bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Coconut Shell as Cr2O3 Catalyst Support for Catalytic Cracking of Jatropha Oil into Biofuel
Authors: Aziz Isalmi , Kurnianti Yessinta , Saridewi Nanda , Adhani Lisa , Permata Wahyu
Published: March 2020

Coconut shell waste is a waste that has a high carbon content. Carbon in coconut shell waste can be converted into activated carbon having a large surface area. This potential property is suitable to apply the coconut shell as catalyst support. To increase the catalytic activity, metal oxides such as Cr2O3 are impregnated. The purpose of this study is to synthesize Cr2O3/carbon catalyst and test its catalytic activity on catalytic cracking of Jatropha oil. The first stage was the synthesis of activated carbon and the determination of its proximate and ultimate. The second step was impregnation to produce Cr2O3/carbon catalyst. Furthermore, X-Ray Diffraction to determine crystallinity, Surface Area Analyzer to identify its surface area and Fourier Transform Infrared to analyze functional groups. Then the catalytic activity was tested on the catalytic cracking of Jatropha oil. In addition, the chemical compound composition and biofuel selectivity of the catalytic cracking product was determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer. Proximate analysis results showed that activated carbon contains 9%, 1%, 23%, and 67% of water, ash, evaporated substances, and bound carbon, respectively. The results of the ultimate analysis resulted in carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and nitrogen (N) contents of 65.422%, 3.384%, and 0.465%, correspondingly. The catalyst crystallinity test showed the presence of Cr2O3 peaks at 2θ: 24.43°; 33.47° and 36.25° according to JCPDS No. 84-1616. In the absorption area of 400-1000 cm-1 and the range of 2000 cm-1 showed the presence of Cr-O stretching due to Cr2O3 adsorbed into the activated carbon structure. The surface area of activated carbon and Cr2O3/carbon catalysts with a concentration of 1.3, and 5% was 8.930 m2/g; 47.205 m2/g; 50.562 m2/g; and 38.931 m2/g, respectively. The catalytic activity test presented that the best performance was showed by Cr2O3/carbon catalyst with a concentration of 5% indicated by conversion of Jatropha oil into biofuel of 67.777% with gasoline selectivity, kerosene, and diesel of 36.97%, 14.87%, and 15.94%, correspondingly.
Pirolisis Campuran Polietilena-Tempurung Kelapa
Authors: Windarti Tri , Ruseno Ruseno
Published: March 2020

Telah dilakukan penelitian tentang pirolisis campuran polietilena-tempurung kelapa untuk mengetahui pengaruh komposisi campuran polietilena-tempurung kelapa terhada produk cair yang dihasilkan. Enam puluh gram campuran polietilena-tempurung kelapa dengan perbandingan 5:1, 4:2, 3:3, 2:4, 1:5 (b/b) dipirolisis pada temperatur 300oC. Uap organik yang dihasilkan kemudian didinginkan dengan pendingin es-garam sehingga diperoleh produk cair dan dianalisis dengan GC dan GC-MS. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa pirolisis campuran polietilena-tempurung kelapa pada temperatur 300oC diperoleh produk cair yang makin meningkat dengan meningkatnya jumlah polietilena di dalam campuran. Senyawa utama dalam produk cair adalah senyawa dengan rantai karbon C4 – C11.
Pra-Standarisasi: Produksi dan Analisis Minyak Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)
Authors: Asy’ari Mukhammad , Cahyono Bambang
Published: March 2020

Masih banyak minyak VCO yang dijual di pasaran memiliki kualitas rendah. Hal ini dikarenakan belum adanya standarisasi untuk menentukan standar kualitas minyak VCO. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan tahap pra-standarisasi terhadap proses produksi dan analisis minyak VCO. Pra-standarisasi terutama dilakukan pada metode isolasi minyak VCO, analisis kualitas fisik meliputi uji organoleptik dan berat jenis, analisis standar khasiat yang berkaitan dengan komposisi asam-asam lemak esensial dan analisis standar keawetan yang meliputi kadar air, kadar nitrogen, uji peroksida dan kadar asam-asam lemak bebas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa metode isolasi pemancingan mampu menghasilkan minyak VCO sebanyak 0,150 liter/kg kelapa, warna jernih, rasa gurih kelapa-enak dan bau wangi-kelapa, berat jenis 0,924 g/mL, kadar air 0%, nitrogen 0%, uji peroksida positip (+), asam lemak bebas 0,002%. Komposisi asam-asam lemak yaitu asam laurat 39,69%; miristat 24,12%; palmitat 11,17%; kaprat 7,27%; oktanoat/kaprilat 6,94%; oleat 6,48%; stearat 3,03%; linoleat 0,79% dan kaproat 0,52%. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa minyak VCO yang diperoleh sudah memenuhi standar kualitas Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) kecuali kadar asam laurat masih di bawah standar.Kata kunci: minyak VCO, pra-standarisasi, metode pemancingan VCO, komposisi asam lemak, asam laurat.
Thomas Elston, Ruth Dixon, The Effect of Shared Service Centers on Administrative Intensity in English Local Government: A Longitudinal Evaluation, Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory" 2019, iss. 2
Authors: Staniszewska Lucyna
Published: March 2020

