bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anion Exchange Behaviour of Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta and Pa as Homologues of Rf and Db in Fluoride Medium
Authors: Monroy-Guzman Fabiola , Trubert Didier , Brillard Lucette , Hussonnois Michel , Constantinescu Olimpus , Le Naour Claire
Published: July 2019

Studies of the chemical property of transactinide elements are very difficult due to their short half-lives and extremely small production yields. However it is still possible to obtain considerable information about their chemical properties, such as the most stable oxidation states in aqueous solution, complexing ability, etc., comparing their behaviour with their lighter homologous in the periodic table. In order to obtain a better knowledge of the behavior of rutherfordium, Rf (element 104), dubnium, Db (element 105) in HF medium, the sorption properties of Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta and Pa, homologues of Rf and Db, were studied in NH4F/HClO4 medium in this work. Stability constants of the fluoride complexes of these elements were experimentally obtained from Kd obtained at different F- and H+ concentrations. The anionic complexes: [Zr(Hf)F5]-, [Zr(Hf)F6]2-, [Zr(Hf)F7]3-, [Ta(Pa)F6]-, [Ta(Pa)F7]2-, [Ta(Pa)F8]3-, [NbOF4]- and [NbOF5]2- are present as predominant species in the HF range over investigation.
Characterization of Archaeological Ceramic from Lagartero, Chiapas, Mexico, by Nuclear and Conventional Techniques
Authors: Tenorio Dolores , Jiménez-Reyes Melania , Rivero-Torres Sonia , Monroy-Guzman Fabiola , Romero-Guzmán Elizabeth Teresita
Published: July 2019

Ceramic potshards collected at the archaeological Mayan site of Lagartero, Chiapas, Mexico were analyzed by NAA and data were statistically studied. The ceramics were of local manufacture and from other sites of the Upper Grijalva Basin and Guatemalan Lowlands and Highlands. XRD indicated that quartz, feldspars, montmorillonite and calcite are the main components of pastes. Pigments were analyzed by means of SEM and XRD, and hematite, pyrolusite, maghemite and calcite were identified. A discussion is presented in the context of the Mayan region.
Sorption and Desorption of Remazol Yellow by a Fe-Zeolitic Tuff
Authors: Solache-Ríos Marcos José , Villalva-Coyote Rafael , Díaz-Nava María del Carmen
Published: July 2019

The adsorption of remazol yellow from aqueous solution was evaluated using a Fe-zeolitic tuff. The adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction. Sorption kinetic and isotherms were determined and the adsorption behavior was analyzed. Kinetic pseudo-second order and Langmuir-Freundlich models were successfully applied to the experimental results, indicating chemisorption on a heterogeneous material. The regeneration of the material was best accomplished by using a H2O2 solution. The sorption capacity of the Fe-zeolitic tuff increased when the saturated samples were treated with a H2O2 or FeCl3 solution.
Influence of Vanadium Oxidation States on the Performance of V-Mg-Al Mixed-Oxide Catalysts for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane
Authors: Schacht Leticia , Navarrete Juan , Schacht Persi , Ramírez Marco A.
Published: July 2019

V-Mg-Al mixed-oxide catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane were prepared by thermal decomposition of Mg-Al-layered double hydroxides with vanadium interlayer doping. The obtained catalysts were tested for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane, obtaining good results in catalytic activity (conversion 16.55 % and selectivity 99.97 %). Results indicated that catalytic performance of these materials depends on how vanadium is integrated in the layered structure, which is determined by the Mg/Al ratio. Vanadium interlayer doping modifies the oxidation state of vanadium and consequently catalytic properties. Surface properties were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic and diffuse reflectance, UV-visible spectroscopy, and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The analyses provided information about the oxidation state, before and after the reaction. From these results, it is suggested that selectivity to propylene and catalytic activity depend mainly on vanadium oxidation state.
Photocatalytic Reduction of Benzophenone on TiO2: Effect of Preparation Method and Reaction Conditions
Authors: Albiter Escobar Elim , Valenzuela Zapata Miguel Ángel , Salvador Alfaro Hernández Salvador Alfaro Hernández , Flores Valle Sergio Odín , Ríos Berny Omar , González Ángeles Víctor Jesús , Córdova Reyes Iván
Published: July 2019

The photocatalytic reduction of benzophenone was studied focusing on improving the yield to benzhydrol. TiO2 was synthesized by means of a hydrothermal technique. TiO2 (Degussa TiO2-P25) was used as a reference. Catalysts were characterized by XRD and nitrogen physisorption. The photocatalytic reduction was carried out in a batch reactor at 25 °C under nitrogen atmosphere, acetonitrile as solvent and isopropanol as electron donor. A 200 W Xe-Hg lamp (λ= 360 nm) was employed as irradiation source. The chemical composition of the reaction system was determined by HPLC. Structural and textural properties of the synthesized TiO2 depended on the type of acid used during sol formation step. Using HCl, a higher specific surface area and narrower pore size distribution of TiO2 was obtained in comparison with acetic acid. As expected, the photochemical reduction of benzophenone yielded benzopinacol as main product, whereas, benzhydrol is only produced in presence of TiO2 (i.e. photocatalytic route). In general, the hydrothermally synthesized catalysts were less active and with a lower yield to benzhydrol. The optimal reaction conditions to highest values of benzhydrol yield (70-80%) were found at 2 g/L (catalyst loading) and 0.5 mM of initial concentration of benzophenone, using commercial TiO2-P25.
Titanium Oxide Modification With Oxides of Mixed Cobalt Valence for Photocatalysis
Authors: Alanís-Oaxaca Roberto , Jiménez-Becerril Jaime
Published: July 2019

