bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA Delivered Using Various Approaches in Sensory Bladder Disorder
Authors: Chen Po-Yen , Lee Wei-Chia , Wang Hung-Jen , Chuang Yao-Chi
Published: January 2020

Cystoscopic onabotulinumtoxinA (onaBoNTA) intradetrusor injection is an efficient and durable modality for treating sensory bladder disorders. However, the inconvenience of using the cystoscopic technique and anesthesia, and the adverse effects of direct needle injection (e.g., haematuria, pain, and infections) have motivated researchers and clinicians to develop diverse injection-free procedures to improve accessibility and prevent adverse effects. However, determining suitable approaches to transfer onaBoNTA, a large molecular and hydrophilic protein, through the impermeable urothelium to reach therapeutic efficacy remains an unmet medical need. Researchers have provided potential solutions in three categories: To disrupt the barrier of the urothelium (e.g., protamine sulfate), to increase the permeability of the urothelium (e.g., electromotive drug delivery and low-energy shock wave), and to create a carrier for transportation (e.g., liposomes, thermosensitive hydrogel, and hyaluronan-phosphatidylethanolamine). Thus far, most of these novel administration techniques have not been well established in their long-term efficacy; therefore, additional clinical trials are warranted to validate the therapeutic efficacy and durability of these techniques. Finally, researchers may make progress with new combinations or biomaterials to change clinical practices in the future.
Predominant Mycotoxins, Pathogenesis, Control Measures, and Detection Methods in Fermented Pastes
Authors: Zhao Guozhong , Wang Yi-Fei , Chen Junling , Yao Yunping
Published: January 2020

Fermented pastes are some of the most popular traditional products in China. Many studies reported a strong possibility that fermented pastes promote exposure to mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and cereulide, which were proven to be carcinogenic and neurotoxic to humans. The primary mechanism of pathogenicity is by inhibiting protein synthesis and inducing oxidative stress using cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. The level of mycotoxin production is dependent on the pre-harvest or post-harvest stage. It is possible to implement methods to control mycotoxins by using appropriate antagonistic microorganisms, such as Aspergillus niger, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from ordinary foods. Also, drying products as soon as possible to avoid condensation or moisture absorption in order to reduce the water activity to lower than 0.82 during storage is also effective. Furthermore, organic acid treatment during the soaking process reduces toxins by more than 90%. Some novel detection technologies based on magnetic adsorption, aptamer probes, and molecular-based methods were applied to rapidly and accurately detect mycotoxins in fermented pastes.
Molecular Epidemiology of Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Wild, Captive and Laboratory Rats: Effect of Habitat on the Nasal S. aureus Population
Authors: Raafat Dina , Mrochen Daniel M. , Al’Sholui Fawaz , Heuser Elisa , Ryll René , Pritchett-Corning Kathleen R. , Jacob Jens , Walther Bernd , Matuschka Franz-Rainer , Richter Dania , Westerhüs Uta , Pikula Jiri , van den Brandt Jens , Nicklas Werner , Monecke Stefan , Strommenger Birgit , van Alen Sarah , Becker Karsten , Ulrich Rainer G. , Holtfreter Silva
Published: January 2020

Rats are a reservoir of human- and livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, the composition of the natural S. aureus population in wild and laboratory rats is largely unknown. Here, 144 nasal S. aureus isolates from free-living wild rats, captive wild rats and laboratory rats were genotyped and profiled for antibiotic resistances and human-specific virulence genes. The nasal S. aureus carriage rate was higher among wild rats (23.4%) than laboratory rats (12.3%). Free-living wild rats were primarily colonized with isolates of clonal complex (CC) 49 and CC130 and maintained these strains even in husbandry. Moreover, upon livestock contact, CC398 isolates were acquired. In contrast, laboratory rats were colonized with many different S. aureus lineages—many of which are commonly found in humans. Five captive wild rats were colonized with CC398-MRSA. Moreover, a single CC30-MRSA and two CC130-MRSA were detected in free-living or captive wild rats. Rat-derived S. aureus isolates rarely harbored the phage-carried immune evasion gene cluster or superantigen genes, suggesting long-term adaptation to their host. Taken together, our study revealed a natural S. aureus population in wild rats, as well as a colonization pressure on wild and laboratory rats by exposure to livestock- and human-associated S. aureus, respectively.
Adult Intestinal Toxemia Botulism
Authors: Harris Richard A. , Anniballi Fabrizio , Austin John W.
Published: January 2020

