bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANN prediction of the decolourisation efficiency of the organic dyes in wastewater by plasma needle
Authors: Mitrovic Tatjana , Ristic Mirjana , Peric-Grujic Aleksandra , Lazovic Sasa
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the results of decolourisation of Reactive Orange 16 (RO 16), Reactive Blue 19 (RB 19) and Direct Red 28 (DR 28) textile dyes in aqueous solution by plasma needle are presented. Treatment time, feed gas flow rate (1, 4 and 8 dm3 min-1) and gas composition (Ar, Ar/O2) were optimized to achieve the best performance of the plasma treatment. An artificial neural network (ANN) was used for the prediction of parameters relevant for the decolourisation outcome. It was found that more than 95 % decolourisation could be achieved for all three dyes after plasma treatment, although the decolourisation of DR 28 was much slower than those of the other two dyes, which could be explained by the complexity of its molecular structure. It was concluded that the oxidation was very dependent on all three mentioned parameters. The ANN predicted the treatment time as the crucial factor for decolourisation performance of RO 16 and DR 28, while the Ar flow rate was the most relevant for RB 19 decolourisation. The obtained results suggest that the plasma needle is a promising tool for the oxidation of organic pollutants and that an ANN could be used for optimization of the treatment parameters to achieve high removal rates.
The activity of native Bacillus subtilis strains in control of green mould disease of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.)
Authors: Potocnik Ivana , Milijasevic-Marcic Svetlana , Stanojevic Olja , Beric Tanja , Stankovic Slavisa , Kredics László , Hatvani Lóránt
Published: January 2020

The study aimed to isolate potential biocontrol agents from mushroom
substrate that could serve as an alternative to toxic chemicals commonly
used for disease control in mushroom production. The antagonistic potential
of ten native Bacillus subtilis strains against the causal agents of green
mould disease of oyster mushroom, Trichoderma pleuroti and Trichoderma
pleuroticola, was evaluated. The antagonistic potential of Bacillus spp.
strains was quantified in vitro based on dual cultivation with the pathogen.
Growth inhibition of T. pleuroti ranged from 54.44% to 62.22% and no
significant differences in antagonistic activity were found between the
tested B. subtilis strains. Inhibition of T. pleuroticola was slightly
higher, ranging from 55.56% to 69.62% and B. subtilis strain B-358 induced
the highest growth inhibition. This research confirmed mushroom substrate to
be a good source of antagonistic microorganisms with potentials for use in
biological control of green mould in oyster mushroom production.
Efficacy of copper citrate in grapevine disease control
Authors: Aleksic Goran , Milicevic Zoran , Kuzmanovic Slobodan , Starovic Mira , Stevanovic Milos , Delibasic Goran , Zivkovic Svetlana
Published: January 2020

The control of Plasmopara viticola and Botrytis cinerea, two of the most
dangerous pathogens on grapevine, requires frequent treatments with
chemicals based on weather conditions. Numerous applications of fungicides
have resulted in developing fungicide resistance. Active ingredients based
on copper have been used very successfully for a long time to protect
grapevines against these pathogens. Application of a copper citrate
formulation with high degree dissociation at a very low concentration (1%)
was evaluated in field trials. The efficacy of two concentrations of copper
citrate, 0.5 and 1.0%, were tested against P. viticola on grapevine in three
locations, and against B. cinerea in two locations during 2018. Our results
demonstrated that the concentration of 1.0% copper citrate was highly
effective against P. viticola (87.4%) and B. cinerea (63.7%), compared to
standard treatment (90.6 and 53.1%), under a high level of infection.
Control of mushroom sciarid fly Lycoriella inguena (Dufour) with an azadirachtin-based insecticide
Authors: Drobnjakovic Tanja , Marcic Dejan , Potocnik Ivana , Rekanovic Emil , Prijovic Mirjana , Milijasevic-Marcic Svetlana , Stepanovic Milos
Published: January 2020

The impact of a bioinsecticide based on azadirachtin (Ozoneem trishul 1 %) on
the abudance of mushroom flies (Sciaridae: Diptera) was compared to the
effect of a commercial formulation of the malathion-based chemical
insecticide Etiol tecni. Experiments were conducted in three growing
chambers (B6, B7 and B8) of a commercial mushrom farm ?Delta Danube? d.o.o.,
Kovin. Casing treatments were performed in eight replications in a random
block design. The azadirachtin-based bioinsecticide was applied in chamber
B8 four times (0.5 ml/m2): during casing and later at seven-day intervals.
The standard chemical insecticide based on malathion was applied in chambers
B6 and B7 twice (2 x 0.3 ml/m2), on the third and sixth day after casing. In
all three chambers, the abudance of mushroom flies was monitored by using
yellow sticky traps, which were collected weekly and replaced with new ones
four times at seven days intervals. The yellow sticky traps were examined in
the laboratory under a binocular microscope to determine the presence and
density of mushroom flies. Only one species of mushroom fly, Lycoriella
ingenua (Dufour), was found on the yellow sticky traps throughout the
experimental period. The average number of sciarid flies per mushroom block
15 and 22 days after treatment (DAT) was significantly lower in the test
chamber B8 than in chambers B7 and B6, while there was no significant
difference 30 and 36 DAT, compared to the control chamber B6. The average
number of sciarid flies per mushroom row throughout the experiment was
significantly lower in the test chamber B8 than in chambers B6 and B7. The
results of our study suggest that the azadirachtin-based bioinsecticide can
suppress populations of the mushroom fly L. ingenua and may provide a good
alternative to conventional chemical insecticide.
Microbial activity in different soils in response to metribuzin treatment
Authors: Santric Ljiljana , Radivojevic Ljiljana , Saric-Krsmanovic Marija , Gajic-Umiljendic Jelena , Djurovic-Pejcev Rada
Published: January 2020

