bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin K and Osteoporosis
Authors: Fusaro Maria , Cianciolo Giuseppe , Brandi Maria Luisa , Ferrari Serge , Nickolas Thomas L. , Tripepi Giovanni , Plebani Mario , Zaninotto Martina , Iervasi Giorgio , La Manna Gaetano , Gallieni Maurizio , Vettor Roberto , Aghi Andrea , Gasperoni Lorenzo , Giannini Sandro , Sella Stefania , M. Cheung Angela
Published: November 2020

Vitamin K acts as a coenzyme of carboxylase, catalyzing the carboxylation of several vitamin K dependent proteins. Beyond its well-known effects on blood coagulation, it also exerts relevant effects on bone and the vascular system. In this review, we point out the relevance of an adequate vitamin K intake to obtain sufficient levels of carboxylated (active form) vitamin K dependent proteins (such as Osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein) to prevent bone health. Another bone-related action of Vitamin K is being a ligand of the nuclear steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR). We also discuss the recommended intake, deficiency, and assessment of vitamin K. Furthermore, we review the few available studies that have as pre-specified outcome bone fractures, indicating that we need more clinical studies to confirm that vitamin K is a potential therapeutic agent for bone fractures.
Ultra-Marathon-Induced Increase in Serum Levels of Vitamin D Metabolites: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mieszkowski Jan , Stankiewicz Błażej , Kochanowicz Andrzej , Niespodziński Bartłomiej , Kowalik Tomasz , Żmijewski Michał A. , Kowalski Konrad , Rola Rafał , Bieńkowski Tomasz , Antosiewicz Jędrzej
Published: November 2020

Purpose: While an increasing number of studies demonstrate the importance of vitamin D for athletic performance, the effects of any type of exercise on vitamin D metabolism are poorly characterized. We aimed to identify the responses of some vitamin D metabolites to ultra-marathon runs. Methods: A repeated-measures design was implemented, in which 27 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: those who received a single dose of vitamin D3 (150,000 IU) 24 h before the start of the marathon (n = 13) and those (n = 14) who received a placebo. Blood samples were collected 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Results: In both groups of runners, serum 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels significantly increased by 83%, 63%, and 182% after the ultra-marathon, respectively. The increase was most pronounced in the vitamin D group. Body mass and fat mass significantly decreased after the run in both groups. Conclusions: Ultra-marathon induces the mobilization of vitamin D into the blood. Furthermore, the 24,25(OH)2D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 increases imply that the exercise stimulates vitamin D metabolism.
Achieving Dietary Sodium Recommendations and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Prevention through Culinary Medicine Education
Authors: Razavi Alexander C. , Dyer Amber , Jones Matthew , Sapin Alexander , Caraballo Graciela , Nace Heather , Dotson Kerri , Razavi Michael A. , Harlan Timothy S.
Published: November 2020

Sodium-reduction initiatives have been a cornerstone of preventing hypertension and broader atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) since the early 1970s. For nearly 50 years, public health and clinical guidelines have concentrated on consumer education, behavioral change, and, to a lesser extent, food policy to help reduce sodium intake among Americans. While these efforts undoubtedly helped improve awareness, average sodium consumption remains at approximately 4200 mg/day in men and 3000 mg/day in women, well above the United States Dietary Guidelines of 2300 mg/day. Culinary medicine is an emerging discipline in clinical and public-health education that provides healthcare professionals and community members with food-based knowledge and skills. With the hands-on teaching of kitchen education to individuals, culinary medicine provides eaters with tangible strategies for reducing sodium through home cooking. Here, we review opportunities for culinary medicine to help improve both individual- and population-level sodium-reduction outcomes through five main areas: increasing adherence to a plant-forward dietary pattern, food literacy, the enhancement of complementary flavors, disease-specific teaching-kitchen modules, and the delivery of culturally specific nutrition education. Through this process, we hope to further underline the value of formal, hands-on teaching-kitchen education among healthcare professionals and community members for ASCVD prevention.
Food Addiction and Cognitive Functioning: What Happens in Adolescents?
Authors: Rodrigue Christopher , Iceta Sylvain , Bégin Catherine
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to examine cognitive factors associated to food addiction (FA) symptoms in a non-clinical sample of adolescents. A group of 25 adolescents (12–18 years; Mean age = 15.2 years) with a high level of FA symptoms (two and more) were compared to a control group without FA symptoms (n = 25), matched on sex and age, on four Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) neuropsychological tasks (MT: Multitasking Test; OTS: One Touch Stockings of Cambridge; SST: Stop Signal Task; RVP: Rapid Visual Information Processing). They were also compared on self-reported questionnaires assessing binge eating, depressive and anxiety symptoms, impulsivity levels, as well as executive functioning difficulties. Group comparisons did not show significant differences on neuropsychological tasks’ performances. However, effect sizes’ estimates showed small to medium effect sizes on three scores: adolescents with a high level of FA symptoms showed a higher probability of an error following an incorrect answer (OTS), a higher probability of false alarm, and a poorer target sensitivity (RVP). When referring to self-reported measurements, they reported significantly more executive functioning difficulties, more binge eating, depressive symptoms and higher impulsivity levels. Overall, results suggested that cognitive difficulties related to FA symptoms seem to manifest themselves more clearly when assessing daily activities with a self-reported questionnaire, which in turn are strongly related to overeating behaviors and psychological symptoms. Future longitudinal research is needed to examine the evolution of those variables, their relationships, and contribution in obesity onset. More precisely, the present findings highlighted the importance of affective difficulties related to this condition, as well as the need to take them into account in its assessment.
Anemia and Hematopoietic Factor Deficiencies in Patients after Endoscopic Gastrostomy: A Nine-Year and 472-Patient Study
Authors: Brito Mariana , Laranjo Ana , Nunes Gonçalo , Oliveira Cátia , Santos Carla Adriana , Fonseca Jorge
Published: November 2020

