bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution Combustion Synthesis of Transparent Conducting Thin Films for Sustainable Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Ullah Sana , Branquinho Rita , Mateus Tiago , Martins Rodrigo , Fortunato Elvira , Rasheed Tahir , Sher Farooq
Published: December 2020

Sunlight is arguably the most promising continuous and cheap alternative sustainable energy source available at almost all living places of the human world. Photovoltaics (PV) is a process of direct conversion of sunlight into electricity and has become a technology of choice for sustainable production of cleaner and safer energy. The solar cell is the main component of any PV technology and transparent conducting oxides (TCO) comprising wide band gap semiconductors are an essential component of every PV technology. In this research, transparent conducting thin films were prepared by solution combustion synthesis of metal oxide nitrates wherein the use of indium is substituted or reduced. Individual 0.5 M indium, gallium and zinc oxide source solutions were mixed in ratios of 1:9 and 9:1 to obtain precursor solutions. Indium-rich IZO (A1), zinc-rich IZO (B1), gallium-rich GZO (C1) and zinc-rich GZO (D1) thin films were prepared through spin coating deposition. In the case of A1 and B1 thin films, electrical resistivity obtained was 3.4 × 10−3 Ω-cm and 7.9 × 10−3 Ω-cm, respectively. While C1 films remained insulating, D1 films showed an electrical resistivity of 1.3 × 10−2 Ω-cm. The optical transmittance remained more than 80% in visible for all films. Films with necessary transparent conducting properties were applied in an all solution-processed solar cell device and then characterized. The efficiency of 1.66%, 2.17%, and 0.77% was obtained for A1, B1, and D1 TCOs, respectively, while 6.88% was obtained using commercial fluorine doped SnO2: (FTO) TCO. The results are encouraging for the preparation of indium-free TCOs towards solution-processed thin-film photovoltaic devices. It is also observed that better filtration of precursor solutions and improving surface roughness would further reduce sheet resistance and improve solar cell efficiency.
Handle with Care—Microplastic Particles in Intestine Samples of Seals from German Waters
Authors: Philipp Carolin , Unger Bianca , Fischer Elke K. , Schnitzler Joseph G. , Siebert Ursula
Published: December 2020

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims to reduce the marine debris burden in the marine environment by 2020. This requires an assessment of the actual situation, which includes the occurrence as well as the caused impacts. Information on both is scarce when it comes to top predators like marine mammals and the burden of microplastic. This is hampered by the limited access to free ranging marine mammals for collecting samples, as well as sample handling. The present study investigated gastrointestinal tracts and faecal samples of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) regularly occurring in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea with the aim of gaining information on the occurrence of microplastics. In total, 255 particles ≥100 µm (70 fibres, 185 fragments) were found in exemplary ten intestine and nine faecal samples. The findings ranged from zero fibres and six fragments, up to 35 fibres and 55 fragments per sample. Additionally, this study established a protocol for sample handling, microplastic isolation (≥100 µm) and quantification of gastrointestinal tracts and faecal samples of marine mammals with a low share of contamination. This approach helps to quantify the presence of microplastics in free-ranging marine mammals and is therefore applicable to assess the real burden of microplastic presence in the marine environment.
Digital Technologies at the Pre-University and University Levels
Authors: Monroy García Francisca Angélica , Llamas-Salguero Fátima , Fernández-Sánchez María Rosa , Carrión del Campo José Luis
Published: December 2020

The education sector is undergoing significant challenges in the process of transforming learning models in order to face the new requirements of our hyper-connected society. Teaching students how to adequately interact as active and committed citizens in our knowmadic global society is the most challenging task facing educators nowadays. Moreover, the university must consider a student’s knowledge of digital technologies to be able to design new educational models that respond to their current needs. The aim of our research is to assess that knowledge and the use of digital technologies among college students and the relationship this has with their prior academic experience. Data collection included a validated ad-hoc questionnaire divided into 16 categories applied to 757 students of both sexes between 20 and 57 years of age. The results show that, irrespective of gender and age, those students who have used Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their secondary education have a better knowledge of how to use them to their advantage throughout their university learning process. In conclusion, students need to undergo a training in digital skills before entering university, so as to equip them with a higher level of digital competence.
Analysis of Teacher-Student Interaction in the Joint Solving of Non-Routine Problems in Primary Education Classrooms
Authors: Sánchez-Barbero Beatriz , Chamoso José María , Vicente Santiago , Rosales Javier
Published: December 2020

The analysis of teacher–student interaction when jointly solving routine problems in the primary education mathematics classroom has revealed that there is scarce reasoning and little participation on students’ part. To analyze whether this fact is due to the routine nature of the problems, a sample of teachers who solved, together with their students, a routine problem involving three questions with different cognitive difficulty levels (task 1) was analyzed, describing on which part of the problem-solving process (selection of information or reasoning) they focused their interaction. Results showed that they barely focused the interaction on reasoning, and participation of students was scarce, regardless of the cognitive difficulty of the question to be answered. To check whether these results could be due to the routine nature of the problem, a nonroutine problem (task 2) was solved by the same sample of teachers and students. The results revealed an increase in both reasoning and participation of students in processes that required complex reasoning. This being so, the main conclusion of the present study is that including nonroutine problem solving in the primary education classroom as a challenging task is a reasonable way to increase students’ ability to use their own reasoning to solve problems, and to promote greater teacher–student collaboration. These two aspects are relevant for students to become creative, critical, and reflective citizens.
How to Set the Proper CO2 Reduction Targets for the Provincial Building Sector of China?
Authors: Shi Qingwei , Ren Hong , Cai Weiguang , Gao Jingxin
Published: December 2020

