bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal toxicity of metal base nanoparticles. Is there a relationship between nanoparticles and psychiatric disorders?
Authors: Mohammadipour Abbas , Abudayyak Mahmoud
Published: March 2021

Metal base nanoparticles are widely produced all over the world and used in many fields and products such as medicine, electronics, cosmetics, paints, ceramics, toys, kitchen utensils and toothpastes. They are able to enter the body through digestive, respiratory, and alimentary systems. These nanoparticles can also cross the blood brain barrier, enter the brain and aggregate in the hippocampus. After entering the hippocampus, they induce oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gene expression alteration in hippocampal cells, which finally lead to neuronal apoptosis. Metal base nanoparticles can also affect hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity that both of them play crucial role in memory and learning. On the one hand, hippocampal cells are severely vulnerable due to their high metabolic activity, and on the other hand, metal base nanoparticles have high potential to damage hippocampus through variety of mechanisms and affect its functions. This review discusses, in detail, nanoparticles’ detrimental effects on the hippocampus in cellular, molecular and functional levels to reveal that according to the present information, which types of nanoparticles have more potential to induce hippocampal toxicity and psychiatric disorders and which types should be more evaluated in the future studies.
Crypto-assets portfolio selection and optimization: a COGARCH-Rvine approach
Authors: Mba Jules Clement , Mwambetania Mwambi Sutene
Published: March 2021

Blockchain is a new technology slowly integrating our economy with crytocurrencies such as Bitcoin and many more applications. Bitcoin and other version of it (known as Altcoins) are traded everyday at various cryptocurrency exchanges and have drawn the interest of many investors. These new type of assets are characterised by wild swings in prices and this can lead to great profit as well as large losses. To respond to these dynamics, crypto investors need adequate tools to guide them through their choice of optimal portfolio selection. This paper presents a portfolio selection based on COGARCH and regular vine copula which are able to capture features such as abrupt jumps in prices, heavy-tailed distribution and dependence structure respectively, with the optimal portfolio achieved through the stochastic heuristic algorithm differential evolution known for its global search solution ability. This method shows great performance as compared with other available models and can achieve up to 50% of total returns in some periods of optimization.
Algorithmenbasierte Fabrikplanung
Authors: Kreß Antonio , Mittenzwei Björn , Knöß Martin , Metternich Joachim
Published: March 2021

Rechnergestützte Optimierungsverfahren unterstützen Entscheidungen der innerbetrieblichen Layoutplanung. Beim Facility Layout Problem (FLP) wird die bestmögliche Position von Maschinen und Anlagen in einem Fabrikgelände bestimmt. In diesem Beitrag wird gezeigt, wie die Lösung des FLP dazu beitragen kann, das Fabriklayout der SMC Deutschland GmbH für eine geplante Erweiterung zu optimieren. Zum Einsatz kamen dabei genetische Algorithmen. Die Lösung des FLP wurde mit dem aktuellen Planungsstand im Unternehmen verglichen. Dabei wurde festgestellt, dass bei Anwendung des FLP bis zu 14 Prozent bessere Zielfunktionswerte erreicht werden.
How India’s Caste Inequality Has Persisted—and Deepened in the Pandemic
Authors: Deshpande Ashwini
Published: March 2021

The economic impact of COVID-19 has been much harder on those at the bottom of the caste ladder in India, reflecting the persistence of a system of social stigmatization that many Indians believe is a thing of the past. Untouchability has been outlawed since 1947, and an affirmative action program has lowered some barriers for stigmatized caste groups. But during the pandemic, members of lower castes suffered heavier job losses due to their higher representation in precarious daily wage jobs and their lower levels of education. Lower caste families are less able to help their children with remote learning, which threatens to worsen labor market inequality in India. But Dalits, at the bottom of the caste ladder, have recently.
Green Synthesis and Application of ZSM-5 Zeolite
Authors: Chen Ou , Liu Si Cheng , Zhang Pei Qing , Zheng Shu Qin
Published: March 2021

A ZSM-5 molecular sieve composite with a wide pore prepared by the solid phase in-situ synthesis method and fluid catalytic cracking, and an FCC catalyst additive prepared by the same ZSM-5 molecular sieve for increasing the amount of light olefin yield were investigated. The samples were characterized by XRD,
N2 adsorption/desorption, SEM, and NH3-TPD, respectively. The results showed that the structure of the ZSM-5 molecular sieve composite prepared by solid phase in-situ synthesis method was pure MFI-type zeolite material. The crystallinity of ZSM-5 molecular sieve was 59.8 wt%. The synthesized ZSM-5 molecular sieve had more acid content and a wide-pore structure. The average pore size was 5.9 nm, and BET specific surface area and micropore specific surface area of sample were 213 m2 g–1 and 124 m2 g–1, respectively. The evaluated results indicated that the FCC catalyst additive had good selectivity for LPG, propylene, and butene, increasing propylene and butene yields by 2.28 wt% and 2.15 wt%, respectively, as well as had better heavy oil cracking capability and coke selectivity.
Three-stage method of forecasting energy consumption levels in the economy with regard for regional energy saving potentials
Authors:   Institute of General Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 172 Antonovycha str., Kyiv, 03150, Ukraine, Maistrenko N.Yu. , Malyarenko O.Ye. ,   Institute of General Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 172 Antonovycha str., Kyiv, 03150, Ukraine, Horskyi V.V. ,   Institute of General Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 172 Antonovycha str., Kyiv, 03150, Ukraine
Published: March 2021