Introduction and aims: Patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) may present protein-energy malnutrition, anemia and deficiencies of hematopoietic factors, e.g., iron, folate and vitamin B12. There are no comprehensive studies on anemia or other hematological changes in PEG-patients. Our aim was to evaluate the hematological status of dysphagic patients that had undergone PEG and its association with clinical outcome. Methods: This research comprises a retrospective study of patients followed by our Artificial Feeding Team, submitted to PEG from 2010 to 2018. Patients were divided into two etiological groups: neurological dysphagia (ND) and head/neck or esophageal disorders (HNE). Laboratory data included serum albumin, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, ferritin, transferrin, iron, vitamin B12 and folate. Survival after PEG was recorded in months, until death or December 2018. Results: We evaluated 472 patients; 250 (53%) presented anemia at the moment of gastrostomy, mostly normocytic (n = 219), with laboratory data suggestive of anemia of chronic disease (ACD). Six patients (1.3%) presented vitamin B12 deficiency and 57 (12.1%) presented folate deficit. No statistically significant difference in hemoglobin was found between the etiological groups (p = 0.230). Folate and vitamin B12 levels were lower in the HNE group (p < 0.01). A positive correlation between hemoglobin and survival was present (p < 0.01, r = 0.289), and hemoglobin levels were lower in the deceased population (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Anemia is frequent in PEG-patients, mostly with the features of ACD or multifactorial. It is associated with significant decrease in survival and may be viewed as a marker of severe metabolic distress, signaling poor outcome.
Nanosuspensions and Microneedles Roller as a Combined Approach to Enhance Diclofenac Topical Bioavailability
Authors: Pireddu Rosa , Schlich Michele , Marceddu Salvatore , Valenti Donatella , Pini Elena , Fadda Anna Maria , Lai Francesco , Sinico Chiara
Published: November 2020

Topical application of the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (DCF) reduces the severity of systemic unwanted effects compared to its oral administration. A number of transdermal formulations are available on the market and routinely used in clinical and home-care settings. However, the amount of DCF delivered across the skin remains limited and often insufficient, thus making the oral route still necessary for achieving sufficient drug concentration at the inflamed site. In attempting to improve the transdermal penetration, we explored the combined use of DCF nanosuspensions with a microneedle roller. Firstly, DCF nanosuspensions were prepared by a top-down media milling method and characterized by spectroscopic, thermal and electron microscopy analyses. Secondly, the pore-forming action of microneedle rollers on skin specimens (ex vivo) was described by imaging at different scales. Finally, DCF nanosuspensions were applied on newborn pig skin (in vitro) in combination with microneedles roller treatment, assessing the DCF penetration and distribution in the different skin layers. The relative contribution of microneedle length, nanosuspension stabilizer and application sequence could be identified by systemically varying these parameters.
RETRACTED: Liu et al. Preparation of Amidoxime-Functionalized β-Cyclodextrin-Graft-(Maleic Anhydride-co-Acrylonitrule) Copolymer and Evaluation of the Adsorption and Regeneration Properties of Uranium. Polymers 2018, 10, 236
Authors: Yang Liu , Bi Lei , Lei Zhiwei , Miao Yu , Li Bolin , Liu Tonghuan , Wu Wangsuo
Published: November 2020

