bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of Canola-Derived Glucosinolate Degradation Products in Pigs—A Review
Authors: Lee Jung Wook , Kim In Ho , Woyengo Tofuko Awori
Published: December 2020

Canola co-products are widely included in swine diets as sources of proteins. However, inclusion of canola co-products in diets for pigs is limited by toxicity of glucosinolate degradation products. Aliphatic and aromatic glucosinolates are two major classes of glucosinolates. Glucosinolate degradation products derived from aliphatic glucosinolates (progoitrin) include crambene, epithionitriles, and goitrin, whereas indole-3-acetonitrile, thiocyanate, and indole-3-carbinol are the major aromatic glucosinolates (glucobrassicin)-derived degradation products. At acidic pH (<5.7), progoitrin is degraded by myrosinases to crambene and epithionitriles in the presence of iron, regardless of the presence of epithiospecifier protein (ESP), whereas progoitrin is degraded by myrosinases to goitrin in the absence of ESP, regardless of the presence of iron at neutral pH (6.5). Indole-3-acetonitrile is the major degradation product derived from glucobrassicin in the absence of ESP, regardless of the presence of iron at acidic pH (<4.0), whereas thiocyanate and indole-3-carbinol are the major glucobrassicin-derived degradation products in the absence of ESP, regardless of the presence of iron at neutral pH (7.0). In conclusion, the composition of glucosinolate degradation products is affected by parent glucosinolate composition and hindgut pH. Thus, toxicity of canola co-product-derived glucosinolates can be potentially alleviated by modifying the hindgut pH of pigs.
Helminth Parasites among Rodents in the Middle East Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Islam Md Mazharul , Farag Elmoubashar , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul , Bansal Devendra , Awaidy Salah Al , Abubakar Abdinasir , Al-Romaihi Hamad , Mkhize-Kwitshana Zilungile
Published: December 2020

Rodents can be a source of zoonotic helminths in the Middle East and also in other parts of the world. The current systematic review aimed to provide baseline data on rodent helminths to recognize the threats of helminth parasites on public health in the Middle East region. Following a systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, a total of 65 research studies on rodent cestodes, nematodes, and trematodes, which were conducted in the countries of the Middle East, were analyzed. The study identified 44 rodent species from which Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Rattus rattus were most common (63%) and recognized as the primary rodent hosts for helminth infestation in this region. Cestodes were the most frequently reported (n = 50), followed by nematodes (49), and trematodes (14). The random effect meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of cestode (57.66%, 95%CI: 34.63–80.70, l2% = 85.6, p < 0.001) was higher in Saudi Arabia, followed by nematode (56.24%, 95%CI: 11.40–101.1, l2% = 96.7, p < 0.001) in Turkey, and trematode (15.83%, 95%CI: 6.25–25.1, l2% = 98.5, p < 0.001) in Egypt. According to the overall prevalence estimates of individual studies, nematodes were higher (32.71%, 95%CI: 24.89–40.54, l2% = 98.6, p < 0.001) followed by cestodes (24.88%, 95%CI: 19.99–29.77, l2% = 94.9, p < 0.001) and trematodes (10.17%, 95%CI: 6.7–13.65, l2% = 98.3, p < 0.001) in the rodents of the Middle East countries. The review detected 22 species of helminths, which have zoonotic importance. The most frequent helminths were Capillaria hepatica, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, and Cysticercus fasciolaris. There was no report of rodent-helminths from Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Furthermore, there is an information gap on rodent helminths at the humans-animal interface level in Middle East countries. Through the One Health approach and countrywide detailed studies on rodent-related helminths along with their impact on public health, the rodent control program should be conducted in this region.
Selected Biological Medicinal Products and Their Veterinary Use
Authors: Zygmuntowicz Aleksandra , Burmańczuk Artur , Markiewicz Włodzimierz
Published: December 2020

Definitions of biological medicinal products (BMPs) vary depending on the source. BMPs are manufactured using complex biological/biotechnological processes involving living cell lines, tissues and organisms such as microorganisms, plants, humans and even animals. Advances in modern biotechnological methods and genetic engineering have made it possible to search for new drugs with a targeted effect and simultaneous reduction of adverse effects, which has resulted in BMPs dynamically increasing their share in the pharmaceutical market. Currently, these drugs are widely used in the treatment of many human diseases, but an increasing number of drugs of this group are also being used in the treatment of animals, mainly in dermatology, rheumatology and oncology. This article presents the current state of knowledge in the field of biological medicinal products used in animal therapy.
Virulence Variation of Salmonella Gallinarum Isolates through SpvB by CRISPR Sequence Subtyping, 2014 to 2018
Authors: Kim Koeun , Yoon Sunghyun , Kim Yeong Bin , Lee Young Ju
Published: December 2020

