bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhizobacteria Associated with a Native Solanaceae Promote Plant Growth and Decrease the Effects of Fusariumoxysporum in Tomato
Authors: Delgado-Ramírez Carmen Sanjuana , Hernández-Martínez Rufina , Sepúlveda Edgardo
Published: March 2021

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria are often utilized to improve crop health and productivity. Nevertheless, their positive effects can be hindered if they fail to withstand the environmental and ecological conditions of the regions where they are applied. An alternative approach to circumvent this problem is a tailored selection of bacteria for specific agricultural systems. In this work, we evaluated the plant growth promoting and pathogen inhibition activity of rhizobacteria obtained from the rhizosphere of Mariola (Solanum hindsianum), an endemic shrub from Baja California. Eight strains were capable of inhibiting Fusarium oxysporum in vitro, and thirteen strains were found to possess three or more plant-growth-promotion traits. Molecular identification of these strains, using 16 s rRNA partial sequences, identified them as belonging to the genera Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces. Finally, the effect of selected plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains on the growth and suppression of Fusarium wilt in tomato was evaluated. Results showed that these strains improved tomato plants growth under greenhouse conditions and reduced Fusarium wilt effects, as reflected in several variables such as length and weight of roots and stem. This work highlights the potential of native plants related to regionally important crops as a valuable source of beneficial bacteria.
Genetic Diversity of Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) with Black Seed Coats and Green Cotyledons in Korean Germplasm
Authors: Jo Hyun , Lee Ji Yun , Cho Hyeontae , Choi Hong Jib , Son Chang Ki , Bae Jeong Suk , Bilyeu Kristin , Song Jong Tae , Lee Jeong-Dong
Published: March 2021

Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) with black seed coats and green cotyledons are rich in anthocyanins and chlorophylls known as functional nutrients, antioxidants and compounds with anticarcinogenic properties. Understanding the genetic diversity of germplasm is important to determine effective strategies for improving the economic traits of these soybeans. We aimed to analyze the genetic diversity of 470 soybean accessions by 6K single nucleotide polymorphic loci to determine genetic architecture of the soybeans with black seed coats and green cotyledons. We found soybeans with black seed coats and green cotyledons showed narrow genetic variability in South Korea. The genotypic frequency of the d1d2 and psbM variants for green cotyledon indicated that soybean collections from Korea were intermingled with soybean accessions from Japan and China. Regarding the chlorophyll content, the nuclear gene variant pair d1d2 produced significantly higher chlorophyll a content than that of chloroplast genome psbM variants. Among the soybean accessions in this study, flower color plays an important role in the anthocyanin composition of seed coats. We provide 36 accessions as a core collection representing 99.5% of the genetic diversity from the total accessions used in this study to show potential as useful breeding materials for cultivars with black seed coats and green cotyledons.
Identification of Superior Soybean Cultivars through the Indication of Specific Adaptabilities within Duo-Environments for Year-Round Soybean Production in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Sritongtae Chompoonut , Monkham Tidarat , Sanitchon Jirawat , Lodthong Sanit , Srisawangwong Sittipong , Chankaew Sompong
Published: March 2021

The soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is one of the world’s most important sources of food, feed, and fuel due to its high protein value and oil content. However, there exists a lack of soybean genotypes suitable for growth in diverse conditions as soybean breeders have developed their own varieties for specific purposes within their own unique environments. This, therefore, creates the need for soybean genotypes for different environments. The objectives of the experiment described herein were to determine the genotype magnitude through the environment interaction (GxE) of new soybean breeding lines, thereby identifying widely and/or specifically adapted genotypes under ten of Northeast Thailand’s typical environmental conditions from 2017 to 2019. Analyses of the environment (E) and GxE captured a large portion of the total sum of squares of grain yield and related traits, which demonstrated the influence of the two factors in evaluating soybean genotypes, thereby identifying the need for response analysis to identify superior genotypes in each environment. Based on the grain yields of three environments, four genotype groups were clustered. Within the high grain yield environment (EG1), we identified five genotypes with higher yield performance (35*sj-32 (3356 kg/ha), 38D*a-16 (3138 kg/ha), 42*Ly-50-2 (3122 kg/ha), 35*Lh-7 (3116 kg/ha), and 223*Lh-85 (3073 kg/ha)) of KK (3132 kg/ha), the recommended soybean variety for Northeast Thailand, than that of the CM60 (2606 kg/ha). These five top-yielding genotypes, however, produced unstable grain yields through varied environments as they were each narrowly adapted to a specific environment. Moreover, those genotypes may be grown within a rotational cropping system in a duo-environment (wet and dry season) of soybean production in Thailand’s northeast region.
Polarity-Based Sequential Extraction as a Simple Tool to Reveal the Structural Complexity of Humic Acids
Authors: Enev Vojtěch , Sedláček Petr , Kubíková Leona , Sovová Šárka , Doskočil Leoš , Klučáková Martina , Pekař Miloslav
Published: March 2021