In the present work, heterogenous photocatalysis, a technique often used for organic compound degradation toxic in water, was used. The photocatalyst most often used in this technique is TiO2, which, due to its physical and chemical properties, can degrade a great number of organic compounds. In addition, in recent years it has been verified that the doping of semiconductors with metals or metallic oxides increases the photocatalytic activity of these semiconductors, which is why it was proposed for doping by the impregnating method using commercial TiO2 synthesized by the Degussa company (TiO2 Degussa P25) with an oxide of mixed cobalt valence (Co3O4) synthesized using the sol-gel method. The synthesized photocatalyst TiO2/Co3O4 was characterized by the techniques of X-ray diffraction (RXD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and, finally, photocatalytic tests by means of the degradation of methylene blue.
Effect of CoMo/HSO3-functionalized MCM-41 over Heavy Oil
Authors: Schacht Persi , Aguilar-Pliego Julia , Ramírez-Garnica Marco , Ramírez Sergio , Abu Ibrahim , Noreña-Franco Luis
Published: July 2019

The potential of Co-Mo metals supported on functionalized MCM-41 as catalyst to hydrodesulfurization of heavy oil has been explored in this work. The MCM-41 functionalized sample was synthesized according to methods previously reported in the literature. Co and Mo metals were incorporated into the support by simultaneous impregnation. The catalyst was characterized by specific Surface area and X-Ray Diffraction. The pore channel of MCM-41 was confirmedby transmission electronic microscopy and infra red spectroscopy. Catalytic activity tests were carried out using heavy oil from Gulf of Mexico. The API gravity was increased from 12.5 to 20.2, the kinematics viscosity was decreased from 18,700 to 110 cSt at 298 K, the contents of asphaltene and sulfur were also reduced.
Application of Oxidizing Properties of Permanganate to the Determination of Famotidine in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Basavaiah Kanakapura , Zenita Devi Okram
Published: July 2019

One titrimetric and two spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of famotidine (FMT) in either pure form or in its pharmaceutical formulations. The methods are based on redox reaction between FMT and KMnO4 in acid and alkaline media. In titrimetry, an acidified solution of FMT is titrated directly with permanganate. Direct spectrophotometry (method A) involves treating the alkaline solution of the drug with permanganate and measuring the bluish green product at 610 nm. In indirect spectrophotometry (method B), the drug solution is treated with a fixed concentration of permanganate in H2SO4 medium, and after a specified time, the unreacted permanganate is measured at 545 nm. The molar combining ratio in titrimetry and the optimum assay conditions are studied. Titrimetry is applicable over 1-10 mg range and the calculations are based on a 1:3 (FMT: KMnO4) molar-ratio. In spectrophotometry, Beer’s law is obeyed over 0.75-7.5 and 2.5-20 μg mL-1 for method A and method B, respectively. The molar absorptivity values are calculated to be 2.79 Å~ 104 and 1.62 Å~ 104 L mol-1 cm-1 for method A and method B, respectively, and the corresponding Sandell sensitivity values are 0.012 and 0.021 μg cm-2. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) are also reported for the spectrophotometric methods. The applicability of the developed methods was demonstrated by the determination of FMT in pure drug as well as in commercial dosage forms
On the Treating of Lead Polluted Water: Flotation of Lead Colloidal Carbonate
Authors: Tavera Francisco J. , Reyes P. Martín , Escudero G. Ramiro , Patiño C. Francisco
Published: July 2019

The colloid flotation of lead carbonate in aqueous media is studied at pH 7. The flotation system consisted of five spargered flotation cells in a serial array. The flotation cells were operated under controlled conditions of superficial gas and liquid velocity, frother, and collector concentration. The measured variables were gas holdup, bubble size, superficial bubble surface flux, and lead recovery in the concentrate. The experimental data show that it is possible to separate up to 93% (w/w) of lead from the aqueous media when the superficial gas velocity is 0.8 cm/s and the superficial liquid velocity is 0.19 cm/s.
Loteng (Selodor Bhanteng): Media Nostalgia dalam Menanamkan Konsep Matematika pada Anak Madura
Authors: Dhofir Dhofir , Halim Durroh , Nisa Sayyidatun , Zayyadi Moh.
Published: July 2019

This research aims to explore the mathematical concepts through games on traditional loteng played the son of Madura. The type of data in this study was qualitative research with an ethnographic approach. An ethnographic approach is an approach that is carried out empirically and theoretically to generate an image of deeper analysis and about the culture in the society, in this case, is the traditional game of the loteng. Ethnography approach is a greater emphasis on cultural findings that occurs in a community. The results of this research are in the loteng; there is the concept of a flat wake, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, even and odd numbers. In addition, loft game can be as nostalgic in a media embed mathematical concepts in the game.
Lactancia materna: factores que propician su abandono
Authors: Campiño Valderrama Sandra Milena , Duque Paula Andrea
Published: July 2019

