bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Seed Germination and Establishment of an Efficient Germination Method in Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.)
Authors: Shen Xiuli , Cho Myeong-Je
Published: February 2021

Mature sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.) trees produce large amounts of viable seeds but have seed dormancy. In this study, we used three sugar pine genotypes, 8877, 9306, and 9375, to test seed germination response. Seed germination from local sources varied greatly, and germination percentages were poor. There was a large variation in seed size and seed weight among the genotypes. Seeds of 9375 and 9306 were significantly larger and heavier (30.7 and 28.8 g/100 seeds, respectively) than 8877 (23.6 g/100 seeds). Three types of seeds—intact seeds, hulled seeds, and naked embryos—were examined for germination. Intact seeds failed to germinate due to the physical restraint and water impermeability of the seed. Chemical scarification with 5 m hydrochloric acid and 5 m sodium hydroxide did not soften the hard seedcoat and also failed to induce any germination of intact seeds. Hulled seeds resulted in an extremely low germination percentage (≤5%) with abnormal seedling development even though the endosperm was water permeable. Germination of the hulled seeds was not increased by adding 1 mg·L−1 gibberellic acid to the culture medium. Artificial opening of the hulled seeds created by longitudinal or horizontal cuts on the endosperm after removal of the seedcoat to avoid physical restraint and allow air exchange also failed to improve germination, indicating that inhibitors related to germination were present in the endosperm. However, naked embryos of all three genotypes germinated rapidly and uniformly with 70% to 95% germination percentage regardless of cold stratification treatment. Our data indicate that sugar pine seeds from the current source did not have physiological dormancy of embryos themselves, but dormancy was imposed by the seedcoat and endosperm. Using the naked embryos as donor explants, we have successfully established an efficient in vitro culture system. The protocol described here can be applied for the tissue culture and genetic transformation of sugar pine.
Evaluation of Resistance to Gummy Stem Blight in a Population of Recombinant Inbred Lines of Watermelon × Citron
Authors: Rivera-Burgos Luis A. , Silverman Emily , Sari Nebahat , Wehner Todd C.
Published: February 2021

Gummy stem blight (GSB), a major disease caused by Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum (syn. Didymella bryoniae), has caused significant losses of watermelon in the United States. The lack of progress in the development of resistant cultivars is the result of complex inheritance of resistance and breeding strategies that rely on single-plant selection. Because the sources of resistance are wild watermelon relatives, good fruit quality has been difficult to maintain during the selection process. Three hundred recombinant inbred line (RILs) in a population that carries resistance genes to GSB as well as good fruit quality were produced. This was accomplished by crossing and intercrossing resistant plant introductions, crossing the resulting progenies with elite cultivars, intercrossing those progenies, and, finally, self-pollinating to the S3 generation. The 300 RILs were evaluated for disease severity and fruit morphological and quality traits under greenhouse and field conditions in a randomized complete block design with 10 replications and 3 years. The means and correlations for disease severity ratings and fruit quality traits were estimated. Approximately 186 RILs had disease severity ratings below the mean value of the disease assessment scale (4.5), indicating that they possibly carry one or more genes for resistance to GSB. All disease severity ratings were correlated to each other (r = 0.67–0.98; P < 0.001), but they were not correlated with fruit quality traits. Most importantly, several resistant RILs showed good to excellent fruit quality. Our results provide evidence of improved germplasm with high resistance and good fruit quality.
¡15 minutos de clase es suficiente! Psicobiología, Electrofisiología y Neuroeducación de la Atención Sostenida
Authors: Rodríguez de Ávila Ubaldo Enrique
Published: February 2021

Anteriormente se pensaba que la atención sostenida no podría ser registrada objetivamente mediante tecnología valida no invasiva. Y se creía en la imposibilidad de ser medida mediante actividad fisiológica del estudiante en tiempo real y sin interrumpir la metodología del profesor. Esta obra ayuda a comprender uno de los procesos cognitivos de mayor significado en los procesos de aprendizaje: la atención sostenida. Demuestra que los tiempos de aprendizaje no solo dependen de la diferencia individual y de las metodologías de los docentes, sino también, y fundamentalmente, de los procesos fisiológicos que son constantes en todos los sujetos. El libro está concebido para ayudar a mejorar de manera constantemente los procesos de enseñanza/aprendizaje en todos los niveles.
Three-component Synthesis of 4-Arylidene-3-alkylisoxazol-5(4H)-ones in the Presence of Potassium 2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-1-ide
Authors: Reihani Neda , Kiyani Hamzeh
Published: February 2021

An efficient synthesis of 4-arylidene-3-alkylisoxazole-5(4H)-ones has been implemented
via the three-component cyclocondensation of aryl(heteroaryl)aldehydes with hydroxylamine
hydrochloride and β-ketoesters. The potassium 2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-1-ide has
been introduced as the new organocatalyst to facilitate this heterocyclization. In the current
process, three starting materials, including substituted benzaldehydes/heterocyclic aromatic
aldehydes, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, and ethyl acetoacetate/propyl acetoacetate/butyryl
acetoacetate have been successfully used to synthesize the number of substituted isoxazole-
5(4H)-ones in good to high yields in ethylene glycol as a green reaction medium at 80 ºC. The
low catalyst loading is also a main advantage over some reported catalysts.
Advances on Quinazoline Based Congeners for Anticancer Potential
Authors: Grover Parul , Bhardwaj Monika , Kapoor Garima , Mehta Lovekesh , Ghai Roma , Nagarajan K.
Published: February 2021