A sequential chemical extraction with a defined series of eluotropic organic solvents with an increasing polarity (trichloromethane < ethyl acetate < acetone < acetonitrile < n-propanol < methanol) was performed on peat-bog humic acid. Six organic fractions were obtained and subjected to a physicochemical characterization utilizing methods of structural and compositional analysis. Advanced spectroscopic techniques such as Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR-FTIR), total luminescence, and liquid-state 13C NMR spectrometry were combined with elemental analysis of the organic fractions. In total, the procedure extracted about 57% (wt.) of the initial material; the individual fractions amounted from 1.1% to 19.7%. As expected, the apolar solvents preferentially released lipid-like components, while polar solvents provided organic fractions rich in oxygen-containing polar groups with structural parameters closer to the original humic material. The fraction extracted with acetonitrile shows distinct structural features with its lower aromaticity and high content of protein-like structural motifs. The last two—alcohol extracted—fractions show the higher content of carbohydrate residues and their specific (V-type) fluorescence suggests the presence of plant pigment residues. The extraction procedure is suggested for further studies as a simple but effective way to decrease the structural complexity of a humic material enabling its detail and more conclusive compositional characterization.
Camera Trapping to Assess Status and Composition of Mammal Communities in a Biodiversity Hotspot in Myanmar
Authors: Cremonesi Giacomo , Bisi Francesco , Gaffi Lorenzo , Zaw Thet , Naing Hla , Moe Kyaw , Aung Zarni , Mazzamuto Maria V. , Gagliardi Alessandra , Wauters Lucas A. , Preatoni Damiano G. , Martinoli Adriano
Published: March 2021

Tropical forests comprise a critically impacted habitat, and it is known that altered forests host a lower diversity of mammal communities. In this study, we investigated the mammal communities of two areas in Myanmar with similar environmental conditions but with great differences in habitat degradation and human disturbance. The main goal was to understand the status and composition of these communities in an understudied area like Myanmar at a broad scale. Using camera trap data from a three-year-long campaign and hierarchical occupancy models with a Bayesian formulation, we evaluated the biodiversity level (species richness) and different ecosystem functions (diet and body mass), as well as the occupancy values of single species as a proxy for population density. We found a lower mammal diversity in the disturbed area, with a significantly lower number of carnivores and herbivores species. Interestingly, the area did not show alteration in its functional composition. Almost all the specific roles in the community were present except for apex predators, thus suggesting that the effects of human disturbance are mainly effecting the communities highest levels. Furthermore, two species showed significantly lower occupancies in the disturbed area during all the monitoring campaigns: one with a strong pressure for bushmeat consumption and a vulnerable carnivore threatened by illegal wildlife trade.
Seasonal Effect on Feed Intake and Methane Emissions of Cow–Calf Systems on Native Grassland with Variable Herbage Allowance
Authors: Orcasberro M. Soledad , Loza Cecilia , Gere José , Soca Pablo , Picasso Valentín , Astigarraga Laura
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to measure methane emissions (CH4) and herbage intake, and, on the basis of these results, obtain the methane yield (MY, methane yield as g CH4/kg dry matter intake (DMI) and Ym, methane yield as a percentage of Gross Energy intake), from beef cows grazing on native grasslands. We used forty pregnant heifers, with two treatments of herbage allowance (HA) adjusted seasonally (8 and 5 kg dry matter (DM)/kg cattle live weight (LW), on average), during autumn, winter and spring. Methane emissions (207 g CH4/d), organic matter intake (OMI, 7.7 kg organic matter (OM)/d), MY (23.6 g CH4/kg DMI) and Ym (7.4%), were similar between treatments. On the other hand, all variables had a marked increase in spring (10.8 kg OM/d and 312 g CH4/d), except for Ym. The methane emission factor from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 estimated with these results was 78 kg CH4/head/year. The results show that methane emissions and intake were influenced by the season, but not by the HA analyzed in this study. This information for cow–calf systems in native grasslands in Uruguay can be used in National greenhouse gases (GHG) inventories, representing a relevant contribution to global GHG inventories.
Barriers of Appropriate Antibiotic Prescription at PHCC in Qatar: Perspective of Physicians and Pharmacists
Authors: Sharaf Nahla , Al-Jayyousi Ghadir Fakhri , Radwan Eman , Shams Eldin Shimous Mohamed Elamin , Hamdani Dhouha , Al-Katheeri Huda , Elawad Khalid , Habib Sair Anjum
Published: March 2021