The effect of metribuzin on soil microorganisms and their enzymatic activity,
as well as the amount of metribuzin residues, greatly depend on the type of
soil and its physico-chemical properties. A laboratory experiment was set up
to determine the effects of metribuzin on different groups of microorganisms
and dehydrogenase activity in loamy and sandy soils. The amounts of
metribuzin residues in those soils were also determined. The following
concentrations were tested: 12.0, 24.0, 120.0 and 1200.0 mg a.i. kg-1soil.
Samples were collected 3, 7, 14, 30 and 45 days after metribuzin
application. Metribuzin acted inhibitively on total bacteria counts in both
types of soil: 6.9% in loamy and 7.9% in sandy soils. Actinomycetes counts
decreased over the first 14 days after metribuzin treatment by 15.6% in
loamy and 8.1% in sandy soil. However, starting with the 30th post-treatment
day, their number either increased or remained at the control level. Fungi
counts increased by 6.0% seven days after the application of the two highest
concentrations. In sandy soil, fungi counts were significantly reduced by
29%. Metribuzin treatment significantly reduced the activity of
dehydrogenase enzyme in both types of soil. Only the highest test
concentration applied to the sandy soil showed a stimulating effect (33.2
%). Degradation data showed that the measured amounts of metribuzin
decreased over time in both types of soil at all four test concentrations.
The results showed that the extracted amounts of metribuzin active
ingredient at all its test concentrations were greater in the sandy type of
soil. Loamy soil was shown to have a better sorption capacity due to its
higher contents of organic matter and clay.
Diaspora and contemporary world - the need to change study approach
Authors: Veskovic-Andjelkovic Milica
Published: January 2020

Diaspora phenomena, it?s characteristics and functions, were changing in a
resent decade along with momentum of globalization notably. This requires
new research approaches. Unlike a previous period when migrants visited
their homelands rarely or never, they came more often today. They contact
with friends and family nearly every day. Because of that, relationships
besides members of diaspora and their Motherland is changed. Communications
besides migrants and nonmigrants in the homeland make transnational networks
which enable that migrants investing their resources without need for return
and has a big potential for a Motherland?s prosperity. Intensivity of
migrations in a every part of the world have impact to expanding migrants
social networks (social capital become bigger) and acquiring a new knowledge
(their human capital became bigger). That is reason for interest of policy
makers became greather for human and social capital although it was only for
monetary remittance earlier. New knowledge and technology application
together with consultation with experts all around the world are available
for the Motherland because diasporas social capital. They could be very
important resource for its economically, cultural and social prosperity.
However, it?s important to know that interaction with a people with a
different culture has impact to change and experience of personal identity
by migrants. That requires modification of earlier understanding identity
members of diaspora. Theirs identity had a core in a national identity
earlier, but today it has a form of hybridity. In a meso level, respecting
by Motherland perspective, that?s mean that national identity doesn?t main
motive for diaspora investing anymore and that?s important to make a new
stimulating migration policy. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to point
diaspora phenomena changing - change resources and influence to the
Motherland. As a first, the emphasis is on transnational networks which
change communication mode and relationship members of diaspora and
Motherland, but they have impact to growth of social capital of migrants
which could be invested in homeland potentially. These networks enable
easier to acquire a knowledge and it?s transfer. That is why human capital
become more readily available for the Motherland. But, hybrid diaspora
identity must be motive for change state diaspora policy which was based in
an emotional component of national identity. They must change in way of
making a more favorable structural conditions for diaspora investment which
is a preconditions to attracting human and social capital of diaspora that
could have a big impact to the Motherland?s progress.
Exosomes Derived From Schwann Cells Ameliorate Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wang Lei , Chopp Michael , Szalad Alexandra , Lu XueRong , Zhang Yi , Wang Xinli , Cepparulo Pasquale , Lu Mei , Li Chao , Zhang Zheng Gang
Published: January 2020

Schwann cell–derived exosomes communicate with dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. The current study investigated the therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from healthy Schwann cells (SC-Exos) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). We found that intravenous administration of SC-Exos to type 2 diabetic db/db mice with peripheral neuropathy remarkably ameliorated DPN by improving sciatic nerve conduction velocity and increasing thermal and mechanical sensitivity. These functional improvements were associated with the augmentation of epidermal nerve fibers and remyelination of sciatic nerves. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis of sciatic nerve tissues showed that SC-Exo treatment reversed diabetes-reduced mature form of miRNA (miR)-21, -27a, and -146a and diabetes-increased semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A); Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA); phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In vitro data showed that SC-Exos promoted neurite outgrowth of diabetic DRG neurons and migration of Schwann cells challenged by high glucose. Collectively, these novel data provide evidence that SC-Exos have a therapeutic effect on DPN in mice and suggest that SC-Exo modulation of miRs contributes to this therapy.
Polar Views on the Arctic: Arctic Policies of Russia and Circumpolar Countries
Authors: Korchak E. A. , Serova N. A.
Published: January 2020

