bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Enzyme Inhibition Potential and Anticancer Effects of Pistacia khinjuk Stocks Raised in In Vitro and In Vivo Conditions
Authors: Tilkat Emine Ayaz , Batibay Hayri , Yener Ismail , Yilmaz Pelin Koseoglu , Akdeniz Mehmet , Kaplan Alevcan , Ercisli Sezai , Ertas Abdulselam , Holubec Vojtech
Published: January 2021

In this study, antihypertensive, anticholinesterase, antiurease, antityrosinase and antielastase enzyme inhibition and anticancer activities of in vivo (male and female) and in vitro samples (root, stem and leaf parts) of the Pistacia khinjuk Stocks were investigated comparatively. In this context, in vitro shoot cultures were obtained from germinated mature seeds. Then, the juvenile shoots were proliferated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). In terms of anticancer activity, the whole of the samples studied was found to have apoptotic effects against MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HT-29 (colon cancer) cell lines. The extracts obtained from in vivo female root parts showed better cytotoxicity than all the other tested extracts on MCF-7 (IC50: 31.86 ± 1.40 µg/mL) and HT-29 cell series (IC50: 59.60 ± 0.69 µg/mL). Even though all the samples showed a strong butyrylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition (BChE) activity, it was detected that none of the samples had shown acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition (AChE). It was also determined that in vivo leaf samples of female trees had the highest BChE activity (Inhibition%: 75.20 ± 1.50). All the samples showed a low-moderate level of urease and tyrosinase enzyme activity, while in vivo samples showed a significant level of the elastase enzyme activities (Inhibition%: 58.72 for female root extracts; 58.25 for female leaf extracts, at 50 µg/mL concentration), and they were more active than the standard oleanolic acid (Inhibition%: 39.46 ± 0.52). The antihypertensive activities as the inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) of in vivo samples (Inhibition%: 95.88 for female stem extracts; 95.18 for female root extracts) were detected as close to the standard (Inhibition%: 96.64 ± 1.85) used. In general, it can be stated that in vivo samples had higher biological activities compared to in vitro ones. Consequently, according to our results, it was concluded that in vitro stem parts of khinjuk pistachio could also be evaluated as an alternative new antihypertensive, antielastase and anticancer agent source.
Valganciclovir—Ganciclovir Use and Systematic Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. An Invitation to Antiviral Stewardship
Authors: Galar Alicia , Valerio Maricela , Catalán Pilar , García-González Xandra , Burillo Almudena , Fernández-Cruz Ana , Zataráin Eduardo , Sousa-Casasnovas Iago , Anaya Fernando , Rodríguez-Ferrero María , Muñoz Patricia , Bouza Emilio
Published: January 2021

Valganciclovir (VGCV) and ganciclovir (GCV) doses must be adjusted according to indication, renal function and weight. No specific therapeutic exposure values have been established. We aimed to evaluate the adequacy of VGCV/GCV doses, to assess the interpatient variability in GCV serum levels, to identify predictive factors for this variability and to assess the clinical impact. This is a prospective study at a tertiary institution including hospitalized patients receiving VGCV/GCV prophylaxis or treatment. Adequacy of the antiviral dose was defined according to cytomegalovirus guidelines. Serum levels were determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Blood samples were drawn at least 3 days after antiviral initiation. Outcome was considered favorable if there was no evidence of cytomegalovirus infection during prophylaxis or when a clinical and microbiological resolution was attained within 21 days of treatment and no need for drug discontinuation due to toxicity. Seventy consecutive patients [74.3% male/median age: 59.2 years] were included. VGCV was used in 25 patients (35.7%) and GCV in 45 (64.3%). VGCV/GCV initial dosage was deemed adequate in 47/70 cases (67.1%), lower than recommended in 7/70 (10%) and higher in 16/70 (22.9%). Large inter-individual variability of serum levels was observed, with median trough levels of 2.3 mg/L and median peak levels of 7.8 mg/L. Inadequate dosing of VGCV/GCV and peak levels lower than 8.37 or greater than 11.86 mg/L were related to poor outcome. Further studies must be performed to confirm these results and to conclusively establish if VGCV/GCV therapeutic drug monitoring could be useful to improve outcomes in specific clinical situations.
Bicyclic 1,3a,6a-Triazapentalene Chromophores: Synthesis, Spectroscopy and Their Use as Fluorescent Sensors and Probes
Authors: Wang Yingchun , Opsomer Tomas , Dehaen Wim
Published: January 2021