Thomas Elston, Ruth Dixon, The Effect of Shared Service Centers on Administrative Intensity in English Local Government: A Longitudinal Evaluation (Wpływ wspólnych centrów usług wykonywanych przez administrację na intensywność administracyjną w angielskim samorządzie lokalnym: ocena wydłużona), „Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory” 2019, iss. 2, s. 1–45, DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.18018.43209
Umowa urbanistyczna jako przykład umowy administracyjnej na tle polskiego i europejskiego porządku prawnego
Authors: Kruś Maciej
Published: March 2020

The subject of the article is an attempt to show that concluding an urban contract is a form of public administration activity of an administrative nature, not a civil one. As a result of the contract, an administrative-legal relationship is established. Its characteristic feature is that in order for this relationship to arise it is necessary for the other party to agree. The other party is an investor who is supposed to carry out the project at his own expense. The basis for the conclusion of the contract is not the freedom of contracting, but administrative law specifying the competence of the administration to conclude a contract as well as determining the acceptable content of the contract. The urban contract is therefore an administrative contract. The article also presents the basic features of an administrative contract. In the study, the achievements of Polish and German doctrine were used. The administra­tive contract is not regulated under Polish law but relevant provisions are contained in the German Act on Administrative Proceedings. In addition, a public law contract has been described as an instrument of action in the implementation of European Union law. In this context, two cases were distinguished, i.e. the conclusion of a contract by national authorities and the conclusion of a contract by the Union institutions. In the latter case, it was necessary to interpret the provisions of the Treaty on the European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The characteristics of the administrative contract which make it a good means of establishing an administrative-legal relationship are also presented. Of particular importance is the opportunity of creating the content of the relationship by the entities involved. This enables the formation of individual provisions adapted to a specific case. At the same time, because the consent of both parties is needed to conclude a contract, such an administrative contract protects the interests of both parties to the legal relationship. Public administration’s ability to act in spe­cific situations must be ensured and for that reason the administrative contract will probably develop further.
Sprawozdanie z VI Salonu Mediacji oraz III ADR Study Space, Poznań, 13–14 maja 2019 r.
Authors: Mucha Joanna , Tomaszewska Paulina
Published: March 2020

Sprawozdanie z VI Salonu Mediacji oraz III ADR Study Space, Poznań, 13–14 maja 2019 r.
Prawne implikacje wybranych elementów terminu „wojna hybrydowa”
Authors: Ochmann Paweł
Published: March 2020

The term ‘hybrid war’ is not a legal term. It belongs to the terminology and concepts used in the studies on international relationships. Due to its popularization in mass media it has recently started to be used in new contexts. The purpose of the article is to ascertain the precise meaning of the term, and to determine the legal implica­tions which a particular understanding of it may have in international public law. Certain understandings or interpretations of a given term determine its legal consequences and allow the assessment of their implications from the point of view of international law. Therefore in the first part of the article, a review and an examination of different ways of understanding the term ‘hybrid war’ have been conducted. Although the definitions that had been analyzed are noteworthy and they emphasize some aspects of the ‘hybrid war,’ they lack a definition of the term that would take into consideration all the dimensions of the issue of a hybrid war. Thus the attempt taken by the author to propose his own definition, aggregating all observations and insights made by the international relations experts so far, and enumerating the distinctive characteristics of hybrid wars. After that, some typical el­ements of a hybrid war are analyzed from the point of view of international public law. The paper investigates the possibility of qualifying hybrid methods as the ‘use of force,’ an ‘aggression’ and an ‘armed attack’ within the meaning of the United Nations Charter. It also examines the admissibility of a counter-attack within the framework of the right to self- defence. The issue raises many doubts particularly with regard to activities from below the threshold of war that are distinctive char­acteristics of a hybrid war. The legal implications of the use of a non-state actor to conduct an armed activity under international law were also raised, being referred to as proxy war.
In dubio contra libertatem? On the amendment to the provisions concerning foreign students’ residence permit
Authors: Narożniak Agnieszka
Published: March 2020

The subject of the paper is the amendment to the Act on Foreigners made in connec­tion with the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/80. The considerations focus on the provisions according to which a foreigner is refused a visa or a temporary residence permit for the purpose of studying, when there are ‘justified doubts as to the credibility of their statements on the purpose of their stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland, due to evidence or objective circumstances available to the authority, indicating that the purpose of the foreigner’s stay could be different from the declared one.’ The key question is whether the authorities facing some doubts in cases of entry and stay of foreign students should opt for more restrictive solutions and take the opposite direction to the one determined by the formula in dubio pro libertate. The study presents general factual and legal circumstances of the amendment introduced, followed by an attempt to interpret it under substantive law and an analysis of its procedural aspects. The conclusion is that there are no grounds for introducing the principle in dubio contra libertatem in respect of foreign students’ entry and stay. Such understanding of the regulation in question would raise objections as to its compliance with the provisions of Directive 2016/80, which would require the refusal of the right of residence to be based on the evidence estab­lished and facts found, with its primary purpose being to facilitate the undertaking of studies by third-country nationals.
Alkali Lignin Catalytic Hydrogenolysis with Biofuel Production
Authors: Shimanskaya Elena I. , Sulman Esther M. , Sulman Mikhail G. , Tiamina Irina Yu.
Published: March 2020

