bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-Scale Pore Structure Characteristics and the Main Controlling Factors of Mesoproterozoic Xiamaling Shale in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
Authors: Xu Liangwei , Yang Keji , Wei Hao , Liu Luofu , Li Xiao , Chen Lei , Xu Tong , Wang Ximeng
Published: February 2021

Nanoscale pore structure characteristics and their main controlling factors are key elements affecting the gas storage capacity, permeability, and the accumulation mechanism of shale. A multidisciplinary analytical program was applied to quantify the pore structure of all sizes of Xiamaling shale from Zhangjiakou, Hebei. The result implies that Mercury injection porosimetry (MIP) and low-pressure N2 curves of the samples can be divided into three and four types, respectively, reflecting different connectivity performances. The maximum CO2 adsorbing capacity increases with increasing total organic carbon (TOC) content, pore volume (PV), and surface area (SA) of the micropores are distributed in a three-peak type. The full-scale pore structure distribution characteristics reveal the coexistence of multiple peaks with multiple dominant scales and bi-peak forms with mesopores and micropores. The porosity positively correlates with the TOC and quartz content, but negatively correlates with clay mineral content. Organic matter (OM) is the main contributor to micropore and mesopore development. Smectite and illite/smectite (I/S) assist the development of the PV and SA of pores with different size. Illite promotes the development of the nanoscale PV, but is detrimental to the development of the SA. Thermal maturity controls the evolution of pores with different size, and the evolution model for the TOC-normalized PVs of different diameter scales is established. Residual hydrocarbon is mainly accumulated in micropores sized 0.3 to 1.0 nm and mesopores sized 40 nm, 2 nm and less than 10 nm. Since the samples were extracted, the pore space occupied by residual hydrocarbon was released, resulting in a remarkable increase in PV and SA.
Development of Gold Nanoparticle Micropatterns for the Electrical Detection of Proteins
Authors: Lim Geonwoo , Kim Kibeom , Park Yuri , Park Myoung-Hwan
Published: February 2021

Protein analysis can be used to efficiently detect the early stages of various diseases. However, conventional protein detection platforms require expensive or complex equipment, which has been a major obstacle to their widespread application. In addition, uncertain signals from non-specific adhesion interfere with the precise interpretation of the results. To overcome these problems, the development of a technique that can detect the proteins in a simple method is needed. In this study, a platform composed of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was fabricated through a simple imprinting method for protein detection. The corrugated surface naturally formed by the nanoparticle assemblies simultaneously increases the efficiency of adhesion and binding with analytes and reduces undesired interactions. After forming the GNP micropatterns, post-functionalization with both cationic and neutral ligands was performed on the surface to manipulate their electrostatic interaction with proteins. Upon protein binding, the change in the electrical values of the micropatterns was recorded by using a resistance meter. The resistance of the positively charged micropatterns was found to increase due to the electrostatic interaction with proteins, while no significant change in resistance was observed for the neutral micropatterns after immersion in a protein solution. Additionally, the selective adsorption of fluorescent proteins onto the micropatterns was captured using confocal microscopy. These simply imprinted GNP micropatterns are sensitive platforms that can detect various analytes by measuring the electrical resistance with portable equipment.
Nano-Based Biomaterials as Drug Delivery Systems Against Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence
Authors: Salamanna Francesca , Gambardella Alessandro , Contartese Deyanira , Visani Andrea , Fini Milena
Published: February 2021

Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most significant causes of morbidity, particularly in post-menopausal women and older men. Despite its remarkable occurrence, the search for an effective treatment is still an open challenge. Here, we systematically reviewed the preclinical and clinical progress in the development of nano-based materials as drug delivery systems against OP, considering the effects on bone healing and regeneration, the more promising composition and manufacturing methods, and the more hopeful drugs and delivery methods. The results showed that almost all the innovative nano-based delivery systems developed in the last ten years have been assessed by preclinical investigations and are still in the preliminary/early research stages. Our search strategy retrieved only one non-randomized controlled trial (RCT) on oligosaccharide nanomedicine of alginate sodium used for degenerative lumbar diseases in OP patients. Further investigations are mandatory for assessing the clinical translation and commercial purposes of these materials. To date, the main limits for the clinical translation of nano-based materials as drug delivery systems against OP are probably due to the low reproducibility of the manufacturing processes, whose specificity and complexity relies on an adequate chemical, structural, and biomechanical characterization, as the necessary prerequisite before assessing the efficacy of a given treatment or process. Finally, an unsatisfactory drug-loading capacity, an uncontrollable release kinetic, and a low delivery efficiency also limit the clinical application.
Patterns and Determinants of Essential and Toxic Elements in Chinese Women at Mid-Pregnancy, Late Pregnancy, and Lactation
Authors: Zhou Yubo , Yan Lailai , Li Hongtian , Li Xiucui , Liu Yaqiong , Liu Jianmeng
Published: February 2021

