bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Bioaccumulation of TPH and Heavy Metals in Tissue of Selected Fishes’ Species Caught from Stream near a Petroleum Processing Plant
Authors: Ugwu P. , Achadu Abah M.
Published: March 2021

This article investigated the bioaccumulation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and selected heavy metals in the tissue of selected fishes’ species from a stream near a petroleum processing plant in Rivers State, Nigeria. The concentration of TPH and Ni, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cr and Co in the fish species’ tissue were measured using standard methods. The TPH concentrations in the fish species were generally high (1.97 to 52.84 mg/kg), greater than the European Union threshold limit of 2μg/kg. Gobius sp and Periophthalmus sp recorded the highest TPH content: 52.84 mg/kg and 28.07mg/kg levelsrespectively. Tilapia sp and Sardinella sp recorded the least and highest concentration of Manganese (0.61 mg/kg and 5.90 mg/kg respectively). The levels of Fe content in the fish tissue were higher than all other metals: 8.27 mg/kg in Gobiussp to 129.7 mg/kg in Sardinella sp. Zn: 4.39 mg/kg in Mugilidae to 11.84 mg/kg in Gobius sp while Co:<0.02 mg/kg in Tilapia sp and 1.51mg/kg in Calinectis sp. The concentrations of Cd:0.24 mg/kg in Pomadasys sp to 0.56 mg/kg in Gobius sp. These values are relatively high because of the metal’s high toxic response factor of 30. The levels of Pb:<0.03 mg/kg in Tilapia sp and Carangidae to 2.69 mg/kg in Calinectis sp. Gobius sp recorded the highest level (3.36 mg/kg) of Ni.  The concentrations of Co, Cd, Pb, and Ni in consumable fish are of great concern because of their high toxic response factors. These results implied that the petroleum processing activities (legal and illegal) are negatively impacting aquatic habitats/ food chains. This calls for caution in the consumption of the fish from this area, the audit of the legal petroleum processing facilities and stoppage of the illegal operations.
Evaluation of the Biochemical Composition of Some Cultivable Cichlids (Tilapia Species) in Nigeria
Authors: Bello Adunola Abosede , Adepoju Oluwafunmike Blessing , Moradeyo Oluwasola Toluwalope , Okuneye Olayinka Josephine , Omole Oluwafemi Akinsola
Published: March 2021

The biochemical composition of three cultured cichlids (Tilapia zilli, Tilapia guineensis and Orechromis aureus) were evaluated and compared.  The proximate composition of the cichlids was determined using official methods of analysis, mineral composition was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and the amino acid composition was analyzed using Amino Acid Analyzer. The proximate composition of the three cultured species of tilapia fish (T. zilli, T. guineensis and O. aureus) indicated that moisture content, crude fat, crude fiber and ash content showed significant difference (p<0.05) among the three species while crude protein and carbohydrate content showed no significant difference (p<0.05) among the three species. The mineral contents such as zinc, magnesium and manganese showed significant difference (p<0.05) among the three species of tilapia (T. zilli, T. guineensis and O. aureus) while sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and copper contents showed no significant difference (p<0.05) among the three species. The amino acid composition showed lysine as the most abundant amino acids present in all the cultured cichlids studied. This shows that these cultured cichlids are highly nutritious and would be of great value to consumers.
Characterization of Fermented Milk with the Addition of Gembili (Dioscorea esculenta) Flour
Authors: Andriani Ria Dewi , Rahayu Premy Puspitawati , Apriliyani Mulia Winirsya , Manab Abdul , Sawitri Manik Eirry , Purwadi .
Published: March 2021

Aims: Objective of this study was to determine the effect of addition gembili (Dioscorea esculenta) flour on the fermented milk was then evaluate the characteristics of fermented milk by analysis of pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, total phenolic content, crude fiber, sugar total, and total lactic acid bacteria.

Study Design: This study employs a completely randomized design with five treatments adding gembili flour and three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Animal Product Technology Laboratory, Animal Product Technology Department, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, between April-October 2020.

Methodology: Fermented milk is prepared by pasteurizing of skim milk and gembili flour. The concentration of gembili flour added were (0 (P1); 0.5% (P2); 1% (P3); 1.5% (P4); 2% (P5). Furthermore, the characteristics of fermented milk is carried out including pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, total phenolic content, crude fiber, sugar total, and total lactic acid bacteria of fermented milk using combination of three bacteria namely, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophillus, and Streptococcus thermophilus as a starter culture.

Results: The results in this study revealed that the pH value ranged from 3.5-4.3; titratable acidity 1.98-2.35%; viscosity 849-1856 cps; sugar total 2.8-4.11 g/100g; total lactic acid bacteria 3.05 x 107 - 3.21 x 108 cfu/ml respectively. Total phenolic content and crude fiber in P1 was not detected, but in P2-P5 had total phenolic and crude fiber ranging from 108,58 – 670,75 mg/kg and 0.57-2.16 g/100 g, respectively.

