bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonologists Adherence to the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease GOLD Guidelines: A Goal to Improve
Authors: Rajnoveanu Ruxandra-Mioara , Rajnoveanu Armand-Gabriel , Ardelean Andreea-Bianca , Todea Doina Adina , Pop Carmen-Monica , Antoniu Sabina Antonela , Motoc Nicoleta Stefania , Chis Ana Florica , Fildan Ariadna Petronela , Man Milena Adina
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives: Data about pulmonologist adherence to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines showed a great variability and cannot be extrapolated. The present study investigates the current pharmacological prescribing practices in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to the 2017 GOLD guidelines, to determine the level of pulmonologist adherence and to identify possible factors that influence physician adherence. Materials and methods: This retrospective study took place between 1 February and 30 April 2018 in Pneumophtysiology Clinical Hospital Cluj-Napoca. We included 348 stable COPD outpatients classified according to the 2017 GOLD strategy in the ABCD risk groups. Pulmonologist adherence was defined as appropriate if the recommended pharmacological therapy was the first- or alternative-choice drug according to the guidelines, and inappropriate (overtreatment, undertreatment) if it was not in line with these recommendations. Results: The most prescribed treatment was the combination long-acting beta agonist (LABA) + long-acting antimuscarinic agent (LAMA) (34.77%), followed by LAMA + LABA + inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Overall, pneumologist adherence was 79.02%. The most inappropriate therapies were in Group B (33.57%), followed by 33.33% in Group A. Compared to Groups C and D (analyzed together), Groups A and B had a 4.65 times higher chance (p = 0.0000001) of receiving an inappropriate therapy. Patients with cardiovascular comorbidities had a 1.89 times higher risk of receiving an inappropriate therapy (p = 0.021). ICS overprescription was the most common type of inappropriateness (17.81%). Groups C and D had a 3.12 times higher chance of being prescribed ICS compared to Groups A and B (p = 0.0000004). Conclusions: Pulmonologist adherence to the GOLD guidelines is not optimal and needs to be improved. Among the factors that influence the inappropriateness of COPD treatments, cardiovascular comorbidities and low-risk Groups A and B are important. ICS represent the most prescribed overtreatment. Further multicentric studies are needed to evaluate all factors that might influence the adherence rate.
Microorganisms Associated with the Marine Sponge Scopalina hapalia: A Reservoir of Bioactive Molecules to Slow Down the Aging Process
Authors: Said Hassane Charifat , Fouillaud Mireille , Le Goff Géraldine , Sklirou Aimilia D. , Boyer Jean Bernard , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Jerabek Moran , Bignon Jérôme , de Voogd Nicole J. , Ouazzani Jamal , Gauvin-Bialecki Anne , Dufossé Laurent
Published: August 2020

Aging research aims at developing interventions that delay normal aging processes and some related pathologies. Recently, many compounds and extracts from natural products have been shown to delay aging and/or extend lifespan. Marine sponges and their associated microorganisms have been found to produce a wide variety of bioactive secondary metabolites; however, those from the Southwest of the Indian Ocean are much less studied, especially regarding anti-aging activities. In this study, the microbial diversity of the marine sponge Scopalina hapalia was investigated by metagenomic analysis. Twenty-six bacterial and two archaeal phyla were recovered from the sponge, of which the Proteobacteria phylum was the most abundant. In addition, thirty isolates from S. hapalia were selected and cultivated for identification and secondary metabolites production. The selected isolates were affiliated to the genera Bacillus, Micromonospora, Rhodoccocus, Salinispora, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Nigrospora and unidentified genera related to the family Thermoactinomycetaceae. Crude extracts from selected microbial cultures were found to be active against seven targets i.e., elastase, tyrosinase, catalase, sirtuin 1, Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), Fyn kinase and proteasome. These results highlight the potential of microorganisms associated with a marine sponge from Mayotte to produce anti-aging compounds. Future work will focus on the isolation and the characterization of bioactive molecules.
Identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in Sheep Milk, a Zoonotic Problem
Authors: Hosseiniporgham Sepideh , Cubeddu Tiziana , Rocca Stefano , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: August 2020

