bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Vulvar Sarcoma: A Single-Institution Review of 21 Cases
Authors: Gu Haifeng , Liu Guochen , Liu Lili , Liu Zhimin , Li Junyun , Zhang Xinke , Tu Hua
Published: June 2020

BackgroundValvar sarcoma is an extremely rare disease in which the data for treatment and prognosis are scarce. The aim of this study was to analysis the clinical features and treatment outcomes of initial and recurrent valvar sarcoma.MethodThe medical records of patients with initial or recurrent vulvar sarcoma treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2005 and April 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.Results A total of 21 patients with vulvar sarcoma were identified. The median age of them was 43 years (range: 16 to 71). The histological subtypes were epithelioid sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, rhabdomyosarcoma, and angiosarcoma in 9, 4, 4, 3 and 1 patients, respectively. None of the patients received wide resection when they were initially treated at communities. Thirteen patients were referred immediately after initial managements (Group A), whereas 8 patients were referred with recurrent disease (Group B). Wide resections were performed with pathologically negative margins in 20 patients, of whom 9 also received lymphadenectomy and 3 showed metastases. One patient in Group B only received chemoradiotherapy for unresectable pelvic mass. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy were performed for 12 patients evaluated to have high risk of recurrence. The median follow-up time was 39 months (range: 11 to 174) for Group A and 107 (range: 2 to 139) for Group B. During the follow-up, relapse occurred in 3 patients in Group A and 5 in Group B. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 92.3% and 76.9% for Group A, 50.0% and 37.5% for Group B, respectively.ConclusionsVS is usually resected as benign disease at initial management. Immediate extended resection with negative margins provided favorable outcomes for most of the patients. The prognosis for recurrent cases were poor, however there remained survival opportunities if aggressive treatments were carried out.
Serum metabolomic profile of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected patients 
Authors: Troisi Jacopo , Cavallo Pierpaolo , Masarone Mario , Sepe Immacolata , Scala Giovanni , Campiglia Pietro , Caro Francesco De , Boccia Giovanni , Ciacci Carolina , Poto Sergio , Pagliano Pasquale , Persico Marcello
Published: June 2020

Background: One of the most challenging aspects related to Covid-19 is to establish which are the characteristics that may explain clinical variability among patients. To achieve this objective, we compared serum metabolomic profiles of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers to patients affected by mild and severe symptoms.Methods: All subjects underwent quantitative assays for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection. Serum samples for metabolomic analysis were obtained from 109 healthy controls; 15 seroconverted, asymptomatic subjects (AS); 16 Covid-19 patients with mild symptomatology (MI) and 12 patients with severe symptomatology (SE). Metabolites were identified using Mass Spectrometry coupled to Gas Chromatography. Uni- and multivariate approaches were used to select the most relevant metabolites. Results: Anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG showed an increasing trend from controls to asymptomatic and mild severity patients. Tyrosine, phenylalanine, acetoacetate and fumarate showed a decreased concentration in MI compared to both CTRL and AS subjects; on the contrary, mandelic acid showed an increased concertation. The shortest route among these metabolites resulted the Tyrosine metabolism. Aspartic acid, alanine, isoleucine, valine and proline were decreased in MI patients, while methionine and oxo-leucine resulted increased. An increased concertation of fatty acids lauric and myristic acid, phospholipids (phosphatidyl myo-inositol and lyso-phosphatidyl inositol) and histamine were recorded in MI and SE. Conclusion: The reported metabolite levels could be explained by an increase production of L-DOPA, resulting in a following increased production of noradrenaline and adrenaline that could, at least partially, explain the different clinical presentation of the infection.
The unignorable N protein of COVID-19
Authors: Zeng Zehua , Luo Zhi , Shan Yubang , Yang Jingjie , Chen Chuan , Wang Luna , Du Hongwu
Published: June 2020

With more and more people infected with COVID-19, it was found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was quite different from SARS-CoV. Most researches have focused on ACE2 and S protein, however, the known variations of these proteins are not enough to explain why there were so many different clinical manifestations between patients infected with such two viruses. Here, the N protein of the two coronaviruses was parallelly analyzed. Through the analysis of N protein structure, protein conserved binding domain, binding site and ligand, and CTL epitope, it was found that N protein may have a unique expression profile in the SARS-CoV-2. For example, mirror structure and RNA binding tendency.
AVALIAÇÃO DE MUDANÇAS NO MODELO DE PRESTAÇÃO DO SERVIÇO DE LAVANDERIA HOSPITALAR: O CASO DO HOSPITAL DE CLÍNICAS DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE UBERLÂNDIA
Authors: Diniz Allan Márcio Oliveira , Bueno Janaína Maria
Published: June 2020

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os diferentes modelos de contratação do serviço de lavanderia hospitalar do HC da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia quanto ao controle dos custos e melhoria no atendimento dos pacientes e profissionais do hospital e à disponibilidade de enxoval hospitalar em condições adequadas de uso. Com abordagem qualitativa e uso de estudo de caso único, a coleta de dados foi feita por meio de pesquisa documental em contratos, memorandos, ofícios e termos de referência. No período de 2010 a 2018, houve três diferentes modalidades de contrato do serviço de processamento de roupas com melhorias e ajustes, em um processo constante de aprendizagem de seus gestores. Como contribuição, foi sugerido um novo modelo como forma de superar os entraves e problemas dos três contratos anteriores e melhoria da prestação do serviço, com possibilidade de redução de custos, facilidade de gestão e adequação da forma de terceirização.
Evaluation of the honey and pollen yield of Melipona interrupta bee colonies in the Amazon region
Authors: PIRES Adcleia P. , PACHECO Aline , MARTORANO Lucieta G. , NETO Jonival M. , MORAES José Reinaldo da Silva Cabral de , APARECIDO Lucas Eduardo de Oliveira
Published: June 2020

