bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Using Machine Learning-Driven Classification for Analysis of the Disparities between Categorized Learning Outcomes
Authors: Kowalska Aleksandra , Banasiak Robert , Stańdo Jacek , Wróbel-Lachowska Magdalena , Kozłowska Adrianna , Romanowski Andrzej
Published: November 2022

Learning outcomes are measurable statements that articulate educational aims in terms of what knowledge, skills, and other competences students possess after successfully completing a given learning experience. This paper presents an analysis of the disparity between the claimed and formulated learning outcomes categorized in knowledge, skills, and social responsibility competency classes as it is postulated in the European Qualification Framework. We employed machine learning classification algorithms to detect and reveal main errors in their formulation that result in incorrect classification using generally available syllabus data from 22 universities. The proposed method was employed in two stages: preprocessing (creating a Python dataframe structure) and classification (by performing tokenization with the term frequency–inverse document frequency method). The obtained results demonstrated high effectiveness in correct classification for a number of machine learning algorithms. The obtained sensitivity and specificity reached 0.8 for most cases with acceptable positive predictive values for social responsibility competency classes and relatively high negative predictive values greater than 0.8 for all classes. Hence, the presented methodology and results may be a prelude to conducting further studies associated with identifying learning outcomes.
Model Predictive Control for Solid State Transformers: Advances and Trends
Authors: Oliveira Tiago , Mendes André , Caseiro Luís
Published: November 2022

Due to its high functionality, the solid state transformer (SST) represents an emerging technology with huge potential to replace the conventional low-frequency transformer (LFT) in a wide range of applications, including railway traction, smart grids, and others. On the other hand, model predictive control (MPC) has proven to be a highly promising control approach for several power electronics systems, especially those based on multiple power converters. Considering these facts, over recent years, different MPC techniques have been proposed for different types of SSTs. In addition to that, numerous MPC strategies have also been investigated for various power converters topologies that can be used in SSTs. However, a paper summarizing and discussing MPC strategies in the framework of SSTs has not yet been proposed in the literature, being the main goal of this work. In this paper, all the existing MPC techniques in complete SST topologies will be presented and discussed. In addition, for the sake of the example, an overview of MPC strategies in converter topologies typically used in SSTs will also be presented.
Subjective Preference and Visual Attention to the Attributes of Ornamental Plants in Urban Green Space: An Eye-Tracking Study
Authors: Zheng Junming , Huang Yanzhen , Chen Yashan , Guan Lei , Liu Qunyue
Published: November 2022

Visual attributes of greenery strongly affect the attention and preferences of people. We invited 90 volunteers to participate in a study on the subjective rating and eye tracking on the landscape attributes of greenery to determine the relationship between subjective preference and visual attention to the visual attributes of greenery. The results showed that the subjective ratings of Tree + shrub + grass (IV-A), blue flower (II-A), red flower (II-B), pink flower (II-C), broad-leaved tree (I-C), and bamboo (I-E) were relatively high, belonging to the high rating group. The random forest model showed that the fixation count could indicate a subjective preference. People generate visual attention by fixating on attractive visual attributes with high subjective ratings.
Identification of Responders to Balneotherapy among Adults over 60 Years of Age with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study with Trajectory Model Analysis
Authors: Raud Benjamin , Lanhers Charlotte , Crouzet Cindy , Eschalier Bénédicte , Bougeard François , Goldstein Anna , Pereira Bruno , Coudeyre Emmanuel
Published: November 2022

Balneotherapy may be a relevant treatment for chronic low back pain (LBP) in individuals > 60 years old. This pilot study aimed to determine the effectiveness of balneotherapy for chronic LBP in people > 60 years old and to determine profiles of responders with trajectory model analysis. This was a pilot prospective open cohort study, with repeated measurements using validated questionnaires; participants were their own controls. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with a change in pain intensity between the start of treatment and 3 months after treatment assessed with a numeric scale (NS) from 0 to 100 mm, with an effect size (ES) > 0.5. The assessments involved questionnaires that were self-administered on days (D) 1 and 21 and at months 3 and 6. The secondary objective was to determine the profile of responders to balneotherapy. We included 78 patients (69.2% women), mean age 68.3 ± 5.3 years. The mean pain score on the NS was 48.8 ± 19.9 at D1 and 39.1 ± 20.5 at 3 months (p < 0.001). The ES was 0.47 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25 to 0.69] for the whole sample; 36% (28/78) had an ES > 0.5; 23% (18/78) had a moderate ES (0 to 0.5); and 41% (32/78) had an ES of zero (14/78) or < 0 (18/78), corresponding to increased pain intensity. The pain trajectory model showed that the change in pain between D1 and D21 for trajectory A (larger reduction in pain intensity) was −50% [95% CI −60 to −27], and for trajectory B (smaller reduction in pain intensity), it was −13% [−33 to 0] (p < 0.001). Between Day 1 and month 3, the change for trajectory A was −33% [−54; 0] and for trajectory B was −13% [−40 to 0] (p = 0.14). Finally, between D1 and month 6, the change for trajectory A was −50% [−60 to 0] and for trajectory B was −6% [−33 to 17] (p = 0.007). The patients in trajectory A reported performing more physical activity than those in trajectory B (p = 0.04). They were also less disabled, with a mean Oswestry Disability Index of 40.4 versus 45.7 for those in trajectory A and B, respectively, (p = 0.03) and had a higher total Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale score. This real-life study of the effectiveness of balneotherapy on chronic LBP identified distinct pain trajectories and predictive variables for responders. These criteria could be used in decision-making regarding the prescription of balneotherapy, to ensure personalized management of chronic LBP.
The Impact of Environmental Regulation, Industrial Structure, and Interaction on the High-Quality Development Efficiency of the Yellow River Basin in China from the Perspective of the Threshold Effect
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Tan Yaxin , Tian Kang
Published: November 2022

