bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Krill Oil Attenuates Cognitive Impairment by the Regulation of Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Apoptosis in an Amyloid β-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Meng Hui Wen , He Mei Tong , Choi Ji Myung , Lee Dongjun , Cho Eun Ju
Published: August 2020

In the present study, we investigated the cognitive improvement effects and its mechanisms of krill oil (KO) in Aβ25–35-induced Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse model. The Aβ25–35-injected AD mouse showed memory and cognitive impairment in the behavior tests. However, the administration of KO improved novel object recognition ability and passive avoidance ability compared with Aβ25–35-injected control mice in behavior tests. In addition, KO-administered mice showed shorter latency to find the hidden platform in a Morris water maze test, indicating that KO improved learning and memory abilities. To evaluate the cognitive improvement mechanisms of KO, we measured the oxidative stress-related biomarkers and apoptosis-related protein expressions in the brain. The administration of KO inhibited oxidative stress-related biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide compared with AD control mice induced by Aβ25–35. In addition, KO-administered mice showed down-regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the brain. Therefore, this study indicated that KO-administered mice improved cognitive function against Aβ25–35 by attenuations of neuronal oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. It suggests that KO might be a potential agent for prevention and treatment of AD.
Design and Evaluation of SONIS, a Wearable Biofeedback System for Gait Retraining
Authors: Biesmans Sander , Markopoulos Panos
Published: August 2020

Herein, we introduce SONIS, a wearable system to support gait rehabilitation training after a lower extremity trauma, which combines a sensing sock with a smartphone application. SONIS provides interactive, corrective, real-time feedback combining visual and auditory cues. We report the design of SONIS and its evaluation by patients and therapists, which indicates acceptance by targeted users, credibility as a rehabilitation tool, and a positive user experience. SONIS demonstrates how to successfully combine a number of feedback strategies and modalities: graphical, verbal, and music feedback on gait quality during training (knowledge of performance) and verbal and vibrotactile feedback on gait tracking (knowledge of results).
Antimicrobial and Biocompatible Polycaprolactone and Copper Oxide Nanoparticle Wound Dressings against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Balcucho Jennifer , Narváez Diana M. , Castro-Mayorga Jinneth Lorena
Published: August 2020

One of the major health problems linked to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is severe diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), which are associated with hospital-acquired infections, lower limb amputations and emerging resistance to the current antibiotics. As an alternative, this work aims to develop a biodegradable and biocompatible material with antimicrobial capacity to prevent DFU. This was achieved by producing active polymeric films with metallic nanoparticles dispersed through a polycaprolactone (PCL) dressing. First, the antimicrobial activity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) was tested by the microdilution method, selecting the lowest concentration that has an inhibitory effect on MRSA. Then, active PCL films were prepared and characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties, antimicrobial performance, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and hemocompatibility. Active films had chemical and thermal properties like the ones without the antimicrobial agents, which was confirmed through FTIR, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. In relation to antimicrobial activity, active PCL films inhibited MRSA growth when treated with CuONPs at a concentration of 0.07% (w/w). After exposure to the active film extracts, human foreskin fibroblast cells (ATCC® SCRC1041™) (HFF-1) exhibited a cell viability average above 80% for all treatments and no DNA damage was found. Finally, PCL films with 0.07% (w/w) CuONPs proved to be hemocompatible, and none of the films evaluated had red blood cell breakage greater than 5%, being within the acceptable limits established by the International Organization for Standardization ISO 10993-4:2002.
Involvement of the Autophagy-ER Stress Axis in High Fat/Carbohydrate Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Zhou Xiu , Fouda Sherouk , Li Dongli , Zhang Kun , Ye Ji-Ming
Published: August 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease that can progress from simple hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and even further to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Overconsumption of high fat and/or carbohydrate are among the most common lifestyle factors that drive the development and progression of NAFLD. This review evaluates recent reports on the involvement of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Here, we reveal a mechanism of an intrinsically linked axis of impaired autophagy and unresolved ER stress that mediates the development and progression of NAFLD resulting from the overconsumption of high fat and/or carbohydrate.
Impact of Physical Activity Practice and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Relation to Multiple Intelligences among University Students
Authors: Ubago-Jiménez José Luis , Zurita-Ortega Félix , San Román-Mata Silvia , Puertas-Molero Pilar , González-Valero Gabriel
Published: August 2020

Physical activity is important at any time of life. Particularly in the university, people tend to have more sedentary life, due to their studies. Eating habits are another health factor to consider. In addition, the Multiple Intelligences theory is a proposal that seeks the integral development and well-being of people. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and non-experimental research with the purpose of this study is to establish the relationships between practice of physical activity and the intelligences and determine the relationship between diet and the different types of intelligence in 215 university students. Findings indicate higher adherence to Mediterranean Diet in women and higher physical activity scores in men. Regarding multiple intelligences, men have higher indices in Bodily-kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Logical-mathematical, Musical, and Spatial intelligences, while women show higher levels in relation to Linguistic, Intrapersonal, and Naturalistic intelligences. Main conclusions from this study suggest the relationship between multiple intelligence and healthy habits, while also highlighting the need to improve eating habits and achieve greater adherence to Mediterranean Diet.
Optical Fibre Micro/Nano Tips as Fluorescence-Based Sensors and Interrogation Probes
Authors: Berneschi Simone , Barucci Andrea , Baldini Francesco , Cosi Franco , Quercioli Franco , Pelli Stefano , Righini Giancarlo C. , Tiribilli Bruno , Tombelli Sara , Trono Cosimo , Giannetti Ambra
Published: August 2020

