bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site-Level Variation in Parrotfish Grazing and Bioerosion as a Function of Species-Specific Feeding Metrics
Authors: Lange Ines D , Perry Chris T , Morgan Kyle M , Roche Ronan , Benkwitt Cassandra E , Graham Nicholas AJ
Published: October 2020

Parrotfish provide important ecological functions on coral reefs, including the provision of new settlement space through grazing and the generation of sediment through bioerosion of reef substrate. Estimating these functions at an ecosystem level depends on accurately quantifying the functional impact of individuals, yet parrotfish feeding metrics are only available for a limited range of sites, species and size classes. We quantified bite rates, proportion of bites leaving scars and scar sizes in situ for the dominant excavator (Cetoscarus ocellatus, Chlorurus strongylocephalus, Ch. sordidus) and scraper species (Scarus rubroviolaceus, S. frenatus, S. niger, S. tricolor, S. scaber, S. psittacus) in the central Indian Ocean. This includes the first record of scar frequencies and sizes for the latter three species. Bite rates varied with species and life phase and decreased with body size. The proportion of bites leaving scars and scar sizes differed among species and increased with body size. Species-level allometric relationships between body size and each of these feeding metrics were used to parameterize annual individual grazing and bioerosion rates which increase non-linearly with body size. Large individuals of C. ocellatus, Ch. strongylocephalus and S. rubroviolaceus can graze 200–400 m2 and erode >500 kg of reef substrate annually. Smaller species graze 1–100 m2 yr−1 and erode 0.2–30 kg yr−1. We used these individual functional rates to quantify community grazing and bioerosion levels at 15 sites across the Maldives and the Chagos Archipelago. Although parrotfish density was 2.6 times higher on Maldivian reefs, average grazing (3.9 ± 1.4 m2 m−2 reef yr−1) and bioerosion levels (3.1 ± 1.2 kg m−2 reef yr−1) were about 15% lower than in the Chagos Archipelago (4.5 ± 2.3 and 3.7 ± 3.0, respectively), due to the dominance of small species and individuals in the Maldives (90% <30 cm length). This demonstrates that large-bodied species and individuals contribute disproportionally to both grazing and bioerosion. Across all sites, grazing increased by 66 ± 5 m2 ha−1 and bioerosion by 109 ± 9 kg ha−1 for every kg increase in parrotfish biomass. However, for a given level of parrotfish biomass, grazing and bioerosion levels were higher on Maldivian reefs than in the Chagos Archipelago. This suggests that small-bodied fish assemblages can maintain ecosystem functions, but only if key species are present in sufficiently high numbers.
Inter-Habitat Variability in Parrotfish Bioerosion Rates and Grazing Pressure on an Indian Ocean Reef Platform
Authors: Yarlett Robert T. , Perry Chris T. , Wilson Rod W. , Harborne Alastair R.
Published: October 2020

Parrotfish perform a variety of vital ecological functions on coral reefs, but we have little understanding of how these vary spatially as a result of inter-habitat variability in species assemblages. Here, we examine how two key ecological functions that result from parrotfish feeding, bioerosion and substrate grazing, vary between habitats over a reef scale in the central Maldives. Eight distinct habitats were delineated in early 2015, prior to the 2016 bleaching event, each supporting a unique parrotfish assemblage. Bioerosion rates varied from 0 to 0.84 ± 0.12 kg m−2 yr−1 but were highest in the coral rubble- and Pocillopora spp.-dominated habitat. Grazing pressure also varied markedly between habitats but followed a different inter-habitat pattern from that of bioerosion, with different contributing species. Total parrotfish grazing pressure ranged from 0 to ~264 ± 16% available substrate grazed yr-1 in the branching Acropora spp.-dominated habitat. Despite the importance of these functions in influencing reef-scale physical structure and ecological health, the highest rates occurred over less than 30% of the platform area. The results presented here provide new insights into within-reef variability in parrotfish ecological functions and demonstrate the importance of considering how these interact to influence reef geo-ecology.
Diagnostic Ability of Radiofrequency Ultrasound in Parkinson’s Disease Compared to Conventional Transcranial Sonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Baranauskas Mindaugas , Jurkonis Rytis , Lukoševičius Arūnas , Matijošaitis Vaidas , Gleiznienė Rymantė , Rastenytė Daiva
Published: October 2020

We aimed to estimate tissue displacements’ parameters in midbrain using ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) signals and to compare diagnostic ability of this RF transcranial sonography (TCS)-based dynamic features of disease affected tissues with conventional TCS (cTCS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while differentiating patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) from healthy controls (HC). US tissue displacement waveform parametrization by RF TCS for endogenous brain tissue motion, standard neurological examination, cTCS and MRI data collection were performed for 20 PD patients and for 20 age- and sex-matched HC in a prospective manner. Three logistic regression models were constructed, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were applied. The model constructed of RF TCS-based brain tissue displacement parameters—frequency of high-end spectra peak and root mean square—revealed presumably increased anisotropy in the midbrain and demonstrated rather good diagnostic ability in the PD evaluation, although it was not superior to that of the cTCS or MRI. Future studies are needed in order to establish the true place of RF TCS detected tissue displacement parameters for the evaluation of pathologically affected brain tissue.
Non-Extensive Statistical Analysis of Acoustic Emissions Recorded in Marble and Cement Mortar Specimens Under Mechanical Load Until Fracture
Authors: Loukidis Andronikos , Triantis Dimos , Stavrakas Ilias
Published: October 2020