Johne’s disease (JD) is a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease affecting ruminants, which causes crucial economical losses globally. This ailment is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), a fastidious intracellular pathogen that belongs to the Mycobacteriaceae family. This acid-fast, hard-to-detect bacterium can resist milk pasteurization and be conveyed to dairy product consumers. Many studies have emphasized the zoonotic nature of MAP, suggesting an association between MAP and some gastroenteric conditions such as Crohn’s disease in humans. This underlines the importance of utilizing efficient pasteurization alongside a state-of-the-art diagnostic system in order to minimize the possible ways this pathogen can be conveyed to humans. Until now, no confirmatory MAP screening technique has been developed that can reveal the stages of JD in infected animals. This is partially due to the lack of an efficient gold-standard reference method that can properly evaluate the performance of diagnostic assays. Therefore, the following research aimed to compare the merits of qPCR and ELISA assessments of milk for the detection of MAP in a total of 201 Sardinian unpasteurized sheep milk samples including 73 bulk tank milk (BTM) and 128 individual samples from a MAP-infected flock (MIF) applying various reference models. Accordingly, milk qPCR and ELISA assessments, together and individually, were used as reference models in the herd-level study, while serum ELISA and fecal PCR were similarly (together and in isolation) considered as the gold standards in the individual-level diagnosis. This study showed that the type of gold-standard test affects the sensitivity and specificity of milk qPCR and ELISA significantly. At the individual level in the MAP-infected flock, serum ELISA in isolation and together with fecal PCR were recognized as the best references; however, the best correlation was seen between milk and serum ELISA (p < 0.0001). Regarding the detection of MAP in BTM, qPCR IS900 was recognized as the most sensitive and specific diagnostic test (p < 0.0001) for monitoring the MAP shedders and animals with clinically developed symptoms within herds, under the condition that both milk qPCR and milk ELISA tests formed a binary reference model. The BTM analyses (qPCR and ELISA) revealed that MAP positivity has a seasonal pattern. This hypothesis was proven through a longitudinal study on 14 sheep herds.
Biotransformation of Flaxseed Oil Cake into Bioactive Camembert-Analogue Using Lactic Acid Bacteria, Penicillium camemberti and Geotrichum candidum
Authors: Łopusiewicz Łukasz , Drozłowska Emilia , Tarnowiecka-Kuca Alicja , Bartkowiak Artur , Mazurkiewicz-Zapałowicz Kinga , Salachna Piotr
Published: August 2020

This study aimed at investigating the antioxidant activity, oxidative stability, physicochemical and microbial changes of innovative vegan Camembert-analogue based on flaxseed oil cake (FOC) which was produced using lactic acid bacteria (LAB), mold Penicillium camemberti (PC) and yeast Geotrichum candidum (GC). Two variants were prepared, namely with LAB + PC and LAB + PC + GC. After fermentation for 24 h at room temperature, the samples were stored for 14 days at 12 °C and maturated for 14 days at 6 °C. Changes in microbial population, polyphenolics, flavonoids, radical scavenging capacity were evaluated. Additionally, textural changes, pH, acidity, levels of proteins, free amino acids, reducing sugars, oil content and its oxidative stability were determined. Results showed that LAB as well as fungi were capable of growing well in the FOC without any supplementation and the products were characterized by a high antioxidant potential (high polyphenolics and flavonoids contents as well as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide (O2−) and hydroxyl (·OH) radicals scavenging activity). This study has demonstrated that bioactivity as well as the physicochemical properties depend on the starter culture used. Due to functional and biochemical characteristics conferred to the obtained Camembert-analogues, the use of P. camemberti and G. candidum showed a potential for industrial application. There is a potential for these products to be used where non-dairy alternatives are desired.
Investigating Both Mucosal Immunity and Microbiota in Response to Gut Enteritis in Yellowtail Kingfish
Authors: Legrand Thibault P. R. A. , Wynne James W. , Weyrich Laura S. , Oxley Andrew P. A.
Published: August 2020

The mucosal surfaces of fish play numerous roles including, but not limited to, protection against pathogens, nutrient digestion and absorption, excretion of nitrogenous wastes and osmotic regulation. During infection or disease, these surfaces act as the first line of defense, where the mucosal immune system interacts closely with the associated microbiota to maintain homeostasis. This study evaluated microbial changes across the gut and skin mucosal surfaces in yellowtail kingfish displaying signs of gut inflammation, as well as explored the host gene expression in these tissues in order to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the emergence of these conditions. For this, we obtained and analyzed 16S rDNA and transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) sequence data from the gut and skin mucosa of fish exhibiting different health states (i.e., healthy fish and fish at the early and late stages of enteritis). Both the gut and skin microbiota were perturbed by the disease. More specifically, the gastrointestinal microbiota of diseased fish was dominated by an uncultured Mycoplasmataceae sp., and fish at the early stage of the disease showed a significant loss of diversity in the skin. Using transcriptomics, we found that only a few genes were significantly differentially expressed in the gut. In contrast, gene expression in the skin differed widely between health states, in particular in the fish at the late stage of the disease. These changes were associated with several metabolic pathways that were differentially expressed and reflected a weakened host. Altogether, this study highlights the sensitivity of the skin mucosal surface in response to gut inflammation.
Effect of Heavy Ion 12C6+ Radiation on Lipid Constitution in the Rat Brain
Authors: Li Bo , Han Chu , Liu Yuanyuan , Ismail Nafissa , Smith Kevin , Zhang Peng , Chen Zixuan , Dai Rongji , Deng Yulin
Published: August 2020

