bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory Role of Sugars on the Settlement Inducing Activity of a Conspecific Cue in Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Sedanza Mary Grace , Kim Hee-Jin , Seposo Xerxes , Yoshida Asami , Yamaguchi Kenichi , Satuito Cyril Glenn
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the larval settlement inducing effect of sugars and a conspecific cue from adult shell extract of Crassostrea gigas. To understand how the presence of different chemical cues regulate settlement behavior, oyster larvae were exposed to 12 types of sugars, shell extract-coated and non-coated surfaces, and under varied sugar exposure times. Lectin-glycan interaction effects on settlement and its localization on oyster larval tissues were investigated. The results showed that the conspecific cue elicited a positive concentration dependent settlement inducing trend. Sugars in the absence of a conspecific cue, C. gigas adult shell extract, did not promote settlement. Whereas, in the presence of the cue, showed varied effects, most of which were found inhibitory at different concentrations. Sugar treated larvae exposed for 2 h showed significant settlement inhibition in the presence of a conspecific cue. Neu5Ac, as well as GlcNAc sugars, showed a similar interaction trend with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) lectin. WGA-FITC conjugate showed positive binding on the foot, velum, and mantle when exposed to GlcNAc sugars. This study suggests that a WGA lectin-like receptor and its endogenous ligand are both found in the larval chemoreceptors and the shell Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) extract that may complementarily work together to allow the oyster larva greater selectivity during site selection.
Utilizing an Animal Model to Identify Brain Neurodegeneration-Related Biomarkers in Aging
Authors: Yang Ming-Hui , Chen Yi-Ming Arthur , Tu Shan-Chen , Chi Pei-Ling , Chuang Kuo-Pin , Chang Chin-Chuan , Lee Chiang-Hsuan , Chen Yi-Ling , Lee Che-Hsin , Yuan Cheng-Hui , Tyan Yu-Chang
Published: March 2021

Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) regulates S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a methyl donor in methylation. Over-expressed SAMe may cause neurogenic capacity reduction and memory impairment. GNMT knockout mice (GNMT-KO) was applied as an experimental model to evaluate its effect on neurons. In this study, proteins from brain tissues were studied using proteomic approaches, Haemotoxylin and Eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ingenuity pathway analysis. The expression of Receptor-interacting protein 1(RIPK1) and Caspase 3 were up-regulated and activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) was down-regulated in GNMT-KO mice regardless of the age. Besides, proteins related to neuropathology, such as excitatory amino acid transporter 2, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II subunit alpha, and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase were found only in the group of aged wild-type mice; 4-aminobutyrate amino transferase, limbic system-associated membrane protein, sodium- and chloride-dependent GABA transporter 3 and ProSAAS were found only in the group of young GNMT-KO mice and are related to function of neurons; serum albumin and Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 1 were found only in the group of aged GNMT-KO mice and are connected to neurodegenerative disorders. With proteomic analyses, a pathway involving Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signal was found to be associated with aging. The GnRH pathway could provide additional information on the mechanism of aging and non-aging related neurodegeneration, and these protein markers may be served in developing future therapeutic treatments to ameliorate aging and prevent diseases.
Breast Cancer and the Other Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Dvorská Dana , Braný Dušan , Ňachajová Marcela , Halašová Erika , Danková Zuzana
Published: March 2021

Breast cancer is very heterogenous and the most common gynaecological cancer, with various factors affecting its development. While its impact on human lives and national health budgets is still rising in almost all global areas, many molecular mechanisms affecting its onset and development remain unclear. Conventional treatments still prove inadequate in some aspects, and appropriate molecular therapeutic targets are required for improved outcomes. Recent scientific interest has therefore focused on the non-coding RNAs roles in tumour development and their potential as therapeutic targets. These RNAs comprise the majority of the human transcript and their broad action mechanisms range from gene silencing to chromatin remodelling. Many non-coding RNAs also have altered expression in breast cancer cell lines and tissues, and this is often connected with increased proliferation, a degraded extracellular environment, and higher endothelial to mesenchymal transition. Herein, we summarise the known abnormalities in the function and expression of long non-coding RNAs, Piwi interacting RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs and small nuclear RNAs in breast cancer, and how these abnormalities affect the development of this deadly disease. Finally, the use of RNA interference to suppress breast cancer growth is summarised.
Tumor Infiltrating Neutrophils Are Frequently Found in Adenocarcinomas of the Biliary Tract and Their Precursor Lesions with Possible Impact on Prognosis
Authors: Branchi Vittorio , Jürgensen Benedict , Esser Laura , Gonzalez-Carmona Maria , Weismüller Tobias J. , Strassburg Christian P. , Henn Jonas , Semaan Alexander , Lingohr Philipp , Manekeller Steffen , Kristiansen Glen , Kalff Jörg C. , Toma Marieta I. , Matthaei Hanno
Published: March 2021

