, regardless of the clinical domain. When carrying out a PF SR with sex as the index factor, it is important to keep in mind the modifications that must be made in various SR stages, such as modifying the PF section of CHARMS-PF, adjusting certain sections of QUIPS and extracting data on the sex and gender terms used throughout the studies. In this paper, we provide an overview of the lessons learned from carrying out our reviews on sex as a PF in different disciplines and now call on researchers, funding agencies and journals to realize the importance of studying sex as a PF.
Malignancy Prediction Capacity and Possible Prediction Model of Circulating Tumor Cells for Suspicious Pulmonary Lesions
Authors: Wu Ching-Yang , Fu Jui-Ying , Wu Ching-Feng , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Liu Yun-Hen , Liu Hui-Ping , Hsieh Jason Chia-Hsun , Peng Yang-Teng
Published: May 2021

More and more undetermined lung lesions are being identified in routine lung cancer screening. The aim of this study was to try to establish a malignancy prediction model according to the tumor presentations. From January 2017 to December 2018, 50 consecutive patients who were identified with suspicious lung lesions were enrolled into this study. Medical records were reviewed and tumor macroscopic and microscopic presentations were collected for analysis. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) were found to differ between benign and malignant lesions (p = 0.03) and also constituted the highest area under the receiver operation curve other than tumor presentations (p = 0.001). Since tumor size showed the highest sensitivity and CTC revealed the best specificity, a malignancy prediction model was proposed. Akaike information criterion (A.I.C.) of the combined malignancy prediction model was 26.73, which was lower than for tumor size or CTCs alone. Logistic regression revealed that the combined malignancy prediction model showed marginal statistical trends (p = 0.0518). In addition, the 95% confidence interval of combined malignancy prediction model showed less wide range than tumor size ≥ 0.7 cm alone. The calculated probability of malignancy in patients with tumor size ≥ 0.7 cm and CTC > 3 was 97.9%. By contrast, the probability of malignancy in patients whose tumor size was < 0.7 cm, and CTC ≤ 3 was 22.5%. A combined malignancy prediction model involving tumor size followed by the CTC count may provide additional information to assist decision making. For patients who present with tumor size ≥ 0.7 cm and CTC counts > 3, aggressive management should be considered, since the calculated probability of malignancy was 97.9%.
Profiling Delirium Progression in Elderly Patients via Continuous-Time Markov Multi-State Transition Models
Authors: Ocagli Honoria , Azzolina Danila , Soltanmohammadi Rozita , Aliyari Roqaye , Bottigliengo Daniele , Acar Aslihan Senturk , Stivanello Lucia , Degan Mario , Baldi Ileana , Lorenzoni Giulia , Gregori Dario
Published: May 2021

Poor recognition of delirium among hospitalized elderlies is a typical challenge for health care professionals. Considering methodological insufficiency for assessing time-varying diseases, a continuous-time Markov multi-state transition model (CTMMTM) was used to investigate delirium evolution in elderly patients. This is a longitudinal observational study performed in September 2016 in an Italian hospital. Change of delirium states was modeled according to the 4AT score. A Cox model (CM) and a CTMMTM were used for identifying factors affecting delirium onset both with a two-state and three-state model. In this study, 78 patients were enrolled and evaluated for 5 days. Both the CM and the CTMMTM show that urine catheter (UC), aging, drugs, and invasive devices (ID) are risk factors for delirium onset. The CTMMTM model shows that transition from no-delirium/cognitive impairment to delirium was associated with aging (HR = 1.14; 95%CI, 1.05, 1.23) and neuroleptics (HR = 4.3; 1.57, 11.77), dopaminergic drugs (HR = 3.89; 1.2, 12.6), UC (HR = 2.92; 1.09, 7.79) and ID (HR = 1.67; 103, 2.71). These results are confirmed by the multivariable model. Aging, ID, antibiotics, drugs affecting the central nervous system, and absence of moving ability are identified as the significant predictors of delirium. Additionally, it seems that modeling with CTMMTM may show associations that are not directly detectable with the traditional CM.
Acceptability of Pharmacogenetic Testing among French Psychiatrists, a National Survey
Authors: Laplace Benjamin , Calvet Benjamin , Lacroix Aurelie , Mouchabac Stephane , Picard Nicolas , Girard Murielle , Charles Eric
Published: May 2021

