bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Representative Population Mobility for COVID-19 Spatial Transmission in South Africa
Authors: Potgieter Arminn , Fabris-Rotelli Inger , Kimmie Zaid , Dudeni-Tlhone Nontembeko , Holloway Jenny , Janse Van Rensburg Charl , Thiede Renate , Debba Pravesh , Docrat Raeesa , Abdelatif Nada , Makhanya Sibusisiwe
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic starting in the first half of 2020 has changed the lives of everyone across the world. Reduced mobility was essential due to it being the largest impact possible against the spread of the little understood SARS-CoV-2 virus. To understand the spread, a comprehension of human mobility patterns is needed. The use of mobility data in modelling is thus essential to capture the intrinsic spread through the population. It is necessary to determine to what extent mobility data convey the same message of mobility within a region. This paper compares different mobility data sources by constructing spatial weight matrices and further compares the results through hierarchical clustering. This provides insight for the user into which data provides what type of information and in what situations a particular source is most useful.
Analysis of Heat Absorption and Collection Based on Solid Structures Collector
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Wenbin , Gao Qing , Huang Yong , Li Peizhuo , Wang Yongzhen
Published: June 2021

A solid structure, such as a road, building wall or envelop, used as a solar collector is considered an effective and new way to use renewable energy. This paper focused on the temperature characteristics of four structures exposed to sunshine: asphalt, red brick, composite cement and concrete road slab. Furthermore, the collected heat based on a hydraulic system was investigated experimentally. For the four structure slabs, their temperature differences are due to solar radiation absorption varied greatly by the material’s heat absorptance and color. Through the test, asphalt slab attained the highest temperature and had the weakest reflection among the structures. Compared with the others, the temperature of the asphalt slab was greater by 8.1%, 14.9% and 16.4% than the brick, composite cement and concrete, respectively. The reflection intensity growth ratio was defined and indicates the growth potential for absorbing radiation in the solid slab surface. From the experiments, it was concluded that a suitable selection of road materials can greatly improve the thermal absorption, conduction and penetration into the solid slab. The collected heat capability was approximately 250 W/m2 to 350 W/m2 in the natural summer condition. A black coating or a surface modification can collect more heat, reaching greater than 250 W/m2. The solar collecting heat efficiency with a surface configuration of the road slab can reach above 30% in the summer time.
Machine-Learning for Mineral Identification and Ore Estimation From Hyperspectral Imagery in Tin-Tungsten Deposits
Authors: Lobo Agustin , Garcia Emma , Barroso Gisela , Martí David , Fernandez-Turiel Jose-Luis , Ibáñez-Insa Jordi
Published: June 2021

This study aims to assess the feasibility of delineating and identifying mineral ores from hyperspectral images of tin-tungsten mine excavation faces using machine-learning classification. We compiled a set of hand samples of minerals of interest from a tin-tungsten mine and analyzed two types of hyperspectral images: 1) images acquired with a laboratory set-up under close-to-optimal conditions; and 2) scan of a simulated mine face using a field set-up, under conditions closer to those in the gallery. We have analyzed the following minerals: cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), chalcopyrite, malachite, muscovite, and quartz. Classification (Linear Discriminant Analysis, Singular Vector Machines and Random Forest) of laboratory spectra had a very high overall accuracy rate (98%), slightly lower if the 450 – 950 nm and 950 – 1780 nm ranges are considered independently, and much lower (74.5%) for simulated conventional RGB imagery. Classification accuracy for the simulation was lower than in the laboratory but still high (85%), likely a consequence of the lower spatial resolution. All three classification methods performed similarly in this case, with Random Forest producing results of slightly higher accuracy. The user’s accuracy for wolframite was 85%, but cassiterite was often confused with wolframite (user’s accuracy: 70%). A lumped ore category achieved 94.9% user’s accuracy. Our study confirms the suitability of hyperspectral imaging to record the spatial distribution of ore mineralization in progressing tungsten-tin mine faces.
Peter Chew Triangle Diagram and Application
Authors: Chew Peter
Published: June 2021