As the authors of the title paper [...]
Preliminary Study of In Vitro Three-Dimensional Skin Model Using an Ovine Collagen Type I Sponge Seeded with Co-Culture Skin Cells: Submerged versus Air-Liquid Interface Conditions
Authors: Fauzi Mh Busra , Rashidbenam Zahra , Bin Saim Aminuddin , Binti Hj Idrus Ruszymah
Published: November 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro skin models have been widely used for cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical applications aiming to reduce animal use in experiment. This study investigate capability of ovine tendon collagen type I (OTC-I) sponge suitable platform for a 3D in vitro skin model using co-cultured skin cells (CC) containing human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) under submerged (SM) and air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions. Briefly, the extracted OTC-I was freeze-dried and crosslinked with genipin (OTC-I_GNP) and carbodiimide (OTC-I_EDC). The gross appearance, physico-chemical characteristics, biocompatibility and growth profile of seeded skin cells were assessed. The light brown and white appearance for the OTC-I_GNP scaffold and other groups were observed, respectively. The OTC-I_GNP scaffold demonstrated the highest swelling ratio (~1885%) and water uptake (94.96 ± 0.14%). The Fourier transformation infrared demonstrated amide A, B and I, II and III which represent collagen type I. The microstructure of all fabricated sponges presented a similar surface roughness with the presence of visible collagen fibers and a heterogenous porous structure. The OTC-I_EDC scaffold was more toxic and showed the lowest cell attachment and proliferation as compared to other groups. The micrographic evaluation revealed that CC potentially formed the epidermal- and dermal-like layers in both SM and ALI that prominently observed with OTC-I_GNP compared to others. In conclusion, these results suggest that OTC_GNP could be used as a 3D in vitro skin model under ALI microenvironment.
Chronic High Glucose Concentration Induces Inflammatory and Remodeling Changes in Valvular Endothelial Cells and Valvular Interstitial Cells in a Gelatin Methacrylate 3D Model of the Human Aortic Valve
Authors: Ciortan Letitia , Macarie Razvan Daniel , Cecoltan Sergiu , Vadana Mihaela , Tucureanu Monica Madalina , Mihaila Andreea Cristina , Droc Ionel , Butoi Elena , Manduteanu Ileana
Published: November 2020

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a degenerative disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis and calcification, is accelerated in diabetes. Hyperglycemia contributes to this process by mechanisms that still need to be uncovered. We have recently developed a 3D model of the human aortic valve based on gelatin methacrylate and revealed that high glucose (HG) induced osteogenic molecules and increased calcium deposits in a pro-osteogenic environment. To further understand the events leading to calcification in diabetic conditions in CAVD, we analyzed here the inflammatory and remodeling mechanisms induced by HG in our 3D model. We exposed valvular endothelial cells (VEC) and interstitial cells (VIC) to normal glucose (NG) or HG for 7 and 14 days, then we isolated and separated the cells by anti-CD31 immunomagnetic beads. The changes induced by HG in the 3D model were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence. Our results showed that HG induced expression of different cytokines, cell adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases in VEC and VIC. In addition, protein kinase C was increased in VEC and VIC, indicating molecular mechanisms associated with HG induced inflammation and remodeling in both valvular cells. These findings may indicate new biomarkers and targets for therapy in diabetes associated with CAVD.
Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) Porous Matrices from Thermally Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Zeinali Reza , Khorasani Mohammad Taghi , Behnamghader Aliasghar , Atai Mohammad , Valle Luis del , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: November 2020

Thermally induced phase separation followed by freeze drying has been used to prepare biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds with interconnected 3D microporous structures from poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) copolymers containing 5 and 12 wt % of 3-hydroxyvalerate (HV). Solutions of PHBV in 1,4-dioxane, underwent phase separation by cooling under two different thermal gradients (at −25 °C and −5 °C). The cloud point and crystallization temperature of the polymer solutions were determined by turbidimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Parameters affecting the phase separation mechanism such as variation of both the cooling process and the composition of the PHBV copolymer were investigated. Afterwards, the influence of these variables on the morphology of the porous structure and the final mechanical properties (i.e., rigidity and damping) was evaluated via scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, respectively. While the morphology of the scaffolds was considerably affected by polymer crystallization upon a slow cooling rate, the effect of solvent crystallization was more evident at either high hydroxyvalerate content (i.e., 12 wt % of HV) or high cooling rate. The decrease in the HV content gave rise to scaffolds with greater stiffness because of their higher degree of crystallinity, being also noticeable the greater consistency of the structure attained when the cooling rate was higher. Scaffolds were fully biocompatible supports for cell adhesion and proliferation in 3D cultures and show potential application as a tool for tissue regeneration.
The Potential Use of Zeolite, Montmorillonite, and Biochar for the Removal of Radium-226 from Aqueous Solutions and Contaminated Groundwater
Authors: Almasoud Fahad I. , Al-Farraj Abdullah S. , Al-Wabel Mohammad I. , Usman Adel R.A. , Alanazi Yousef J. , Ababneh Zaid Q.
Published: November 2020

The present work investigated the potential of using zeolite (clinoptilolite), montmorillonite (Swy2), and Conocarpus biochar as adsorbents to remove 226Ra from aqueous solution. The effect of the initial 226Ra concentrations on sorbents’ equilibrium activity concentrations and sorbents’ radium removal efficiency were investigated. The results showed that zeolite has a higher removal efficiency for 226Ra in comparison with the efficiencies of montmorillonite and biochar. In addition to the linear isotherm model, the Freundlich model, followed by Temkin’s model, provided a better description of the adsorption process than the Langmuir model. Kinetic studies indicated that a pseudo-second-order kinetic model could be the best fit for the adsorption of 226Ra onto the three investigated sorbents, which suggests that the mechanism of adsorption of 226Ra by sorbents was chemisorption. The intraparticle diffusion model indicated that adsorption of 226Ra onto the sorbents involves a multistep process: (i) boundary layer diffusion and (ii) intraparticle diffusion. Moreover, the remediation of groundwater samples polluted with 226Ra was assessed using the investigated sorbents; the results showed that zeolite also has the highest removal efficiency among other sorbents. Thus, the low cost, availability, and the high adsorption efficiency of zeolite can be a promising sorbent on 226Ra removal from aqueous solutions and groundwater remediation.
Healing Space: The Synaesthetic Quality of Church Architecture
Authors: Daelemans Bert
Published: November 2020