Maternal status of essential and toxic elements affects the health of the mother, developing fetus, or breastfeeding infant. However, few studies have examined the patterns of these elements and their determinants in pregnant or lactating women. Plasma samples of 1211 healthy mid-pregnant, late pregnant, and lactating women enrolled in coastland, lakeland, and inland areas of China from May–July 2014, were analyzed for concentrations of 15 elements, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The adjusted median concentrations of elements varied by physiologic stage and region. Lactating versus pregnant women showed higher concentrations of Zn, Cr, Mo, Ni, Sb, Cd and Pb, but lower concentrations of Cu, I, Al and Hg. In pregnant women, the concentrations of Fe, Zn, I, Mo, Ni, Al, Hg and Cd were higher in mid- versus late-pregnancy. Overall, the highest concentrations were observed in Zn, I, Mn, Al, and Pb in coastland, in Hg in lakeland, and in Fe in inland area. Element concentrations varied by maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, education, parity, delivery mode, feeding practice, and intakes of aquatic products and mutton. In conclusion, essential and toxic elements coexisted in pregnant and lactating women, and their concentrations varied by physiologic stages, regions, maternal socio-demographic characteristics and dietary factors.
Variables Affecting the Recovery of Acanthamoeba Trophozoites
Authors: Crary Monica J. , Walters Rhonda , Shannon Paul , Gabriel Manal M.
Published: February 2021

While the results of Acanthamoeba testing have been extensively published, laboratories conducting such testing are left to develop their own methods in the absence of a standardized methodology. The wide disparity of methods has resulted in equally inconsistent reported results for contact lens care (CLC) products. This study’s objective was to determine the source of these discrepancies by evaluating basic Acanthamoeba biology and their impact on antimicrobial efficacy testing, including the ability of a recovery method to stimulate a single trophozoite to proliferate. Antimicrobial efficacy testing was conducted using well-published Acanthamoeba strains, storage conditions, and growth-based recovery methods. To identify variables that influence results, test solutions with low Acanthamoeba disinfection rates were utilized to prevent differences from being masked by high log reductions. In addition, single-cell proliferation assays were executed to understand the growth requirements to stimulate trophozoite propagation in two recovery methods. These studies indicated that both nutrient density (>106 CFU) and the length of plate incubation (at least 14 days) could significantly influence the accurate recovery of trophozoites. Together, this study emphasizes the need to understand how Acanthamoeba trophozoites biology can impact test methods to create divergent results.
Nanoparticles Dual Targeting Both Myeloma Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Simultaneously to Improve Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Authors: Wang Honglan , Liu Huiwen , Sun Chunyan , Liu Chunying , Jiang Ting , Yin Yanxue , Xu Aoshuang , Pang Zhiqing , Zhang Bo , Hu Yu
Published: February 2021

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and myeloma cells could mutually drive myeloma progression, indicating that drug delivery to kill both CAFs and myeloma cells simultaneously could achieve better therapeutic benefits than to kill each cell type alone. Here, we designed a dual-targeting drug delivery system by conjugating paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) with a cyclic peptide (CNPs-PTX) with a special affinity with platelet-derived growth factor/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR-β) overexpressed on both CAFs and myeloma cells. Cellular uptake experiments revealed that the cyclic peptide modification on CNPs could significantly enhance CNPs uptake by both CAFs and myeloma cells compared with unmodified NPs. Cytotoxicity tests showed that CNPs-PTX was more toxic to both CAFs and myeloma cells compared with its counterpart PTX-loaded conventional NPs (NPs-PTX). In vivo imaging and biodistribution experiments showed that CNPs could abundantly accumulate in tumors and were highly co-localized with CAFs and myeloma cells. The in vivo anti-tumor experiments confirmed that the anti-myeloma efficacy of CNPs-PTX was significantly stronger than that of NPs-PTX and free drugs. In summary, it is the first time that a dual-targeting strategy was utilized in the field of myeloma treatment through targeting both CAFs and myeloma cells simultaneously, which harbors a high potential of clinical translation for myeloma treatment.
Physico-Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of a Digestate and a More Stabilized Digestate-Derived Compost from Agro-Waste
Authors: Vitti Antonella , Elshafie Hazem S. , Logozzo Giuseppina , Marzario Stefania , Scopa Antonio , Camele Ippolito , Nuzzaci Maria
Published: February 2021

The excessive use of agricultural soils and the reduction in their organic matter, following circular economy and environmental sustainability concepts, determined a strong attention in considering composting as a preferred method for municipalities and industries to recycle organic by-products. Microorganisms degrade organic matter for producing CO2, water and energy, originating stable humus named compost. The current study analyzed the chemical composition of a cow slurry on-farm digestate and a more stabilized digestate-derived compost (DdC), along with their phytotoxic, genotoxic and antifungal activities. The chemical analysis showed that digestate cannot be an ideal amendment due to some non-acceptable characteristics. Biological assays showed that the digestate had phytotoxicity on the tested plants, whereas DdC did not induce a phytotoxic effect in both plants at the lowest dilution; hence, the latter was considered in subsequent analyses. The digestate and DdC induced significant antifungal activity against some tested fungi. DdC did not show genotoxic effect on Vicia faba using a micronuclei test. Soil treated with DdC (5 and 10%) induced damping-off suppression caused by Fusarium solani in tomato plants. The eco-physiological data indicated that DdC at 5–10% could increase the growth of tomato plants. In conclusion, DdC is eligible as a soil amendment and to strengthen the natural soil suppressiveness against F. solani.
Polysulfides Applied as Formulated Garlic Extract to Protect Tomato Plants against the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Eder Reinhard , Consoli Erika , Krauss Jürgen , Dahlin Paul
Published: February 2021