We perfected the known two-stage method of forecasting energy consumption levels by applying its methodical approaches for three hierarchical levels of the structure of Ukrainian economy: country, regions, types of economic activity in regions. This approach makes it possible to determine the demand for fuel and energy resources at the regional levels of structuring the economy with regard for the specific features of their economic development. According to regional energy efficiency programs, it is possible to estimate more accurately the energy saving potentials and volumes of the replacement of scarce fuels with their cheap local types. The three-stage method is based on the refined normative method that is used at three hierarchical levels with regard for the estimated energy saving potentials from structural and technological shifts in the economy. The forecasts obtained agree with each other by Kulyk's method twice. The country-level forecast is consistent with the forecast for total regional energy consumption. For each region, the forecast of regional energy consumption is consistent with the forecast of total energy consumption at the levels of types of economic activity in the region with regard for structural and technological shifts. If the coordination of consumption levels between the types of economic activity and the region will introduce corrections to the regional energy consumption, then the coordination of levels of the country and regions is carried out at the second time. In other words, forecasting is carried out at three levels with two matches of the results of forecasting energy consumption –- between the first and second as well as second and third levels. If it is necessary to correct the forecasts of second level, reconciliation between the forecasts of first and second levels is performed again. Kulyk's vector method is used to agree on predictive decisions. We also present a method for calculating the forecasts of energy consumption at three hierarchical levels with the corresponding agreement of these forecasts. Based on the described methodology and estimated volumes of energy saving potentials at regional levels and for more significant types of economic activity in the regions, we performed a forecast of heat energy consumption for the period to 2040 , taking into account the volumes of technological energy saving in the regions. Keywords: method, demand, region, energy consumption, forecasting, type of economic activity, adjustment
Estimation of the efficiency of thermal energy production by heat pump stations on the basis of heat of low-temperature groundwater according to the methodology of full energy costs
Authors:   Institute of General Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 172 Antonovycha str., Kyiv, 03150, Ukraine, Bilodid V.D. , Stanytsina V.V. ,   Institute of General Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 172 Antonovycha str., Kyiv, 03150, Ukraine
Published: March 2021

Heat pump station (HPS) as a source of heat supply for district heating system is considered as an alternative to heating boilers on fossil fuels (mainly on natural gas). One of the promising areas of application of powerful HPS, which currently is being studied actively, is their use as consumers-regulators in the control of electrical load in power systems. In this article, we consider groundwater (deep-well water), which lies at a shallow depth and has stable parameters throughout a year, as a source of low-potential heat. On the territory of Ukraine, there are regions with sufficient groundwater reserves that can be used as a source of low-potential heat for HPS. We carried out calculation of the energy consumption for construction, operation and liquidation of HPS on the example of HPS project with an installed heat capacity of 9 MW, consisting of 3 heat pumps with a capacity of 1.9 MW each and a peak gas boiler with a capacity of 3.2 MW, with regard for a typical schedule of heat loads under conditions of Kyiv. The efficiency of such HPS was determined by the method of estimating the total energy costs by comparing the obtained characteristics with similar characteristics of a gas boiler house of the same capacity. We determined energy consumption for the creation of all elements of HPS and its construction: heat pump and other equipment, station building, drilling and arrangement of wells, pipelines, and peak gas boiler. Energy consumption for the creation and operation of an autonomous gas boiler house of the same capacity was calculated. The reduction of energy consumption for the creation of HPS due to the use of polyethylene-propylene pipes instead of steel is determined. The comparison of energy consumption shows that the creation and operation of HPS on deep-well water with a peak boiler house during the first year of operation compensates the energy consumption for its creation and ensures further energy saving. Operation of such HPS with the use of deep-well water will provide an almost fourfold energy saving as compared with an autonomous boiler house. Keywords: energy consumption, comparative analysis, heat pump systems, groundwater, deep-well water, autonomous boiler house, heat supply
Expediency of using the method of thermochemical regeneration at the reconstruction of a gas thermal power plant
Authors:   Institute of General Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 172 Antonovycha str., Kyiv, 03150, Ukraine, Antonets I.V.
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to finding ways for the improvement of technical, economic and environmental characteristics of an existing gas thermal power plant (TPP). One of such ways is the use of thermochemical regeneration (TCR) technology. Thermochemical regeneration is the technology of utilization of the waste-gas heat, which lies in the conversion of fuel due to this heat, as a result of which a new fuel with a significantly higher calorific value is formed. In addition, this fuel contains a significant amount of hydrogen, the combustion of which is accompanied by lower NOx emissions as compared with, for example, natural gas. Thus, TCR enables one to solve simultaneously environmental problems (at least in part). When using this technology, there is a problem of finding a heat source to implement the conversion process. It is shown that the replacement of intermediate steam superheater by thermochemical reactor reduces the efficiency of power plant as a whole. Therefore, we analyze the variant of gas-turbine superstructure over the TPP. Two schemes of the realization of TCR with steam-gas power plant (SGP) are considered: a scheme with the use of air excess for decreasing the temperature of working body before the gas turbine (α > 1) and a scheme with ballast in the form of combustion products. Calculations show that the presence of oxygen in the reagent of conversion significantly reduces its degree, which makes such schemes inefficient, and the use of combustion products as ballast to reduce the temperature of working fluid before the gas turbine gives an increase in efficiency of 3.6% (rel.) as compared with conventional SGP. It is established that the introduction of scheme with ballast in the form of combustion products will save 2790 nm3 / h of natural gas. Keywords: thermal power industry, thermochemical regeneration, steam-gas power plant
Muerte y nuevas tecnologías: reconfigurar las relaciones sociales en el escenario virtual
Authors: Morales Aguilera Paulina
Published: March 2021