The article discusses current issues of Arctic governance. The main motives of the growing interest of the world community to this region are revealed. Comparative analysis of the conceptual framework and key priorities of the Arctic policy of the Russian Federation and other circumpolar powers based on a study of their national Arctic strategies. It was determined that the main difference between the Russian model of managing the Arctic zone lies in the priority of exploitation of natural resources on the basis of creating an optimal configuration of the main factors of industrial production, while the policy of foreign northern countries is aimed primarily on the sustainable development of the Arctic territories and at achieving their social sustainability through the comprehensive development of Arctic local communities. In our opinion, it is advisable for the Russian Federation to apply such a model where the state vector of Arctic policy is oriented, first of all, to the social component of territorial development as for the basis for a comprehensive balanced development of the Arctic zone and for ensuring the country’s national security. Namely, – the implementation of the model of sustainable development of the Arctic territories, the main elements of which are rational and careful nature resource use in the Arctic zone, limitation of negative environmental impact and conservation of the biodiversity of the Arctic territories, orientation on the national policy not only on the indigenous peoples of the North, but also on the local population living here, improving the quality, conditions and standard of living, as well as close mutually beneficial international cooperation on municipal, regional and global levels.
Arctic Offshore Oil in Russia: Optimism, Pessimism, Realism
Authors: Poussenkova N. N.
Published: January 2020

A strong global interest in the hydrocarbon resources of the Arctic emerged in the mid-2000s, after the US Geological Survey published data on its petroleum potential. While oil prices were rising, an “Arctic optimism” prevailed everywhere, and it was anticipated that a broad-scale oil production in the Arctic would soon begin. At that time, a political aspect dominated in the Russian plans to develop Arctic offshore. Russia intended to prove that it was an energy power capable of establishing a new petroleum province in the Polar seas to replace the aging West Siberia. But later the global energy sector underwent radical changes, and optimism was gradually replaced by realism. The decline of oil prices and introduction of anti-Russian sanctions contributed to the downgrading of the Arctic plans in Russia. Besides, the monopoly of Gazprom and Rosneft over the Arctic shelf hinders the development of its hydrocarbon resources because the state companies do not have sufficient competencies to operate offshore fields on their own. After 2014, Russian oil companies began to revise downwards their plans of oil production in the Arctic seas. Given the sanctions and low oil prices, now relevant ministries also more realistically perceive the prospects of the northern continental shelf development, and their new attitude is clearly visible in their public statements. Thus, they indirectly admit that Russia is not ready yet for environmentally sustainable activities in the Arctic offshore. Actually, many experts and oil companies previously demonstrated a cautious approach to the possibility of the broad-scale oil production in the Polar seas reminding that the potential of the mature Russian oil provinces onshore is still significant. Now, the government makes a strong focus on the onshore alternatives to the Arctic shelf of Russia: the development of hard-torecover reserves, enhanced oil recovery, and support of small and mid-size companies, i.e. the priorities seemingly shift from the extensive to the intensive mode of the sector development. However, pessimistically one can recall that such plans were often made in the past and they remained on paper. Ultimately, broad-scale oil production on the Arctic continental shelf will not begin before 2035. Russian oil and shipping sectors benefit from such time-out, because they receive a chance to train qualified per sonnel capable of operating on the Arctic shelf with strict adherence to the environmental sustainability principles.
The Compatibility Analysis of Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient and Ascitic Fluid Evaluation to Clinical Diagnosis of the Patient
Authors: Thioritz Ivonne Desiana , Widaningsih Yuyun , Mangarengi Fitriani
Published: January 2020

Ascites is a condition of abnormal fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity that can be caused by many underlying diseases. Some studies conclude that ascitic fluid evaluation with transudate-exudate concept has been replaced by greater indicator, known as Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG). This study aims to analyze the compatibility of SAAG and ascitic fluid evaluation to the clinical diagnosis of patients in Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar. The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by taking data from all patients with ascites condition examining both ascitic fluid and serum albumin simultaneously or within 3 days at the Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar from January – August 2018. The statistical analysis was performed for frequency distribution and Kappa statistical test to assess the compatibility of SAAG and ascitic fluid evaluation to clinical diagnosis of the patient. The study was conducted on 68 subjects and found that both ascitic fluid examination and SAAG were significantly compatible to the clinical diagnosis, 25.8% (p <0.05), 42.5% (p <0.001), respectively. SAAG and ascitic fluid evaluation were significantly in accordance with the clinical diagnosis of the patient. The compatibility value of SAAG is greater than ascitic fluid evaluation so that SAAG is more recommended for ascites examination.
Correlation of Serum Interleukin-6, TNF-Î±, Procalcitonin and Leukocyte Count in Patients with Suspected Sepsis
Authors: Lim Erfina , Nugraha Jusak
Published: January 2020

