bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional food: Supply and demand in a modern society
Authors: Grubor Biljana , Kalenjuk Bojana , Radivojša Marko , Ćirić Miloš
Published: March 2021

Functional food represents a group of foodstuffs which satisfies not only basic, but also additional physiological needs, improves health and reduces the risk of disease. The subject of this paper is functional food from the aspect of supply and demand in hospitality facilities, as a modern trend in nutrition. The aim of the research is to provide answers to the following questions, which refer to the hospitality sector: Are hospitality workers familiar with characteristics of functional food? Do hospitality workers face demand of functional food? Is there an option of preparing functional food in restaurants where the respondents work? Are guests willing to pay extra for preparation of food which is beneficial to their health? The survey included respondents (n= 105) in restaurants in Novi Sad (AP Vojvodina, Serbia). Based on the conducted survey, we came to a conclusion that workers are acquainted with the term of functional food. Visitors of hospitality facilities (guests) often demand such food, and restaurants have an option of preparing food which is beneficial to health, but consumers are not completely prepared to compensate on food taste for health benefits.
A guide to United States apparel and household textiles compliance requirements
Authors: Benson Lisa M , Reczek Karen K
Published: March 2021

This guide addresses wearing apparel, including children's apparel, and household textiles. It does not include other textiles, such as sleeping bags, tents, sporting goods, or other non-household products that contain or are made from textile materials.
Landmandens nye redskab er data, data, data
Authors: Arhnung Anne Lawaetz , Ravn Ivar
Published: March 2021

Data, digitalisering og droner er hverdag for dansk landbrug. Det er arbejdsredskaber, som er med til at gøre landbruget endnu mere bæredygtigt og effektivt. Data giver landmanden overblik og indsigt. De hjælper landbruget til et lavere klima- og miljøaftryk og giver sporbarhed fra jord til bord.
Des travailleurs et des travailleuses pauvres à « mettre en mouvement » : l’activation et la notion d’aptitude au travail au sein des services publics d’emploi
Authors: Charron Catherine
Published: March 2021

Cet article s’intéresse aux rapports sociaux tels qu’ils se construisent sur le terrain de l’administration publique, dans la prestation de services publics d’emploi destinés aux personnes assistées sociales. À partir d’un certain nombre de pratiques visant l’intégration en emploi et qui composent leur intervention auprès des prestataires jugés « aptes au travail », nous dégagerons la façon dont les « street-level bureaucrats » perçoivent et catégorisent les prestataires, définissent leur propre rôle et celui de l’État. Ce faisant, nous mettrons en relief la manière dont se conjuguent les éthos du travail social, du service public et de l’activation chez les intervenantes et intervenants qui travaillent quotidiennement auprès de cette population sans emploi dite « apte au travail ». Les résultats exposés dans cet article sont issus d’une enquête qualitative menée auprès agent.e.s d’aide du ministère, dans le contexte de l’implantation d’un programme obligatoire d’insertion au Québec en 2018 (Objectif emploi).
Le travail de soutien à domicile en zone grise : étude de cas du système d’allocation
directe Chèque Emploi-Service
Authors: Hamel-Roy Laurence
Published: March 2021

Le système Chèque emploi-service (CES) est un mode de prestation de services de
soutien à domicile de type « allocation directe » mis en place au Québec en 1996 afin de
répondre aux revendications des personnes en situation de handicap et dont l’usage a depuis
été largement étendu, principalement auprès des personnes âgées. Inspiré des différents
modèles de type « cash-for-care », le CES permet un plus grand contrôle aux usager.ère.s et
une personnalisation de leurs services, mais aussi d’importantes économies à l’État
québécois. Notre étude de cas révèle que ces économies reposent entre autres sur le travail
gratuit des personnes qui sont embauchées. Trois dynamiques concourent à ce phénomène : 1)
la déqualification du secteur des services de soutien à domicile, 2) la dérégulation de la
relation d’emploi induite par l’allocation directe, et 3) la succession de compressions
budgétaires et de réduction de services. Cet article démontre que la confluence de ces trois
dynamiques a pour effet de faire apparaître une « zone grise de l’emploi », c’est-à-dire un
espace d’incertitude et d’arbitraire à l’intérieur duquel sont renégociées les conditions de
travail et de rémunération. Le travail effectué gratuitement par les travailleuses apparaît
alors tributaire des rapports de pouvoir et de dépendance qui se nouent entre elles et les
usager.ère.s qui les emploient.
Centres de travailleurs et syndicats. Le rôle de l’éducation populaire dans l’organisation des travailleurs immigrants d’agence de placement1
Authors: Salamanca Cardona Manuel
Published: March 2021

