bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Textile for Personal Protective Equipment—Plasma Chitosan/Silver Nanoparticles Nylon Fabric
Authors: Botelho Cláudia M. , Fernandes Margarida M. , Souza Jefferson M. , Dias Nicolina , Sousa Ana M. , Teixeira José A. , Fangueiro Raul , Zille Andrea
Published: January 2021

Fabric structures are prone to contamination with microorganisms, as their morphology and ability to retain moisture creates a proper environment for their growth. In this work, a novel, easily processed and cheap coating for a nylon fabric with antimicrobial characteristics was developed. After plasma treatment, made to render the fabric surface more reactive sites, the fabric was impregnated with chitosan and silver nanoparticles by simply dipping it into a mixture of different concentrations of both components. Silver nanoparticles were previously synthesized using the Lee–Meisel method, and their successful obtention was proven by UV–Vis, showing the presence of the surface plasmon resonance band at 410 nm. Nanoparticles with 25 nm average diameter observed by STEM were stable, mainly in the presence of chitosan, which acted as a surfactant for silver nanoparticles, avoiding their aggregation. The impregnated fabric possessed bactericidal activity higher for Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus than for Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria for all combinations. The percentage of live S. aureus and P. aeruginosa CFU was reduced to less than 20% and 60%, respectively, when exposed to each of the coating combinations. The effect was more pronounced when both chitosan and silver were present in the coating, suggesting an effective synergy between these components. After a washing process, the antimicrobial effect was highly reduced, suggesting that the coating is unstable after washing, being almost completely removed from the fabric. Nevertheless, the new-coated fabric can be successfully used in single-use face masks. To our knowledge, the coating of nylon fabrics intended for face-mask material with both agents has never been reported.
Role of Lactic Acid Bacteria Phospho-β-Glucosidases during the Fermentation of Cereal by-Products
Authors: Acin-Albiac Marta , Filannino Pasquale , Arora Kashika , Da Ros Alessio , Gobbetti Marco , Di Cagno Raffaella
Published: January 2021

Bioprocessing using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is a powerful means to exploit plant-derived by-products as a food ingredient. LAB have the capability to metabolize a large variety of carbohydrates, but such metabolism only relies on few metabolic routes, conferring on them a high fermentation potential. One example of these pathways is that involving phospho-β-glucosidase genes, which are present in high redundancy within LAB genomes. This enzymatic activity undertakes an ambivalent role during fermentation of plant-based foods related to the release of a wide range of phenolic compounds, from their β-D-glycosylated precursors and the degradation of β-glucopyranosyl derived carbohydrates. We proposed a novel phenomic approach to characterize the metabolism drift of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides caused by a lignocellulosic by-product, such as the brewers’ spent grain (BSG), in contrast to Rich De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth. We observed an increased metabolic activity for gentiobiose, cellobiose and β-glucoside conjugates of phenolic compounds during BSG fermentation. Gene expression analysis confirmed the importance of cellobiose metabolism while a release of lignin-derived aglycones was found during BSG fermentation. We provided a comprehensive view of the important role exerted by LAB 6-phospho-β-glucosidases as well the major metabolic routes undertaken during plant-based fermentations. Further challenges will consider a controlled characterization of pbg gene expression correlated to the metabolism of β-glucosides with different aglycone moieties.
The Thyroid Hormone Transporter Mct8 Restricts Cathepsin-Mediated Thyroglobulin Processing in Male Mice through Thyroid Auto-Regulatory Mechanisms That Encompass Autophagy
Authors: Venugopalan Vaishnavi , Al-Hashimi Alaa , Rehders Maren , Golchert Janine , Reinecke Vivien , Homuth Georg , Völker Uwe , Manirajah Mythili , Touzani Adam , Weber Jonas , Bogyo Matthew S. , Verrey Francois , Wirth Eva K. , Schweizer Ulrich , Heuer Heike , Kirstein Janine , Brix Klaudia
Published: January 2021

The thyroid gland is both a thyroid hormone (TH) generating as well as a TH responsive organ. It is hence crucial that cathepsin-mediated proteolytic cleavage of the precursor thyroglobulin is regulated and integrated with the subsequent export of TH into the blood circulation, which is enabled by TH transporters such as monocarboxylate transporters Mct8 and Mct10. Previously, we showed that cathepsin K-deficient mice exhibit the phenomenon of functional compensation through cathepsin L upregulation, which is independent of the canonical hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, thus, due to auto-regulation. Since these animals also feature enhanced Mct8 expression, we aimed to understand if TH transporters are part of the thyroid auto-regulatory mechanisms. Therefore, we analyzed phenotypic differences in thyroid function arising from combined cathepsin K and TH transporter deficiencies, i.e., in Ctsk-/-/Mct10-/-, Ctsk-/-/Mct8-/y, and Ctsk-/-/Mct8-/y/Mct10-/-. Despite the impaired TH export, thyroglobulin degradation was enhanced in the mice lacking Mct8, particularly in the triple-deficient genotype, due to increased cathepsin amounts and enhanced cysteine peptidase activities, leading to ongoing thyroglobulin proteolysis for TH liberation, eventually causing self-thyrotoxic thyroid states. The increased cathepsin amounts were a consequence of autophagy-mediated lysosomal biogenesis that is possibly triggered due to the stress accompanying intrathyroidal TH accumulation, in particular in the Ctsk-/-/Mct8-/y/Mct10-/- animals. Collectively, our data points to the notion that the absence of cathepsin K and Mct8 leads to excessive thyroglobulin degradation and TH liberation in a non-classical pathway of thyroid auto-regulation.
Determination of Intraprostatic and Intratesticular Androgens
Authors: Šimková Markéta , Heráček Jiří , Drašar Pavel , Hampl Richard
Published: January 2021

