bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Microbial Communities in the Weathering and Stalactite Formation in Karst Topography
Authors: Huang Tung-Yi , Hsu Bing-Mu , Fan Cheng-Wei , Tsai Hsin-Chi , Tung Chien-Yi , Chen Jung-Sheng
Published: February 2019

Abstract. This study investigated the long-term effect of environmental physical factors on the relative abundance of bacteria and the consequential landscape evolution in karst topography, focusing mainly on the effects of limestone weathering and calcite precipitation. The Narrow-Sky located in the upper part of Takangshan is a small gulch of Pleistocene coralline limestone formation in southern Taiwan. The landscapes were different in the karst walls between the opening and the inner of gulch due to the variation of physical parameters such as sunlight penetration, humidity, and temperature. A metagenomic approach was used out to determine the relationship of microbial community structures on the landscapes in various habitats around the gulch, namely on the inner and outer limestone wall, the water collected from speleothems surface, and the ground soil at the outer wall. The total organic carbon content was measured in solid samples to evaluate the biomass of the habitats. Our results showed that the biomass of habitats in the opening of the gulch was two times higher than the that inside where light penetration was lower. We also found that speleothems only occurred at the inner wall inside the gulch, where the environment exhibited water drips running through the surface of speleothems and less light penetration. The metagenomics in each habitat was surveyed to measure the sequence similarity of operational taxonomic units relative to urease-producing bacteria and weathering-associated bacteria available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Our data revealed that the metagenomics of the inner wall and water samples exhibited more sequences that were similar to those of urease-producing bacteria, whereas the outer wall showed more sequences that were similar to those of weathering-associated bacteria, suggesting that bacteria facilitated the formation of limestone weathering and calcite precipitation for various habitats. This study revealed the pivotal roles of microorganisms in governing the geological evolution of the limestone landscape.
Faute, culpabilité et dette
Authors: Gagnebin Jeanne Marie
Published: February 2019

Cet article essaie de cerner la relation de Paul Ricœur à Friedrich Nietzsche à partir d’une problématique précise: celle de la “dette” que nous avons par rapport au passé, donc de la transmission de ce passé. Il est en effet frappant que, alors qu’il convoque Nietzsche à plusieurs reprises dans La mémoire, l’histoire, l’oubli, Ricœur ne reprenne pas les analyses nietzschéennes de la Schuld – “dette et faute” – de la Généalogie de la morale, voire les récuse implicitement. À partir de l’importance de la notion de “faute” chez Ricœur (en particulier dans la Symbolique du mal), nous essayerons de mieux comprendre ce refus ainsi que ses implications herméneutiques.
De l’agent économique à l’homme capable. Une critique de l’économisme à partir de l’herméneutique critique de Paul Ricœur
Authors: Pierron Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2019

Le dialogue de Paul Ricœur a été constant avec les sciences humaines et sociales, mais peu avec l'économie. Ce silence ricœurien sur l’économie est relatif. Sans faire une épistémologie des sciences économiques, il manifesta une préoccupation constante pour la condition ouvrière (cf. Simone Weil) et les effets pratiques de l’aliénation économique. Il n’a cessé de porter son attention sur le travail plutôt que sur l’économie, sur les échanges plutôt que sur la modélisation de l’économie mathématique oublieuse de l’économie comme science sociale. Son anthropologie est une anthropologie de l’homme capable plutôt que celle de l’homme comptable. En effet, son souci éthique réinstalle sur le plan des évaluations une activité économique, non seulement uniformisante mais unidimentionnalisante, qui résorbe le plan de la valeur dans celui du prix. Son anthropologie de l’homme capable réévalue la figure de l’agent économique. Ainsi chez Ricœur, le souci éthique est-il instruit épistémologiquement par les sciences sociales. Il pense ensemble éthique et économie via les médiations symboliques des institutions et des structures qui rendent possibles les échanges. D'où une approche fine des thèses de Marx sur l’aliénation économique, et plus tardivement une rencontre des travaux de l’économiste Amartya Sen, non sans liens, avec les travaux de Martha Nussbaum sur les capabilités.
Introduction
Authors: Contreras Tasso Beatriz , Mena Malet Patricio
Published: February 2019

Introduction (version française) à ERRS 2018, 9, 2, “Affectivité, initiative, fragilité et vulnérabilité dans l’anthropologie philosophique de Ricœur”
Toezicht op de vereffening door de rechter met bijzondere aandacht voor procesrechtelijke aspecten en eenduidigheid
Authors: Lieber J.H.
Published: February 2019

Toezicht op de vereffening door de rechter met bijzondere aandacht voor procesrechtelijke aspecten en eenduidigheid

Deze bijdrage beziet of de wetgever effectief toezicht door de rechter tijdens de vereffening mogelijk maakt, en gaat verder in op de vraag hoe de rechter uitvoering aan dit toezicht geeft en in hoeverre daarbij voor de verdelingsrechter een rol is weggelegd.
Prevalence of Legionella spp. in hot water samples from Polish hospitals in 2009-2013
Authors: Gładysz Iwona , Kozioł-Montewka Maria , Sikora Agnieszka , Wójtowicz-Bobin Małgorzata , Karczewski Jan
Published: February 2019