L’éducation populaire et la recherche engagée en tant que mécanismes de production de connaissances ne sont pas de nouvelles stratégies des mouvements sociaux et ouvriers. Leur importance est souvent oubliée et sous-évaluée en sociologie, et dans les théories politiques des mouvements sociaux. L’articlesouligne l’importance d’aborder l’éducation populaire et la production de connaissances comme éléments fondamentaux de la mobilisation et de la construction des mouvements des travailleurs pauvres et précaires et comme point de départ d’une analyse critique de la position défensive des syndicats et de leurs structures d’organisation, l’intérêt étant de démontrer que l’éducation populaire et la production de connaissances font partie de l’action sociale des travailleurs précaires et, par conséquent, du champ d’analyse de l’économie politique du travail. Pour mener cette démonstration, on aborde l’expérience d’organisation de l’Association des travailleurs et travailleuses d’agence de placement (ATTAP) de Montréal au sein du Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants (CTI) et de sa collaboration avec la CSN (Confédération des syndicats nationaux) de 2013 à 2017.
Organiser dans la marge : stratégies du Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants (CTI) et du Workers Action Centre (WAC)
Authors: Yoon Cheolki
Published: March 2021

Face à la précarisation du travail et à l’affaiblissement des socles de l’action collective, de nouvelles stratégies sont développées par des organisations variées, et l’expansion des centres des travailleurs (worker centres) s’inscrit dans ces innovations des mouvements des travailleurs. Dans ce contexte, la présente recherche se propose d’analyser les principaux axes stratégiques mis en place par deux centres canadiens, le Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants et le Workers Action Centre. Plus concrètement, la recherche vise à identifier les axes stratégiques déployés suivant quatre dimensions : 1) les dynamiques intraorganisationnelles et celles touchant les populations cibles ; 2) les dynamiques interorganisationnelles et relatives aux réseaux ; 3) les dynamiques se rapportant aux employeurs et entreprises ; et 4) les dynamiques se rapportant aux instances gouvernementales et au grand public. Selon les résultats de recherche, les stratégies des deux centres canadiens présentent des similarités prédominantes, et les stratégies s’inscrivant dans la première dimension priment sur les autres. Comparativement aux worker centres étatsuniens, leurs stratégies apparaissent globalement conformes au modèle décrit dans la littérature, mais celles de la troisième dimension prennent une place plus restreinte dans les pratiques des centres canadiens.
Des associations de travailleuses aux stratégies de résistance : le point de vue des travailleuses domestiques rémunérées à Lima
Authors: Fauvel Mylène
Published: March 2021

Le travail domestique rémunéré ne peut être pensé sans aborder la division sexuelle, raciale et internationale du travail tout comme les dynamiques de pouvoir qui s’y matérialisent. En ce sens, cet article s’intéresse, d’un point de vue microsociologique, aux communications entre les travailleuses domestiques et leur(s) employeur.e.s et cherche à comprendre comment les travailleuses domestiques peuvent résister aux rapports de domination et d’exploitation qui s’inscrivent dans la relation de travail. On y démontre, en explorant les résultats d’une enquête au sein d’une association de travailleuses domestiques au Pérou, que les travailleuses domestiques mettent en place des stratégies de résistance qui, d’une part, leur permettent de se dégager une marge de manoeuvre pour réduire les effets des rapports de pouvoir et de domination et rendre leur travail plus tenable ; et, d’autre part, maintiennent les apparences de soumission, ce qui leur permet d’éviter les sanctions et de préserver leur relation d’emploi. Dans un deuxième temps, l’article réfléchit au rôle des associations de travailleuses domestiques dans la mise en place de ces stratégies et invite à penser le continuum existant entre des stratégies de résistance individuelle et collective.
Expressivité, inconstance et usure du travail d’artiste-interprète en danse à Montréal
Authors: Barré Philippe
Published: March 2021

Les revenus et les conditions de travail des artistes professionnels de la danse sont particulièrement précaires, y compris pour les interprètes les plus renommés ainsi que pour la plupart des chorégraphes. Pourtant, cette profession constitue une figure typique du travail expressif basé sur un haut niveau de réalisation et d’accomplissement de soi. Ce paradoxe du travail artistique, qui associe l’expressivité aux conditions de travail les plus précaires et à la pauvreté, ne peut pas être interprété à partir d’une conception essentialiste de la vocation artistique qui réduirait le travail des artistes soit à du non-travail soit à un travail tellement incertain que la vulnérabilité qu’il génère en serait naturelle. Nous examinons ici comment l’activité des danseuses et des danseurs professionnels de la danse à Montréal s’articule avec différents espaces de socialisation, d’engagement dans le travail et de construction identitaire qui associent paradoxalement réalisation de soi et précarité. Les politiques publiques qui confèrent aux artistes des arts de la scène du Québec un statut légal, mais les placent aux marges du droit du travail, échouent à inverser la précarisation de leurs conditions de travail.
Microbial genetic and transcriptional contributions to oxalate degradation by the gut microbiota in health and disease
Authors: Liu Menghan , Devlin Joseph C , Hu Jiyuan , Volkova Angelina , Battaglia Thomas W , Ho Melody , Asplin John R , Byrd Allyson , Loke P'ng , Li Huilin , Ruggles Kelly V , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Blaser Martin J , Nazzal Lama
Published: March 2021