In this paper synthesized palladium (Pd)-containing catalysts were used in the hydrogenolysis of lignin in the presence of a hydrogen donor solvent, i-propanol, to obtain liquid fuel components. A study of the influence of the catalyst support nature, catalyst preparation method and supercritical solvent nature on the lignin depolymerization was completed. It was found that the use of Pd-containing catalysts results in the formation of aromatic compounds (mainly benzene and toluene) for both supercritical solvents used (i-propanol and CO2). The maximum conversion of lignin (50 %) was achieved when the supercritical i-propanol was used and maximum selectivity to aromatics (over 70 %) was observed in the presence of the Pd-containing catalyst synthesized by hydrothermal deposition on the polymeric matrix of hyper-crosslinked polystyrene.
Quantum chemical exercise linking computational chemistry to general chemistry topics
Authors: Simpson Scott , Evanoski-Cole Ashley , Gast Kellie , Wedvik Madeleine C. , Schneider Patrick W. , Klingensmith Isaac
Published: March 2020

Students in a second semester general chemistry course used quantum chemical calculations to investigate and reinforce general chemistry concepts. Students explored the isomers of hypochlorous acid, made predictions of miscibility via dipole moments calculated from ab-initio means, experimentally validated/disqualified their miscibility predictions, and used molecular models to visualize intermolecular attraction forces between various compounds. Student responses in pre-/post-exercise assessments show evidence of student learning. Responses in pre-/post-exercise surveys showed an increase in student understanding of basic concepts and of the importance of quantum mechanics in common general chemistry topics.
Prepare a catalyst consist of rare earth minerals to denitrate via NH3-SCR
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhu Chao , Li Baowei , Gong Zhijun , Meng Zhaolei , Xu Guodong , Wu Wenfei
Published: March 2020

To research the roles of rare earth minerals in denitrification via the NH3-SCR, a mixture was made by certain ratio of rare earth concentrates and rare earth tailings, then treated by microwave roasting, and acids and bases to form a denitrification catalyst. The mineral phase structure and surface morphology of the catalyst were characterized by XRD, BET, SEM and EDS. The surface properties of the catalyst were tested by TPD and XPS methods, and the denitrification activity of the catalyst was evaluated in a denitrification reactor. The results showed that the denitrification efficiency increased up to 82% with complete processing. XRD, BET, SEM, and EDS spectrum analysis stated that the treated minerals contained cerium oxides and Fe−Ce composite oxides. The surface of the modified minerals became rough and porous, the surface area increased, and the surface-active sites were exposed. The results of NH3-TPD and NO-TPD showed that the catalyst surface could gradually adsorb more NH3 and NO after each step. XPS analysis indicated that there were more Ce3+, Fe2+, and lattice oxygen in rare earth minerals catalyst after each treatment step.
Review on modeling and application of chemical mechanical polishing
Authors: Zhao Gaoyang , Wei Zhen , Wang Weilei , Feng Daohuan , Xu Aoxue , Liu Weili , Song Zhitang
Published: March 2020

With the development of integrated circuit technology, especially after entering the sub-micron process, the reduction of critical dimensions and the realization of high-density devices, the flatness between integrated circuit material layers is becoming more and more critical. Because conventional mechanical polishing methods inevitably produce scratches of the same size as the device in metal or even dielectric layers, resulting in depth of field and focus problems in lithography. The first planarization technique to achieve application is spin on glass (SOG) technology. However, this technology will not only introduce new material layers, but will also fail to achieve the global flattening required by VLSI and ULSI technologies. Moreover, the process instability and uniformity during spin coating do not meet the high flatness requirements of the wafer surface. Also, while some techniques such as reverse etching and glass reflow can achieve submicron level regional planarization. After the critical dimension reaches 0.35 microns (sub-micron process), the above methods cannot meet the requirements of lithography and interconnect fabrication. In the 1980s, IBM first introduced the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) technology used to manufacture precision optical instruments into its DRAM manufacturing [1]. With the development of technology nodes and critical dimensions, CMP technology has been widely used in the Front End Of Line (FEOL) and Back End Of Line (BEOL) processes [2]. Since the invention of chemical mechanical polishing, scientists have not stopped studying its internal mechanism. From the earliest Preston Formula (1927) to today’s wafer scale, chip scale, polishing pad contact, polishing pad - abrasive - wafer contact and material removal models, there are five different scale models from macro to the micro [3]. Many research methods, such as contact mechanics, multiphase flow kinetics, chemical reaction kinetics, molecular dynamics, etc., have been applied to explain the principles of chemical mechanical polishing to establish models. This paper mainly introduces and summarizes the different models of chemical mechanical polishing technology. The various application scenarios and advantages and dis-advantages of the model are discussed, and the development of modeling technology is introduced.
Novel colchicine conjugate with unusual effect on the microtubules of cancer cells
Authors: Zefirova Olga N. , Nurieva Evgenia V. , Wobith Birgit , Schulz Svetlana , Zefirov Nikolay A. , Kuznetsov Sergei A.
Published: March 2020