The improvement of the energy and carbon emission efficiency of activities in the building sector is the key to China’s realization of the Paris Agreement. We can explore effective emission abatement approaches for the building sector by evaluating the carbon emissions and energy efficiency of construction activities, measuring the emission abatement potential of construction activities across the country and regions, and measuring the marginal abatement cost (MAC) of China and various regions. This study calculates the energy and carbon emissions performance of the building sector of 30 provinces and regions in China from 2005 to 2015, measures the dynamic changes in the energy-saving potential and carbon emission performance of the building sector, conducts relevant verification, and estimates the MAC of the building sector by using the slacks-based measure-directional distance function. The level of energy consumption per unit of the building sector of China has been decreasing yearly, but the energy structure has changed minimally (considering that clean energy is used). The total factor technical efficiency of the building sector of various provinces, cities, and regions is generally low, as verified in the evaluation of the energy-saving and emission abatement potential of the building sector of China. The energy saving and emission abatement of the building sector of China have great potential—that is, in approximately 50% of the total emissions of the building sector of China. In particular, Northeast and North China account for more than 50% of the total energy-saving and emission abatement potential. The study of the CO2 emissions and MAC of the building sector indicates that the larger the CO2 emissions are, the smaller MAC will be. The emission abatement efficiency is proportional to MAC. Based on this research, it can be more equitable and effective in formulating provincial emission reduction policy targets at the national level, and can maximize the contribution of the building sector of various provinces to the national carbon emission reduction.
Synthesis of MoS2 Thin Film by Ionized Jet Deposition: Role of Substrate and Working Parameters
Authors: Ghiami Amir , Timpel Melanie , Chiappini Andrea , Nardi Marco Vittorio , Verucchi Roberto
Published: December 2020

The lack of scalable synthesis of transition metal dichalcogenides, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), has proved to be a significant bottleneck in realization of fundamental devices and has hindered the commercialization of these materials in technologically relevant applications. In this study, a cost-efficient and versatile thin-film fabrication technique based on ionized jet deposition (IJD), i.e., a technique potentially providing high processing efficiency and scalability, is used to grow MoS2 thin films on silicon substrates. The operating conditions of IJD were found to influence mainly the ablation efficiency of the target and only slightly the quality of the deposited MoS2 thin film. All as-deposited films show chemical properties typical of MoS2 with an excess of free, elemental sulfur that can be removed by post-deposition annealing at 300–400 °C, which also promotes MoS2 crystallization. The formation of an interface comprised of several silicon oxide species was observed between MoS2 and the silicon substrate, which is suggested to originate from etching and oxidizing processes of dissociated water molecules in the vacuum chamber during growth. The present study paves the way to further design and improve the IJD approach for TMDC-based devices and other relevant technological applications.
A New Ensemble Learning Algorithm Combined with Causal Analysis for Bayesian Network Structural Learning
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Ren , Liu Kefeng
Published: December 2020

The Bayesian Network (BN) has been widely applied to causal reasoning in artificial intelligence, and the Search-Score (SS) method has become a mainstream approach to mine causal relationships for establishing BN structure. Aiming at the problems of local optimum and low generalization in existing SS algorithms, we introduce the Ensemble Learning (EL) and causal analysis to propose a new BN structural learning algorithm named C-EL. Combined with the Bagging method and causal Information Flow theory, the EL mechanism for BN structural learning is established. Base learners of EL are trained by using various SS algorithms. Then, a new causality-based weighted ensemble way is proposed to achieve the fusion of different BN structures. To verify the validity and feasibility of C-EL, we compare it with six different SS algorithms. The experiment results show that C-EL has high accuracy and a strong generalization ability. More importantly, it is capable of learning more accurate structures under the small training sample condition.
Analysis of Instability Mode and Limit Support Pressure of Shallow Tunnel Face in Sands
Authors: Han Kaihang , Wang Xuetao , Hou Beibei , Lin Xingtao , Cao Chengyong
Published: December 2020

The stability analysis of the tunnel face is not only essential for guaranteeing the safe construction of urban shallow tunnels, but also directly affecting the influence degree of tunnel construction on nearby structures. The primary concerns in the stability analysis of the tunnel face are the instability mode of surrounding rocks and the limit support pressure on the tunnel face. In this paper, face stability of shallow tunnels in sands was conducted using a symmetrical model test. The ground surface settlement, support pressure on the tunnel face and progressive instability modes of sands at tunnel face are measured by using an LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) displacement sensor, high-precision pressure sensor and high-definition digital camera, respectively. The test results indicate that the shear failure band appears in sands in front of the tunnel face and develops from the tunnel invert to the tunnel crown. The upper sands undergo stress redistribution, and the pressure arch appears with initial form of “ellipsoid”, then of the “pyramid”. Moreover, the support pressure on the tunnel face experiences four stages, namely, rapid decline stage, the minimum stage, slowly raises stage and stable stage during tunnel excavation. The research results of this paper will provide theoretical support for the reasonable value of the support pressure on the tunnel face in practical engineering.
Does External Exposure of Glycidol-Related Chemicals Influence the Forming of the Hemoglobin Adduct, N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)valine, as a Biomarker of Internal Exposure to Glycidol?
Authors: Shimamura Yuko , Inagaki Ryo , Honda Hiroshi , Masuda Shuichi
Published: December 2020

Glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE) are constituents of edible oils and fats, and are converted into glycidol, a genotoxic substance, in vivo. N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)valine (diHOPrVal), a hemoglobin adduct of glycidol, is used as a biomarker of glycidol and GE exposure. However, high background levels of diHOPrVal are not explained by daily dietary exposure to glycidol and GE. In the present study, several glycidol-related chemicals (glycidol, (±)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, glycidyl oleate, epichlorohydrin, propylene oxide, 1-bromopropane, allyl alcohol, fructose, and glyceraldehyde) that might be precursors of diHOPrVal, were administered to mice, and diHOPrVal formation from each substance was examined with LC-MS/MS. DiHOPrVal was detected in animals treated with glycidol and glycidyl oleate but not in mice treated with other chemicals (3-MCPD, epichlorohydrin, propylene oxide, 1-bromopropane, allyl alcohol, fructose, and glyceraldehyde). The amount of diHOPrVal per administered dose produced from other chemicals was negligible compared to the amounts associated with dietary glycidol and GE. The present study provides important knowledge for exploring other sources for internal exposure to glycidol.
Regulation Efficacy and Mechanism of the Toxicity of Microcystin-LR Targeting Protein Phosphatase 1 via the Biodegradation Pathway
Authors: Ren Luyao , Hu Zhengxin , Wang Qian , Du Yonggang , Zong Wansong
Published: December 2020

Biodegradation is important to regulate the toxicity and environmental risk of microcystins (MCs). To explore their regulation effectiveness and mechanism, typical biodegradation products originating from microcystin-LR (MCLR) were prepared and purified. The protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) inhibition experiment showed the biodegradation pathway was effective in regulating the toxicity of the biodegradation products by extending the biodegradation. With the assistance of molecular docking, the specific interaction between the toxins and PP1 was explored. The MCLR/MCLR biodegradation products combined with PP1 mainly by the aid of interactions related to the active sites Adda5, Glu6, Mdha7, and the ionic bonds/hydrogen bonds between the integral toxin and PP1. As a consequence, the interactions between Mn22+ and Asp64/Asp92 in the catalytic center were inhibited to varying degrees, resulting in the reduced toxicity of the biodegradation products. During the biodegradation process, the relevant key interactions might be weakened or even disappear, and thus the toxicity was regulated. It is worth noting that the secondary pollution of the partial products (especially for Adda5-Glu6-Mdha7-Ala1 and the linearized MCLR), which still possessed the major active sites, is of deep concern.
Several New Putative Bacterial ADP-Ribosyltransferase Toxins Are Revealed from In Silico Data Mining, Including the Novel Toxin Vorin, Encoded by the Fire Blight Pathogen Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Tremblay Olivier , Thow Zachary , Geddes-McAlister Jennifer , Merrill A.
Published: December 2020

Mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase (mART) toxins are secreted by several pathogenic bacteria that disrupt vital host cell processes in deadly diseases like cholera and whooping cough. In the last two decades, the discovery of mART toxins has helped uncover the mechanisms of disease employed by pathogens impacting agriculture, aquaculture, and human health. Due to the current abundance of mARTs in bacterial genomes, and an unprecedented availability of genomic sequence data, mART toxins are amenable to discovery using an in silico strategy involving a series of sequence pattern filters and structural predictions. In this work, a bioinformatics approach was used to discover six bacterial mART sequences, one of which was a functional mART toxin encoded by the plant pathogen, Erwinia amylovora, called Vorin. Using a yeast growth-deficiency assay, we show that wild-type Vorin inhibited yeast cell growth, while catalytic variants reversed the growth-defective phenotype. Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis revealed that Vorin may cause eukaryotic host cell death by suppressing the initiation of autophagic processes. The genomic neighbourhood of Vorin indicated that it is a Type-VI-secreted effector, and co-expression experiments showed that Vorin is neutralized by binding of a cognate immunity protein, VorinI. We demonstrate that Vorin may also act as an antibacterial effector, since bacterial expression of Vorin was not achieved in the absence of VorinI. Vorin is the newest member of the mART family; further characterization of the Vorin/VorinI complex may help refine inhibitor design for mART toxins from other deadly pathogens.
The Montevideo Interpretation: How the Inclusion of a Quantum Gravitational Notion of Time Solves the Measurement Problem
Authors: Gambini Rodolfo , Pullin Jorge
Published: December 2020