The heterocyclic compounds have a great significance in medicinal chemistry because
they have extensive biological activities. Cancer is globally the leading cause of death
and it is a challenge to develop appropriate treatment for the management of cancer. Continuous
efforts are being made to find a suitable medicinal agent for cancer therapy. Nitrogencontaining
heterocycles have received noteworthy attention due to their wide and distinctive
pharmacological activities. One of the most important nitrogen-containing heterocycles in
medicinal chemistry is ‘quinazoline’ that possesses a wide spectrum of biological properties.
This scaffold is an important pharmacophore and is considered a privileged structure. Various
substituted quinazolines displayed anticancer activity against different types of cancer. This
review highlights the recent advances in quinazoline based molecules as anticancer agents.
Several in-vitro and in-vivo models used along with the results are also included. A subpart briefing natural quinazoline
containing anticancer compounds is also incorporated in the review.
Ultrasound-Triggered Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment: An Update
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Debasmita , Ahmed Amal , Sano Catherine , Awad Nahid , Al Sawaftah Nour , Husseini Ghaleb A.
Published: February 2021

Over the past few decades, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach
to treat some types of cancer. Moreover, antibody-based cancer therapies can trigger apoptosis
and cell growth inhibition to induce immune cell destruction of target cells through antibody-dependent
cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Nevertheless, immunotherapeutic efficiency is often restricted
due to deficient delivery or low accumulation of therapeutic molecules at the tumor site. The development
of pegylated liposomes with monoclonal antibodies conjugated to their surfaces (immunoliposomes)
and triggered with ultrasound can effectively improve drug accessibility by enhancing
cell membrane permeability and drug release. This review summarizes existing traditional
cancer treatments and their limitations, emphasizing the recent advancements in ultrasound-triggered
immunotherapy.
Development of Lipid Nanocarriers for Tuberculosis Treatment: Evaluation of Suitable Excipients and Nanocarriers
Authors: Hädrich Gabriela , Vaz Gustavo Richter , Boschero Raphael , Appel Arthur Sperry , Ramos Carina , Halicki Priscila Cristina Bartolomeu , Bidone Juliana , Teixeira Helder Ferreira , Muccillo-Baisch Ana Luiza , Dal-Bó Alexandre , Silva Pinto Luciano , Dailey Lea-Ann , Da Silva Pedro Eduardo Almeida , Ramos Daniela Fernandes , Dora Cristiana Lima
Published: February 2021

Background:

Lipid nanocarriers have been widely tested as drug delivery systems to
treat diseases due to their bioavailability, controlled release, and low toxicity. For the pulmonary
route, the Food and Drug Administration favors the use of substances generally recognized as safe,
as well as biodegradable and biocompatible to minimize the possibility of toxicity. Tuberculosis (TB)
remains a public health threat worldwide, mainly due to the long treatment duration and adverse
effects. Therefore, new drug delivery systems for treating TB are needed.

Objective:

Physicochemical characterization of different lipid-based nanocarriers was used to optimize
carrier properties. Optimized systems were incubated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis to assess
whether lipid-based systems act as the energy source for the bacteria, which could be counterproductive
to therapy.

Method:

Several excipients and surfactants were evaluated to prepare different types of nanocarriers
using high-pressure homogenization.

Results:

A mixture of trimyristin with castor oil was chosen as the lipid matrix after differential
scanning calorimetry analysis. A mixture of egg lecithin and PEG-660 stearate was selected as an
optimal surfactant system, as this mixture formed the most stable formulations. Three types of lipid
nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), and nanoemulsions,
were prepared, with the NLC systems showing the most suitable properties for further evaluation.
It may provide the advantages of increasing the entrapment efficiency, drug release, and the ability
to be lyophilized, producing powder for pulmonary administration as an alternative to entrap poor
water-soluble molecules.

Conclusion:

Furthermore, the NLC system can be considered for use as a platform for the treatment
of TB through the pulmonary route.
A Transient Survival Model of Alteration of Electrophysiological Properties Due to Amyloid Beta Toxicity Based on SH-SY5Y Cell Line
Authors: Abbaszadeh Morteza , Sahin Meryem , Ozgun Alp , Oncu Gul , Garipcan Bora , Saybasili Hale
Published: February 2021

Background:

Accumulation of toxic strands of amyloid beta (AB), which cause neurofibrillary
tangles and, ultimately, cell death, is suspected to be the main culprit behind clinical symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease. Although the mechanism of cell death due to AB accumulation is well known, the
intermediate phase between the start of accumulation and cell death is less known and investigated,
partially due to technical challenges in identifying partially affected cells.

Objective:

First, we aimed to establish an in vitro model that would show resilience against AB toxicity.
Then we used morphological, molecular and electrophysiological assays to investigate how the
characteristics of the surviving cells changed after AB toxicity.

