bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemically-Boosted Corneal Cross-Linking for the Treatment of Keratoconus through a Riboflavin 0.25% Optimized Solution with High Superoxide Anion Release
Authors: Mazzotta Cosimo , Ferrise Marco , Gabriele Guido , Gennaro Paolo , Meduri Alessandro
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel buffered riboflavin solution approved for corneal cross-linking (CXL) in progressive keratoconus and secondary corneal ectasia. Following the in vivo preclinical study performed on New Zealand rabbits comparing the novel 0.25% riboflavin solution (Safecross®) containing 1% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) with a 0.1% riboflavin solution containing 0.10% EDTA, accelerated epithelium-off CXL was performed on 10 patients (10 eyes treated, with the contralateral eye used as control) through UV-A at a power setting of 9 mW/cm2 with a total dose of 5.4 J/cm2. Re-epithelialization was evaluated in the postoperative 7 days by fluorescein dye test at biomicroscopy; endothelial cell count and morphology (ECD) were analyzed by specular microscopy at the 1st and 6th month of follow-up and demarcation line depth (DLD) measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) one month after the treatment. We observed complete re-epithelization in all eyes between 72 and 96 h after surgery (88 h on average). ECD and morphology remained unchanged in all eyes. DLD was detected at a mean depth of 362 ± 50 µm, 20% over solutions with equivalent dosage. SafeCross® riboflavin solution chemically-boosted corneal cross-linking seems to optimize CXL oxidative reaction by higher superoxide anion release, improving DLD by a factor of 20%, without adverse events for corneal endothelium.
MicroRNAs in Colon Tissue of Pediatric Ulcerative Pancolitis Patients Allow Detection and Prognostic Stratification
Authors: Jabandziev Petr , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Bohosova Julia , Pinkasova Tereza , Kunovsky Lumir , Slaby Ondrej , Goel Ajay
Published: March 2021

Prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease has been on the rise in recent years, especially in pediatric populations. This study aimed to provide precise identification and stratification of pediatric patients with diagnosed ulcerative colitis (UC) according to the severity of their condition and the prediction for standard treatment according to the specific expression of candidate miRNAs. We enrolled consecutive, therapeutically naïve, pediatric UC patients with confirmed pancolitis. We examined formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of colonic tissue for the expression of 10 selected candidate miRNAs. We performed receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, using area under the curve and a logistic regression model to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive power of the miRNA panels. Sixty patients were included in the final analysis. As a control group, 18 children without macroscopic and microscopic signs of inflammatory bowel disease were examined. The combination of three candidate miRNAs (let-7i-5p, miR-223-3p and miR-4284) enabled accurate detection of pediatric UC patients and controls. A panel of four candidate miRNAs (miR-375-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-223-3p and miR-200b-3p) was associated with severity of UC in pediatric patients and a combination of three miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-192-5p and miR-194-5p) was associated with early relapse of the disease. Nine patients out of the total were diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) simultaneously with ulcerative colitis. A panel of 6 candidate miRNAs (miR-142-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-223-3p, let-7i-5p, miR-192-5p and miR-194-5p) identified those patients with PSC. Specific combinations of miRNAs are promising tools for potential use in precise disease identification and severity and prognostic stratification in pediatric patients with ulcerative pancolitis.
Multimodal Long-Term Predictors of Outcome in Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients Treated with Targeted Temperature Management at 36 °C
Authors: Roman-Pognuz Erik , Elmer Jonathan , Guyette Frank X. , Poillucci Gabriele , Lucangelo Umberto , Berlot Giorgio , Manganotti Paolo , Peratoner Alberto , Pellis Tommaso , Taccone Fabio , Callaway Clifton
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Early prediction of long-term outcomes in patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest (CA) is still challenging. Guidelines suggested a multimodal approach combining multiple predictors. We evaluated whether the combination of the electroencephalography (EEG) reactivity, somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) cortical complex and Gray to White matter ratio (GWR) on brain computed tomography (CT) at different temperatures could predict survival and good outcome at hospital discharge and six months after the event. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including consecutive adult, non-traumatic patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital CA who remained comatose on admission to our intensive care unit from 2013 to 2017. We acquired SSEPs and EEGs during the treatment at 36 °C and after rewarming at 37 °C, Gray to white matter ratio (GWR) was calculated on the brain computed tomography scan performed within six hours of the hospital admission. We primarily hypothesized that SSEP was associated with favor-able functional outcome at distance and secondarily that SSEP provides independent information from EEG and CT. Outcomes were evaluated using the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale at six months from discharge. Results: Of 171 resuscitated patients, 75 were excluded due to missing data or uninterpretable neurophysiological findings. EEG reactivity at 37 °C has been shown the best single predictor of good out-come (AUC 0.803) while N20P25 was the best single predictor for survival at each time point. (AUC 0.775 at discharge and AUC 0.747 at six months follow up). The predictive value of a model including EEG reactivity, average GWR, and SSEP N20P25 amplitude was superior (AUC 0.841 for survival and 0.920 for good out-come) to any combination of two tests or any single test. Conclusions: Our study, in which life-sustaining treatments were never suspended, suggests SSEP cortical complex N20P25, after normothermia and off sedation, is a reliable predictor for survival at any time. When SSEP cortical complex N20P25 is added into a model with GWR average and EEG reactivity, the predictivity for good outcome and survival at distance is superior than each single test alone.
Genomic Epidemiology of Candida auris in Qatar Reveals Hospital Transmission Dynamics and a South Asian Origin
Authors: Salah Husam , Sundararaju Sathyavathi , Dalil Lamya , Salameh Sarah , Al-Wali Walid , Tang Patrick , Ben Abid Fatma , Tsui Clement K. M.
Published: March 2021

Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that has become a public health threat with an increasing incidence of infections worldwide. Candida auris spreads easily among patients within and between hospitals. Infections and outbreaks caused by C. auris have been reported in the Middle East region including Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar; however, the origin of these isolates is largely unknown. Pathogen whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine the epidemiology and drug resistance mutations of C. auris in Qatar. Forty-four samples isolated from patients in three hospitals and the hospital environment were sequenced by Illumina NextSeq. Core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed that all isolates belonged to the South Asian lineage with genetic heterogeneity that suggests previous acquisition from foreign healthcare. The genetic variability among the outbreak isolates in the two hospitals (A and B) was low. Four environmental isolates clustered with the related clinical isolates, and epidemiologically linked isolates clustered together, suggesting that the ongoing transmission of C. auris could be linked to infected/colonized patients and the hospital environment. Prominent mutations Y132F and K143R in ERG11 linked to increased fluconazole resistance were detected.
Aspergillosis in Wild Birds
Authors: Arné Pascal , Risco-Castillo Veronica , Jouvion Grégory , Le Barzic Cécile , Guillot Jacques
Published: March 2021

The ubiquitous fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus are able to proliferate in a large number of environments on organic substrates. The spores of these opportunistic pathogens, when inhaled, can cause serious and often fatal infections in a wide variety of captive and free-roaming wild birds. The relative importance of innate immunity and the level of exposure in the development of the disease can vary considerably between avian species and epidemiological situations. Given the low efficacy of therapeutic treatments, it is essential that breeders or avian practitioners know the conditions that favor the emergence of Aspergillosis in order to put adequate preventive measures in place.
Salivary Biomarkers for Dental Caries Detection and Personalized Monitoring
Authors: Paqué Pune N. , Herz Christopher , Wiedemeier Daniel B. , Mitsakakis Konstantinos , Attin Thomas , Bao Kai , Belibasakis Georgios N. , Hays John P. , Jenzer Joël S. , Kaman Wendy E. , Karpíšek Michal , Körner Philipp , Peham Johannes R. , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Thurnheer Thomas , Wegehaupt Florian J. , Bostanci Nagihan
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the potential of salivary bacterial and protein markers for evaluating the disease status in healthy individuals or patients with gingivitis or caries. Saliva samples from caries- and gingivitis-free individuals (n = 18), patients with gingivitis (n = 17), or patients with deep caries lesions (n = 38) were collected and analyzed for 44 candidate biomarkers (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases, a metallopeptidase inhibitor, proteolytic enzymes, and selected oral bacteria). The resulting data were subjected to principal component analysis and used as a training set for random forest (RF) modeling. This computational analysis revealed four biomarkers (IL-4, IL-13, IL-2-RA, and eotaxin/CCL11) to be of high importance for the correct depiction of caries in 37 of 38 patients. The RF model was then used to classify 10 subjects (five caries-/gingivitis-free and five with caries), who were followed over a period of six months. The results were compared to the clinical assessments of dental specialists, revealing a high correlation between the RF prediction and the clinical classification. Due to the superior sensitivity of the RF model, there was a divergence in the prediction of two caries and four caries-/gingivitis-free subjects. These findings suggest IL-4, IL-13, IL-2-RA, and eotaxin/CCL11 as potential salivary biomarkers for identifying noninvasive caries. Furthermore, we suggest a potential association between JAK/STAT signaling and dental caries onset and progression.
Quanto Pricing beyond Black–Scholes
Authors: Fink Holger , Mittnik Stefan
Published: March 2021

Since their introduction, quanto options have steadily gained popularity. Matching Black–Scholes-type pricing models and, more recently, a fat-tailed, normal tempered stable variant have been established. The objective here is to empirically assess the adequacy of quanto-option pricing models. The validation of quanto-pricing models has been a challenge so far, due to the lack of comprehensive data records of exchange-traded quanto transactions. To overcome this, we make use of exchange-traded structured products. After deriving prices for composite options in the existing modeling framework, we propose a new calibration procedure, carry out extensive analyses of parameter stability and assess the goodness of fit for plain vanilla and exotic double-barrier options.
How Can Enterprise Risk Management Help in Evaluating the Operational Risks for a Telecommunications Company?
Authors: Ruiz-Canela López José
Published: March 2021

Operational risk is defined as the potential losses resulting from events caused by inadequate or failed processes, people, equipment, and systems or from external events. One of the most important challenges for the management of the company is to improve its results through its operational risk identification and evaluation. Most of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) scholarship has roots in the finance/risk management and insurance (RMI) discipline, mainly in the banking sector. This study proposes an innovative operational risk assessment methodology (OpRAM), to evaluate operational risks focused on telecommunications companies (TELCOs), on the basis of an operational risk self-assessment (OpRSA) process and method. The OpRSA process evaluates operational risks through a quantitative analysis of estimates which inputs are the economic impact and the probability of occurrence of events. The OpRSA method is the “engine” for calculating the economic risk impact, applying actuarial techniques, which allow estimation of unexpected losses and expected losses distributions in a TELCO. The results of the analyzed business unit in the field work were compared with standardized ratings (acceptable, manageable, critical, or catastrophic), and contrasted against the company’s managers, proving that the OpRSA framework is a reliable and useful management tool for the business, and leading to more research in other sectors where operational risk management is key for the company success.
Interleaving Shifted Versions of a PN-Sequence
Authors: Cardell Sara Díaz , Fúster-Sabater Amparo , Requena Verónica
Published: March 2021

