bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Orange Essential Oil and Citral after Exposure to UV-C Irradiation to Inhibit Penicillium digitatum in Navel Oranges
Authors: Rahman Mohammad M. , Wills Ron B. H. , Bowyer Michael C. , Golding John B. , Kirkman Timothy , Pristijono Penta
Published: December 2020

The effect of UV-C irradiation on antifungal properties of orange essential oil (EO) against Penicillium digitatum in inoculated Navel oranges was examined. The UV-C irradiation of orange EO resulted in a 20% loss of the major constituent, limonene, and the generation of three hydroperoxide oxidation products, (2S,4R)-p-mentha-6,8-diene-2-hydroperoxide,(1S,4R)-p-mentha-2,8-diene-1-hydroperoxide, and (1R,4R)-p-mentha-2,8-diene-1-hydroperoxide. The P. digitatum growth in oranges dipped in non-irradiated orange EO at 1000–4000 µL L−1 was not significantly different to control the fruit. Dipping in UV-C treated orange EO inhibited the growth of P. digitatum with 4000 µL L−1 having the greatest effect. No phytotoxic injury to the rind was observed at any concentration. Citral, as a known antifungal chemical, was included for comparison. The non-irradiated citral (1000 µL L−1) was more effective than irradiated orange EO, but elicited rind phytotoxicity. The irradiated citral was less effective in inhibiting P. digitatum growth with the loss of citral, but not hydroperoxide formation. These results suggest UV-C irradiated orange EO as a potential alternative to synthetic fungicides to inhibit P. digitatum decay. The source of orange EO could be waste flavedo generated by the orange juice processing industry.
Flash Flood Susceptibility Assessment Based on Geodetector, Certainty Factor, and Logistic Regression Analyses in Fujian Province, China
Authors: Cao Yifan , Jia Hongliang , Xiong Junnan , Cheng Weiming , Li Kun , Pang Quan , Yong Zhiwei
Published: December 2020

Flash floods are one of the most frequent natural disasters in Fujian Province, China, and they seriously threaten the safety of infrastructure, natural ecosystems, and human life. Thus, recognition of possible flash flood locations and exploitation of more precise flash flood susceptibility maps are crucial to appropriate flash flood management in Fujian. Based on this objective, in this study, we developed a new method of flash flood susceptibility assessment. First, we utilized double standards, including the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and Geodetector to screen the assessment indicator. Second, in order to consider the weight of each classification of indicator and the weights of the indicators simultaneously, we used the ensemble model of the certainty factor (CF) and logistic regression (LR) to establish a frame for the flash flood susceptibility assessment. Ultimately, we used this ensemble model (CF-LR), the standalone CF model, and the standalone LR model to prepare flash flood susceptibility maps for Fujian Province and compared their prediction performance. The results revealed the following. (1) Land use, topographic relief, and 24 h precipitation (H24_100) within a 100-year return period were the three main factors causing flash floods in Fujian Province. (2) The area under the curve (AUC) results showed that the CF-LR model had the best precision in terms of both the success rate (0.860) and the prediction rate (0.882). (3) The assessment results of all three models showed that between 22.27% and 29.35% of the study area have high and very high susceptibility levels, and these areas are mainly located in the east, south, and southeast coastal areas, and the north and west low mountain areas. The results of this study provide a scientific basis and support for flash flood prevention in Fujian Province. The proposed susceptibility assessment framework may also be helpful for other natural disaster susceptibility analyses.
Marginal and Internal Fit of Ceramic Restorations Fabricated Using Digital Scanning and Conventional Impressions: A Clinical Study
Authors: Lee Jeong-Hyeon , Son Keunbada , Lee Kyu-Bok
Published: December 2020

This clinical study was designed with the aim of fabricating four ceramic crowns using the conventional method and digital methods with three different intraoral scanners and evaluate the marginal and internal fit as well as clinician satisfaction. We enrolled 20 subjects who required ceramic crowns in the upper or lower molar or the premolar. Impressions were obtained using digital scans, with conventional impressions (polyvinyl siloxane and desktop scanner) and three different intraoral scanners (EZIS PO, i500, and CS3600). Four lithium disilicate glass-ceramic crowns were fabricated for each patient. In the oral cavity, the proximal and occlusal adjustments were performed, and the marginal fit and internal fit were evaluated using the silicone replica technique. The clinician satisfaction score of the four crowns was evaluated as per the evaluations of the proximal and occlusal contacts made during the adjustment process and the marginal and internal fit. For statistical analysis, the differences among the groups were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey HSD test as a post-test; Pearson correlation analysis was used for analyzing the correlations (α = 0.05). There was a significant difference in the marginal and internal fit of the ceramic crowns fabricated using three intraoral scanner types and one desktop scanner type (p < 0.001); there was a significant difference in the clinician satisfaction scores (p = 0.04). The clinician satisfaction score and marginal fit were significantly correlated (absolute marginal discrepancy and marginal gap) (p < 0.05). An impression technique should be considered for fabricating a ceramic crown with excellent goodness-of-fit. Further, higher clinician satisfaction could be obtained by reproducing the excellent goodness-of-fit using the intraoral scanning method as compared to the conventional method.
Improvement of Survival over Time for Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Dulskas Audrius , Gaizauskas Vytautas , Kildusiene Inga , Samalavicius Narimantas Evaldas , Smailyte Giedre
Published: December 2020