We review the Montevideo Interpretation of quantum mechanics, which is based on the use of real clocks to describe physics, using the framework that was recently introduced by Höhn, Smith, and Lock to treat the problem of time in generally covariant systems. These new methods, which solve several problems in the introduction of a notion of time in such systems, do not change the main results of the Montevideo Interpretation. The use of the new formalism makes the construction more general and valid for any system in a quantum generally covariant theory. We find that, as in the original formulation, a fundamental mechanism of decoherence emerges that allows for supplementing ordinary environmental decoherence and avoiding its criticisms. The recent results on quantum complexity provide additional support to the type of global protocols that are used to prove that within ordinary—unitary—quantum mechanics, no definite event—an outcome to which a probability can be associated—occurs. In lieu of this, states that start in a coherent superposition of possible outcomes always remain as a superposition. We show that, if one takes into account fundamental inescapable uncertainties in measuring length and time intervals due to general relativity and quantum mechanics, the previously mentioned global protocols no longer allow for distinguishing whether the state is in a superposition or not. One is left with a formulation of quantum mechanics purely defined in quantum mechanical terms without any reference to the classical world and with an intrinsic operational definition of quantum events that does not need external observers.
Leveraging 3D Model Systems to Understand Viral Interactions with the Respiratory Mucosa
Authors: Iverson Ethan , Kaler Logan , Agostino Eva L. , Song Daniel , Duncan Gregg A. , Scull Margaret A.
Published: December 2020

Respiratory viruses remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the human population, underscoring the importance of ongoing basic research into virus–host interactions. However, many critical aspects of infection are difficult, if not impossible, to probe using standard cell lines, 2D culture formats, or even animal models. In vitro systems such as airway epithelial cultures at air–liquid interface, organoids, or ‘on-chip’ technologies allow interrogation in human cells and recapitulate emergent properties of the airway epithelium—the primary target for respiratory virus infection. While some of these models have been used for over thirty years, ongoing advancements in both culture techniques and analytical tools continue to provide new opportunities to investigate airway epithelial biology and viral infection phenotypes in both normal and diseased host backgrounds. Here we review these models and their application to studying respiratory viruses. Furthermore, given the ability of these systems to recapitulate the extracellular microenvironment, we evaluate their potential to serve as a platform for studies specifically addressing viral interactions at the mucosal surface and detail techniques that can be employed to expand our understanding.
Longitudinal Analysis of Peripheral and Colonic CD161+ CD4+ T Cell Dysfunction in Acute HIV-1 Infection and Effects of Early Treatment Initiation
Authors: Lal Kerri , Phuang-Ngern Yuwadee , Suhkumvittaya Suchada , Leeansyah Edwin , Alrubayyi Aljawharah , Dias Joana , Waickman Adam , Kim Dohoon , Kroon Eugène , Pinyakorn Suteeraporn , Eller Leigh , Maciel Jr. Milton , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Chomchey Nitiya , Phanuphak Nittaya , de Souza Mark , Nitayaphan Sorachai , Ake Julie , Vasan Sandhya , Robb Merlin , Ananworanich Jintanat , Sandberg Johan , Schuetz Alexandra , Eller Michael , Paquin-Proulx Dominic ,   on behalf of the RV217, RV254/SEARCH010, RV304/SEARCH Study Groups
Published: December 2020

CD161 expression on CD4+ T cells is associated with a Th17 functional phenotype, as well as with an innate capacity to respond to interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 without T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. Chronic HIV-1 infection is associated with loss of the CD161+ CD4 T cell population, and non-human primate studies suggest that their depletion is associated with disease progression. However, the dynamics of the CD161+ CD4+ T cell population during acute HIV-1 infection remains unknown. In this study, we characterize peripheral blood CD161+ CD4+ T cells in detail, and examine how they are affected during the earliest stages of HIV-1 infection. Unbiased surface proteome screening and principal component analysis indicated that CD161+ CD4+ T cells are relatively phenotypically homogeneous between donors, and are intermediates between conventional CD4 T cells and innate-like T cells. In acute untreated HIV-1 infection, the circulating CD161+ CD4+ T cell population decreased in frequency, as did absolute cell counts starting from peak viral load, with elevated levels of activation and exhaustion markers expressed throughout acute HIV-1 infection. The capacity of these cells to respond to stimulation with IL-12 and IL-18 was also reduced. Early initiation of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) during acute HIV-1 infection restored the functionality of peripheral blood CD161+ CD4+ T cells, but not their frequency. In contrast, early ART initiation prevented the decline of colonic CD161+ CD4+ T cells that otherwise started during acute infection. Furthermore, loss of peripheral and colonic CD161+ CD4+ T cells in untreated infection was associated with levels of viral load. These results suggest that acute HIV-1 infection has profound effects on the CD161+ CD4+ T cell population that could not be completely prevented by the initiation of ART.
Dysregulated Interferon Response Underlying Severe COVID-19
Authors: Lopez LeAnn , Sang Peter C. , Tian Yun , Sang Yongming
Published: December 2020