Salmonella Gallinarum is a Gram-negative bacteria that causes fowl typhoid, a septicemic disease with high morbidity and mortality that affects all ages of chickens. Although vaccines and antimicrobials have been used nationwide to eradicate the disease, the malady is still prevalent in Korea. In this study, we investigated the virulence and genetic variation of 116 S. Gallinarum isolates from laying hens between 2014 and 2018. A total of 116 isolates were divided into five Gallinarum Sequence Types (GST) through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) subtyping method. The GSTs displayed changes over time. The 116 isolates showed no difference in virulence gene distribution, but the polyproline linker (PPL) length of the SpvB, one of the virulence factors of Salmonella spp., served as an indicator of S. Gallinarum pathogenicity. The most prevalent PPL length was 22 prolines (37.9%). The shortest PPL length (19 prolines) was found only in isolates from 2014 and 2015. However, the longest PPL length of 24 prolines appeared in 2018. This study indicates that PPLs of S. Gallinarum in Korea tend to lengthen over time, so the pathogenic potency of the bacteria is increasing. Moreover, the transition of GST was associated with PPL length extension over time. These results indicate that surveillance of changing GST and PPL length are necessary in the monitoring of S. Gallinarum isolates.
A Novel Hybrid Strategy for Detecting COD in Surface Water
Authors: Zhang Guiping , Du Qiaoling , Lu Xinpo , Wang Yankai
Published: December 2020

The prediction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) by ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum is a common method. Many researchers use the absorbance at the characteristic wavelength to establish COD prediction models. However, selecting the characteristic wavelength is a problem. In this paper, the extreme values of absorption spectrum change rate, was proposed as a new characteristic parameter to determine the characteristic wavelengths. On this basis, a novel hybrid strategy for detecting COD in surface water was proposed. We first proposed to combine the first derivative method with the permutation entropy method (FDPE) to determine the characteristic wavelengths. Then we used partial least square (PLS) to establish a COD prediction model. Experimental results demonstrated the linear correlation coefficient (R2) of the FDPE_PLS was above 0.99 without turbidity interference. Secondly, a dual-wavelength method (DWM) was proposed to determine the turbidity values. The DWM used slopes of absorbance values at 400 nm and 600 nm to predict the turbidity values. Compared with the single-wavelength method, the DWM improves the measurement accuracy of turbidity. Finally, a new turbidity compensation method was proposed to compensate for the interference in the first derivative spectrum. After compensation, FDPE_PLS can predict COD concentrations accurately, whose R2 was 0.99.
Somatosensory Integration and Masking of Complex Tactile Information: Peripheral and Cortical Contributions
Authors: Passmore Steven R. , Mortaza Niyousha , Glazebrook Cheryl M. , Murphy Bernadette , Lee Timothy D.
Published: December 2020

Nerve paresthesia is a sensory impairment experienced in clinical conditions such as diabetes. Paresthesia may “mask” or “compete” with meaningful tactile information in the patient’s sensory environment. The two objectives of the present study were: (1) to determine if radiating paresthesia produces a peripheral mask, a central mask, or a combination; (2) to determine if a response competition experimental design reveals changes in somatosensory integration similar to a masking design. Experiment 1 assessed the degree of masking caused by induced radiating ulnar nerve paresthesia (a concurrent non-target stimulus) on a vibrotactile Morse code letter acquisition task using both behavioral and neurophysiological measures. Experiment 2 used a response competition design by moving the radiating paresthesia to the median nerve. This move shifted the concurrent non-target stimulus to a location spatially removed from the target stimuli. The task, behavioral and neurophysiological measures remained consistent. The induced paresthesia impacted letter acquisition differentially depending on the relative location of meaningful and non-meaningful stimulation. Paresthesia acted as a peripheral mask when presented to overlapping anatomical stimulation areas, and a central mask when presented at separate anatomical areas. These findings are discussed as they relate to masking, subcortical, and centripetal gating.
Surgical Strategies and Clinical Outcome of Large to Giant Sphenoid Wing Meningiomas: A Case Series Study
Authors: Balasa Adrian , Hurghis Corina , Tamas Flaviu , Chinezu Rares
Published: December 2020

Large to giant sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs) remain surgically challenging due to frequent vascular encasement and a tendency for tumoral invasion of the cavernous sinus and optic canal. We aimed to study the quality of resection, postoperative clinical evolution, and recurrence rate of large SWMs. This retrospective study enrolled 21 patients who underwent surgery between January 2014 and December 2019 for SWMs > 5 cm in diameter (average 6.3 cm). Tumor association with cerebral edema, extension into the cavernous sinus or optic canal, degree of encasement of the major intracranial arteries, and tumor resection grade were recorded. Cognitive decline was the most common symptom (65% of patients), followed by visual decline (52%). Infiltration of the cavernous sinus and optical canal were identified in five and six patients, respectively. Varying degrees of arterial encasement were seen. Gross total resection was achieved in 67% of patients. Long-term follow-up revealed improvement in 17 patients (81%), deterioration in two patients (9.5%), and one death (4.7%) directly related to the surgical procedure. Seven patients displayed postoperative tumor progression and two required reintervention 3 years post initial surgery. Tumor size, vascular encasement, and skull base invasion mean that, despite technological advancements, surgical results are dependent on surgical strategy and skill. Appropriate microsurgical techniques can adequately solve arterial encasement but tumor progression remains an issue.
Numerical Analysis of an Inline Metal-Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition Process Based on Sliding-Mesh Modelling
Authors: Zhou Xiaosong , Wu Yiyi , Yang Xiaogang , Huang Chaowen
Published: December 2020