Heavy ions refer to charged particles with a mass greater than four (i.e., alpha particles). The heavy ion irradiation used in radiotherapy or that astronauts suffer in space flight missions induces toxicity in normal tissue and leads to short-term and long-term damage in both the structure and function of the brain. However, the underlying molecular alterations caused by heavy ion radiation have yet to be completely elucidated. Herein, untargeted and targeted lipidomic profiling of the whole brain tissue and blood plasma 7 days after the administration of the 15 Gy (260 MeV, low linear energy (LET) = 13.9 KeV/μm) plateau irradiation of disposable 12C6+ heavy ions on the whole heads of rats was explored to study the lipid damage induced by heavy ion radiation in the rat brain using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) technology. Combined with multivariate variables and univariate data analysis methods, our results indicated that an orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS–DA) could clearly distinguish lipid metabolites between the irradiated and control groups. Through the combination of variable weight value (VIP), variation multiple (FC), and differential (p) analyses, the significant differential lipids diacylglycerols (DAGs) were screened out. Further quantitative targeted lipidomic analyses of these DAGs in the rat brain tissue and plasma supported the notion that DAG 47:1 could be used as a potential biomarker to study brain injury induced by heavy ion irradiation.
Polyphenols and Other Bioactive Compounds of Sideritis Plants and Their Potential Biological Activity
Authors: Żyżelewicz Dorota , Kulbat-Warycha Kamila , Oracz Joanna , Żyżelewicz Kacper
Published: August 2020

Due to the growing problem of obesity associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, causes of obesity are extensively investigated. In addition to a high caloric diet and low physical activity, gut microbiota disturbance may have a potential impact on excessive weight gain. Some reports indicate differences in the composition of the intestinal microflora of obese people in comparison to lean. Bioactive compounds of natural origin with beneficial and multifaceted effects on the body are more frequently used in prevention and treatment of many metabolic diseases including obesity. Sideritis scardica is traditionally consumed as mountain tea in the Balkans to strengthen the body and improve mood. Many reports indicate a positive effect on digestive system, weight loss, and prevention of insulin resistance. Additionally, it exhibits antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects. The positive effect of Sideritis scardica extracts on memory and general cognitive abilities is indicated as well. The multilevel positive effect on the body appears to originate from the abundant occurrence of phenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids in Sideritis scardica extracts. However, mechanisms underlying their action require careful discussion and further research. Therefore, the objective of this review is to summarize the available knowledge on the role and mechanism of action of biologically active compounds of Sideritis scardica and other related species from the genus Sideritis.
Selective Intramolecular Dehydrocyclization of Co-Porphyrin on Au(111)
Authors: Yin Cen , Peng Zhantao , Liu Dan , Song Huanjun , Zhu Hao , Chen Qiwei , Wu Kai
Published: August 2020

The on-surface C–H bond activation and coupling reaction is a powerful approach to constructing fine-tuned surface nanostructures. It is quite challenging to control its regioselectivity due to the inertness of the C–H bond involved. With scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, the C–H activation and sequential intramolecular dehydrocyclization of meso-tetra(p-methoxyphenyl)porphyrinatocobalt(II) was explored on Au(111), showing that the methoxy groups in the molecule could kinetically mediate the selectivity of the intramolecular reaction over its intermolecular coupling counterpart. The experimental results demonstrate that the introduced protecting group could help augment the selectivity of such on-surface reaction, which can be applied to the precise fabrication of functional surface nanostructures.
Comparison of Zinc, Copper and Selenium Content in Raw, Smoked and Pickled Freshwater Fish
Authors: Mielcarek Konrad , Puścion-Jakubik Anna , Gromkowska-Kępka Krystyna J. , Soroczyńska Jolanta , Karpińska Elżbieta , Markiewicz-Żukowska Renata , Naliwajko Sylwia K. , Moskwa Justyna , Nowakowski Patryk , Borawska Maria H. , Socha Katarzyna
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) content in freshwater fish from Poland. Selected species of raw, smoked and pickled fish were evaluated by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The concentration of Zn, Cu and Se in the examined fish ranged from 1.5 to 49.9 mg/kg, 0.01 to 2.8 mg/kg and 30.9 to 728.2 µg/kg, respectively. One serving of every fish product covered the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Zn by 5.38–65.0%, of Cu by 0.42–11.4% and of Se by 12.3–198.6%. A cluster analysis allowed us to distinguish European eel (raw and smoked) based on the Zn content. Additionally, based on the Cu and Se content, pickled common whitefish was differentiated from other species and types of fish products. The discriminant analysis model of smoked fish enabled their classification with a 70% accuracy. Regarding Zn, all forms of the European eel as well as raw and smoked vendace can be considered a source of this element. None of the tested fish can be considered a source of Cu. All products are safe for human consumption with regard to the Zn and Cu content. Almost each form of every species of fish can be considered a source of Se. However, the Se content should be monitored in smoked and pickled common whitefish, pickled bream and pickled vendace.
A Refractive Index Study of a Diverse Set of Polymeric Materials by QSPR with Quantum-Chemical and Additive Descriptors
Authors: Erickson Meade E. , Ngongang Marvellous , Rasulev Bakhtiyor
Published: August 2020

Predicting the activities and properties of materials via in silico methods has been shown to be a cost- and time-effective way of aiding chemists in synthesizing materials with desired properties. Refractive index (n) is one of the most important defining characteristics of an optical material. Presented in this work is a quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) model that was developed to predict the refractive index for a diverse set of polymers. A number of models were created, where a four-variable model showed the best predictive performance with R2 = 0.904 and Q2LOO = 0.897. The robustness and predictability of the best model was validated using the leave-one-out technique, external set and y-scrambling methods. The predictive ability of the model was confirmed with the external set, showing the R2ext = 0.880. For the refractive index, the ionization potential, polarizability, 2D and 3D geometrical descriptors were the most influential properties. The developed model was transparent and mechanistically explainable and can be used in the prediction of the refractive index for new and untested polymers.
Reactive and Additive Modifications of Styrenic Polymers with Phosphorus-Containing Compounds and Their Effects on Fire Retardance
Authors: Baby Aloshy , Tretsiakova-McNally Svetlana , Arun Malavika , Joseph Paul , Zhang Jianping
Published: August 2020