Este artículo brinda una reflexión sobre la muerte a la luz de las nuevas tecnologías y sus implicancias en las relaciones sociales. La aparición del internet, con la consecuente creación de redes de comunicación e información en el ciberespacio, ha modificado las formas de socialización. Como hecho social, la muerte no escapa a dichos cambios. Ello se refleja, entre otros elementos, en la presencia de las cláusulas de incorporación a redes sociales, como también en el surgimiento de un vasto número de plataformas virtuales que ofrecen distintos servicios asociados con las repercusiones en los vínculos sociales en vida y post mortem, ahora virtualizados.
Assessing Brazilian food establishments' hygienic handling of leafy vegetables and their microbiological quality
Authors: Ferreira M.R. , Santos T.S. , Maffei D.F.
Published: March 2021

In this study, the hygienic handling of leafy vegetables was evaluated in ten selected food establishments located in south-eastern Brazil. A 14-question survey was applied in these establishments, addressing the origin of the vegetables, washing procedures, and temperature conditions during storage and exposure. In addition, 30 samples of leafy vegetables were collected and submitted to the enumeration of total coliforms, coliforms at 45 °C and tested for Salmonella. Based on the responses to the survey, the establishments could be clustered into three groups. Group 1 included four establishments, where the vegetables originated from farms exclusively and were displayed to consumers at room temperature, and where most of the food handlers had participated in courses on good handling practices. Group 2 included two establishments that performed a centrifugation step and where vegetables were not available to consumers in a self-service. Finally, group 3 included four establishments, where vegetables originated from suppliers exclusively, were stored under refrigeration, and displayed to consumers on refrigerated tables. The mean count of total coliforms was 2.5 ± 0.7 log MPN/g, while coliforms at 45 °C were detected in only one sample (0.9 log MPN/g). Salmonella was not found in any sample. Microbiological results obtained for leafy vegetables from establishments clustered in the three groups did not differ significantly. These data contribute to a better understanding of the hygienic handling of leafy vegetables in the surveyed Brazilian food establishments.
Occurrence and significance of smectite in the Pliensbachian (Lower Jurassic) at Lókút (Bakony Mts., Hungary)
Authors: Leskó Máté Zsigmond , Papp Richárd Zoltán , Kristály Ferenc , Pálfy József , Zajzon Norbert
Published: March 2021

Although the Mesozoic rocks of the Transdanubian Range have been the subject of a multitude of different studies, mineralogical research is largely underrepresented. The clay mineralogy of Lower Jurassic (especially the Pliensbachian and Toarcian) strata was broadly investigated earlier; however, systematic high-resolution clay mineralogical studies remain scarce. Here we present a mineralogical study focusing on the Upper Pliensbachian strata of the Lókút-Hosszúárok section, located near the Eplény Manganese Ore Field. We identified dioctahedral smectite, randomly interstratified illite/smectite, illite as 10 Å phyllosilicate, quartz and cristobalite. Based on our new results we propose that the smectite was formed by aging of Mg or Fe hydroxide-silica precipitates. The smectite and cristobalite were presumably formed from the siliceous tests of radiolarians, whose abundance was controlled by a local upwelling system. The occurrence of Pliensbachian smectite in the Lókút outcrop shows similarities with the Úrkút smectites known from both Pliensbachian and Toarcian strata, which implies that similar processes controlled the sedimentation during the Pliensbachian as well as during the black (gray) shale-hosted ore accumulation in the Eplény and Úrkút basins.
Physiological and biochemical responses at leaf and root levels in two Acacia species (A. cyclops and A. salicina) subjected to dehydration
Authors: SOUDEN Samira , ENNAJEH Mustapha , KHEMIRA Habib
Published: March 2021