The output sequence of the shrinking generator can be considered as an interleaving of determined shifted versions of a single PN -sequence. In this paper, we present a study of the interleaving of a PN-sequence and shifted versions of itself. We analyze some important cryptographic properties as the period and the linear complexity in terms of the shifts. Furthermore, we determine the total number of the interleaving sequences that achieve each possible value of the linear complexity.
Mass-Preserving Approximation of a Chemotaxis Multi-Domain Transmission Model for Microfluidic Chips
Authors: Braun Elishan Christian , Bretti Gabriella , Natalini Roberto
Published: March 2021

The present work is inspired by the recent developments in laboratory experiments made on chips, where the culturing of multiple cell species was possible. The model is based on coupled reaction-diffusion-transport equations with chemotaxis and takes into account the interactions among cell populations and the possibility of drug administration for drug testing effects. Our effort is devoted to the development of a simulation tool that is able to reproduce the chemotactic movement and the interactions between different cell species (immune and cancer cells) living in a microfluidic chip environment. The main issues faced in this work are the introduction of mass-preserving and positivity-preserving conditions, involving the balancing of incoming and outgoing fluxes passing through interfaces between 2D and 1D domains of the chip and the development of mass-preserving and positivity preserving numerical conditions at the external boundaries and at the interfaces between 2D and 1D domains.
Evaluation Procedures for Forecasting with Spatiotemporal Data
Authors: Oliveira Mariana , Torgo Luís , Santos Costa Vítor
Published: March 2021

The increasing use of sensor networks has led to an ever larger number of available spatiotemporal datasets. Forecasting applications using this type of data are frequently motivated by important domains such as environmental monitoring. Being able to properly assess the performance of different forecasting approaches is fundamental to achieve progress. However, traditional performance estimation procedures, such as cross-validation, face challenges due to the implicit dependence between observations in spatiotemporal datasets. In this paper, we empirically compare several variants of cross-validation (CV) and out-of-sample (OOS) performance estimation procedures, using both artificially generated and real-world spatiotemporal datasets. Our results show both CV and OOS reporting useful estimates, but they suggest that blocking data in space and/or in time may be useful in mitigating CV’s bias to underestimate error. Overall, our study shows the importance of considering data dependencies when estimating the performance of spatiotemporal forecasting models.
Comparative Survey of People with ME/CFS in Italy, Latvia, and the UK: A Report on Behalf of the Socioeconomics Working Group of the European ME/CFS Research Network (EUROMENE)
Authors: Brenna Elenka , Araja Diana , Pheby Derek F. H.
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: A comparative survey of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) patients was carried out in three countries, with the aim of identifying appropriate policy measures designed to alleviate the burden of disease both on patients and their families, and also on public institutions. The survey addressed demographic features, the economic impact of the disease on household incomes, patterns of medical and social care, specific therapies, social relationships, and the impact of the illness on quality of life. Materials and Methods: Parallel surveys were undertaken in Italy, Latvia, and the UK. There were 88 completed responses from Italy, 75 from Latvia, and 448 from the UK. To facilitate comparisons, 95% confidence intervals were calculated in respect of responses to questions from all three countries. To explore to what extent general practitioners (GPs) manage ME/CFS disease, a separate questionnaire for GPs, with questions about the criteria for granting a diagnosis, laboratory examinations, the involvement of specialists, and methods of treatment, was undertaken in Latvia, and there were 91 completed responses from GPs. Results: The results are presented in respect of sociodemographic information, household income, disease progression and management, perceived effectiveness of treatment, responsibility for medical care, personal care, difficulty explaining the illness, and quality of life. Demographic details were similar in all three countries, and the impact of illness on net household incomes and quality of life. There were significant differences between the three countries in illness progression and management, which may reflect differences in patterns of health care and in societal attitudes. Graded exercise therapy, practiced in the UK, was found to be universally ineffective. Conclusions: There were similarities between respondents in all three countries in terms of demographic features, the impact of the illness on household incomes and on quality of life, and on difficulties experienced by respondents in discussing their illness with doctors, but also differences in patterns of medical care, availability of social care, and societal attitudes to ME/CFS.
Strategies to Reduce Porosity in Al-Mg WAAM Parts and Their Impact on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Arana Maider , Ukar Eneko , Rodriguez Iker , Iturrioz Amaia , Alvarez Pedro
Published: March 2021