Over-accumulation of oxalate in humans may lead to nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. Humans lack endogenous oxalate degradation pathways (ODP), but intestinal microbes can degrade oxalate using multiple ODPs and protect against its absorption. The exact oxalate-degrading taxa in the human microbiota and their ODP have not been described. We leverage multi-omics data (>3000 samples from >1000 subjects) to show that the human microbiota primarily uses the type II ODP, rather than type I. Furthermore, among the diverse ODP-encoding microbes, an oxalate autotroph, Oxalobacter formigenes, dominates this function transcriptionally. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently suffer from disrupted oxalate homeostasis and calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. We show that the enteric oxalate level is elevated in IBD patients, with highest levels in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with both ileal and colonic involvement consistent with known nephrolithiasis risk. We show that the microbiota ODP expression is reduced in IBD patients, which may contribute to the disrupted oxalate homeostasis. The specific changes in ODP expression by several important taxa suggest that they play distinct roles in IBD-induced nephrolithiasis risk. Lastly, we colonize mice that are maintained in the gnotobiotic facility with O. formigenes, using either a laboratory isolate or an isolate we cultured from human stools, and observed a significant reduction in host fecal and urine oxalate levels, supporting our in silico prediction of the importance of the microbiome, particularly O. formigenes in host oxalate homeostasis.
Neuronal junctophilins recruit specific CaV and RyR isoforms to ER-PM junctions and functionally alter CaV2.1 and CaV2.2
Authors: Perni Stefano , Beam Kurt
Published: March 2021

Junctions between the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane that are induced by the neuronal junctophilins are of demonstrated importance, but their molecular architecture is still poorly understood and challenging to address in neurons. This is due to the small size of the junctions and the multiple isoforms of candidate junctional proteins in different brain areas. Using colocalization of tagged proteins expressed in tsA201 cells, and electrophysiology, we compared the interactions of JPH3 and JPH4 with different calcium channels. We found that JPH3 and JPH4 caused junctional accumulation of all the tested high-voltage-activated CaV isoforms, but not a low-voltage-activated CaV. Also, JPH3 and JPH4 noticeably modify CaV2.1 and CaV2.2 inactivation rate. RyR3 moderately colocalized at junctions with JPH4, whereas RyR1 and RyR2 did not. By contrast, RyR1 and RyR3 strongly colocalized with JPH3, and RyR2 moderately. Likely contributing to this difference, JPH3 binds to cytoplasmic domain constructs of RyR1 and RyR3, but not of RyR2.
Fate mapping analysis reveals a novel murine dermal migratory Langerhans-like cell population
Authors: Sheng Jianpeng , Chen Qi , Wu Xiaoting , Dong Yu Wen , Mayer Johannes , Zhang Junlei , Wang Lin , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo , Sung Yang Ho , Goh Wilson Wen Bin , Ronchese Franca , Ruedl Christiane
Published: March 2021

Dendritic cells residing in the skin represent a large family of antigen-presenting cells, ranging from long-lived Langerhans cells (LC) in the epidermis to various distinct classical dendritic cell subsets in the dermis. Through genetic fate mapping analysis and single-cell RNA-sequencing, we have identified a novel separate population of LC-independent CD207+CD326+ LClike cells in the dermis that homed at a slow rate to the lymph nodes (LNs). These LClike cells are long-lived and radio-resistant but, unlike LCs, they are gradually replenished by bone marrow-derived precursors under steady state. LClike cells together with cDC1s are the main migratory CD207+CD326+ cell fractions present in the LN and not, as currently assumed, LCs, which are barely detectable, if at all. Cutaneous tolerance to haptens depends on LClike cells, whereas LCs suppress effector CD8+ T-cell functions and inflammation locally in the skin during contact hypersensitivity. These findings bring new insights into the dynamism of cutaneous dendritic cells and their function opening novel avenues in the development of treatments to cure inflammatory skin disorders.
Evaluating the Suitability of Studies Published in the Field of Teaching of Turkish as a Foreign Language According to Qualitative Research Standards
Authors: Bi̇çer Nurşat
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate to what extent qualitative studies published in scientific journals between 2010 and 2017 on the teaching of Turkish as a foreign language, meet qualitative research criteria. For this purpose, exploratory design from mixed method was used in the study. For the study, 131 articles on the teaching of Turkish as a foreign language, published in Turkish were analyzed. During the course of the analysis of the articles, the Qualitative Research Evaluation Form (QREF), as prepared by the researcher, was used. With the internal consistency reliability analysis, it was found that the form had had a high level of reliability. In the analyses, the topic distributions of the articles and the arithmetic means for the suitability according to qualitative research criteria were designated. Using the variables of the number of authors, the publication year and research design, and the correlation between the article’s qualitative research scores were calculated. Finally, a correlation analysis was conducted between the chapters of the articles. It was determined that most of the research was done on course materials and the problems encountered in the examined articles. As a result of the study, it is seen that the mean score of the findings section is high and the method section has a low mean. Articles are mostly 1 or 2 authors. There is a significant difference between article scores according to the publication year and research design. According to the correlation analysis between the sections of the articles, positive significant relationships were found. It is thought that although the articles published also have certain drawbacks about their suitability to the qualitative research criteria, the studies did in fact exhibit an improvement and that the future studies would therefore be of higher quality.
Detecting Perceived Barriers in FLSA: The Socio-Psycholinguistic Study of EFL University Learners
Authors: Malik Sameena , Qin Huanq , Arif Soomro Muhammad , Oteir Ibrahim
Published: March 2021

