bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renin Angiotensin System, COVID-19 and Male Fertility: Any Risk for Conceiving?
Authors: Pascolo Lorella , Zito Gabriella , Zupin Luisa , Luppi Stefania , Giolo Elena , Martinelli Monica , De Rocco Daniela , Crovella Sergio , Ricci Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

The current knowledge concerning the connection between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) system in the male reproductive apparatus is still limited, so dedicated studies are urgently required. Concerns about the male fertility consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection have started to emerge, since epidemiologic studies observed that this coronavirus affects male patients more frequently and with increased severity, possibly because of the hormone-regulated expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. A disturbance in fertility is also expected based on studies of the previous SARS-CoV infection, which targets the same ACE2 receptor when entering the host cells. In addition, bioinformatics analyses reveal the abundant expression of ACE2 receptor in the male reproductive tissues, particularly in the testis. It has been proposed that pharmacological intervention favoring the angiotensin-(1–7)/ACE2/Mas receptor pathway and increasing ACE2 expression and activity could greatly prevent inflammatory lesions in this area. Finally, in laboratories performing assisted reproductive technologies it is recommended that more attention should be paid not only to sperm quality but also to safety aspects. Data about the potential infectivity of seminal fluid are in fact conflicting and do not exclude risks for both personnel and patients. The potential infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in reproductive male tissues should be strongly considered and further investigated for the proper management of in vitro fertilization procedures.
Investigation of Brucella melitensis in Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) in South Africa
Authors: Glover Barbara , Macfarlane Malcolm , Bengis Roy , O'Dell Jacques , Steyl Johan , van Heerden Henriette , Abernethy Darrell
Published: September 2020

In this study, Brucella melitensis infection in sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) was investigated on two wildlife ranches in South Africa over a 12-year period in order to determine the origin of the outbreaks and the role of livestock in maintaining the disease. Retrospective data were obtained from farm records and interviews as well as samples tested from different disease scenarios and clinical settings. On one ranch, 10 of 74 sable tested seropositive for B. melitensis in 2004 but were certified clear of infection after no further brucellosis cases were detected following repeated serological tests and culling over a five-year period. Recrudescence occurred in 2013 (7 of 187 brucellosis positives) and in 2014 (one positive), with persistent, latent infection being the most reasonable explanation. In a second case study, linked to the first one through a common vendor, 15 of 80 sable tested positive in 2016, some five years after the acquisition of the animals from a putative source. Brucella melitensis biovar 1 and/or 3 were isolated from each outbreak on both ranches. Both outbreaks resulted in substantial losses for the owners, arising from testing and culling and significant resource expenditure by the state. The study identified the diagnostic challenges for identifying and resolving disease outbreaks in wildlife, the persistence of B. melitensis in sable, the risks associated with animal movements, and the need for a wildlife-sensitive disease control scheme. Although the actual source of infection could not be identified, the investigation points away from local livestock as a source of ongoing infection while the persistent infection is consistent with the disease circulating within small, ranched populations and being spread through the keeping and trading of high-value animals. The implications of the study findings to disease control in wildlife are discussed.
Metabolic Changes Induced by Deletion of Transcriptional Regulator GCR2 in Xylose-Fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Shin Minhye , Kim Soo Rin
Published: September 2020

Glucose repression has been extensively studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including the regulatory systems responsible for efficient catabolism of glucose, the preferred carbon source. However, how these regulatory systems would alter central metabolism if new foreign pathways are introduced is unknown, and the regulatory networks between glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, the two major pathways in central carbon metabolism, have not been systematically investigated. Here we disrupted gcr2, a key transcriptional regulator, in S. cerevisiae strain SR7 engineered to heterologously express the xylose-assimilating pathway, activating genes involved in glycolysis, and evaluated the global metabolic changes. gcr2 deletion reduced cellular growth in glucose but significantly increased growth when xylose was the sole carbon source. Global metabolite profiling revealed differential regulation of yeast metabolism in SR7-gcr2Δ, especially carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism, depending on the carbon source. In glucose, the SR7-gcr2Δ mutant showed overall decreased abundance of metabolites, such as pyruvate and sedoheptulose-7-phosphate, associated with central carbon metabolism including glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. However, SR7-gcr2Δ showed an increase in metabolites abundance (ribulose-5-phosphate, sedoheptulose-7-phosphate, and erythrose-4-phosphate) notably from the pentose phosphate pathway, as well as alteration in global metabolism when compared to SR7. These results provide insights into how the regulatory system GCR2 coordinates the transcription of glycolytic genes and associated metabolic pathways.
Multi-Omic Analysis Reveals Different Effects of Sulforaphane on the Microbiome and Metabolome in Old Compared to Young Mice
Authors: Jun Se-Ran , Cheema Amrita , Bose Chhanda , Boerma Marjan , Palade Philip T. , Carvalho Eugenia , Awasthi Sanjay , Singh Sharda P.
Published: September 2020