With the advent of disruptive additive manufacturing (AM), there is an increasing interest and demand of high mechanical property aluminium parts built directly by these technologies. This has led to the need for continuous improvement of AM technologies and processes to obtain the best properties in aluminium samples and develop new alloys. This study has demonstrated that porosity can be reduced below 0.035% in area in Al-Mg samples manufactured by CMT-based WAAM with commercial filler metal wires by selecting the correct shielding gas, gas flow rate, and deposition strategy (hatching or circling). Three phase Ar+O2+N2O mixtures (Stargold®) are favourable when the hatching deposition strategy is applied leading to wall thickness around 6 mm. The application of circling strategy (torch movement with overlapped circles along the welding direction) enables the even build-up of layers with slightly thicker thickness (8 mm). In this case, Ar shielding gas can effectively reduce porosity if proper flow is provided through the torch. Reduced gas flows (lower than 30 Lmin) enhance porosity, especially in long tracks (longer than 90 mm) due to local heat accumulation. Surprisingly, rather high porosity levels (up to 2.86 area %) obtained in the worst conditions, had a reduced impact on the static tensile test mechanical properties, and yield stress over 110 MPa, tensile strength over 270 MPa, and elongation larger than 27% were achieved either for Ar circling, Ar hatching, or Stargold® hatching building conditions. In all cases anisotropy was lower than 11%, and this was reduced to 9% for the most appropriate shielding conditions. Current results show that due to the selected layer height and deposition parameters there was a complete re-melting of the previous layer and a thermal treatment on the prior bottom layer that refined the grain size removing the original dendritic and elongated structure. Under these conditions, the minimum reported anisotropy levels can be achieved.
Solidification of Immiscible Alloys under High Magnetic Field: A Review
Authors: Wei Chen , Wang Jun , He Yixuan , Li Jinshan , Beaugnon Eric
Published: March 2021

Immiscible alloy is a kind of functional metal material with broad application prospects in industry and electronic fields, which has aroused extensive attention in recent decades. In the solidification process of metallic material processing, various attractive phenomena can be realized by applying a high magnetic field (HMF), including the nucleation and growth of alloys and microstructure evolution, etc. The selectivity provided by Lorentz force, thermoelectric magnetic force, and magnetic force or a combination of magnetic field effects can effectively control the solidification process of the melt. Recent advances in the understanding of the development of immiscible alloys in the solidification microstructure induced by HMF are reviewed. In this review, the immiscible alloy systems are introduced and inspected, with the main focus on the relationship between the migration behavior of the phase and evolution of the solidification microstructure under HMF. Special attention is paid to the mechanism of microstructure evolution caused by the magnetic field and its influence on performance. The ability of HMF to overcome microstructural heterogeneity in the solidification process provides freedom to design and modify new functional immiscible materials with desired physical properties. This review aims to offer an overview of the latest progress in HMF processing of immiscible alloys.
L-Carnitine Stimulates In Vivo Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Type 1 Diabetic Heart as Demonstrated by Hyperpolarized MRI
Authors: Savic Dragana , Ball Vicky , Curtis M. Kate , Sousa Fialho Maria da Luz , Timm Kerstin N. , Hauton David , West James , Griffin Julian , Heather Lisa C. , Tyler Damian J.
Published: March 2021

The diabetic heart is energetically and metabolically abnormal, with increased fatty acid oxidation and decreased glucose oxidation. One factor contributing to the metabolic dysfunction in diabetes may be abnormal handling of acetyl and acyl groups by the mitochondria. L-carnitine is responsible for their transfer across the mitochondrial membrane, therefore, supplementation with L-carnitine may provide a route to improve the metabolic state of the diabetic heart. The primary aim of this study was to use hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on the in vivo metabolism of [1-13C]pyruvate in diabetes. Male Wistar rats were injected with either vehicle or streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) to induce type-1 diabetes. Three weeks of daily i.p. treatment with either saline or L-carnitine (3 g/kg/day) was subsequently undertaken. In vivo cardiac function and metabolism were assessed with CINE and hyperpolarized MRI, respectively. L-carnitine supplementation prevented the progression of hyperglycemia, which was observed in untreated streptozotocin injected animals and led to reductions in plasma triglyceride and ß-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Hyperpolarized MRI revealed that L-carnitine treatment elevated pyruvate dehydrogenase flux by 3-fold in the diabetic animals, potentially through increased buffering of excess acetyl-CoA units in the mitochondria. Improved functional recovery following ischemia was also observed in the L-carnitine treated diabetic animals.
The Impact of Tick-Borne Diseases on the Bone
Authors: Farooq Imran , Moriarty Tara J.
Published: March 2021

Tick-borne infectious diseases can affect many tissues and organs including bone, one of the most multifunctional structures in the human body. There is a scarcity of data regarding the impact of tick-borne pathogens on bone. The aim of this review was to survey existing research literature on this topic. The search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. From our search, we were able to find evidence of eight tick-borne diseases (Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Lyme disease, Bourbon virus disease, Colorado tick fever disease, Tick-borne encephalitis, and Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever) affecting the bone. Pathological bone effects most commonly associated with tick-borne infections were disruption of bone marrow function and bone loss. Most research to date on the effects of tick-borne pathogen infections on bone has been quite preliminary. Further investigation of this topic is warranted.
Taxonomic Re-Examination of Nine Rosellinia Types (Ascomycota, Xylariales) Stored in the Saccardo Mycological Collection
Authors: Forin Niccolò , Vizzini Alfredo , Fainelli Federico , Ercole Enrico , Baldan Barbara
Published: March 2021

