bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Chemistry on the Oil of the Future. Review Paper on Dan Nocera’s Research
Authors: Duca Daniela
Published: May 2021

The paper is an overview of Daniel Nocera’s work towards obtaining energy from the splitting of water. The review describes the challenge of storing high energy bonds and presents some of the important advances the researcher managed to accomplish.
The Study of the Biological Activity of Some Cobalt(III) Dioximates with Fluorine Containing Anions
Authors: Coropceanu Eduard , Deseatnic Alexandra , Stratan Maria , Rija Andrei , Bologa Olga , Tiurin Janna , Labliuc Svetlana , Clapco Steliana , Bulhac Ion
Published: May 2021

It was elaborated the methodology of synthesizing a series of new dioximates of Co(III) with the general formula [Co(DioxH)2(L)2]X⋅nH2O, where DioxH – the dioxime anione: dimethylglyoxime (DH2), 1,2-cyclohexanedionedioxime (NioxH2); L - thiocarbamide (Thio), pyridine (Py), aniline (An), sulphanilamide (Sam);X - [BF4]-, [ZrF6]2-, [TiF6]2-, whose structures have been studied with the help of contemporary physical methods: spectroscopy IR, UV-Vis, RMN 1H, 19F, X-ray analysis. There were elaborated optimal conditions of using cobalt dioximates with fluorine in order to intensify the biosynthesis of amylases and lipases by Aspergillus and Rhizopus strains, respectively. The tested compounds increase the lipolytic activity of Rhizopus arrhisus micromycetes.
The Theoretical Study of Some Reactions with the Participation of OH and HO2 Radicals
Authors: Arsene Ion
Published: May 2021

The geometry of the H 2 O2 , OH , HO2 , O2 particles and the energy profiles of the initial reactions between them, that are supposed to take place during the process of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, were studied by ab initio calculations. It was shown that the differences between the energies of reactants and the products of all analysed reaction are positive values and correlate with the experimental data.
Use of Electrospray Mass Spectromtery to Study the Interactions between Para-Sulphonato-Calix[4]Arene and a Series of Serum Albumin Proteins
Authors: Moubarak Jalil , Moreno Elodie , Diesis Eric , Coleman Anthony W.
Published: May 2021

The binding of para-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene to a series of Serum Albumin Proteins has been studied using Electrospray Mass Spectrometry, each protein shows different capacities to interact with para-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene, including the number of ligands bound, the Association Constants observed, and the stoichiometries at which the onset of each binding event is observed.
New Effective Synthesys of Chinchoninic Acids From (-)-Α-Pinene
Authors: Radul Oleg , Gudima Alexandru , Macaev Fliur
Published: May 2021

New effective synthesis of the chiral chinchoninic acids form (-)-α-pinene has been elaborated. It has been shown that, the considerable increase of the yield and purity of chiral acids is achieved applying the method of under phase transfer catalysis.
Preparation of Microbiological Agents for Organic Pollutants Removal in Wastewater
Authors: Cincilei Angela G. , Tolocichina Svetlana A. , Rastimesina Inna O. , Dragalin Ion P. , Dumbraveanu Veronica , Streapan Nina V. , Mamaliga Vera C.
Published: May 2021

The authors have investigated the biochemical aspects of degradation processes of persistent organic compound benzothiazole by immobilized Rhodococcus rhodochrous cells, such as entrapped in Ca-alginate beads, or as being immobilized on some solid carries. The mineralization of toxicant was complete and biodestructive capacity of entrapped in alginate bacteria increased with each new experimental cycle.
Reactive Extraction of Tartaric Acid
Authors: Marchitan Natalia
Published: May 2021

The present paper describes the results of reactive extraction of tartaric acid in model systems, which can be used for its separation from secondary wine products. As extractant have been used a normal/isododecyl mixed secondary amine Amberlite LA-2. The following parameters of the separation process have been varied: nature of diluent and modifier; modifier concentration; concentration, temperature and pH of the tartaric acid solution and the stirring time, and the work intervals have been established. It was concluded that in determinated conditions the extent of tartaric acid extraction attains value 85-95%.
A Retro-Biomimetic One-Step Synthesis of Natural Atisanic and Beyeranic Diterpenoids
Authors: Chetraru Olga , Grinco Marina , Kulciţki Veaceslav , Vlad Pavel F. , Ungur Nicon
Published: May 2021

The direct, one step conversion of ent-kaurenoic acid 3 into atisanic and beyeranic acids 1 and 2 was performed under the action of fluorosulfonic acid.
Comparative Kinetics Study of the Thermal and Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of a Polystyrene-Clay Nanocompozite by TGA and DSC
Authors: Dranca Ion , Ungur Nicon , Lupascu Tudor , Petuhov Oleg
Published: May 2021