Dietary factors modulate interactions between the microbiome, metabolome, and immune system. Sulforaphane (SFN) exerts effects on aging, cancer prevention and reducing insulin resistance. This study investigated effects of SFN on the gut microbiome and metabolome in old mouse model compared with young mice. Young (6–8 weeks) and old (21–22 months) male C57BL/6J mice were provided regular rodent chow ± SFN for 2 months. We collected fecal samples before and after SFN administration and profiled the microbiome and metabolome. Multi-omics datasets were analyzed individually and integrated to investigate the relationship between SFN diet, the gut microbiome, and metabolome. The SFN diet restored the gut microbiome in old mice to mimic that in young mice, enriching bacteria known to be associated with an improved intestinal barrier function and the production of anti-inflammatory compounds. The tricarboxylic acid cycle decreased and amino acid metabolism-related pathways increased. Integration of multi-omic datasets revealed SFN diet-induced metabolite biomarkers in old mice associated principally with the genera, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, and Allobaculum. Collectively, our results support a hypothesis that SFN diet exerts anti-aging effects in part by influencing the gut microbiome and metabolome. Modulating the gut microbiome by SFN may have the potential to promote healthier aging.
Trick or Treating in Forensics—The Challenge of the Saliva Microbiome: A Narrative Review
Authors: D’Angiolella Gabriella , Tozzo Pamela , Gino Sarah , Caenazzo Luciana
Published: September 2020

The oral microbiome harbours microbial community signatures that differ among individuals, highlighting that it could be highly individualizing and potentially unique to each individual. Therefore, the oral microbial traces collected in crime scenes could produce investigative leads. This narrative review will describe the current state-of-the-art of how the salivary microbiome could be exploited as a genetic signature to make inferences in the forensic field. This review has been performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. Even if further studies are needed to relate the variation in the oral microbiome to specific factors, in order to understand how the salivary microbiome is influenced by an individual’s lifestyle, by reviewing the studies published so far, it is clear that the oral microbial analysis could become a useful forensic tool. Even if promising, caution is required in interpreting the results and an effort to direct research towards studies that fill the current knowledge gaps is certainly useful.
Photodynamic Inactivation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by a Natural Food Colorant (E-141ii)
Authors: Caires Cynthia S. A. , Silva Cicera M. , Lima Alessandra R. , Alves Lurian M. , Lima Thalita H. N. , Rodrigues Ana C. S. , Chang Marilene R. , Oliveira Samuel L. , Whitby Corinne , Nascimento Valter A. , Caires Anderson R. L.
Published: September 2020

This study evaluates the photosensitizing effectiveness of sodium copper chlorophyllin, a natural green colorant commonly used as a food additive (E-141ii), to inactivate methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus under red-light illumination. Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) was tested on a methicillin-sensitive reference strain (ATCC 25923) and a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain (GenBank accession number Mh087437) isolated from a clinical sample. The photoinactivation efficacy was investigated by exposing the bacterial strains to different E-141ii concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 µM) and to red light (625 nm) at 30 J cm−2. The results showed that E-141ii itself did not prevent bacterial growth for all tested concentrations when cultures were placed in the dark. By contrast, E-141ii photoinactivated both methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) under red-light illumination. However, different dose responses were observed for MSSA and MRSA. Whilst the MSSA growth was inhibited to the detection limit of the method with E-141ii at 2.5 µM, >10 µM concentrations were required to inhibit the growth of MRSA. The data also suggest that E-141ii can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) via Type I reaction by electron transfer from its first excited singlet state to oxygen molecules. Our findings demonstrate that the tested food colorant has great potential to be used in aPDI of MRSA.
Detection Sensitivity Enhancement of Naphthalimide PET Fluorescent Probes by 4-Methoxy-Substitution
Authors: Tian Ye , Li Miao , Liu Ying
Published: September 2020

Naphthalimide photoinduced electron transfer (PET) fluorescent probes are widely used in fluorescence imaging. Thereinto, detection sensitivity is the vital parameter of PET probes. However, the modulation of detection sensitivity is yet to be reported for naphthalimide PET probes. Herein, the detection sensitivity enhancement of naphthalimide PET fluorescent probes through 4-methoxy-substitution is proposed in this work. Taking Zn2+ detection an example, 4-methoxy-naphthalimide PET probe 2-(2-(bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)ethyl)-6-methoxy-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione (BPNM) and control PET probe 2-(2-(bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)ethyl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione (BPN) are separately synthesized. The addition of 4-methoxy group with ability of strong electron donating to naphthalimide facilitates the construction of electronic push-pull system in the fluorophore resulting in the bathochromic shift of absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of BPNM and is further conducive to the enhancement of molar extinction coefficient ε and fluorescence quantum yield Φf of BPNM. Compared with BPN, BPNM shows lower Zn2+ detection limit in titration assays. Meanwhile, the fluorescence signal change (off-on) before and after Zn2+ addition of intracellular BPNM is more obvious and easier to control in confocal laser scanning imaging. Therefore, 4-methoxy-substitution improves the detection sensitivity of naphthalimide PET probe, which is favorable for the precise sensing of analyte, and further lays a good foundation for the synthesis of PET probe with high sensitivity.
EGF Conjugation Improves Safety and Uptake Efficacy of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Salama Basma , Chang Chia-Jung , Kanehira Koki , El-Sherbini El-Said , El-Sayed Gehad , El-Adl Mohamed , Taniguchi Akiyoshi
Published: September 2020

