bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Percutaneous Lumbosacral Pedicle Screw Instrumentation Prevent Long-Term Adjacent Segment Disease after Lumbar Fusion?
Authors: Changoor Stuart , Faloon Michael Joseph , Dunn Conor John , Sahai Nikhil , Issa Kimona , Sinha Kumar , Hwang Ki Soo , Emami Arash
Published: September 2020

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Purpose: To assess long-term clinical outcomes of adjacent segment disease (ASD) in patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion with percutaneous pedicle screw (PS) instrumentation. Overview of Literature: ASD is a well-known sequela of spinal fusion, and is reported to occur at a rate of 2%–3% per year. There is debate as to whether ASD is a result of the instrumentation and fusion method or is the natural history of the patient’s disease. Minimally invasive percutaneous PS augmentation of lumbar interbody fusion aims to prevent the disruption of posterior soft tissue stabilizers. Methods: From 2004–2014, 419 consecutive patients underwent anterior, lateral, or minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with percutaneous PS placement at a single institution. The mean follow-up was 4.5 years. The primary outcome measure was reoperation due to ASD. Patients were divided into two cohorts: those who underwent revision surgery secondary to ASD and those who did not require further surgery. Radiographic parameters were performed using postoperative radiographs. Patients with a pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis (PI–LL) mismatch >10° were noted. Results: Revision proportion secondary to ASD was 4.77% (n=20). Mean time to revision surgery was 2.5 years. Revision rate secondary to ASD was 1.1% per year. Patients who developed ASD were younger than those who did not (50.5 vs. 56.9 years, p=0.015). There was no difference in number of levels fused between cohorts. Revision proportion secondary to ASD was similar between approaches (anterior, lateral, minimally invasive). There was no significant difference in PI–LL mismatch between those who underwent revision for ASD and those who did not (22.2% vs. 18.8%, p=0.758). Conclusions: ASD rates in patients who underwent percutaneous PS placement were lower than those previously published after open PS placement, possibly related to greater preservation of the posterior stabilizing elements of the lumbar spine.
Utjecaj folijarne gnojidbe na osnovni kemijski sastav mošta cv. Malvazije istarske (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Peršurić Palčić Ana , Herak Ćustić Mirjana , Gluhić David , Palčić Igor , Pecina Marija , Jeromel Ana
Published: September 2020

'Malvazija istarska' (Vitis vinifera L.) jedna je od najznačajnijih bijelih sorata u Hrvatskoj. Njezina kvaliteta prepoznata je kako u Hrvatskoj, tako i u cijelom svijetu. Stoga se domaći proizvođači sve češće odlučuju za proizvodnju vina i pjenušaca iz ove sorte. Mošt za proizvodnju baznoga vina za pjenušce po svome sastavu trebao bi zadovoljavati svojstva kao što su niža pH vrijednost i sadržaj šećera, te viši sadržaj ukupne kiselosti s većim udjelom vinske kiseline, naspram jabučne. S obzirom da se 'Malvazija istarska' uzgaja pretežito u Istri, gdje je klima mediteranska, a najzastupljenije tlo crvenica teško je zadovoljiti sva navedena svojstva, posebice u suhim i vrućim godinama. Stoga, cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi mogućnost pozitivnog djelovanja folijarne gnojidbe na navedena svojstva. Pokus je postavljen na sorti Malvazija istarska na podlozi SO4 2013. s četiri gnojidbena tretmana (T1- NPK, T2 - NPK + Agromag 6L (6% MgO), T3 - NPK + Agromag 6L + Fosforo 30L (30% P2O5) i T4 - NPK + Agromag 6L + Fosforo 30L + Bio Prot) u tri ponavljanja po slučajnom bloknom rasporedu (RCBD). Sveukupno određena pH vrijednost u moštu kretala se od 3,02 do 3,29, ukupna kiselost u moštu od 7,80 do 9,03 g/L, a sadržaj šećera od 76,00 – 81,00 °Oe. Najveća utvrđena koncentracija vinska kiselina bila je 4,49 g/l u tretmanu T3, koji je imao i najnižu utvrđenu koncentraciju jabučne kiseline 1,40 g/L. Značajan pozitivan utjecaj na sva svojstva imao je tretman T4.
Učinkovitost smanjenih doza piretrina u suzbijanju mrežaste stjenice platane
Authors: Pajač Živković Ivana , Antolković Valentina , Göldel Bastian , Lemić Darija
Published: September 2020

Mrežasta stjenica platane Corythuca ciliata Say (Hemiptera: Tingidae) značajan je štetnik platane. Stjenice sišu na listovima čime smanjuju fiziološke funkcije, izazivaju žućenje listova, a za jakog napada uzrokuju i preranu defolijaciju platana. Također su i neugodan molestant u urbanim sredinama. Suzbijanje štetnika otežano je zbog veličine krošnje i opasnosti za zdravlje ljudi i životinja uslijed primjene insekticida, stoga se sve više pozornosti pridaje ekološki prihvatljivijim mogućnostima suzbijanja. U radu je istraživana učinkovitost smanjenih doza biološkog insekticida na bazi prirodnog piretrina u suzbijanju mrežaste stjenice platane. Uz preporučenu dozu, istraživana je učinkovitost ½ doze, 1/5 doze, 1/10 doze, te 1/20 preporučene doze navedenog preparata tijekom laboratorijskog pokusa. Rezultatima je dokazana učinkovitost višestruko smanjenih doza piretrina što upućuje na visoku djelotvornost ovog ekološki povoljnijeg sredstva što je od izuzetne važnosti kod planiranja zaštite u urbanim sredinama gdje je povećana opasnost od kontaminacije ljudi i kućnih ljubimaca uslijed primjene kemijske mjere zaštite bilja.
Tashmim Al-Mawad At-Ta'limiyyah Li Maharah Al-Qira'ah Li Ath-Thalibat Qism Tiknulujiya Al-Ma'lumat
Authors: Mabruroh Mabruroh , Gustiana Aulia
Published: September 2020