Methods:

To investigate this phase, we used differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma stem cells by
Retinoic Acid (RA) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) to establish an in vitro model
which would be able to demonstrate various levels of resistance to AB toxicity. We utilized fluorescent
microscopy and whole cell patch clamp recordings to investigate behavior of the model.

Results:

We observed significantly higher morphological resilience against AB toxicity in cells which
were differentiated by both Retinoic Acid and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor compared to Retinoic
Acid only. However, the electrophysiological properties of the Retinoic Acid + Brain-Derived
Neurotrophic Factor differentiated cells were significantly altered after AB treatment.

Conclusion:

We established a transient survival model for AB toxicity and observed the effects of AB
on transmembrane currents of differentiated neurons.
A Comparison of Two Statistical Mapping Tools for Automated Brain FDG-PET Analysis in Predicting Conversion to Alzheimer’s Disease in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Garibotto Valentina , Trombella Sara , Antelmi Luigi , Bosco Paolo , Redolfi Alberto , Tabouret-Viaud Claire , Rager Olivier , Gold Gabriel , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon , Morbelli Silvia , Nobili Flavio , Perneczky Robert , Didic Mira , Guedj Eric , Drzezga Alexander , Ossenkoppele Rik , Berckel Bart Van , Ratib Osman , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Automated voxel-based analysis methods are used to detect cortical hypometabolism
typical of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) on FDG-PET brain scans. We compared the accuracy of two
clinically validated tools for their ability to identify those MCI subjects progressing to AD at followup,
to evaluate the impact of the analysis method on FDG-PET diagnostic performance.

Methods:

SPMGrid and BRASS (Hermes Medical Solutions, Stockholm, Sweden) were tested on 131
MCI and elderly healthy controls from the EADC PET dataset. The concordance between the tools was
tested by correlating the quantitative parameters (z- and t-values), calculated by the two software tools,
and by measuring the topographical overlap of the abnormal regions (Dice score). Three independent
expert readers blindly assigned a diagnosis based on the two map sets. We used conversion to AD
dementia as the gold standard.

Results:

The t-map and z-map calculated with SPMGrid and BRASS, respectively, showed a good correlation
(R > .50) for the majority of individual cases (128/131) and for the majority of selected regions of
interest (ROIs) (98/116). The overlap of the hypometabolic patterns from the two tools was, however,
poor (Dice score .36). The diagnostic performance was comparable, with BRASS showing significantly
higher sensitivity (.82 versus .59) and SPMGrid showing higher specificity (.87 versus .52).

Conclusion:

Despite similar diagnostic performance in predicting conversion to AD in MCI subjects,
the two tools showed significant differences, and the maps provided by the tools showed limited overlap.
These results underline the urgency for standardization across FDG-PET analysis methods for
their use in clinical practice.
The Epidemiological and Pangenome Landscape of Staphylococcus aureus and Identification of Conserved Novel Candidate Vaccine Antigens
Authors: Naz Kanwal , Ullah Nimat , Naz Anam , Irum Sidra , Dar Hamza Arshad , Zaheer Tahreem , Shahid Fatima , Ali Amjad
Published: February 2021

Background and Objective:

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a gram-positive bacterium and one of the major nosocomial pathogen. It has the ability to acquire resistance against almost all available classes of antibiotics; Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a well-known antibiotic resistance. S. aureus is a globally distributed pathogen that need in-depth epidemiological and genomic level investigation for proper treatment and prevention.

Methods:

To explore the genomic epidemiology of S. aureus in-silico Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) was carried out for 355 complete genomes. Diversity within the species was investigated through pan-genome analysis and subtractive genomic approach was employed for identification of core immunogenic targets.

Results:

Epidemiological study identified 62 different sequence types (STs) of S. aureus distributed worldwide, in which ST-8, ST-5, ST-398, ST-239, and ST-30 are the most dominant STs comprising more than 50% of the isolates. The pan-genome of S. aureus is still open with 7,199 genes and there is a major contribution (80%) of MRSA strains in the S. aureus species pangenome. The core genome (2,025 genes) of S. aureus is almost stable (comprises of 72% of S. aureus genome size) while accessory and unique genes (28% of S. aureus genome size) are gradually increasing. Screening of 2,025 core genes identified putative vaccine candidates. The best scoring and dominant B-cell and T-cell epitopes were predicted out of the selected potential vaccine candidate proteins with the help of a multi-step screening procedure.

Conclusion:

We believe that the current study will provide insight into the genetic epidemiology and diversity of S. aureus and the predicted epitopes against the pathogen can be tested further for its immunological responses within the host and may provide both humoral and cellular immunity against the disease.
Phagoburst Response Level of Neutrophils to Septic and Non-Septic Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates
Authors: El Khatib Layla S , Yacoub Muhannad A , Bdour Salwa M , Shehabi Asem A
Published: February 2021

Background:

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen causing community-acquired and nosocomial infections. Dissemination of infection to blood causes septicemia associated with serious morbidity and mortality of patients. Neutrophils are essential for the control of A. baumannii infections by different mechanisms, including oxidative burst.

Aims:

This study was conducted as an attempt to determine the effect of septicemic and non-septicemic A. baumannii isolates on the phagoburst response of neutrophils.

