bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Metabolic Phenotypes in Young Adults with Obesity by 1H NMR Metabolomics of Blood Serum
Authors: Htun Khin Thandar , Pan Jie , Pasanta Duanghathai , Tungjai Montree , Udomtanakunchai Chatchanok , Chancharunee Sirirat , Kaewjaeng Siriprapa , Kim Hong Joo , Kaewkhao Jakrapong , Kothan Suchart
Published: June 2021

(1) Since the obesity prevalence rate has been consistently increasing, it is necessary to find an effective way to prevent and treat it. Although progress is being made to reduce obesity in the young adult population, a better understanding of obesity-related metabolomics and related biochemical mechanisms is urgently needed for developing appropriate screening strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the serum metabolic profile associated with young adult obesity and its metabolic phenotypes. (2) Methods: The serum metabolic profile of 30 obese and 30 normal-weight young adults was obtained using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). 1H NMR spectra were integrated into 24 integration regions, which reflect relative metabolites, and were used as statistical variables. (3) Results: The obese group showed increased levels of lipids, glucose, glutamate, N-acetyl glycoprotein, alanine, lactate, 3 hydroxybutyrate and branch chain amino acid (BCAA), and decreased levels of choline as compared with the normal-weight group. Non-hyperlipidemia obese adults showed lower levels of lipids and lactate, glutamate, acetoacetate, N-acetyl glycoprotein, isoleucine, and higher levels of choline and glutamine, as compared with hyperlipidemic obese adults. (4) Conclusions: This study reveals valuable findings in the field of metabolomics and young adult obesity. We propose several serum biomarkers that distinguish between normal weight and obese adults, i.e., glutamine (higher in the normal group, p < 0.05), and lactate, BCAAs, acetoacetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate (higher in the obese group, p < 0.05). In addition, visceral fat and serum TG, glutamate, acetoacetate, N-acetyl glycoprotein, unsaturated lipid, isoleucine, and VLDL/LDL are higher (p < 0.05) in the obese with hyperlipidemia. Therefore, they can be used as biomarkers to identify these two types of obesity.
Blood Stream Infections from MDR Bacteria
Authors: Di Franco Sveva , Alfieri Aniello , Pace Maria Caterina , Sansone Pasquale , Pota Vincenzo , Fittipaldi Ciro , Fiore Marco , Passavanti Maria Beatrice
Published: June 2021

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) constitute a growing public health concern, are among the most severe nosocomial pathologies, and are considered a worldwide cause of unfaithful outcomes, increasing treatment costs and diagnostic uncertainties. BSIs are one of the most frequent lethal conditions that are managed in intensive care units (ICUs). In the case of septic shock, immune deficiency, and delayed treatment, even with adequate antimicrobial therapy and/or source control, the outcomes are often unfavorable. Methods: this review article summarizes the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of BSIs with a particular focus on ICU acquired BSIs (ICU-BSIs), which are usually caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. For this reason, their antimicrobial resistance patterns and therapeutic options have also been compiled. Results: ICU-acquired BSIs prevail in 5–7% of ICU patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae are the pathogens most often responsible for MDR infections. MDR Enterobacteriaceae have seen their prevalence increase from 6.2% (1997–2000) to 15.8% (2013–2016) in recent years. Conclusions: Considering that prevention and treatment of sepsis is nowadays considered a global health priority by the World Health Organization, it is our obligation to invest more resources into solving or reducing the spread of these unfaithful infections. It is relevant to identify patients with risk factors that make them more susceptible to BSIs, to guarantee earlier molecular or microbiological diagnoses, and more rapidly appropriate treatment by using de-escalation strategies where possible.
Effects of CNS Injury-Induced Immunosuppression on Pulmonary Immunity
Authors: Bietar Bashir , Lehmann Christian , Stadnyk Andrew W.
Published: June 2021

Patients suffering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other forms of central nervous system (CNS) injury have an increased risk of nosocomial infections due to CNS injury-induced immunosuppression (CIDS). Immediately after CNS-injury, the response in the brain is pro-inflammatory; however, subsequently, local and systemic immunity is suppressed due to the compensatory release of immunomodulatory neurotransmitters. CIDS makes patients susceptible to contracting infections, among which pneumonia is very common and often lethal. Ventilator-acquired pneumonia has a mortality of 20–50% and poses a significant risk to vulnerable patients such as stroke survivors. The mechanisms involved in CIDS are not well understood. In this review, we consolidate the evidence for cellular processes underlying the pathogenesis of CIDS, the emerging treatments, and speculate further on the immune elements at play.
A Multi-Scale and Multi-Level Fusion Approach for Deep Learning-Based Liver Lesion Diagnosis in Magnetic Resonance Images with Visual Explanation
Authors: Wan Yuchai , Zheng Zhongshu , Liu Ran , Zhu Zheng , Zhou Hongen , Zhang Xun , Boumaraf Said
Published: June 2021