The devastating root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita can cause severe damage to field and greenhouse crops. Due to high economic losses, alternative products are essential to replace banned or strictly regulated nematicides that affect human health and/or the environment. Garlic based products have been previously investigated as environmentally friendly nematicides and their active substances, diallyl polysulfides exist as formulated nematicides on the market. We tested the garlic-based nematicide NEMguard® DE as protective of tomato roots. In vitro evaluation of the lethal concentration (LC) showed strong nematicidal activity with LC50 of 0.8 mg/mL after 96 h and LC90 of 1.5 mg/mL. NEMguard® DE showed protective effect against M. incognita as a single application in small pots and a second application further reduced root galling, significantly. Large greenhouse trials were carried out in two consecutive years to test single and monthly applications of NEMguard® DE. In both years, no controlling effect could be observed on M.incognita. We assume that the silt content of the loamy sandy soil used had an effect on the polysulfides, inhibiting their nematicidal effect. We conclude that further experiments are necessary to investigate the nematicidal potential of NEMguard® DE under different soil compositions or as a different formulation.
Host Cell Wall Damage during Pathogen Infection: Mechanisms of Perception and Role in Plant-Pathogen Interactions
Authors: Lorrai Riccardo , Ferrari Simone
Published: February 2021

The plant cell wall (CW) is a complex structure that acts as a mechanical barrier, restricting the access to most microbes. Phytopathogenic microorganisms can deploy an arsenal of CW-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) that are required for virulence. In turn, plants have evolved proteins able to inhibit the activity of specific microbial CWDEs, reducing CW damage and favoring the accumulation of CW-derived fragments that act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and trigger an immune response in the host. CW-derived DAMPs might be a component of the complex system of surveillance of CW integrity (CWI), that plants have evolved to detect changes in CW properties. Microbial CWDEs can activate the plant CWI maintenance system and induce compensatory responses to reinforce CWs during infection. Recent evidence indicates that the CWI surveillance system interacts in a complex way with the innate immune system to fine-tune downstream responses and strike a balance between defense and growth.
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Physical-Mechanical Characteristics of Rubber Composites Filled with Manganese-Zinc Ferrite and Carbon Black
Authors: Kruželák Ján , Kvasničáková Andrea , Hložeková Klaudia , Dosoudil Rastislav , Gořalík Marek , Hudec Ivan
Published: February 2021

In the present work, composite materials were prepared by incorporation of manganese-zinc ferrite, carbon black and combination of ferrite and carbon black into acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR). For cross-linking of composites, standard sulfur-based curing system was applied. The main goal was to investigate the influence of the fillers on the physical-mechanical properties of composites. Then, the electromagnetic absorption shielding ability was investigated in the frequency range 1 MHz–3 GHz. The results revealed that composites filled with ferrite provide sufficient absorption shielding performance in the tested frequency range. On the other hand, ferrite behaves as an inactive filler and deteriorates the physical-mechanical characteristics of composites. Carbon black reinforces the rubber matrix and contributes to the improvement of physical-mechanical properties. However, composites filled with carbon black are not able to absorb electromagnetic radiation in the given frequency range. Finally, the combination of carbon black and ferrite resulted in the modification of both physical-mechanical characteristics and absorption shielding ability of hybrid composites.
3D Printed Masks for Powders and Viruses Safety Protection Using Food Grade Polymers: Empirical Tests
Authors: Foresti Ruben , Ghezzi Benedetta , Vettori Matteo , Bergonzi Lorenzo , Attolino Silvia , Rossi Stefano , Tarabella Giuseppe , Vurro Davide , von Zeppelin Didier , Iannotta Salvatore , Zappettini Andrea , Macaluso Guido Maria , Miragoli Michele , Maggio Marcello Giuseppe , Costantino Cosimo , Selleri Stefano , Macaluso Claudio
Published: February 2021

The production of 3D printed safety protection devices (SPD) requires particular attention to the material selection and to the evaluation of mechanical resistance, biological safety and surface roughness related to the accumulation of bacteria and viruses. We explored the possibility to adopt additive manufacturing technologies for the production of respirator masks, responding to the sudden demand of SPDs caused by the emergency scenario of the pandemic spread of SARS-COV-2. In this study, we developed different prototypes of masks, exclusively applying basic additive manufacturing technologies like fused deposition modeling (FDM) and droplet-based precision extrusion deposition (db-PED) to common food packaging materials. We analyzed the resulting mechanical characteristics, biological safety (cell adhesion and viability), surface roughness and resistance to dissolution, before and after the cleaning and disinfection phases. We showed that masks 3D printed with home-grade printing equipment have similar performances compared to the industrial-grade ones, and furthermore we obtained a perfect face fit by customizing their shape. Finally, we developed novel approaches to the additive manufacturing post-processing phases essential to assure human safety in the production of 3D printed custom medical devices.
Stiffening Potential of Lignocellulosic Fibers in Fully Biobased Composites: The Case of Abaca Strands, Spruce TMP Fibers, Recycled Fibers from ONP, and Barley TMP Fibers
Authors: Serra-Parareda Ferran , Vilaseca Fabiola , Espinach Francesc X. , Mutjé Pere , Delgado-Aguilar Marc , Tarrés Quim
Published: February 2021

