bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A extensão universitária como política pública nas desigualdades sociais e as contribuições do programa de educação tutorial na comunidade
Authors: Bicca Byanca Viviane de Meneses , Marques Luís Fernando Silva , Carvalho Cecília Maria Resende Gonçalves de
Published: August 2021

No Brasil é possível a identificação massiva de cenários repletos de lacunas sociais e assolados pela desigualdade. Dessa maneira, as políticas públicas apresentam-se como instrumentos centrais para dirimir as disparidades no âmbito da sociedade. Tais iniciativas são desenvolvidas pelo Estado, através da égide do princípio do bem comum, e a partir da inter-relação com instituições sociais como as Universidades, centros de produção intelectual, há a otimização dos resultados dessas empreitadas sociais. O presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar os benefícios e os impactos da extensão universitária frente às desigualdades sociais. Para tanto, buscou-se apresentar, por intermédio de pesquisa bibliográfica, a estrutura do Programa de Educação Tutorial e a análise da sua contribuição como política pública a partir da atuação do grupo PET Integração da Universidade Federal do Piauí na comunidade. Conclui-se pela aplicabilidade eficaz das ações extensionistas na mitigação de discrepâncias sociais, figurando como ferramentas idôneas de política pública.
Compliance ético-funcional nas instituições federais de ensino: Um ensaio da perspectiva dos técnicos administrativos em educação
Authors: Araújo Marcelo Bernardino , Varaschin Priscila Segantini , Morais Marcos de Oliveira
Published: August 2021

Este ensaio foi idealizado para apresentar aos servidores técnico-administrativos em educação (TAES) as principais áreas preocupadas com a sua conduta e formação ético-funcional. Essas áreas, por vezes, podem ser acionadas indevidamente ou até mesmo desconhecidas por grande parte da comunidade acadêmica, tais como: Comissão de Ética, Comissão Interna de Supervisão do Plano de Carreira dos Cargos Técnico-Administrativos em Educação, Ouvidoria e Atividade Disciplinar. Assim, o trabalho procura apresentar as principais competências e influências que elas podem exercer sobre os TAES. Trata-se de um ensaio teórico, com abordagem qualitativa, que está apoiada na vivência profissional dos autores. Espera-se contribuir com o adequado entendimento das funções de cada uma das áreas, para que não haja apropriações ou sobreposições de competências.
O dilema dos métodos de custeio e das ferramentas de gerenciamento de custos: Uma proposta conceitual
Authors: Araujo Marcelo Bernardino , Margueiro Everton Aristides , Morais Marcos de Oliveira
Published: August 2021

Importantes avanços da ciência contábil estiveram intimamente atrelados aos da sociedade e das empresas, especialmente após o século XIX, onde o aprimoramento das técnicas de apuração de custos se tornou evidentes e necessários. Desde então, notáveis contribuições emergiram e respondem pelo substrato dessa linha conceitual, até os dias atuais. No entanto não se constata na literatura nacional e internacional, estudos teóricos que apresentem uma separação objetiva entre os Métodos de Custeio e Ferramentas de Gestão. A constatação da falta de estudos que considerem as Ferramentas de Gerenciamento de Custos como elementos complementares aos Métodos de Custeios procuram-se responder às questões: Como os Métodos de Custeio e as Ferramentas de Gerenciamento são tratados nos estudos? Qual a tendência metodológica utilizada nos estudos que abordam a temática de custos? Qual a frequência com que os Métodos de Custeio e as Ferramentas de Gerenciamento são utilizados nos estudos? O artigo faz uma separação clássica dos conceitos teóricos dos Métodos de Custeio e das Ferramentas de Gerenciamento de Custos. As Ferramentas de Gerenciamento de Custos se distinguem dos Métodos de Custeio e, quando eleitas pelo pesquisador, podem ser usadas de maneira complementar aos Métodos de Custeio, suplantando o rigor das análises; e propiciando maior grau de segurança à apurações de custos, com vistas à tomada de decisão.
STUDENTS PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INDIVIDUAL ACTION RESEARCH
Authors: RICHTEROVÁ BOHDANA , NEDVÍDKOVÁ BARBARA
Published: August 2021

The paper presents a student project. Ten students of the Pedagogy Faculty carried out individual action research in different areas of social and personality development in the years 2019-2020. The aim of the paper is to present the project, its methodology, and the research problems that the students worked with. Four-phase model of action research by Kemmis, McTaggart (1988) was chosen. Six key topics were identified, all focused on development: communication skills improvement, self-value and self-trust improvement, facing demanding situations and work with escape strategies, skills of appropriate response in conflict situations, diminishing fear of entering new situations and work with negative evaluation of other people. An example of a chosen research presents the work of a student in action research phases focusing on work with stress.
Using a mobile application (“PrimaKu”) to promote childhood immunization in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nurhaeni Nani , Chodidjah Siti , Adawiyah Robiyatul , Astuti Astuti
Published: August 2021

