bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of CRRT in Patients with PARDS Treated with VV-ECMO
Authors: Redant Sébastien , Barbance Océane , Tolwani Ashita , Beretta-Piccoli Xavier , Massaut Jacques , De Bels David , Taccone Fabio S. , Honoré Patrick M. , Biarent Dominique
Published: March 2021

The high mortality of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) is partly related to fluid overload. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to treat pediatric patients with severe PARDS, but can result in acute kidney injury (AKI) and worsening fluid overload. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of CRRT to ECMO in patients with PARDS is associated with increased mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective 7-year study of patients with PARDS requiring ECMO and divided them into those requiring CRRT and those not requiring CRRT. We calculated severity of illness scores, the amount of blood products administered to both groups, and determined the impact of CRRT on mortality and morbidity. Results: We found no significant difference in severity of illness scores except the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS, 45 ± 71 vs. 139 ± 251, p = 0.042), which was significantly elevated during the initiation and the first three days of ECMO. CRRT was associated with an increase in the use of blood products and noradrenaline (p < 0.01) without changing ECMO duration, length of PICU stay or mortality. Conclusion: The addition of CRRT to ECMO is associated with a greater consumption of blood products but no increase in mortality.
Factors Affecting Extracellular Vesicles Based Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Gaurav Isha , Thakur Abhimanyu , Iyaswamy Ashok , Wang Xuehan , Chen Xiaoyu , Yang Zhijun
Published: March 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play major roles in intracellular communication and participate in several biological functions in both normal and pathological conditions. Surface modification of EVs via various ligands, such as proteins, peptides, or aptamers, offers great potential as a means to achieve targeted delivery of therapeutic cargo, i.e., in drug delivery systems (DDS). This review summarizes recent studies pertaining to the development of EV-based DDS and its advantages compared to conventional nano drug delivery systems (NDDS). First, we compare liposomes and exosomes in terms of their distinct benefits in DDS. Second, we analyze what to consider for achieving better isolation, yield, and characterization of EVs for DDS. Third, we summarize different methods for the modification of surface of EVs, followed by discussion about different origins of EVs and their role in developing DDS. Next, several major methods for encapsulating therapeutic cargos in EVs have been summarized. Finally, we discuss key challenges and pose important open questions which warrant further investigation to develop more effective EV-based DDS.
Receptor-Based Pharmacophore Modeling in the Search for Natural Products for COVID-19 Mpro
Authors: Saeed Mohd , Saeed Amir , Alam Md Jahoor , Alreshidi Mousa
Published: March 2021

Considering the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a receptor-based pharmacophore model for identifying FDA-approved drugs and hits from natural products. The COVID-19 main protease (Mpro) was selected for the development of the pharmacophore model. The model consisted of a hydrogen bond acceptor, donor, and hydrophobic features. These features demonstrated good corroboration with a previously reported model that was used to validate the present model, showing an RMSD value of 0.32. The virtual screening was carried out using the ZINC database. A set of 208,000 hits was extracted and filtered using the ligand pharmacophore mapping, applying the lead-like properties. Lipinski’s filter and the fit value filter were used to minimize hits to the top 2000. Simultaneous docking was carried out for 200 hits for natural drugs belonging to the FDA-approved drug database. The top 28 hits from these experiments, with promising predicted pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, are reported here. To optimize these hits as Mpro inhibitors and potential treatment options for COVID-19, bench work investigations are needed.
Alkyl-Resorcinol Derivatives as Inhibitors of GDP-Mannose Pyrophosphorylase with Antileishmanial Activities
Authors: Levaique Hélène , Pamlard Olivier , Apel Cécile , Bignon Jérôme , Arriola Margaux , Kuhner Robin , Awang Khalijah , Loiseau Philippe M. , Litaudon Marc , Pomel Sébastien
Published: March 2021

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, affecting 12 million people around the world. Only few treatments are available against this disease and all of them present issues of toxicity and/or resistance. In this context, the development of new antileishmanial drugs specifically directed against a therapeutic target appears to be a promising strategy. The GDP-Mannose Pyrophosphorylase (GDP-MP) has been previously shown to be an attractive therapeutic target in Leishmania. In this study, a chemical library of 5000 compounds was screened on both L. infantum (LiGDP-MP) and human (hGDP-MP) GDP-MPs. From this screening, oncostemonol D was found to be active on both GDP-MPs at the micromolar level. Ten alkyl-resorcinol derivatives, of which oncostemonols E and J (2 and 3) were described for the first time from nature, were then evaluated on both enzymes as well as on L. infantum axenic and intramacrophage amastigotes. From this evaluation, compounds 1 and 3 inhibited both GDP-MPs at the micromolar level, and compound 9 displayed a three-times lower IC50 on LiGDP-MP, at 11 µM, than on hGDP-MP. As they displayed mild activities on the parasite, these compounds need to be further pharmacomodulated in order to improve their affinity and specificity to the target as well as their antileishmanial activity.
Association between Serum Concentration of Carotenoid and Visceral Fat
Authors: Matsumoto Mai , Suganuma Hiroyuki , Ozato Naoki , Shimizu Sunao , Katashima Mitsuhiro , Katsuragi Yoshihisa , Mikami Tatsuya , Itoh Ken , Nakaji Shigeyuki
Published: March 2021

Consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids has been widely reported to prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and visceral fat area (VFA), which is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular diseases than the body-mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the relationship in healthy individuals in their 20s or older, stratified by sex and age, to compare the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and VFA and BMI. The study was conducted on 805 people, the residents in Hirosaki city, Aomori prefecture, who underwent a health checkup. An inverse relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and VFA and BMI was observed only in women. In addition, the results were independent of the intake of dietary fiber, which is mainly supplied from vegetables as well as carotenoids. This suggests that consumption of a diet rich in carotenoids (especially lutein and beta-carotene) is associated with lower VFA, which is a good predictor of cardiovascular disease, especially in women. This study is the first to comprehensively evaluate the association between serum carotenoid levels and VFA in healthy individuals.
A Novel Pro-Melanogenic Effect of Standardized Dry Olive Leaf Extract on Primary Human Melanocytes from Lightly Pigmented and Moderately Pigmented Skin
Authors: Goenka Shilpi , Simon Sanford R.
Published: March 2021

Benolea® (EFLA®943) is a standardized dry olive leaf extract (DOLE) considered safe for food consumption and has demonstrated superior pharmaceutical benefits such as antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive activities. However, there is no study on its effects on melanogenesis yet. Disruption in the sequence of steps in melanogenesis can lead to hypopigmentary disorders which occur due to reduced production or export of pigment melanin in the skin. There is a need for safe and nontoxic therapeutics for the treatment of hypopigmentation disorders. Herein, we studied the effects of DOLE over a concentration range of 10–200 µg/mL on melanin synthesis and melanin secretion in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells and MNT-1 human melanoma cells and validated our results in primary human melanocytes (obtained from lightly pigmented (LP) and moderately pigmented (MP) cells) as well as their cocultures with keratinocytes. The capacity of melanocytes to export melanosomes was also estimated indirectly by the quantitation of melanocyte dendrite lengths and numbers. Our results show that DOLE significantly enhanced levels of extracellular melanin in the absence of effects on intracellular melanin, demonstrating that this plant extract’s pro-melanogenic activity is primarily based on its capacity to augment melanin secretion and stimulate melanocyte dendricity. In summary, our preliminary results demonstrate that DOLE may hold promise as a pro-pigmenting agent for vitiligo therapy and gray hair treatment by its exclusive and novel mechanism of functioning as a dendrite elongator. Further studies to elucidate the mechanisms of action of the pro-melanogenic activity and effects of DOLE on melanosome export as well as the last steps of melanogenesis are warranted.
RETRACTED: Tioconazole and Chloroquine Act Synergistically to Combat Doxorubicin-Induced Toxicity via Inactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Mediated ROS-Dependent Apoptosis and Autophagic Flux Inhibition in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: El-Gowily Afnan , Loutfy Samah , Ali Ehab , Mohamed Tarek , Mansour Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Cancer is a complex devastating disease with enormous treatment challenges, including chemo- and radiotherapeutic resistance. Combination therapy demonstrated a promising strategy to target hard-to-treat cancers and sensitize cancer cells to conventional anti-cancer drugs such as doxorubicin. This study aimed to establish molecular profiling and therapeutic efficacy assessment of chloroquine and/or tioconazole (TIC) combination with doxorubicin (DOX) as anew combination model in MCF-7 breast cancer. The drugs are tested against apoptotic/autophagic pathways and related redox status. Molecular docking revealed that chloroquine (CQ) and TIC could be potential PI3K and ATG4B pathway inhibitors. Combination therapy significantly inhibited cancer cell viability, PI3K/AkT/mTOR pathway, and tumor-supporting autophagic flux, however, induced apoptotic pathways and altered nuclear genotoxic feature. Our data revealed that the combination cocktail therapy markedly inhibited tumor proliferation marker (KI-67) and cell growth, along with the accumulation of autophagosomes and elevation of LC3-II and p62 levels indicated autophagic flux blockage and increased apoptosis. Additionally, CQ and/or TIC combination therapy with DOX exerts its activity on the redox balance of cancer cells mediated ROS-dependent apoptosis induction achieved by GPX3 suppression. Besides, Autophagy inhibition causes moderately upregulation in ATGs 5,7 redundant proteins strengthened combinations induced apoptosis, whereas inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway with Beclin-1 upregulation leading to cytodestructive autophagy with overcome drug resistance effectively in curing cancer. Notably, the tumor growth inhibition and various antioxidant effects were observed in vivo. These results suggest CQ and/or TIC combination with DOX could act as effective cocktail therapy targeting autophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and hence, sensitizes cancer cells to doxorubicin treatment and combat its toxicity.
Sex-Linked Molecular Markers Identify Female Lines in Endosperm-Derived Kiwifruit Callus and in Regenerants
Authors: Chłosta Iwona , Kwolek Dagmara , Sliwinska Elwira , Góralski Grzegorz , Popielarska-Konieczna Marzena
Published: March 2021