High-quality development efficiency can comprehensively measure the development quality of a region. This study constructed the SE-SBM Model and measured the quality development efficiency of the Yellow River Basin from 2010 to 2019. In panel regression, the periodic effects of industrial structure, environmental regulation, and their interaction terms on the efficiency of high-quality development are analyzed. From the perspective of the threshold effect, we explore the possible threshold of interaction to change the efficiency of high-quality development. The results show: (1) From 2010 to 2019, the high-quality development efficiency of the Yellow River Basin’s watershed segment showed a gradient development trend. (2) In panel regression, the interaction terms positively impact the whole basin’s high-quality development efficiency. However, for different sub-basins, the impact of the core explanatory variable on the efficiency of high-quality development is different. (3) The Yellow River basin has a single significant threshold in the threshold regression. From the perspective of the sub-basin, the upper and lower reaches of the Yellow River have a single significant threshold. There is no threshold in midstream. Based on the research results, the article puts forward relevant suggestions, such as reasonably improving regional imports and exports and introducing high-quality foreign capital, which can provide a basis for relevant departments.
Research on Seasonal Thermal Neutral Temperature in West Lake Scenic Area of Hangzhou, China
Authors: Mei Yi , Xu Lili
Published: November 2022

The thermal neutral temperature is the foundation for the evaluation of the outdoor thermal environment sensation. This study is designed to investigate the thermal neutral temperature of the outdoor space of Hangzhou West Lake. Both the median method and the thermal sensation vote (TSV) = 0 methods are adopted to discuss the seasonal thermal neutral temperature, thermal neutral temperature range, and thermal acceptable temperature range of the youth group with college students in Hangzhou as representatives. Via the analysis of the relationship between TSV and thermal evaluation index PET, the median method, which proved more suitable for the study site, is selected to obtain the thermal evaluation results. It’s found from the study that, throughout the year, the thermal neutral temperature of Hangzhou West Lake scenic area is 21.0 °C; the thermal neutral temperature range is 12.0–23.9 °C, and the acceptable thermal temperature is 13.0–25.7 °C. The youth group visiting Hangzhou West Lake has the highest acceptance of the thermal environment in spring and autumn and the lowest in winter. Furthermore, the empirical models show that air temperature and average wind speed are the key factors impacting the thermal evaluation of the youth group. This study can serve as a reference for thermal evaluation in similar climate regions.
Insecticidal Activity of a Petroleum-Derived Spray Oil and an Organosilicone Surfactant on Listronotus maculicollis (Kirby) Adults in Laboratory and Greenhouse Bioassays
Authors: McGraw Benjamin A. , Koppenhöfer Albrecht M. , Kostromytska Olga , Wu Shaohui , Alm Steven R.
Published: November 2022

The annual bluegrass weevil (ABW), Listronotus maculicollis (Kirby), is a severe pest of golf course turf in eastern North America. The development of pyrethroid- and multiple-resistant populations has created a dire need for novel tactics to control adults. We examined the insecticidal properties of a petroleum-derived spray oil (PDSO; Civitas Turf Defense™.) and an organosilicone, nonionic soil surfactant (Silwet L-77®) in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays. Civitas and Silwet killed > 75% of ABW adults in multiple assays. The level of control was positively affected by increased rate, spray application volume, and soil moisture levels. Dissections of weevils treated with Civitas revealed material entering the insect’s hemocoel after 15–30 min, though most mortality occurred between the 3 and 24 h observation periods. Reducing rates while increasing carrier volume or soil moisture levels through irrigation applied prior to or after application also provided excellent control of adults in the same observation periods. Silwet provided comparable, yet less consistent levels of control in the laboratory studies but was excluded from further tests after treated plants demonstrated phytotoxicity in greenhouse studies. Neither Silwet nor Civitas efficacy was affected by pyrethroid resistance levels in the ABW populations tested.
Establishment of Toxicity and Susceptibility Baseline of Broflanilide for Aphis gossypii Glove
Authors: Li Ren , Cheng Shenhang , Chen Zhibin , Guo Tianfeng , Liang Pingzhuo , Zhen Congai , Wang Jinghui , Zhang Lei , Liang Pei , Gao Xiwu
Published: November 2022