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is characterized by an intense stromal reaction and a complex landscape of infiltrating immune cells. Evidence is emerging that tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs) have an impact on carcinogenesis and tumor progression. TINs have also been associated with outcomes in various solid malignant tumors but their possible clinical role in BTC is largely unknown. Tissue samples from patients with sporadic BTC (“spBTC” cohort, N = 53) and BTC in association with primary sclerosing cholangitis (“PSC-BTC” cohort, N = 7) were collected. Furthermore, tissue samples from 27 patients with PSC who underwent liver transplantation (“PSC-LTX” cohort) were investigated. All specimens were assessed for TIN density in invasive and precancerous lesions (biliary intraepithelial neoplasia, BilIN). Most spBTC showed low TIN density (LD, 61%). High TIN density (HD) was detected in 16% of the tumors, whereas 23% were classified as intermediate density (ID); the majority of both HD and ID groups were in T1–T2 tumors (83% and 100%, p = 0.012). TIN density in BilIN lesions did not significantly differ among the three groups. The HD group had a mean overall survival (OS) of 53.5 months, whereas the mean OS in the LD and ID groups was significantly shorter (LD 29.5 months vs. ID 24.6 months, log-rank p < 0.05). The results of this study underline the possible prognostic relevance of TINs in BTC and stress the complexity of the immune cell landscape in BTC. The prognostic relevance of TINs suggests a key regulator role in inflammation and immune landscape in BTC.
Peer-to-Peer Tourism: Tourists’ Profile Estimation through Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Moral-Cuadra Salvador , Solano-Sánchez Miguel Ángel , López-Guzmán Tomás , Menor-Campos Antonio
Published: March 2021

Peer-to-peer tourism is one of the great global trends that is transforming the tourism sector, introducing several changes in many aspects of tourism, such as the way of travelling, staying or living the experience in the destination. This research aims to determine the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of tourists interested in peer-to-peer accommodation and the importance they give to various motivational factors about this type of tourism in a “cultural-tourism” city. The methodology used in this research is an artificial neural network of the multilayer perceptron type to estimate a sociodemographic profile of the peer-to-peer accommodation tourist user based on predetermined input values consisting of the answers to the Likert-type questions previously carried out using a questionnaire. Thus, the model developed, through a customized set of answers to these questions, allows the presentation of a “composite picture” of a peer-to-peer tourist based on sociodemographic characteristics. This function is especially interesting for adapting the peer-to-peer hosting offer according to the preferences of potential users.
Thermodynamic Assessment of Bio-Oriented Ti-Ta-Sn System
Authors: Yan Lifang , Peng Yingbiao , Li Tao , Yan Lianwu , He Shiwen , Xu Tao
Published: March 2021

The alloying elements Ta and Sn can effectively increase the stability of β-bcc phase, reduce Young’s modulus and improve the shape-memory property of Ti-based biomedical alloys. The development of the thermodynamic database for Ti-based biomedical alloys promises thermodynamic predictions in composition design and process optimization. In this work, one key sub-ternary Ti-Ta-Sn system has been thermodynamically assessed based on critical evaluation of experimental phase equilibria. A self-consistent thermodynamic description for the Ti-Ta-Sn system including one ternary compound Ti36Ta28Sn36 and six binary compounds considering the solubility of the third element has been obtained. Two isothermal sections at 973 and 1173 K and the liquidus projection have been calculated. Comparisons between the calculated and experimental phase equilibria validate the reliability of the present thermodynamic description. The influence of Ta and Sn contents on the transformation temperature and amount of α_hcp-Ti phase in β_bcc-(Ti,Ta) phase has been investigated based on thermodynamic calculations. The solidified phases in Ti-20Ta-xSn (x = 5, 15 and 25 at.%) as-cast alloys have been thermodynamically calculated based on Scheil solidification simulations. The presently developed thermodynamic description of the Ti-Ta-Sn system would promote the establishment of muti-component Ti-based thermodynamic database and guide the development of Ti-based alloys.
Alternative Geometric Arrangements of the Nozzle Outlet Orifice for Liquid Micro-Jet Focusing in Gas Dynamic Virtual Nozzles
Authors: Šarler Božidar , Zahoor Rizwan , Bajt Saša
Published: March 2021

Liquid micro-jets are crucial for sample delivery of protein crystals and other macromolecular samples in serial femtosecond crystallography. When combined with MHz repetition rate sources, such as the European X-ray free-electron laser (EuXFEL) facility, it is important that the diffraction patterns are collected before the samples are damaged. This requires extremely thin and very fast jets. In this paper we first explore numerically the influence of different nozzle orifice designs on jet parameters and finally compare our simulations with the experimental data obtained for one particular design. A gas dynamic virtual nozzle (GDVN) model, based on a mixture formulation of Newtonian, compressible, two-phase flow, is numerically solved with the finite volume method and volume of fluid approach to deal with the moving boundary between the gas and liquid phases. The goal is to maximize the jet velocity and its length while minimizing the jet thickness. The design studies incorporate differently shaped nozzle orifices, including an elongated orifice with a constant diameter and an orifice with a diverging angle. These are extensions of the nozzle geometry we investigated in our previous studies. Based on these simulations it is concluded that the extension of the constant diameter channel makes a negligible contribution to the jet’s length and its velocity. A change in the angle of the nozzle outlet orifice, however, has a significant effect on jet parameters. We find these kinds of simulation extremely useful for testing and optimizing novel nozzle designs.
Extraction of Magnetic Field Features to Determine the Degree of Material Strain
Authors: Szulim Przemysław , Gontarz Szymon
Published: March 2021