Colchicine derivative bearing substituted bispidine moiety, namely N-{7-(3,7-Di-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1,5-dimethyl-3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-yl)-oxy-7-oxoheptanoyl}-N-deacetylcolchicine, was synthesized and tested for its effect on the net of microtubules (MT) in lung cancer cells A549. The compound induced not only MT depolymerization but stimulated the formation of small tubulin aggregates and long tubulin fibrils localized mainly around nuclei. The assemblies were morphologically different from tubulin clusters induced by structurally related anticancer agent tubuloclustin. The biotests data demonstrate that the depolymerization takes place for both pure tubulin and tubulin in cellulo, while fibrils are formed only in the cells. The research data of structure–activity relationship for several similar colchicine derivatives synthesized in the work give evidence for the proposition that the initial conjugate may interact not only with tubulin and MT in the cells, but also with MT-associated proteins, involved in the process of tubulin polymerization. The ability to affect simultaneously MAP – tubulin interactions opens attractive prospects in the design of novel anticancer agents.
A Computational Mechanism for Seeing Dynamic Deformation
Authors: Kawabe Takahiro , Sawayama Masataka
Published: March 2020

Human observers perceptually discriminate the dynamic deformation of materials in the real world. However, the psychophysical and neural mechanisms responsible for the perception of dynamic deformation have not been fully elucidated. By using a deforming bar as the stimulus, we showed that the spatial frequency of deformation was a critical determinant of deformation perception. Simulating the response of direction-selective units (i.e., MT pattern motion cells) to stimuli, we found that the perception of dynamic deformation was well explained by assuming a higher-order mechanism monitoring the spatial pattern of direction responses. Our model with the higher-order mechanism also successfully explained the appearance of a visual illusion wherein a static bar apparently deforms against a tilted drifting grating. In particular, it was the lower spatial frequencies in this pattern that strongly contributed to the deformation perception. Finally, by manipulating the luminance of the static bar, we observed that the mechanism for the illusory deformation was more sensitive to luminance than contrast cues.
Deletion of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Astrocytes during Demyelination Reduces Brain Inflammation and Promotes Myelin Regeneration in Mice
Authors: Zamora Norma N. , Cheli Veronica T. , Santiago González Diara A. , Wan Rensheng , Paez Pablo M.
Published: March 2020

To determine whether Cav1.2 voltage-gated Ca2+channels contribute to astrocyte activation, we generated an inducible conditional knock-out mouse in which the Cav1.2 α subunit was deleted in GFAP-positive astrocytes. This astrocytic Cav1.2 knock-out mouse was tested in the cuprizone model of myelin injury and repair which causes astrocyte and microglia activation in the absence of a lymphocytic response. Deletion of Cav1.2 channels in GFAP-positive astrocytes during cuprizone-induced demyelination leads to a significant reduction in the degree of astrocyte and microglia activation and proliferation in mice of either sex. Concomitantly, the production of proinflammatory factors such as TNFα, IL1β and TGFβ1 was significantly decreased in the corpus callosum and cortex of Cav1.2 knock-out mice through demyelination. Furthermore, this mild inflammatory environment promotes oligodendrocyte progenitor cells maturation and myelin regeneration across the remyelination phase of the cuprizone model. Similar results were found in animals treated with nimodipine, a Cav1.2 Ca2+channel inhibitor with high affinity to the CNS. Mice of either sex injected with nimodipine during the demyelination stage of the cuprizone treatment displayed a reduced number of reactive astrocytes and showed a faster and more efficient brain remyelination. Together, these results indicate that Cav1.2 Ca2+channels play a crucial role in the induction and proliferation of reactive astrocytes during demyelination; and that attenuation of astrocytic voltage-gated Ca2+influx may be an effective therapy to reduce brain inflammation and promote myelin recovery in demyelinating diseases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTReducing voltage-gated Ca2+influx in astrocytes during brain demyelination significantly attenuates brain inflammation and astrocyte reactivity. Furthermore, these changes promote myelin restoration and oligodendrocyte maturation throughout remyelination.
Phenomenon of osteocyte lacunar mineralization: indicator of former osteocyte death and a novel marker of impaired bone quality?
Authors: Milovanovic Petar , Busse Björn
Published: March 2020

An increasing number of patients worldwide suffer from bone fractures that occur after low intensity trauma. Such fragility fractures are usually associated with advanced age and osteoporosis but also with long-term immobilization, corticosteroid therapy, diabetes mellitus, and other endocrine disorders. It is important to understand the skeletal origins of increased bone fragility in these conditions for preventive and therapeutic strategies to combat one of the most common health problems of the aged population. This review summarizes current knowledge pertaining to the phenomenon of micropetrosis (osteocyte lacunar mineralization). As an indicator of former osteocyte death, micropetrosis is more common in aged bone and osteoporotic bone. Considering that the number of mineralized osteocyte lacunae per bone area can distinguish healthy, untreated osteoporotic and bisphosphonate-treated osteoporotic patients, it could be regarded as a novel structural marker of impaired bone quality. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of lacunar mineralization and to explore whether it could be an additional target for preventing or treating bone fragility related to aging and various endocrine diseases.
Sex hormone-binding globulin, androgens and mortality: the KORA-F4 cohort study
Authors: Schederecker Florian , Cecil Alexander , Prehn Cornelia , Nano Jana , Koenig Wolfgang , Adamski Jerzy , Zeller Tanja , Peters Annette , Thorand Barbara
Published: March 2020

Objective

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and androgens have been associated with mortality in women and men, but controversy still exists. Our objective was to investigate associations of SHBG and androgens with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in men and women.