The methods of thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been used to study the thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of polystyrene (PS) and a PS-clay nanocomposite. An advanced isoconversional method has been applied for kinertic analysis. Introduction of the clay phase increasers the activation energy and affects the total heat of degradation, which suggests a change in the reaction mechanism. The obtained kinetic data permit a comparative assessment of the fire resistance of the studied materials.
Products Derived from Catalytic Oxidation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Lupaşcu T. , Ciobanu M. , Bogdevici O. , Boţan V.
Published: May 2021

It was established that the process of catalytic oxidation of methylene blue, at low concentrations (20 mg/L), i.e. in real solutions, gives sulfates and nitrates and new product, which can be categorized, in their vast majority, as impurities, probably got from the vacuum distillation unit, which make up for only ~ 10 % of methylene blue used in the experiment. Methylene blue adsorption at the interface occurs in real solutions. In case of performing the process at methylene blue concentration of 120 mg/L, hemi-micelles are adsorbed at the interface and the OH• radical acts more effectively due to the presence at the interface of a greater number of dye molecules.
Occurrence and Chemistry of Dihydroxyfumaric Acid
Authors: Secara N. , Duca Gh. , Vlad L. , Macaev F.
Published: May 2021

The paper summarizes literature data on occurrence of dihydroxyfumaric acid and its role in biological systems, as well as its chemical properties.
Pharmacological and Medicinal Chemistry Aspects of Cannabis Compounds
Authors: Cotelea T.
Published: May 2021

The current communication includes a general overview of the scientific interest and medicianl chemistry aspects of Cannabis compounds. It relates to metabolism, pharmacological action and phisico-chemical analysis of these compounds, as well as of some isomers differing in spatial arrangement of functional groups.
Development of Humics-Based Detoxicants of Complex Effect
Authors: Li S.P. , Koroleva R.P. , Kydralieva K.A. , Jorobekova Sh.J.
Published: May 2021

This research demonstrated development and properties of detoxicants of integrated effect based on humic derivatives. Set of samples of humic-based derivatives including carbonylated, hydrophobizated, oxygenated, cryodestructed and biosolubilized have been synthesized. It has been demonstrated that all the produced detoxicants possessed plant growth promoting activity and detoxifying potential in relation to heavy metals.
Soil Degradation Processes from Pollution
Authors: Popov Leonid , Ciudin Gheorghe , Rotaru Serghei
Published: May 2021

Investigations found HCH and DDT residuals in bottom sediments from several reservoirs and lakes as well as the main rivers, Nistru and Prut (concentrations ranged between 0.2 and 15.8 ppb). The concentration of PCBs in the topsoil collected beneath the capacitors battery at the Vulcănesti substation reached a level of 7100 ppm which is exceeding the MAC by five orders of magnitude (!). With no exception, allowable concentrations of PCBs in soil were exceeded also on the territory of other investigated substations, with peaks registered at the Briceni substation (2545 ppm) and the Orhei substation (1959 ppm).
Advanced Technology Wastewater Treatment of Nitrite Ions
Authors: Morozov E.G. , Nikol`skii V.M. , Saprunova T.V. , Yakovlev A.A.
Published: May 2021

The main reason for high concentration of nitrite ions in water is the existence of sources of industrial and agricultural pollution. Contamination of drinking water, juices, wine and other liquids of nitrite ions as a result of improper use of nitrogen fertilizers has an adverse effect on living organism, because under the influence of enzymes nitrite ions in living organisms form high carcinogenic nitrosamines, and the interaction of nitrite ions from blood hemoglobin causes such toxicity that leads to disease cyanosis [1]. Therefore removal of nitrite ions from water has received increased attention. The paper discusses an innovative wastewater treatment technology from the nitrite ion with hypochlorite produced during electrolysis.
Adequate UV Exposures for Healthy Life: In Situ Monitoring and Model Calculation of the Vitamin-D-Synthetic Capacity of Sunlight
Authors: Terenetskaya Irina , Orlova Tetiana , Kapinos Pavel
Published: May 2021

Vitamin D which is formed upon UV solar radiation in human skin is essential in many physiological functions. To estimate beneficial vitamin-D-synthetic capacity of sunlight a bio-equivalent UV dosimeter that is based on the same molecular photochemistry from which vitamin D is photosynthesized in human skin has been developed. The examples of an in situ monitoring of the vitamin-D-synthetic capacity of sunlight using an in vitro model of vitamin D synthesis are presented, and various operational principles of the UV biodosimeter are discussed. In addition, reliable algorithm is presented for direct calculation of previtamin D3 accumulation using the photoreaction mathematical model with solar UV spectra as input data. Critical dependence of previtamin D3 accumulation on cloudiness and aerosols is demonstrated.
ZnCl2/AlCl3/Silica (ZAS) as an Effective Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of 5-Ryloxytetrazoles
Authors: Khamooshi F. , Jhaleh B. H. K.
Published: May 2021