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have a strong potential for cancer therapeutic and bioimaging applications such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). Our previous results have shown that TiO2 NPs have a low cellular uptake and can induce cell proliferation. This suggests that TiO2 NPs could increase the risk of tumor overgrowth while being used for PDD and PDT. To solve this problem, we constructed epidermal growth factor-ligated polyethylene glycol-coated TiO2 NPs (EGF-TiO2 PEG NPs). In this work, we studied the effect of EGF conjugation on the cellular uptake of TiO2 PEG NPs. Then, we investigated the effect of both non-conjugated and EGF-TiO2 PEG NPs on the A431 epidermal cancer cell line, proliferation and growth via the investigation of EGFR localization and expression. Our results indicated that TiO2 PEG NPs induced EGFRs aggregation on the A431 cells surface and induced cell proliferation. In addition, EGF-TiO2 PEG NPs induced the internalization of EGFRs inside of cells with increased cellular NPs uptake and decreased cellular proliferation compared to TiO2 PEG NPs-treated cells. These findings suggest that EGF conjugation can increase the efficacy of TiO2 PEG NPs for biomedical applications such as PDD and PDT with decreased risk of tumor overgrowth.
Fluorimetric and CD Recognition between Various ds-DNA/RNA Depends on a Cyanine Connectivity in Cyanine-guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole Conjugate
Authors: Šmidlehner Tamara , Košćak Marta , Božinović Ksenija , Majhen Dragomira , Schmuck Carsten , Piantanida Ivo
Published: September 2020

Two novel isosteric conjugates of guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole and 6-bromo-TO (thiazole orange) were prepared, differing only in linker connectivity to cyanine (benzothiazole nitrogen vs. quinoline nitrogen). The quinoline analog was significantly more susceptible to aggregation in an aqueous medium, which resulted in induced circular dichroism (ICD; λ = 450–550 nm) recognition between A-T(U) and G-C basepair containing polynucleotides. The benzothiazole-isostere showed pronounced (four-fold) fluorimetric selectivity toward ds-RNA in comparison to any ds-DNA, at variance to its quinoline-analogue fluorescence being weakly selective to GC-DNA. Preliminary screening on human tumor and normal lung cell lines showed that both dyes very efficiently enter living cells and accumulate in mitochondria, causing moderate cytotoxic effects, and thus could be considered as lead compounds toward novel theragnostic mitochondrial dyes.
Suitability of Immobilized Systems for Microbiological Degradation of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds
Authors: Wojcieszyńska Danuta , Marchlewicz Ariel , Guzik Urszula
Published: September 2020

The rising pollution of the environment with endocrine disrupting compounds has increased interest in searching for new, effective bioremediation methods. Particular attention is paid to the search for microorganisms with high degradation potential and the possibility of their use in the degradation of endocrine disrupting compounds. Increasingly, immobilized microorganisms or enzymes are used in biodegradation systems. This review presents the main sources of endocrine disrupting compounds and identifies the risks associated with their presence in the environment. The main pathways of degradation of these compounds by microorganisms are also presented. The last part is devoted to an overview of the immobilization methods used for the purposes of enabling the use of biocatalysts in environmental bioremediation.
A Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Based on Directly Immobilized Hemoglobin and Myoglobin
Authors: Dyankov Georgi , Borisova Ekaterina , Belina Evdokia , Kisov Hristo , Angelov Ivan , Gisbrecht Alexander , Strijkova Velichka , Malinowski Nikola
Published: September 2020

Immobilization of proteins on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) transducer is a delicate procedure since loss of protein bioactivity can occur upon contact with the untreated metal surface. Solution to the problem is the use of an immobilization matrix having a complex structure. However, this is at the expense of biosensor selectivity and sensitivity. It has been shown that the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) method has been successfully applied for direct immobilization (without a built-in matrix) of proteins, preserving their bioactivity. So far, MAPLE deposition has not been performed on a gold surface as required for SPR biosensors. In this paper we study the impact of direct immobilization of heme proteins (hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb)) on their bioactivity. For the purpose, Hb and Mb were directly immobilized by MAPLE technique on a SPR transducer. The bioactivity of the ligands immobilized in the above-mentioned way was assessed by SPR registration of the molecular reactions of various Hb/Mb functional groups. By SPR we studied the reaction between the beta chain of the Hb molecule and glucose, which shows the structural integrity of the immobilized Hb. A supplementary study of films deposited by FTIR and AFM was provided. The experimental facts showed that direct immobilization of an intact molecule was achieved.
Arrays Formation of Zinc Oxide Nano-Objects with Varying Morphology for Sensor Applications
Authors: Murzin Serguei P. , Kazanskiy Nikolay L.
Published: September 2020