Optical fibre micro/nano tips (OFTs), defined here as tapered fibres with a waist diameter ranging from a few microns to tens of nanometres and different tip angles (i.e., from tens of degrees to fractions of degrees), represent extremely versatile tools that have attracted growing interest during these last decades in many areas of photonics. The field of applications can range from physical and chemical/biochemical sensing—also at the intracellular levels—to the development of near-field probes for microscope imaging (i.e., scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM)) and optical interrogation systems, up to optical devices for trapping and manipulating microparticles (i.e., optical tweezers). All these applications rely on the ability to fabricate OFTs, tailoring some of their features according to the requirements determined by the specific application. In this review, starting from a short overview of the main fabrication methods used for the realisation of these optical micro/nano structures, the focus will be concentrated on some of their intriguing applications such as the development of label-based chemical/biochemical sensors and the implementation of SNOM probes for interrogating optical devices, including whispering gallery mode microcavities.
Impact of Neospora caninum Infection on the Bioenergetics and Transcriptome of Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Elsheikha Hany M. , Alkurashi Mamdowh , Palfreman Suzy , Castellanos Marcos , Kong Kenny , Ning Evita , Elsaied Nashwa A. , Geraki Kalotina , MacNaughtan William
Published: August 2020

In this work, the effects of the protozoan Neospora caninum on the bioenergetics, chemical composition, and elemental content of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) were investigated. We showed that N. caninum can impair cell mitochondrial (Mt) function and causes an arrest in host cell cycling at S and G2 phases. These adverse effects were also associated with altered expression of genes involved in Mt energy metabolism, suggesting Mt dysfunction caused by N. caninum infection. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis of hBMECs revealed alterations in the FTIR bands as a function of infection, where infected cells showed alterations in the absorption bands of lipid (2924 cm−1), amide I protein (1649 cm−1), amide II protein (1537 cm−1), nucleic acids and carbohydrates (1092 cm−1, 1047 cm−1, and 939 cm−1). By using quantitative synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (μSR-XRF) imaging and quantification of the trace elements Zn, Cu and Fe, we detected an increase in the levels of Zn and Cu from 3 to 24 h post infection (hpi) in infected cells compared to control cells, but there were no changes in the level of Fe. We also used Affymetrix array technology to investigate the global alteration in gene expression of hBMECs and rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMVECs) in response to N. caninum infection at 24 hpi. The result of transcriptome profiling identified differentially expressed genes involved mainly in immune response, lipid metabolism and apoptosis. These data further our understanding of the molecular events that shape the interaction between N. caninum and blood-brain-barrier endothelial cells.
Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD)
Authors: Millar Sophie Anne , Maguire Ryan Francis , Yates Andrew Stephen , O’Sullivan Saoirse Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

Cannabidiol (CBD) has substantial therapeutic potential, but its development as an effective drug by the pharmaceutical industry is hindered by intrinsic characteristics such as low bioavailability, low water solubility, and variable pharmacokinetic profiles. Importantly, lack of patentability of the drug substance also limits the likelihood of an expensive, full development programme in anything other than orphan indications. Potential avenues to overcome these issues with CBD include self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, improved crystal formulations and other solid-state delivery formulations, which are mostly in the pre-clinical or early clinical stages of development. This review identifies issues compromising current delivery of solid-state CBD, and how advanced pharmaceutical development strategies can enable CBD to realise the full potential as a successful therapeutic agent.
Molecular Crystal Forms of Antitubercular Ethionamide with Dicarboxylic Acids: Solid-State Properties and a Combined Structural and Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Bordignon Simone , Cerreia Vioglio Paolo , Amadio Elena , Rossi Federica , Priola Emanuele , Voinovich Dario , Gobetto Roberto , Chierotti Michele R.
Published: August 2020

We report on the preparation, characterization, and bioavailability properties of three new crystal forms of ethionamide, an antitubercular agent used in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. The new adducts were obtained by combining the active pharmaceutical ingredient with three dicarboxylic acids, namely glutaric, malonic and tartaric acid, in equimolar ratios. Crystal structures were obtained for all three adducts and were compared with two previously reported multicomponent systems of ethionamide with maleic and fumaric acid. The ethionamide-glutaric acid and the ethionamide-malonic acid adducts were thoroughly characterized by means of solid-state NMR (13C and 15N Cross-Polarization Magic Angle Spinning or CPMAS) to confirm the position of the carboxylic proton, and they were found to be a cocrystal and a salt, respectively; they were compared with two previously reported multicomponent systems of ethionamide with maleic and fumaric acid. Ethionamide-tartaric acid was found to be a rare example of kryptoracemic cocrystal. In vitro bioavailability enhancements up to a factor 3 compared to pure ethionamide were assessed for all obtained adducts.
Plukenetia huayllabambana Fruits: Analysis of Bioactive Compounds, Antibacterial Activity and Relative Action Mechanisms
Authors: Seukep Armel Jackson , Fan Minxia , Sarker Satyajit Dey , Kuete Victor , Guo Ming-Quan
Published: August 2020