The flow behaviour under the influence of susceptor moving speed is a key factor for the fabrication of high-quality cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin films during the inline metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) process. The main purpose of this paper is to find a method to study the real-time dynamics of transport phenomena inside the reactor. The sliding mesh method is thus proposed and its feasibility is evaluated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. A computational grid with 173,400 hexahedral cells is adopted through a grid sensitivity test validation. The simulations show that comparing to 2D modelling, the results of 3D modelling are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data for the temperature range of 628–728 K. Based on the velocity field, the temperature field and distribution of species concentration under different sampling time intervals of 60, 180 and 300 s, the thin film uniformity on both edges of the substrate is found to be influenced by the side effect of the baffle plate. The mass deposited on the substrate is further investigated under different susceptor moving speeds from 0.75 to 2.25 cm/min, and a moving speed between 0.75 to 1.13 cm/min is found to be effectively beneficial to the deposition process.
Seized Ecstasy Pills: Infrared Spectra and Image Datasets
Authors: Patiny Luc , Zasso Michaël , Esseiva Pierre , Wist Julien
Published: December 2020

According to the World Drug Report 2020, cocaine and ecstasy are the most consumed stimulant drugs, with 19 and 27 million estimated users in 2018. In this context, large efforts are being made to design fast and cost-effective analytical methods to track and monitor the distribution networks of these synthetic drugs. Here, we share two datasets of ecstasy pills seized in the northeast of Switzerland between 2010 and 2011. The first contains 621 forensic-grade images of pills, while the second one consists of 486 mid-infrared (mIR) spectra. While both sets are not covering the same seizure, both provide high-quality data with orthogonal information to evaluate clustering and dimension reduction methods.
Estimating Rooftop Areas of Poultry Houses Using UAV and Satellite Images
Authors: Koc A. Bulent , Anderson Patrick T. , Chastain John P. , Post Christopher
Published: December 2020

Poultry production requires electricity for optimal climate control throughout the year. Demand for electricity in poultry production peaks during summer months when solar irradiation is also high. Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the rooftops of poultry houses has potential for reducing the energy costs by reducing the electricity demand charges of utility companies. The objective of this research was to estimate the rooftop areas of poultry houses for possible PV installation using aerial images acquired with a commercially available low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Overhead images of 31 broiler houses were captured with a UAV to assess their potential for solar energy applications. Building plan dimensions were acquired and building heights were independently measured manually. Images were captured by flying the UAV in a double grid flight path at a 69-m altitude using an onboard 4K camera at an angle of −80° from the horizon with 70% and 80% overlaps. The captured images were processed using Agisoft Photoscan Professional photogrammetry software. Orthophotos of the study areas were generated from the acquired 3D image sequences using structure from motion (SfM) techniques. Building rooftop overhang obscured building footprint in aerial imagery. To accurately measure building dimensions, 0.91 m was subtracted from building roof width and 0.61 m was subtracted from roof length based on blueprint dimensions of the poultry houses. The actual building widths and lengths ranged from 10.8 to 184.0 m and the mean measurement error using the UAV-derived orthophotos was 0.69% for all planar dimensions. The average error for building length was 1.66 ± 0.48 m and the average error for widths was 0.047 ± 0.13 m. Building sidewall, side entrance and peak heights ranged from 1.9 to 5.6 m and the mean error was 0.06 ± 0.04 m or 1.2%. When compared to the horizontal accuracy of the same building measurements taken from readily available satellite imagery, the mean error in satellite images was −0.36%. The average length error was −0.46 ± 0.49 m and −0.44 ± 0.14 m for building widths. The satellite orthomosaics were more accurate for length estimations and the UAV orthomosaics were more accurate for width estimations. This disparity was likely due to the flight altitude, camera field of view, and building shape. The results proved that a low-cost UAV and photogrammetric SfM can be used to create digital surface models and orthomosaics of poultry houses without the need for survey-grade equipment or ground control points.
Applications of Information Theory to Epidemiology
Authors: Hughes Gareth
Published: December 2020

This Special Issue of Entropy represents the first wide-ranging overview of epidemiological applications since the 2012 publication of Applications of Information Theory to Epidemiology [...]
The Effect of Empirical Log Yield Observations on Carbon Storage Economics
Authors: Kärenlampi Petri P.
Published: December 2020

An empirical model for log yield from trees is established and applied in microeconomics of carbon storage in a boreal spruce estate. The transition from pulpwood to sawlogs is a smoother function of stem diameter in the empirical data, in comparison to literature values. Correspondingly, the value transition of trees along with increasing size is gentler. Due to price premiums of sawlogs from clearcuttings, all economically feasible treatment schedules terminate in clearcutting. Best capital return rates are gained with two heavy thinnings from above before clearcutting. Present carbon emission prices allow moderate carbon storage increment if the increment is compensated by proportional carbon rent. Doubling the present carbon prices would allow strong carbon storage increments if compensated by carbon rent. Application of nonproportional carbon rent is proposed.
Performance Analysis of Cache Based on Popularity and Class in Named Data Network
Authors: Yovita Leanna Vidya , Syambas Nana Rachmana , Edward Ian Joseph Matheus , Kamiyama Noriaki
Published: December 2020