The regularities and features of the formation of arrays of zinc oxide nano-objects with varying morphology are determined by CO2 laser processing with intensification of diffusion processes in the solid state of Cu–Zn metallic materials which are selectively oxidizable. In the process of laser treatment in air using the synergy of heat exposure and vibrations induced by laser with a force fundamental frequency of 100 Hz, the brass surface of samples is oxidized mainly with the generation of ZnO nanowires. The condition for intensification is the local non-stationary deformation caused by sound waves induced by laser. Upon the initiation of the processes of exfoliation of the initially formed layers on the material surface, apart from a disordered structure, a structure was formed in the central region containing two-dimensional objects made of zinc oxide with characteristic thicknesses of 70–100 nm. Such arrays can provide the potential to create a periodic localized electric field applying direct current, this allows the production of electrically switched diffraction gratings with a variable nature of zones. It has been established that during laser pulse-periodic irradiation on brass, the component of the metal alloy, namely, zinc, will oxidize on the surface in the extent that its diffusion to the surface will be ensured. During laser pulse-periodic heating under conditions of the experiment, the diffusion coefficient was 2–3 times higher than from direct heating and exposure to a temperature of 700 °C. The study of the electrical resistance of the created samples by the contact probe method was performed by the four-point probe method. It was determined that the specific electrical resistance at the center of the sample was 30–40% more than at the periphery. To determine the possibility of using the obtained material based on zinc oxide for the creation of sensors, oxygen was adsorbed on the sample in an oxygen–argon mixture, and then the electrical resistance in the central part was measured. It was found that the adsorbed oxygen increases the electrical resistivity of the sample by 70%. The formation of an oxide layer directly from the metal substrate can solve problem of forming an electrical contact between the gas-sensitive oxide layer and this substrate.
Improvement of P300-Based Brain–Computer Interfaces for Home Appliances Control by Data Balancing Techniques
Authors: Lee Taejun , Kim Minju , Kim Sung-Phil
Published: September 2020

The oddball paradigm used in P300-based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) intrinsically poses the issue of data imbalance between target stimuli and nontarget stimuli. Data imbalance can cause overfitting problems and, consequently, poor classification performance. The purpose of this study is to improve BCI performance by solving this data imbalance problem with sampling techniques. The sampling techniques were applied to BCI data in 15 subjects controlling a door lock, 15 subjects an electric light, and 14 subjects a Bluetooth speaker. We explored two categories of sampling techniques: oversampling and undersampling. Oversampling techniques, including random oversampling, synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE), borderline-SMOTE, support vector machine (SVM) SMOTE, and adaptive synthetic sampling, were used to increase the number of samples for the class of target stimuli. Undersampling techniques, including random undersampling, neighborhood cleaning rule, Tomek’s links, and weighted undersampling bagging, were used to reduce the class size of nontarget stimuli. The over- or undersampled data were classified by an SVM classifier. Overall, some oversampling techniques improved BCI performance while undersampling techniques often degraded performance. Particularly, using borderline-SMOTE yielded the highest accuracy (87.27%) and information transfer rate (8.82 bpm) across all three appliances. Moreover, borderline-SMOTE led to performance improvement, especially for poor performers. A further analysis showed that borderline-SMOTE improved SVM by generating more support vectors within the target class and enlarging margins. However, there was no difference in the accuracy between borderline-SMOTE and the method of applying the weighted regularization parameter of the SVM. Our results suggest that although oversampling improves performance of P300-based BCIs, it is not just the effect of the oversampling techniques, but rather the effect of solving the data imbalance problem.
SAIF: A Correction-Detection Deep-Learning Architecture for Personal Assistants
Authors: Azaria Amos , Nivasch Keren
Published: September 2020

Intelligent agents that can interact with users using natural language are becoming increasingly common. Sometimes an intelligent agent may not correctly understand a user command or may not perform it properly. In such cases, the user might try a second time by giving the agent another, slightly different command. Giving an agent the ability to detect such user corrections might help it fix its own mistakes and avoid making them in the future. In this work, we consider the problem of automatically detecting user corrections using deep learning. We develop a multimodal architecture called SAIF, which detects such user corrections, taking as inputs the user’s voice commands as well as their transcripts. Voice inputs allow SAIF to take advantage of sound cues, such as tone, speed, and word emphasis. In addition to sound cues, our model uses transcripts to determine whether a command is a correction to the previous command. Our model also obtains internal input from the agent, indicating whether the previous command was executed successfully or not. Finally, we release a unique dataset in which users interacted with an intelligent agent assistant, by giving it commands. This dataset includes labels on pairs of consecutive commands, which indicate whether the latter command is in fact a correction of the former command. We show that SAIF outperforms current state-of-the-art methods on this dataset.
Functionalized Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles for Bioimaging of Cancer Cells
Authors: Prieto-Montero Ruth , Katsumiti Alberto , Cajaraville Miren Pilare , López-Arbeloa Iñigo , Martínez-Martínez Virginia
Published: September 2020

Functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles were designed and synthesized to selectively target cancer cells for bioimaging analysis. The synthesis method and characterization of functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles (50–60 nm), as well as internalization and subcellular localization in HeLa cells is reported here. The dye, rhodamine 101 (R101) was physically embedded during the sol–gel synthesis. The dye loading was optimized by varying the synthesis conditions (temperature and dye concentration added to the gel) and by the use of different organotriethoxysilanes as a second silica precursor. Additionally, R101, was also covalently bound to the functionalized external surface of the silica nanoparticles. The quantum yields of the dye-doped silica nanoparticles range from 0.25 to 0.50 and demonstrated an enhanced brightness of 230–260 fold respect to the free dye in solution. The shell of the nanoparticles was further decorated with PEG of 2000 Da and folic acid (FA) to ensure good stability in water and to enhance selectivity to cancer cells, respectively. In vitro assays with HeLa cells showed that fluorescent nanoparticles were internalized by cells accumulating exclusively into lysosomes. Quantitative analysis showed a significantly higher accumulation of FA functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles compared to nanoparticles without FA, proving that the former may represent good candidates for targeting cancer cells.
Ethically Minded Consumer Behavior, Retailers’ Commitment to Sustainable Development, and Store Equity in Hypermarkets
Authors: Sánchez-González Irene , Gil-Saura Irene , Ruiz-Molina María Eugenia
Published: September 2020

The present paper analyzed the influence of ethically minded consumer behavior on retailer’s commitment to sustainable development as perceived by the consumer, and their contribution to the chain of relationships “store equity–loyalty–word of mouth communication”, in the context of retailing. Responses from 317 hypermarket customers in Ecuador were analyzed. The model was estimated using the partial least squares technique. The results show the sustainable development actions implemented by retailers, together with perceived value, contribute significantly to store equity creation, which explains customer loyalty and, ultimately, positive word-of-mouth communication. However, the most concerned consumers of ethical aspects value the retailer’s efforts towards sustainability to a lesser extent. The findings of this research allow developing a series of implications for the managers of these establishments.
Greening the Car? Conflict Dynamics within the German Platform for Electric Mobility
Authors: Richter Ina , Haas Tobias
Published: September 2020

The environmental crisis due to air pollution, high CO2 emissions, noise from traffic and soil ceiling requires profound changes to the car-dependent transport system. This article examines the political dynamics of German transport politics, focusing on the National Platform for Electric Mobility (NPE), a high-level political forum that aimed to accelerate the run-up of the electric mobility market in Germany. The NPE provides an interesting case to study the strategies of stakeholders in influencing policy-making and shaping alternative pathways to the car-centered transport system. The paper focusses on actor constellations and the conflicts that arise within the NPE, as well as the temporal dynamics within the electric mobility debate. The findings suggest that the NPE contributed to a narrow understanding of mobility transformation based on road transport and electric cars, but that it is better described as ecological modernization. Within this narrow framework, a fundamental conflict unfolds between strong advocates versus those slowing down the ecological modernization of the car. A third group demands at least a partial departure from the automobile-centered model but remains marginalized within the NPE. Aside from this core conflict, members of the NPE struggled over the location for battery cell production, the introduction of a purchase grant known as the environmental bonus, and the expansion of battery recharging infrastructure. These issues illustrate that discussions within the NPE relate to the political debates about the future of mobility, which have intensified in Germany in recent years. However, the case of the NPE shows that high-level stakeholder platforms are not an adequate forum to legitimately deliberate and to practically contribute to a wider and more fundamental rethink of future mobility concepts.
Behavior Evaluation of Bituminous Mixtures Reinforced with Nano-Sized Additives: A Review
Authors: Fusco Raffaella , Moretti Laura , Fiore Nicola , D’Andrea Antonio
Published: September 2020

This article presents a comparative review of the most commonly used nano-additives for bituminous mixtures: nanoclays (NC), nanosilicates, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), nano-calcium oxide (CaO), and nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2). In this study, the mechanical behavior of the obtained additive mixture is evaluated. According to the revised literature, the results strongly depend on type, concentration, and dispersal of used nano-additive. In fact, it has been seen that simple shear mixing followed by sonication homogenizes the distribution of the nanoparticles within the bituminous matrix and favors the bonds’ formation. The viscosity of the mixture of bitumen with nanoparticles improves with the increase of the percentage of additive added: it indicates a potential improvement to permanent deformation and rutting. Another benefit is an increased resistance of the binder to aging. Furthermore, it has been shown that the nanoparticles are able to prolong the service life of a bituminous mixture by means of various interdependent chemical–physical mechanisms that can influence the resistance to fatigue failure or the ability to self-heal. However, the effectiveness of these improvements depends on the particle type, added quantity and mixing technique, and the tests carried out.
Multibody System with Elastic Connections for Dynamic Modeling of Compactor Vibratory Rollers
Authors: Bratu Polidor
Published: September 2020