The Aphis gossypii is an important pest that can damage cotton plants and can cause a huge economic loss worldwide. Chemical control is a main method to manage this pest, but the cotton aphid resistance to insecticides has become a severe problem in the management of the cotton aphid. It is important to introduce a novel insecticide for rotational application with other insecticides. Broflanilide, as a meta-diamide insecticide with a special mode of action, showed high efficiency against lepidopterous larvae. However, we found that broflanilide possessed high insecticidal activity against the sap-sucking pest A. gossypii. The susceptibility of A. gossypii to broflanilide from 20 field populations in main cotton planting areas of China in 2021 was determined by the leaf-dipping method. LC50 values of broflanilide to A. gossypii ranged from 0.20 μg mL−1 to 1.48 μg mL−1. The susceptible baseline of A. gossypii to broflanilide was established with the LC50 value of 0.41 μg mL−1 and might be used to calculate the resistance ratio (RR) of cotton aphid population in broflanilide resistance monitoring. The RR value of field populations in China was from 0.49 to 3.61 in 2021. It suggested that the broflanilide may be a potential agent in the resistance management of A. gossypii to insecticides. These results are significantly useful for the rational chemical control of cotton aphids.
LABA/LAMA as First-Line Therapy for COPD: A Summary of the Evidence and Guideline Recommendations
Authors: Miravitlles Marc , Kawayama Tomotaka , Dreher Michael
Published: November 2022

Inhaled bronchodilators (alone or in combination) are the cornerstone of treatment for symptomatic patients with COPD, either as initial/first-line treatment or for second-line/treatment escalation in patients who experience persistent symptoms or exacerbations on monotherapy. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2022 report recommends initial pharmacological treatment with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) or a long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) as monotherapy for most patients, or dual bronchodilator therapy (LABA/LAMA) in patients with more severe symptoms, regardless of exacerbation history. The recommendations for LABA/LAMA are broader in the American Thoracic Society treatment guidelines, which strongly recommend LABA/LAMA combination therapy over LAMA or LABA monotherapy in patients with COPD and dyspnea or exercise intolerance. However, despite consistent guideline recommendations, real-world prescribing data indicate that LAMA and/or LABA without an inhaled corticosteroid are not the most widely prescribed therapies in COPD. This article reviews global and regional/national guideline recommendations for the use of LABA/LAMA in COPD, examines the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of LABA/LAMA versus other therapies and offers a practical guide for clinicians to help ensure appropriate use of LABA/LAMA therapy.
Embolization in Pediatric Patients: A Comprehensive Review of Indications, Procedures, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Marra Paolo , Di Fazio Barbaro , Dulcetta Ludovico , Carbone Francesco Saverio , Muglia Riccardo , Bonaffini Pietro Andrea , Valle Clarissa , Corvino Fabio , Giurazza Francesco , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Venturini Massimo , Sironi Sandro
Published: November 2022

Embolization in pediatric patients encompasses a large spectrum of indications, ranging from the elective treatment of congenital diseases of the cardiovascular system to the urgent management of acute hemorrhagic conditions. In particular, the endovascular treatment of central and peripheral vascular malformations and hypervascular tumors represents a wide chapter for both congenital and acquired situations. Thanks to the progressive availability of low-profile endovascular devices and new embolic materials, the mini-invasive approach has gradually overtaken surgery. In this review, the main embolization procedures will be illustrated and discussed, with a focus on clinical indications and expected outcomes. The most recent mini-invasive techniques will be described, with hints on the cutting-edge devices and embolic materials.
Targeting KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Cowzer Darren , Zameer Mohammed , Conroy Michael , Kolch Walter , Duffy Austin G.
Published: November 2022

Pancreatic cancer is mainly driven by mutations in the KRAS oncogene. While this cancer has shown remarkable therapy resistance, new approaches to inhibit mutated KRAS, KRAS activators and effectors show promise in breaking this therapeutic deadlock. Here, we review these innovations in therapies that target RAS signaling in pancreatic cancer from a clinical point of view. A number of promising approaches are currently in clinical trials or in clinical development. We focus on small-molecule drugs but also discuss immunotherapies and tumor vaccines.
CD169+ Monocyte and Regulatory T Cell Subsets Are Associated with Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Eakin Amanda J. , Ahmed Tahanver , McGeough Cathy M. , Drain Stephen , Alexander H. Denis , Wright Gary D. , Gardiner Philip V. , Small Dawn , Bjourson Anthony J. , Gibson David S.
Published: November 2022

Disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is influenced by activation of circulating and synovial immune cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and monocytes are key cells that drive inflammation in RA. This study investigated if a relationship exists between disease activity in RA and circulating Treg and monocyte numbers and phenotypes. A potential sialic acid (Sia) mediated link between Tregs and monocytes was also probed in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from RA patient (n = 62) and healthy control (n = 21) blood using density gradient separation. Flow cytometry was used to count and phenotype Treg and monocyte subsets, and to sort healthy control Tregs for Sia cell culture experiments. The effects of Sia on activated Treg FoxP3 and NFκB expression was assessed by flow cytometry and concentrations of secreted TNFα, IL-10 and IFNγ determined by ELISA. High disease activity RA patients who were unresponsive to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (n = 31), have significantly lower relative numbers (percentages) of CD4+CD25+CD127− Tregs (p < 0.01) and memory CD45RA−FoxP3+ Tregs (p < 0.01), compared to low disease activity responders (n = 24). Relative numbers of non-classical CD169+ monocytes are associated with disease activity in RA (p = 0.012). Sia reduced Treg expression of FoxP3, NFκB and cytokines in vitro. A strong association has been identified between non-classical CD169+ monocytes and post-treatment disease activity in RA. This study also indicates that Sia can reduce Treg activation and cytokine release. We postulate that such a reduction could be mediated by interaction with sialyted proteins captured by CD169+ monocytes.
The Burden of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in a Romanian Population across a 5-Year Period
Authors: Stan Adina , Ilut Silvina , Dragos Hanna Maria , Bota Claudia , Hanghicel Patricia Nicoleta , Cristian Alexander , Vlad Irina , Mocanu Diana , Strilciuc Stefan , Panaitescu Paul Stefan , Stan Horatiu , Muresanu Dafin F.
Published: November 2022