Biocomposites are composite materials where at least the matrix or the reinforcement phases are obtained from natural and renewable resources. Natural fibers for composite preparation can be obtained from annual plants, wood, recycled products, or agroforestry waste. The present work selected abaca strands, spruce fibers, recycled fibers from old newspaper, and barley fibers as raw materials to produce biocomposites, in combination with a biobased polyethylene. One very important feature in material science and for industrial applications is knowing how a material will deform under load, and this characteristic is represented by Young’s modulus. Therefore, in this work, the stiffness and deformation of the biocomposites were determined and evaluated using macromechanics and micromechanics analyses. Results were compared to those of conventional synthetic composites reinforced with glass fibers. From the micromechanics analysis, the intrinsic Young modulus of the reinforcements was obtained, as well as other micromechanics parameters such as the modulus efficiency and the length and orientation factors. Abaca strands accounted for the highest intrinsic modulus. One interesting outcome was that recycled fibers exhibited similar Young’s moduli to wood fibers. Finally, agroforestry waste demonstrated the lowest stiffening potential. The study explores the opportunity of using different natural fibers when specific properties or applications are desired.
Rheological Basics for Modeling of Extrusion Process of Wood Polymer Composites
Authors: Wilczyński Krzysztof , Buziak Kamila , Lewandowski Adrian , Nastaj Andrzej , Wilczyński Krzysztof
Published: February 2021

Wood polymer composites are materials with pseudoplastic and viscoelastic properties. They have yield stress and exhibit slip during flow. Studies on extrusion and rheology, as well as on process modeling of these highly filled materials are limited. Extensive rheological and extrusion modeling studies on the wood polymer composite based on the polypropylene matrix were performed. Viscous and slip flow properties were determined (with Rabinowitsch, Bagley, and Mooney corrections) at broad (extrusion) range of shear rate and temperature, using a high-pressure capillary rheometer. Rheological models of Klein and power-law were used for flow modeling, and Navier model was applied for slip modeling. A novel global computer model of WPC extrusion with slip effects has been developed, and process simulations were performed to compute the extrusion parameters (throughput, power consumption, pressure, temperature, etc.), and to study the effect of the material rheological characteristics on the process flow. Simulations were validated experimentally, and were discussed with respect to both rheological and process modeling aspects. It was concluded that the location of the operating point of extrusion process, which defines the thermo-mechanical process conditions, is fundamentally dependent on the rheological materials characteristics, including slip effects.
Chromatographic and Computational Screening of Lipophilicity and Pharmacokinetics of Newly Synthesized Betulin-1,4-quinone Hybrids
Authors: Kadela-Tomanek Monika , Jastrzębska Maria , Chrobak Elwira , Bębenek Ewa , Boryczka Stanisław
Published: February 2021

Lipophilicity is one of the most important parameters determining the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, as well as the toxicity of many compounds. The subject of the research was to determine the lipophilicity of betulin-1,4-quinone hybrids using thin layer chromatography in reverse phase system and computer programs to calculate its theoretical models. The correlation between the experimental and theoretical values of lipophilicity was analyzed. Lipinski’s and Veber’s rules, as well as penetration through the blood–brain barrier were also determined using computer programs. For all of the analyzed values, a similarity analysis was performed. The dendrograms for the experimental and theoretical lipophilicity show that there is a correlation between them. However, the dendrograms for the experimental lipophilicity and pharmacokinetic parameters indicate that there is no correlation between the structure and the pharmacological properties. Hybrids exhibit a high biological activity against cancer cell lines, with a high level of NAD[P]H-quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) protein. The enzymatic assay used has shown that these compounds are good NQO1 substrates, as evidenced by the increasing metabolic rates relative to that of streptonigrin. The similarity analysis has also shown that there is no correlation between lipophilicity and biological activity for the tested compounds.
Correction: Akosah-Twumasi, Peter, et al. 2020. Prioritising Family Needs: A Grounded Theory of Acculturation for Sub-Saharan African Migrant Families in Australia. Social Sciences 9: 17
Authors: Akosah-Twumasi Peter , Alele Faith , Smith Amy , Emeto Theophilus , Lindsay Daniel , Tsey Komla , Malau-Aduli Bunmi
Published: February 2021

The authors wish to make the following change to their paper (Akosah-Twumasi et al [...]
Macro Patterns and Trends of U.S. Consumer Technological Innovation Diffusion Rates
Authors: Parvin Albert Joseph , Beruvides Mario G.
Published: February 2021