A simple and efficient method for preparation of 5-aryloxy tetrazoles (3a-h) from arylcyanates (1a-h) with using ZnCl2/AlCl3/silica (ZAS) as an effective heterogeneous catalyst in solvent free are described with excellent yields and high purity. The rate of product formation was enhanced by introduction of electron donating substituents. The 1H NMR and chemical shifts and multiplicities are also discussed.
Water Activity Concept and Its Role in Strawberries Food
Authors: Sandulachi E. , Tatarov P.
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the study information related to the processing of fruit by combined methods. Is presented on the concept of water activity and its role in product quality; mathematical modeling methods (GAB, BET et al.) in estimate the activity coefficients of non-electrolyte and electrolyte mixture. Have been carried experimental research to study the evolution of the biologically active substances in frozen strawberries with and without sugar addition. It proved that frozen strawberries with sugar, during storage are more stable regarding antioxidants content that strawberry frozen without sugar.
The methodologist staff in central libraries of the Russian Federation subjects
Authors: Akilina М. I.
Published: May 2021

The relevance of the paper topic is due to the need to study the personnel situation in the methodological departments of the central libraries (CB) of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation (RF) in the context of sociocultural transformations and active development of digital technologies. The article objective is to present to the library community the results of the study ”Personnel of methodologists in the central libraries of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation” and subsequent observations of the work of the methodological departments of the regions. It reflects the analysis results of quantitative, job, age composition of the personnel, the educational level of specialists, functional changes in methodological units, the system of advanced training of methodologists, and problems of demanded educational activities. The staffing potential level is quite high in most libraries, because methodologists belong to a promising age group of 55 years with higher education, broad competences, sufficient work experience, regularly updating their knowledge.  At the same time, the author concerns the staff small number and further reduction in its number, the lack of opportunities to fill vacancies, the uneven workload of methodologists by a number of supervised libraries, the lack of standards for staffing special structural units and methodology to determine them, as well as the optimal structure of units. Methodists perform a wide range of responsibilities, being universal specialists, competent on various issues. There is a complication and increase in the requirements for methodical activities. 97,9 % of methodologists have higher education, but their large part does not have a special library education. Methodists receive regular training, but there are virtually no special training courses for methodologists in the training system. The identified problems require solution at coordinating the efforts of the methodological centers and state support.
Research priorities as the problem of bibliometric studies
Authors: Mazov N. A. , Gureyev V. N. , Glinskikh V. N.
Published: May 2021

Revealing research fronts and detecting research priorities are one of the most significant problems in the science of science and scientific policy due to the crucial importance when planning research. Bibliometric approaches are the main tool when detecting research trends and fronts providing the basis for further expertise of research priority. To date, different approaches have been developed for research trends and fronts detection including analysis of scholarly output, citation analysis, and content analysis. The most spread is citation analysis and its variants, i.e., direct citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and bibliographic coupling. The paper discusses the main features of each method; describes current issues of detecting research fronts and setting of research priorities. The authors conclude that bibliometric approaches for detecting research fronts and research priorities are objective, especially when combining different forms of bibliometric analyses. Bibliometrics seems to be the most promising approach due to its flexibility and capability to be rapidly adapted to a dynamic scientific environment and new publication models.
Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading and the Sharing Economy: Social, Markets and Regulatory Perspectives
Authors: Schneiders Alexandra , Fell Michael , Nolden Colin
Published: May 2021

Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading is a new data-driven business model currently being trialed within the energy sector. Introducing P2P transactions to an essential service such as energy could have far-reaching implications for individuals and the grid. This paper raises considerations and questions from social, economic/markets and regulatory points of view, that should be understood and addressed by societies and policymakers. It does this by considering under what circumstances it is reasonable to conceptualize P2P energy trading as part of the sharing economy, and drawing parallels to the sharing economy experience in other sectors. In order to reap the full societal benefits, while avoiding considerable risks to infrastructure and individuals, a policy approach promoting dialogue and innovation is necessary. We suggest the regulatory sandbox is the most appropriate tool to achieve this and would help avoid the breakdown of trust between policymakers and platform companies observed in other sectors.
3D Printing Part 2 - A Literature Review Of 3D Printing Materials in Dentistry
Authors: Nulty Adam Brian
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The current generation of 3D printers are lighter, cheaper, and smaller, making them more accessible to the chairside digital dentist than ever before. 3D printers in general in the industrial and chairside setting can work with various types of materials including, metals, ceramics, and polymers. Evidence presented in many studies show that an ideal material used for dental restorations is characterised by several properties related to durability, cost-effectiveness, and high performance. This review is the second part in a 3D Printing series that looks at the literature on material science and applications for these materials in 3D printing as well as a discussion on the potential further development and future evolution in 3D printing materials. Conclusions: Current materials in 3D printing provide a wide range of possibilities for providing more predictable workflows as well as improving efficiency through less wasteful additive manufacturing in CAD/CAM procedures. Incorporating a 3D printer and a digital workflow into a dental practice is challenging but the wide range of manufacturing options and materials available mean that the dentist should be well prepared to treat patients with a more predictable and cost effective treatment pathway. As 3D printing continues to become a commonplace addition to chair side dental clinics, the evolution of these materials, in particular reinforced PMMA, resin incorporating zirconia and glass reinforced polymers offer increased speed and improved aesthetics that will likely replace subtractive manufacturing milling machines for most procedures.
Design and Applications of Multi-Frequency Holographic Subsurface Radar: Review and Case Histories
Authors: Ivashov Sergey I. , Capineri Lorenzo , Bechtel Tim , Inagaki Masaharu , Razevig Vladimir , Gueorguiev Nikolay , Kizilay Ahmet
Published: May 2021