Speaking is an essential and fundamental aspect of human Language. By acquiring and learning language, individuals can speak and conversate with each other, transmit information and interact. However, in practical aspects, it is somehow, difficult for second and foreign language learners to practice English in their day-to-day life. Despite being competent in their relevant field, many people and professionals worldwide endeavor and struggle due to lack of good communication and speaking skill. Language disorders can be one of the hindrances for many people including EFL university leaners. This study was guided by socio-cultural theory of Vygotsky, comprehensible input hypothesis of Krashen and foreign language anxiety theory of Horwitz. By adopting semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion technique, this study unveiled the psychological, cognitive and socio-cultural perceived hindrances that cause foreign or second language speaking anxiety in Pakistani EFL university learners. The participants of this study were recruited from public sector university in Lahore, Pakistan and were non-English majors (N=8) and aged between (20-26). The collected data was analyzed by employing content analysis technique. The findings indicated that speaking anxiety can originate from students’ own self-perceptions related to thinking process, cognition and linguistic issues such as vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, unfamiliarity with topics, genre, psychological and affective factors like anxiety, anxious and introvert personality, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, pre-university language experience, time pressure, fear of negative evaluation, instructors’ remarks; socio-cultural factors like lack of comprehensible input and exposure to TL, gender, and role of parents, geographical background, social status and were detected as speaking anxiety inducing factors. This study ventures to contribute to the existing literature on foreign language speaking anxiety among Pakistani EFL university learners. Thus, it can be practically implied from the above-mentioned factors that maximum exposure to English is of great importance and when learning process is mediated by more knowledgeable others and a person or a learner is scaffolded in the company of more knowledgeable others (parents or teachers) he gets the targeted results. Furthermore, friendly classroom environment can be very effective in overcoming speaking disorders and anxiety. The findings of this qualitative research have practical implications for second and foreign language EFL learning.
Vendor Characteristics, Practices, Microbial Contamination of Fish and Oil Quality in the Street Vending of Deep-fried Fish in Peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya: Case of Kasarani Sub-county
Authors: Simiyu Martha N. , Imungi Jasper K. , Njue Lucy G.
Published: March 2021

Aim: The main objective of the study is to assess the vendor and environmental hygiene, microbial contamination of deep-fried tilapia sold, and the quality of the oil used in the streets of Kasarani sub-county

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Kasarani Sub-county and The University of Nairobi Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Technology laboratory between January 2019 to July 2020.

Methodology: Structured questionnaires, checklists, analytical observations, and market observations were used to collect data from the street vendors. After the collection of the fish samples, microbial analysis of the fish samples was carried out using standard methods for Total coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus. The deep-frying oil was sampled for analysis of color and viscosity. Results were evaluated using national standards.

Results: The findings indicated that all the vendors have received a basic education and that all vendors fall under the low-income group. The most contaminated part of the fish by Staphylococcus aureus and total coliforms is the gills. The highest contamination was from Clay city ward (2.46 ± 0.43) while the least contaminated was from the Mwiki ward (1.28 ± 1.17). The total coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus concentration are significantly different between wards p (<0.05) as the p-value was 0.003 and 0.043 respectively.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the vending practices carried out are unsanitary. The fish as sold were contaminated with total coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus at high levels indicating poor hygiene procedures. The environment is characterized by poor sanitation and hygiene. The oil used for deep frying was characterized by dark color and high viscosity indicating prolonged usage of the same oil. Policies governing street vending and the environment should be reinforced to prevent the occurrence of hazards resulting from street vended fish.
Effects of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Seed Flour Addition on the Quality of Wheat Bread
Authors: Kure O. A. , Inelo E. D. , Donaldben N. S.
Published: March 2021

The effects of pawpaw (Carica papaya) seed flour addition to wheat based bread was studied. Matured, ripen pawpaw fruits were washed, and the seeds were collected, extracted, dried and milled. Different proportions of wheat and pawpaw seed flour with increasing level of pawpaw seed flour at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5% addition in wheat were prepared. Control sample was 100% wheat flour and its bread. The functional properties of the flours of wheat and pawpaw seed were determined. The proximate composition (breads and pawpaw seed flour), vitamins content and sensory attributes of the bread samples were determined using standard procedures. The GENSTAT Statistical Software (version 17.0) was used for data analyses. The Data obtained showed an increased oil absorption capacity (0.62-1.23 g/g), foaming capacity (14.54-19.88%) and a decreased water absorption capacity (1.88-1.35 g/g) and bulk density (0.78-0.41 g/cm3) with increased pawpaw seed flour addition. The proximate composition of the bread samples showed significant (p<0.05) increase in moisture (23.80-30.83%), ash (0.78-3.00%), crude fibre (0.58-1.48%), crude fat (2.20-9.68%) and crude protein (11.46-17.71%) but decrease in carbohydrate (61.19-37.31%) contents with increased pawpaw seed flour addition. The pawpaw seed flour showed proximate composition of 8.15% moisture, 7.46% ash, 5.44% crude fibre, 25.41% crude fat, 28.18% crude protein and 25.38% carbohydrate. Vitamin C (0.57-12.95 mg/100 g) and pro-vitamin A (0.26-7.37 µg/100 g) significantly (p<0.05) increased with increased pawpaw seed flour percentage while Vitamin B3 decreased with increased addition. Appearance and taste panel scores indicated that up to 5% addition of pawpaw seed flour was acceptable in bread formulation.
Bio-Tower Application for Improvement of a Decentralized Waste Water Treatment System for Residential Applications–Reduction of Nonpoint Source Pollution by Nitrogen
Authors: Dölle K. , Giarrusso S.
Published: March 2021

The application of decentralized wastewater treatment system, also known as septic system is very common in suburban and rural areas with no access to centralized sewage treatment plants. Minimizing water pollution and the effects on wildlife and humans is of specific concern in rural and urban areas.