Plukenetia huayllabambana is an edible plant traditionally used to cure wounds and various infections. The present work assessed, for the first time, the antibacterial efficacy of solvent fractions from P. huayllabambana fruits. The crude methanol extract was obtained applying ultrasound-assisted extraction, followed by partitioning through successive depletion among solvents of increasing polarity to yield fractions (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined following antibacterial testing, using the broth microdilution technique against a panel of drug-resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Possible modes of action of the most active fraction were also investigated. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to identify phytocompounds that may account for the recorded activities. Methanol, n-hexane (PH-n-Hex), and ethyl acetate extracts inhibited 100% of studied bacteria, with the recorded MIC ranging from 0.125–1 mg/mL. PH-n-Hex appeared as the most active partition, exerting a bacteriostatic effect. PH-n-Hex probably acts by interfering with bacterial biofilm formation, proton pumps, and bacterial cell membrane integrity. The GC–MS analysis of PH-n-Hex led to the identification of 11 potentially bioactive components, including fatty acids, phytosterol, and diterpene alcohol as major ones. P. huayllabambana can be considered as a plant of pharmacological value—a source of potent anti-infective drug entities.
Anti-Osteoporotic Effects of the Herbal Mixture of Cornus officinalis and Achyranthes japonica In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Park Eunkuk , Lee Chang Gun , Kim Jeonghyun , Lim Eunguk , Hwang Seokjin , Yun Seung Hee , Yong Yoonjoong , Jeong Hyesoo , Kim Ji Ae , Jin Hyun-Seok , Jeong Seon-Yong
Published: August 2020

Osteoporosis is a porous bone disease caused by bone density loss, which increases the risk of fractures. Cornus officinalis (CO) and Achyranthes japonica (AJ) have been used as traditional herbal medicine for various disorders in East Asia. Although the anti-osteoporotic effects of single extract of CO and AJ have already been reported, the synergistic effect of a combined mixture has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of a CO and AJ herbal mixture on osteoporosis in in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrate that treatment with the CO and AJ mixture significantly promoted osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts through the upregulation of osteoblastic differentiation-associated genes such as alkaline phosphatase (Alpl), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (Bglap), while the mixture significantly inhibited differentiation of osteoclasts isolated from primary-cultured mouse monocytes. In addition, oral administration of CO and AJ mixture significantly prevented bone mineral density loss and trabecular bone structures in an ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic mouse model. These results suggest that the combination treatment of CO and AJ mixture might be a beneficial therapy for osteoporosis.
Endophytic Strain Bacillus subtilis 26DCryChS Producing Cry1Ia Toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis Promotes Multifaceted Potato Defense against Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary and Pest Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say
Authors: Sorokan Antonina , Benkovskaya Galina , Burkhanova Guzel , Blagova Darya , Maksimov Igor
Published: August 2020

Novel properties of a previously obtained Bacillus subtilis 26DCryChS strain are described. The B. subtilis 26DCryChS strain is able to produce Cry1Ia δ-endotoxin from B. thuringiensis B-5351 and to exist in internal plant tissues of potato plants in the same manner as the endophytic B. subtilis 26D source strain (487 ± 53 and 420 ± 63 CFU*103/g, respectively). B. subtilis 26DCryChS, as much as the original B. subtilis 26D strain, inhibited mycelium growth of oomycete Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary and reduced late blight symptoms development on plants by 35% compared with non-treated ones, as well as showed insecticidal activity against Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Production of the fluorescent GFP protein in the B. subtilis 26D genome allowed visualizing the endophytes around damaged sites on beetle intestines. Bacillus strains under investigation induced systemic resistance to P. infestans and L. decemlineata through the activation of the transcription of PR genes in potato plants. Thus, the B. subtilis 26DCryChS strain was able to induce transcription of jasmonate-dependent genes and acquired the ability to promote transcription of a salicylate-dependent gene (PR1) in plants infected with the late blight agent and damaged by Colorado potato beetle larvae. The B. subtilis 26DCryChS strain could be put forward as a modern approach for biocontrol agents design.
Cutin from Solanum Myriacanthum Dunal and Solanum Aculeatissimum Jacq. as a Potential Raw Material for Biopolymers
Authors: Gómez-Patiño Mayra Beatriz , Estrada-Reyes Rosa , Vargas-Diaz María Elena , Arrieta-Baez Daniel
Published: August 2020