There is a growing literature on the healing effects of buildings designed for healthcare, but publications that insist on this spiritual and healing dimension in church architecture are rare. Contemporary ecclesial buildings are often rightly criticized for their cold and soulless emptiness. However, through the analysis of four emblematic case studies, this article aims to lay bare an essential dimension of architecture that is often overlooked, a multisensory and synaesthetic dimension that engages our body even before we become aware of it. Hence, this article builds upon the recurrent plea of spatial theorists, philosophers, and architects for synaesthetic space as a reaction to a dominant ocularcentric environment. Surprisingly, contemporary church architecture seems rather propitious to deploy this inherently religious dimension that is at once healing and spiritual in a new sense, which is especially needed nowadays.
Improved Zenith Tropospheric Delay Modeling Using the Piecewise Model of Atmospheric Refractivity
Authors: Yang Liu , Gao Jingxiang , Zhu Dantong , Zheng Nanshan , Li Zengke
Published: November 2020

As one of the atmosphere propagation delays, the tropospheric delay is a significant error source that should be properly handled in high-precision global navigation satellite system (GNSS) applications. We propose an improved zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) modeling method whereby the piecewise model of the atmospheric refractivity is introduced. Compared with using the exponential model to fit ZTD in vertical direction, the ZTD piecewise model has a better performance. Based on ERA5 2.5° × 2.5° reanalysis data produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) from 2013 to 2017, we establish the regional gridded ZTD model (RGZTD) using a trigonometric function for China and the surrounding areas, which ranges from 70° E to 135° E in longitude and from 15° N to 55° N in latitude. To verify the performance of RGZTD model, the ERA5 ZTD data in 2017–2018, the radiosonde ZTD data from 86 radiosonde stations over China in 2017–2018, and the tropospheric delay products on 251 GNSS stations from Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) in 2016–2017 are used as external compliance check data. The results show that the overall accuracy of RGZTD model is better than that of exponential model, UNB3m model, and GPT3 model. Moreover, the accuracy can be improved by about 13.4%, 7.1%, and 6.2% when ERA5 reanalysis data, radiosonde data, and CMONOC data are used as reference values, respectively. High-accuracy ZTD data can be provided because the RGZTD model takes into account the vertical variation of ZTD through the new piecewise model.
Identifying Defects in Aerospace Composite Sandwich Panels Using High-Definition Distributed Optical Fibre Sensors
Authors: Mills James A. , Hamilton Andrew W. , Gillespie David I. , Andonovic Ivan , Michie Craig , Burnham Kenneth , Tachtatzis Christos
Published: November 2020

Automated methods for detecting defects within composite materials are highly desirable in the drive to increase throughput, optimise repair program effectiveness and reduce component replacement. Tap-testing has traditionally been used for detecting defects but does not provide quantitative measurements, requiring secondary techniques such as ultrasound to certify components. This paper reports on an evaluation of the use of a distributed temperature measurement system—high-definition fibre optic sensing (HD-FOS)—to identify and characterise crushed core and disbond defects in carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)-skin, aluminium-core, sandwich panels. The objective is to identify these defects in a sandwich panel by measuring the heat transfer through the panel thickness. A heater mat is used to rapidly increase the temperature of the panel with the HD-FOS sensor positioned on the top surface, measuring temperature. HD-FOS measurements are made using the Luna optical distributed sensor interrogator (ODISI) 9100 system comprising a sensor fabricated using standard single mode fibre (SMF)-20 of external diameter 250 μm, including the cladding. Results show that areas in which defects are present modulate thermal conductivity, resulting in a lower surface temperature. The resultant data are analysed to identify the length, width and type of defect. The non-invasive technique is amenable to application in challenging operational settings, offering high-resolution visualisation and defect classification.
Sensor Signal and Information Processing III
Authors: Woo Wai Lok , Gao Bin
Published: November 2020

n/a
An Adaptive Filter for Nonlinear Multi-Sensor Systems with Heavy-Tailed Noise
Authors: Dong Xiangxiang , Chisci Luigi , Cai Yunze
Published: November 2020

Aiming towards state estimation and information fusion for nonlinear systems with heavy-tailed measurement noise, a variational Bayesian Student’s t-based cubature information filter (VBST-CIF) is designed. Furthermore, a multi-sensor variational Bayesian Student’s t-based cubature information feedback fusion (VBST-CIFF) algorithm is also derived. In the proposed VBST-CIF, the spherical-radial cubature (SRC) rule is embedded into the variational Bayes (VB) method for a joint estimation of states and scale matrix, degree-of-freedom (DOF) parameter, as well as an auxiliary parameter in the nonlinear system with heavy-tailed noise. The designed VBST-CIF facilitates multi-sensor fusion, allowing to derive a VBST-CIFF algorithm based on multi-sensor information feedback fusion. The performance of the proposed algorithms is assessed in target tracking scenarios. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed VBST-CIF/VBST-CIFF outperform the conventional cubature information filter (CIF) and cubature information feedback fusion (CIFF) algorithms.
Real-Time Locating System in Production Management
Authors: Rácz-Szabó András , Ruppert Tamás , Bántay László , Löcklin Andreas , Jakab László , Abonyi János
Published: November 2020