Non-extensive statistical mechanics (NESM), which is a generalization of the traditional Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics, constitutes a theoretical and analytical tool for investigating the irreversible damage evolution processes and fracture mechanisms occurring when materials are subjected to mechanical loading. In this study, NESM is used for the analysis of the acoustic emission (AE) events recorded when marble and cement mortar specimens were subjected to mechanical loading until fracture. In total, AE data originating from four distinct loading protocols are presented. The cumulative distribution of inter-event times (time interval between two consecutive AE events) and the inter-event distances (three-dimensional Euclidian distance between the centers of successive AE events) were examined under the above concept and it was found that NESM is suitable to detect criticality under the terms of mechanical status of a material. This was conducted by evaluating the fitting results of the q-exponential function and the corresponding q-indices of Tsallis entropy qδτ and qδr, along with the parameters τδτ and dδr. Results support that qδτ+qδr≈2 for AE data recorded from marble and cement mortar specimens of this work, which is in good agreement with the conjecture previously found in seismological data and AE data recorded from Basalt specimens.
Thermoelectric Efficiency of Silicon–Germanium Alloys in Finite-Time Thermodynamics
Authors: Rogolino Patrizia , Cimmelli Vito Antonio
Published: October 2020

We analyze the efficiency in terms of a thermoelectric system of a one-dimensional Silicon–Germanium alloy. The dependency of thermal conductivity on the stoichiometry is pointed out, and the best fit of the experimental data is determined by a nonlinear regression method (NLRM). The thermoelectric efficiency of that system as function of the composition and of the effective temperature gradient is calculated as well. For three different temperatures (T=300 K, T=400 K, T=500 K), we determine the values of composition and thermal conductivity corresponding to the optimal thermoelectric energy conversion. The relationship of our approach with Finite-Time Thermodynamics is pointed out.
Development of a Tool for Optimizing Solar and Battery Storage for Container Farming in a Remote Arctic Microgrid
Authors: Sambor Daniel , Wilber Michelle , Whitney Erin , Jacobson Mark
Published: October 2020

High transportation costs make energy and food expensive in remote communities worldwide, especially in high-latitude Arctic climates. Past attempts to grow food indoors in these remote areas have proven uneconomical due to the need for expensive imported diesel for heating and electricity. This study aims to determine whether solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity can be used affordably to power container farms integrated with a remote Arctic community microgrid. A mixed-integer linear optimization model (FEWMORE: Food–Energy–Water Microgrid Optimization with Renewable Energy) has been developed to minimize the capital and maintenance costs of installing solar photovoltaics (PV) plus electricity storage and the operational costs of purchasing electricity from the community microgrid to power a container farm. FEWMORE expands upon previous models by simulating demand-side management of container farm loads. Its results are compared with those of another model (HOMER) for a test case. FEWMORE determined that 17 kW of solar PV was optimal to power the farm loads, resulting in a total annual cost decline of ~14% compared with a container farm currently operating in the Yukon. Managing specific loads appropriately can reduce total costs by ~18%. Thus, even in an Arctic climate, where the solar PV system supplies only ~7% of total load during the winter and ~25% of the load during the entire year, investing in solar PV reduces costs.
Performance and Wake Characterization of a Model Hydrokinetic Turbine: The Reference Model 1 (RM1) Dual Rotor Tidal Energy Converter
Authors: Hill Craig , Neary Vincent S. , Guala Michele , Sotiropoulos Fotis
Published: October 2020

The mechanical power and wake flow field of a 1:40 scale model of the US Department of Energy’s Reference Model 1 (RM1) dual rotor tidal energy converter are characterized in an open-channel flume to evaluate power performance and wake flow recovery. The NACA-63(4)-24 hydrofoil profile in the original RM1 design is replaced with a NACA-4415 profile to minimize the Reynolds dependency of lift and drag characteristics at the test chord Reynolds number. Precise blade angular position and torque measurements were synchronized with three acoustic Doppler velocimeters (ADV) aligned with each rotor centerline and the midpoint between the rotor axes. Flow conditions for each case were controlled to maintain a hub height velocity, uhub= 1.04 ms−1, a flow Reynolds number, ReD= 4.4 × 105, and a blade chord length Reynolds number, Rec= 3.1 × 105. Performance was measured for a range of tip-speed ratios by varying rotor angular velocity. Peak power coefficients, CP= 0.48 (right rotor) and CP= 0.43 (left rotor), were observed at a tip speed ratio, λ= 5.1. Vertical velocity profiles collected in the wake of each rotor between 1 and 10 rotor diameters are used to estimate the turbulent flow recovery in the wake, as well as the interaction of the counter-rotating rotor wakes. The observed performance characteristics of the dual rotor configuration in the present study are found to be similar to those for single rotor investigations in other studies. Similarities between dual and single rotor far-wake characteristics are also observed.
How the Health Rumor Misleads People’s Perception in a Public Health Emergency: Lessons from a Purchase Craze during the COVID-19 Outbreak in China
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Chen Kelin , Jiang He , Zhao Ji
Published: October 2020