Sepsis is a cause of non-cardiac death in the hospital. Early and rapid diagnosis of septic patients is a challenge toincrease the expectancy of life. IL-6 and TNF-Î± are groups of pro inflammatory cytokines that initiate an initial inflammatoryresponse. Procalcitonin is a specific marker of bacterial infection. This study aimed to analyze the correlation of serumcytokine IL-6, TNF-Î±, procalcitonin and leukocyte count in suspected sepsis patients. This was a cross-sectionalobservational study consisting of 45 patients with suspected sepsis with procalcitonin level > 0.5 ng/mL. Procalcitonin levelwas measured with Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) (VIDAS), IL-6 and TNF-Î± levels were measured with theU-CyTech Human Elisa kit (Bioscience, INC) and leukocyte counts were measured with SYSMEX-XN 1000. It was found in thisstudy that IL-6 levels ranged in 0 pg/mL – 73.29 ng/mL (mean 29.43 ng/mL), TNF-Î± levels were 0 pg/mL – 390.5 pg/mL (mean27.62 pg/mL), and the mean value of leukocytes was 20,139/Î¼L. There was no correlation between leukocyte counts with IL-6(p=0.798 and r=0.040), TNF-Î± (p=0.304 and r = -0.160), and procalcitonin (p=0.323 and r = 0.154). There was no correlationbetween IL-6 levels with TNF-Î± levels (p=0.871 and r = -0.025), and procalcitonin levels (p = 0.466 and r = 0.112). There wasa weak negative correlation between TNF-Î± level and procalcitonin levels (p=0.006 and r = -0.403) and there was a weaknegative correlation between procalcitonin and TNF-Î± levels in suspected sepsis patients.
The Relation of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level with Metabolic Syndrome in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Pramudianti M.I. Diah , Ariningrum Dian , Krissinta Medityas Winda
Published: January 2020

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is acomplex metabolic disorder like hyperglycemia, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Vitamin D controls genesassociated with the regulation of insulin and renin production. The aim of this study was to analyze the relation betweentotal levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and the incidence of MS in type 2 DM patients. This was an observationalstudy with a cross-sectional design conducted from October to November 2018 in Dr. Moewardi Hospital Surakarta on 84people with type 2 DM. All subjects were 34-75 years old. The research data were analyzed with a 2x2 test table to determinethe Prevalence Ratio (PR) of each study variable, then multivariate analysis with logistic regression was continued. The meantotal level of 25(OH)D was 18.01±6.10 ng/dL. Bivariate and continued with multivariate PR analysis showed poor glycemiccontrol with the incidence of MS (PR: 11.154; 95% Cl: 3.933-31.631; p=0.001); female sex (PR : 1.788; 95% Cl: 0.750-4.261;p=0.188); age < 50 year (PR: 1.644; 95% Cl: 0.614-4.404; p=0.321); and total 25(OH)D deficiency (PR: 1.250; 95%Cl: 0.317-2.022; p=0.637). Total 25(OH)D level was not associated with the incidence of MS in the type 2 DM patients. Furtherstudy was needed using healthy group control to explain the role of vitamin D in type 2 DM.
A 24-Year-Old Male with Gigantism, Growth Hormone Deficiency, Suspected Clivus Chordoma, Primary Hypothyroidism, Hypogonadism and Pancytopenia
Authors: Arsana W.A. , Pramudianti M.I. Diah
Published: January 2020

Pituitary gigantism is a condition caused by excessive secretion of Growth Hormone (GH). The GH is the most commonpituitary hormone-deficient in pituitary disease. Chordoma is a bone primary tumor that grows slowly and is rarely found.Hypothyroidism is a pathological condition due to thyroid hormone deficiency. Symptoms of hypogonadism arenon-specific including libido disorders, erectile dysfunction, and decreased muscle mass and no hair growth in the head orbody. A 24-year-old male came with pain in the knee. Physical examination showed increased growth of natural and bodyparts as well as the loss of body hair. Laboratory investigations revealed pancytopenia, increased prolactin; decreased GH,Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and testosterone; increased Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), decreased FreeTriiodothyronine (FT3) and Free Thyroxine (FT4). Ahead MRI demonstrated the presence of a mass in the clivus. In this case,the patient presented with clinical gigantism. However, laboratory examination showed decreased GH and IGF-1 whichmight be due to the suppressive effect of mass on the clivus bone to the pituitary. Further examinations were needed to clearthe suspicion of hypothyroid. Hypogonadism can result from suppression in the pituitary. Pancytopenia can be caused by adeficiency of GH or from hypothyroidism. Gigantism may occur with GH and IGF-1 deficiency due to suppressed pituitarycaused by chordoma.
Diagnostic Value of Plasmotec Malaria-3 Antigen Detection on Gold Standard Microscopy
Authors: Butarbutar Trieva Verawaty , Wardhani Puspa , Aryati Aryati
Published: January 2020