Many computer-aided diagnosis methods, especially ones with deep learning strategies, of liver cancers based on medical images have been proposed. However, most of such methods analyze the images under only one scale, and the deep learning models are always unexplainable. In this paper, we propose a deep learning-based multi-scale and multi-level fusing approach of CNNs for liver lesion diagnosis on magnetic resonance images, termed as MMF-CNN. We introduce a multi-scale representation strategy to encode both the local and semi-local complementary information of the images. To take advantage of the complementary information of multi-scale representations, we propose a multi-level fusion method to combine the information of both the feature level and the decision level hierarchically and generate a robust diagnostic classifier based on deep learning. We further explore the explanation of the diagnosis decision of the deep neural network through visualizing the areas of interest of the network. A new scoring method is designed to evaluate whether the attention maps can highlight the relevant radiological features. The explanation and visualization make the decision-making process of the deep neural network transparent for the clinicians. We apply our proposed approach to various state-of-the-art deep learning architectures. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Looking at the Nudibranch Family Myrrhinidae (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) from a Mitochondrial ‘2D Folding Structure’ Point of View
Authors: Furfaro Giulia , Mariottini Paolo
Published: June 2021

Integrative taxonomy is an evolving field of multidisciplinary studies often utilised to elucidate phylogenetic reconstructions that were poorly understood in the past. The systematics of many taxa have been resolved by combining data from different research approaches, i.e., molecular, ecological, behavioural, morphological and chemical. Regarding molecular analysis, there is currently a search for new genetic markers that could be diagnostic at different taxonomic levels and that can be added to the canonical ones. In marine Heterobranchia, the most widely used mitochondrial markers, COI and 16S, are usually analysed by comparing the primary sequence. The 16S rRNA molecule can be folded into a 2D secondary structure that has been poorly exploited in the past study of heterobranchs, despite 2D molecular analyses being sources of possible diagnostic characters. Comparison of the results from the phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated (the nuclear H3 and the mitochondrial COI and 16S markers) dataset (including 30 species belonging to eight accepted genera) and from the 2D folding structure analyses of the 16S rRNA from the type species of the genera investigated demonstrated the diagnostic power of this RNA molecule to reveal the systematics of four genera belonging to the family Myrrhinidae (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia). The “molecular morphological” approach to the 16S rRNA revealed to be a powerful tool to delimit at both species and genus taxonomic levels and to be a useful way of recovering information that is usually lost in phylogenetic analyses. While the validity of the genera Godiva, Hermissenda and Phyllodesmium are confirmed, a new genus is necessary and introduced for Dondice banyulensis, Nemesis gen. nov. and the monospecific genus Nanuca is here synonymised with Dondice, with Nanuca sebastiani transferred into Dondice as Dondice sebastiani comb. nov.
Effects of Al-Si Coating on Static and Dynamic Strength of Spot-Welded Hot-Stamping Steel Joints
Authors: Afzal Ali , Hamedi Mohsen , Nielsen Chris Valentin
Published: June 2021

Al-Si is the most popular coating used to prevent oxidation on the surfaces of hot-stamped steel sheets during the heating process. However, like other coatings, it affects the strength of the spot welds in joining the hot-stamped steel parts. In this study, the effects of Al-Si coating on the tensile strength of the resistance spot-welded joints in hot-stamped steel are discussed. Two types of 1.8 mm hot-stamped steel, in uncoated and Al-Si coated forms, were resistance spot-welded, and the tensile shear behavior of the welded joints was studied in both static and dynamic tests. To do this, a special fixture for impact tensile shear tests was designed and fabricated. In the case of the Al-Si coated steel, the presence of the molten Al-Si over the fusion zone, especially its aggregation in the edge of the weld nugget, caused a decrease in the maximum tensile load capacity and a failure of energy absorption in static and dynamic tests, respectively. Additionally, it increased the probability of changing its failure mode from pull out to interfacial fracture in the dynamic test. This study shows that the tensile strength behavior of the welded joints for the Al-Si coated hot-stamped steel is lower than the uncoated steel during static, and especially dynamic, force.
A Compositional Model to Predict the Aggregated Isotope Distribution for Average DNA and RNA Oligonucleotides
Authors: Agten Annelies , Prostko Piotr , Geubbelmans Melvin , Liu Youzhong , De Vijlder Thomas , Valkenborg Dirk
Published: June 2021

Structural modifications of DNA and RNA molecules play a pivotal role in epigenetic and posttranscriptional regulation. To characterise these modifications, more and more MS and MS/MS- based tools for the analysis of nucleic acids are being developed. To identify an oligonucleotide in a mass spectrum, it is useful to compare the obtained isotope pattern of the molecule of interest to the one that is theoretically expected based on its elemental composition. However, this is not straightforward when the identity of the molecule under investigation is unknown. Here, we present a modelling approach for the prediction of the aggregated isotope distribution of an average DNA or RNA molecule when a particular (monoisotopic) mass is available. For this purpose, a theoretical database of all possible DNA/RNA oligonucleotides up to a mass of 25 kDa is created, and the aggregated isotope distribution for the entire database of oligonucleotides is generated using the BRAIN algorithm. Since this isotope information is compositional in nature, the modelling method is based on the additive log-ratio analysis of Aitchison. As a result, a univariate weighted polynomial regression model of order 10 is fitted to predict the first 20 isotope peaks for DNA and RNA molecules. The performance of the prediction model is assessed by using a mean squared error approach and a modified Pearson’s χ2 goodness-of-fit measure on experimental data. Our analysis has indicated that the variability in spectral accuracy contributed more to the errors than the approximation of the theoretical isotope distribution by our proposed average DNA/RNA model. The prediction model is implemented as an online tool. An R function can be downloaded to incorporate the method in custom analysis workflows to process mass spectral data.
The Influence of a Knitted Hydrophilic Prosthesis of Blood Vessels on the Activation of Coagulation System—In Vitro Study
Authors: Szymonowicz Maria , Dobrzynski Maciej , Targonska Sara , Rusak Agnieszka , Rybak Zbigniew , Struszczyk Marcin H. , Majda Jacek , Szymanski Damian , Wiglusz Rafal J.
Published: June 2021