Psychiatric disorder management is based on the prescription of psychotropic drugs. Response to them remains often insufficient and varies from one patient to another. Pharmacogenetics explain part of this variability. Pharmacogenetic testing is likely to optimize the choice of treatment and thus improve patients’ care, even if concerns and limitations persist. This practice of personalized medicine is not very widespread in France. We conducted a national survey to evaluate the acceptability of this tool by psychiatrists and psychiatry residents in France, and to identify factors associated with acceptability and previous use. The analysis included 397 observations. The mean acceptability score was 10.70, on a scale from 4 to 16. Overall acceptability score was considered as low for 3.0% of responders, intermediate for 80.1% and high for 16.9%. After regression, the remaining factors influencing acceptability independently of the others were prescription and training history and theoretical approach. The attitude of our population seems to be rather favorable, however, obvious deficiencies have emerged regarding perceived skills and received training. Concerns about the cost and delays of tests results also emerged. According to our survey, one of the keys to overcoming the barriers encountered in the integration of pharmacogenetics seems to be the improvement of training and the provision of information to practitioners.
Understanding the Steric Structures of Dicarboxylate Ions Incorporated in Octacalcium Phosphate Crystals
Authors: Yokoi Taishi , Kawashita Masakazu
Published: May 2021

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) can incorporate various dicarboxylate ions in the interlayer spaces of its layered structure. Although not proven, these incorporated ions are believed to have a linear structure. In this study, the steric structures of twelve different dicarboxylate ions incorporated into OCP were investigated by comparing the experimentally determined interlayer distance of the OCP with the distance estimated using the molecular sizes of dicarboxylic acids calculated by considering their steric structures. The results revealed that the incorporated succinate, glutarate, adipate, pimelate, suberate, and aspartate ions possessed linear structures, whereas the incorporated azelate, sebacate, methylsuccinate, and malate ions exhibited bent structures. Further, the incorporated mercaptosuccinate ions featured linear, bent, other types of structures. Moreover, the steric structure of the incorporated malonate ion significantly differed from those of other dicarboxylate ions. The computational approach employed in this study is expected to deepen our understanding of the steric structures of dicarboxylate ions incorporated in the OCP interlayer spaces.
Tensile Strength Prediction of Short Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Huang Zheng-Ming , Guo Wei-Jing , Huang Hong-Bo , Zhang Chun-Chun
Published: May 2021

Essentially, every failure of a short fiber reinforced composite (SFRC) under tension is induced from a matrix failure, the prediction of which is of fundamental importance. This can be achieved only when the homogenized stresses of the matrix are converted into true values in terms of stress concentration factors (SCFs) of the matrix in an SFRC. Such an SCF cannot be determined in the classical way. In this paper, a closed-form formula for the longitudinal tensile SCF in the SFRC is derived from the matrix stresses determined through an elastic approach. The other directional SCFs in an SFRC are the same as those in a continuous fiber composite already available. A bridging model was used to calculate the homogenized stresses explicitly, and a failure prediction of the SFRC with arbitrary fiber aspect ratio and fiber content was made using only the original constituent strength data. Results showed that the volume fraction, the aspect ratio, and the orientation of the fiber all have significant effect on the tensile strength of an SFRC. In a certain range, the tensile strength of an SFRC increases with the increase in fiber aspect ratio and fiber volume content, and the strength of the oriented short fiber is higher than that of the random short fiber arrangement. Good correlations between the predicted and the available measured strengths for a number of SFRCs show the capability of the present method.
Novel Repair Procedure for CFRP Components Instead of EOL
Authors: Rabe David , Böhnke Philippa Ruth Christine , Kruppke Iris , Häntzsche Eric , Cherif Chokri
Published: May 2021