To set-up afforestation and reforestation projects in arid regions southern Tunisia, several indigenous and exotic forest species were used among them are Acacia spp. However, the success of these projects remains highly sceptical because of the intensified aridity during the last decade. To overcome this issue, the selection of genotypes resistant to severe drought is crucial as first step. For this reason, the aim of the present study is to compare tolerance capacity to severe drought between two Acacia species (A. cyclops and A. salicina) and evaluate efficacy of their biochemical responses at leaf and root levels. Combined physiological and biochemical approaches were adopted. Two-years-old plants of two Acacia species (A. cyclops and A. salicina), frequently used in forestation projects in arid regions southern Tunisia, were subjected to severe water stress by withholding watering during 60 days. At regular intervals, water relations and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) were measured. In addition, the biochemical response was characterized by quantifying one sugar alcohol (arabitol) and three cyclitols (myo-inositol, pinitol and quercitol) in leaves and roots. Our results revealed that A. cyclops was more tolerant to severe drought than A. salicina. The turgor of its leaf tissues and its Pn were less affected. The superiority of A. cyclops to tolerate severe water stress might be attributed to greater efficiency of its biochemical defense mechanisms compared to A. salicina. Comparison of biochemical profiles between species exhibited some differences depending on the organs and the species. For development and survival under severe drought conditions, A. cyclops accomplished efficient osmoregualation and osmoprotection mechanisms by massive accumulation of specific polyols distinctly in leaves and roots. Indeed, compared to A. salicina, A. cyclops accumulated higher amount of arabitol, myo-inositol and quercitol in roots, but pinitol in leaves. So, contents of these polyols might be used as promising criteria for the selection of drought-tolerant Acacia species.
Effect of substrates formulated with organic materials on yielding, commercial and phytochemical quality, and benefit-cost ratio of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) produced under greenhouse conditions
Authors: FORTIS HERNANDEZ Manuel , ANTONIO-ORDOÑEZ Eliever , PRECIADO-RANGEL Pablo , GALLEGOS-ROBLES Miguel A. , VÁZQUEZ-VÁZQUEZ Cirilo , REYES-GONZALES Arturo , ESPARZA-RIVERA Juan R.
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substrates formulated with different blends of sand-solarized manure and sand-vermicompost over yield, commercial and phytochemical quality of greenhouse tomatoes, and in addition to determine their benefit-cost (B/C) ratio for organic production of tomato. Six substrates were established consisting in blends of sand with 20, 30 or 40% of solarized manure (SM20, SM30 and SM40), and 20, 30 and 40% of vermicompost (VC20, VC30 and VC40), and control (TA) of sand fertilized with Steiner solution. Fruit yielding, commercial (fruit size, equatorial and longitudinal diameter, firmness, and soluble solids content), and nutraceutical quality (phenolic and lycopene content) were evaluated. In addition, cost-benefit (B/C) ratio of treatments was compared. Micro morphological analysis of the organic materials showed microscopic differences that could affect substrate functional properties. Substrate type affect yielding, and VC40 substrate had a higher yield than SM substrates, but SM20 had the highest phenolic and lycopene content in fruit, in addition to the highest cost-benefit production ratio (2.31). These results confirm that substrates formulated with blends of sand and either SM or VC can be used for organic production of tomato fruits with an adequate commercial and phytochemical quality without affecting yield, additionally to the economic advantages of such substrates for protected agriculture systems.
Growth, yield and fruit quality of Mexican tomato landraces in response to salt stress
Authors: LADEWIG Peter , TREJO-TÉLLEZ Libia I. , SERVÍN-JUÁREZ Roselia , CONTRERAS-OLIVA Adriana , GÓMEZ-MERINO Fernando C.
Published: March 2021

The Mexican tomato landraces ‘Campeche’, ‘Oaxaca’, ‘Puebla’, and ‘Veracruz’, and the commercial hybrid ‘Vengador’ were evaluated in response to four levels of NaCl (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM) applied through the nutrient solution in a hydroponic system under greenhouse conditions. Yield and dry biomass weight of roots, stems and leaves were reduced by increasing salinity stress, while fruit quality characteristics were improved, with the magnitude of the changes being genotype-dependent. The landrace ‘Veracruz’ produced the lowest yield, 1.06 t ha-1 under control conditions and 0.59 t ha-1 when treated with 90 mM NaCl, amounting to a 44% reduction that was, however, the lowest yield decrease among all genotypes tested. Paradoxically, ‘Veracruz’ was the only landrace displaying a reduction in the root/shoot ratio when exposed to high salinity, indicating more sensitivity to salinity as compared to the other landraces and the hybrid tested. ‘Campeche’ performed the poorest in response to salinity with the most pronounced yield reductions, recording 71.1%, 80.1% and 89.6% yield decreases when comparing plants exposed to 30, 60 and 90 mM to the control, respectively. Although at each salinity level the ‘Veracruz’ fruits showed the highest °Brix value as compared to the other landraces and the hybrid, ‘Oaxaca’ and ‘Puebla’ fruits had a greater increase in °Brix between the control and 90 mM NaCl (109.2% and 110.4%, respectively). With 90 mM NaCl, ‘Oaxaca’ fruits also registered the highest decrease in pH (6.1%) and the highest increase in total soluble sugars (106.7%) with respect to the control.
Rice seedlings showed a higher heat tolerance through the foliar application of biostimulants
Authors: QUINTERO-CALDERÓN Edinson H. , SÁNCHEZ-REINOSO Alefsi D. , CHÁVEZ-ARIAS Cristhian C. , GARCES-VARON Gabriel , RESTREPO-DÍAZ Hermann
Published: March 2021