Objetivo: describir la características de la lactancia materna y los factores que propician su abandono en madres de niños pertenecientes a un municipio del departamento de Caldas-Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo y de corte transversal realizado con una muestra al azar de 100 madres que asistieron con sus hijos a control de crecimiento y desarrollo en el hospital del municipio. Resultados:  la lactancia materna exclusiva en el mes sexto mes mostró un porcentaje de cumplimiento de 4,8%. En cuanto a la lactancia materna total el 8% lactó a su hijo durante 1 mes, el 12% lo hizo hasta los 3 meses, el 14% hasta los 6 meses y el 65% hasta los 11 meses. El análisis de correspondencias múltiples mostró que las madres que lograron un mayor periodo de lactancia fueron aquellas que se encontraban en el grupo de adultos jóvenes y que vivían en unión libre. Los factores que se asociaron estadísticamente al abandono de la lactancia materna se relacionan con la no salida de suficiente leche (p=0,000), el bebe rechazaba el seno (p=0,001), el uso de biberón (p=0,002) y el reingreso laboral de la madre (p=0,035). Conclusiónes: existe la necesidad de fortalecer las líneas de acción a nivel político y gubernamental para favorecer las metas de lactancia en la primera infancia; así mismo, es importante abordar la población desde sus conductas previas, condicionantes personales, familiares y socioculturales para reducir los factores de abandono.
Dukungan Sosial dengan Kecemasan Pasien Stroke di Rumah Sakit Stroke Nasional Bukittinggi
Authors: Sari Febria Syafyu
Published: July 2019

Stroke can affect the whole body such as paralysis, cognitive deficits, speech difficulties, emotional difficulties, pain, and problems in daily life. The recovery process in post-stroke patients take a long time and also require social support because they are not able to solve their own problems. Data WHO (2012) show every years as many 17  million cause of death in the world because of stroke. Anxiety is a feeling of fear that is not clear and is not supported by the situation. When we feel anxious, the individual feels uncomfortable, afraid or may have a bad feeling. Social support for the sufferers urgently needed as long as the sufferers still able to understand the meaning of that support as an advocate for live.This study aimed to determine the social support relation with anxienty stroke patient. This research is a Cross-Sectional with Accidental Sampling method. This research do at National Stroke Hospital Bukittinggi with 160 respondens. The statistical test used is Chi-Square. The result of statistical test showed a significant between the social support relation with anxiety stroke patient with p-value  = 0,000 (α ≤ 0,05).The hospital is expected to urge the family to more actively in volve in caring for stroke patients and provide counseling to them in order to better understand the importance of any rehabilitation program recommended.
Cancer : maladie chronique ou chroniques d’une maladie ?
Authors: Jamart C.
Published: July 2019

Considérer le cancer comme maladie chronique produit dans le discours qui la concerne des changements radicaux affectant l’approche clinique. Le concept psychanalytique de discours, tel qu’organisant les places dans le champ social, permet d’en éclairer le repérage. Mais « chronique » en tant que forme narrative linéarisée complexifie les temporalités en jeu. Temporalité chronologique du processus morbide et du traitement, temporalité freudienne rétroactive de l’après-coup, temporalité logique lacanienne de l’instant de voir, du temps pour comprendre et du moment de conclure. Un détour par les rites et leur fonction d’inscription corporelle singulière et collective introduit la temporalité du rythme comme mise en forme et en mouvement du sujet.
Cancer de la prostate : souffrir de sa guérison
Authors: Basier S. , Pheulpin M.-C. , Guillonneau B.
Published: July 2019

Le diagnostic précoce du cancer de la prostate permet à des patients de choisir de vivre avec un cancer peu menaçant, via une surveillance active (SA) qui mène souvent à une chirurgie, dont les effets secondaires s’inscrivent dans une forme de chronicité, impactant vie quotidienne, image de soi et sexualité. Qu’implique sur le plan psychique de vivre avec un cancer non traité, mais surveillé ? Comment vivre après une intervention chirurgicale aux conséquences mutilantes, handicapantes, portant atteinte au narcissisme ?

Objectif: Interroger les remaniements psychiques à l’œuvre chez des patients diagnostiqués d’un cancer de la prostate, opérés soit après plus d’un an de SA, soit sans délai.

Méthode: Dans le cadre d’une recherche doctorale en cours, des entretiens semi-directifs sont proposés en préopératoire, six semaines après, puis six mois. Ces entretiens sont appuyés par des autoquestionnaires ainsi que des tests projectifs : le Rorschach et le TAT (Thematic Apperception Test).

Résultats: Les patients opérés après avoir vécu une SA ont bénéficié d’une temporalité particulière au cours de laquelle la plupart d’entre eux ont pu accepter l’inacceptable et tolérer l’idée d’avoir un cancer et vivre avec. Si cette période permet à certains de se préparer à l’évolution de leur cancer et à son traitement par ablation, souvent synonyme de guérison, les effets secondaires de la chirurgie restent parfois très difficiles à vivre, surtout lorsqu’ils s’installent dans la durée et impactent le quotidien, constituant alors une nouvelle forme de chronicité. Vivre avec un « corps cancéreux » en SA n’est pas ici une épreuve physique où le corps est le siège de douleurs physiques et de fatigue, mais essentiellement une épreuve psychique. De façon paradoxale, le « corps guéri » subit des transformations en période postopératoire, des bouleversements qui touchent et atteignent l’image que l’homme a de lui-même.