Macro-level trends and patterns are commonly used in business, science, finance, and engineering to provide insights and estimates to assist decision-makers. In this research effort, macro-level trends and patterns were explored on the diffusion rates of technological innovations, a component of a sorely under-studied question in technology assessment: When should a technological innovation be abandoned? A quantitative exploratory data analysis (EDA)-based approach was employed to examine diffusion market data of 42 U.S. consumer technological innovations from the early 1900s to the 2010s to extract general macro-level knowledge on technological innovation diffusion rates. A goal of this effort is to grow diffusion rate knowledge to enable the development of general macro-based forecasting tools. Such tools would aid decision-makers in making informed and proactive decisions on when to abandon a technological innovation. This research offers several significant contributions to the macro-level understanding of the boundaries and likelihood of achieving a range of technological innovation diffusion rates. These contributions include the determination that the frequency of diffusion rates are positively skewed when ordered from slowest to fastest, and the identification and ranking of probability density functions that best represent the rates of technological innovation diffusion.
Assessment of Vaccine Hesitancy to a COVID-19 Vaccine in Cameroonian Adults and Its Global Implication
Authors: Dinga Jerome Nyhalah , Sinda Leontine Kouemou , Titanji Vincent P. K.
Published: February 2021

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, no global consensus treatment has been developed and generally accepted for the disease. However, eradicating the disease will require a safe and efficacious vaccine. In order to prepare for the eventual development of a safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccine and to enhance its uptake, it is imperative to assess vaccine hesitancy in Cameroonians. After obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Buea, a questionnaire was administered (May–August 2020) to consenting adults either online or in person. A qualitative thematic analysis was done to analyze the participants’ answers to the open questions. A deductive approach was used, that is, the codes and patterns according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) Working Group Matrix of Determinants of vaccine hesitancy. The number of consenting adult Cameroonians who completed the questionnaire were 2512 (Two thousand five hundred and twelve). Vaccine hesitancy to a COVID-19 vaccine was 84.6% in Cameroonians. Using the WHO recommended Matrix of Determinant of Vaccine hesitancy, the most prominent determinants observed in this study were: Communication and Media Environment, Perception of pharmaceutical industry, Reliability and/or source of vaccine and cost. Most Cameroonians agree that even though there are benefits of a clinical trial, they will prefer it should be done out of the continent and involving African scientists for eventual acceptance and uptake. The concerns of safety, efficacy and confidence has to be addressed using a Public Engagement approach if a COVID-19 vaccine has to be administered successfully in Africa or Cameroon specifically. Since this study was carried out following WHO standards, its result can be compared to those of other studies carried out in different cultural settings using similar standards.
Comparison of Multicriteria Decision-Making Techniques for Groundwater Recharge Potential Zonation: Case Study of the Willochra Basin, South Australia
Authors: Ahmed Alaa , Ranasinghe-Arachchilage Chathuri , Alrajhi Abdullah , Hewa Guna
Published: February 2021

In semi-arid regions, groundwater resources play a crucial role in all economic, environmental, and social processes. However, the occurrence, movement, and recharge of these hidden and valuable resources vary from place to place. Therefore, better management practices and mapping of groundwater recharge potential zones are needed for the sustainable groundwater resources. For an example, groundwater resources in Willochra Basin are vitally important for drinking, irrigation, and stock use. This study shows the significance of the application of three decision-making approaches, including multi-influencing factor, analytical hierarchy process, and frequency ratio techniques in the identification of groundwater potential zones. A total of seven criteria, including lithology, slope, soil texture, land-use, rainfall, drainage density, and lineament density, were extracted from conventional and remote sensing data sources. The parameters and their assigned weights were integrated using Geographic Information System (GIS) software to generate recharge potential maps. The resultant maps were evaluated using the area under the curve method. The results showed that the southern regions of the Willochra Basin are more promising for groundwater recharge potential. The map produced using the frequency ratio model was the most efficient (84%), followed by the multi-influencing factor model (70%) and then the analytical hierarchy process technique (62%). The area under the curve method agreed when evaluated using published weights and rating values.
Operational Implementation of Satellite-Rain Gauge Data Merging for Hydrological Modeling
Authors: De Vera Alejandra , Alfaro Pablo , Terra Rafael
Published: February 2021

Systems exposed to hydroclimatic variability, such as the integrated electric system in Uruguay, increasingly require real-time multiscale information to optimize management. Monitoring of the precipitation field is key to inform the future hydroelectric energy availability. We present an operational implementation of an algorithm that merges satellite precipitation estimates with rain gauge data, based on a 3-step technique: (i) Regression of station data on the satellite estimate using a Generalized Linear Model; (ii) Interpolation of the regression residuals at station locations to the entire grid using Ordinary Kriging and (iii) Application of a rain/no rain mask. The operational implementation follows five steps: (i) Data download and daily accumulation; (ii) Data quality control; (iii) Merging technique; (iv) Hydrological modeling and (v) Electricity-system simulation. The hydrological modeling is carried with the GR4J rainfall-runoff model applied to 17 sub-catchments of the G. Terra basin with routing up to the reservoir. The implementation became operational at the Electricity Market Administration (ADME) on June 2020. The performance of the merged precipitation estimate was evaluated through comparison with an independent, dense and uniformly distributed rain gauge network using several relevant statistics. Further validation is presented comparing the simulated inflow to the estimate derived from a reservoir mass budget. Results confirm that the estimation that incorporates the satellite information in addition to the surface observations has a higher performance than the one that only uses rain gauge data, both in the rainfall statistical evaluation and hydrological simulation.
Bridge Pier Scour under Ice Cover
Authors: Valela Christopher , Sirianni Dario A. B. , Nistor Ioan , Rennie Colin D. , Almansour Husham
Published: February 2021