The objective of Peter Chew Triangle Diagram is to clearly illustrate the topic solution of triangle and provide a complete design for the knowledge of AI age. Peter Chew's triangle diagram will suggest a better single rule that allows us to solve any problem of topic solution of triangle problems directly, more easily and more accurately. There are two important rules for solving the topic solution of triangle today [1,2], namely the sine rule and the cosine rule. The sine rule is used to find a non-included angle when are given two sides and a non-included angle or the opposite side angle given when are given two angles and one side. The cosine rule normally is used to find the included angle when are given three sides or the third side when are given two sides and the included angle. Generally, we only think that when given two sides and an included angle, the cosine rule is used to find the third side. In fact, when two sides and one non included angle are given, the cosine rule is also more easier for finding the third side. For problem given 2 sides and an included angle, directly find the non included angle. We need to use Peter Chew rule [1] to solve this problem. Peter Chew Rule allows us to find the non included angles directly, easier and more accurately. The application of Peter Chew's triangle diagram in the PCET calculator allows the PCET calculator to directly solve any problem in the topic solution of triangle, which is easier and more accurate. The Peter Chew diagram provides a complete design of the topic solution of triangle, which can help students solve any problems in the topic solution of triangle directly, more easily, and more accurately. Apply Peter Chew diagram to the new calculator (PCET calculator) , allows the PCET calculator to solve any problems in the topic solution of triangle and solve some problem that can not solve by current online calculator such as Math Portal and Symbolab. Which can make PCET calculator effectively help the teaching of mathematics, especially when similar covid-19 problems arise in the future.
Development Aid and Export Resilience in Developing Countries: A Reference to Aid for Trade
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic, like previous major crises, such as the 2008 financial crisis, has had a severe negative impact on international trade flows. International institutions are now exploring ways to help their member states recover from the health crisis, and foster the resilience of their economies to future crises. As far as trade is concerned, institutions that deal primarily with trade matters are making effort to help their member states foster the resilience of their trade performance to future shocks. In this context, the World Trade Organization (WTO), which is the only international organization that deals with the global rules of trade between nations, has organized a series of events since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has now planned to hold in September 2021 the 2021 WTO Public Forum whose theme is "Trade Beyond COVID-19: Building Resilience". The present paper aims to contribute to this debate by examining the effect of development aid, i.e., the so-called official development aid, in particular its Aid for Trade (AfT) component, on export resilience. The resilience of exports refers to the capacity of countries' aggregate exports to resist to shocks, whether environmental or external shocks. The core argument of the analysis is that development aid would affect export resilience through its effect on productive capacities. The analysis covers 93 developing countries over the period 2002-2018. The findings indicate that total development aid flows, including both AfT flows and NonAfT flows exert a positive effect on export resilience. Among AfT components, AfT for productive capacities appears to exert a higher positive effect on export resilience than AfT for economic infrastructure and AfT for trade policy and regulation. In addition, development aid (whatever the aid variable considered) exerts the highest positive effect on export resilience in countries (such as Least developed countries - LDCs) that have the lowest level of productive capacities. These findings highlight the need for donor-countries to supply higher development aid flows, in particular AfT flows to countries such as LDCs that have low levels of productive capacities.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of Diet for a Reduction in the Severity of the Disease
Authors: Naber Tania , Purohit Sharad
Published: June 2021

Chronic kidney disease is a critical health crisis in the US, affecting about 37 million adults. Known as "the silent killer" because it is often undiagnosed until it has reached a stage of progression. Renal dysfunction causes many adverse effects to the body's biological mechanisms, such as fluid electrolyte and pH balance, blood pressure regulation, excretion of toxins and waste, vitamin D metabolism, and hormonal regulation. Many CKD patients experience hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, chronic metabolic acidosis, bone deterioration, blood pressure abnormalities, and edema. Symptoms experienced may be minimized, and the disease's progression may be slowed through an appropriate diet, which is why medical nutrition therapy is a critical aspect of the medical intervention for CKD. The current KDOQI recommendations are proposed as well as the physiological mechanisms behind the recommendations. Current biological explanations of the effects of a whole foods plant-based diet are included for possible contrast with the current renal diet. Strong evidence continues to support the importance of proper nutrition in the prevention and progression of kidney disease.
The Interim Evaluation of Training Processes: The Case of the Second Level Professional Master’s Program in Family and Community Mediation
Authors: Molgora Sara , Fusar Poli Chiara , Tamanza Giancarlo
Published: June 2021

This contribution illustrates the training evaluation system developed within the Master’s Program in Family and Community Mediation at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. This is an interim evaluation, which focuses on the training process and which considers fundamental the collaboration with the subjects of the training. The peculiarity of this work concerns the possibility of inserting research within the training process, following a logic of mutual enrichment both in terms of content and learning. The contribution illustrates in detail the outcome and the process evaluation system, defining the perspective, the objectives, and the methodology of implementation. In particular, the outcome evaluation focuses on the distal and proximal outcomes of the training, while the process analysis focuses on the dynamics within the group of participants. Although further evaluations involving different training groups and other training processes are needed, this training evaluation system allows to shed light on both the topic and the context in which training is delivered. The integration between different points of view and several levels of analysis allows the researchers to deepen the individual path of each participant as well as to have feedbacks on the progress of the training group as a whole.
Abscisic Acid and Nitrogen Showed Coordinated Action on Antioxidant System and Osmotic Adjustment to Alleviate Salinity Inhibited Photosynthetic Potential in Brassica juncea L.
Authors: Majid Arif , Rather Bilal A. , Masood Asim , Khan Nafees A.
Published: June 2021