Purpose: In this study, we analyzed the mortality and survival of colorectal cancer patients in Lithuania. Methods: This was a national cohort study. Population-based data from the Lithuanian Cancer Registry and period analyses were collected. Overall, 20,980 colorectal cancer patients were included. We examined the changes in colorectal cancer mortality and survival rates between 1998 and 2012 according to cancer anatomical sub-sites and stages. We calculated the 5-year relative survival estimates using period analysis. Results: Overall, 20,980 colorectal cancer cases reported from 1998 to 2012 were included in the study. The total number of newly diagnosed colorectal cancers increased from 1998–2002 to 2008–2012 by 12.1%. The highest number of colorectal cancers was localized and increased from 33.9% to 42.0%. The number of cancers with regional metastases and advanced cancers decreased by 11.1% and 15.5%, respectively. An increased number of new cases was observed for almost all colon cancer sub-sites. The overall 5-year relative survival rate increased from 37.9% in 1998–2002 to 51.5% in 2008–2012. We showed an increase in survival rates for all stages and all sub-sites. In the most recent period, patients with a localized disease had a 5-year survival rate of 78.6%, while survival estimates for advanced cancer patients remained low at 6.6%. Conclusion: Although survival rates variated in colorectal cancer patients according to disease stages and sub-sites, we showed increased survival rates for all patients.
The Prospects of the Two-Day Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) in ME/CFS Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lim Eun-Jin , Kang Eun-Bum , Jang Eun-Su , Son Chang-Gue
Published: December 2020

Background: The diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is problematic due to the lack of established objective measurements. Postexertional malaise (PEM) is a hallmark of ME/CFS, and the two-day cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) has been tested as a tool to assess functional impairment in ME/CFS patients. This study aimed to estimate the potential of the CPET. Methods: We reviewed studies of the two-day CPET and meta-analyzed the differences between ME/CFS patients and controls regarding four parameters: volume of oxygen consumption and level of workload at peak (VO2peak, Workloadpeak) and at ventilatory threshold (VO2@VT, Workload@VT). Results: The overall mean values of all parameters were lower on the 2nd day of the CPET than the 1st in ME/CFS patients, while it increased in the controls. From the meta-analysis, the difference between patients and controls was highly significant at Workload@VT (overall mean: −10.8 at Test 1 vs. −33.0 at Test 2, p < 0.05), which may reflect present the functional impairment associated with PEM. Conclusions: Our results show the potential of the two-day CPET to serve as an objective assessment of PEM in ME/CFS patients. Further clinical trials are required to validate this tool compared to other fatigue-inducing disorders, including depression, using well-designed large-scale studies.
Broken Heartstrings—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Psychological Burden after Acute Mitral Regurgitation Due to Chordae Tendineae Rupture
Authors: Cranz Anna , Greinacher Anja , Nagy Ede , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Katus Hugo A. , Geis Nicolas , Pleger Sven T. , Nikendei Christoph
Published: December 2020

Chordae tendineae rupture (CTR) is a potentially life-threatening cardiac event often resulting in Acute mitral regurgitation (AMR). We assessed Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety symptoms in n=21 CTR patients with AMR (age 82.3 ± 4.2 years; 66.7% men) and compared them to n=23 CTR patients with Chronic mitral regurgitation (CMR) and n=35 Myocardial infraction (MI) patients. Regression analyses revealed that PTSD scores were significantly higher in CTR patients with AMR than in CTR patients with CMR or MI patients. CTR patients with CMR had the lowest levels of PTSD-symptoms. Depression and anxiety scores were elevated across all three groups. Our results suggest that psychosocial factors need to be considered in CTR patients’ care.
Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and CPAP Treatment on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Acute Coronary Syndrome in the RICCADSA Trial
Authors: Peker Yüksel , Thunström Erik , Glantz Helena , Eulenburg Christine
Published: December 2020

We aimed to address the impact of OSA and its treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In this current analysis of the revascularized ACS subgroup (n = 353) of the Randomized Intervention with CPAP in Coronary Artery Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (RICCADSA) trial (Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; No: NCT 00519597), participants with non-sleepy OSA (apnea-hypopnea-index [AHI] ≥ 15 events/h on a home sleep apnea testing, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] score < 10; n = 171) were randomized to CPAP (n = 86) or no-CPAP (n = 85). The sleepy OSA patients (AHI ≥ 15 events/h and ESS ≥ 10) who were offered CPAP, and the ones with no-OSA (AHI < 5 events/h) were included in the observational arm. A post-hoc analysis was done to compare untreated OSA (no-CPAP; n = 78) and nonadherent sleepy/non-sleepy OSA (n = 96) with the reference group without OSA (n = 81). The primary endpoint (the first event of repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular mortality) during a median 4.7-year follow-up was evaluated in time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for confounding factors. The incidence of MACCE did not differ significantly in intention-to-treat population. On-treatment analysis showed a significant risk reduction in those who used CPAP for ≥4 vs. <4 h/day or did not receive treatment (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03–0.81; p = 0.03). Compared with the reference group, nonadherent/untreated OSA was associated with an increased cardiovascular risk (adjusted HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.03–3.77; p = 0.04). We conclude that OSA is an independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ACS. CPAP treatment may reduce this risk, if the device is used at least 4 h/day.
Laser Capture Microdissection-Assisted Protein Biomarker Discovery from Coccidioides-Infected Lung Tissue
Authors: Mitchell Natalie M. , Dasari Surendra , Grys Thomas E. , Lake Douglas F.
Published: December 2020