Methods:

Neutrophils were isolated from an immunocompetent individual; chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and lung solid tumor (ST) patients. The phagoburst response of these neutrophils to various strains of A. baumannii isolated from septic and non-septic patients was investigated by flow cytometer.

Results:

The presence of this pathogen lowered the phagoburst response in the different types of neutrophils compared to their response to the opsonized Escherichia coli. The phagoburst response of the neutrophils from the immunocompetent individual was significantly higher than that of neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients when stimulated by the septicemic or nonsepticemic A. baumannii isolates. The isolate type (septicemic or non-septicemic) had no significant effect on the neutrophil phagoburst response of the immunocompetent individual and a significant effect on the phagoburst response of neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients. The phagoburst response of the neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients stimulated by septicemic A. baumannii isolates was significantly lower than that when neutrophils stimulated by the nonsepticemic isolates. Also, there was a significant difference in the phagoburst response of neutrophils from the CML and ST patients when stimulated by the septicemic and non-septicemic isolates. This observation might be due to the combined effect of virulent A. baumannii isolates and the chemotherapy regime the patient was undertaking.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that both the isolate type and the source of neutrophils have a significant effect on the neutrophil phagoburst response. The potential virulence of the septicemic A. baumannii isolates and dissemination to blood may be dependent on the host’s immune status and the neutrophils phagoburst response.
The Effect of Modifying Double Continuous Flow Intersections Layout Geometric Features on their Operation
Authors: Khliefat Ibrahim , Deeb Ahmad , Mubarak Mohammad , Naser Mohammad
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Continuous flow interventions were first introduced as an alternative to improve traffic operations in the intersections with severe congestion caused by heavy left-turn movements.

Objective:

This study quantified the effect of modifying the intersection angles of Double Continuous Flow Intersections (DCFI) on their operational characteristics. Mainly, the effects of changing the intersection angle between the different approaches of the main intersection and the angle of the minor cross-over intersections were investigated.

Methods:

VISSIM software simulation models were used for modifying several design features related to the DCFI and the operational performance was compared between the different simulation scenarios.

Results and Discussion:

Changes to the cross-over intersection angle increase the safety levels by providing better channelization of traffic movements on the minor intersections of the DCFI and reduce the intersection footprint to be used at high-density urban locations. Increasing the cross-over intersection angle and changing the layout geometry have adverse effects on the capacity of the conventional DCFI. This is mainly because of the added curvature in the intersection approaches which reduces the vehicle speeds, therefore reducing the overall capacity of the modified intersection when compared to the conventional DCFI. However, the total footprint for the intersection is reduced for the modified layout geometry, which improves the capacity of the DCFI.

Conclusion:

The study has explored the effects of modifying the DCFI intersection angles to fit the limited space in major urban areas on the capacity and performance of the intersection. It showed that DCFI designs could be applied in areas with limited space availability and skewed intersection angles.
Microwave Radiation Effects on the Acidic Properties of Fe/ZSM-5 Catalysts for Methanol Conversion
Authors: Ntelane Tau S. , Tshabalala Themba E. , Masuku Cornelius M. , Scurrell Michael S.
Published: February 2021

Aim:

To use the microwave radiation as the post-treatment method to tune the acidic
properties of Fe/ZSM-5 catalyst.

Background:

ZSM-5 zeolite is a widely used standard catalyst in the methanol conversion to
olefins and high-octane gasoline range hydrocarbons. However, the coke deposition and the concentration
of acid sites determine its overall catalytic activity. Thus, the concentration of acid sites
more precisely, the number of Brønsted acid sites, is vital in determining the activity of ZSM-5 zeolite
and product distribution in the methanol-to-hydrocarbons reaction.

Objective:

(1) To modify ZSM-5 using an iron solution to form Fe/ZSM-5 via the impregnation
method.

(2) To tune the acidic properties of Fe/ZSM-5 using microwave radiation.

(3) To check and determine the concentration of acidic sites using n-propylamine temperature-programmed
surface reaction.

(4) To check the effect of microwave radiation and acidic properties in the methanol conversion
(product distribution) via methanol temperature-programmed surface reaction.

Methods:

Two sets of zeolites were used, with iron being introduced by ion-exchange from ferric
nitrate (Fe(NO3)3 9H2O, Sigma Aldrich, ≥ 98% metal) solutions. These two series were designated
as Z (0.5FeZ10/0-700) and X (0.5FeX10/0-700) after microwave treatment. The Z and X series possess the
Si/Al framework ratio of 30 and 80, respectively. The TPSR studies were then conducted for characterization
and catalytic tests.

Result:

From the C3H9N-TPSR experiments, it was found that the concentration of Brønsted acid
sites decreased with increasing microwave power level. Both X and Z series exhibited high selectivity
to propene than ethene. Microwave treated catalysts (0.5FeZ10/280 and 0.5FeX10/462) with decreased
concentration of Brønsted acid sites showed the highest propene/ethene ratios of 1.67 and
5.27, respectively.

Conclusions:

From the results obtained, it was found that the amount of methane evolved (as a measure
of coke deposited) and the concentration of Brønsted acid sites decreased with increasing microwave
power level (0-700 Watts). High selectivity to propene was found when using both X series
(0.5FeX10/0-700) and Z series (0.5FeZ10/0-700) as catalysts. After decreasing the concentration of
Brønsted acid using microwave treatment, the highest P/E ratios were observed for 0.5FeX10/280,
0.5FeX10/462, 0.5FeZ10/280 and 0.5FeZ10/462 catalysts.