Health policies in transitioning health systems are rarely informed by the social burden and the incidence shifts in disease epidemiology. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a type of stroke more often affecting younger adults and women, with higher incidences being reported in recent studies. A retrospective, hospital-based population study was conducted at Cluj-Napoca Emergency County Hospital across a 5-year period between 2017 and 2021. The overall incidence and the rates in distinctive gender and age groups were assessed. Length of hospital stay (LHS), modified Rankin score (mRS) and mortality at discharge and at 3 months were calculated. Fifty-three patients were included. The median age was 45 years, and 64.2% were women. In our population of 3,043,998 person-years, 53 CVT cases resulted in an incidence of 1.74 per 100,000 (95% CI 1.30–2.27). CVT incidence was higher in women (2.13 per 100,000, 95% CI 1.47–2.07). There was a statistically significant difference in LHS between patients with different intracranial complications (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.008). The discharge mRS correlated with increasing age (rs = 0.334, p = 0.015), transient risk factors (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.023) and intracranial complications (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.022). In addition, the mRS at 3 months was statistically associated with increasing age (rs = 0.372, p = 0.006) and transient risk factors (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.012). In-hospital mortality was 5.7%, and mortality at follow up was 7.5%, with higher rates in women (5.9% and 8.8%, respectively). Our findings may provide insight regarding the epidemiological features of certain patient groups more prone to developing CVT and its complications, informing local and central stakeholders’ efforts to improve standards of care.
Polyaniline Nanoparticles: A Novel Additive for Augmenting Thermal Conductivity and Tribo-Properties of Mineral Oil and Commercial Engine Oil
Authors: Saini Vinay , Bijwe Jayashree
Published: November 2022

The present work demonstrates the novel composition of nanoparticles (NPs) of polyaniline (PANI) solo and, in combination with particles of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ~230 nm, as a powerful additive (antiwear-AWA and extreme-pressure additive EPA) in lubricating oils. The concentration of PANI NPs varied from 1–4 wt.% in a base oil and commercial 5W30 engine oil. The tribo-performance was evaluated on a four-ball tester. The PANI-based oils significantly enhanced the load-bearing ability, and 3 wt.% of PANI NPs led to enhancement in EP properties by 220% in a base oil and 58% in engine oil. Additionally, hybrid combinations of NPs of PTFE with PANI in base oil were prepared by mixing in a ratio of 3:1 and 2:1 and were explored for possible tribo-synergism in EP properties. The hybrid nano-oils led to the highest reported ~ 535% enhancement in the load-carrying capacity of mineral oil. The lubrication mechanisms for enhanced tribo performance were linked with studies on a scanning electron microscope, an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer, and with the use of Raman spectroscopy.
Thiolated Janus Silsesquioxane Tetrapod: New Precursors for Functional Materials
Authors: Laird Mathilde , Carcel Carole , Unno Masafumi , Bartlett John R. , Wong Chi Man Michel
Published: November 2022

Herein, we report synthetic strategies for the development of a bifunctional Janus T4 tetrapod (Janus ring), in which the orthogonal silsesquioxane and organic faces are independently functionalized. An all-cis T4 tetrasilanolate was functionalized to introduce thiol moieties on the silsesquioxane face and naphthyl groups on the organic face to introduce luminescent and self-organization properties. The stepwise synthesis conditions required to prepare such perfectly defined oligomers via a suite of well-defined intermediates and to avoid polymerization or reactions over all eight positions of the tetrapod are explored via 29Si, 13C and 1H NMR, FTIR and TOF-ESI mass spectroscopy. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few reports of Janus T4 tetrapods, with different functional groups located on both faces of the molecule, thus expanding the potential range of applications for these versatile precursors.
Influence of the Extraction Method on the Quality and Chemical Composition of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Oil
Authors: Elouafy Youssef , El Yadini Adil , El Moudden Hamza , Harhar Hicham , Alshahrani Mohammed Merae , Awadh Ahmed Abdullah Al , Goh Khang Wen , Ming Long Chiau , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Tabyaoui Mohamed
Published: November 2022

