bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between ALFPm3 single nucleotide polymorphism and white spot syndrome virus resistance in black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon
Authors: Pooljun C , Jariyapong P , Direkbusarakom S , Saeng-ngern S , Sakamoto T , Wuthisuthimethavee S
Published: October 2020

Here single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) resistance in black tiger shrimpPenaeus monodon. SNPs were identified by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) screening and DNA sequencing of shrimp sampled from 3 families (100 shrimp per family) challenged with WSSV. Shrimp that died over the 14 d challenge trial were designated susceptible, with those remaining alive on Day 14 designated resistant. To compare SNPs, 10 samples from the susceptible and resistant groups, each comprising DNA pooled from 3 shrimp, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers to 12 selected genes and screened by SSCP. SNPs were only identified in the anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 3 (ALFPm3) gene product. Analysis of complete ALFPm3 gene sequences confirmed the existence of 3 SNPs (g.934C>G, g.1186A>G, and g.1898C>G) that were polymorphic between the susceptible and resistant groups. Further analyses using specific tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR primer sets associated these 3 SNPS, and particularly the g.1186A>G SNP, with WSSV resistance. This SNP thus has potential for use as a DNA marker to select for WSSV resistance inP. monodonbreeding programs.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN RELIGIOSITY AND SELF-EFFICACY IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: Wantiyah Wantiyah , Putri Rivani Firda Romadhonia , Hakam Mulia
Published: October 2020

Background: In managing life with coronary artery disease, having self-efficacy is considered important. Self-efficacy reduces risk factors for coronary artery disease by encouraging the self-control process. The involvement of religiosity aspects can be a motivation to increase self-efficacy in maintaining an individual’s health status.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the correlation between religiosity and self-efficacy in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods: This was a correlational study with a cross-sectional approach involving 112 respondents selected using an accidental sampling method in a hospital at Jember District, East Java, Indonesia. Data were collected from December 2019 to January 2020 using the Religiosity Scale and Cardiac Self-Efficacy (CSE). The Spearman’s rank test was used to analyze data.

Results: The results showed that the respondents’ religiosity had a median value of 3.84 (min-max: 3.00-4.00), while the median value of self-efficacy was 3.60 (min-max: 2.90-4.00). There was a significant correlation between religiosity and self-efficacy (p = <0.001, r = 0.540, α = 0.05).

Conclusion: The moderate positive correlation between religiosity and self-efficacy indicated that the higher value of religiosity leads to a higher value of self-efficacy. The religious value through rituals of prayer or meditation could increase the self-efficacy of patients with coronary artery disease. Nurses are recommended to maintain the religiosity of patients at a good level to improve their self-efficacy and maintain the optimal health status.
Evaluation of Morphological Traits and Genotypes by Multivariate Statistical Methods
in Some Oak Species
Authors: Aliyeva G. , Mammadova Z. , Ojagi J.
Published: October 2020

In this study, evaluated some morphological traits and genotypes by multivariate statistical methods in some oak species (Q. castaneifolia C. A. Mey., Q. pedunculiflora C. Koch., Q. iberica Stev., Q. macranthera Fisch. & C. A. Mey. ex Hohen, Q. ilex L.). 910 leaves were sampled from 91 trees, 8 population across Azerbaijan, and 6 morphological traits were assessed. The indicator traits were analyzed using multidimensional statistical analysis for each species. As a result of the component analysis, the three-pointer element (PRIN1, PRIN2, PRIN3) explained 86.97% of the variance among genotypes. These results provide identification of valuable species and patterns in the future selection and application of other genetic programs on the improvement of oaks in Caucuses.
DESIGN OF DRILLING AND EXPLOSION WORKS IN UNDERGROUND MINING USING IN MICROMINE GGIS
Authors: Basargin Andrei A. , Pisarev Viktor S.
Published: October 2020

In the modern world, an increasing number of enterprises involved in geological exploration and exploration use special software and information systems in their work. The use of such systems can significantly accelerate the processing and analysis of information. They make it possible to automate the processing and interpretation of geological exploration data, as well as use them to model deposits and design underground drilling and blasting operations. GGIS Micromine will automate the design of drilling and blasting operations while ensuring well placement taking into account the block geometry and rock properties, and a rational distribution of borehole charges for the most efficient crushing of rock mass. In conditions of high intensity of mining operations at the MGIS quarries, Micromine ensures the efficiency and multivariance of design decisions when performing blasting.
IMPACT OF MOBILE LASER SCANNING DATA PRELIMINARY PROCESSING RESULTS ON ACCURACY OF GENERATING DIGITAL MODELS OF ROAD PAVEMENT
Authors: Altyntsev Maxim A. , Saber Karkokli Hamid
Published: October 2020

