bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Colloidal Nanocarrier of Cetylpyridinium Chloride: Antifungal Activities on Candida Species and Cytotoxic Potential on Murine Fibroblasts
Authors: Araujo Heitor Ceolin , Arias Laís Salomão , Caldeirão Anne Caroline Morais , Assumpção Lanay Caroline de Freitas , Morceli Marcela Grigoletto , de Souza Neto Francisco Nunes , de Camargo Emerson Rodrigues , Oliveira Sandra Helena Penha , Pessan Juliano Pelim , Monteiro Douglas Roberto
Published: October 2020

Nanocarriers have been used as alternative tools to overcome the resistance of Candida species to conventional treatments. This study prepared a nanocarrier of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) using iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) conjugated with chitosan (CS), and assessed its antifungal and cytotoxic effects. CPC was immobilized on CS-coated IONPs, and the nanocarrier was physico-chemically characterized. Antifungal effects were determined on planktonic cells of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata (by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays) and on single- and dual-species biofilms of these strains (by quantification of cultivable cells, total biomass and metabolic activity). Murine fibroblasts were exposed to different concentrations of the nanocarrier, and the cytotoxic effect was evaluated by MTT reduction assay. Characterization methods confirmed the presence of a nanocarrier smaller than 313 nm. IONPs-CS-CPC and free CPC showed the same MIC values (0.78 µg mL−1). CPC-containing nanocarrier at 78 µg mL−1 significantly reduced the number of cultivable cells for all biofilms, surpassing the effect promoted by free CPC. For total biomass, metabolic activity, and cytotoxic effects, the nanocarrier and free CPC produced statistically similar outcomes. In conclusion, the IONPs-CS-CPC nanocarrier was more effective than CPC in reducing the cultivable cells of Candida biofilms without increasing the cytotoxic effects of CPC, and may be a useful tool for the treatment of oral fungal infections.
Where Do Ecosystem Services Come From? Assessing and Mapping Stakeholder Perceptions on Water Ecosystem Services in the Muga River Basin (Catalonia, Spain)
Authors: Garau Enrica , Vila-Subiros Josep , Pueyo-Ros Josep , Ribas Palom Anna
Published: October 2020

Reductions in water availability and increasing rainfall variability are generating a narrative of growing competition for water in the Mediterranean basin. In this article, we explore the distribution and importance of water resources in the Muga River Basin (Catalonia, Spain) based on key stakeholders’ perceptions. We performed a sociocultural evaluation of the main water ecosystem services in the region through stakeholder interviews and participatory mapping. The basin was generally perceived as a hotspot of ecosystem services, but we detected varying opinions and considerable differences in the perceptions of importance and spatial distribution of water ecosystem services. These discrepancies were linked to the varying levels of stakeholders’ dependence on water. Our findings are important for contributing to correct water planning and management in the river basin, which is a complex water social system marked by conflicts between different stakeholder groups vying for the same resource. This complex situation requires bottom-up strategies to create transparent, participatory decision-making models.
A Center-Rule-Based Neighborhood Search Algorithm for Roadside Units Deployment in Emergency Scenarios
Authors: Shi Yanjun , Lv Lingling , Yu Hao , Yu Liangjie , Zhang Zihui
Published: October 2020

Roadside Units Deployment (RSUD) is of great importance to smart transportation with the Internet of Things (IoT). It is believed to be not feasible for RSUD to cover and perceive the whole area due to the high installation and maintenance costs. The candidate locations set of RSUD may be huge for a future urban area with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks. Most of the previous studies tried to maximize the Roadside Units (RSU) coverage only and made few reports on emergency scenarios, such as accidents happening. We tried to find better candidate locations of RSUD in some grid road networks with equal length streets, and then chose some of these locations for final installation with a given budget to minimize the average reporting time of emergency messages in V2X networks. Firstly, we analyzed candidate locations of RSUD for different cases of RSUs and vehicles. Then we proposed a message dissemination model for RSUD with the V2X network, and a center-rule-based neighborhood search algorithm (CNSA for short). In this algorithm, we generated initial solutions with the center rule and then obtained better neighbor solutions. Numerical simulation results from small-scale urban streets showed that the proposed algorithm performs well on execution time. Simulation results with Veins and Simulation of Urban Mobility) (SUMO) verified the proposed model and CNSA for evaluating the RSUD scheme by distance instead of accident reporting time in urban areas with large-scale traffic flow.
Identifying Big Data’s Opportunities, Challenges, and Implications in Finance
Authors: Sun Huidong , Rabbani Mustafa Raza , Sial Muhammad Safdar , Yu Siming , Filipe José António , Cherian Jacob
Published: October 2020

One of the latest innovations in business and technology is the use of big data, as daily data are generated by billions of events. The big data issue is now considered in the accountants and finance professionals’ field as one of the most important sources for the analysis of financial products and services. This study is very innovative, with our research aiming to identify the opportunities, challenges, and implications of big data in the finance area. It is our purpose to find competitive advantages in terms of the extent to which big data brings visible benefits, also pointing out the challenges that a company may face in this field, such as cases of customers’ data security or customer satisfaction processes. The identification of this kind of dynamics allows us to draw conclusions on the advantages of big data based on these analyses and big data’s deep impact on finance. In particular, big data is now commonly used by financial institutions and banks for analytical purposes in financial market contexts. We conducted an exploratory survey of the existing literature to highlight such connections. In the last part of our study, we also propose directions for future research.
The Application of Accurate Exponential Solution of a Differential Equation in Optimizing Stability Control of One Class of Chaotic System
Authors: Jia Hao , Guo Chen
Published: October 2020

