bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking Tissue Damage to Hyperspectral Reflectance for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Apple Fruit in Orchards
Authors: Solovchenko Alexei , Dorokhov Alexei , Shurygin Boris , Nikolenko Alexandr , Velichko Vitaly , Smirnov Igor , Khort Dmitriy , Aksenov Aleksandr , Kuzin Andrey
Published: December 2020

Reflected light carries ample information about biochemical composition, tissue architecture, and physiological condition of plants. Recent technical progress brought about affordable imaging hyperspectrometers (IH) providing spatially resolved spectral data on plants. The extraction of sensible information from hyperspectral reflectance images is difficult due to inherent complexity of plant tissue and canopy optics, especially when recorded by IH under ambient sunlight. We aimed at obtaining a deeper insight into plant optics as perceived by IH since there is a high demand for algorithms for fruit harvesting and grading systems equipped with computer vision and robotic systems capable of working in orchard. We report on the characteristic changes in hyperspectral reflectance accompanying the accumulation of anthocyanins in healthy fruit, pigment breakdown during sunscald and phytopathogen attacks. The measurements made outdoors with a snapshot IH were compared with traditional “point” reflectance measured with a conventional spectrophotometer under controlled illumination conditions. Most of the spectral features and patterns of plant reflectance were evident in the IH-derived reflectance images. As a step forward, a novel index for highlighting tissue damages on the background of the anthocyanin absorption, BRI-M = (1/Rorange – 1/Rred + 1/RNIR), is suggested. Difficulties of the interpretation of fruit hyperspectral reflectance images recorded in situ are discussed with possible implications for plant physiology and precision horticulture practices.
Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Dystrophin-Deficient Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rodriguez-Gonzalez Moises , Lubian-Gutierrez Manuel , Cascales-Poyatos Helena Maria , Perez-Reviriego Alvaro Antonio , Castellano-Martinez Ana
Published: December 2020

Dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy (DDC) is currently the leading cause of death in patients with dystrophinopathies. Targeting myocardial fibrosis (MF) has become a major therapeutic goal in order to prevent the occurrence of DDC. We aimed to review and summarize the current evidence about the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the development and perpetuation of MF in DCC. We conducted a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed English literature on PubMed about this subject. We found increasing preclinical evidence from studies in animal models during the last 20 years pointing out a central role of RAAS in the development of MF in DDC. Local tissue RAAS acts directly mainly through its main fibrotic component angiotensin II (ANG2) and its transducer receptor (AT1R) and downstream TGF-b pathway. Also, it modulates the actions of most of the remaining pro-fibrotic factors involved in DDC. Despite limited clinical evidence, RAAS blockade constitutes the most studied, available and promising therapeutic strategy against MF and DDC. Conclusion: Based on the evidence reviewed, it would be recommendable to start RAAS blockade therapy through angiotensin converter enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or AT1R blockers (ARBs) alone or in combination with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRa) at the youngest age after the diagnosis of dystrophinopathies, in order to delay the occurrence or slow the progression of MF, even before the detection of any cardiovascular alteration.
Flame Retardance and Char Analysis of Environmental Friendly Polyurethane Hyperbranched Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Using the Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Shen Ming-Yuan , Kuan Chen-Feng , Kuan Hsu-Chiang , Ke Cing-Yu , Chiang* Chin- Lung
Published: December 2020

This study used the sol–gel method to synthesize a non-halogenated hyperbranched flame retardant containing nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon, HBNPSi, which was then added to a polyurethane (PU) matrix to form an organic–inorganic hybrid material. Using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of P- and Si-mapping, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, this study determined the organic and inorganic dispersity, morphology, and flame retardance mechanism of the hybrid material. The condensation density of the hybrid material PU/HBNPSi was found to be 74.4%. High condensation density indicates a dense network structure of the material. The P- and Si-mapping showed that adding inorganic additives in quantities of either 20% or 40% results in homogeneous dispersion of the inorganic fillers in the polymer matrix without agglomeration, indicating that the organic and inorganic phases had excellent compatibility. In the burning test, adding HBNPSi to PU resulted in the material passing the UL-94 standard at the V2 level, unlike the pristine PU, which did not meet the standard. The results demonstrated that after non-halogenated flame retardant was added to PU, the material’s flammability and dripping were lower, thereby proving that flame retardants containing elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon exert an excellent flame retardant synergistic effect.
İdeal Bağlanma Figürü Olarak Allah
Authors: ERYILMAZ Fatma Nur , ÜNAL Süheyl
Published: December 2020