Conclusion: The addition of gembili flour to the fermented milk contributes to the quality of fermented milk product which include pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, total phenolic content, crude fiber, sugar total, and total lactic acid bacteria.
Comparison of Metamodel Performances on an Electronic Circuit Problem
Authors: Balaban Muzaffer
Published: March 2021

Aims: Investigation of building and validation of metamodels which of linear regression, simple kriging, ordinary kriging and radial basis function for an electronic circuit problem are the main aim of this study.

Study Design: An electronic circuit problem was considered to compare the performances of the metamodels. Latin hypercube design was used for experimental design of five input variables of the considered problem.

Methodology: A training data set consisting of 45 experiments and a validation data set consisting of 500 experiments were obtained using Latin hypercube design. Input variables were used by coded to calculate the spatial distances between observation points more consistently. Then using training data set linear regression, simple kriging, ordinary kriging and radial basis function metamodels were built. And, performance measures were calculated for the validation data set.

Results: It has been shown that simple kriging which are applied to outputs the differences from the mean, and ordinary kriging metamodels, produce superior solutions compared to the linear regression and radial basis function metamodels for the electronic circuit problem considered in this study. Prediction superiority of SK and OK than RBF on five-dimensional problem is another important result of the study.

Conclusion: Kriging metamodels are considered to be strong alternatives to the other metamodels for the problems that are considered in this study and have a similar nature. Since the superiority of metamodel methods to each other may vary from problem to problem, it is another important issue to compare their performance by considering more than one method in problem solving stage.
The Acceptance and Use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in Higher Education: A Contextual Study of Royal University of Bhutan
Authors: Gautam Khem Prasad , Sharma Dhanapati , Wangpo Kinga , Dema Sonam
Published: March 2021

Aims: The study was conducted to explore the factors that influence the acceptance of Moodle (VLE) among students and to study the behavioral intention of students to use VLE in Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) based on modified technology acceptance model (TAM).

Study Design: This exploratory research incorporated a quantitative approach.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in nine constituent colleges under Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in the period of one year (2019-2020).

Sample: A total of 384 samples were drawn from population size of 9590 students under RUB colleges proportionately by using Yamane (1967) formula of sample determination. 

Methodology: The research used the modified TAM model to study the factors that influence the acceptance of virtual learning environment (VLE) and the behavioral intention of students to use VLE. This study mainly used primary data collected through a self-report online questionnaire adopted from context-based literature.

Results: The study observed that while the facilitating condition (FC) has a weak positive effect on perceived usefulness (PU) of VLE, the users’ experience (E) has a very strong positive influence over it. However, self-efficacy (SE) and subjective norms (SN) do not affect PU. Similarly, SE, E and SN have a positive effect on perceived ease of use (PEU), but the effect of SE is observed to be very strong. However, FC does not affect PEU. PEU has a very strong positive effect on PU, and both PEU and PU strongly affect the behavioral intention (BI) to use VLE. BI also has a strong positive affect on actual system use (SU). The study also observed that students in RUB demonstrate a high degree of behavioral intention to use VLE which appears to be a strong indicator of actual system use.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the students’ experience in using VLE is comparatively more important determinant of perceived usefulness than the technical and infrastructural support that enables them to use VLE; the better the experience of using VLE the more useful it appears. Similarly, students’ ability and the perceive social pressure to use VLE do not influence the students’ perception about the usefulness of it. However, if students are confident in their ability to use VLE, it appears easy to them, and if they perceive VLE to be user friendly, they consider it very useful. Students intend to use VLE when they are convinced that the system is useful and easy to use.
Cognition of Women about the Combination of Foods to Make Iron Bioavailable in the Diet: A Confirmatory Factorial Study
Authors: Lanzillotti Haydée Serrão , Barros Maria Elisa
Published: March 2021

Objective: to validate an instrument designed to assess the knowledge of adult women about combining foods to make dietary iron more bioavailable.

Design Study: cross-sectional, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).

Place and Duration:  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2018 and February 2019.

Methodology: sample: n=222 women 15 to 49 years old, not pregnant. The questionnaire was designed on Likert scale. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Doornik-Hansen tests were applied, as well as the AFC models with Promax rotation. Convergent validity (CV) and discriminant validity (DV) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha) were evaluated.

The Quality of Model Fit was Assessed by: Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI). The dimensional structure of the questionnaire was reevaluated by Structural Equation Modeling (Modification Indices (MI) and Expected Parameter Changes (EPC).

Results: Initial model: total KMO 0.75 (min = 0.63, max = 0.84), Doornik-Hansen (chi2 (30) = 208.91, P = .00), eigenvalue (F1 = 2.87 and F2 = 1.98), CV not reached (F1: AVE = 0.30 and F2: AVE = 0.21) and DV corroborated, Conbrach alphas reached for 0.75 inhibitory items ( 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.81), for stimulators: 0.62 (95% CI = 0.51 to 0.70), RMSEA = 0.10 (90% CI = 0.08 to 0.11 ), CFI (0.70), TLI (0.65), items with MI>10 (i16I, i23E, i25E, i28E). Re-specified Model: eigenvalue (F1 = 2.44 and F2 = 1.42), CV not reached (F1: AVE= 0.29 and F2: AVE=0.20) and corroborated DVl, Conbrach alphas: for 0.75 inhibitory items (95% CI = 0.69 to 0.81); stimulators items: 0.55 (95% CI = 0.44 to 0.64), RMSEA = 0.03 (90% CI = 0.00 to 0.06), CFI (0.95), TLI (0, 94). The items did not show MI>10.