Other:

It is reasonable to suggest that microwave radiation could be a feasible post-synthesis modification
step to produce ZSM-5 based catalysts that exhibit reduced concentration of Brønsted acid sites, reduced
methane formation, increased catalytic activity and selectivity.
Ultrasound-Promoted Sustainable Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of 2-Aryl Benzimidazoles Catalyzed by BPAE at Room Temperature
Authors: Hiremath Prashant B. , Kamanna Kantharaju
Published: February 2021

Background:

Present-day chemists are more interested in developing and using green
chemistry protocol for various organic transformations, which employ natural feedstock extracts,
and solvent-free, and greener catalysts; they are well known for their non-hazardous nature and
have replaced many organic and inorganic based catalysts. In literature, the reported homogenous
catalytic approaches have been employed for various bioactive heterocycle syntheses, which follow
the green chemistry principle established for various organic transformations catalyzed by
WERSA, BFE, WEPPA, WEMFSA, WEMPA, and Eichhorniacrassipes. Among them, 2-aryl benzimidazole
derivatives have emerged as prominent molecules with a wide variety of applications in
biological and material science.

Methods:

The agro-waste sourced from the banana peel is utilized for the preparation of BPAE catalyst,
which is employed for the synthesis of 2-aryl benzimidazole derivatives under ultrasound
waves at room temperature.

Results:

Here, 2-Aryl benzimidazoles synthesized through the reaction of a substituted o-phenylene
diamine with substituted benzoyl chloride catalyzed by BPAE under ultrasound waves at
room temperature are described. Furthermore, catalyst BPAE is characterized by flame emission
spectrometry, SEM-EDX, and XRD techniques.

Conclusion:

The present work established an eco-friendly, sustainable and novel approach for the
synthesis of 2-aryl benzimidazoles using natural feedstock BPAE. The major merits of BPAE include
its use as an agro-waste-derived catalyst. It is also highly abundant, inexpensive, yields faster
reactions, has a simple workup, and does not require the use of column chromatography.
Advanced Technologies in DNA-based Nanomedicine
Authors: Mohammadi Ameneh , Gill Pooria , Ebrahimnejad Pedram , Abediankenari Said , Kashi Zahra
Published: February 2021

:

The application of nanotechnology in medicine and pharmaceutical purpose suggested a novel procedure in the
nanotechnology terminology as nanomedicine. There is a wide range of applications for nanotechnology in medicine, such
as the use of nanocarriers in drug delivery systems. Recently a remarkable attention to DNA has been made through its
amazing functionality and its nature as a nanomaterial in biological systems. Since DNA is a biocompatible, the use of
DNA as a nanomaterial in medicine has shown a great perspective of rational engineering of DNA nanostructures.
According to new approaches in treatment of diseases in gene levels, gene therapy, using DNA as a nanomedicine
possesses an important role in the medical sciences as the researchers published enormous papers and patents in the fields,
for instance, the applications of DNA and DNA-based nanostructures as drug or gene nanocarriers, DNA-based
diagnostics and DNA nanovasccines. Here, some examples of DNA-based nanomedicine in the patent frame were
reviewed.
Ensuring safety of guests and staffs in hotels from COVID-19 infection: World Health Organization
Authors: SHRİVASTAVA Saurabh , SHRİVASTAVA Prateek
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the accommodation sector and hotel industries. As the process of relaxation of public health and social measures has begun in the different parts of the world, it is a mandatory requirement to strictly adhere to the standard protocol. The first and foremost requirement is to constitute a team, which together formulates an action plan and strategies to reduce the probability of acquisition or transmission of infection in hotel settings. This team should develop liaisons with the local public health authorities, tourism, catering, and other stakeholders. In conclusion, because hotels remain a potential ground for the acquisition and spread of infection, there is an immense need to strengthen infection prevention and control measures to ensure the safety of staff as well as guests.
Chemical Pretreatments on Residual Cocoa Pod Shell Biomass for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Alvarez-Barreto Jose F. , Larrea Fernando , Pinos C Maria C. , Benalcázar Jose , Oña Daniela , Viteri Daniela A. , Leon Marco , Almeida-Streitwieser D Daniela
Published: February 2021

Cocoa pod shell is an essential agricultural residue in Ecuador, and this study addressed its potential valorization for bioethanol production. For this, three types of pretreatments, acid, alkaline, and autohydrolysis, were applied to pod shells from two different cocoa types, national and CCN-51. to remove the lignin. Untreated and treated biomasses were characterized by composition, thermal stability, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FITR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The treated biomass was then enzymatically hydrolyzed with cellulase. Reducing sugars were quantified after pretreatments and enzymatic hydrolysis, and the pretreatment liquors and the enzymatic hydrolysates were subjected to alcoholic fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