The 1,3a,6a-triazapentalene (TAP) is an aromatic heterocyclic fluorescent dye with interesting features such as its small size, large Stokes shift, solvatochromism, and emission wavelengths that are spread across the visible spectrum. TAPs have been synthesized via different synthetic strategies involving click−cyclization−aromatization domino reactions, gold-catalyzed cyclization of propargyl triazoles or triazolization of acetophenones. As a result, TAPs with diverse substitution patterns were obtained, showing varying fluorescence properties. Based on these properties, several TAPs have been selected and studied as fluorescent imaging probes in living cells and as sensors. This mini review provides an overview of the research on the bicyclic TAPs and does not comment on the literature about benzo or otherwise fused systems. The synthetic methodologies for the preparation of TAPs, the substituent effects on the fluorescence properties, and the behavior of the TAP core as an element of biological imaging probes and sensors are discussed.
COVID-19 in Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (PAH) Patients: Observations from a Large PAH Center in New York City
Authors: Sulica Roxana , Cefali Frank , Motschwiller Caroline , Fenton Rebecca , Barroso Anabela , Sterman Daniel
Published: January 2021

Information on outcomes of COVID-19 in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients is limited to a few case series and surveys. Here, we describe our experience at a large Pulmonary Hypertension Center in New York City at the height of the pandemic. We performed a retrospective chart review of eleven consecutive PAH patients who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We analyzed demographics, PAH severity, risk factors for COVID-19, and COVID-19 severity and outcomes. We found in our sample that 63.6% of patients required intensive care, and there was a 45.45% overall mortality. Most patients had a known COVID-19 contact and mean duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 12 days. Only 4/11 (36%) patients presented to a center with pulmonary hypertension expertise, all of whom survived. Most patients had at least moderate pulmonary hypertension with an average REVEAL score of 7.81 despite double or triple PAH therapy. Our cases series underscores the gravity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with PAH. It also suggests possible interventions to prevent unfavorable outcomes such as preserving social distancing, PAH management optimization, and early and preferential presentation to a center with specialized expertise in PAH.
Review of Partial Discharge Activity Considering Very-Low Frequency and Damped Applied Voltage
Authors: Niasar Mohamad Ghaffarian , Wang Xiaolei , Kiiza Respicius Clemence
Published: January 2021

When detecting the presence of partial discharge (PD) activity in the insulation system in high-voltage equipment, the excitation voltages at variable frequency have been widely used instead of power-frequency (50/60 Hz) sinusoidal voltage in order to reduce the charging power. This work reviews the relevant research on PD activity at very low frequency (VLF) method, including sinusoidal or cosine-rectangular voltage shape, and damped AC (DAC) method. Based on the research history and development status, some major PD characteristics, such as PD inception voltage (PDIV), PD amplitude, PD charge, PD phase-resolved pattern, and several hot issues, such as surface charge decay and statistical time lag, have been discussed. Moreover, the advantages, disadvantages, and applied conditions of two reviewed methods has been summarized. Finally, the prospects have been made on the main development trends of this research field in the future.
Preservation of Chocolate Muffins with Lemon Balm, Oregano, and Rosemary Extracts
Authors: Pedrosa Mariana C. , Ueda Jonata M. , Melgar Bruno , Dias Maria Inês , Pinela José , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Ivanov Marija , Soković Marina , Heleno Sandrina , Silva Aline Bruna da , Carocho Márcio , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian
Published: January 2021

Muffins are snacks made from flour and chocolate and preserved with synthetic additives. Following consumer trends, the search for natural food additives has gained traction. Plants such as rosemary, lemon balm, and oregano were analyzed following an optimization of ultrasound assisted extraction, screened for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and incorporated in chocolate muffins, comparing them to synthetic preservatives over the course of 8 days. The nutritional profile, organic and fatty acids, soluble sugars, texture profile, external color and digital imaging of the muffin pores were analyzed. Slight changes were sought for the muffins incorporated with the natural extracts. By means of linear discriminant analysis, rosemary extract was considered the most promising extract to preserve the muffins due to its similarity to potassium sorbate, showing no changes in the muffins it was incorporated in, although it showed a lower amount of phenolic compounds when compared to lemon balm.
Aging and the (Chemical) Senses: Implications for Food Behaviour Amongst Elderly Consumers
Authors: Spence Charles , Youssef Jozef
Published: January 2021

The growing aging population are increasingly suffering from the negative health consequences of the age-related decline in their senses, especially their chemical senses. Unfortunately, however, unlike for the higher senses of vision and hearing, there is currently nothing that can be done to bring back the chemical senses once they are lost (or have started their inevitable decline). The evidence suggests that such chemosensory changes can result in a range of maladaptive food behaviours, including the addition of more salt and sugar to food and drink in order to experience the same taste intensity while, at the same time, reducing their overall consumption because food has lost its savour. Here, though, it is also important to stress the importance of the more social aspects of eating and drinking, given the evidence suggesting that a growing number of older individuals are consuming more of their meals alone than ever before. Various solutions have been put forward in order to try to enhance the food experience amongst the elderly, including everything from optimising the product-intrinsic food inputs provided to the remaining functional senses through to a variety of digital interventions. Ultimately, however, the aim has to be to encourage healthier patterns of food consumption amongst this rapidly-growing section of the population by optimising the sensory, nutritional, social, and emotional aspects of eating and drinking. An experimental dinner with the residents of one such home where nostalgic-flavoured healthy ice-creams were served is described.
Assessing Transportation Patterns in the Azores Archipelago
Authors: Castanho Rui Alexandre , Naranjo Gómez José Manuel , Vulevic Ana , Behradfar Arian , Couto Gualter
Published: January 2021