Conclusion: The reliability was achieved in both models. Validities: convergent was not achieved and the discriminant attested two-dimensionality.
Response of Black Gram to Seed Biopriming with Facultative Halophilic Bacteria under Salinity
Authors: Nagaraju Yalavarthi , Mahadevaswamy . , Gundappagol R. C. , Naik Nagaraj M.
Published: March 2021

Under high salinity conditions, plant growth promoting halophilic bacteria (PGPHB) can thrive and greatly encourage plant growth. The use of PGPHB is minimal and less discussed in sustainable agriculture and abiotic stress control. The focus of the current investigation is to improve the growth of black gram by inoculating with of halophilic bacteria under salinity stress. Four PGPHB bacteria, viz., Bacillus safensis strain Lewis_Bac_3 (HB-5), Pseudomonas stutzeri strain MN1 (HB-13), Staphylococcus xylosus strain C5 (HB-18) and Pseudomonas sp. (GP-21: reference strain) were inoculated to black gram seeds to evaluate their plant growth promoting ability at 4 dS m-1 and pH >8.5. Increase in root length, plant height, and number of branches have been reported in consortium treatment (T8), indicating that salinity does not affected black gram photosynthesis and nutrient absorption in consortium treatment. Corroborating evidence revealed higher nodulation and total nitrogen and phosphorous content in the same treatment, in comparison with control. Due to salinity stress, decreased blooming was reported in control, conversely, consortium treatment showed 29.3 flowers/plant. A positive correlation with yield was demonstrated by number of pods and seeds per pod of black gram. In addition, there is a strong association between pods per plant and the amount of flowers per plant, nutrient content, and length of root. The decrease in control plot yield was due to shoot and root development resulting from insufficient nutrients availability. In this study we also found positive correlation between% P in plant and yield. Hence, we conclude that PGPH bacteria helps in the reduction of salt stress and significantly increase black gram growth and yield under mild salinity stress.
Variation in Biofilm-Forming Potential of Staphylococcus aureus from Clinical and Non-Clinical Sources
Authors: Otokunefor K. , Jesutobi J. J. , Agbagwa O. E.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Biofilm forming ability has been described as a potential marker of pathogenicity, particularly in Staphylococcus aureus. These biofilms are notable as an important contributor to virulence abilities, further aiding the producing strain in long term survival and resistance to antimicrobial agents. Regional data exploring biofilm forming ability of S. aureus from various sources is limited. This study therefore set out to explore variations in biofilm-forming potential of S. aureus from clinical and non-clinical sources.

Place and Duration of Study: Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria from August to October 2019.

Methodology: Eighty five S. aureus clinical and non-clinical isolates were studied. Biofilm-forming potential was assessed using the Congo Red agar (CRA) method which describes both the presence and degree biofilm-forming potential.

Results: Majority of isolates (65.9%) did not exhibit any biofilm-forming potential using the CRA method. Biofilm-forming potential however appeared source based with 100% of non-clinical S. aureus isolates lacking biofilm-forming potential, while 58% of clinical isolates showed biofilm-forming potential. A higher proportion (65.5%) of the clinical isolates exhibiting biofilm-forming potential where associated with strong biofilm-forming potential.

Conclusion: This study reports a high association of biofilm-forming potential with S. aureus isolated from clinical rather than non-clinical settings. If this characteristic can indeed be used as a general marker of pathogenicity would however require more extensive studies.
Treatment Modalities for Multiple Gingival Recession– A New Prospects
Authors: Sharma Ena , Lakhani Amit , Kaur Rasveen , Kaur Ravneet
Published: March 2021

This case series reports the various treatment modalities to treat the multiple recessions. Gingival recession is a widespread clinical manifestation affecting single or multiple root surfaces at all teeth types. Periodontal reconstructive surgery consists of various mucogingival procedures. The primary goal of these procedures is to benefit periodontal health through the reconstruction of lost hard and soft tissues, or by preventing its additional loss, and also enhancing the esthetic appearance. Platelet-rich fibrin is a second generation platelet concentrate and is defined as an autologous leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin biomaterial. Care was taken not to extend the incisions till the tip of the interdental papilla. A full thickness mucoperiosteal flap was reflected, extending beyond the mucogingival junction. A wide range of surgical techniques has been proposed for the treatment of the gingival recessions, each with its advantages and disadvantages. To provide predictable and long-term results, it is of paramount importance that the surgical technique is individually selected, taking into account several crucial factors such as the size of the defect, the width of the keratinised gingiva apical to the defect and the thickness of the flap.
Recent Advances of In‐Source Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Freitas Dallas , Chen Xi , Cheng Heyong , Davis Austin , Fallon Blake , Yan Xin
Published: March 2021