The communication network is growing with some unique characteristics, such as consumers repeatedly request the same content to the server, similarity in local demand trend, and dynamic changes to requests within a specific period. Therefore, a different network paradigm is needed to replace the IP network, namely Named Data Network (NDN). The content store, which acts as a crucial component in the NDN nodes is a limited resource. In addition, a cache mechanism is needed to optimize the router’s content store by exploiting the different content services characters in the network. This paper proposes a new caching algorithm called Cache Based on Popularity and Class (CAPIC) with dynamic mechanism, and the detail explanation about the static method also presented. The goal of Static-CAPIC was to enhance the total cache hit ratio on the network by pre-determining the cache proportion for each content class. However, this technique is not appropriate to control the cache hit ratio for priority class. Therefore, the Dynamic-CAPIC is used to provide flexibility to change the cache proportion based on the frequency of requests in real-time. The formula involves considering the consumers’ request all the time. It gives a higher cache hit ratio for the priority content class. This method outperforms Static-CAPIC, and the LCD+sharing scheme in the total network cache hit ratio parameter and channels it to the priority class.
Adaptations to Swimming Training in Athletes with Down’s Syndrome
Authors: González-Ravé José María , Turner Anthony P. , Phillips Shaun M.
Published: December 2020

Swimming training programs may help to limit declines in cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, mobility and social functioning in individuals with Down’s Syndrome (DS): (1) Background: This study aims to analyze the effects of a periodized swimming training program on swimming speed, lower body force and power and body composition in a group of swimmers with DS; (2) Methods: Nine swimmers with DS (2 men and 7 women; aged 21–30 years-old) completed an 18-week periodized swimming program. The swimmers were assessed, pre and post-training, for 25 m, 50 m and 100 m freestyle swim performance, countermovement jump performance and body composition; (3) Results: Significant and large improvements in 25 m (mean −6.39%, p < 0.05, d = 1.51), 50 m (mean −4.95%, p < 0.01, d = 2.08) and 100 m (mean −3.08%, p < 0.05, d = 1.44) freestyle performance were observed following training, with no significant changes in body composition or consistent changes in jump performance (although a large mean 14.6% decrease in relative peak force, p < 0.05, d = 1.23) (4) Conclusions: A periodized 18-week training intervention may improve swimming performance in a small group of trained swimmers with DS, with less clear changes in jump performance or body composition. This program provides a training profile for coaches working with swimmers with DS and a platform for further research into the benefits of swimming training with this under-represented population.
High School Students as Citizen Scientists to Decrease Radon Exposure
Authors: Hahn Ellen J. , Wilmhoff Craig , Rayens Mary Kay , Conley Nicholas B. , Morris Emily , Larck Angela , Allen Trista , Pinney Susan M.
Published: December 2020

Residents in rural Kentucky (KY) and suburban Ohio (OH) expressed concerns about radon exposure and lung cancer. Although 85% of lung cancer cases are caused by tobacco smoke, radon exposure accounts for 10–15% of lung cancer cases. Academic and community members from the University of KY and the University of Cincinnati developed and pilot-tested a family-centered, youth-engaged home radon testing toolkit. The radon toolkit included radon information, and how to test, interpret, and report back findings. We educated youth as citizen scientists and their teachers in human subjects protection and home radon testing using the toolkit in the classroom. Youth citizen scientists explained the study to their parents and obtained informed consent. One hundred students were trained in human subjects protection, 27 had parental permission to be citizen scientists, and 18 homeowners completed surveys. Radon values ranged from < 14.8 Bq/m3 to 277.5 Bq/m3. Youth were interested and engaged in citizen science and this family-centered, school-based project provided a unique opportunity to further the healthy housing and quality education components of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Further research is needed to test the impact of student-led, family-centered citizen science projects in environmental health as part of school curricula.
Work Ability among Upper-Secondary School Teachers: Examining the Role of Burnout, Sense of Coherence, and Work-Related and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Hlaďo Petr , Dosedlová Jaroslava , Harvánková Klára , Novotný Petr , Gottfried Jaroslav , Rečka Karel , Petrovová Markéta , Pokorný Bohumil , Štorová Ilona
Published: December 2020

Maintaining and promoting teachers’ work ability is essential for increasing productivity and preventing early exit from the teaching profession. This study aimed to identify the predictors of work ability among upper-secondary school teachers and examine the mediating role of burnout. A large and diverse group of Czech upper-secondary school teachers was surveyed to address this goal. The sample comprised 531 upper-secondary school teachers (50.0 ± 9.94 years, 19.9 ± 10.62 in the teaching profession, 57.6% females). Relatively greater empirical support was found for the effects of burnout, sense of coherence, work–life balance, and perceived relationships in the school environment on work ability than for the impact of age, homeroom teacher duties, workload, and caring for elderly relatives. Furthermore, burnout served as an important mediator of the relationship between sense of coherence and work ability. Teachers with a higher sense of coherence are thus better able to cope with adverse work circumstances and identify and mobilize internal and external resources to prevent professional exhaustion and the subsequent decline in work ability. The study can guide interventions on the work ability of teachers.
Prenatal Multivitamin Use and MTHFR Genotype Are Associated with Newborn Cord Blood DNA Methylation
Authors: Bakulski Kelly M. , Dou John F. , Feinberg Jason I. , Brieger Katharine K. , Croen Lisa A. , Hertz-Picciotto Irva , Newschaffer Craig J. , Schmidt Rebecca J. , Fallin M. Daniele
Published: December 2020