Background: Universal immunization coverage among children in Indonesia is low compared to the global target. Many children in Indonesia are not fully immunized as recommended by the government, which results in a high mortality rate. The government has developed a mobile application (PrimaKu) to provide information on vaccinations and reminder features. However, the successful use of the immunization features of the app has not been widely studied.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the use of PrimaKu on maternal attitudes toward immunization and complete basic immunizations status among Indonesian children aged 12 to 24 months.
Methods: A cross-sectional research was conducted at a public health center in West Java Province, Indonesia, from August to December 2020. Convenience sampling was used to select the respondents. Data were collected using validated questionnaires and analyzed using binomial logistic regression.
Results: A total of 119 mothers were included. About 44.5% of children had a complete basic immunization status. Mothers who had a supportive attitude toward immunization were 3.58 times (95% CI 1.49-8.57, p 0.003) more likely to complete the basic immunization, and those who used the mobile app were 3.23 times (95% CI 1.18-8.87, p 0.034) more likely to complete the immunization. 
Conclusion: Using the PrimaKu mobile application could increase maternal attitudes toward immunization and complete basic immunization status. Therefore, public health nurses should provide comprehensive education and improve mothers’ literacy to use the application.
PECULIARITIES OF ELECTROREDUCTION OF Li2CO3 IN THE EQUIMOLAR MELT OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDES
Authors: Novoselova Inessa , Kuleshov Serhii , Omelchuk Anatoliy , Bykov Valerii , Fesenko Olena
Published: August 2021

Recently, preparation of carbon materials by molten salt electrolysis has been demonstrated as a promising way of carbon capture, utilization and storage. This paper discusses the results of studies on the mechanism of carbon electrodeposition reactions in molten carbonate salts, especially voltammetric investigations. A CV study of the electroreduction of Li2CO3 against the background electrolyte NaCl–KCl was carried out. It was found that the electroreduction of Li2CO3 to carbon occurs through the stage of a preliminary chemical reaction of acid-base type with forming of electrochemically active particles – CO2 and LixCO32-x at potentials of -0.8 and -1.7 V (against Pb|PbCl2 reference electrode), respectively. Both processes are irreversible, and the electroreduction of LixCO32-x takes place with diffusion control of the delivery of the depolarizer to the electrode surface. Electrolysis of melts have been carried out under potentiostatic conditions in an air atmo­sphere at different potentials (E = -1.0 and -1.8 V) at the temperature 750°C. The product yield was 40–60%. Compositions, morphological and structural peculiarities of carbon pro­ducts have been studied by XRD analyses, SEM and Raman spectroscopy. XRD study shows that a symmetrical halo occurs at 2θ ~21 and 43°, suggesting that obtained carbon materials are amorphous. The ratio of the intensities of D and G bands (ID/IG) on Raman spectra was > 1 that indicates the extent of defects and impurities in the electrolytic carbon or the pre­sence of ultrathin carbon. Agglomerated particles consist of degraded graphite structures with an approximate crystallite size of 30–40 nm. Their general appearance resembles the model of "crumpled paper".

The electroreduction of Li2CO3 to carbon in molten salts presented in this study is environmentally benign and affordable, providing a promising route for the production carbon nanomaterials. Also, this work highlights the possibility of using Li2CO3 as a precursor of high-temperature electrochemical synthesis of various carbonaceous materials, in particular, tungsten carbides.
A IMT Berpengaruh Terhadap Gangguan Fungsional Pada Penderita Osteoarthritis Knee Di Ranting Aisyiyah Palbapang Barat, Bantul, Yogyakarta
Authors: Fatmawati Veni
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis Knee merupakan penyakit tertinggi di Indonesia yang terjadi pada lansia serta berpengaruh terhadap fungsional tubuh. Salah satu yang mempengaruhi gerak pada sendi lutut yaitu indeks masa tubuh dimana lutut menjadi tumpuan tubuh, jika hal ini berualang ulang serta di alami oleh lansia maka kondisi sendi lutut akan iritasi dan terjadi peradangan mulai dari akut hingga kronis.Selain itu dipengaruhi oleh aktivitas yang merat dan terus menerus hal ini akan memperberat sendi dalam bergerak. Penambahan berat badan yang berlebih dapat mengakibatkan sendi lutut bekerja lebih keras dalam menopang berat tubuh. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh IMT terhadap gangguan fungsional pada penderita Osteoarthritis Knee Di  Ranting Aisyiyah Palbapang Barat, Bantul, Yogyakarta. Sampel pada penelitaian berjumlah 11 lansia, usia 45-74 tahun dengan gangguan OA lutut. Metode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah quasi experimental menggunakan desain penelitian pre test and post test one group design. Sebelum dan sesudah intervensi sampel diberikan perlakuan pengukuran menggunakan timbangan untuk melihat IMT responden.Hasil: berdasarkan jenis kelamin 11 lansia perempuan, berdasarkan usia 45-59 tahun sebesar 63.6%  dan usia 60-74 tahun sebesar 36.4%. IMT normal sebesar 18.2%, Overweight 9.1% dan Obesitas 72.7%. Uji hipotesis  menggunakan uji paired sample t-test , nilai  p 0.000. Kesimpulan: IMT  berpengaruh terhadap gangguan fungsional pada penderita Osteoarthritis Knee.
EGE ÜNİVERSİTESİ TIP FAKÜLTESİ HASTANESİ ÇALIŞANLARININ COVİD-19 VE KORUYUCU ÖNLEMLER HAKKINDA BİLGİ TUTUM VE DAVRANIŞLARININ DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: DİNÇ Ahmet , MANDIRACIOĞLU Aliye
Published: August 2021

AMAÇ: Bu çalışmanın amacı COVID-19 pandemisiyle aktif mücadelenin devam ettiği bir dönemde, Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Hastanesi’nde görev yapmakta olan sağlık çalışanlarının COVİD-19 hastalığı ve korunma önlemleri konusunda bilgi, tutum ve davranışlarını değerlendirmektir.