It is well-known that the ultra-peripheral territories as Islands present several limitations such as the lack of resources, restricted land, mass tourism, and barriers to movement, and connectivity between urban centers. These obstacles make ultra-peripheral regions suitable case studies considering their territorial governance and consequently, sustainable development and growth. Thus, transportation and infrastructure sustainability in these regions are not an exception. Considering all the obstacles present in these regions, the accessibility and connectivity patterns that the local population has in these territories should be assessed and monitored. Thereby, through exploratory tools, the present research assumes to examine, using accessibility and connectivity indicators, the consequences across the social-economic dimension that the regional transportation and infrastructure should convey to the Azores Islands Archipelago populations. Therefore, this article allows us to set the present situation regarding this region’s accessibility and connectivity patterns, creating an additional tool for supporting the main actors’ design and implementation of these territories’ future plans and strategies. Besides, this study enables us to recognize that Pico, Flores, and São Miguel are the ones with better accessibility patterns within the Azores Archipelago.
Genetic Transformation in Cryptococcus Species
Authors: Wang Ping
Published: January 2021

Genetic transformation plays an imperative role in our understanding of the biology in unicellular yeasts and filamentous fungi, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus nidulans, Cryphonectria parasitica, and Magnaporthe oryzae. It also helps to understand the virulence and drug resistance mechanisms of the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus that causes cryptococcosis in health and immunocompromised individuals. Since the first attempt at DNA transformation in this fungus by Edman in 1992, various methods and techniques have been developed to introduce DNA into this organism and improve the efficiency of homology-mediated gene disruption. There have been many excellent summaries or reviews covering the subject. Here we highlight some of the significant achievements and additional refinements in the genetic transformation of Cryptococcus species.
Oral Administration of Lactobacillus helveticus LA401 and Lactobacillus gasseri LA806 Combination Attenuates Oesophageal and Gastrointestinal Candidiasis and Consequent Gut Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Authier Hélène , Salon Marie , Rahabi Mouna , Bertrand Bénédicte , Blondeau Claude , Kuylle Sarah , Holowacz Sophie , Coste Agnès
Published: January 2021

Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that causes mucosal gastrointestinal (GI) candidiasis tightly associated with gut inflammatory status. The emergence of drug resistance, the side effects of currently available antifungals and the high frequency of recurrent candidiasis indicate that new and improved therapeutics are needed. Probiotics have been suggested as a useful alternative for the management of candidiasis. We demonstrated that oral administration of Lactobacillus gasseri LA806 alone or combined with Lactobacillus helveticus LA401 in Candida albicans-infected mice decrease the Candida colonization of the oesophageal and GI tract, highlighting a protective role for these strains in C. albicans colonization. Interestingly, the probiotic combination significantly modulates the composition of gut microbiota towards a protective profile and consequently dampens inflammatory and oxidative status in the colon. Moreover, we showed that L. helveticus LA401 and/or L. gasseri LA806 orient macrophages towards a fungicidal phenotype characterized by a C-type lectin receptors signature composed of Dectin-1 and Mannose receptor. Our findings suggest that the use of the LA401 and LA806 combination might be a promising strategy to manage GI candidiasis and the inflammation it causes by inducing the intrinsic antifungal activities of macrophages. Thus, the probiotic combination is a good candidate for managing GI candidiasis by inducing fungicidal functions in macrophages while preserving the GI integrity by modulating the microbiota and inflammation.
Simplicial-Map Neural Networks Robust to Adversarial Examples
Authors: Paluzo-Hidalgo Eduardo , Gonzalez-Diaz Rocio , Gutiérrez-Naranjo Miguel A. , Heras Jónathan
Published: January 2021

Broadly speaking, an adversarial example against a classification model occurs when a small perturbation on an input data point produces a change on the output label assigned by the model. Such adversarial examples represent a weakness for the safety of neural network applications, and many different solutions have been proposed for minimizing their effects. In this paper, we propose a new approach by means of a family of neural networks called simplicial-map neural networks constructed from an Algebraic Topology perspective. Our proposal is based on three main ideas. Firstly, given a classification problem, both the input dataset and its set of one-hot labels will be endowed with simplicial complex structures, and a simplicial map between such complexes will be defined. Secondly, a neural network characterizing the classification problem will be built from such a simplicial map. Finally, by considering barycentric subdivisions of the simplicial complexes, a decision boundary will be computed to make the neural network robust to adversarial attacks of a given size.
Optimization of 1,4-Naphthoquinone Hit Compound: A Computational, Phenotypic, and In Vivo Screening against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Lara Leonardo S. , Lechuga Guilherme C. , Moreira Caroline dos S. , Santos Thaís B. , Ferreira Vitor F. , da Rocha David R. , Pereira Mirian C. S.
Published: January 2021