Holographic subsurface radar (HSR) is currently not in widespread usage. This is due to an historical perspective in the ground penetrating radar (GPR) community that the high attenuation of electromagnetic waves in most media of interest, and the inability to apply time-varying gain to the continuous wave (CW) HSR signal precludes sufficient effective penetration depth. While it is true that the fundamental physics of HSR, with its use of a CW signal, does not allow amplification of later (i.e. deeper) arrivals in lossy media (as is possible with impulse subsurface radar — ISR), HSR has distinct some distinctive advantages. The most important of these is the ability to do shallow subsurface imaging with a resolution that is not possible with ISR. In addition, the design of an HSR system is simpler than for ISR due to the relatively low-tech transmitting and receiving antennae. This paper provides a review of the main principles of HSR through an optical analogy and describes possible algorithms for radar hologram reconstruction. We also present a review of the history of development of systems and applications for HSR of the “RASCAN” type which is possibly the only holographic subsurface radar that is produced in lots. Among the subsurface imaging and remote sensing applications considered are humanitarian demining, construction inspection, surveys of historic architecture and artworks, nondestructive testing of dielectric aerospace materials, security applications, paleontology, detection of wood-boring insect damage, and others. Each application is illustrated with relevant data acquired in laboratory and/or field experiments.
Replication-Dependent Biogenesis of Turnip Crinkle Virus Long Noncoding RNAs
Authors: Zhang Shaoyan , Sun Rong , Zheng Limin , Qu Feng
Published: May 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) of virus origin accumulate in cells infected by many positive strand (+) RNA viruses to bolster viral infectivity. Their biogenesis mostly utilizes exoribonucleases of host cells that degrade viral genomic or subgenomic RNAs in the 5’-to-3’ direction until being stalled by well-defined RNA structures. Here we report a viral lncRNA that is produced by a novel replication-dependent mechanism. This lncRNA corresponds to the last 283 nucleotides of the turnip crinkle virus (TCV) genome, hence is designated tiny TCV subgenomic RNA (ttsgR). ttsgR accumulated to high levels in TCV-infected Nicotiana benthamiana cells when the TCV-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), also known as p88, was overexpressed. Both (+) and (-) strand forms of ttsgR were produced in these cells in a manner dependent on the RdRp functionality. Strikingly, templates as short as ttsgR itself were sufficient to program ttsgR amplification, as long as the TCV-encoded replication proteins, p28 and p88, were provided in trans. Consistent with its replicational origin, ttsgR accumulation required a 5’ terminal G3(A/U)4 motif shown by others to be crucial for the replication of a TCV satellite RNA. More importantly, introducing a new G3(A/U)4 motif elsewhere in the TCV genome was alone sufficient to cause the emergence of another lncRNA. Collectively our results unveil a replication-dependent mechanism for the biogenesis of viral lncRNAs, thus suggesting that multiple mechanisms, individually or in combination, may be responsible for viral lncRNA production.
Switching to Proximity Mobile Payment: Empirical Evidence from Korean Users
Authors: Mu Hong-Lei , Lee Young-Chan
Published: May 2021

Individual users' payment behaviors have changed. The diffusion of mobile devices makes people suitable for proximity mobile payment (PMP) services without the need for traditional payment. Existing mobile payment literature mainly focuses on users' adoption and continuous usage behavior, nevertheless, switching behavior on payment received little attention, especially focusing on why users switch from traditional payment to PMP. Thus, the objective of the current research is to investigate factors influencing users’ traditional payment - PMP switching to comprehend how these factors shape users’ switching intentions. We developed a traditional payment - PMP transition model based on the push-pull-mooring framework derived from migration theory. This research adopted a structural equation modeling analysis on 311 valid data. The findings indicate that a push factor drives users away from traditional payment in terms of dissatisfaction. The pull factors, including perceived substitutability and perceived usefulness, attract users to PMP. Furthermore, in terms of perceived technical compatibility, a positive mooring factor, facilitates users' switching to PMP. Negative mooring factor, in terms of perceived risk, hinder users' switching intention. However, another pull factor - perceived ease of use, failed to influence switching intention significantly. This study found some distinctions between mobile payment switching and mobile payment adoption. These findings provide pivotal insights for the mobile payment service providers.
METHOD OF FORMING AN EFFECTIVE TEAM OF EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROJECTS
Authors: Kuzminska Yuliia , Danchenko Elena , Bedrii Dmytro
Published: May 2021