Polystyrene, despite its high flammability, is widely used as a thermal insulation material for buildings, for food packaging, in electrical and automotive industries, etc. A number of modification routes have been explored to improve the fire retardance and boost the thermal stability of commercially important styrene-based polymeric products. The earlier strategies mostly involved the use of halogenated fire retardants. Nowadays, these compounds are considered to be persistent pollutants that are hazardous to public and environmental health. Many well-known halogen-based fire retardants, regardless of their chemical structures and modes of action, have been withdrawn from built environments in the European Union, USA, and Canada. This had triggered a growing research interest in, and an industrial demand for, halogen-free alternatives, which not only will reduce the flammability but also address toxicity and bioaccumulation issues. Among the possible options, phosphorus-containing compounds have received greater attention due to their excellent fire-retarding efficiencies and environmentally friendly attributes. Numerous reports were also published on reactive and additive modifications of polystyrene in different forms, particularly in the last decade; hence, the current article aims to provide a critical review of these publications. The authors mainly intend to focus on the chemistries of phosphorous compounds, with the P atom being in different chemical environments, used either as reactive, or additive, fire retardants in styrene-based materials. The chemical pathways and possible mechanisms behind the fire retardance are discussed in this review.
Optimization of Magnetic Properties of Magnetic Microwires by Post-Processing
Authors: Zhukova Valentina , Corte-Leon Paula , González-Legarreta Lorena , Talaat Ahmed , Blanco Juan Maria , Ipatov Mihail , Olivera Jesus , Zhukov Arcady
Published: August 2020

The influence of post-processing conditions on the magnetic properties of amorphous and nanocrystalline microwires has been thoroughly analyzed, paying attention to the influence of magnetoelastic, induced and magnetocrystalline anisotropies on the hysteresis loops of Fe-, Ni-, and Co-rich microwires. We showed that magnetic properties of glass-coated microwires can be tuned by the selection of appropriate chemical composition and geometry in as-prepared state or further considerably modified by appropriate post-processing, which consists of either annealing or glass-coated removal. Furthermore, stress-annealing or Joule heating can further effectively modify the magnetic properties of amorphous magnetic microwires owing to induced magnetic anisotropy. Devitrification of microwires can be useful for either magnetic softening or magnetic hardening of the microwires. Depending on the chemical composition of the metallic nucleus and on structural features (grain size, precipitating phases), nanocrystalline microwires can exhibit either soft magnetic properties or semi-hard magnetic properties. We demonstrated that the microwires with coercivities from 1 A/m to 40 kA/m can be prepared.
Comparison of Different Extraction Methods for the Recovery of Olive Leaves Polyphenols
Authors: Dobrinčić Ana , Repajić Maja , Garofulić Ivona Elez , Tuđen Lucija , Dragović-Uzelac Verica , Levaj Branka
Published: August 2020

In the present study, advanced extraction techniques, microwave (MAE), ultrasound (UAE), and high pressure (HPAE)-assisted extraction, were applied to improve extraction efficiency of olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves polyphenols. The effect of sample mass (1.5 and 3 g), MAE—time (2, 8.5, and 15 min) and temperature (45 and 80 °C), UAE—time (7, 14, and 21 min) and amplitude (50 and 100%) and HPAE—time (1, 5.5, and 10 min) and pressure (300 and 500 MPa) on the concentration of each analyzed polyphenol compound was examined. Identified polyphenols were oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, verbascoside, and rutin. All three advanced extraction techniques yielded higher content of total polyphenols when compared to the conventional heat-reflux extraction (CE) along with a significant reduction of extraction time from 60 (CE) to 2, 21, and 5.5 min in MAE, UAE, and HPAE, respectively. The most intensive values of tested parameters in each technique were the ones that promoted cell wall disruption, e.g., temperature of 80 °C in MAE, 100% amplitude in UAE and 500 MPa in HPAE. MAE and UAE were more efficient in total polyphenols’ recovery than HPAE.
Synthesis of Calcium Orthophosphates by Chemical Precipitation in Aqueous Solutions: The Effect of the Acidity, Ca/P Molar Ratio, and Temperature on the Phase Composition and Solubility of Precipitates
Authors: Nikolenko Mykola V. , Vasylenko Kateryna V. , Myrhorodska Victoria D. , Kostyniuk Andrii , Likozar Blaž
Published: August 2020