Plasmotec Malaria-3 is a rapid malaria diagnostic test that uses four-line tests and targets three malaria proteins,namely Plasmodium falciparum specific protein (HRP-2), Plasmodium vivax-specific LDH (Pv-LDH) and non-specificPlasmodium LDH (pLDH). Microscopy as a gold standard has many disadvantages and the availability of malaria RapidDiagnostic Tests (RDTs) in detecting three proteins is still very limited. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of® ® Plasmotec Malaria-3 against gold standard microscopy, comparing the Plasmotec Malaria-3 and microscopy antigen® species detection, determining the Parasitemia Index (PI) cut-off using Plasmotec Malaria-3. This study was across-sectional study with 105 whole blood samples obtained from the Merauke Papua General Hospital which fulfilled theinclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples were examined by thick and thin drops and then examined with Plasmotec®® Malaria-3. Diagnostic values of Plasmotec Malaria-3 against the microscopy were Sn 100%, Sp 98.04%, PPV 98.18%, NPV® 100%, LR + 51, LR-0, diagnostic accuracy of 99.05%. Comparison of Plasmodium species between Plasmotec Malaria-3 and® microscopy was not significantly different, p-value = 0.172. The cut-off of PI in P.falciparum and P.vivax in PlasmotecMalaria-3 based on the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve could not be determined with AUC=0.577,p-value=0.385 and AUC=0.423, p-value=0.385, respectively. This study concluded that the comparison of Plasmodium® species between Plasmotec Malaria-3, and microscopy was not significantly different. This study suggested that further® research is needed to find the diagnostic value of non-falciparum and non-vivax Plasmodium against Plasmotec Malaria-3.
Improved Reference Image Encryption Methods Based on 2
K
Correction in the Integer Wavelet Domain
Authors: Tuncer Turker , Dogan Sengul , Tadeusiewicz Ryszard , Pławiak Paweł
Published: January 2020

Many visually meaningful image encryption (VMIE) methods have been proposed in the literature using reference encryption. However, the most important problems of these methods are low visual quality and blindness. Owing to the low visual quality, the pre-encrypted image can be analyzed simply from the reference image and, in order to decrypt nonblind methods, users should use original reference images. In this paper, two novel reference image encryption methods based on the integer DWT (discrete wavelet transform) using 2
k
correction are proposed. These methods are blind and have high visual quality, as well as short execution times. The main aim of the proposed methods is to solve the problem of the three VMIE methods existing in the literature. The proposed methods mainly consist of the integer DWT, pre-encrypted image embedding by kLSBs (k least significant bits) and 2
k
correction. In the decryption phase, the integer DWT and pre-encrypted image extraction with the mod operator are used. Peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) measures the performances of the proposed methods. Experimental results clearly illustrate that the proposed methods improve the visual quality of the reference image encryption methods. Overall, 2
k
correction and kLSBs provide high visual quality and blindness.
Analisis Pengaruh Faktor Makro Ekonomi Terhadap Return Saham pada Sektor Properti yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2014-2017
Authors: Phen Daniel
Published: January 2020

The primary objective of this research is to study the influence of macroeconomic factors toward stock return of property, construction and real estate sectoral index in Indonesia Stock Exchange for 2014 until 2017. The variables for macroeconomic factors included inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, and Consumer Confidence Index. This research use multiple linear regression analysis method. The result of this research showed that inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, and Consumer Confidence Index simultaneously have significant effect toward stock returns. Partially, the research showed that only exchange rates has significant effect toward stock returns, while inflation, interest rates, and Consumer Confidence Index have no significant effect toward stock returns.
Hongos asociados a Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) en Tabasco, México
Authors: Torres-De la Cruz Magdiel , Gerónimo-Torres José Del Carmen , Ortiz-García Carlos Fredy , Ayala Escobar Victoria , Pérez-De la Cruz Manuel , Cappello-García Silvia
Published: January 2020

En el estado de Tabasco, México, la broca del café Hypothenemus hampei, se registró por primera vez en 2004. Desde entonces se ha convertido en la principal limitante insectil de la producción de café. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue identificar la micobiota asociada a adultos de H. hampei, recolectados en plantaciones de café en tres municipios de Tabasco: Teapa, Tacotalpa y Huimanguillo. Se recolectaron cerezas infestadas con la broca y se extrajeron los adultos de H. hampei. Los hongos que crecieron sobre los cadáveres de este Scolytinae se aislaron e identificaron morfológicamente. Dos aislamientos de cada especie morfológica se identificaron molecularmente. Se obtuvo un total de 74 aislamientos de la cutícula de H. hampei, de los cuales, 52 presentaron afinidad morfológica con Fusarium solani, cinco con F. oxysporum, cinco con F. verticillioides, uno con Geotrichum candidum y 11 con Beauveria bassiana. Las secuencias de ADN mostraron similitud con secuencias del GenBank, con homologías de 99 y 100 %, las cuales coincidieron con cada especie morfológica. La especie más abundante fue F. solani (70,2 %), seguida de B. bassianna (14,8 %). Las especies F. verticillioides y F. oxysporum representaron cada una el 6,7 %. La menos abundante fue G. candidum (1,3 %). Los hallazgos de F. verticillioides y G. candidum son nuevos registros de hongos micromicetos asociados a H. hampei.
Dialog w czasach personalizacji
Authors: Bakalarski Krzysztof Wojciech
Published: January 2020