The present study assessed the effect of abscisic acid (ABA; 25 µM) and/or nitrogen (N; 10 mM) in minimization of salinity (NaCl; 100mM)-impact on growth, photosynthetic efficiency, Rubisco activity, nitrogen and sulfur assimilation, oxidative stress (H2O2), lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, (TBARS), osmolyte (Proline) content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD glutathione reductase, GR; ascorbate peroxidase, APX) in cultivar RH0-749 of Brassica juncea L. NaCl stress caused significant elevations in H2O2 and TBARS, and differentially modulated proline content, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and impaired growth and photosynthetic functions. Exogenously applied 25 µM ABA negatively affected plant growth and photosynthesis in B. juncea without NaCl. In contrast, exogenously applied 25 µM ABA and 10 mM N, alone or in combination minimized oxidative stress, and maintained a fine-tuning between proline content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and thereby improved plant growth and photosynthetic functions in NaCl exposed B. juncea.
Intake of the Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame-Potassium Alone and in Combination with a High-Fat Diet Leads to Differential and Sex-Specific Effects on Metabolic Function in Mice
Authors: Bridge-Comer Pania E , Vickers Mark H. , Reynolds Clare M.
Published: June 2021

Sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with metabolic dysfunction, particularly in those with increased risk factors. Artificial sweeteners (AS) are often promoted as a healthier alternative, yet findings remain conflicting as to their effects on metabolic function. Further, there is a lack of data exploring the interaction between AS and high-fat diets (HFD). We therefore examined the effects of HFD and the AS Acesulfame-potassium (Ace-K) on glucose intolerance and adipose tissue physiology in male and female C57BL/6 mice. 40 mice were randomised to receive either a) a control diet (CDCon; standard control diet/water), b) control diet and Ace-k (CDAS; CD/7.5mM AS in drinking water), c) HFD (HFCon; HFD (45%kcal from fat)/water), or d) HF and AS (HFAS; HFD/7.5mM AS in drinking water) for 6 weeks. A HFD increased body weight in male and female mice independently of AS supplementation. AS induced sex-specific effects protecting against HFD-induced hyperglycaemia and adipocyte hypertrophy in male mice and reducing inflammatory gene expression in the adipose tissue. Conversely in females, AS induced hyperinsulinemia in HFD mice and increased expression of immune-related genes. These findings suggest that supplementation of HFD with AS exacerbates metabolic dysfunction in female mice. This work supports the importance of studying sexually dimorphic responses to an altered nutritional environment and highlights the need for further investigation into the intake of AS, particularly in those already at risk of metabolic disease such as the obese or overweight.
A Comprehensive Biological and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Humic and Fulvic Acids Nanoparticles as a Perspective Drug
Authors: Uspenskaya Elena V. Valer'evna , Pleteneva Tatiana Vadimovna , Grebennikova Tatiana Vladimirovna , Kazimova Ilaha Vagifovna , Fedyakina Irina Timofeevna , Lebedeva Varvara Victorovna , Latyshev Oleg Evgen'evich , Eliseeva Olesia Vasil'evna , Larichev Viktor Filippovich , Garaev Timur Mansurovich , Maximova Tatiana Vladimirovna , Morozova Mariya Andreevna , Hang Pham My , Syroeshkin Anton Vladimirovich
Published: June 2021

This work presents the results of a comprehensive physico-chemical and biological study of hu-mic substances samples – an extract of humic and fulvic acids. The performed loss on drying test showed a 22 times different dry matter content between EHS and FA. The morphology and dis-tribution of particles in the dry residue of the samples assessed using the methods of optical and digital microscopy demonstrated differences in the qualitative features of the microstructures of their surfaces and granulometries. Shimadzu X-ray fluorescence spectrometry revealed Si (8.1 and 1.7%), P (33.5 and 2.7%), S (4.3 and 59.5%), K (1.35 and 2.5%), Ca (10.9 and 3.2%), Mn (0.27 and 0.06%), Fe (11 and 0.05%), Cu (0.16 and 0.45%), Zn (0.06 and 0.02%) in the dry residues of the EHS and FA samples, respectively. A high intensity of the X-ray fluorescence signal for Fe atoms in the EHS sample was demonstrated. The FT-IR spectra for EHS and FA are characterized by simi-lar vibration frequencies that are characteristic of the chromone derivatives (1-benzopyran-4-one). The UV absorption spectrum is characterized by max = 281 nm for FA. The EHS solution showed a fluorescence maximum at em = 560 nm at ex = 280 nm. Using the DLS method, nanoparticles of 1 nm and 200 nm were detected in EHS and FA diluted solutions, which are likely to condition the biochemical and physical properties of humic acids. Using the Spiro-tox-test method, the absence of the toxic effect of humic acids on the cell model of ciliates Sp. am-bigua was established. When the cell model was incubated in a solution of a toxicant of the fluo-roquinolone group, a decrease in toxicity was demonstrated when diluted with the EHS solu-tion. The results of the study of the antiviral activity of EHS and FA showed that the study ob-jects in the culture of Vero-E6 cells, in doses non-toxic to cells, suppress the reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus both in the study of the virucidal effect and in the study of the antiviral activ-ity according to the therapeutic and prophylactic model scheme of injection. The results obtained suggest that standardized drugs based on humic acids may open up new perspectives in their biomedical application as antiviral drugs.
Effects of Traditional and Modern Post-Harvest Withering Processes on the Composition of the Vitis v. Corvina Grape and the Sensory Profile of Amarone Wines
Authors: Tomasi Diego , Lonardi Andrea , Boscaro Davide , Nardi Tiziana , Marangon Christine Mayr , De Rosso Mirko , Flamini Riccardo , Lovat Lorenzo , Mian Giovanni
Published: June 2021