This is the first report of molecular markers application for the analysis of endosperm-derived callus and nonaploid kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa, formerly: Actinidia deliciosa) plants. As a source of explants, fruits of ‘Hayward’, the most popular cultivar, were used. Additionally, analyses of the nuclear DNA content and sex were conducted on the regenerated plants. Hexaploid seedlings were used as control for the flow cytometric analyses. Most of the plants (about 90%) regenerated via endosperm-derived callus possessed 2C = 9Cx DNA, which confirmed their endosperm origin and nonaploidy. Because Actinidia is a dioecious species, and female plants bearing fruits are desired by breeders, it is crucial to identify the sex of an individual at early stages of development. Analyses were conducted with ex vitro and in vitro samples. Results revealed that specific markers for a Y-chromosome applied at the callus stage allowed us to reliably predict the sex of plants regenerated from it. This is a novel application of sex-linked markers for early selection of female and male callus lines when the sex of the initial explants is still unknown, such as fresh isolated embryos and endosperm. It may have significant importance for breeding kiwifruit programs, which involve tissue culture techniques.
Effect of Foliar Micronutrients (B, Mn, Fe, Zn) on Maize Grain Yield, Micronutrient Recovery, Uptake, and Partitioning
Authors: Stewart Zachary P. , Paparozzi Ellen T. , Wortmann Charles S. , Jha Prakash Kumar , Shapiro Charles A.
Published: March 2021

Timing of micronutrient demand and acquisition by maize (Zea mays L.) is nutrient specific and associated with key vegetative and reproductive growth stages. The objective of this study was to determine the fate of foliar-applied B, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Fe/Zn together, evaluate the effect of foliar micronutrients applied at multiple rates and growth stages on maize grain yield, and determine their apparent nutrient recovery efficiency (ANR). Five Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 at five locations across Nebraska. Total dry matter was collected at 5–6 stages, and separated into leaves, stalk, and reproductive tissue as appropriate to determine micronutrient uptake, partitioning, and translocation. Foliar B, Mn, Zn, and Fe/Zn had no effect on grain yield for most application time by rate levels, though, at the foliar Mn site, there was a 19% yield increase due to a V18 application of 0.73 kg Mn ha−1 which corresponded with reduced Mn uptake in maize grown in control plots. At the foliar Zn site, there was 4.5% decrease in yield due to a split foliar application of 0.84 kg Zn ha−1 total, applied at V11 and V15 stage, which increased leaf Zn concentrations greater than the established toxic level. Only the Fe site had consistent grain yield response and was the only experiment that had visual signs of micronutrient deficiency. Regardless of application time from V6 to R2, there was a 13.5–14.6% increase in grain yield due to 0.22 kg Fe ha−1 foliar application. Most micronutrients had limited or no translocation, however, early season applications of B, prior to V10, had significant mobilization to reproductive tissues at or after VT. Foliar Mn, Zn, and B application had ANR LSmeans of 9.5, 16.9, and 2.5%, respectively, whereas the Fe/Zn mix had negative ANR LSmeans of −9.1% Fe and −1.3% Zn which indicate suppression. These data highlight the importance of confirming a micronutrient deficiency prior to foliar application, guide specific growth stages to target with specific micronutrients, track the fate of foliar-applied micronutrients, and describe the variable effect of foliar-applied micronutrients on grain yield.
Theoretical Determination of High-Energy Photon Attenuation and Recommended Protective Filler Contents for Flexible and Enhanced Dimensionally Stable Wood/NR and NR Composites
Authors: Poltabtim Worawat , Toyen Donruedee , Saenboonruang Kiadtisak
Published: March 2021