For many nonlinear systems in our life, the chaos phenomenon generated under certain conditions in special cases will split the system and result in a crash-down of the system. This paper discusses the stable control of one class of chaotic systems and a control method based on the accurate exponential solution of a differential equation is used. Compared with other methods, the advantages are: this method determines that the system can exponentially converge at the origin and the convergence rate can be easily regulated. The chaotic system with unknown parameters is also deduced and validated by using this method. In practical application, it is found that the ship’s electric system also has the same model, so it has certain practical significance.
Receiver Operating Characteristic Prediction for Classification: Performances in Cross-Validation by Example
Authors: Ciocan Andra , Hajjar Nadim Al , Graur Florin , Oprea Valentin C. , Ciocan Răzvan A. , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: October 2020

The stability of receiver operating characteristic in context of random split used in development and validation sets, as compared to the full models for three inflammatory ratios (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (dNLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratio) evaluated as predictors for metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer, was investigated. Data belonging to patients admitted with the diagnosis of colorectal cancer from January 2014 until September 2019 in a single hospital were used. There were 1688 patients eligible for the study, 418 in the metastatic stage. All investigated inflammatory ratios proved to be significant classification models on both the full models and on cross-validations (AUCs > 0.05). High variability of the cut-off values was observed in the unrestricted and restricted split (full models: 4.255 for NLR, 2.745 for dNLR and 255.56 for PLR; random splits: cut-off from 3.215 to 5.905 for NLR, from 2.625 to 3.575 for dNLR and from 134.67 to 335.9 for PLR), but with no effect on the models characteristics or performances. The investigated biomarkes proved limited value as predictors for metastasis (AUCs < 0.8), with largely sensitivity and specificity (from 33.3% to 79.2% for the full model and 29.1% to 82.7% in the restricted splits). Our results showed that a simple random split of observations, weighting or not the patients with and whithout metastasis, in a ROC analysis assures the performances similar to the full model, if at least 70% of the available population is included in the study.
Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Process Planning
Authors: Zhang Xu , Guo Pan , Zhang Hua , Yao Jin
Published: October 2020

Process planning is a typical combinatorial optimization problem. When the scale of the problem increases, combinatorial explosion occurs, which makes it difficult for traditional precise algorithms to solve the problem. A hybrid particle swarm optimization (HPSO) algorithm is proposed in this paper to solve problems of process planning. A hierarchical coding method including operation layer, machine layer and logic layer is designed in this algorithm. Each layer of coding corresponds to the decision of a sub-problem of process planning. Several genetic operators of the genetic algorithm are designed to replace the update formula of particle position and velocity in the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The results of the benchmark example in case study show that the algorithm proposed in this paper has better performance.
Optimization of Ordering and Allocation Scheme for Distributed Material Warehouse Based on IGA-SA Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Han , Wu Yunlong , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2020

The distributed material warehouse is the crucial link in the process of modern enterprise construction, and the goal of the enterprise is to save the cost of material distribution and reduce the time of distribution. In order to obtain the optimal ordering and allocation scheme, firstly, a distributed inventory system consisting of an ordering centre, a material coordination centre and n material warehouses are considered, and the cost model of ordering and allocation of the distributed material warehouse is established. Next, the safety stock and the ordering point of the distributed material warehouse are solved. Then the improved genetic algorithm-simulated annealing algorithm (IGA-SA) is used to solve the optimization of the distributed material warehouse. Finally, the application example is given. The results show that the IGA-SA algorithm can effectively reduce inventory cost and improve inventory utilization.
Stability Results for Two-Dimensional Systems of Fractional-Order Difference Equations
Authors: Brandibur Oana , Kaslik Eva , Mozyrska Dorota , Wyrwas Małgorzata
Published: October 2020

Linear autonomous incommensurate systems that consist of two fractional-order difference equations of Caputo-type are studied in terms of their asymptotic stability and instability properties. More precisely, the asymptotic stability of the considered linear system is fully characterized, in terms of the fractional orders of the considered Caputo-type differences, as well as the elements of the linear system’s matrix and the discretization step size. Moreover, fractional-order-independent sufficient conditions are also derived for the instability of the system under investigation. With the aim of exemplifying the theoretical results, a fractional-order discrete version of the FitzHugh–Nagumo neuronal model is constructed and analyzed. Furthermore, numerical simulations are undertaken in order to substantiate the theoretical findings, showing that the membrane potential may exhibit complex bursting behavior for suitable choices of the model parameters and fractional orders of the Caputo-type differences.
Markov Chain-Based Sampling for Exploring RNA Secondary Structure under the Nearest Neighbor Thermodynamic Model and Extended Applications
Authors: Kirkpatrick Anna , Patton Kalen , Tetali Prasad , Mitchell Cassie
Published: October 2020