Conclusion: Compte tenu des progrès de la médecine dans le dépistage et le traitement curatif du cancer de la prostate, quels sont les enjeux actuels du dépistage précoce ? Peut-on réellement parler de guérison lorsque le vécu subjectif des patients va à l’encontre de la définition habituelle de ce terme ? La « guérison chronique » succéderait-elle à la « maladie chronique » ?
Tumeurs cérébrales et lucidité terminale
Authors: Mutis M. , Evrard R. , Bacqué M.-F.
Published: July 2019

La lucidité terminale est un phénomène déjà observé dans le cadre de tumeurs cérébrales, qui consiste en une récupération des fonctions altérées par la pathologie survenant en général quelques heures, jours ou semaines avant la mort. Malgré le statut d’énigme médicale de la lucidité terminale, il est possible d’étudier ses répercussions sur l’entourage du patient, les équipes soignantes et les prises en charge chroniques et palliatives.
A educação permanente e as práticas em saúde: concepções de uma equipe multiprofissional
Authors: Lamante Márcia Parente Silva , Chirelli Mara Quaglio , Pio Danielle Abdel Massih , Tonhom Silvia Franco da Rocha , Capel Maria Cristina Martinez , Corrêa Maria Elizabeth Da Silva Hernandes
Published: July 2019

Resumo: A Educação Permanente em Saúde (EPS) reconhece que é possível por meio de um processo reflexivo, o cuidado integral e humanizado. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar como uma estratégia de EPS mobilizou a prática da equipe multiprofissional em uma unidade hospitalar. Estudo qualitativo, composto por três etapas: dois grupos focais, realizados de forma prévia e posterior à intervenção subsidiada pelo Planejamento Estratégico Situacional. Utilizou-se como referencial metodológico, o Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Nos resultados verificou-se ganho de conhecimentos, novas habilidades e atitudes exploradas a partir da subjetividade dos encontros. Mudanças aconteceram com relação à identificação da potencialidade da EPS, seus alcances e efetividade como ferramenta de gestão e de construção de uma práxis. A organização desta proposta pode ser motivadora para a realização de EPS em outros espaços, por permitir a grupalidade e a cogestão de processos de trabalho.Palavras-chave: Educação Permanente em Saúde; Integralidade em saúde; Capacitação em Serviço; Planejamento em Saúde. Permanent education and the health practices: perceptions of the multiprofessional-teamAbstract: The Permanent Education in Health (PEH) recognizes that it is possible through a reflexive process, the integral and humanized care. The objective of this study was to analyze how a strategy of PEH mobilized the practice of the multiprofessional team in a hospital unit. Qualitative study, composed of three stages: two focus groups, carried out before and after the intervention subsidized by the Strategic Situational Planning. The Collective Subject Discourse was used as methodological reference. In the results it was verified gain of knowledge, new abilities and attitudes explored from the subjectivity of the meetings. Changes occurred in relation to the identification of the potentiality of EPS, its scope and effectiveness as a tool for management and construction of a praxis. The organization of this proposal can be motivating for the execution of EPS in other spaces, because it allows grouping and co-management of work processes.Keywords: Permanent Education in Health; Integrality in health; Training in Service; Health Planning.
Computational Enhancement in the Application of the Branch and Bound Method for Linear Integer Programs and Related Models
Authors: Al-Rabeeah Masar , Munapo Elias , Al-Hasani Ali , Kumar Santosh , Eberhard Andrew
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a reformulation that was proposed for a knapsack problem has been extended to single and bi-objective linear integer programs. A further reformulation by adding an upper bound constraint for a knapsack problem is also proposed and extended to the bi-objective case. These reformulations significantly reduce the number of branch and bound iterations with respect to these models. Numerical illustrations have been presented and computational experiments have been carried out to compare the behaviour before and after the reformulation. For this purpose, Tora software was used.
Potential Impact of Construction Noise on Selected Zoo Animals
Authors: Jakob-Hoff Richard , Kingan Michael , Fenemore Chiaki , Schmid Gian , Cockrem John F. , Crackle Amanda , Van Bemmel Emily , Connor Rebecca , Descovich Kris
Published: July 2019

In anticipation of a major construction project in an urban New Zealand zoo, a study was initiated to assess the response to construction noise of selected animal species (elephant, giraffe, emu and alligator) previously observed to be sensitive to this kind of noise. The overall aim was to detect any signs of aversive responses to this noise to enable keepers to recognize these and take any necessary mitigating actions during the construction period. The experimental approach involved the creation of acoustic maps of each focal animal enclosure, a series of 90-min video recordings of the animals’ behavior in response to ambient noise (control) and amplified broadcast of pre-recorded continuous and intermittent construction noise. Concentration of fecal corticosterone metabolites was also measured for the emus. Key findings were that giraffes, elephants and emus appeared to show an increase in behaviors that could indicate stress or agitation including vigilance and locomotion and may prefer quieter regions of their enclosure during sound exposure. Giraffes also increased close contact with conspecifics when exposed to construction noise. While alligators did not show clear evidence of noise-related stress, our findings indicated that all focal species showed some behavioral responses to recorded construction noise.
Responses of Pigs of Different Genotypes to a Variation in the Dietary Indispensable Amino Acid Content in Terms of Their Growth, and Carcass and Meat Quality Traits
Authors: Schiavon Stefano , Dalla Bona Mirco , Carcò Giuseppe , Sturaro Enrico , Gallo Luigi
Published: July 2019