Design

1006 men and 709 peri- and postmenopausal women (age range: 45–82 years) from the German population-based KORA F4 cohort study were followed-up for a median of 8.7 years.

Methods

SHBG was measured with an immunoassay, total testosterone (TT) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with mass-spectrometry in serum samples and we calculated free testosterone (cFT). To assess associations between SHBG and androgen levels and mortality, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs using Cox proportional-hazards models.

Results

In the cohort, 128 men (12.7%) and 70 women (9.9%) died. In women, we observed positive associations of SHBG with all-cause (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.16–2.04) and with other disease-related mortality (HR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.08–3.20) and for DHT with all-cause mortality (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.00–1.73). In men, we found a positive association of SHBG (HR: 1.24 95% CI: 1.00–1.54) and inverse associations of TT (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77–0.97) and cFT (HR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.97) with all-cause mortality. No other associations were found for cause-specific mortality.

Conclusions

Higher SHBG levels were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in men and women. Lower TT and cFT levels in men and higher DHT levels in women were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality. Future, well-powered population-based studies should further investigate cause-specific mortality risk.
Thyroid carcinoma with atypical metastasis to the pituitary gland and unexpected postmortal diagnosis
Authors: Popławska-Kita Anna , Wielogórska Marta , Poplawski Łukasz , Siewko Katarzyna , Adamska Agnieszka , Szumowski Piotr , Myśliwiec Piotr , Myśliwiec Janusz , Reszeć Joanna , Kamiński Grzegorz , Dzięcioł Janusz , Tobiaszewska Dorota , Szelachowska Małgorzata , Krętowski Adam Jacek
Published: March 2020

Papillary thyroid gland carcinoma is the most common type of malignancy of the endocrine system. Metastases to the pituitary gland have been described as a complication of papillary thyroid cancer in few reported cases since 1965. We report the case of a 68-year-old female patient with a well-differentiated form of thyroid gland cancer. Despite it being the most common malignant cancer of the endocrine system, with its papillary form being one of the two most frequently diagnosed thyroid cancers, the case we present is extremely rare. Sudden cardiac arrest during ventricular fibrillation occurred during hospitalization. Autopsy of the patient revealed papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, follicular variant, with metastasis to the sella turcica, and concomitant sarcoidosis of heart, lung, and mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Not only does atypical metastasis make our patient’s case most remarkable, but also the postmortem diagnosis of sarcoidosis makes her case particularly unusual.

Learning points:

The goal of presenting this case is to raise awareness of the clinical heterogeneity of papillary cancer and promote early diagnosis of unexpected metastasis and coexisting diseases to improve clinical outcomes.

Clinicians must be skeptical. They should not fall into the trap of diagnostic momentum or accept diagnostic labels at face value. Regardless of the potential mechanisms, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of the coexistence of thyroid cancer and sarcoidosis as a differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy.

This case highlights the importance of the diagnostic and therapeutic planning process and raises awareness of the fact that one uncommon disease could be masked by another extremely rare disorder.
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) negates hyperandrogenic PCOS features
Authors: Miller Irit , Bar-Joseph Hadas , Nemerovsky Luba , Ben-Ami Ido , Shalgi Ruth
Published: March 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common female endocrine disorder, is a prevalent cause of infertility. Hyperandrogenism is a key feature in PCOS and is correlated with increased expression of VEGF and cytokines in the ovaries. We have previously shown that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), an endogenous protein, presents potent anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activities in the ovary and negates the effects of cytokines and VEGF. Additionally, PEDF plays a role in both pathophysiology and treatment of ovarian-hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), frequently seen in PCOS patients. We established hyperandrogenic-PCOS models, both in vivo, using mice exposed prenatally to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and, in vitro, using human primary granulosa cells (hpGCs) and human granulosa cell line (KGN). In PCOS-induced mice, the mRNA levels of I
l-6, V
egf and Amh were higher than those of control; yet, treatment with rPEDF decreased these levels. Moreover, treating OHSS-induced PCOS-mice with rPEDF alleviated all OHSS symptoms. Stimulation of hpGCs with DHT resulted in downregulation of PEDF mRNA expression, concomitantly with a significant increase in IL-6 and IL-8 mRNAs expression. However, co-stimulation of DHT with rPEDF attenuated the increase in cytokines expression. The anti-inflammatory effect of PEDF was found to be mediated via PPARγ pathway. Our findings suggest that rPEDF treatment may normalize the ovarian angiogenic-inflammatory imbalance, induced by PCOS-associated hyperandrogenism. Moreover, the therapeutic potency of PEDF in preventing OHSS symptomes offers a rationale for using PEDF as novel physiological treatment for PCOS sequels.
Radiation Induced Reactions of Succinic Acid in Aqueous Solution: An Agent-Based Model
Authors: Ana Leonor Rivera  , Sergio Ramos-Beltran  , Alicia Negrón-Mendoza
Published: March 2020