Background: Microbiological threat from Legionella spp. is associated with the current widespread use of air-condition systems and frequent colonization of hot water distribution systems in public facilities (hospitals, hotels, nursing homes). This poses a particularly high risk in hospitalized patients, as many of them are immunocompromised. More than 50 species and 72 serogroups of Legionella spp. have been described thus far, including more than 20 species being pathogenic to humans.
Material/Methods: Microbiological threat posed by Legionella spp. was assessed based on a retrospective analysis of microbiological quality of water from hot water distribution systems in Polish hospitals, determined in 2009-2013 at certified laboratories of the Sanitary-Epidemiological Surveillance. The results were kindly provided by the hospitals’ administration upon request, for which the authors would like to express their deepest gratitude. The study material included samples of hot water from internal distribution systems in 379 Polish hospitals, collected by the State Sanitary Inspectorate.
Results: Based on the results of microbiological analyses, we were able to estimate Legionella spp. colonization rates in hospital water distribution systems and to assess the activities undertaken by the State Sanitary Inspectorate to reduce excessive bacterial counts in this reservoir. Microbiological analyses conducted in 2009-2013, i.e. after implementing a statutory obligation to monitor Legionella spp. in hospital hot water distribution systems, showed elevated bacterial counts in 3.92% to 12.7% of the samples. These findings justify further microbiological monitoring of hospital water distribution systems.
Discussion: The prevalence of the most pathogenic serotype SG1 in hot water distribution systems of Polish hospitals is relatively low compared to other European countries. To maintain this favorable status, hospital water systems should be monitored not only for the presence of Legionella pneumophila, but also for the prevalence of serogroup 1 L. pneumophila.
ÁNALISE DE ÁGUA DO AFLUENTE DO CORRÉGO DO VEADO EM
PRESIDENTE PRUDENTE – SP
Authors: Pereira Sossai Bruno , Victor Carvalho de Andrade João , Lenon Benedito da Silva John , Gabriela Soares Marques Laís , Fabiano Artuso Lukas , Marrion Souza Miguel , Mendonça Felici Elson , Garcia Balarim Nelissa
Published: February 2019

The water bodies are of small or large size have a great
importance within an ecosystem, since they are connected directly to the
ecological balance, the present study had as objective to analyze water
samples several points of a hydric body present within the urban perimeter, its
methodology was derived from the Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Wastewater, one of the most well-regarded books for water
analysis, the results were satisfactory with answers that show that the water
body has the capacity for aquatic life, and the conclusion is that requires
greater care with these resources that are directly linked to human life.
ANÁLISE DAS PROPRIEDADES DO CONCRETO UTILIZANDO RESÍDUOS
DA CONSTRUÇÃO CIVIL
Authors: Miranda dos Santos Leandro , Queiroz Minillo Larissa , Araujo Altran Daniele , Bittencourt Figueiredo Filipe
Published: February 2019

The impacts caused by RCCs are growing exponentially each year,
which is why it is necessary to create measures to mitigate and minimize such
an effect. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the physicalmechanical properties of the concrete from the gradual replacement of the
natural fine aggregate by the recycled aggregate. The recycled concrete was
made with substitutions of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of recycled aggregate,
whose water / cement factor was 0.7. Test specimens were produced and after
the cure time of 7, 14 and 28 days the specimens were ruptured. It was
possible to analyze that with the increase of the recycled aggregate
substitution, the concrete strength increased, but did not reach an average
resistance of 20 Mpa. Therefore it is possible to conclude that the use of
recycled aggregate in the manufacture of low resistance concrete is.
USINA HIDRELÉTRICA DE BELO MONTE: UMA VISÃO CRÍTICA DA
PRINCIPAL FONTE DE ENERGIA DO PAÍS
Authors: Silvério Costa Júnior Ródney , Alcântara de Carvalho Ester , Marcal Rafael
Published: February 2019

Renewable energy, alternative energy or clean energy are the
three possible names for any energy obtained by renewable sources. Knowing
this sources, the focus of this article will be analyze hydroelectric energy, more
specifically, the plant of Belo Monte and the controversies around it, that
appeared even before its construction. The plant, which is one hundred
percent Brazilian, is installed in the interior of Pará, on the Xingu River. The
debate that has been going on for years are the serious and negatives impacts
that it causes, both social and environmental. Knowing this context, this article
it is a criticism about this impacts, which is irreplaceable effect, and being an
exploitation of the dilemma between the pree and the conservation of the
environment. We conclude that it is necessary to find a break-even point
between the two essential strands, to actually enable an evolution that does
not cause an environmental disaster.
PROJETO DE VEÍCULO CICLOMOTOR COM ASSISTÊNCIA ELÉTRICA PARA
TRANSPORTE URBANO
Authors: Vieira Gomes Scandelai Amanda , Fernanda Menezes Barracar Thaís , Daltoé Berci César
Published: February 2019