Plant cuticles have attracted attention because they can be used to produce hydrophobic films as models for novel biopolymers. Usually, cuticles are obtained from agroresidual waste. To find new renewable natural sources to design green and commercially available bioplastics, fruits of S. aculeatissimum and S. myriacanthum were analyzed. These fruits are not used for human or animal consumption, mainly because the fruit is composed of seeds. Fruit peels were object of enzymatic and chemical methods to get thick cutins in good yields (approximately 77% from dry weight), and they were studied by solid-state resonance techniques (CPMAS 13C NMR), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and direct injection electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DIESI-MS) analytical methods. The main component of S. aculeatissimum cutin is 10,16-dihydroxypalmitic acid (10,16-DHPA, 69.84%), while S. myriacanthum cutin besides of 10,16-DHPA (44.02%); another two C18 monomers: 9,10,18-trihydroxy-octadecanoic acid (24.03%) and 18-hydroxy-9S,10R-epoxy-octadecanoic acid (9.36%) are present. The hydrolyzed cutins were used to produce films demonstrating that both cutins could be a potential raw material for different biopolymers.
Low-Cost Additive Manufacturing Techniques Applied to the Design of Planar Microwave Circuits by Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: García-Martínez Héctor , Ávila-Navarro Ernesto , Torregrosa-Penalva Germán , Rodríguez-Martínez Alberto , Blanco-Angulo Carolina , de la Casa-Lillo Miguel A. de la
Published: August 2020

This work presents a study on the implementation and manufacturing of low-cost microwave electronic circuits, made with additive manufacturing techniques using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. First, the manufacturing process of substrates with different filaments, using various options offered by additive techniques in the manufacture of 3D printing parts, is described. The implemented substrates are structurally analyzed by ultrasound techniques to verify the correct metallization and fabrication of the substrate, and the characterization of the electrical properties in the microwave frequency range of each filament is performed. Finally, standard and novel microwave filters in microstrip and stripline technology are implemented, making use of the possibilities offered by additive techniques in the manufacturing process. The designed devices were manufactured and measured with good results, which demonstrates the possibility of using low-cost 3D printers in the design process of planar microwave circuits.
Solid–Liquid Europium Ion Extraction via Phosphonic Acid-Functionalized Polyvinylidene Fluoride Siloxanes
Authors: Wehbi Mohammad , Mehdi Ahmad , Alaaeddine Ali , Jaber Nada , Ameduri Bruno
Published: August 2020

Novel triethoxysilane and dimethyl phosphonate functional vinylidene fluoride (VDF)-containing terpolymers, for potential applications in Eu ion extraction from water, were produced by conventional radical terpolymerization of VDF with vinyltriethoxylsilane (VTEOS) and vinyldimethylphosphonate (VDMP). Although initial attempts for the copolymerization of VTEOS and VDMP failed, the successful terpolymerization was initiated by peroxide to lead to multiple poly(VDF-ter-VDMP-ter-VTEOS) terpolymers, that had different molar percentages of VDF (70–90 mol.%), VTEOS (5–20 mol.%) and VDMP (10 mol.%) in 50–80% yields. The obtained terpolymers were characterized by 1H, 19F, 29Si and 31P NMR spectroscopies. The crosslinking of such resulting poly(VDF-ter-VDMP-ter-VTEOS) terpolymers was achieved by hydrolysis and condensation (sol–gel process) of the triethoxysilane groups in acidic media, to obtain a 3D network, which was analyzed by solid state 29Si and 31P NMR spectroscopies, TGA and DSC. The thermal stability of the terpolymers was moderately high (up to 300 °C under air), whereas they display a slight increase in their crystallinity-rate from 9.7% to 12.1% after crosslinking. Finally, the dimethyl phosphonate functions were hydrolyzed into phosphonic acid successfully, and the europium ion extraction capacity of terpolymer was studied. The results demonstrated a very high removal capacity of Eu(III) ions from water, up to a total removal at low concentrations.
Effect of High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C on Postpartum Oxidative Stress in Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Korenc Monika , Osredkar Joško , Gersak Ksenija , Kumer Kristina , Fabjan Teja , Sterpin Sasa , Lucovnik Miha
Published: August 2020

Purpose: To determine whether high-dose intravenous vitamin C reduces oxidative stress in patients with severe preeclampsia in the first days postpartum. Methods: Biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed as secondary outcomes of a single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty-four patients with singleton pregnancies complicated by severe features of preeclampsia were randomized into two groups: intravenous vitamin C (1.5 g/6 h) (n = 17) or placebo (n = 17). Urinary concentrations of dityrosine, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdg), 8-isoprostane, and N epsilon-(hexanoyl) lysine (HEL) were measured at days one and three after delivery and normalized for urinary creatinine in 22 of patients included (12 in vitamin C and 10 in placebo group). The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare values of oxidative stress biomarkers at days one and three after delivery in vitamin C vs. placebo groups (p ≤ 0.05 significant). Results: Dityrosine and 8-OHdg values did not differ significantly between the two study groups at day one after delivery (p = 0.23 and p = 0.77, respectively), but were significantly lower in the vitamin C group compared to the placebo group at day three after delivery (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). Values of 8-isoprostane and HEL did not differ significantly between the two study groups at day one (p = 0.41 and p = 0.42, respectively), as well as at day three, after delivery (p = 0.25 and p = 0.24, respectively). Conclusion: High-dose intravenous vitamin C treatments in patients with severe preeclampsia reduced urinary levels of dityrosine and 8-OHdg (markers of protein and DNA oxidative damage, respectively) on day three after delivery. Vitamin C treatment had no significant effect on lipid peroxidation biomarkers, i.e., 8-isoprostane and HEL.
Fragmented Landscapes and Planscapes—The Double Pressure of Increasing Natural Resource Exploitation on Indigenous Sámi Lands in Northern Sweden
Authors: Österlin Carl , Raitio Kaisa
Published: August 2020