An approach to studying the formation of critical bio-organic compounds in the early Earth is to simulate in the laboratory possible processes that may occur in primitive scenarios. In this context, it can be studied the evolution of succinic acid in an aqueous media exposed to gamma radiation, as starting material produced more complex prebiotic molecules. To describe the products generated by the interaction of the different elements under radiation, there is a mathematical model that considers chemical reactions as nonlinear ordinary differential equations based on the mass balance of all the species, that has been implemented here by an agent-based model. In this simulation, each chemical species involved is considered as an agent that can interact with other species with known reaction rates, and the radiation is taken as a factor that promotes product formation. The results from the agentbased model are compared with the molar concentrations of succinic acid, and its products obtained in the lab. Simulation shows the exponential decomposition of succinic acid due to gamma radiation at room temperature in agreement with the laboratory model.
A Data Mining Perspective of XRF Elemental Analysis from Pueblo People’s Pottery
Authors: M. Castro-Colin  , E. Ramirez-Homs  , J. A. López
Published: March 2020

Hierarchical clustering was used to identify elemental signatures in artifacts attributed to the Pueblo peoples. The artifacts in this study are pottery samples found at different sites in the state of New Mexico, USA. Three methods were applied: complete, average, and Ward. Their corresponding cophenetic correlation coefficients were used to contrast the three methods. Elemental characterization was only based on X-ray fluorescence excitation from a portable spectrometer with the silver anode. The elemental correlations here disclosed by data mining techniques are expected to guide further archaeological studies and assist experts in the assessment of provenance and historical ethnographic studies. XRF elemental analysis
Structural Variations Induced by Temperature Changes in Rotavirus VP6 Protein Immersed in an Electric Field and Their Effects on Epitopes of The Region 300-396
Authors: C. Peña-Negrete  , M.A. Fuentes-Acosta  , J. Mulia  , L.A. Mandujano-Rosas  , D. Osorio-González
Published: March 2020

Rotavirus diarrhea is an infectious intestinal disease that causes about 215 thousand deaths annually in infants under five years old. This virus is formed by three layers of concentric proteins that envelop its genome, from which VP6 structural protein is the most conserved among rotavirus serotypes and an excellent vaccine candidate. Recent studies have shown that structural proteins are susceptible to losing their biological function when their conformation is modified by moderate temperature increments, and in the case of VP6, its antigen efficiency decreases. We performed an in silicoanalysis to identify the structural variations in the epitopes 301-315, 357-366, and 376-384 of the rotavirus VP6 protein -in a hydrated medium- when the temperature is increased from 310 K to 322 K. In the latter state, we applied an electric field equivalent to a low energy laser pulse and calculated the fluctuations per amino acid residue. We identified that the region 301-315 has greater flexibility and density of negative electrical charge; nevertheless, at 322 K it experiences a sudden change of secondary structure that could decrease its efficiency as an antigenic determinant. The applied electric field induces electrical neutrality in the region 357-366, whereas in 376-384 inverts the charge, implying that temperature changes in the range 310 K-322 K are a factor that promotes thermoelectric effects in the VP6 protein epitopes in the region 300-396.
Graft-Copolymerization of Acrylate Monomers onto Chitosan Induced by Gamma Radiation: Amphiphilic Polymers and Their Behavior at The Air-Water Interface
Authors: M. Caldera-Villalobos  , B. Leal-Acevedo  , V.M. Velázquez-Aguilar  , M. D. P. Carreón-Castro
Published: March 2020

Graft polymerization induced by ionizing radiation is a powerful tool in materials science to modifying the physical properties of polymers. Chitosan is a biocompatible, biodegradable, antibacterial, and highly hydrophilic polysaccharide. In this work, we report the obtaining of amphiphilic polymers through graft polymerization of acrylic monomers (methyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, and hexyl acrylate) onto chitosan. The polymerization reaction was carried out by simultaneous irradiation of monomers and chitosan using a gamma radiation source of 60Co. The formation of Langmuir films of amphiphilic polymers was studied at the air-water interface through surface pressure versus main molecular area isotherms (Π-A) and hysteresis cycles of compression and decompression. Finally, it was analyzed the transferring of Langmuir films towards solid substrates to obtaining Langmuir-Blodgett films with potential application as an antibacterial coating. The microstructure of the Langmuir-Blodgett films was characterized by AFM microscopy observing a regular topography with roughness ranging between 0.53 and 0.6 μm.
LA CRISIS DE LA CAJA COSTARRICENSE DE SEGURO SOCIAL (CCSS) DESDE LA PERSPECTIVA DE LOS SINDICATOS DE LA SALUD (2012-2016)
Authors: Mora Solano Sindy
Published: March 2020

En este artículo se analiza la crisis de la Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social desde la perspectiva de los sindicatos de la salud. Para ello, se estudian los pronunciamientos de laUnión Nacional de Empleados de la Caja y la Seguridad Social (undeca) y del Sindicato de Profesionales de Ciencias Médicas de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social e Instituciones Afines (siprocimeca), con el objetivo de identificar las demandas y las propuestas de las organizaciones sindicales, durante los años 2012 y 2016. Se identifican las solicitudes de diálogo para enfrentar la crisis, así como, las medidas concretas para su atención.
Cooperação intergovernamental na política de saúde: a experiência dos consórcios públicos verticais no Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Julião Karine Sousa , Olivieri Cecília
Published: March 2020