Background: Fetal development involves cellular differentiation and epigenetic changes—complex processes that are sensitive to environmental factors. Maternal nutrient levels during pregnancy affect development, and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is important for processing the nutrient folate. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that supplement intake before pregnancy and maternal genotype are associated with DNA methylation in newborns. Methods: In the pregnancy cohort, Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI), health history, and genotype information was obtained (n = 249 families). Cord blood DNA methylation (n = 130) was measured using the Illumina HumanMethylation450k array and global DNA methylation levels were computed over 455,698 sites. Supplement use preconception and during pregnancy were surveyed at visits during pregnancy. We evaluated associations between maternal preconception supplement intake and global DNA methylation or DNA methylation density distributions of newborn cord blood, stratified by the presence of a variant maternal MTHFR C677T allele. Results: Maternal preconceptional multivitamin intake was associated with cord blood methylation, dependent on maternal MTHFR genotype (interaction term p = 0.013). For mothers without the MTHFR variant allele, multivitamin intake was associated with 0.96% (95% CI: 0.09, 1.83) higher global cord blood methylation (p = 0.04) and was also associated with the cumulative density distribution of methylation (p = 0.03). For mothers with at least one variant allele, multivitamin intake had a null −0.06% (95% CI: −0.45, 0.33) association with global cord blood DNA methylation, and was not associated with the cumulative density distribution (p = 0.37). Conclusions: We observed that cord blood DNA methylation was associated with maternal supplement exposure preconception and maternal genotype. Genetic context should be considered when assessing DNA methylation effects of modifiable risk factors around the time of pregnancy.
Impaired Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscle Strength in Children with Normal-Weight Obesity
Authors: Musálek Martin , Clark Cain C. T. , Kokštejn Jakub , Vokounova Šarka , Hnízdil Jan , Mess Filip
Published: December 2020

Despite the health-related implications of normal-weight obesity in children, very little research has explored the fundamental associations between this status and important long-term health parameters. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the physical fitness of children with normal-weight obesity, in comparison to normal-weight non obese and overweight and obese counterparts. A total of 328 middle-school-aged children (9.8 ± 0.5 y) took part in this study (n = 44 normal-weight obese; n = 237; normal-weight non obese; n = 47 overweight and obese). Height, weight, and body-fatness were measured. Four physical fitness tests were conducted: (1) Multistage fitness test; (2) shuttle run 4 × 10 m; (3) sit-ups for 60 s; (4) the broad jump. Welch’s analysis of variance (ANOVA), stratified by sex, with post-hoc testing where necessary, was performed. Children with normal-weight obesity had significantly (p < 0.01) lower cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness than normal-weight non obese peers. In addition, normal-weight obese and overweight and obese boys had comparable deficits in strength and explosiveness of lower limbs, speed coordination, and endurance, compared to normal-weight non obese counterparts. Normal-weight obese children appear to have similar deficits in PF as their overweight and obese peers, compared to normal-weight non obese counterparts, whilst boys had larger deficits than girls.
Prisons, Older People, and Age-Friendly Cities and Communities: Towards an Inclusive Approach
Authors: Codd Helen
Published: December 2020

This original and ground-breaking interdisciplinary article brings together perspectives from gerontology, criminology, penology, and social policy to explore critically the nature and consequences of the lack of visibility of prisons, prisoners, and ex-prisoners within global research, policy and practice on age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC), at a time when increasing numbers of people are ageing in prison settings in many countries. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose challenges in the contexts both of older peoples’ lives, wellbeing, and health, and also within prison settings, and thus it is timely to reflect on the links between older people, prisons, and cities, at a time of ongoing change. Just as there is an extensive body of ongoing research exploring age-friendly cities and communities, there is extensive published research on older people’s experiences of imprisonment, and a growing body of research on ageing in the prison setting. However, these two research and policy fields have evolved largely independently and separately, leading to a lack of visibility of prisons and prisoners within AFCC research and policy and, similarly, the omission of consideration of the relevance of AFCC research and policy to older prisoners and ex-prisoners. Existing checklists and tools for assessing and measuring the age-friendliness of cities and communities may be of limited relevance in the context of prisons and prisoners. This article identifies the potential for integration and for cross-disciplinary research in this context, concluding with recommendations for developing inclusive research, policies, and evaluation frameworks which recognise and include prisons and older prisoners, both during and after incarceration.
Interspecific Mating Effects on Locomotor Activity Rhythms and Refractoriness of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Females
Authors: Feitoza Thais de Souza , Ferreira-de-Lima Victor Henrique , Câmara Daniel Cardoso Portela , Honório Nildimar Alves , Lounibos L. Philip , Lima-Camara Tamara Nunes
Published: December 2020