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) secondary structures and branching properties are important for determining functional ramifications in biology. While energy minimization of the Nearest Neighbor Thermodynamic Model (NNTM) is commonly used to identify such properties (number of hairpins, maximum ladder distance, etc.), it is difficult to know whether the resultant values fall within expected dispersion thresholds for a given energy function. The goal of this study was to construct a Markov chain capable of examining the dispersion of RNA secondary structures and branching properties obtained from NNTM energy function minimization independent of a specific nucleotide sequence. Plane trees are studied as a model for RNA secondary structure, with energy assigned to each tree based on the NNTM, and a corresponding Gibbs distribution is defined on the trees. Through a bijection between plane trees and 2-Motzkin paths, a Markov chain converging to the Gibbs distribution is constructed, and fast mixing time is established by estimating the spectral gap of the chain. The spectral gap estimate is obtained through a series of decompositions of the chain and also by building on known mixing time results for other chains on Dyck paths. The resulting algorithm can be used as a tool for exploring the branching structure of RNA, especially for long sequences, and to examine branching structure dependence on energy model parameters. Full exposition is provided for the mathematical techniques used with the expectation that these techniques will prove useful in bioinformatics, computational biology, and additional extended applications.
Type II Collagen from Cartilage of Acipenser baerii Promotes Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblasts and in Mouse Skin
Authors: Lai Ching-Shu , Tu Chun-Wei , Kuo Hsing-Chun , Sun Pei-Pei , Tsai Mei-Ling
Published: October 2020

Type II collagen is an important component of cartilage; however, little is known about its effect on skin wound healing. In this study, type II collagen was extracted from the cartilage of Acipenser baerii and its effect on in vitro and in vivo wound healing was compared to type I collagen derived from tilapia skin. Sturgeon cartilage collagen (SCC) was composed of α1 chains and with a thermal denaturation (Td) at 22.5 and melting temperature (Tm) at 72.5 °C. Coating SCC potentiated proliferation, migration, and invasion of human dermal fibroblast adult (HDFa) cells. Furthermore, SCC upregulated the gene expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components (col Iα1, col IIIα1, elastin, and Has2) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) molecules (N-cadherin, Snail, and MMP-1) in HDFa. Pretreatment with Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors significantly attenuated the HDFa invasion caused by SCC. In mice, the application of SCC on dorsal wounds effectively facilitated wound healing as evidenced by 40–59% wound contraction, whereas the untreated wounds were 18%. We observed that SCC reduced inflammation, promoted granulation, tissue formation, and ECM deposition, as well as re-epithelialization in skin wounds. In addition, SCC markedly upregulated the production of growth factors in the dermis, and dermal and subcutaneous white adipose tissue; in contrast, the administration of tilapia skin collagen (TSC) characterized by typical type I collagen was mainly expressed in the epidermis. Collectively, these findings indicate SCC accelerated wound healing by targeting fibroblast in vitro and in vivo.
Hyperbranch-Crosslinked S-SEBS Block Copolymer Membranes for Desalination by Pervaporation
Authors: Yan Mengyu , Lu Yunyun , Li Na , Zeng Feixiang , Wang Qinzhuo , Bai Hongcun , Xie Zongli
Published: October 2020

Sulfonated aromatic polymer (SAP) featuring hydrophilic nanochannels for water transport is a promising membrane material for desalination. SAPs with a high sulfonation degree favor water transport but suffer from reduced mechanical strength and membrane swelling. In this work, a hyperbranched polyester, H302, was introduced to crosslink a sulfonated styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (S-SEBS) copolymer membrane. The effects of crosslinking temperature and amount of H302 on the microstructure, and the pervaporation desalination performance of the membrane, were investigated. H302/S-SEBS copolymer membranes with different crosslinking conditions were characterized by various techniques including FTIR, DSC, EA, SEM, TEM and SAXS, and tensile strength, water sorption and contact angle measurements. The results indicate that the introduction of hyperbranched polyester enlarged the hydrophilic microdomain of the S-SEBS membrane. Crosslinking with hyperbranched polyester with heat treatment effectively enhanced the mechanical strength of the S-SEBS membrane, with the tensile strength being increased by 140–200% and the swelling ratio reduced by 45–70%, while reasonable water flux was maintained. When treating 5 wt% hypersaline water at 65 °C, the optimized crosslinked membrane containing 15 wt% H302 and heated at 100 °C reached a water flux of 9.3 kg·m−2·h−1 and a salt rejection of 99.9%. The results indicate that the hyperbranched-S-SEBS membrane is promising for use in PV desalination.
Microstructure Evolution of Mg96.9Gd2.7Zn0.4 Alloy Containing Multiple Phases Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering Method
Authors: Xue Zhiyong , Han Xiuzhu , Luo Wenbo , Zhou Zhiyong , Cheng Zhizhong , Li Wenhan , Wang Yanlin
Published: October 2020

The synergic strengthening of multiple phases is an essential way to achieve high-performance Mg alloys. Herein, Mg-Gd-Zn alloy containing four phases was prepared by rapid solidification (RS) ribbons and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure of the alloy consisted of α-Mg, nanosized β1 phase particles, lamellar long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase, and β′ phase precipitates. The microstructural evolution was also investigated. The results show that the metastable β1 phase was formed in the as-cast solidification through rapid solidification, because both Zn atoms and the short holding-time at molten liquid facilitated the formation of the β1 phase. The β1 phase grew from 35.6 to 154 nm during the sintering process. Meanwhile, the fine lamellar LPSO phase was simultaneously formed after the Zn-Gd clusters were generated from the supersaturated solid solution, and the width of the LPSO phase was only in the range of 2–30 nm. The third strengthening phase, the metastable β′ phase, was obtained by aging treatment. The results of hardness testing implied that the hardness of the alloy containing the aforementioned three nanosized strengthening phases significantly improved about 47% to 126 HV compared with that of the as-cast ingot.
Strengthening Mechanisms in Nickel-Copper Alloys: A Review
Authors: Marenych Olexandra , Kostryzhev Andrii
Published: October 2020