Currently, to realize the reliable operation and proper exploitation of complex machines and structures, information regarding the material condition must be obtained. This information should ideally be acquired in a noninvasive manner. In addition, contemporary rapid technological development is conducive to the research and advancement of new methods, including magnetic methods. This publication describes the methods that can enable the extraction of information from the magnetic field, which is valuable for determining the material effort state and performing technical diagnostics. The issue of using the magnetic field to assess the technical condition of structures is a promising trend in technical diagnostics. Moreover, new ways to process the magnetic field information are being identified to connect the observed surface changes in the magnetic field with the significant diagnostic symptoms. This work provides an extensive introduction to the theoretical basis and diagnostic techniques based on measurements of the magnetic field obtained in close proximity to the structure of interest. The key limitations of the method and associated possibilities are highlighted. The model considerations were taken into account to provide a mathematical description of the extraction process and possible interpretations of the acquired signals. According to the received guidelines, the plan and implementation of two experiments are described along with the obtained results, which demonstrated the possibility of identifying valuable information that can be used to determine the state of the material stress and perform diagnostics of steel structures.
Permselectivity of Cation Exchange Membranes Modified by Polyaniline
Authors: Falina Irina , Loza Natalia , Loza Sergey , Titskaya Ekaterina , Romanyuk Nazar
Published: March 2021

This work discusses the applicability of polyaniline-modified cation exchange membranes for the separation of monovalent/divalent cations by electrodialysis. A novel method of membrane modification directly in the electrodialysis unit is used to prepare permselective membranes. Complex characterization of the membranes before and after modification allows revealing the influence of membrane matrix on the modification efficiency. The characterization of the membranes includes determination of the diffusion permeability, specific conductivity and current–voltage curves in HCl, NaCl and CaCl2 solutions, as well as transport-structural parameters of the extended three-wire model. The characterization results are used to predict the influence of the modification on membrane permselectivity. The competitive mass transfer of singly and doubly charged cations in the electrodialysis process is investigated in underlimiting and overlimiting currents. Electrodialysis desalination of a solution containing Na+/Ca2+ or H+/Ca2+ cations shows that the modification leads to an increase in membrane permselectivity to single-charged cations due to the repulsion of Ca2+ ions from the positively charged membrane surface. The permselectivity of the polyaniline-modified perfluorinated membrane to H+ in the mixture of H+/Ca2+ cations is observed in all current regimes.
Pervaporative Dehydration of Organic Solvents Using High-Silica CHA-Type Zeolite Membrane
Authors: Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Abe Chie , Ikeda Ayumi
Published: March 2021

A high-silica chabazite (CHA) type zeolite membrane was prepared on the porous α-Al2O3 support tube by the secondary growth of seed particles. The dehydration performances of the membrane were determined using methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, acetone, acetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), tetrahydrofuran (THF), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and N-methyl-2-pyrolidone (NMP) at 303–373 K. As a result, the dehydration performances of the membrane were categorized to following three types: (1) 2-propanol, acetone, THF, and MEK; (2) ethanol and acetic acid; and (3) methanol, DMF, and DMSO, and NMP. The adsorption isotherms of water, methanol, ethanol, and 2-propanol were determined to discuss the influences of the organic solvents on the permeation and separation performances of the membrane. For 2-propanol, acetone, MEK, and THF solutions, the high permeation fluxes and separation factors were obtained because of the preferential adsorption of water due to molecular sieving. In contrast, the permeation fluxes and separation factors were relatively low for methanol, DMF, and DMSO, and NMP solutions. The lower dehydration performance for the methanol solution was due to the adsorption of methanol. The permeation fluxes for ethanol and acetic acid solution were ca. 1 kg m−2 h−1. The significantly low flux was attributed to the similar molecular diameter to the micropore size of CHA-type zeolite.
Influence of Surface Preparation and Heat Treatment on Mechanical Behavior of Hybrid Aluminum Parts Manufactured by a Combination of Laser Powder Bed Fusion and Conventional Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Tommasi Alessio , Maillol Nathalie , Bertinetti Andrea , Penchev Pavel , Bajolet Julien , Gili Flavia , Pullini Daniele , Mataix David Busquets
Published: March 2021

Today, in industry, laser-based additive manufacturing (LAM) is used to produce high-value parts of very complex designs that are not manufacturable by conventional technologies; this process’ low production throughput and high cost prevent it from being used more extensively. One way to exploit the benefits of LAM in industry is to have it combined with lower-cost manufacturing technologies. In a hybrid approach, LAM can be integrated within an assembly line’s welding station to complete the manufacturing of a product by depositing a foreign material on a substrate only where needed, or by building structures of complex 3D geometries (e.g., lattice structures) directly onto inexpensive preforms. To pave the way for using a hybrid approach design in real applications, as a prime requirement, the chosen technology must grant comparable structural integrity to its products with respect to its conventional counterparts. In this work, different types of surface pretreatments for substrates were investigated as a key enabling factor to tailor the bi-material system’s mechanical properties in use. Hybrid samples were made by depositing AlSi10Mg by direct metal laser sintering onto A356-T6 aluminum bases prefabricated by casting and forging, and their properties were compared with fully homogeneous samples that were conventionally produced. Specifically referring to the automotive use case, both these alloy grades were chosen for their extensive use in the production of motor vehicles. The testing campaign, characterized by microscopy, mechanical testing, and fatigue, revealed that the structural integrity of the hybrid samples is comparable with the benchmarks when standard heat treatments are adopted. This result makes the prospect of the exploitation of the hybridization concept as conceived very promising for the future.
A Study of Dielectrophoresis-Based Liquid Metal Droplet Control Microfluidic Device
Authors: Tian Lu , Ye Zi , Gui Lin
Published: March 2021