Este trabalho analisou a primeira experiência de consórcios verticais na saúde, a do Ceará, Brasil, para compreender sua implantação. No campo teórico, o artigo dialoga com os estudos sobre o papel do governo estadual no federalismo e a cooperação intergovernamental na saúde. Realizou-se um estudo de natureza qualitativa mediante entrevistas com gestores vinculados aos consórcios nos níveis municipal, regional e estadual, além de análise documental e bibliográfica. Os resultados apontam que o processo de implantação dos consórcios foi idealizado pelo governo estadual e foi conduzido, no primeiro momento, de maneira centralizada. Uma relação de coordenação se estabelece com a definição do desenho institucional do arranjo. Identificaram-se quatro fatores que favorecem a cooperação vertical no estado: (i) a trajetória da política de saúde do Ceará; (ii) a atuação do governo estadual como ente coordenador do processo de regionalização; (iii) a existência de empreendedores políticos e coesão entre a burocracia; e (iv) a sobreposição entre o desenho institucional dos consórcios e a estrutura decisória do SUS. Os consórcios verticais constituem um passo adiante na superação dos efeitos negativos da descentralização.
Caminhabilidade e envelhecimento saudável: uma proposta de análise para cidades brasileiras de pequeno e médio porte
Authors: Vegi Aline Siqueira Fogal , Fernandes Filho Elpídio Inácio , Pessoa Milene Cristine , Ramos Karla Lisboa , Ribeiro Andréia Queiroz
Published: March 2020

Há evidências de que ambientes urbanos que desestimulam a caminhada contribuem para a incapacidade funcional de idosos. Vários índices foram propostos para descrever a caminhabilidade de uma área combinando aspectos do ambiente construído que promovem ou inibem a caminhada. No entanto, devido a problemas de qualidade e disponibilidade de dados no Brasil, até o momento não há um índice de caminhabilidade aplicável a todas as cidades do país e devidamente testado na população. O objetivo deste estudo foi propor um índice de caminhabilidade baseado em sistemas de informação geográfica para uma cidade de médio porte, com dados de livre acesso, bem como testar sua associação com a incapacidade funcional em idosos. Foram usados os dados da área urbana de um município de médio porte para selecionar um conjunto parcimonioso de variáveis por meio de análise fatorial. O índice obtido foi testado em relação à sua associação com a capacidade para a realização de atividades de vida diária que requerem maior movimentação, em 499 idosos utilizando equações de estimativas generalizadas. O índice de caminhabilidade resultante foi composto por densidade residencial, densidade comercial, conectividade de ruas, presença de calçadas e iluminação pública. Essas variáveis compuseram o primeiro fator da análise fatorial, excluindo-se apenas a arborização que ficou retida no segundo fator. Verificou-se que o pior escore de caminhabilidade estava associado ao maior escore de incapacidade funcional. Com base nos resultados e na validação deles, o estudo sugere um índice de caminhabilidade facilmente aplicável com grande potencial de uso em planos de ação para adequar os ambientes.
Homosexuality and biomarkers of aging in the production of gerontological knowledge by American, British, and Brazilian authors
Authors: Ferreira João Paulo , Miskolci Richard
Published: March 2020

Abstract: This study reviewed articles originated in Brazil, in the United Kingdom, and in the United States from 1970 to September 2018 in the Web of Science database. Text mining techniques were used, and a predominantly qualitative analysis was performed, including correspondence analysis and sentiment analysis using the R Software (version 3.5.0) tools. Results show a repathologization of homosexuality in the gerontological knowledge production. This includes studies performed in 51 areas of knowledge in the three countries. That was followed by the depsychiatrization of homosexuality during the peak of deaths caused by AIDS, and its consequent recognition as an epidemiological threat. The article concludes reviewing the collected biomarkers, such as “sexual”, “risk”, “MSM”, and “HIV/AIDS”, which prove the progressive impact of sexual panic in gerontology studies and also associates AIDS with masculine homosexuality.
A questão identitária na pós-modernidade: autenticidade e individualismo em Charles Taylor
Authors: Marcon Gilberto Hoffmann , Furlan Reinaldo
Published: March 2020