The use of biostimulants is an agronomic tool to improve plant tolerance to abiotic stress in plants. This study explored the effect of foliar biostimulants sprays such as brassinosteroids (BR), amino acids (AA), nitrophenolates (NP) or a biostimulant based on botanical extracts (BE) on leaf gas exchange parameters [photosynthesis (PN), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E)], leaf photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation of membranes and proline content of two commercial rice genotypes [‘Fedearroz 67’ and ‘Fedearroz 60’] under heat stress conditions. The established treatments were: i) plants without heat stress and foliar applications of biostimulants (C), ii) plants under heat stress and without foliar applications of biostimulants (HT), and iii) plants with heat stress and three foliar applications with BR (1 mL·L-1), AA (30 mL·L-1), NP (15 mL·L-1) or BE (15 mL·L-1). The results showed that the application of BR, AA, NP or BE increased the values ​​of PN (~14.5 µmol CO2·m-2·s-1), gs (~0.46 mmol·m-2·s-1) and E (~43.9 H20 day-1·plant-1) compared to plants (both genotypes) not treated with biostimulants under heat stress (9.9 µmol CO2·m-2·s-1 for PN, 0.31 mmol·m-2·s-1 for gs, and 27.3 H20 day-1·plant-1 for E). Foliar biostimulant sprays also caused a lower malondialdehyde and proline production in rice genotypes under heat stress. In conclusion, the biostimulants BR, AA, NP, or BE can be considered an agronomic strategy to help mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress in rice areas where periods of high temperatures are expected during the day in Colombia.
Biofortification potential in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and physicochemical properties of 155 varieties grown in México
Authors: PALACIO-MÁRQUEZ Alejandro , OJEDA-BARRIOS Damaris , JIMÉNEZ-CASTRO Jorge , PRECIADO-RANGEL Pablo , HERNÁNDEZ-RODRÍGUEZ Ofelia A. , SÁNCHEZ Esteban
Published: March 2021

Common bean has been classified as an almost perfect food due to its high content of fiber, protein and bioactive compounds and its high antioxidant capacity, which has been attributed to having prevent diabetes, oxidative stress, bowel inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this research work was to characterize the physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of 155 varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) produced in Mexico with potential to be biofortified. The contents of protein, fiber, fat, carbohydrates and energy were analyzed by the methods established by the AOAC, in addition the antioxidant capacity (DPPH), the content of total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and phytic acid were obtained. Cluster, correlation, and principal component analysis were conducted. A total of 14 outstanding varieties was identified, where four varieties stood out about phenol and flavonoid content. A second group comprised by 10 varieties had high protein and anthocyanin levels and showed the second highest content of phenols and flavonoids. The diversity of beans obtained in outstanding varieties provides options for biofortification programs based on the consumption or place of origin of each variety.
Prunus spinosa L. leaf extracts: polyphenol profile and bioactivities
Authors: VELIČKOVIĆ Ivona , ŽIŽAK Željko , RAJČEVIĆ Nemanja , IVANOV Marija , SOKOVIĆ Marina , MARIN Petar D. , GRUJIĆ Slavica
Published: March 2021

Prunus spinosa leaf extracts in solvents of different polarity (water, ethanol and acetone), their phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents and biological properties were the object of this study. The richest in phenols as well as in flavonoids was acetone extract with 181.19 mg GAE and 80.10 mg QE per gram of dry extract, respectively. Moreover, the quantity of anthocyanins obtained by HPLC analysis was also the highest in acetone sample. Examined samples possessed antioxidant properties evaluated through four in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and TRC). The acetone extract was proved to be the best antioxidant among tested samples, which could be ascribed to polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. The aqueous and the ethanol extract exhibited antibacterial effects, being particularly active against B. cereus and E. cloacae. T. viride, P. funiculosum, P. ochrochloron, P. verrucosum var. cyclopium were the most susceptible among fungal microorganisms examined. Both, the aqueous and the ethanol extract expressed inhibitory activity towards enzymes linked to diabetes mellitus type II. Additionally, the ethanol extract showed significantly higher potential in inhibiting α-glucosidase than the drug used as the positive control. Furthermore, the aqueous sample revealed antitumor effects on following malignant cell lines: HeLa, K562 and MDA-MB-453. The results presented herein suggest that P. spinosa leaves should be considered as a natural source of bioactive compounds with potential application in phytopharmacy and food industry.
Fermentable carbohydrate metabolism in maguey mezcalero potosino (Agave salmiana): HPLC characterization and evaluation
Authors: MICHEL-CUELLO Christian , AGUILAR-RIVERA Noé , LÓPEZ-PALACIOS Cristian , CÁRDENAS-GONZÁLEZ Juan F.
Published: March 2021