GEREÇ ve YÖNTEM: Kesitsel tipte olan bu araştırmaya 18 ile 63 yaş arası 438 sağlık çalışanı katılmıştır. Çalışmada veri toplama aracı olarak araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen ve dört bölümden oluşan anket formu kullanılmıştır. Anket formu sağlık çalışanlarına Google form üzerinden mail yolu ile ulaştırılmıştır. Anket verileri 03 Mart 2021-31 Mart 2021 tarihleri arasında toplanmıştır. Veriler SPSS 25.0 programında çözümlenmiştir. Anlamlılık düzeyi olarak p
DECISION MAKING PROCESS FOR SERVING RESTAURANTS USING INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY SET THEORY VIA CONTROLLED SETS
Authors: ÇUVALCIOĞLU Gökhan , VAROL Serkan Ural
Published: August 2021

The Intuitionistic fuzzy set theory gives quite successful results in decision-making processes when compared to other set theories. For this reason, it finds application areas in many areas of daily life such as political science, robotic systems, economic research, medical studies. The success of the IFS concept in decision-making processes in these areas has also been proven. In this study, it is aimed to create an IFS model that can make suggestions to support the end user in the process of choosing a product. Hamming measure will be used to achieve this goal. As per the definition of this measure, the degree of non-membership of the data is as important as the degree of membership. These values also determine the degree of intuition. However, the easier it is to estimate the yield value of a property of an object, the more difficult it is to estimate the non-fulfillment value. For this reason, in this study, the data will be intuitiveized by the controlled set theory and the relationships with the results will be determined. In all these processes The Microsoft SQL Server data structure for coding was used and algorithms were created according to this coding. A healthy evaluation of the data is as important as the value of the data's feature of not having that feature. This situation is the most important factor determining the value of intuition.
What Should We Do With People Who Cannot or Do Not Want to Be Protected From Neurotechnological Threats?
Authors: Inglese Silvia , Lavazza Andrea
Published: August 2021

Neurotechnologies can pose a threat to people’s privacy and mental integrity. Hence the proposal of establishing neurorights (Ienca and Andorno, 2017) and technical principles for the implementation of these rights (Lavazza, 2018). However, concepts such as “the extended mind” and what might be called “the post-human objection” can be said to challenge this protection paradigm. On the one hand, it may be difficult to outline the cognitive boundaries between humans and machines (with the consequent ethical and legal implications). On the other hand, those who wish to make strong use of neurotechnologies, or even hybridize with them, reject the idea that privacy and mental integrity should be protected. However, from the latter view, issues may arise relating to the protection of persons entering into relationships with posthumanist people. This article will discuss these scenarios as well as the ethical, legal, social, and political issues that could follow from them.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Chronic Kidney Disease—A Pediatric Perspective
Authors: Grund Andrea , Sinha Manish D. , Haffner Dieter , Leifheit-Nestler Maren
Published: August 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a hallmark in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) contributing to an enhanced risk of all-cause and CV morbidity and mortality in these patients. The bone-derived phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 progressively rises with declining kidney function to maintain phosphate homeostasis, with up to 1,000-fold increase in patients with kidney failure requiring dialysis. FGF23 is associated with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and thereby accounts to be a CVD risk factor in CKD. Experimentally, FGF23 directly induces hypertrophic growth of cardiac myocytes in vitro and LVH in vivo. Further, clinical studies in adult CKD have observed cardiotoxicity associated with FGF23. Data regarding prevalence and determinants of FGF23 excess in children with CKD are limited. This review summarizes current data and discusses whether FGF23 may be a key driver of LVH in pediatric CKD.
Modeling and Simulation of Heavy-Lift Tethered Multicopter Considering Mechanical Properties of Electric Power Cable
Authors: Kwon Hyeok-Min , Lee Dong-Kyu
Published: August 2021

In case of a fire at a high-rise building which is densely populated, an extension ladder is used to rescue people who have yet to evacuate to a safe place away from the fire, whereas those who are stranded at a height that is unreachable with the ladder should be promptly saved with different rescue methods. In this case, an application of the tethered flight system capable of receiving power over a power cable from the ground to a multicopter may guarantee effective execution of the rescue plan at the scene where fire is raging without any restrictions of the flight time. This article identified restrictions that should be considered in the design of a multicopter capable of tethered flight aimed to rescue stranded people at an inaccessible location with an extension ladder at a fire-ravaged high-rise building and assessed its feasibility. A power cable capable of providing dozens of kilowatts of electricity should be installed to enable the implementation of the rescue mission using the tethered multicopter. A flexible multi-body dynamics modeling and simulation with viscoelastic characteristics and heavy weight of power cable were carried out to evaluate the effects of such cable of the tethered flight system on the dynamic characteristics of the multicopter. The results indicate that as for a heavy-lift tethered multicopter designed to be utilized for rescue operations, the properties of the power cable, such as weight, rigidity and length, have a major impact on the position and attitude control performance.
Image Analysis Methods in Classifying Selected Malting Barley Varieties by Neural Modelling
Authors: Pilarska Agnieszka A. , Boniecki Piotr , Idzior-Haufa Małgorzata , Zaborowicz Maciej , Pilarski Krzysztof , Przybylak Andrzej , Piekarska-Boniecka Hanna
Published: August 2021