İnsanlar birçok kişi ile duygusal bağ kurmaktadır. Bu bağların ilki, hiç kuşkusuz anne ile çocuk arasında kurulan bağdır. Bu bağla başlayan bağlanma süreci, bu ilişkide edinilen içsel çalışan modeller aracılığıyla diğer duygusal ilişkilere de etki eder. Şüphesiz, bu ilişkilerden biri de kişinin Tanrı ile kurduğu ilişkidir. Bu makalede yapılmak istenen, John Bowlby tarafından geliştirilen bağlanma kuramından yola çıkarak kişinin annesiyle kurduğu ilişki sonucu edindiği bağlanma stillerinin, onun gelecekte Tanrı ile ilişkine etkisini incelemek ve Kur’an’daki Allah tasavvurunun ideal bir bağlanma figürü olarak düşünülüp düşünülemeyeceğini ortaya koymaktır. Din psikolojisi çalışmalarına bağlanma perspektifinden bakılabileceğini öne süren Lee A. Kirkpatrick’in düşüncelerinden yola çıkarak Kur’an’da tasavvur edilen Allah’ın özellikleri ile güvenli bağlanılabilecek ideal bir bağlanma figürünün özellikleri arasında karşılaştırma yapılmıştır. Kur’an’da Allah tasavvurunun ideal bir bağlanma figüründen beklenen yakınlık sağlanma, güvenli bir sığınak ve güvenilir bir dayanak olma, her zaman ulaşılabilir, güçlü ve bilge olma gibi özellikleri karşıladığı görülmektedir.
Intermediaries and Personas: A radical rhetorical reading of marketing work
Authors: Miles Chris
Published: December 2020

This article examines the various ways in which marketing work (in both 'practice' and scholarship) engages with the construction of personas. It positions marketing as a rhetorical enterprise concerned with the establishment of intermediary and liminal positions within society; positions which are designed, as in Jung's description of the persona, to "make a definite impression upon others [...and...] to conceal the true nature of the individual" (Jung 1972, p. 192) in order to facilitate social integration. An initial close reading of Jung's work on the persona provides the context for a portrayal of the extreme tensions between organisational/disciplinary/professional identity and persona in modern marketing work. The article examines the long history of anxiety that marketers have manifested regarding the reputation of their practice, the 'morality' and 'scientific' ethos of their unavoidably relativistic approach to truth and identity, and their focus on the construction of appearance/persona for commercial or political advantage. Finally, if the urge to create personas comes from needing to consistently portray the roles that society expects us to adopt (whether that be parson, cobbler or poet, to use Jung's examples), what happens to a discipline and profession which is so focused on the dynamic re-creation, re-assignment and re-invention of personas? The work argues that the distrust that marketing experiences at the hands of mainstream society illustrates the way in which the maintenance of a consistent persona, 'standing at one's post' (to use Jung's terminology), remains one of the most uncomfortable and contested aspects of modern life.
The Clinical Study of Detecting the Endodontic Vitality Clinical Reference Range of Anterior Teeth in Children Used By Laser Doppler Flowmetry
Authors: Yang Kuang , Guo Feifei , Zhou Zhifei , Hui Zeming , Wang Zirui , Wang Junhui , Chen Yujiang , Ge Xin , Huang Ruizhe , Wang Xiaojing
Published: December 2020

Aim: To measure the pulpal blood flow (PBF) of the upper incisors using the laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and to calculate the endodontic vitality clinical reference range using PBF as an indicator in the healthy children. To clarify the factors that might interfere the detection and interpretation of the results. Methods: Seven to twelve-year-old school-age children were recruited randomly. The basic characteristics of the subjects are described in terms of age and gender. The mean, standard deviation, and reference range of the subjects’ PBF values are described based on their age, sex, and tooth position. Multi-factor analysis of variance was implemented, mainly including age, gender, and tooth position. Results: 1) The clinical reference range of the anterior teeth PBF in children of different ages was preliminary defined that was approximately among the range of 7-14. 2). A statistically significant correlation between PBF and age in school-aged children (P < 0.05) was detected and no statistical significance between genders (P > 0.05) was detected. The PBF detection value of lateral incisors was higher than that of central incisors, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The determination of the range of clinical reference of anterior teeth PBF in children by LDF could provide a good theoretical basis and reference basis for further promotion of its application.
Synthetic Observational Health Data with GANs: from slow adoption to a boom in medical research and ultimately digital twins?
Authors: Geogres-Filteau Jeremy , Cirillo Elisa
Published: December 2020

After being collected for patient care, Observational Health Data (OHD) can further benefit patient well-being by sustaining the development of health informatics and medical research. Vast potential is unexploited because of the fiercely private nature of patient-related data and regulations to protect it.Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have recently emerged as a groundbreaking way to learn generative models that produce realistic synthetic data. They have revolutionized practices in multiple domains such as self-driving cars, fraud detection, digital twin simulations in industrial sectors, and medical imaging.The digital twin concept could readily apply to modelling and quantifying disease progression. In addition, GANs posses many capabilities relevant to common problems in healthcare: lack of data, class imbalance, rare diseases, and preserving privacy. Unlocking open access to privacy-preserving OHD could be transformative for scientific research. In the midst of COVID-19, the healthcare system is facing unprecedented challenges, many of which of are data related for the reasons stated above.Considering these facts, publications concerning GAN applied to OHD seemed to be severely lacking. To uncover the reasons for this slow adoption, we broadly reviewed the published literature on the subject. Our findings show that the properties of OHD were initially challenging for the existing GAN algorithms (unlike medical imaging, for which state-of-the-art model were directly transferable) and the evaluation synthetic data lacked clear metrics.We find more publications on the subject than expected, starting slowly in 2017, and since then at an increasing rate. The difficulties of OHD remain, and we discuss issues relating to evaluation, consistency, benchmarking, data modelling, and reproducibility.
Topographic organization of single-neuron projectome for mouse prefrontal cortex
Authors: Yan Jun , Gao Le , Liu Sang , Gou Lingfeng , Hu Yachuang , Liu Yan-He , Deng Li , Chen Zhaoqin , Liu Dechen , Qiu Shou , Wang Xiaofei , Wang Danying , Wang Xinran , Ren Biyu , Liu Qingxu , Chen Tianzhi , Shi Xiaoxue , Yao Haishan , Xu Chun , Li Cheng-Yu , Li Anan , Luo Qingming , Gong Hui , Xu Ning-long
Published: December 2020

Neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are responsible for high-level cognitive functions. Comparing to sensory and motor cortices, however, the connectivity organization of PFC is far more complex and still poorly understood. Here we report that whole-brain reconstruction of complete axonal morphologies of over 6,000 projection neurons in mouse PFC revealed fine-grained topographic relationship between the soma locations in PFC and their projection patterns before and after arriving the cortical and subcortical target regions. We first mapped the long-range projections of intratelencephalic (IT), pyramidal tract (PT), and corticothalamic (CT) neurons, and found that each class of these neurons can be further categorized into target-based subclasses, with somata of each subclass preferentially located at different PFC domains. Furthermore, the distribution of individual axon projections within each target region exhibited subregion preference, with their somata located in specific PFC subdomains. Mapping of single axons revealed a topographic order of primary axons within IT, PT, and CT fiber tracts that preserved the topography of their soma locations within PFC, and a spatial order of collateral branching points that yielded ordered clusters of collaterals aiming at specific targets. Within the target regions, we further observed subregion-specific arbor distribution that depended on the soma location. Such arbor distribution analysis of cortico-cortical PFC axons unveiled asymmetric terminal connectivity in PFC network. Our results demonstrate how large-scale single-neuron projectome analysis can provide new insights into the structural principle within the brain.
Association Mapping of Drought Avoidance and Agronomic Traits in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Landraces with SSR Markers and Genotyping-By-Sequencing Approach
Authors: R Beena , Kirubakaran Silvas , N Nithya , R.P Sah , P.S Abida , J. Sreekumar , M.P.K. Jaslam , R Rejeth , V.G. Jayalekshmy , S Roy , R.V. Manju , M.M Viji , Alagu Manickavelu
Published: December 2020

Development of rice varieties suited to varying drought stress level, and crop stages, relies mainly on identifying new genetic resources and genomic targets to improve whole plant physiological processes and productivity. This study with 99 rice germplasm adapted to Southwestern Indian peninsular region genotyped with 100 SSR markers evaluated over five different seasons/field trials to characterize plant physiological, root traits and yield related traits under different intensity and crop stage experienced water limitation. Traits like chlorophyll stability index, leaf rolling, days to 50% flowering, chlorophyll content, root volume and root biomass were identified as best predictors of grain yield under stress. Genome-Wide Association Study revealed genetic variation and genomic targets underlying major QTLs for different physiological, root and plant production traits. Combined analysis with trials 1-4 revealed 14 genomic regions governing multiple traits that contribute to plant performance and productivity under water stress. Genetic characterization of nine selected landraces and two elite cultivars using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) revealed haplotype variation within genomic targets on chromosome 1, 4, 6 and 11 for potential use as molecular markers. The genetic and genomic resources identified will enable combining traits with agronomic value to optimize yield under stress and hasten trait introgression into elite cultivars.
Relationship Between Bowel/bladder, and Sexual Dysfunction With Health-Related Quality of Life in Women With Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Authors: Azadvari Mohaddeseh , Moghadasi Abdorreza Naser , Navardi Samira , Razavi Seyede Zahra Emami , Gashti Sara Hamtaei
Published: December 2020

Background: Bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction are among common complications in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). These complications could affect the quality of life. The goal of this study is to assess bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction and quality of life in married women with MS. Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven married women with MS were enrolled. They fill the valid and reliable Persian version of the Female sexual function index (FSFI), SF-36, Bladder Control Scale (BLCS), and The Bowel Control Scale (BWCS). Results: Mean age and disease duration were 38±7.9 and 8.4±6.5 years, respectively. There was significant negative correlation between SF-36 and BWCS (r=-0.25, p=0.001) and BLCS (r=-0.36, p=0.001) and significant positive correlation between FSFI and SF-36(r=0.27, p=0.004). There was a significant negative correlation between age and total FSFI (r=-0.34, p<0.001) and also between EDSS and FSFI (r=-0.21, p=0.01). By considering 26.55 as the cut-off point of FSFI, we found that women with sexual dysfunction had a more impaired quality of life and more bowel control problems. Linear regression analysis showed that EDSS and BLCS are independent predictors of SF-36. Conclusion: Bowel/bladder and sexual dysfunction have negative impacts on the quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis.
A Cost Model for PV Based Renewable Energy Projects
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa , elbayoumi M.
Published: December 2020