In the Valpolicella area (Verona - Italy) Vitis vinifera cv. Corvina is the main grape variety used to produce Amarone wine. Before starting the winemaking process, the Corvina grapes are stored in a withering (i.e., dehydrating) warehouse until about 30% of the berry weight is lost (WL). This practice is followed to have the chemical metabolites concentrate in the berry and enrich the Amarone wine in aroma and antioxidant compounds. In compliance with the guidelines and strict Amarone protocol set by the Consorzio of Amarone-Valpolicella, withering must be carried out by setting the grapes in a suitable environment, either under controlled relative air humidity (RH) conditions and wind speed (WS) – no temperature modification is to be applied – or, following the traditional methods, in open-air natural environmental conditions. In general, the two processes have different dehydration kinetics due to the different conditions in terms of temperature, RH, and WS, which affect the accumulation of sugars and organic acids and the biosynthesis of sec-ondary metabolites such as stilbenes and glycoside aroma precursors. For this study, the two grape-withering processes were carried out under controlled (C) and not-controlled (NC) condi-tions and the final compositions of the Corvina dried grapes were compared also to evaluate the effects on the organoleptic characteristics of Amarone wine. The findings highlighted differences between the two processes mainly in terms of the secondary metabolites of the dried grapes, which affect the organoleptic characteristics of Amarone wine.
Validation of the Global Environmental Multiscale Model (GEM) for Iran
Authors: Mohammadlou Mohammad , Bahremand Abdolreza , Princz Daniel , Kinar Nicholas , Razavi Saman
Published: June 2021

The Global Environmental Multiscale Model (GEM) is an integrated forecasting and data assimilation system developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The model is currently in operational use for data assimilation and forecasting at global 25 km to 15 km scales; regional 10 km scales over North America; and 2.5 km scales over Canada. To demonstrate the performance of the GEM model for forecasting applications, global forecast outputs of GEM at the 25 km scale were compared to temperature and precipitation datasets collected over an area of 1,648,000 km2 especially representative of the country of Iran on a daily temporal scale. Using the De Martonne method for climate classification and data from 177 meteorological stations, the country of Iran was classified into three zones: an arid zone with 87 stations; a semi-arid zone with 63 stations; and a humid zone with 27 stations. GEM model outputs were compared to observations in each of these demarcated zones. The results show good agreement between modelled and measured daily temperatures with Kling-Gupta efficiencies of 0.76, 0.71 and 0.78 in arid, semi-arid and humid regions respectively, and a moderate agreement between modelled and measured annual precipitation with 50.06%, 35.6% and 15.38% differences in arid, semi-arid and humid regions, respectively. The results also indicate that there is a significant systematic error between the elevation of the stations and the average elevation of corresponding GEM grid cells (13%). The results provide an evaluation of the model performance for Iran to be utilized for climate change applications in a regional context and can serve as a basis for the development of future high-resolution GEM model versions on a global scale.
Evidence-based precision nutrition improves clinical outcomes by analyzing human and microbial molecular data with artificial intelligence
Authors: Connell Janelle , Toma Ryan , Ho Cleo , Shen Nan , Moura Pedro , Le Tiep , Cai Ying , Tanton Damon , Banavar Guruduth , Vuyisich Momchilo
Published: June 2021

Background

Current dietary recommendations are often generalized, conflicting, and highly subjective, depending on the source biases. This results in confusion, skepticism, and frustration in the general population.
Methods

We have developed an objective, integrated, automated, algorithmic approach to diet and supplement recommendations that is powered by artificial intelligence that analyzes individualized molecular data from the gut microbiome, the human host, and their interactions. This platform enables precise, personalized, and data-driven nutritional recommendations that consist of foods and supplements, based on the individual molecular data, to establish and maintain healthy homeostasis.
Results

We describe the application of our precision nutrition technology platform to populations with depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In a blinded interventional study, we provided the study participants with precision nutritional recommendations and observed improvements in clinical outcomes by 36% in severe cases of depression, 40% in severe cases of anxiety, 38% in severe cases of IBS, and more than 30% in the T2D risk score that was validated against clinical measurements of HbA1c.
Conclusion

Our AI-driven precision nutrition program achieved statistically significant improvements in clinical outcomes of depression, anxiety, IBS, and type 2 diabetes. These data support the integration of precision food and supplements into the standard of care for these chronic conditions.
A Comparative Empirical Analysis of 21 Machine Learning Algorithms for Real-World Applications in Diverse Domains
Authors: Nti Isaac Kofi , Aning Justice , Ayawli Beklisi Ben Kwame , Frimpong Kyeremeh , Appiah Albert Yaw , Nyarko-Boateng Owusu
Published: June 2021