Studies on chemical precipitation of the calcium orthophosphates have shown that their phase compositions do not vary depending on molar ratio Ca/P but are sensitive to solutions acidity and temperature. These are two key factors that determine the phase transformation progress of metastable phases into less soluble precipitates of the phosphates. It was proposed to compare calcium orthophosphates solubility products with calcium cations quantities in their formulas. It was found that there was a linear correlation between calcium orthophosphates specific solubility products and their molar ratios Ca/P if hydroxyapatite and its Ca-deficient forms were excluded from consideration. It was concluded that the relatively large deviations of their solubility products from the found correlation should be thought of as erroneous data. That is why solubility products were changed in accordance with correlation dependence: pKS for hydroxyapatite was 155, pKS for Ca-deficient hydroxyapatites was 114–155. The solubility isotherms, which were calculated on the basis of the corrected pKS values, coincided with the experimental data on solid-phase titration by Pan and Darvell.
Control-Oriented Modeling and Experimental Validation of a Deoiling Hydrocyclone System
Authors: Bram Mads V. , Jespersen Stefan , Hansen Dennis S. , Yang Zhenyu
Published: August 2020

As the treated water from offshore oil and gas production is discharged to the surrounding sea, there is an incentive to improve the performance of the offshore produced water treatment, to reduce the environmental pollutants to the sea. Regulations determine both the maximum allowed oil concentration and the total annual quantity. It is reasonable to assume that when better separation equipment or methods are developed, the regulation will become more strict, and force other producers to follow the trend towards zero harmful discharge. This paper develops and validates a hydrocyclone model to be used as a test-bed for improved control designs. The modeling methodology uses a combination of first-principles to define model structure and data-driven parameter identification. To evaluate and validate the separation performance, real-time fluorescence-based oil-in-water (OiW) concentration monitors, with dual redundancy, are installed and used on sidestreams of a modified pilot plant. The installed monitors measure the inlet and outlet OiW concentration of the tested hydrocyclone. The proposed control-oriented hydrocyclone model proved to be a reasonable candidate for predicting the hydrocyclone separation performance.
A Review on the Control Parameters of Natural Convection in Different Shaped Cavities with and without Nanofluid
Authors: Rostami Sara , Aghakhani Saeed , Hajatzadeh Pordanjani Ahmad , Afrand Masoud , Cheraghian Goshtasp , Oztop Hakan F. , Shadloo Mostafa Safdari
Published: August 2020

Natural convection in cavities is an interesting subject for many researchers. Especially, in recent years, the number of articles written in this regard has grown enormously. This work provides a review of recent natural convection studies. At first, experimental studies were reviewed and, then, numerical studies were examined. Then, the articles were classified based on effective parameters. In each section, numerical studies were examined the parameters added to the cavity such as magnetic forces, fin, porous media and cavity angles. Moreover, studies on non-rectangular cavities were investigated. Free convection in enclosures depends more on the fluid velocity relative to the forced convection, leading to the opposite effect of some parameters that should essentially enhance rate of heat transfer. Nanoparticle addition, magnetic fields, fins, and porous media may increase forced convection. However, they can reduce free convection due to the reduction in fluid velocity. Thus, these parameters need more precision and sometimes need the optimization of effective parameters.
Efficacy of Ultrasonic-Assisted Curing Is Dependent on Muscle Size and Ultrasonication System
Authors: Cruz-Garibaldi Bianka Y. , Alarcon-Rojo Alma D. , Huerta-Jimenez Mariana , Garcia-Galicia Ivan A. , Carrillo-Lopez Luis M.
Published: August 2020

Ultrasound-assisted marinade is a promising technology for reducing the time of traditional immersion marination. This study evaluated the effect of the ultrasonic system (bath or probe, amplitude 50 or 100%) and muscle sample size (3 or 5 cm3) on physicochemical quality, yield (salt content, fresh weight, and relative fresh weight), and bacteria counts associated with pork. The results showed a significantly high salt (p < 0.0001) content in 3 cm3 (11.54%) and 5 cm3 (8.88%) samples after 24 h marination by immersion. The 3 cm3 cubes marinated in a 100% probe system for 20 min presented an amount of salt (9.55%) that was quite close to the controls. The 3 cm3 samples treated by immersion and in a 50% probe system gained more relative weight (in relation to the initial weight, 7.45 and 6.64%, respectively) after 7 d at 4 °C. Meanwhile the 5 cm3 cubes marinated by immersion gained 8.1%. The other treatments showed a weight loss after treatment. Although significant differences were found in the fresh weight and in water holding capacity (WHC) in the 3 and 5 cm3 meat samples, the relative fresh weight is a real measure of weight gain, more relevant for the industry. Thus, the samples with the highest salt transfer experienced a phenomenon of “dehydration”, retaining less water. The 3 and 5 cm3 cubes marinated by immersion presented orange color tones due to the long processing time, while the probe system produced redder and brighter tones. Ultrasound as a technology to assist in marinades is not efficient for bacteria control of mesophilic, psychrophilic, or coliform. However, a significant increase in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts may bring benefits for meat preservation during refrigerated storage.
An Investigation of the Influences of SWOT Sampling and Errors on Ocean Eddy Observation
Authors: Ma Chunyong , Guo Xiaoxiao , Zhang Haoxin , Di Jiankai , Chen Ge
Published: August 2020