Urban mobility and sustainable development, subjects of great
impact on the life quality and population’s social well-being, they are
correlated to the motorized transport discussion, since the conventional
paradigm for people and goods displacement are based on fossil fuels , makes
use of a non-renewable source of energy and, in addition, is responsible for
the emission of harmful gases, which contaminate the atmospheric air, mainly
in the great urban centers with great population density, potentializing the
damages caused by them. In this context, it is intended to develop, with the
project proposed here, an alternative based on a renewable energy, applied to
an agile and efficient means of transport for urban displacement, the reason
why it was decided to build an electric bicycle, which, associated to a low cost
when compared to others transport alternatives for the same application,
represents a viable and economically accessible alternative for urban
transport.
LAYOUT EM NOVOS EMPREENDIMENTOS: ESTUDO DE CASO DE UMA
PROCESSADORA DE CAFÉS ESPECIAIS
Authors: Aparecida dos Santos Mesquita Elisângela , Batalini dos Santos Gabrielle , Henrique Alves da Cruz Thomas , Medeiros Hespanhol Rafael
Published: February 2019

The process of develop a production layout is one of the key
aspects of creating a new company, regardless of its market segment. This
study aims to develop a facility layout for arabica coffee processing.
Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed through the SLP (Systematic
Layout Planning) method, for this purpose, a research of the necessary
equipment was developed, regarding its dimensions and production capacity.
Was also considered the six principles of layout optimization. The result was a
layout proposal, with an array of equipment following the principle of
arrangement by processes. It was also elaborated the facility plant, with the
explanation of the process flow.
PROPOSTA DE ARRANJO FÍSICO PARA PROJETO DE UMA FÁBRICA DE CAFÉ
DO INTERIOR DO OESTE PAULISTA PELA METODOLOGIA SLP
Authors: Luís Kazuo Kanada André , Rafaela Junges Moreira bruna , Fernandez Zanotto Gabriela , Medeiros Hespanhol Rafael
Published: February 2019

A good study of layout becomes increasingly necessary due to the
great competitiveness existing in the markets, since its use acts as a strategy
for the companies, which obtain benefits like improvement of productive flow
and reduction of lead-time. The research aims to propose a plant layout aimed
at an optimal combination of the activities and resources of a small coffee
factory. The methodology used is based on an adaptation of the Systematic
Layout Planning (SLP), proposed by Muther (1973), in which a data collection
was first made through bibliographical and field research, and then, applied
some method tools convenient to work. The result presents a 2D layout
proposal for factory installation with the help of AutoCAD software. It is
concluded that even when not fully employed, SLP is effective for planning
layouts.
ANÁLISE AMBIENTAL DA MICROBACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO CÓRREGO
ÁGUA DA COLÔNIA DO MUNICÍPIO DE PRESIDENTE VENCESLAU- SP
Authors: Regina de ÂNGELO Beatriz , Pelegrini VITAL Rafaela , dos Santos AQUINO Thaís , Mendonça FELICI Elson , Garcia BALARIM Nelissa
Published: February 2019

The present study of the Água da Colônia watershed in the
municipality of Presidente Venceslaú-SP is an analysis of the environmental
impacts concerning the residents' practices, with the purpose of
recommending mitigation measures and recommending habit modifications
for conservation and ecosystem stability. For this, some physical-chemical
analysis, field visits, literature review, among others, were necessary. In this
way, it was possible to obtain knowledge of the current situation of the
microbasin, considering the activities of the inhabitants against the natural
resources. Some adversities were found in the results of the analyzes, but in
general, no worrisome highlight. In addition, the observation of the routine of
the residents, it was possible to evidence some justifications for the loss of
quality of life of the same ones, that comes from their own impacting
attitudes, since it was concluded that any activities harmful to the
environment, tend to reflect the being cause.
ANÁLISE DE PARAMETROS FÍSICOS QUÍMICOS DO CÓRREGO DO
VEADO, LIMOEIRO E BALNEÁRIO DA AMIZADE EM PRESIDENTE
PRUDENTE – SP
Authors: Lennon Benedito da Silva John , Victor Carvalho de Andrade João , Yasmim Franco Pereira Maria
Published: February 2019

Life on earth is based on some elements, among them one of the
most important and responsible for life, water, since, where there is water,
there is life. Therefore, this study aims to show laboratory analyzes of some
streams in order to know if the site is undergoing any influence, be it anthropic
or natural in the period of 2016, having laboratory analyzes to obtain data that
prove the situation of the river, even the deficiency or abundance of some
parameter analyzed as oxygen, pH, turbidity, conductivity and temperature.
With these analyzes we obtained values that show the behavior of the bed in
times of drought and rainfall where at the same time it has shown well
expected and satisfactory values because it is a bed where in the past they
received large amounts of effluents.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA MANIPUEIRA E POSSIBILIDADES DE
TRATAMENTO
Authors: Aparecido dos Santos Correia Igor , Caroline Bento Silva Nadine , Teixeira de Souza Alexandre , Paula Jambers Scandelai Ana
Published: February 2019

Due to the presence of high organic load and hydrocyanic acid,
manipueira, the effluent from cassava production, requires appropriate
treatment before being discharge into the environment. This study aimed to
characterize the manipueira of a flour producing industry and present possible
treatment systems for its degradation. The manipueira characterization
occurred by the parameters of pH, turbidity, chemical and, biochemical oxygen
demand, total solids, total fixed solids, total volatile solids and cyanide. All
parameters evaluated were high and above the limits allowed by the
legislation, evidencing the need for its treatment. From the survey of biological
and physical-chemical treatments s, it is emphasized that the choice of the
most appropriate combination will depend mainly on the characteristics of the
manipueira generated, the costs and the efficiencies process, and the legal
factors.
BREVES APONTAMENTOS SOBRE A INCIDÊNCIA VALORATIVA NA NOMOGÊNESE E SUBSUNÇÃO
Authors: Vergílio Souto Fabiana , Augusta Rodrigues Westin Ebaid Ana
Published: February 2019