Today, numerous carbon fiber (CF) reinforced plastic (CFRP) components are in continuous usage under harsh environmental conditions. New components often replace damaged structural parts in safety-critical applications. In addition to this, there is also no effective repair method to initially restore the mechanics of these structures using dry fiber material. The high costs of CFRP components are not in proportion to their lifetime. The research project IGF-19946 BR “CFRP-Repair” addresses this specific challenge. By using an oxide semiconductor that is activated by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, the thermoset matrix can be depolymerized and thus locally removed from the damaged CFRP component. Afterward, the harmed fibers can be physically removed from the laminate in this certain area. A load-adjusted tailored fiber reinforcement patch is subsequently applied and consolidated by local thermoset re-infiltrating. Using this procedure, the structure can be locally repaired with new CF. As a result, repaired CFRP structures can be obtained with reduced mechanics and an approximately original surface. This article gives an insight into the developed repair procedure of CFRP components in an innovative and more efficient way than the state-of-the-art.
Adaptation and Codon-Usage Preference of Apple and Pear-Infecting Apple Stem Grooving Viruses
Authors: Kim Jaedeok , Lal Aamir , Kil Eui-Joon , Kwak Hae-Ryun , Yoon Hwan-Su , Choi Hong-Soo , Kim Mikyeong , Ali Muhammad , Lee Sukchan
Published: May 2021

Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV; genus Capillovirus) is an economically important virus. It has an approx. 6.5 kb, monopartite, linear, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome. The present study includes identification of 24 isolates—13 isolates from apple (Pyrus malus L.) and 11 isolates from pear (Pyrus communis L.)—from different agricultural fields in South Korea. The coat protein (CP) gene of the corresponding 23 isolates were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. The CP sequences showed phylogenetic separation based on their host species, and not on the geography, indicating host adaptation. Further analysis showed that the ASGV isolated in this study followed host adaptation influenced and preferred by the host codon-usage.
A 1-Hydroxy-2,4-Diformylnaphthalene-Based Fluorescent Probe and Its Detection of Sulfites/Bisulfite
Authors: Shi Qing , Shen Ling-Yi , Xu Hong , Wang Zhi-Yong , Yang Xian-Jiong , Huang Ya-Li , Redshaw Carl , Zhang Qi-Long
Published: May 2021

A novel 1-hydroxy-2,4-diformylnaphthalene-based fluorescent probe L was synthesized by a Knoevenagel reaction and exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards sulfite ions (SO32−) and bisulfite ions (HSO3−). The detection limits of the probe L were 0.24 μM using UV-Vis spectroscopy and 9.93 nM using fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. Furthermore, the fluorescent probe L could be utilized for detection in real water samples with satisfactory recoveries in the range 99.20%~104.30% in lake water and 100.00%~104.80% in tap water by UV-Vis absorption spectrometry, and in the range 100.50%~108.60% in lake water and 102.70%~103.80% in tap water by fluorescence spectrophotometry.
TECNOLOGIA DE APLICAÇÃO DE Trichoderma sp. E INTERFERÊNCIA NA FITOSSOCIOLOGIA DE PLANTAS DANINHAS NA CULTURA DA MANDIOCA
Authors: Leal Itallo Michael Soares , Silva Leandro Do Rosario , Silva Gisele Barata da , Cunha Gabriel Damasceno Ferreira , Brochado Maura Gabriela da Silva , Vasconcelos Gabriel Da Silva , Sousa Ana Clara Moura de , Ribeiro Ana Carolina Melo , Alves Alexandra Monteiro , VIANA RAFAEL GOMES
Published: May 2021

A cultura da mandioca possui grande importância para as populações principalmente aquelas em desenvolvimento, por ser uma cultura com alta rusticidade e produtividade. O uso do microrganismo Trichoderma sp. em culturas agrícolas pode reduzir a incidência de doenças, pragas e promover crescimento da cultura. No entanto, pode promover também maior ocorrência de plantas daninhas. Objetivou-se com este trabalho, avaliar a influência da tecnologia de aplicação de Trichoderma sp. na fitossociologia de plantas daninhas na cultura da mandioca. Foi realizado a aplicação de Trichoderma sp. com três tipos de aplicação (área total, faixa e localizada) e quatro volumes de calda (50; 100; 200 e 400 L ha-1) e mais uma testemunha sem aplicação e sem capina em um delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. As espécies foram coletadas, identificadas e calculados os parâmetros fitossociologicos. Foram identificadas 24 espécies distribuídas em 8 famílias botânicas. As famílias mais representativas foram: Poaceae, Cyperaceae e Fabaceae. A espécie Paspalum Maritimum apresentou o maior índice de valor de importância e esteve presente em todas as parcelas. Ao comparar o modo de aplicação com diferentes volumes de calda observou-se crescimento linear na densidade de plantas daninhas com o incremento no volume de calda quando utilizado a aplicação em área total e na aplicação em faixa, há comportamento de crescimento quadrático da densidade, já na aplicação localizada teve leve redução na densidade de plantas daninhas com o aumento no volume de calda. O modo de aplicação e o volume de calda de Trichoderma sp. mudam a dinâmica de plantas daninhas na cultura da mandioca.
AVALIAÇÃO DA GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE CAGAITA (Eugenia dysenterica DC) NATIVA DO CERRADO
Authors: Previero Conceição Aparecida , Santos Lucivania Sousa , Campello Pedro Henrique , Santos Ícaro Gonçalves
Published: May 2021