Project management methodology is widely used in various aspects of educational activities, including in the field of adult education. In-service training projects implemented by higher education institutions in the field of adult education, mainly at public expense, are limited, on the one hand, in terms of implementation, which leads to the impossibility of increasing project implementation time, then in the amount of funding regulated by relevant provisions and resolutions on the organization of professional training (advanced training) of specialists, and on the other hand, the internal regulations and rules of educational institutions on the organization of training and implementation of educational projects in the field of higher education, aimed at working with students. At the same time, the implementation of such projects is subject to increased requirements for their quality. Under such conditions, the implementation of educational projects of professional development is quite difficult. Teams of educational projects of advanced training are formed mainly of persons selected from among the internal employees of the educational institution, who are able to work with an adult audience. To form such teams, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of adult learning, the peculiarities of educational projects of professional development and the peculiarities of the teams of such projects. Accordingly, the management of such teams is associated with certain personnel risks that may affect the success of the project. In turn, working with teams whose members have a high creative potential requires effective  management methods, one of which is the process of forming a single, coherent team of like-minded people who can effectively achieve the project goal. A method of forming teams of educational projects of advanced training, obtained as a result of cross-evaluation of qualities (creativity) of team members of such projects, taking into account their personnel risks and "degrees of trust", is proposed. It is concluded that this method allows the head of the educational project to increase the efficiency of decision-making on team building or planning of executors for the educational project of professional development, by selecting applicants with the highest "degrees of trust".
Intravenous oxygen insufflation (IOI) changes the IL-1-Ra:IL-1β ratio in autologous conditioned serum
Authors: König Brigitte , Wiechert Dirk
Published: May 2021

Background
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is still regarded as the main offender that promotes the pro-inflammatory cascade in muscle injuries, tendopathies and especially in osteoarthritis. Thus, if present in high enough concentrations, IL-1receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) has the potential to inhibit Interleukin-1. In this regard, autologous conditioned serum with an IL-1Ra/IL-1 ratio of at least > 10 might fulfill optimal therapeutic effects. The purpose of this study was to analyze the combination of Regelsberger’s intravenous oxygen insufflation (IOI) with autologous conditioned serum (ACS) on IL-1Ra and IL-1 formation.
Methods
Venous blood from 15 patients which underwent intravenous oxygen insufflation (IOI) for routinely preventive purposes was taken before the first, the 6th, and the 9th session of intravenous oxygen insufflation. IL-1β and IL-1-RA levels were quantified from serum and from autologous conditioned serum (ACS).
Results
Previous intravenous oxygen insufflation treatments significantly reduced IL-1β levels in autologous conditioned serum from mean 67.85pg/ml (before the first treatment) down to mean 4.08pg/ml (before the 9th treatment). Post conditioning levels of IL-1Ra were not changed to any significant degree (before 1st/before6th/ before 9th treatment: 1038.37 ± 140.51 / 900.30 ± 79.24 / 902.84 ± 95.68). Thus, the IL-1Ra:IL-1β ratio was altered on a molecule to molecule basis from a mean of 37.03:1 up to a mean 223.54:1 through the pretreatment.
Conclusion
IOI alters the IL-1Ra:IL-1ß ratio of autologous conditioned serum to a more favorable ratio which might mitigate the inflammatory cascade more efficaciously.
Expression and prognosis analyses of PEA3 subfamily in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via integrated bioinformatics
Authors: Wei Mei , Wang Wei , Ni Guangjian
Published: May 2021

Backgroud: The PEA3 subfamily belongs to the first category of the ETS family, and it consists of three family members, namely, ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5. These members were implicated in the progression of many cancers. But their prognostic roles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain to be characterized.Methods: Data from multiple open databases were used to analyze the expression, regulation, mutations, immune infiltration, and functional networks of the PEA3 subfamily in patients with HNSCC. Results: The results demonstrated that these patients showed downregulated ETV1 and upregulated ETV4/5 compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, high expression of ETV4/5 and low expression of ETV1 were linked to the shortened overall survival in patients with HNSCC. The immune infiltration in B cells stimulated the prognosis, and it may have a prognostic medical significance linked to the PEA3 subfamily in HNSCC. These results showed that data mining efficiently revealed the expression of the PEA3 subfamily in HNSCC, but this study requires further large-scale genomic and basic research.Conclusions: This study provided new insight into the prognostic roles of PEA3 subfamily in HNSCC with potential mechanistic values.
Permanent occurrence of Raphidiopsis raciborskii and cyanotoxins in a subtropical reservoir polluted by domestic effluents (Itupararanga reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil)
Authors: Machado Leila Dos Santos , Dörr Fabiane , Dörr Felipe Augusto , Frascareli Daniele , Melo Darllene S. , Gontijo Erik S.J. , Friese Kurt , Pinto Ernani , Rosa André Henrique , Pompêo Marcelo M. , Moschini-Carlos Viviane
Published: May 2021