The University of Darussalam Gontor is the leading university in spreading and teaching the Arabic language in Indonesia. So this university requires all its students to learn and master the Arabic language, and it is not limited to students of Arab and Islamic studies only, but also includes all students in disciplines other than Arabic and Islamic. Among these specializations is the information technology specialization. In this specialization, students are required to be familiar with the Arabic language and mastery of it. Still, nevertheless, they did not have a book on teaching the Arabic language related to the topics of information technology, which makes the position of education somewhat ineffective. Based on this and to implement the university's mission, the researcher tries to design educational materials for the skill of reading for students of the Department of Information Technology at the University of Dar es Salaam Contour. The research methodology is a research and development methodology. And the method of collecting data through the questionnaire and the test questions. From the research results, this educational material in the form of an educational book is valid and useful for the education process.
Penerapan Metode Bamboo Dancing Untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Pemahaman Teks Materi Qiro’ah Mahasiswa
Authors: Syaifullah Muhammad , Izzah Nailul , Hernisawati Hernisawati
Published: September 2020

The purpose of Qiro'ah (reading) lessons is to train students to be able to understand texts individually. The application of an exciting and enjoyable learning strategy by a Lecturer that involves students actively in the process of understanding the reading content, either independently or in groups. Current learning models such as contextual learning and cooperative learning can also be adapted for learning to read. Improving students' Qiro'ah (reading) mastery results is a general objective of this study with a cooperative dancing type approach. The specific objectives of this study are (1) Describe the Qiro'ah learning process (reading) use of the bamboo dancing method of PBA students at IAIM NU Metro, and (2) Describe the results of increasing mastery of Qiro'ah learning (reading) of PBA students ) use of the bamboo dancing method. The design uses PTK with John Elliot Models. PBA third semester students are the subjects in this study. Information about the activities of lecturers and students and the results of the initial and final test scores in each cycle is the data in this study. Test questions, observation sheets, and interview guidelines are the instruments used in this study. Using steps is collecting data, reducing data, presenting data, and concluding research results. Whereas Planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting are the stages in this research. The results of the application of Qiro'ah learning using the bamboo dancing method in this study are the increased mastery of understanding in reading texts that is significant from each cycle and the initial tests before the action. The average grade on the initial test before action is 67 increased in cycle 1 79 as well as increasing again in cycle 2 91. So, it can be concluded that there is an increase in the understanding of students' Qiro'ah texts in each cycle.
The Impact of Body Image on Self-Esteem in Adolescents
Authors: Javaid Qurat-ul-Ain , Ajmal Amna
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the current study was to explore the impact of body image on self-esteem in adolescent males and females. A sample of 290 adolescents (144= male, 146= females) was taken from different schools and colleges of Multan. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Body Image Scale were used to measure the impact. Findings indicated a positive relationship between the level of confidence in the body image of adolescent males and their self-esteem. Moreover, it was found that adolescent females in their later years of adolescence had a high level of self-esteem as compared to adolescent females in their early years of adolescence. Independent t-test scores found that adolescent females report feeling more conscious about their body image and weight as compared to adolescent males. Results also showed that adolescent females disclose less information about themselves as compared to adolescent males.
New Definition of Atomic Bond Connectivity Index to Overcome Deficiency of Structure Sensitivity and Abruptness in Existing Definition
Authors: Virk Abaid ur Rehman , Rehman M. A. , Nazeer Waqas
Published: September 2020

Topological Index (TI) is a numerical value associated with the molecular graph of the compound. Smoothness property states that a TI is good if its Structure Sensitivity (SS) is as large as possible and its Abruptness (Abr) is small. In 2013, Gutman proved that Atomic Bond Connectivity (ABC) index has small SS and high Abr. In this paper, we defined reverse Atomic Bond Connectivity (ABC) index to overcome this problem. Moreover, we computed reverse ABC index for Silicon Carbides, Bismith Tri-Iodide and Dendrimers.
Morfologi dan Distribusi Partikel TiC pada MMC
Authors: Haryono Muhammad Budi , Utami Wikan Budi , Aulia Fikri
Published: September 2020

Diketahu secara luas bahwa performa special dari komposit dengan penguat skala nano ditentukan oleh morfologi dan distribusi dari partikel penguat. Titanium karbida (TiC) memiliki potensi yang sangat baik untuk dikembangkan, dan telah menarik perhatian dari banyak peneliti untuk dikembangkan. Morfologi partikel TiC dibagi menjadi tiga morfologi: one-dimensional nanostructure, two-dimensional nanosheets, dan three-dimensional nanopartikel. Selain morfologi, model distribusi dari TiC partikel patut dipertimbangkan sebagai sarana meningkatkan performa dari komposit. Model distribusi dari partikel TiC sebagai berikut: Isolated, laminated, network dengan partikel terisolasi, network dengan interconnected particles, nacre-like structure, dan distribusi seragam
The effect of content and thickness of chitosan thin films on resistive switching characteristics
Authors: Do Phuc Dinh , Doan Tu Uyen Thi , Tran Tap Duy , Hoang Dung Van , Pham Kim Ngoc
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Nowadays, a resistive switching memory using biological, transparent, and environmentally friendly materials is appreciated as the tendency of science and technology, especially in the field of electronic devices. Chitosan (CS), having dominant characteristics such as non-toxic, biocompatible and large capacity, plays as a switching medium in resistive random access memory devices (RRAM).