Nickel-Copper (Ni-Cu) alloys exhibit simultaneously high strength and toughness, excellent corrosion resistance, and may show good wear resistance. Therefore, they are widely used in the chemical, oil, and marine industries for manufacturing of various components of equipment, such as: drill collars, pumps, valves, impellers, fixtures, pipes, and, particularly, propeller shafts of marine vessels. Processing technology includes bar forging, plate and tube rolling, wire drawing followed by heat treatment (for certain alloy compositions). Growing demand for properties improvement at a reduced cost initiate developments of new alloy chemistries and processing technologies, which require a revision of the microstructure-properties relationship. This work is dedicate to analysis of publicly available data for the microstructure, mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms in Ni-Cu alloys. The effects of composition (Ti, Al, Mn, Cr, Mo, Co contents) and heat treatment on grain refinement, solid solution, precipitation strengthening, and work hardening are discussed.
Optimizing Heat Treatment Parameters for the W-Temper Forming of 7xxx Series Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Hebbar Shreyas , Kertsch Lukas , Butz Alexander
Published: October 2020

A major challenge in processing 7xxx series aluminum alloys is their limited formability at room temperature. In this paper, for the alloys EN AW-7020 and EN AW-7075, various variants of the W-temper forming process are investigated. For both alloys, a good cold formability and a high strength after aging can be achieved. The effects of solution heat treatment or retrogression temperature and holding time, as well as the influence of plastic deformation after quenching, were studied. For various combinations of process parameters, the formability of the as-quenched materials and the hardening performance during artificial aging were examined. For this, hardness measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments were performed along the entire process chain, to reveal the development of the hardening precipitates. After solution heat treatment and quenching, the yield stress and hardness of both investigated alloys were drastically reduced in comparison to their initial T6 states, while the ductility was significantly increased. By a subsequent simple artificial aging treatment, the same hardness as in the T6 state could be restored. It was observed that plastic deformation immediately after quenching significantly decreased the artificial aging time to achieve the peak hardness. Besides the conventional solution heat treatment process, an alternative retrogression and re-aging procedure was identified for the alloy EN AW-7020. While the heat treatment temperature can be reduced as compared to the conventional solution heat treatment, the formability and hardenability are equally good. In contrast, no such alternative process could be identified for the alloy EN AW-7075.
The hns Gene of Escherichia coli Is Transcriptionally Down-Regulated by (p)ppGpp
Authors: Brandi Anna , Giangrossi Mara , Fabbretti Attilio , Falconi Maurizio
Published: October 2020

Second messenger nucleotides, such as guanosine penta- or tetra-phosphate, commonly referred to as (p)ppGpp, are powerful signaling molecules, used by all bacteria to fine-tune cellular metabolism in response to nutrient availability. Indeed, under nutritional starvation, accumulation of (p)ppGpp reduces cell growth, inhibits stable RNAs synthesis, and selectively up- or down- regulates the expression of a large number of genes. Here, we show that the E. colihns promoter responds to intracellular level of (p)ppGpp. hns encodes the DNA binding protein H-NS, one of the major components of bacterial nucleoid. Currently, H-NS is viewed as a global regulator of transcription in an environment-dependent mode. Combining results from relA (ppGpp synthetase) and spoT (ppGpp synthetase/hydrolase) null mutants with those from an inducible plasmid encoded RelA system, we have found that hns expression is inversely correlated with the intracellular concentration of (p)ppGpp, particularly in exponential phase of growth. Furthermore, we have reproduced in an in vitro system the observed in vivo (p)ppGpp-mediated transcriptional repression of hns promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays clearly demonstrated that this unusual nucleotide negatively affects the stability of RNA polymerase-hns promoter complex. Hence, these findings demonstrate that the hns promoter is subjected to an RNA polymerase-mediated down-regulation by increased intracellular levels of (p)ppGpp.
Simultaneous Detection of Bluetongue Virus Serotypes Using xMAP Technology
Authors: Ashby Martin , Rajko-Nenow Paulina , Batten Carrie , Flannery John
Published: October 2020

Bluetongue is an economically important disease of ruminants caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV). BTV is serologically diverse, which complicates vaccination strategies. Rapid identification of the causative BTV serotypes is critical, however, real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) can be costly and time consuming to perform when the circulating serotypes are unknown. The Luminex xMAP technology is a high-throughput platform that uses fluorescent beads to detect multiple targets simultaneously. We utilized existing BTV serotyping RT-qPCR assays for BTV-1 to BTV-24 and adapted them for use with the xMAP platform. The xMAP assay specifically detected all 24 BTV serotypes when testing reference strains. In all BTV-positive samples, the sensitivity of the BTV xMAP was 87.55% whereas the sensitivity of the serotype-specific RT-qPCR was 79.85%. The BTV xMAP assay allowed for the specific detection of BTV serotypes 1–24 at a lower cost than current RT-qPCR assays. Overall, the assay provides a useful novel diagnostic tool, particularly when analyzing large sample sets. The use of the BTV xMAP assay will allow for the rapid assessment of BTV epidemiology and may inform decision-making related to control and prevention measures.
Adsorption Behavior and Wettability of Rhodochrosite Surface: Effect of C18 Fatty Acid Unsaturation
Authors: Shen Zhihui , Zhang Qin , Li Xianbo , Chen Qianlin
Published: October 2020