The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar developed the NAP (National Action Plan to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in collaboration with WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO). Among the major factors shaping AMR is antimicrobial prescribing and use. Tailoring Antimicrobial Resistance Program is a behavior change methodology that is utilized to adapt behavior change in relation to antimicrobial use. This study explores barriers of appropriate antibiotic (AB) prescription from the physicians’ and pharmacists’ perspectives at primary healthcare centers in Qatar. Data were collected from 50 participants across two PHCCs: 30 physicians and 20 pharmacists. Two different interview guides were constructed: One for physicians and one for pharmacists. In-depth, face-to-face, five focus groups were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Inductive qualitative analysis, involving discovering the themes in the interviews, was followed. Data were analyzed using constant comparative techniques. The Major themes arose from the analysis revealed that patients, practitioners mainly physicians, and the organization itself, played a role in shaping these barriers in the two primary healthcare centers. The findings would help develop and pilot behavior change interventions among patients, physicians and pharmacists with the aim of optimizing appropriate antibiotic prescription and use, which would support the implementation of the antibiotic stewardship program. Effective behavior change interventions should consider multiple factors including individual and organizational factors to optimize appropriate antibiotic prescription.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Clonal Replacement in a Malaysian Teaching Hospital: Findings from an Eight-Year Interval Molecular Surveillance
Authors: Ismail Mohd Azrul Hisham , Kamarudin Norhidayah , Abdul Samat Muttaqillah Najihan , Raja Abdul Rahman Raja Mohd Fadhil , Saimun Saberi , Tan Toh Leong , Neoh Hui-min
Published: March 2021

Periodical surveillance on nosocomial pathogens is important for antimicrobial stewardship and infection control. The first methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) molecular surveillance in Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), a Malaysian teaching hospital, was performed in 2009. The dominant clone was identified as an MRSA carrying SCCmec type III-SCCmercury with ccrC and sea+cna toxin genes. In this study, we report the findings of the second HCTM MRSA surveillance carried out in 2017, after an interval of 8 years. Antibiotic susceptibility testing, SCCmec, toxin gene, and spa typing were performed for 222 MRSA strains isolated in 2017. Most strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, cefoxitin, and penicillin (n = 126, 56.8%), belong to SCCmec type IV (n = 205, 92.3%), spa type t032 (n = 160, 72.1%) and harboured seg+sei toxin genes (n = 172, 77.5%). There was significant association between resistance of the aforementioned antibiotics with SCCmec type IV (p < 0.05), t032 (p < 0.001), and seg+sei carriage (p < 0.05). Results from this second MRSA surveillance revealed the occurrence of clonal replacement in HCTM during an interval of not more than 8 years. Investigation of the corresponding phenotype changes in this new dominant MRSA clone is currently on-going.
Lipid Peroxidation in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Cháfer-Pericás Consuelo
Published: March 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases have multiple social and economic impacts on society, and they are the cause of millions of deaths every year [...]
Hydrogen Sulfide as a Potential Therapy for Heart Failure—Past, Present, and Future
Authors: LaPenna Kyle B. , Polhemus David J. , Doiron Jake E. , Hidalgo Hunter A. , Li Zhen , Lefer David J.
Published: March 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous, gaseous signaling molecule that plays a critical role in cardiac and vascular biology. H2S regulates vascular tone and oxidant defenses and exerts cytoprotective effects in the heart and circulation. Recent studies indicate that H2S modulates various components of metabolic syndrome, including obesity and glucose metabolism. This review will discuss studies exhibiting H2S -derived cardioprotective signaling in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We will also discuss the role of H2S in metabolic syndrome and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Endothelium as a Source and Target of H2S to Improve Its Trophism and Function
Authors: Ciccone Valerio , Genah Shirley , Morbidelli Lucia
Published: March 2021

The vascular endothelium consists of a single layer of squamous endothelial cells (ECs) lining the inner surface of blood vessels. Nowadays, it is no longer considered as a simple barrier between the blood and vessel wall, but a central hub to control blood flow homeostasis and fulfill tissue metabolic demands by furnishing oxygen and nutrients. The endothelium regulates the proper functioning of vessels and microcirculation, in terms of tone control, blood fluidity, and fine tuning of inflammatory and redox reactions within the vessel wall and in surrounding tissues. This multiplicity of effects is due to the ability of ECs to produce, process, and release key modulators. Among these, gasotransmitters such as nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are very active molecules constitutively produced by endotheliocytes for the maintenance and control of vascular physiological functions, while their impairment is responsible for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and impaired wound healing and vascularization due to diabetes, infections, and ischemia. Upregulation of H2S producing enzymes and administration of H2S donors can be considered as innovative therapeutic approaches to improve EC biology and function, to revert endothelial dysfunction or to prevent cardiovascular disease progression. This review will focus on the beneficial autocrine/paracrine properties of H2S on ECs and the state of the art on H2S potentiating drugs and tools.
Classification and Predictions of Lung Diseases from Chest X-rays Using MobileNet V2
Authors: Souid Abdelbaki , Sakli Nizar , Sakli Hedi
Published: March 2021

Featured Application: The method presented in this paper can be applied in medical computer systems for supporting medical diagnosis.Abstract: Thoracic radiography (chest X-ray) is an inexpensive but effective and widely used medical imaging procedure. However, a lack of qualified radiologists severely limits the applicability of the technique. Even current Deep Learning-based approaches often require strong supervision, e.g., annotated bounding boxes, to train such systems, which is impossible to harvest on a large scale. In this work, we proposed the classification and prediction of lung pathologies of frontal thoracic X-rays using a modified model MobileNet V2. We considered using transfer learning with metadata leverage. We used the NIH Chest-Xray-14 database, and we did a comparison of performance of our approach to other state-of-the-art methods for pathology classification. The main comparison was by Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) statistics and analyzed the differences between classifiers. Overall, we notice a considerable spread in the achieved result with an average AUC of 0.811 and an accuracy above 90%. We conclude that resampling the dataset gives a huge improvement to the model performance. In this work, we intended to create a model that is capable of being trained, and modified devices with low computing power because they can be implemented into smaller IoT devices.
Potential Instability and Malfunction of Knee Joints with Vastus Medialis Impairment after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lee Yongkyung , Yang Hai-Mi , Jang Jinju , Kwak Dai-Soon , Kim Jungsung , Chun Heoung-Jae , Jung Dukyoung , Lim Dohyung
Published: March 2021