Chagas disease (CD) still represents a serious public health problem in Latin America, even after more than 100 years of its discovery. Clinical treatments (nifurtimox and benznidazole) are considered inadequate, especially because of undesirable side effects and low efficacy in the chronic stages of the disease, highlighting the urgency for discovering new effective and safe drugs. A small library of compounds (1a–i and 2a–j) was designed based on the structural optimization of a Hit compound derived from 1,4-naphthoquinones (C2) previously identified. The biological activity, structure-activity relationship (SAR), and the in silico physicochemical profiles of the naphthoquinone derivatives were analyzed. Most modifications resulted in increased trypanocidal activity but some substitutions also increased toxicity. The data reinforce the importance of the chlorine atom in the thiophenol benzene ring for trypanocidal activity, highlighting 1g, which exhibit a drug-likeness profile, as a promising compound against Trypanosoma cruzi. SAR analysis also revealed 1g as cliff generator in the structure-activity similarity map (SAS maps). However, compounds C2 and 1g were unable to reduce parasite load, and did not prevent mouse mortality in T. cruzi acute infection. Phenotypic screening and computational analysis have provided relevant information to advance the optimization and design of new 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives with a better pharmacological profile.
Phytochemical Profiling and Quality Control of Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. Using HPTLC Metabolomics
Authors: Mulaudzi Nduvho , Anokwuru Chinedu P. , Tankeu Sidonie Y. , Combrinck Sandra , Chen Weiyang , Vermaak Ilze , Viljoen Alvaro M
Published: January 2021

Terminalia sericea is used throughout Africa for the treatment of a variety of conditions and has been identified as a potential commercial plant. The study was aimed at establishing a high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) chemical fingerprint for T. sericea root bark as a reference for quality control and exploring chemical variation within the species using HPTLC metabo3lomics. Forty-two root bark samples were collected from ten populations in South Africa and extracted with dichloromethane: methanol (1:1). An HPTLC method was optimized to resolve the major compounds from other sample components. Dichloromethane: ethyl acetate: methanol: formic acid (90:10:30:1) was used as the developing solvent and the plates were visualized using 10% sulfuric acid in methanol as derivatizing agent. The concentrations of three major bioactive compounds, sericic acid, sericoside and resveratrol-3-O-β-rutinoside, in the extracts were determined using a validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (UPLC-PDA) detection method. The rTLC software (written in the R-programming language) was used to select the most informative retardation factor (Rf) ranges from the images of the analysed sample extracts. Further chemometric models, including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were constructed using the web-based high throughput metabolomic software. The rTLC chemometric models were compared with the models previously obtained from ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). A characteristic fingerprint containing clear bands for the three bioactive compounds was established. All three bioactive compounds were present in all the samples, although their corresponding band intensities varied. The intensities correlated with the UPLC-PDA results, in that samples containing a high concentration of a particular compound, displayed a more intense band. Chemometric analysis using HCA revealed two chemotypes, and the subsequent construction of a loadings plot indicated that sericic acid and sericoside were responsible for the chemotypic variation; with sericoside concentrated in Chemotype 1, while sericic acid was more abundant in Chemotype 2. A characteristic chemical fingerprint with clearly distinguishable features was established for T. sericea root bark that can be used for species authentication, and to select samples with high concentrations of a particular marker compound(s). Different chemotypes, potentially differing in their therapeutic potency towards a particular target, could be distinguished. The models revealed the three analytes as biomarkers, corresponding to results reported for UPLC-MS profiling and thereby indicating that HPTLC is a suitable technique for the quality control of T. sericea root bark.
Glutathione in Protein Redox Modulation through S-Glutathionylation and S-Nitrosylation
Authors: Kalinina Elena , Novichkova Maria
Published: January 2021

S-glutathionylation and S-nitrosylation are reversible post-translational modifications on the cysteine thiol groups of proteins, which occur in cells under physiological conditions and oxidative/nitrosative stress both spontaneously and enzymatically. They are important for the regulation of the functional activity of proteins and intracellular processes. Connecting link and “switch” functions between S-glutathionylation and S-nitrosylation may be performed by GSNO, the generation of which depends on the GSH content, the GSH/GSSG ratio, and the cellular redox state. An important role in the regulation of these processes is played by Trx family enzymes (Trx, Grx, PDI), the activity of which is determined by the cellular redox status and depends on the GSH/GSSG ratio. In this review, we analyze data concerning the role of GSH/GSSG in the modulation of S-glutathionylation and S-nitrosylation and their relationship for the maintenance of cell viability.
The Characteristic Fragrant Sesquiterpenes and 2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromones in Wild and Cultivated “Qi-Nan” Agarwood
Authors: Yang Li , Yang Jin-Ling , Dong Wen-Hua , Wang Ya-Li , Zeng Jun , Yuan Jing-Zhe , Wang Hao , Mei Wen-Li , Dai Hao-Fu
Published: January 2021