The application of computational methods like Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in several fields has recently received increased attention from academicians and field professionals. However, the availability of several of these computational techniques requires expertise to make the right choice. In making things easy for non-experts and inexperienced practitioners to make a suitable choice, some studies sought to compare the performance of different ML algorithms (MLAs) in solving problems in unique fields. However, most of the previous studies were domain centered on a handful of MLAs, which does not give a fairground for all-inclusive comparative analysis. Also, many of these studies compared MLAs for classification tasks to the best of our knowledge without considering the same MLAs performance for regression problems. This paper examines the performance of twenty-one (21) MLAs for classification and regression tasks based on six datasets from different domains. Empirically we compare their prediction results based on accuracy, balanced accuracy, F-score, Area Under the Curve (AUC), root mean square error, r-squared and adjusted r-squared. The random forest algorithm gave a consistent performance across all the six datasets in classification and regression tasks. However, on average, the XGBoost outperformed all MLAs applied in this study. The dummy algorithm and the linear regression were more moderate than the rest of the applied MLAs in computational complexity. Nevertheless, the overall study outcome shows that MLAs algorithms efficiently solve everyday challenges in elections outcome, financial fraud, network intrusion detection, meteorological forecast and heart diseases discovery; but their performance varies across domains and dataset dimensions.
Prevalence and Types of Bacteria Associated With Ocular Infections of Patients Visiting the Optometry Clinic of Federal University of Technology Owerri
Authors: Ogu Anastasia NneNna , Okereke Josephat N , Anyadoh-Nwadike Sylvia O , Ogwunga Chukwunonyerem Chika
Published: June 2021

The prevalence and types of bacteria associated with ocular infections were studied using swab samples from ocular infected patients attending the Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri clinic. A total of fifty specimens were collected from patients comprising fourteen males and thirty-six females with ocular infections and analyzed aseptically in the Biotechnology laboratory within thirty minutes of collection. The samples were maintained on peptone broth in test tubes and about 1 ml of the overnight peptone broth culture was transferred into sterile petri dishes containing the culture media (nutrient, blood and macConkey agar). Standard microbiological and biochemical protocols were used for isolation, characterization and identification of the bacterial isolates. All specimens had bacterial growth. Fifty-seven bacterial isolates; 35 Gram positive and 22 Gram negative bacteria were identified. These fell into twelve species; Bacillus sp., Corynebacterium sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus sp., Klebsiella sp., Citrobacter sp., Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria sp. and Neisseria sp. The predominant bacterial species isolated was Bacillus sp. 17 (29.8%) while Streptococcus sp., Listeria sp., and Neisseria sp. were the least with 1 (1.8%) each. The prevalence rate of bacteria was higher among the female gender within the age group 21 -30 years. The burden of bacterial infections of the eyes is high. The prevalence and types of bacteria may not be exactly the same in every part of the world. To mitigate the burden of ocular infections, physicians need to comply with etiologic approach of diagnosis and treatment regimen.
Activators of Alpha Synuclein Expression Identified by Reporter Cell Line-based High Throughput Drug Screen
Authors: Stahl Fabian , Denner Philip , Piston Dominik , Evert Bernd , Schmitt Ina , Breuer Peter , Wüllner Ullrich
Published: June 2021

Multiplications, mutations and dysregulation of the alpha synuclein gene (SNCA) are associated with the demise of dopaminergic neurons and are considered to play important roles in the pathogenesis of familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson’s disease. Regulation of SNCA expression might thus be an appropriate target for treatment. We aimed to identify specific modulators of SNCA transcription, generated CRISPR/Cas9 modified SNCA-GFP-luciferase (LUC) genomic fusion- and control cell lines and screened a library of 1649 bioactive compounds, including the FDA approved drugs. We found no inhibitors but three selective activators which increased SNCA mRNA and protein levels.
Flavour-selective localization in interacting lattice fermions via SU(N) symmetry breaking
Authors: Tusi Daniele , Franchi Lorenzo , Livi Lorenzo , Baumann Karla , Benedicto-Orenes Daniel , Re Lorenzo Del , Barfknecht Rafael , Zhou Tianwei , Inguscio Massimo , Cappellini Giacomo , Capone Massimo , Catani Jacopo , Fallani Leonardo
Published: June 2021

A large repulsion between particles in a quantum system can lead to their localization, as it happens for the electrons in Mott insulating materials. This paradigm has recently branched out into a new quantum state, the orbital-selective Mott insulator, where electrons in some orbitals are predicted to localize, while others remain itinerant. We provide a direct experimental realization of this phenomenon, that we extend to a more general flavour-selective localization. By using an atom-based quantum simulator, we engineer SU(3) Fermi-Hubbard models breaking their symmetry via a tunable coupling between flavours, observing an enhancement of localization and the emergence of flavour-dependent correlations. Our realization of flavour-selective Mott physics opens the path to the quantum simulation of multicomponent materials, from superconductors to topological insulators
Effect of the Properties of Cordierite Support and Catalyst Slurry on the Catalytic Degradation of Toluene by Monolith Catalyst
Authors: Liang Wenjun , Li Qinglei , Ren Sida , Yin Guobin
Published: June 2021