Androgens represent the main hormones responsible for maintaining hormonal balance and function in the prostate and testis. As they are involved in prostate and testicular carcinogenesis, more detailed information of their active concentration at the site of action is required. Since the introduction of the term intracrinology as the local formation of active steroid hormones from inactive precursors of the adrenal gland, mainly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-S, it is evident that blood circulating levels of sex steroid hormones need not reflect their actual concentrations in the tissue. Here, we review and critically evaluate available methods for the analysis of human intraprostatic and intratesticular steroid concentrations. Since analytical approaches have much in common in both tissues, we discuss them together. Preanalytical steps, including various techniques for separation of the analytes, are compared, followed by the end-point measurement. Advantages and disadvantages of chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS, GC-MS), immunoanalytical methods (IA), and hybrid (LC-IA) are discussed. Finally, the clinical information value of the determined steroid hormones is evaluated concerning differentiating between patients with cancer or benign hyperplasia and between patients with different degrees of infertility. Adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgens are mentioned as perspective prognostic markers for these purposes.
Risk Factors and Biomarkers for Chronic Hepatitis B Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Pandyarajan Vijay , Govalan Rajalakshmi , Yang Ju Dong
Published: January 2021

Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality. This is, in part, due to delayed diagnosis and limited therapeutic options with more advanced stages of the disease. Given the prognostic importance of early diagnosis, novel methods for early detection are in need. Unlike most other cancer types, tissue is not required to diagnose HCC and is frequently avoided given the inherent risks of liver biopsy, so less invasive methods of obtaining tumor material are currently under investigation. Material shed from tumors into the periphery are being investigated for their potential to both surveil and diagnose patients for HCC. These materials include circulating tumor cells, DNA, RNA, and exosomes, and are collectively termed a “liquid biopsy”. In this review article, we discuss the evolving literature regarding the different risk factors for HCC and the types of emerging novel biomarkers that show promise in the prevention and early diagnosis of HCC within the context of HBV infection.
Optical Assessment of Nociceptive TRP Channel Function at the Peripheral Nerve Terminal
Authors: Aleixandre-Carrera Fernando , Engelmayer Nurit , Ares-Suárez David , Acosta María del Carmen , Belmonte Carlos , Gallar Juana , Meseguer Víctor , Binshtok Alexander M.
Published: January 2021

Free nerve endings are key structures in sensory transduction of noxious stimuli. In spite of this, little is known about their functional organization. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have emerged as key molecular identities in the sensory transduction of pain-producing stimuli, yet the vast majority of our knowledge about sensory TRP channel function is limited to data obtained from in vitro models which do not necessarily reflect physiological conditions. In recent years, the development of novel optical methods such as genetically encoded calcium indicators and photo-modulation of ion channel activity by pharmacological tools has provided an invaluable opportunity to directly assess nociceptive TRP channel function at the nerve terminal.
Ionic Silicon Protects Oxidative Damage and Promotes Skeletal Muscle Cell Regeneration
Authors: Awad Kamal , Ahuja Neelam , Fiedler Matthew , Peper Sara , Wang Zhiying , Aswath Pranesh , Brotto Marco , Varanasi Venu
Published: January 2021

Volumetric muscle loss injuries overwhelm the endogenous regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle, and the associated oxidative damage can delay regeneration and prolong recovery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of silicon-ions on C2C12 skeletal muscle cells under normal and excessive oxidative stress conditions to gain insights into its role on myogenesis during the early stages of muscle regeneration. In vitro studies indicated that 0.1 mM Si-ions into cell culture media significantly increased cell viability, proliferation, migration, and myotube formation compared to control. Additionally, MyoG, MyoD, Neurturin, and GABA expression were significantly increased with addition of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM of Si-ion for 1 and 5 days of C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Furthermore, 0.1–2.0 mM Si-ions attenuated the toxic effects of H2O2 within 24 h resulting in increased cell viability and differentiation. Addition of 1.0 mM of Si-ions significantly aid cell recovery and protected from the toxic effect of 0.4 mM H2O2 on cell migration. These results suggest that ionic silicon may have a potential effect in unfavorable situations where reactive oxygen species is predominant affecting cell viability, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Furthermore, this study provides a guide for designing Si-containing biomaterials with desirable Si-ion release for skeletal muscle regeneration.
Infectious Complications in Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Giannotta Juri Alessandro , Fattizzo Bruno , Cavallaro Francesca , Barcellini Wilma
Published: January 2021