The maguey mezcalero potosino (Agave salmiana) is a natural resource of great regional importance, used for the manufacture of mezcal and other alcoholic beverages by fermentation of simple sugars and sugars released by fructans hydrolysis. For this, only the stem and base of leaves is used, which results on wasting the other sections that represent up to 40% of weight of the complete plant. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the fermentable carbohydrates present in raw and hydrolysed juices of the stem and four sections of the whole leaves (base, neck, wings and apex) of maguey plants with representative specimens of three stages of maturity with industrial importance. For carbohydrate characterization, high resolution liquid chromatography (HLPC) was used. The sugars found as fructose, glucose, sucrose, xylose and maltose coincide with those identified in other Agave species, significant differences are observed depending on the section and the state of maturity of the plant, the sugar concentration in the discarded sections of the plant (fructose: 5.79 – 4.80 mg mL-1) are considerable and statistically similar to those found in the stem (fructose: 2.49 mg mL-1) and the base of the leaf (fructose: 3.16 mg mL-1) (structure used in the mezcal production process). The results obtained can promote the integral use of the plant and diversification towards other industries such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels or foods.
Effect of climate change on the spatial distribution and cork production of Quercus suber L., the risk of exclusion by the Aleppo pine expansion, and management practices to protect Q. suber habitat: A review
Authors: MECHERGUI Kaouther , JAOUADI Wahbi , ALTAMIMI Amal S. , NAGHMOUCHI Souheila , AMMARI Youssef
Published: March 2021

Climate change represents an important challenge for forest management and the silviculture of stands and it is known that climate change will have complex effects on cork oak forest ecosystems. North Africa and the Mediterranean basin are especially vulnerable to climate change. Under the effect of climate change, cork oak will disappear from a large area in the future, and the rest will migrate to higher altitudes and latitudes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of climate change on the spatial distribution of Quercus suber L. and cork production in the Mediterranean area, and the risk of its exclusion by the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) expansion. The literature review showed that up to 40% of current environmentally suitable areas for cork oak may be lost by 2070, mainly in northern Africa and the southern Iberian Peninsula. Temperature directly influences atmospheric evaporative demand and should affect cork productivity. Precipitation is the main factor that positively influences cork growth and several authors have confirmed the negative effect of drought on this growth. Currently, cork oak habitats are colonized in several places mainly by the Aleppo pine. Under climate change, Aleppo pine is projected to occupy higher altitude sites and several authors have predicted that current and future global warming will have a positive influence on Aleppo pine growth in wet sites. In the future and under climate change, there is a strong possibility that the Aleppo pine will colonize cork oak habitat. Finally, we proposed management practices to protect cork oak against climate change and Aleppo pine expansion.
Viral diagnosis in cultivars of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.
Authors: ANDRADE Carlos G. , Da SILVA Emanuel M. , RAGONEZI Carla , PINHEIRO DE CARVALHO Miguel Â. A.
Published: March 2021

Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. commonly known as sweet potato, is an important staple food worldwide, mainly due to its high nutritional value and yield. However, vegetative reproduction of sweet potato makes it more susceptible to viral infections, which threatens its productivity, quality, and difficult long-term preservation in germplasm banks. Also, it can act as a virus reservoir infecting the rest of the plant accessions in the bank collections. Hence, this work aimed to screen Begomovirus, Potyvirus, and Carlavirus infections in 16 traditional sweet potato cultivars from the germplasm collection of the ISOPlexis Germplasm Bank, Madeira, Portugal. The infection prevalence by these viruses among cultivars was 81.25%, 25.00%, and 6.25%, respectively; being ISOP1011 the only accession coinfected by Potyvirus and Carlavirus. The accessions ISOP1006, ISOP1010, and ISOP1047 were also coinfected by Begomovirus and Potyvirus, highlighting their vulnerability to viral infections. The ISOP1005 and ISOP1027 accessions were the only ones not infected by any of these viruses. The analysis of the partial sequence obtained from the Carlavirus detected in the accession ISOP1011, revealed the existence of an ORF that encodes for 93 amino acids of the catalytic domain of an RNA-directed RNA polymerase related to the Tymovirus protein family, as could be confirmed by comparison with proteins stored in UniProtKB. Multiple sequence alignment with these proteins showed that Motifs A and B of the catalytic domain were conserved. The search for sequence similarity with sequences deposited in GenBank reported a high sequence identity with Sweet potato yellow mottle virus (SPYMV) and Sweet potato chlorotic fleck virus (SPCFV). However, the 9-11% discrepancy in nucleotide sequence identity and a phylogenetic analysis carried out using the maximum probability method suggests the virus isolated from ISOP1011 is a new divergent strain of the SPCFV species.
Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Artemisia monosperma L. and Tamarix aphylla L. essential oils
Authors: ROMEILAH Ramy M. , EL-BELTAGI Hossam S. , SHALABY Emad A. , YOUNES Kareem M. , EL MOLL Hani , RAJENDRASOZHAN Saravanan , MOHAMED Heba
Published: March 2021