The mission of Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) is scheduled to be launched in 2022, and global ocean eddies with radius scales of larger than 10 km are expected to be observed from space. However, there are still open questions about the capability of SWOT to detect ocean eddies. Based on ocean model data and SWOT orbit, this study simulates along-track observation of SWOT. Two eddy datasets are derived from simulated observation data via mapping and eddy identification procedures, one of which includes SWOT errors and the other does not. The third eddy dataset is generated from the original model data. Through comparing these three eddy datasets, it is found that 34% (40%) eddies are lost due to insufficient temporal sampling and errors in the Kuroshio Extension (South China Sea) region, and numerous artifact eddies are generated. To further explain the influence of SWOT errors on smaller-scale eddies, two eddies (a cyclonic eddy and an anticyclonic eddy) with the radius of about 10 km are repeatedly observed 100 times using the SWOT-simulator. The cyclonic eddy with larger amplitude has been detected 84 times, while the anticyclonic eddy is visible 76 times. Therefore, the influence of the SWOT sampling and errors on ocean eddy observation is revealed by the results of these observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs).
Permittivity Measurements for Cypress and Rockrose Biomass Versus Temperature, Density, and Moisture Content
Authors: Pérez-Campos Rafael , Fayos-Fernández José , Lozano-Guerrero Antonio José , Martínez-González Antonio , Monzó-Cabrera Juan , Mediavilla Irene , Peña-Carro David , Esteban-Pascual Luis Saúl
Published: August 2020

Permittivity of materials is of utmost importance for microwave applicators’ design and to predict high-frequency dielectric heating of materials. In the case of aromatic plant biomass, however, there are few data that help researchers design microwave applicators for microwave-assisted extraction. In this work, the permittivity of cypress and rockrose biomass samples were measured versus temperature, density, and moisture content. A resonant technique based on a coaxial bi-reentrant microwave cavity was employed to obtain the complex permittivity of biomass samples as a function of those magnitudes around the 2.45 GHz ISM frequency. The obtained measurements show that large variations for permittivity values can be found with moisture content and density changes for both cypress and rockrose biomass. Temperature also has effects in a lesser degree, although it has an important influence on the cypress biomass loss factor. Polynomial expressions fitting the experimental data were provided in order to facilitate the estimation of intermediate values, which were not explicitly arranged in this work. As a general trend, the permittivity of cypress and rockrose biomass increases with increasing values of moisture content and density, whereas the biomass loss factor increases when temperature rises.
Dynamic Camera Reconfiguration with Reinforcement Learning and Stochastic Methods for Crowd Surveillance
Authors: Bisagno Niccolò , Xamin Alberto , De Natale Francesco , Conci Nicola , Rinner Bernhard
Published: August 2020

Crowd surveillance plays a key role to ensure safety and security in public areas. Surveillance systems traditionally rely on fixed camera networks, which suffer from limitations, as coverage of the monitored area, video resolution and analytic performance. On the other hand, a smart camera network provides the ability to reconfigure the sensing infrastructure by incorporating active devices such as pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras and UAV-based cameras, thus enabling the network to adapt over time to changes in the scene. We propose a new decentralised approach for network reconfiguration, where each camera dynamically adapts its parameters and position to optimise scene coverage. Two policies for decentralised camera reconfiguration are presented: a greedy approach and a reinforcement learning approach. In both cases, cameras are able to locally control the state of their neighbourhood and dynamically adjust their position and PTZ parameters. When crowds are present, the network balances between global coverage of the entire scene and high resolution for the crowded areas. We evaluate our approach in a simulated environment monitored with fixed, PTZ and UAV-based cameras.
Changes in Body Composition and Its Relationship to Performance in Elite Female Track and Field Athletes Transitioning to the Senior Division
Authors: Tsukahara Yuka , Torii Suguru , Yamasawa Fumihiro , Iwamoto Jun , Otsuka Takanobu , Goto Hideyuki , Kusakabe Torao , Matsumoto Hideo , Akama Takao
Published: August 2020

Many elite female athletes struggle to maintain performance while transitioning from high school to university-level (senior) sports. This study explores factors of body composition that influenced performance in elite junior female track and field athletes transitioning to the senior division. Forty-two elite female track and field athletes, ranked among the top 100 in Japan, were enrolled in this study. Whole-body mode dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were performed during the post-season of 2016 and 2017. Athletes’ performances were assessed using the International Association of Athletics Federation scoring system. Relationships between changes in performance and those in body composition were investigated. There were significant negative correlations between changes in performance and fat mass (FM), and percentage FM (FM%). This was seen in total body and lower extremities, and not in the trunk and upper extremities. In addition, there was a positive correlation between changes in performance and percentage lean mass (LM%). However, there were no correlations between changes in performance and LM and total mass. Elite female track and field athletes transitioning to senior division should decrease their FM and FM% and increase LM%, to sustain or improve performance. It is also more important to monitor changes in body composition than body mass.
Does Environmental Regulation Improve an Enterprise’s Productivity?—Evidence from China’s Carbon Reduction Policy
Authors: Lou Yanfeng , Tian Yezhuang , Tang Xueliang
Published: August 2020