The energy from renewable sources had always been perceived as free or at least lower cost energy, with its sourcing from natural sources such as solar radiation and wind energy. In actual the cost breakdown of renewable energy would exceed that of traditional energy sources in almost all cases. This study attempts to produce a cost model for renewable energy systems. The model takes into account different requirements and site variations into account. In this paper; elements of cost model Renewable Energy System (RES) especially photo-voltaic solar systems has been investigated. Cost items are presented alongside a to-do checklist for new Photo-Voltaic (PV) solar energy system. The goal of this study is to construct a model that would cover the cost sources as well as bring into attention the unexpected sources of cost variations that includes all possible cost items of new solar renewable energy system. The feasibility of the new system is expressed in terms of Total Cost (T.C) and Cost of Energy (COE). The model can evaluate feasibility of off-grid as well as on-grid systems. The model investigated properly as well as an empirical analysis and verified through results comparison with reviewed case studies. The results revealed that cost of off-grid systems are higher than cost of on-grid systems due to cost of batteries as well as cost of standby generators. So, it would be more feasible to use off-grid system only in remote or isolated area. Risk Cost lists, ranking and successful factors of new renewable project are exhibited.
Patient-Specific Instrumentation Combined With A New Tool for Gap Balancing Is Useful in Total Knee Replacement: 3-Year Follow-Up of A Retrospective Study
Authors: Deng Ting , Liu Tangyou , Lei Qing , Cai Lihong , Chen Song
Published: December 2020

Objective：The purpose of this study was to prove that knee function is well recovered using gap balancing technique with patient-specific instrumentation（PSI）combined a new balancer device in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with the measured resection technique.Materials and methods：Data of 152 patients received TKA from August 2014 to June 2016 were studied retrospectively. Gap balancing technique assisted by PSI combined a new balance device was used in 80 patients (82 knees) and the measured resection technique was used in the surgery in 70 patients (70 knees). The data of surgery, imaging and knee function were compared. Results：The gap balancing technique assisted by PSI and a new balancer device was feasible in all operated knees and found to be reliable. In total, 152 patients (150 knees) with ages ranging from 52 to 78 years (mean 67 years) underwent TKA during the study period. The follow-up ranged from 35 to 52 months (mean 45 months). Only one patient underwent revision surgery in gap balance group at 2 years postoperatively due to infection. There was no difference in the incidence of anterior knee pain between the two groups. 2 patients received or required revisions. Until the latest follow-up, the mean flexion degree、KSS scores、VAS scores were not significantly different between the measured resection group and gap-balancing group at 12 weeks and 36 weeks. The average joint line displacement in GB group was 1.3 ± 1.1 mm (range 0-3) proximal and 1.2±1.4 mm in MR group. No outliers＞5 mm in each group were recorded. The mean leg axis was 1.8°±1.5°varus (range 0°-3°varus) versus the neutral mechanical axis in GB group and 1.4°±1.2°(range 0°-3°)in MR group. No outliers with＞ 3° deviation in each group were recorded.Conclusions：The gap balancing technique assisted by the new balancer device and PSI can be used to achieve accurate femoral component alignment as well as measured resection in 3 years outcomes. The new balancer device can be taken into account by surgeons who prefer the gap-balancing technique together with the PSI.
A Key Technique for Lateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty and Its Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Wen Tao , Xue Ming Hua , Ma Tong , Yang Tao , Xue Long , Tu Hui Yi
Published: December 2020

Background: Currently, the surgical technique and design of surgical instruments for lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in treating lateral knee compartment-specific anatomical structures cannot be replicated. Moreover, few articles have reported on the surgical techniques and clinical effects.These have caused most joint surgeons to dare not to carry out this operationinChina.Here, we report on how we perform this procedure in a replicable manner using redesigned tools, and evaluate subsequent American Knee Society scores, range of motion (ROM), and revision rates.Methods: In this retrospective review (January 2014 through January 2016) we identified 158 patients (35 males and 123 females) who had 160 lateral unicompartmental arthroplasties with a minimum of 36 months follow-up (mean 54, range 36–60 months). The initial symptoms of painful osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis were localized to the lateral compartment. The standard of X-slices is mainly limited to the lateral compartment (Ahlbäck grade II OA or worse) while the articular cartilage of the medial compartment shows no obvious clinical or imaging signs of wear. Any valgus deformity must be correctable to reduce varus stress, and any form of inflammatory arthritis is an absolute contra-indication for lateral UKA.Results: At follow-up, American Knee Society scores (0–100 points) averaged 47.3 ± 1.5 for pain, 97.0 ± 1.7 for clinical outcome, and 97.1 ± 4.1 for function, and ROM averaged 125.5 ± 5.3°. None of the patients had reoperations or revisions.Conclusion: These standard surgical techniques and tools are useful to beginners because they can effectively avoid impingement of the femur against the tibial spine eminences and provide good results.
Comparison of Clinical Features and Prognosis of Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Transmitted From Tick-to-person Versus Person-to-person
Authors: Zhang Aiping , Liang Manman , Wang Wenjie , Wang Zijian , Hou Weishun , Sheng Haoyu , Yang Jianghua
Published: December 2020