Monolithic catalysts are widely used in industrial catalysis. However, in the preparation of monolithic catalyst, the most important catalyst coating has the problems of low upload rate and poor uniformity. In the present work, the effects of acid treatment of carrier on the upload rate and the effects of size of slurry and dispersant on the uniformity of coating were investigated. The weight loss rate and water absorption rate of cordierite, slurry stability, coating upload rate and catalytic performance were also tested. Characterization analysis was carried out by means of BET, SEM, Zeta potential, the laser grain-size analyzer. The results showed that the optimal performance of cordierite carrier could be obtained by heating the cordierite carrier with 20% HCl for 3 h; the water absorption rate could increase for more than 48.0%, and the upload rate could reach 14.5%. Pearson test showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between water absorption rate and upload rate. It was also found that reducing the particle size of the slurry (1.47 microns) and adding 4% dispersant PAA could effectively improve the stability of the suspension and the uniformity of the coating. When 20% HCl was used to pretreat, the toluene catalytic activity of the monolith catalyst prepared by cordierite increased, in which T10 and T90 both increased for about 5 ℃. At the same time, reducing particle size and adding dispersant could also promote the catalytic degradation efficiency to a certain extent.
Exosomes From ADSCs Attenuate Bleomycin-Induced Skin Fibrosis And Oxidative Stress In Scleroderma Via Circ-Zfyve9 Delivery
Authors: Zhu Zhidong , Tang Hui , Zhu Yiqi , Wang Hao , Shen Yanyun
Published: June 2021

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is autoimmune trait affecting several organs, which is identified by thickening of dermis and connective tissue affected by collagen accumulation, as well as vascular injuries inducing hypoxia. Methods: In this investigation, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were separated from the ADSC exosomes and a bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model was constructed. We employed high-throughput sequencing to study abnormal expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in SSc skin tissues with or without ADSC exosome treatment. The regulatory mechanism and targets were studied using bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporting analysis, angiogenic differentiation experiments, and RT-qPCR detection. Results: ADSC exosome treatment prevented dermal thickening and fibrosis in bleomycin-induced scleroderma. In addition, circ-Zfyve9 was demonstrated to have an important function in ADSC exosome-mediated skin tissue protection. GPX4 and miR-135 were shown to be circ-Zfyve9 downstream targets. Overexpressing miR-135 or downregulating GPX4 reversed circ-Zfyve9 promotion effects rupon angiopoiesis by promoting lipidosome ROS in EPCs under hypoxic conditions. Overexpressing miR-135 or downregulating GPX4 reversed the circ-Zfyve9 inhibition effect on fibrosis in myofibroblasts under hypoxic conditions. Overexpressing circ-Zfyve9 increased the therapeutic effect of ADSC exosomes. Conclusions: Taken together, the present study results show that the exosomes from ADSCs attenuate bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis and oxidative stress in scleroderma via circ-Zfyve9 delivery.
From a “Terrifying Challenge” to a “Professional Revelation” - Implementing Motivational Interviewing through Participatory Action Research
Authors: Langlois Sophie , Goudreau Johanne
Published: June 2021

BackgroundMotivational Interviewing (MI) is a humanistic and evidence-based counseling approach within primary care. However, MI rarely translates to clinical practice that follows the usual introductory training programs; a lack of evidence regarding its implementation persists today. A participatory action research was conducted to (1) facilitate and describe the clinicians’ professional transformation through interprofessional communities of practice on motivational interviewing (ICP-MI), and (2) explore the contribution of ICP-MI in transforming their daily practices. This article addresses the first objective. MethodsData collection involved the principal investigator’s research journal, participant observation of four ICP-MIs (76 hours, 16 clinicians), and four appraisal focus groups. A general inductive approach was used for qualitative data analysis. ResultsFindings describe the four processes of MI implementation in primary care as motivational endeavors: ambivalence, introspection, experimentation, and mobilization. The clinicians were initially ambivalent with respect to MI implementation, taking into consideration the significant challenges involved. After introspecting previous practices, they realized the limits of their clinician-centered counseling approach, which consolidated their engagement in ICP-MI. Thus, the experimentation of MI implementation initiatives in the workplace followed and enabled clinicians to witness the feasibility and effectiveness of MI. Finally, the clinicians were intrinsically mobilized to ensure MI sustainability in their practices. Two categories of influencing factors were reported. Intrinsic factors included personal traits, and perception about MI as a clinical priority. Extrinsic factors related to organizational support that was crucial in providing the appropriate resources and supporting the clinicians’ implementation efforts. Results are discussed according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).ConclusionsAs described in a fragmented manner in previous studies, MI implementation processes and influencing factors are presented in our study as integrated findings; we also suggest innovative avenues for future research projects. Considerations in elaborating effective training programs are highlighted, especially when it comes to providing motivational and organizational support to succeed at MI implementation within primary care.
Development of a Non-stationary Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (NSPEI) for Drought Monitoring in a Changing Climate
Authors: Bazrafshan Javad , Cheraghalizadeh Majid , Shahgholian Kokab
Published: June 2021