This study tests the hypotheses that the locomotor activity of Ae. albopictus females is not significantly altered by the presence of accessory gland (AG) extracts from conspecific and heterospecific males, and that Ae. albopictus females remain receptive to mating with conspecific males even after receiving AG of Ae. aegypti males. Virgin Ae. albopictus females were injected with saline (control group), AG extracts of Ae. aegypti males (aegMAG) or AG extracts of Ae. albopictus males (albMAG). Locomotor activity was evaluated under 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness at 25 °C. All live Ae. albopictus females were subsequently exposed to conspecific males for 48 h, and their spermathecae were dissected for the presence of sperm. Females injected with aegMAG and albMAG showed significant decreases in total, diurnal and diurnal without lights-on Period activities. Females injected with aegMAG showed significant decreases in nocturnal and nocturnal without lights-off period activities. Females injected with albMAG showed significant decreases in lights-off activity. A total of 83% of Ae. albopictus females injected with aegMAG and 10% of females injected with albMAG were inseminated by conspecific males. These results, coupled with our previous paper on MAG and interspecific mating effects on female Ae. aegypti, demonstrate contrasting outcomes on locomotor activities and loss of sexual receptivity, both conspecific and heterospecific MAGs capable of sterilizing virgin Ae. aegypti, but only conspecific MAGs sterilizing Ae. albopictus, whereas locomotor activities were depressed in females of both species after heterospecific and conspecific injections or treatments.
Effects of Enzymatic Hydrolysis on the Functional Properties, Antioxidant Activity and Protein Structure of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Protein
Authors: Batish Inayat , Brits Devon , Valencia Pedro , Miyai Caio , Rafeeq Shamil , Xu Yixiang , Galanopoulos Magdalini , Sismour Edward , Ovissipour Reza
Published: December 2020

The effects of chemical protein extraction, and enzymatic hydrolysis with Alcalase, papain and pepsin, on the functional properties, antioxidant activity, amino acid composition and protein structure of black soldier fly (H. illucens) larval protein were examined. Alcalase hydrolysates had the highest degree of hydrolysis (p < 0.05), with the highest hydrolysate and oil fraction yield (p < 0.05). Pepsin hydrolysates showed the lowest oil holding capacity (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed among other enzymes and protein concentrates (p > 0.05). The emulsifying stability and foam capacity were significantly lower in protein hydrolysates than protein concentrate (p < 0.05). The antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates from protein concentrate and Alcalase was higher than that with papain and pepsin (p < 0.05), owing to the higher hydrophobic amino acid content. Raman spectroscopy indicated structural changes in protein α-helices and β-sheets after enzymatic hydrolysis.
Comparison of Three Skin Sampling Methods and Two Media for Culturing Malassezia Yeast
Authors: Abdillah Abdourahim , Khelaifia Saber , Raoult Didier , Bittar Fadi , Ranque Stéphane
Published: December 2020

Malassezia is a lipid-dependent commensal yeast of the human skin. The different culture media and skin sampling methods used to grow these fastidious yeasts are a source of heterogeneity in culture-based epidemiological study results. This study aimed to compare the performances of three methods of skin sampling, and two culture media for the detection of Malassezia yeasts by culture from the human skin. Three skin sampling methods, namely sterile gauze, dry swab, and TranswabTM with transport medium, were applied on 10 healthy volunteers at 5 distinct body sites. Each sample was further inoculated onto either the novel FastFung medium or the reference Dixon agar for the detection of Malassezia spp. by culture. At least one colony of Malassezia spp. grew on 93/300 (31%) of the cultures, corresponding to 150 samplings. The positive culture rate was 67%, 18%, and 15% (P < 10−3), for samples collected with sterile gauze, TranswabTM, and dry swab, respectively. The positive culture rate was 62% and 38% (P < 0.003) by using the FastFung and the Dixon media, respectively. Our results showed that sterile gauze rubbing skin sampling followed by inoculation on FastFung medium should be implemented in the routine clinical laboratory procedure for Malassezia spp. cultivation.
Performance Optimization and Characterization of Soda Residue-Fly Ash Geopolymer Paste for Goaf Backfill: Beta-Hemihydrate Gypsum Alternative to Sodium Silicate
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Zhao Xianhui , Zhou Boyu , Lin Yonghui , Gao Han
Published: December 2020

Solid waste soda residue (SR), as an industrial pollutant of water, air and soil environment, can be utilized to prepare the low-calcium fly ash (FFA)-based geopolymer paste activated by sodium silicate (NS) solution for goaf backfill. However, the high addition of NS produces the high cost and high strength of synthesized backfill material in the previous study. The objective of this research is to investigate the cost optimization method and performance evaluation of SR-FFA-based geopolymer backfill paste. The alkaline beta-hemihydrate gypsum (BHG) alternative to partial NS was proposed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) tests were performed to clarify the role of BHG and evaluate the microstructures and products of backfill pastes. The results show that 10% BHG alternative ratios effectively improve fluidity, setting time and compressive strength to satisfy the performance requirement of goaf backfill material. The gel products in the optimal backfill paste C4 with 10% BHG alternative ratios are determined as the coexistence of C-S-H gel, (N,C)-A-S-H gel and CaSO4·2H2O at 28 d. The research results can make extensive utilization of SR and FFA in cemented paste backfill to synthesize cleaner material at a larger scale.
Criticality Hidden in Acoustic Emissions and in Changing Electrical Resistance during Fracture of Rocks and Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Niccolini Gianni , Potirakis Stelios M. , Lacidogna Giuseppe , Borla Oscar
Published: December 2020