Intoxication with botulinum neurotoxin can occur through various routes. Foodborne botulism results after consumption of food in which botulinum neurotoxin-producing clostridia (i.e., Clostridium botulinum or strains of Clostridium butyricum type E or Clostridium baratii type F) have replicated and produced botulinum neurotoxin. Infection of a wound with C. botulinum and in situ production of botulinum neurotoxin leads to wound botulism. Colonization of the intestine by neurotoxigenic clostridia, with consequent production of botulinum toxin in the intestine, leads to intestinal toxemia botulism. When this occurs in an infant, it is referred to as infant botulism, whereas in adults or children over 1 year of age, it is intestinal colonization botulism. Predisposing factors for intestinal colonization in children or adults include previous bowel or gastric surgery, anatomical bowel abnormalities, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, antimicrobial therapy, or foodborne botulism. Intestinal colonization botulism is confirmed by detection of botulinum toxin in serum and/or stool, or isolation of neurotoxigenic clostridia from the stool, without finding a toxic food. Shedding of neurotoxigenic clostridia in the stool may occur for a period of several weeks. Adult intestinal botulism occurs as isolated cases, and may go undiagnosed, contributing to the low reported incidence of this rare disease.
Dynamic Shifts in the HIV Proviral Landscape During Long Term Combination Antiretroviral Therapy: Implications for Persistence and Control of HIV Infections
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth M. , Simonetti Francesco R. , Gorelick Robert J. , Hill Shawn , Gouzoulis Monica A. , Bell Jennifer , Rehm Catherine , Pérez Liliana , Boritz Eli , Wu Xiaolin , Wells Daria , Hughes Stephen H. , Rao Venigalla , Coffin John M. , Kearney Mary F. , Maldarelli Frank
Published: January 2020

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) controls but does not eradicate HIV infection; HIV persistence is the principal obstacle to curing infections. The proportion of defective proviruses increases during cART, but the dynamics of this process are not well understood, and a quantitative analysis of how the proviral landscape is reshaped after cART is initiated is critical to understanding how HIV persists. Here, we studied longitudinal samples from HIV infected individuals undergoing long term cART using multiplexed Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) approaches to quantify the proportion of deleted proviruses in lymphocytes. In most individuals undergoing cART, HIV proviruses that contain gag are lost more quickly than those that lack gag. Increases in the fraction of gag-deleted proviruses occurred only after 1–2 years of therapy, suggesting that the immune system, and/or toxicity of viral re-activation helps to gradually shape the proviral landscape. After 10–15 years on therapy, there were as many as 3.5–5 times more proviruses in which gag was deleted or highly defective than those containing intact gag. We developed a provirus-specific ddPCR approach to quantify individual clones. Investigation of a clone of cells containing a deleted HIV provirus integrated in the HORMAD2 gene revealed that the cells underwent a massive expansion shortly after cART was initiated until the clone, which was primarily in effector memory cells, dominated the population of proviruses for over 6 years. The expansion of this HIV-infected clone had substantial effects on the overall proviral population.
Understanding the Evolutionary Ecology of host–pathogen Interactions Provides Insights into the Outcomes of Insect Pest Biocontrol
Authors: Páez David J. , Fleming-Davies Arietta E.
Published: January 2020