Health rumors often mislead people and cause adverse health behaviors. Especially during a public health emergency, health rumors may result in severe consequences for people’s health and risk governance. Insight into how these rumors form and harm people’s health behavior is critical for assisting people in establishing scientific health cognition and to enhance public health emergency responses. Using the case study with interview data of a salient purchase craze led by a health rumor during the COVID-19 outbreak in China, this article aimed to illustrate the process of how a piece of information becomes a health rumor. Furthermore, we identify factors that cause people to believe rumors and conduct behavior that leads to a purchase craze. Results show that a public misunderstanding of the unique psychology of uncertainty, cultural and social cognition, and conformity behavior jointly informs people’s beliefs in rumors and further causes purchase craze behavior. We developed a simplified model to demonstrate how an ordinary news report can lead to a rumor. Based on this model, some implications of effective health communication are suggested for managing rumors.
Head-Out Water-Based Protocols to Assess Cardiorespiratory Fitness—Systematic Review
Authors: Ogonowska-Slodownik Anna , Richley Geigle Paula , Morgulec-Adamowicz Natalia
Published: October 2020

The aquatic environment offers cardiorespiratory training and testing options particularly for individuals unable to adequately train or test on land because of weight bearing, pain or disability concerns. No systematic review exists describing cardiorespiratory fitness protocols used in an aquatic environment. This review investigated the different head-out water-based protocols used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Our comprehensive, systematic review included 41 studies with each included paper methodological quality assessed using the statistical review of general papers checklist. Diverse protocols arose with three major categories identified: conducted in shallow water, deep water, and using special equipment. Thirty-seven articles presented data for peak/maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak/VO2max). Twenty-eight of 37 studies predefined criteria for reaching a valid VO2peak/VO2max with shallow water exercise demonstrating 20.6 to 57.2 mL/kg/min; deep water running 20.32 to 48.4 mL/kg/min; and underwater treadmill and cycling 28.64 to 62.2 mL/kg/min. No single, accepted head-out water-based protocol for evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness arose. For clinical use three cardiorespiratory fitness testing concepts ensued: water temperature of 28–30 °C with difference of maximum 1 °C between testing participants and/or testing sessions; water depth adapted for participant aquatic experiences and abilities; and intensity increment of 10–15 metronome beats per minute.
Phosphoproteomics and Bioinformatics Analyses Reveal Key Roles of GSK-3 and AKAP4 in Mouse Sperm Capacitation
Authors: Syifa Nailis , Yang Jhih-Tian , Wu Chang-Shiann , Lin Miao-Hsia , Wu Wan-Ling , Lai Cheng-Wei , Ku Sheng-Hsuan , Liang Suh-Yuen , Hung Yu-Chun , Chou Chia-Te , Wang Chien-Sheng , Ishihama Yasushi , Liao Jiahn-Haur , Wu Shih-Hsiung , Wu Tzu-Hua
Published: October 2020

Protein phosphorylation can induce signal transduction to change sperm motility patterns during sperm capacitation. However, changes in the phosphorylation of sperm proteins in mice are still incompletely understood. Here, capacitation-related phosphorylation in mouse sperms were firstly investigated by label-free quantitative (LFQ) phosphoproteomics coupled with bioinformatics analysis using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) methods such as canonical pathway, upstream regulator, and network analysis. Among 1632 phosphopeptides identified at serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues, 1050 novel phosphosites, corresponding to 402 proteins, were reported. Gene heatmaps for IPA canonical pathways showed a novel role for GSK-3 in GP6 signaling pathways associated with capacitation for 60 min. At the same time, the reduction of the abundant isoform-specific GSK-3α expression was shown by western blot (WB) while the LFQ pY of this isoform slightly decreased and then increased. The combined results from WB and LFQ methods explain the less inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3α during capacitation and also support the predicted increases in its activity. In addition, pAKAP4 increased at the Y156 site but decreased at the Y811 site in a capacitated state, even though IPA network analysis and WB analysis for overall pAKAP revealed upregulated trends. The potential roles of GSK-3 and AKAP4 in fertility are discussed.
Epstein-Barr Virus and Human Adenovirus Viremia in Renal Tumors Is Associated with Histological Features of Malignancy
Authors: Kryst Piotr , Poletajew Sławomir , Wyczałkowska-Tomasik Aleksandra , Gonczar Stefan , Wysocki Maciej , Kapuścińska Renata , Krajewski Wojciech , Zgliczyński Wojciech , Pączek Leszek
Published: October 2020