Various technical equipment is used for surveying the condition of the road surface. One of the most modern methods for assessing the state of roads is mobile laser scanning (MLS), which allows obtaining a point model of road surface with high density accuracy and within a short period of time. After generating a digital surface model (DSM) from an array of laser points, we can identify various defects of the roadway and evaluate its flatness. A prerequisite for obtaining reliable survey results is increased accuracy of the pre-processed point cloud. During the pre-processing 2D scanners and digital cameras are calibrated, point clouds are adjusted and filtered. The necessity for increased accuracy of pre-processing results for the purpose of generating the DSM imposes certain requirements on data processing techniques. For this purpose, additional study of the MLS data accuracy should be often carried out. The results of preliminary processed MLS data in order to generate high-accuracy DSM of road pavement are discussed.
CREATING A SCALE PLANE IN GIS USING UAV DATA
Authors: Altyntsev Maxim A. , Shcherbakov Ivan V. , Altyntseva Marina A.
Published: October 2020

A scale plan is one of the main products in the railway industry. For creating electronic versions of such plans, GIS allowing to combine heterogeneous data obtained by surveying instruments and survey complexes is increasingly being used. GIS has a wide functionality and allows its expanding due to the possibility of developing user software modules, thanks to which it is possible to significantly speed up the process of surveying data processing in order to create scale plans. The results of generating the scale plan according to the survey data obtained with a hardware-software system "Profile-M" and UAV are described. It is discussed that UAV data can reduce the amount of field measurements performed by the hardware-software system, as well as become sources of control measurements for terrestrial surveying.
FEATURES OF GEODECTIC NETWORKS DENSIFICATION ON THE EXAMPLE OF A RAILWAY BRIDGE CROSSING CONSTRUCTION ACROSS THE KERCHEN STRAIT
Authors: Goluk Victor P. , Nazarov Denis G.
Published: October 2020

The geodetic center base for the construction of bridge structures is the basis of all measurement work. Often it is necessary to carry out the densification of the geodetic center base in compliance with the necessary accuracy of recoverable structures. In the process of geodesic control of the construction of a railway bridge on Section No. 3 of the channel between Tuzlinsky Spit and Tuzla Island, difficulties arose in bringing the project to life at all stages of the construction of a structure associated with the low density of geodetic center base points located in the aquatic area. Based on the above the geodesic service of the LLC “Bridge Bureau” carried out work on the concentration of the geodetic center at the construction site of the bridge crossing (the working bridge RM-1 - site No. 3), as well as taking into account: Section 4 of the joint venture 126.13330.2017 "Geodetic works in construction", GOST 21780-2006 "System for ensuring the accuracy of geometrical parameters in construction. Calculation of accuracy ", as well as SP 46.13330.2012" Bridges and pipes." An a priori assessment of the accuracy of the measurement results for each of the methods for monitoring the planning and altitude position of the condensation points was made. A combined approach to densification of the geodetic center base is suggested.
ORGANIZATION OF SURPLUS-APPROPRIATION SYSTEM IN SIBERIA IN SUMMER AND AUTUMN OF 1920
Authors: Kokoulin Vladislav G.
Published: October 2020

The article deals with the organization of grain collection in Siberia in the summer and autumn of 1920., There is a stable stereotype in historical literature that the 110 million poods of surplus-appropriation system was introduced by a decree of the Council of people’s Commissars on July 22, 1920. Based on the analysis of historical sources of various departmental origin and materials of the periodical press, the author shows that in reality the amount of 110 million poods was considered as indicative and the maximum possible. The coincidence of a number of factors led to the fact that this amount became a directive to the Siberian food authorities. The scientific novelty of the article consists in revealing the role and place of Sibprodkom in establishing this amount of the surplus-appropriation system, as well as showing discussions about the possibility of collecting the full amount of surplus-appropriation system among food workers in Siberia.
Frequency of Cervicofacial Necrotizing Fasciitis Secondary to Odontogenic Abscess
Authors: Alejandra Giselle Juárez-Rebollar , Francisco López-Saucedo , Daniel Juárez-Rebollar , Celso Marcelo Juárez-Paredes
Published: October 2020

Introduction: One of the complications of odontogenic abscess is cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis; which is infrequent in the cervicofacial region. This disease usually occurs in immunosuppressed patients. Treatment is broad spectrum antibiotics and surgery. Material and Method: A research study was conducted with the following characteristics: retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional and observational, for a year, in the maxillofacial surgery service, of specialty hospital: “Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret”, national medical center“ La Raza ” (IMSS), Mexico city; all patients (six) diagnosed with necrotizing cervicofacial fasciitis secondary to Odontogenic abscess, older than 18 years were included. The protocol consisted of taking a biopsy, antibiotic, culture with an antibiogram and surgical management. Data were collected to estimate the frequency of this pathology in the maxillofacial surgery service. Results: In one year, 6 patients with a diagnosis of necrotizing cervicofacial fasciitis secondary to odontogenic abscess were treated. No significant differences were found with respect to gender, the mean age was 69.16 years, (86; minimum 40). The mean number of affected aponeurotic spaces was 6.5 (maximum: 14; minimum: 2); the most affected side was the right. The most frequent aponeurotic spaces were: the facial (in turn, more were reported in the submandibular followed by submental and genian aponeurotic space) and one third the cervical. Surgical management was: cannulation and drainage of persistent abscess or purulent collection in four patients, surgical lavage was performed in all, 3 patients required more than 4 surgical washes. Debridement was performed in all patients. Discussion: The importance of this study is to show and report the frequency with which necrotizing cervicofacial fasciitis appears secondary to odontogenic abscess, to continue with the control and report in maxillofacial surgery, as well as improvements and proposals for a better management of patients who are diagnosed with this disease.
Development of Pretreatment Strategies for the Fractionation of Hazelnut Shells in the Scope of Biorefinery
Authors: López Laura , Rivas Sandra , Moure Andrés , Vila Carlos , Parajó Juan
Published: October 2020