Recently, cultivated “Qi-Nan” (CQN) agarwood has emerged as a new high-quality agarwood in the agarwood market owing to its similar characteristics, such as high content of resin and richness in two 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives, 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone (59) and 2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone (60), to the wild harvested “Qi-Nan” (WQN) agarwood. In this study, we compared the chemical constituents and fragrant components of two types of WQN agarwood from A. agallocha Roxb. and A. sinensis, respectively, with CQN agarwood and ordinary agarwood varieties. Additionally, we analyzed different samples of WQN agarwood and CQN agarwood by GC-MS, which revealed several noteworthy differences between WQN and CQN agarwood. The chemical diversity of WQN was greater than that of CQN agarwood. The content of (59) and (60) was higher in CQN agarwood than in WQN agarwood. For the sesquiterpenes, the richness and diversity of sesquiterpenes in WQN agarwood, particularly guaiane and agarofuran sesquiterpenes, were higher than those in CQN. Moreover, guaiane-furans sesquiterpenes were only detected by GC-MS in WQN agarwood of A. sinensis and could be a chemical marker for the WQN agarwood of A. sinensis. In addition, we summarized the odor descriptions of the constituents and established the correlation of scents and chemical constituents in the agarwood.
Nitrogen Removal from Agricultural Subsurface Drainage by Surface-Flow Wetlands: Variability
Authors: Mendes Lipe Renato Dantas
Published: January 2021

Agriculture has long been considered a great source of nitrogen (N) to surface waters and a major cause of eutrophication. Thus, management practices at the farm-scale have since attempted to mitigate the N losses, although often limited in tile-drained agricultural catchments, which speed up the N transport, while minimizing natural removal in the landscape. In this context, surface-flow constructed wetlands (SFWs) have been particularly implemented as an edge-of-field strategy to intercept tile drains and reduce the N loads by re-establishing ecosystems services of previously drained water ponded areas. These systems collect the incoming water volumes in basins sufficiently large to prolong the hydraulic residence time to a degree where biogeochemical processes between the water, soil, sediments, plants, macro and microorganisms can mediate the removal of N. Despite their documented suitability, great intra and inter-variability in N treatment is still observed to date. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the driving factors behind performance of SFWs, in order to support their successful implementation according to local catchment characteristics, and ensure compliance with N removal goals. This review contextualizes the aforementioned issue, and critically evaluates the influence of hydrochemistry, hydrology and biogeochemistry in the treatment of N by SFWs.
Catalytic Oxidation of Heavy Residual Oil by Pulsed Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Vakhin Alexey V. , Cherkasova Elena I. , Safiulina Aliya G. , Islamova Galiya G. , Petrov Sergey M. , Bashkirtseva Natalya Yu.
Published: January 2021

A study on the catalytic oxidation of heavy residual oil (HRO) was carried out. The thermodynamic parameters of components of HRO oxidation products were studied by pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A method for the quantitative assessment of thermodynamic parameters of HRO components and oxidized bitumen using pulsed NMR is presented. The relationship between NMR parameters and the viscosity of HRO and its oxidation products is established. The obtained results prove the possibility of using pulsed NMR as a flow-line method for rapid analysis of intermediates and products of the heavy residual oil oxidation.
The Contribution of Cereal Grains to Food Security and Sustainability in Africa: Potential Application of UAV in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Namibia
Authors: Raheem Dele , Dayoub Moammar , Birech Rhoda , Nakiyemba Alice
Published: January 2021

Africa is a net importer of food, especially cereal grains, despite the importance of agriculture in the continent. The agricultural growth in Africa has been undermined by low investment in agriculture, poor infrastructure, high population growth rate, and low adoption of technologies. The agri-food value chain in many African countries will benefit from the adoption of appropriate technologies that are available in the digital landscape to leverage the agricultural sector, make it more attractive to the teeming youth population, and to reverse rural-urban migration. Attention to indigenous cereal grains and other crops that are grown locally and processed into different local foods would ensure food security. However, the availability of these crops in the market is often reduced due to damage before harvest by pests and predators leading to economic losses for farmers. In this article, we review the literature from a multidisciplinary perspective on the relevance of African indigenous food grains to food security in general and we highlight the potential application of drones to increase the yield of cereal grains in three regions of the continent—eastern, western, and southern Africa.
FEATURES OF LIQUID FLOW DISTRIBUTION IN PLATE HEAT EXCHANGERS REFERENCES
Authors: Elistratova Y. , Seminenko A. , Minko V. , Ramazanov R.
Published: January 2021

The relevance of the work of information and diagnostic systems in the field of monitoring of plate heat exchange equipment is considered. The reliability of the monitoring devices requires an accurate mathematical description of the thermo hydrodynamic processes in the heat exchange channels. The classical description of these processes implies a uniform distribution of the flow rate of the working medium along the length of the plate package, which in turn implies equal conditions for the formation of salt deposition products on the heating surfaces of the plate heat exchanger. The use of dependencies that take into account the equality of costs for a package of plates reduces the reliability of diagnostics of the efficiency of hot water devices of the plate type. Since the geometric space formed by the plates is represented by parallel channels connected by sections of transit collectors, the method of resistance characteristics is proposed as a method of hydraulic calculation of the distribution features of liquid flows through heat exchange channels. The dependence of the design features of the location of the interplate channels relative to the input of the coolant into the distribution manifold is revealed. It is found that, the flow rate of the circulating coolant is less in the channels most remote from the inlet pipe than in the nearest channels. The hypothesis of the influence of the relative position of the channels in relation to the inlet pipe is confirmed by numerical studies of the hydrodynamic regime of the plate heat exchanger.
ASPECTS OF THE RESTORATION OF THE CAVE TEMPLES AND MONASTERIES
Authors: Vovzhenyak Polina , Per'kova M. , Kolesnikova L. , Semencov S.
Published: January 2021