Hyphenation of electrochemistry (EC) and mass spectrometry has become a powerful tool to study redox processes. Approaches that can achieve this hyphenation include integrating chromatography/electrophoresis between electroinduced redox reactions and detection of products, coupling an EC flow cell to a mass spectrometer, and performing electrochemical reactions inside the ion source of a mass spectrometer. The first two approaches have been well reviewed elsewhere. This Minireview highlights the inherent electrochemical properties of many mass spectrometry ion sources and their roles in the coupling of electrochemistry and mass spectrometric analysis. Development of modified ion sources that allow the compatibility of electrochemistry with ionization processes is also surveyed. Applications of different in‐source electrochemical devices are provided including intermediate capturing, bioanalytical studies, nanoparticle formation, electrosynthesis, and electrode imaging.
Advances in managing pregnancy toxaemia in sheep
Authors: Crilly JP , Phythian Clare , Evans Mike
Published: March 2021

Background: Ovine pregnancy toxaemia (OPT) is a metabolic disorder of ewes in late pregnancy. Cases are typically seen in ewes carrying multiple fetuses, hence the alternative name of ‘twin lamb disease’. The disease has been well known for many years. Despite this, the toll inflicted by the disease remains considerable, due both to the poor prognosis of clinically affected animals, even with appropriate treatment, and the impact of the provoking factors of under‐nutrition and concomitant disease on ewe morbidity, lamb survival and flock productivity. Cases of OPT are an indication of shortcomings in the management of late‐pregnancy ewes.

Aim of the article: This article provides an update on the aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of OPT, drawing on recently published studies.
The soil health assessment protocol and evaluation applied to soil organic carbon
Authors: Nunes Márcio R. , Veum Kristen S. , Parker Paul A. , Holan Scott H. , Karlen Douglas L. , Amsili Joseph P. , van Es Harold M. , Wills Skye A. , Seybold Cathy A. , Moorman Thomas B.
Published: March 2021

The concept of soil health has evolved over the past several decades, recognizing that dynamic soil property response to management and land use is highly dependent on site‐specific factors that must be considered when interpreting soil health measurements. Initially, the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) and Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) were developed and used globally for scoring soil health indicators. However, both SMAF and CASH frameworks were developed using a relatively small dataset and their interpretation curves were not validated at the nationwide scale. Expanding upon these concepts, we propose the Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation (SHAPE) tool. The SHAPE was developed using 14,680 soil organic C (SOC) observations from across the United States, and accounts for edaphic and climate factors at the continental scale. Data were compiled from the literature, the Cornell Soil Health Laboratory, and the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory. In this approach, scoring curves are Bayesian model‐based estimates of the conditional cumulative distribution function (CDF) for defined soil peer groups reflecting five soil texture and five soil suborder classes adjusted for mean annual temperature and precipitation. Specifically, SHAPE produces scores between 0 and 1 (0–100%) for measured SOC values that reflect the quantile or position within the conditional CDF along with measures of uncertainty. Herein, we focus on development of the SHAPE scoring curve for SOC with our case studies. SHAPE is a flexible, quantitative tool that provides a regionally relevant interpretation of this key soil health indicator.
Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure induces female reproductive toxicity and alters the intestinal microbiota community structure and fecal metabolite profile in mice
Authors: Fu Xufeng , Han Hang , Li Yuanyuan , Xu Bo , Dai Wenjie , Zhang Yaoxu , Zhou Feng , Ma Huiming , Pei Xiuying
Published: March 2021

Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most commonly used plasticizers, and it is widely applied in various plastic products. DEHP is an endocrine‐disrupting chemical (EDC) that has been shown to disrupt the function of reproductive system in females. Although many studies have shown that DEHP potentially causes female reproductive toxicity, including depletion of the primordial follicle and decreased sex hormone production, the specific mechanisms by which DEHP affects female reproduction remain unknown. In recent years, research focused on the intestinal flora has provided an idea to eliminate our confusion, and gut bacterial dysbiosis may contribute to female reproductive toxicity. In the present study, the feces of DEHP‐exposed mice were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and untargeted global metabolite profiling of metabolomics. DEHP obviously causes reproductive toxicity, including the ovarian organ coefficient, estradiol level, histological features of the ovary and estrus. Furthermore, DEHP exposure alters the structure of the intestinal microbiota community and fecal metabolite profile in mice, suggesting that the reproductive toxicity may be caused by gut bacterial dysbiosis and altered metabolites, such as changes in the levels of short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA). Additionally, it is well known that changes in gut microbiota and fecal metabolites cause inflammation and tissue oxidative stress, expectedly, we found oxidative stress in the ovary and systemic inflammation in DEHP exposed mice. Thus, based on our findings, DEHP exposure may cause gut bacterial dysbiosis and altered metabolite profiles, particularly SCFA profiles, leading to oxidative stress in the ovary and systemic inflammation to ultimately induce female reproductive toxicity.
Screening of tomato landraces for drought tolerance based on growth and chlorophyll fluorescence analyses
Authors: Sousaraei Naeimeh , Mashayekhi Kambiz , Mousavizadeh Seyyed Javad , Akbarpour Vahid , Medina Joaquín , Aliniaeifard Sasan
Published: March 2021