Theoretical research finds that environmental regulation has both positive and negative effects on enterprise productivity. Based on the Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction policy implemented by the Chinese government, this study empirically analyzed the policy treatment level boundary condition of the positive and negative effects that dominated and its moderating factors. The generalized propensity score matching model (GPSM) was used to analyze the net effect of the policy on the total factor productivity (TFP) of Chinese manufacturing enterprises. The results showed that: (1) the low treatment level of the policy can promote the growth of the enterprises’ TFP; (2) in contrast, the treatment level of the policy exceeded a certain threshold, which gradually led to an inhibitory effect on the enterprises’ TFP; (3) the mechanism used to enforce the policy caused the enterprises to innovate, which enhanced their TFP, but took time to gradually release; (4) the enterprises with a stronger capacity for innovation or a larger size found it easier to transform the pressure from the policy into an innovative impetus to improve their TFP; (5) however, the government subsidies distorted the forced-innovation effect of the policy on the enterprises’ innovation, which restrained the positive effect of the policy on the TFP.
Simultaneous Quantification of Mixed-Acid Triacylglycerol Positional Isomers and Enantiomers in Palm Oil and Lard by Chiral High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Nagai Toshiharu , Kinoshita Tetsuaki , Kasamatsu Erika , Yoshinaga Kazuaki , Mizobe Hoyo , Yoshida Akihiko , Itabashi Yutaka , Gotoh Naohiro
Published: August 2020

Palm oil and lard are edible fats which are rich in palmitic (P) and oleic acids (O). In this study, triacylglycerol (TAG) positional isomers (symmetric and asymmetric isomers) and enantiomers (asymmetric isomers) in palm oil and lard were quantified simultaneously by using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The CHIRALPAK IF-3 column used in our previous study recognized the difference of TAG isomers consisting of P and O in palm oil and lard, separated sn-OPP/sn-PPO/sn-POP and sn-OPO/sn-OOP/sn-POO into each isomer peak, and enabled the quantification of these TAG isomers with good recovery (95–120%). Although sn-POP and sn-OPO were the major TAGs in palm oil and lard, a comparison of the abundance ratios of TAG enantiomers such as sn-PPO/sn-OPP and sn-OOP/sn-POO revealed that there were slightly more TAG enantiomers with O at the sn-1 position and P at the sn-3 position in palm oil and P at the sn-1 position and O at the sn-3 position in lard. These results were consistent with previous reports for the positional distribution of fatty acids of palm oil and lard. This is the first study that has enabled all TAG isomers consisting of P and O in natural oils and fats to be individually quantified by mass spectrometry.
Impact of Pre-Existing Immunity on Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine-Induced Cross-Protective Immunity
Authors: Roy Sreeja , Williams Clare M , Pardo Julian , Wijesundara Danushka K , Furuya Yoichi
Published: August 2020

The efficacy of the intranasally (i.n.) delivered live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is variable and, in some seasons, suboptimal. In this study, we report that LAIV exhibits cross-protective efficacy in mice, potentially associated with cellular immunity as opposed to antigen-specific antibody responses. However, pre-exposure to the intramuscularly (i.m.) delivered inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) severely impaired LAIV-induced cross-protection against heterologous challenge, potentially by inhibiting replication of LAIV. Our findings suggest that pre-existing immunity afforded by IIV suppresses cross-protective T cell immunogenicity of LAIV.
Unraveling Honey Bee–Varroa destructor Interaction: Multiple Factors Involved in Differential Resistance between Two Uruguayan Populations
Authors: Mendoza Yamandú , Tomasco Ivanna H. , Antúnez Karina , Castelli Loreley , Branchiccela Belén , Santos Estela , Invernizzi Ciro
Published: August 2020

The ectoparasite Varroa destructor is the greatest biotic threat of honey bees Apis mellifera in vast regions of the world. Recently, the study of natural mite-resistant populations has gained much interest to understand the action of natural selection on the mechanisms that limit the mite population. In this study, the components of the A. mellifera–V. destructor relationship were thoroughly examined and compared in resistant and susceptible honey bee populations from two regions of Uruguay. Mite-resistant honey bees have greater behavioral resistance (hygienic and grooming behaviors) than susceptible honey bees. At the end of the summer, resistant honey bees had fewer mites and a lower deformed wing virus (DWV) viral load than susceptible honey bees. DWV variant A was the only detected variant in honey bees and mites. Molecular analysis by Short Tandem Repeat showed that resistant honey bees were Africanized (A. m. scutellata hybrids), whereas susceptible honey bees were closer to European subspecies. Furthermore, significant genetic differentiation was also found between the mite populations. The obtained results show that the natural resistance of honey bees to V. destructor in Uruguay depends on several factors and that the genetic variants of both organisms can play a relevant role.
The New Testament in Nikolay Rainov’s Novel "Between Desert and Life"
Authors: Ogoyska Maria
Published: August 2020