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne infection that has recently emerged. It is important to compare the clinical features and prognosis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome transmitted from tick-to-person versus person-to-person.Methods: A retrospective analysis of the confirmed cases of SFTS from 2015 to 2020 in southern Anhui was performed according to the different transmission routes. The cases were divided into a tick-to-person transmission infection group (37 cases) and a person-to-person transmission infection group (12 cases). Results: SFTS incidence was concentrated in April-June.The median time from onset to treatment was 2.5 days in the person-to-person transmission infection group and 5.0 days in the tick-to-person transmission infection group (P<0.05). The proportion of consciousness disorders in the tick-to-person transmission infection group was 43.24% (16/37), which was higher than that in the person-to-person transmission infection group. The number of critical patients in the person-to-person transmission group was 16.67% (2/12), which was significantly lower than that in the tick-to-person transmission infection group, 91.89% (34/37). The number of deaths in the tick-to-person transmission infection group was 29.73% (11/37), but there were no deaths in the person-to-person transmission infection group.Conclusions: The tick-to-person transmission infection group is more serious, and the risk of poor prognosis is higher in this group. Therefore, we should scientifically formulate prevention and control strategies and treatment plans for patients with tick infections.
Time-driven activity-based costing as a strategy to increase value: the case of interventional procedures
Authors: Etges Ana Paula Beck da Silva , Cruz Luciane N , Schlatter Rosane , Neyeloff Jeruza , Carodso Ricardo B , Kopittke Luciane , Nunes Altacilio , Neto José Alburquerque , Nogueira José , Assis Renata de , Tobias Joilma , Marin-Neto José , Moreira Leila , Polanczyk Carisi Anne
Published: December 2020

Background: Adopting value-based health care management strategies requires monitoring the real costs and care delivered to patients. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-saving opportunities of interventional coronary procedures (ICPs) by assessing patients’ processes of care and costs in five public academic hospitals.Methods: Data from 90 patients submitted to elective ICP were evaluated in five hospitals in Brazil. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) was used to assess real-world costs and the time spent over the care pathway. Descriptive cost analyses were followed by a labour cost-saving estimate potentially achieved by the redesign of the ICP pathway, considering the benchmark of the patient care cycle identified in the sample of hospitals studied.Results: The mean cost per patient of interventional angioplasty was $1,677 (SD $881). The length of the procedure phase per patient was similar among the hospitals, while the post- procedure phase presented the highest variation in length. However, it was possible to demonstrate that the highest direct cost saving opportunities are concentrated in the procedure phase in which labour and non-labour resources are more consumed. Physician involvement redesign can account for a 51% decrease in procedure cost.Conclusion: This study demonstrated how the level of detailing on cost information provided by the TDABC can contribute to driving health care management to value by identifying cost-saving opportunities in health service delivery.
Assessment of global food demand in unexpected situations
Authors: Gadzalo Iaroslav , Sychevskiy Mykola , Kovalenko Olha , Deineko Liudmyla , Yashchenko Lyudmila
Published: December 2020

The methodological approach for assessing the formation of food demand in unforeseen situations using digital Internet-technologies and the assessment itself, is substantiated in the paper (in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020). Comparison and theoretical generalization, as well as statistical test-assessment of hypotheses and structural regularities based on the data of Google Trends Internet platform, is used to analyze consumer preferences and intensity of demand changes for meat, milk, sugar, bread, and flour during the pandemic and quarantine, both in developed and developing countries. It is discovered that the biggest changes can be observed in the developed countries: consumer preferences shifted from rather expensive food products (milk and meat) to much cheaper ones (flour and bread). It is asserted that a decrease in consumer demand for basic food products will have a negative impact on the global economy. In 2020, a considerable decrease in GDP is expected for the developed countries; in the developing countries, GDP decline will not be as large, but prices are expected to rise much more noticeably. The following anti-crisis measures are proposed: support of the most vulnerable population and increase of food accessibility; temporary reduction of the VAT and other taxes influencing the price of food; reduction of central banks’ lending rates, etc. With the correct measures applied, the stabilization of consumer demand for food and gradual growth of the global economy is expected by the end of 2021.
Taking water efficiency to the next level: digital tools to reduce non-revenue water
Authors: Cassidy J. , Barbosa B. , Damião M. , Ramalho P. , Ganhão A. , Santos A. , Feliciano J.
Published: December 2020