The dynamic model of the system of bodies with elastic connections substantiates the conceptual basis for evaluating the technological vibrations of the compactor roller as well as of the parameters of the vibrations transmitted from the vibration source to the remainder of the equipment components. In essence, the multi-body model with linear elastic connections consists of a body in vertical translational motion for vibrating roller with mass m1, a body with composed motion of vertical translation and rotation around the transverse axis passing through its weight center for the chassis of the car with mass m and the moment of mass inertia J and a body of mass m’ representing the traction tire-wheel system located on the opposite side of the vibrating roller. The study analyzes the stationary motion of the system of bodies that are in vibrational regime as a result of the harmonic excitation of the m mass body, with the force F(t)= m0rω2sinωt, generated by the inertial vibrator located inside the vibrating roller. The vibrator is characterized by the total unbalanced m0 mass in rotational motion at distance r from the axis of rotation and the angular velocity or circular frequency ω.
Treatment with Exogenous Trypsin Expands In Vitro Cellular Tropism of the Avian Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus
Authors: Stevenson-Leggett Phoebe , Keep Sarah , Bickerton Erica
Published: September 2020

The Gammacoronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes a highly contagious and economically important respiratory disease in poultry. In the laboratory, most IBV strains are restricted to replication in ex vivo organ cultures or in ovo and do not replicate in cell culture, making the study of their basic virology difficult. Entry of IBV into cells is facilitated by the large glycoprotein on the surface of the virion, the spike (S) protein, comprised of S1 and S2 subunits. Previous research showed that the S2′ cleavage site is responsible for the extended tropism of the IBV Beaudette strain. This study aims to investigate whether protease treatment can extend the tropism of other IBV strains. Here we demonstrate that the addition of exogenous trypsin during IBV propagation in cell culture results in significantly increased viral titres. Using a panel of IBV strains, exhibiting varied tropisms, the effects of spike cleavage on entry and replication were assessed by serial passage cell culture in the presence of trypsin. Replication could be maintained over serial passages, indicating that the addition of exogenous protease is sufficient to overcome the barrier to infection. Mutations were identified in both S1 and S2 subunits following serial passage in cell culture. This work provides a proof of concept that exogenous proteases can remove the barrier to IBV replication in otherwise non-permissive cells, providing a platform for further study of elusive field strains and enabling sustainable vaccine production in vitro.
Compatibility of the Invasive Alien Lemna minuta and Its Potential Biocontrol Agent Cataclysta lemnata
Authors: Mariani Flaminia , Ellwood Neil Thomas William , Zuccarello Vincenzo , Ceschin Simona
Published: September 2020

The American duckweed Lemna minuta is invasive in freshwater habitats across much of Europe, often causing serious ecological impacts. To date, few studies have addressed how to halt its expansion. However, encouraging empirical evidence of L. minuta control by the aquatic herbivorous larvae of the insect Cataclysta lemnata is emerging. To better understand the biocontrol capacity of C. lemnata, information on overlap in the phenology and the growth conditions in nature of both species is fundamental. In this study, L. minuta and C. lemnata populations were analyzed in the field to define (i) their phenological features, (ii) the main environmental characteristics where the two species occur, and (iii) any overlap or difference in phenology and ecological requirements. The seasonal occurrence of the two species and environmental data were collected from 31 wetlands in central Italy. The two species showed a large phenological overlap and ecological similarities. Populations of L. minuta and C. lemnata were found all year long, although abundances were greater in spring and summer. Both species preferred waters that were shallow, circumneutral, with moderately high conductivity and trophic level and with low dissolved oxygen. The phenology and ecology of the two species were shown to be compatible, suggesting the insect could be released in natural sites invaded by the alien L. minuta where could act as potential biocontrol agent of it.
Detection of Israel variant 2 (IS/1494/06) genotype of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in a layer chicken flock
Authors: ÖNGÖR Hasan , TİMURKAAN Necati , ÇÖVEN Fethiye , KARABULUT Burak , ERÖKSÜZ Hatice , ÇETİNKAYA Burhan , CARLI Tayfun
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to determine an infectious bronchitis (IB) infection, caused by an Israel variant 2 (IS/1494/06)-like IBV, in a layer chicken flock regularly vaccinated with vaccines containing IBV H120 and 4/91 strains. Mild respiratory symptoms, drop in egg production and soft-shelled eggs and eventually death were observed in a layer chicken flock. Clinical samples from four diseased chickens were examined for the detection and genotyping of IBV by virus isolation, a commercial real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and nucleotide sequencing. Both Israel variant 2 (IS-Var2) and 793/B serotypes were detected from samples by rRT-PCR, but sequencing results of a 345 bp part of S1 gene revealed that our IBV isolate, HFT-IBV, was IS/1494/06 (IS-Var2)-like with the 97.7% genetic similarity. These results suggested that immunity against vaccination with a combination of different genotypes (H120 and 4/91) could not be protective for IS-Var2 IBV field infection. In addition, identification of genotypes from the clinical samples, such as swabs and organ samples by commercial rRT-PCR assays failed to find correct IBV genotype responsible for the IB infection, whereas analysis of nucleotide sequencing of S1 gene of IBV as a gold standard test undoubtedly detected causative genotype of the infection. Also, the findings indicated that there is an urgent need for consider genotype- or protectotype-match vaccination strategies in the field to prevent vaccine- and IB-dependent economic losses of the poultry sector and logically protect chickens from IBV infection.
Socioeconomic status and HRT prescribing: a study of practice-level data in England
Authors: Hillman Sarah , Shantikumar Saran , Ridha Ali , Todkill Dan , Dale Jeremy
Published: September 2020

Background

Concerns have been raised that women from deprived backgrounds are less likely to be receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatment and its benefits, although evidence in support of this is lacking.