Human induced land-use change through natural resource extraction has significant ecological, social and cultural effects for indigenous communities. Indigenous rights, cultural practices and identities are strongly interconnected with traditional lands. In northern Sweden, the cumulative effects from natural resource extraction have become increasingly problematic for Sámi reindeer herding. Land use planning and permit processes are organized based on single projects or policy sectors, instead of the needs and rights involving reindeer herding. Existing research has demonstrated loss of ground and arboreal lichen, fragmentation of pastures and reindeer avoidance of otherwise valuable pastures due to disturbance caused by competing land uses. There is however a lack of synthesis of the amount and scale of encroachments on traditional Sámi territories in Sweden so far. Likewise, while research has looked at weaknesses of the sectoral regulations in terms of cumulative impact assessment and the inadequate recognition of Sámi reindeer herding rights, no studies have analyzed the meta-pressure caused by the fragmented planning regime as a whole, as the amount of regulations regarding different land use sectors and permitting processes increases with each new type of competing activity. Through the concept of double pressure caused by the inter-related processes of fragmented landscapes and fragmented ‘planscapes’, this study seeks to capture the actual pressure the affected communities are currently experiencing. Using multiple quantitative and qualitative data sets consisting of Geographical Information Systems, policy documents, workshops discussions and interviews, we study how natural resource extraction like mining and wind energy has increased on traditional indigenous Sámi lands in northern Sweden. By expanding the analytical focus from today’s landscapes to both planscapes and the pressure from not-yet realized future projects, our results highlight the need for a holistic understanding of the situation reindeer herding is facing, calling for more relevant and legitimate land use permitting and planning mechanisms to reduce the industrial pressure on the landscape, and to address the social injustices caused by today’s planscape.
The Role of Structural Context in Making Business Sense of Investments for Sustainability–A Case Study
Authors: Rasmussen Josefine
Published: August 2020

Energy efficiency is an important means for sustainable manufacturing. One action for manufacturing companies to improve energy efficiency is through investments. While these investments often are profitable, opportunities remain unexploited. This paper explores the structural context of the investment decision-making process by examining the associated activities, procedures, and the role of information. While the structural context may limit complex investments that do not fit predefined rules and controls, such as energy efficiency and other sustainability-related investments, it remains a scarcely studied aspect of investment decision-making for energy efficiency investments. Method-wise, the paper is based on a case study of a major investment at a pulp and paper company, motivated and justified based on productivity, strategic, energy, and sustainability rationales. The paper contributes with illustrating how configurations of internal investment activities and procedures may be crucial for sustainability-related investments to pass through the investment process. Moreover, the configuration of activities and procedures is also indicated as influential for the way in which an investment is executed. Hence, for energy efficiency and other sustainability-related investments to make business sense constitutes more than achieving desirable payback periods; the structural context should be considered.
Approaching Bike Hazards via Crowdsourcing of Volunteered Geographic Information
Authors: Hologa Rafael , Riach Nils
Published: August 2020

Information on individual hazard perception while cycling and the associated feeling of safety are key aspects to foster sustainable urban cycling mobility. Although cyclist’s perceptions must also be critically reviewed, such crowdsourced Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) provides wide-ranging insights on diverse hazard categories in cycling. In this case study in the city of Freiburg, Germany, hazard perceptions, information about lane types, and the underlying routes were crowdsourced via an open source smartphone application by a small group with the aim of providing cyclists with effective solutions. By dealing with levels of reliability, we show that even a small group of laypersons can generate an extensive and valuable set of VGI consisting of comprehensive hazard categories. We demonstrate that (1) certain hazards are interlinked to specific lane types, and (2) the individual hazard perceptions and objective parameters, i.e., accident data, are often congruent spatially; consequently, (3) dangerous hot spots can be derived. By considering cyclists’ needs, this approach outlines how a people-based perspective can supplement regional planning on the local scale.
Efficacy of Enzymatically Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation in the Retention of Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Moghal Arif Ali Baig , Lateef Mohammed Abdul , Mohammed Syed Abu Sayeed , Lemboye Kehinde , C. S. Chittoori Bhaskar , Almajed Abdullah
Published: August 2020