Methods: In our study, CS film was fabricated onto a commercial substrate (FTO) using a simple spin coating method, and the top electrode (Ag) was deposited by a direct-current sputtering technique.

Results: The Ag/CS/FTO devices shown the bipolar switching behavior when applying sequence voltage from -1.5 to 2V with the set process in the negative bias and the reset process in the positive bias. The content (0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 wt%) and thickness (100, 300, 500 nm) of chitosan film significantly affect the resistive switching performance. The devices with 0.5 wt%/v concentration and 300 nm-thickness of CS have shown better efficiency than the others with endurance over 100 sweeping cycles and ON/OFF ratio at ca. 2x10 times.

Conclusions: It is found that the chitosan material has a large potential candidate for applications in optoelectronic devices.
Pengaruh Oksigen Pada Akumulasi Poly Hydroxy Alkanoates (PHA)
Authors: Ferdiansyah M Khoiron
Published: September 2020

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) adalah salah satu contoh dari bioplastik. PHA disintesis oleh bakteri sebagai karbon atau komponen simpanan energi ketika jumlah intake karbon berlebihan dan beberapa nutrisi seperti nitrogen, phospor, dan oksigen dalam kondisi yang terbatas. Pemberian aerasi oksigen sangat mempengaruhi produksi dan akumulasi PHA. Tingkat aerasi oksigen yang rendah akan meningkatkan konsentrasi PHA. Penetapan suplai oksigen pada batas level tertentu yang tepat akan dapat meningkatkan produktivitas atau akumulasi PHA, tanpa mengganggu pertumbuhan mikroorganismeKata kunci: polyhydroxyalkanoates, bioplastik, oksigen, bakteri
Pengaruh Lama Fermentasi Terhadap Aktivitas Enzim dan Lignin Pada Proses Fermentasi Kulit Buah Kakao Menggunakan Kapang Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Yakin Engkus Ainul , Mulyono Ali Mursyid Wahyu
Published: September 2020

Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengetahui aktivitas enzim lignilolitik dan lignin pada proses fermentasi kulit buah kakao. Substrat yang digunakan yaitu kulit buah kakao sedangkan penggunaan kapang yaitu Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Preparasi KBK yaitu KBK segar dicacah, digiling halus kemudian dikeringkan. Preparasi kapang dengan menumbuhkan kapang dalam medium cair. Metode penelitian yang dilakukan yaitu lama fermentasi yang dilakukan adalah melakukan fermentasi KBK dengan lama hari yang berbeda yaitu 5, 7, 9, 11 dan 13 hari pada suhu 370 C dan pH 7 menggunakan lima perlakuan dan lima ulangan. P0 = fermentasi KBK selama 5 hari, P1 = fermentasi KBK selama 7 hari, P2 = fermentasi KBK selama 9 hari, P3 = fermentasi KBK selama 11 hari, P4 = fermentasi KBK selama 13 hari. Fermentasi dengan menggunakan erlenmeyer 500 ml dan ditutup dengan kapas. Variabel yang diamati meliputi aktivitas enzim LiP dan MnP, NDF, ADF, lignin. Analisis data yang diperoleh akibat perlakuan diuji dengan Analisis Variansi (ANOVA) dengan rancangan penelitian pola searah, bila terdapat perbedaan variabel karena perlakuan dilanjutkan dengan uji lanjut Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) untuk mengetahui perbedaan antar perlakuan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan fermentasi selama 7 hari aktivitas enzim tertinggi LiP sebesar  0,527 ± 0,04 unit/ml dan MnP sebesar 0,063 ± 0,00  unit/ml, kandungan lignin terendah 26,30± 0,35%. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini yaitu fermentasi dengan menggunakan kapang Phanerochete chrysosporium baik pada fermentasi selama 7 hari.
Pendugaan Umur Simpan Keripik Tempe Sagu dalam Pengemas Aluminium Foil
Authors: Afriyanti Afriyanti , Handayani Catur Budi , Tari A. Intan Niken
Published: September 2020

ABSTRAKKeripik tempe sagu adalah salah satu alternatif modifikasi tempe kedelai yang memiliki tekstur yang lebih renyah, penampakan yang lebih menarik dan rasa yang lebih gurih.  Tepung tapioka atau biasa disebut tepung sagu menjadi bahan campuran saat proses fermentasi.  Kerenyahan produk ini tidak tahan lama jika tidak dikemas dengan pengemas yang sesuai.  Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui umur simpan keripik tempe sagu dalam pengemas aluminium foil dengan metode Arrhenius.  Metode penelitiannya dengan penyimpanan produk pada suhu 50C, 270C dan 500C selama satu bulan.  Analisis terhadap kadar air dan kadar asam lemak bebas dilakukan setiap 6 hari sekali.  Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa produk keripik tempe sagu yang disimpan dengan pengemas aluminium foil memiliki umur simpan selama 108 hari atau 3,6 bulan.Kata kunci:  Aluminium foil, Arrhenius, Keripik tempe sagu
Effects of Linguistic and Demographic Features of Chinese International Students on Placement Test Levels in Higher Education: Logistic Regression
Authors: Park Eunjeong
Published: September 2020