Essential (volatile) oil from leaves of Artemisia monosperma L. belonging to family Asteraceae, and aerial parts of Tamarix aphylla L. (Athel) belonging to family Tamaricaceae were collected from the desert of Ha'il region, northern region of Saudi Arabia, hydro distilled by Clevenger apparatus and analysed by means of GC-MS techniques. Antioxidant activities of essential oils of A. monosperma and T. aphylla compared with ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as reference antioxidant compound were determined by method of DPPH radical scavenging assay and ABTS assay. In vitro screening of potential cytotoxicity of essential oils was also evaluated against human promyelocytic leukaemia cell lines (HL60 and NB4). The GC/MS analysis of A. monosperma essential oil resulted in identification of 61 components predominated mainly by β-Pinene as principal component (29.87%) and T. aphylla resulted in identification of 37 components of essential oil predominated mainly by 6,10,14- trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (21.43%) as principal component. Antioxidant activity as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and 2,2 -azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) increased with increasing essential oil concentrations of A. monosperma and T. aphylla (25, 50, 75, 100 and 200 μg mL-1). The most pronounced increases detected in the high concentrations of the two essential oils. Biologically, essential oil extracts exhibited cytotoxicity effects in dose dependent manner against human promyelocytic leukaemia cell lines (HL60 and NB4). In conclusion, A. monosperma and T. aphylla essential oils could be valuable source for cytotoxic agents with high safety and selective cytotoxicity profiles.
Potential of vegetable soybean cultivation in Lithuania
Authors: JANKAUSKIENĖ Julė , BRAZAITYTĖ Aušra , VAŠTAKAITĖ-KAIRIENĖ Viktorija
Published: March 2021

The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential of vegetable soybean (Edamame) cultivation in Lithuania. Six soybean varieties were grown in an open field. Our data showed that the plants of the ‘Chiba Green’ variety were the shortest. Such plants had higher chlorophyll index and photosynthesis intensity. Variety ‘Midori Giant’ had more branches than plants of other varieties. The highest yield was produced by the plants of the ‘Chiba Green’ variety. Higher protein content was found in beans of the ‘Chiba Green’ variety. However, there were no differences found in soluble carbohydrates and micro- and macroelement contents between the varieties. In summary, the results revealed that of the tested varieties, the most suitable and useful for the cultivation under Lithuanian climate conditions was the ‘Chiba Green’ vegetable soybean variety.
Professional competency for elder care: perception among professors, nursing students, and nurses
Authors: Ferreira Rafaela , Derhun Flávia Maria , Carreira Lígia , Baldissera Vanessa Denardi Antoniassi , Radovanovic Cremilde Aparecida Trindade , Mariano Pamela Patrícia
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the perception of nurses, undergraduate students, and professors about the competencies for professional nurses in elder care. Methods: this is a qualitative analytical study developed with six professors, four nurses, and 12 nursing students. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Fiorin’s Discourse technique, with support from the MAXQDA software. Results: the competencies identified included knowledge of theories and general concepts of gerontology, communication, listening, leadership, teamwork, proactivity, respect, and empathy. Final considerations: knowing the competencies contributes to understanding the aging process and qualifying nurses for elder care.
Dental findings on face and neck imaging
Authors: Alves Isabela dos Santos , Vendramini Daniela Ferreira Vieira , Leite Claudia da Costa , Gebrim Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago , Passos Ula Lindoso
Published: March 2021

Abstract When it is necessary to evaluate dental structures, the typical method is to obtain intraoral or panoramic X-rays at specialized dental clinics. However, in the daily practice of head and neck radiology, or even general radiology, it is common to encounter clinical situations or examination findings related to dental problems that should not be ignored. Because such problems can often be responsible for the clinical complaints of patients, this review aims to assist radiologists in identifying and describing common dental conditions on computed tomography of paranasal sinuses, face, and neck. It is important for radiologists to have knowledge of dental arch anatomy and its relationships with facial structures, as well as of major dental pathologies, including periapical sclerotic lesions, odontogenic cysts, fistulas, and abscesses, together with knowledge of incidental findings without clinical repercussions, which should be easily identified and stressed by the radiologist when necessary. The imaging methods most commonly used in evaluation of paranasal sinuses and face are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Those methods allow radiologists to recognize and become familiar with the main dental findings. The description of such findings by a radiologist can lead to a change in treatment strategy.
Spectral Doppler, tissue Doppler, and speckle-tracking echocardiography for the evaluation of fetal cardiac function: an update
Authors: Peixoto Alberto Borges , Bravo-Valenzuela Nathalie Jeanne , Rocha Luciane Alves , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: March 2021

Abstract The functional assessment of the fetal heart has been incorporated into cardiac ultrasound screening as a routine procedure, encompassing fetuses with and without structural heart diseases. It has long been known that various cardiac and extracardiac conditions, such as fetal growth restriction, fetal tumors, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, fetal anemia, diaphragmatic hernia, arteriovenous fistula with high cardiac output, and congenital heart diseases (valvular regurgitation and primary myocardial disease), can alter hemodynamic status and fetal cardiac function. Several ultrasound and Doppler echocardiographic parameters of fetal cardiovascular disease have been shown to correlate with perinatal mortality. However, it is still difficult to identify the signs of fetal heart failure and to determine their relationship with prognosis. The aim of this study was to review the main two-dimensional Doppler ultrasound parameters that can be used in the evaluation of fetal cardiac function, with a focus on how to perform that evaluation and on its clinical applicability.
Nacional, democrático e social: o desenvolvimentismo chileno durante os governos radicais
Authors: BANDEIRA JULIA VEIGA VIEIRA MANCIO , SILVA PEDRO PERFEITO DA
Published: March 2021