This study evaluated the efficacy of enzyme induced calcite precipitation (EICP) in restricting the mobility of heavy metals in soils. EICP is an environmentally friendly method that has wide ranging applications in the sustainable development of civil infrastructure. The study examined the desorption of three heavy metals from treated and untreated soils using ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid (C6H8O7) extractants under harsh conditions. Two natural soils spiked with cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were studied in this research. The soils were treated with three types of enzyme solutions (ESs) to achieve EICP. A combination of urea of one molarity (M), 0.67 M calcium chloride, and urease enzyme (3 g/L) was mixed in deionized (DI) water to prepare enzyme solution 1 (ES1); non-fat milk powder (4 g/L) was added to ES1 to prepare enzyme solution 2 (ES2); and 0.37 M urea, 0.25 M calcium chloride, 0.85 g/L urease enzyme, and 4 g/L non-fat milk powder were mixed in DI water to prepare enzyme solution 3 (ES3). Ni, Cd, and Pb were added with load ratios of 50 and 100 mg/kg to both untreated and treated soils to study the effect of EICP on desorption rates of the heavy metals from soil. Desorption studies were performed after a curing period of 40 days. The curing period started after the soil samples were spiked with heavy metals. Soils treated with ESs were spiked with heavy metals after a curing period of 21 days and then further cured for 40 days. The amount of CaCO3 precipitated in the soil by the ESs was quantified using a gravimetric acid digestion test, which related the desorption of heavy metals to the amount of precipitated CaCO3. The order of desorption was as follows: Cd > Ni > Pb. It was observed that the average maximum removal efficiency of the untreated soil samples (irrespective of the load ratio and contaminants) was approximately 48% when extracted by EDTA and 46% when extracted by citric acid. The soil samples treated with ES2 exhibited average maximum removal efficiencies of 19% and 10% when extracted by EDTA and citric acid, respectively. It was observed that ES2 precipitated a maximum amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) when compared to ES1 and ES3 and retained the maximum amount of heavy metals in the soil by forming a CaCO3 shield on the heavy metals, thus decreasing their mobility. An approximate improvement of 30% in the retention of heavy metal ions was observed in soils treated with ESs when compared to untreated soil samples. Therefore, the study suggests that ESs can be an effective alternative in the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metal ions.
Are Cyanotoxins the Only Toxic Compound Potentially Present in Microalgae Supplements? Results from a Study of Ecological and Non-Ecological Products
Authors: Sánchez-Parra Elisabet , Boutarfa Soumia , Aboal Marina
Published: August 2020

Food supplements with microalgae are becoming increasingly abundant and can be easily found anywhere. The most popular products are based on cyanophytes, such as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Arthrospira platensis and Limnospira maxima, or on chlorophytes, such as Chlorella or Haematoccus. Although they are all advertised as being very beneficial for health, these products might be harmful because they may contain cyanotoxins and other contaminants, and no information on production methods or strain origins is usually provided. While legislation on the presence of microcystins in waters for different uses is clear, toxicological analyses are not compulsory for food supplements, nor for analyzing anatoxins. Given the potential risk of eating contaminated food, cyanotoxins, heavy metals and the presence of other contaminant organisms were analyzed in 10 microalgae food supplements. Microcystin-LR and anatoxin-a were detected in three analyzed products, and in both cyanophyte- and chlorophyte-based products. The light microscope study revealed the presence of different potentially harmful microbial contaminants. The ICP (OES) analyses detected high concentrations of some heavy metals, especially Pb. The results emphasize the need to promote the better control of food products containing microalgae, and to develop standard methodologies to analyze cyanotoxins and potential toxic compounds to protect consumer health.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Reactivation by Targeting of a dCas9-Based Transcription Activator to the ORF50 Promoter
Authors: Elbasani Endrit , Falasco Francesca , Gramolelli Silvia , Nurminen Veijo , Günther Thomas , Weltner Jere , Balboa Diego , Grundhoff Adam , Otonkoski Timo , Ojala Päivi M.
Published: August 2020

CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) has revealed great potential as a tool to modulate the expression of targeted cellular genes. Here, we successfully applied the CRISPRa system to trigger the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) reactivation in latently infected cells by selectively activating ORF50 gene directly from the virus genome. We found that a nuclease-deficient Cas9 (dCas9) fused to a destabilization domain (DD) and 12 copies of the VP16 activation domain (VP192) triggered a more efficient KSHV lytic cycle and virus production when guided to two different sites on the ORF50 promoter, instead of only a single site. To our surprise, the virus reactivation induced by binding of the stable DD-dCas9-VP192 on the ORF50 promoter was even more efficient than reactivation induced by ectopic expression of ORF50. This suggests that recruitment of additional transcriptional activators to the ORF50 promoter, in addition to ORF50 itself, are needed for the efficient virus production. Further, we show that CRISPRa can be applied to selectively express the early lytic gene, ORF57, without disturbing the viral latency. Therefore, CRISPRa-based systems can be utilized to facilitate virus–host interaction studies by controlling the expression of not only cellular but also of specific KSHV genes.
Influence of Season, Occupancy Pattern, and Technology on Structure and Composition of Nitrifying and Denitrifying Bacterial Communities in Advanced Nitrogen-Removal Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
Authors: Ross Bianca N. , Wigginton Sara K. , Cox Alissa H. , Loomis George W. , Amador Jose A.
Published: August 2020

Advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) use biological nitrogen removal (BNR) to mitigate the threat that N-rich wastewater poses to coastal waterbodies and groundwater. These systems lower the N concentration of effluent via sequential microbial nitrification and denitrification. We used high-throughput sequencing to evaluate the structure and composition of nitrifying and denitrifying bacterial communities in advanced N-removal OWTS, targeting the genes encoding ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) and nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ) present in effluent from 44 advanced systems. We used QIIME2 and the phyloseq package in R to examine differences in taxonomy and alpha and beta diversity as a function of advanced OWTS technology, occupancy pattern (seasonal vs. year-round use), and season (June vs. September). Richness and Shannon’s diversity index for amoA were significantly influenced by season, whereas technology influenced nosZ diversity significantly. Season also had a strong influence on differences in beta diversity among amoA communities, and had less influence on nosZ communities, whereas technology had a stronger influence on nosZ communities. Nitrosospira and Nitrosomonas were the main genera of nitrifiers in advanced N-removal OWTS, and the predominant genera of denitrifiers included Zoogloea, Thauera, and Acidovorax. Differences in taxonomy for each gene generally mirrored those observed in diversity patterns, highlighting the possible importance of season and technology in shaping communities of amoA and nosZ, respectively. Knowledge gained from this study may be useful in understanding the connections between microbial communities and OWTS performance and may help manage systems in a way that maximizes N removal.
Sustainable Adaptation Strategies for Water Resource Protection: A Case Study of Nanxi River in China
Authors: Guo Jianming , Liu Jie , Lu Shibao , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad
Published: August 2020

Collective action is a basic premise for the effective protection of open public resources. The characteristics and the environment of open public resources, however, also constitute many “bottlenecks” to collective action, which means that there is a “paradoxical” relationship between collective action and open public resources. Therefore, the key to protecting open public resources is to construct a collective action mechanism that can break these “bottlenecks”. In the case of three different forms of contract system implemented by Yongjia County, Zhejiang Province, China for the fishery resources of Nanxi River, the first two contracts were caught up in the “tragedy of the commons” and a legality crisis because they did not form a collective action mechanism to protect resources. The sub-contract with the aim of protecting and resting the Nanxi River started in 2005 and has constructed a collective action mechanism of consensus, sharing, common participation, joint discussion and co-management, and worked out a rationale of how to form collective action in the process of open public resource protection, which is worth exploring and promoting. This study aims to explore the bottlenecks which limit collective action in the process of resource protection, and to provide practical policy recommendation for solving them.
IEEE COLOMBIAN BIOCAS WORKSHOP
Authors: Autores Varios
Published: August 2020

El 2020 es un año desafiante para la humanidad por los retos derivados de la pandemia y la crisis económica que hace repensar los modelos sociales y económicos actuales. Una alternativa para superar estos retos es el uso de la tecnología derivada de la electrónica y las ciencias de la computación.

 

El IEEE Colombian BioCAS Workshop es un evento liderado por el Capítulo Colombiano de la Sociedad de Circuitos y Sistemas del Instituto de Ingenieros Eléctricos y Electrónicos (IEEE CASS), y al cual se ha vinculado la Universidad del Quindío como organizador. 

 

Esta versión del IEEE Colombian BioCAS Workshop está enfocada al estudio sistemas de apoyo al sector médico en el marco de la pandemia, tecnologías basadas en circuitos y sistemas para el tratamiento, cuidado, monitoreo y rehabilitación médica. El workshop está organizado en conferencias y mini-cursos con expertos,  y el intercambio de ideas y soluciones propuestas por investigadores, estudiantes y profesionales; todos ellos a través de reuniones virtuales.
Analytic Univalent Functions Defined by Generalized Discrete Probability Distribution
Authors: Oladipo Abiodun Tinuoye
Published: August 2020

The close-to-convex analogue of a starlike functions by means of generalized discrete probability distribution and Poisson distribution was considered. Some coefficient inequalities and their connection to classical Fekete-Szego theorem are obtained. Our results provide strong connection between Geometric Function Theory and Statistics.
EL ROL CIVIL DEL ARQUITECTO, ENTRE CIUDAD Y SOCIEDAD
Authors: Lefosse Deborah
Published: August 2020