Bridge pier scour is a complex process, which is influenced by many parameters, including the presence of ice cover around piers. To better understand the influence of ice on bridge pier scour, an artificial ice cover, equipped with either a smooth or a rough surface, was constructed and tested experimentally. The ice cover was positioned on the surface of the water and submerged to specified depths in order to replicate floating and fixed (pressurized) ice cover conditions, respectively. During each test, a velocity profile was collected beneath the ice cover, and after each test, a three-dimensional scan of the bed was collected to compare the resulting scour. It was discovered that the presence of an ice cover around a bridge pier increased pier scour under all conditions. Furthermore, as the ice cover was submerged deeper into the flow, the flow velocity increased, and greater scour resulted. For each level of submergence, the rough ice cover yielded increased scour depths compared to the smooth ice cover.
Além do cristianismo: Sobre a função religiosa no pensamento de C. G. Jung
Authors: Gewehr Rodrigo Barros
Published: February 2021

Os paralelos entre fenômeno religioso e funcionamento psíquico são uma constante no pensamento junguiano. Por meio deste problema, Jung aborda questões estruturais em sua teoria, tais como a tendência à unilateralidade da atividade consciente; o caráter compensatório e autorregulador da psique, resultante dessa tendência; a distinção entre confissão religiosa e religiosidade. Essas questões operam no sentido de salientar o lugar central ocupado pela função religiosa na estrutura psíquica, lugar que não se confunde, todavia, com uma adesão a dogmas religiosos. Tendo como ponto de partida o Livro vermelho, a crítica de Jung ao cristianismo nos orientará ao longo deste ensaio sobre a função da religião na vida psíquica.
Tradição e inovação no estudo da Antiguidade
Authors: Rodríguez José Remesal
Published: February 2021

Tradição e inovação no estudo da Antiguidade

Entrevista realizada em espanhol por Pedro Paulo Funari e Jorge Elices Ocón, transcrita por Jorge Elices Ocón e traduzida para o português por Filipe Noé Silva. A gravação foi realizada no dia 30 de novembro de 2020.
WENDT, HEIDI. AT THE TEMPLE GATES: THE RELIGION OF FREELANCE EXPERTS IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE. 1ª ED. NOVA YORK: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2016. 262P. ISBN: 9780190267148
Authors: Scarpa Ana Paula
Published: February 2021

Resenha - WENDT, HEIDI. AT THE TEMPLE GATES: THE RELIGION OF FREELANCE EXPERTS IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE. 1ª ED. NOVA YORK: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2016. 262P. ISBN: 9780190267148
Design and Fabrication of Abrasive Jet Machine (AJM) & Analyzing its Performance
Authors: Vaddhi Mahesh Reddy , Leela Ramesh M. , Malsoor B , Teja Sai
Published: February 2021

Abrasive Jet Machining (AJM) is the process of material removal from a work piece by the application of a high speed stream of abrasive particles carried in a gas medium from a nozzle. The material removal process is mainly by erosion. The AJM can principally be wont to cut shapes in arduous and brittle materials like glass, ceramics etc. In this concept, a model of the Abrasive Jet Machine is proposed to design by taking into consideration of commercially available components. Care will be taken to use less fabricated components rather than directly procuring them, because, the lack of accuracy in fabricated components would lead to a diminished performance of the machine. To analyse its performance, Drilling of glass sheets with different abrasives and different nozzles will be carried out by Abrasive Jet Machining process (AJM) in order to determine its machinability.
Experimental studies on Diesel Engine using Aluminium Nano Particles as Additives
Authors: Shreenivasan S.N. , Chinnasamy C.
Published: February 2021

In this study an experimental investigation has been carried out on diesel engine to understand the engine behaviour with respect to its performance and emission characteristics while using Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) Nano particle as additive with a blend of diesel and biodiesel sourced from Waste Plastic Oil (WPO). The Alumina Nano particles are characterized by X- ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Zeta Potential Analysis. The alumina Nano particles are blended with Waste Plastic Oil in the mass fractions of 10 and 20 ppm using an Ultrasonicator. The experiments are carried out in single cylinder four stroke Variable Compression Ratio diesel engine by varying the load using eddy current dynamometer. The experimental results reveal that there is a significant improvement in the performance characteristics like Brake Thermal Efficiency and Brake Specific Fuel Consumption and considerable reduction in the emission constituents like carbon Monoxide (CO) and Unburned Hydrocarbon (HC) and smoke but in turn increase in Nitric oxide (NOx) emissions were observed.
Prediction error's minimization through a controller based on a Metaheuristic Algorithm
Authors: Mînzu Viorel
Published: February 2021