The use of viral pathogens to control the population size of pest insects has produced both successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Here, we investigate whether those biocontrol successes and failures can be explained by key ecological and evolutionary processes between hosts and pathogens. Specifically, we examine how heterogeneity in pathogen transmission, ecological and evolutionary tradeoffs, and pathogen diversity affect insect population density and thus successful control. We first review the existing literature and then use numerical simulations of mathematical models to further explore these processes. Our results show that the control of insect densities using viruses depends strongly on the heterogeneity of virus transmission among insects. Overall, increased heterogeneity of transmission reduces the effect of viruses on insect densities and increases the long-term stability of insect populations. Lower equilibrium insect densities occur when transmission is heritable and when there is a tradeoff between mean transmission and insect fecundity compared to when the heterogeneity of transmission arises from non-genetic sources. Thus, the heterogeneity of transmission is a key parameter that regulates the long-term population dynamics of insects and their pathogens. We also show that both heterogeneity of transmission and life-history tradeoffs modulate characteristics of population dynamics such as the frequency and intensity of “boom–bust" population cycles. Furthermore, we show that because of life-history tradeoffs affecting the transmission rate, the use of multiple pathogen strains is more effective than the use of a single strain to control insect densities only when the pathogen strains differ considerably in their transmission characteristics. By quantifying the effects of ecology and evolution on population densities, we are able to offer recommendations to assess the long-term effects of classical biocontrol.
Characterization of Molecular Cluster Detection and Evaluation of Cluster Investigation Criteria Using Machine Learning Methods and Statewide Surveillance Data in Washington State
Authors: Erly Steven J. , Herbeck Joshua T. , Kerani Roxanne P. , Reuer Jennifer R.
Published: January 2020

Molecular cluster detection can be used to interrupt HIV transmission but is dependent on identifying clusters where transmission is likely. We characterized molecular cluster detection in Washington State, evaluated the current cluster investigation criteria, and developed a criterion using machine learning. The population living with HIV (PLWH) in Washington State, those with an analyzable genotype sequences, and those in clusters were described across demographic characteristics from 2015 to2018. The relationship between 3- and 12-month cluster growth and demographic, clinical, and temporal predictors were described, and a random forest model was fit using data from 2016 to 2017. The ability of this model to identify clusters with future transmission was compared to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington state criteria in 2018. The population with a genotype was similar to all PLWH, but people in a cluster were disproportionately white, male, and men who have sex with men. The clusters selected for investigation by the random forest model grew on average 2.3 cases (95% CI 1.1–1.4) in 3 months, which was not significantly larger than the CDC criteria (2.0 cases, 95% CI 0.5–3.4). Disparities in the cases analyzed suggest that molecular cluster detection may not benefit all populations. Jurisdictions should use auxiliary data sources for prediction or continue using established investigation criteria.
Entomological Assessment of the Status and Risk of Mosquito-borne Arboviral Transmission in Ghana
Authors: Amoa-Bosompem Michael , Kobayashi Daisuke , Murota Katsunori , Faizah Astri Nur , Itokawa Kentaro , Fujita Ryosuke , Osei Joseph Harold Nyarko , Agbosu Esinam , Pratt Deborah , Kimura Shohei , Kwofie Kofi Dadzie , Ohashi Mitsuko , Bonney Joseph H. Kofi , Dadzie Samuel , Sasaki Toshinori , Ohta Nobuo , Isawa Haruhiko , Sawabe Kyoko , Iwanaga Shiroh
Published: January 2020

Entomological surveillance is one of the tools used in monitoring and controlling vector-borne diseases. However, the use of entomological surveillance for arboviral infection vector control is often dependent on finding infected individuals. Although this method may suffice in highly endemic areas, it is not as effective in controlling the spread of diseases in low endemic and non-endemic areas. In this study, we examined the efficiency of using entomological markers to assess the status and risk of arbovirus infection in Ghana, which is considered a non-endemic country, by combining mosquito surveillance with virus isolation and detection. This study reports the presence of cryptic species of mosquitoes in Ghana, demonstrating the need to combine morphological identification and molecular techniques in mosquito surveillance. Furthermore, although no medically important viruses were detected, the importance of insect-specific viruses in understanding virus evolution and arbovirus transmission is discussed. This study reports the first mutualistic relationship between dengue virus and the double-stranded RNA Aedes aegypti totivirus. Finally, this study discusses the complexity of the virome of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes and its implication for arbovirus transmission.
Avian Pattern Recognition Receptor Sensing and Signaling
Authors: Neerukonda Sabari Nath , Katneni Upendra
Published: January 2020