El crecimiento de la población urbana es incontenible. Por lo mismo, en las ciudades proliferan los asentamientos informales junto a inequidades y conflictos, pobreza y desastres ambientales. Las ciudades siguen siendo los principales catalizadores del crecimiento económico y civil, pero hacerlas más inclusivas resilientes y sostenibles es uno de los objetivos más difíciles de realizar por la comunidad internacional. ¿Si el fenómeno de los asentamientos informales se ha difundido tanto y la ciudad se produce por sus propios habitantes, ¿cuál debería ser el rol del arquitecto contemporáneo? ¿Cómo puede contribuir a recualificar el ambiente, la arquitectura y la sociedad? Bajo un enfoque socio-antropológico, este artículo intenta dar respuestas a estas preguntas, concentrándose en el contexto latinoamericano en donde se manifiesta el urbanismo informal y en la figura del arquitecto como partícipe de las iniciativas de regeneración urbana. Al mismo tiempo, se analizan algunos de los más recientes y renombrados casos de transformación territorial que evidencian el compromiso civil del arquitecto y la necesidad de integrarlo en órganos institucionales que tradicionalmente rechazan su rol y autoridad.
EL ORDEN DE LA ARQUITECTURA
Authors: Cherubini Gian Piero
Published: August 2020

En este breve texto nos preguntamos sobre la condición de existencia de la arquitectura, si es posible situarla en una estructura u ordenamiento que reúna lo que existe. El texto se desarrolla a partir de lo que existe, y lleva a mostrar cómo se inserta en el mundo de las cosas concretas, estableciendo que a la arquitectura pertenecen las obras de arquitectura, como objeto único e identificable, en lo que nombramos como orden taxonómico.
DETRÁS DEL MOMENTO DE SEDUCCIÓN. La pedagogía como proyecto no teórico en E.N. Rogers y Enrico Tedeschi
Authors: Moro Marco
Published: August 2020

Las intrincadas tramas que conforman la teoría, especialmente dentro del contexto italiano, constituyen en gran parte su encanto, el cuál es evidente dentro del entorno revolucionario o elitista en el que la teoría se ha discutido, así como en su fuerte compromiso político y social. La ponencia elige investigar un paso intermedio, aunque distante, de este momento de seducción: la teoría como una práctica pedagógica y la educación como un espacio privilegiado para la reflexión crítica. E.N. Rogers (1909-1969) y Enrico Tedeschi (1911-1978), cuyas influencias recíprocas no han sido todavía exploradas, serán presentados como figuras paradigmáticas de este enfoque. En su obra de ‘humanization’, los dos educadores italianos utilizan deliberadamente su actitud pedagógica, abierta a la imprevisibilidad de la realidad más que un aparato teórico formalizado, para cuestionar las ambiciones modernistas y producir cambios radicales en un contexto de incertidumbre al comienzo de los años 50, tanto en América del Sur como en Italia.
Исследование влияния температурных режимов хранения на показатели сохранности и технологические показатели пшеницы
Authors: Гурьева Ксения Борисовна , Белецкий Сергей Леонидович , Хаба Наталья Андреевна , Шилкова Ольга Станиславовна
Published: August 2020

При хранении на элеваторах и складах зерно подвергается воздействию температур, связанных с сезонными колебаниями. Температурный режим влияет на старение зерна за счет изменений углеводного и белково-липидного комплексов, процессов дыхания, влагосорбционных изменений, а также развития вредителей. В статье приведены результаты изменения качества зерна мягкой пшеницы при разных температурах хранения. Показано, что интенсивность изменения отдельных показателей качества пшеницы зависит от температурных условий хранения: при температурах 30 и 40°С отмечены наиболее существенные изменения показателей качества: снижение массовой доли клейковины, снижение стекловидности, увеличение числа падения и увеличение кислотного числа жира. Регрессионный анализ полученных данных позволил установить зависимость показателей качества от температуры хранения. Наиболее благоприятным температурным режимом определена температура 10°С, при которой качество пшеницы по нормируемым показателям характеризуется значениями на уровне исходного зерна. Выполненные эксперименты актуальны для обоснования оптимальных режимов в практике длительного хранения зерна, а также для составления прогнозных значений по срокам его хранения.
Влияние различных значений температуры на морфологические свойства дрожжей Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Исламмагомедова Эльвира Ахмедовна , Халилова Эсланда Абдурахмановна , Котенко Светлана Цалистиновна , Гасанов Расул Закирович , Абакарова Аида Алевдиновна , Аливердиева Динара Алиевна
Published: August 2020

Изучены морфологические свойства дрожжей Saccharomyces в условиях температурного стресса. В результате исследования влияния широкого диапазона температуры выявлены морфологические особенности клеток и гигантских колоний дрожжей, связанные с функциональным состоянием и плоидностью штаммов. Процесс адаптации сопровождался изменением формы клеток тетраплоидного штамма S. cerevisiae Y-503, для клеток гаплоида S. cerevisiae DAW-3a характерно сохранение сферической формы. В клетках обоих штаммов обнаружено накопление запасных питательных веществ, показана их способность к восстановлению жизненной активности после низкотемпературного стресса. В условиях экстремальной температуры обнаружено изменение формы и размеров колоний. Сравнительный анализ морфофизиологических параметров гигантских колоний показал, что в оптимальных условиях колонии S. cerevisiae Y-503 отличались более крупными размерами, при повышенной и низкой температуре штаммы одинаково реагировали на стресс. Дальнейшее изучение механизмов адаптации близкородственных штаммов дрожжей, отличающихся плоидностью, к различным видам стресса представляет интерес для фундаментальных исследований и биотехнологического применения.