Hazelnut shells are an important waste from the hazelnut processing industry that could be valorized in a multi-product biorefinery. Individual or combined pretreatments may be integrated in processes enabling the integral fractionation of biomass. In this study, fractionation methods based on alkaline, alkaline-organosolv, organosolv, or acid-catalyzed organosolv treatments were applied to raw or autohydrolyzed hazelnut shells. A comparative analysis of results confirmed that the highest lignin removal was achieved with the acid-catalyzed organosolv delignification, which also allowed limited cellulose losses. When this treatment was applied to raw hazelnut shells, 65.3% of the lignin was removed, valuable hemicellulose-derived products were obtained, and the cellulose content of the processed solids increased up to 54%. Autohydrolysis of hazelnut shells resulted in the partial solubilization of hemicelluloses (mainly in the form of soluble oligosaccharides). Consecutive stages of autohydrolysis and acid-catalyzed organosolv delignification resulted in 47.9% lignin removal, yielding solids of increased cellulose content (55.4%) and very low content of residual hemicelluloses. The suitability of selected delignified and autohydrolyzed-delignified hazelnut shells as substrates for enzymatic hydrolysis was assessed in additional experiments. The most susceptible substrates (from acid-catalyzed organosolv treatments) reached 74.2% cellulose conversion into glucose, with a concentration of 28.52 g glucose/L.
Enzyme Selection and Hydrolysis under Optimal Conditions Improved Phenolic Acid Solubility, and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Wheat Bran
Authors: Bautista-Expósito Sara , Tomé-Sánchez Irene , Martín-Diana Ana Belén , Frias Juana , Peñas Elena , Rico Daniel , Casas María Jesús García , Martínez-Villaluenga Cristina
Published: October 2020

Valorization of wheat bran (WB) into new high-value products is of great interest within the framework of sustainability and circular economy. In the present study, we utilized a multi-step approach to extract nutraceutical compounds (phenolic acids) from WB and improved its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties through using sequential hydrothermal and enzymatic hydrolysis. Thirteen commercial glycosidases differing in their specific activity were screened and compared for hydrolytic efficiency to release monosaccharides, ferulic acid, and diferulic acid. Ultraflo XL was selected as the desired enzyme treatment on the basis of its higher WB solubilization, as well as its monosaccharide and phenolic acids yields. The relationships between better hydrolytic performance of Ultraflo XL and its particular activity profile were established. To determine the optimum conditions for Ultraflo XL treatment, we tested different factors (solvent pH, incubation temperature, and time) under 15 experiments. A multicomponent analysis (MCA), including central composite design, model fitness, regression coefficients, analysis of variance, 3D response curves, and desirability, was used for processing optimization. A beneficial effect of autoclave treatment on the release of phenolic compounds was also evidenced. The results of MCA showed involvement of linear, quadratic, and interactive effects of processing factors, although solvent pH was the main determinant factor, affecting enzymatic extraction of phenolics and bioactivity of hydrolysates. As compared to control WB, under optimized conditions (47 °C, pH = 4.4, and 20.8 h), WB hydrolysates showed 4.2, 1.5, 2, and 3 times higher content of ferulic acid (FA) and capacity to scavenge oxygen radicals, chelate transition metals, and inhibit monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion in macrophages, respectively. These approaches could be applied for the sustainable utilization of WB, harnessing its nutraceutical potential.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Relation to the Flavonoids Composition of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Cho Soo-Yeon , Kim Heon-Woong , Lee Min-Ki , Kim Hyeon-Jung , Kim Jung-Bong , Choe Jeong-Sook , Lee Young-Min , Jang Hwan-Hee
Published: October 2020

The chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a food source that is rich in flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin. Flavonoids are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; however, studies on the flavonoids composition identified and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in pepper leaves (PL) and fruits (PF) are insufficient. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, and the flavonoids contents of the PL and PF. Pepper extracts showed radical scavenging activities and ameliorated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory response by decreasing nitric oxide production and interluekin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels in RAW 264.7 cells, with more effective activities noted for PL than for PF. Furthermore, PL extracts markedly inhibited the LPS-induced production of reactive oxygen species accumulation. The flavonoid profile and content of pepper were dependent on the part, with PL showing higher total flavonoids than PF. In particular, the content of luteolin glycosides in PL was twice that in PF. Thus, PL may be useful to prevent oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.
Approaches for Reactive Oxygen Species and Oxidative Stress Quantification in Epilepsy
Authors: Olowe Rhoda , Sandouka Sereen , Saadi Aseel , Shekh-Ahmad Tawfeeq
Published: October 2020