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) coupled to label-free quantitative mass spectrometry is a viable strategy to identify biomarkers from infected tissues. In this study, LCM was employed to take a “snapshot” of proteins produced in vivo during Coccidiodies spp. infection in human lungs. Proteomic analysis of LCM lung sections revealed hundreds of hosts and Coccidioidal proteins. Twenty-seven highly abundant Coccidioides spp. proteins were identified which do not share significant sequence orthology with human proteins. Three of the 27 Coccidioidal proteins are also potential Coccidoides-specific biomarkers, as they also do not share sequence homology to any other pathogenic fungus or microbe. Gene ontology analysis of the 27 biomarker candidate proteins revealed enriched hydrolase activity and increased purine and carbohydrate metabolism functions. Finally, we provide proteomic evidence that all 27 biomarker candidates are produced by the fungus when grown in vitro in a media- and growth-phase dependent manner.
Profiling Patients by Intensity of Nursing Care: An Operative Approach Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ocagli Honoria , Lanera Corrado , Lorenzoni Giulia , Prosepe Ilaria , Azzolina Danila , Bortolotto Sabrina , Stivanello Lucia , Degan Mario , Gregori Dario
Published: December 2020

Physical function is a patient-oriented indicator and can be considered a proxy for the assignment of healthcare personnel. The study aims to create an algorithm that classifies patients into homogeneous groups according to physical function. A two-step machine-learning algorithm was applied to administrative data recorded between 2015 and 2018 at the University Hospital of Padova. A clustering-large-applications (CLARA) algorithm was used to partition patients into homogeneous groups. Then, machine learning technique (MLT) classifiers were used to categorize the doubtful records. Based on the results of the CLARA algorithm, records were divided into three groups according to the Barthel index: <45, >65, ≥45 and ≤65. The support vector machine was the MLT showing the best performance among doubtful records, reaching an accuracy of 66%. The two-step algorithm, since it splits patients into low and high resource consumption, could be a useful tool for organizing healthcare personnel allocation according to the patients’ assistance needs.
An Intervention Based on Identifying Topics That Students Have Difficulties with
Authors: Fernandez Gutiérrez Manuel José , Sánchez Lasheras Fernando , Trevejo Alonso Juan Antonio
Published: December 2020

Students who start university coming from secondary school commit some common conceptual errors. This paper presents a study developed in the subject of Numerical Methods taught in the second term of the Industrial Engineering Degrees of Oviedo University (Spain). The study was comprised of several activities, with two main objectives. Firstly, detecting over time the main deficiencies in mathematical knowledge presented by students in the first year of their university degrees and secondly, overcoming these shortcomings. The activities carried out involved preparing teaching materials to be uploaded to a shared folder and made available to the students of the subject, the preparation of a questionnaire and the performance of a task group by the students and then giving them feedback about the shortcomings identified. These activities have been well-received by the students and the results obtained have been positive. Our intention, for later courses, is to continue developing this work with some supplementary activities.
One Parameter Optimal Derivative-Free Family to Find the Multiple Roots of Algebraic Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Kansal Munish , Alshomrani Ali Saleh , Bhalla Sonia , Behl Ramandeep , Salimi Mehdi
Published: December 2020

In this study, we construct the one parameter optimal derivative-free iterative family to find the multiple roots of an algebraic nonlinear function. Many researchers developed the higher order iterative techniques by the use of the new function evaluation or the first-order or second-order derivative of functions to evaluate the multiple roots of a nonlinear equation. However, the evaluation of the derivative at each iteration is a cumbersome task. With this motivation, we design the second-order family without the utilization of the derivative of a function and without the evaluation of the new function. The proposed family is optimal as it satisfies the convergence order of Kung and Traub’s conjecture. Here, we use one parameter a for the construction of the scheme, and for a=1, the modified Traub method is its a special case. The order of convergence is analyzed by Taylor’s series expansion. Further, the efficiency of the suggested family is explored with some numerical tests. The obtained results are found to be more efficient than earlier schemes. Moreover, the basin of attraction of the proposed and earlier schemes is also analyzed.
Perceptions of Practitioners on Telehealth and App Use for Smoking Cessation and COPD Care—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Haluza Daniela , Saustingl Michaela , Halavina Kseniya
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives: With the digitalization of modern healthcare delivery, digital media adoption in clinical practice is increasing. Also, healthcare professionals are more and more confronted with patients using smartphone-based health applications (apps). This exploratory study aimed at surveying perceptions on such apps in the context of lung health among a cross section of Austrian practitioners involved in pulmonary care. Materials and Methods: The online questionnaire in German assessed socio-demographic characteristics, telehealth readiness as well as opinions on smoke-free and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) apps. We used descriptive statistics to report the finding. Results: We received valid responses from 55 participants (mean age 52.3 years, 69.1% males). Telehealth readiness was medium, indicating existence of certain barriers adversely impacting telehealth use. As for apps targeting smoking cessation and COPD, respondents indicated high relevance for visualization aspects for patients and control/overview features for the treating doctors. Only 40% of participants indicated that they would recommend a COPD app to an older patient. Conclusions: In smoking cessation therapy, doctors commonly adhere to the “5 A’s”: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange. We suggest adding “App” as sixth A, assuming that in patient follow-up most of the other A’s could also be supported or even replaced by app features in the challenging task to tackle smoking-associated non-communicable diseases.
Molecular Choreography and Structure of Ca2+ Release-Activated Ca2+ (CRAC) and KCa2+ Channels and Their Relevance in Disease with Special Focus on Cancer
Authors: Tiffner Adéla , Derler Isabella
Published: December 2020