A packed bio-tower addition to a 1000 gallon septic tank was tested under pilot conditions using municipal residential sewage. The septic tank packed bio-tower pilot system is able to reduce the NH3-N influent level of 16.5 mg/l to 24.0 mg/l by 77.3% to 96.7% at influent flow levels between1060 l/d (280 gal/d) and 3997 l/d (1056 gal/d). 

Biochemical oxygen demand levels reduction was 97.0% from 280 mg/l to 8.5 mg/l. for a flow rate of 1060 l/d (280 gal/d).

Research showed that a bio-tower addition to a septic system has the potential to improve the systems overall performance.
Frailty Models for Predicting Eruption Time and Sequence of Permanent Dentition in Sri Lankan Children
Authors: Wanigasekara Chamilanka , Nawarathna Lakshika S. , Vithanaarachchi V. S. N.
Published: March 2021

The main goal of this study is to create a suitable model to predict the tooth eruption pattern of Sri Lankan children. Also, we identify the relationship between variables associated with eruption sequence, compare the eruption sequence between sexes, compare the eruption sequences between upper and lower jaws, identifying common polymorphisms of tooth eruption sequences of children and determine the frequencies of occurrence of emergence polymorphisms for different tooth pairs. This analysis was performed using the data of the extent of tooth eruption of all 28 teeth at 10 different time points in each year. Welch two-sample t-test was used to identify the relationship between variables associated with eruption sequence. Frailty models and Cox-Proportional Hazard models developed for each tooth type separately and the model selection procedures Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values are measured for each model. Since Gamma Frailty models have the smallest AIC and BIC for seven types of tooth which divide according to the eruption stage of the each tooth, we choose Gamma Frailty models as the best predictor for the tooth eruption. There is a significant difference between the eruption pattern of gender and jaw associated with time. However, no significant difference between sides associated with the eruption sequence was observed.
Plant Metabolomics: An Overview
Authors: Londonkar Ramesh , Kesaralikar M. M.
Published: March 2021

The term metabolomics was coined by Oliver and his group in 1998. It is a study of biochemical profile and regulation of functions in whole organism by analyzing a metabolite pool present in organism. Researchers believe that more than 400,000 plant species exist worldwide. Total number of metabolites in the plant kingdom are about 2,00,000 to 10,00,000. With the availability of highly sensitive and selective analytical techniques, metabolic changes in plant systems can be followed in a comprehensive way. This technology is useful in assessing gene function and relationships to metabolites. The nutritional values of food and concentration of pharmaceuticals in plants can be improved by using metabolomics study and its functional genomic strategies. Metabolomics analysis is comparatively fast, cheaper and reliable, but simultaneous identification of all metabolites in a crop plant remains a challenge.
Study of the Influence of Local Strains of Lactobacillus on the Experimental Model of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Kutlieva G. J. , Elova N. A. , Turaeva B. I. , Nurmukhamedova D. K. , Tulaganov B. S.
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to one of the most important effects of local strains of lactic acid bacteria - the detection of anti-inflammatory action. For this purpose, studies were conducted on an experimental model of ulcerative colitis caused in experimental animals (mice). The data proving that the effect of various probiotic bacteria is unequal are presented.  The ability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria in vitro and in vivo systems to influence the production of pro - and anti-inflammatory cytokines, to stimulate antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects have been shown. It is shown that it is necessary to study the specific effect of local lactobacillus strains on anti-inflammatory properties for a more adequate, effective selection of probiotic drugs in the treatment of intestinal ulcers. Data have been presented proving the positive effects of probiotic bacteria on the wound key.
Physical-chemical Characterization of Nano-Zinc Oxide/Activated Carbon Composite for Phenol Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Allwar Allwar , Setyani Asih , Sugesti Ulul , Fauzani Khusna Afifah
Published: March 2021