Four pairs of fresh-frozen cadaver knees (eight knees, four male knees) with a mean age of 72 ± 7 years were used for tests involving a customized simulator capable of controlling quadriceps loading conditions. The muscle force distribution of the quadriceps for the normal loading condition was applied on the basis of muscle cross-sectional area data, as previously reported (VM: 31 N; RF/VI: 49 N; VL: 45 N). To simulate vastus medialis (VM) impairment, we set the muscle force for VM in the muscle force distribution of the quadriceps at zero (VM: 0 N; RF/VI: 49 N; VL: 45 N). The joint reaction forces and moments on knee joints that underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) did not differ significantly according to VM impairment status for all flexion angles (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the vectors of internal–external moments mostly showed a tendency for alteration from external to internal due to VM impairment. This tendency was evident in 9 cases in 12 total test pairs (with and without VM impairment). Furthermore, the vectors of the anterior–posterior reaction forces mostly showed a tendency to increase anteriorly due to VM impairment. This tendency was also evident in 9 cases in 12 total test pairs (with and without VM impairment). These results indicate that posterior dislocation of the tibia may be induced if VM impairment occurs after TKA. In conclusion, VM impairment in knee joints undergoing TKA may contribute to posterior dislocation of the tibia by a paradoxical roll-back with enhancements of the anterior joint reaction force and external moment during knee-joint flexion. Our findings may be valuable for understanding the mechanism of potential instability and malfunction due to VM impairment in knee joints after TKA, and may help to optimize clinical/rehabilitation training plans to improve the prognosis (stability and function) of knee joints undergoing TKA.
Durability of Textile Reinforced Concrete: Existing Knowledge and Current Gaps
Authors: Alma’aitah Mohammad , Ghiassi Bahman , Dalalbashi Ali
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to provide a review of the current literature on the durability of textile-reinforced concrete and mortar (TRC/TRM) composites. Most previous studies have focused on the role of chemical attacks, freeze-thaw conditions, and high temperatures on the mechanical performance of these composites. Information on the long-term performance of TRCs under synergistic action of mechanical and environmental loads is scarce. Considering the variety of fabrics and matrices used for the production of TRC composites, the existing data are still very limited and comprehensive studies are needed in this field. Additionally, due to the lack of standard procedures, different approaches are often followed for durability or post-ageing mechanical tests, or sufficient data on the curing and post-ageing preparation procedures followed are not provided. These have led to incompatibility of the existing data and in some cases contradictory results on the durability of these materials.
Experimental Study on the Pullout Resistance of Smooth Steel Strip Reinforcement with Transverse Members
Authors: Han Jung-Geun , Lee Kwang-Wu , Lee Jong-Young , Hong Gigwon , Park Jeongjun
Published: March 2021

This paper presents an experimental study on the pullout resistance of a newly improved reinforcement. The applied reinforcement was a smooth steel strip reinforcement with transverse members used to improve the pullout-resistance problems of the smooth steel strip reinforcement. The pullout and bearing resistance of the improved reinforcement were evaluated using results of large-scale pullout tests. The evaluation result confirmed that the bearing resistance of the improved reinforcement was about 33–66% of the total pullout resistance, and it had an evenly distributed friction and bearing resistance. The bearing bond coefficient, considering the interference effect, gradually converged when normal stress was higher than a certain value. This result confirmed that the increment of interference effect is caused by the increment of the transverse member and normal stress. In the pullout-resistance evaluation of the improved reinforcement, a number of transverse members can be predicted using the relationship between bearing-resistance stress and the bearing bond coefficient due to normal stress, which can be applied as a reasonable prediction method.
Effects of Accelerated Carbonation Testing and by-Product Allocation on the CO2-Sequestration-to-Emission Ratios of Fly Ash-Based Binder Systems
Authors: Van den Heede Philip , De Belie Nele
Published: March 2021