Acoustic emissions (AE) due to microcracking in solid materials permit the monitoring of fracture processes and the study of failure dynamics. As an alternative method of integrity assessment, measurements of electrical resistance can be used as well. In the literature, however, many studies connect the notion of criticality with AE originating from the fracture, but not with the changes in the electrical properties of materials. In order to further investigate the possible critical behavior of fracture processes in rocks and cement-based materials, we apply natural time (NT) analysis to the time series of AE and resistance measurements, recorded during fracture experiments on cement mortar (CM) and Luserna stone (LS) specimens. The NT analysis indicates that criticality in terms of electrical resistance changes systematically precedes AE criticality for all investigated specimens. The observed greater unpredictability of the CM fracture behavior with respect to LS could be ascribed to the different degree of material homogeneity, since LS (heterogeneous material) expectedly offers more abundant and more easily identifiable fracture precursors than CM (homogenous material). Non-uniqueness of the critical point by varying the detection threshold of cracking events is apparently due to finite size effects which introduce deviations from the self-similarity.
Study on Effect of Shapes of Serration of Joining Plane on Joining Characteristics for the Aluminum–Steel Multi-Materials Press Joining Process
Authors: Lee In-Kyu , Lee Sung-Yun , Lee Sang-Kon , Jeong Myeong-Sik , Kim Bong-Joon , Joo Won-Gwang
Published: December 2020

Recently, mechanical joining processes have received much attention for joining multi-materials. In particular, these processes have a great demand in the automobile industry for weight reduction. The press-fitting process is a representative mechanical joining process. In this process, the shape of the interfacial serration on the joining plane is very important because it has a significant effect on the joining strength. In this study, the characteristics of the aluminum–steel press joining process were investigated according to the shape of the interfacial serration of the joining plane. The deformation of the material and the forming load were investigated by conducting finite element analysis. In addition, the unfilled height of the material, joining force, and torque were measured experimentally.
Downhole Lithological Profile Reconstruction Based on Chemical Composition of Core Samples and Drill Cuttings Measured with Portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
Authors: Kowalska Sylwia , Kubik Benedykt , Skupio Rafał , Wolański Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

The reconstruction of a lithological profile based on geophysical logs of chemical composition provided by geochemical gamma-gamma well logging probes has been increasingly used for geophysical interpretation. A chemical profile, analogous to the measurements mentioned above, can be determined based on measurements made with a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF). This paper presents a methodology for determining the mineral composition of drilled, clastic, as well as clay-rich rocks on the basis of both inexpensive and timesaving pXRF measurements as well as models combining the results of chemical composition analysis with results of mineral composition analysis (XRD). The results of chemical composition analysis obtained with a portable XRF spectrometer were calibrated based on a detailed analysis produced with ICP-OES and ICP-MS methods. A significant advantage of the proposed method is the possibility to apply it with regard to drill cuttings as well as archival cores. However, considerable discrepancies in the results obtained were identified while comparing the results of chemical composition analysed directly on the core and milled material. The analysed material comprised Carboniferous rocks derived from three boreholes located in Poland: Kobylin-1 as well as Biesiekierz-1 and -2. It was possible to directly compare the lithological profile obtained based on measurements taken on drill cuttings with the results of the lithological interpretation of a geochemical probe log.
Specific Features of Reactive Pulsed Laser Deposition of Solid Lubricating Nanocomposite Mo–S–C–H Thin-Film Coatings
Authors: Fominski Vyacheslav , Fominski Dmitry , Romanov Roman , Gritskevich Mariya , Demin Maxim , Shvets Petr , Maksimova Ksenia , Goikhman Alexander
Published: December 2020

This work investigates the structure and chemical states of thin-film coatings obtained by pulsed laser codeposition of Mo and C in a reactive gas (H2S). The coatings were analysed for their prospective use as solid lubricating coatings for friction units operating in extreme conditions. Pulsed laser ablation of molybdenum and graphite targets was accompanied by the effective interaction of the deposited Mo and C layers with the reactive gas and the chemical states of Mo- and C-containing nanophases were interdependent. This had a negative effect on the tribological properties of Mo–S–C–H nanocomposite coatings obtained at H2S pressures of 9 and 18 Pa, which were optimal for obtaining MoS2 and MoS3 coatings, respectively. The best tribological properties were found for the Mo–S–C–H_5.5 coating formed at an H2S pressure of 5.5 Pa. At this pressure, the x = S/Mo ratio in the MoSx nanophase was slightly less than 2, and the a-C(S,H) nanophase contained ~8 at.% S and ~16 at.% H. The a-C(S,H) nanophase with this composition provided a low coefficient of friction (~0.03) at low ambient humidity and 22 °C. The nanophase composition in Mo–S–C–H_5.5 coating demonstrated fairly good antifriction properties and increased wear resistance even at −100 °C. For wet friction conditions, Mo–S–C–H nanocomposite coatings did not have significant advantages in reducing friction compared to the MoS2 and MoS3 coatings formed by reactive pulsed laser deposition.
Development and Study of Nanoemulsions and Nanoemulsion-Based Hydrogels for the Encapsulation of Lipophilic Compounds
Authors: Demisli Sotiria , Mitsou Evgenia , Pletsa Vasiliki , Xenakis Aristotelis , Papadimitriou Vassiliki
Published: December 2020