The present study investigated and compared the quality and chemical composition of Moroccan walnut (Juglans regia L.) oil. This study used three extraction techniques: cold pressing (CP), soxhlet extraction (SE), and ultrasonic extraction (UE). The findings showed that soxhlet extraction gave a significantly higher oil yield compared to the other techniques used in this work (65.10% with p < 0.05), while cold pressing and ultrasonic extraction gave similar yields: 54.51% and 56.66%, respectively (p > 0.05). Chemical composition analysis was carried out by GC–MS and allowed 11 compounds to be identified, of which the major compound was linoleic acid (C18:2), with a similar percentage (between 57.08% and 57.84%) for the three extractions (p > 0.05). Regarding the carotenoid pigment, the extraction technique significantly affected its content (p < 0.05) with values between 10.11 mg/kg and 14.83 mg/kg. The chlorophyll pigment presented a similar content in both oils extracted by SE and UE (p > 0.05), 0.20 mg/kg and 0.16 mg/kg, respectively, while the lowest content was recorded in the cold-pressed oil with 0.13 mg/kg. Moreover, the analysis of phytosterols in walnut oil revealed significantly different contents (p < 0.05) for the three extraction techniques (between 1168.55 mg/kg and 1306.03 mg/kg). In addition, the analyses of tocopherol composition revealed that γ-tocopherol represented the main tocopherol isomer in all studied oils and the CP technique provided the highest content of total tocopherol with 857.65 mg/kg, followed by SE and UE with contents of 454.97 mg/kg and 146.31 mg/kg, respectively, which were significantly different (p < 0.05). This study presents essential information for producers of nutritional oils and, in particular, walnut oil; this information helps to select the appropriate method to produce walnut oil with the targeted quality properties and chemical compositions for the desired purpose. It also helps to form a scientific basis for further research on this plant in order to provide a vision for the possibility of exploiting these oils in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food fields.
Integrating Multi-Type Component Determination and Anti-Oxidant/-Inflammatory Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Pre-Molting Washing on the Quality and Bioactivity of Cicadae Periostracum
Authors: Guo Meng-Fei , Zhang Huan-Huan , Zhong Ping , Xu Jin-Di , Zhou Shan-Shan , Long Fang , Kong Ming , Mao Qian , Li Song-Lin
Published: November 2022

Cicadae Periostracum (CP) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the slough that is molted from the nymph of the insect Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius. Washing with water to remove residual silt is a primary processing method of CP that is recommended by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, but how washing methods affect the quality and bioactivity of CP is unknown. In this study, the quality and bioactivity of non-washed CP (CP-NW), post-molting-washed CP (CP-WAT), and pre-molting-washed CP (CP-WBT) were comparatively investigated. The quality of these CP samples was evaluated in terms of the UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-based chemical profiling and semi-quantification of 39 N-acetyldopamine oligomers (belonging to six chemical types), the HPLC-UV-based quantification of 17 amino acids, the ICP-MS-based quantification of four heavy metals, and the contents of ash; the bioactivities of the samples were compared regarding their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It was found that, compared with CP-NW, both CP-WBT and CP-WAT had significantly lower contents of ash and heavy metals. Moreover, compared with CP-WAT, CP-WBT contained lower levels of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and heavy metals and higher contents of N-acetyldopamine oligomers and amino acids. It also had enhanced anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. A Spearman’s correlation analysis found that the contents of N-acetyldopamine oligomers and free amino acids were positively correlated with the anti-oxidant/-inflammatory activities of CP. All these results suggest that pre-molting washing can not only remove the residual silt but can also avoid the loss of the bioactive components and assure higher bioactivities. It is concluded that pre-molting washing could enhance the quality and bioactivity of CP and should be a superior alternative method for the primary processing of qualified CP.
The Effect of Vibratory Grinding Time on Moisture Sorption, Particle Size Distribution, and Phenolic Bioaccessibility of Carob Powder
Authors: Červenka Libor , Frühbauerová Michaela , Palarčík Jiří , Muriqi Sali , Velichová Helena
Published: November 2022

Carob pod powder, an excellent source of health-promoting substances, has found its use in a wide range of food products. Grinding conditions affect the physical and chemical properties of the powder, but their influence on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in carob pod powder has not yet been determined. The carob pods were ground for 30–180 s in a vibratory grinder. The median values (D50) of particle size decreased after 60 s of grinding (87.9 μm), then increased to 135.1 μm. Lightness showed a negative correlation with D50 and aw, while the values of redness and yellowness decreased with the reduction in particle size and water activity. The smaller the value of D50, the higher the equilibrium moisture content of carob powder. Phenolic acids (vanillic, ferulic, cinnamic) and flavonoids (luteolin, naringenin, apigenin) were found in all samples of carob powder. The grinding time influenced their content in carob powder, with maximum values at 180 s. Similar observations were made when assessing antioxidant capacity. The in vitro digestion process only improved the bioaccessibility of catechin content in all samples. However, the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents decreased with the increase in grinding time. Our findings revealed that the grinding of carob pods for 180 s improved the extractability of phenolics; however, their bioaccessibility was reduced. It is sufficient to ground the carob pod for 30 s, ensuring good availability of nutraceuticals and lower energy cost for grinding.
Unraveling the Influence of the Electrolyte on the Polarization Resistance of Nanostructured La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ Cathodes
Authors: Zamudio-García Javier , Caizán-Juanarena Leire , Porras-Vázquez José M. , Losilla Enrique R. , Marrero-López David
Published: November 2022