Real-time monitoring and optimization of production and logistics processes significantly improve the efficiency of production systems. Advanced production management solutions require real-time information about the status of products, production, and resources. As real-time locating systems (also referred to as indoor positioning systems) can enrich the available information, these systems started to gain attention in industrial environments in recent years. This paper provides a review of the possible technologies and applications related to production control and logistics, quality management, safety, and efficiency monitoring. This work also provides a workflow to clarify the steps of a typical real-time locating system project, including the cleaning, pre-processing, and analysis of the data to provide a guideline and reference for research and development of indoor positioning-based manufacturing solutions.
Development and Validation of Open-Source Activity Intensity Count and Activity Intensity Classification Algorithms from Raw Acceleration Signals of Wearable Sensors
Authors: Poitras Isabelle , Clouâtre Jade , Bouyer Laurent J. , Routhier François , Mercier Catherine , Campeau-Lecours Alexandre
Published: November 2020

Background: A popular outcome in rehabilitation studies is the activity intensity count, which is typically measured from commercially available accelerometers. However, the algorithms are not openly available, which impairs long-term follow-ups and restricts the potential to adapt the algorithms for pathological populations. The objectives of this research are to design and validate open-source algorithms for activity intensity quantification and classification. Methods: Two versions of a quantification algorithm are proposed (fixed [FB] and modifiable bandwidth [MB]) along with two versions of a classification algorithm (discrete [DM] vs. continuous methods [CM]). The results of these algorithms were compared to those of a commercial activity intensity count solution (ActiLife) with datasets from four activities (n = 24 participants). Results: The FB and MB algorithms gave similar results as ActiLife (r > 0.96). The DM algorithm is similar to a ActiLife (r ≥ 0.99). The CM algorithm differs (r ≥ 0.89) but is more precise. Conclusion: The combination of the FB algorithm with the DM results is a solution close to that of ActiLife. However, the MB version remains valid while being more adaptable, and the CM is more precise. This paper proposes an open-source alternative for rehabilitation that is compatible with several wearable devices and not dependent on manufacturer commercial decisions.
Effects of the Use of Good Agricultural Practices on Aflatoxin Levels in Maize Grown in Nandi County, Kenya
Authors: Marete Grace Nkirote , Kanja Laetitia Wakonyu , Mbaria James Mucunu , Okumu Mitchel Otieno , Ateku Penina Afwande , Korhonen Hannu , Joutsjoki Vesa
Published: November 2020

Aflatoxin contaminated maize is of public health concern in Kenya. Training farmers on good agricultural practice (GAP) has been touted as a mitigative measure. Little is known of the effect of such training on aflatoxin levels in maize grown in Kenya. This study evaluated what effect training farmers on GAP has on aflatoxin levels in maize grown in Kaptumo, Kilibwoni, and Kipkaren divisions in Nandi County. Ninety farmers were recruited for the study and interviewed on GAP. Maize samples were additionally collected from the participating farmers and analyzed for aflatoxins using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). All farmers prepared the land before planting, applied correct spacing between the planted crops, carried out weeding, cleaned their stores before use, checked the condition of the maize after harvesting, sorted maize after shelling, and knew about aflatoxins. The majority of the farmers (90%) used fertilizers, dried maize after harvesting, knew that aflatoxins were harmful to humans, and used clean transport in transporting the harvested maize. About 98% of farmers did stooking after harvesting and 97% used wooden pallets in the maize stores. The percentage of farmers who practiced early planting, top dressing, crop rotation, raising stores above the ground, applying insecticide after shelling and feeding damaged/rotten seeds to their animals was 84–96%, 62–80%, 67–85%, 86–98%, 63–81%, and 7–21% respectively. About 18/90 (20%) of all farmers reported that they had a relative who had died from liver cancer, and the mean aflatoxin levels in season 1 were significantly different from those in season 2 (1.92 ± 1.07 ppb; 1.30 ± 1.50 ppb). Our findings suggest that although training farmers to adopt good agricultural practices was observed to be efficient in mitigating the problem of aflatoxins, the receptiveness of farmers to different aspects of the training may have differed. Therefore, in designing an optimized regional aflatoxin contamination strategy, local applicability should be considered.
Adenovirus—Extracellular Protein Interactions and Their Impact on Innate Immune Responses by Human Mononuclear Phagocytes
Authors: Chéneau Coraline , Kremer Eric J.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this review is to highlight how, in a syngeneic system, human mononuclear phagocytes respond to environments containing human adenovirus (HAdV) and soluble extracellular proteins that influence their innate immune response. Soluble extracellular proteins, including immunoglobulins, blood clotting factors, proteins of the complement system, and/or antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can exert direct effects by binding to a virus capsid that modifies interactions with pattern recognition receptors and downstream signaling. In addition, the presence, generation, or secretion of extracellular proteins can indirectly influence the response to HAdVs via the activation and recruitment of cells at the site of infection.
Evasion of the Cell-Mediated Immune Response by Alphaherpesviruses
Authors: Koyanagi Naoto , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: November 2020