The replacement of affected blood vessels of the polymer material can cause imbalances in the blood haemostatic system. Changes in blood after the implantation of vascular grafts depend not only on the chemical composition but also on the degree of surface wettability. The Dallon® H unsealed hydrophilic knitted vascular prosthesis double velour was assessed at work and compare with hydrophobic vascular prosthesis Dallon®. Spectrophotometric studies were performed in the infrared and differential scanning calorimetry, which confirmed the effectiveness of the process of modifying vascular prostheses. Determination of the parameters of coagulation time of blood after contact in vitro with Dallon® H vascular prosthesis was also carried out. Prolongation of activated thromboplastin time, decreased activity of factor XII, IX and VIII, were observed. The prolonged thrombin and fibrinogen were reduced in the initial period of the experiment. The activity of plasminogen and antithrombin III and protein C were at the level of control value. The observed changes in the values of determined parameters blood coagulation do not exceed the range of referential values for those indexes. The observed changes are the result of considerable blood absorptiveness by the prosthesis of blood vessels and their sealing.
Electrospun Nanostructured Membrane Engineering Using Reverse Osmosis Recycled Modules: Membrane Distillation Application
Authors: Contreras-Martínez Jorge , García-Payo Carmen , Khayet Mohamed
Published: June 2021

As a consequence of the increase in reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants, the number of discarded RO modules for 2020 was estimated to be 14.8 million annually. Currently, these discarded modules are disposed of in nearby landfills generating high volumes of waste. In order to extend their useful life, in this research study, we propose recycling and reusing the internal components of the discarded RO modules, membranes and spacers, in membrane engineering for membrane distillation (MD) technology. After passive cleaning with a sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution, these recycled components were reused as support for polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning technique. The prepared membranes were characterized by different techniques and, finally, tested in desalination of high saline solutions (brines) by direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). The effect of the electrospinning time, which is the same as the thickness of the nanofibrous layer, was studied in order to optimize the permeate flux together with the salt rejection factor and to obtain robust membranes with stable DCMD desalination performance. When the recycled RO membrane or the permeate spacer were used as supports with 60 min electrospinning time, good permeate fluxes were achieved, 43.2 and 18.1 kg m−2 h−1, respectively; with very high salt rejection factors, greater than 99.99%. These results are reasonably competitive compared to other supported and unsupported MD nanofibrous membranes. In contrast, when using the feed spacer as support, inhomogeneous structures were observed on the electrospun nanofibrous layer due to the special characteristics of this spacer resulting in low salt rejection factors and mechanical properties of the electrospun nanofibrous membrane.
Twisting of a Pristine α-Fe Nanowire: From Wild Dislocation Avalanches to Mild Local Amorphization
Authors: Yang Yang , Ding Xiangdong , Sun Jun , Salje Ekhard K. H.
Published: June 2021

The torsion of pristine α-Fe nanowires was studied by molecular dynamics simulations. Torsion-induced plastic deformation in pristine nanowires is divided into two regimes. Under weak torsion, plastic deformation leads to dislocation nucleation and propagation. Twisting-induced dislocations are mainly 12<111> screw dislocations in a <112>-oriented nanowire. The nucleation and propagation of these dislocations were found to form avalanches which generate the emission of energy jerks. Their probability distribution function (PDF) showed power laws with mixing between different energy exponents. The mixing stemmed from simultaneous axial and radial dislocation movements. The power-law distribution indicated strongly correlated ‘wild’ dislocation dynamics. At the end of this regime, the dislocation pattern was frozen, and further twisting of the nanowire did not change the dislocation pattern. Instead, it induced local amorphization at the grip points at the ends of the sample. This “melting” generated highly dampened, mild avalanches. We compared the deformation mechanisms of twinned and pristine α-Fe nanowires under torsion.
Using Graphene-Based Composite Materials to Boost Anti-Corrosion and Infrared-Stealth Performance of Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Youh Meng-Jey , Huang Yu-Ren , Peng Cheng-Hsiung , Lin Ming-Hsien , Chen Ting-Yu , Chen Chun-Yu , Liu Yih-Ming , Pu Nen-Wen , Liu Bo-Yi , Chou Chen-Han , Hou Kai-Hsiang , Ger Ming-Der
Published: June 2021