Aim

To investigate general practice HRT prescription trends and their association with markers of socioeconomic deprivation.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional study of primary care prescribing data in England in 2018.

Method

Practice-level prescribing rate was defined as the number of items of HRT prescribed per 1000 registered female patients aged ≥40 years. The association between Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) score and HRT prescribing rate was tested using multivariate Poisson regression, adjusting for practice proportions of obesity, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, and practice list size.

Results

The overall prescribing rate of HRT was 29% lower in practices from the most deprived quintile compared with the most affluent (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.68 to 0.73). After adjusting for all cardiovascular disease outcomes and risk factors, the prescribing rate in the most deprived quintile was still 18% lower than in the least deprived quintile (adjusted IRR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.77 to 0.86). In more deprived practices, there was a significantly higher tendency to prescribe oral HRT than transdermal preparations (P<0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights inequalities associated with HRT prescription. This may reflect a large unmet need in terms of menopause care in areas of deprivation. Further research is needed to identify the factors from patient and GP perspectives that may explain this.
PRODUKSI DALAM ISLAM
Authors: Nur Mahfuz
Published: September 2020

Manusia sebagai khalifah dimuka bumi, penciptaan manusia adalah penciptaan yang sempurna. Selain manusia diberikan akal dan daya, Allah memberikan fasilitas yang dibutuhkan manusia dan semuanya berada di bumi yang diciptakannya. Tujuan manusia dalam memakmurkan bumi adalah agar manusia dapat memenuhi apa yang dibutuhkan dan diinginkannnya selama di bumi, oleh karenanya manusia wajib bekerja dan berusaha.
Produksi adalah kegiatan awal dalam aktivitas ekonomi, produksi pada dasarnya bertujuan untuk menghasilkan barang dan jasa atau menghasilkan dan menambah nilai guna barang dan jasa. Produksi bukan hanya sebagai aktivitas dalam memenuhi kebutuhan pribadi tapi juga untuk mendapatkan keuntungan.
Produksi tidak hanya bertujuan menciptakan yang tidak ada menjadi ada, melainkan juga menghasilkan kegiatan produksi yang berdaya guna. Produksi dilandasi nilai-nilai islam dengan prinsip maqasid al-syari’ah. Produksi tidak bisa lepas dari faktor sebagai alat produksi berupa faktor alam/tanah, faktor tenaga kerja, faktor modal dan faktor manajemen/organisasi
AGAMA, ETIKA DAN SISTEM EKONOMI
Authors: Sajadi Dahrun
Published: September 2020

Para pemikir ilmu sosial beranggapan bahwa kode etika universal yang mendasari ekonomi modern adalah utilitarianisme, khususnya ajaran dari Jeremy Bentham.[1]  Dengan demikian, upaya yang harus dilakukan adalah, melakukan islamisasi, baik pada ilmu dan sistem ekonominya. Tapi, pendapat Jeremy Bentham tidaklah sepenuhnya benar. Tatkala menggagas sistem ekonomi Islam, al-Nabhani menyatakan tentang perlunya membedakan antara ilmu ekonomi  -- yang sebagian besarnya adalah bebas nilai, dengan sistem ekonomi.  Ilmu ekonomi membahas hal-hal yang berkaitan dengan peningkatan produksi, kualitas, dan kinerja. Kebanyakan ilmu-ilmu semacam  ini  bebas nilai dan  bersifat universal. Contohnya, ilmu akuntansi, ia adalah ilmu yang bebas nilai dan tidak terpengaruh oleh pandangan hidup tertentu. Sedangkan sistem ekonomi sudah melibatkan tata nilai tertentu, misalnya; ideologi, pandangan hidup, norma dan etika.  Hal-hal yang berhubungan dengan sistem distribusi barang dan jasa merupakan bagian dari sistem ekonomi.  Islam melarang menimbun barang, dan beredarnya riba  di tengah-tengah aktivitas  ekonomi. Pandangan semacam ini berbeda dengan pandangan sistem  ekonomi kapitalime dan sosialisme. Karena itu, islamisasi ilmu, harus diarahkan pula kepada reformasi sistem ekonomi yang tidak bebas nilai, diganti dengan sistem  dan nilai-nilai yang Islami.