The research problem lies in the urgent need to preserve the historical, cultural, and architectural and urban planning heritage of cave monasteries due to the risk of their loss. Natural and anthropogenic factors of the destruction of cave temples and monasteries were formulated. Ways to preserve cave temples and monasteries were considered. Principles for the development of design solutions for the revitalization of the adjacent territory and the cave monastery were proposed, such as functional, urban planning, infrastructural, the principle of the identity of the environment. The following algorithm for revitalizing cave monasteries was proposed: a study of the place and history of the emergence of the cave monastery; a study of the resource potential of the object; identification of problems of further development of the territory and underground facility; development of a conceptual proposal for adapting the facility to modern operating conditions.
Does Whom Patients Sit Next to during Hemodialysis Affect Whether They Request a Living Donation?
Authors: Gillespie Avrum , Fink Edward L. , Gardiner Heather M. , Gadegbeku Crystal A. , Reese Peter P. , Obradovic Zoran
Published: January 2021

Background

The seating arrangement of in-center hemodialysis is conducive to patients forming a relationship and a social network. We examined how seating in the in-center hemodialysis clinic affected patients forming relationships, whether patients formed relationships with others who have similar transplant behaviors (homophily), and whether these relationships influenced patients (social contagion) to request a living donation from family and friends outside of the clinic.

Methods

In this 30-month, prospective cohort study, we observed the relationships of 46 patients on hemodialysis in a hemodialysis clinic. Repeated participant surveys assessed in-center transplant discussions and living-donor requests. A separable temporal exponential random graph model estimated how seating, demographics, in-center transplant discussions, and living-donor requests affected relationship formation via sociality and homophily. We examined whether donation requests spread via social contagion using a susceptibility-infected model.

Results

For every seat apart, the odds of participants forming a relationship decreased (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.90; P=0.002). Those who requested a living donation tended to form relationships more than those who did not (sociality, OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.6; P=0.04). Participants who discussed transplantation in the center were more likely to form a relationship with another participant who discussed transplantation than with someone who did not discuss transplantation (homophily, OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.03 to 3.5; P=0.04). Five of the 36 susceptible participants made a request after forming a relationship with another patient.

Conclusions

Participants formed relationships with those they sat next to and had similar transplant behaviors. The observed increase in in-center transplant discussions and living-donation requests by the members of the hemodialysis-clinic social network was not because of social contagion. Instead, participants who requested a living donation were more social, formed more relationships within the clinic, and discussed transplantation with each other as a function of health-behavior homophily.
Construction of 3D Soil Moisture Maps in Agricultural Fields by Using Wireless Sensor Communication
Authors: KOYUNCU Hakan , GUNDUZ Burak , KOYUNCU Baki
Published: January 2021

Over-irrigation without considering the soil property reduce the product yield and variety in many agricultural areas. In this study, it is aimed to produce a more useful, and user-friendly 3D soil moisture detection system by using wireless communication across the agricultural areas. The deficiencies of agricultural land can be eliminated in terms of irrigation, product variety, and product yield. 3D moisture information obtained from the soil can be transferred to a database system and the farmers can use this system to cultivate across the correct fields. A capacitive soil moisture sensor is deployed as a sensor unit. Each sensor unit with its electronics is placed in a PVC pipe with a specific length. This PVC pipe is placed vertically in the soil with sensor electrodes contacting the soil. Moisture measurements are carried out across the agricultural area. The system provides 3D moisture maps of the soil at fixed depths. Each 3D map represents a sub-surface moisture layer. The sensor units are calibrated by measuring the moisture in the water, corresponding to %100 moisture in the soil, and the moisture in dry air, corresponding to %0 moisture in the soil. A percentage moisture determination formula is developed between these two extreme levels for each sensor unit. Hence the benefit of the results will be the knowledge of % moisture values in-depth profile of the agricultural areas. Farmers will have comprehensive and real-time information about moisture data and this data will help them to grow better crops.
ANALISIS SENTIMEN TERHADAP PELAYANAN KRL COMMUTERLINE BERDASARKAN DATA TWITTER MENGGUNAKAN ALGORTIMA BERNOULLI NAIVE BAYES
Authors: Saraswati Mediana , Riminarsih Desti
Published: January 2021