Mineral surface wettability and its regulation by the adsorption of collectors have an important influence on the flotation performance. The adsorption behavior of C18 fatty acid with different unsaturation and its effect on rhodochrosite wettability was investigated with surface tension, contact angle, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. The results indicated that rhodochrosite hydrophobicity increased with the increasing concentration of fatty acid, along with the maximum contact angle (θmax) between hemimicelle concentration (HMC) and critical micelle concentration (CMC). Oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), and α-linolenic acid (ALA) had a higher θmax than stearic acid (SA), but the value decreased with the increase of C=C bond number. Besides, preferential adsorption of unsaturated fatty acids on the liquid-air interface can be attributed to the molecule’s steric hindrance resulting from C=C double bond, and the θ kept almost invariant with a higher value of ΓLG than ΓSL until HMC. The oriented monolayer and bilayer structure of fatty acids formed gradually on rhodochrosite surface with increasing concentration. However, the θmax may not necessarily correspond to the beginning of bilayer formation. Cylindrical monolayer and bilayer micelles of SA molecules were observed on rhodochrosite surface at HMC and CMC, respectively. While bilayer structures of unsaturated fatty acids formed before complete coverage of monolayer on rhodochrosite surface because of surface heterogeneity. This work provided a good understanding on the adsorption mechanism of fatty acid on rhodochrosite for flotation.
Surface Modification and Enhancement of Ferromagnetism in BiFeO3 Nanofilms Deposited on HOPG
Authors: Ramazanov Shikhgasan , Sobola Dinara , Orudzhev Farid , Knápek Alexandr , Polčák Josef , Potoček Michal , Kaspar Pavel , Dallaev Rashid
Published: October 2020

BiFeO3 (BFO) films on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrate were obtained by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. The oxidation of HOPG leads to the formation of bubble regions creating defective regions with active centers. Chemisorption occurs at these active sites in ALD. Additionally, carbon interacts with ozone and releases carbon oxides (CO, CO2). Further annealing during the in situ XPS process up to a temperature of 923 K showed a redox reaction and the formation of oxygen vacancies (Vo) in the BFO crystal lattice. Bubble delamination creates flakes of BiFeO3-x/rGO heterostructures. Magnetic measurements (M–H) showed ferromagnetism (FM) at room temperature Ms ~ 120 emu/cm3. The contribution to magnetization is influenced by the factor of charge redistribution on Vo causing the distortion of the lattice as well as by the superstructure formed at the boundary of two phases, which causes strong hybridization due to the superexchange interaction of the BFO film with the FM sublattice of the interface region. The development of a method for obtaining multiferroic structures with high FM values (at room temperature) is promising for magnetically controlled applications.
Structures and Properties of the Self-Assembling Diphenylalanine Peptide Nanotubes Containing Water Molecules: Modeling and Data Analysis
Authors: Bystrov Vladimir , Coutinho Jose , Zelenovskiy Pavel , Nuraeva Alla , Kopyl Svitlana , Zhulyabina Olga , Tverdislov Vsevolod
Published: October 2020

The structures and properties of the diphenylalanine (FF) peptide nanotubes (PNTs), both L-chiral and D-chiral (L-FF and D-FF) and empty and filled with water/ice clusters, are presented and analyzed. DFT (VASP) and semi-empirical calculations (HyperChem) to study these structural and physical properties of PNTs (including ferroelectric) were used. The results obtained show that after optimization the dipole moment and polarization of both chiral type L-FF and D-FF PNT and embedded water/ice cluster are enhanced; the water/ice cluster acquire the helix-like structure similar as L-FF and D-FF PNT. Ferroelectric properties of tubular water/ice helix-like cluster, obtained after optimization inside L-FF and D-FF PNT, as well of the total L-FF and D-FF PNT with embedded water/ice cluster, are discussed.
Maximizing the Field Emission Performance of Graphene Arrays
Authors: Yang Kaiqiang , Liu Jianlong , Jiang Ruirui , Gong Yubing , Zeng Baoqing , Yang Jianjun , Chi Feng , Liu Liming
Published: October 2020

To design efficient and powerful field emission cathodes, the screening effect is of great importance and should be traded off between screening and emitter number. It has long been found that to achieve maximum emission efficiency in an array, neighboring emitters are at two or three times their height from each other. However, this is only true for one-dimensional emitters, such as carbon nanotubes, but for graphene, a two-dimensional material, it is different. In this work, we found that to achieve maximum emission efficiency in an array of graphene, the separation of the emitter is four times the height, and it is insensitive to the anode voltage and the distance between the cathode and the anode.
Brief Hospital Supervision of Exercise and Diet During Adjuvant Breast Cancer Therapy Is Not Enough to Relieve Fatigue: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jacot William , Arnaud Antoine , Jarlier Marta , Lefeuvre-Plesse Claudia , Dalivoust Philippe , Senesse Pierre , Azzedine Ahmed , Tredan Olivier , Sadot-Lebouvier Sophie , Mas Sébastien , Carayol Marion , Bleuse Jean-Pierre , Gourgou Sophie , Janiszewski Chloé , Launay Silene , D’Hondt Véronique , Lauridant Géraldine , Grenier Julien , Romieu Gilles , Ninot Gregory , Vanlemmens Laurence
Published: October 2020