This work aimed to theoretically determine the high-energy-photon-shielding properties of flexible wood/natural rubber (NR) and NR composites containing photon protective fillers, namely Pb, Bi2O3, or Bi2S3, using XCOM. The properties investigated were the mass attenuation coefficient (µm), linear attenuation coefficient (µ), and half value layer (HVL) of the composites, determined at varying photon energies of 0.001–5 MeV and varying filler contents of 0–1000 parts per hundred parts of rubber by weight (phr). The simulated results, which were in good agreement with previously reported experimental values (average difference was 5.3%), indicated that overall shielding properties increased with increasing filler contents but decreased with increasing incident photon energies. The results implied the potential of bismuth compounds, especially Bi2O3, to replace effective but highly toxic Pb as a safer high-energy-photon protective filler, evidenced by just a slight reduction in µm values compared with Pb fillers at the same filler content and photon energy. Furthermore, the results suggested that the addition of 20 phr wood particles, primarily aimed to enhance the rigidity and dimensional stability of Pb/NR, Bi2O3/NR, and Bi2S3/NR composites, did not greatly reduce shielding abilities; hence, they could be used as dimensional reinforcers for NR composites. Lastly, this work also reported the optimum Pb, Bi2O3, or Bi2S3 contents in NR and wood/NR composites at photon energies of 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 MeV, with 316–624 phr of filler being the recommended contents, of which the values depended on filler type and photon energy of interest.
Impact of Zinc, Glutathione, and Polyphenols as Antioxidants in the Immune Response against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Pérez de la Lastra José Manuel , Andrés-Juan Celia , Plou Francisco J. , Pérez-Lebeña Eduardo
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus triggering the disease COVID-19, has a catastrophic health and socioeconomic impact at a global scale. Three key factors contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19: excessive inflammation, immune system depression/inhibition, and a set of proinflammatory cytokines. Common to these factors, a central function of oxidative stress has been highlighted. A diversity of clinical trials focused predominantly on antioxidants are being implemented as potential therapies for COVID-19. In this study, we look at the role of zinc, glutathione, and polyphenols, as key antioxidants of possible medicinal or nutritional significance, and examine their role in the antiviral immune response induced by SARS-Cov-2. An unresolved question is why some people experience chronic COVID and others do not. Understanding the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system, as well as the role of defective immune responses to disease development, would be essential to recognize the pathogenesis of COVID-19, the risk factors that affect the harmful consequences of the disease, and the rational design of successful therapies and vaccinations. We expect that our research will provide a novel perspective that contributes to the design of clinical or nutritional targets for the prevention of this pandemic.
The Prospect of Microwave Heating: Towards a Faster and Deeper Crack Healing in Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Xu Shi , Liu Xueyan , Tabaković Amir , Schlangen Erik
Published: March 2021

Microwave heating has been shown to be an effective method of heating asphalt concrete and in turn healing the damage. As such, microwave heating holds great potential in rapid (1–3 min) and effective damage healing, resulting in improvement in the service life, safety, and sustainability of asphalt pavement. This study focused on the microwave healing effect on porous asphalt concrete. Steel wool fibres were incorporated into porous asphalt to improve the microwave heating efficiency, and the optimum microwave heating time was determined. Afterwards, the microwave healing efficiency was evaluated using a semi–circular bending and healing programme. The results show that the microwave healing effect is largely determined by the steel fibre content and the mix design of the porous asphalt concrete.. Besides, the uneven heating effect of microwave contributes to an unstable damage recovery in the asphalt mixture, which makes it less efficient than induction heating. However, microwaves exhibited the ability to penetrate further into the depth of the test specimen and heat beneath the surface, indicating deeper damage recovery prospects.
Model-Based Design of Experiments for High-Dimensional Inputs Supported by Machine-Learning Methods
Authors: Seufert Philipp , Schwientek Jan , Bortz Michael
Published: March 2021

Algorithms that compute locally optimal continuous designs often rely on a finite design space or on the repeated solution of difficult non-linear programs. Both approaches require extensive evaluations of the Jacobian Df of the underlying model. These evaluations are a heavy computational burden. Based on the Kiefer-Wolfowitz Equivalence Theorem, we present a novel design of experiments algorithm that computes optimal designs in a continuous design space. For this iterative algorithm, we combine an adaptive Bayes-like sampling scheme with Gaussian process regression to approximate the directional derivative of the design criterion. The approximation allows us to adaptively select new design points on which to evaluate the model. The adaptive selection of the algorithm requires significantly less evaluations of Df and reduces the runtime of the computations. We show the viability of the new algorithm on two examples from chemical engineering.
Automated Mapping for Long-Term Analysis of Shifting Cultivation in Northeast India
Authors: Das Pulakesh , Mudi Sujoy , Behera Mukunda D. , Barik Saroj K. , Mishra Deepak R. , Roy Parth S.
Published: March 2021

Assessment of the spatio-temporal dynamics of shifting cultivation is important to understand the opportunities for land restoration. The past studies on shifting cultivation mapping of North-East (NE) India lack systematic assessment techniques. We have developed a decision tree-based multi-step threshold (DTMT) method for consistent and long-term mapping of shifting cultivation using Landsat data from 1975 to 2018. Widely used vegetation indices such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) and its relative difference NBR (RdNBR) were integrated with the suitable thresholds in the classification, which yielded overall accuracy above 85%. A significant decrease in total shifting cultivation area was observed with an overall reduction of 75% from 1975–1976 to 2017–2018. The methodology presented in this study is reproducible with minimal inputs and can be useful to map similar changes by optimizing the index threshold values to accommodate relative differences for other landscapes. Furthermore, the crop-suitability maps generated by incorporating climate and soil factors prioritizes suitable land use of shifting cultivation plots. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform was employed for automatic mapping of the shifting cultivation areas at desired time intervals for facilitating seamless dissemination of the map products. Besides the novel DTMT method, the shifting cultivation and crop-suitability maps generated in this study, can aid in sustainable land management.
Experiencing Emotions in Video-Mediated Psychological Counselling Versus to Face-to-Face Settings
Authors: Schaarschmidt Nadine , Koehler Thomas
Published: March 2021