This study presents a dielectrophoresis-based liquid metal (LM) droplet control microfluidic device. Six square liquid metal electrodes are fabricated beneath an LM droplet manipulation pool. By applying different voltages on the different electrodes, a non-uniform electric field is formed around the LM droplet, and charges are induced on the surface of the droplet accordingly, so that the droplet could be driven inside the electric field. With a voltage of ±1000 V applied on the electrodes, the LM droplets are driven with a velocity of 0.5 mm/s for the 2.0 mm diameter ones and 1.0 mm/s for the 1.0 mm diameter ones. The whole chip is made of PDMS, and microchannels are fabricated by laser ablation. In this device, the electrodes are not in direct contact with the working droplets; a thin PDMS film stays between the electrodes and the driven droplets, preventing Joule heat or bubble formation during the experiments. To enhance the flexibility of the chip design, a gallium-based alloy with melting point of 10.6 °C is used as electrode material in this device. This dielectrophoresis (DEP) device was able to successfully drive liquid metal droplets and is expected to be a flexible approach for liquid metal droplet control.
Spectral and Texture Properties of Hydrophobic Aerogel Powders Obtained from Room Temperature Drying
Authors: Shandurkov Dimitar , Ignatov Petar , Spassova Ivanka , Gutzov Stoyan
Published: March 2021

Attenuated Total Reflectance Infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy and texture measurements based on nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms are combined to characterize silica aerogel granules with different degrees of hydrophobicity. The aerogels were prepared from tetraethoxysilane via a room temperature hydrolysis-gelation process, solvent exchange, hydrophobization, and drying at subcritical conditions. The dependencies between the texture properties, pore architectures, surface fractal dimensions, and degree of hydrophobicity of the samples are extracted from the ATR-IR spectra and the adsorption-desorption isotherms. The IR absorption in the region of the Si-O-Si and Si-OH vibrations is used for a description of the structural and chemical changes in aerogel powders connected with their surface hydrophobization. The Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) theory is applied to determine the surface fractal dimension of the powder species.
Polydopamine-Assisted Rapid One-Step Immobilization of L-Arginine in Capillary as Immobilized Chiral Ligands for Enantioseparation of Dansyl Amino Acids by Chiral Ligand Exchange Capillary Electrochromatography
Authors: Gui Yuanqi , Ji Baian , Yi Gaoyi , Li Xiuju , Zhang Kailian , Fu Qifeng
Published: March 2021

Herein, a novel L-arginine (L-Arg)-modified polydopamine (PDA)-coated capillary (PDA/L-Arg@capillary) was firstly fabricated via the basic amino-acid-induced PDA co-deposition strategy and employed to constitute a new chiral ligand exchange capillary electrochromatography (CLE-CEC) method for the high-performance enantioseparation of D,L-amino acids (D,L-AAs) with L-Arg as the immobilized chiral ligand coordinating with the central metal ion Zn(II) as running buffer. Assisted by hydrothermal treatment, the robust immobilization of L-Arg on the capillary inner wall could be facilely achieved within 1 h, prominently improving the synthesis efficiency and simplifying the preparation procedure. The successful preparation of PDA/L-Arg coatings in the capillary was systematically characterized and confirmed using several methods. In comparison with bare and PDA-functionalized capillaries, the enantioseparation capability of the presented CLE-CEC system was significantly enhanced. Eight D,L-AAs were completely separated and three pairs were partially separated under the optimal conditions. The prepared PDA/L-Arg@capillary showed good repeatability and stability. The potential mechanism of the greatly enhanced enantioseparation performance obtained by PDA/L-Arg@capillary was also explored. Moreover, the proposed method was further utilized for studying the enzyme kinetics of L-glutamic dehydrogenase, exhibiting its promising prospects in enzyme assays and other related applications.
Concentration of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds in Olive Mill Wastewater by Direct Contact Membrane Distillation
Authors: Tundis Rosa , Conidi Carmela , Loizzo Monica R. , Sicari Vincenzo , Romeo Rosa , Cassano Alfredo
Published: March 2021