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) may be frequently challenged by infectious complications, mainly as a result of immunosuppressive treatments administered. Furthermore, infectious agents are known triggers of AIHA onset and relapse. Although being risk factors for mortality, infections are an underestimated issue in AIHA. This review will collect the available evidence on the frequency and type of infectious complications in AIHA, detailing the risk related to each treatment (i.e., steroids, rituximab, splenectomy, classic immunosuppressive agents, and new target drugs). Moreover, we will briefly discuss the infectious complications in AIHA secondary to other diseases that harbor an intrinsic infectious risk (e.g., primary immunodeficiencies, systemic autoimmune diseases, lymphoproliferative disorders, solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants). Finally, viral and bacterial reactivations during immune suppressive therapies will be discussed, along with suggested screening and prophylactic strategies.
Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Malfunction in Females with Impaired Ovarian Response—A Genetic Survey
Authors: Tafazoli Alireza , Wołczyński Sławomir , Wawrusiewicz-Kurylonek Natalia , Esmaeili Seyed-Alireza , Miltyk Wojciech
Published: January 2021

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) plays an essential role as one of the most important molecules in response to some of infertility related medications. Impaired ovarian reserve and poor response to such treatments are partially dependent on the FSHR molecule itself. However, the function and drug sensitivity for this receptor may change due to various allele and polymorphisms in the FSHR gene. Studies indicated some of the FSHR-mediated treatments utilized in clinical centers display different outcomes in specific populations, which may arise from FSHR altered genotypes in certain patients. To support the increased demands for reaching the personalized drug and hormone therapy in clinics, focusing on actionable variants through Pharmacogenomic analysis of this receptor may be necessary. The current study tries to display a perspective view on genetic assessments for Pharmacogenomic profiling of the FSHR gene via providing a systematic and critical overview on the genetics of FSHR and its diverse responses to ligands for infertility treatment in females with impaired ovarian responses and show the potential effects of the patient genetic make-up on related binding substances efficacy. All identified functional drug-related alleles were selected through a comprehensive literature search and analyzed. Advanced technologies for the genetic evaluation of them are also discussed properly.
High-Resolution CT Findings as Predictive Factors for Recurrent Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease after Successful Treatment
Authors: Choi Hyewon , Cha Min Jae , Kim Yang Soo , Choi Jae Chol
Published: January 2021

Despite long-term treatment for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD), recurrence is common. We aim to identify computed tomography (CT) findings that predict recurrence after successful treatment of NTM-PD. This retrospective study included 44 patients (12 men, 60 ± 11.2 years) successfully treated for NTM-PD between March 2009 and September 2016. Recurrence developed in 18 patients (40.9%) during follow-up (median, 852 days). CT scores for bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, consolidation, cavities, and nodules at the initiation and termination of treatment were evaluated, then determined association with recurrence. We also assessed the diagnostic performance and reproducibility of CT scores. Patients with recurrent NTM-PD showed higher CT scores for bronchiectasis (p = 0.008), nodules (p = 0.006), consolidation (p = 0.033), and total CT scores (p = 0.017) at the time of treatment termination. On the contrary, only nodule score differed among the initial CT scores (p = 0.014). Regression analysis showed that the scores for bronchiectasis (odds ratio (OR) = 1.638, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.049–2.558, p = 0.030) and nodules (OR = 5.246, 95% CI = 1.370–20.087, p = 0.016) at treatment termination were significant predictors. The AUC of the regression model was 0.814 (95% CI = 0.689–0.939, p = 0.005). The interreader agreement for the total CT score was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.841, p < 0.001). CT scores at the time of treatment termination can predict disease recurrence with good reproducibility.
Plasticity and Multiplicity of Trophic Modes in the Dinoflagellate Karlodinium and Their Pertinence to Population Maintenance and Bloom Dynamics
Authors: Yang Huijiao , Hu Zhangxi , Tang Ying Zhong
Published: January 2021