In a changing climate, drought indices as well as drought definitions need to be revisited, because some statistical properties, such as long-term mean, of climate series may change over time. The study aims to develop a Non-stationary Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (NSPEI) for reliable and robust quantification of drought characteristics in a changing environment. The proposed indicator is based on a non-stationary log-logistic probability distribution, assuming the location parameter of the distribution is a multivariable function of time and climate indices, as covariates. The optimal non-stationary model was obtained using a forward selection method in the framework of Generalized Additive Models in Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) algorithm. The Non-stationary and Stationary forms of SPEI (i.e. NSPEI and SSPEI) were calculated using the monthly precipitation and temperature data of 32 weather stations in Iran for the common period of 1964–2014. The results showed that almost at all the stations studied, the non-stationary log-logistic distributions outperformed the stationary one. Both drought indicators SSPEI and NSPEI significantly differed in terms of spatial and temporal variations of drought characteristics. While SSPEI identified the long-term and continuous drought/wet events, NSPEI revealed the short-term and frequent drought/wet periods at almost all the stations of interest. Finally, it was revealed that NSPEI, compared to SSPEI, was a more reliable and robust indicator of drought duration and drought termination in vegetation cover during the severest drought period (the 2008 drought), and therefore, was suggested as a suitable drought index to quantify drought impact on vegetation cover in Iran.
The Abnormal Distribution of Peripheral B1 Cells and Transition B Cells in Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: TANG QUAN , CEN ZHIHONG , LU JING , DONG JINGWEI , QIN LIN , LU FEIYU , WU WEIFENG
Published: June 2021

Background The aberrant distribution of peripheral B cell subsets is associated with the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, the distribution of peripheral B cell subsets in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has yet to elucidated. Methods Twenty-seven idiopathic DCM patients (DCM group), 18 heart failure controls (HF group) and 21 healthy individuals (HC group) were included in this study. Peripheral B cell subsets were analyzed by multi-color flow cytometry. Level of plasma β1 cholinergic receptor (β1-AR) autoantibody was assayed by ELISA. Additionally, clinical features were also collected. Results Compared with HF and HC groups, the percentage of B1 cells were significantly decreased, whereas the percentage of transitional B cells (Tr) were significantly increased in DCM group. Notably, the percentage of B1 cells was significantly lower in patients with β1-AR autoantibody positive DCM compared with β1-AR autoantibody negative patients. Correlation analysis showed that the percentage of B1 cells was negatively correlated with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and positively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with DCM.Conclusions The study showed that B1 cells in peripheral blood of patients with idiopathic DCM were abnormally decreased, especially in those β1-AR autoantibody positive patients, while Tr cells are significantly increased, indicating that B1 cells and Tr cells may be implicated in the pathogenesis of idiopathic DCM.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bi2O3 NPS and Photocatalytic Application with Methylene Blue
Authors: S.A Fowziya Shaik Ali , Marzouqi Faisal Al , M Ragamathunnisa , M Ismail Fathima , R. Mohamed Jahangir A. , A Ayeshamariam , K Kaviyarasu
Published: June 2021

Nanoparticles of bismuth oxide were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal process which included Bismuth (III) nitrate (Bi(NO3)3.6H2O), sodium hydroxide(NaOH) and Nitric acid(HNO3) without further purification along with ultra-pure water. To investigate the structural, optical, and photocatalytic activity of two samples (1:5) and (1:6) respectively with two different NaOH precipitating agent molar ratios. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis’s spectrometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photo electron Spectroscopy (XPS). Based on the obtained results the hydrothermally synthesized Bi2O3 NPs exhibit good efficiency to photocatalytic degradation of Methylene blue under the irradiation of LED white light.
Rare by Natural Selection: Tunable Disulfide-bonded Supramolecular Antimicrobials Peptides
Authors: Engelberg Yizhaq , Ragonis-Bachar Peleg , Landau Meytal
Published: June 2021

Short helical antimicrobial peptides forming inter-molecular disulfide bonds are selected against in nature, and were utilized here to design switchable antimicrobials via the formation of functional supramolecular fibrils. Specifically, using the available structural information on the stable fibril-forming human LL-37(17-29), we designed cysteine mutations and demonstrated position-dependent controllable antibacterial activity, mediated by their disulfide-dependent self-assembly into ordered fibrils, which proved sensitive to reducing conditions. The crystal structure of the LL-37(17-29) bearing a I24C substitution, located in a critical structural position, revealed disulfide-bonded dimers that further assembled into a fibrillar structure of densely packed helices. The native and mutant peptides both featured a fibril surface with zigzagged hydrophobic and positively charged belts, which likely underlie interactions with bacterial membranes. Yet, they differed in their helical packing arrangement, which corresponded with different levels of activity, with only the mutant being susceptible to reducing conditions. The presented findings promise to advance the design of novel antimicrobials resistant to harsh conditions for coating of surfaces susceptible to pathogens.
Incomplete Genome Doubling Enables to Consistently Enhance Plant Growth for Maximum Biomass Production by Altering Multiple Transcript Co-Expression Networks in Potato
Authors: Zhao Kanglu , Jin Nengzhou , Madadi Meysam , Wang Youmei , Wu Lei , Xu Zhijun , Wang Jinxuan , Dong Jing , Tang Shang-wen , Wang Yanting , Peng Liangcai , Xiong Zhiyong
Published: June 2021