Ca2+ ions play a variety of roles in the human body as well as within a single cell. Cellular Ca2+ signal transduction processes are governed by Ca2+ sensing and Ca2+ transporting proteins. In this review, we discuss the Ca2+ and the Ca2+-sensing ion channels with particular focus on the structure-function relationship of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) ion channel, the Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa2+) ion channels, and their modulation via other cellular components. Moreover, we highlight their roles in healthy signaling processes as well as in disease with a special focus on cancer. As KCa2+ channels are activated via elevations of intracellular Ca2+ levels, we summarize the current knowledge on the action mechanisms of the interplay of CRAC and KCa2+ ion channels and their role in cancer cell development.
Impact Welding of Materials
Authors: Galvão Ivan , Loureiro Altino , Mendes Ricardo
Published: December 2020

Recent industrial criteria, focused on obtaining increasingly efficient structures, require the production of multimaterial components [...]
Effects of Aluminum Foam Filling on Compressive Strength and Energy Absorption of Metallic Y-Shape Cored Sandwich Panel
Authors: Yan Leilei , Su Pengbo , Han Yagang , Han Bin
Published: December 2020

The design of lightweight sandwich structures with high specific strength and energy absorption capability is valuable for weight sensitive applications. A novel all-metallic foam-filled Y-shape cored sandwich panel was designed and fabricated by using aluminum foam as filling material to prevent core member buckling. Experimental and numerical investigation of out-of-plane compressive loading was carried out on aluminum foam-filled Y-shape sandwich panels to study their compressive properties as well as on empty panels for comparison. The results show that due to aluminum foam filling, the specific structural stiffness, strength, and energy absorption of the Y-shape cored sandwich panel increased noticeably. For the foam-filled panel, aluminum foam can supply sufficient lateral support to the corrugated core and vertical leg of the Y-shaped core and causes a much more complicated deformation mode, which cannot occur in the empty panel. The complicated deformation mode leads to an obvious coupling effect, with the stress–strain curve of the foam-filled panel much higher than those of the empty panel and aluminum foam, which were tested separately. Metallic foam filling is an effective method to increase the specific strength and energy absorption of sandwich structures with lattice cores, making it competitive in load carrying and energy absorption applications.
On the Simultaneous Improving of Strength and Elongation in Dual Phase Steels via Cold Rolling
Authors: Mazaheri Yousef , Jahanara Amir Hossein , Sheikhi Mohsen , Ghassemali Ehsan
Published: December 2020

The ferrite-pearlite microstructure was cold-rolled to form dual phase (DP) steels, the percentage reduction of which varied. To do so, the steels were annealed in two steps and then the workpiece underwent water quenching. Accordingly, a decrease was observed in the average size of the ferrite grains, from above 15 µm to below 2 µm, subsequent to the thermomechanical processing. By an increase in the reduction percentage, the volume fraction of martensite grew. The balance between strength and elongation also improved nearly 3 times, equivalent to approximately 37,297 MPa% in DP in comparison to 11,501 MPa% in the ferrite-pearlite microstructure, even after 50% cold-rolling. Based on Hollomon and differential Crussard-Jaoul (DC–J) analyses, the DP steels under investigation deformed in two and three stages, respectively. The modified C–J (MC–J) analysis, however, revealed that the deformation process took place in four stages. The rate of strain hardening at the onset of the deformation process was rather high in all DP steels. The given rate increased once the size of the ferrite grains reduced; an increase in the volume fraction of martensite due to larger percentage of reduction also contributed to the higher rate of strain hardening. The observation of the fractured surfaces of the tensile specimens indicated ductile fracture of the studied DP steels.
Possible Influence of Weight Gain and Creatinine Levels in Predicting Response to Nivolumab: A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Nitipir Cornelia , Orlov-Slavu Cristina , Alecu Lucian , Slavu Iulian , Pantea-Stoian Anca , Celmare Ionela Daniela , Olaru Mihaela , Calu Valentin , Suceveanu Andra-Iulia , Mazilu Laura , Gheorghe Andreea-Daniela , Gheorghe Adelina Silviana , Poiana Catalina , Hainarosie Razvan , Ionescu Sanziana Octavia , Stanculeanu Dana Lucia
Published: December 2020