Olive mill wastewater (OMW), generated as a by-product of olive oil production, is considered one of the most polluting effluents produced by the agro-food industry, due to its high concentration of organic matter and nutrients. However, OMW is rich in several polyphenols, representing compounds with remarkable biological properties. This study aimed to analyze the chemical profile as well as the antioxidant and anti-obesity properties of concentrated fractions obtained from microfiltered OMW treated by direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analyses were applied to quantify some phenols selected as phytochemical markers. Moreover, α-Amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibitory activity were investigated together with the antioxidant activity by means of assays, namely β-carotene bleaching, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS) diammonium salts, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and Ferric Reducing Activity Power (FRAP) tests. MD retentate—which has content of about five times greater of hydroxytyrosol and verbascoside and about 7 times greater of oleuropein than the feed—was more active as an antioxidant in all applied assays. Of interest is the result obtained in the DPPH test (an inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) of 9.8 μg/mL in comparison to the feed (IC50 of 97.2 μg/mL)) and in the ABTS assay (an IC50 of 0.4 μg/mL in comparison to the feed (IC50 of 1.2 μg/mL)).
A Novel Solid Nanocrystals Self-Stabilized Pickering Emulsion Prepared by Spray-Drying with Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin as Carriers
Authors: Zhang Jifen , Wang Yanhua , Wang Jirui , Yi Tao
Published: March 2021

A drug nanocrystals self-stabilized Pickering emulsion (NSSPE) with a unique composition and microstructure has been proven to significantly increase the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. This study aimed to develop a new solid NSSPE of puerarin preserving the original microstructure of NSSPE by spray-drying. A series of water-soluble solid carriers were compared and then Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the parameters of spray-drying. The drug release and stability of the optimized solid NSSPE in vitro were also investigated. The results showed that hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), rather than solid carriers commonly used in solidification of traditional Pickering emulsions, was suitable for the solid NSSPE to retain the original appearance and size of emulsion droplets after reconstitution. The amount of HP-β-CD had more influences on the solid NSSPE than the feed rate and the inlet air temperature. Fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that the reconstituted emulsion of the solid NSSPE prepared with HP-β-CD had the same core-shell structure with a core of oil and a shell of puerarin nanocrystals as the liquid NSSPE. The particle size of puerarin nanocrystal sand interfacial adsorption rate also did not change significantly. The cumulative amount of released puerarin from the solid NSSPE had no significant difference compared with the liquid NSSPE, which were both significantly higher than that of puerarin crude material. The solid NSSPE was stable for 3 months under the accelerated condition of 75% relative humidity and 40 °C. Thus, it is possible todevelop the solid NSSPE preserving the unique microstructure and the superior properties in vitro of the liquid NSSPE for poorly soluble drugs.
Selective Synthesis of N-Acylnortropane Derivatives in Palladium-Catalysed Aminocarbonylation
Authors: Kollár László , Erdélyi Ádám , Rasheed Haroon , Takács Attila
Published: March 2021

The aminocarbonylation of various alkenyl and (hetero)aryl iodides was carried out using tropane-based amines of biological importance, such as 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one (nortropinone) and 3α-hydroxy-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane (nortropine) as N-nucleophile. Using iodoalkenes, the two nucleophiles were selectively converted to the corresponding amide in the presence of Pd(OAc)2/2 PPh3 catalysts. In the presence of several iodo(hetero)arenes, the application of the bidentate Xantphos was necessary to produce the target compounds selectively. The new carboxamides of varied structure, formed in palladium-catalyzed aminocarbonylation reactions, were isolated and fully characterized. In this way, a novel synthetic method has been developed for the producing of N-acylnortropane derivatives of biological importance.
The Common Cichory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a Source of Extracts with Health-Promoting Properties—A Review
Authors: Janda Katarzyna , Gutowska Izabela , Geszke-Moritz Małgorzata , Jakubczyk Karolina
Published: March 2021

Natural products are gaining more interest recently, much of which focuses on those derived from medicinal plants. The common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), of the Astraceae family, is a prime example of this trend. It has been proven to be a feasible source of biologically relevant elements (K, Fe, Ca), vitamins (A, B1, B2, C) as well as bioactive compounds (inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarin derivatives, cichoric acid, phenolic acids), which exert potent pro-health effects on the human organism. It displays choleretic and digestion-promoting, as well as appetite-increasing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, all owing to its varied phytochemical composition. Hence, chicory is used most often to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Chicory was among the plants with potential against SARS-CoV-2, too. To this and other ends, roots, herb, flowers and leaves are used. Apart from its phytochemical applications, chicory is also used in gastronomy as a coffee substitute, food or drink additive. The aim of this paper is to present, in the light of the recent literature, the chemical composition and properties of chicory.
Progress in Traceable Nanoscale Capacitance Measurements Using Scanning Microwave Microscopy
Authors: Piquemal François , Morán-Meza José , Delvallée Alexandra , Richert Damien , Kaja Khaled
Published: March 2021

Reference samples are commonly used for the calibration and quantification of nanoscale electrical measurements of capacitances and dielectric constants in scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) and similar techniques. However, the traceability of these calibration samples is not established. In this work, we present a detailed investigation of most possible error sources that affect the uncertainty of capacitance measurements on the reference calibration samples. We establish a comprehensive uncertainty budget leading to a combined uncertainty of 3% in relative value (uncertainty given at one standard deviation) for capacitances ranging from 0.2 fF to 10 fF. This uncertainty level can be achieved even with the use of unshielded probes. We show that the weights of uncertainty sources vary with the values and dimensions of measured capacitances. Our work offers improvements on the classical calibration methods known in SMM and suggests possible new designs of reference standards for capacitance and dielectric traceable measurements. Experimental measurements are supported by numerical calculations of capacitances to reveal further paths for even higher improvements.
Laminar Pipe Flow with Mixed Convection under the Influence of Magnetic Field
Authors: Rudl Johannes , Hanzelmann Christian , Feja Steffen , Meyer Anja , Potthoff Annegret , Buschmann Matthias H.
Published: March 2021