Oil palm shell was used as a precursor for preparation of activated carbon using different chemical activations (potassium hydroxide (KOH), zinc chloride (ZNCl2), and phosphoric acid (H3PO4)). Each activated carbons (AC) was mixed with nano-zinc oxide to form a composite. From the gas sorption analyzer, it is showed that nitrogen adsorption isotherms show Type II for ZnO/AC-KOH and ZnO/AC-ZnCl2 corresponding to the micro- and mesoporous structures, respectively. However, the nitrogen adsorption isotherm of ZnO/AC-H3PO4 exhibits the Type I with predominantly microporous structures. The SEM micrographs produced unsmooth surface and different pore sizes. The XRD patterns at 2θ of 25.06° and 26.75° were come from amorphous activated carbon. The peak intensity of ZnO was weak due to low concentration of zinc precursor. However, the ZnO of ZnO/AC-ZnCl2 showed strongly peak intensity. The effectiveness of the composites was examined for phenol removal determined by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer method. The equilibrium adsorption follows the Langmuir and Freundlich models according to the best correlation coefficient (R2). The kinetic model was only obtained for the pseudo-second-order with the best linearity of the correlation coefficient (R2). The results of this study showed that the oil palm shell has a great potential for ZnO/AC with excellent adsorptive property. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Co-Solvent Free Electrochemical Synthesis of Biodiesel Using Graphite Electrode and Waste Concrete Heterogeneous Catalyst: Optimization of Biodiesel Yield
Authors: Wicaksono Wiyogo Prio , Jati Sekar Asmara , Yanti Ika , Jiwanti Prastika Krisma
Published: March 2021

This study optimized a co-solvent free electrochemical method for biodiesel synthesis using graphite electrode and waste concrete heterogeneous catalyst. Various parameters were evaluated, including: applied voltage (9.6, 14.4, 19.2 V), catalyst particle size uniformity (unfiltered and filtered with 150 mesh), and reaction time (15, 30, 120, 240 min). The results obtained 100% FAME content and 78.51% of biodiesel yield that were achieved at 14.4 V within 30 min using filtered catalyst and cooking oil feedstock. However, a slight decline was observed with the use of waste cooking oil. This optimized method offers a reliable and simple condition for mass biodiesel production. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Kinetic Measurements in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Yablonsky Gregory , Fushimi Rebecca , Marin Guy B.
Published: March 2021

This article is about the experimental determination of the rate of a heterogeneous catalytic reaction and the analysis of kinetic data. In this case, the reaction rate can be defined as the frequency at which the closed sequence of elementary steps transforming reactants into products is occurring.
Development and Validation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Indices Including HandScan (Optical Spectral Transmission) Scores
Authors: Verhoeven Maxime M. A. , Westgeest Antonius A. A. , Schwarting Andreas , Jacobs Johannes W. G. , Heller Caroline , van Laar Jacob M. , Lafeber Floris P. J. G. , Tekstra Janneke , Triantafyllias Konstantinos , Welsing Paco M. J.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To develop and validate a composite rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity index using optical spectral transmission (OST) scores obtained with the HandScan, replacing tender and swollen joint counts.

Methods

RA patients from a single center routinely undergoing HandScan measurements with at least 1 concurrent OST score and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) were included. Data were extracted from medical records. Linear regression analyses with the DAS28 as the outcome were performed to create a disease activity index (DAS‐OST). OST score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and patient global assessment (PtGA) visual analog scale (VAS), sex, age, disease duration, and rheumatoid factor status were evaluated as independent variables. Final models were derived based on the statistical significance of coefficients and model fit. Of the data, two‐thirds were used for development and one‐third for validation; external validation was performed in a cohort from another center. Agreement between DAS‐OST and DAS28 was assessed using the Bland‐Altman plot method and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Diagnostic value of the DAS‐OST was determined for established definitions of remission, low disease activity (LDA), and high disease activity (HDA).

Results

Data of 3,358 observations from 1,505 unique RA patients were extracted. DAS‐OST was defined as: –0.44 + OST × 0.03 + male × –0.11 + LN(ESR) × 0.77 + PtGA VAS × 0.03. The ICCs between DAS‐OST and DAS28 were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.87–0.90) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.75–0.86) and measurement errors were 0.58 and 0.87 in internal and external validation, respectively. Sensitivity for remission, LDA, and HDA was 79%, 91%, and 43%, respectively, and specificity was 92%, 80%, and 96% in external validation.

Conclusion

Using the HandScan, RA disease activity can be accurately estimated if combined with ESR, PtGA VAS, and sex into a disease activity index (DAS‐OST).
Economic Evaluation of the Dr. Bart Application in Individuals With Knee and/or Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Pelle Tim , Bevers Karen , van den Hoogen Frank , van der Palen Job , van den Ende Cornelia
Published: March 2021

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐utility and cost‐effectiveness of the dr. Bart app compared to usual care in people with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees and hips, applying a health care payer perspective.

Methods

This economic evaluation was conducted alongside a 6‐month randomized controlled trial that included 427 participants. The dr. Bart app is a stand‐alone eHealth application that invites users to select pre‐formulated goals (i.e., “tiny habits”) and triggers for a healthier lifestyle. Self‐reported outcome measures were health care costs, quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) according to the EuroQol 5‐dimension 3‐level (EQ‐5D‐3L) descriptive system, the EuroQol visual analog scale (QALY VAS), patient activation measure 13 (PAM‐13), and 5 subscales of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score/Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Missing data were multiply imputed, and bootstrapping was used to estimate statistical uncertainty.

Results

The mean ± SD age of the study participants was 62.1 ± 7.3 years, and the majority of participants were female (72%). Health care costs were lower in the intervention group compared to the group who received usual care (€−22 [95% confidence interval €−36, −3]). For QALY and QALY VAS, the probability of the dr. Bart app being cost‐effective compared to usual care was 0.71 and 0.67, respectively, at a willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) of €10,000 and 0.64 and 0.56, respectively, at a WTP of €80.000. For self‐management behavior, symptoms, pain, and activities of daily living, the probability that the dr. Bart app was cost‐effective was >0.82, and the probability that the dr. Bart app was cost‐effective in the areas of activities and quality of life was <0.40, regardless of WTP thresholds.