Quality evaluation of products is a critical stage in the process of production. It also applies to the production of beer and its main ingredients, i.e., hops, yeast, malting barley and other components. The research described in this paper deals with the multifaceted quality evaluation of malting barley needed for the production of malt. The project aims to elaborate on the original methodology used for identifying grain varieties, grain contamination degree and other visual characteristics of malting barley employing new computer technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and neural image analysis. The neural modelling and digital image analysis assist in identifying the quality of barley varieties. According to the study, information concerning the colour of barley varieties presented in digital images is sufficient for this purpose. The multi-layer perceptron (MLP)-type neural network generated using a data set describing the colour of kernels presented in digital images was the best model for recognising the analysed malting barley varieties. The proposed procedure may bring specific benefits to malthouses, influencing the beer production quality in the future.
Seed Rate and Cultivar Effect on Contribution of Vicia sativa L. Green Manure to Soil Amendment under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Tigka Evangelia , Beslemes Dimitrios , Kakabouki Ioanna , Pankou Chrysanthi , Bilalis Dimitrios , Tokatlidis Ioannis , Vlachostergios Dimitrios N.
Published: August 2021

The performance of Vicia sativa L. cultivars and cultivar mixtures used as green manure under two seed rates in a Mediterranean environment was investigated in a split plot design, over the period 2014–2016. Six common vetch cultivars grown in pure stands or in mixtures were established at two seed rates (S1 = 100 Kg ha−1 and S2 = 180 kg ha−1). Growth traits (e.g., plant height, biomass yield, LAI, CGR) were monitored until incorporation into topsoil. The nitrogen (N) concentration of the incorporated biomass along with the decomposition rate were determined, and the effects on the N supply to the soil were evaluated two, four and six months after biomass incorporation. The increment in residual soil Ν four months after green manuring fluctuated from 17 to 45 kg ha−1 among cultivars, and after six months, from 22 to 50 kg ha−1. The average decomposition rate of organic substances was slightly higher for S2 for all time intervals; however the highest value (62.6%) was recorded for S1 six months after biomass incorporation. Seed rate-independent genotypes were identified with regard to the decomposition of organic matter and are suggested as being suitable for green-manuring farming systems with a low seed rate, a fact that offers options with economic and environmental benefits.
Spatial Cognition in Teleost Fish: Strategies and Mechanisms
Authors: Rodríguez Fernando , Quintero Blanca , Amores Lucas , Madrid David , Salas-Peña Carmen , Salas Cosme
Published: August 2021

Teleost fish have been traditionally considered primitive vertebrates compared to mammals and birds in regard to brain complexity and behavioral functions. However, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that teleosts show advanced cognitive capabilities including spatial navigation skills that parallel those of land vertebrates. Teleost fish rely on a multiplicity of sensory cues and can use a variety of spatial strategies for navigation, ranging from relatively simple body-centered orientation responses to allocentric or “external world-centered” navigation, likely based on map-like relational memory representations of the environment. These distinct spatial strategies are based on separate brain mechanisms. For example, a crucial brain center for egocentric orientation in teleost fish is the optic tectum, which can be considered an essential hub in a wider brain network responsible for the generation of egocentrically referenced actions in space. In contrast, other brain centers, such as the dorsolateral telencephalic pallium of teleost fish, considered homologue to the hippocampal pallium of land vertebrates, seem to be crucial for allocentric navigation based on map-like spatial memory. Such hypothetical relational memory representations endow fish’s spatial behavior with considerable navigational flexibility, allowing them, for example, to perform shortcuts and detours.
The Effect of Comfort- and Hot-Period on the Blood Flow of Corpus Luteum (CL) in Cows Treated by an OvSynch Protocol
Authors: Darbaz Isfendiyar , Sayiner Serkan , Ergene Osman , Seyrek Intas Kamil , Zabitler Feride , Evci Enver Cemre , Aslan Selim
Published: August 2021