Estudos relacionados à desenvoltura de germinação e produção de espécies nativas são essenciais, uma vez que garantem a preservação delas, consequentemente alavancam as questões socioambientais e culturais das comunidades. A família Myrtaceae compreende uma diversidade de plantas arbustivas e arbóreas, dentre elas tem-se a espécie Eugenia dysenterica DC, planta frutífera, nativa do Cerrado brasileiro, apreciada pela população, por se tratar de um fruto com potencial diverso. As sementes do fruto são recalcitrantes por apresentarem elevado grau de umidade (47% a 53%) e por perderem viabilidade entre 18% e 22% de umidade, desafiando seu tempo de armazenamento sem comprometer sua qualidade fisiológica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a germinação das sementes de Eugenia dysenterica DC, em função de diferentes graus de umidade inicial, de modo a verificar seu comportamento. Conduziu-se o experimento no Laboratório de Sementes no CEULP/ULBRA. Os frutos foram coletados em novembro de 2011, em matrizes nos municípios de Palmas – TO e em Lajeado do Tocantins - TO. Determinou-se o grau de umidade das sementes pelo método de estufa a ±105ºC, utilizando-se umidades iniciais de 65 a 20%, com intervalo de 5%. A viabilidade das sementes ocorreu pela semeadura em substrato de terra preta e areia, na proporção de 50%. Para os parâmetros observados utilizou-se das análises de variância e as médias comparadas. Os resultados apresentaram desuniformidade quanto à germinação. O maior percentual de germinação foi observado em sementes semeadas a 60, 55 e 45% de umidade inicial. Nível letal foi apresentado quando semeadas com umidades inferiores a 25%.
TURBULENCE OF THINKING WITHIN THE STRUCTURE OF INFORMATIONAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL SECURITY OF PERSONALITY
Authors: Panchenko O.
Published: May 2021

The author has developed unique structural- functional model of information- psychological security (IPS), where turbulence phenomena development and usage is a great part. To explain the essence of «turbulence of thinking» and the ways of its formation from IPS point of view.«Turbulence of thinking» is a specific cognitive process, based on informal and heuristic approach to situational analysis and decision-making (experience, creativity, intuition, adroitness, inventiveness etc). Such way of thinking could be formed both by the way of focused actions from the state and civil society (informational culture formation, new type of educational space creation (so called «heuristic education»)) and by the way of personal self-improvement (lateral thinking, psychic energy management ability, definite personality aspects and behavioral strategies development).IPS threat because of various destructive turbulent phenomena is a very acute problem nowadays. There is need to find the ways of adequate reaction to this problem. Educational process changes to form corresponding informational cultural level for people, ability of heuristic thinking and, consequently, ability to stand effectively against various informational challenges and manipulative impacts are very necessary at present. The main personal protective mechanisms are informational security culture formation and informational self-defense ability development. Turbulence as a specific neuro-psychic phenomenon is an effective mechanism in the IPS structure and it has been formed by the means of actualization, special educational and self-educational personal procedures.
RESEARCH OF ADAPTATION MANIFESTATIONS IN THE SYSTEM OF SOCIAL CONTACTS OF CHILDREN-RESETERS
Authors: Zozul T.
Published: May 2021

The article contains an analysis of the empirical study data of the social relations as an indicator of the adaptation of children-migrants specificity. A brief overview of current scientific research on the specifics of the adaptability of this category of children is presented. The results of socially important personal qualities, trends in interpersonal communication, reactions to frustration, attitude towards the school of children-migrants and representatives of control group empirical research are presented. Sociometric positions and the class collective composition perception indicators of children of the studied groups are analyzed. Children’s of migrants tendencies on indifferent and negative attitude to school, normal position in the system of microgroups of the class, lack of isolation and orientation on normal class collective composition perception are presented in the article.
THE PECULARITIES OF PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION OF STUDENTS-PSYCHOLOGISTS WITH THE DIFFERENT SELF- REGULATION LEVEL
Authors: Titova T.
Published: May 2021