The question of value, in relation to law, manifests itself in two distinct but equally relevant moments: the first, when the norm is produced (nomogenesis); The second, when it is applied (subsumption). The problem question also arises from two different angles: that of justice, supreme value in the legal sphere and that of legitimacy.The results obtained point to the realization that the social forces and all the immanent power of the people impels the Legislative Power, generating the necessity of effecting the nomogenesis, that corresponds to the social needs. And that, at a later moment, the ideology of the judge, conditioned by cultural data in the processes of socialization, guides the subsumption.In order to follow up and theoretical basis of the present research, the search for bibliographical material, more specifically written books, and the digital format, emphasizing the prestigious doctrines and authors was used as the main mechanism of investigation.
DIMENSÕES ORGANIZACIONAIS E O TRABALHO DO ADMINISTRADOR PÚBLICO: UM ESTUDO DE CASO EM UMA UNIVERSIDADE PÚBLICA
Authors: Henrique de Oliveira Pedro , Claudia Fernandes Terence Ana , Antonio Catussi Paschoalotto Marco
Published: February 2019

The study of the organizations and manager work is relevant today, while requiring continuous improvement and understanding. However, there are few studies on the organizational structure and the manager work in the public sector. Thus, the purpose of thispaper is to identify the role of the public administrator through administrative processes and management activities, with emphasis on the structure and strategies developed. As a methodology, the case study was adopted at the Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculty of Science and Engineering of Tupã/SP, where the data were collected from free observation (3 months immersed), interviews and document analysis. Firsts results, there is a need for a formal and effective communication between administrative areas, which have their specific functions and are formalized in the organizational chart. Also, that the planning process is carried out from top to bottom and there is a greater participation of the executive coordination and of teachers than of technical-administrative servants and students, because of the Collegiate System Representation. It is also pointed out that, although strategic planning is formal and results in a formalized tactical and operational plan, the organization executes its activities based on short and medium-term demands, because of emerging actions that do not follow the established plan. Therefore, despite the existence of several unmapped processes, the unit administrators follow a logical and standardized flow of actions to achieve their goal.
A PERÍCIA AMBIENTAL COMO FATOR PREPONDERANTE PARA A PRESERVAÇÃO DO MEIO AMBIENTE
Authors: Aparecida Peluco Ariane , Ferreira Morong Fábio , dos Santos Silva Celia
Published: February 2019

The interaction between man and space promotes changes in the environment that may be positive or negative, but disorderly actions both urban and rural have been causing environmental impacts that run away from the capacity of nature to self-recover. The objective of this study was to correlate these environmental impacts that are putting collective health at risk with the importance of environmental expertise in actions aimed at guaranteeing the right to the ecologically balanced environment, ensured through Art. 225 Federal Constitution. The applied method was the deductive, based on the analysis of the verified data and consultation with the national legislation. It is concluded that Environmental Expertise has high legal importance, not only providing data that base a responsibility for the damages caused, but acting directly to ensure the preservation of the environment.
CENÁRIOS PROSPECTIVOS E ATORES SOCIAIS: O DESENVOLVIMENTO HUMANO E SOCIAL
Authors: Marcio Gitahy Junior Ivan
Published: February 2019

In order to discuss opportunities and threats, strengths and weaknesses related to the dynamism of a given region, it is necessary to study scenarios considering a human perspective. Thus, the present research aims to generate and analyze prospective scenarios for the Municipality of Marília until 2027 from the perspective of social actors. To carry out this research, the Grumbach Method will be used as methodology. With this research methodology it will be possible, besides elaborating scenarios, to identify which ones will be more driving and dependent and how they will behave in the matrix of cross impacts. The greater the degree of dependence the greater the probability of occurrence to be influenced by the other events. With the above, this research seeks to understand and contextualize the Municipality of Marília SP in light of its more human planning, considering the participation of local social actors.
GESTÃO DE CUSTOS E ENERGIA: EVIDÊNCIAS, OPORTUNIDADES E RESULTADOS OBTIDOS EM UM CASO CONCRETO
Authors: Souza da Silva Nilmaer , Daltóe Berci César
Published: February 2019