Oxidative stress (OS) and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production have been implicated in many neurological pathologies, including acute seizures and epilepsy. Seizure-induced damage has been demonstrated both in vitro and in several in vivo seizure and epilepsy models by direct determination of ROS, and by measuring indirect markers of OS. In this manuscript, we review the current reliable methods for quantifying ROS-related and OS-related markers in pre-clinical and clinical epilepsy studies. We first provide pieces of evidence for the involvement of different sources of ROS in epilepsy. We then discuss general methods and assays used for the ROS measurements, mainly superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, and hydroxyl radical in in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, we discuss the role of these ROS and markers of oxidative injury in acute seizures and epilepsy pre-clinical studies. The indirect detection of secondary products of ROS such as measurements of DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation will also be discussed. This review also discusses reliable methods for the assessment of ROS, OS markers, and their by-products in epilepsy clinical studies.
Determination of Permissible Load in Selected Parts of the Human Musculoskeletal System While Feeding Cows with Maize Silage
Authors: Kuta Łukasz , Stopa Roman , Komarnicki Piotr , Słupska Monika , Górecki Kamil
Published: October 2020

Farmers belong to the group of high risk in terms of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. A series of tasks, which are often performed in an uncomfortable position, loads exceeding farmers’ physical abilities, as well as high repetition of work movements, all contribute significantly to the development of irreversible changes in the musculoskeletal system. Taking into account the above-mentioned circumstances, this study aimed at workload assessment expressed in maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) while delivering dairy-cattle feed. In the initial phase of this study, a questionnaire was carried out, based on which a load of individual segments of the musculoskeletal system during work was subjectively assessed. On this basis, the areas of the musculoskeletal system were selected in which a risk of the ailments’ occurrence was the highest. These studies were carried out directly on farms, where the surface electromyography (sEMG) method was used. On the basis of obtained results, the permissible human load was determined based on mass of the shovel which was used to load and unload maize silage. The obtained results can be used to ensure safe conditions while performing work with high muscle exertion.
The Potential Use of Car Windscreens for Post-Accident Dose Reconstruction in the Periphery of Nuclear Installations
Authors: Wahib Norfadira binti , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Sani S. F. Abdul , Al-mugren K. S. , Bradley D. A. , Sulieman A. , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Sayyed M. I.
Published: October 2020

Cars of a variety of brands are usually parked at a fixed but increasing distance in the periphery of nuclear installations. Herein we focus on the potential use of car windscreens for post-accident dose reconstruction from unplanned nuclear events and natural disasters, also in regard to unexpected events arising during large-scale use of radioactive and nuclear materials. The situation requires identification of analytical techniques that could both readily and reliably be used to assess absorbed dose, sufficient to prompt remedial action where necessary. Samples from three widely used car brands—Honda, Toyota and Proton—are studied in respect of their thermoluminescence (TL) yield. Key TL dosimetric features in the gamma-ray dose range of 1–100 Gy are examined. An ERESCO model 200 MF4-RW X-ray machine has also been used for energy response studies; a Harshaw 3500 TLD reader equipped with WinREMS software was used for the luminescence measurements. All brands exhibit linearity of TL yield versus dose, the samples from Honda showing the greatest response followed by that of the Toyota and Proton brands. The marked energy dependence reflects the effect of the strongly Z-dependent photoelectric effect. Signal fading was investigated over a period of 28 days, the Toyota and Proton brand windshield glass showing a relatively low loss at 52.1% and 52.6% respectively compared to a 56.7% loss for that of the Honda samples. This work forms the first such demonstration of the potential of car windshield glass as a retrospective accident dosimeter.
Using a Statistical Crop Model to Predict Maize Yield by the End-Of-Century for the Azuero Region in Panama
Authors: Martínez Marlemys M. , Nakaegawa Tosiyuki , Pinzón Reinhardt , Kusunoki Shoji , Gordón Román , Sanchez-Galan Javier E.
Published: October 2020

In this article, we evaluate the impact of temperature and precipitation at the end of the 21st century (2075–2099) on the yield of maize in the Azuero Region in Panama. Using projected data from an atmospheric climate model, MRI-ACGM 3.2S, the study variables are related to maize yield (t ha−1) under four different sea surface Temperature (SST) Ensembles (C0, C1, C2, and C3) and in three different planting dates (21 August, 23 September, and 23 October). In terms climate, results confirm the increase in temperatures and precipitation intensity that has been projected for the region at the end of the century. Moreover, differences are found in the average precipitation patterns of each SST-ensemble, which leads to difference in maize yield. SST-Ensembles C0, C1, and C3 predict a doubling of the yield observed from baseline period (1990–2003), while in C1, the yield is reduced around 5%. Yield doubling is attributed to the increase in rainfall, while yield decrease is related to the selection of a later planting date, which is indistinct to the SST-ensembles used for the calculation. Moreover, lower yields are related to years in which El Niño Southerm Oscilation (ENSO) are projected to occur at the end of century. The results are important as they provide a mitigation strategy for maize producers under rainfed model on the Azuero region, which is responsible for over 95% of the production of the country.
Nanopharmaceuticals for Eye Administration: Sterilization, Depyrogenation and Clinical Applications
Authors: Zielińska Aleksandra , Soles Beatriz B. , Lopes Ana R. , Vaz Beatriz F. , Rodrigues Camila M. , Alves Thais F. R. , Klensporf-Pawlik Dorota , Durazzo Alessandra , Lucarini Massimo , Severino Patricia , Santini Antonello , Chaud Marco V. , Souto Eliana B.
Published: October 2020