Biocompatible nanoemulsions and nanoemulsion-based hydrogels were formulated for the encapsulation and delivery of vitamin D3 and curcumin. The aforementioned systems were structurally studied applying dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and viscometry. In vitro studies were conducted using Franz diffusion cells to investigate the release of the bioactive compounds from the nanocarriers. The cytotoxicity of the nanoemulsions was investigated using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell proliferation assay and RPMI 2650 nasal epithelial cells as in vitro model. DLS measurements showed that vitamin D3 and curcumin addition in the dispersed phase of the nanoemulsions caused an increase in the size of the oil droplets from 78.6 ± 0.2 nm to 83.6 ± 0.3 nm and from 78.6 ± 0.2 nm to 165.6 ± 1.0 nm, respectively. Loaded nanoemulsions, in both cases, were stable for 60 days of storage at 25 °C. EPR spectroscopy revealed participation of vitamin D3 and curcumin in the surfactants monolayer. In vitro release rates of both lipophilic compounds from the nanoemulsions were comparable to the corresponding ones from the nanoemulsion-based hydrogels. The developed o/w nanoemulsions did not exhibit cytotoxic effect up to the concentration threshold of 1 mg/mL in the cell culture medium.
Influence of HLA-DQ2.5 Dose on Clinical Picture of Unrelated Celiac Disease Patients
Authors: Airaksinen Laura , Laurikka Pilvi , Huhtala Heini , Kurppa Kalle , Salmi Teea , Saavalainen Päivi , Kaukinen Katri , Lindfors Katri
Published: December 2020

The clinical phenotype of celiac disease varies considerably among patients and the dosage of HLA-DQ2.5 alleles has been suggested to be a contributing factor. We investigated whether HLA-DQ2.5 allele dosage is associated with distinct clinical parameters at the time of diagnosis and with patients’ response to a gluten-free diet. The final cohort included 605 carefully phenotyped non-related Finnish celiac disease patients grouped as having 0, 1 or 2 copies of HLA-DQ2.5. Clinical data at the time of diagnosis and during gluten-free diet were collected systematically from medical records and supplementary interviews. An increasing HLA-DQ2.5 dose effect was detected for celiac disease antibody positivity at diagnosis (p = 0.021) and for the presence of any first-degree relatives with celiac disease (p = 0.011 and p = 0.031, respectively). Instead, DQ2.5-negative patients were suffering most often from classical symptoms at diagnosis (p = 0.007 between HLA groups). In addition, during follow-up they were most often symptomatic despite a gluten-free diet (p = 0.002 between groups). Our results thus suggest that increasing HLA-DQ2.5 dose only has a minor effect on the clinical picture of celiac disease. However, HLA-DQ2.5-negative patients should not be overlooked in clinical practice and particular attention should be paid to this patient group during gluten-free diet.
Diet Quality Indices Used in Australian and New Zealand Adults: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal
Authors: Hlaing-Hlaing Hlaing , Pezdirc Kristine , Tavener Meredith , James Erica L. , Hure Alexis
Published: December 2020

Distilling the complexity of overall diet into a simple measure or summative score by data reduction methods has become a common practice in nutritional epidemiology. Recent reviews on diet quality indices (DQI) have highlighted the importance of sound construction criteria and validation. The aim of this current review was to identify and critically appraise all DQI used within Australian and New Zealand adult populations. Twenty-five existing DQI were identified by electronic searching in Medline and hand searching of reference lists. DQI were constructed based on the respective national dietary guidelines and condition-specific recommendations. For preferable features of DQI, six captured the dimensions of adequacy, moderation and balance; five had a nested structure; 12 consisted of foods, food groups and nutrients; 11 used metric scoring systems and most of those with metric scales used normative cutoff points. Food frequency questionnaires, either alone or with other methods, were the most common dietary assessment method used in 20 DQI. For evaluation of DQI, construct validity and relative validity are reported. Based on our critical appraisal, Dietary Guideline Index (DGI), Dietary Guideline Index-2013 (DGI-2013), Total Diet Score (TDS), Healthy Eating Index for Australian Adults-2013 (HEIFA-2013), and Aussie-Diet Quality Index (Aussie-DQI) were the preferred DQI used in Australian adults according to dimension, indicator selection, scoring criteria and evaluation. Further work is needed to enhance the construction of all Australian and New Zealand DQI, especially in terms of dimension and structure, for alignment with recommended construction criteria.