To investigate the effects of water withholding on 17 tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) landraces collected from different climatic zones of Iran and two commercial hybrids, the polyphasic OJIP fluorescence transient, relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage (EL) and vegetative growth parameters were analyzed. Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) for all the studied parameters and drought factor index (DFI) based on performance index on the absorption basis (PIabs) were used for screening the plants based on their tolerance to drought condition. Result showed that compared to the control plants, vegetative growth parameters, RWC, PIabs, relative maximal variable fluorescence (FM/F0), maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (FV/FM), quantum yield of electron transport (ΦE0) and electron transport flux per reaction center (RC) (ET0/RC) were decreased, whereas, EL, quantum yield of energy dissipation (ΦD0), specific energy fluxes per RC for energy absorption (ABS/RC) and dissipated energy flux (DI0/RC), which are closely related to the incidence of photoinhibition were increased in plants exposed to water withholding. DMRT and DFI screening results clearly categorized the landraces into three groups (tolerant, moderately sensitive and sensitive). Tolerant landraces showed less change for most of the measured parameters compared to sensitive and moderately sensitive landraces. We found that adapted landraces to dry climates had a higher tolerance to drought stress. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that FM/F0, FV/FM, ΦE0, ΦD0, PIabs, ABS/RC, ET0/RC and DI0/RC parameters are the most sensitive parameters for detection of impact of drought stress on tomato plants. In conclusion, the eight parameters have the potential to identify the drought injury in tomato seedlings.
Response to COVID-19: was Italy (un)prepared?
Authors: Bosa Iris , Castelli Adriana , Castelli Michele , Ciani Oriana , Compagni Amelia , Galizzi Matteo M. , Garofano Matteo , Ghislandi Simone , Giannoni Margherita , Marini Giorgia , Vainieri Milena
Published: March 2021

On 31st January 2020, the Italian cabinet declared a 6-month national emergency after the detection of the first two COVID-19 positive cases in Rome, two Chinese tourists travelling from Wuhan. Between then and the total lockdown introduced on 22nd March 2020 Italy was hit by an unprecedented crisis. In addition to being the first European country to be heavily swept by the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy was the first to introduce stringent lockdown measures. The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and related COVID-19 pandemic have been the worst public health challenge endured in recent history by Italy. Two months since the beginning of the first wave, the estimated excess deaths in Lombardy, the hardest hit region in the country, reached a peak of more than 23,000 deaths. The extraordinary pressures exerted on the Italian Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) inevitably leads to questions about its preparedness and the appropriateness and effectiveness of responses implemented at both national and regional levels. The aim of the paper is to critically review the Italian response to the COVID-19 crisis spanning from the first early acute phases of the emergency (March–May 2020) to the relative stability of the epidemiological situation just before the second outbreak in October 2020.
Unique scales preserve self-similar integrate-and-fire functionality of neuronal clusters
Authors: Amgalan Anar , Taylor Patrick , Mujica-Parodi Lilianne R. , Siegelmann Hava T.
Published: March 2021

Brains demonstrate varying spatial scales of nested hierarchical clustering. Identifying the brain’s neuronal cluster size to be presented as nodes in a network computation is critical to both neuroscience and artificial intelligence, as these define the cognitive blocks capable of building intelligent computation. Experiments support various forms and sizes of neural clustering, from handfuls of dendrites to thousands of neurons, and hint at their behavior. Here, we use computational simulations with a brain-derived fMRI network to show that not only do brain networks remain structurally self-similar across scales but also neuron-like signal integration functionality (“integrate and fire”) is preserved at particular clustering scales. As such, we propose a coarse-graining of neuronal networks to ensemble-nodes, with multiple spikes making up its ensemble-spike and time re-scaling factor defining its ensemble-time step. This fractal-like spatiotemporal property, observed in both structure and function, permits strategic choice in bridging across experimental scales for computational modeling while also suggesting regulatory constraints on developmental and evolutionary “growth spurts” in brain size, as per punctuated equilibrium theories in evolutionary biology.
Tilting and rotational motions of silver halide crystal with diffracted X-ray blinking
Authors: Kuramochi Masahiro , Omata Hiroki , Ishihara Masaki , Hanslin Sander Ø. , Mizumaki Masaichiro , Kawamura Naomi , Osawa Hitoshi , Suzuki Motohiro , Mio Kazuhiro , Sekiguchi Hiroshi , Sasaki Yuji C.
Published: March 2021

The dynamic properties of crystalline materials are important for understanding their local environment or individual single-grain motions. A new time-resolved observation method is required for use in many fields of investigation. Here, we developed in situ diffracted X-ray blinking to monitor high-resolution diffraction patterns from single-crystal grains with a 50 ms time resolution. The diffraction spots of single grains of silver halides and silver moved in the θ and χ directions during the photolysis chemical reaction. The movements of the spots represent tilting and rotational motions. The time trajectory of the diffraction intensity reflecting those motions was analysed by using single-pixel autocorrelation function (sp-ACF). Single-pixel ACF analysis revealed significant differences in the distributions of the ACF decay constants between silver halides, suggesting that the motions of single grains are different between them. The rotational diffusion coefficients for silver halides were estimated to be accurate at the level of approximately 0.1 to 0.3 pm2/s. Furthermore, newly formed silver grains on silver halides correlated with their ACF decay constants. Our high-resolution atomic scale measurement—sp-ACF analysis of diffraction patterns of individual grains—is useful for evaluating physical properties that are broadly applicable in physics, chemistry, and materials science.
Prevalence of germline pathogenic variants in 22 cancer susceptibility genes in Swedish pediatric cancer patients
Authors: von Stedingk Kristoffer , Stjernfelt Karl-Johan , Kvist Anders , Wahlström Cecilia , Kristoffersson Ulf , Stenmark-Askmalm Marie , Wiebe Thomas , Hjorth Lars , Koster Jan , Olsson Håkan , Øra Ingrid
Published: March 2021