RESUMO A primeira experiência desenvolvimentista chilena ocorreu durante os quatorze anos (1938-1952) de governos democráticos do Partido Radical. Tal partido, apesar de ser formado pelas classes médias, tinha a questão social e a diminuição da dependência externa como preocupações centrais. Assim, o objetivo do presente artigo é entender as especificidades dos governos desenvolvimentistas e radicais no Chile, partindo do argumento que eles perseguiram, concomitantemente, a construção de um desenvolvimentismo nacional, democrático e social. Para tanto, será explorado o conceito de desenvolvimentismo em si, para então analisar política econômica do período.
A evolução conceitual da desigualdade e da pobreza no pensamento econômico
Authors: CARVALHO ANDRÉ RONCAGLIA DE , SOUZA LUCIANA ROSA DE
Published: March 2021

RESUMO O artigo faz uma leitura histórica das ideias econômicas sobre o problema da desigualdade e da pobreza. Partindo das reflexões de David Ricardo, percorre-se a trajetória das preocupações dos economistas com o tema, na tentativa de demarcar as fases em que a atenção da profissão se concentrou em um aspecto do problema da justiça social, bem como suas causas e seus efeitos sobre o comportamento dos indivíduos e da economia. Atenta-se, em particular, para a sensibilidade da agenda de pesquisa aos vários contextos históricos, bem como às inovações metodológicas e tecnológicas. A agenda de pesquisa é predominantemente marcada pelo foco na distribuição funcional da renda até os anos 1980, quando a pobreza se torna o centro das atenções, motivando a elaboração de métodos de distribuição pessoal da renda (size distribution). Oferece uma releitura panorâmica e não-linear das ideias econômicas sobre desigualdade e pobreza, um tema que vem ganhando crescente importância nos desenvolvimentos analíticos da economia nos últimos 15 anos, em que a problemática da concentração de riqueza ganhou contornos mais elaborados, abrindo uma nova frente de investigações sobre justiça social e o papel da política pública.
The unexplored influences of modern physics on John R. Commons’ economic theory
Authors: GUEDES SEBASTIÃO NETO RIBEIRO , JERÔNIMO RODRIGO CONSTANTINO
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT Previous works of John R. Commons’ interpreters have emphasized the influence of numerous theoretical-methodological references (e.g., pragmatism, evolutionism, etc.) in shaping his economic thought. However, almost no mention is made of the influence of particle and relativity physics, which, as we debate, provide sources of insights to his work. This paper explores these connections by showing that John R. Commons was not only interested in the advances of that science but was also inspired by them to produce parallels and analogies that allowed his theory to escape the pitfalls of individualism and determinism while incorporating time and space in an innovative way in the economic discourse.
Technique proposition and material comparison for surgery rope making
Authors: Bello Lucas Krusch , Godoy Fabrício Guedes , Oliveira José Pedro Marquezan de , Cassanego Guilherme Rech , Müller Daniel Curvello de Mendonça
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT: The most tension resistant, nonmetallic, surgical suture is 5 polyester. Comparing it’s resistance to those of the dogs’ cranial cruciate ligament and the canine gastrocnemius tendon’s up until they rupture, it’s possible to detect a considerably inferior resistance on the implant’s part. With the goal of achieving high mechanical resistances from sutures, these were grouped and twisted, resulting in a surgical rope that is adjustable to the patients needs. We analyzed manufacturing methodology, final conformation and tension resistance, based on three sutures models: “A” (1 polyglactin 910), “B” (1 polyester) and “C” (5 polyester). Considering averages of thickness and final load, the “B” implants obtained lower values than “A”, indicating that polyglactin 910 ropes are more resistant than those of polyester. Moreover, the “C” implants resulted in the highest values of load and thickness, indicating that final thickness is predictive towards tension resistance. Size 1 Polyester was the only one to generate linear regression for supported load, ensuring the 25,34 Newtons (N) increment to every suture added to the implant, which suggests its use for the creation of non absorbable ropes. The use of 1 polyglatctin 910 promotes load averages superior to 1 polyester;therefore, it is indicated for making absorbable surgical ropes.
Estágio com Pesquisa na Formação Inicial de Professores: transformação dos sentidos sobre a atividade docente
Authors: Rabelo Leandro de Oliveira , Abib Maria Lucia Vital dos Santos , Azevedo Maria Nizete de
Published: March 2021

Resumo: Com base na Teoria Histórico-Cultural da Atividade, analisamos as transformações dos sentidos de um licenciando em atividade de estágio supervisionado com pesquisa, sobre a atividade docente, em especial a aprendizagem dos alunos e a experimentação no Ensino de Física. Esse estágio, que visa articular teoria-prática na formação inicial de professores, foi realizado no contexto das disciplinas de Metodologia do Ensino de Física, oferecidas por uma universidade pública brasileira. Utilizamos dados do relatório de estágio e de uma entrevista semiestruturada. Os resultados indicam que, inicialmente, o estágio não se caracterizava como uma atividade para esse sujeito, mas apenas uma ação necessária à conclusão da graduação, e seus sentidos se aproximavam de um ensino-aprendizagem transmissivo/receptivo. Contudo, no decorrer do processo formativo, foram elaborados novos sentidos sobre a atividade docente. Esses resultados reforçam a importância da pesquisa na realização do estágio supervisionado na formação inicial de professores.