In a recent monograph on the genus Rosellinia, type specimens worldwide were revised and re-classified using a morphological approach. Among them, some came from Pier Andrea Saccardo’s fungarium stored in the Herbarium of the Padova Botanical Garden. In this work, we taxonomically re-examine via a morphological and molecular approach nine different Roselliniasensu Saccardo types. ITS1 and/or ITS2 sequences were successfully obtained applying Illumina MiSeq technology and phylogenetic analyses were carried out in order to elucidate their current taxonomic position. Only the ITS1 sequence was recovered for Rosellinia areolata, while for R. geophila, only the ITS2 sequence was recovered. We proposed here new combinations for Rosellinia chordicola, R. geophila and R. horridula, while for R. ambigua, R. areolata, R. australis, R. romana and R. somala, we did not suggest taxonomic changes compared to the current ones. The name Rosellinia subsimilis Sacc. is invalid, as it is a later homonym of R. subsimilis P. Karst. & Starbäck. Therefore, we introduced Coniochaeta dakotensis as a nomen novum for R. subsimilis Sacc. This is the first time that these types have been subjected to a molecular study. Our results demonstrate that old types are an important source of DNA sequence data for taxonomic re-examinations.
Pantoea Bacteriophage vB_PagS_AAS23: A Singleton of the Genus Sauletekiovirus
Authors: Žukauskienė Emilija , Šimoliūnienė Monika , Truncaitė Lidija , Skapas Martynas , Kaupinis Algirdas , Valius Mindaugas , Meškys Rolandas , Šimoliūnas Eugenijus
Published: March 2021

A cold-adapted siphovirus, vB_PagS_AAS23 (AAS23) was isolated in Lithuania using the Pantoea agglomerans strain AUR for the phage propagation. The double-stranded DNA genome of AAS23 (51,170 bp) contains 92 probable protein encoding genes, and no genes for tRNA. A comparative sequence analysis revealed that 25 of all AAS23 open reading frames (ORFs) code for unique proteins that have no reliable identity to database entries. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, AAS23 has no close relationship to other viruses publicly available to date and represents a single species of the genus Sauletekiovirus within the family Drexlerviridae. The phage is able to form plaques in bacterial lawns even at 4 °C and demonstrates a depolymerase activity. Thus, the data presented in this study not only provides the information on Pantoea-infecting bacteriophages, but also offers novel insights into the diversity of cold-adapted viruses and their potential to be used as biocontrol agents.
Potential Mitigation of Smoke Taint in Wines by Post-Harvest Ozone Treatment of Grapes
Authors: Modesti Margherita , Szeto Colleen , Ristic Renata , Jiang WenWen , Culbert Julie , Bindon Keren , Catelli Cesare , Mencarelli Fabio , Tonutti Pietro , Wilkinson Kerry
Published: March 2021

When bushfires occur near grape growing regions, vineyards can be exposed to smoke, and depending on the timing and duration of grapevine smoke exposure, fruit can become tainted. Smoke-derived volatile compounds, including volatile phenols, can impart unpleasant smoky, ashy characters to wines made from smoke-affected grapes, leading to substantial revenue losses where wines are perceivably tainted. This study investigated the potential for post-harvest ozone treatment of smoke-affected grapes to mitigate the intensity of smoke taint in wine. Merlot grapevines were exposed to smoke at ~7 days post-veraison and at harvest grapes were treated with 1 or 3 ppm of gaseous ozone (for 24 or 12 h, respectively), prior to winemaking. The concentrations of smoke taint marker compounds (i.e., free and glycosylated volatile phenols) were measured in grapes and wines to determine to what extent ozonation could mitigate the effects of grapevine exposure to smoke. The 24 h 1 ppm ozone treatment not only gave significantly lower volatile phenol and volatile phenol glycoside concentrations but also diminished the sensory perception of smoke taint in wine. Post-harvest smoke and ozone treatment of grapes suggests that ozone works more effectively when smoke-derived volatile phenols are in their free (aglycone) form, rather than glycosylated forms. Nevertheless, the collective results demonstrate the efficacy of post-harvest ozone treatment as a strategy for mitigation of smoke taint in wine.
Impact of High-Pressure Homogenization Parameters on Physicochemical Characteristics, Bioactive Compounds Content, and Antioxidant Capacity of Blackcurrant Juice
Authors: Kruszewski Bartosz , Zawada Katarzyna , Karpiński Piotr
Published: March 2021