Up to 10% of pediatric cancer patients harbor pathogenic germline variants in one or more cancer susceptibility genes. A recent study from the US reported pathogenic variants in 22 out of 60 analyzed autosomal dominant cancer susceptibility genes, implicating 8.5% of pediatric cancer patients. Here we aimed to assess the prevalence of germline pathogenic variants in these 22 genes in a population-based Swedish cohort and to compare the results to those described in other populations. We found pathogenic variants in 10 of the 22 genes covering 3.8% of these patients. The prevalence of TP53 mutations was significantly lower than described in previous studies, which can largely be attributed to differences in tumor diagnosis distributions across the three cohorts. Matched family history for relatives allowed assessment of familial cancer incidence, however, no significant difference in cancer incidence was found in families of children carrying pathogenic variants compared to those who did not.
Arabidopsis thaliana zinc accumulation in leaf trichomes is correlated with zinc concentration in leaves
Authors: Ricachenevsky Felipe K. , Punshon Tracy , Salt David E. , Fett Janette P. , Guerinot Mary Lou
Published: March 2021

Zinc (Zn) is a key micronutrient for plants and animals, and understanding Zn homeostasis in plants can improve both agriculture and human health. While root Zn transporters in plant model species have been characterized in detail, comparatively little is known about shoot processes controlling Zn concentrations and spatial distribution. Previous work showed that Zn hyperaccumulator species such as Arabidopsis halleri accumulate Zn and other metals in leaf trichomes. To date there is no systematic study regarding Zn accumulation in the trichomes of the non-accumulating, genetic model species A. thaliana. Here, we used Synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence mapping to show that Zn accumulates at the base of trichomes of A. thaliana. Using transgenic and natural accessions of A thaliana that vary in bulk leaf Zn concentration, we demonstrate that higher leaf Zn increases total Zn found at the base of trichome cells. Our data indicates that Zn accumulation in trichomes is a function of the Zn status of the plant, and provides the basis for future studies on a genetically tractable plant species to understand the molecular steps involved in Zn spatial distribution in leaves.
Assessing the quality of water used for vegetable irrigation in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Abdallah Clement Kamil , Mourad Khaldoon A.
Published: March 2021

This paper assesses water quality that is used for vegetable irrigation in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. A mixed-method of research design was employed in this study to collect and analyze the data based on survey instruments. The paper found that Escherichia coli (E. coli) that is usually used as an indicator of water contamination and heavy metals exist in all taken water samples. The mean concentrations of nutrients such as ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and phosphate were recorded as 0.022 mg/l to 5.98 mg/l for ammonia, 1.06 mg/l to 7.52 mg/l for nitrate, 0.031 mg/l to 0.056 mg/l for nitrate and 0.037 mg/l to 0.069 mg/l for phosphate. E. coli and Total Coliforms levels for Sanghani, Kamina and Waterworks from the laboratory analysis were recorded as 3.2 × 103 CFU 100 m/l and 5.5 × 102 CFU 100 m/l, 4.0 × 103 CFU 100 m/l and 1 × 102 CFU 100 m/l, and 2.1 × 103 CFU 100 m/l and 4.6 × 102 CFU 100 m/l respectively. To conclude, based on the measured parameters, water used for irrigation in the Tamale Metropolitan is polluted and may cause potential health risks. Therefore, farmers, traders and consumers need to apply further safety measures to make the vegetables safe.
Splitting sleep between the night and a daytime nap reduces homeostatic sleep pressure and enhances long-term memory
Authors: Cousins James N. , Leong Ruth L. F. , Jamaluddin S. Azrin , Ng Alyssa S. C. , Ong Ju Lynn , Chee Michael W. L.
Published: March 2021

Daytime naps have been linked with enhanced memory encoding and consolidation. It remains unclear how a daily napping schedule impacts learning throughout the day, and whether these effects are the same for well-rested and sleep restricted individuals. We compared memory in 112 adolescents who underwent two simulated school weeks containing 8 or 6.5 h sleep opportunities each day. Sleep episodes were nocturnal or split between nocturnal sleep and a 90-min afternoon nap, creating four experimental groups: 8 h-continuous, 8 h-split, 6.5 h-continuous and 6.5 h-split. Declarative memory was assessed with picture encoding and an educationally realistic factual knowledge task. Splitting sleep significantly enhanced afternoon picture encoding and factual knowledge under both 6.5 h and 8 h durations. Splitting sleep also significantly reduced slow-wave energy during nocturnal sleep, suggesting lower homeostatic sleep pressure during the day. There was no negative impact of the split sleep schedule on morning performance, despite a reduction in nocturnal sleep. These findings suggest that naps could be incorporated into a daily sleep schedule that provides sufficient sleep and benefits learning.
Application of 3D printed model for planning the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: Huang Xing , Fan Ni , Wang Hai-jun , Zhou Yan , Li Xudong , Jiang Xiao-Bing
Published: March 2021