Innate immune interferons (IFNs), including type I and III IFNs, constitute critical antiviral mechanisms. Recent studies reveal that IFN dysregulation is key to determine COVID-19 pathogenesis. Effective IFN stimulation or prophylactic administration of IFNs at the early stage prior to severe COVID-19 may elicit an autonomous antiviral state, restrict the virus infection, and prevent COVID-19 progression. Inborn genetic flaws and autoreactive antibodies that block IFN response have been significantly associated with about 14% of patients with life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia. In most severe COVID-19 patients without genetic errors in IFN-relevant gene loci, IFN dysregulation is progressively worsened and associated with the situation of pro-inflammation and immunopathy, which is prone to autoimmunity. In addition, the high correlation of severe COVID-19 with seniority, males, and individuals with pre-existing comorbidities will be plausibly explained by the coincidence of IFN aberrance in these situations. Collectively, current studies call for a better understanding of the IFN response regarding the spatiotemporal determination and subtype-specificity against SARS-CoV-2 infections, which are warranted to devise IFN-related prophylactics and therapies.
Comparative Immunological Study in Mice of Inactivated Influenza Vaccines Used in the Russian Immunization Program
Authors: Shanko Andrei , Shuklina Marina , Kovaleva Anna , Zabrodskaya Yana , Vidyaeva Inna , Shaldzhyan Aram , Fadeev Artem , Korotkov Alexander , Zaitceva Marina , Stepanova Liudmila , Tsybalova Liudmila , Kordyukova Larisa , Katlinski Anton
Published: December 2020

A series of commercial inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs) used in the Russian National Immunization Program were characterized to evaluate their protective properties on an animal model. Standard methods for quantifying immune response, such as hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay and virus neutralization (VN) assay, allowed us to distinguish the immunogenic effect of various IIVs from that of placebo. However, these standard approaches are not suitable to determine the role of various vaccine components in immune response maturation. The expanded methodological base including an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a neuraminidase ELISA (NA-ELISA) helped us to get wider characteristics and identify the effectiveness of various commercial vaccines depending on the antigen content. Investigations conducted showed that among the IIVs tested, Ultrix®, Ultrix® Quadri and VAXIGRIP® elicit the most balanced immune response, including a good NA response. For Ultrix®, Ultrix® Quadri, and SOVIGRIPP® (FORT LLC), the whole-virus specific antibody subclass IgG1, measured in ELISA, seriously prevailed over IgG2a, while, for VAXIGRIP® and SOVIGRIPP® (NPO Microgen JSC) preparations, the calculated IgG1/IgG2a ratio was close to 1. So, the immune response varied drastically across different commercial IIVs injected in mice.
Repertoires of Vaccine Refusal in Romania
Authors: Toth Cosmin
Published: December 2020

Repertoires are basic analytic units in discourse analysis and discursive psychology, characterized as repeatable building blocks speakers use for constructing versions of actions. In this study my aim is to analyze public repertoires which are available to parents as discursive resources to substantiate their decision not to vaccinate their children. Online content, two televised talk shows and a series of interviews with parents who refused vaccination from 2017–2019 were analyzed. As a result of this analysis, I have identified a series of repertoires such as distrust repertoires, rejecting any risks when it comes to children, vaccine ineffectiveness and ‘immunity is a limited resource that should not be forced’. These repertoires do a discursive work that seem to go beyond signs of concern or challenges to vaccine safety to perform a moral and epistemic delegitimization of the current system of medical services, medical research and government authorities. Moreover, the identification of the repertoires that circulate in the public space as resources fulfil a discursive function of replacing the current system with new moral and epistemic perspectives.
Lactobacilli Expressing Broadly Neutralizing Nanobodies against HIV-1 as Potential Vectors for HIV-1 Prophylaxis?
Authors: Kalusche Sarah , Vanshylla Kanika , Kleipass Franziska , Gruell Henning , Müller Barbara , Zeng Zhu , Koch Kathrin , Stein Stefan , Marcotte Harold , Klein Florian , Dietrich Ursula
Published: December 2020

In the absence of an active prophylactic vaccine against HIV-1, passively administered, broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) identified in some chronically infected persons were shown to prevent HIV-1 infection in animal models. However, passive administration of bnAbs may not be suited to prevent sexual HIV-1 transmission in high-risk cohorts, as a continuous high level of active bnAbs may be difficult to achieve at the primary site of sexual transmission, the human vagina with its acidic pH. Therefore, we used Lactobacillus, a natural commensal in the healthy vaginal microbiome, to express bn nanobodies (VHH) against HIV-1 that we reported previously. After demonstrating that recombinant VHHA6 expressed in E. coli was able to protect humanized mice from mucosal infection by HIV-1Bal, we expressed VHHA6 in a soluble or in a cell-wall-anchored form in Lactobacillus rhamnosus DSM14870. This strain is already clinically applied for treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Both forms of VHHA6 neutralized a set of primary epidemiologically relevant HIV-1 strains in vitro. Furthermore, VHHA6 was still active at an acidic pH. Thus, lactobacilli expressing bn VHH potentially represent an attractive vector for the passive immunization of women in cohorts at high risk of HIV-1 transmission.
Managing Water Resources in Large River Basins
Authors: Young William , Harshadeep Nagaraja Rao
Published: December 2020

The management of water resources in large rivers basins commonly involves challenges and complexities that are not found or are less common in smaller basins [...]
A Forecasting Method for Harmful Algal Bloom(HAB)-Prone Regions Allowing Preemptive Countermeasures Based only on Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Measurements in a Large River
Authors: Son Geunsoo , Kim Dongsu , Kim Young Do , Lyu Siwan , Kim Soojeong
Published: December 2020