The acquisition of electricity in the Free Contracting Environment -FCE -is a consolidated alternative of cost reduction, since it allows the previous contracting of the energy to be consumed at a freely negotiated price among market players.The objective of this study was to demonstrate, through a case study, how the acquisition of electric energy in the FCEcan help reduce organizational costs and generate significant economic results.Methodologically, it was an explanatory research, with quanti-qualitative approach, whose instruments of data collection were the bibliographical research and documentary analysis coming from a case study. The analysis of the data occurred through electronic spreadsheets, graphics, and, finally, content and comparative analysis. The results demonstrate the cost reduction, of theR$ 5,000,000.00 (fivemillion “reais”),a lower payback in less than two months, and also an Internal Rate of Return -IRR -of 365%.
QUALIDADE DE VIDA NO TRABALHO EM UMA EMPRESA DE MATERIAIS DE CONSTRUÇÃO CIVIL DE PRESIDENTE PRUDENTE/SP
Authors: Oliveira de Souza Amanda , dos Santos Ricci Pamela , Luciano Fernandes Faria Lucas , Paulo de Souza Sabrina , Carlos Camacho Neves Renato , Cahoni Rodrigues Valdecir , Yuho Endo Gustavo
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to analyze the quality of life at work (QLW) offered by a company in the construction materials segment,based on QLW theoretical concepts. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether QLW practices exist in the company under study and in the absence of them to propose improvements.The methodological approach used in this study is the technical-scientific report, being defined as the final product of a work, being an applied research or technical production that will describe the experiences lived in the organization based on scientific and methodological. It was possible to observe that the company offers QLW practices, but these are not enough to meet the needs of employees, and for this reason, actions such as standardization of benefits, regulation of working hours, standardization of individual protection equipament, gymnastics plan career, job and career plan, organizational climate research and motivational lectures.
Populisme Islam di Indonesia: Studi Kasus Aksi Bela Islam oleh GNPF-MUI Tahun 2016-2017
Authors: Kusumo Rangga , Hurriyah Hurriyah
Published: February 2019

Populisme bukanlah fenomena baru di Indonesia. Gerakan perlawanan populisme dalam sejarah Indonesia muncul dalam berbagai bentuk, sejak masa Orde Lama hingga pasca-Orde Baru. Pada masa Orde Lama, muncul gagasan Nasakom (nasionalisme, agama, komunisme) yang digagas oleh Soekarno sebagai upaya melawan kolonialisme. Di akhir masa Orde Baru, muncul gerakan perlawanan mahasiswa yang menentang kekuasaan rezim otoritarianisme, dan bahkan berhasil menjatuhkan pemerintahan Soeharto. Pasca-Orde Baru, populisme hadir dalam bentuk munculnya figur-figur yang dianggap populis dan juga kebijakan-kebijakan populernya. Pada tahun 2016-2017, fenomena yang terkait dengan populisme juga terjadi, namun kali ini dalam bentuk aksi massa yang terkait isu keagamaan, yaitu Aksi Bela Islam (ABI) yang dimotori oleh Gerakan Nasional Pengawal Fatwa Majelis UIama Indonesia (GNPF-MUI). Rangkaian Aksi Bela Islam ini melibatkan banyak elemen untuk menuntut keadilan hukum bagi Ahok yang dinilai telah menistakan Alquran. Beberapa argumen menjelaskan bahwa fenomena Aksi Bela Islam merupakan kompetisi antarelite oligarki, atau bagian dari Islamisasi yang lebih luas, seperti mengubah konstitusi menjadi hukum Islam atau sekadar bagian dari upaya merusak proses kampanye dalam Pilkada DKI Jakarta 2017. Mengacu pada argumentasi Vedi Hadiz terkait populisme Islam, Aksi Bela Islam yang menggunakan simbol Islam sebagai pemersatu dan landasan mobilisasi diyakini akan mengarah kepada terbentuknya populisme Islam di Indonesia. Namun, studi ini menunjukkan bahwa walaupun Aksi Bela Islam memperlihatkan adanya unsur-unsur populisme Islam, seperti aliansi multikelas dan narasi satu ummah, namun gerakan Aksi Bela Islam ini lebih merupakan populisme Islam semu (pseudo Islamic populism), daripada populisme Islam baru yang diargumentasikan oleh Hadiz. Studi ini menemukan bahwa hanya sebagian saja unsur yang dipenuhi. Aliansi dari mereka yang terhimpun tidak bertahan lama, serta pemaknaan terhadap ummah beragam di antara peserta Aksi Bela Islam sendiri. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan pendekatan tertentu dalam membangun konsep populisme Islam telah membuat konsep tersebut kurang mampu menangkap fenomena populisme di dalam konteks masyarakat Muslim.
Mat thickness associated withDidymosphenia geminataandCymbellaspp. in the southern rivers of Chile
Authors: Zamorano Daniel , Peredo-Parada Matías , Lillo Diana J. , Parodi Jorge , Díaz Carolina A.
Published: February 2019

Didymosphenia geminatais a diatom that can alter aquatic systems. Several investigations have shown as chemical, and hydraulic factors have a great influence on the proliferation ofD. geminata, but the study of other microalgae that could be associated with it has been poorly addressed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between mat thickness,D. geminataand another taxon that produces mucilage,Cymbella, while also considering physical and chemical factors. For this, two samples were taken, one in the spring of 2013 and the other in the autumn of 2014, from eight rivers in central-southern Chile-South America, where the benthic community was characterized, and the thickness of the mat was measured. The results show that the mat thickness on sites with the presence of both taxa is doubled, and while sites withD. geminatapresence showed mat peak on autumn, sites withCymbellaspp. presence showed on spring. Also, higher values of mat thickness associated with low cell densities ofD. geminataand intermediate cell densities ofCymbellaspp. Finally, physicochemical variables that better explain mat thickness are phosphorus and water temperature. An alternation process of mucilage production may explain these results by these taxa strongly related to physicochemical variables. The present study contributes evidence about the relationship between mat thicknessD. geminataand other microalgae contribution, and aquatic condition for this development.
Transcription Factors
Authors: Caramori Gaetano , Ruggeri Paolo , Mumby Sharon , Atzeni Fabiola , Adcock Ian M
Published: February 2019

Transcription factors are regulatory proteins that can increase or decrease the transcription of a particular gene from deoxyribonucleic acid into the corresponding ribonucleic acid. They play a key role in embryonic development, the creation and maintenance of cell type‐ and tissue‐specific patterns of protein synthesis and the response to cellular signalling pathways. Transcription factors are involved in a large number of human diseases such as congenital malformations, hereditary syndromes and a myriad of benignant and malignant neoplasms. Some transcription factors in addition to their regulation of homeostatic genes control the expression of many inflammatory genes and may, therefore, play a key role in the pathogenesis of a rapidly growing number of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases contributing to determine disease severity and response to treatment.