The values of luteal blood flow (LBF), total corpus luteum (CL) area (TAR), and progesterone (P4), during and after OvSynch (OvS) protocol in comfort (CP; n = 40) and hot periods (HP; n = 40) were compared. We investigated how low and high P4 values obtained before the application affected the parameters above during CP and HP periods. Blood samples were collected before the OvS application on day 0 (OVSd0), day 9 (OeG), and day 18 (9th day after OeG: OvSd9). The P4 (ng/mL) values of the animals exhibiting dominant follicles were between 0.12–0.82 in HC and 0.1–0.88 in CP (P4-2: 4.36–4.38 and P4-3: ≥7.36 ng/mL). The LBF values were measured on days 7 (OvSd7) and 9 (OvSd9) after the OeG. The P4 mean values at day 0 (OvSd0) were classified as low (P4-1), medium (P4-2), and high (P4-3). The LBF and the TAR values in the P4-2 and P4-3 on OeG day 9 were higher than in HP (p < 0.05; 0.001), but there was no significant difference in the P4-1. In conclusion, when the OvS program was initiated with low P4 values, no difference was observed between HP and CP in terms of LBF values; however, when the program was started with high P4 values, there were significant increases in LBF and TAR values in the CP compared to the HP.
In Vitro Production of Embryos from Prepubertal Holstein Cattle and Mediterranean Water Buffalo: Problems, Progress and Potential
Authors: Currin Luke , Baldassarre Hernan , Bordignon Vilceu
Published: August 2021

Laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) coupled with in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in prepubertal cattle and buffalo accelerates genetic gain. This article reviews LOPU-IVEP technology in prepubertal Holstein Cattle and Mediterranean Water Buffalo. The recent expansion of genomic-assisted selection has renewed interest and demand for prepubertal LOPU-IVEP schemes; however, low blastocyst development rates has constrained its widespread implementation. Here, we present an overview of the current state of the technology, limitations that persist and suggest possible solutions to improve its efficiency, with a focus on gonadotropin stimulations strategies to prime oocytes prior to follicular aspiration, and IVEP procedures promoting growth factor metabolism and limiting oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Neonatal Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Knockout Mice Increase Total Superoxide Dismutase Activity and VEGF Expression after Chronic Hyperoxia
Authors: Mathias Maxwell , Taylor Joann , Mendralla Elizabeth , Perez Marta
Published: August 2021

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common lung disease affecting premature infants that develops after exposure to supplemental oxygen and reactive oxygen intermediates. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) is an enzyme that processes superoxide radicals and has been shown to facilitate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) signaling in vascular endothelium. We utilized a mouse model of neonatal hyperoxic lung injury and SOD3 knockout (KO) mice to evaluate its function during chronic hyperoxia exposure. Wild-type age-matched neonatal C57Bl/6 (WT) and SOD3−/− (KO) mice were placed in normoxia (21% FiO2, RA) or chronic hyperoxia (75% FiO2, O2) within 24 h of birth for 14 days continuously and then euthanized. Lungs were harvested for histologic evaluation, as well as comparison of antioxidant enzyme expression, SOD activity, VEGF expression, and portions of the NO signaling pathway. Surprisingly, KO-O2 mice survived without additional alveolar simplification, microvascular remodeling, or nuclear oxidation when compared to WT-O2 mice. KO-O2 mice had increased total SOD activity and increased VEGF expression when compared to WT-O2 mice. No genotype differences were noted in intracellular antioxidant enzyme expression or the NO signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that SOD3 KO mice can survive prolonged hyperoxia without exacerbation of alveolar or vascular phenotype.
Energy Saving Quantitative Analysis of Passive, Active, and Renewable Technologies in Different Climate Zones
Authors: Kim Chul-Ho , Park Min-Kyeong , Kang Won-Hee
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to provide a guideline for the selection of technologies suitable for ASHRAE international climate zones when designing high-performance buildings. In this study, high-performance technologies were grouped as passive, active, and renewable energy systems. Energy saving technologies comprising 15 cases were categorized into passive, active, and renewable energy systems. EnergyPlus v9.5.0 was used to analyze the contribution of each technology in reducing the primary energy consumption. The energy consumption of each system was analyzed in different climates (Incheon, New Delhi, Minneapolis, Berlin), and the detailed contributions to saving energy were evaluated. Even when the same technology is applied, the energy saving rate differs according to the climatic characteristics. Shading systems are passive systems that are more effective in hot regions. In addition, the variable air volume (VAV) system, combined VAV–energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and combined VAV–underfloor air distribution (UFAD) are active systems that can convert hot and humid outdoor temperatures to create comfortable indoor environments. In cold and cool regions, passive systems that prevent heat loss, such as high-R insulation walls and windows, are effective. Active systems that utilize outdoor air or ventilation include the combined VAV-economizer, the active chilled beam with dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), and the combined VAV-ERV. For renewable energy systems, the ground source heat pump (GSHP) is more effective. Selecting energy saving technologies that are suitable for the surrounding environment, and selecting design strategies that are appropriate for a given climate, are very important for the design of high-performance buildings globally.
Genetic Deletion of Interleukin-15 Is Not Associated with Major Structural Changes Following Experimental Post-Traumatic Knee Osteoarthritis in Rats
Authors: Hadzic Ermina , Blackler Garth , Dupuis Holly , Renaud Stephen James , Appleton Christopher Thomas , Beier Frank
Published: August 2021