We studied the response of pigs from two crossbred genetic lines (GL) in the 60 to 145 kg body weight interval to a variation in the indispensable amino acid (AA) content of their feed. Ninety-six barrows of two paternal GLs (Hypor Maxter and PIC 337) were housed in eight pens and fed quasi ad libitum on feeds differing in their standardized ileal digestible (SID) indispensable AA contents. Pigs in four pens received feeds containing 9.4 to 8.0 g/kg of SID Lys (HAA), considered non-limiting, while the others received feeds containing 8.5 to 6.5 g/kg of SID Lys (LAA). The two feeds had identical indispensable lysine, methionine, tryptophan and threonine contents per unit of crude protein (CP). Feed intake, growth, carcass weight, and the weights of the lean and fat cuts were recorded, and samples of longissimus lumborum were analyzed. Data were analyzed using a two-way factorial mixed model. The LAA feed lowered the estimated N excretion (p < 0.001) compared with HAA, without affecting growth, carcass or meat quality traits. Genetic line had trivial effects and the AA level × genotype interaction was never significant. The two pig genotypes did not differ sufficiently in growth potential and leanness to respond differently.
Evaluation of a Simplified Loops System for Emergency Rescue Lifting of the Stranded or Recumbent Horse
Authors: Madigan John , Costa Lais , Nieves Samantha , Horgan Molly , Weberg Kirsten , Aleman Monica
Published: July 2019

Stranded and recumbent equids often require emergency rescue, and a successful rescue often requires vertical lifting of the animal. Currently, the devices used for vertical lifting of equids are not readily available at an incident or urgent situation. The current study describes and evaluates the use of a simple lift device utilizing commercially available, and reasonably priced, equipment. The system, referred to as the Loop Vertical Lift System or Loops System, is basically composed of four round slings placed in such a way that utilizes the skeletal system for support. The study demonstrates the lifting of six standing, sedated adult horses for 3 min without adverse effects. In conclusion, this novel lift system is an affordable, practical and quick alternative to rescue a stranded or recumbent horse that requires a brief vertical lift of the animal. In contrast, for longer-term lifting and support, other devices such as the UC Davis Large Animal Lift, the Anderson Sling Support Device, or the Animal Rescue and Transport Sling (ARTS) should be used as deemed appropriate.
Sow-Piglet Nose Contacts in Free-Farrowing Pens
Authors: Portele Katrin , Scheck Katharina , Siegmann Susanne , Feitsch Romana , Maschat Kristina , Rault Jean-Loup , Camerlink Irene
Published: July 2019

Nose contact is a frequent form of social behaviour in pigs, but the motivational reasons underlying this behaviour remain unclear. We investigated the frequency, direction and type of sow–piglet nosing behaviour and its association with sow and piglet traits. Social nosing behaviour was recorded by live observations and video recordings in 22 sows and their 249 piglets in free-farrowing pens once weekly during the first three weeks after farrowing (3 times 30 min of observations per litter). Piglet-to-sow nosing occurred on average 32.8 ± 2.35 times per 30 min per litter. Heavier piglets at one week of age nosed the sow more than lighter piglets (p = 0.01). Piglet-to-sow nosing was unrelated to the piglet’s sex or teat order. Sow-to-piglet nosing occurred on average 3.6 ± 0.53 times per 30 min, and this was unrelated to litter size. Primiparous sows nosed their piglets more in the second week after farrowing. Litters in which piglet-to-sow nosing occurred more showed less variation in the expression of this behaviour across the weeks. Social nosing between sow and piglets deserves further research to understand the positive implications of this behaviour for sow and piglet welfare.
An Exploration of Attitudes toward Dogs among College Students in Bangalore, India
Authors: Volsche Shelly , Mohan Miriam , Gray Peter B. , Rangaswamy Madhavi
Published: July 2019

Conversations in the field of anthrozoology include treatment and distinction of food animals, animals as workers versus pests, and most recently, emerging pet trends including the practice of pet parenting. This paper explores attitudes toward pet dogs in the shared social space of urban India. The data include 375 pen-and-paper surveys from students at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) in Bangalore, India. Reflecting upon Serpell’s biaxial concept of dogs as a relationship of affect and utility, the paper considers the growing trend of pet dog keeping in urban spaces and the increased use of affiliative words to describe these relationships. The paper also explores potential sex differences in attitudes towards pet and stray dogs. Ultimately, these findings suggest that the presence of and affiliation with pet dogs, with reduced utility and increased affect, is symptomatic of cultural changes typical of societies encountering the second demographic transition. Despite this, sex differences as expected based upon evolutionary principles, remain present, with women more likely to emphasize health and welfare and men more likely to emphasize bravery and risk taking.
Selection and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus through a Human Synthetic Fab Phage Display Library Panning
Authors: Kim Yoonji , Lee Hansaem , Park Keunwan , Park Sora , Lim Ju-Hyeon , So Min Kyung , Woo Hye-Min , Ko Hyemin , Lee Jeong-Min , Lim Sun Hee , Ko Byoung Joon , Park Yeon-Su , Choi So-Young , Song Du Hyun , Lee Joo-Yeon , Kim Sung Soon , Kim Dae Young
Published: July 2019