Key Concepts

Transcriptional factors are proteins that regulate and activate the transcriptional response in a DNA‐dependent manner.

Transcription factors are classified into several families share structural characteristics.

Transcriptional factors play a key role in health and disease.

Transcription factors are involved in a large number of human diseases such as cancers.

The activation/repression of different transcription factors and the genetic regulation of their expression is a critical mechanism regulating the expression of different human diseases and their responsiveness to therapy.
AIRE
– The Autoimmune Regulator
Authors: Matsumoto Minoru , Nishijima Hitoshi , Morimoto Junko , Tsuneyama Koichi , Matsumoto Mitsuru
Published: February 2019

Autoimmune diseases, caused by continuous immune responses against self‐antigens, have an uncertain aetiology. Although breakdown of self‐tolerance is considered to be the key event in the disease process, the underlying mechanisms are still enigmatic. So far, only a small number of genes that seem to be relevant to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases have been found. One of these genes is the
autoimmune regulator
(
AIRE
), mutation in which is responsible for the development of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy‐candidiasis‐ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) showing autosomal recessive inheritance. AIRE is a transcriptional regulator expressed predominantly by medullary thymic epithelial cells. Elucidation of how defective function of AIRE results in the development of organ‐specific autoimmunity is expected to shed light on not only the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease but also the fundamental question of how the immune system is educated to discriminate between self and nonself in the thymus.

Key Concepts

Autoimmune regulator (AIRE) is responsible for the development of organ‐specific autoimmune disease in a monogenic fashion.

AIRE is expressed predominantly by thymic stromal cells (medullary thymic epithelial cells: mTECs) and controls the negative selection and production of regulatory T cells in the thymus.

Production of a wide variety of autoantibodies (e.g. anti‐IFNs and anti‐Th17 cytokines) associated with autoimmune pathology and/or candidiasis infection is a prominent feature of AIRE deficiency.

AIRE deficiency results in reduced transcription of a wide variety of tissue‐restricted antigen genes by mTECs.

AIRE regulates the differentiation program of mTECs.

Elucidation of AIRE function is expected to clarify the fundamental issue of how the immune system discriminates self from nonself.

Identification of the target genes controlled by AIRE is essential for clarifying the exact function of AIRE in self‐tolerance.
Genome‐Wide Association Studies in Plants
Authors: Anderson Robyn , Edwards David , Batley Jacqueline , Bayer Philipp Emanuel
Published: February 2019

Cheap genome sequencing technology has made it possible to search for genomic variants called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for hundreds of individuals. Linking these genomic variants to phenotypes is the main goal in running genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). SNPs can be discovered and called using different technologies and methods, and subsequent quality control must be performed taking into account the species of study and genotyping techniques. GWAS can be performed using different mathematical approaches, demonstrated within the current range of software packages, which are used to perform the GWAS and interpret the subsequent results.

Key Concepts

GWAS is a powerful tool to associate genomic variants with phenotypes.

Quality control is core to any good GWAS.

Numerous powerful tools now exist to make running a GWAS straightforward.

Interpreting the output is still a challenge, especially in the presence of hidden confounding factors.

GWAS can be performed using different types of genotyping data, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Sphingosine 1‐Phosphate Signalling
Authors: Bernacchioni Caterina , Cencetti Francesca , Donati Chiara , Bruni Paola
Published: February 2019

Studies of the last two decades have clearly established that sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), considered for many years a mere by‐product of the membrane phospholipid sphingomyelin catabolism, serves indeed as powerful signalling molecule. Intensive research in the field have clarified the complexity of S1P metabolism as well as the multifaceted mechanism of action of this potent lysophospholipid, which acts both as intracellular mediator, capable of regulating the properties of different proteins, and high‐affinity ligand of five specific G‐protein coupled receptors, termed S1P
1
‐S1P
5
. In parallel, it has been progressively disclosed the versatile biological activity endowed by S1P, which appears to be crucially implicated in the control of many key parameters, ranging from cell proliferation to cell motility and survival. Besides to act as ubiquitous cellular mediator, notably, circulating S1P plays a significant physiological role. S1P concentrations are high in blood and lymph but low in tissues. S1P chemotactic gradients are indeed essential for lymphocyte egress and physiological cell trafficking.

Key Concepts

S1P is generated via phosphorylation of the amino alcohol sphingosine catalysed by sphingosine kinase (SphK), which exists in two isoforms: SphK1 and SphK2.

Ceramide, either synthesised de novo or formed by sphingomyelin catabolism, is the precursor of sphingosine, released by ceramidase‐dependent deacylation.

Intracellular production of S1P in under the control of a wide array of hormones, neurotransmitters, cytokines and growth factors.