How does using video technology influence the emotional experience of communication in psychological counselling? In this paper, the experience of emotion—as an essential factor in the communication between counsellor and client—is systematically compared for face-to-face and video formats. It is suggested that the research methodology for studying computer-mediated forms of communication links lab and (virtual) reality in an ideal way. Based on a sample of 27 cases, significant differences and their observed effect sizes are presented. The aim of this study is to investigate the emotional experience in direct and mediated interaction and thus to contribute to the systematic search for evidence as to whether and how the emotional experience in psychological counselling interviews changes during video-mediated transmission. The results suggest, among others, that negative emotions are more intense in the video format and positive emotions are intensified in the face-to-face format.
Socially Responsible Financial Products as a Contribution of Financial Institutions to Sustainable Development
Authors: Dec Paweł , Masiukiewicz Piotr
Published: March 2021

The article concerns the responsibility of financial institutions, primarily banks, for sustainable development and pro-ecological activities. The aim of the presented study is to identify the scope of activities of financial institutions in the field of sustainable development. What roles could banks have in contributing to sustainable development by offering socially responsible financial products? The authors conducted both quantitative research on a random group of Polish managers and a Delphi study on a group of several dozen experts, former members of the government, and bank presidents. The main results of the research indicate a 78% support among Polish managers for the activities of enterprises in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. More than 60% of the experts surveyed said that offering socially responsible financial products by banks is a growing trend in the economy. Moreover, two-thirds of the study’s participants think that such products are to be characterized by lower fees and margins than other standard financial products. Examples of the most frequently mentioned and expected products include those related to the development of green energy and eco-innovations or waste disposal. The results of the conducted research clearly indicate the need for financial institutions or banks to offer socially responsible financial products, which should become a part of their development strategies.
Urban Informatics in Sustainable Waste Management: A Spatial Analysis of Korea’s Informal Recycling Networks
Authors: Lee Jaehong , Han Hans , Park Jong-Yoon , Lee David
Published: March 2021

Large-scale informal recycling networks often emerge among developing economies in response to the challenges of modern urban waste accumulation. South Korea, despite its highly industrialized, developed economy, still maintains an extensive informal recycling sector made up of networks of local junk shops and individual waste pickers. As cities’ large data sources have become more widely available, the use of urban informatics in sustainable smart waste management has become more widespread. In this paper, we use geographic information system (GIS) analysis in order to uncover patterns within Korea’s informal recycling system, looking at the relationship between population demographics, waste levels, and urban planning with the prevalence of junk shops across Korea. We then interviewed junk shop owners, urban planning researchers, and government officials in order to better understand the factors that led to the coexistence of the country’s informal and formal systems of waste management and how junk shops have changed their operations over time in response to recent developments in cities’ urban fabrics. We conclude by giving suggestions for how the usage of urban informatics could increase the efficiency and sustainability of the country’s waste management systems, while also discussing the possible pitfalls of using such existing datasets for future policy decisions.
Hydrologic Performance of an Extensive Green Roof under Intense Rain Events: Results from a Rain-Chamber Simulation
Authors: Giacomello Elena , Gaspari Jacopo
Published: March 2021

The water storage capacity of a green roof generates several benefits for the building conterminous environment. The hydrologic performance is conventionally expressed by the runoff coefficient, according to international standards and guidelines. The runoff coefficient is a dimensionless number and defines the water retention performance over a long period. At the scale of single rain events, characterized by varying intensity and duration, the reaction of the green roof is scarcely investigated. The purpose of this study is to highlight how an extensive green roof—having a supposed minimum water performance, compared to an intensive one—responds to real and repetitive rain events, simulated in a rain chamber with controlled rain and runoff data. The experiment provides, through cumulative curve graphs, the behavior of the green roof sample during four rainy days. The simulated rain events are based on a statistical study (summarized in the paper) of 25 years of rain data for a specific location in North Italy characterized by an average rain/year of 1100 mm. The results prove the active response of the substrate, although thin and mineral, and quick draining, in terms of water retention and detention during intense rain events. The study raises questions about how to better express the water performance of green roofs.
Parameterization, Modeling, and Validation in Real Conditions of an External Gear Pump
Authors: Torrent Miquel , Gamez-Montero Pedro Javier , Codina Esteban
Published: March 2021

This article presents a methodology for predicting the fluid dynamic behavior of a gear pump over its operating range. Complete pump parameterization was carried out through standard tests, and these parameters were used to create a bond graph model to simulate the behavior of the unit. This model was experimentally validated under working conditions in field tests. To carry this out, the pump was used to drive the auxiliary movements of a drilling machine, and the experimental data were compared with a simulation of the volumetric behavior under the same conditions. This paper aims to describe a method for characterizing any hydrostatic pump as a “black box” model predicting its behavior in any operating condition. The novelty of this method is based on the correspondence between the variation of the parameters and the internal changes of the unit when working in real conditions, that is, outside a test bench.
Integrating SDGs in Higher Education—Case of Climate Change Awareness and Gender Equality in a Developing Country According to RMEI-TARGET Strategy
Authors: Demaidi Mona Nabil , Al-Sahili Khaled
Published: March 2021