Magnetic influence on ferronanofluid flow is gaining increasing interest from not only the scientific community but also industry. The aim of this study is the examination of the potentials of magnetic forces to control heat transfer. Experiments are conducted to investigate the interaction between four different configurations of permanent magnets and laminar pipe flow with mixed convection. For that purpose a pipe flow test rig is operated with a water-magnetite ferronanofluid. The Reynolds number is varied over one order of magnitude (120–1200). To characterise this suspension, density, solid content, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity are measured. It is found that, depending on the positioning of the magnet(s) and the Reynolds number, heat transfer is either increased or decreased. The experiments indicate that this is a local effect. After relaxation lengths ranging between 2 and 3.5 lengths of a magnet, all changes disappeared. The conclusion from these findings is that magnetic forces are rather a tool to control heat transfer locally than to enhance the overall heat transfer of heat exchangers or the like. Magnetically caused disturbances decay due to viscous dissipation and the flow approaches the basic state again.
Electronics for Sensors
Authors: Ferri Giuseppe , Barile Gianluca , Leoni Alfiero
Published: March 2021

Research on systems and circuits for interfacing sensors has always been, and will surely be, a highly prioritized, widespread, and lively topic [...]
Implementasi Point Of Sales Menggunakan Metode EOQ Berbasis Web
Authors: Fajar Ahmad
Published: March 2021

—  Point of sales (POS) adalah sebuah sistem yang digunakan untuk proses transaksi penjualan, Stok Barang dan mengolah data. Sistem ini dibangun berbasis web dan Bahasa pemrograman PHP dan MYSQL dengan metode manajemen stok barang yaitu Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) . Metode EOQ adalah metode yang digunakan menentukan pemesanan barang atau pembelian barang yang harus dilakukan dan berapa banyak jumlah barang yang harus dipesan.  Dalam metode konvesional untuk menentukan pemesanan dalam jumlah 1.200 unit dalam satu tahun, biaya pemesanan Rp 210.000, harga perunit sebesar Rp 897.955 dan penyimpanan 5%. Pelaku usaha menggunakan metode konvensional dengan pembelian sebanyak 200 unit dengan dengan banyaknya pemesanan 6 kali dan persediaan pengaman sebesar 50. Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan perhitungan metode EOQ untuk menentukan jumlah barang 1200 per tahun. maka akan dihasilkan pemesanan barang 106 dengan frekuensi 11 kali safety stock 15 dan ROP 24.  Simpulan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk membuat perhitungan stok barang menggunakan metode EOQ pada pembelian barang lebih efisien dibandingkan dengan metode manual/konvensional.
The livelihood impacts of COVID-19 in urban South Africa: A view from below
Authors: Schotte Simone , Zizzamia Rocco
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related policy measures on livelihoods in urban South Africa. Using qualitative research methods, we analyse two rounds of semi-structured phone interviews, conducted between June and September 2020 in the township of Khayelitsha, Cape Town. We contextualise these by presenting a snapshot of the nationwide dynamics using quantitative panel data. Our findings describe how the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the economic vulnerability which preceded the crisis. Survivalist livelihood strategies were undermined by the economic disruption to the informal sector, while the co-variate nature of the shock rendered social networks and informal insurance mechanisms ineffective, causing households to liquidate savings, default on insurance payments, and deepen their reliance on government grants. In addition, the impact of the pandemic on schooling may deepen existing inequalities and constrain future upward mobility.
إدارة فيروس كورونا في ضوء مقاصد الشريعة
Authors: Syah Alif Rifdan
Published: March 2021

هذا البحث تحت موضوع "إدارة فيروس كورونا بإندونيسيا في ضوء مقاصد الشريعة". قد كتب لتصوير إدارة فيروس كورونا في إندونيسيا على شكل عام و ضوء مقاصد الشريعة عنها. استطلع الباحث الأدلة و المعلومات عنها بالقراءة و تتبع النسخة و قام على منهج الاستنباط التحليلي في تقدير إجراءات إدارة فيروس كورونا بإندونيسيا من نظرية مقاصد الشريعة. ترتب من هذا البحث أن الإدارة قد جرت وفق الإرشادات من منظمة الصحة العالمية إلا في بعض القضايا التي مالت إلى تقديم الأهمية الاقتصادية و السياسية ما يخالف نظرية مقاصد الشريعة التي تضع حفظ النفس أولى منهما في التريب. سيرا بهذه النتيجة، فمن اللازم أن تكون الإدارة تقدم حفظ النفس على غيره في سائر القرارات القادمة؛ لأنه تحقق درء المفاسد الكبرى و جلب المصالح الآجلة.
Epistemology of Basic Concepts of Spiritual and Physical Thaharah: Analysis of The Benefits of Ablution Spiritually and Physically
Authors: . Meirison . , Insani Fadhilah Insani . , Andini Zahara
Published: March 2021