S1P is a powerful bioactive sphingolipid, which acts both as intracellular mediator and ligand of specific G‐protein coupled receptors, named S1P receptors (S1PR).

There are five specific S1PR that couple to different G proteins and regulate many downstream signalling pathways. The biological functions of S1P depend on the relative expression of these receptors.

In many instances, S1P acts via inside‐out signalling, intracellularly generated in response to extracellular cues, is exported outside the cell and binds S1PR in paracrine or autocrine fashion.

S1P
1
is crucial for the regulation of lymphocyte trafficking, its downregulation causes redistribution of the immune cells to secondary lymphoid tissues, resulting in the depletion from the circulation.

S1P concentrations are elevated in plasma and lymph compared to the interstitial fluid of tissues. This S1P gradient is essential for many of the physiologic functions provided by extracellular S1P.
Patient Perspectives on Smoking Cessation and Interventions in Rheumatology Clinics
Authors: Wattiaux Aimée , Bettendorf Brittany , Block Laura , Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea , Ramly Edmond , Piper Megan E. , Rosenthal Ann , Sadusky Jane , Cox Elizabeth , Chewning Betty , Bartels Christie M.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Although smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular and rheumatic disease severity, only 10% of rheumatology visits document cessation counseling. After implementing a rheumatology clinic protocol that increased tobacco quitline referrals 20‐fold, we undertook this study to examine patients’ barriers and facilitators to smoking cessation based on prior rheumatology experiences, to solicit reactions to the new cessation protocol, and to identify patient‐centered outcomes or signs of cessation progress following improved care.

Methods

We recruited 19 patients who smoke (12 with rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and 7 with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]) to participate in 1 of 3 semistructured focus groups. Transcripts of the focus group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis to classify barriers, facilitators, and signs of cessation progress.

Results

Participant‐reported barriers and facilitators to cessation involved psychological, health‐related, and social and economic factors, as well as health care messaging and resources. Commonly discussed barriers included viewing smoking as a crutch amid rheumatic disease, rarely receiving cessation counseling in rheumatology clinics, and very limited awareness that smoking can worsen rheumatic diseases or reduce efficacy of some rheumatic disease medications. Participants endorsed our cessation protocol with rheumatology‐specific education and accessible resources, such as a quitline. Beyond quitting, participants prioritized knowing why and how to quit as signs of progress outcomes.

Conclusion

Focus groups identified themes and categories of facilitators/barriers to smoking cessation at the levels of patient and health system. Two key outcomes of improving cessation care for patients with RA and SLE were knowing why and how to quit. Emphasizing rheumatologic health benefits and cessation resources is essential when designing and evaluating rheumatology smoking cessation interventions.
Manufacturing of Large‐Scale Titanium‐Based Porous Transport Layers for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolysis by Tape Casting
Authors: Hackemüller Franz Josef , Borgardt Elena , Panchenko Olha , Müller Martin , Bram Martin
Published: February 2019

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis is an ideal method for the direct conversion of regenerative energy into hydrogen. A key component of PEM electrolysis stacks is the porous transport layer (PTL), which is usually comprised of titanium to withstand the harsh conditions of water splitting. This present study investigates the potential of tape casting as a means of mass producing titanium transport layers in a cost‐effective way. Gas‐atomized and hydrogenation–dehydrogenation titanium powders are used as starting materials. A systematic study is conducted to find processing parameters, which can demonstrate the potential of tape casting as a means of manufacturing large‐scale porous transport layers for PEM electrolyzers. For proof of concept, the dimensions of the porous transport layer are scaled up to 470 × 470 mm2 (at a thickness of 300 μm) and the component is successfully operated in an industrial electrolyzer under realistic conditions.
Antimicrobial Peptide Functionalized Conductive Nanowire Array Electrode as a Promising Candidate for Bacterial Environment Application
Authors: Xing Jun , Qi Suijian , Wang Zhengao , Yi Xin , Zhou Zhengnan , Chen Junqi , Huang Siqi , Tan Guoxin , Chen Dafu , Yu Peng , Ning Chengyun
Published: February 2019

Conductive polymer electrodes are widely used for electrical signal detection owing to their unique mechanical, redox, and impedance characteristics. However, the performance of electrodes is compromised due to the interference of adhered bacteria and most of the scientists have not taken the microbial environment into consideration during electrode design. Here, a facile approach to construct antimicrobial peptide (AMP) functionalized polypyrrole nanowire array conductive electrodes (PNW‐AMP) is reported. Instead of compromising the electrochemical properties as the other antibacterial agents do, the PNW‐AMP electrodes exhibit excellent redox and low interfacial impedance properties. More importantly, the PNW‐AMP can eliminate bacterial adhesion and maintain electrochemical stability simultaneously in the microbial microenvironment for a long time. The antibacterial rate of the PNW‐AMP electrode reaches 95.8% after exposing the electrode to air for one month, while the charge transfer resistance ( Rct) value only increases by 9% at a bacterium (Escherichia. Coli ) concentration of 1 × 104 colony forming unit (CFU) mL−1. This research makes it possible to construct highly stable conductive polymer electrodes for bacterial environment electrical signal detection.
Dense, Self‐Formed Char Layer Enables a Fire‐Retardant Wood Structural Material
Authors: Gan Wentao , Chen Chaoji , Wang Zhengyang , Song Jianwei , Kuang Yudi , He Shuaiming , Mi Ruiyu , Sunderland Peter B. , Hu Liangbing
Published: February 2019