The objective of this research was to evaluate the productivity of honey and pollen of Melipona interrupta (Jandaíra) colonies during a one-year period. This study was conducted in meliponiculture production colonies located in community of Coroca in the City of Santarém, Pará, from October 2016 to December 2017. All collections of meliponiculture material were conducted during the first week of each month. Characteristics such as the total number of food pots, height, diameter, and volume of honey and pollen pots, the mass of the colony, production of pollen and honey, and the productivity of the bee colony as a whole were constantly monitored. Each month, biometric measurements of fifteen colonies of native bees of the specie were conducted and analyzed in the Statistical Analysis System. The greatest honey production by these colonies was strongly correlated with the less-rainy period that occurs in the region, and this production was most pronounced during October through December.
REML/BLUP applied to characterize important agronomic traits in segregating generations of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Silva José Antonio Gonzalez da , Ferreira Luiz Leonardo , Szareski Vinícius Jardel , Demari Gustavo Henrique , Lautenchleger Francine , Meneghello Géri Eduardo , Matter Ester Mafalda , Magano Devid Araujo , Souza Velci Queiróz de
Published: June 2020

The objective of this work was to estimate and predict the genetic gains through the REML/BLUP methodology for the characters of agronomic interest of common black beanas at segregating generations. The experiments were conducted in 2015, 2016 and 2017 in experimental design consisted of augmented blocks in four replicates. Superior genetic variability was identified for the first pod insertion height and plant height in the F4 segregating generation. For the number of pods, seeds and seed mass per plant, genetic contribution superior to the phenotype is expressed in F3 segregating generation. The prediction of genetic value defines that the number of pods, seeds and seed mass per plant can be potentiated in F2 segregating generation by selection of population 26, selection of F3families 64 and 49, F4 families 33 and 19. Through the estimations and genetic predictions of the characters measured in the segregating generations F2, F3 and F4 it is possible to define six multivariate genetic profiles. These strategies can be used in quantitative genetic studies aimed at increasing the production of common black bean seeds.
Water deficit detection in sugarcane using canopy temperature from satellite images
Authors: Pereira Rodrigo Moura , Casaroli Derblai , Vellame Lucas Melo , Júnior José Alves , Evangelista Adão Wagner Pêgo , Battisti Rafael
Published: June 2020

Water deficit (WD) is the main yield gap for sugarcane in Midwest Brazil. Thus, WD detection is essential to quantify yield losses, but field detection requires measurement of soil water content over large areas. In this study, we tested leaf temperature (TL) and land surface temperature (TS) to detect WD in a commercial sugarcane area. The area is located in the central region of Goiás State, Brazil. According to Köppen classification, the climate of the region is Aw (humid tropical, with rainy summer and dry winter). The soil is a Ferralsol (clayey texture). TL was measured by a portable infrared thermometer, and TS was obtained using a spectral image from Landsat 8. Both TL and TS measurements occurred between 28 Jan and 24 Aug 2014 (298-506 DAP). The water balance identified periods of water deficit (WD) and surplus (WS). The difference between TL Ta was greater than zero (7.11 °C) in WD periods and lower than zero (-2.18 °C) in WS periods. The difference between TS-Ta, in turn, ranged from -0.66 °C to 4.06 °C, but not following the tendency of WD or WS, which is associated with a relative error between TL and TS near 20% for some date. The TS Ta difference detected soil WD or WS when the relative error was low (362 and 410 DAP) and under higher WD (506 DAP) and WS (394 DAP). This way, TL was able to detect WD and WS along sugarcane growth, while TS showed limited application, requiring improvement based on surface properties to reduce the error in relation to TL. Furthermore, bands 10 and 11 are recommended for surface temperature estimation. Calibration uncertainty increases when the band 11 is used alone, being this band more affected by the absorption of radiation by the atmospheric water vapor, which implies larger errors related to the atmospheric profile in the acquisition of surface temperature.
Foliar application of plant growth regulators to ‘Crimson Seedless’ grapevine influences leaf age
Authors: Amaro Amanda Cristina Esteves , Souza Essione Ribeiro , Santos Laíse Sousa , Baron Daniel , Ono Elizabeth Orika , Rodrigues João Domingos
Published: June 2020