Resumo Os fenômenos do esfacelamento das relações comunitárias e do isolamento crescente dos indivíduos uns em relação aos outros surgem de maneira expressiva no pensamento de diversos autores que se voltaram à descrição dos modos de vida da sociedade contemporânea. Retomamos a problematização do tema efetuada por Charles Taylor em As fontes do Self e em A ética da autenticidade. O autor identifica três “mal-estares” presentes na sociedade atual: o individualismo, o primado da razão instrumental e a alienação do indivíduo em relação à esfera política. Evitando uma leitura restritamente negativista de tais fenômenos, Taylor os apresenta como transformações das configurações dinâmicas que constituem os processos identitários modernos. Empreendemos um resgate das noções de identidade e autenticidade presentes nas obras supracitadas, visando uma compreensão sintética de tal cenário e das possibilidades apresentadas pelo autor de sua superação, ou seja, do resgate de sentidos perdidos pela fragmentação individualista.
Economic analysis of the risk of replacing corn grains (Zea mays) with pearl millet grains (Pennisetum glaucum) in the diet of feedlot cattle
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Medeiros da , Taveira Rodrigo Zaiden , Restle João , Fabricio Edom de Avila , Camera Angelina , Maysonnave Greicy Sofia , Bilego Ubirajara Oliveira , Pacheco Paulo Santana , Vaz Fabiano Nunes
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT: The goal of the present study was to assess the economic viability relating to the risk of replacing corn with pearl millet in diets with 80% concentration for feedlot cattle confined for 89 days. Replacement levels were: 0, 33, 66, and 100%. The risk was estimated using Monte Carlo simulation, Spearman’s rank correlation test between input variables, stochastic dominance, and analysis of sensitivity. The expected average values ± standard deviation for net present value (R$/animal) were ± 71.74 ± 283.32, 91.23 ± 285.18, 196.05 ± 273.79, and 223.80 ± 267.96 for diets containing 0, 33, 66, and 100% of pearl millet, respectively. The probability of ≥0 net present value was 63.4, 66.1, 78.4, and 82.4%, respectively. The net present values were statistically different (P<0.05), and the higher levels dominated the lower values. The items that most influenced the net present values were, in descending order, prices of unfinished and finished cattle, initial and final weights, prices of concentrate and forage, concentrate and forage consumption. Based on the results of the simulation, diet of 100% pearl millet exhibited the best economic viability.
Potential of parents and hybrids experimental of the yellow melon
Authors: Cavalcante Neto José Galdino , Ferreira Karmita Thainá Correia , Aragão Fernando Antonio Souza de , Antônio Rafaela Priscila , Nunes Glauber Henrique de Sousa
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT: Melon or muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is of considerable economic importance in Brazil. Nearly all the cultivars currently grown are hybrids. Heterosis has been used to advantage in the melon plant, and the use of uniform hybrids is one of the reasons for successful cultivation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the agronomic potential of yellow melon lines and hybrids. An experiment was conducted in randomized blocks with three replications to evaluate 24 hybrids generated by crosses among three elite lines used as female parents (AF-01, AF-02, and AF-03) and eight lines used as male parents (LAM-01, LAM-02, LAM-03, LAM-04, LAM-05, LAM-06, LAM-07, and LAM-08). Yield and fruit quality traits were evaluated. Partial diallel analysis was carried out to estimate general combining ability and specific combining ability. Additive and non-additive effects were observed for the yield, mean fruit weight, and pulp thickness traits. The lines AF-02, LAM-02, and LAM-03 are the most promising as parents as they more frequently have favorable alleles. The most prominent hybrids in diallel analysis were AF-02 x LAM-02, AF-02 x LAM-03, AF-02 x LAM-04, and AF-03 x LAM-06.
Evaluation of the efficiency of logistics activities using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)
Authors: Lepchak Alessandro , Voese Simone Bernardes
Published: March 2020

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the efficiency of activities related to logistics modes, transport and cargo handling in Brazil. The theoretical framework was composed of the logistics efficiency and of the discussion of the characteristics of modes of transport and of variables related to efficiency. The study was classified as descriptive and quantitative, using the technique of data envelopment analysis. As main results, the ancillary activities to air transport stand out as efficient, which reached scores of 100% in the analyzed periods, except in 2010, in which they obtained 91.58%. It is worth noting that the activities cabotage and long-haul and ancillary activities to land transport achieved three maximum efficiency scores. In addition to evaluating the benchmark for the activities of lower efficiency score, the study also included improvements needed for other activities to achieve maximum efficiency. Finally, the central contribution of the article lies in the proposition of a multimodal analysis model.
Behavioral aspects of waterbirds
Authors: Rubert B. , Branco J. O. , Barrilli G. H. C. , Melo D. C. , Ferreira A. P.
Published: March 2020

Abstract Estuaries are used by waterbirds as foraging, resting and nesting sites, serving also as shelter for migratory birds. The dynamics of this avifauna in an aquatic environment may be associated with the differences of time of day, tide height, temperature, wind speed and use of the site by different species. This study had the objective of evaluating behavioral aspects of aquatic birds, relating the influence of environmental variables with their activities. Bird counts were performed at the mouth of two important rivers of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, during two-hour intervals throughout the day in monthly samplings between June (2015) and May (2016). A total of 44 species were recorded, ten of which were migratory. The most recorded behaviors were foraging and resting. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicated no significant difference in behavior between the sampling intervals. The Bray-Curtis similarity test resulted in three groups: 1) - species that foraged most of the time; 2) - species that rested most of the time; and 3) - same time in both activities. The Indicator Species Analysis showed that 17 species were associated with only one microhabitat and 15 species with more than one. The Canonical Correlation Analysis indicated that only tide height, temperature and rainfall variables were correlated with the behaviors performed and only the resting activity was positively correlated with all variables. This may be associated with thermoregulation and the ability of some species to stay in midlitoral at high tide. The results demonstrate that different waterbird species used the studied areas in different ways. Thus, the heterogeneity of microhabitats in an aquatic environment of extreme importance for the coexistence and maintenance of the diversity of waterbirds.