Literature suggests that high body mass index can be correlated with better response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. On the other hand, sarcopenia seems to be a negative predictive marker. The present analysis is a retrospective, multicenter trial that included patients with metastatic melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab between 2018 and 2020. Patients were stratified by creatinine levels both at treatment initiation and at first follow-up (at three months) and by BMI for the same intervals, as recorded in the patients’ charts. Creatinine was considered a surrogate marker for sarcopenia. IBM SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. A total of 57 (n = 57) patients were included in the trial. Overall response rate (ORR) for the entire population was 38.59% (p = 0.02). Patients with BMI lower than 25 had an ORR of 28.5% (p = 0.003), whereas patients with BMI higher than 25 had an ORR of 42.3% (p = 0.002). Patients who gained weight during treatment had a lower probability of having progressive disease (OR = 0.4 [95% CI; 0.4–1.2]), as did patients with creatinine higher than 0.9 (OR = 0.39 [95% CI: 0.13–1.14]). No superiority was found in progression-free survival (PFS) when patients were dichotomized for BMI = 25 or BMI = 18.5. Mean PFS in the BMI under 18.5 group was 10.2 months [95% CI: 5.8–23.1], versus 11.2 for BMI over 18.5 [95% CI: 5.3–25.3], p < 0.03. Mean PFS for the BMI under 25 was 11.2 months [95% CI: 7.2–20.1], vs. 13.3 months [95% CI: 6.4–22] for the BMI over 25, p < 0.001. There were also differences in PFS in the patients with baseline creatinine over 0.9 when compared with under 0.9 values. Mean PFS in the first group was 19.78 months [95% CI: 16.23–22.9] vs. 16.1 [95% CI: 12.2–20.3], p < 0.001. Patients treated with nivolumab who have weight gain during treatment have a better PFS than the ones who do not. Creatinine levels of over 0.9 at treatment initiation also have positive predictive value.
HCoV-NL63 and SARS-CoV-2 Share Recognized Epitopes by the Humoral Response in Sera of People Collected Pre- and during CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Simula Elena Rita , Manca Maria Antonietta , Jasemi Seyedsomaye , Uzzau Sergio , Rubino Salvatore , Manchia Pierangela , Bitti Angela , Palermo Mario , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: December 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause serious illness in older adults and people with chronic underlying medical conditions; however, children and young people are often asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. We evaluated the presence of specific antibodies (Abs) response against Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) S protein epitopes (NL63-RBM1, NL63-RBM2_1, NL63-RBM2_2, NL63-RBM3, NL63-SPIKE541–554, and NL63-DISC-like) and SARS-CoV-2 epitopes (COV2-SPIKE421–434 and COV2-SPIKE742–759) in plasma samples of pre-pandemic, mid-pandemic, and COVID-19 cohorts by indirect ELISA. Moreover, a competitive assay was performed to check for cross reactivity response between COV2-SPIKE421–434 and NL63-RBM3 among patients with a definitive diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Immune reaction against all SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-NL63 epitopes showed a significantly higher response in pre-pandemic patients compared to mid-pandemic patients. The results indicate that probably antibodies against HCoV-NL63 may be able to cross react with SARS-CoV-2 epitopes and the higher incidence in pre-pandemic was probably due to the timing of collection when a high incidence of HCoV-NL63 is reported. In addition, the competitive assay showed cross-reactivity between antibodies directed against COV2-SPIKE421–434 and NL63-RBM3 peptides. Pre-existing HCoV-NL63 antibody response cross reacting with SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in both pre- and mid-pandemic individual, suggesting that previous exposure to HCoV-NL63 epitopes may produce antibodies which could confer a protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and probably reduce the severity of the disease.
Quantitative Evaluation of Crystalline and Amorphous Phases in Clay-Based Cordierite Ceramic
Authors: Klika Zdeněk , Valášková Marta , Bartoňová Lucie , Maierová Petra
Published: December 2020

An innovative chemical quantitative mineral analysis (CQMA) was successfully tested on a cordierite-based clay ceramic sample to quantify crystalline and amorphous components. The accuracy of this method was demonstrated on an added module to the CQMA program that used oxide formulas of amorphous phases obtained by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microprobe chemical analysis. This CQMA method was tested for three variants calculated using chemical analysis, i.e., X-ray diffraction (XRD) identification of crystalline (cordierite and enstatite) and amorphous phases by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/EDS texture and microanalyses. The test results from CQMA suggest their application possibilities as well as the limits of their utilization.
Choice, Control and Computers: Empowering Wildlife in Human Care
Authors: Coe Jon , Hoy Julia
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this perspective paper and technology overview is to encourage collaboration between designers and animal carers in zoological institutions, sanctuaries, research facilities, and in soft-release scenarios for the benefit of all stakeholders, including animals, carers, managers, researchers, and visitors. We discuss the evolution of animal-centered technology (ACT), including more recent animal-centered computing to increase animal wellbeing by providing increased opportunities for choice and control for animals to gain greater self-regulation and independence. We believe this will increase animal welfare and relative freedom, while potentially improving conservation outcomes. Concurrent with the benefits to the animals, this technology may benefit human carers by increasing workplace efficiency and improving research data collection using automated animal monitoring systems. These benefits are balanced against cultural resistance to change, the imposition of greater staff training, a potential reduction in valuable animal-carer interaction, and the financial costs for technology design, acquisition, obsolescence, and maintenance. Successful applications will be discussed to demonstrate how animal-centered technology has evolved and, in some cases, to suggest future opportunities. We suggest that creative uses of animal-centered technology, based upon solid animal welfare science, has the potential for greatly increasing managed animal welfare, eventually growing from individual animal enrichment features to facility-wide integrated animal movement systems and transitions to wildlife release and rewilding strategies.
2D Monomolecular Nanosheets Based on Thiacalixarene Derivatives: Synthesis, Solid State Self-Assembly and Crystal Polymorphism
Authors: Vavilova Alena , Padnya Pavel , Mukhametzyanov Timur , Buzyurov Aleksey , Usachev Konstantin , Islamov Daut , Ziganshin Marat , Boldyrev Artur , Stoikov Ivan
Published: December 2020