Large variations in the polarization resistance of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) cathodes are reported in the literature, which are usually related to different preparation methods, sintering temperatures, and resulting microstructures. However, the influence of the electrolyte on the electrochemical activity and the rate-limiting steps of LSCF remains unclear. In this work, LSCF nanostructured electrodes with identical microstructure are prepared by spray-pyrolysis deposition onto different electrolytes: Zr0.84Y0.16O1.92 (YSZ), Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (CGO), La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 (LSGM), and Bi1.5Y0.5O3-δ (BYO). The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte has a great influence on the electrochemical performance of LSCF due to the improved oxide ion transport at the electrode/electrolyte interface, as well as the extended ionic conduction paths for the electrochemical reactions on the electrode surface. In this way, the polarization resistance of LSCF decreases as the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte increases in the following order: YSZ > LSGM > CGO > BYO, with values ranging from 0.21 Ω cm2 for YSZ to 0.058 Ω cm2 for BYO at 700 °C. In addition, we demonstrate by distribution of relaxation times and equivalent circuit models that the same rate-limiting steps for the ORR occur regardless of the electrolyte. Furthermore, the influence of the current collector material on the electrochemical performance of LSCF electrodes is also analyzed.
Bowtie Nanoantenna Coupled Metal-Oxide-Silicon (p-Doped) Diode for 28.3 THz IR Rectification
Authors: Islam Nasim Al , Choi Sangjo
Published: November 2022

Low-temperature waste heat in the infrared (IR) wavelength region offers an opportunity to harvest power from waste energy and requires further investigation in order to find efficient conversion techniques. Although grating-coupled metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) diode devices offer efficient conversion from low and moderate-temperature thermal sources, the integration of such diodes with a nanoantenna structure has yet to be explored. We propose a bowtie nanoantenna coupled with a p-doped MOS diode for IR to direct current (DC) conversion without any bias voltage at 28.3 THz. The nanoantenna was designed and optimized to provide maximum field enhancement in a 4 nm-thick oxide layer at the resonant frequency. The device was fabricated following the complementary MOS (CMOS) fabrication process and measured in a custom DC and optical characterization setup using a 10.6 μm wavelength CO2 laser. The results reveal two different types of devices with linear and nonlinear I-V curves having kΩ and MΩ zero-bias resistance, respectively. The linear device generates a micron-level open-circuit voltage (Voc) with clear polarization dependence from the laser input, but the nonlinear case suffers from a weak noise-like signal. Finally, we analyze two types of devices using thermoelectric and tunneling effects and discuss the future direction of nanoantenna-integrated MOS devices for efficient IR harvesters.
Anabolic Peptide-Enriched Stealth Nanoliposomes for Effective Anti-Osteoporotic Therapy
Authors: Salave Sagar , Rana Dhwani , Kumar Hemant , Kommineni Nagavendra , Benival Derajram
Published: November 2022

The objective of the present work was to develop PTH (1-34)-loaded stealth nanoliposomes (PTH-LPs) by employing the use of the Quality by Design (QbD) approach. Risk identification was carried out using the Ishikawa fishbone diagram. PTH-LPs were optimized using Box Behnken Design, a type of response surface methodology to examine the effect of independent variables on dependent variables such as particle size and percentage entrapment efficiency (%EE). Design space was generated for PTH-LPs to reduce interbatch variability during the formulation development process. Furthermore, a cytotoxicity assay, cell proliferation assay, calcium calorimetric assay, mineralized nodule formation, and cellular uptake assay were carried out on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. The results obtained from these procedures demonstrated that lipid concentration had a significant positive impact on particle size and %EE, whereas cholesterol concentration showed a reduction in %EE. The particle size and %EE of optimized formulation were found to be 147.76 ± 2.14 nm and 69.18 ± 3.62%, respectively. Optimized PTH-LPs showed the sustained release profile of the drug. In vitro cell evaluation studies showed PTH-LPs have good biocompatibility with MG-63 cells. The cell proliferation study revealed that PTH-LPs induced osteoblast differentiation which improved the formation of mineralized nodules in MG-63 cells. The outcome of the present study conclusively demonstrated the potential of the QbD concept to build quality in PTH-LPs with improved osteoanabolic therapy in osteoporosis.
Comparative Study Effect of Urea-Sulfur Fertilizers on Nitrogen Uptake and Maize Productivity
Authors: Swify Samar , Avizienyte Dovile , Mazeika Romas , Braziene Zita
Published: November 2022

Combined nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization is a good management strategy to reduce N loss and increase the efficiency of N fertilizers to achieve high grain yields and quality. Field trials for 2 yrs. (2018–2019) were conducted to evaluate the comparative advantage of conventional urea (150 N kg ha−1) compared to urea+ ammonium sulfate (150 N kg ha−1), urea+ calcium sulfate (150 N kg ha−1), and urea cocrystals (CaSO4.4urea) (150 N kg ha−1) when applied as nitrogen fertilizers to the maize. The statistics show a significant treatments effect on developed corn cobs, fresh and dry cob yields and grain yield, with 1000 grains with better results in 2019 than in 2018. The fertilization treatments affected grain yields significantly for 2018 and 2019, respectively. Urea+ ammonium sulfate and urea cocrystal provided a significant increase in grain yields by 10.5% and 7.50%, respectively, compared to urea in 2018, w1hereas, in 2019, urea cocrystal supplied the grain yields with a significant increase of 23.07% compared to urea, followed by urea + calcium sulfate which provided a 10.46% increase compared to urea. The study highlights that using urea-sulfur fertilizers enhanced the release of mineral nitrogen in the soil, improved the grain’s N uptake by the plant and increased maize grain yields.
Triple Collocation of Ground-, Satellite- and Land Surface Model-Based Surface Soil Moisture Products in Oklahoma—Part I: Individual Product Assessment
Authors: Hong Zhen , Moreno Hernan A. , Li Zhi , Li Shuo , Greene John S. , Hong Yang , Alvarez Laura V.
Published: November 2022