Universities play an essential role in spreading climate change awareness. However, slight information on climate change and environmental issues had been integrated into the curricula. Moreover, minimal research had been carried out to understand university role in spreading awareness, and students level of awareness and daily behaviour towards climate change, especially in developing countries. This paper aims to investigate the aforementioned issues. An experimental study was carried out on 448 undergraduate students enrolled at An-Najah National University Palestine. The study aimed to examine students’ knowledge and daily behaviour towards climate change, and the important role the university and students’ societies play in terms of spreading and enhancing awareness. The results revealed that female and male students had a non satisfactory interest level in environmental topics and activities, and gender equality did not seem to be an issue. Moreover, female students tend to have a significantly lower level of awareness on climate change compared to male students. On the other hand, being an engineering students or a member in students’ societies had a positive impact on students’ level of awareness and especially females. The results revealed that female students who are enrolled in the engineering faculty or members of students’ societies had a significantly higher level of awareness compared to female students who are enrolled in other faculties or not members of students’ societies. In general, students had a low level of awareness regardless of gender or faculty and universities should offer undergraduate students and especially female students’ opportunities to learn more about climate change by integrating climate change topics into higher education. Moreover, universities should support extracurricular activities held by student societies, and some of these activities should be directed towards environmental and climate change issues. This study entails the activities of the Mediterranean Gender Equality Community of Practice co-created by the Mediterranean Network of Engineering Schools (RMEI), where An-Najah University is an active member, with the support of the EU TARGET project entitled ’Taking a reflexive approach to gender equality at Institutional transformation’.
Organic Amendments Boost Soil Fertility and Rice Productivity and Reduce Methane Emissions from Paddy Fields under Sub-Tropical Conditions
Authors: Haque Md Mahamudul , Datta Juel , Ahmed Tareq , Ehsanullah Md , Karim Md Neaul , Akter Mt. Samima , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Baazeem Alaa , Hadifa Adel , Ahmed Sharif , EL Sabagh Ayman
Published: March 2021

Deteriorating soil fertility and gradually decreasing rice productivity along with higher greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields have emerged as serious threats to the sustainability of rice production and food security. Rice production in the subtropical environment in Bangladesh is mostly dependent on synthetic inorganic fertilizer to maintain productivity; however, the inorganic fertilizer has negative effects on global warming. Climate-smart and resilient agricultural production systems are major concerns nowadays to meet sustainable development goals. The study was conducted to evaluate the optimum rate and source of organic amendments on rice productivity and soil fertility along with CH4 emission. A total of nine nutrient combinations were used in the study. The CH4 emission, soil redox potential (Eh), soil pH, soil nitrogen and organic carbon, available phosphorus, rice grain and straw were greatly affected by the application of different rates and sources of the nutrient. However, the soil exchangeable K content, plant height, and harvest index were not affected. Among the treatments, the application of 75% recommended fertilizer (RF) + biosolid 2 t ha−1 (T3) was the most effective and showed the superior performance in terms of available P (12.90 ppm), the number of grains panicle−1 (121), and 1000-grain weight (24.6g), rice grain, and straw yield along with the moderate CH4 emission (18.25 mg m−2h−1). On the other hand, the lowest soil Eh (−158 mV) and soil pH (6.65) were measured from the treatment T3. The finding of this study revealed that the application of 75% of RF + biosolid 2 t ha−1 can be recommended as the preferable soil amendment for boosting rice yield, reduce CH4 emissions, and sustainably maintain soil fertility. Furthermore, this finding may help to introduce preferable soil amendment doses, which will contribute to boosting rice productivity and economic turnouts of the farmers.
Quantification of the Tradeoff between Test Sensitivity and Test Frequency in a COVID-19 Epidemic—A Multi-Scale Modeling Approach
Authors: Forde Jonathan E. , Ciupe Stanca M.
Published: March 2021

Control strategies that employ real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for the diagnosis and surveillance of COVID-19 epidemic are inefficient in fighting the epidemic due to high cost, delays in obtaining results, and the need of specialized personnel and equipment for laboratory processing. Cheaper and faster alternatives, such as antigen and paper-strip tests, have been proposed. They return results rapidly, but have lower sensitivity thresholds for detecting virus. To quantify the effects of the tradeoffs between sensitivity, cost, testing frequency, and delay in test return on the overall course of an outbreak, we built a multi-scale immuno-epidemiological model that connects the virus profile of infected individuals with transmission and testing at the population level. We investigated various randomized testing strategies and found that, for fixed testing capacity, lower sensitivity tests with shorter return delays slightly flatten the daily incidence curve and delay the time to the peak daily incidence. However, compared with RT-PCR testing, they do not always reduce the cumulative case count at half a year into the outbreak. When testing frequency is increased to account for the lower cost of less sensitive tests, we observe a large reduction in cumulative case counts, from 55.4% to as low as 1.22% half a year into the outbreak. The improvement is preserved even when the testing budget is reduced by one half or one third. Our results predict that surveillance testing that employs low-sensitivity tests at high frequency is an effective tool for epidemic control.
Properties of Oligomeric Interaction of the Cytomegalovirus Core Nuclear Egress Complex (NEC) and Its Sensitivity to an NEC Inhibitory Small Molecule
Authors: Kicuntod Jintawee , Alkhashrom Sewar , Häge Sigrun , Diewald Benedikt , Müller Regina , Hahn Friedrich , Lischka Peter , Sticht Heinrich , Eichler Jutta , Marschall Manfred
Published: March 2021