There were substantial differences in composition between both biomasses, particularly in lignin content, with national cocoa having the lowest values. All pretreatment conditions had significant effects on biomass composition, structure, and thermal properties. After alkaline pretreatment, the biomass presented the highest cellulose and lowest lignin contents, resulting in the highest reducing sugar concentration in the pretreatment liquor. The highest lignin content was found after the acid pretreatment, which resulted in low, reducing sugar concentrations. Autohydrolysis produced similar results as the acid pretreatment; however, it resulted in the highest sugar concentration after enzymatic hydrolysis, while the acid-treated sample had negligible levels. After fermentation, there were no differences in productivity among the pretreatment liquors, but autohydrolysis had the largest ethanol yield. In the hydrolysates, it was also autohydrolysis that resulted in higher productivity and yield. Thus, there is an indication of the formation of inhibitors, both enzymatic activity and ethanol production, in the acid and alkaline pretreatments, and this should be tackled in future research. Nonetheless, given the crucial changes observed in biomass, we believe that cocoa pod shell pretreatment has potential for the generation of reducing sugars that could be further used in different bioprocesses, nor only bioethanol production.
Optimization of the micropropagation of elite adult trees of Sequoia sempervirens: forest species of interest in the Basque Country, Spain
Authors: Rojas Vargas Alejandra , Castander-Olarieta A , Moncaleán P , Montalbán I.A
Published: February 2021

Forest trees are renewable sources of timber and other valuable non-timber products. Nowadays, the increase in population and demand for forestry products results in overexploitation of forestry. Therefore, there is an urgent need to produce elite plants with higher productivity under stress derived from climate change to have available to afforestation. For this reason, propagation methods should be improved to be more efficient in terms of quality and productivity.
The main species planted in the Basque Country is Pinus radiata; during the last three years, Pinus radiata plantations have suffered a fungus attack affecting mainly needles until the tree's death. This crisis is caused by the combined action of two fungi of the genus Dothistroma and Lecanosticta acicola, whose expansion seems to have been enhanced by weather-related factors, such as humid and hot summers. Although we have evidence of this disease's presence in our mountains since 1942, the disease has had a speedy expansion with an aggressive effect for reasons that are not scientifically known today. For the above, Basque Country forestry sector is looking for alternative species to be used in its plantations. Part of the forestry sector considers that Sequoia sempervirens could be a good choice for plantations. Besides, its high-quality wood and its tolerance to the attack of several pathogens and other diseases derived from climate change are characteristics that could confer some advantage over other forest species.
The main goal of this study was to optimize the micropropagation of adult elite trees of Sequoia sempervirens. The effect of 6-benzylaminopurine, meta-Topolin and Kinetin, and 4 types of explant in the multiplication stage were analyzed to carry out this objective. Furthermore, the effect of two types of auxins: 1-naphthalene acetic acid, indole-3-butyric acid, and a mixture of both, were evaluated on the induction of roots and their subsequent effect on the acclimatization process. The best multiplication index was obtained when 4.4 µM 6-benzylaminopurine and apical explants longer than 1.5 cm of length were used. The root induction percentage was 75% in the most responsive genotype analyzed when 4.4 µM 6-benzylaminopurine was used on the induction stage, and 50 µM of 1-naphthalene acetic acid was used for rooting. Finally, after 3 months in the greenhouse, the explants cultured with Kinetin and rooted in a culture medium with indole-3-butyric acid showed the highest acclimatization success (94%).
Evaluación del efecto antagónico de una biopelícula con extractos de Samanea saman frente a Colletotrichum gloeosporioides responsable de la antracnosis en mango
Authors: Moreno Paredes Miguel , Cedeño Luzardo Elisa
Published: February 2021

La actividad antagónica de extractos etanòlicos (EE) e hidroetanólicos (EHE) de corteza y metanólicos (EM) de fruto de Samanea saman fue evaluada in vitro mediante el método de difusión en pozo frente al hongo patógeno Colletotrichum gloesporioides; responsable de la antracnosis, con el fin de evaluar su idoneidad para incorporarlos en recubrimientos biodegradables que ayuden en el control de enfermedades postcosecha en mango (Mangifera indica). Solo el EM mostro actividad inhibitoria significativa (CMI140µL/mL) en crudo, con un IC50 de 81,85µL/mL. Al aumentar la concentración del EM en el sistema recubrimiento-extracto de 140 µL/mL a 200 µL/mL se consiguió una respuesta inhibitoria considerablemente mayor, llevando el crecimiento micelial a niveles de reproducción bajo para el hongo en estudio.

El tamizaje fitoquímico de los diferentes solventes mostró la presencia de metabolitos secundarios de manera variada; sin embargo, comparativamente el extracto metanólico (EM) del fruto presento la mayor cantidad de estos compuestos tales como alcaloides, taninos, saponinas, terpenoides y resinas que han sido identificados por sus propiedades, como potentes antimicrobianos y antioxidantes naturales
Respondent Characteristics and Dietary Intake Data Collected Using Web-Based and Traditional Nutrition Surveillance Approaches: Comparison and Usability Study
Authors: Timon Claire M , Walton Janette , Flynn Albert , Gibney Eileen R
Published: February 2021

Background

There are many constraints to conducting national food consumption surveys for national nutrition surveillance, including cost, time, and participant burden. Validated web-based dietary assessment technologies offer a potential solution to many of these constraints.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using a previously validated, web-based, 24-hour recall dietary assessment tool (Foodbook24) for nutrition surveillance by comparing the demographic characteristics and the quality of dietary intake data collected from a web-based cohort of participants in Ireland to those collected from the most recent Irish National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS).