As an immune-privileged target organ, the eyes have important superficial and internal barriers, protecting them from physical and chemical damage from exogenous and/or endogenous origins that would cause injury to visual acuity or even vision loss. These anatomic, physiological and histologic barriers are thus a challenge for drug access and entry into the eye. Novel therapeutic concepts are highly desirable for eye treatment. The design of an efficient ocular drug delivery system still remains a challenge. Although nanotechnology may offer the ability to detect and treat eye diseases, successful treatment approaches are still in demand. The growing interest in nanopharmaceuticals offers the opportunity to improve ophthalmic treatments. Besides their size, which needs to be critically monitored, nanopharmaceuticals for ophthalmic applications have to be produced under sterilized conditions. In this work, we have revised the different sterilization and depyrogenation methods for ophthalmic nanopharmaceuticals with their merits and drawbacks. The paper also describes clinical sterilization of drugs and the outcomes of inappropriate practices, while recent applications of nanopharmaceuticals for ocular drug delivery are also addressed.
Distinct Features of Autoimmune Gastritis in Patients with Open-Type Chronic Gastritis in Japan
Authors: Tsuboi Mayo , Niikura Ryota , Hayakawa Yoku , Hirata Yoshihiro , Ushiku Tetsuo , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: October 2020

In Asia, the incidences of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer are high, but their association with autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is unclear. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients endoscopically diagnosed with chronic gastritis between 2005 and 2017. AIG was diagnosed according to anti-parietal cell antibody positivity. Laboratory, histological findings, and gastric cancer incidence were compared between AIG and non-AIG patients. The AIG group had more females and a higher rate of thyroid disease. Serum levels of gastrin were significantly higher in AIG patients (mean 1412 and 353 pg/mL, p < 0.001). The endoscopic findings included a significantly higher percentage of corpus-dominant atrophy in AIG (31.67%) than in non-AIG (7.04%) patients (p < 0.001). Clusters of ECL cells were observed in 28% of AIG patients and 7% of non-AIG patients (p = 0.032). The cumulative incidence of gastric cancer at 5 and 10 years was 0% and 0.03% in the AIG group and 0.03% and 0.05% in the non-AIG group, and no significant difference in gastric cancer incidence was observed. Despite significant differences in gastrin levels between AIG and non-AIG patients, there was no evidence of an impact of AIG on the incidence of gastric cancer.
From a Pinecone to Design of an Active Textile
Authors: Kapsali Veronika , Vincent Julian
Published: October 2020

Botanical nastic systems demonstrate non-directional structural responses to stimuli such as pressure, light, chemicals or temperature; hygronasty refers to systems that respond specifically to moisture. Many seed dispersal mechanisms such as wheat awns, legume pods, spruce and pinecones fall within this classification. The variety of behaviours varies greatly from opening and closing to self-digging, but the mechanism is based on differential hygroscopic swelling between two adjacent areas of tissue. We describe the application of hygronastic principles specifically within the framework of textiles via the lens of structural hierarchy. Two novel prototypes are presented. One is designed to increase its permeability to airflow in damp conditions and reduce permeability in the dry by 25–30%, a counterintuitive property compared to conventional cotton, wool and rayon textiles that decrease their permeability to airflow as their moisture content increases. The second prototype describes the design and development of a hygroscopic shape changing fibre capable of reducing its length in damp conditions by 40% when compared with dry.
Learning from Nature: Bioinspired Chlorin-Based Photosensitizers Immobilized on Carbon Materials for Combined Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Dias Lucas D. , Mfouo-Tynga Ivan S.
Published: October 2020

Chlorophylls, which are chlorin-type photosensitizers, are known as the key building blocks of nature and are fundamental for solar energy metabolism during the photosynthesis process. In this regard, the utilization of bioinspired chlorin analogs as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy constitutes an evolutionary topic of research. Moreover, carbon nanomaterials have been widely applied in photodynamic therapy protocols due to their optical characteristics, good biocompatibility, and tunable systematic toxicity. Herein, we review the literature related to the applications of chlorin-based photosensitizers that were functionalized onto carbon nanomaterials for photodynamic and photothermal therapies against cancer. Rather than a comprehensive review, we intended to highlight the most important and illustrative examples over the last 10 years.
Improving the Activity of Fe/C/N ORR Electrocatalyst Using Double Ammonia Promoted CO2 Laser Pyrolysis
Authors: Perez Henri , Frégnaux Mathieu , Charon Emeline , Etcheberry Arnaud , Sublemontier Olivier
Published: October 2020