Efficiency optimization of urban water systems is a growing concern for water utilities worldwide. This case study aimed at evaluating the impact of using cloud-based tools on the reduction of both real (real-time network monitoring) and apparent water losses (integrated customer meters management) in two water utilities. The incorporation of smart water solutions with a methodology for the management and operation of the systems allowed us to diagnose, prioritize areas and define actions to improve efficiency. Using a real-time monitoring tool allowed us to categorize bursts and to evaluate their impact on water loss volumes and to identify operational inefficiencies regarding detection and repair times, particularly in small and medium bursts. Additionally, the implementation of an integrated customer meters management tool allowed for an optimized meter management reducing apparent losses by estimating metering errors more accurately, enabling the water utilities to replace meters based on specific lifespan. Digitalization, through the implementation of optimized algorithms and early warning systems, allowed the analysis of data in a methodical and prompt manner resulting in non-revenue water reduction up to 8% in 3 years while improving the digital organization of data and its quality (reliability and accuracy), interdepartmental organization and communication, capacity building and utilities’ image among stakeholders.
Techno-economic analysis of olive wastewater treatment with a closed water approach by integrated membrane processes and advanced oxidation processes
Authors: Innocenzi Valentina , Mazziotti di Celso Giuseppe , Prisciandaro Marina
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a reliable treatment process for olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) is proposed. In order to develop a more sustainable process with polyphenols recovery and water reuse, two treatment schemes have been simulated by using a process simulator (SuperPro Designer®), depending on wastewater characteristics; the first applied for ‘biological’ effluents by using membrane technology (microfiltration MF, ultrafiltration UF, nanofiltration NF and reverse osmosis RO), the second for wastewaters containing pesticides, in which RO is replaced with an advanced oxidation process for pesticide degradation. The results of the process analysis showed that the final permeate is a treated water suitable for both disposal in aquatic receptors and for civil or agriculture reuse. Moreover, the results of a techno-economic analysis of the proposed processes is presented, carried out by means of a life cycle cost analysis, considering the mass and energy balances obtained from process analysis. The analysis showed that the first scenario is more economically feasible. In detail, the treatment cost (€/m3 of OMWW) was 253 and 292 €/m3 for the first and second case study, respectively. However, the second process scheme result is inappropriate if the wastewater to be treated does not come from biological olive processing.
Recent Progress in the Synthesis and Biomedical Properties of Natural Biopolymer Composites
Authors: Liu Shan , Ji Xing-Xiang , Zhu Jie-Fang
Published: December 2020

Background:

Natural biopolymers have drawn extensive attention because of
their great biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, and the availability of various
reactive functional groups for modifying and introducing novel components. In the
last few years, numerous natural biopolymer composites have been exploited to improve
their physical and chemical properties and add new functionalities.

Methods:

Herein, we summarize the current progress of three common classes of natural biopolymer-based composites
including alginate, chitosan, and gelatin.
Results: The morphology characteristics, preparation methods, and unique functionalities of these biopolymer composites
are also analyzed and discussed.

Results:

The morphology characteristics, preparation methods, and unique functionalities of these biopolymer composites
are also analyzed and discussed.

Conclusion:

Finally, the article offers an overview of recent progress in the main biomedical
applications such as tissue engineering, wound-healing, and drug delivery, which inspires
further progress in biopolymer composites with tailored mechanical property and
stable characteristics for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
Evaluation of the Nucleopolyhedrovirus of Anticarsia gemmatalis as a Vector for Gene Therapy in Mammals
Authors: Parsza Cintia N. , Gómez Diego L.M. , Simonin Jorge A. , Belaich Mariano Nicolás , Ghiringhelli Pablo D.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Baculoviruses are insect pathogens with important biotechnological applications that transcend their use as biological controllers of agricultural pests. One species, Autographa californica multiple nucleopolhyedrovirus (AcMNPV), has been extensively exploited as a molecular platform to produce recombinant proteins and as a delivery vector for genes in mammals because it can transduce a wide range of mammalian cells and tissues without replicating or producing progeny.

Methods:

To investigate if the budded virions of Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolhyedrovirus (AgMNPV) species has the same ability, the viral genome was modified by homologous recombination into susceptible insect cells to integrate reporter genes and then it was evaluated on mammalian cell lines in a comparative form with respect to equivalent viruses derived from AcMNPV. Besides, the replicative capacity of AgMNPV´s virions in mammals was determined.

Results:

The experiments carried out showed that the recombinant variant of AgMNPV transduces and support the expression of delivered genes but not replicates in mammalian cells.

Conclusion:

Consequently, this insect pathogen is proposed as an alternative to non-infectious viruses in humans to explore new approaches in gene therapy and other applications based on the use of mammalian cells.
A Review on Multi-organ Cancer Detection Using Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Sadad Tariq , Rehman Amjad , Hussain Ayyaz , Abbasi Aaqif Afzaal , Khan Muhammad Qasim
Published: December 2020