High-pressure homogenization (HPH) is one of the food-processing methods being tested for use in food preservation as an alternative to pasteurization. The effects of the HPH process on food can vary depending on the process parameters used and product characteristics. The study aimed to investigate the effect of pressure, the number of passes, and the inlet temperature of HPH processing on the quality of cloudy blackcurrant juice as an example of food rich in bioactive compounds. For this purpose, the HPH treatment (pressure of 50, 150, and 220 MPa; one, three, and five passes; inlet temperature at 4 and 20 °C) and the pasteurization of the juice were performed. Titratable acidity, pH, turbidity, anthocyanin, vitamin C, and total phenolics content, as well as colour, and antioxidant activity were measured. Heat treatment significantly decreased the quality of the juice. For processing of the juice, the best were the combinations of the following: one pass, the inlet temperature of 4 °C, any of the used pressures (50, 150, and 220 MPa); and one pass, the inlet temperature of 20 °C, and the pressure of 150 MPa. Vitamin C and anthocyanin degradation have been reported during the HPH. The multiple passes of the juice through the machine were only beneficial in increasing the antioxidant capacity but negatively affected the colour stability.
Developing a Hazomalania voyronii Essential Oil Nanoemulsion for the Eco-Friendly Management of Tribolium confusum, Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor Larvae and Adults on Stored Wheat
Authors: Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Nika Erifili P. , Skourti Anna , Ntalli Nikoletta , Boukouvala Maria C. , Ntalaka Catherine T. , Maggi Filippo , Rakotosaona Rianasoambolanoro , Cespi Marco , Perinelli Diego Romano , Canale Angelo , Bonacucina Giulia , Benelli Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Most insecticides commonly used in storage facilities are synthetic, an issue that generates concerns about food safety and public health. Therefore, the development of eco-friendly pest management tools is urgently needed. In the present study, a 6% (w/w) Hazomalania voyronii essential oil-based nanoemulsion (HvNE) was developed and evaluated for managing Tribolium confusum, T. castaneum, and Tenebrio molitor, as an eco-friendly wheat protectant. Larval and adult mortality was evaluated after 4, 8, and 16 h, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days, testing two HvNE concentrations (500 ppm and 1000 ppm). T. confusum and T. castaneum adults and T. molitor larvae were tolerant to both concentrations of the HvNE, reaching 13.0%, 18.7%, and 10.3% mortality, respectively, at 1000 ppm after 7 days of exposure. However, testing HvNE at 1000 ppm, the mortality of T. confusum and T. castaneum larvae and T. molitor adults 7 days post-exposure reached 92.1%, 97.4%, and 100.0%, respectively. Overall, the HvNE can be considered as an effective adulticide or larvicide, depending on the target species. Our results highlight the potential of H. voyronii essential oil for developing green nanoinsecticides to be used in real-world conditions against key stored-product pests.
Bioanalytical Method Development and Validation Study of Neuroprotective Extract of Kashmiri Saffron Using Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS): In Vivo Pharmacokinetics of Apocarotenoids and Carotenoids
Authors: Girme Aboli , Pawar Sandeep , Ghule Chetana , Shengule Sushant , Saste Ganesh , Balasubramaniam Arun Kumar , Deshmukh Amol , Hingorani Lal
Published: March 2021

Kashmir saffron (Crocus sativus L.), also known as Indian saffron, is an important Asian medicinal plant with protective therapeutic applications in brain health. The main bioactive in Kashmir or Indian Saffron (KCS) and its extract (CSE) are apocarotenoids picrocrocin (PIC) and safranal (SAF) with carotenoids, crocetin esters (crocins), and crocetins. The ultra-fast liquid chromatography(UFLC)- photodiode array standardization confirmed the presence of biomarkers PIC, trans-4-GG-crocin (T4C), trans-3-Gg-crocin (T3C), cis-4-GG-crocin (C4C), trans-2-gg-crocin (T2C), trans-crocetin (TCT), and SAF in CSE. This study’s objectives were to develop and validate a sensitive and rapid UFLC-tandem mass spectrometry method for PIC and SAF along T4C and TCT in rat plasma with internal standards (IS). The calibration curves were linear (R2 > 0.990), with the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) as 10 ng/mL. The UFLC-MS/MS assay-based precision (RSD, <15%) and accuracy (RE, −11.03–9.96) on analytical quality control (QC) levels were well within the acceptance criteria with excellent recoveries (91.18–106.86%) in plasma samples. The method was applied to investigate the in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters after oral administration of 40 mg/kg CSE in the rats (n = 6). The active metabolite TCT and T4C, PIC, SAF were quantified for the first time with T3C, C4C, T2C by this validated bioanalytical method, which will be useful for preclinical/clinical trials of CSE as a potential neuroprotective dietary supplement.
Ultrabright Green-Emitting Nanoemulsions Based on Natural Lipids-BODIPY Conjugates
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Bou Sophie , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Anton Nicolas , Collot Mayeul
Published: March 2021

Nanoemulsions (NEs) are water-dispersed oil droplets that constitute stealth biocompatible nanomaterials. NEs can reach an impressive degree of fluorescent brightness owing to their oily core that can encapsulate a large number of fluorophores on the condition the latter are sufficiently hydrophobic and oil-soluble. BODIPYs are among the brightest green emitting fluorophores and as neutral molecules possess high lipophilicity. Herein, we synthesized three different natural lipid-BODIPY conjugates by esterification of an acidic BODIPY by natural lipids, namely: α-tocopherol (vitamin E), cholesterol, and stearyl alcohol. The new BODIPY conjugates were characterized in solvents and oils before being encapsulated in NEs at various concentrations. The physical (size, stability over time, leakage) and photophysical properties (absorption and emission wavelength, brightness, photostability) are reported and showed that the nature of the lipid anchor and the nature of the oil used for emulsification greatly influence the properties of the bright NEs.
Eski Türkçede “Konuşma” Kavramı: Türkleriŋ Temişin Ayur
Authors: DEMİREL Ezgi
Published: March 2021