Alphaherpesviruses cause various diseases and establish life-long latent infections in humans and animals. These viruses encode multiple viral proteins and miRNAs to evade the host immune response, including both innate and adaptive immunity. Alphaherpesviruses evolved highly advanced immune evasion strategies to be able to replicate efficiently in vivo and produce latent infections with recurrent outbreaks. This review describes the immune evasion strategies of alphaherpesviruses, especially against cytotoxic host immune responses. Considering these strategies, it is important to evaluate whether the immune evasion mechanisms in cell cultures are applicable to viral propagation and pathogenicity in vivo. This review focuses on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), natural killer cells (NK cells), and natural killer T cells (NKT cells), which are representative immune cells that directly damage virus-infected cells. Since these immune cells recognize the ligands expressed on their target cells via specific activating and/or inhibitory receptors, alphaherpesviruses make several ligands that may be targets for immune evasion. In addition, alphaherpesviruses suppress the infiltration of CTLs by downregulating the expression of chemokines at infection sites in vivo. Elucidation of the alphaherpesvirus immune evasion mechanisms is essential for the development of new antiviral therapies and vaccines.
Valproic Acid and Its Amidic Derivatives as New Antivirals against Alphaherpesviruses
Authors: Andreu Sabina , Ripa Inés , Bello-Morales Raquel , López-Guerrero José Antonio
Published: November 2020

Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are neurotropic viruses with broad host range whose infections cause considerable health problems in both animals and humans. In fact, 67% of the global population under the age of 50 are infected with HSV-1 and 13% have clinically recurrent HSV-2 infections. The most prescribed antiherpetics are nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir, but the emergence of mutants resistant to these drugs and the lack of available vaccines against human HSVs has led to an imminent need for new antivirals. Valproic acid (VPA) is a branched short-chain fatty acid clinically used as a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug in the treatment of neurological disorders, which has shown promising antiviral activity against some herpesviruses. Moreover, its amidic derivatives valpromide and valnoctamide also share this antiherpetic activity. This review summarizes the current research on the use of VPA and its amidic derivatives as alternatives to traditional antiherpetics in the fight against HSV infections.
A Century of Swine Influenza: Is It Really Just about the Pigs?
Authors: Frias-De-Diego Alba , Posey Rachael , Pecoraro Brittany M. , Fernandes Carnevale Rafaella , Beaty Alayna , Crisci Elisa
Published: November 2020

Influenza viruses (IV) are one of the major threats to human and animal health worldwide due to the variety of species they affect. Pigs play an important role in IV ecology as the “mixing vessel,” since they can be infected by swine, avian and human IV, allowing the appearance of new subtypes. Human viruses originated in swine are known as IV of swine origin or swine influenza virus (SwIV) variants. In this study, we identified knowledge tendencies of SwIV and assessed potential bias in the literature caused by these variants. We identified the most mentioned SwIV variants and manually reviewed the literature to determine the number of publications applying the whole influenza nomenclature, a partial nomenclature, only the subtype or mixed terminology, along with the proportion of articles in which the GenBank ID number was available. We observed that the 2009 H1N1 human pandemic created an important bias in SwIV research driven by an increase in human publications on the IV of swine origin. H1N1 is the most studied subtype for swine and humans, followed by H3N2. We found differences between the nomenclatures applied, where partial classifications were slightly more common. Finally, from all the publications, only 25% stated the GenBank ID of the sequence studied. This review represents the most complete exploration of trends in SwIV knowledge to date and will serve as a guidance for future search strategies in SwIV research.
Anatomical and histological structure of ovary and salpinx in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: KIRBAŞ DOĞAN Gülseren , KURU Mushap , BAKIR Buket , KARADAĞ SARI Ebru
Published: November 2020

The Red fox is the largest of the true foxes and the most abundant wild member of the carnivora. This study aimed to determine the anatomical and histological structure of the ovary and salpinx of the Red foxes. The ovary and salpinx of four Red foxes of similar ages, which could not be rescued by the Center despite all interventions, were dissected. Measurements were taken from the right-left ovary and salpinx using digital callipers. The weights of each ovary and salpinx were measured using a precision scale (min: 0.0001 g, max: 220 g). The mean length of the ovary was 13.43 ± 2.38 mm, the width was 6.28 ± 1.99 mm, the thickness was 4.89 ± 0.18 mm, and weight was 0.93 ± 0.14 g. The mean length of the salpinx was 76.22 ± 3.02 mm, the width was 1.98 ± 0.07 mm, and the weight was 0.53 ± 0.31 g. Crossman’s triple staining method was applied for histological examination of the ovary tissue. It was observed that the ovary was surrounded by germinative epithelium from the outside and consisted of the cortex with different follicles in the development stage, and the medulla layer with plenty of blood vessels and nerve plexuses inside. In conclusion, we believe that the findings of this study may be useful for further studies on foxes and surgical operations (ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy). In addition, it is aimed to eliminate the insufficient information regarding the reproductive system of wild animals in this study.
Assessment of the effectiveness of the security features of personal wireless networks
Authors: Gierszewski Janusz , Matuśkiewicz Michał
Published: November 2020