This article aims to explain the purpose of purification in various forms. Purification outwardly and inwardly will be obtained when following the rules given by the Qur'an and Hadith. Purification (thaharah) is one of the legal conditions in performing Salat. When we start performing an act of worship such as Salat, many of us are not right or wrong when taking ablution or sometimes after removing many unclean impurities. I did a literature study with a descriptive analysis approach and found that three ways can be pure: bathing, ablution, and tayammum. The tools used for bathing and ablution are water and for tayammum using soil (dust). As we know, Tayammum can only be done when there is no water and in a state of pain. Purification also removes not only the contaminated feces but also the inner. In purifying, using absolute water or using soil (dust) must meet certain conditions. By doing purification according to the provisions of Rasulullah, then we will get external and internal purity.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Concept, Spiritual, Physical, Thaharah
Praktik Akad Istishna' Paralel dalam Jual Beli Rumah di PT. Berkah Rangga Sakti Kecamatan
Authors: Buhari Taufiq
Published: March 2021

Today the need for a place to live is a factor in the community to meet their daily needs, even though they do not have enough money, people are competing to own a house, so that many people get a place to live by paying in installments with various systems in their respective places of residence. Application of a parallel istishna 'contract in buying and selling houses in a company PT. Berkah  Rangga Sakti, which is engaged in selling houses, has met the requirements and principles that apply in the shari'ah economy. But in the financing of PT. Berkah Rangga Sakti did not use a Syari'ah Bank but a conventional bank due to the difficulty of accessing the Syari'ah Bank, which provides home financing in the Bangkalan area.
Metode Kisah dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar dan Kemampuan Bercerita pada Pembelajaran Sejarah Kebudayaan Islam di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah
Authors: Azizeh Siti Nur
Published: March 2021

Pembelajaran Sejarah Kebudayaan Islam merupakan pembelajaran yang cenderung monoton sehingga peserta didik mudah merasa bosan. Penyebabnya karena dalam menyampaikan materi umumnya dengan metode ceramah tanpa adanya media pembelajaran yang digunakan. Hal ini membuat minat dan motivasi siswa menurun, akibatnya materi yang dijelaskan oleh guru tidak dapat diterima dan dipahami secara mudah. Berdampak pada rendahnya kemampuan bercerita pada peserta didik. Oleh sebab itu, guru dituntut memberikan inovasi dalam menciptakan pembelajaran yang menyenangkan, salah satunya dengan mengubah metode dalam menyampaikan materi pelajaran. Penerapan metode kisah dianggap tepat dan relevan dengan pelajaran Sejarah Kebudayaan Islam, dengan begitu meningkatnya motivasi belajar dan kemampuan bercerita. Metode kisah dapat menciptakan suasana belajar yang menarik, maka peserta didik akan merasakan senangnya belajar. Dengan begitu, dalam diri peserta didik akan muncul keinginan atau hasrat yang berupa dorongan rasa ingin tahu yang disertai daya atau usaha dalam mencapai tujuan yang ingin dicapainya, inilah yang disebut munculnya motivasi belajar. Selain itu, Metode kisah menggunakan gambar dapat menguatkan daya ingat peserta didik terhadap kisah sejarah tersebut, yang dapat memberikan gambaran nyata mengenai kisah sejarah tersebut.  Sehingga dalam hal ini dapat meningkatkan kemampun peserta didik dalam bercerita. Adapun tahap-tahap dalam penerapan metode kisah yang perlu diperhatikan oleh para pendidik yaitu diantaranya meliputi, perencaan, penyajian materi, korelasi, kesimpulan dan evaluasi. Mengenai perancangannya dapat disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan dan tujuan pembelajaran.
Efecto de la adición de inulina en las propiedades fisicoquímicas de queso tipo panela descremado
Authors: Aguilar María , Carranza José , Bermúdez María , Romo Carlos
Published: March 2021

The objective of this investigation was to analyze how inulin affects concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, the physicochemical composition of panela cheese. The panela cheese was made in the Dairy Workshop of the Food Technology Area of the Autonomous University of Aguascalientes (UAA). The physicochemical analyzes of pH, humidity, ashes, total solids and fat, specifically the Quality Control Laboratory of the Center of Agricultural Sciences of the same university, according to the methods of the Mexican Standards. For the statistical analysis the analysis of the variance (ANOVA) of a pathway was performed. Using Tukey multiple comparison analysis (p <0.05). Using the statistical program Centurión XV Statistics. According to the results detected, inulin was modified, it changed the pH, humidity, ashes and total solids of skimmed panela cheese, from 1%.
Determinación de la ruta crítica para la síntesis Química de hidroxiapatita nanométrica
Authors: Riesco-Ávila José Manuel , Rodríguez-Valderrama David Alejandro , Pardo-Cely Diana Marcela , Elizalde- Blancas Francisco
Published: March 2021