Toplumsal bir varlık olan insanın en önemli sosyalleşme aracı dildir. Dil ise konuşma yoluyla gerçekleştirilen bir süreçtir. Bu nedenle her ne kadar dil incelemelerinde yazınsal metinlerle ortaya koyulan ve söz varlığını oluşturan bütün sözcükler ayrı ayrı ele alınsa da sözlü iletişimi sağlayan ve “konuşma” kavramına giren sözcüklerin de yine yazınsal metinler aracılığıyla tespiti büyük önem arz etmektedir.İnsanın zihninde tasarladığı, etrafında gördüğü her şeyi karşılayan “kavram” oldukça geniş kapsamlı ele alınması gereken bir sözcüktür. Bu çalışmada tarihsel Türk dili alanının Eski Türkçe dönemini oluşturan Orhun, Uygur ve Karahanlı Türkçesi esas alınarak “konuşma kavramı”na girdiği düşünülen sözcükler ve sözcük grupları ele alınmıştır. Konuşma kavramını karşılayan sözcükler ve bunlardan türeyen sözcük ailelerinin tespit edilmesi yoluyla Eski Türkçe döneminde “konuşma” üzerine kurulan söz varlığının ortaya koyulduğu bu çalışmada Türklerin “söz” ile şekillenen kavram dünyasını irdelemek amaçlanmaktadır. Çünkü Eski Türkçenin söz varlığı içinde “konuşma” kavram alanına giren sözcük ve sözcük aileleri bu dönemin dilinin zenginliğini göstermesi bakımından araştırmacılara önemli ipuçları sunmaktadır.
Memprediksi Harga Komoditas Cabe Menggunakan Metode Backpropagation Di Wilayah Kota Payakumbuh
Authors: Aulia Allans Prima , Yuhandri Yuhandri , Gemilang Fhajri Arye
Published: March 2021

Cabe merupakan salah satu bumbu dapur yang dibutuhkan mayoritas masyarakat Indonesia. Kebutuhan yang tinggi tersebut berdampak terhadap harga komoditas pertanian yang satu ini menjadi sangat fluktuatif. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode backpropagation untuk memprediksi harga komoditas cabe di Kota Payakumbuh dengan data bersumber dari BPS Kota Payakumbuh. Data yang digunakan adalah data harga cabe mingguan pada rentang waktu 2014 hingga 2019. Variabel data disusun ke bentuk time series dengan 4 nilai input dari masing-masing minggu per tahun, dan 1 nilai target. Dari hasil pengujian diperoleh nilai MSE (Mean Squared Error) sebesar 0,00118 dengan akurasi prediksi sebesar 98,56%. Hasil penelitian ini dapat membuktikan bahwa Jaringan Syaraf Tiruan menggunakan metode backpropagation dapat memprediksi harga komoditas cabe di Kota Payakumbuh dengan tingkat akurasi yang baik, sehingga dapat digunakan untuk tahun berikutnya.
Tadarruj dan Tikrar Terhadap Evaluasi Pembelajaran Tartil al-Qur’an Dalam Perspektif Kitab Muqaddimah Ibn Khaldun
Authors: PS Alaika M Bagus Kurnia , Aliah Nelud Darajaatul
Published: March 2021

This study aims to examine more deeply the evaluation of the ideal tartil al-Quran learning in Ibn Khaldun's view. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method using a phenomenological approach. The data collection techniques use observation data, interviews and related references. The data analysis technique also uses four stages, namely data reduction, data classification by structuring several points of analysis related to the conclusion of the analysis. As for the results of this study, (1) only some teachers implemented the tikrar concept. (2) Whereas the tadarruj at Khadijah Middle School was well systematic
Strategi Dakwah Multimedia Nahdlatul Ulama melalui Instagram @nuonline_id
Authors: Santoso Bobby Rachman , Fatmasari Lutfi , Nurcholis Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Da’wah media from time to time continue to experience such good development. The emergence of social media in the community has also influenced the delivery of da'wah messages. In this case, preachers is required to be able to use social media as a medium for preaching. This research is motivated by the use of Instagram as a medium for preaching, especially the Nahdlatul Ulama organization. This research was conducted on the official Nahdlatul Ulama Instagram account, @nuonline_id. This study aims to understand how the format of the da'wah message presented by the @nuonline_id account and how the da'wah strategy used by Nahdlatul Ulama on the @nuonline_id account. Qualitative research was chosen to be the research method in this study. In addition, the approach used is a phenomenological approach. In this study, the results show that @nuonline_id has 2 strategies in preaching through Instagram, namely: first, in presenting images with insertions of words and selecting templates that show the characteristics of Nahdlatul Ulama. Second, presenting a video with an interesting concept.
Elementos psicopedagógicos en niños de preescolar y factores de protección
Authors: Pacheco-Amigo Beatriz Mabel , Lozano-Gutiérrez Jorge Luis , Solís-Recéndez Emma Perla , Rodríguez-García Francisco Javier
Published: March 2021

The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate cognitive, motor and emotional aspects of preschool children in order to identify risk factors within the development in the second childhood. The problem of various factors directly influences the school culture, in this way, the study was based on mentioned evaluations, with students who presented behavioral problems, in order to find indicators that explain the type of behavior performed by the minor that causes disturbance in the school context in the teaching process. For this, the methodology used was of a non-experimental qualitative / transversal type, through a non-probabilistic sampling of the type subject. The contribution obtained within the investigation is observed with quantifiable linear frequency data (92%), the direct influence of the inappropriate behavior of minors related to domestic violence, using the school context as a means of affective and effective protection, not obtaining significant data in cognitive areas.
Electrocoagulación en el agua de proceso de una Industria de alimentos
Authors: Martin del Campo-Sanchez María Guadalupe , Escobar-Gonzalez José Luis
Published: March 2021