Supervised exercise dietary programs are recommended to relieve cancer-related fatigue and weight increase induced by adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer (EBC). As this recommendation lacks a high level of evidence, we designed a multicenter randomized trial to evaluate the impact of an Adapted Physical Activity Diet (APAD) education program on fatigue. We randomized 360 women with EBC who were receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy to APAD or usual care at eight French cancer institutions. Data were collected at baseline, end of chemotherapy, end of radiotherapy, and 6 months post-treatment. The primary endpoint was the general cancer-related fatigue score using the MFI-20 questionnaire. Fatigue correlated with the level of precariousness, but we found no significant difference between the two groups in terms of general fatigue (p = 0.274). The APAD arm has a smaller proportion of patients with confirmed depression at the end of follow-up (p = 0.052). A transient modification in physical activity levels and dietary intake was reported in the experimental arm. However, a mixed hospital- and home-based APAD education program is not enough to improve fatigue caused by adjuvant treatment of EBC. Cancer care centers should consider integrating more proactive diet–exercise supportive care in this population, focusing on precarious patients.
Relationship between Wine Consumption, Diet and Microbiome Modulation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Moreno-Arribas M. Victoria , Bartolomé Begoña , Peñalvo José L. , Pérez-Matute Patricia , Motilva Maria José
Published: October 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to the most common form of dementia in elderly people. Modifiable dietary and lifestyle factors could either accelerate or ameliorate the aging process and the risk of developing AD and other age-related morbidities. Emerging evidence also reports a potential link between oral and gut microbiota alterations and AD. Dietary polyphenols, in particular wine polyphenols, are a major diver of oral and gut microbiota composition and function. Consequently, wine polyphenols health effects, mediated as a function of the individual’s oral and gut microbiome are considered one of the recent greatest challenges in the field of neurodegenerative diseases as a promising strategy to prevent or slow down AD progression. This review highlights current knowledge on the link of oral and intestinal microbiome and the interaction between wine polyphenols and microbiota in the context of AD. Furthermore, the extent to which mechanisms bacteria and polyphenols and its microbial metabolites exert their action on communication pathways between the brain and the microbiota, as well as the impact of the molecular mediators to these interactions on AD patients, are described.
Nutrition Behaviors in Polish Adults before and during COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Błaszczyk-Bębenek Ewa , Jagielski Paweł , Bolesławska Izabela , Jagielska Anna , Nitsch-Osuch Aneta , Kawalec Paweł
Published: October 2020

Unexpected isolation, which has not yet been seen on a global scale, has created the conditions for evaluating nutrition in a situation of reduced spatial activity. The study aimed to assess the influence of lockdown on selected eating habits of Polish adults. An anonymous questionnaire was conducted, including questions about eating habits and self-reported anthropometric measurements, referring to “before” and “during” lockdown. We reported the findings of 312 adults (aged 41.12 ± 13.05 years). Overall, 64.1% of the participants were women, 77.7% urban inhabitants and 78.6% employed. The average length of social isolation was 50.79 ± 10.53 days. The majority (51.6%) of the respondents did not eat outside the house during lockdown (p < 0.0001). The number of meals eaten during the day during lockdown increased significantly, 11.2% of the respondents ate 5 and more meals (p < 0.0001). The percentage of people snacking between meals increased by 5.1% during lockdown (p = 0.0001). Eggs, potatoes, sweets, canned meat and alcohol were consumed considerably more commonly during lockdown, while fast-food products, instant soups and energy drinks were eaten or drunk significantly less frequently. A marked decrease in the number of daily servings of the following products was observed: bakery products, red meat, fast food, instant soups, sweet beverages and energy drinks. Conversely, the number of daily servings of sweets and canned meat significantly increased. Two thirds of the respondents reported body weight changes, with 45.86% of the participants being overweight during lockdown. Significant changes in the diet of Polish adults were found during lockdown due to COVID-19.
Comparison of the efficiency of the indexes of Pont and Korkhause with Kernott technique in patients with narrowing of maxilla
Authors: Admakin O. I. , Solop I. A. , Oksentyuk A. D.
Published: October 2020

Relevance. The narrowing of the maxilla is one of the most common pathologies in orthodontics. Recent studies show that the narrowing is always asymmetric which is connected to the rotation of the maxilla. To choose the treatment correctly one need a calculation that reveals the asymmetry, which is impossible with using standard indexes.

Purpose– to compare efficiency of indexes of Pont and Korkhause with the Kernott's method in patients with narrowing of the maxilla.

Materials and methods.The study involved 35 children aged from 8 to 12 years old undergoing dental treatment in the University Children's Clinical Hospital of the First Moscow State Medical University with no comorbidities. For every patient a gypsum model was prepared and after that to carry out the biometrical calculation. In this study two indexes were used: Pont's index and Korkhause's; using this standard analysis the narrowing of the maxilla was revealed. After using Pont's Index and Korkhaus analysis all the models were calculated by the method of Kernott with Kernott's dynamic pentagon.

Results.As a result of the analysis of the control diagnostic models a narrowing of the maxilla in 69% of cases (n = 24) was revealed in all cases, the deviation of the size of the dentition was asymmetric. Thus, 65% of the surveyed models showed a narrowing on the right. This narrowing was of a different severity and averaged 15 control models.