The application of 3D printing in planning endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery is illustrated based on the analysis of patients with intracranial skull base diseases who received treatment in our department. Cranial computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging data are attained preoperatively, and three-dimensional reconstruction is performed using MIMICS (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Models of intracranial skull base diseases are printed using a 3D printer before surgery. The models clearly demonstrate the morphologies of the intracranial skull base diseases and the spatial relationship with adjacent large vessels and bones. The printing time of each model is 12.52–15.32 h, and the cost ranges from 900 to 1500 RMB. The operative approach was planned in vitro, and patients recovered postoperatively well without severe complications or death. In a questionnaire about the application of 3D printing, experienced neurosurgeons achieved scores of 7.8–8.8 out of 10, while unexperienced neurosurgeons achieved scores of 9.2–9.8. Resection of intracranial skull base lesions is demonstrated to be well assisted by 3D printing technique, which has great potential in disclosing adjacent anatomical relationships and providing the required help to clinical doctors in preoperative planning.
Validity and reliability of the ‘Isometric Exercise Scale’ (IES) for measuring ratings of perceived exertion during continuous isometric exercise
Authors: Lea John W. D. , O’Driscoll Jamie M. , Coleman Damian A. , Wiles Jonathan D.
Published: March 2021

Isometric exercise (IE) interventions are an effective non-medical method of reducing arterial blood pressure (BP). Current methods of prescribing and controlling isometric exercise intensity often require the use of expensive equipment and specialist knowledge. However, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) may provide a more accessible means of monitoring exercise intensity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the validity of a specific Isometric Exercise Scale (IES) during a continuous incremental IE test. Twenty-nine male participants completed four incremental isometric wall squat tests. Each test consisted of five 2-min stages of progressively increasing workload. Workload was determined by knee joint angle from 135° to 95°. The tests were continuous with no rest periods between the stages. Throughout the exercise protocol, RPE (IES and Borg’s CR-10), heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. A strong positive linear relationship was found between the IES and the CR-10 (r = 0.967). Likewise, strong positive relationships between the IES and wall squat duration (r = 0.849), HR (r = 0.819) and BP (r = 0.841) were seen. Intra-class correlation coefficients and coefficients of variations for the IES ranged from r = 0.81 to 0.91 and 4.5–54%, respectively, with greater reliability seen at the higher workloads. The IES provides valid and reliable measurements of RPE, exercise intensity, and the changes in physiological measures of exertion during continuous incremental IE; as such, the IES can be used as an accessible measure of exercise intensity during IE interventions.
Macular irregularities of optical coherence tomographic vertical cross sectional images in school age children
Authors: Yamashita Takehiro , Terasaki Hiroto , Asaoka Ryo , Yoshihara Naoya , Kakiuchi Naoko , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidences of macular irregularities of elementary school (ES) and junior high school (JHS) students. This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study of 122 right eyes of 122 ES students (8–9 years) and 173 right eyes of 173 JHS students (12–13 years). Vertical cross-sectional images of the macula were obtained by optical coherence tomography. The eyes were classified based on the vertical symmetry of the posterior pole, and then sub-classified as convex-, flat-, concave-, or dome-shaped based on the direction of the curvature of the retinal pigment epithelium. One hundred and two eyes (83.6%) were placed in the symmetrical group in the ES students and 149 eyes (86.1%) in the JHS students. Twenty eyes (16.4%) were placed in the asymmetric groups in the ES students and 24 eyes (13.9%) in the JHS students. In symmetrical group, 78 and 118 eyes had a convex-shape (76.4 and 79.2%), followed by 22 and 29 eyes of dome-shaped group (21.6 and 19.4%) in ES and JHS students respectively. Because the incidences of the posterior pole shapes were not significantly different between the groups, it is likely that the macular irregularities develop before the age of ES.
Toward sustainable desalination using food waste: capacitive desalination with bread-derived electrodes
Authors: Wood Adam R. , Garg Raghav , Cohen-Karni Tzahi , Russell Alan J. , LeDuc Philip
Published: March 2021

Sustainable approach to fabrication of capacitive desalination electrodes using food waste (bread).
Keratins determine network stress responsiveness in reconstituted actin–keratin filament systems
Authors: Elbalasy Iman , Mollenkopf Paul , Tutmarc Cary , Herrmann Harald , Schnauß Jörg
Published: March 2021

Reconstituted F-actin/K8–K18 composite filament networks show increasing non-linear strain stiffening, which is induced and dominated by the keratin content.
A biopolymer-based functional separator for stable Li metal batteries with an additive-free commercial electrolyte
Authors: Jeong Jooyoung , Lee Jia , Kim Jinuk , Chun Jinyoung , Kang DongGyu , Han Seung Min , Jo Changshin , Lee Jinwoo
Published: March 2021