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are a class of immune sensors that play a critical role in detecting and responding to several conserved patterns of microorganisms. As such, they play a major role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and anti-microbial defense. Fundamental knowledge pertaining to the discovery of PRR functions and their ligands continue to advance the understanding of immune system and disease resistance, which led to the rational design and/or application of various PRR ligands as vaccine adjuvants. In addition, the conserved nature of many PRRs throughout the animal kingdom has enabled the utilization of the comparative genomics approach in PRR identification and the study of evolution, structural features, and functions in many animal species including avian. In the present review, we focused on PRR sensing and signaling functions in the avian species, domestic chicken, mallard, and domestic goose. In addition to summarizing recent advances in the understanding of avian PRR functions, the present review utilized a comparative biology approach to identify additional PRRs, whose functions have been well studied in mammalians but await functional characterization in avian.
Bayesian Model Weighting: The Many Faces of Model Averaging
Authors: Höge Marvin , Guthke Anneli , Nowak Wolfgang
Published: January 2020

Model averaging makes it possible to use multiple models for one modelling task, like predicting a certain quantity of interest. Several Bayesian approaches exist that all yield a weighted average of predictive distributions. However, often, they are not properly applied which can lead to false conclusions. In this study, we focus on Bayesian Model Selection (BMS) and Averaging (BMA), Pseudo-BMS/BMA and Bayesian Stacking. We want to foster their proper use by, first, clarifying their theoretical background and, second, contrasting their behaviours in an applied groundwater modelling task. We show that only Bayesian Stacking has the goal of model averaging for improved predictions by model combination. The other approaches pursue the quest of finding a single best model as the ultimate goal, and use model averaging only as a preliminary stage to prevent rash model choice. Improved predictions are thereby not guaranteed. In accordance with so-called M -settings that clarify the alleged relations between models and truth, we elicit which method is most promising.
Functional Groups of Phytoplankton and Their Relationship with Environmental Factors in the Restored Uzarzewskie Lake
Authors: Kozak Anna , Budzyńska Agnieszka , Dondajewska-Pielka Renata , Kowalczewska-Madura Katarzyna , Gołdyn Ryszard
Published: January 2020

Uzarzewskie Lake is a small, postglacial lake, located in western Poland. The lake is under restoration treatment since 2006. At first, iron treatment was done for 2 years. In the second stage, spring water was directed into the hypolimnion in order to improve water oxygenation near the bottom sediments. The purpose of our research was to determine changes in the contribution of functional groups to the total number of taxa and total biomass of phytoplankton due to changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of the restored lake. Phytoplankton composition was analyzed in three periods: (1) before restoration; (2) during the first method of restoration; and (3) when the second method was implemented in the lake. Epilimnetic phytoplankton was sampled every year monthly from March to November. The relationship between phytoplankton groups and environmental factors (water temperature, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, dissolved phosphorus, conductivity and pH) was examined, using the canonical analyses. The redundancy analysis indicated that the temperature, dissolved phosphates concentration, ammonium nitrogen and pH were the main determining factors of the phytoplankton community dynamics. During the study, 13 coda dominated the phytoplankton biomass. Cyanobacteria of the codon H1 with such species as Aphanizomenon gracile, Dolichospermum planctonicum, D. viguieri dominated the phytoplankton community before restoration. S1 group consisting of Planktolyngbya limnetica, Limnothrix redekei and Planktothrix agardhii mostly dominated during the period in which the first method was used. Improvement of water quality due to restoration efforts in the third period caused dominance of other groups, especially J (Actinastrum hantzschii and other Chlorococcales), C (Asterionella formosa and other diatoms), Y (Cryptomonas marssonii and other cryptophytes), Lo (Peridiniopsis cunningtonii and other dinophytes) and X2 (Rhodomonas lacustris).
Reuse of Waste Geothermal Brine: Process, Thermodynamic and Economic Analysis
Authors: Capocelli Mauro , Moliterni Eugenio , Piemonte Vincenzo , De Falco Marcello
Published: January 2020