Carbonation of cementitious binders implies gradual capture of CO2 and significant compensation for the abundant cement-related CO2 emissions. Therefore, one should always look at the CO2-sequestration-to-emission ratio (CO2SP/EM). Here, this was done for High-Volume Fly Ash (HVFA) mortar (versus two commercial cement mortars). Regarding their CO2 sequestration potential, effects of accelerated testing (at 1–10% CO2) on as such estimated natural carbonation degrees and rates were studied. Production related CO2 emissions were evaluated using life cycle assessment with no/economic allocation for fly ash. Natural carbonation rates estimated from accelerated tests significantly underestimate actual natural carbonation rates (with 29–59% for HVFA mortar) while corresponding carbonation degrees are significantly overestimated (67–74% as opposed to the actual 58% for HVFA mortar). It is advised to stick with the more time-consuming natural tests. Even then, CO2SP/EM values can vary considerably depending on whether economic allocation coefficients (Ce) were considered. This approach imposes significant portions of the CO2 emissions of coal-fired electricity production onto fly ash originating from Germany, China, UK, US and Canada. Ce values of ≥0.50% lower the potential CO2SP/EM values up to a point that it seems no longer environmentally worthwhile to aim at high-volume replacement of Portland cement/clinker by fly ash.
Multi-Criteria Optimization in Operations Scheduling Applying Selected Priority Rules
Authors: Červeňanská Zuzana , Važan Pavel , Juhás Martin , Juhásová Bohuslava
Published: March 2021

The utilization of a specific priority rule in scheduling operations in flexible job shop systems strongly influences production goals. In a context of production control in real practice, production performance indicators are evaluated always en bloc. This paper addresses the multi-criteria evaluating five selected conflicting production objectives via scalar simulation-based optimization related to applied priority rule. It is connected to the discrete-event simulation model of a flexible job shop system with partially interchangeable workplaces, and it investigates the impact of three selected priority rules—FIFO (First In First Out), EDD (Earliest Due Date), and STR (Slack Time Remaining). In the definition of the multi-criteria objective function, two scalarization methods—Weighted Sum Method and Weighted Product Method—are employed in the optimization model. According to the observations, EDD and STR priority rules outperformed the FIFO rule regardless of the type of applied multi-criteria method for the investigated flexible job shop system. The results of the optimization experiments also indicate that the evaluation via applying multi-criteria optimization is relevant for identifying effective solutions in the design space when the specific priority rule is applied in the scheduling operations.
Formation of Advanced Nanomaterials by Gas-Phase Aggregation
Authors: Popok Vladimir N. , Kylián Ondřej
Published: March 2021

Gas aggregation is a well-known phenomenon, often seen in nature under temperature lowering, as, for example, cloud, fog or haze formation [...]
Identification of High Personal PM2.5 Exposure during Real Time Commuting in the Taipei Metropolitan Area
Authors: Wang Cheng-Yi , Lim Biing-Suan , Wang Ya-Hui , Huang Yuh-Chin
Published: March 2021

There has been an increase in the network of mass rapid transit (MRT) and the number of automobiles over the past decades in the Taipei metropolitan area, Taiwan. The effects of these changes on PM2.5 exposure for the residents using different modes of transportation are unclear. Volunteers measured PM2.5 concentrations while commuting in different modes of transportation using a portable PM2.5 detector. Exposure to PM2.5 (median (range)) was higher when walking along the streets (40 (10–275) µg/m3) compared to riding the buses (35 (13–65) µg/m3) and the cars (15 (8–80) µg/m3). PM2.5 concentrations were higher in underground MRT stations (80 (30–210) µg/m3) and inside MRT cars running in underground sections (80 (55–185) µg/m3) than those in elevated MRT stations (33 (15–35) µg/m3) and inside MRT cars running in elevated sections (28 (13–68) µg/m3) (p < 0.0001). Riding motorcycle also was associated with high PM2.5 exposure (75 (60–105 µg/m3), p < 0.0001 vs. walking). High PM2.5 concentrations were noted near the temples (588 ± 271 µg/m3) and in the underground food court of a night market (405 ± 238 µg/m3) where the eatery stalls stir-fried and grilled food (p < 0.0001 vs. walking). We conclude that residents in the Taipei metropolitan area may still be exposed to high PM2.5 during some forms of commuting, including riding underground MRT.
A Molecular Modeling Approach to Identify Potential Antileishmanial Compounds Against the Cell Division Cycle (cdc)-2-Related Kinase 12 (CRK12) Receptor of Leishmania donovani
Authors: Broni Emmanuel , Kwofie Samuel K. , Asiedu Seth O. , Miller Whelton A. , Wilson Michael D.
Published: March 2021