Podziały kulturowe współczesnego świata, współistnienie postaw kolektywistycznych i indywidualizmu, kształtują bogactwo różnorodności, które samo w sobie może być źródłem rozwoju i postępu. Warunkiem wykorzystania potencjału różnorodności jest możliwość prowadzenia wymiany myśli, idei, poglądów i pomysłów. Niezbędne jest istnienie nieskrępowanego dialogu. Niestety, uwarunkowania kreujące kulturowe zróżnicowanie, zamiast potencjału dialogu zrodziły zjawisko pogłębionej izolacji ludzi i ich wspólnot, nazwane personalizacją. W znaczący sposób kształtuje ono kondycję procesów rozwojowych, jakość współżycia i możliwość kooperacji niezbędnej dla osiągania zmiany. Sposób percepcji świata przede wszystkim kształtowany jest przez kulturę, w jakiej funkcjonujemy, w tym, w ogromnej mierze przez język dominujący w przestrzeni publicznej. Skupianie się na konflikcie, na wrogiej personalizacji postaw politycznych, zasklepianie się w jednorodnych środowiskach tworzonych przez tzw. „bańki informacyjne”, niszczy niezbędne dla rozwoju współdziałanie zróżnicowanych środowisk społecznych. Tymczasem człowiek nie został powołany, by walczyć z drugim, ale by z nim współdziałać. Początkiem takiego współdziałania jest rozpoczęcie dialogu opierającego się na wspólnocie doświadczeń. W warunkach personalizacji wszystkiego, odszukanie obszarów wspólnoty doświadczeń nie jest łatwe. Mimo tego w konkluzjach artykułu czyniona jest próba takich właśnie poszukiwań.
Ecumenical education of children and youth according to The religious education core curriculum of the Catholic Church in Poland (2018) and The curriculum for the Roman Catholic religious instruction in kindergartens and schools (2018)
Authors: Kostorz Jerzy Henryk
Published: January 2020

The article presents an ecumenical education in the light of new core curricula for the religion education at schools and kindergartens. These documents were accepted and approved in 2018 and will take effect on the 1st of September of 2020. Currently one can see ongoing work on new series of workbooks. The aim was to notice and detect, whether or not, new documents and propositions within can inspire catechists and teachers to explore and become familiar with an ecumenical education. Goals and contents of the new Core curriculum of the religious education for the Catholic Church in Poland of 2018 for kindergartens and schools were carefully analysed, described and presented. It was done with the focus on ecumenical education. It was observed that the very idea of the ecumenism was treated lightly in aforementioned documents. The authors addressed this idea rarely and sparsely. Clear and concrete description of main foundations of the ecumenical formation were also not observed. The authors of analysed documents don’t put any stock in forming attitudes such as attitude of dialog, openness or respect, or so it seems. According to them, the main focus of religious education should be on history of the Church and general concepts and usual terms (i.e. divisions within the Church, attempts to undertake a dialog, etc.). All of these can create particular challenges and difficulties for those who work on new workbooks to include ecumenical education in its fullness.
Selection Criteria of Diluents of Tri-N-Butyl Phosphate for Recovering neodymium(III) from Nitrate Solutions
Authors: REGADIO Mercedes , Batchu Nagaphani K , Binnemans Koen
Published: January 2020

Diluent plays an important role in the solvent extraction of metals. The selection of a proper diluent is important since it affects the economics of the process. The effect of different diluents (aliphatic, mixed aliphatic-aromatic and aromatic) on the solvent extraction of Nd(III) by the neutral extractant tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP) from nitrate aqueous feed solutions was studied with variation of the following process parameters: extraction kinetics, phase disengagement time, TBP concentration, nitrate concentration, loading capacity of TBP and aqueous-to-organic phase volume ratio. The present study shows that the nature of the diluent has no effect on the extraction kinetics of Nd(III) by TBP. Phase disengagement times were relatively faster for aromatic diluents compared to aliphatic diluents. Conversely, extraction efficiencies were the highest for aliphatic diluents, slightly lower for mixed aliphatic-aromatic diluents and much lower for aromatic diluents. The poorer extraction efficiencies of aromatic diluents may be due to the lower concentration of free extractant as a result of the stronger interactions of the diluent with water and/or of the diluent with the extractant. The differences in extraction performance between aliphatic and aromatic diluents decrease with increasing nitrate concentration in the aqueous feed solution. Thus, the negative effect on the extraction of the aromatics in the diluent can be compensated by the positive effect of a higher concentration of salting-out nitrate ions in the feed. The present results reveal that the selection of the diluent can be preferably based on its cost, safety and biodegradability rather than on its physico-chemical properties, since the physico-chemical properties have a limited influence on the extraction of Nd(III) by TBP at highly concentrated nitrate solutions.
Towards Triptycene Functionalization and Triptycene-linked Porphyrin Arrays
Authors: Locke Gemma , Flanagan Keith , Senge Mathias O..
Published: January 2020

9,10-Diethynyltriptycene is investigated for its use as a rigid isolating unit in the synthesis of multichromophoric arrays. Sonogashira cross-coupling conditions are utilized to attach various porphyrins and boron dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs) to the triptycene scaffold. While there are previous examples of triptycene porphyrin complexes, this work reports the first example of a linearly connected porphyrin dimer, linked through the bridgehead carbons of triptycene. Symmetric and unsymmetric examples of these complexes are demonstrated and single crystal X-ray analysis of an unsymmetrically substituted porphyrin dimer highlights the evident linearity in these systems. Moreover, initial UV-Vis and fluorescence studies show the promise of triptycene as a linker for electron transfer studies, showcasing its isolating nature
Machine Learning-Based Multidomain Processing for Texture-Based Image Segmentation and Analysis
Authors: Borodinov Nikolay , Tsai Wan-Yu , Korolkov Vladimir V. , Balke Nina , Kalinin Sergei , Ovchinnikova Olga S.
Published: January 2020