Since its first report in the Middle East in 2012, the Middle East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has become a global concern due to the high morbidity and mortality of individuals infected with the virus. Although the majority of MERS-CoV cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, the overall risk in areas outside the Middle East remains significant as inside Saudi Arabia. Additional pandemics of MERS-CoV are expected, and thus novel tools and reagents for therapy and diagnosis are urgently needed. Here, we used phage display to develop novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target MERS-CoV. A human Fab phage display library was panned against the S2 subunit of the MERS-CoV spike protein (MERS-S2P), yielding three unique Fabs (S2A3, S2A6, and S2D5). The Fabs had moderate apparent affinities (Half maximal effective concentration (EC50 = 123–421 nM) for MERS-S2P, showed no cross-reactivity to spike proteins from other CoVs, and were non-aggregating and thermostable (Tm = 61.5–80.4 °C). Reformatting the Fabs into IgGs (Immunoglobulin Gs) greatly increased their apparent affinities (KD = 0.17–1.2 nM), presumably due to the effects of avidity. These apparent affinities were notably higher than that of a previously reported anti-MERS-CoV S2 reference mAb (KD = 8.7 nM). Furthermore, two of the three mAbs (S2A3 and S2D5) bound only MERS-CoV (Erasmus Medical Center (EMC)) and not other CoVs, reflecting their high binding specificity. However, the mAbs lacked MERS-CoV neutralizing activity. Given their high affinity, specificity, and desirable stabilities, we anticipate that these anti-MERS-CoV mAbs would be suitable reagents for developing antibody-based diagnostics in laboratory or hospital settings for point-of-care testing.
A New Black Elderberry Dye Enriched in Antioxidants Designed for Healthy Sweets Production
Authors: Dżugan Małgorzata , Pizoń Aleksandra , Tomczyk Monika , Kapusta Ireneusz
Published: July 2019

The aim of the study was to obtain a dye from black elder fruits and flowers and to study their potential in production of jellies with high antioxidant activity. Three dyes were produced by lyophilization of aqueous extracts: (1) fruits dye (F), (2) flowers dye (FL), and (3) fruits and flowers dye (F + FL). Their polyphenol profiles were compared by means of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The antioxidant activity [ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and DPPH radicals scavenging test and total phenolics were compared by spectrophotometric methods. Jellies were produced from agar and gelatin with the addition of three obtained dyes, and their antioxidant water- and lipid soluble fractions were tested with a Photochem device. Results indicated that black elder fruits are rich in anthocyanins, especially cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (7.56 mg/g d.w.), while flowers are rich in polyphenols, especially chlorogenic acid (2.82 mg/g d.w.) and rutin (4.04 mg/g d.w.). FL dye exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to F dye (for about 30–40%), regardless of the used method, whereas F + FL dye was characterized by intermediate antioxidant activity. Jellies produced with the addition of FL dye had better antioxidant properties but unattractive color and unpleasant taste, but the use of F + FL dye created a product of favorable organoleptic properties and antioxidant activity comparable to jellies with F dye addition.
Phenol Profiling and Nutraceutical Potential of Lycium spp. Leaf Extracts Obtained with Ultrasound and Microwave Assisted Techniques
Authors: Pollini Luna , Rocchi Rachele , Cossignani Lina , Mañes Jordi , Compagnone Dario , Blasi Francesca
Published: July 2019

In recent years, agricultural and industrial residues have attracted a lot of interest in the recovery of phytochemicals used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. In this paper, a study on the recovery of phenol compounds from Lycium spp. leaves is presented. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) have been used with alcoholic and hydroalcoholic solvents. Methanolic UAE was the most successful technique for extracting phenols from Lycium leaves, and we used on leaves from L. barbarum and L. chinense cultivated in Italy. The extracts were then characterized as regards to the antioxidant properties by in vitro assays and the phenol profiling by a high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Chlorogenic acid and rutin were the main phenol compounds, but considerable differences have been observed between the samples of the two Lycium species. For example, cryptochlorogenic acid was found only in L. barbarum samples, while quercetin-3-O-rutinoside-7-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-rhamnoside only in L. chinense leaves. Finally, multivariate statistical analysis techniques applied to the phenol content allowed us to differentiate samples from different Lycium spp. The results of this study confirm that the extraction is a crucial step in the analytical procedure and show that Lycium leaves represent an interesting source of antioxidant compounds, with potential use in the nutraceutical field.
High-Performance Ni-Co Sulfide Nanosheet-Nanotubes Grown on Ni Foam as a Binder Free Electrode for Supercapacitors
Authors: Saddique Jaffer , Cheng Xiaopeng , Shi Huifeng , Wu Rui , Zhang Yuefei
Published: July 2019