Abnormal behaviors of tumors pose a risk to human survival. Thus, the detection of cancers
at their initial stage is beneficial for patients and lowers the mortality rate. However, this can
be difficult due to various factors related to imaging modalities, such as complex background, low
contrast, brightness issues, poorly defined borders and the shape of the affected area. Recently,
computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) models have been used to accurately diagnose tumors in different
parts of the human body, especially breast, brain, lung, liver, skin and colon cancers. These cancers
are diagnosed using various modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), colonoscopy, mammography, dermoscopy and histopathology. The aim of this review
was to investigate existing approaches for the diagnosis of breast, brain, lung, liver, skin and
colon tumors. The review focuses on decision-making systems, including handcrafted features and
deep learning architectures for tumor detection.
Interstitial Lung Disease Associated Acute Respiratory Failure Requiring Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Vahdatpour Cyrus A. , Pichler Alexander , Palevsky Harold I. , Kallan Michael J. , Patel Namrata B. , Kinniry Paul A.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Interstitial Lung Disease [ILD] patients requiring Invasive Mechanical Ventilation [IMV] for Acute Respiratory Failure [ARF] are known to have a poor prognosis. Few studies have investigated determinants of outcomes and the utility of trialing Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation [NIPPV] prior to IMV to see if there are any effect[s] on mortality or morbidity.

Methods:

A retrospective study was designed using patients at four different intensive care units within one health care system. The primary objective was to determine if there are differences in outcomes for in-hospital and one-year mortality between patients who undergo NIPPV prior to IMV and those who receive only IMV. A secondary objective was to identify potential determinants of outcomes.

Results:

Out of 54 ILD patients with ARF treated with IMV, 20 (37.0%) survived until hospital discharge and 10 (18.5%) were alive at one-year. There was no significant mortality difference between patients trialed on NIPPV prior to IMV and those receiving only IMV. Several key determinants of outcomes were identified with higher mortality, including higher ventilatory support, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) subtype, high dose steroids, use of vasopressors, supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs), and higher body mass index.

Conclusion:

Considering that patients trialed on NIPPV prior to IMV were associated with no mortality disadvantage to patients treated with only IMV, trialing patients on NIPPV may identify responders and avoid complications associated with IMV. Increased ventilator support, need of vasopressors, SVTs, and high dose steroids reflect higher mortality and palliative care involvement should be considered as early as possible if a lung transplant is not an option.
A Japanese-English Comparative History Study on Railways and Heritage Tourism
Authors: Fujii Hideto
Published: December 2020

Heritage tourism is a term relating to natural and cultural heritage as a tourist destination. As such, it can be thought of as something that incorporates ecotourism, cultural tourism and urban tourism. Heritage tourism can encompass a range of forms, including nature, countryside,
culture and architecture, and is a means of handing down a kind of cultural value to the next generation. Professor Hideto Fujii is leading a team based at Meiji University in Japan, carrying out research which involves performing a comparative historical study between the UK and Japan, with
heritage railways acting as the focal point.
Estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea e crioterapia no tratamento de estudantes com dismenorreia primária: estudo piloto
Authors: Araújo Ana Helena Vale de , Santos Lucas Sinesio , Neves Vanessa Ariane , Da Silva Júnior Renan Alves , Lopes Gama Gabriela
Published: December 2020

Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos da Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea (TENS) e da crioterapia no alívio da sintomatologia dolorosa de estudantes com dismenorreia primária (DP). Métodos: Estudo transversal e quantitativo, com 20 mulheres universitárias aleatoriamente divididas em dois grupos: Grupo TENS (GT) cujas participantes foram submetidas a uma sessão de 45 min de TENS com frequência de 120 Hz e duração de pulso de 100 µs e Grupo Crioterapia (GC) cujas participantes foram submetidas a sessão de crioterapia por 20 min. Foram incluídas mulheres com ciclos menstruais regulares, nuligestas, sem relato de doença pélvica e com dismenorreia com nível de dor entre 4 e 10 durante os três primeiros dias de menstruação. Foram excluídas aquelas com contraindicação ao uso da TENS e crioterapia ou que fizeram uso de medicamentos até 24 h antes da intervenção. Foi registrado o nível de dor das participantes antes e logo depois da intervenção. Resultados: Foram avaliadas mulheres com idade variando entre 18 e 27 anos (média 22,8 ± 2,4 anos). Todas apresentaram além dos sintomas dolorosos algum outro sintoma associado, sendo os mais comuns diarreia e fadiga (80%, cada). O teste ANOVA two-way de medidas repetidas considerando como fatores grupo e avaliação, revelou efeito apenas para o fator avaliação (p < 0,001), não apresentando efeito para a interação grupo/avaliação (p = 0,09). Conclusão: TENS e crioterapia são recursos eficientes para o alívio dos sintomas álgicos de mulheres com DP, não havendo superioridade entre as abordagens.
Prevalência de anticorpos IgM e IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii em universitários do Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Pontal do Triângulo Mineiro
Authors: Franco dos Santos Isadora Paula , Marinho Ana Flávia Santos Silva , Gómez-Hernández César , Andrade Cristhianne Molinero Ratkevicius , Rodrigues Virmondes , Rezende-Oliveira Karine
Published: December 2020