Improvements in soil moisture observations and modeling play a vital role in drought, water resources, flooding, and landslide management and forecasting. However, the lack of multisensor products that integrate different spatial scales (i.e., from 1 m2 to 102 km2) is a pressing need in the management and forecasting chain. Up to date, surface soil moisture estimates could be obtained through three primary approaches: (1) in situ measurements and their interpolations, (2) remote sensing observations, and (3) land surface model (LSM) outputs. Each source of soil moisture has its own spatiotemporal resolution, strengths, and weaknesses. Therefore, their correct interpretation and application require an in-depth understanding of their accuracy and appropriateness. In this study, we explore the utility of the triple collocation (TC) method for an independent assessment of three soil moisture products to characterize their uncertainty structures and make recommendations toward a potential product merge. The state of Oklahoma is an ideal domain to test the hypotheses of this work because of the presence of marked west-to-east gradients in climate, vegetation, and soils. The three target soil moisture products include (1) the remotely sensed microwave soil moisture active passive (SMAP) L3_SM_P_E (9 km, daily), (2) the physically based LSM estimates from NLDAS_NOAH0125_H (1/8°, hourly; Noah), and (3) the Oklahoma Mesonet ground sensor network (point, 30 min). The product assessment was conducted from April 2015 to July 2019. The results indicate that, in general, Mesonet and Noah are the most reliable products, although their performance varies geographically and by land cover type, reflecting the main spatiotemporal characteristics and scope of each product. Specifically, Mesonet provides the best estimates of volumetric soil moisture with a mean Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.805, followed by Noah with 0.747. However, Noah represents the true soil moisture variation better than the interpolated Mesonet product on the mesoscale, with an averaged RMSE of 0.026 m3⁄m3. Over different land cover types, Mesonet had the best performance in shrub/scrub, herbaceous, hay/pasture, and cultivated crops with an average correlation coefficient of 0.79, while Noah achieved the best performance in evergreen, mixed, and deciduous forests, with an average correlation coefficient of 0.74. The period-integrated TC intercomparison results over nine climate divisions indicated that Noah outperformed in the central, northeast, and east-central regions. TC provides not only a new perspective for comparatively assessing multisource soil moisture products but also a basis for objective data merging to capitalize on the strengths of multisensor, multiplatform soil moisture products.
Health and Environmental Co-Benefits of City Urban Form in Latin America: An Ecological Study
Authors: Avila-Palencia Ione , Sánchez Brisa N. , Rodríguez Daniel A. , Perez-Ferrer Carolina , Miranda J. Jaime , Gouveia Nelson , Bilal Usama , Useche Andrés F. , Wilches-Mogollon Maria A. , Moore Kari , Sarmiento Olga L. , Diez Roux Ana V.
Published: November 2022

We investigated the association of urban landscape profiles with health and environmental outcomes, and whether those profiles are linked to environmental and health co-benefits. In this ecological study, we used data from 208 cities in 8 Latin American countries of the SALud URBana en América Latina (SALURBAL) project. Four urban landscape profiles were defined with metrics for the fragmentation, isolation, and shape of patches (contiguous area of urban development). Four environmental measures (lack of greenness, PM2.5, NO2, and carbon footprint), two cause-specific mortality rates (non-communicable diseases and unintentional injury mortality), and prevalence of three risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, and obesity) for adults were used as the main outcomes. We used linear regression models to evaluate the association of urban landscape profiles with environmental and health outcomes. In addition, we used finite mixture modeling to create co-benefit classes. Cities with the scattered pixels profile (low fragmentation, high isolation, and compact shaped patches) were most likely to have positive co-benefits. Profiles described as proximate stones (moderate fragmentation, moderate isolation, and irregular shape) and proximate inkblots (moderate-high fragmentation, moderate isolation, and complex shape) were most likely to have negative co-benefits. The contiguous large inkblots profile (low fragmentation, low isolation, and complex shape) was most likely to have mixed benefits.
In Vitro Multiplication of Lophostemon suaveolens (Sol.ex Gaertn.) Peter G.Wilson & J.T. Waterh): Peatland Tree Species for Rehabilitation
Authors: Putri Asri Insiana , Kartikawati Noor Khomsah , Nirsatmanto Arif , Sunarti Sri , Haryjanto Liliek , Herawan Toni , Santosa Purwanto Budi , Wahyuningtyas Reni Setyo , Lestari Fajar , Rimbawanto Anto
Published: November 2022