Atomic and molecular resolved atomic force microscopy (AFM) images offer unique insights into materials properties such as local ordering, molecular orientation and topological defects, which can be used to pinpoint physical and chemical interactions occurring at the surface. Utilizing machine learning for extracting underlying physical parameters increases the throughput of AFM data processing and eliminates inconsistencies intrinsic to manual image analysis thus enabling the creation of reliable frameworks for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of experimental data. Here, we present a robust and scalable approach to the segmentation of AFM images based on flexible pre-selected classification criteria. Usage of supervised learning and feature extraction allows to retain the consideration of specific problem-dependent features (such as types of periodical structure observed in the images and the associated numerical parameters: spacing, orientation, etc.). We highlight the applicability of this approach for segmentation of molecular resolved AFM images based on crystal orientation of observed domains, automated selection of boundaries and collection of relevant statistics. Overall, we outline a general strategy for machine learning-enabled analysis of nanoscale systems exhibiting periodic order that could be applied to any analytical imaging technique.
Catalysis-Enabled Access to Cryptic Geldanamycin Oxides
Authors: Hilton Margaret J. , Brackett Christopher , Mercado Brandon Q. , Blagg Brian S. J. , Miller Scott
Published: January 2020

Catalytic, selective modifications of natural products can be a fertile platform for unveiling not only new natural product analogs with altered biological activity, but also for revealing new reactivity and selectivity hierarchies for embedded functional groups in complex environments. Motivated by these intersecting aims, we report site and stereoselective oxidation reactions of geldanamycin facilitated by aspartyl-peptide catalysts. Through the isolation and characterization of four new geldanamycin oxides, we discovered a synergistic effect between lead peptide-based catalysts and geldanamycin, resulting in an unexpected reaction pathway. Curiously, it seems unlikely that our discoveries would not have been possible absent the outer sphere interactions intrinsic to both the catalyst and the natural product. The result is a set of new “meta” catalytic reactions that deliver both unknown and previously incompletely characterized geldanamycin analogs. Enabled by the catalytic, site-selective epoxidation of geldanamycin, biological assays were carried out to document the bioactivities of the new compounds.
Strain Visualization for Strained Macrocycles
Authors: Colwell Curtis , Price Tavis , Stauch Tim , Jasti Ramesh
Published: January 2020

Strain has a unique and sometimes unpredictable impact on the properties and reactivity of molecules. To thoroughly describe strain in molecules, a computational tool that relates strain to reactivity by localizing and quantifying strain was developed. Strain is calculated local to every coordinate in the molecule and areas of higher strain are shown experimentally to be more reactive. Not only does this tool directly compare strain in parts of the same molecule, but it also computes total strain to give a full picture of molecular strain. It is freely available to the public on GitHub under the name StrainViz and much of the workflow is automated to simplify use for non-experts. Unique insight into the reactivity of curved aromatic molecules and strained alkyne bioorthogonal reagents is described within.
A Neutral Porous Organic Polymer Host for the Recognition of Anionic Dyes in Water
Authors: Ong Whitney , Smaldone Ron , Dodani Sheel
Published: January 2020

Neutral hosts for the recognition of anionic guests in water remain underdeveloped due to the inherent thermodynamic barrier for desolvation. As a new strategy to address this challenge, we have repurposed crosslinked porous organic polymers (POPs) as hosts. This polymer architecture affords a hydrophobic environment with a densely packed array of urea hydrogen bond donors to cooperatively promote anion desolvation and recognition in water. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate through adsorption assays that the resulting Urea-POP-1 can discriminate between structurally different dyes containing phosphonate, sulfonate, and carboxylate anions. Moreover, when compared to Methyl-POP-1, a control POP lacking hydrogen bond donors, we find that recognition is not exclusively driven by the hydrophobicity of the dyes but through selective hydrogen bonding interactions of the urea sidechains with the anionic functional groups. This starting point sets the stage to exploit the modularity of our design to build a family of neutral polymer hosts with tunable pore sizes and anion preferences for fundamental investigations and targeted applications.
On the Adsorption of Aspartate Derivatives to Calcite Surfaces in Aqueous Environment
Authors: Stepic Robert , Jurković Lara , Klementyeva Ksenia , Ukrainczyk Marko , Gredičak Matija , Smith David Matthew , Kralj Damir , Smith Ana-Sunčana
Published: January 2020

In many living organisms, biomolecules interact favorably with various surfaces of calcium carbonate. In this work, we have considered the interactions of aspartate (Asp) derivatives, as models of complex biomolecules, with calcite. Using kinetic growth experiments, we have investigated the inhibition of calcite growth by Asp, Asp2 and Asp3.This entailed the determination of a step-pinning growth regime as well as the evaluation of the adsorption constants and binding free energies for the three species to calcite crystals. These latter values are compared to free energy profiles obtained from fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. When using a flat (104) calcite surface in the models, the measured trend of binding energies is poorly reproduced. However, a more realistic model comprised of a surface with an island containing edges and corners, yields binding energies that compare very well with experiments. Surprisingly, we find that most binding modes involve the positively charged, ammonium group. Moreover, while attachment of the negatively charged carboxylate groups is also frequently observed, it is always balanced by the aqueous solvation of an equal or greater number of carboxylates. These effects are observed on all calcite features including edges and corners, the latter being associated with dominant affinities to Asp derivatives. As these features are also precisely the active sites for crystal growth, the experimental and theoretical results point strongly to a growth inhibition mechanism whereby these sites become blocked, preventing further attachment of dissolved ions and halting further growth.
Glucosamine effects on lipids and blood pressure
Authors: Elham Alshammari  , Ahlam Alshammari
Published: January 2020