Conclusions. This shows that for the biometrics of diagnostic models it is necessary to use methods that allow to estimate the width of the dentition rows on the left and on the right separately. To correct the asymmetric narrowing of the dentition, it is preferable to use non-classical expanding devices that act equally on the left and right sides separetly.
REPRESENTATION OF IDENTITY CRISIS IN KSENIYA BUKSHA’S BOOK «OPENS INWARD»
Authors: Poluliashina Daria I.
Published: October 2020

This article is devoted to analyses of representation of identity crisis disconnection between personality and character, consciousness diffusion, existential search of my own self) in Kseniya Buksha’s book «Opens inward». Firstly, we analyse
complicated structural subject organisation of the text (diegetic and extradiegetic narrator, focalisators), which coexist in one statement. Secondly, it is investigated how diegetic space correlates with internal world of heroes. We come to conclusion 18 tales of this book are the narrative of subject of speech. He narrates about his traumatic experience by the voices of the heroes who can be interpreted as refl ections of fragmentary, non-intact consciousness. Invariant plot of trying to restore a defi cit of identity is constructed by unit cumulative scheme. Final disaster leads subject either to gaining his identity or to fi nal catastrophe. Analysing of the scheme of the plot, composition, subject system, system of cross-cutting personages and details allows to make a conclusion about structural unity based on invariant sense. It is the idea of overcoming of existential inertia.
An Exposure-Based Intervention Dismantles College-Aged Females’ Barriers for Resistance Training: Project WONDER Training
Authors: Thompson Samantha , Evans Ellen M. , Yli-Piipari Sami
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to examine the effects of an exposure-based resistance training (RT) intervention on perceived barriers, benefits, and motives for RT in college-aged females and to assess moderating effects of a trainer-trainee relationship on any intervention outcomes. A sample of 13 (Mage = 20.7 ± 1.3y) physically active, non-resistance training female students completed an 8-week intervention (1hr 45min, twice per week). The intervention was effective in reducing perceived time/effort (t[12] = 5.02, p < 0.001, d = 1.81), physical effect (t[12] = 2.48, p = 0.029, d = 0.86) and social (t[12] = 4.86, p < .001, d = 1.97) RT barriers. A positive change pattern was established in stress management (t[12] = 2.21, p = 0.048, d = 0.62), revitalization (t[12] = 2.71, p = .019, d = 0.95), and enjoyment (t[12] = 3.53, p = .004, d = 1.18). Finally, the analyses showed that goal (β = 0.23[0.02], p < 0001, R2 = 0.979) and bond (β = 0.21[.01], p < 0001, R2 = 0.995) alliances were positive moderators with large-sized effects on changes in physical barriers. For stress management, bond alliance was the only statistically significant, small-sized moderator, with a greater bond increasing the effect on the intervention (β = 0.21[.01], p < 0001, R2 = 0.997). This data suggests that an exposure-based RT intervention is beneficial for reducing perceived RT barriers in physically active, non-resistance training college-aged women and that bond-oriented support from the trainer is especially impactful in reducing some of those perceived barriers.
Habermas' Public Space: In Concept and Historical Transformations
Authors: tahebt nowar
Published: October 2020

The researcher attempts to explore the public sphere; and monitor his structure, function and places of work, through Habermas' theoretical vision and his analysis of the principle of "publicity" in modern philosophy. As he attempted to discuss and analyze in the eighth and nineteenth centuries in Western society. And to explain its components in the political and social field. Where the researcher will address the public sphere; its concept, components, political, economic transformations as explained by Habermas in his book "Structural Transformations of Public Space", then the researcher will analyze the changes of public sphere in modern societies. And highlight the most important debates and criticisms raised the public sphere by thinkers and philosophers.

تحاول الباحثة في هذا البحث سبر أغوار الفضاء العام؛ برصدِ بنيتهِ، ووظيفتهِ، وأماكن اشتغالهِ، وذلك من خلالِ رؤيةِ هابرماس النظرية وتحليلهِ لمبدأ العموميةِPublicity) ) في الفكر والفلسفة الحديثِةِ، والذي حاولَ نقاشه وتحليله في القرنين الثامن والتاسع عشر في المجتمعِ الغربي. وبيان مكوناته في الحقلِ السياسي والاجتماعي، ومن ثمّ راهنيةِ التفكيرِ في فضاءٍ عامٍ ما بعد برجوازي/بديل. حيث ستقوم الباحثة بتناول الفضاء العام؛ مفهومه ومكوناته وتحولاته السياسية والاقتصادية كما وضّحها هابرماس في كتابه "التحولات البنيوية للفضاء العام"، ثم ستقوم الباحثة بتحليل تحولات الفضاء العام في المجتمعات الحديثة والعوامل التي ساهمت في ذلك. وأهم المناقشات والانتقادات التي أثيرت حول الفضاء العام من قبل المفكرين والفلاسفة.
Emergency Management Requirements to Overcome the Crises of Umm Al-Nasr
Authors: Abuhabib Azzam , Musalam Alaa , Salah Mohamad
Published: October 2020

The study aims to determine the requirements of emergency management to prevent the hazards of Umm Al-Nasr village by studying the catastrophic event occurred in 2007. The study attempted to identify the responsive actions of local and international organizations during that event so as to better prepare for any similar events that may potentially occur in the future. The preparation of the risk matrix for the village due to its importance towards assessing risk probability, the level of risk, the degree of occurrence, and the potential consequences. The study recommended reliance on human resources, local committees and volunteers through effective community participation in disaster prevention and preparedness through training on the implementation of proposed scenarios. A model of emergency management requirements is designed to resolve the Umm al-Nasr village crisis, which includes comprehensive measures to control emergency operations to mitigate potential disasters.