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been recognized as a serious problem for aquatic ecosystems and a threat to drinking water systems. The proposed method aimed to develop a practical and rapid countermeasure, enabling preemptive responses to massive algal blooms, through which prior to the algal bloom season we can identify HAB-prone regions based on estimations of where harmful algae initiates and develops significantly. The HAB-prone regions were derived from temperature, depth, flow velocity, and sediment concentration data based only on acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) without relying further on supplementary data collection, such as the water quality. For HAB-prone regions, we employed hot-spot analysis using K-means clustering and the Getis-Ord G*, in conjunction with the spatial autocorrelation of Moran’s I and the local index of spatial association (LISA). The validation of the derived HAB-prone regions was conducted for ADCP measurements located at the downstream of Nam and Nakdong River confluence, South Korea, which preceded three months of algal bloom season monitored by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The visual inspection demonstrated that the comparison resulted in an acceptable range of agreement and consistency between the predicted HAB-prone regions and actual UAV-based observations of actual algal blooms.
Investigating Domestic Shower Settings as a Risk Factor for Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Authors: Rayamajhee Binod , Subedi Dinesh , Won Seoyoung , Kim Jamie (Jung Yun) , Vijay Ajay , Tan Jacqueline , Henriquez Fiona L. , Willcox Mark , Carnt Nicole A.
Published: December 2020

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight-threatening infection of the cornea, which is caused by soil and the waterborne protist Acanthamoeba spp. AK most commonly occurs during contact lens (CL) wear. Risk factors for AK have been linked to non-optimal lens hygiene practices and Acanthamoeba contamination of domestic water. This study investigated the prevalence of Acanthamoeba species in domestic showers in the greater Sydney region, as well as the perception of water contamination of CL as being a risk factor for AK among previous AK patients and their family and friends. Samples from four locations of 13 participants’ shower areas were cultured and Acanthamoeba 18S rRNA was amplified by PCR, followed by sequencing. Twenty-six responses were received to the online questionnaire. Fifteen water samples (29%, 15/52) contained amoeba that were morphologically classified as Acanthamoeba spp. PCR amplification confirmed the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in four samples (8%, 4/52). Three isolates belonged to the T4, and one isolate to the T3 genotype. On the questionnaire survey, 96% (25/26) of respondents believed that water contamination was likely to be a risk factor for Acanthamoeba keratitis and 58% rated showering with CL as ‘extremely likely’ to be a risk factor for AK. Acanthamoeba pathogenic genotypes (T3 and T4) in the domestic bathroom water suggest that clinicians should remain vigilant in educating CL wearers about avoiding domestic water contamination of CL.
Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics of Reference Evapotranspiration in Shandong Province from 1980 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Fujie , Liu Zihan , Zhangzhong Lili , Yu Jingxin , Shi Kaili , Yao Li
Published: December 2020

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is an important part of the water cycle and energy cycle during crop growth. Understanding the influencing factors and spatiotemporal variations of ET0 can guide regional water-saving irrigation and regulate agricultural production. Data for daily meteorological observations of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and sunshine hours from 38 surface meteorological stations were used to analyze the spatiotemporal variations and trends in Shandong Province from 1980 to 2019. (1) The ET0 from 1980 to 2019 was 1070.5 mm, and there was a significant downward trend in the climate tendency rate of −7.92/10 a. The climate of Shandong Province became warmer and drier. The average annual temperature showed a significant upward trend, while the average annual relative humidity and average annual sunshine hours showed significant downward trends. (2) The annual ET0 ratio in spring, summer, autumn, and winter was 29%, 40%, 21%, and 10%, respectively. (3) A change in Shandong Province’s interannual ET0 occurred in 2002, with a decrease of 130.74 mm since then. (4) The ET0 was positively correlated with temperature, wind speed, and sunshine hours and negatively correlated with relative humidity. This study provides a scientific basis for the regulation and control of agricultural production in Shandong Province.
Hydraulic Engineering at 100 BC-AD 300 Nabataean Petra (Jordan)
Authors: Ortloff Charles R.
Published: December 2020

The principal water supply and distribution systems of the World Heritage site of Petra in Jordan were analyzed to bring forward water engineering details not previously known in the archaeological literature. The three main water supply pipeline systems sourced by springs and reservoirs (the Siq, Ain Braq, and Wadi Mataha pipeline systems) were analyzed for their different pipeline design philosophies that reflect different geophysical landscape challenges to provide water supplies to different parts of urban Petra. The Siq pipeline system’s unique technical design reflects use of partial flow in consecutives sections of the main pipeline to support partial critical flow in each section that reduce pipeline leakage and produce the maximum flow rate the Siq pipeline can transport. An Ain Braq pipeline branch demonstrated a new hydraulic engineering discovery not previously reported in the literature in the form of an offshoot pipeline segment leading to a water collection basin adjacent to and connected to the main water supply line. This design eliminates upstream water surges arising from downstream flow instabilities in the two steep pipelines leading to a residential sector of Petra. The Wadi Mataha pipeline system is constructed at the critical angle to support the maximum flow rate from a reservoir. The analyses presented for these water supply and distribution systems brought forward aspects of the Petra urban water supply system not previously known, revising our understanding of Nabataean water engineers’ engineering knowledge.
Ідеї, що правлять світом – Велика хартія вольностей
Authors: Кириченко В.
Published: December 2020

Досліджується проблема міфологізації видатної пам’ятки права – Magna Carta. Відзначаються особливості у сприйнятті цього документа в англо-саксонській та континентальній традиції.
Ascensão e declínio da Nova República (1988-2018)
Authors: Arbia Alexandre Aranha
Published: December 2020