Toxic cyanobacteria blooms are a frequent problem in subtropical reservoirs and freshwater systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria and the environmental conditions associated with the presence of cyanotoxins in a Brazilian subtropical reservoir. Five collections were carried out at seven sampling locations in the reservoir, during the rainy and dry seasons, between the years 2016 and 2017. There was permanent occurrence of Raphidiopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Aguilera, Berrendero Gómez, Kastovsky, Echenique & Salerno, ranging between dominant and abundant, with an average biomass of 38.8 ± 29.9 mg L− 1. Also abundant were D. solitarium, D. planctonicum, P. isothrix, and A. gracile. Saxitoxin (STX) was detected in all the collected samples (0.11 ± 0.05 µg L− 1). Microcystin (MC) was also detected, but at lower concentrations (0.01 ± 0.0 µg L− 1). Low availability of NO3− and phosphorus limitation had significant effects on the R. raciborskii biomass and the levels of STX and MC. It was observed that R. raciborskii was sensitive to thermal stratification, at the same time that STX levels were higher. This suggested that STX was produced under conditions that restricted the growth of R. raciborskii. These are important findings, because they add information about the permanent occurrence of STX and R. raciborskii in an aquatic ecosystem limited by phosphorus, vulnerable to climatic variations, and polluted by domestic effluents.
Determination of some heavy metals concentration in species animal meat (sheep, beef, turkey, and ostrich) and carcinogenic health risk assessment in Kurdistan province, western Iran
Authors: Raeeszadeh Mahdieh , Gravandi Hamed , Akbari Abolfazl
Published: May 2021

Accumulation of heavy metals in food as one of the environmental pollutants due to the development of urban industries and human activities, is one of the threats to public health. The purpose of this study, as the first report in Sanandaj, one of the strategic cities of western Iran, was to investigate the concentration of heavy metals in the meat of different species of sheep, calves, turkeys and ostriches. In a cross-sectional study, the content of selenium, lead, cadmium, arsenic, cobalt, zinc, nickel, copper, and chromium in 170 meat samples prepared from meat distribution centers in Sanandaj was investigated. The content of these elements was measured by the ICP-MS method in the meat of beef, sheep, turkey, and ostrich. Data were analyzed using parametric tests of ANOVA and one-sample t-test, and the correlation coefficient and the relationship among the concentration of metals were also calculated and compared in studied species. The results showed that the mean content of selenium, nickel, cobalt, and chromium in the studied species did not show a significant difference (P > 0.05). However, the mean content of lead, cadmium, arsenic, zinc, and copper showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was also found between cadmium and selenium in turkey meat. With the exception of copper and selenium, the concentrations of other metals were higher than allowed in the meat of the studied species. The Target Risk (TR) of cancer for lead, cadmium, and arsenic in some species studied was higher than allowed (more than 10− 4). Due to the excessive accumulation of carcinogenic heavy metals in sheep, beef, turkey, and ostrich meat, it is necessary to monitor and remove barriers to environmental pollutants.
Music therapy for postoperative pain management after mastectomy in Nigeria: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: TOLA Yetunde Oluwafunmilayo , Iloba Njokanma G , Chow Ka Ming
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the cultural elements of music in relation to pain management among women who have undergone mastectomy.
Method:

An exploratory qualitative study with in-depth interviews. Using the purposive sampling technique, 20 participants were recruited for the study. The interviews were conducted face to face at the surgical out-patient clinic and female surgical ward. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached. The inductive approach was used to analyse the data, and the concepts were organized into themes. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines (COREQ) were used to report this study.
Results

The participants were between 28 and 83 years old and mostly diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. Three main themes emerged from the data analysis, including pain experienced after mastectomy, culture and music, and the perception of music for postoperative pain management after mastectomy.
Conclusion

Knowledge and the utilisation of music as a therapy for pain management remains inadequate, but the participants perceived that music could be useful for pain control after mastectomy when the language and religion of the patient and the meaningfulness of the music were considered when introducing and selecting the music. This study will help open and extend the conversation about the utilisation and cultural elements of music that can be used clinically for pain management after mastectomy.
Evaluating health technology engagement among family caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Raj Minakshi , Gupta Vibhuti , Hoodin Flora , Yahng Lilian , Braun Thomas , Choi Sung Won
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Digital health technology-based interventions have the potential to support caregivers in their caregiving responsibilities and in managing their own health and well-being. Designing digital health technologies to support caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation requires evaluating their engagement with these technologies. The objective of this study was to examine the association between caregiving characteristics and different types of digital health technologies used. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional, national survey of 948 unpaid family caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. Results: Almost two-thirds (65.4%) of respondents reported using an app for fitness or step counting, while 41.3% reported using a smartwatch. The average number of apps used was 3.3 (range 0-9). In adjusted models, adult children who were caregivers (OR=5.82, p<0.005) and caregivers of another relative (OR=2.51, p<0.005) were significantly more likely to use a fitness tracker than caregivers of a child. Caregiving for six months or greater was associated with use of fewer apps compared with caregiving for less than six months in adjusted models (OR=0.80, p<0.005). Caregivers of patients receiving an allogeneic transplant used more apps on average than caregivers of patients receiving an autologous transplant, in adjusted (OR=1.36, p<0.005) models.Conclusion: Digital health technologies may reflect promising avenues for supporting caregivers of patients undergoing HCT. The rapid insurgence of telehealth, propelled by the current COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizes the need for a better understanding of digital health technology for future study design.
Spatiotemporal variability of land surface temperature in north-western Ethiopia
Authors: Bayable Getachew , Alemu Getnet
Published: May 2021