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a degenerative joint disease, leading to articular cartilage breakdown, osteophyte formation, and synovitis, caused by an initial joint trauma. Pro-inflammatory cytokines increase catabolic activity and may perpetuate inflammation following joint trauma. Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is increased in OA patients, although its roles in PTOA pathophysiology are not well characterized. Here, we utilized Il15 deficient rats to examine the role of IL-15 in PTOA pathogenesis in an injury-induced model. OA was surgically induced in Il15 deficient Holtzman Sprague-Dawley rats and control wild-type rats to compare PTOA progression. Semi-quantitative scoring of the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, osteophyte size, and synovium was performed by two blinded observers. There was no significant difference between Il15 deficient rats and wild-type rats following PTOA-induction across articular cartilage damage, subchondral bone damage, and osteophyte scoring. Similarly, synovitis scoring across six parameters found no significant difference between genetic variants. Overall, IL-15 does not appear to play a key role in the development of structural changes in this surgically-induced rat model of PTOA.
Nanoarchitectures in Management of Fungal Diseases: An Overview
Authors: Mishra Vijay , Singh Manvendra , Mishra Yachana , Charbe Nitin , Nayak Pallavi , Sudhakar Kalvatala , Aljabali Alaa A. A. , Shahcheraghi Seyed H. , Bakshi Hamid , Serrano-Aroca Ángel , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: August 2021

Fungal infections, from mild itching to fatal infections, lead to chronic diseases and death. Antifungal agents have incorporated chemical compounds and natural products/phytoconstituents in the management of fungal diseases. In contrast to antibacterial research, novel antifungal drugs have progressed more swiftly because of their mild existence and negligible resistance of infections to antifungal bioactivities. Nanotechnology-based carriers have gained much attention due to their magnificent abilities. Nanoarchitectures have served as excellent carriers/drug delivery systems (DDS) for delivering antifungal drugs with improved antifungal activities, bioavailability, targeted action, and reduced cytotoxicity. This review outlines the different fungal diseases and their treatment strategies involving various nanocarrier-based techniques such as liposomes, transfersomes, ethosomes, transethosomes, niosomes, spanlastics, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, polymer nanocomposites, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, and nanoemulsions, among other nanotechnological approaches.
From Exercise to Cognitive Performance: Role of Irisin
Authors: Pesce Mirko , La Fratta Irene , Paolucci Teresa , Grilli Alfredo , Patruno Antonia , Agostini Francesco , Bernetti Andrea , Mangone Massimiliano , Paoloni Marco , Invernizzi Marco , de Sire Alessandro
Published: August 2021

The beneficial effects of exercise on the brain are well known. In general, exercise offers an effective way to improve cognitive function in all ages, particularly in the elderly, who are considered the most vulnerable to neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, myokines, hormones secreted by muscle in response to exercise, have recently gained attention as beneficial mediators. Irisin is a novel exercise-induced myokine, that modulates several bodily processes, such as glucose homeostasis, and reduces systemic inflammation. Irisin is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5), a transmembrane precursor protein expressed in muscle under the control of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). The FNDC5/irisin system is also expressed in the hippocampus, where it stimulates the expression of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor in this area that is associated with learning and memory. In this review, we aimed to discuss the role of irisin as a key mediator of the beneficial effects of exercise on synaptic plasticity and memory in the elderly, suggesting its roles within the main promoters of the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain.
Theoretical Global Warming Impact Evaluation of Medium and High Temperature Heat Pumps Using Low GWP Refrigerants
Authors: Ghanbarpour Morteza , Mota-Babiloni Adrián , Badran Bassam E. , Khodabandeh Rahmatollah
Published: August 2021

This study provides a global warming impact analysis of environmentally friendly refrigerants used as replacements for R134a and R245fa. R290, R1234yf, R1234ze(E), R513A and R450A are considered as refrigerants to replace R134a in medium temperature applications. For R245fa, there are five alternative refrigerants, R1224yd(Z), R600, R1336mzz(Z), R1233zd(E) and R1234ze(Z), which are selected for high-temperature applications. The analysis is done considering the emission factors in Brazil, Sweden, Canada and Poland. In Sweden and Brazil, the total equivalent warming impact per heating capacity of R134a is higher than its alternative refrigerants in medium temperature application, although R134a exhibits a higher coefficient of performance than its alternatives. In high-temperature applications, R1336mzz(Z) has the lowest total equivalent warming impact per heating capacity due to its higher coefficient of performance than other tested refrigerants. The highest total equivalent warming impact per heating capacity belongs to R245fa in all countries except in Poland, where R600 exhibits a higher value due to its lower coefficient of performance and the relatively higher emission factor in Poland compared to other selected countries. These results revealed that in addition to the global warming potential, the emission factor associated with the sources of electricity generation has a crucial impact on indirect emissions.
Genetic Diversity and Population Differentiation of Kashgarian Loach (Triplophysa yarkandensis) in Xinjiang Tarim River Basin
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyun , Yi Shaokui , Zhao Wenhao , Zhou Qiong , Shen Jianzhong , Li Dapeng , Huo Bin , Tang Rong
Published: August 2021