Recently, we reported the use of CO2 laser pyrolysis for the synthesis of promising Fe/C/N electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. The set-up used single laser pyrolysis of an aerosolized solution of iron acetylacetonate in toluene with ammonia, both as laser energy transfer agent and nitrogen source. In the present paper, we investigate the effect of a second ammonia promoted CO2 laser pyrolysis on the feature and ORR activity of Fe/C/N electrocatalysts. Indeed, compared to single pyrolysis, the second ammonia promoted CO2 laser pyrolysis could be an interesting way to synthesize in one-step performing ORR electrocatalysts on a large scale. For this comparison, a two-stage reactor was built, allowing both single ammonia-induced CO2 laser pyrolysis as reported previously or double ammonia-induced CO2 laser pyrolysis. In the latter configuration, the catalyst nanopowder flow is formed at the first stage of the reactor, then mixed with a second ammonia flow and allowed to cross a second CO2 laser beam, thus undergoing a second ammonia-induced CO2 laser pyrolysis before being collected on filters. It is found that the second ammonia-induced CO2 laser pyrolysis significantly improves the ORR performances of the materials prepared by single CO2 laser pyrolysis. The effect is demonstrated for three different catalysts for which the onset potentials for the ORR from single-stage to double-stage configuration increase from 625 mV to 845 mV, 790 mV to 860 mV, and 800 mV to 885 mV, respectively. The selectivity of the ORR was determined at 600 mV/SHE and lie between 3.41 and 3.72. These promising performances suggesting potentialities for the one-step formation of highly active Fe/C/N ORR electrocatalysts are discussed, based on results of surface analysis by XPS, specific surface area measurements, and Raman spectroscopy.
Synthesis of NiW Supported on an Al-Modified Cubic Ia3d Mesoporous KIT-5 Catalyst and Its Hydrodenitrogenation Performance of Quinoline
Authors: Liu Xing , Guo Shaoqing , Li Xin , Yuan Lijing , Dong Hongyu , Li Zhenrong , Cui Haitao , Zhao Liangfu
Published: October 2020

Pure KIT-5 and a series of Al-KT-X materials modified by different amounts of aluminum were synthesized by a direct hydrothermal method and acted as supports for the catalysts of a quinoline hydrodenitrification reaction with the NiW active phases supported. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 isotherm absorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) for the supports indicated that Al species were embedded into the framework of the KIT-5 materials with a large pore size, pore volume, and specific surface area. The Pyridine-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (Py-IR) result of the catalysts demonstrated that the addition of aluminum atoms enhanced the acidity of the catalysts. The results of the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) characterizations for the sulfide catalysts indicated that the embedded Al species could facilitate the dispersion of active metals and the formation of the active phases. Among all the catalysts, NiW/Al-KT-40 showed the maximal hydrodenitrogenation conversion (HDNC) due to its open three-dimensional pore structure, appropriate acidity, and good dispersion of active metals.
Responses of Ground-Dwelling Spider (Arachnida: Araneae) Communities to Wildfire in Three Habitats in Northern New Mexico, USA, with Notes on Mites and Harvestmen (Arachnida: Acari, Opiliones)
Authors: Brantley Sandra L.
Published: October 2020

Catastrophic wildfire is increasingly common in forests of the western United States because climate change is increasing ambient temperatures and periods of drought. In 2011, the Las Conchas wildfire burned in the Santa Fe National Forest of New Mexico, including portions of ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forests, and grasslands in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a large, high-elevation volcanic caldera. Following the fire, Caldera staff began monitoring abiotic, plant, and animal responses. In this study, ground-dwelling arachnids were collected in pitfall traps in burned and unburned habitats from 2011–2015. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) mostly at the genus level with some higher taxon levels showed significant fire, year, and interaction effects. Abundance was at or near unburned levels by 2014, but species composition changed in burned areas. Pardosa and Haplodrassus were dominant genera across habitats. Linyphiids were strong indicators of unburned sites. Harvestmen were among the dominant species in the forest habitats, and erythraeid mites were abundant in the burned ponderosa pine forest and the grassland. Years were not significantly autocorrelated, unsurprising given the interannual variation in precipitation in this generally arid region. Although fire is a common feature of these habitats, future fires may be outside of historical patterns, preventing spider communities from re-establishing fully.
Modeling the Future California Electricity Grid and Renewable Energy Integration with Electric Vehicles
Authors: van Triel Florian , Lipman Timothy E.
Published: October 2020

This study focuses on determining the impacts and potential value of unmanaged and managed uni-directional and bi-directional charging of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) to integrate intermittent renewable resources in California in the year 2030. The research methodology incorporates the utilization of multiple simulation tools including V2G-SIM, SWITCH, and GridSim. SWITCH is used to predict a cost-effective generation portfolio to meet the renewable electricity goals of 60% in California by 2030. PEV charging demand is predicted by incorporating mobility behavior studies and assumptions charging infrastructure and vehicle technology improvements. Finally, the production cost model GridSim is used to quantify the impacts of managed and unmanaged vehicle-charging demand to electricity grid operations. The temporal optimization of charging sessions shows that PEVs can mitigate renewable oversupply and ramping needs substantially. The results show that 3.3 million PEVs can mitigate over-generation by ~4 terawatt hours in California—potentially saving the state up to about USD 20 billion of capital investment costs in stationary storage technologies.
Developments in Molecular Level Characterization of Naphthenic Acid Fraction Compounds Degradation in a Constructed Wetland Treatment System
Authors: Ajaero Chukwuemeka , Meulen Ian Vander , Simair Monique C. , le Roux Mignon , Parrott Joanne , Peru Kerry M. , McMartin Dena W. , Headley John V.
Published: October 2020