Partindo da hipótese que o esgotamento da Nova República ganha sua máxima expressão fatual com a eleição de Jair Bolsonaro, esse artigo procura, a partir da evidenciação dos três momentos decisivos da nossa história recente, argumentar como as tentativas de resolução do processo de acumulação do capital no Brasil, por meio da adoção de modelos econômicos específicos, repercutiram na pactuação – sempre temporária e instável – entre as classes, marcando as experimentações político-institucionais da Nova República, que não apenas não trouxeram solução econômica para o truncado desenvolvimento capitalista brasileiro, como tampouco permitiram avançar rumo a uma verdadeira democracia social. Finaliza com a conclusão de que este particular pacto entre classes, que tem na Constituição Federal de 1988 seu mais expressivo paradigma, está social e historicamente superado no Brasil.
Trabajo Social em Cuba
Authors: Abrahão Masson Gabriela , Alves do Carmo Onilda , Silva e Brigo Bruna Alexandra
Published: December 2020

A partir de pesquisa financiada pela Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) e intercâmbio institucional na Universidade de Havana, esta reflexão teórico prática situa algumas particularidades sócio históricas da trajetória de profissionalização e institucionalização do Trabajo Social em Cuba, os níveis formativos existentes e o chamado trabajo comunitario. A partir do legado revolucionário socialista anti-imperialista problematizamos as tendências teóricas em curso e atuantes no Trabajo Social e no processo de formação das (os) trabajadores sociales no contexto cubano.
İş Hukukunda Eşit Davranma İlkesi
Authors: ULUSOY Yasin , ÇAĞIRGAN TUNCER Senar
Published: December 2020

Sözleşme özgürlüğü kapsamında taraflar sözleşmenin kapsamını ve sözleşme yapacağı karşı tarafı özgürce seçebilme hakkına sahip olmakla birlikte bu özgürlük bazı durumlarda kötüye kullanılabilmektedir. Özellikle çalışma hayatında işçiler, işveren tarafından keyfi olarak yapılan ayrımlara maruz kalmaktadır. Bu ayrımcılıklarla mücadele edebilmek için ülkeler kendi iç hukuklarında düzenlemeler yaptığı gibi uluslararası alan bu kapsamda pek çok sözleşmede yapılmıştır. Türkiye’de, uluslararası sözleşme ve belgeler ile bunları dayanak yapan anayasa ve kanunlarda eşitlik ilkesini düzenlemektedirler. Bu düzenlemeler özellikle çalışma hayatında daha yoğun olarak görmeye başladığımız kadınlarla ilgili olarak, kadın ve erkekler arasında iş hayatında ayrım yasağı olarak önümüze çıkmaktadır. Eşitlik ilkesi, eşit durumda olanların aynı haklara sahip olmasını ifade eder. Anayasa 10. maddede düzenlenmiş bulunan eşitlik ilkesi, tüm hukuk alanında ve bu arada özel hukukta geçerli olan bir ilkedir. Bu ilkenin İş hukukundaki görünümü ise “eşit davranma ilkesi” dir.
Book Review: "The Puzzle of Prison Order: Why Life Behind Bars Varies Around the World"
Authors: Calton Christopher
Published: December 2020

In this insightful book, David Skarbek builds on his earlier work which shows that official governance institutions are inadequate, prisoners will form their own institutions to secure property rights, facilitate market exchange, adjudicate disputes, and mitigate violence. Skarbek’s work rests at the intersection of two interesting subjects of inquiry. Most obviously, he is contributing to the rapidly growing body of literature on carceral systems. Although The Puzzle of Prison Order is not a work of history, Skarbek answers historian Mary Gibson’s (2011) call for a more global approach to prison studies. Like Peter Leeson’s The Invisible Hook (2009), which looks at the social order of pirates, Skarbek studies the people who seem least likely to establish functional systems of governance—criminals—to show how informal governance institutions form and operate.
Book Review: "The Skyscraper Curse: And How Austrian Economics Predicted Every Major Economic Crisis of the Last Century"
Authors: Novak Michael
Published: December 2020

Mark Thornton’s The Skyscraper Curse exposes readers to the unique phenomenon of the Skyscraper Index and provides them with a comprehensive overview of Austrian business cycle theory (ABCT). The Skyscraper Index, as readers learn in the first few pages of the book, shows a correlation between the development of a new tallest building in the world and the business cycle. Although the Skyscraper Index does have a strong track record, the skyscrapers are not the heart of the matter but rather the policies of the Federal Reserve that promote and encourage skyscraper development.
Dermatitis por contacto a metilisotiazolinona y otros conservantes
Authors:   , Russo Juan Pedro
Published: December 2020