As the number of mixotrophic protists has been increasingly documented, “mixoplankton”, a third category separated from the traditional categorization of plankton into “phytoplankton” and “zooplankton”, has become a new paradigm and research hotspot in aquatic plankton ecology. While species of dinoflagellates are a dominant group among all recorded members of mixoplankton, the trophic modes of Karlodinium, a genus constituted of cosmopolitan toxic species, were reviewed due to their representative features as mixoplankton and harmful algal blooms (HABs)-causing dinoflagellates. Among at least 15 reported species in the genus, three have been intensively studied for their trophic modes, and all found to be phagotrophic. Their phagotrophy exhibits multiple characteristics: (1) omnivority, i.e., they can ingest a variety of preys in many forms; (2) flexibility in phagotrophic mechanisms, i.e., they can ingest small preys by direct engulfment and much bigger preys by myzocytosis using a peduncle; (3) cannibalism, i.e., species including at least K. veneficum can ingest the dead cells of their own species. However, for some recently described and barely studied species, their tropical modes still need to be investigated further regarding all of the above-mentioned aspects. Mixotrophy of Karlodinium plays a significant role in the population dynamics and the formation of HABs in many ways, which thus deserves further investigation in the aspects of physiological ecology, environmental triggers (e.g., levels of inorganic nutrients and/or presence of preys), energetics, molecular (genes and gene expression regulations) and biochemical (e.g., relevant enzymes and signal molecules) bases, origins, and evaluation of the advantages of being a phagotroph.
The Membranotropic Peptide gH625 to Combat Mixed Candida albicans/Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilm: Correlation between In Vitro Anti-Biofilm Activity and In Vivo Antimicrobial Protection
Authors: Maione Angela , de Alteriis Elisabetta , Carraturo Federica , Galdiero Stefania , Falanga Annarita , Guida Marco , Di Cosmo Anna , Maselli Valeria , Galdiero Emilia
Published: January 2021

The antibiofilm activity of a gH625 analogue was investigated to determine the in vitro inhibition and eradication of a dual-species biofilm of Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae, two leading opportunistic pathogens responsible for several resistant infections. The possibility of effectively exploiting this peptide as an alternative anti-biofilm strategy in vivo was assessed by the investigation of its efficacy on the Galleria mellonella larvae model. Results on larvae survival demonstrate a prophylactic efficacy of the peptide towards the infection of each single microorganism but mainly towards the co-infection. The expression of biofilm-related genes in vivo showed a possible synergy in virulence when these two species co-exist in the host, which was effectively prevented by the peptide. These findings provide novel insights into the treatment of medically relevant bacterial–fungal interaction.
Cryptococcus in Wildlife and Free-Living Mammals
Authors: Danesi Patrizia , Falcaro Christian , Schmertmann Laura J. , de Miranda Luisa Helena Monteiro , Krockenberger Mark , Malik Richard
Published: January 2021

Cryptococcosis is typically a sporadic disease that affects a broad range of animal species globally. Disease is a consequence of infection with members of the Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. Although cryptococcosis in many domestic animals has been relatively well-characterized, free-living wildlife animal species are often neglected in the literature outside of occasional case reports. This review summarizes the clinical presentation, pathological findings and potential underlying causes of cryptococcosis in various other animals, including terrestrial wildlife species and marine mammals. The evaluation of the available literature supports the hypothesis that anatomy (particularly of the respiratory tract), behavior and environmental exposures of animals play vital roles in the outcome of host–pathogen–environment interactions resulting in different clinical scenarios. Key examples range from koalas, which exhibit primarily C. gattii species complex disease presumably due to their behavior and environmental exposure to eucalypts, to cetaceans, which show predominantly pulmonary lesions due to their unique respiratory anatomy. Understanding the factors at play in each clinical scenario is a powerful investigative tool, as wildlife species may act as disease sentinels.
Digital Interventions for Psychological Comorbidities in Chronic Diseases—A Systematic Review
Authors: Maisto Marta , Diana Barbara , Di Tella Sonia , Matamala-Gomez Marta , Montana Jessica Isbely , Rossetto Federica , Mavrodiev Petar Aleksandrov , Cavalera Cesare , Blasi Valeria , Mantovani Fabrizia , Baglio Francesca , Realdon Olivia
Published: January 2021

Chronic diseases represent one of the main causes of death worldwide. The integration of digital solutions in clinical interventions is broadly diffused today; however, evidence on their efficacy in addressing psychological comorbidities of chronic diseases is sparse. This systematic review analyzes and synthesizes the evidence about the efficacy of digital interventions on psychological comorbidities outcomes of specific chronic diseases. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted. Only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were considered and either depression or anxiety had to be assessed to match the selection criteria. Of the 7636 identified records, 17 matched the inclusion criteria: 9 digital interventions on diabetes, 4 on cardiovascular diseases, 3 on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and one on stroke. Of the 17 studies reviewed, 14 found digital interventions to be effective. Quantitative synthesis highlighted a moderate and significant overall effect of interventions on depression, while the effect on anxiety was small and non-significant. Design elements making digital interventions effective for psychological comorbidities of chronic diseases were singled out: (a) implementing a communication loop with patients and (b) providing disease-specific digital contents. This focus on “how” to design technologies can facilitate the translation of evidence into practice.
Do the Determinants of Non-Performing Loans Have a Different Effect over Time? A Conditional Correlation Approach
Authors: Fallanca Mariagrazia , Forgione Antonio Fabio , Otranto Edoardo
Published: January 2021