Herpesviral nuclear egress is a regulated process shared by all family members, ensuring the efficient cytoplasmic release of viral capsids. In the case of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the core of the nuclear egress complex (NEC) consists of the pUL50-pUL53 heterodimer that builds hexameric lattices for capsid binding and multicomponent interaction, including NEC-associated host factors. A characteristic feature of NEC interaction is the N-terminal hook structure of pUL53 that binds to an alpha-helical groove of pUL50, thus termed as hook-into-groove interaction. This central regulatory element is essential for viral replication and shows structural–functional conservation, which has been postulated as a next-generation target of antiviral strategies. However, a solid validation of this concept has been missing. In the present study, we focused on the properties of oligomeric HCMV core NEC interaction and the antiviral activity of specifically targeted prototype inhibitors. Our data suggest the following: (i) transiently expressed, variably tagged versions of HCMV NEC proteins exert hook-into-groove complexes, putatively in oligomeric assemblies that are distinguishable from heterodimers, as shown by in vitro assembly and coimmunoprecipitation approaches; (ii) this postulated oligomeric binding pattern was further supported by the use of a pUL50::pUL53 fusion construct also showing a pronounced multi-interaction potency; (iii) using confocal imaging cellular NEC-associated proteins were found partly colocalized with the tagged core NECs; (iv) a small inhibitory molecule, recently identified by an in vitro binding inhibition assay, was likewise active in blocking pUL50–pUL53 oligomeric assembly and in exerting antiviral activity in HCMV-infected fibroblasts. In summary, the findings refine the previous concept of HCMV core NEC formation and nominate this drug-accessible complex as a validated antiviral drug target.
Knowledge, skills, and barriers to management of faecal incontinence in Australian primary care: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ng Kheng-Seong , Soares Deanne S , Koneru Sireesha , Manocha Ramesh , Gladman Marc Antony
Published: March 2021

Background

GPs play an important role in the diagnosis and management of patients with faecal incontinence (FI). However, their confidence and ability in this role are unknown.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, skills, and confidence of GPs to manage FI in primary care, and identify barriers to optimal management.

Design & setting

A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires of GPs attending health education seminars, which took place across Australian capital cities.

Method

Main outcome measures included: (i) clinical exposure to and previous training in FI; (ii) knowledge and skills in screening, diagnosing, and managing FI; and (iii) barriers and facilitators to optimising care. Associations between demographics, training and knowledge and skills were assessed.

Results

Some 1285 of 1469 GPs (87.5%) participated (mean 47.7 years [standard deviation {SD} 11.3]). The vast majority reported poor clinical exposure to (88.5%) and training in FI management (91.3%). Subjectively, 69.7% rated their knowledge and skills in screening, assessing, and treating FI as suboptimal. The most commonly reported barrier to FI care was ‘insufficient skills’ (56.1%); facilitators were improved referral pathways (84.6%) and increased training (67.9%). GPs with more training had better knowledge (odds ratio [OR] = 24.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.32 to 45.51) and skills (OR = 13.87, 95% CI = 7.94 to 24.24) in managing FI.

Conclusion

Clinical exposure to and training in FI among GPs was poor. Accordingly, knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage FI was suboptimal. GPs recognise the importance of FI and that increased training and/or education and formalisation of referral pathways may improve the care of patients with FI in primary care.
THE PROSPECT OF USING A-VINYLNAPHTHALENE FOR MODIFICATION OF WOOD MATERIALS
Authors: Nikulina N. , Dmitrenkov A. , Nikulin S. , Vlasova L. , Sannikova N.
Published: March 2021

Natural wood is the most common natural polymer material that is affordable, non-toxic and widely used in various fields of industry and construction. However, wood also has disadvantages, to eliminate which it is modified with the use of organic and inorganic agents, oligomers and polymers that can protect it from external factors. The paper studies the possibility of using such a vinylaromatic monomer as α-vinylnaphthalene for modification and protective treatment of natural birch wood. It is shown that during processing in the conductive elements of birch wood under the influence of elevated temperatures, the polymerization of α-vinyl naphthalene proceeds by a radical mechanism. However, 100 % conversion of α-vinylnaphthalene and polyvinylnaphthalene cannot be achieved. Thus, the conductive elements of natural wood contain a composite consisting of α-vinyl naphthalene and polyvinyl naphthalene. It is shown that with an increase in the content of the proposed modifier in birch wood, water absorption and swelling of wood-polymer-monomer composite samples significantly decreases. This will increase the service life of products based on modified wood. The introduction of the proposed technology for modifying low-value wood species will contribute to the conservation of forest resources and their rational use
3D-ADDITIVE BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES. THEORY AND PRACTICE
Authors: Glagolev E.
Published: March 2021