For practical use of Li metal anode, developing the stabilization method with simple fabrication steps is necessary. Here, biopolymer-based hybrid film with simple preparation steps extended the cycle life (>1000 h) under additive-free condition.
Conductive nanosheets produced by UV irradiation of a Ag nanoparticle monolayer at the air–water interface
Authors: Kuroiwa Masashi , Nishimura Tatsuya , Matsukawa Mizuki , Imura Yoshiro , Wang Ke-Hsuan , Kawai Takeshi
Published: March 2021

UV irradiation of Ag NPs spreading on water results in the formation of large Ag NPs, but the solubilization of adequate additives in water, such as EDTA and PVP, leads to conversion to a transparent conductive film.
Research on frequency domain synthetic aperture focusing pipeline guided wave imaging based on phase migration
Authors: Deng Wenwu , Long Shengrong , Chen Xuanyu , Li Zhinong , Li Qiufeng
Published: March 2021

In order to overcome the limitations of traditional ultrasonic imaging methods, which cannot directly give the imaging results of defects in a pipeline and have low imaging quality, a frequency domain synthetic aperture focusing pipeline imaging method based on phase migration is proposed. The measured data were reconstructed by frequency domain synthetic aperture focusing, and the results were compared with those of time-domain synthetic aperture focusing imaging. The results show that the frequency domain synthetic aperture imaging method is more accurate for the location and quantification of defects in a pipeline, the influence of noise waves on the imaging transverse resolution is reduced, and the imaging resolution is increased by nearly 30%. It was found that the quantitative errors of axial double defects are 5.2% and 17.9%, and that of circumferential defects is 7.5%. These results show that the frequency domain synthetic aperture focusing pipeline imaging algorithm based on phase migration can achieve the accurate determination of multiple defects in pipelines.
Analysis of micro-dose spectrum influencing factors based on tissue equivalent proportional counter
Authors: Zhu Min , Li Biao , Wu Fei , Wang Shengao , Sun Shaohua , Huang Huang , Huang Gui , Xu Zijian
Published: March 2021

The tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) is often used in the measurement of ionizing radiation. However, there are many factors that can cause the micro-dose spectrum’s distortion and affect the accuracy of the measurement. In the TEPC design process, several factors can be analyzed through simulation methods. The simulation capabilities of the TEPC physical process are established and verified in this paper. The wall material, tissue equivalent gas, and electrode are selected as the main objects, and the corresponding design choices are given. The wall material has a great impact on the spectrum, and y¯F and y¯D show that A-150 plastic is closer to the human tissue in the TEPC physical process simulation. Both the two tissue equivalent gases have good simulation accuracy. After further analysis, propane-based equivalent gas is the better choice. Among the three electrode sizes, the size of 0.006 35 cm is the most suitable one for TEPC. The analysis results and analysis methods can provide references for the important elements design of TEPC.
Blowing-only opposition control: Characteristics of turbulent drag reduction and implementation by deep learning
Authors: Li Zexiang , Dang Xiangxin , Lv Pengyu , Duan Huiling
Published: March 2021

Opposition control is an effective active control strategy for drag reduction, which has been extensively investigated. In the current work, the essential characteristics of drag reduction by the blowing-only opposition control scheme (i.e., opposition blowing) in turbulent channel flow are investigated. It is demonstrated that, under the condition of constant wall-normal mass flux, the drag reduction achieved by the opposition blowing scheme is almost independent of the allocation of the blowing velocity among all the effective blowing points. This feature simplifies the complexity of the control scheme and provides great convenience for the application of the convolutional neural network (CNN) to implement the opposition blowing scheme, i.e., only the direction of the wall-normal velocity at the detection plane needs to be predicted. In this paper, both the streamwise and spanwise wall shear stresses are taken as the input of the CNN model, and the reasonability of the CNN model is verified from a statistical perspective. It is found that as long as the directions of the large wall-normal velocity fluctuations are accurately predicted, the opposition blowing scheme can be successfully implemented, in which the CNN model is able to ensure a high prediction accuracy. Furthermore, applying the trained network model to a flow at a higher Reynolds number than the training set can still accurately predict the directions of the large wall-normal velocity fluctuations, which generalizes the applicability of the CNN model.
The Transformation of Security Concepts
Authors: Schroeder Ursula
Published: March 2021

This chapter examines the shift of security concepts away from the traditional focus on war and the State in a Westphalian international system, discussing the evolution of current security concepts in their historical and theoretical context. It shows how State-based security concepts have slowly made way for broader understandings of security over the past decades. Security is no longer seen exclusively as a matter of the State; violent conflicts are more often than not intra-State or internationalized in nature and collective security arrangements have not always been effective in crisis situations. The chapter then argues that the successive broadening and deepening of security concepts has led to issues of coherence (and lack thereof) and concept stretching in the research field, while leaving crucial dynamics of contemporary security governance underexplored. It highlights several challenges posed by the ongoing and rapid transformation of global security dynamics and discusses their implications for international law.