Geothermal brines can be a resource of energy, freshwater and minerals. Even when rejected after their exploitation to produce energy in a power plant, the brines can be a source of freshwater and minerals, and can have a residual enthalpy that can be recovered to produce additional power. The different reuse scenarios of these wasted brines depend on the composition and temperature at which they must be reinjected into the wells. On this basis, geothermal energy production is a perfect case study to investigate the water–energy nexus and to optimize the integrated energy- and water-production processes. In this paper, two case studies of brine reuse for both energy and water production are presented with the related process analysis, basic design and technical–economic analysis. A methodology to evaluate the exergy efficiency of the processes is presented by analyzing minimum work of separation, the maximum achievable work and the additional primary energy required for integrated production. The novel approach to estimate the process efficiency for integrated geothermal energy and desalination plants is applied to the case studies and discussed in light of literature results.
Cover or Velocity: What Triggers Iberian Barbel (Luciobarbus Bocagei) Refuge Selection under Experimental Hydropeaking Conditions?
Authors: Moreira Miguel , Costa Maria João , Valbuena-Castro Jorge , Pinheiro António N. , Boavida Isabel
Published: January 2020

The rapid river flow variations due to hydropower production during peak demand periods, known as hydropeaking, causes several ecological impacts. In this study, we assessed the potential of an overhead cover and velocity-refuge structure in an indoor flume as an indirect hydropeaking mitigation measure for the cyprinid species Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei). We designed a lab-scale LUNKERS-type structure using two different materials which were used separately: Wood (opaque) and acrylic (transparent), tested under hydropeaking and base-flow events. Physiological (glucose and lactate) and behavioral (structure use) responses were quantified. The structure use (inside and in the vicinity) and the individual and schooling behavior was assessed. Although there was no evidence that the hydropeaking event triggered a physiological response, the wood structure use was significantly higher than the acrylic one, where the metrics of use increased in the hydropeaking event. Differences between individual and group behavior were only higher for the entrances in the wood structure. The higher frequency of wood structure use under hydropeaking conditions suggests that the visual stimulus conferred by this shaded refuge enables fish to easily find it. The results suggest that the use of overhead and velocity-refuge structures may act as an effective hydropeaking flow-refuge mitigation measure.
13 Years of Storms: An Analysis of the Effects of Storms on Lake Physics on the Atlantic Fringe of Europe
Authors: Andersen Mikkel René , de Eyto Elvira , Dillane Mary , Poole Russell , Jennings Eleanor
Published: January 2020

While winter storms are generally common in western Europe, the rarer summer storms may result in more pronounced impacts on lake physics. Using long-term, high frequency datasets of weather and lake thermal structure from the west of Ireland (2005 to 2017), we quantified the effects of storms on the physical conditions in a monomictic, deep lake close to the Atlantic Ocean. We analysed a total of 227 storms during the stratified (May to September, n = 51) and non-stratified (November to March, n = 176) periods. In winter, as might be expected, changes were distributed over the entire water column, whereas in summer, when the lake was stratified, storms only impacted the smaller volume above the thermocline. During an average summer (May–September) storm, the lake number dropped by an order of magnitude, the thermocline deepened by an average of 2.8 m, water column stability decreased by an average of 60.4 j m−2 and the epilimnion temperature decreased by a factor of five compared to the average change in winter (0.5 °C vs. 0.1 °C). Projected increases in summer storm frequency will have important implications for lake physics and biological pathways.
Assessing Regional Scale Water Balances through Remote Sensing Techniques: A Case Study of Boufakrane River Watershed, Meknes Region, Morocco
Authors: El Hafyani Mohammed , Essahlaoui Ali , Van Rompaey Anton , Mohajane Meriame , El Hmaidi Abdellah , El Ouali Abdelhadi , Moudden Fouad , Serrhini Nour-Eddine
Published: January 2020