A Metaheuristic Algorithm (MA) can be a realistic method to solve a given Optimal Control Problem (OCP), but the result is an open-loop solution. If the Metaheuristic Algorithm is integrated within the Model Predictive Control (MPC) structure, a closed-loop solution can be achieved. The controller works using a prediction technique and prediction error's minimization. On the other side, the MA optimizes (minimizes or maximizes) the OCP's objective function. The controller is faced with two optimization tasks. This paper proves through theoretical analysis and simulations that the prediction error's minimization is implicitly accomplished.
Percepción y conocimiento sobre COVID-19: Una caracterización a través de encuestas
Authors: Iglesias-Osores Sebastián , Saavedra-Camacho Johnny Leandro , Acosta-Quiroz Johana , Córdova-Rojas Lizbeth M. , Rafael-Heredia Arturo
Published: February 2021

Objetivo. Describir las percepciones y conocimientos sobre COVID-19. Material y Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal, se realizó una encuesta online a 314 participantes, el cuestionario consta de 9 preguntas de respuesta múltiple, los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: La edad promedio de los encuestados fue 26,9 años, la muestra comprendido más mujeres 161 (51,3%) que hombres y casi 89% de los encuestados pertenecían a pregrado, el lugar de origen del Covid-19 era bien conocido 94,30%, para la mitad de los encuestados 159 (50,6%) no se trata de una enfermedad zoonótica, con respecto a las medidas de prevención de COVID-19 la mayoría de los encuestados consideran que el lavado de manos es una de las principales medidas de prevención. Conclusión: Los estudios CAP son importantes para una mejor comprensión de la percepción y conocimiento de COVID-19. El estudio revelo que los encuestados generalmente tienen algún conocimiento general acerca de SARS-CoV-2.
Percepción y factores asociados a la posibilidad de atender a pacientes con COVID-19 en médicos recién egresados del Perú
Authors: Loayza-Salvatierra Natali , Vilela-Estrada Martín A. , Vallejos-Nuñez Raúl , Paz-Campos Neil Aron , Esquivel-Marrón Ronald Manuel , Mejia Cristian R.
Published: February 2021

Introducción. En diversas partes del mundo, incluido Perú, existe déficit de recursos humanos para la atención de los pacientes COVID-19, por lo que, se está reclutando a los médicos recién egresados. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal analítico, mediante una encuesta virtual se preguntó acerca de la posibilidad de ser reclutado para la atención de pacientes con Coronavirus, así como, otras percepciones de esta posibilidad (obteniendo un Alpha de Cronbach: 0,86); se obtuvo estadística analítica. Resultados: De 352 encuestados, el 54% manifestó que si aceptaría ser reclutado. En el análisis multivariado, se encontró que a más percepción fatalista de la enfermedad aceptaría menos ser reclutado en un hospital (p<0,001); sin embargo, si se sentirían bien capacitados (p<0,001), cómodos apoyando en hospitales (p=0,015), capaces de atender en forma general (p<0,001) y podrían trabajar en un lugar con muchos casos (p<0,001); ajustado por dos variables. Conclusión: Si bien no hubo una gran mayoría que quisiese ser reclutados, si esto pasaría, se tendrían que adaptar y manifestaron que estarían cómodos y capacitados atendiendo a pacientes con esta patología.
Efecto de los Corticoides Parenterales en la Mortalidad por Covid-19 Severo
Authors: Meregildo-Rodriguez Edinson Dante , Guzmán-Aguilar Wilson Marcial , Vásquez-Tirado Gustavo Adolfo , Peña-Quispe Camilo
Published: February 2021

Introducción. La infección causada por el SARS-CoV-2 puede producir un cuadro inflamatorio severo, sepsis, falla respiratoria, disfunción orgánica, y muerte. Es plausible fisiopatológicamente, que los corticoides sean una opción terapéutica razonable para Covid-19. Sin embargo, la evidencia del efecto benéfico de los corticoides sobre la mortalidad no es categórica. Objetivo: determinar si existe evidencia que avale el uso de corticoides parenterales en Covid-19 grave y Síndrome de Distrés Respiratorio Agudo (SDRA). Material y método: Este estudio se desarrolló en concordancia con la guía PRIMA. Según la estrategia PICO, nuestra Población fueron los pacientes con Covid-19 grave y/o SRDA; la Intervención, el uso de corticoides parenterales; el Comparador, los pacientes con Covid-19 severo con tratamiento estándar (sin corticoides); y el Outcome, la mortalidad y otros resultados clínicos. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Embase, y LILACS usando los términos relacionados con nuestra pregunta PICO, entre el de 01 enero al 31 de agosto del 2020. Se logró recopilar un total de 287 artículos, de los que finalmente se seleccionaron 9 que cumplieron con los criterios PICO y de selección. Resultados: Según nuestro estudio, los corticoides parenterales reducen la mortalidad en pacientes con Covid-19 severo y SRDA [OR 0.83 (IC 95% 0.63-1.08)]. Conclusión: la revisión sistemática muestra que los corticoides parenterales podrían disminuir la mortalidad de pacientes con Covid-19 severo y ARDS.
Transmisión intrahospitalaria de SARS-CoV-2 en médicos de un servicio de urgencias
Authors: Rodríguez-Gonzales Ricardo , Wong-Buckler Khristie , Pintado-Caballero Silvia , Cieza-Yamunaqué Liliana , Mateo-Pacora Jimmy , Amado-Tineo José
Published: February 2021