Article deals with the problem of the professional orientation as one of the complex integrative phenomenon. The necessity of studying of self-regulation in relation to the professional orientation is grounded. The results of investigation of future psychologists with different levels of self-regulation are presented. It has been shown that psychological content of the professional orientation is closely connected to the level of self-regulation. The high level of the professional orientation correlates with the domination of humanistic and pragmatic orientations. Such respondents display average level (with the tendency to the high level) of self- regulation, flexibility and good planning. Average level of the professional orientation correlates with the domination of humanistic and existential orientations, average level of self-regulation, flexibility and results evaluating. Low level of the professional orientation correlates with the domination of humanistic and egocentric orientations, average level (with the tendency to the low level) of self-regulation, flexibility and planning.
INTERSUBJECT COOPERATION IN GAME SITUATIONS
Authors: Nakonechna M. , Papucha M.
Published: May 2021

The article analyses a problem of empiric data mining related to psychological features of intersubject cooperation. It is specified that the reliable methodological basis of scientific search is an important pre-condition of empiric research efficiency in intersubject co-operation psychology. It is argued that intersubject co- operation must be studied by psychological science as fundamentally different domain from phenomenology of a separate individual. It is justified that exactly in cultural-historical psychology there is the foundation for cognition of consciousness of man, psychical life of man, and thus - and to the world of mutual relations of people, and phenomenon of intersubjetness. It is proven that by means of various concepts and ideas, introduced by L. S. Vygotsky (proximal development zone, interiorization, theory of experiencing, psychology of instruments and signs, correlation of sense and value), we can have deeper understanding of intersubject co-operation as specifically human type of interaction, aimed at development of agency and connections of a person with the world, other people and his/her inner self. Research of intersubject cooperation is described by means of modified checkers game. The main hypothesis of experimental research is that intersubjectly modified variant of checkers will display fundamentally different psychological features of cooperation, related to strategies of collaboration, positive emotional experiencing and taking into account points of view of the other human being. The article proves that intersubject cooperation is a specific modality of interaction, which in a situation of playing activity can be characterized by orientation on the common aim and cooperative strategies. Authors specify, that strategies of collaboration within intersubject gaming cooperation are various enough, from strictly rationalized to highly emotional. The accounting of other person’s position was demonstrated in many behavioral and verbal acts during sessions of intersubject variant of checkers game. To achieve common result participants had to operate coherently, that needed positions of the other participant to be taken into account. Intersubject variant of checkers became a heuristic research model, using which we made a step forward to deeper understanding of psychological essence of agency.
PARENTS OF PREMATURE CHILDREN PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT
Authors: Goncharova N.
Published: May 2021

The article focuses on the problem of psychological support of parents whose children were born prematurely. Theoretical approaches to psychological assistance to such parents, psycho-emotional support of families are analyzed. The idea of the relationship between the harmonious development of the child and well-being in the family, a sense of security, support and security is considered. Ways of medical and psychological support, increase of psychological adaptive resource of parents are analyzed. The necessity of psychological support of parents and development of new ways of intrafamily interaction is discussed.

It is analyzed that timely family care can not only effectively optimize the personal development of the child, but also help to eliminate psychological problems in adults. Along with experimental research programs, some schemes and approaches to psychological counseling of such families are also being developed. In this context, the work of a psychologist plays an extremely important role, helping parents to overcome despair and fear, promotes the creative search for new ways and opportunities for child development, the formation of new life goals in her parents.

In the article notes that the psychological support of parents of premature babies may have the following features: family research, which includes studying the functioning of the family and its hidden resources, obtaining information about its social and financial situation, analysis of the primary needs of parents and children; establishing contact, motivating to cooperate; assessment of possible specific ways of psychological and pedagogical assistance; choice of directions of work depending on results of diagnostics; work of specialists aimed at psychological and pedagogical assistance to the family, to activate the social position of parents, to find their own family rehabilitation resources and opportunities.