We hypothesized that phytohormones and essential mineral nutrients influence the duration of leaf photosynthetic activity, fruit production and quality. We used a randomized block design, with four treatments and six replicates. Two commercial products were studied: Stimulate® (Stim), which is composed of a mixture of 0.009% cytokinin [N6-furfuryladenine or kinetin (Kt)], 0.005% auxin [4-indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)], and 0.005% gibberellin [gibberellic acid (GA3)], and Hold® (CoMo), which is composed of 2% cobalt and 3% molybdenum. These products were applied alone or in combination at different concentrations as follows: T1 - control, T2 - 1.8 L ha-1 Stim, T3 - 1.8 L ha-1 Stim + 1.0 L ha-1 CoMo, and T4 - 1.8 L h-1 Stim + 1.5 L ha-1 CoMo. The treatments were applied via foliar spraying at three phases: the inflorescence primordial stage (19 days after pruning [DAP]), the point at which the berries were 6 to 8 mm in diameter (49 DAP), and the initiation of berry elongation (56 DAP). We revealed that in semiarid conditions, the grapevines were characterized by evergreen leaves (do not lose their leaves) that maintained their photosynthetic capacity throughout their lifecycles (133 days after sprouting). The application of Stim alone (T2) yielded the maximal net CO2 assimilation rates and increased the carboxylation efficiencies, which indicated that this treatment might improve the photosynthetic output. These effects led to increases in the average mass, total length and width of the clusters per plant and decreased acidity level. Thus, we recommend the application of T2 for grapevines.
Managing the number of orthotropic stems in Coffea arabica as strategy for cultivation at low-altitude regions
Authors: Colodetti Tafarel Victor , Rodrigues Wagner Nunes , Cavatte Paulo Cezar , Reis Edvaldo Fialho dos , Filho Abraão Carlos Verdin , Brinate Sebastião Vinícius Batista , Martins Lima Deleon , Christo Bruno Fardim , Júnior Saul de Andrade , Tomaz Marcelo Antonio
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to better understand the implications of the management of the number of orthotropic stems in Arabica coffee for its cultivation in low-altitude regions (< 500 m), characterizing its effects over the canopy architecture, production and allocation of biomass, photosynthesis and crop yield, as possible strategy for mitigating the stresses of cultivation at low-altitude regions. The experiment was conducted in a region with 124 m of elevation above sea level, studying four treatments with different numbers of orthotropic stems per plant such as one, two, three and four stems. After planting, during the stage of sprout budding, a number of sprouts were established in accordance to the treatments. The experimental design was a randomized block design, with eight repetitions. Parameters of gas exchange, chlorophyll contents, canopy architecture, production and allocation of biomass, and crop yield were evaluated to characterize the plant development. Overall, increasing the number of orthotropic stems per plant promoted leaf density, number of plagiotropic branches per plant, available leaf area per fruit mass, photosynthetic rate, crop yield, proportion of large grains and, possibly, the de-acceleration of the stem aging rate, mainly for the management with four orthotropic stems. It is concluded that the management of the number of orthotropic stems has potential use as a mitigator for the cultivation of Arabica coffee in low-altitude regions, being able to promote higher canopy density and, possibly, enhance microclimate conditions at the canopy level.
Immature growth performance of three important rubber tree (Hevae brasiliensis) clones in a drought-prone area
Authors: Nhean Sophea , Ayutthaya Supat Isarangkool Na , Rathanawong Rachanee , Do Frederic C.
Published: June 2020

Adaptation of rubber tree clones to water-limited areas and maintenance of trunk radial growth are important keys for performance of genetic material. The rubber farmers need to shorten the interim phases to produce latex, which is considered “immature” phase, i.e. the time without income. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of three important rubber tree clones: GT1, the elder clone as control, which is still widely used in Cambodia and West Africa; RRIM600, the “all-round” clone, the most planted clone in Thailand, the first world producer; and RRIT251, the expanding clone, recommended by the Rubber Authority of Thailand, all in the field condition. The investigation was conducted in a drought-prone area of Northeast Thailand, where the dry season lasts 5 to 6 months. The cumulated growth and the annual growth were analyzed 4.5 years after planting. The trunk girth and height were measured monthly. Main climatic variables were hourly recorded. The year was separated in three periods: the leaves-shed season from January to April, the wet season from May to September, and the dry season with canopy maintenance from October to December. The results showed significant clonal effect on both trunk girth and height; however, with relatively low differences. The trunk girth of clone RRIT251 was about 29 cm and 10% higher than GT1. The difference was not significant in RRIM600. The annual girth increment was mainly located in wet season (63%) without clonal effect. The clonal difference was occurred in the dry season, where RRIT251 was better performed particularly in the leave-shed period preceding wet season. On a monthly basis, the relative trunk girth increment rate was highly negatively related to the vapor pressure deficit. We hypothesized that rubber clones shared a common strategy of dehydration avoidance, while RRIT251 expressed a little less degree of avoidance.
Population structure and spatial distribution of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.
Authors: Souza Priscila Bezerra de , Aguiar Bruno Aurélio Campos , Neto Giuseppe Varaschim , Fonseca Euclides Figueredo , Santos Bárbara Maria Martins , Teixeira Lorena Gama , Farias Débora Lopes , Costa Bárbara Suelma Souza , Teixeira Lorena Gama , Farias Débora Lopes , Costa Bárbara Suelma Souza , Ramos Yasmim de Andrade , Marchesan Raquel , Amorim Marcos Vinicius de Melo , Sousa Hygor Gomes de Almeida , Epifanio Maristela Lima Figueiredo Guimaraes , Silva Rubens Ribeiro da
Published: June 2020