Methods

Irish adult participants (aged ≥18 years) were recruited to use Foodbook24 (a web-based tool) between March and October 2016. Demographic and dietary intake (assessed by means of 2 nonconsecutive, self-administered, 24-hour recalls) data were collected using Foodbook24. Following the completion of the study, the dietary intake data collected from the web-based study were statistically weighted to represent the age-gender distribution of intakes reported in the NANS (2008-2010) to facilitate the controlled comparison of intake data. The demographic characteristics of the survey respondents were investigated using descriptive statistics. The controlled comparison of weighted mean daily nutrient intake data collected from the Foodbook24 web-based study (329 plausible reporters of a total of 545 reporters) and the mean daily nutrient intake data collected from the NANS (1051 plausible reporters from 1500 reporters) was completed using the Wilcoxon–Mann-Whitney U test in Creme Nutrition software.

Results

Differences between the demographic characteristics of the survey participants across the 2 surveys were observed. Notable differences included a lower proportion of adults aged ≥65 years and a higher proportion of females who participated in the web-based Foodbook24 study relative to the NANS study (P<.001). Similar ranges of mean daily intake for the majority of nutrients and food groups were observed (eg, energy [kilocalorie per day] and carbohydrate [gram per day]), although significant differences for some nutrients (eg, riboflavin [mg/10 MJ], P<.001 and vitamin B12 [µg/10 MJ], P<.001) and food groups were identified. A high proportion of participants (200/425, 47.1%) reported a willingness to continue using Foodbook24 for an additional 6 months.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that by using targeted recruitment strategies in the future to ensure the recruitment of a more representative sample, there is potential for web-based methodologies such as Foodbook24 to be used for nutrition surveillance efforts in Ireland.
Effectiveness of Mobile Health–Based Exercise Interventions for Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Mihui , Kim Changhwan , Kim Eunkyo , Choi Mona
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects over 236 million people worldwide, and exercise interventions are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of this condition. However, no previous systematic review has evaluated the effects of mobile health (mHealth)–based exercise interventions for patients with PAD.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effect of mHealth-based exercise interventions on walking performance, functional status, and quality of life in patients with PAD.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. We searched in seven databases to identify randomized controlled trials of patients with PAD published in English up to December 4, 2020. Studies were included if patients participated in mHealth-based exercise interventions and were assessed for walking performance. We analyzed pooled effect size on walking performance, functional status, and quality of life based on the standardized mean differences between groups.

RESULTS

A total of seven studies were selected for the systematic review, and six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The duration of interventions in the included studies was 12 to 48 weeks. In the pooled analysis, when compared with the control groups, the mHealth-based exercise intervention groups were associated with significant improvements in pain-free walking (95% CI 0.13-0.88), maximal walking (95% CI 0.03-0.87), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (95% CI 0.59-1.24), and walking distance (95% CI 0.02-0.49). However, benefits of the interventions on walking speed, stair-climbing ability, and quality of life were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth-based exercise interventions for patients with PAD were beneficial for improving pain-free walking, maximal walking, and 6MWT distance. We found that exercise interventions using mHealth are an important strategy for improving the exercise effectiveness and adherence rate of patients with PAD. Future studies should consider the use of various and suitable functions of mHealth that can increase the adherence rates and improve the effectiveness of exercise.
Effects of High Plasticity and Expansive Clay Stabilization with Lime on UCS Testing in Several Conditions
Authors: Nugroho Soewignjo Agus , Wibisono Gunawan , Ongko Andarsin , Mauliza Avrilly Zesthree
Published: February 2021

Clay is a cohesive and very soft soil if it has high water content. To overcome this problem, clay soils with high plasticity need to be stabilized. The method of soil stabilization with lime is an alternative effort to improve soil that does not meet the standards. Lime reacts with groundwater so that it changes the property of the soil, reducing the stickiness and softness of the soil. Lime also functions to solidify (stabilize) and stabilize (stabilize) soil in the form of fine powder consisting of metals and inorganic mineral composition. This study aims to determine the effect of clay soils when carried out stabilization by using a limestone additive which varies in levels of mixture. The results showed that lime effective for the stabilization high plasticity and expansive clay by increasing the compressive strength value of UCS with lime content of 10% under curing conditions in 28 days and unsoaked by 319%, the liquid limit value reduced by 6% and the plastic limit value increased by 46%.
Keeping High Schools Relevant in a Global, Innovative and Tech Ubiquitous Society
Authors: Pierce Christina , James-Ward Cheryl
Published: February 2021