The reclamation of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is a matter of environmental importance because of the aquatic toxicity to biota. This study describes refinements in advanced analytical methods to assess the performance of biological treatment systems for OSPW, such as constructed wetland treatment systems (CWTSs). Assessment of treatment efficiency by measurement of the degradation of naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) in OSPW is challenging in CWTS due to potentially interfering constituents such as humic acids, organic acids, salts, and hydrocarbons. Here we have applied a previous weak anion exchange (WAX) solid-phase extraction (SPE) method and high-resolution Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (MS) to remove major interferences from the NAFC analysis. The refinements in data processing employing principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that the relative abundance of NAFCs decreased with time in the treated OSPW relative to the untreated OSPW. The most saturated NAFCs with higher carbon numbers were relatively more degraded as compared to unsaturated NAFCs. The use of Kendrick plots and van Krevelen plots for assessment of the performance of the CWTS is shown to be well-suited to detailed monitoring of the complex composition of NAFCs as a function of degradation. The developments and application of analytical methods such as the WAX SPE method and high-resolution Orbitrap-MS are demonstrated as tools enabling the advancement of CWTS design and optimization, enabling passive or semi-passive water treatment systems to be a viable opportunity for OSPW treatment.
Wind and Snow Loading of Balsam Fir during a Canadian Winter: A Pioneer Study
Authors: Duperat Marine , Gardiner Barry , Ruel Jean-Claude
Published: October 2020

Widely distributed across Quebec, balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill) is highly vulnerable to wind damage. The harsh winter conditions, freezing temperatures, and snow pose an additional risk. It is important to find the mechanical loads experienced by trees during winter to adapt forest management and minimize the risk of damage to this species. Many studies have been carried out on wind and snow loading damage risks in Northern Europe, mostly based on post-storm damage inventories. However, no study has continuously monitored the applied turning moment during a period with snow loading, and no study has investigated wind and snow loading on balsam fir. Therefore, our main objective was to conduct a pioneering study to see how trees bend under wind loading during winter, and to see how snow cover on the canopy contributes to the loading. Two anemometers placed at canopy height and 2/3 canopy height, air and soil temperature sensors, a hunting camera, and strain gauges attached to the trunks of fifteen balsam fir trees, allowed us to measure the wind and snow induced bending moments experienced by the trees together with the meteorological conditions. Data were recorded at a frequency of 5 Hz for more than 2000 h during summer 2018 and winter 2019. Two mixed linear models were used to determine which tree and stand parameters influence the turning moment on the trees and evaluate the effect of winter. The selected model for measurements made during winter found that including the snow thickness on crowns was better than those models that did not consider the effect of snow (ΔAICc > 25), but the effect of snow depth on the bending moment appears to be minor. However, overall, the turning moment experienced by trees during winter was found to be higher than the turning moment experienced at the same wind speed in summer. This is probably a result of increases in the rigidity of the stem and root system during freezing temperatures and the change in wind flow through the forest due to snow on the canopy and on the ground during the winter season.
The Effect of Harvesting on National Forest Carbon Sinks up to 2050 Simulated by the CBM-CFS3 Model: A Case Study from Slovenia
Authors: Jevšenak Jernej , Klopčič Matija , Mali Boštjan
Published: October 2020

With the advent of global warming, forests are becoming an increasingly important carbon sink that can mitigate the negative effects of climate change. An understanding of the carbon dynamics of forests is, therefore, crucial to implement appropriate forest management strategies and to meet the expectations of the Paris Agreement with respect to international reporting schemes. One of the most frequently used models for simulating the dynamics of carbon stocks in forests is the Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3). We applied this model in our study to evaluate the effects of harvesting on the carbon sink dynamics in Slovenian forests. Five harvesting scenarios were defined: (1) business as usual (BAU), (2) harvesting in line with current forest management plans (PLAN), (3) more frequent natural hazards (HAZ), (4) high harvest (HH) and (5) low harvest (LH). The simulated forest carbon dynamics revealed important differences between the harvesting scenarios. Relative to the base year of 2014, by 2050 the carbon stock in above-ground biomass is projected to increase by 28.4% (LH), 19% (BAU), 10% (PLAN), 6.5% (HAZ) and 1.2% (HH). Slovenian forests can be expected to be a carbon sink until harvesting exceeds approximately 9 million m3 annually, which is close to the calculated total annual volume increase. Our results are also important in terms of Forest Reference Levels (FRL), which will take place in European Union (EU) member states in the period 2021–2025. For Slovenia, the FRL was set to −3270.2 Gg CO2 eq/year, meaning that the total timber harvested should not exceed 6 million m3 annually.
NFV-Enabled Efficient Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Management: Requirements and Algorithms
Authors: Tipantuña Christian , Hesselbach Xavier
Published: October 2020