[1] Tentang  paham utilitarianisme Bentham; baca  Mark  A. Lutz & Kenneth Lux; The Chlange of Humanistic  Economics;  California: The Benjamin Cummings Publishing.Co.Inc,Menlo Park, 1979, h.32-33. Paham Bentham ini sampai pada perumusan yang berkaitan dengan ilmu ekonomi, antara lain telah disempurnakan oleh John Stuart Mills, yang merumuskan arti utilitas sebagai kebahagiaan untuk sebanyak-banyak orang.
Machine Reliability Optimization by Genetic Algorithm Approach
Authors: Aslain Brisco Ngnassi Djami , Wolfgang Nzie , Serge Doka Yamigno
Published: September 2020

To define the reliability network of a system (machine), we start with a set of components arranged in an appropriate topology (series, parallel, or parallel-series), choose the best terms of the ratio performance / cost, and gather by links with the aim to combine them. This process requires a long time and effort, given the very large number of possible combinations, which becomes tedious for the analyst. For this reason, it is essential to use an appropriate optimization approach when designing any product. However, before trying to optimize, it is necessary to have a reliability assessment method. The objective of this paper is to display a meta-heuristic method, which is sustained on the genetic algorithm (GA) to improve the machines reliability. To achieve this objective, a methodology that consists of presenting the functionalities of genetic algorithms is developed. The result achieved is the proposal of a reliability network for the optimal solution.
THE REVIEW OF DOCUMENTARY "BUYING AND SELLING" CROCODILE SKIN UNDER THE GUISE OF CONSERVATION
Authors: Kutanto Haronas
Published: September 2020

A documentary is a film or video work based on reality and facts. The review of the documentary "Buying and Selling Crocodile Skin" telling about the process of managing and producing handicrafts made by crocodile skin in conservation in Cikande Serang this is interesting to appoint, because of violations that are not in accordance with the regulations of the government. Which breeding continues to produce and utilize the products of crocodile animals. This is where the F-1 crocodile or the first generation must be returned to nature so that it can be protected from the threat of extinction. But in reality, there is conservation that still uses the results of this crocodile, because it has exciting business opportunities. Not only skin that can be utilized, in other countries the meat is still widely consumed, especially in five-star hotels or restaurants, in other that, but the teeth of this crocodile are also made into accessories. The important role of the government is to oversee conservation which should be a place to support the conservation of these protected animals. This documentary tells the story of irregularities in conservation that should preserve the population of the crocodile, but it is turned into a business of buying and selling crocodile skin.
READING SKILLS LEARNING PROBLEMS AMONG STUDENTS OF ARABIC COLLEGE TONGXIN NINGXIA CHINA
Authors: Ziyun Li , Ramli Saipolbarin , Yan Mei Suo , Abdul Ghani Mohammad Taufiq , Atoh Nazri
Published: September 2020

Reading skill proficiency is a pre-requisite for language teaching and learning (T&L) activities that students need to master. This is because by mastering the reading skill, one can understand the content of the reading text and enrich their vocabulary. However, the data showed that the students at Tongxin Arabic College of Ningxia in China were still facing the challenge to master the reading skill. This situation indirectly poses a barrier to achieving the objectives of T&L activities. Therefore, this study was conducted to obtain data related to the problems faced by students in mastering the reading skill in Arabic language T&L activities at Tongxin Arabic College. The instruments used in this study were questionnaires, observations, and interviews. The simple random sampling method used in this study involved 56 female students, 44 male students, 3 male teachers, and 9 female teachers. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS software. It was found from the findings of the study that there were five factors that had influenced the reading skill proficiency among students, namely physiological factors, self-motivation, effort, implementation strategies, and lack of vocabulary size. Apart from that, there were other additional factors that also influenced students' reading skill proficiency, which included poor grammar, passive engagement in the classroom, lack of exercise, lack of educational resources, and rewards for teachers. This study also proposes a number of appropriate measures to address this problem from the students’ aspects and the teachers’ aspects. From the students’ aspects, it is proposed that the reading resources are diversified such as the use of the electronic medium as an alternative reading medium. Whereas from the teachers’ aspects, it is proposed that the methodologies used in T&L activities are strengthened. It is hoped that this study will improve the level of reading skill proficiency among students in Tongxin Arabic.
Distanciamento Social e Tempo Livre
Authors: Castilho César Teixeira , Ribeiro Sheylazarth Presciliana , Ungheri Bruno Ocelli
Published: September 2020

A partir da oficialização do decreto sobre a pandemia do novo Coronavírus divulgado pela OMS em março/2020, esta pesquisa vislumbrou analisar as primeiras consequências do distanciamento social no dia-a-dia de discentes da Universidade Estadual de Minas Gerias (UEMG), através de três grandes eixos: moradia; trabalho/renda e saúde/bem-estar. Para tanto, um questionário, tipo survey, foi elaborado com 42 questões. Percebeu-se uma precariedade crescente quanto à qualidade de vida e acesso aos aparatos eletrônicos, devido à crise socioeconômica engendrada pela pandemia, dos discentes e seus familiares. Foi perceptível uma nova conjuntura em termos espaciais e temporais na vida dos discentes, afetando o tempo de trabalho, o tempo livre e os lazeres. Conclui-se que, caso não haja uma ação efetiva do poder público, a desigualdade social do país tende a estender-se de súbito, com impactos agudos na dimensão do lazer.