Corrosion prevention and infrared (IR) stealth are conflicting goals. While graphene nanosheets (GN) provide an excellent physical barrier against corrosive agent diffusion, thus lowering the permeability of anti-corrosion coatings, they have the side-effect of decreasing IR stealth. In this work, the anti-corrosion properties of 100-μm-thick composite epoxy coatings with various concentrations (0.01–1 wt.%) of GN fillers thermally reduced at different temperatures (300 °C, 700 °C, 1100 °C) are first compared. The performance was characterized by potentiodynamic polarization scanning, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, water contact angle and salt spray tests. The corrosion resistance for coatings was found to be optimum at a very low filler concentration (0.05 wt.%). The corrosion current density was 4.57 × 10−11 A/cm2 for GN reduced at 1100 °C, showing no degradation after 500 h of salt-spray testing: a significant improvement over the anti-corrosion behavior of epoxy coatings. Further, to suppress the high IR thermal signature of GN and epoxy, Al was added to the optimized composite at different concentrations. The increased IR emissivity due to GN was not only eliminated but was in fact reduced relative to the pure epoxy. These optimized coatings of Al-GN-epoxy not only exhibited greatly reduced IR emissivity but also showed no sign of corrosion after 500 h of salt spray test.
Chemical Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye Using TiO2/Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Jinga Luiza Izabela , Popescu-Pelin Gianina , Socol Gabriel , Mocanu Sorin , Tudose Madalina , Culita Daniela C. , Kuncser Andrei , Ionita Petre
Published: June 2021

Gold nanoparticles (~10 nm) were deposited on titanium dioxide nanoparticles (~21 nm) and the material obtained was characterized using IR, UV-Vis, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, DLS, EDS (EDX), TEM, XPS, and XRD techniques. It was found that the methylene blue dye is degraded in the presence of this material when using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. Tests were performed at 2, 4, 6, and 24 h, with hydrogen peroxide contents varying from 1 to 5 mg/mL. Longer exposure time and a higher content of oxidant led to the degradation of methylene blue dye at up to 90%. The material can be reused several times with no loss of activity.
Reducing Defects in Organic-Lead Halide Perovskite Film by Delayed Thermal Annealing Combined with KI/I2 for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Kun-Mu , Chan Shun-Hsiang , Chiu Wei-Hao , Ahn Seoungjun , Ting Chang-Chieh , Chang Yin-Hsuan , Suryanarayanan Vembu , Wu Ming-Chung , Liu Ching-Yuan
Published: June 2021

This study improved quality of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskite films by delaying thermal annealing in the spin coating process and introducing KI and I2 to prepare MAPbI3 films that were low in defects for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. The influences of delayed thermal annealing time after coating the MAPbI3 perovskite layer on the crystallized perovskite, the morphology control of MAPbI3 films, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells were investigated. The optimal delayed thermal annealing time was found to be 60 min at room temperature. The effect of KI/I2 additives on the growth of MAPbI3 films and the corresponding optimal delayed thermal annealing time were further investigated. The addition of KI/I2 can improve perovskite crystallinity, and the conductivity and carrier mobility of MAPbI3 films. Under optimized conditions, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells can reach 19.36% under standard AM1.5G solar illumination of 100 mW/cm2.
Borrelia burgdorferi BmpA-BBK32 and BmpA-BBA64: New Recombinant Chimeric Proteins with Potential Diagnostic Value
Authors: Grąźlewska Weronika , Ferra Bartłomiej , Rudzińska Monika , Holec-Gąsior Lucyna
Published: June 2021

Currently, the diagnosis of Lyme disease is based mostly on two-tiered serologic testing. In the new generation of immunoenzymatic assays, antigens comprise whole-cell lysates of members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) species complex, with the addition of selected recombinant proteins. Due to the high diversity of members of the B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and the low degree of conservation among the amino acid sequences of their proteins, serodiagnostic methods currently in use are not sufficient for the correct diagnosis of borreliosis. Two divalent chimeric proteins (BmpA-BBK32 and BmpA-BBA64) were expressed in Escherichia coli. Following purification by one-step metal-affinity chromatography, preparations were obtained containing milligram levels of chimeric protein exhibiting electrophoretic purity in excess of 98%. Reactivity of the new chimeric proteins with specific human IgG antibodies was preliminarily determined by Western blot. For this purpose, 20 negative sera and 20 positive sera was used. The new chimeric proteins were highly reactive with IgG antibodies contained in the serum of patients suffering from borreliosis. Moreover, no immunoreactivity of chimeric proteins was observed with antibodies in the sera of healthy people. These promising results suggest that new chimeric proteins have the potential to discriminate between positive and negative sera.
Evaluation of Lesions and Viral Antigen Distribution in Domestic Pigs Inoculated Intranasally with African Swine Fever Virus Ken05/Tk1 (Genotype X)
Authors: Sánchez-Cordón Pedro J. , Floyd Tobias , Hicks Daniel , Crooke Helen R. , McCleary Stephen , McCarthy Ronan R. , Strong Rebecca , Dixon Linda K. , Neimanis Aleksija , Wikström-Lassa Emil , Gavier-Widén Dolores , Núñez Alejandro
Published: June 2021

The understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and the clinicopathological forms caused by currently circulating African swine fever virus (ASFV) isolates is incomplete. So far, most of the studies have been focused on isolates classified within genotypes I and II, the only genotypes that have circulated outside of Africa. However, less is known about the clinical presentations and lesions induced by isolates belonging to the other twenty-two genotypes. Therefore, the early clinicopathological identification of disease outbreaks caused by isolates belonging to, as yet, not well-characterised ASFV genotypes may be compromised, which might cause a delay in the implementation of control measures to halt the virus spread. To improve the pathological characterisation of disease caused by diverse isolates, we have refined the macroscopic and histopathological evaluation protocols to standardise the scoring of lesions. Domestic pigs were inoculated intranasally with different doses (high, medium and low) of ASFV isolate Ken05/Tk1 (genotype X). To complement previous studies, the distribution and severity of macroscopic and histopathological lesions, along with the amount and distribution of viral antigen in tissues, were characterised by applying the new scoring protocols. The intranasal inoculation of domestic pigs with high doses of the Ken05/Tk1 isolate induced acute forms of ASF in most of the animals. Inoculation with medium doses mainly induced acute forms of disease. A less severe but longer clinical course, typical of subacute forms, characterised by the presence of more widespread and severe haemorrhages and oedema, was observed in one pig inoculated with the medium dose. The severity of vascular lesions (haemorrhages and oedema) induced by high and medium doses was not associated with the amount of virus antigen detected in tissues, therefore these might be attributed to indirect mechanisms not evaluated in the present study. The absence of clinical signs, lesions and detectable levels of virus genome or antigen in blood from the animals inoculated with the lowest dose ruled out the existence of possible asymptomatic carriers or persistently infected pigs, at least for the 21 days period of the study. The results corroborate the moderate virulence of the Ken05/Tk1 isolate, as well as its capacity to induce both the acute and, occasionally, subacute forms of ASF when high and medium doses were administered intranasally.
Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae) in Response to Light of Different Wavelengths and Carbon Dioxide Enrichment
Authors: Thien Vun Yee , Rodrigues Kenneth Francis , Voo Christopher Lok Yung , Wong Clemente Michael Vui Ling , Yong Wilson Thau Lym
Published: June 2021

Rhodophyta (red algae) comprises over 6000 species, however, there have only been a few comparative transcriptomic studies due to their under-representation in genomic databases. Kappaphycus alvarezii, a Gigartinales algae, is a valuable source of carrageenan and is extensively cultivated in many countries. The majority of seaweed farming in Southeast Asia is done in intertidal zones under varying light (i.e., spectra and irradiance) and carbon dioxide (CO2) conditions, which affects the rate of photosynthesis. This study conducted transcriptome profiling to investigate the photosynthetic mechanisms in K. alvarezii exposed to different wavelengths of light (i.e., blue, green, and red light, in comparison to white light) and CO2 availability. We analyzed the responses of photosynthetic protein complexes to light and observed that light of different wavelengths regulates a similar set of photosynthetic apparatuses. Under CO2 enrichment, genes encoding C3 and C4 enzymes were found to be actively transcribed, suggesting the likely shift in the carbon metabolism pathway or the involvement of these genes in adaptive physiological processes. This study contributes to the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of photosynthetic carbon metabolism in red algae and has implications for the culture and commercial production of these economically valuable macroalgae.
Innovative Delivery Systems Loaded with Plant Bioactive Ingredients: Formulation Approaches and Applications
Authors: Kyriakoudi Anastasia , Spanidi Eleni , Mourtzinos Ioannis , Gardikis Konstantinos
Published: June 2021

Plants constitute a rich source of diverse classes of valuable phytochemicals (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids) with proven biological activity (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, etc.). However, factors such as low stability, poor solubility and bioavailability limit their food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications. In this regard, a wide range of delivery systems have been developed to increase the stability of plant-derived bioactive compounds upon processing, storage or under gastrointestinal digestion conditions, to enhance their solubility, to mask undesirable flavors as well as to efficiently deliver them to the target tissues where they can exert their biological activity and promote human health. In the present review, the latest advances regarding the design of innovative delivery systems for pure plant bioactive compounds, extracts or essential oils, in order to overcome the above-mentioned challenges, are presented. Moreover, a broad spectrum of applications along with future trends are critically discussed.
Cleaning the Medicago Microarray Database to Improve Gene Function Analysis
Authors: Marzorati Francesca , Wang Chu , Pavesi Giulio , Mizzi Luca , Morandini Piero
Published: June 2021

Transcriptomics studies have been facilitated by the development of microarray and RNA-Seq technologies, with thousands of expression datasets available for many species. However, the quality of data can be highly variable, making the combined analysis of different datasets difficult and unreliable. Most of the microarray data for Medicago truncatula, the barrel medic, have been stored and made publicly accessible on the web database Medicago truncatula Gene Expression atlas (MtGEA). The aim of this work is to ameliorate the quality of the MtGEA database through a general method based on logical and statistical relationships among parameters and conditions. The initial 716 columns available in the dataset were reduced to 607 by evaluating the quality of data through the sum of the expression levels over the entire transcriptome probes and Pearson correlation among hybridizations. The reduced dataset shows great improvements in the consistency of the data, with a reduction in both false positives and false negatives resulting from Pearson correlation and GO enrichment analysis among genes. The approach we used is of general validity and our intent is to extend the analysis to other plant microarray databases.
Regulation of Botrytis cinerea Infection and Gene Expression in Cut Roses by Using Nano Silver and Salicylic Acid
Authors: Ha Suong Tuyet Thi , Kim Yong-Tae , Jeon Yong Ho , Choi Hyong Woo , In Byung-Chun
Published: June 2021

Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) is one of the necrotrophic pathogens resulting in the heaviest commercial losses in cut rose flowers, and the severity of gray mold disease partly depends on the presence of ethylene during the storage and transport. The effectiveness of nano silver (NS) and salicylic acid (SA) was assessed as a novel control agent in protecting the cut rose flowers against B. cinerea infection and ethylene damages. The efficacy of NS and SA was compared with an inoculated control (CON). A non-treated control (NT) was also used to evaluate the natural infection process. The results indicated that pretreatment with 20 mg L−1 NS significantly reduced B. cinerea growth in rose petals during vase periods. NS effectively suppressed the mRNA levels of ethylene biosynthesis genes (RhACS2, RhACS4, and RhACO1) and the reduction in expression levels of ethylene receptor genes (RhETR1, RhETR2, and RhETR5) and the downstream regulator RhCTR2 in rose petals after B. cinerea inoculation. NS application also decreased the expression of the B. cinerea snod-prot-like 1 (Bcspl1) gene which acts as the virulence factor in cut roses. In NS flowers, the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) value was higher and the leaf temperature was lower on day 1, suggesting that these factors can be used for detecting B. cinerea infection and water stress in cut rose flowers. Furthermore, NS improved water relations and extended the vase life of cut rose flowers by 3.3 d, compared with that of NT flowers. In contrast, SA had no inhibitive effects on both B. cinerea growth and ethylene response in cut roses. The findings from the present study highlight NS as a promising new candidate for preventing B. cinerea infection and ethylene damages and for improving the postharvest quality of cut roses exported overseas.
Semi-Autonomous Behaviour Tree-Based Framework for Sorting Electric Vehicle Batteries Components
Authors: Rastegarpanah Alireza , Gonzalez Hector Cruz , Stolkin Rustam
Published: June 2021

The process of recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries currently represents a significant challenge to the waste management automation industry. One example of it is the necessity of removing and sorting dismantled components from EV battery pack. This paper proposes a novel framework to semi-automate the process of removing and sorting different objects from an EV battery pack using a mobile manipulator. The work exploits the Behaviour Trees model for cognitive task execution and monitoring, which links different robot capabilities such as navigation, object tracking and motion planning in a modular fashion. The framework was tested in simulation, in both static and dynamic environments, and it was evaluated based on task time and the number of objects that the robot successfully placed in the respective containers. Results suggested that the robot’s success rate in accomplishing the task of sorting the battery components was 95% and 82% in static and dynamic environments, respectively.
Definitions of Sustainability in the Context of Gender
Authors: Odrowaz-Coates Anna
Published: June 2021

The notion of sustainability is of paramount importance for long-term survival; it is also about keeping up, moving on, and not jeopardizing the future of life on earth or the future itself. It is about tangible strategies for the reproduction and long-term existence of our own species that may be supported by the mundane everyday life practices and consumer or citizen choices that are often linked directly or indirectly to gender. Sustainable development relies on innovation and innovative social solutions. Without them, sustainability would not persist. This paper sets its research perspective within a systematic review of the literature and theory to develop a sustainability definition within the context of gender as a seed for sustainable innovation. This paper is divided into sections that cover various issues, such as: sustainability and gender in demographics (social justice, increase in number of pensioners, labor market); environment/ecology (education, ecofeminism); and corporate responsibility (consumer decisions and leadership). In each section, a definition is developed, being supported by evidence from existing studies and a discussion on how sustainability may be defined in the context of gender concludes the paper. The paper suggests that gender has a clear social impact, which constitutes a relevant and important seed for the achievement of sustainable development.
Changes of Stem Characteristics, Senescence Indexes and Yield and Quality of Wintering Rye under Different Populations
Authors: Zuo Yuetao , Zhang Xueyue , Zuo Shiyu , Ren Xiaosong , Liu Zhaoyue , Dong Ling , Li Jing
Published: June 2021

In response to the production crisis caused by a winter feed shortage due to the rapid development of the animal husbandry industry, winter rye 001 was selected to study differences in stalk and senescence characteristics in yield formation in cold regions. Five density treatments were established in a randomized design as 225 × 104 plant·hm−2 (D1), 275 × 104 plant·hm−2 (D2), 325 × 104 plant·hm−2 (D3), 375 × 104 plant·hm−2 (D4), and 425 × 104 plant·hm−2 (D5). Stem characteristics, SOD activity, POD activity, MDA content, and differences in yield and feeding quality under different population densities were analyzed. The plant height, center of gravity, and stem basal internode length showed an increasing trend with an increase in planting density. The stem wall thickness, diameter, strength, and lodging resistance indices decreased. At 275 × 104 plants·hm−2, the rye crude protein content was the highest while neutral washing fiber and acid washing fiber were the lowest, and feed quality was the best. With an increase in density, spike number, grain number per spike, and thousand-grain weight first increased and then decreased. We concluded that the yield and feeding quality were best when the basic seedling was at 275 × 104 plants hm−2.
In Vitro Characterization of the Innate Immune Pathways Engaged by Live and Inactivated Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Signorazzi Aurora , Pennings Jeroen L. A. , Etna Marilena P. , Noya Malou , Coccia Eliana M. , Huckriede Anke
Published: June 2021