The main objective was to develop a wastewater treatment system by means of the electrocoagulation method according to the parameters of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Suspended Solids (SST). The results obtained were that at a pH of 6 and 7 with a contact time of 30 minutes, the highest percentage of removal of SST (98%) and COD (90%) was obtained. Once the conductor was selected, tests were carried out at different pH (6, 7 and 8) with contact times of 15, 30 and 45 minutes each, at 12 V and 0.4 A. A Multifactorial ANOVA statistical test was performed to determine if there were significant differences between the treatments. Once the results were evaluated, a prototype of approximately 38 L was designed with parallel plates with results of removal of SST of 93% and COD of 66%. The approximate cost of treatment per cubic meter is $ 35
Uso de Canna glauca para el tratamiento de aguas residuales domésticas en un humedal artificial de flujo superficial
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Nellybeth , Sánchez-Herrera Susana Graciela , Ponce-Lira Brenda , Noguez-Estrada Juan
Published: March 2021

The design and construction of a prototype of an artificial surface flow wetland was carried out with the aim of purifying domestic waste water. Field data was taken the reactor was designed and built to assess the plant's (Canna glauca) efficiency in sewage treatment. The location, available surface, and the influent flow were considered for the design; as well as available surface and the flow of influence of the influent the hydraulic retention, the size of the rock bed, the volume of the storage tank, resistance (mechanical, presence of sulfates and cleaning and sanitization substance) and permeability were considered to ensure its service life. A prototype was built where water quality was characterized by a HI 9828-0® multiparametric probe, in the reactor tributary ans effluent. Within the most relevant results is that the amount of oxygen, pH, EC, resistivity, STDs, salinity and ORP, are parameters that were favored with the presence of the aquatic plant for the purification of waste water
Optimización de Sulfato de Zinc en proceso de beneficio
Authors: Roacho-Torres María Guadalupe , Encinas-Baca Cesar Octavio , Grijalva-Delgado Melchor Omar
Published: March 2021

Goals: Calculate the amount of Zinc Sulfate reagent that maximizes the lead benefit in the process of benefiting a plant in the southern region of the state of Chihuahua. Methodology: Tests were carried out with different amounts of zinc sulfate, on which the variance was calculated and the average benefit value of Lead and Zinc was determined. Then, the equations were obtained that describe the behavior of the benefit of the minerals and the maximum or minimum values with respect to the law were calculated. The optimized sulfate value was calculated and control charts were generated as follow-up to the process. Contribution: By optimizing and standardizing the amount of Zinc sulfate as a reagent in the benefit in a process where it was performed empirically, not only does it have greater control over the results of the law, but also the costs are optimized, considering that the Reagent use is an important input for the process.
Inclusión de harina, elaborada a partir de los frutos de Enterolobium Cyclocarpum y Brosimum Alicastrum como suplemento isocalórico e isoprotéico en la alimentación de ovinos
Authors: De Luna-Vega Alicia , García-Sahagún María Luisa , González-Luna Salvador , Pimienta-Barrios Enrique
Published: March 2021

Study was performed in Chacala, Cabo Corrientes, where the species in study are widely distribuited in a natural form. Bromatologic analisis of fruit of B. alicastrum and E. Cyclocarpum were performed as an alternative to improve animal production, increasing protein consumption, energy and minerals on the livestock diet. Bromatologic analysis was made for crude protein (CP), etereum extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) with Wendee method (AOAC, 1990); neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin (Van Soest and Wine, 1967) with ANKOM equipment. Calcium and phosphorus for colorimetry, potasium with flamometer technique (Van Soest, 1979); magnesium, sulphur and copper with TMECC 04.06 / 4.13 method. Nutritional quality was analized on dry matter, ashes, fat and crude fiber. Significative difference was obtained between species on protein (22.90 vs 10.88), fiber (7.24 vs 13.18) and NFE, were the higgest value was for B. alicastrum (67.02%) compared with E. cyclocarpum (60.45%). Inclussion of fruit flour from E. cyclocarpum and B. alicastrum on ovine alimentary rations improvement consumption. Weight increase and alimentary convertion were better with the 10% inclussion. Economic value of alimentary rations with inclussion of fruit flour of E. cyclocarpum and B. alicastrum was lower than witness diet on stabuled ovine, permiting maintain development with significative decrease of production costs.
La construcción del espacio épico en Il Conquisto di Granata de Girolamo Graziani
Authors: García Aguilar Mónica
Published: March 2021

A mediados del siglo xvii, Girolamo Graziani publica en Módena Il Conquisto di Granata (1650), un poema épico de 26 cantos en los que se narran los acontecimientos que rodearon el asedio del Reino de Granada en sus últimos diez años. Este poema, por tanto, describe el ambiente caballeresco y el tema de la lucha entre cristianos y musulmanes a través de múltiples episodios en los que no faltan los fieros y gigantescos moros, las doncellas guerreras y toda suerte de fábulas y encantamientos. En este estudio determinaremos la arquitectura espacial de este poema épico, definiendo la ciudad de Granada como centro de todo movimiento, en el que todas las acciones se valorarán y medirán a partir de la distancia y de la relación que tengan con ese lugar.