Synthetic organic 2D materials are attracting careful attention of researchers due to their excellent functionality in various applications, including storage batteries, catalysis, thermoelectricity, advanced electronics, superconductors, optoelectronics, etc. In this work, thiacalix[4]arene derivatives functionalized by geranyl fragments at the lower rim in cone and 1,3-alternate conformations, that are capable of controlled self-assembly in a 2D nanostructures were synthesized. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the formation of 2D monomolecular-layer nanosheets from synthesized thiacalix[4]arenes, the distance between which depends on the stereoisomer used. It was established by DSC, FSC, and PXRD methods that the obtained macrocycles are capable of forming different crystalline polymorphs, moreover dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is contributing to the formation of a more stable polymorph for cone stereoisomer. The obtained crystalline 2D materials based on synthesized thiacalix[4]arenes can find application in material science and medicine for the development of modern pharmaceuticals and new generation materials.
Chemical Vapour Deposition of Graphene for Durable Anticorrosive Coating on Copper
Authors: Ji Dali , Wen Xinyue , Foller Tobias , You Yi , Wang Fei , Joshi Rakesh
Published: December 2020

Due to the excellent chemical inertness, graphene can be used as an anti-corrosive coating to protect metal surfaces. Here, we report the growth of graphene by using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process with ethanol as a carbon source. Surface and structural characterisations of CVD grown films suggest the formation of double-layer graphene. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been used to study the anticorrosion behaviour of the CVD grown graphene layer. The observed corrosion rate of 8.08 × 10−14 m/s for graphene-coated copper is 24 times lower than the value for pure copper which shows the potential of graphene as the anticorrosive layer. Furthermore, we observed no significant changes in anticorrosive behaviour of the graphene coated copper samples stored in ambient environment for more than one year.
Microfluidic High-Throughput Platforms for Discovery of Novel Materials
Authors: Zhou Peipei , He Jinxu , Huang Lu , Yu Ziming , Su Zhenning , Shi Xuetao , Zhou Jianhua
Published: December 2020

High-throughput screening is a potent technique to accelerate the discovery and development of new materials. By performing massive synthesis and characterization processes in parallel, it can rapidly discover materials with desired components, structures and functions. Among the various approaches for high-throughput screening, microfluidic platforms have attracted increasing attention. Compared with many current strategies that are generally based on robotic dispensers and automatic microplates, microfluidic platforms can significantly increase the throughput and reduce the consumption of reagents by several orders of magnitude. In this review, we first introduce current advances of the two types of microfluidic high-throughput platforms based on microarrays and microdroplets, respectively. Then the utilization of these platforms for screening different types of materials, including inorganic metals, metal alloys and organic polymers are described in detail. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this promising field are critically discussed.
Enzootic Hepatic Capillariasis (Calodium hepaticum) in Street Rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Marseille City, France
Authors: Roqueplo Cédric , Lepidi Hubert , Medkour Hacène , Laidoudi Younes , Marié Jean-Lou , Davoust Bernard
Published: December 2020

Hepatic capillariasis is a rare and neglected zoonosis affecting wild and synanthropic small rodents. It is caused by infection with Calodium hepaticum in liver. Despite the worldwide distribution of the host Rattus norvegicus (brown or street rats) in the urban area, the epidemiological status of this parasitosis remains unknown. In the present study, we examined a total of 27 brown rats from the city centre and a garden (four km from the city centre) of Marseille, France. All rats were autopsied and 52% showed the presence of C. hepaticum eggs in the liver. This result draws general attention to public health risks, since street rats are living near the human population.
Piscine Orthoreovirus-1 Isolates Differ in Their Ability to Induce Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Wessel Øystein , Hansen Elisabeth F. , Dahle Maria K. , Alarcon Marta , Vatne Nina A. , Nyman Ingvild B. , Soleim Karen B. , Dhamotharan Kannimuthu , Timmerhaus Gerrit , Markussen Turhan , Lund Morten , Aanes Håvard , Devold Magnus , Inami Makoto , Løvoll Marie , Rimstad Espen
Published: December 2020