The huge burden of leishmaniasis caused by the trypanosomatid protozoan parasite Leishmania is well known. This illness was included in the list of neglected tropical diseases targeted for elimination by the World Health Organization. However, the increasing evidence of resistance to existing antimonial drugs has made the eradication of the disease difficult to achieve, thus warranting the search for new drug targets. We report here studies that used computational methods to identify inhibitors of receptors from natural products. The cell division cycle-2-related kinase 12 (CRK12) receptor is a plausible drug target against Leishmania donovani. This study modelled the 3D molecular structure of the L. donovani CRK12 (LdCRK12) and screened for small molecules with potential inhibitory activity from African flora. An integrated library of 7722 African natural product-derived compounds and known inhibitors were screened against the LdCRK12 using AutoDock Vina after performing energy minimization with GROMACS 2018. Four natural products, namely sesamin (NANPDB1649), methyl ellagic acid (NANPDB1406), stylopine (NANPDB2581), and sennecicannabine (NANPDB6446) were found to be potential LdCRK12 inhibitory molecules. The molecular docking studies revealed two compounds NANPDB1406 and NANPDB2581 with binding affinities of −9.5 and −9.2 kcal/mol, respectively, against LdCRK12 which were higher than those of the known inhibitors and drugs, including GSK3186899, amphotericin B, miltefosine, and paromomycin. All the four compounds were predicted to have inhibitory constant (Ki) values ranging from 0.108 to 0.587 μM. NANPDB2581, NANPDB1649 and NANPDB1406 were also predicted as antileishmanial with Pa and Pi values of 0.415 and 0.043, 0.391 and 0.052, and 0.351 and 0.071, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations coupled with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) computations reinforced their good binding mechanisms. Most compounds were observed to bind in the ATP binding pocket of the kinase domain. Lys488 was predicted as a key residue critical for ligand binding in the ATP binding pocket of the LdCRK12. The molecules were pharmacologically profiled as druglike with inconsequential toxicity. The identified molecules have scaffolds that could form the backbone for fragment-based drug design of novel leishmanicides but warrant further studies to evaluate their therapeutic potential.
Pharmacological Studies on Traditional Plant-Based Remedies
Authors: Lucariello Giuseppe , Cicia Donatella , Capasso Raffaele
Published: March 2021

For years, plant-based remedies have been used as a traditional practice to treat and prevent a broad range of diseases [...]
Total Laryngectomy—Still Cutting-Edge?
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas K.
Published: March 2021

Surgical removal of the larynx (total laryngectomy) offers a curative approach to patients with advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal (squamous cell) cancer without distant metastases. Particularly in T4a carcinoma, laryngectomy seems prognostically superior to primary radio(chemo)therapy. Further relevant indications for laryngectomy include massive laryngeal dysfunction associated with aspiration and recurrence after radio(chemo)therapy, resulting in salvage surgery. The surgical procedure including neck dissection is highly standardised and safe. The resulting aphonia can be compensated by functional rehabilitation (e.g., voice prosthesis) associated with a significant quality of life improvement. This article presents an overview of indications, preoperative diagnostics, surgical procedures, including new developments (robotics), possible complications, the choice of adjuvant treatment, alternative therapeutic approaches, rehabilitation and prognosis. In summary, total laryngectomy still represents a relevant surgical procedure in modern head and neck oncology.
Graphene Oxide–Silver Nanoparticle Nanocomposites Induce Oxidative Stress and Aberrant Methylation in Caprine Fetal Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Yuan Yu-Guo , Cai He-Qing , Wang Jia-Lin , Mesalam Ayman , Md Talimur Reza Abu Musa , Li Ling , Chen Li , Qian Chen
Published: March 2021

Graphene oxide–silver nanoparticle (GO-AgNPs) nanocomposites have drawn much attention for their potential in biomedical uses. However, the potential toxicity of GO-AgNPs in animals and humans remains unknown, particularly in the developing fetus. Here, we reported the GO-AgNP-mediated cytotoxicity and epigenetic alteration status in caprine fetal fibroblast cells (CFFCs). In brief, the proliferation and apoptosis rate of GO-AgNP-treated CFFCs (4 and 8 µg/mL of GO-AgNPs) were measured using the cell-counting kit (CCK-8) assay and the annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assay, respectively. In addition, the oxidative stress induced by GO-AgNPs and detailed mechanisms were studied by evaluating the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and caspase-3 and abnormal methylation. The expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes and DNA methyltransferases was measured using reverse transcription followed by RT-qPCR. Our data indicated that GO-AgNPs cause cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. GO-AgNPs induced significant cytotoxicity by the loss of cell viability, production of ROS, increasing leakage of LDH and level of MDA, increasing expression of pro-apoptotic genes, and decreasing expression of anti-apoptotic genes. GO-AgNPs incited DNA hypomethylation and the decreased expression of DNMT3A. Taken together, this study showed that GO-AgNPs increase the generation of ROS and cause apoptosis and DNA hypomethylation in CFFCs. Therefore, the potential applications of GO-AgNPs in biomedicine should be re-evaluated.
Investigation of Color Reproduction on Linen Fabrics when Printing with Mimaki TX400-1800D Inkjet with Pigment TP250 Dyes
Authors: Tofan Tim , Stonkus Rimantas , Jasevičius Raimondas
Published: March 2021

The aim of this research is to investigate related effect of dyeability to linen textiles related to different printing parameters. The study investigated the change in color characteristics when printing on linen fabrics with an inkjet MIMAKI Tx400-1800D printer with pigmented TP 250 inks. The dependence of color reproduction on linen fabrics on the number of print head passes, number of ink layers to be coated, linen fabric density, and different types of linen fabric was investigated. All this affects the quality of print and its mechanical properties. The change in color characteristics on different types of linen fabrics was determined experimentally. We determine at which print settings the most accurate color reproduction can be achieved on different linen fabrics. The difference between the highest and the lowest possible number of head passages was investigated. The possibilities of reproducing different linen fabric colors were determined.
Animal Forest Mortality: Following the Consequences of a Gorgonian Coral Loss on a Mediterranean Coralligenous Assemblage
Authors: Piazzi Luigi , Atzori Fabrizio , Cadoni Nicoletta , Cinti Maria Francesca , Frau Francesca , Pansini Arianna , Pinna Federico , Stipcich Patrizia , Ceccherelli Giulia
Published: March 2021