Polyploidization is an important approach in crop breeding for agronomic trait improvement, especially for biomass production. Cytochimera contains two or more mixed cells with different levels of ploidy, which is considered a failure in whole genome duplication. Using colchicine treatment with diploid (Dip) potato (Solanum chacoense) seedlings, this study generated tetraploid (Tet) and cytochimera (Cyt) lines, which respectively contained complete and partial cells with genome duplication. Compared to the Dip potato, we observed remarkably enhanced plant growth and biomass yields in Tet and Cyt lines. Notably, the Cyt potato straw, which was generated from incomplete genome doubling, was of significantly higher biomass yield than that of the Tet with a distinctively altered cell wall composition. Meanwhile, we observed that one layer of the tetraploid cells (about 30 %) in Cyt plants was sufficient to trigger a gene expression pattern similar to that of Tet, suggesting that the biomass dominance of Cyt may be related to the proportion of different ploidy cells. Further genome-wide analyses of co-expression networks indicated that down-regulation (against Dip) of spliceosomal-related transcripts might lead to differential alternative splicing for specifically improved agronomic traits such as plant growth, biomass yield and lignocellulose composition in Tet and Cyt plants. In addition, this work examined that the genome of Cyt line was relatively stable after years of asexual reproduction. Hence, this study has demonstrated that incomplete genome doubling is a promising strategy to maximize biomass production in potato and beyond.
Study of Separately and in Combination Impacts of Zinc-Oxide and Multiwall-Carbon-Nanotube on the Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium Nipponense De Haan, 1849), in Laboratory Condition
Authors: Tavabe Kamran Rezaei , Kuchaksaraei Bahareh Samadi , Javanmardi Sina , Sivaji Divya
Published: June 2021

Nanomaterials (NMs) have settling behavior and accumulate in the benthic area of the aquatic ecosystems. Because of deposit-omnivorous feeding behavior of decapod crustaceans, these order species are appropriate biological models to assay NMs eco-toxicological effects. The present study evaluated the toxicity effects of ZnO and MWCNTs nanomaterials as separately and in combination on antioxidant enzymes activities, CHH hormone, hematology, reproductive performance, and hepatopancreas lesions of the Macrobrachium nipponense. The study was carried out in two stages. At the first experiment, concentrations of ZnO (0, 1, 10, 30, 50 mg/L) and MWCNTs (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 mg/L) were assayed then at the second experiment, two higher concentrations of the NMs in the first stage were compared in combined treatments. The experimental tanks (500 l RAS system) were stocked 12 females and four males during 60 days. Both NMs showed dose-dependent toxicity effects on M. nipponense reproductive parameters and especially eggs fertilization rate. Also, the results depicted that by increasing the NMs concentrations, inter-molt and inter-spawn periods were postponed so that in 50 ppm ZnO and 15 and 50 ppm MWCNTs treatments reproduction activities were stopped. The findings showed that CHH hormone release and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity have direct relations to the NMs levels independently and in combination. Also, the results demonstrated that large granular hemocyte (LGH) deal with NMs detoxification in decapod crustacean’s hemolymph mainly. The NMs did not show any effect on ALT and AST enzymes activities in muscle tissue independently, but the NMs combined effects on these enzymes activities were significant. Also, the NMs caused hepatocyte enlargement, melanization, apoptosis, and necrosis damages in the hepatopancreas. The findings showed that ZnO and MWCNTs NMs have strongly adverse effects on M. nipponense, and this species is an appropriate bio-indicator and bio-monitor organism for NMs contaminations in the freshwater aquatic environments.
Dormant Sprigging of Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass
Authors: Zhang Juming , Richardson Michael , Karcher Douglas , McCalla John , Mai Jingwen , Luo Hanfu
Published: June 2021

Many bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) and zoysiagrass (Zoysia sp.) cultivars are not available as seed and are commonly planted vegetatively using sprigs, especially for sod production or in sand-based systems. Sprig planting is typically done in late spring or early summer, but this can result in an extended grow-in period and delay the use of the turf in the first growing season. The objective of this study was to determine if sprigs of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass could be planted earlier in the year, during the dormancy phase, to hasten establishment. A field study was carried out in Fayetteville, AR, in 2014 and 2016 using ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × Cynodon transvaalensis) and ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica), and in Guangzhou, China, in 2015, using ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass and ‘Lanyin III’ zoysiagrass (Z. japonica). Sprigs were planted in March (dormant), May (spring) and July (summer) in Fayetteville, and in January (dormant), March (spring) and May (summer) in Guangzhou. Sprigging rates of 30, 60, and 90 m3·ha−1 were tested at both locations and across all planting dates. Bermudagrass was less affected by planting date, with dormant, spring or summer plantings effectively establishing full cover in the first growing season. Zoysiagrass that was sprigged in the dormant season was successfully established by the end of the first growing season while a full zoysiagrass cover was not achieved with either spring or summer plantings in Arkansas. Dormant sprigging reached full coverage as fast or faster than traditional spring or summer planting dates at both locations, indicating that bermudagrass and zoysiagrass establishment can be achieved earlier in the growing season using dormant sprigging methods.