Piscine orthoreovirus 1 (PRV-1) is the causative agent of heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The virus is widespread in Atlantic salmon and was present in Norway long before the first description of HSMI in 1999. Furthermore, in Canada the virus is prevalent in farmed Atlantic salmon but HSMI is not and Canadian isolates have failed to reproduce HSMI experimentally. This has led to the hypothesis that there are virulence differences between PRV-1 isolates. In this study we performed a dose standardized challenge trial, comparing six PRV-1 isolates, including two Norwegian field isolates from 2018, three historical Norwegian isolates predating the first report of HSMI and one Canadian isolate. The Norwegian 2018 isolates induced lower viral protein load in blood cells but higher plasma viremia. Following peak replication in blood, the two Norwegian 2018 isolates induced histopathological lesions in the heart consistent with HSMI, whereas all three historical Norwegian and the Canadian isolates induced only mild cardiac lesions. This is the first demonstration of virulence differences between PRV-1 isolates and the phenotypic differences are linked to viral proteins encoded by segment S1, M2, L1, L2 and S4.
Sugar and Hormone Dynamics and the Expression Profiles of SUT/SUC and SWEET Sugar Transporters during Flower Development in Petunia axillaris
Authors: Iftikhar Junaid , Lyu Meiling , Liu Zhuoyi , Mehmood Nasir , Munir Nigarish , Ahmed Mohamed A. A. , Batool Wajjiha , Aslam Mehtab Muhammad , Yuan Yuan , Wu Binghua
Published: December 2020

Flowering is the first committed step of plant sexual reproduction. While the developing flower is a strong sink requiring large quantity of sugars from photosynthetic source tissues, this process is under-temper-spatially controlled via hormone signaling pathway and nutrient availability. Sugar transporters SUT/SUC and SWEET mediate sugars movement across membranes and play a significant role in various physiological processes, including reproductive organ development. In Petunia axillaris, a model ornamental plant, 5 SUT/SUC and 36 SWEET genes are identified in the current version of the genome. Analysis of their gene structure and chromosomal locations reveal that SWEET family is moderately expanded. Most of the transporter genes are abundantly expressed in the flower than in other organs. During the five flower developmental stages, transcript levels of PaSUT1, PaSUT3, PaSWEET13c, PaSWEET9a, PaSWEET1d, PaSWEET5a and PaSWEET14a increase with the maturation of the flower and reach their maximum in the fully open flowers. PaSWEET9c, the nectar-specific PhNEC1 orthologous, is expressed in matured and fully opened flowers. Moreover, determination of sugar concentrations and phytohormone dynamics in flowers at the five developmental stages shows that glucose is the predominant form of sugar in young flowers at the early stage but depletes at the later stage, whereas sucrose accumulates only in maturated flowers prior to the corolla opening. On the other hand, GA3 content and to a less extent IAA and zeatin decreases with the flower development; however, JA, SA and ABA display a remarkable peak at mid- or later flower developmental stage.
Rhizobacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of Oil Crops (Physic Nut and Sacha Inchi): A Cultivable-Based Assessment for Abundance, Diversity, and Plant Growth-Promoting Potentials
Authors: Wiriya Janjira , Rangjaroen Chakrapong , Teaumroong Neung , Sungthong Rungroch , Lumyong Saisamorn
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, oil crops are very attractive both for human consumption and biodiesel production; however, little is known about their commensal rhizosphere microbes. In this study, rhizosphere samples were collected from physic nut and sacha inchi plants grown in several areas of Thailand. Rhizobacteria, cultivable in nitrogen-free media, and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi were isolated and examined for abundance, diversity, and plant growth-promoting activities (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophore production, nitrogen fixation, and phosphate solubilization). Results showed that only the AM spore amount was affected by plant species and soil features. Considering rhizobacterial diversity, two classes—Alphaproteobacteria (Ensifer sp. and Agrobacterium sp.) and Gammaproteobacteria (Raoultella sp. and Pseudomonas spp.)—were identified in physic nut rhizosphere, and three classes; Actinobacteria (Microbacterium sp.), Betaproteobacteria (Burkholderia sp.) and Gammaproteobacteria (Pantoea sp.) were identified in the sacha inchi rhizosphere. Considering AM fungal diversity, four genera were identified (Acaulospora, Claroideoglomus, Glomus, and Funneliformis) in sacha inchi rhizospheres and two genera (Acaulospora and Glomus) in physic nut rhizospheres. The rhizobacteria with the highest IAA production and AM spores with the highest root-colonizing ability were identified, and the best ones (Ensifer sp. CM1-RB003 and Acaulospora sp. CM2-AMA3 for physic nut, and Pantoea sp. CR1-RB056 and Funneliformis sp. CR2-AMF1 for sacha inchi) were evaluated in pot experiments alone and in a consortium in comparison with a non-inoculated control. The microbial treatments increased the length and the diameter of stems and the chlorophyll content in both the crops. CM1-RB003 and CR1-RB056 also increased the number of leaves in sacha inchi. Interestingly, in physic nut, the consortium increased AM fungal root colonization and the numbers of offspring AM spores in comparison with those observed in sacha inchi. Our findings proved that AM fungal abundance and diversity likely rely on plant species and soil features. In addition, pot experiments showed that rhizosphere microorganisms were the key players in the development and growth of physic nut and sacha inchi.
Relationship between the Content of β-D-Glucans and Infection with Fusarium Pathogens in Oat (Avena sativa L.) Plants
Authors: Havrlentová Michaela , Gregusová Veronika , Šliková Svetlana , Nemeček Peter , Hudcovicová Martina , Kuzmová Dominika
Published: December 2020