The aggravating deforestation, industrialization and urbanization are increasingly becoming the principal causes for environmental challenges worldwide. As a result, satellite-based remote sensing helps to explore the environmental challenges spatially and temporally. This investigation analyzed the spatiotemporal discrepancies in Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the link with elevation in Amhara region, Ethiopia. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST data (2001–2020) was used. The pixel-based linear regression model was employed to explore the spatiotemporal discrepancies of LST changes pixel-wise. Furthermore, Sen's slope and Mann-Kendall were used for determining the extent of temporal shifts of the areal average LST and evaluating trends in areal average LST values, respectively. Coefficient of Variation (CV) was calculated to examine spatial and temporal discrepancies in seasonal and annual LST for each pixel. The distribution of average seasonal LST spatially ranged from 43.45–16.62℃, 39.89–14.59℃, 50.39-21.102℃ and 43.164–20.39℃ for autumn (September-November), summer (June-August), spring (March-May) and winter (December-February) seasons, respectively. The seasonal LST CV varied from1.096-10.72%, 0.7–11.06%, 1.29–14.76% and 2.19–10.35% for average autumn, summer, spring and winter seasons, respectively. The seasonal spatial LST trend varied from − 0.7 − 0.16, -0.4-0.224, 0.6 − 0.19 and − 0.6 − 0.32 for average autumn, summer, spring and winter seasons, respectively. Besides, the annual spatial LST slope varied from − 0.58 − 0.17. An insignificantly declining trend in LST shown at 0.036℃ yr− 1, 0.041℃ yr− 1, 0.074℃ yr− 1, 0.005℃ yr− 1 in autumn, summer, spring and winter seasons (P < 0.05), respectively. Moreover, the annual variations of mean LST decreased insignificantly at 0.046℃ yr− 1. Generally, the LST is tremendously variable in space and time and negatively correlated with an elevation.
Toxicity Assessment of Concurrent Gabapentin/Pregabalin Administration with High-Dose Melphalan in Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Angus Jonathan , Cumpston Aaron , Veltri Lauren , Ross Kelly , Wen Sijin , Dillaman Megan
Published: May 2021

Peripheral neuropathy is a common toxicity of various multiple myeloma regimens. A theoretical pharmacokinetic interaction mediated through L-amino acid transporter 1 and 2 exists between gabapentin (GP) and pregabalin (PG) with melphalan. Therefore, it is likely concurrent administration of either GP or PG will occur in patients receiving high-dose melphalan (HD-Mel) conditioning for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation, which could potentially increase cellular uptake and worsen mucosal injury. A retrospective chart review of adult patients from January 2012 to July 2016 who received HD-Mel (140-200mg/m2) at West Virginia University Medicine was performed to assess toxicity and outcomes in these patients. A total of 80 patients were included in the study, with 30 patients receiving GP or PG and 50 control patients. There were no significant differences in grade 2 or higher mucositis, admissions for nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, intravenous opioid requirements, oral topical therapies, antidiarrheal medication use, rescue antiemetics, days of nausea or vomiting, pain scores, neutrophil or platelet engraftment, treatment-related mortality, progression-free survival, or overall survival. Our data suggest that it is safe to continue GP/PG therapy throughout HD-Mel therapy, with no negative transplant outcomes. Prospective studies or evaluation of larger databases are necessary to better characterize the clinical effect of concomitant therapy.
How political choices shaped Covid connectivity: the Italian case study
Authors: Bulai Iulia Martina , Amico Enrico
Published: May 2021