Background: There is growing evidence that viral infections may impact the risk and clinical course of malignancies, including solid tumors. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association of selected chronic/latent viral infections with the clinical course of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: In this prospective study we enrolled 27 patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy due to the histologically confirmed RCC and followed them up for one year post-operation. Isolation of the nucleic acids was performed using the NucleoSpin Tissue Kit (Macherey-Nagel, Düren, Germany) from tumor tissue and using the EZ1 Virus Mini Kit v2.0 from plasma. The number of viral copies of human adenovirus (ADV), herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and HSV-2, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), BK virus (BKV) and John Cunningham virus (JCV) in the tissue and plasma was assessed with real-time PCR. Results: Viral infections were diagnosed in ten patients (37.0%), including three ADV cases (11.1%) and eight EBV cases (29.6%). Infected patients tended to be significantly older (71.3 vs. 57.6 years, p < 0.05), more commonly presented with chronic renal disease (OR 2.4, p < 0.05), diabetes (OR 4.2, p < 0.05) and overweight (OR 2.0, p < 0.05). Regarding oncological data, infected patients were found to have a higher rate of high-grade cancers (OR 5.0, p < 0.05) and a higher rate of papillary RCCs (OR 8.3, p < 0.05). Status of viral infections had no influence on the clinical cancer stage, surgical procedure or survival. Conclusions: EBV and ADV infections are common in renal cancer patients and increase the risk of high-grade RCC presence. While there is no significant impact on short term survival, further studies are needed to assess the relevance of these findings in a long run.
The Association Between Delivery of Small-for-Gestational-Age Neonate and Their Risk for Long-Term Neurological Morbidity
Authors: Hadar Omer , Sheiner Eyal , Wainstock Tamar
Published: October 2020

Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) is defined as a birth weight below the 10th or below the 5th percentile for a specific gestational age and sex. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between SGA neonates and long-term pediatric morbidity. In this research, we aim to evaluate the possible association between small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and long-term pediatric neurological morbidity. A population-based retrospective cohort analysis was performed, comparing the risk of long-term neurological morbidities in SGA and non-SGA newborns delivered between the years 1991 to 2014 at a single regional medical center. The neurological morbidities included hospitalizations as recorded in hospital records. Neurological hospitalization rate was significantly higher in the SGA group (3.7% vs. 3.1%, OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.3, p < 0.001). A significant association was noted between neonates born SGA and developmental disorders (0.2% vs. 0.1%, OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.7–3.8, p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of neurological morbidity in the SGA group (log-rank p < 0.001). In the Cox proportional hazards model, which controlled for various Confounders, SGA was found to be an independent risk factor for long-term neurological morbidity (adjusted hazard ratio( HR) = 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.31, p < 0. 001). In conclusion, we found that SGA newborns are at an increased risk for long-term pediatric neurological morbidity.
Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genome Analysis of the Halotolerant Deep Sea Black Yeast Hortaea werneckii
Authors: Romeo Orazio , Marchetta Alessia , Giosa Domenico , Giuffrè Letterio , Urzì Clara , De Leo Filomena
Published: October 2020

Hortaea werneckii, an extreme halotolerant black yeast in the order of Capnodiales, was recently isolated from different stations and depths in the Mediterranean Sea, where it was shown to be the dominant fungal species. In order to explore the genome characteristics of these Mediterranean isolates, we carried out a de-novo sequencing of the genome of one strain isolated at a depth of 3400 m (MC873) and a re-sequencing of one strain taken from a depth of 2500 m (MC848), whose genome was previously sequenced but was highly fragmented. A comparative phylogenomic analysis with other published H. werneckii genomes was also carried out to investigate the evolution of the strains from the deep sea in this environment. A high level of genome completeness was obtained for both genomes, for which genome duplication and an extensive level of heterozygosity (~4.6%) were observed, supporting the recent hypothesis that a genome duplication caused by intraspecific hybridization occurred in most H. werneckii strains. Phylogenetic analyses showed environmental and/or geographical specificity, suggesting a possible evolutionary adaptation of marine H. werneckii strains to the deep sea environment. We release high-quality genome assemblies from marine H. werneckii strains, which provides additional data for further genomics analysis, including niche adaptation, fitness and evolution studies.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Characterization of New Spirolides from Alexandrium ostenfeldii (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Nieva Joyce A. , Tebben Jan , Tillmann Urban , Wohlrab Sylke , Krock Bernd
Published: October 2020

Spirolides belong to a group of marine phycotoxins produced by the marine planktonic dinophyte Alexandrium ostenfeldii. Composed of an imine moiety and a spiroketal ring system within a macrocylcle, spirolides are highly diverse with toxin types that vary among different strains. This study aims to characterize the spirolides from clonal A. ostenfeldii strains collected from The Netherlands, Greenland and Norway by mass spectral techniques. The structural characterization of unknown spirolides as inferred from high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) and collision induced dissociation (CID) spectra revealed the presence of nine novel spirolides that have the pseudo-molecular ions m/z 670 (1), m/z 666 (2), m/z 696 (3), m/z 678 (4), m/z 694 (5), m/z 708 (6), m/z 720 (7), m/z 722 (8) and m/z 738 (9). Of the nine new spirolides proposed in this study, compound 1 was suggested to have a truncated side chain in lieu of the commonly observed butenolide ring in spirolides. Moreover, there is indication that compound 5 might belong to new spirolide subclasses with a trispiroketal ring configuration having a 6:5:6 trispiroketal ring system. On the other hand, the other compounds were proposed as C- and G-type SPX, respectively. Compound 7 is proposed as the first G-type SPX with a 10-hydroxylation as usually observed in C-type SPX. This mass spectrometry-based study thus demonstrates that structural variability of spirolides is larger than previously known and does not only include the presence or absence of certain functional groups but also involves the triketal ring system.
Improvement in Weldment of Dissimilar 9% CR Heat-Resistant Steels by Post-Weld Heat Treatment
Authors: Xiong Jiankun , Li Ting , Yuan Xinjian , Mao Guijun , Yang Jianping , Yang Lin , Xu Jian
Published: October 2020