Wireless network communication standards have become very common due to the huge benefits of their application. The use of radio waves to create networks has reduced infrastructure costs and increased the mobility of devices. The advantages of wireless communication (WLAN) also pose a challenge to the security of transmitted data. However, the use of a wireless signal poses certain threats to network security. The aim of the study was to analyse problems related to the security of WLAN 802.11. and assess its resistance to various attack strategies. It was assumed that wireless networks have an insufficient level of security. The assumed assumption is verifiable due to the ability to monitor events in networks. In order to verify the hypothesis, a number of experiments have been carried out in laboratory conditions, concerning the currently used WLAN protections from the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. The electromagnetic waves used for communication are available to the public at a distance of a few / several dozen metres from the communicating devices. It is easy to monitor air traffic using a network card that operates in monitor mode. The communication itself cannot be secured in any way, so data encryption is one way of secure transmission. During the research, the applied security features were successfully broken with the help of publicly available tools. The obtained results are distinguished by a high level of objectivity and reliability in the assessment of applied wireless network security. It was shown that there are still imperfections in the security and it is possible to break the security measures. The consequences of attacks are very serious and lead to a breach of each of the attributes of secure information. Practice has shown that it is impossible to create a wireless network that is fully secure.
The findings of the study should be used to develop methods to improve information security, as well as to raise users’ awareness of existing threats. Not all users of wireless networks are aware of how easy some of the commonly used security features are to break.
Utilización de recursos educativos abiertos para la promoción del uso de repositorios institucionales
Authors:   , Palmieri Juan María
Published: November 2020

Esta tesis consiste en la propuesta de un programa de diseño y creación de recursos educativos abiertos (REA) que brinde, a docentes de la Facultad Regional Buenos Aires (UTN.BA) de la Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN), las condiciones de formación y apoyo necesarias para su diseño, desarrollo, utilización en asignaturas de carreras de grado y almacenamiento en el repositorio institucional (RI) de la UTN. En el desarrollo de la tesis se demostrará que numerosas instituciones académicas y científicas adhieren a la filosofía del Acceso Abierto (AA) a la información y desarrollan políticas y repositorios institucionales (RRII) con el objetivo de preservar y brindar visibilidad a su producción científica, académica y tecnológica. En Argentina, la promulgación de la Ley Nº26.899 ha promovido el desarrollo de los RI en numerosas universidades y también en la UTN. Esta investigación presenta en un primer momento una revisión bibliográfica sobre el AA, los RRII y los REA con el objetivo de recopilar las principales definiciones, componentes y estado del arte. Se realiza también una descripción del Repositorio Institucional Abierto (RIA) de UTN y se describe su utilización en la UTN y en la UTN.BA. Luego de la revisión, se presentan y describen aplicaciones, herramientas de autor y metodologías que permiten el diseño y desarrollo de REA. En un momento posterior, estas se analizan y se seleccionan, según métodos y criterios establecidos, aquellas más adecuadas para su incorporación al programa propuesto. A partir de la investigación detallada, y en base a experiencias previas realizadas en universidades públicas argentinas, se elabora el programa de diseño y creación de REA destinado a docentes de carreras de grado de la UTN.BA. En su elaboración se abordan aspectos y etapas sucesivas que permitan su adecuada implementación y evaluación. De acuerdo al programa propuesto y el estado de desarrollo del RIA, se elabora una propuesta de adecuación del RIA con el propósito de permitir y promover el depósito de objetos de aprendizaje y REA en particular. Finalmente se elaboran conclusiones y se proponen trabajos futuros.
Approach and models for using distributed ledger technology to authenticate educational documents
Authors: Kachan D. A. , Vishniakou U. A.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this article is to analyze methods, approaches, and tools of distributed ledger technology (DLT) for working with documents in education. The objectives of the article are to analyze problems with the authentication of educational documents, develop new structural solutions using block chain technology, consider two models, and evaluate their use for educational documents.

Authentication of educational documents is carried out using state registers, which is a complex and resource-intensive process. There is an increase in the number of forged documents in the world, which calls into question the effectiveness of modern mechanisms. Distributed ledger technology (block chain) is a sustainable technological trend that affects the development and quality of the digital economy. The existence of a mechanism for verifying the authenticity of educational documents that is resistant to malicious manipulation is an urgent task that goes beyond the sphere of education, possible solutions to which are proposed to be considered in this paper.