Introducción: En los últimos diez años, la dermatitis alérgica por contacto (DAC) a la metilisotiazolinona (MI) ha significado un problema sanitario a nivel mundial, con diferencias marcadas en el porcentaje de sensibilización en diferentes regiones del mundo, dependiendo del tipo de legislación o normativa de uso. Objetivos: Analizar y comparar la sensibilización a la MI en pacientes de nuestra región. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una base de datos con los resultados de los pacientes evaluados con prueba del parche durante dos años (2016-2017) en un centro de testeo en La Plata, Argentina. Se calculó el porcentaje de sensibilización a la MI y se comparó con diferentes métodos estadísticos con resultados publicados en otras regiones. Además, se contemplaron otras variables como edad, género, topografía del eczema, antecedentes de atopía, relación laboral, reacciones concomitantes con otros alérgenos, relevancia de la sensibilización a la MI y los productos implicados. Resultados: De un total de 302 pacientes evaluados, 39 (12,91%) presentaron sensibilización a la MI, la mayoría de los cuales fueron mujeres (84,6%) y con una media de edad de 52 años (RR: 3). Las localizaciones mayormente afectadas fueron manos y cara, siendo las primeras relacionadas en casi todos los casos con dermatitis laborales. Las DAC ocupacionales representaron el 35,8% de los casos y las profesiones mayormente involucradas fueron masajistas, peluqueros y empleados de limpieza. Dentro de las reacciones concomitantes se destacaron metales como el níquel y el cobalto, otros conservantes como el formaldehído y el Quaternium 15, y las fragancias. Los principales productos implicados fueron los cosméticos lavables o de enjuague (rinse-off), como champús, acondicionadores o jabones líquidos. El resto fue causado por cosméticos no lavables (leave-on), productos de limpieza e industriales como pinturas y pegamento. Hubo una diferencia significativa entre los países con normas más estrictas donde presentan un número significativamente menor de casos con reacción positiva a la MI (media: 3,0; SE (error estándar): 0,25) en comparación de aquellos países con legislación blanda como es el caso de Argentina, La Plata, Hospital San Martin (M: 14,3; SE:0,75; t (18 gl) = 14,2; p<0,05). Conclusión: La sensibilización a la MI en nuestra región, La Plata (Argentina), es frecuente y elevada (12,91%), debido, en gran parte, a las leyes laxas que regulan el uso de este conservante, tanto en cosméticos como en otros productos de uso masivo. La evidencia que presenta este trabajo resulta una valiosa herramienta que podría servir como base para una evaluación más rigurosa por parte de las autoridades sanitarias locales, con el fin de modificar las normas en pos de garantizar la salud e integridad de la población.
Development of root system of flowers under the influence of growth regulators produced on the basic of heterylcarboxylic acids
Authors: Derevianko N.P.
Published: December 2020

The positive effect of growth regulators made on the basis of heterocarboxylic acids of sodium (potassium) salts on the growth and development of the root system of Saintpaulia (Uzumbar violet) has been shown. It has been established that the new growth regulators accelerate the growth and development of the root system of Saintpaulia. This allows us to conclude that the plants will take root better and will be stronger. As for the tulip bulbs, they developed according to the norm, but no significant growth has been observed, but they were well and quickly enough to bend and bloom. Key words: tulips, bulbs, Saintpaulia, Uzumbar violet, growth regulators, heterocarboxylic acids.
Productivity of sunflower hybrides depending on long terms
Authors: Mikheev V.G. , Molokov A.V.
Published: December 2020

The results of the observations on the influence of sowing dates of the studied hybrids on sunflower grain yield capacity are highlighted. The largest number of plants was formed by the studied sunflower hybrids at sowing in the optimal time in the crops of the hybrid NK Delphi - 57 thousand pieces/ha, the hybrid NK Rocky - 67 thousand pieces/ha. Under the influence of different sowing dates, the height of plants increased and fluctuated in the hybrid NK Delphi from 164 to 186 cm, in the hybrid NK Rocky - from 123 to 145 cm.
NK Delphi was significantly inferior in the level of yield of the hybrid NK Rocky, the difference was 0,56 t/ha - in 2013 and 0,64 t/ha - in 2014. Sowing in the optimal time significantly exceeded the yield of sunflower for all studied hybrids compared to sowing in the early and late period, the difference was 0,27 and 0,45 t/ha - in 2013 and 0,27 t/ha - in 2014.
Key words: sunflower, hybrid, sowing dates, yield, grain quality.
The effect of pruning practice and term on a leaf area of apple-trees
Authors: Melnyk O.V. , Kravtsova Y.O.
Published: December 2020

The article is devoted to the study of morphological changes of the apple leaf apparatus in the intensive plantations depending on different methods and terms of pruning. The article scientifically substantiates and proves that changes in the leaf apparatus primarily depend on the timing and methods of pruning the crown. It was found out that the contour pruning of apple trees is 14% larger than the area of the leaf blade, and after pruning in the pink cone phase - 11%, the implementation of this agricultural measure in the pink cone phase increases the total leaf surface by 20%, thickens the leaf blade by 8% and reduces the number of leaves of apple trees by 17%.
Key words: apple tree, pruning method, pruning period, mechanical (contour) pruning, leaf surface area, leaf blade thickness.
Influence fractions of the planting materialon the yeild of garlic winter
Authors: Salo L.V. , Serbul O.M.
Published: December 2020

The influence of different fractions of planting material (large, medium and small) and the density of standing plants on the yield capacity of garlic bulbs has been studied. It has been found out that the highest average yield capacity is formed from the large fractions of cloves at a lower density. A large fraction of planting material of the cloves forms a larger number of roots. The density of standing plants is less influential than the size of the fraction.
Key words: winter garlic, fraction of planting material, plant stand density, yield capacity, number of roots.