The effect of the post-weld heat treatment on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the dissimilar joint of G115, a novel developed martensite heat resistant steel, and CB2 steel, currently used in an ultra-super-critical power unit, was investigated. The results indicate that the quenched martensite underwent decomposition and transformation, and the amount of dislocations were sharply decreased in the weld metal after post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). Many nano-scale M23C6 precipitates present in the weldment were distributed on the grain and grain boundary in a dispersed manner with PWHT. The average microhardness of the weldment decreased from about 400 HV to 265–290 HV after PWHT and only a slight decrease in the microhardness of CB2 steel was detected after PWHT at 760 °C. In contrast to the case of the as-received joint, the tensile strength of the joint was improved from 630 MPa to 694 MPa and the fracture location moved from the weld metal to the base metal after PWHT. The fracture surface consisted of a cleavage fracture mode without PWHT, whereas many dimples were observed on the fracture surface with PWHT.
Development of Slurry Surfacing with Electric Arc Furnace Slag for Pavements with Friction Problems
Authors: Terrones-Saeta Juan María , Suárez-Macías Jorge , Iglesias-Godino Francisco Javier , Corpas-Iglesias Francisco Antonio
Published: October 2020

Pavement maintenance is an essential activity for maintaining the quality of the pavements. It is common for the ageing pavement to present problems of friction, so a proper solution must be provided. In this work, electric arc furnace slags are incorporated in slurry surfacing to provide adequate friction with this technique. The electric arc furnace slag was studied with physical, chemical, and mechanical tests to evaluate its suitability in the formation of the bituminous mixture. At the same time, different groups of samples were made with increasing percentages of bitumen emulsion and slag as coarse aggregate, determining the wear of the different families and the cohesion. The results reflected the excellent characteristics of the electric arc furnace slags, and an optimal combination of materials (slag, aggregate, water, and bitumen emulsion) could be obtained to develop slurry surfacing applicable to important traffic roads. This provided a use for the electric arc furnace slag in which its mechanical properties were used and a sustainable bituminous mixture with excellent characteristics and respectful of the environment was developed.
Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Extracts and Characterization of Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Ifeanyichukwu Ugochi Lydia , Fayemi Omolola Esther , Ateba Collins Njie
Published: October 2020

This study assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles produced using aqueous extracts of pomegranate leaves and flowers designated ZnO-NPs-PL, ZnO-NPs-PF. In the study, oxides of zinc were successfully employed to fabricate nanoparticles using extracts from leaves and flowers of pomegranate (Punica granatum). The nanoparticles obtained were characterized spectroscopically. X-ray diffractive analysis (XRD) revealed the elemental components and nature of the synthesized particles. The fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO-NPs) showed a crystalline structure. The morphology of the nanoparticles as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was unevenly spherical and the functional groups involved in stabilization, reduction and capping were confirmed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) Spectroscopy. Confirmation of the nanoparticles by UV–Vis analysis showed absorption bands of 284 and 357 nm for pomegranate leaf and flower extract, respectively, mediated ZnO-NPs. Evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of the fabricated nanoparticles showed that ZnO-NPs were effective against all selected pathogenic strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella diarizonae, Salmonella typhi, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Moraxella catarrhalis, Aeromonas hydrophila and Listeria monocytogenes, used in the analysis. The effectiveness of these nanoparticles could be linked to their sizes and shapes as obtained using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Our reports revealed that increasing the concentration of the nanoparticles resulted in an increase in the antibacterial activity exerted by the nanoparticles, thus suggesting that both ZnO-NPs can effectively be used as alternative antibacterial agents. Further research is required to assess their mechanisms of action and toxicity.
BODIPY- and Porphyrin-Based Sensors for Recognition of Amino Acids and Their Derivatives
Authors: Farinone Marco , Urbańska Karolina , Pawlicki Miłosz
Published: October 2020