In human nutrition, oats (Avena sativa L.) are mainly used for their dietary fiber, β-D-glucans and protein content. The content of β-D-glucans in oat grain is 2–7% and is influenced by genetic and/or environmental factors. High levels of this cell walls polysaccharide are observed in naked grains of cultivated oat. It the work, the relationship between the content of β-D-glucans in oat grain and the infection with Fusarium graminearum (FG) and Fusarium culmorum (FC) was analyzed. The hypothesis was that oats with higher content of β-D-glucans are better protected and the manifestation of artificial inoculation with Fusarium strains is weaker. In the 22 oat samples analyzed, the content of β-D-glucans was 0.71–5.06%. In controls, the average content was 2.15% for hulled and 3.25% for naked grains of cultivated oats. After the infection, a decrease was observed in all, naked, hulled and wild oats. As an evidence of lower rate of infection, statistically significant lower percentage of pathogen DNA (0.39%) and less deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin (FC infection 10.66 mg/kg and FG 4.92 mg/kg) were observed in naked grains compared to hulled where the level of pathogen DNA was 2.09% and the average DON level was 21.95 mg/kg (FC) and 5.52 mg/kg (FG).
Simulation of Prosopis juliflora Air Gasification in Multistage Fluidized Process
Authors: Dhrioua Maryem , Hassen Walid , Kolsi Lioua , Ghachem Kaouther , Maatki Chemseddine , Borjini Mohamed Naceur
Published: December 2020

A multistage atmospheric fluidized bed gasifier was developed using the Aspen Plus simulation process. The innovative gasification reactor aims to yield a high-quality product gas as it conducts pyrolysis, combustion, and reduction in different zones. In addition, it uses gas as a heat carrier and has a fluidized char bed in the reduction zone to enhance the in-situ tar reduction. In order to study the feasibility of the gasifier, an evaluation of the product gas and the process efficiency is required. The proposed model was based on the reaction rates and hydrodynamic parameters of the bubbling bed. Four different stages were initially considered in the simulation process: decomposition of the feed, partial volatile combustion, char reduction, and gas solid separation. The gasification reactor was operated over a temperature range of 800–1000 °C and an isothermal combustion reactor was operated at 1000 °C. In addition, the air to biomass mass ratio was varied from 0.2 to 0.5. It has been validated and displayed very good agreement with published data. Effects of gasification reactor temperature, air to biomass ratio, and gasifier dimensions on the composition of product gas were investigated Results showed that the principal component is CO and its concentration in the product gas increases with increase in gasifier temperature but decreases with increasing air to biomass ratio. The results also gave a relatively high value of the lowered gas caloric value and acceptable cold gas efficiency which help the sizing of gasifiers and the choice of optimal operating conditions.
Making Light Work of Metal Bending: Laser Forming in Rapid Prototyping
Authors: Bachmann Adam L. , Dickey Michael D. , Lazarus Nathan
Published: December 2020

Lasers can be used to bend 2D metal sheets into complex 3D objects in a process called ‘laser forming.’ Laser forming bends metal sheets by locally heating the sheets to generate plastic strains and is an established metal bending technology in the shipbuilding industry. Recent studies have investigated the laser forming of thin metal parts as a complementary rapid prototyping technology to metal 3D printing. This review discusses the laser forming process, beginning with the mechanisms before covering various design considerations. Laser forming for the rapid manufacturing of metal parts is then reviewed, including the recent advances in process planning, before highlighting promising future research directions.
Addendum: Parker, Murray, and Dirk H.R. Spennemann. 2020. For Whom the Bell Tolls: Practitioners’ Views on Bell-Ringing Practice in Contemporary Society in New South Wales (Australia). Religions 11: 425
Authors: Parker Murray , Spennemann Dirk H.R.
Published: December 2020

The authors would like to make the following corrections in relation to the published paper (Parker and Spennemann 2020) [...]
Analysis of Environmental Policy and the Performance of Sustainable Agricultural Development in China
Authors: Wang Guofeng , Qian Ziyu , Deng Xiangzheng
Published: December 2020

A community with a shared future for mankind embodies the concept of sustainable development. This is also China’s contribution to global governance. Some of the Sustainable Development Goals (such as the elimination of hunger and malnutrition) require countries to implement people-centered overall agricultural transformations, and achieving such agricultural transformations is key to ensuring sustainable agricultural development and shifting agriculture toward a greener and more ecological direction. This paper uses the SBM Directional Distance Function and Malmquist Productivity Index with calculated data from 2000 to 2016. The results show that, since 2000, China’s environmental performance index growth has been slow, with an average annual growth rate of only 0.80%. This growth has gone through three phases: a stable up and down phase, a volatility decrease phase, and a volatility increase phase. In general, agricultural technological advances have played a more visible role in promoting a strong performance in reducing carbon emissions. Agriculture in China is also on the way to becoming more sustainable and green.