The novel hierarchical Ni-Co sulfide nanosheet-nanotubes arrays were directly grown on Ni foam, as binder-free electrodes, have been successfully synthesized following a one-step facile hydrothermal method combined with a sulfide treatment. The initial value of the area capacitance achieved 2.28 F cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. A high areal capacitance retention of 95.2% compared to activation-induced peak value is achieved after 3000 charge-discharge cycles, which is much better than counter Ni-Co oxide electrode (1.75 F cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2, 93.2% retention compared to activation induced peak value). The outstanding and excellent super capacitive performance is ascribed to ion-exchange reaction, which induces a flexible hollow nanotube feature and show higher conductivity, compared with Ni-Co oxide NWs. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) results confirmed that the synthesized electrode contains the lowest resistance at high, and at lower frequency, leading to easy penetration of electrolytes and fast transportation of electrons inside the electrode. In this proposed work, a one-step hydrothermal method has been followed, and provided for the sulfide-induced, with a noticeable electrochemical performance of nickel cobaltite compounds and supplying a promising route for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes.
On Data Protection Regulations, Big Data and Sledgehammers in Higher Education
Authors: García-Vélez Roberto Agustín , López-Nores Martín , González-Fernández Gabriel , Robles-Bykbaev Vladimir Espartaco , Wallace Manolis , Pazos-Arias José J. , Gil-Solla Alberto
Published: July 2019

Universities in Latin America commonly gather much more information about their students than allowed by data protection regulations in other parts of the world. We have tackled the question of whether abundant socio-economic data can be harnessed for the purpose of predicting academic outcomes and, thereby, taking proactive actions in student attention, course planning and resource management. A study was conducted to analyze the data gathered by a private university in Ecuador over more than 20 years, to normalize them and to parameterize a Multi-Layer Perceptron neural network, whose best-performing configuration would be used as a benchmark for the comparison of more recent and sophisticated Artificial Intelligence techniques. However, an extensive scan of hyperparameters for the perceptron—exploring more than 12,000 configurations—revealed no significant relationships between the input variables and the chosen metrics, suggesting that there is no gain from processing the extensive socio-economic data. This finding contradicts the expectations raised by previous works in the related literature and in some cases highlights important methodological flaws.
Ion Selective Electrodes for Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastewater Monitoring: Effects of Ionic Strength on Selective Ions
Authors: McGaughy Kyle , Wilhelm Jay P. , Reza M. Toufiq
Published: July 2019

Ion selective electrodes (ISE) were evaluated for use in a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater monitoring system. Calcium, chloride, nitrate, and nitrite ISE’s were calibrated in a broad range of concentrations that were designed to model an actual FGD wastewater sample that was obtained from an industrial partner. Ideal Nernst, Modified Nernst, and a multiparameter regression analysis was performed for each electrode and evaluated on general fit and sensitivity at anticipated operating conditions. The Ideal Nernst equation, even with correction for ionic strength, was not able to properly model actual electrode performance. The multiparameter regression was able to model the electrode performance with relative errors of 10–25% when ionic strengths were below 0.1 M. Through the evaluation of real-time sensor usage at real conditions, a methodology of washing and sampling rate is suggested to minimize error in the readings.
Contrast Enhancement for Topographic Imaging in Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Schnitzler Lena , Finkeldey Markus , Hofmann Martin R. , Gerhardt Nils C.
Published: July 2019

The influence of the axial pinhole position in a confocal microscope in terms of the contrast of the image is analyzed. The pinhole displacement method is introduced which allows to increase the contrast for topographic imaging. To demonstrate this approach, the simulated data of a confocal setup as well as experimental data is shown. The simulated data is verified experimentally by a custom stage scanning reflective microscopy setup using a semiconductor test target with low contrast structures of sizes between 200 nm and 500 nm. With the introduced technique, we are able to achieve a contrast enhancement of up to 80% without loosing diffraction limited resolution. We do not add additional components to the setup, thus our concept is applicable for all types of confocal microscopes. Furthermore, we show the application of the contrast enhancement in imaging integrated circuits.
Peripheral Isothermal System of Heat Gain Storage for Thermal Stability in Low-Energy Buildings
Authors: Węglarz Arkadiusz , Pierzchalski Michał , Heim Dariusz
Published: July 2019

The problem of heat storage in low- or ultra-low-energy houses is becoming a crucial issue. The general purpose of this study was to determine the potential for utilising heat gain recovery in a building. The proposed solution is based on an auxiliary latent heat storage tank using paraffin RT24. The tank is connected to an integrated heat recovery system that supplies heat from the internal loop of a mechanical ventilation system. The storage capacity of the tank was determined using the proposed parameter “excess of heat gains” of the thermal zone, and was obtained by measurement. The detailed construction of the tank, the phase change material properties and the quantity were proposed. The data that was collected allowed for the calculation of the temporary charging level as well as the overall seasonal energy stored in the tank. It was shown that during the heating season, the temperature could rise above the set-up value of 20 °C by as much as 8 K at maximum. Although the analysed building was characterised by heavy construction and high thermal mass, the additional heat could be effectively stored and utilised to cover the energy demand of the zone at the level of 88 MJ/a and 208 MJ/a, depending on the airflow rate between the rooms and the heat exchanger, for 140 and 420 m3/h, respectively. The expected energy effect for a low thermal mass construction, e.g., a timber frame was much higher and the results obtained by using the numerical simulation were 116 MJ/a for 140 m3/h, and 273 MJ/a for 420 m3/h, respectively.
Soft Rehabilitation and Nursing-Care Robots: A Review and Future Outlook
Authors: Peng Zengqi , Huang Jian
Published: July 2019