Conclusion

This economic evaluation showed that costs were lower for the dr. Bart app group compared to the group who received usual care. Given the noninvasive nature of the intervention and the moderate probability of it being cost‐effective for the majority of outcomes, the dr. Bart app has the potential to serve as a tool to provide education and goal setting in OA and its treatment options.
Flexural Properties of ARCH Lattice Structures Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Ding Ruochen , Yao Jun , Du Baorui , Li Kailun , Pan Maohua , Zhao Lu , Guo Yumeng
Published: March 2021

Lattice structure has a broad application in the fields of aerospace, automobile, bio‐medical treatment and energy. It is very suitable for the applications of secondary load‐bearing components, because of its characteristics of low density, high specific strength, and high specific stiffness. The flexural property is an important index of the material used in the secondary load‐bearing components. In this study, the flexural properties of ARCH lattice structure fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) under different loading directions and with different relative densities are simulated and experimentally researched. The results show that ARCH lattice structure has better flexural properties under Y loading direction. The relative density has a great influence on the flexural properties of ARCH lattice structures. Moreover, the Gibson–Ashby equation is also established to estimate the flexural properties of the lattice structures with different relative densities, which can provide a theoretical basis and reference to the engineering application of ARCH lattice structures.
Hot Work Tool Steel Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion: A Review on Most Relevant Influencing Factors
Authors: Wu Liang , Das Suvajeet , Gridin Witalij , Leuders Stefan , Kahlert Moritz , Vollmer Malte , Niendorf Thomas
Published: March 2021

As a representative of a common carbon‐bearing hot work tool steel AISI H13 is in focus of the present review paper. Most relevant details for processing of AISI H13 by laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) are systematically investigated. Three common stages of process parameter development and material assessment, respectively, are in focus: general processibility, process refinement, and deduction of process–microstructure–property relations, i.e., understanding of the interplay of relevant elementary mechanisms. On the one hand, the routine of AISI H13 processing by L‐PBF is optimized for industrial application. This optimization includes laser parameters, heat treatment, and process sensitivity concerning the used machine and powder. On the other hand, the cluster‐like melt pool microstructure and the formation of various defects during L‐PBF processing of AISI H13 powder are under investigation. Most importantly, understanding of solidification cracking based on critical temperature regimes and residual stress cracking related to martensitic transformation is essential for robust process and material development for the L‐PBF process.
High‐Performance Quasi‐Solid‐State Na‐Air Battery via Gel Cathode by Confining Moisture
Authors: Chang Shilei , Hou Minjie , Xu Bowen , Liang Feng , Qiu Xuechao , Yao Yaochun , Qu Tao , Ma Wenhui , Yang Bing , Dai Yongnian , Chen Kunfeng , Xue Dongfeng , Zhao Huaping , Lin Xiaoting , Poon Fanny , Lei Yong , Sun Xueliang
Published: March 2021

Rechargeable Na‐air batteries are the subject of great interest because of their high theoretical specific energy density, lower cost, and lower charge potential compared with Li‐air batteries. However, high purity O2 as a working environment is required to achieve high‐performance Na‐air batteries, which obstructs their application as a high‐energy‐density battery. Although aqueous Na‐air batteries can operate in ambient air, long cycle and high safety remain challenges for aqueous Na‐air batteries because the aqueous electrolyte is volatile. Here, a quasi‐solid‐state Na‐air battery is reported by utilizing a gel cathode, which is composed of single‐walled carbon nanotubes and room‐temperature ionic liquids, achieving high safety and long cycling life of 125 cycles (528 h) at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2, which is surprisingly better than that of quasi‐solid‐state NaO2 batteries. In situ XRD characterizations reveal that water in ambient air is gradually deposited on the surface of the gel cathode to form a water layer, which facilitates the generation of soluble discharge product of NaOH thermodynamically with high conductivity. This work shall be critical to develop and promote the practical application of Na‐air batteries, opening a new way to the design of solid‐state metal‐air batteries.
Breaking the Redox Homeostasis: an Albumin‐Based Multifunctional Nanoagent for GSH Depletion‐Assisted Chemo‐/Chemodynamic Combination Therapy
Authors: Liang Kaicheng , Sun Haitao , Yang Zebin , Yu Huizhu , Shen Jie , Wang Xiaolin , Chen Hangrong
Published: March 2021