Objetivo: Investigar a presença de IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii no soro de estudantes de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, campus do Pontal. Métodos: Estudo transversal de prevalência, com coleta de dados realizada entre junho de 2017 e fevereiro de 2018. Foram utilizadas as técnicas de Imunofluorescência Indireta e Ensaio Imunoenzimático (ELISA) e aplicados questionário semiestruturado para avaliação dos conhecimentos prévios sobre a toxoplasmose. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 128 alunos com faixa etária de 18 a 41 anos, sendo 83 (64,4%) do sexo feminino e 45 (35,6%) do sexo masculino. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 106 participantes e 13 (12,3%) apresentaram anticorpos anti-T. gondii.  Destes, 3 (2,8%) afirmaram consumir leite bovino não pasteurizado, 3 (2,8%) carne crua ou mal passada e 1 (0,94%) vegetais crus ou não higienizados. Não foi observada associação estatisticamente significativa entre positividade (IgM anti-T. gondii e/ou IgG anti-T. gondii) e as variáveis analisadas no questionário.Conclusão: Neste trabalho foi possível verificar a presença de anticorpos IgM e IgG anti-T. gondii em universitários. Não se observou uma associação entre soropositividade e o hábito alimentar.  Entretanto, a análise das respostas obtidas no questionário mostrou comportamento de risco por parte destes indivíduos, principalmente ao que se refere ao contato frequente com cães e gatos, muitas vezes recolhidos na rua.
Padrões de consumo de bebidas energéticas e suplementos alimentares à base de cafeína por frequentadores de academias
Authors: Pedrosa Iago , Fernandes Paris Vinicius , Reis Hamilton Henrique Teixeira , Bouzas Marins João Carlos
Published: December 2020

Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de conhecimento, hábitos, e prevalência de consumo de energéticos e suplementos à base de cafeína por praticantes de exercícios físicos em academias. Métodos: Foi empregado um questionário autoaplicável de 27 perguntas no Google® Forms, divulgado em mídias sociais entre setembro e outubro de 2018. Resultados: Participaram 200 frequentadores de academias, 71% adultos jovens, 52% tendo mais de 2 anos de prática e frequência regular de 5 - 6 vezes por semana. A maioria da amostra era mulher (58,5%), praticante de musculação (61,6%) de MG (62,5%). O consumo sem orientação profissional foi de 81,6% nos energéticos e 53,9% para suplementos à base de cafeína. 73,3% dos consumidores de energéticos tinham objetivos relacionados com atividades sociais, preferindo a marca RedBul® (40,4%). Entre os consumidores de suplementos de cafeína houve preferência por termogênicos (32,7%) e cafeína pura (29,9%), com objetivo principal a melhora de performance (28,7%), apresentando respostas ergolíticas de taquicardia e palpitações como registrado nos energéticos. Não houve registro de efeitos adversos em 19,2% dos consumidores de cafeína e 40,8% de energéticos. As dosagens de consumo dos produtos estavam dentro da faixa de segurança (< 6 mg/kg). Conclusão: O consumo de ambos produtos foi feito sem orientação profissional, porém, com dosagens dentro da faixa de segurança. O consumo de bebidas energéticas esteve voltado para atividades sociais e melhora da performance esportiva. Foram registrados efeitos ergolíticos.
Motivos associados à interrupção do aleitamento materno exclusivo até seis meses de idade em lactentes acompanhados em Estratégias de Saúde da Família da cidade de Registro, São Paulo
Authors: Santos Natália Castaman dos , Almeida Filho Rogério Benedito de , Martins Daniele Rachel Cubas , Cubas Alessandra , Eiró Letícia Tuany , Paula Isabel Cubas de , Tamasia Gislene dos Anjos , Souza e Silva Thaiany Goulart de , Souza André Luiz Thomaz de
Published: December 2020

Objetivo: Identificar os motivos associados à interrupção do aleitamento materno exclusivo entre nutrizes durante os primeiros seis meses de vida do lactente. Métodos: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, conduzido com 911 mães/responsáveis de crianças de zero a 23 meses. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas e relato dos motivos que levaram a interrupção do aleitamento materno exclusivo antes dos seis meses de idade do lactente. Resultados: As participantes do estudo eram predominantemente brancas, com companheiro, com ensino médio, sem vínculo empregatício, com dois a quatro filhos, com renda familiar ≤ 1 salário mínimo, com moradia própria, na faixa etária ≥ 20 anos. Em sua maioria, as mães/responsáveis relataram ter recebido orientações sobre a alimentação de seu filho com maior frequência realizada pelo enfermeiro e 28,5% afirmaram ter interrompido o aleitamento materno exclusivo antes dos seis meses de vida do lactente. Possuir moradia própria, usar de tabaco e álcool foram associados à interrupção do aleitamento materno exclusivo. Os motivos que predominaram na interrupção do aleitamento materno exclusivo estiveram ligados principalmente ao relato de leite materno insuficiente, retorno ao trabalho/escola e recusa inexplicada. Conclusão: Os motivos para abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo identificado neste estudo foram desde o relato de choro da criança à alegação de leite materno insuficiente. A identificação dos motivos que levam ao desmame precoce pode auxiliar no planejamento de estratégias para evitar a interrupção do aleitamento materno.