Several studies have explored the linkage between non-performing loans and major macroeconomic indicators, using a wide variety of methodologies, sometimes with different results. This occurs, we argue, because these relationships are generally derived in terms of correlation coefficients evaluated in certain time spans, which represent a sort of average level of correlations. However, such correlations are necessarily time-varying, because the relationships between bank loan indicators and macroeconomic variables could be stronger during particular periods or in correspondence with important economic events. We propose an empirical exercise using dynamic conditional correlation models, with constant and time-varying parameters. Applying these models to quarterly delinquency rates and an array of macroeconomic variables for the US, for the period 1985–2019, we find that the correlation is often negligible in this period except during periods of economic crises, in particular the early 1990 crisis and the subprime mortgage crisis.
Tracking Urban Expansion Using Random Forests for the Classification of Landsat Imagery (1986–2015) and Predicting Urban/Built-Up Areas for 2025: A Study of the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Frimpong Bernard Fosu , Molkenthin Frank
Published: January 2021

Kumasi is a nodal city and functions as the administrative and economic capital of the Ashanti region in Ghana. Rapid urbanization has been experienced inducing the transformation of various Land Use Land Cover (LULC) types into urban/built-up areas in Kumasi. This paper aims at tracking spatio-temporal LULC changes utilizing Landsat imagery from 1986, 2013 and 2015 of Kumasi. The unique contribution of this research is its focus on urban expansion analysis and the utilization of Random Forest (RF) Classifier for satellite image classification. Change detection, urban land modelling and urban expansion in the sub-metropolitan zones, buffers, density decay curve and correlation analysis were methodologies adopted for our study. The classifier yielded better accuracy compared to earlier works in Ghana. The evaluation of LULC changes indicated that urban/built-up areas are continually increasing at the expense of agricultural and forestlands. The urban/built-up areas occupied 4622.49 hectares (ha) (23.78%), 13,447.50 ha (69.18%) and 14,004.60 ha (72.05%) in 1986, 2013 and 2015, respectively of the 19,438 ha area of Kumasi. Projection indicated that urban/built-up areas will occupy 15,490 ha (79.70%) in 2025. The urban expansion was statistically significant. The results revealed the importance of spatial modeling for environmental management and city planning.
Dependencies between Demographic Urbanization and the Agglomeration Road Traffic Volumes: Evidence from Poland
Authors: Kruszyna Maciej , Śleszyński Przemysław , Rychlewski Jeremi
Published: January 2021

A method is proposed for forecasting traffic intensity at the border of an agglomeration’s core, using demographic data such as amount (number) and structure of population and housing in the surrounding (suburban) area. Relationships between groups of variables are analyzed by calibrating traffic and demographic models for a selected agglomeration in Poland. The choice of Poland is justified by an intensive suburbanization process that took place during the transition from a centrally controlled market to a free market economy after 1989, such research being quite novel and original for this country. Three assumptions concerning this research methodology (concerning how to specify the research area and parameters characterizing traffic and population) were formulated and tested. Models (dependencies) acquired this way were tested in another Polish agglomeration of similar size, yielding similar results. Very high correlations between characteristic groups of variables were indicated. The best correlation occurred between an intensity of cars leaving the center of an agglomeration in the afternoon rush hour (as a traffic group variable), with the total population, the number of economically active people, and the number of dwellings in the surrounding areas (being population group variables). A novel way of specifying the range of the surrounding areas influencing the main city traffic was proposed. The results obtained and the models constructed should be applicable for other agglomerations, since the universality of the observed phenomena and their relationships are expected.
An Inverse Mixed Impedance Scattering Problem in a Chiral Medium
Authors: Athanasiadou Evagelia S.
Published: January 2021

An inverse scattering problem of time-harmonic chiral electromagnetic waves for a buried partially coated object was studied. The buried object was embedded in a piecewise isotropic homogeneous background chiral material. On the boundary of the scattering object, the total electromagnetic field satisfied perfect conductor and impedance boundary conditions. A modified linear sampling method, which originated from the chiral reciprocity gap functional, was employed for reconstruction of the shape of the buried object without requiring any a priori knowledge of the material properties of the scattering object. Furthermore, a characterization of the impedance of the object’s surface was determined.
Primary and Secondary Students’ Usage of Digital Platforms for Mathematics Learning during the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Case of the Gaza Strip
Authors: Marbán José M. , Radwan Eqbal , Radwan Afnan , Radwan Walaa
Published: January 2021