In this work, the consequences of a local gorgonian coral mortality on the whole coralligenous assemblage were studied. A Before/After-Control/Impact sampling design was used: the structure of the coralligenous assemblage was compared before and after the gorgonian mortality event at the mortality site and two control sites. At the mortality site, a relevant decrease in alpha and beta diversity occurred, with a shift from a stratified assemblage characterized by gorgonians and other invertebrates to an assemblage dominated by algal turfs; conversely, neither significant variations of the structure nor decrease in biodiversity were observed at the control sites. The assemblage shift involved the main taxa in different times: in autumn 2018, a large proportion of the plexaurid coral Paramuricea clavata died, but no significant changes were observed in the structure of the remaining assemblage. Then, in autumn 2019, algal turfs increased significantly and, one year later, the abundance of the gorgonian Eunicella cavolini and bryozoans collapsed. Although the mechanisms of the assemblage shift following gorgonian loss will remain uncertain and a cause-effect relationship cannot be derived, results suggest the need for detecting signs of gorgonian forests stress in monitoring programs, which should be considered early indicators of their condition. in the coralligenous monitoring programs for detecting any sign of gorgonian forests stress which should be considered an early indicator of the assemblage condition.
A Data Descriptor for Black Tea Fermentation Dataset
Authors: Kimutai Gibson , Ngenzi Alexander , Ngoga Said Rutabayiro , Ramkat Rose C. , Förster Anna
Published: March 2021

Tea is currently the most popular beverage after water. Tea contributes to the livelihood of more than 10 million people globally. There are several categories of tea, but black tea is the most popular, accounting for about 78% of total tea consumption. Processing of black tea involves the following steps: plucking, withering, crushing, tearing and curling, fermentation, drying, sorting, and packaging. Fermentation is the most important step in determining the final quality of the processed tea. Fermentation is a time-bound process and it must take place under certain temperature and humidity conditions. During fermentation, tea color changes from green to coppery brown to signify the attainment of optimum fermentation levels. These parameters are currently manually monitored. At present, there is only one existing dataset on tea fermentation images. This study makes a tea fermentation dataset available, composed of tea fermentation conditions and tea fermentation images.
Machine Learning Quantitation of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Applications
Authors: Boyd Chris , Brown Greg , Kleinig Timothy , Dawson Joseph , McDonnell Mark D. , Jenkinson Mark , Bezak Eva
Published: March 2021

Research into machine learning (ML) for clinical vascular analysis, such as those useful for stroke and coronary artery disease, varies greatly between imaging modalities and vascular regions. Limited accessibility to large diverse patient imaging datasets, as well as a lack of transparency in specific methods, are obstacles to further development. This paper reviews the current status of quantitative vascular ML, identifying advantages and disadvantages common to all imaging modalities. Literature from the past 8 years was systematically collected from MEDLINE® and Scopus database searches in January 2021. Papers satisfying all search criteria, including a minimum of 50 patients, were further analysed and extracted of relevant data, for a total of 47 publications. Current ML image segmentation, disease risk prediction, and pathology quantitation methods have shown sensitivities and specificities over 70%, compared to expert manual analysis or invasive quantitation. Despite this, inconsistencies in methodology and the reporting of results have prevented inter-model comparison, impeding the identification of approaches with the greatest potential. The clinical potential of this technology has been well demonstrated in Computed Tomography of coronary artery disease, but remains practically limited in other modalities and body regions, particularly due to a lack of routine invasive reference measurements and patient datasets.
Academic Self-Perception and Course Satisfaction among University Students Taking Virtual Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia (KSA)
Authors: Hassan Sehar un Nisa , Algahtani Fahad D. , Zrieq Rafat , Aldhmadi Badr K. , Atta Amira , Obeidat Rawan M. , Kadri Adel
Published: March 2021

This research study examines academic self-perceptions and course satisfaction among university students and associated factors during virtual classes. A cross-sectional online survey of (n = 328) undergraduate and postgraduate Saudi students who took virtual classes during the second semester of the academic year 2019–2020 and the first semester of the academic year 2020–2021 during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The findings demonstrated students’ scores on negative academic self-perceptions (mean (M) = 9.84; standard deviation (S.D.) = 3.09) are significantly higher in comparison to positive academic self-perceptions (M = 7.71; S.D. = 2.46) and the difference was statistically significant, t(327) = 3.69, p < 0.001. The analysis demonstrated that mean differences were significant across ‘year of study’, ‘field of study’, ‘CGPA’ (cumulative grade points average), ‘employment status’, ‘on-site work’ and ‘being a parent of young child’ (p < 0.01). Correlation analysis shows a linear positive association between perceptions of workload and low technical support with negative academic self-perceptions (p < 0.001) and an inverse relationship with positive academic self-perceptions (p < 0.001). The multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the predictor variables in the model (perceptions of workload and technical support) explain 62% variance in negative academic self-perceptions and 41% variance in positive academic self-perceptions. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated that positive academic self-perceptions bring a 32% variance in course satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of balancing workload during online studies in higher education and provision of adequate technical support to reduce the negative academic self-perceptions which are associated with lower levels of course satisfaction. Students’ academic self-perceptions and course satisfaction during virtual studies are important factors to retain students’ motivation in learning and academic performance.
UAV Forensic Analysis and Software Tools Assessment: DJI Phantom 4 and Matrice 210 as Case Studies
Authors: Salamh Fahad E. , Mirza Mohammad Meraj , Karabiyik Umit
Published: March 2021