Redox homeostasis is vital for cell survival. Nowadays, developing novel nanoagents that can efficiently break the redox homeostasis, which includes improving the reactive oxygen species level while reducing the glutathione (GSH) level, has emerged as a promising but challenging strategy for tumor therapy. In this work, a novel albumin‐based multifunctional nanoagent is developed for GSH‐depletion assisted chemo‐/chemodynamic combination therapy. Briefly, CuO and MnOX are in situ co‐grown inside the albumin molecules through a facile biomineralization process, followed by the conjugation of Pt (IV) prodrug to obtain the final nanoagent. Thereinto, copper species can produce •OH with optimal efficiency under weakly acidic conditions (pH = 6.5), while MnOX can react with GSH, leading to the GSH depletion, which reduces the formation of GSH‐Pt adducts and •OH consumption, thus favoring a better chemotherapy and chemodynamic therapy effect, respectively. Significantly, both GSH depletion and •OH generation contributes to the inhibited expression of GPX‐4, which further increases the oxidative stress. Moreover, during the reaction between MnOX and GSH or H2O2, Mn2+ ions are released for MR imaging while O2 is produced for hypoxia relief. It is believed that the proposed strategy can provide a new perspective on effective tumor therapy.
Challenges and Recent Advances in High Capacity Li‐Rich Cathode Materials for High Energy Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: He Wei , Guo Weibin , Wu Hualong , Lin Liang , Liu Qun , Han Xiao , Xie Qingshui , Liu Pengfei , Zheng Hongfei , Wang Laisen , Yu Xiqian , Peng Dong‐Liang
Published: March 2021

Li‐rich cathode materials have attracted increasing attention because of their high reversible discharge capacity (>250 mA h g−1), which originates from transition metal (TM) ion redox reactions and unconventional oxygen anion redox reactions. However, many issues need to be addressed before their practical applications, such as their low kinetic properties and inefficient voltage fading. The development of cutting‐edge technologies has led to cognitive advances in theory and offer potential solutions to these problems. Herein, a recent in‐depth understanding of the mechanisms and the frontier electrochemical research progress of Li‐rich cathodes are reviewed. In addition, recent advances associated with various strategies to promote the performance and the development of modification methods are discussed. In particular, excluding Li‐rich Mn‐based (LRM) cathodes, other branches of the Li‐rich cathode materials are also summarized. The consistent pursuit is to obtain energy storage devices with high capacity, reliable practicability, and absolute safety. The recent literature and ongoing efforts in this area are also described, which will create more opportunities and new ideas for the future development of Li‐rich cathode materials.
Direct and Plasmonic Nanoparticle‐Mediated Infrared Neural Stimulation: Comprehensive Computational Modeling and Validation
Authors: Ebtehaj Zahra , Malekmohammad Mohammad , Hatef Ali , Soltanolkotabi Mahmood
Published: March 2021

Infrared neural stimulation techniques have potential applications in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders. There has been little progress in the computational modeling of these techniques and further improvement is needed in this area. In this paper, a comprehensive computational model is presented for simulating the complete mechanism of direct and plasmonic nanoparticle‐mediated infrared neural stimulation techniques in schematic samples of experimental setups. The simulation process involves three phases: 1) Simulating the light transmission and absorption in setups containing pure water or a gold nanorod solution using developed 3D, time‐independent, and time‐dependent Monte Carlo models, 2) calculating the spatiotemporal evolutions of temperature within the setup using the finite difference method and a presented novel method, and 3) simulating the thermally induced responses of lipid membranes using an improved method compared to existing theoretical models. The model is validated by comparing the computational results with existing experimental data. The effect of the laser pulse characteristics, nanofluid properties, and some other related parameters on the thermally induced membrane responses is investigated. The computational results help to optimize the parameters selection and maximize the overall efficiency of the infrared neural stimulation techniques.
All‐Atom Simulations and Free‐Energy Calculations of Antibodies Bound to the Spike Protein of SARS‐CoV‐2: The Binding Strength and Multivalent Hydrogen‐Bond Interactions
Authors: Lee Hwankyu
Published: March 2021

All‐atom simulations of various antibodies bound to the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are performed. Binding free energies calculated from umbrella sampling simulations show the strong binding between SARS‐CoV‐2 RBDs and antibodies, in agreement with recent experiments. Binding strengths of antibodies slightly differ, as further confirmed by calculating solvent accessible surface areas. Polar uncharged residues of RBD more predominantly bind to antibodies than do charged or hydrophobic residues of RBD. In particular, the binding between RBD and antibody is more significantly stabilized by multivalent hydrogen bonds of RBD residues (≈406th–505th) than by locally formed hydrogen bonds of only a few RBD residues (≈417th–487th or ≈487th–505th). Hydrogen‐bond analyses reveal key residues of RBD for strong hydrogen‐bond interactions between RBDs and antibodies, which help in the rational design of vaccine and drug molecules targeting the S protein of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Strong Interaction between Cyclo[18]Carbon and Graphene
Authors: Chen Jialu L. , Zhang Ruiqin Q.
Published: March 2021

The recent observation of cyclo[18]carbon by atomic force microscopy has attracted wide interest. Its electronic structures, adsorption of small molecules, π–π stacking interaction, and doping properties have been studied by theoretical calculations. Interaction of cyclo[18]carbon with another allotrope graphene will be worthwhile for understanding weak interaction. Some researchers have performed the adsorption energy calculations of the carbon ring on graphene but obtained an incorrect structure. Therefore, accurate calculations for the system are still necessary. In the work, the system is optimized with periodic and nonperiodic methods. Additionally, several wavefunction analyses and molecular dynamics simulations are also performed for the system. Large adsorption energy is ensured, and graphene can be used to isolate C18 molecules.