The importance of implementing new methodologies to study the ever-increasing amount of Covid-19 data is apparent. The aftermath analysis of these data could inform us on how specific political decisions influenced the dynamics of the pandemic outbreak. In this paper we use the Italian outbreak as a case study, to study six different Covid indicators collected in twenty Italian regions. We define a new object, the Covidome, to investigate the network of functional Covid interactions between regions. We analyzed the Italian Covidome over the course of 2020, and found that Covid connectivity between regions follows a sharp North-South community gradient. Furthermore, we explored the Covidome dynamics and individuated differences in regional Covid connectivity between the first and second waves of the pandemic. These differences can be associated to
the two different lockdown strategies adopted for the first and the second wave from the Italian government. Finally, we explored to what extent Covid connectivity was associated with the Italian geographical network, and found that
Central regions were more tied to the structural constraints than Northern or Southern regions in the spread of the virus. We hope that this approach will be useful in gaining new insights on how political choices shaped Covid dynamics
across nations.
Picomolar inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern by an engineered ACE2-IgG4-Fc fusion protein
Authors: Svilenov Hristo , Sacherl Julia , Reiter Alwin , Wolff Lisa , Cheng Cho-Chin , Stern Marcel , Grass Vincent , Wachs Frank-Peter , Simonavicius Nicole , Pippig Susanne , Wolschin Florian , Keppler Oliver , Buchner Johannes , Brockmeyer Carsten , Protzer Ulrike
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells after binding through its spike glycoprotein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Soluble ACE2 ectodomains bind and neutralize the virus, yet their short in vivo half-live limits their therapeutic use. This limitation can be overcome by fusing the fragment crystallizable (Fc) part of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) to the ACE2 ectodomain, but this bears the risk of unwanted Fc-receptor activation and antibody-dependent disease enhancement. Here, we describe optimized ACE2-IgG4-Fc fusion constructs that avoid Fc-receptor activation, preserve the desired ACE-2 enzymatic activity and show promising pharmaceutical properties. The engineered ACE2-IgG4-Fc fusion proteins neutralize the original SARS-CoV, pandemic SARS-CoV-2 as well as the rapidly spreading SARS-CoV-2 variants-of-concern, B.1.17 and B.1.351. Importantly, these variants-of-concern are inhibited at picomolar concentrations proving that ACE-2-IgG4 maintains – in contrast to therapeutic antibodies - its full antiviral potential. Thus, ACE2-IgG4-Fc fusion proteins are promising candidate anti-antivirals to combat the current and future pandemics.
Assessment of groundwater vulnerability based on the modified DRASTIC model: A case study in Baicheng City, China
Authors: Liu Mingjun , Xiao Changlai , Liang Xiujuan
Published: May 2021

Accurate assessment of groundwater vulnerability objectively reflects an area’s potential for groundwater pollution and provides a reference basis for pollution control and prevention. The main objective of this study was to modify the original DRASTIC model to improve the consistency of groundwater vulnerability assessment results with regard to the actual conditions of the study area. To optimize the assessment objectivity, two additional factors that are influenced by human activities (land use and degree of groundwater extraction) were added to form the DRASTICLE model. Then, based on the correlation between all factors and measured nitrate concentrations, the improved three-scale analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the weights of evidence (WOE) methods were used to reassign the factor weights of the original DRASTIC model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, denoted as AUC, was used to quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of all five models (original DRASTIC model AUC: 0.62). By modifying the factors and weights, the four new models showed better performance, AUC values were 0.75, 0.76, 0.85, and 0.78 for the AHP-DRASTIC, AHP-DRASTICLE, WOE-DRASTIC, and WOE-DRASTICLE models, respectively. This indicates that the modified models could more accurately convey groundwater vulnerability in the study area. The WOE-DRASTIC model, which had the best performance, was then used to assess groundwater vulnerability in 2000 and 2010. In 2000, 2010, and 2018, the proportion of areas with very high groundwater vulnerability increased from 5.14–6.34% to 7.93%, respectively. Meanwhile, the proportion of areas with very low vulnerability also increased, from 72.63–75.07% to 81.60%; demonstrating a situation of extremes. Findings of this study are expected to provide a new theoretical basis for the Baicheng municipal government in China to better manage and exploit groundwater resources.
Effect of Curing Temperature on Mechanical Properties of Bio-Phenolic/Epoxy Polymer Blends
Authors: Ismail Ahmad Safwan , Jawaid Mohammad , Hamid Norul Hisham , Yahaya Ridwan , Hassan Azman , Asim Mohammad , Supian A.B.M.
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, researchers continue studies for alternative materials to replace the redundant petroleum-based products. The combination of various polymer mixture process mainly from bio-polymer material as a matrix property could reduce the dependence over petroleum-based polymer, thus the dangerous residue waste from the synthetic polymer in the fabrication process could be eliminated and produce better composite material with lower cost and high performance of composite material in numerous applications. In this study, the effect of bio-phenolic loading and curing temperature on the mechanical properties of bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends was investigated. Bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends were fabricated with different loading of bio-phenolic resin (5(P-5), 10(P-10), 15(P-15), 20(P-20) and 25(P-25) wt%) and different curing temperature was used which is 100 ℃, 130 ℃ and 150 ℃. The overall mechanical properties of bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends were improved as bio-phenolic loading increase and curing temperature increase. Based on the analysis, bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends with 20 wt% bio-phenolic showed the best overall mechanical properties. Besides that, 150 ℃ curing temperature was the most suitable curing temperature for bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends based on the overall mechanical properties.