Wood is one of the most abundant, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing structural materials and is commonly used in building and furniture construction. Unfortunately, the fire hazard of wood is a major safety concern for its practical applications. Herein, an effective and environmentally friendly method is demonstrated to substantially improve the fire‐retardant properties of wood materials by delignification and densification. The densification process eliminates the spaces between the cell walls, leading to a highly compact laminated structure that can block oxygen from infiltrating the material. In addition, an insulating wood char layer self‐formed during the burning process obstructs the transport of heat and oxygen diffusion. These synergistic effects contribute to the material's excellent fire‐retardant and self‐extinguished properties, including a 2.08‐fold enhancement in ignition time (tig) and 34.6% decrease in maximum heat release rate. Meanwhile, the densified wood shows a more than 82‐fold enhancement in compressive strength compared with natural wood after exposure to flame for 90 s, which could effectively prevent the collapse and destruction of wooden structures, and gain precious rescue time when a fire occurs. The facile top‐down chemical delignification and densification process enabling both substantially enhances fire‐retardant performance and mechanical robustness represents a promising direction toward fire‐retardant and high‐strength structural materials.
Strain Sensors with a High Sensitivity and a Wide Sensing Range Based on a Ti3C2Tx (MXene) Nanoparticle–Nanosheet Hybrid Network
Authors: Yang Yina , Shi Liangjing , Cao Zherui , Wang Ranran , Sun Jing
Published: February 2019

A high sensitivity and large stretchability are desirable for strain sensors in wearable applications. However, these two performance indicators are contradictory, since the former requires a conspicuous structural change under a tiny strain, whereas the latter demands morphological integrity upon a large deformation. Developing strain sensors with both a high sensitivity (gauge factor (GF) > 100) and a broad strain range (>50%) is a considerable challenge. Herein, a unique Ti3C2Tx MXene nanoparticle–nanosheet hybrid network is constructed. The migration of nanoparticles leads to a large resistance variation while the wrapping of nanosheet bridges the detached nanoparticles to maintain the connectivity of the conductive pathways in a large strain region. The synergetic motion of nanoparticles and nanosheets endows the hybrid network with splendid electrical–mechanical performance, which is reflected in its high sensitivity (GF > 178.4) over the entire broad range (53%), the super low detection limit (0.025%), and a good cycling durability (over 5000 cycles). Such high performance endows the strain sensor with the capability for full‐range human motion detection.
Nanogold Flower‐Inspired Nanoarchitectonics Enables Enhanced Light‐to‐Heat Conversion Ability for Rapid and Targeted Chemo‐Photothermal Therapy of a Tumor
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhai Fenfen , Zhou Hong , Yang Wenrong , Zhang Shusheng
Published: February 2019

Chemo‐photothermal therapy has become a promising tool for clinical noninvasive tumor therapy, which is able to efficiently avoid drug resistance and other side effects from chemical anticarcinogenic drugs. The ability to selectively fast‐heat tumor tissues over surrounding compartments is of fundamental importance and makes effective treatment of tumor margins and complex tumor geometries. Currently existing chemo‐photothermal methods mainly show slow light‐to‐heat conversion with increased temperature up to around 45–57 °C for 5–20 min or a longer time in vitro under regular near‐infrared laser irradiation, and during tumor therapy, worse performance in temperature changes are obtained due to the much longer penetration distance in vivo. Herein, nanoarchitectonics with excellent chemo‐photothermal performance are first proposed for tumors via in situ decoration of nanogold flowers on graphene oxide surface with further modification of the aptamer molecule. Even with simple synthesis processes, these nanoarchitectonics demonstrate impressive increased temperatures up to 85 °C in just 2 min under 808 nm laser irradiation with regular power density. Due to the fast light‐to‐heat conversion ability and specific binding effect between the aptamer and tumor cells, the designed nanocarrier shows a rapid and target therapy system with a targeted chemo‐photothermal tumor treatment.
Ammonia Detection Methods in Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Experiments: How to Improve the Reliability of NH3 Production Rates?
Authors: Zhao Yunxuan , Shi Run , Bian Xuanang , Zhou Chao , Zhao Yufei , Zhang Shuai , Wu Fan , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Wu Li‐Zhu , Tung Chen‐Ho , Zhang Tierui
Published: February 2019

The enzyme nitrogenase inspires the development of novel photocatalytic and electrocatalytic systems that can drive nitrogen reduction with water under similar low‐temperature and low‐pressure conditions. While photocatalytic and electrocatalytic N2 fixation are emerging as hot new areas of fundamental and applied research, serious concerns exist regarding the accuracy of current methods used for ammonia detection and quantification. In most studies, the ammonia yields are low and little consideration is given to the effect of interferants on NH3 quantification. As a result, NH3 yields reported in many works may be exaggerated and erroneous. Herein, the advantages and limitations of the various methods commonly used for NH3 quantification in solution (Nessler's reagent method, indophenol blue method, and ion chromatography method) are systematically explored, placing particular emphasis on the effect of interferants on each quantification method. Based on the data presented, guidelines are suggested for responsible quantification of ammonia in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.