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) also known as drones have created many challenges to the digital forensic field. These challenges are introduced in all processes of the digital forensic investigation (i.e., identification, preservation, examination, documentation, and reporting). From identification of evidence to reporting, there are several challenges caused by the data type, source of evidence, and multiple components that operate UAVs. In this paper, we comprehensively reviewed the current UAV forensic investigative techniques from several perspectives. Moreover, the contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) discovery of personal identifiable information, (2) test and evaluation of currently available forensic software tools, (3) discussion on data storage mechanism and evidence structure in two DJI UAV models (e.g., Phantom 4 and Matrice 210), and (4) exploration of flight trajectories recovered from UAVs using a three-dimensional (3D) visualization software. The aforementioned contributions aim to aid digital investigators to encounter challenges posed by UAVs. In addition, we apply our testing, evaluation, and analysis on the two selected models including DJI Matrice 210, which have not been presented in previous works.
Total Productive Maintenance Approach to an Increase of the Energy Efficiency of a Hotel Facility and Mitigation of Water Consumption
Authors: Orynycz Olga , Tucki Karol
Published: March 2021

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions and more and more restrictive European Union regulations necessitate the reduction of energy demand in buildings, including hotels. A more economical way of managing and operating a facility may lead to competitive advantage and a reduction in the negative impact on the environment. This study indicated that the hotel facility wastes significant amounts of water and energy, and the main sources of losses were determined. The design assumption was to achieve savings by introducing technical improvements in the most energy and water-consuming areas. The modification consisted of replacing some of the lighting, fittings, and ventilation. The results of the achieved water and energy savings were compared with the consumption recorded in 2019. The very satisfactory final results were obtained, showing savings about 20% higher than assumed by the hotel management. Taking into account the replacement of lighting in staircases and underground garages, in addition to the replacement of ventilation in the hotel building, the maximum possible daily saving due to the changes mentioned is estimated at approximately 68% for lighting and ventilation.
Testing the Bioeconomic Options of Transitioning to Solid Recovered Fuel: A Case Study of a Thermal Power Plant in Slovakia
Authors: Štofová Lenka , Szaryszová Petra , Mihalčová Bohuslava
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the state and perspectives of bioenergy development in the context of exploiting the potential of available natural resources. We analyse the economic benefits of transitioning to alternative biofuel within the research task in cooperation with the Vojany black coal power plant. Within the applied methodology, a non-parametric data envelopment analysis method was used to confirm the most economically efficient types of fuels used in the combustion process. The assumption of fuel efficiency was confirmed by testing fuel combustion combinations directly in the power plant. The transition to 100% combustion of solid recovered fuel creates the potential for sustainable production of the analysed power plant and compliance with the current emission values of basic pollutants and new stricter limits, which will be binding in the EU from August 2021. The proposed solutions were analysed by Monte Carlo simulation. An estimate of the economic results achieved by the power plant was simulated, assuming a complete transition to solid recovered fuel. The results of the study support the feasibility of creating a circular waste management market, with the Vojany black coal power plant as the largest user of solid recovered fuel in Slovakia and abroad.
Sediment Deposition within Rainwater: Case Study Comparison of Four Different Sites in Ikorodu, Nigeria
Authors: John Chukwuemeka K. , Pu Jaan H. , Pandey Manish , Hanmaiahgari Prashanth R.
Published: March 2021

Building roofs represents a critical pathway for sediment mixing with rainwater. This study aims to explore the correlation between roof-top deposited sediment matter in the different areas of the Ikorodu Local Government Area in Lagos, Nigeria. The deposition rate on the roof was studied for 34 weeks in total (i.e., 17 weekly analyses in the rainy season and 17 weekly analyses in the dry season). The total deposition was collected by a 10 inch funnel and directed into a 5 L container, which was partially filled with sterilised water. The roof-top deposition in four different areas was inspected and analysed. The four areas were selected based on the levels of sanitation and vegetation. The experimental results showed that the enumerated total depositions in different areas were higher in the dry season than the rainy season, with the highest deposition occurring in the Harmattan period. The data obtained from this study have evidenced that the contamination from roof-harvested rainwater can mainly be attributed to atmospheric deposition. Another key factor was the hygiene and sanitation of the harvesting areas, including the gutter, pipes and proximity to animal faeces.