During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital learning has reshaped mathematics education in different ways. In particular, different social media platforms have acquired an unforeseen prominence as a way to enhance mathematics learning and to model somehow the face-to-face classroom interactions abruptly interrupted. How primary and secondary students have reacted or responded to these changes in the initial learning conditions is the main aim of this study. With this purpose in mind data was collected from 3179 students from the Gaza Strip by means of a validated rating scale and then a cluster analysis approach was applied that revealed the existence of three clusters. K-means cluster analysis was applied to analyze data as an exploratory approach to identify structures within the data. Also, chi-square was applied to identify differences between the clusters with regard to demographic characteristics. Regarding the grouping of participants in clusters the analysis performed lead to the identification of three clusters: Cluster 1, 2 and 3 had 2001, 824 and 354 cases, respectively. These clusters were grouped depending on employ social media platforms used by the students to reinforcement their mathematics learning. Participants in Cluster 3 exhibited the highest proficiency in the usage of social media for mathematics learning as compared to those in Cluster 1 and Cluster 2. This means that students in cluster 1 are more likely to exhibit negative attitudes and low levels in the skills related to using digital technology and the employment of social media in mathematics learning. The results showed that there were no significant differences between cluster-groups with regard to gender, age, and type of school. In contrast, significant differences were found among the three clusters with regards to the educational level of parents and the economic status of the family. However, the overall results show that digital learning is considered a positive response to the school closure in the time of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Structural Aspects and Characterization of Structure in the Processing of Titanium Grade4 Different Chips
Authors: Topolski Krzysztof , Jaroszewicz Jakub , Garbacz Halina
Published: January 2021

This study presents the structural aspects of the solid-state processing of various titanium chips. The structural characterization of: (1) commercial pure Ti in the as-received state, (2) manufactured chips, and (3) products of the chip processing are presented. Pure single-phase titanium Grade4 (Ti Gr4) was processed which, among all grades of pure titanium, is characterized by the lowest possible purity and the highest possible strength at the same time. Four geometries of chips were processed, i.e., chips after turning (thin and coarse), and chips after milling (thin and coarse). An unconventional plastic working method was applied to transform a dispersed form (chips) into solid, bulk metal in the form of rods without re-melting. The rods with a diameter of Ø8 mm and a length of about 500 mm were manufactured. Based on computer tomography and Archimedes measurements, it was found that the manufactured rods were consolidated and near fully dense. In turn, microscopy investigations proved that conventional, polycrystalline, grained structures were obtained. Only an insignificantly small number of internal defects were revealed, meaning that the obtained rods exhibited a proper structure typical for commercial titanium. Obtained materials, except of small surface inclusions, were fee of impurities. Whereas the results of the compression tests proved that the manufactured rods are characterized by new interatomic bonds, cohesion and plasticity analogous to those of titanium in the as-received state.
Phylogenetic Identification, Diversity, and Richness of Aspergillus from Homes in Havana, Cuba
Authors: Sánchez Espinosa Kenia C. , Almaguer Chávez Michel , Duarte-Escalante Esperanza , Rojas Flores Teresa Irene , Frías-De-León María Guadalupe , Reyes-Montes María del Rocío
Published: January 2021

Aspergillus is one of the most common fungal genera found indoors; it is important because it can cause a wide range of diseases in humans. Aspergillus species identification is based on a combination of morphological, physiological, and molecular methods. However, molecular methodologies have rarely been used for the identification of environmental isolates of Aspergillus in Cuba. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify the species of the genus Aspergillus obtained from houses in Havana, Cuba, through the construction of phylogeny from a partial sequence of the benA gene region, and to analyze the diversity and richness of Aspergillus in the studied municipalities. Isolates of Aspergillus spp. included in this study presented the typical macro- and micromorphology described for the genus. According to this polyphasic characterization, A. niger, A. flavus, A. welwitschiae, A. heteromorphus, A. sydowii, A. tamarii, A. fumigatus, A. clavatus, and A. tubingensis were the most abundant species. Most of the identified species constitute new records for outdoor and indoor environments in Cuba and contribute to the knowledge of fungal biodiversity in the country. These results constitute an alert for the health authorities of the country, since prolonged exposure of the inhabitants to Aspergillus spores can cause severe persistent asthma, among other diseases.
The Role of lncRNAs in Gene Expression Regulation through mRNA Stabilization
Authors: Sebastian-delaCruz Maialen , Gonzalez-Moro Itziar , Olazagoitia-Garmendia Ane , Castellanos-Rubio Ainara , Santin Izortze
Published: January 2021

mRNA stability influences gene expression and translation in almost all living organisms, and the levels of mRNA molecules in the cell are determined by a balance between production and decay. Maintaining an accurate balance is crucial for the correct function of a wide variety of biological processes and to maintain an appropriate cellular homeostasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to participate in the regulation of gene expression through different molecular mechanisms, including mRNA stabilization. In this review we provide an overview on the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs modulate mRNA stability and decay. We focus on how lncRNAs interact with RNA binding proteins and microRNAs to avoid mRNA degradation, and also on how lncRNAs modulate epitranscriptomic marks that directly impact on mRNA stability.
Systematic Review of Wolbachia Symbiont Detection in Mosquitoes: An Entangled Topic about Methodological Power and True Symbiosis
Authors: Inácio da Silva Luísa Maria , Dezordi Filipe Zimmer , Paiva Marcelo Henrique Santos , Wallau Gabriel Luz
Published: January 2021

Wolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacterium that naturally infects several arthropods and nematode species. Wolbachia gained particular attention due to its impact on their host fitness and the capacity of specific Wolbachia strains in reducing pathogen vector and agricultural pest populations and pathogens transmission. Despite the success of mosquito/pathogen control programs using Wolbachia-infected mosquito release, little is known about the abundance and distribution of Wolbachia in most mosquito species, a crucial knowledge for planning and deployment of mosquito control programs and that can further improve our basic biology understanding of Wolbachia and host relationships. In this systematic review, Wolbachia was detected in only 30% of the mosquito species investigated. Fourteen percent of the species were considered positive by some studies and negative by others in different geographical regions, suggesting a variable infection rate and/or limitations of the Wolbachia detection methods employed. Eighty-three percent of the studies screened Wolbachia with only one technique. Our findings highlight that the assessment of Wolbachia using a single approach limited the inference of true Wolbachia infection in most of the studied species and that researchers should carefully choose complementary methodologies and consider different Wolbachia-mosquito population dynamics that may be a source of bias to ascertain the correct infectious status of the host species.
Use of Hyperspectral Reflectance Sensing for Assessing Growth and Chlorophyll Content of Spring Wheat Grown under Simulated Saline Field Conditions
Authors: El-Hendawy Salah , Elsayed Salah , Al-Suhaibani Nasser , Alotaibi Majed , Tahir Muhammad Usman , Mubushar Muhammad , Attia Ahmed , Hassan Wael M.
Published: January 2021

The application of proximal hyperspectral sensing, using simple vegetation indices, offers an easy, fast, and non-destructive approach for assessing various plant variables related to salinity tolerance. Because most existing indices are site- and species-specific, published indices must be further validated when they are applied to other conditions and abiotic stress. This study compared the performance of various published and newly constructed indices, which differ in algorithm forms and wavelength combinations, for remotely assessing the shoot dry weight (SDW) as well as chlorophyll a (Chla), chlorophyll b (Chlb), and chlorophyll a+b (Chlt) content of two wheat genotypes exposed to three salinity levels. Stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) was used to extract the most influential indices within each spectral reflectance index (SRI) type. Linear regression based on influential indices was applied to predict plant variables in distinct conditions (genotypes, salinity levels, and seasons). The results show that salinity levels, genotypes, and their interaction had significant effects (p ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) on all plant variables and nearly all indices. Almost all indices within each SRI type performed favorably in estimating the plant variables under both salinity levels (6.0 and 12.0 dS m−1) and for the salt-sensitive genotype Sakha 61. The most effective indices extracted from each SRI type by SMLR explained 60%–81% of the total variability in four plant variables. The various predictive models provided a more accurate estimation of Chla and Chlt content than of SDW and Chlb under both salinity levels. They also provided a more accurate estimation of SDW than of Chl content for salt-tolerant genotype Sakha 93, exhibited strong performance for predicting the four variables for Sakha 61, and failed to predict any variables under control and Chlb for Sakha 93. The overall results indicate that the simple form of indices can be used in practice to remotely assess the growth and chlorophyll content of distinct wheat genotypes under saline field conditions.
What Employees Do Today Because of Their Experience Yesterday: How Incidental Learning Influences Train Driver Behavior and Safety Margins (A Big Data Analysis)
Authors: Burggraaf Julia , Groeneweg Jop , Sillem Simone , van Gelder Pieter
Published: January 2021

Employee behavior plays an important role in the occurrence and prevention of incidents, affecting safety margins. In this study, we examine the potential impact of incidental learning on human behavior in the presence of variation in task design. Incidental learning is the day-to-day on-the-job learning that occurs unintentionally. This learning influences which behavior (schema) is more likely to be activated in the employee’s brain. We posit that an incorrect schema can be activated and lead to undesired behavior if the employee is often exposed to (visually) similar tasks that require different behavior. In rail transport, there is a risk of trains passing through red signals. The train driver’s behavior plays an important role in preventing these signal passed at danger (SPAD) incidents. In this study we used speed and location data to analyze train driver deceleration behavior during red signal approaches in the Netherlands. The Dutch rail system showed variation in yellow signal aspects and signal distance. An analysis using 19 months of empirical data indicated changes in behavior when the employee had been previously exposed to different behavior requirements in the same location with a similar yellow signal. These results imply that task design can be improved by taking into consideration what an employee is exposed to during other moments of the shift, and not just during the execution of the specific task.
ESG and bank regulation
Authors: Gyura Gábor
Published: January 2021