The aim of this work was to analyze the population structure and the spatial distribution of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. in two areas of the Cerrado biome. The study was carried out in two physiognomies of the Cerrado biome: cerrado sensu stricto and cerradão, both located in the southern region of the state of Tocantins. The spatial distribution was evaluated using Morisita and dispersion indices, as well as the population structure of C. langsdorffii. We quantified 318 individuals of C. langsdorffii in the two studied areas. There were 200 individuals sampled in the cerrado sensu stricto and 118 in the area of cerradão. Regarding the type of spatial distribution of individuals of C. langsdorffii, the value found for the Morisita index was 2.67 in the physiognomy of cerrado sensu stricto, suggesting grouped spatial distribution (I >1). The dispersion index calculation showed that, in fact, the spatial distribution of the individuals sampled in the two areas was the grouped type; for the area of cerrado sensu stricto, the variance (S2) found was 24.21 and for the cerradão it was 9.67, higher than their means 10.00 and 9.67 respectively. By analyzing the age structure of the population of C. langsdorffii, we found a typical trend of the inverted-J curve, suggesting that the areas studied are self-regenerating communities composed of young and developing individuals.
Overexpression of the GmDREB2 gene increases proline accumulation and tolerance to drought stress in soybean plants
Authors: Pham Thi Thanh Nhan , Nguyen Huu Quan , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan , Dao Xuan Tan , Sy Danh Thuong , Le Van Son , Chu Hoang Mau
Published: June 2020

The dehydration responsive element binding (DREB) is a plant protein subfamily expressed when soybean plants face abiotic stresses. These DREB proteins are also considered to activate the transcription of drought-resistant genes. In this study, we present the determined results of relationships between overexpression of Glycine max DREB2 (GmDREB2) with the transcription level of Glycine max pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (GmP5CS) gene, proline accumulation and drought tolerant ability transgenic soybean plants as the basis for selection of transgenic lines with high drought tolerance. GmDREB2 was inserted into a plant transgenic vector and the 35S-GmDREB2-cmyc construct was transferred into the soybean plants by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Recombinant GmDREB2 protein with a molecular weight of approximately 20 kDa was expressed in four transgenic soybean lines in the T1 generation. The GmP5CS gene was shown to have significantly (P<0.05) increased expression in the T2 transgenic soybean lines and higher than compared to non-transgenic plants with considering both in well watered condition and stressed conditions were from 1.06 to 1.31-fold and 1.37 to 1.95-fold, respectively. The proline content of four transgenic soybean lines increased 155.81% to 187.42 % after five days in drought-stress conditions and increased from 180.52 % to 233.74 % after nine days under drought-stress conditions (P<0.05). Therefore, the overexpression of GmDREB2 resulted in increasing transcription level of P5CS gene, proline accumulation and drought-stress tolerance of the transgenic soybean plants. The GmDREB2 transformation into soybean plants was confirmed by the results of genetically modified lines in the T2 generation (T2-1, T2-6, T2-7, and T2-8) with higher drought tolerant ability than those of non-transgenic plants.
Quality and growth of mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) seedlings according to the substrate and shading
Authors: Lima Isabela Machado de Oliveira , Salles Josiane Souza , Costa Edilson , Lima Alexandre Henrique Freitas de , Binotti Flávio Ferreira da Silva , Zoz Tiago , Vieira Gustavo Haralampidou da Costa
Published: June 2020

The use of suitable substrates and growing environments are essential to produce high quality seedlings. This work evaluated shading levels and different substrates to produce mangaba seedlings. Growth environments with 0, 18, 35, and 50% shading were evaluated. In these environments, four substrates (S) were obtained from the combinations of soil (So), cattle manure (M), commercial substrate (CS), sand (Sa) and fine grain vermiculite (V), where: S1 = 0% So, 45% M, 20% CS, 20% Sa, 15% V, S2 = 15% So, 30% M, 20% CS, 20% Sa, 15% V, S3 = 30% So, 15% M, 20% CS, 20% Sa, 15% V, and S4 = 45% So, 0% M, 20% CS, 20% Sa, 15% V. For each growth environment, a completely randomized experimental design with five replications of five seedlings was adopted. The substrates S2 and S3 originated the best seedlings with the largest number of leaves, the largest dry mass of shoot, root, and total, and the highest Dickson quality index. The highest plants were obtained in the substrate S2. In the full sunlight environment, the conducted plants in S2 presented larger neck diameter. The environments with 0 and 18% of shading provided plants with larger leaves, larger aerial and total phytomass, and Dickson quality index. The environment in full sunlight promoted plants with a larger diameter. Therefore, it is recommended to produce seedlings on substrates S2 and S3 and in environments of 0 and 18% of shading.
IAA production of indigenous isolate of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in the presence of tryptophan
Authors: Silva Maria José Cavalcante da , Junior Sebastião Ferreira Palmeira , Junior Kleber Fortes , Nascimento Velber Xavier , Medeiros Amanda Silva de , Silva Sarah Jacqueline Cavalcanti da , Alves Maurício Marcelino de Sousa , Ana Antonio Eusebio Goulart Sant’
Published: June 2020

The plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRBs) is an interesting way to promote increased vegetable production. Here, we aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize PGPRBs by using biochemical tests, sequencing of 16S ribossomal DNA, in vitro and screening for indoleacetic acid production. The isolates were identified through VITEK® 2 Compact equipment, which is an automated system. We identified microorganisms such as Alcaligenes faecalis sp. faecalis, Pseudomonas putida, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, Serratia marcescens e Myroides sp. by performing vitek 2 biochemical tests. The analysis of sequencing data for 16S ribossomal DNA of the isolated bacteria showed presence of A. faecalis, Myroides sp., P. putida, P. vulgaris, Providencia sp. and Serratia sp. The in vitro screening of all isolated bacteria showed production of indoleacetic acid under presence of tryptophan, highlighting that higher concentrations were produced by Providencia sp. and Myroides sp. The rhizobacteria studied here have shown the potential to be used in the development of new products for plant growth-promoting.
New dimensions of commercial banks’ corporate social responsibility in the Visegrád Group countries
Authors: Lentner Csaba , Nagy Vitéz
Published: June 2020

The study focuses on corporate social responsibility, which is of pivotal significance in the banking sectors of the countries of the so-called Visegrád Group, located in the Central European region and representing similar levels of economic development (V4). The aim of this paper is to examine the changes in the CSR activities of notable banks in the V4 countries between 2007, 2013 and 2018. The study consisted of three phases: first, it determined the relevant CSR goals based on the content (document) analysis; then, a questionnaire survey was conducted among banks for three years (2007, 2013, 2018); and finally, the data were analyzed using variance analysis. As a result of the first phase, 15 CSR activities were identified, and as a result of a questionnaire survey, the focus of each CSR area was presented on a spider-web diagram showing a shift in the “priority order” of CSR areas and target groups, in other words, the intensification of activity towards social groups closer to the activities of banks or even clients. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this study confirmed with primary research that the focus of CSR activities in the V4 countries has shifted from general societal challenges to climate protection and the development of financial culture. These results were also evidenced by multivariate statistical methods proving a significant change in 66% of the examined areas.
Steering the volunteering – Data Envelopment Analysis of volunteers’ retention efficiency in civil society units
Authors: Vretenar Nenad , Jardas Antonić Jelena , Gulam Matea
Published: June 2020

Civil society is positioned somewhere in the area between business, government, and private sector. As civil society organizations are not profit-oriented, they are often relying on the engagement of volunteers, i.e., workers who are not paid for their effort. Successful management of human resources in organizations that depends on volunteers’ work can prove even harder than managing employees’ work in business entities. Many factors influence someone’s work effort, productivity, and devotion far beyond technical conditions, so it is impossible to separate someone’s work from the rest of his/her personality traits. In civil society organizations, attracting, motivating, and keeping volunteers willing to conduct needed tasks and actively participate in the organization’s activities might be quite challenging. For this paper, a survey was conducted among 42 organizations of civil society units (CSUs) that use the help of volunteers to fulfill their activities. To analyze relative efficiency of the civil society units, appropriate input and output variables were selected, and analysis was conducted with non-parametric DEA method. It was decided to take 4 inputs and 2 outputs in the analysis. The obtained results show that 69% of 42 CSUs are relatively efficient, 31% relatively inefficient, and 26.19% below the average. The results of the analysis enabled the identification of efficient and inefficient units. The reference set was calculated for each inefficient unit to determine which inputs cause better performance output. The calculated projections can be useful to CSU’s managers and serve as a benchmark for detecting the source of inefficiency within their humanitarian organizations. They can also serve as guidelines for improving inputs and thus achieving higher levels of outputs, i.e., duration of volunteering and the number of volunteers. AcknowledgmentThis paper is financially supported through project ZP UNIRI 10/17 by the University of Rijeka.
Characterization of dissolved organic matter extracted from water treatment sludge
Authors: Rosadi Maulana Yusup , Yamada Toshiro , Hudori Hudori , Tamaoki Hiroto , Li Fusheng
Published: June 2020

The characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) that formed during the aerobic and anaerobic incubation of drinking water treatment sludge stored at different temperatures (5 °C, 20 °C, 40 °C) for long periods (7, 14, and 21 days) were investigated. Anaerobic incubation at high temperatures with prolonged storage was found to result in higher organic content than aerobic incubation (3.6–6.8 times at 40 °C). The high temperatures caused changes in the DOM fractions, with humic-like substances mainly formed in aerobic incubation and protein-like substances in anaerobic incubation. Results showed that the fluorescence intensity of humic-like and protein-like substances increased by 45% and 22%, respectively, at the end of the anaerobic incubation period. The UV-absorbing DOM constituents in aerobic incubation had lower molecular weights and were more heterogeneous than those in anaerobic incubation.
Micro–nanobubble technology and water-related application
Authors: Khan Palwasha , Zhu Wenjing , Huang Feng , Gao Wanlin , Khan Nasir Abbas
Published: June 2020

Currently, there is a growing demand for water treatment technologies considering global environmental challenges such as degradation and depletion of water resources. Micro- and nanobubble (MNB) technology and its application for wastewater treatment has emerged as a problem-solving alternative for such challenges. This paper reviews the important studies on water treatment in the areas of MNBs and discusses their fundamental properties, such as bubble stability (as tiny entities in water solutions), generation methods, and various chemical and physical features. The paper further overviews the current status of MNB application in water treatment processes such as flotation, aeration, and disinfection and its uses in various sectors, including agriculture, aquaculture, medical, and industry. Based on this review, studies regarding MNBs' basic properties, generation, and application are identified and recognized for future research. This study concludes that despite the promising role of MNBs in water-related application, the current status of research has not reached its true potential. Specifically, there is a need to enhance MNB application at a broader scale.
Start-up of a full-scale partial nitritation-anammox MBBR without inoculum at Klagshamn WWTP
Authors: Dimitrova Ivelina , Dabrowska Agnieszka , Ekström Sara
Published: June 2020