Molecular recognition is a specific non-covalent and frequently reversible interaction between two or more systems based on synthetically predefined character of the receptor. This phenomenon has been extensively studied over past few decades, being of particular interest to researchers due to its widespread occurrence in biological systems. In fact, a straightforward inspiration by biological systems present in living matter and based on, e.g., hydrogen bonding is easily noticeable in construction of molecular probes. A separate aspect also incorporated into the molecular recognition relies on the direct interaction between host and guest with a covalent bonding. To date, various artificial systems exhibiting molecular recognition and based on both types of interactions have been reported. Owing to their rich optoelectronic properties, chromophores constitute a broad and powerful class of receptors for a diverse range of substrates. This review focuses on BODIPY and porphyrin chromophores as probes for molecular recognition and chiral discrimination of amino acids and their derivatives.
C-Reactive Protein as a Possible Predictor of Trail-Making Performance in Individuals with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Dalkner Nina , Reininghaus Eva , Schwalsberger Karin , Rieger Alexandra , Hamm Carlo , Pilz René , Lenger Melanie , Queissner Robert , Falzberger Valerie S. , Platzer Martina , Fellendorf Frederike T. , Birner Armin , Bengesser Susanne A. , Weiss Elisabeth M. , McIntyre Roger S. , Mangge Harald , Reininghaus Bernd
Published: October 2020

Cognitive dysfunction is a prominent feature of psychiatric disorders. Studies have shown that systemic low-grade inflammation is crucial in the development of cognitive deficits across psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to further examine the role of inflammation and inflammatory mediators in cognitive function in psychiatric disorders. This study included 364 inpatients (53% females) with International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 F3 (affective disorders) and F4 (neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders) diagnoses. The mean age was 52 years (22 to 69 years) and the median body mass index was 27.6. Cognitive function was assessed with the Color–Word Interference Test after Stroop and the Trail-Making Test A/B. Multiple linear regression models were calculated to assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein and the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio on cognitive function controlling for age, sex, education, premorbid verbal intelligence quotient, illness duration, depressive symptoms, and obesity-related parameters (e.g., body mass index, high-density lipoprotein). Our data confirm that in patients with psychiatric disorders, C-reactive protein serum concentration is a relevant and important predictor of Trail-Making Test B performance, measuring cognitive flexibility. The effect size of this association did not change much after adding clinical and metabolic variables into the regression model. The kynurenine/tryptophan ratio was not related to cognitive test scores. The involvement of C-reactive protein as a peripheral inflammatory marker in cognitive flexibility and psychomotor processing speed in psychiatric illness can be concluded.
Coumarin-Containing Light-Responsive Carboxymethyl Chitosan Micelles as Nanocarriers for Controlled Release of Pesticide
Authors: Feng Song , Wang Junqin , Zhang Lihua , Chen Qin , Yue Wang , Ke Ni , Xie Haibo
Published: October 2020

Currently, controlled release formulations (CRFs) of pesticides in response to biotic and/or abiotic stimuli have shown great potential for providing “on-demand” smart release of loaded active ingredients. In this study, amphiphilic biopolymers were prepared by introducing hydrophobic (7-diethylaminocoumarin-4-yl)methyl succinate (DEACMS) onto the main chain of hydrophilic carboxymethylchitosan (CMCS) via the formation of amide bonds which were able to self-assemble into spherical micelles in aqueous media and were utilized as light-responsive nanocarriers for the controlled release of pesticides. FTIR and NMR characterizations confirmed the successful synthesis of the CMCS-DEACMS conjugate. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) decreased with the increase in the substitution of DEACMS on CMCS, which ranged from 0.013 to 0.042 mg/mL. Upon irradiation under simulated sunlight, the hydrodynamic diameter, morphology, photophysical properties and photolysis were researched by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Moreover, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was used as a model pesticide and encapsulated into the CMCS-DEACMS micelles. In these micelle formulations, the release of 2,4-D was promoted upon simulated sunlight irradiation, during which the coumarin moieties were cleaved from the CMCS backbone, resulting in a shift of the hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance and destabilization of the micelles. Additionally, bioassay studies suggested that this 2,4-D contained which micelles showed good bioactivity on the target plant without harming the nontarget plant. Thereby, the light-responsive CMCS-DEACMS micelles bearing photocleavable coumarin moieties provide a smart delivery platform for agrochemicals.
Study on the Transient Characteristics of the Centrifugal Pump during the Startup Period with Assisted Valve
Authors: Li Qiao , Ma Xiang , Wu Peng , Yang Shuai , Huang Bin , Wu Dazhuan
Published: October 2020

The startup period, one of several transient operations in a centrifugal pump, takes note of some problems with these devices. Sometimes a transient high pressure and high flow rate over a very short period of time are required at the startup process. The pump’s dynamic response is delayed because of the rotational inertia of the pump and motor. Our research focuses on how to get a large flow in a short time when the pump cannot meet the requirements alone without a large power driver. To achieve a strong response in the startup process, a ball valve is installed downstream of the pump. The pump’s transient behavior during such transient operations is important and requires investigation. In this study, the external transient hydrodynamic performance and the internal flow of the pump during the transient startup period are studied by experiments and simulations. In order to find an appropriate matching method, different experiments were designed. The content and results of this paper are meaningful for performance prediction during the transient pump-valve startup period.
TRC-Based High-Precision Spot Position Detection in Inter-Satellite Laser Communication
Authors: Li Qing , Guo Hongyang , Xu Shaoxiong , Xu Yangjie , Wang Qiang , He Dong , Peng Zhenming , Huang Yongmei
Published: October 2020