The distribution of Triplophysa yarkandensis is restricted to Xinjiang’s Tarim River basin. We collected 119 T. yarkandensis samples from nine geographic populations in the Tarim River basin and utilized the RAD-seq method for SNP genotyping. In this study, a total of 164.81 Gb bases were generated with the Illumina platform, and 129,873 candidate SNPs were obtained with the Stacks pipeline for population genetic analyses. High levels of genetic diversity were detected among nine populations. The AMOVA results showed that the majority of genetic variations originated from among populations (FST = 0.67), and the pairwise FST values ranged from 0.4579 to 0.8736, indicating high levels of genetic differentiation among these populations. The discriminate analysis of principal components (DAPCs) and neighbor joining (NJ) tree revealed that the nine populations could be separated into two clusters (i.e., south and north populations), and modest genetic differentiation between south and north populations was observed, while the individuals from several populations were not clustered together by geographical location. The evidence of two genetic boundaries between south and north populations (except TTM) was supported by barrier analysis. The Bayesian skyline plotting indicated that T. yarkandensis populations in the Tarim River basin had not experienced genetic bottlenecks, and the effective population size remained stable. This study first clarified the genetic diversity and differentiation of T. yarkandensis populations in the Tarim River basin, and it provided valuable molecular data for conservation and management of natural populations.
Clinical Outcome Prediction in COVID-19 Patients by Lymphocyte Subsets Analysis and Monocytes’ iTNF-α Expression
Authors: Madonna Gabriele , Sale Silvia , Capone Mariaelena , De Falco Chiara , Santocchio Valentina , Di Matola Tiziana , Fiorentino Giuseppe , Pirozzi Caterina , D’Antonio Anna , Sabatino Rocco , Atripaldi Lidia , Atripaldi Umberto , Raffone Marcello , Curvietto Marcello , Grimaldi Antonio Maria , Vanella Vito , Festino Lucia , Scarpato Luigi , Palla Marco , Spatarella Michela , Perna Francesco , Cerino Pellegrino , Botti Gerardo , Parrella Roberto , Montesarchio Vincenzo , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Atripaldi Luigi
Published: August 2021

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, “SARS-CoV-2”, was recognized as the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several studies have explored the changes and the role of inflammatory cells and cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of the disease, but until today, the results have been controversial. Based on these premises, we conducted a retrospective assessment of monocyte intracellular TNF-α expression (iTNF-α) and on the frequencies of lymphocyte sub-populations in twenty-five patients with moderate/severe COVID-19. We found lymphopenia in all COVID-19 infected subjects compared to healthy subjects. On initial observation, in patients with favorable outcomes, we detected a high absolute eosinophil count and a high CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes ratio, while in the Exitus Group, we observed high neutrophil and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts. During infection, in patients with favorable outcomes, we observed a rise in the lymphocyte count, in the monocyte and in Treg lymphocyte counts, and in the CD4+ and in CD8+ T lymphocytes count but a reduction in the CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio. Instead, in the Exitus Group, we observed a reduction in the Treg lymphocyte counts and a decrease in iTNF-α expression. Our preliminary findings point to a modulation of the different cellular mediators of the immune system, which probably play a key role in the outcomes of COVID-19.
Association between Inguinal Hernia and Arterial Disease: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Serra Raffaele , Bracale Umberto Marcello , Conforto Rosy , Roncone Arturo , Ielapi Nicola , Michael Ashour , Sodo Maurizio , Di Taranto Maria Donata , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Serraino Giuseppe Filiberto , Provenzano Michele , Andreucci Michele
Published: August 2021

Background: Inguinal hernia (IH) is a major problem in general surgery and its prevalence is increasing. The presence of hernias has been associated with a wide spectrum of venous diseases, with the involvement of imbalances in collagen and extracellular matrix deposition and metalloproteinases dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate whether the association between IH and vascular diseases is also present with respect to arterial diseases. Methods: We designed a cross-sectional observational study enrolling consecutive patients undergoing surgical repair of IH. Arterial diseases (AD) considered were carotid stenosis, peripheral artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Results: Study population consisted of 70 patients. Mean age was 63.2 ± 4.7 years. Prevalence of AD was 42.9% in the whole cohort. AD patients were older (p = 0.015), and more frequently had hypertension (p = 0.001) and active smoking habits (p = 0.001) than the no-AD group. Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was higher in AD than in no-AD patients (p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, increased ACR (odds ratio, OR: 1.14, p < 0.001), old age (OR: 1.25, p = 0.001) and a smoking habit (OR: 3.20, p = 0.001) were significant correlates for the presence of AD. Conclusions: Prevalence of AD in patients with IH is non-negligible. Old age, a smoking habit and an abnormal excretion of urine albumin are associated with the presence of AD in these patients. Future studies are needed to gain more insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this association, exploring also the specific role of metalloproteinases.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Mutation Exacerbated High-Fat-Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Gut Microbiota Remodeling in Male Mice
Authors: Yang Sien-Sing , Chen Yi-Hsun , Hu Jui-Ting , Chiu Ching-Feng , Hung Shao-Wen , Chang Yi-Chih , Chiu Chien-Chao , Chuang Hsiao-Li
Published: August 2021