Higher education institutions in the United States provide placement essay tests to ensure international students’ readiness for college courses. The high-stakes nature of placement tests makes educators and researchers seek significant components of differentiating levels of placement tests. This study investigated the prediction of two levels (i.e., low vs. intermediate) of 411 placement test essays written by Chinese international students and examined the influence of linguistic and demographic features on placement test levels through logistic regression. The results show that the type-token ratio (TTR), tokens, college type, and graduate status were significant indicators to differentiate students’ placement test essays. However, several demographic features were not statistically significant. The results may shed light on improving writing skills of Chinese international students who scored intermediate or low in the placement tests.
Normal versus Freak
Authors: Darnell Nikole
Published: September 2020

Within the world of performance exists a line ofothering. By juxtaposing the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the historical freak show, the issue of staring becomes more apparent.
Analysis of Seismic Fragility Functions of Highway Embankments
Authors: Hübner Balázs , Mahler András
Published: September 2020

Vulnerability assessment of structures is a vitally important topic among earthquake engineering researchers. Generally, their primary focus is on the seismic performance of buildings. Less attention is paid to geotechnical structures, even though information about the performance of these structures (e.g. road embankments, levees, cuts) during an earthquake is essential for planning remediation and rescue efforts after disasters. In this paper the seismic fragility functions of a highway embankment are defined following an analytical methodolgy. The technique is a displacement-based evaluation of seismic vulnerability. Displacements of an embankment during a seismic event are approximated by a 2-D nonlinear ground response analysis using the finite element method. The numerical model was calibrated based on the results of a 1-D nonlinear ground response analysis. The expected displacements were calculated for 3 different embankment heights and Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values between 0,05 and 0,35g. Based on the results of the 2-D finite element analysis, the relationship between displacements and different seismic intensity measures (PGA, Arias-intensity) was investigated. Different damage states were considered, and the probability of their exceedance was investigated. The seismic fragility functions of the embankments were developed based on probability of exceedance of these different damage states based on a log-normal fragility function. The legitimacy of using a log-normal fragility function is also examined.
Hymenolepiasis in Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) With Its Zoonotic Potential in Mymensingh District of Bangladesh
Authors: Singh Rahul Pratap , Roy Babul Chandra , Debnath Asish Kumer , Nahar Sultana Fizun , Talukder Md Hasanuzzaman
Published: September 2020

Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta are globally widespread zoonotic cestodes and rats act as main reservoir host of these cestodes. Wild brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are the most common rats usually live in human’s dwellings, especially in areas of low socioeconomic status and low levels of hygiene practices. Since there is scarcity of information of the hymenolepiasis in rats in Bangladesh, therefore the aim of this study was to determine the incidence of H. nana and H. diminuta in wild and laboratory rats. A total of 60 rats were collected from the residential areas of rural villages of Mymensingh sadar and the Bangladesh Agricultural University campus and 10 were from the laboratory of the Department of Parasitology, BAU, Mymensingh. The rats were killed by cardiac puncture and tapeworms were collected and subsequently were subjected for morphological study under the stereomicroscope. Two species of cestodes, namely H. nana and H. diminuta were detected showing the overall prevalence of 23.3 % and 35 % respectively. The high prevalence of H. nana (30%) was determined in rats captured from the rural village areas whereas H. diminuta was found more prevalent (60%) in the laboratory rats. The result of the current study suggests that H. nana infection in rural village areas may act as a risk factor for the zoonotic transmission of hymenolepiasis to human in Bangladesh.

Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(2): 255-259,  August 2020
Association of gdf9 Gene Polymorphisms With Litter Size in Indigenous Sheep of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Faruk , Suma Sharmin Akter , Bhuiyan Mohammad Shamsul Alam
Published: September 2020

Sheep in Bangladesh are well known as efficient users of low quality roughages, welladapted to hot and humid agro-climatic conditions, capable of bi-annual lambing withmultiple births and resistant to common prevalent diseases. They play an important role inthe supply of animal protein. Present study aimed to investigate possible association ofGDF9 gene polymorphisms with litter size. A total of 126 DNA samples extracted from theblood of indigenous sheep from 5 locations namely Tangail, Noakhali, Naogaon,Gaibandha and Satkhira with known litter size were used to study the association ofGDF9 polymorphism by PCR based RFLP method. Two polymorphic regions of GDF9(FecG1 and FecG8) were amplified by PCR, digested with respective restriction enzymesand 126 sheep were genotyped. Current study revealed that genotype and allelefrequency for FecG1 varied among the sheep from different locations. The genotype (GG,AG, AA) frequency were 51.59%, 45.24% and 3.17% and the allele (G and A) frequenciesin the overall population were 74.21% and 25.79%, respectively. There was a significantassociation of FecG1 of GDF9 gene polymorphism with litter size. The homozygous GGgenotype had the lowest litter size (1.59±0.09; n=65) and homozygous AA genotype hadthe highest litter size (2.00±0.41; n=4). No genotypic variations were found for FecG8.Findings of this study specially the polymorphism of FecG1 together with genotyping ofsome sheep could be utilized in the selection program to increase the lamb productionpotentiality of indigenous sheep of Bangladesh.

Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(2): 283-292,  August 2020
Spin-polaron concept in the theory of normal and superconducting states of cuprates
Authors: Val’kov V V , Dzebisashvili D M , Korovushkin M M , Barabanov A F
Published: September 2020

The review discusses the emergence of the spin-fermion model of cuprates and the formation of the spin-polaron concept of the electronic structure of hole-doped cuprate superconductors. This concept has allowed describing the properties of cuprates in the normal phase as well as the features of superconducting pairing in the unified approach. The derivation of the spin-fermion model from the Emery model in the regime of strong electronic correlations is described, demonstrating the appearance of strong coupling between the spins of copper ions and holes on oxygen ions. Such a strong interaction against the background of the singlet state of the spin subsystem of copper ions (quantum spin liquid) leads to the formation of special Fermi quasiparticles — nonlocal spin polarons. Under doping, the spin-polaron ensemble exhibits instability with respect to superconducting d-wave pairing, whereas superconducting s-wave pairing is not implemented. At the optimal doping, the transition to the superconducting phase occurs at temperatures corresponding to experimental data. It is shown that the superconducting d-wave pairing of spin-polaron quasiparticles is not suppressed by the Coulomb repulsion of holes located on neighboring oxygen ions. It is emphasized that, when the spec-tral characteristics of spin-polaron quasiparticles are taken into account, the calculated temperature and doping dependences of the London penetration depth are in good agreement with experimental data.
Understanding of Information Technology Act for E-Governance in India
Authors: Bhushan Aditi
Published: September 2020

Information Technology Act has introduced E-Governance by facilitating electronic filing of data and documents. Chapter III of Information Technology Act, 2000 has defined the emergence and existence of E-Governance. This paper presents a brief to understand the defined structure of E-Governance provided in IT Act 2000 with respect to different sections falling under IT Act.
The Effects of Oil Windfalls on Political Corruption: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Baragwanath Kathryn
Published: September 2020

Oil royalties provide a substantial but volatile inflow of non tax-payer money to municipal coffers. While a large literature examines the impact of oil on democratic stability, I examine how oil impacts corruption and the types of candidates elected under democracy. I develop a formal model and show that natural resource windfalls generate the strategic entry of corrupt candidates creating cycles of corruption and reelection. I test this theory in Brazil, where offshore royalties are determined exogenously based on a geographic rule. Consistent with the model, I find that a one standard deviation increase in oil royalties produces a 29% increase in corruption. The effects of windfalls on corruption are larger after elections during booms and lower during busts. Furthermore, oil royalties lead to a reelection cycle. Taken together, these results point to a strong effect of oil royalties on local level corruption and electoral outcomes.
Prevalence of Bilateral Agenesis of Maxillary Lateral Incisors and Clinical Management Options
Authors: Padmanabhan Vivek , AR Abo Mostafa Omar Khaled , Kamel Rahhal Lama M
Published: September 2020

Background/Purpose: Agenesis is an anomaly where the tooth germ fails to differentiate completely into dental tissues resulting in congenitally missing teeth. This is one of the commonest dental anomalies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bilateral agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors. This study also reflects upon the treatment options available when there is agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors. Materials and Methods: Bilateral agenesis was considered and included in the study as agenesis and unilateral agenesis was excluded from the study. Orthopantamograms (OPGs) of 945 dental patients aged 6-30 years were examined for the agenesis of teeth. Frequencies were calculated using chi square test and the level of significance was considered if p value was <0.05. Results: The prevalence of bilateral agenesis or congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors was at 8.2%. Conclusions: The prevalence rate of bilateral agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors is more common in females than males. An evidence based decision should be taken for the clinical management of this kind of agenesis.
Iron and Cadmium Entry Into Renal Mitochondria: Physiological and Toxicological Implications
Authors: Thévenod Frank , Lee Wing-Kee , Garrick Michael D.
Published: September 2020

Regulation of body fluid homeostasis is a major renal function, occurring largely through epithelial solute transport in various nephron segments driven by Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Energy demands are greatest in the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb where mitochondrial ATP production occurs through oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria contain 20–80% of the cell’s iron, copper, and manganese that are imported for their redox properties, primarily for electron transport. Redox reactions, however, also lead to reactive, toxic compounds, hence careful control of redox-active metal import into mitochondria is necessary. Current dogma claims the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) is freely permeable to metal ions, while the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) is selectively permeable. Yet we recently showed iron and manganese import at the OMM involves divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), an H+-coupled metal ion transporter. Thus, iron import is not only regulated by IMM mitoferrins, but also depends on the OMM to intermembrane space H+gradient. We discuss how these mitochondrial transport processes contribute to renal injury in systemic (e.g., hemochromatosis) and local (e.g., hemoglobinuria) iron overload. Furthermore, the environmental toxicant cadmium selectively damages kidney mitochondria by “ionic mimicry” utilizing iron and calcium transporters, such as OMM DMT1 or IMM calcium uniporter, and by disrupting the electron transport chain. Consequently, unraveling mitochondrial metal ion transport may help develop new strategies to prevent kidney injury induced by metals.
A Preliminary Investigation of Maintenance Contributions to Commercial Air Transport Accidents
Authors: Khan Fatima Najeeb , Ayiei Ayiei , Murray John , Baxter Glenn , Wild Graham
Published: September 2020