Partial nitritation and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (PNA) is a useful process for the treatment of nitrogen-rich centrate from the dewatering of anaerobically digested sludge. A one-stage PNA moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) was started up without inoculum at Klagshamn wastewater treatment plant, southern Sweden. The reactor was designed to treat up to 200 kgN d−1, and heated dilution water was used during start-up. The nitrogen removal was >80% after 111 days of operation, and the nitrogen removal rate reached 1.8 gN m−2 d1 at 35 °C. The start-up period of the reactor was comparable to that of inoculated full-scale systems. The operating conditions of the system were found to be important, and online control of the free ammonia concentration played a crucial role. Ex situ batch activity tests were performed to evaluate process performance.
Trivalent iron-tartaric acid metal-organic framework for catalytic ozonation of succinonitrile
Authors: Wang Song , Zhu Genwang , Yu Zhongchen , Li Chenxi , Wang Dan , Cao Xiaoling
Published: June 2020

As porous crystal materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted wide attention in the field of environmental remediation. In this study, a trivalent iron-tartaric acid metal-organic framework (T2-MOF) was successfully synthesized using the inexpensive raw materials ferric chloride (FeCl3.6H2O) and tartaric acid (C4H6O6). The physical and chemical properties of T2-MOF were studied by using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. After that, T2-MOF was used as a catalyst for catalytic ozonation of succinonitrile. The results show that T2-MOF has obvious crystal characteristics and uniform structure. In addition, T2-MOF exhibits strong catalytic performance in ozonation of succinonitrile. The results indicate that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate is affected by various operating parameters including catalyst characteristics dosages and initial pH values. In the ozonation with 30 mg L−1 T2-MOF, the COD removal rate of 100 mg L−1 succinonitrile reached 73.1% (±4.6%) within 180 min, which was 67.3% (±4.4%) higher than that obtained in the process without catalyst. T2-MOF maintained strong catalytic performance with the pH range of 3.0–7.0. By monitoring the Fe2+ concentration at different reaction time, it was found that the homogeneous catalysis occurred simultaneously with the heterogeneous catalysis.
Preparation of molecular imprinted polymer based on attapulgite and evaluation of its performance for adsorption of benzoic acid in water
Authors: Yang Zekun , Wang Hailing , Sun Huiming , Tang Haifeng , Nie Guangze
Published: June 2020

In order to reduce the environmental impact of benzoic acid (BA), molecular imprinted polymers based on attapulgite were facilely prepared by molecular imprinted technique. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The adsorption performance, regeneration stability, and competitive selectivity of BA by benzoic acid-surface molecular imprinted polymers (BA-MIP) were systematically investigated by experiments. For this material, it has a high adsorption capacity of 41 mg/g and an equilibrium adsorption time of about 150 min. Compared with non-imprinted polymers, BA-MIP has a higher adsorption capacity for BA, and the dynamic adsorption behavior of BA by both of them conforms to the quasi-second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation was fitted the isothermal adsorption experiment. The thermodynamic analysis shows that the adsorption process is an exothermic reaction. The adsorption capacity of BA first increases and then decreases with an increase in pH, and the maximum adsorption capacity is reached at pH = 5. BA-MIP also has excellent selective adsorption capacity and regeneration stability for BA.
Budgetary-Tax Policy in 2019 and under Crisis in 2020
Authors: Bukina I. S.
Published: June 2020

Favorable conditions for 2018 and 2019 allowed to create significant reserves due to oil and gas revenues. At the same time, the nature of fiscal policy turned from restriction to a stimulating one. The implementation of national projects and the growth of budget expenditures provided a significant contribution to the GDP growth rate while consumer and investment demand slowing down. In the conditions of the 2020 crisis, the accumulated reserves make it possible to compensate for the shortfall in federal budget revenues, but the consequences for the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation may be more serious, despite the lower sensitivity to shocks from oil prices. The increase in the sensitivity of revenue to GDP dynamics, noted in recent years, suggests that the consequences of the current crisis for the budget system of the Russian Federation may be significantly worse than in 2009.
Features of Estimation Methods of Agromeration Development in Russia
Authors: Kuznetsov N. I.
Published: June 2020

Government designated the development of cities and urban agglomerations among measures in the field of regional development. In this regard, it should be understood how to evaluate the results of policies for the development of cities and urban agglomerations, what effects can be expected and predicted. The article considers the features of agglomeration development assessment methods. The topic of agglomerations is currently relevant – in the strategic planning documents of Russian regions, agglomerations are increasingly present every year. Federal, regional and municipal authorities speak about their development. The article presents methods for assessing the development of agglomeration in Russia. A hypothesis was put forward that there is no unified methodology for assessing agglomeration growth in Russia. We considered the following methods: the indices used in the research of PricewaterhouseCoopers consulting agency, the Institute for Urban Economics and the urban environment index, created as part of the implementation of the May decree on the strategic development of the Russian Federation until 2024 and the national project Housing and Urban Environment. Based on the results of testing the hypothesis, conclusions are drawn and possible ways to achieve positive changes are considered.
Present Scenario of M-Cell Targeting Ligands for Oral Mucosal Immunization
Authors: Saraf Surendra , Jain Shailesh , Sahoo Rudra Narayan , Mallick Subrata
Published: June 2020