The text offers a parallel and juxtaposing reading of the canonical evangelical texts and Nikolay Rainov’s novel Between Desert and Life. It is known that in his complicated transformation of the New Testament, the writer implants theosophical ideas in his narration radically changing the meaning and the message. Which is more, his incarnation of God is, in a strange way, evil and misanthropic. The interpretation shows closeness between passages of the novel and the book N. Rainov was translating at that time (1919) – Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
Panic and Philosophy
Authors: Manchev Boyan
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 would have never been so ‘effective’ without its capacity to ‘pirate’ the global techno-economic networks: its microscopic ‘mind’ allows it to act in a macrotechnological, planetary scale. That is why the first effect of the virus was so spectacular and so COVID-19 would have never been so ‘effective’ without its capacity to ‘pirate’ the global techno-economic networks: its microscopic ‘mind’ allows it to act in a macrotechnological, planetary scale. That is why the first effect of the virus was so spectacular and so disastrous: contemporary Leviathan petrified for a moment while facing its own doppelganger. This meditation on the current condition starts from a passage from Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and continues by examining the possibilities of philosophy in times of global panic. disastrous: contemporary Leviathan petrified for a moment while facing its own doppelganger. This meditation on the current condition starts from a passage from Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and continues by examining the possibilities of philosophy in times of global panic.
Not a Forest but a Neon Technological Urban Tree (On the Exhibition In Front of Me, 2020)
Authors: Zankov Ventsislav
Published: August 2020

The author’s exhibition In Front of Me is a visual symbiosis of two themes: two crises intertwined in the human behavior – the ecological one and the social one borne by the pandemic situation that turns into a deeper existential crisis and questioning of the human. The trees represented in large-scale paintings are not a forest but rather some singular entities, bare-stripped crowns strenuously cut into a gloomy sky.
The Coin (Awarded play, excerpt)
Authors: Kracholov Boyan
Published: August 2020

A young man – The Writer – has passed on and has turned up on the shore of the river Styx, without having anything to pay with to The Ferryman. The Ferryman agrees to let him travel the dreams of those, who call for him, who miss him, so he could convince them to bring him a coin. Wandering between the dreams of The Prostitute (whom he paid with stories, as he had no money) and The Publisher (who is to publish The Writer’s first book) and helping his only friend (The Tramp) to pass on as well, stuck between this world and the one beyond, The Writer is forced to revise his whole life, his attitude towards money, love and his art, so he could meet his Admirer at the end. But is The Writer worthy of admiration at all? And what were his relationships – were they not based entirely on money, or was there anything else?
Assets (Nominated play, excerpt)
Authors: Georgieva Theodora
Published: August 2020

A dystopian play representing a world based entirely on the number of assets people have. (Assets - points equal to the cash owned by each person.) People accumulate assets since childhood; the number of their assets determines their education, access to food, medicines, work. The main conflict is between the material represented by the Branch Managers who direct the assets flow, and the spiritual, represented by those who oppose them. The play is set in a city recently taken by the Branch. The new government promises progress and better life and most people support it. But there are others who disagree because they cannot stand the prohibition of music, books, parties.
The Dialogue of Stories and Pictures
Authors: Nedelchev Mihail
Published: August 2020

In Prince and Plague – a Relatively Late Avant-garde Project of 1931 Nikolay Rainov is one of the greatest experimenters of Bulgarian literature not just in terms of style but in terms of genre as well. His late modernist project Prince and Plague, with ‘fearful fairy tales’ and illustrations, is among the most daring ones of the fading Bulgarian avant-garde. Published in two carefully designed books with a thematic series of drawings and pictures, these works have not yet found their adequate interpretation. Announced as children books, they obviously seek for an audience more radical in its thoughts and senses. Art historians have often defined these works as ‘secessionist’ but no doubt they could be placed somewhere betweenthe extreme expressionism and the surrealism.
Interações solo, relevo e material de origem na região do Alto Estrutural do Pau d’Alho – sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Pinheiro Marcos Roberto , Costa Jéssica Rafaela , Scigliano Beatriz Ferraz , Dias Ferreira Rosely Pacheco , Cianfarra Paola , Manfredini Sidneide
Published: August 2020

As relações solo-relevo, juntamente com as informações do material parental da cobertura pedológica, têm norteado os levantamentos de solo em todo o mundo. No Brasil, essas influências são evidentes nos mapeamentos realizados no estado de São Paulo pelo Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, produtos estes que constituem verdadeiros mapas morfopedológicos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar as interações entre solo, relevo e material de origem no Alto Estrutural do Pau D’Alho (Bacia Sedimentar do Paraná), área do território paulista sustentada principalmente por arenitos, diabásios e siltitos. Para isso, foi realizado um mapeamento morfológico por fotointerpretação (1:25.000), seguido de um extenso controle de campo, onde foram conferidas as informações geomorfológicas, descritos os perfis de solo e coletadas amostras para análises granulométricas e químicas. Os resultados mostraram que predominam Neossolos Litólicos com A Chernozêmico e Cambissolos Háplicos nas vertentes mais íngremes dos morros e serras, e, nos topos destas, Latossolos Vermelhos e Nitossolos Vermelhos. Variações de solos são controladas por mudanças locais de litologia. Na zona colinosa ocorrem principalmente Argissolos Vermelho-Amarelos, Neossolos Quartzarênicos e Latossolos Vermelho-Amarelo de textura média, derivados de arenitos e siltitos. Nos fundos de vale dos canais de drenagem principais, encontram-se Gleissolos Háplicos e Neossolos Flúvicos, formados a partir de depósitos fluviais e colúvios. Embora esse cenário reflita as relações entre as formas, os materiais parentais e os solos da área, também levanta questões ainda em aberto acerca da presença de solos rasos em relevo suave, a influência da tectônica recente na cobertura pedológica, a gênese de depressões fechadas, bem como o material de origem dos Neossolos Quartzarênicos.