Rehabilitation and nursing-care robots have become one of the prevalent methods for assistant treatment of motor disorder patients in the field of medical rehabilitation. Traditional rehabilitation robots are mostly made of rigid materials, which significantly limits their application for medical rehabilitation and nursing-care. Soft robots show great potential in the field of rehabilitation robots because of their inherent compliance and safety when they interact with humans. In this paper, we conduct a systematic summary and discussion on the soft rehabilitation and nursing-care robots. This study reviews typical mechanical structures, modeling methods, and control strategies of soft rehabilitation and nursing-care robots in recent years. We classify soft rehabilitation and nursing-care robots into two categories according to their actuation technology, one is based on tendon-driven actuation and the other is based on soft intelligent material actuation. Finally, we analyze and discuss the future directions and work about soft rehabilitation and nursing-care robots, which can provide useful guidance and help on the development of advanced soft rehabilitation and nursing-care robots.
Design of the Refurbishment of Historic Buildings with a Cost-Optimal Methodology: A Case Study
Authors: Ramos José Sánchez , Domínguez Servando Álvarez , Moreno MCarmen Pavón , Delgado MCarmen Guerrero , Rodríguez Laura Romero , Ríos José Antonio Tenorio
Published: July 2019

The transformation of existing buildings into Near Zero Energy Buildings or even positive energy buildings remains a major challenge. In particular, historic buildings are an important cultural heritage that, in most cases, may be rehabilitated and reused for new purposes. However, achieving higher efficiencies in those buildings presents many difficulties, since there is a need to preserve aesthetic values and minimize impact on the buildings’ initial construction. In this work, a roadmap that allows rehabilitating a building from the eighteenth century is developed, turning it into a landmark building, to be used as a museum in the near future. The procedure is based on 3D models using REVIT software and detailed energy simulations supported by a cost-optimal methodology. The results reveal how conventional methodologies shown in the literature may improve the energy performance of the buildings during the heating regime, but performance may deteriorate during the cooling season. For that reason, the present study includes the design of a night ventilation system which allows not only solving this problem but also to reducing the cooling demands by more than 43% with little additional costs. In conclusion, historic buildings (which traditionally have a high thermal mass) have increased thermal storage potential by using the structures of the buildings themselves as well as passive cooling techniques.
Remodeling Membrane Binding by Mono-Ubiquitylation
Authors: Tanner Neta , Kleifeld Oded , Nachman Iftach , Prag Gali
Published: July 2019

Ubiquitin (Ub) receptors respond to ubiquitylation signals. They bind ubiquitylated substrates and exert their activity in situ. Intriguingly, Ub receptors themselves undergo rapid ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation. Here we asked what is the function of ubiquitylation of Ub receptors? We focused on yeast epsin, a Ub receptor that decodes the ubiquitylation signal of plasma membrane proteins into an endocytosis response. Using mass spectrometry, we identified lysine-3 as the major ubiquitylation site in the epsin plasma membrane binding domain. By projecting this ubiquitylation site onto our crystal structure, we hypothesized that this modification would compete with phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) binding and dissociate epsin from the membrane. Using an E. coli-based expression of an authentic ubiquitylation apparatus, we purified ubiquitylated epsin. We demonstrated in vitro that in contrast to apo epsin, the ubiquitylated epsin does not bind to either immobilized PIPs or PIP2-enriched liposomes. To test this hypothesis in vivo, we mimicked ubiquitylation by the fusion of Ub at the ubiquitylation site. Live cell imaging demonstrated that the mimicked ubiquitylated epsin dissociates from the membrane. Our findings suggest that ubiquitylation of the Ub receptors dissociates them from their products to allow binding to a new ubiquitylated substrates, consequently promoting cyclic activity of the Ub receptors.
Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry and Multivariate Analysis of the De Novo Pyrimidine Pathway Metabolites
Authors: Galeano Garcia Paula , Zimmermann Barbara H. , Carazzone Chiara
Published: July 2019

In this study, we describe the optimization of a Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS) method for the evaluation of 14 metabolites related to the de novo synthesis of pyrimidines (dnSP) while using multivariate analysis, which is the metabolic pathway for pyrimidine nucleotide production. A multivariate design was used to set the conditions of the column temperature, flow of the mobile phase, additive concentration, gradient rate, and pH of the mobile phase in order to attain higher peak resolution and ionization efficiency in shorter analysis times. The optimization process was carried out while using factorial fractional designs, Box–Behnken design and central composite design while using two zwitterionic columns, ZIC-p-HILIC and ZIC-HILIC, polymeric, and silica-based columns, respectively. The factors were evaluated while using resolution (R), retention factor (k), efficiency of the column (N), and peak height (h) as the response variables. The best optimized conditions were found with the ZIC-p-HILIC column: elution gradient rate 2 min, pH 7.0, temperature 45 °C, mobile phase flow of 0.35 mL min−1, and additive (ammonium acetate) concentration of 6 mM. The total analysis time was 28 min. The ZIC-p-HILIC LC-MS method yielded satisfactory results for linearity of calibration curves, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). The method has been shown to be appropriate for the analysis of dnSP on samples of tomato plants that were infected with Phytophthora infestans.