The immune system plays an important role in the prevention of infection and forms the
first line of defense against pathogen attack. Delivering of antigen through mucosal route may elicit
mucosal immune system as the mucosal surface is the most common site of pathogen entry. Mucosal
immune system will be capable to counter pathogen at mucosal surface. Oral mucosal immunization
opens the ways to deliver antigens at gut-associated lymphoid tissue. This can elicit both local and
systemic immune response. Mucosal vaccines are economical, highly accessible, non parenteral delivery
and capacity to produce mass immunization at the time of pandemics. To deliver antigens on the
mucosal surface of the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system relies on specialized epithelial cell
i.e. Microfold (M)-cell. An approach to exploit the targeting specific receptors on M-cell for entry of
antigens has made a breakthrough in vaccine development. In this review, various strategies have been
discussed for the possible entry of antigens through M-cells and an approach to increase the uptake
and efficacy of vaccines for oral mucosal immunization.
Paget’s Disease of Bone and Cardiovascular Risk: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gaudio Agostino , Zanoli Luca , Xourafa Anastasia , Rapisarda Rosario , Catalano Antonino , Signorelli Salvatore Santo , Castellino Pietro
Published: June 2020

Background:

The association between Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) and increased cardiovascular
(CV) risk has been suggested, but the literature is conflicting.

Objective:

Our study aimed to evaluate two markers of CV risk, namely, common carotid artery intimamedia
thickness (cIMT) and the aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients with PDB.

Methods:

We enrolled 12 patients with PDB and 58 control subjects, matched for age. The diagnosis of
PDB was based on clinical, radiological and biochemical parameters.

Results:

Patients with PDB showed higher PWV values than the controls, whereas cIMT was slightly but not significantly
increased.

Conclusion:

These findings, although limited by the small study population, represent an original observation
that deserves further study. The higher arterial stiffness in PDB could be related to the increased
bone turnover or the high levels of oxidative stress that characterize this population.
Metabolic Syndrome in HIV-patients in Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Vargas-Pacherrez Daniel , Cotrim Helma P. , Pires Leonardo , Cunha Vitor , Coelho Vitor , Brites Carlos , Daltro Carla
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

The global prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among people living
with HIV/AIDS varies from 20% to 33%.

Objective:

to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors in a group of
HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study with HIV-infected patients from a reference center in Bahia,
Brazil. We evaluated clinical, socio-demographic and anthropometric data. MS was defined according
to the guidelines of International Diabetes Federation.

Results:

We evaluated 152 patients with mean age of 47.3±11.6 years, 59.2% male. The main comorbidities
detected were diabetes (3.3%) hypertriglyceridemia (9.3%) and metabolic syndrome
(MS,38.2%). Patients with MS were predominantly women (55.2% vs 31.9%; p=0.005), older
[52.1 (10.4) vs 44.3 (11.3); p<0.001], and had overweight (74.1% vs 23.4%; p<0.001). After multivariate
analysis MS remained associated with age (OR = 1.076; 95% CI: 1.030 – 1.125), female sex
(OR = 2.452; 95% CI: 1.114 – 5.374) and family history of hypertension (OR = 3.678; 95% CI:
1.431 – 9.395).

Conclusion:

Almost half of the HIV-infected patients in Bahia presents with MS which seems to be
driven by classical risk factors.
The Reject Green Kale Substitution (Ipomoea Aquatica) Fermented Yeast in Commercial Feed on Performance and Carcass Quality of Super Native Chicken
Authors: Ndun Alberth Nugrahadi , Telupere Franky M. S. , Mulyantini Ni Gusti Ayu
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the reject green kale effect of substitution fermented yeast in commercial feed on the performance and carcass quality of super native chicken. The design of this study is a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial pattern 2 x 4. The first factor is gender, the second factor is 4 treatment of feed. Each treatment consisted of 4 replications, and each test consisted of 4 chickens. The treatment in question is: R0 = (100%) basal ration without the reject green kale substitution (Control), R1 = 95% basal ration + with the reject green kale substitution fermented yeast 5%, R2 = 90% basal ration + with the reject green kale substitution fermented yeast 10%, R3 = 85% basal ration + with the reject green kale substitution fermented yeast 15%. Conclusion the reject green kale substitution fermented yeast in commercial feed can improve the performance and carcass quality of super native chicken. The best performance results were obtained from the value of feed consumption in male R3 treatment at 455.6 grams/head/week, body weight gain/week in male R3 treatment at 295.5 grams/head/week, feed conversion in male R2 treatment at 1,538, and carcass percentage at male R3 treatment by 62.6%. While the best results of carcass quality obtained from the value of the water holding capacity is the treatment of male R1 by 53.83%, cooking losses in the treatment of R3 female by 12.63%, the potential hydrogen of the male R2 treatment by 5.07%, and tenderness which is at the highest favorite level in the treatment of treatment. Male R3 is 3.53%.
Estimasi Most Probable Producing Ability (MPPA) Sifat Produksi Pada Sapi Madura
Authors: Tribudi Yuli Arif , Prihandini Peni Wahyu , Nurgiartiningsih Veronica Margareta Ani
Published: June 2020