Aircraft maintenance includes all the tasks needed to ensure an aircraft’s continuing airworthiness. Accidents that result from these maintenance activities can be used to assess safety. This research seeks to undertake a preliminary investigation of accidents that have maintenance contributions. An exploratory design was utilized, which commenced with a content analysis of the accidents with maintenance contributions (n = 35) in the official ICAO accident data set (N = 1277), followed by a quantitative ex-post facto study. Results showed that maintenance contributions are involved in 2.8 ± 0.9% of ICAO official accidents. Maintenance accidents were also found to be more likely to have one or more fatalities (20%), compared to all ICAO official accidents (14.7%). The number of accidents with maintenance contributions per year was also found to have reduced over the period of the study; this rate was statistically significantly greater than for all accidents (5%/year, relative to 2%/year). Results showed that aircraft between 10 and 20 years old were most commonly involved in accidents with maintenance contributions, while aircraft older than 18 years were more likely to result in a hull loss, and aircraft older than 34 years were more likely to result in a fatality.
Airlift Maintenance and Sustainment: The Indirect Costs
Authors: Kourousis Kyriakos I.
Published: September 2020

This article aims to present and discuss a set of technical matters affecting the maintenance and sustainment cost of military transport aircraft (airlifters). An overview of the military aviation technical support system is provided, in conjunction with a high level discussion on the life cycle cost. Four technical support pillars are defined as part of this analysis: supply, restoration and upgrade, engineering and regulatory compliance. A focused discussion on airlift sustainment factors, based on past experience, is used to identify technical considerations that can be used for the evaluation of new aircraft. A number of technical considerations which are key for cost purposes are identified and mapped against the defined technical support pillars, related to engineering and technical support and airworthiness management aspects. Important practical technical considerations are identified, discussed and critiqued under an independent lens. This article can stimulate discussion of the maintenance and sustainment costs of airlifters, both within military aviation operators and the defence industry community but also within the civil aircraft maintenance industry.
Starch Granule Size Distribution and Pasting Characteristic Response to Post-Anthesis Combined Stress of Waterlogging and Shading
Authors: Li Huawei , Wang Zongshuai , Zhuo Qicui , Zhang Bin , Wang Fahong , Jiang Dong
Published: September 2020

The combined stress of waterlogging and shading (WS) caused by continuous rain threatens the production of high-quality weak gluten wheat in China (Triticum aestivum L.). To evaluate its influences on wheat quality formation, Yangmai 158 was chosen to be subjected to WS at 0–7 days after anthesis (DAA, WS0–7), 8–15 DAA (WS8–15), 16–23 DAA (WS16–23), and 24–31 DAA (WS24–31), respectively, with non-stressed plants as control (Non-WS). Compared with Non-WS, WS reduced the amylopectin content and enhanced amylose content in the mature grains. WS enhanced the number and surface but reduced the size of the starch granules. The number, volume, and surface area percentages of B-type starch granules were enhanced, and the number and volume percentages of A-type starch granules were reduced by WS. The peak viscosity and gelatinization temperature were enhanced and the low viscosity and final viscosity were decreased by WS. WS applied at the mid-grain-filling stage (WS8–15 and WS16–23) had greater modification on the starch content, granule size distribution and pasting characteristics than that applied at early (WS0–7) or late (WS24–31). The changes of starch pasting characteristics under WS had a significant correlation with the amylase and amylopectin content, amylase/amylopectin, and the ratio of the volume percent of B-type and A-type starch granules.
Efficiency of Nitrogen Fertilization of Winter Wheat Depending on Sulfur Fertilization
Authors: Tabak Monika , Lepiarczyk Andrzej , Filipek-Mazur Barbara , Lisowska Aneta
Published: September 2020

Optimization of fertilization enables to obtain a yield of high quality and quantity, brings economic profits, and reduces environmental threats. The aim of the three-year field experiment was to determine the efficiency of fertilization with a new fertilizer available on the Polish market and containing nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) in proportions designed for cereals cultivation (30% N and 6% S as ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate). Other treatments included no fertilization; fertilization with ammonium nitrate (34% N); fertilization with standard nitrogen and sulfur fertilizer with N supplementation with ammonium nitrate. Nitrogen doses were 150, 200, and 250 kg N ha−1. Sulfur was applied in doses of 30, 40, and 50 kg S ha−1. A beneficial effect of using fertilizer containing N and S in proportions designed for cereals cultivation was observed. The highest mean optimal nitrogen dose and maximum winter wheat yield were recorded for the new fertilizer (217 kg N ha−1 and 8251 kg ha−1, respectively). Sulfur supplementation with the new fertilizer significantly increased apparent nitrogen recovery (mean values 48.9%, 44.6%, and 40.6% for doses 150, 200, and 250 kg N ha−1, respectively), agronomic efficiency (11.1 and 8.6 kg kg−1 N for doses 200 and 250 kg N ha−1, respectively), and physiological efficiency (24.7 kg kg−1 N for dose 200 kg N ha−1).
Rootstocks Influence Yield Precocity, Productivity, and Pre-Harvest Fruit Drop of Mandared Pigmented Mandarin
Authors: Caruso Marco , Continella Alberto , Modica Giulia , Pannitteri Claudia , Russo Riccardo , Salonia Fabrizio , Arlotta Carmen , Gentile Alessandra , Russo Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