The increasing worldwide energy demand, the CO2 emissions generated due to the production and use of energy, climate change, and the depletion of natural resources are important concerns that require new solutions for energy generation and management. In order to ensure energy sustainability, measures, including the use of renewable energy sources, the deployment of adaptive energy consumption schemes, and consumer participation, are currently envisioned as feasible alternatives. Accordingly, this paper presents the requirements and algorithmic solutions for efficient management of energy consumption, which aims to optimize the use of available energy, whether or not it is 100% renewable, by minimizing the waste of energy. The proposal works within a Demand-Response environment, uses Network Functions Virtualization as an enabling technology, and leverages the massive connectivity of the Internet of Things provided by modern communications technologies. The energy consumption optimization problem is formulated as an Integer Linear Program. It is optimally solved while using a brute-force search strategy, defined as OptTs, to detect all concerns that are related to the problem. Given the NP-hard nature of the problem and the non-polynomial complexity of OptTs, some heuristic solutions are analyzed. Subsequently, a heuristic strategy, described as FastTs based on a pre-partitioning method, is implemented. The simulation results validate our proposed energy management solution. Exact and heuristic strategies, when deployed in the Network Functions Virtualization domain, demonstrate improvements in the way that energy is consumed, thereby offering an increase in service processing. The evaluation results also show that FastTs produces high-quality solutions that are close to those of OptTs while executing 230×–5000× faster.
Cucurbita Rootstocks Improve Salt Tolerance of Melon Scions by Inducing Physiological, Biochemical and Nutritional Responses
Authors: Ulas Abdullah , Aydin Alim , Ulas Firdes , Yetisir Halit , Miano Tanveer Fatima
Published: October 2020

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to assess whether grafting with Cucurbita rootstocks could improve the salt tolerance of melon scions and to determine the physiological, biochemical, and nutritional responses induced by the rootstocks under salt stress. Two melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars (Citirex and Altinbas) were grafted onto two commercial Cucurbita rootstocks (Kardosa and Nun9075). Plants were grown in aerated nutrient solution under deep water culture (DWC) at two electrical conductivity (EC) levels (control at 1.5 dS m−1 and salt at 8.0 dS m−1). Hydroponic salt stress led to a significant reduction in shoot and root growths, leaf area, photosynthetic activity, and leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of both grafted and nongrafted melons. Susceptible plants responded to salt stress by increasing leaf proline and malondialdehyde (MDA), ion leakage, and leaf Na+ and Cl− contents. Statistically significant negative correlations existed between shoot dry biomass production and leaf proline (r = −0.89), leaf MDA (r = −0.85), leaf Na+ (r = −0.90), and leaf (r = 0.63) and root (r = −0.90) ion leakages under salt stress. Nongrafted Citirex tended to be more sensitive to salt stress than Altinbas. The Cucurbita rootstocks (Nun9075 and Kardosa) significantly improved growth and biomass production of grafted melons (scions) by inducing physiological (high leaf area and photosynthesis), biochemical (low leaf proline and MDA), and nutritional (low leaf Na+ and ion leakage and high K+ and Ca++ contents) responses under salt stress. The highest growth performance was exhibited by the Citirex/Nun9075 and Citirex/Kardosa graft combinations. Both Cucurbita cultivars have high rootstock potential for melon, and their significant contributions to salt tolerance were closely associated with inducing physiological and biochemical responses of scions. These traits could be useful for the selection and breeding of salt-tolerant rootstocks for sustainable agriculture in the future.
Preparedness and Response to the COVID-19 Emergency: Experience from the Teaching Hospital of Pisa, Italy
Authors: Baggiani Angelo , Briani Silvia , Luchini Grazia , Giraldi Mauro , Milli Carlo , Cristaudo Alfonso , Trillini Lucia , Rossi Lorenzo , Gaffi Stefano , Ceccanti Giovanni , Martino Maria Carola , Marchetti Federica , Pardi Marinella , Escati Fabio , Scateni Monica , Frangioni Simona , Ciucci Antonella , Arzilli Guglielmo , Sironi Daniele , Mariottini Francesco , Papini Francesca , Casigliani Virginia , Scardina Giuditta , Visi Giacomo , Bisordi Costanza , Mariotti Tommaso , Gemignani Giulia , Casini Beatrice , Porretta Andrea , Tavoschi Lara , Totaro Michele , Privitera Gaetano Pierpaolo
Published: October 2020

In Italy, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency took hold in Lombardy and Veneto at the end of February 2020 and spread unevenly among the other regions in the following weeks. In Tuscany, the progressive increase of hospitalized COVID-19 patients required the set-up of a regional task force to prepare for and effectively respond to the emergency. In this case report, we aim to describe the key elements that have been identified and implemented in our center, a 1082-bed hospital located in the Pisa district, to rapidly respond to the COVID-19 outbreak in order to guarantee safety of patients and healthcare workers.