هدفت الدراسة إلى تحديد متطلبات إدارة الطوارئ التي تهدد قرية أم النصر من خلال دراسة الأحداث الكارثية التي وقعت عام 2007 للاستفادة من الخبرات والإجراءات التي اتخذتها المؤسسات الدولية والمحلية من أجل إعداد أفضل لأي أحداث مماثلة قد تحدث في المستقبل، وأيضا لإعداد سيناريوهات لتفادي أخطار تتعرض لها القرية بعد تحديد مؤشرات إعلان حالة الطوارئ فيها، ومن نتائج الدراسة إعداد مصفوفة المخاطر التي تتعرض لها القرية نظرا لأهميتها في تقييم احتمال المخاطر، ومستوى المخاطر، ودرجة حدوثها، والعواقب المحتملة، وكذلك وضع إجراءات التأهب والاستعداد لأي طارئ، وقد خلصت الدراسة أيضا إلي بناء نموذج لمتطلبات إدارة الطوارئ الذي يشمل على إجراءات شاملة لضبط عمليات الطوارئ للحد من الكوارث المحتملة في القرية، وقد أوصت الدراسة بالاعتماد على الكادر البشري واللجان المحلية والمتطوعين من خلال إقامة مشاركة مجتمعية فعالة للوقاية من الكوارث والتأهب لها من خلال التدريب على تنفيذ السيناريوهات المقترحة.
A Geographical Vision for the Development of the Urban System in Taiz Governorate, Yemen
Authors: AlShameri Najeeb
Published: October 2020

The study aims at formulating a geographical vision to deal with the future growth of the urban population in Taiz governorate and proposing a mechanism for selecting growth poles in the governorate according to specific geographic criteria, In order to achieve balanced development at the level of the study area and to provide access to services for a large number of the rural population in the region. The study depended on some methods such as the regional method, and the systematic method which contains (the spatial analysis, and cities systems analysis), In addition to the cartographic and quantitative methods.The study found that the theories and laws in the geography of cities did not match with the urban system in Taiz governorate, which distanced itself from the urban balance and increased urban concentration over time.The study used geographic planning criteria to select the poles of growth "Location and accessibility standard, the demographic standard -Population size, gender ratio and growth rate- and services standard -educational, health and banking-". The study suggested - proposed- the nomination of the town of Al-Mukha and the town of the Al-Turbh for their -its- rapid development, followed by the town of Al-Rahedah and the town of Dhobab.

هدفت الدراسة إلى صياغة رؤية جغرافية للتعامل مع النمو المستقبلي لسكان الحضر في محافظة تعز، واقتراح آلية لاختيار أقطاب نمو في المحافظة وفق معايير جغرافية محددة، وذلك لتحقيق تنمية متوازنة على مستوى منطقة الدراسة، وإتاحة فرصة الحصول على الخدمات لعدد كبير من سكان الريف المنتشرين في الإقليم. اعتمدت الدراسة على عدة مناهج منها المنهج الإقليمي، والأصولي الذي يتفرع منه التحليل المكاني، وتحليل منظومات المدن، بالإضافة إلى الأسلوبين الكارتوجرافي والكمي. وتوصلت الدراسة إلى عدم تطابق النظريات والقوانين في جغرافية المدن مع النظام الحضري في محافظة تعز، الذي يبتعد عن التوازن الحضري ويزيد التركز الحضري بمرور الوقت. واستخدمت الدراسة معايير جغرافية تخطيطية لاختيار أقطاب نمو –الموقع وسهولة الوصول والمعيار الديموغرافي "حجم السكان ونسبة النوع ومعدل النمو" ومعيار الخدمات "تعليمية وصحية وبنكية"-. واقترحت الدراسة ترشيح مدينة المخا ومدينة التربة لتنميتهما بصورة مستعجلة يليهما مدينة الراهدة ومدينة ذباب.
The Relationship between Psychological Needs and Teaching Performance of Teachers Learning Disabilities
Authors: ALawamreh Hamzah
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between psychological needs and teaching performance in teachers of learning disabilities in Abha, In order to achieve the objectives of the study. the researcher developed scales of psychological needs and teaching performance. where the descriptive analytical method was employed, The researcher also applied the scales of psychological needs and teaching performance on a sample of (30) teachers. The outcomes of the study indicated that there is a relationship between psychological needs and teaching performance. the study recommended some recommendations as, Conduct further studies and research on learning disability teachers that address psychological needs and teaching performance, And attention to the psychological needs of teachers learning difficulties.

هدفت الدراسة إلى التعرف على العلاقة بين الحاجات النفسية والأداء التدريسي لمعلمي صعوبات التعلم في أبها، ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة طور الباحث مقياس الحاجات النفسية ومقياس الأداء التدريسي، واستخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، حيث طبق مقياس الحاجات النفسية والأداء التدريسي على عينة بلغت (30) معلماً، وأشارت النتائج إلى وجود علاقة بين الحاجات النفسية والأداء التدريسي. وأوصت الدراسة بتوصيات منها، إجراء المزيد من الدراسات والبحوث المتعلقة بمعلمي صعوبات التعلم والتي تتناول الحاجات النفسية والأداء التدريسي، و الاهتمام بالحاجات النفسية لمعلمي صعوبات التعلم.