The article provides a brief description of DLT and considers the approach of using the technology to authenticate educational documents. It consists of two main stages: the issue of a digital educational document and its verification. The role of a trusted third party in the issue and validation process is considered. The paper presents the models for issuing and validating digital documents based on distributed ledger technology, which allows one to eliminate the limitations and shortcomings of existing approaches. The effectiveness of the approach based on the proposed models is revealed. The formulated approaches can be applied in various socio-economic areas and public administration to work with similar documents.
Unimodal electric motor-generator
Authors: Kurayev A. A. , Matveyenka V. V.
Published: November 2020

The commissioning of nuclear power plants in Belarus sets out wide tasking for the efficient usage of electrical energy in various electrical systems, instruments and devices. Specifically, it concerns the stationary and special-purpose electric motors. At present, they use bipolar motors with a collector – the switch of the motor armature windings during its rotation. However, there is a completely different type of motors that does not require a collector – the unipolar electric motor-generator. Some of its properties allow it to be used where the commutator motor is unsuitable, for example, in explosive and fire hazardous environments (sparking on the collector is unacceptable), in precision devices where extreme smoothness and vibration lack are required, etc. Physico-mathematical foundations of the unipolar motor-generator (moving media electrodynamics, Lorentz force, unipolar induction, magnetohydrodynamics) are described in a number of monographs and textbooks, for example, in [1–4]. The purpose of this article is to pay attention to the technical feasibility of the unipolar motor-generator in a design with separated conductors in the rotor drum.
Equações Diofantinas Lineares: um estudo com estudantes do 1º ano do Ensino Médio
Authors: Adriano Silva Diego , Silva Brito Arnaldo , Gomes de Sousa Valdirene
Published: November 2020

Neste artigo, apresentamos as Equações Diofantinas Lineares como ferramenta matemática ao alcance dos estudantes do 1º ano do Ensino Médio, dentro de uma análise que compreende os aspectos históricos que embasam a teoria elementar dos números à sua aplicação com um grupo de estudantes do 1º ano do Ensino Médio de um Campus do Instituto Federal do Maranhão (IFMA). O presente trabalho está situado no campo da pesquisa empírica com abordagem quanti-qualitativa realizada por meio de sequência didática, intervenção e questionário. As atividades desenvolvidas objetivaram analisar a compreensão manifestada por estudantes do Ensino Médio no que tange a problemas envolvendo duas variáveis e apenas uma equação, com a resolução a partir das Equações Diofantinas Lineares com duas incógnitas. Os resultados indicam que é possível a apropriação dos conceitos propostos no Ensino Médio. Além disso, conclui-se que, apesar das dificuldades, foi possível a compreensão dos conceitos das Equações Diofantinas Lineares pelos estudantes promovendo reflexão e significado dos conteúdos envolvidos.
Implementation of Digital Education: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Dmitriev V. Ya. , Ignat’eva T. A. , Ivanova A. O. , Pilyavskiy V. P.
Published: November 2020

Aim. The presented study aims to identify the key problems for the participants of the educational process caused by the introduction of digital education into the educational environment of an educational institution and to formulate possible solutions to these problems.

Tasks. The authors analyze the mechanism of implementation of digital technologies in the educational process; identify weak points in the active introduction of distance learning; outline opportunities for the development of digital education.

Methods. This study uses the methods of the systems approach, comparative and structural analysis, analytical and theoretical generalization.

Results. The major problems of digital education implementation are identified; two principal development paths are proposed with an aim to improve the efficiency and quality of educational services based on digital technologies.

Conclusions. The main problems of digital education implementation are the lack of face-to-face communication and real-life interaction between the teacher and students; insufficient technical equipment (the need for computers, laptops, tablets); poor performance of the equipment that hosts information resources combined with large amounts of transmitted data. As possible solutions to these problems, the authors outline two major development paths: improving the quality of educational content and developing efficient tools, i.e. a modern online education platform.
Discovering Periodic Patterns in Time Series from Twitter Data Set
Authors:   HOD, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Mount Zion College of Engineering and Technology, Pudukkottai (Tamil Nadu), India., D. Elavarasi
Published: November 2020

The important class of regularities that exist in a time series is nothing but the Partial periodic patterns. These patterns have key properties such as starting, stopping, and restartinganywhere− within a series. Partial periodic patterns areclassifiedinto two types: (i) regular patterns− exhibiting periodic behavior throughout a series with some exceptions and( ii) periodic patterns exhibiting periodic behavior only for particular time intervals within a series. We have focused primarily on finding regular patterns during past studies on partial periodic search. The knowledge pertaining to periodic patterns cannot be ignored. This is because useful information pertaining to seasonal or time-based associations between events is provided bythem. Because of the foll o wi n g two main reasons, finding periodic patterns is a non-trivial task. (i) Each periodic pattern is associated with time-based information pertaining to its durations of periodic appearances in a series. Since the information can vary within and across patterns, obtaining this information ischallenging. (ii) As they do not satisfy the anti-monotonic property, finding all periodic patterns is a computationally expensive process. In this paper, periodic pattern model is proposed by addressing the above issues. Periodic Pattern growth algorithm along with an efficient pruning technique is also proposed to discover these patterns. The results through Experimentation have shown that Periodic patterns canbe really useful and it has also proven that our algorithm isnoteworthy.