Citrus fruit quality and scion productivity are influenced by the choice of rootstock. We aimed to evaluate the effect of rootstocks on yield and fruit quality of Mandared, a triploid pigmented mandarin. To do so, we established a rootstock field trial on a high pH soil (8.6) in which Mandared was grafted onto 11 rootstocks. These included some standard rootstocks, such as trifoliate orange ((Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.), Troyer citrange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. × P. trifoliata), Swingle citrumelo (Citrus paradisi Macf. × P. trifoliata), and C35 citrange (C. sinensis × P. trifoliata), as well as new releases from the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA, Acireale, Italy) and the University of California Riverside (UCR). The cumulative yield was measured over five consecutive years, while fruit quality was analyzed for two years. The trees on C35, C57 (Citrus sunki Hort. ex. Tan. × P. trifoliata), and C22 (C. sunki × P. trifoliata), started to set fruits one year earlier than the others. The trees on C57 provided some of the highest cumulative yields and canopy volumes. The production of Mandared grafted onto C57 was double that of Mandared grafted onto Troyer, while Mandared grafted onto C35 and C22 resulted in the best yield efficiency. The trees on Swingle and C57 significantly reduced the pre-harvest fruit drop, to which Mandared is particularly sensitive. However, grafting Mandared onto Swingle resulted in the highest variation among replicates, probably due to its high sensitivity to iron chlorosis. Most of the fruit quality parameters, such as fruit size, total soluble solids (TSS), and acidity were not significantly different among the rootstock treatments. However, fruits produced by Mandared grafted onto C22 had one of the highest rates of anthocyanin accumulation. The results indicate that C57, C35, and C22 were the most suitable rootstocks for Mandared in South-Eastern Sicily.
Optimising Sample Preparation and Calibrations in EDXRF for Quantitative Soil Analysis
Authors: Croffie Maame E. T. , Williams Paul N. , Fenton Owen , Fenelon Anna , Metzger Konrad , Daly Karen
Published: September 2020

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) is a rapid and inexpensive method for soil analysis; however, analytical results are influenced by particle size effects and spectral interferences. The objective of this study was to optimise sample preparation and calibrations to improve the accuracy of EDXRF for soil tests. Methods of sample preparation were compared by calculating the recoveries of 13 elements in four International Soil-Analytical Exchange (ISE) standards prepared as loose powder (LP), pressed pellet (PP), and pressed pellet with wax binder (PPB). A matching library (ML) was created and evaluated against the fundamental parameters (FP) calibration using 20 ISE standards. Additionally, EDXRF results of 41 tillage soils were compared with Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) results. The PPB had most recoveries within the acceptable range of 80–120%; conversely, PP yielded the poorest element recoveries. For the calibration, the ML provided better recoveries of Ni, Pb, Cu, Mg, S, P, and Cr; however, for Zn, and Mn, it had the opposite effect. Furthermore, EDXRF results compared with ICP-OES separated by soil texture class for Al, K, Mn, and Fe. In conclusion, the EDXRF is suitable for quantifying both trace elements and macronutrients in contaminated soils and has the potential to provide screening or prediction of soil texture in agriculture.
Securing of an Industrial Soil Using Turfgrass Assisted by Biostimulants and Compost Amendment
Authors: Visconti Donato , Caporale Antonio Giandonato , Pontoni Ludovico , Ventorino Valeria , Fagnano Massimo , Adamo Paola , Pepe Olimpia , Woo Sheridan Lois , Fiorentino Nunzio
Published: September 2020