Peatlands in Indonesia are one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, helping to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change. Lophostemon suaveolens is a relatively unexplored plant found in Papua’s endemic peat ecosystem that grows well in wet areas with low fertility. It is geographically dispersed and has the potential for peatland rehabilitation. Seed is one of materials for the reproduction of L. suaveolens. However, the difficulty in seed collection and the limitation in seed production has become a current problem for its cultivation. Seed multiplication by using an in vitro method would be one of the mechanisms to overcome the problem. We present an efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro multiplication of plantlets using nodal segments and shoot apices collected from plantlets. After 3 months of the culture initiation stage, the elongated axillary shoots were separated from the clumps and further multiplied using Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with (1) BAP (0.5 mL/L) as single PGR, (2) NAA (0.1 mL/L) as a single PGR, and (3) a combination of two types of PGR BAP (0.5 mL/L) and NAA (0.1 mL/L). Up to an incubation period of 6 months, the efficiency of leaf axillary shoot propagation was determined by counting the number of nodule multiplication coefficient (NMC), shoot length, root length, and number of leaves (six consecutive subcultures). The higher the NMC, the higher the plantlets obtained, increasing shoot regeneration from nodules physiologically increasing evapotranspiration in vitro. The highest of NMC (8.4) was observed in MS medium with a combination of 0.5 mL/L BAP and 0.1 mL/L NAA (double PGRs), with the longest shoots (5.91 cm), the longest root length (8.83 cm), and the most leaves (32). When a combination of BAP and NAA were used simultaneously, the plantlets during acclimatization were the highest survived. It was concluded that MS in combination with 0.5 mL/L BAP and 0.1 mL/L NAA is the most appropriate protocol for the success of in vitro multiplication of L. suaveolens. This is the first report of L. suaveolens in vitro multiplication, and the protocol could be used to propagate this peatland species on a large scale. The authors acknowledge the limitations of the experimental work and recommend further work to increase the sample size and complete the field-testing phase to help verify the initial findings presented in this paper.
HTLV-2 Enhances CD8+ T Cell-Mediated HIV-1 Inhibition and Reduces HIV-1 Integrated Proviral Load in People Living with HIV-1
Authors: Abad-Fernández María , Hernández-Walias Francisco J. , Ruiz de León María J. , Vivancos María J. , Pérez-Elías María J. , Moreno Ana , Casado José L. , Quereda Carmen , Dronda Fernando , Moreno Santiago , Vallejo Alejandro
Published: November 2022

People living with HIV-1 and HTLV-2 concomitantly show slower CD4+ T cell depletion and AIDS progression, more frequency of the natural control of HIV-1, and lower mortality rates. A similar beneficial effect of this infection has been reported on HCV coinfection reducing transaminases, increasing the spontaneous clearance of HCV infection and delaying the development of hepatic fibrosis. Given the critical role of CD8+ T cells in controlling HIV-1 infection, we analysed the role of CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxic activity in coinfected individuals living with HIV-1. One hundred and twenty-eight individuals living with HIV-1 in four groups were studied: two groups with HTLV-2 infection, including individuals with HCV infection (N = 41) and with a sustained virological response (SVR) after HCV treatment (N = 25); and two groups without HTLV-2 infection, including individuals with HCV infection (N = 25) and with a sustained virological response after treatment (N = 37). We found that CD8+ T cell-mediated HIV-1 inhibition in vitro was higher in individuals with HTLV-2. This inhibition activity was associated with a higher frequency of effector memory CD8+ T cells, higher levels of granzyme A and granzyme B cytolytic enzymes, and perforin. Hence, cellular and soluble cytolytic factors may contribute to the lower HIV-1 pre-ART viral load and the HIV-1 proviral load during ART therapy associated with HTLV-2 infection. Herein, we confirmed and expanded previous findings on the role of HTLV-2 in the beneficial effect on the pathogenesis of HIV-1 in coinfected individuals.
An Analysis of the Effect of Rearing Temperature on the Prevalences of Myxosporea in Experimentally Infected Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: DANA DARNAS
Published: November 2022

Experimentally reared 10-day-old common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were exposed to natural infection by Myxosporea by holding for 14 days in a pond known to be highly infective. They were then incubated in cement tanks at three predetermined temperatures of 25.3 ± 0.4°C, 28.0 ± 0.4°C, and 31.1 ± 0.()°C. Four species of Myxosporea were recovered: Myxobolus koi Kudo, 1920; Myxobolus tayamai Kudo, 1915; Myxobolus artus Akhmerov, 1960; and Thelohanellus callisporis Ha Ky, 1971. Results revealed that with the possible exception of M. toyamai, which occurred only with extremely low prevalences, all other species developed at all temperatures tested. Prevalences of infection, however, varied with species and rearing temperature, M. koi and T. callisporis having significantly lower prevalences at higher temperature, whereas prevalences of M. artus did not differ significantly among the three temperatures tested.
La música en los espacios informativos radiales: programa de capacitación para sus periodistas y directores
Authors: Álvarez Amargós Michelle María , del Toro Gómez Luis Orlando
Published: November 2022

Este artículo presenta una propuesta elemental de programa de capacitación, diseñado para directores y periodistas, cuya finalidad es prepararlos para el empleo adecuado de la música en los espacios informativos. En el diseño del programa fueron tenidos en cuenta los aspectos identificados en el diagnóstico, así como las regulaciones existentes al respecto. La investigación se apoyó para su desarrollo en métodos y técnicas tanto cualitativas como cuantitativas y demostró que la propuesta debe redundar en un producto radial de mayor calidad, al igual que establecerá pautas para el trabajo periodístico. Asimismo, permitirá capacitar al personal de la emisora y generará bibliografía teórico-práctica para el curso. Se validó la factibilidad y viabilidad del programa a través del criterio de especialistas.