Of the different methods for recycling plastic, pyrolysis offers the possibility to overcome the limitations of mechanical recycling, which requires large amounts of clean, separate and homogeneous plastic waste to ensure the quality of the final product. Pyrolysis is the chemical decomposition of plastic materials by thermal degradation in the absence of oxygen. The plastic waste is introduced into a chamber, where it is subjected to high temperatures, and the gases generated are condensed in order to obtain a distillate hydrocarbon. This paper presents the results obtained from the pyrolysis of plastic waste mixtures of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and low density polyethylene. In a first stage, the plastic waste is subjected to a rapid pyrolysis process at temperatures of 440-450 °C, obtaining a mixture of heavy hydrocarbons. Subsequently, these hydrocarbons are subjected to a distillation process, first at a temperature of 180 °C, where a hydrocarbon with properties similar to those of gasoline is obtained, and then at a temperature of 360 °C, yielding a hydrocarbon with properties similar to those of diesel.
Características físico-químicas y microbiológicas del compostaje de bagazo de agave tequilero a escala industrial
Authors: Crespo-González Marcos Rafael , Rodríguez-Macías Ramón , González-Eguiarte Diego Raymundo , Canale-Guerrero Alejandro
Published: March 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate some physicochemical characteristics of large scale composting process of tequila agave bagasse, and also quantify the population dynamic of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes througout 300 days. A large windrow of agave bagasse of approximately 195 m (~331 t) was set and regularly monitored. Thereafter a pile section was reubicated to continue the evaluation. The windrow was sampled every 15 days and the following parameters were measured: moisture content, temperature, pH, electric conductivity (EC), the organic matter (OM), C/N ratio and the population dynamic of bacteria, fungi and actynomicetes in colony forming units. From the very beginning of composting the temperature of the windrow reached the thermophylic phase (>45 °C) and continued up to 270 days. However, at the end of the study the temperature felt down till 42 °C due to the reduction on moisture content (<30%). The highest EC registered was 1.5 dS/m; the OM remained between 70-35% and the C/N ratio varied between 96.9 initial and 29.6 final. Actinomycetes were the most dominant group especially in the last weeks of composting, which infers the possibility of using this type of compost in soil bioremediation.
Personalidad resiliente y su relación con el desempeño en el aula de la Educación Media Superior
Authors: Farías-Bracamontes Juan Carlos , Flores-González Velia María
Published: March 2021

Identifying the relationship that exists between the teaching personality, their performance in the classroom and the scope of the social-emotional skills that marks the RIEMS achieve potential the quality of the educational system in upper secondary education considering the implementation of the socio-emotional teaching competencies within their profile. This research work is entitled Resilient personality and its relation to classroom performance in upper secondary education. In order to typify the aforementioned phenomena, the three axes mentioned will be measured through an instrument, which contains 116 variables, of which 109 are quantitative. It is worth mentioning that to complete the final application, he had to go through two phases of piloting, consolidating normality with an alpha of .89. Some of the results of this work is the relationship between the teacher resilient personality and performance in the classroom according to a correlation analysis that informs that teachers who have emotional stability, impact on students for the reach of the students. social and emotional competences, through the ability to face adversity in a constructive way, strengthening social-emotional skills, becoming healthy and happy people with personal and social implications, for the reach of social and emotional competences, indispensable skills in the learning process.
Las Ingenierías en el Centro Universitario de los Lagos-U DE G: La realidad en números
Authors: Ortega-Pérez Elizabeth , Morales-Pérez Gerardo , Salgado-García Lorenzo , Moran-Bravo Luz del Carmen
Published: March 2021

Each six-year period raises public policies focused on addressing different aspects in societies, such is the case of young people denominated “nini” (neither studies nor works), term make up to characterize a segment of the population in that situation, INEGI* (National Institute of Statistic and Geography) reported in 2017, approximately 3.9 million young people in this condition according to studies carried out by this institute; in the effort to insert young people into the labor market, the current government starts the program called “Young people building the future of Mexico” that aims to bring young people closer to the company, so analyze the implementation of the youth program building the future of Mexico from the perspective of the employer and its environment, it will allow to understand the actors that take part from the reception of the young person, their follow-up and culmination of the program to later formulate an evaluation criterion that allows the hiring of the young person in the company.
Diagnóstico de conocimientos previos sobre la parábola en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Peralta-García Julia Xochilt , Encinas-Pablos Francisco Javier , Cuevas-Salazar Omar
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this work was to diagnose previous knowledge of the parabola in freshmen at a university through the conceptual framework of Duval's semiotic representations, in order to develop a didactic proposal that improves their learning. For this purpose, an instrument was designed to assess whether a student understands the main characteristics of the parabola in its various representations, as well as the ability to perform conversions between verbal, algebraic and graphic registers. It was applied to a sample of 55 engineering freshmen before receiving instruction on the topic. It was found that the most difficult treatment activities were the graphic and algebraic records, while in the Conversion activities the lowest performance was observed from the graphic to the algebraic and from the verbal to the graphic. On the other hand, the Treatment activities in the verbal register, and the conversions from the graphic to the verbal, from the algebraic to the graphic and from the verbal to the algebraic were found to be strengths. Therefore, students' prior knowledge of the parabola was diagnosed which will contribute to support a didactic proposal aimed at improving the learning of this topic.