This work aimed to study the effects of compost (applied at two rates) and two commercial microbial biostimulants on the mobility and bioavailability of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in an industrial soil phytostabilized by Dactylis glomerata L. or a mixed stand of grasses (Lolium perenne L., Poa pratensis L. and Festuca arundinacea Shreb.). The soil showed very high pseudototal and bioavailable concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), due to improper lead-acid batteries storage. Compost amendment in combination with the two biostimulants produced the best outcomes in terms of plant growth and nutrient uptake. The same mix of beneficial microbes improved soil biological fertility enhancing soil nitrogen fixing and ammonia oxidizing bacteria, while reduced the pore water and NH4NO3 extractable concentrations of Cd and at lower extent of Pb in soil. Accordingly, the lower mobility and bioavailability of Cd in soil determined a lower uptake and accumulation of Cd in shoots of different grass species. Our results suggest that a green cap with turfgrass assisted by biostimulants and compost amendment in PTE-contaminated industrial sites could be a reliable and effective practice to protect and restore soil biological fertility and to reduce the risk of PTE dispersion in the surrounding environment.
Effect of Alliaceae Extract Supplementation on Performance and Intestinal Microbiota of Growing-Finishing Pig
Authors: Sánchez Cristian Jesús , Martínez-Miró Silvia , Ariza Juan José , Madrid Josefa , Orengo Juan , Aguinaga María Arántzazu , Baños Alberto , Hernández Fuensanta
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether an Allium spp. extract rich in organosulfur compounds, such as propyl thiosulfonate (PTSO), added to the feed of growing-finishing pigs at 5 g/kg enhances growth performance or affects the fecal microbiome, the levels of short-chain fatty acids, or the antioxidant capacity of the animals. Fifty male growing pigs (large white) of 23.07 ± 2.87 kg average body weight were randomly allotted to two treatments in a 103-day trial. The trial was divided into two periods, an initial growing phase (56-days) and a finishing phase (47-days). Two dietary treatments for each phase (growing and finishing) were used: a control diet (CON) and an experimental diet consisting of the control diet to which 5 g/kg of Allium spp. extract was added to substitute sepiolite (GAR). Throughout the study, body weight, average daily gain (kg/day, ADG), feed intake (kg/day), and feed conversion ratio (kg/kg) were measured, while the backfat thickness and muscle depth were determined at the end of the study. Besides, feces samples were taken for bacterial counts by means of real-time PCR and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile determination, and the antioxidant capacity was assessed in serum and saliva. In the animals receiving Allium spp. extract (5 g/kg) in the feed, ADG increased (p < 0.05) throughout the trial, Salmonella spp. and Clostridium spp. counts in feces had decreased (p < 0.05) when measured on day 56, and, by day 103, Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., and Enterobacteriaceae counts had decreased (p < 0.05) and Lactobacillus spp. counts had increased (p < 0.01) in feces. Regarding the SCFA profile in feces and antioxidant capacity measured in serum and saliva, supplementation with Allium spp. extract significantly increased the levels of propionic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids and the percentage of total branched fatty acids, while the c2/c3 and (c2 + c4)/c3 ratios were lower (p < 0.05) in feces; the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity levels in serum were significantly higher in the same pigs on day 103 than on day 0. Consequently, based on the current results, Allium spp. extract rich in organosulfur compounds, added to the diet at 5 g/kg, had a beneficial effect on the microbiota and would seem to be a possible alternative for increasing the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. However, further studies on the effects of Allium spp. supplementation on carcass quality are necessary.
Antifungal Resistance in Candida auris: Molecular Determinants
Authors: Frías-De-León María Guadalupe , Hernández-Castro Rigoberto , Vite-Garín Tania , Arenas Roberto , Bonifaz Alexandro , Castañón-Olivares Laura , Acosta-Altamirano Gustavo , Martínez-Herrera Erick
Published: September 2020

Since Candida auris integrates strains resistant to multiple antifungals, research has been conducted focused on knowing which molecular mechanisms are involved. This review aims to summarize the results obtained in some of these studies. A search was carried out by consulting websites and online databases. The analysis indicates that most C. auris strains show higher resistance to fluconazole, followed by amphotericin B, and less resistance to 5-fluorocytosine and caspofungin. In C. auris, antifungal resistance to amphotericin B has been linked to an overexpression of several mutated ERG genes that lead to reduced ergosterol levels; fluconazole resistance is mostly explained by mutations identified in the ERG11 gene, as well as a higher number of copies of this gene and the overexpression of efflux pumps. For 5-fluorocytosine, it is hypothesized that the resistance is due to mutations in the FCY2, FCY1, and FUR1 genes. Resistance to caspofungin has been associated with a mutation in the FKS1 gene. Finally, resistance to each antifungal is closely related to the type of clade to which the strain belongs.
Mycogenic Metal Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Mycobacterioses
Authors: Simões Marta Filipa , Ottoni Cristiane Angélica , Antunes André
Published: September 2020

Mycobacterial infections are a resurgent and increasingly relevant problem. Within these, tuberculosis (TB) is particularly worrying as it is one of the top ten causes of death in the world and is the infectious disease that causes the highest number of deaths. A further concern is the on-going emergence of antimicrobial resistance, which seriously limits treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened current circumstances and future infections will be more incident. It is urgent to plan, draw solutions, and act to mitigate these issues, namely by exploring new approaches. The aims of this review are to showcase the extensive research and application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and other metal nanoparticles (MNPs) as antimicrobial agents. We highlight the advantages of mycogenic synthesis, and report on their underexplored potential as agents in the fight against all mycobacterioses (non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections as well as TB). We propose further exploration of this field.
Mitochondrial Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Butterfield D. Allan , Boyd-Kimball Debra
Published: September 2020

Oxidative and nitrosative stress are widely recognized as critical factors in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer disease (AD) and its earlier stage, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A major source of free radicals that lead to oxidative and nitrosative damage is mitochondria. This review paper discusses oxidative and nitrosative stress and markers thereof in the brain, along with redox proteomics, which are techniques that have been pioneered in the Butterfield laboratory. Selected biological alterations in—and oxidative and nitrosative modifications of—mitochondria in AD and MCI and systems of relevance thereof also are presented. The review article concludes with a section on the implications of mitochondrial oxidative and nitrosative stress in MCI and AD with respect to imaging studies in and targeted therapies toward these disorders. Taken together, this review provides support for the notion that brain mitochondrial alterations in AD and MCI are key components of oxidative and nitrosative stress observed in these two disorders, and as such, they provide potentially promising therapeutic targets to slow—and hopefully one day stop—the progression of AD, which is a devastating dementing disorder.
Editorial on Special Issue “Tuberculosis Drug Discovery and Development 2019”
Authors: Sala Claudia , Chiarelli Laurent Roberto , Riccardi Giovanna
Published: September 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of human tuberculosis (TB), represents a global challenge to human health since it is the main cause of death by an infectious disease worldwide [...]