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection can lead to inflammation of the central nervous system. The disease can be effectively prevented by whole inactivated virus vaccines. Here, we investigated the innate immune profile induced in vitro by the antigen component of the vaccines, inactivated TBEV (I-TBEV), to gain insights into the mechanism of action of the TBE vaccine as compared to the live virus. To this end, we exposed human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to inactivated and live TBEV and assessed cellular responses by RNA sequencing. Both inactivated and live TBEV significantly induced an interferon-dominated gene signature and an increased RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) expression. Using pathway-specific inhibitors, we assessed the involvement of pattern recognition receptors in the sensing of inactivated or live TBEV. Only RLR pathway inhibition significantly suppressed the downstream cascade induced by I-TBEV, while responses to the replicating virus were impacted by the inhibition of RIG-I-like, as well as Toll-like, receptors. Our results show that inactivated and live TBEV predominantly engaged an interferon response in our in vitro PBMC platform, and indicate RLRs as the main pattern recognition receptors involved in I-TBEV sensing.
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine among the Healthcare Workers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Adeniyi Oladele Vincent , Stead David , Singata-Madliki Mandisa , Batting Joanne , Wright Matthew , Jelliman Eloise , Abrahams Shareef , Parrish Andrew
Published: June 2021

Background: This study assesses the perceptions and acceptance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. It also examines its influencing factors among the healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: In this cross-sectional study performed in November and December 2020, a total of 1308 HCWs from two large academic hospitals participated in the Eastern Cape Healthcare Workers Acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 (ECHAS) study. Validated measures of vaccine hesitancy were explored using a questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Results: The majority were nurses (45.2%), and at risk for unfavourable Covid-19 outcome, due to obesity (62.9%) and having direct contact with individuals confirmed to have Covid-19 (77.1%). The overall acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was 90.1%, which differed significantly by level of education. Individuals with lower educational attainment (primary and secondary education) and those with prior vaccine refusal were less likely to accept the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. However, positive perceptions about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were independently associated with vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: The high level of acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is reassuring; however, HCWs with a lower level of education and those with prior vaccine refusal should be targeted for further engagements to address their concerns and fears.
Minimally invasive quadripolar radiofrequency technologies in gynecological practice (experience in using the «Eva radiofrequency device»)
Authors: Pauzina O.A. , Apolihina I. A. , Kazakova S. N. , Teterina T. A.
Published: June 2021

This article is devoted to the experience of using dynamic quadripolar radiofrequency
(DQRF) in gynecology. The authors analyze the results of treatment of 60 women with various diseases — genitourinary menopausal syndrome, stress and mixed type of mild urinary incontinence, vaginal relaxation syndrome. According to the results of this study, the use of therapeutic radiofrequency exposure is an effective minimally invasive method in the treatment of patients with urogynecological diseases.
Organization of infectious safety of a temporary infectious diseases hospital on the example of a clinical hospital
Authors: Lipatov K. S. , Zarechnova N. V. , Frolov A. V. , Obrubova N. V. , Khazov M. V.
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the problems of ensuring the safety of infectious diseases hospital employees for the treatment of patients with COVID-2019. The authors describe in detail the system of organization of the hospital. At the same time, the authors consider the standardization of the activities of all hospital employees by creating and strictly observing a system of algorithms to be the leading principle of ensuring infectious safety.
EFFECTS OF MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS ON ICE FORMATION ON EVAPORATOR OF AIR HEAT PUMP
Authors: Orlov P. , Il'ina T. , Orlov K.
Published: June 2021