Inter-satellite laser communication (Is-OWC) is one of the main space optical communication technologies currently studied in various countries. In recent years, a kind of Is-OWC communication terminal without independent beacon light has appeared. Such terminals do not have a separate beacon laser with a large divergence angle, but use a narrower communication beam to complete space capture and tracking. Therefore, the energy of the light beam divided by the acquisition, tracking, and aiming (ATP) system is greatly reduced. How to perform high-precision spot position detection under extremely low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a problem that must be faced. Aiming to resolve this problem, this article proposes to use a cosine signal to modulate the intensity of the signal light, so as to convert the problem of detecting a weak light signal into the problem of detecting a line spectrum signal. The authors used the time reversal convolution (TRC) algorithm with a window function to suppress noise and enhance the spectrum line, so as to accurately detect the amplitudes of the weak photocurrents. Finally, by calculating the ratio of the photocurrent amplitude values, the precise spot position is obtained. In the experiment, when the output SNR of the four-quadrant detector (QD) is as low as −17.86 dB, the proposed method can still detect the spot position and the absolute error is limited within 0.0238 mrad.
The Effect of Cladode Drying Techniques on the Prebiotic Potential and Molecular Characteristics of the Mucilage Extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia joconostle
Authors: Cruz-Rubio José Manuel , Mueller Monika , Loeppert Renate , Viernstein Helmut , Praznik Werner
Published: October 2020

The dry, powdered cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica are often-used in over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical formulations. Gentle drying techniques, such as lyophilization and vacuum drying are compared with convection drying for the cladodes and also compared with another species of economic importance, Opuntia joconostle. The heteropolysaccharide purified from the mucilage extracted from the dried powders were investigated in their monosaccharide composition (HPAEC-PAD, TLC), mineral and protein content, molecular dimensions (SEC) and fermentability by probiotic bacteria (Bioscreen technique) for evaluation of the prebiotic potential of the mucilage. The heteropolysaccharide is composed of galactose, arabinose, xylose, galacturonic acid and rhamnose. O. ficus-indica includes an additional 13% of glucose coming from an α-glucan. The content of Ca (0.3%) and Mg (0.4%) is relatively low in both species; the content of protein adds up to 1.5% in O. ficus-indica but is significantly lower in O. joconostle with 0.8%. The average molecular mass Mw of the extracted mucilage ranges from 3.7 to 4.7 × 105 g∙mol−1 for both species; only the mucilage from long-time convection drying (C2) delivers a lower average Mw of 2.6 × 105 g∙mol−1, due to partial breakdown of the mucilage matrix. All tested probiotic strains utilized the mucilage to some extent; C2 being the most active, and thus confirms the prebiotic potential of cladode’s powder and its derived products. In general, the molecular dimensions and prebiotic potential are not extremely sensitive to the drying treatment, yet temperature and drying time can modify the cladode’s powder to a profile with better prebiotic characteristics.
Assessing Organizational Cultural Responsiveness among Refugee-Servicing Domestic Violence Agencies
Authors: Lucero Jessica L. , Scharp Kristina M. , Hernandez Tanni
Published: October 2020

Refugee community members who have experienced domestic violence in the U.S. face complex challenges in seeking help which may ultimately impact their ability to leave violent relationships. When domestic violence organizations are not prepared to serve them in culturally responsive ways, these challenges are exacerbated. This study surveyed 70 executive directors of domestic violence agencies in U.S. resettlement cities about the extent to which their organization’s practices reflected cultural responsiveness in serving refugee populations. The results showed promising indicators of organizational cultural responsiveness but uncovered numerous areas for growth. In particular, the study results underscore the need for organizations to improve their language supports and take active steps to outreach to, hire, and engage refugee communities in order to better serve them. This paper makes recommendations for how DV agencies can be more culturally responsive as they support refugee individuals who are seeking safety from violent relationships.
Studying Unemployment Effects on Mental Health: Social Media versus the Traditional Approach
Authors: Ahmed Samara , Rajput Adil E. , Sarirete Akila , Aljaberi Asma , Alghanem Ohoud , Alsheraigi Abrar
Published: October 2020

Social media, traditionally reserved for social exchanges on the Internet, has been increasingly used by researchers to gain insight into different facets of human life. Unemployment is an area that has gained attention by researchers in various fields. Medical practitioners especially in the area of mental health have traditionally monitored the effects of involuntary unemployment with great interest. The question we want to address is as follows: while many researchers have been using data from social media and microblogging sites in the past few years, do they provide results consistent with traditional research? Furthermore, if the data are indeed consistent, are they detailed enough to deduce possible reasons and remedies? We believe that having a concise answer to these questions is imperative for a sustainable mechanism for medical practitioners and researchers to gather and analyze data. The stigma of mental health prevents a good portion of society from seeking help, but the anonymity provided by the Internet could shatter such barriers, thus allowing people affected by conditions such as mental health and unemployment to express themselves freely. In this work, we compare the feedback gathered from social media using crowdsourcing techniques to results obtained prior to the advent of social media and microblogging. We find that the results are consistent in terms of (1) financial strain being the biggest stressor and concern, (2) the onslaught of depression being typical and (3) possible interventions, including reemployment and support from friends and family, playing a crucial role in minimizing the effects of involuntary unemployment. Lastly, we could not find enough evidence to study effects on physical health and somatization in this work.
An Organizing Principle for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus
Authors: Higgins Chad W. , Abou Najm Majdi
Published: October 2020