The results of the study of the theoretical foundations of the manufacture of building materials using 3D printing based on composite binders with various molding methods and their practical testing on prototypes of fine-grained concrete are presented. The principles of regulating the structure and properties of composites through the use of a mineral modifier for the construction of high-rise building objects using 3D-additive technology are considered. The influence of the characteristics of the raw material components on the properties of the obtained composite is shown. The structure formation of the hardening cement-containing system in the presence of a mineral modifier proceeds more intensively due to the high specific surface area and energy capacity of the components, which is an active mineral additive and the basis for the crystal formation of new hydrate compounds. The difference in the strength characteristics of the printed wall is due to the direction of the sample cut. Applying a breaking load along the direction of forming of a 3D printer gives a slightly higher strength than perpendicular to the direction of forming. This phenomenon can be explained by the shape of the layer after solidification of the mixture, which is an ellipse in cross section
Des-indianización y etnicidad evangélica en el piedemonte y el altiplano andinos de Jujuy. Una etnografía histórica
Authors: Espinosa Mariana
Published: March 2021

El artículo propone una etnografía histórica y comparativa sobre la primera expansión evangélica en el piedemonte y el altiplano andinos de la provincia de Jujuy, Argentina. Aunque en condiciones ecológicas y demográficas distintas, esta expansión evangélica ocurrió durante la primera mitad del siglo XX como parte del mismo proceso, en tanto fue impulsada por una corriente misionera de origen británico y posteriormente por evangelistas indígenas, en los marcos de la construcción del Estado Nación y de las economías de enclave -azucarera en el piedemonte, minera en el altiplano. El argumento central es que el encuentro de poblaciones guaraníes y collas con esta nueva religión, y el proceso de adopción de la misma, operó tendiente a un proceso de desindianización y hacia la configuración de una etnicidad evangélica.
Las competencias jurisdiccionales en el gobierno y la administración aduanera en el Río de la Plata: La comisión secreta de Francisco Ximénez de Mesa en la Real Aduana de Montevideo en 1786
Authors: Vaccani María Evangelina
Published: March 2021

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto conocer la realidad política e institucional de las Reales Aduanas del Río de la Plata. Se busca comprender el sistema político de la monarquía española a fines del siglo XVIII y principios del XIX. Se estudia la comisión secreta y por vía reservada de Francisco Ximénez de Mesa en la Real Aduana de Montevideo en 1786. Las competencias jurisdiccionales de los asuntos del Real Erario en manos del Superintendente de Real Hacienda, Francisco de Paula Sanz, permitieron organizar tal pesquisa. En1788, tras la reestructuración de la superintendencia, se retoman los informes de la comisión originando la revisión de los estados contables, llevando a la quiebra al administrador Antonio Quintana y Lasso de la Vega. Para este caso se consultaron expedientes de la sección Criminales del Archivo General de la Nación, documentación de Reales Órdenes, reglamentos y ordenanzas vinculados a la organización administrativa del ramo aduanero.
A Retrospective Audit (Paper A) and the Effects of Educational Intervention (Paper B) on Attitudes towards Inclusive Education in School Teachers
Authors: Savarimuthu Monisha Kanya , Innamuri Raviteja , Tsheringla Sherab , Shonima A V , Mammen Priya Mary , Alwinneshe Merlin , Russell Sushila , Kuppuraj Jayanthi
Published: March 2021

Aim and Objectives: Although inclusive education of children with intellectual disability is currently an accepted practice, it is often challenged by negative attitude of schoolteachers. We undertook two surveillance studies aimed atStudy A - identifying knowledge and teachers’ attitudes towards children with intellectual disability and practices of inclusive education in a semi-urban school of South India.Study B -Determining the effect of educational intervention towards attitudes on inclusive education.Method: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice surveillance questionnaires (KAP and ATPD) were given to ninety-six consenting schoolteachers in Study A and twenty schoolteachers in Study B and analyzed.Results: In Study A, the overall attitude mean indicated a favorable attitude towards the children with intellectual disability. The mean overall attitude score was 77.1 (SD: 9.58), with a normal distribution. Forty to fifty percent were aware of intellectual disability and attributed them to biological causes. Ninety-two percent agreed on the need for education and stepwise training for a child with an intellectual disability. In real-life practice, results of classroom management were inaccurate. In Study B, knowledge, attitudes and practices towards inclusive education improved with educational intervention with a positive change of 7.19% on the ATDP scale.Conclusion: These findings suggest a generally positive attitude towards intellectual disability and inclusive education. Comprehensive training programs improve knowledge and attitudes towards inclusive education.