The analysis of the reasons for the insignificant spread of air heat pumps in countries with a cold winter period is carried out. Problems arising in the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit of the heat pump during operation in heating mode are indicated. The existing methods of anti-icing of outdoor units are considered, and their effectiveness is demonstrated, taking into account the cost of electricity and the problem of utilizing condensate. The possibility of removing ice from evaporators of air heat pumps using the method of high-frequency mechanical vibrations has been investigated. Laboratory equipment has been designed and tested for experimental research of high-frequency oscillations in the structures of evaporators manufactured by an industrial method. The possibility of their use in heat pumps, where the fight against frostbite is carried out by the method of mechanical vibrations, is considered. Investigations of evaporators of air heat pumps with different types of coolant for removing ice by means of mechanical vibrations on the surface of the heat exchanger have been carried out. Methods of fastening piezoceramic emitters to evaporators of various designs are considered. A comparative analysis of the materials used in the design of evaporators, a comparison of their acoustic properties and thermal conductivity, and recommendations on the selection of material for further research to improve the efficiency of ice destruction from the surface of evaporators are given. Ways of increasing the degree of cleaning of evaporators from ice are identified, recommendations are given for further research on the use of mechanical vibrations to combat frostbite of heat exchangers in air heat pumps under conditions of operation at low ambient temperatures
ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE UNLOADING PROCESS OF ELEVATOR BUCKETS
Authors: Tihonov A. , Pol'shin A. , Lyubimyy N. , Gerasimov M.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the article is to analyze the main results of the works that are used in the calculations of elevators with moderate speed modes, to clarify the suitability of their individual positions for developing the parameters of centrifugal unloading of high-speed elevators. Works devoted to the study of the operation of high-speed elevators, the results of which have not received a decent interpretation and development, are of considerable interest. As the efficiency of high-speed elevators is determined by the quality of centrifugal unloading and by the operation of the belt-drum mechanism without slipping, there is a need to analyze the work aimed at solving this problem. The paper presents known solutions for determining the parameters of centrifugal unloading, which are based on various hypotheses of the movement of material particles inside the bucket. The physical and mechanical phenomena that affect the movement of material particles in the elevator bucket are studied. The advantages and disadvantages of each hypothesis are revealed. The theoretical study of the process of centrifugal unloading is complicated by the fact that during the movement and exit of the material from the bucket, there is an unstable movement of the bulk material under the influence of a changing system of forces: the forces of attraction, centrifugal and coriolis forces, and the friction force. Meanwhile, even the simplest cases of material motion under a gravitational or mixed discharge regime are difficult to analyze theoretically. In this regard, the dependencies and methods of constructing the trajectories of the material movement are established, as well as the relevance of using a particular equation.
ALGORITHMS FOR KINEMATIC CONTROL OF MULTI-LINK MANIPULATION ROBOTS BASED ON A FUZZY NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Ganin P. , Kobrin A.
Published: June 2021

The paper considers the possibility of constructing a kinematic control algorithm for manipulating robots with a serial-connected links. The construction of a control system based on a fuzzy neural network is proposed. The results of experimental studies on the selection of parameters of a fuzzy neural network in accordance with the set optimality criterion (in terms of speed), taking into account the subsequent iterative refinement by the Newton-Raphson method, are presented. The following network parameters are considered: the number and type of node membership functions, the size of the training sample with a different number of training approaches. An algorithm for forming a training sample for fuzzy neural networks is proposed in order to reduce the positioning error of the working body of the manipulating mechanism near the outer boundary of the workspace. The possibility of adapting the kinematic control algorithms by adjusting the parameters of the membership functions in the network nodes when performing the same type of tasks, based on the data of the Newton-Raphson refinement algorithm, is demonstrated. In the framework of this work, a comparative analysis of the developed kinematic control algorithm with algorithms based on iterative and neural network methods for solving the inverse kinematics problem of a manipulative robot is carried out. The conclusion is made about the increase in the speed for calculations of kinematic control algorithms while maintaining the required accuracy
Figurativnost abdominalnih organa u hrvatskim prijevodima u Bibliji
Authors: Beck Boris , Berković Danijel
Published: June 2021

U radu se ukazuje na važnost biblijskog leksika povezanog s abdominalnim organima, kako u izvorniku, tako i u hrvatskim prijevodima. Hebrejske riječi za bubrege i jetru u Bibliji na hrvatski se ne prevode uvijek doslovno, kao što se to ne čini ni u prijevodima na druge jezike, nego se katkad prevedu figurativno, zbog čega je provedena semantička i traduktološka analiza tih izraza. Abdominalni organi imaju u Bibliji značajnu ulogu, kako u fiziološkoj funkciji, tako i kao sjedište najdubljih osjećaja, pri čemu se s bubrezima, jetrom i žuči povezuju srdžba i gnjev. Bubrezi i jetra tako govore o psihosomatskim aspektima emocionalnih stanja biblijskih pisaca, zbog čega se na raznim mjestima ne prevode doslovno, nego se shvaćaju kao metonimije osjećaja. Budući da se unutar ove teme znakovito javlja par srce/bubreg, uočljiva je tendencija da se taj izraz shvati figurativno, kao merizam koji obuhvaća cjelokupnost čovjekova razmišljanja i osjećanja.
Öğrencilerin Problem Çözme Becerisi Benlik Saygısı ve İstatistik Tutumu İlişkisi
Authors: TUNÇ Taner , YUMUK Funda , KOLAY Erdinç
Published: June 2021

İstatistik, matematik temelli özgün bir bilim dalıdır. İstatistik ile hem sayısal hem de sözel temelli kavramlara ölçme, değerlendirme ve yorumlama yapılabilmektedir. Bu nedenle her bilim dalı istatistik biliminden faydalanmakta ve birçok anabilim dalında istatistik dersi okutulmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi öğrencilerinin istatistik dersine karşı olan tutumlarının benlik saygısı ve problem çözme yeteneklerinden nasıl etkilendiği incelenmiştir. Araştırmaya Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi’nin çeşitli bölümlerimde öğrenim görmekte olan 501’i kadın 533’ü erkek olmak üzere 1034 öğrenci katılmıştır. Veri toplama aracı olarak İstatistik Tutum Ölçeği (İTÖ), Rosenberg Benlik Saygısı Ölçeği (BSÖ), Problem Çözme Envanteri (PÇE) ile demografik bilgilerin yer aldığı 3 ölçekli bir anket formu kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen verilerle istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir yapısal model önerilmiştir.