The nexus between water, energy, and food has recently evolved as a resource-management concept to deal with this intimately interwoven set of resources, their complex interactions, and the growing and continuously changing internal and external set of influencing factors, including climate change, population growth, habits and lifestyles alternations, and the dynamic prices of water, energy, and food. While an intriguing concept, the global research community is yet to identify a unifying conceptual and mathematical framework capable of adapting to integrate gathered knowledge and ensuring inclusivity by accounting for all significant interactions and feedbacks (including natural processes and anthropogenic inputs) within all nexus domains. We present an organizing roadmap for a conceptual and mathematical representation of the nexus. Our hope is that this representation will organize the nexus research and formalize a way for a generalizable framework that can be used to advance our understanding of those complex interactions, with hope that such an approach will lead to a more resilient future with sustained resources for the future generations.
Memory for Social Sustainability: Recalling Cultural Memories in Zanqit Alsitat Historical Street Market, Alexandria, Egypt
Authors: Hussein Fatmaelzahraa , Stephens John , Tiwari Reena
Published: October 2020

Historic urban landscapes (HULs) are composed of layers of imbedded tangible and intangible features such as cultural memories. As the collective memories of city inhabitants, cultural memories can affect elements of social sustainability such as health, well-being, community identity, place perception and social engagement. Utilising the popular Zanqit Alsitat (also known as ‘Zanket el-Setat’ or ‘Zane’t El-Settat’), the only remaining historical street market in Alexandria, Northern Egypt, this research proposes a theoretical model for recalling and continuity of cultural memory features in HULs, which can be used to achieve social sustainability. The research explored the site by applying a qualitative methodological approach through semi-structured in-person interviews in the study site, along with analysis of comments obtained from a research-purposed social media (Facebook) group. A qualitative data management software (NVivo12 programme) was utilised for interpretation and charting the features of stored cultural memories relating to this place. The study indicates that educing and maintaining the features of cultural memory in HULs contributes to social sustainability through its influence on the formation of place identity, sense of place, civic pride and quality of life. This framework for social sustainability in HULs can be applied by engaging social groups through participatory planning.
The Impact of Using Small-Scale Irrigation Motor Pumps on Farmers’ Household Incomes in Ethiopia: A Quasi-Experimental Approach
Authors: Workneh Wubamlak Ayichew , Takada Jun , Matsushita Shusuke
Published: October 2020

Sectoral economic growth data in Ethiopia show that the agriculture sector has the lowest growth, which is caused by frequent drought and inefficient technologies, among other factors. As a result, the productivities of land and labor, as well as the income of small-scale farm households, are very low, and rural areas have a relatively high poverty rate. A quasi-experiment was applied to understand the impact of using small-scale irrigation motor pumps on farmers’ livelihood improvement. Specifically, a survey was conducted in 2019 on a sample of 92 small-scale irrigation motor pump and canal irrigation users as the treatment and control groups. The weighted propensity score matching method was applied to eliminate initial differences and adjust sampling proportions across the groups. Based on the average treatment effect on the treated estimation results, we cannot state that the mean income difference in small-scale irrigation motor pump users and canal irrigation system users is different from zero. This indicates that countries with little capital to invest in large-scale irrigation projects can introduce household-level small-scale irrigation motor pumps to improve farmers’ incomes.
What Is the Mechanism of Resource Dependence and High-Quality Economic Development? An Empirical Test from China
Authors: Du Jianguo , Zhang Jing , Li Xingwei
Published: October 2020

For a long time, the resource curse had been widely concerned by researchers all over the world, especially in China. At present, China is in the transition stage from high-speed economic growth to high-quality development, and innovation and talents are important drivers. However, the existing research lacked an empirical test on resource curse and its transmission mechanism at the provincial level in China at this stage. In order to test the mechanism of transformation and upgrading of resource-based regions in the period of high-quality economic development, this study used the panel data of 30 provincial administrative regions of Chinese mainland (not including Tibet) from 2007 to 2017 to build a multi-step, multi-mediation model, and explored the direct and indirect impact mechanism of resource dependence on the high-quality economic development using the bootstrap method and generalized least square method. The key findings of this study were as follows: (1) The high-quality economic development level in the central and western provinces of China had been in a backward position compared with the eastern provinces. (2) There was a “resource curse” in the stage of high-quality economic development at the provincial level in China. (3) In terms of transmission mechanism, resource dependence had a negative impact on the high-quality economic development through the crowding-out effect of innovation investment and talents. Our conclusion provides a theoretical reference for other countries and regions to explore the relationship between resource dependence and high-quality economic development and may inform the economic development strategies by policymakers that wish to transform and upgrade the resource-based regional economy.