With the onset of COVID-19 and game-changes like ubiquitous technology, artificial intelligence and global economies, public high schools are challenged to provide a new level of education. In order for the United States and other countries to compete on a global scale, school leaders need to reevaluate and redesign educational programs to provide students the exposure and experience needed to become globally competent competitors. This collective case study examined the knowledge of educators ranging from school leaders to teachers in regards to the predicted global megatrends, the future 2030 workforce, game-changing technology and the impact at three public high schools. The study examined how the process of change was implemented, how each school addressed challenges and barriers, and to what degree each school was able to transition to an online environment during the unexpected 2020 COVID-19 shutdown. The study design incorporated a mixed method case study approach. The information collected consisted of school leader and teacher interviews, as well as review of artifacts, documents and data. The researchers concluded that school transformation needs to start with an understanding of the future workforce and potential megatrends. Most importantly, schools must take action regardless of the challenges and barriers before them.
Динамика процессов опустынивания в Республике Калмыкия с середины 1980-х гг. до настоящего времени
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Ochir-Goryaeva Maria A. , Eckmeier Eileen , Weizenegger Viktor ,   Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (37, Luisenstrasse, 80333 Munich, Germany)
Published: February 2021

Introduction. In the Republic of Kalmykia, agriculture is characterized by the prevalence of livestock breeding. Still, excessive grazing has resulted in land degradation. Materials. Analysis of buried soils from excavated kurgans reveals that the Late Bronze Age and Late Medieval Period witnessed extensive desertification processes across vast territories of Eastern European steppes. Those trends were determined by global climate aridization traced in other ecosystems too, i.e. were caused by natural changes. Results. Present-day desertification also takes place in the background of universal aridization but its enormous scale and destructiveness are aggravated by multiple anthropogenic impacts, i.e. human activity. For a qualitative assessment, the paper analyzes a time-series of satellite images made by Landsat-TM Earth observing sensor from 1985 to 2011, and makes statistical estimates of related NDVI and TGSI indices. There is an increase in vegetation cover within the investigated area, and this despite the fact that yearly temperatures during the period kept increasing, too. So, the reduced desertification rates have resulted not from favorable climatic factors but rather from purposeful countervailing efforts.
On the reconstruction of prehistoric social territories: The La Désirade lithic workshops and the distribution of La Désirade chert (French West Indies)
Authors: Waal Maaike De , Knippenberg Sebastiaan
Published: February 2021

The widespread presence of raw materials suitable for the production of stone tools on the south-eastern part of La Désirade, a small island east of Guadeloupe (French West Indies), is an interesting feature as these materials cannot be obtained on most of the neighbouring limestone islands. Small amounts of lithic off-site material have been found all over the south-eastern part of La Désirade, indicating that this area was incidentally used for the exploitation of local raw materials for the production of lithic artefacts. Concentrated and repeated activity, related to the exploitation of La Désirade chert, took place at four lithic workshops.

This paper aims to reconstruct social and economic patterns, which may shed a light on prehistoric Amerindian territoriality and mobility, based on the exploitation and distribution of this local raw material. An inventory was made of sites where La Désirade chert was exploited and worked and of sites where this material showed up in the form of worked items.

The La Désirade chert has been found in several prehistoric site assemblages outside La Désirade itself. However, it turns out to have a very restricted distribution, not exceeding 30 km distances from the raw material occurrences. The authors concluded that exploiting these sources may have been embedded in the general procurement strategy of the seafaring communities involved and that the observed distribution may demonstrate the extent of the territory of closely related communities that exploited a similar catchment area.
РАЗРАБОТКА СОГЛАСОВАННЫХ ФИЛЬТРОВ ДЛЯ АППАРАТУРЫ РАДИОНАВИГАЦИИ, СВЯЗИ И РАДИОЛОКАЦИИ. ДЕКОМПОЗИЦИЯ ЗАДАЧИ ВЫЧИСЛЕНИЯ СВЕРТКИ И КОРРЕЛЯЦИИ В СПЕЦИАЛИЗИРОВАННЫХ СБИС
Authors: Корнеев И.Л.
Published: February 2021

Обоснована необходимость использования параллельных процессорных структур для цифровой обработки сигналов (ЦОС) в реальном масштабе времени. Исследован ряд процессорных структур для вычисления корреляции и свертки, которые были реализованы в ряде отечественных СБИС.
ПРОБЛЕМЫ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ОТЕЧЕСТВЕННЫХ ЭРИ ПРИ ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИИ АВАРИЙНЫХ РАДИОМАЯКОВ "КОСПАС-САРСАТ"
Authors: Епифанов М.А. , Сучков Д.В.
Published: February 2021

Рассмотрены основные технические характеристики аварийных радиомаяков «КОСПАС-САРСАТ», варианты их реализации на отечественных ЭРИ и возникающие при этом проблемы. Описаны варианты решения, вк лючая предложения в технические стандарты и спецификации «КОСПАС-САРСАТ» для представления в секретариат.
НАУЧНЫЕ ОСНОВЫ РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ СТРАТЕГИИ РАЗВИТИЯ ЭЛЕКТРОННОЙ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТИ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ НА ПЕРИОД ДО 2030 ГОДА
Authors: Шпак В.В.
Published: February 2021

Задачи, поставленные президентом РФ перед всеми структурами электронной промышленности России, должны быть выполнены к 2030 году. В статье рассматриваются актуальные цели, задачи и проблемы современной отечественной электроники, а также намеченные пути реализации «Стратегии развития электронной промышленности до 2030 года». Комплексный подход к развитию производительных сил и совершенствованию производственных отношений в отечественной экономике дает уверенность в эффективном ответе ученых и специалистов отечественной электроники на объективные вызовы на рубеже шестого технологического уклада.