Carta al editor (sin resumen)
Discovering new anti-cancer drugs from extremophilic microorganisms
Authors: Pérez Rodríguez Miguel
Published: February 2021

Bio Knowledge Lab (hereinafter BKL) is a young company from Cordoba in the biotechnology and bioinformatics sector specialized in the implementation of massive sequencing projects and computer analysis of biological data. Its objective is to support research groups and companies that work in areas related to life sciences, biotechnology, biomedicine or biopharmaceuticals. In addition, in parallel, BKL also develops its own lines of research. Among them, the project “Bioprospecting of extreme environments of the Andalusian Atlantic coast for the isolation of new bioactive compounds with antitumor activity”, a public-private project carried out in collaboration with the Universities of Huelva and Granada, and aimed to search for new compounds from extremophilic microorganisms.

This project can be framed within the area of ​​Drug Discovery, a process by which new drug candidates are discovered. This constitutes the initial stage of the entire development of a drug, a process that is long and expensive, mainly due to the low ratio of drug candidates that can finally be brought to market. For this reason, there are many attempts to innovate in the drug discovery process, for example, through new approaches or using new technologies. Here, omics and computational approaches, as well as the use of new sources of resources, could provide the innovation that this process needs to overcome the public health challenges it faces. In this line, these are the approaches proposed by BKL and its collaborators, all of them integrated into a novel bioprospecting project.

The project "Bioprospecting of extreme environments of the Andalusian Atlantic coast for the isolation of new bioactive compounds with antitumor activity" aims to study the microbiodiversity of extreme environments and identify microorganisms of interest, carry out isolations of new microbial species, especially microalgae and archaea, and obtain from them functional extracts rich in bioactive components to evaluate their antioxidant and antitumor capacity. In this first stage of the process, the studied locations have been points of interest of Marismas del Odiel, the Riotinto Mines and the phospho-gypsum pools, all of them in the province of Huelva and characterized by hosting extreme environments, either due to their high salinity, due to its high content of heavy metals and / or its radioactivity. In our project, the microbial, eukaryotic and prokaryotic populations of these environments have been characterized. In addition, two haloarchaeas and four microalgae have been isolated and functional extracts have been obtained, and their antioxidant and antitumor potential has been evaluated, the latter in colorectal cancer models.
Therapeutic innovation and sustainability in immune-mediated pathologies
Authors: Calleja Hernández Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2021

For a few years now, we have been experiencing a disruptive therapeutic innovation in immune-mediated pathologies with the incorporation of biological and targeted therapies that have significantly improved efficacy, safety and convenience for patients.

The objective of the Pharmacy Services is to achieve the best health results with the rational use of the drug, that is, it is effective, safe and efficient.

Pharmacy Services behave as a strategic element in hospitals and have four main axes: technology, logistics, scientific advice and direct clinical activity.

In clinical activity, from the Pharmacy Services we promote greater patient adherence to their treatments, information about them to patients, review of drug interactions and effective monitoring to achieve the best health results. We use the CMO model (Capacity / Motivation / Opportunity), and we have implemented telepharmacy programs to facilitate collaborative dispensing with the community pharmacy. Thus, we gain comfort for patients and improvement of the comprehensive approach to patient needs.

The levels of adherence are lower in chronic diseases as time passes from the start of treatment and with the disease controlled; pathologies such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, or depression have mean adherence values of less than 50%. In the case of immune-mediated diseases the values are 70-90%, but we still need to improve them to achieve maximum effectiveness.

From the Pharmacy Service we promote the maximum individualization of therapy, and we believe that no two patients are the same, not even the same patient is the same after the diagnosis and when he has been treatment for several years. For this reason, we have incorporated the determination of levels of biological drugs in the blood to be able to adjust the dosage to the individual needs of the patient. This allows us to optimize the dose when the pathology is controlled, maintaining the target serum levels, or to intensify the dose when control of the disease is not achieved, due to low levels of the drug or high levels of the antibodies that the patient may have generated. Currently, in the Pharmacy Service of University Hospital Virgen Macarena we monitor the levels of Infliximab, Adalimumab, Vedolizumab and Ustekinumab, with optimal results for the patients. It is vital to implement these strategies in a multidisciplinary way with the services involved, in this case mainly Digestive, Rheumatology and Dermatology. We have a pharmacist who is an expert in these pathologies who streamlines and catalyzes all activities in this area.