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a critical enzyme involved in ethanol clearance in acetaldehyde metabolism and plays a key role in protecting the liver. The ALDH2*2 mutation causes a significant decrease in acetaldehyde scavenging capacity, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde after consuming alcohol. The prevalence of the ALDH2*2 variant is in 45% of Taiwanese individuals. ALDH2 reportedly has protective properties on myocardial damage, stroke, and diabetic retina damage. However, the effects of ALDH2 in the modulation of metabolic syndromes remain unclear. This study evaluates the roles of ALDH2 in a high-fat-diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice. Male (M) and female (F) wild-type (WT) and ALDH2 knock-in C57BL/6J mice (4–5 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Results showed that the body and white-adipose-tissue weights were significantly increased in ALDH2-M compared to those in the other groups. We observed markedly elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase and glucose. Oral glucose-tolerance test and homeostasis-model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were significantly higher in ALDH2-M mice than those in WT-M mice, with no observable differences in female mice. Abundant steatosis and inflammatory cells were observed in ALDH2-M, with significantly decreased expression of hepatic genes IRS2, GLUT4, and PGC-1α compared to that in WT-M. ALDH2 gene mutation also affected the β-diversity of gut microbiota in ALDH2-M resulting in the decreased abundance of Actinobacteria and an increase in Deferribacteres. Our results suggest that potential changes in gut microbiota may be associated with the defective ALDH2 exacerbation of high-fat-diet-induced liver diseases in male mice. However, female mice were not affected, and sex hormones may be an important factor that requires further investigation.
Egg Incubation Mechanics of Giant Birds
Authors: Yen An , Wu Hsiao-Jou , Chen Pin-Yi , Yu Hon-Tsen , Juang Jia-Yang
Published: August 2021

Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to conduct mechanical analyses on eggshells of giant birds, and relate this to the evolution and reproductive behavior of avian species. We aim to (1) investigate mechanical characteristics of eggshell structures of various ratite species, enabling comparisons between species with or without reversed sexual size dimorphism (RSSD); (2) quantify the safety margin provided by RSSD; (3) determine whether the Williams’ egg can have been incubated by an extinct giant bird Genyornis newtoni; (4) determine the theoretical maximum body mass for contact incubation. We use a dimensionless number C to quantify relative shell stiffness with respect to the egg size, allowing for comparison across wide body masses. We find that RSSD in moas significantly increases the safety margin of contact incubation by the lighter males. However, their safety margins are still smaller than those of the moa species without RSSD. Two different strategies were adopted by giant birds—one is RSSD and thinner shells, represented by some moa species; the other is no RSSD and regular shells, represented by the giant elephant bird. Finally, we predicted that the upper limit of body mass for contact incubation was 2000 kg.
Bioenergetic Pathways in the Sperm of an Under-Ice Spawning Fish, Burbot (Lota lota): The Role of Mitochondrial Respiration in a Varying Thermal Environment
Authors: Rahi Deepali , Dzyuba Borys , Policar Tomas , Malinovskyi Oleksandr , Rodina Marek , Dzyuba Viktoriya
Published: August 2021

Regarding the sperm of cold-water fish, the contributions of different bioenergetic pathways, including mitochondrial respiration, to energy production at the spawning temperature and its adaptation at the maximum critical temperature (CTmax) are unclear. The roles of glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) at 4 °C, and OXPHOS at 15 °C for energy production in burbot (Lota lota) spermatozoa were studied by motility and the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) (with and without pathway inhibitors and the OXPHOS uncoupler). At both temperatures, the effects of the inhibitors and the uncoupler on the motility duration, curvilinear velocity, and track linearity were insignificant; in addition, the OCRs in activation and non-activation media differed insignificantly and were not enhanced after uncoupler treatment. After inhibitor treatment in both media, OXPHOS was insignificantly different at the 2, 30, and 60 s time points at 4 °C but was reduced significantly at the 30 and 60 s time points after treatment with sodium azide at 15 °C. In conclusion, for burbot sperm at both the spawning temperature and the CTmax, the energy synthesized via OXPHOS during motility was insufficient. Therefore, the majority of the energy required to sustain motility was derived from pre-accumulated energy produced and stored during the quiescent state of the spermatozoa.
The Emerging Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs and MicroRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Perspective of Machine Learning
Authors: García-Fonseca Ángela , Martin-Jimenez Cynthia , Barreto George E. , Pachón Andres Felipe Aristizábal , González Janneth
Published: August 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by progressive neuronal dysfunction and death of brain cells population. As the early manifestations of NDs are similar, their symptoms are difficult to distinguish, making the timely detection and discrimination of each neurodegenerative disorder a priority. Several investigations have revealed the importance of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment, brain function, maturation, and neuronal activity, as well as its dysregulation involved in many types of neurological diseases. Therefore, the expression pattern of these molecules in the different NDs have gained significant attention to improve the diagnostic and treatment at earlier stages. In this sense, we gather the different microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs that have been reported as dysregulated in each disorder. Since there are a vast number of non-coding RNAs altered in NDs, some sort of synthesis, filtering and organization method should be applied to extract the most relevant information. Hence, machine learning is considered as an important tool for this purpose since it can classify expression profiles of non-coding RNAs between healthy and sick people. Therefore, we deepen in this branch of computer science, its different methods, and its meaningful application in the diagnosis of NDs from the dysregulated non-coding RNAs. In addition, we demonstrate the relevance of machine learning in NDs from the description of different investigations that showed an accuracy between 85% to 95% in the detection of the disease with this tool. All of these denote that artificial intelligence could be an excellent alternative to help the clinical diagnosis and facilitate the identification diseases in early stages based on non-coding RNAs.