This paper aims to develop a method to assess regional water balances using remote sensing techniques. The Boufakrane river watershed in Meknes Region (Morocco), which is characterized by both a strong urbanization and a rural land use change, is taken as a study case. Firstly, changes in land cover were mapped by classifying remote sensing images (Thematic Mapper, Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus and Operational Land Imager) at a medium scale resolution for the years 1990, 2003 and 2018. By means of supervised classification procedures the following land cover categories could be mapped: forests, bare soil, arboriculture, arable land and urban area. For each of these categories a water balance was developed for the different time periods, taking into account changing management and consumption patterns. Finally, the land cover maps were combined with the land cover specific water balances resulting in a total water balance for the selected catchment. The procedure was validated by comparing the assessments with data from water supply stations and the number of licensed ground water extraction pumps. In terms of land use/land cover changes (LULCC), the results showed that urban areas, natural vegetation, arboriculture and cereals increased by 183.74%, 12.55%, 34.99 and 48.77% respectively while forests and bare soils decreased by 78.65% and 16.78% respectively. On the other hand, water consumption has been increased significantly due to the Meknes city growth, the arboriculture expansion and the new crops’ introduction in the arable areas. The increased water consumption by human activities is largely due to reduced water losses through evapotranspiration because of deforestation. Since the major part of the forest in the catchment has disappeared, a further increase of the water consumption by human activities can no longer be offset by deforestation.
Particle Dynamics in Ushuaia Bay (Tierra del Fuego)-Potential Effect on Dissolved Oxygen Depletion
Authors: Flores Melo Ximena , Martín Jacobo , Kerdel Lounes , Bourrin François , Colloca Cristina Beatriz , Menniti Christophe , de Madron Xavier Durrieu
Published: January 2020

This study examines the distribution and seasonal evolution of hydrographic, hydrodynamic, and nepheloid layers in Ushuaia Bay and the submerged glacial valley that connects it to the Beagle Channel. The hydrographic structure is highly seasonal, with a total mixing of the water column in winter and the appearance of a pycnocline between 50 and 70 m deep from spring to late autumn, mainly due to desalination. A counter-clockwise current sweeps the entire bay regardless of the season or phase of the tide. This current is at its maximum in the surface layer, allowing the rapid renewal of the bay’s waters, while deep currents are weak and imply a slow renewal of the valley’s waters. Turbid and oxygen-depleted structures are observed in summer in the valley. The combination of seasonal stratification, high organic matter inputs from planktonic production, oxygen consumption for remineralization, and sluggish circulation results in a decrease in near-bottom oxygen concentration in the glacial valley at the end of the stratified season, before mixing and re-oxygenation of the water column during the southern winter. The possible impact of dissolved oxygen depletion in the bottom waters of the valley on benthic organisms, like crustaceans, is discussed.
Syrian Refugees, Water Scarcity, and Dynamic Policies: How Do the New Refugee Discourses Impact Water Governance Debates in Lebanon and Jordan?
Authors: Hussein Hussam , Natta Alberto , Yehya Abed Al Kareem , Hamadna Baha
Published: January 2020