The evaluation of data based on environmental, social sustainability and respon-sible corporate governance-related factors (together: ESG), and the assessment of companies and of investments made in them on this basis, has hitherto es-sentially taken place within a market-based evaluative framework developing in an entirely evolutive manner. However, ESG has gained so much importance on capital markets in recent years that the voices calling for some of its aspects to be regulated anyway have grown increasingly louder. This is particularly the case in the banking sector, where – contrary to asset man-agement – ESG has seldom been in the spotlight thus far. As a reaction to this, the ESG approach is set to gradually materialise within EU bank regulation in the coming years, primarily in the context of risk management expectations and re-porting requirements, as well as in bank supervision. The new rules may present a significant challenge on less developed markets, and thus for Hungarian banks, principally in the area of data collection. Compliance will nevertheless have the positive benefit of enabling credit institutions to gain a more accurate picture of how sustainably their clients operate, and how resistant they are to climate change and other megatrends, as well as to the related sweeping and profound economic, social and regulatory changes.
Országszintű ESG-indikátorok szerepe a pénzügyi döntéshozatalban
Authors: Dudás Fanni , Naffa Helena
Published: January 2021

A környezeti (Environmental), társadalmi (Social) és irányítási (Governance) szempontokat együttesen ESG-indikátoroknak nevezik a pénzügyekben, amelyek az utóbbi időben jelentős figyelmet kaptak a pénzügyi döntéshozatalban. Jelen cikk középpontjában az országszintű ESG-mutatók előrejelző erejének a bemutatása áll a kockázati felárak tekintetében. Elemzésünkben a Világbank országszintű ESG-, valamint a World Governance adatbázisait használtuk, amelyeken neurális hálók módszertant alkalmaztunk az egyes ESG-indikátorok fontosságának méréshez. Két hipotézis keretében vizsgáltuk, hogy az egyes indikátorok fontossága időben és jövedelemcsoportonként állandó-e a kockázati felár becslése esetén. Eredményül azt kaptuk, hogy a kiválasztott ESG-mutatók jelentősége nem állandó az évek során, és a különböző országcsoportok esetében sem. A kapott eredmények alkalmazása több területen is lehetséges: a befektetők könnyebben integrálhatják az ESG-teljesítményeket a pénzügyi döntéshozatalba, valamint a kormányok optimalizálhatják a kockázati költségvetés tervezését, és jobban megalapozott befektetési döntéseket hozhatnak.
The readability of general practice websites: a cross-sectional analysis of all general practice websites in Scotland
Authors: Rughani Guy , Hanlon Peter , Corcoran Neave , Mair Frances S
Published: January 2021

Background

General practice websites are an increasingly important point of interaction, but their readability is largely unexplored. One in four adults struggle with basic literacy, and there is a socioeconomic gradient. Readable content is a prerequisite to promoting health literacy.

Aim

To assess general practice website readability by analysing text and design factors, and to assess whether practices adapted their website text to the likely literacy levels of their populations.

Design and setting

Websites for all general practices across Scotland were analysed from March to December 2019, using a cross-sectional design.

Method

Text was extracted from five webpages per website and eight text readability factors were measured, including the Flesch Reading Ease and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. The relationship between readability and a practice population’s level of deprivation, measured using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), was assessed. Overall, 10 design factors contributing to readability and accessibility were scored.

Results

In total, 86.4% (n = 813/941) of Scottish practices had a website; 22.9% (n = 874/3823) of webpages were written at, or below, the government-recommended reading level for online content (9–14 years old), and the content of the remaining websites, 77.1% (n = 2949/3823), was suitable for a higher reading age. Of all webpages, 80.5% (n = 3077/3823) were above the recommended level for easy-to-understand ‘plain English’. There was no statistically significant association between webpage reading age and SIMD. Only 6.7% (n = 51/764) of websites achieved all design and accessibility recommendations.

Conclusion

Changes to practice websites could improve readability and promote health literacy, but practices will need financial resources and ongoing technical support if this is to be achieved and maintained. Failure to provide readable and accessible websites may widen health inequalities; the topic will become increasingly important as online service use accelerates.
Movimentos em massa e densidade demográfica em áreas de risco elevado no meio urbano de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Rocha Geraldo , Muller Junior Edinaldo ,   Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, de Menezes Raphael ,   Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora
Published: January 2021

A cidade de Juiz de Fora, em Minas Gerais, no Brasil, está entre as dez localidades com significativo número de habitantes em áreas de risco elevado a movimentos em massa no país. Entretanto, esses números podem estar subestimados devido à precariedade de informações do poder público sobre as áreas perigosas na cidade. Visando um diagnóstico mais preciso sobre o tema, esse trabalho fez uso de mapeamento detalhado de susceptibilidade a movimentos em massa (originalmente considerado como de risco sob um enfoque realista), o qual foi cruzado com informações sobre densidade demográfica disponibilizadas pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Das várias possíveis gradações de susceptibilidade elencadas no mapa, foram selecionadas as regiões com as mais elevadas gradações (alta e altíssima), sobre as quais se plotaram as áreas com alta, média e baixa densidade demográfica. O mapa final evidenciou a significativa e preocupante localização de áreas com elevadas densidades populacionais em regiões de risco elevado. Intervenções a curto e longo prazo são indispensáveis para atenuar a baixa segurança ambiental da comunidade.