Sektor pelayanan publik merupakan sektor strategis sebagai indikasi tata kelola pemerintahan yang baik. KRL Commuterline merupakan salah satu sektor pelayanan publik pada bidang transportasi yang banyak digunakan oleh masyarakat. Media sosial khususnya Twitter merupakan wadah masyarakat untuk berinteraksi, berbagi informasi bahkan mengemukakan opini mereka terhadap pelayanan KRL. Opini masyarakat terhadap pelayanan KRL Commuterline dapat dijadikan sebagai evaluasi dalam peningkatan kualitas layanan. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan analisis sentimen masyarakat terhadap pelayanan KRL Commuterline berdasarkan data yang diperoleh dari Twitter. Analisis sentimen ini bertujuan untuk mengklasifikasikan tweets mengenai pelayanan KRL Commuterline ke dalam sentimen positif dan negatif dengan pendekatan machine learning menggunakan algoritma Bernoulli Naive Bayes. Data latih yang digunakan sebanyak 2.690 data dan data validasi sebanyak 1.626 data tweets. Pada proses pelatihan model diperoleh tingkat akurasi pelatihan sebesar 86,36% dan tingkat akurasi validasi sebesar 85,73%. Pengujian model dilakukan menggunakan 20 tweets baru dan diperoleh tingkat akurasi sebesar 85%.
5G Technology: A New Step to IoT Platform
Authors: Yusifov S.I. , Ragimova N.A. , Abdullayev V.H. , Imanova Z.B.
Published: January 2021

The article is dedicated to the study of 5G technology, the name of which we have heard a lot recently. This technology is one of the most talked about technologies of recent times. 5G has entered our lives as the latest and fastest version of mobile networks. Here's a look at how 5G technology came into our lives, how it has captured the attention of users, and finally, what they think about the technology. In addition, what areas are affected by this technology, in particular, its impact on the IoT field has been studied and key theoretical information has been provided.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONAL QUALITIES AND MENTAL HEALTH COMPONENTS OF ATHLETES IN THE PROCESS OF THE MOBILIZATION OF PERFORMANCE
Authors: Samoilov Nikolay , Aleshicheva Anna
Published: January 2021

The mental health of the individual, being the highest part of the human mind, is developed and structured as a result of the influence of society. The requirements for athletes are rapidly increasing, which is the source of the emergence of contradictions in the "society-personality-health" system and the reason for poor health. Therefore, a practically significant and urgent problem of sports science is the study of ways to ensure sports longevity and maintain health while justifying the mechanisms for mobilizing athletic performance. The aim of the study was to identify changes in personal qualities and the relationship between mental health components at different stages of sports activity, as well as building a model of the mechanism for mobilizing the athlete's mental and physical performance. Research methods and organization The study involved 75 people practicing boxing, judo, sambo. These were highly qualified athletes - Candidates for Masters of Sports, Masters of Sports, Masters of Sports of International Class. Diagnostic methods: Freiburg FPI multi-factor personality questionnaire; Cattell’s 16-factor personality questionnaire; Questionnaire for the severity of psychopathological symptoms (SCL-90) and G. Ammon's I-structural test (ISTA). Research results The research revealed that in a situation of uncertainty and even imaginary vulnerability and danger, the core component of the functional transformation of negative personal qualities into positive ones is the stressful effect of reality, its reflection in one’s mind, and the athlete’s conscious semantic assessment of his actions and their consequences. It leads to the creation of willpower, fortitude, and to an energy-informational upsurge. Conclusion We have demonstrated relationship between personal qualities of an athlete that change at different stages of his sports activity. We have revealed the dependence of their activity on the constructive, destructive or deficit form and the manifestation degree, and their role in the mobilization of performance. We have found close correlation between different forms of aggression, anxiety, internal and external self-delimitation, which can have the exact opposite effect on the performance and mental functions of athletes.
EFFECTIVENESS OF PERIODIZATION OF THE ANNUAL MACROCYCLE IN POWER TRAINING FOR GIRLS
Authors: Nikolaev Valery
Published: January 2021

Goal. To study the effectiveness of periodization of the annual macrocycle in power training for girls based on their individual characteristics of metabolism and changes in the metabolic process occurring in the human body with regard to the seasonal biological patterns. Research methods and organization. The determination of the basal metabolism (BM), specific basal metabolism (SBM), and body mass composition of the students was carried out with the use of the ABC-01 Medass bio-impedance analyzer. The study involved 8 students from Mari State University and 8 students from fitness clubs in Yoshkar-Ola. Research results. We have provided the research material of fitness training process with periodiza-tion of the annual macrocycle: the rate of musculoskeletal (MS) growth (September-February), the rate of body fat (BF) loss (March-June), and the stabilization period – maintenance of the achieved body state (July-August). The study revealed the increased rate of MS growth by 1.24 kg (6.48%) (P <0.05) in September-February and continuously increased rate of MS growth up to 1.86 kg (9, 73%) (P <0.05) in March-June, which indicates muscle hypertrophy. The research revealed the growing BF of girls by 1.50 kg (10.58%) (P <0.05) in September-February, and the BF loss by -3.12 kg (-22.01%) (P <0.05) compared to the initial September level in March-June. Growing BF of girls is explained by seasonal changes in metabolism and excessive energy intake from 400 to 600 kcal relative to the daily energy expenditure in September-February. Girls, creating a deficit in energy intake by 200-300 kcal per day, deliberately achieved BF loss in March-June. Conclusion. Periodization of the training process in the power training macrocycle of girls and the control of correlation of energy intake and expenditure based on seasonal metabolic changes con-tributed to a statistically significant MS growth, BF loss and an increase in maximum strength.
Análisis de la percepción de los docentes estudiantes sobre el sistema de articulación del currículo integrado (SACI) implementado por el programa de Lic. en lenguas extranjeras con énfasis en inglés de la UCEVA
Authors: Giraldo Arcila Fabio Nelson , Rios Quintero Karina
Published: January 2021

La Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de Uceva ha venido implementando una estrategia de articulación que busca que los estudiantes planteen una propuesta alrededor de una pregunta integradora con la confluencia de todas  las  asignaturas,  generado   espacios  de diálogo entre los diversos saberes y acercándose al propósito  de  articulación.  Esta  dinámica  ha  posibilitado   contar   con  un Sistema de articulación que permite el diseño, implementación y evaluación de dicha articulación. Con el fin de fortalecer este proceso, el presente proyecto de investigación buscó conocer la percepción de los estudiantes y maestros sobre el sistema de articulación del currículo integrado (SACI), implementado  por el Programa de Lic. en Lenguas Extranjeras con Énfasis en Inglés de la Uceva con el fin de conocer los posibles ajustes que requieren los instrumentos constituyéndose así en un insumo para un proceso de restructuración del mismo. Para este fin, se empleó un método mixto que involucró la recolección, análisis y  la  mezcla de los enfoques cuantitativo  y  cualitativo  en un mismo estudio, lo que permitió una mejor y más completa comprensión de la percepción sobre el Sistema de articulación. Los resultados mostraron una percepción acertada tanto de docentes y estudiantes  hacia  la  metodología y diseño del SACI, no obstante, de ellos parte la necesidad de realizar ajustes en cuanto a su implementación. Finalmente, se concluye que el diseño e implementación del SACI ha dado un aporte significativo al proceso de enseñanza- aprendizaje tanto para docentes y estudiantes y, así mismo, toda vez que se realicen los ajustes pertinentes se verán resultados eficientes.
Escala para valororar el estrés en estudiantes de cursos de física en tiempos de covid-19
Authors: Vergel-Ortega Mawency , Gallardo Pérez Henry de Jesús , Márquez Peñaranda Jorge Fernando
Published: January 2021

El aprendizaje de la física supone arduos esfuerzos cuyos resultados con frecuencia se muestran en paradójica desproporción lo cual conlleva a generar estrategia para valorar el nivel de estrés entre los estudiantes  puesto que esto a su vez, permite establecer acciones pedagógicas y didácticas para la  enseñanza de la física y para potenciar el pensamiento físico Objetivo: establecer la validez y fiabilidad de una escala para evaluar el estrés en estudiantes de cursos de física de instituciones educativas de educación superior del municipio de Cúcuta en tiempos de covid-19. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, diseño instrumental; evidencia de validez de constructo se evaluó a través de análisis factorial confirmatorio, correlación y comparación; la consistencia interna se estimó mediante el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. La muestra estuvo constituida por 1200 participantes seleccionados de la población de estudiantes de instituciones educativas públicas y privadas del municipio de Cúcuta, Colombia, de diferentes programas académicos que tienen matriculado cursos de física. Resultados: se conforma una escala con 20 ítems y 3 factores: ansiedad, presión  institucional,  afrontamiento y se evalúa su fiabilidad y validez para el diagnóstico de estrés en estudiantes de cursos de física. Conclusión: la escala para evaluar el estrés en estudiantes es válida y fiable.
Drug interactions
Authors: Jooma Z
Published: January 2021

Administration of multiple drugs within a short period of time is inevitable in anaesthesia practice, increasing the likelihood of drug interactions with each drug or with patients’ chronic medication. Drug interactions can be described as the pharmacological effect of one drug on another drug when administered simultaneously. The principles of these interactions may be divided into pharmaceutical, which relates to the physicochemical structure or pharmaceutical preparation of a drug; pharmacokinetic (PK), which relates to changes in drug handling in the body; or pharmacodynamic (PD) where drug activity is affected.
Physiological control of respiration
Authors: Moutlana HJ
Published: January 2021

Respiration involves the inward and outward movement of air into the lungs. This process facilitates gaseous exchange. The rate of respiration therefore regulates the partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the blood. Spontaneous respiration occurs as a result of rhythmic discharge of motor neurons innervating respiratory muscles. Nerve impulses from the brain are responsible for this rhythmic discharge. The rhythmic contraction and relaxation of respiratory muscles alternatively fill the lungs during inspiration and empty them in expiration. This rhythmic discharges from the brain are regulated by changes in arterial PaO2, PaCO2 and hydrogen ion (H+) concentration, which is called the chemical control of respiration.