Glucosamine has in the past, been recommended for various functions, including the synthesis of synovial fluid, inhibiting degradation, and enhancing the healing of articular cartilage. However, there is no outstanding research that has been done to support these uses. The aim of the study is to examine the effects of glucosamine on lipids and blood pressure. Articles were obtained from reputable databases and used to discuss the glucosamine efficacy in osteoarthritis and glucosamine safety profile on lipids and blood pressure. The proposed study hypothesizes that glucosamine causes an increase in cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The authors analyzed past research studies on glucosamine, its efficacy in osteoarthritis, and the safety profile of the compound on lipids and blood pressure. The findings were inconclusive, even though they tended to suggest that glucosamine sulfate does not increase cholesterol levels; neither does it increase blood pressure in humans. Experimental research tended to show that glucosamine sulfate increases the levels of insulin, which might result in an increase in blood pressure. Even so, more recent studies have shown that glucosamine does not increase cholesterol levels; neither does the compound affect the blood pressure levels in human beings. Further studies are needed to ascertain the actual impact of glucosamine on lipids and blood pressure.
Berdin artatzen al ditugu pazienteak emakumezko ala gizonezko izan?
Authors: Labaka Ainitze , Pereda Eva , Perez Joana
Published: January 2020

Ikerketa epidemiologiko zein kualitatiboek adierazten dutenez, paziente bat ezberdin artatua suerta daiteke emakumezko ala gizonezko izan. Berrikuspen bibliografiko honetan, fenomeno horren atzean egon daitekeen osasun-profesionalen genero-isuri psikologikoaren nondik norakoak aztertu dira. Hainbat lurraldetako ikerketa ezberdinen emaitzak kontuan hartuz, genero-isuriak osasun-profesionalen esfortzu terapeutikoan eragin dezake, eta horrek, halaber, pazientea artatzeko, tratatzeko eta bideratzeko prozesua alda dezake, morbi-mortalitatean eraginez. Osasungintzan ageri den genero-isuria murrizteko lerro estrategiko gisara, baliabide hauek gomendatzen dira: sexu-ezberdintasun biologikoak errespetatzen dituzten gida kliniko estandarizatuak, osasun-profesionalen genero-kontzientzia eta aurreiritzien lanketa, eta genero-gaiak osasun-ikasketetan jorratzea.
Fake News and Informing Science
Authors: Gill Grandon
Published: January 2020

The present paper identifies a variety of conceptual schemes that have emerged within informing science and consider how they might be applied to fake news. The paper begins with a brief overview of fake news. This is followed presentations of various models identified in a two-volume survey of informing science. The models presented include those dealing with extrinsic (i.e., environmental) complexity, informing transitions, and individual resonance. The potential implications for informing science research into fake news are discussed and questions that may warrant future research are raised. The paper then concludes by describing what current informing science may already be telling us about fake news, its spread and its influence.

Through its analysis of the fake news and informing science literature, a number of questions are identified where informing science can possibly contribute to our understanding of fake news. These include:

• Does fake news need to disinform its clients if it is to be effective?
• Why are certain groups of individuals particularly credible when it comes to communicating fake news?
• Under what circumstances will the emotional and social motivations to accept fake news exceed our concern for its truth?
• How does the nature of the fake news content and objectives impact the disinformer’s choice of channel?
• What are the circumstances under which radically transitional fake news might have an impact?
Toughening of Bisphenol-A Diglycidyl Ether-based Epoxy by Modification with Hydroxyl-terminated Liquid Natural Rubber
Authors: Pham H. L. , Do B. T. , Pham T. S. , Le D. G.
Published: January 2020

Hydroxyl-terminated liquid natural rubbers (HTNRs), prepared by the Photo-Fenton reaction, were used to modify bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether-based epoxy (DGEBA). A chemical link between HTNRs and the epoxy resin was promoted employing toluene diisocyanate. The reactions between elastomers and epoxy resin were followed by FTIR. The mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated and the microstructure was investigated using scanning electronic microscopy. The results showed that the impact resistance of HTNR-modified DGEBA was superior to that of the pure epoxy resin. For the composites with HTNR, the impact resistance increased with elastomer concentration up to 2.5 parts per hundred parts of resin. Higher concentration of HTNR resulted in larger particles which gave lower impact values.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Hydroxyl-terminated Liquid Natural Rubber by Photo-Fenton Reaction
Authors: Pham H. L. , Do B. T. , Pham T. S. , Le D. G.
Published: January 2020

Hydroxyl-terminated liquid natural rubber (HTNR) was prepared by the photo-Fenton reaction, which was carried out in solution in the presence of H2O2/Fe(II) combined with UV irradiation. The HTNR obtained was characterized by GPC, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT-NMR spectroscopy as well as by chemical methods. A probable mechanism leading to the formation of HTNR was discussed based on the analytical data.