UPT Pembibitan dan Kesehatan Hewan Pamekasan adalah unit pelayanan milik Pemerintah Jawa Timur yang khusus menangani pembibitan sapi Madura. Pendugaan nilai parameter genetik yang didasarkan pada catatan produksi dapat digunakan sebagai dasar evaluasi terhadap nilai pemuliaan dan keunggulan genetik sapi Madura melalui metode MPPA (Most Probable Producing Ability). Penelitian ini menggunakan catatan produksi tahun 2014-2019 dari 52 ekor induk yang berjumlah 127 keturunan. Ripitabilitas dihitung berdasarkan metode korelasi antar kelas sedangkan metode Most Probable Producing Ability (MPPA) digunakan untuk menduga keunggulan performans produksi induk sapi Madura. Rataan berat badan sapi Madura umur 205 hari dan 365 hari masing-masing sebesar 83,55Â±15,66 kg dan 109,97Â±16,04 kg. Estimasi ripitabilitas berat umur 205 hari dan berat umur 365 hari yang dihasilkan termasuk dalam kategori tinggi. Berdasarkan nilai pendugaan MPPA performans produksi sapi Madura pada berat umur 205 hari dan 365 hari didapat induk terbaik sapi Madura dengan nomor identitas 386 dan induk dengan nomor identitas 378 dengan nilai pendugaan masing-masing 118,52 kg dan 142,34 kg.
Metode Peningkatan Nilai Nutrisi Jerami Jagung Sebagai Pakan Ternak Ruminansia
Authors: Yanuartono Yanuartono , Indarjulianto Soedarmanto , Nururrozi Alfarisa , Raharjo Slamet , Purnamaningsih Hary , Haribowo Nurman
Published: June 2020

Pakan merupakanÂ  faktorÂ  sangat pentingÂ  dalam menunjang keberhasilan usaha peternakan. Ternak ruminansia sangat bergantung pada pakan hijauan. Di sisi lain, ketersediaan pakan hijauan sangat berfluktuasi, melimpah di musim hujan tetapi minim di saat musim kemarau.. JeramiÂ  jagung adalah produk limbah samping pertanian yang berpotensi digunakan sebagai alternatif untuk pakan ternak ruminansia. Menggunakan jerami jagung sebagai pakan ternak untuk hewan ruminansia dapat membantu menyelesaikan masalah kekurangan pakan ternak terutama di musim kemarau. Penggunaan jerami jagung sebagai pakan ternak terbatas karena daya cerna yang rendah. Berbagai metode dapat digunakan untuk mengatasi nilai gizi jerami jagung yang terbatas seperti membuat hay dan silase sehingga kandungan nutrisinya dapat ditingkatkan. Makalah ini bertujuan untuk memberikan ulasan singkat tentang metode untuk meningkatkan nilai gizi jerami jagung sehingga dapat meningkatkan produktivitas ruminansia.
Identifikasi Total Protein dan Fraksi Protein Induk Kambing Peranakan Ettawah Beranak Kembar dan Tunggal
Authors: Putri Gusfarisa Rafika , Mudawamah Mudawamah , Sumartono Sumartono
Published: June 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi total protein dan fraksi protein (albumin dan globulin) serum darah induk kambing Peranakan Ettawah (PE) beranak kembar dan tunggal. Penelitian ini dilakukan menggunakan serum darah induk kambing PE beranak tunggal dan kembar dengan membagi dalam 2 kelompok, setiap kelompok terdiri atas 6 ekor kambing. Sampel serum diisolasi dari whole blood. Whole blood diambil melalui vena jugularis kambing PE. Separasi serum induk kambing PE dilakukan menggunakan total protein, albumin, dan globulin menggunakan metode spektofotometri, kemudian data dianalisa menggunakan uji unpaired t-test melalui software SPSS.16 untuk mengetahui perbedaan antar perlakuan. Berdasarkan penelitian, didapatkan hasil total protein kelompok induk kambing beranak kembar berbeda nyata (P<0,05) lebih tinggi 31,68% dibanding kelompok induk kambing beranak tunggal.Â  Kadar albumin kelompok induk kambing beranak kembar berbeda sangat nyata (P<0.01) lebih tinggi 21,43% dibandingkan dengan beranak tunggal. Â Kadar globulin kelompok induk kambing beranak kembar berbeda nyata (P<0,05) lebih tinggi 26,89% dibandingkan dengan beranak tunggal.Â  Total protein dan fraksi protein (albumin dan globulin) lebih tinggi pada induk beranak kembar dapat membantu perkembangan anak dapat maksimal. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini yaitu induk kambing beranak kembar memiliki aktivitas metabolisme yang lebih tinggi dilihat dari konsentrasi total protein dan fraksi protein. Implikasi dari penelitian ini adalah pemberian pakan pada induk beranak kembar perlu ditingkatkan minimal 32 % sejak awal kebuntingan dibandingkan dengan induk beranak tunggal.