Since the Syrian crisis and the so-called “Arab Spring”, new discourses have been created, sparking the discursive water governance debates around water scarcity and hydropolitics. In Lebanon and Jordan—where most water resources are transboundary, and where most Syrian refugees have flown in—new discourses of climate change and especially of Syrian refugees as exacerbating water scarcity are emerging, shaping water governance debates. The aim of this paper is to engage in comparative discourse analysis about narratives of water crises and refugees in Lebanon and Jordan. This study is novel because of the focus on the new discourse of refugees in relation to water governance debates in both Lebanon and Jordan. This paper finds that in both countries the new discourses of refugees do not replace previous and existing discourses of water crisis and scarcity, but rather they build on and reinforce them. This paper finds that the impact these discourses had on the governance debates is that in Lebanon the resources mobilized focused on humanitarian interventions, while Jordan focused on development projects to strengthen the resilience of its water infrastructure and its overall water governance system.
Assessing Aquifer Water Level and Salinity for a Managed Artificial Recharge Site Using Reclaimed Water
Authors: Jarraya Horriche Faten , Benabdallah Sihem
Published: January 2020

This study was carried out to examine the impact of an artificial recharge site on groundwater level and salinity using treated domestic wastewater for the Korba aquifer (north eastern Tunisia). The site is located in a semi-arid region affected by seawater intrusion, inducing an increase in groundwater salinity. Investigation of the subsurface enabled the identification of suitable areas for aquifer recharge mainly composed of sand formations. Groundwater flow and solute transport models (MODFLOW and MT3DMS) were then setup and calibrated for steady and transient states from 1971 to 2005 and used to assess the impact of the artificial recharge site. Results showed that artificial recharge, with a rate of 1500 m3/day and a salinity of 3.3 g/L, could produce a recovery in groundwater level by up to 2.7 m and a reduction in groundwater salinity by as much as 5.7 g/L over an extended simulation period. Groundwater monitoring for 2007–2014, used for model validation, allowed one to confirm that the effective recharge, reaching the water table, is less than the planned values.
Structure and Functions of Hydrocarbon-Degrading Microbial Communities in Bioelectrochemical Systems
Authors: Espinoza-Tofalos Anna , Daghio Matteo , Palma Enza , Aulenta Federico , Franzetti Andrea
Published: January 2020

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) exploit the interaction between microbes and electrodes. A field of application thereof is bioelectrochemical remediation, an effective strategy in environments where the absence of suitable electron acceptors limits classic bioremediation approaches. Understanding the microbial community structure and genetic potential of anode biofilms is of great interest to interpret the mechanisms occurring in BESs. In this study, by using a whole metagenome sequencing approach, taxonomic and functional diversity patterns in the inoculum and on the anodes of three continuous-flow BES for the removal of phenol, toluene, and BTEX were obtained. The genus Geobacter was highly enriched on the anodes and two reconstructed genomes were taxonomically related to the Geobacteraceae family. To functionally characterize the microbial community, the genes coding for the anaerobic degradation of toluene, ethylbenzene, and phenol were selected as genetic markers for the anaerobic degradation of the pollutants. The genes related with direct extracellular electron transfer (EET) were also analyzed. The inoculum carried the genetic baggage for the degradation of aromatics but lacked the capacity of EET while anodic bacterial communities were able to pursue both processes. The metagenomic approach provided useful insights into the ecology and complex functions within hydrocarbon-degrading electrogenic biofilms.
Complex Undisturbed Riparian Zones Are Resistant to Colonisation by Invasive Alien Plant Species
Authors: Zelnik Igor , Mavrič Klenovšek Valentina , Gaberščik Alenka
Published: January 2020

We investigated the presence and abundance of invasive alien plant species (IAS) in the riparian zones of rivers in relation to different environmental parameters. We surveyed the spatial and human-influenced characteristics of the riparian zones, river channels, and land use along seven Slovenian rivers. We further monitored the presence and abundance of IAS with different natural properties and different human impacts to define the characteristics of non-infected and heavily infected reaches. Special attention was given to different life forms of IAS. The presence and abundance of IAS positively correlated with distance from river source, current velocity, and water depth, and negatively correlated with altitude, naturalness of the land use, width and completeness of the riparian zone, height and structure of its vegetation, and condition of the riverbed and banks. Annuals prevailed among IAS at 48%, with 37% herbaceous perennials and 15% woody species. The vine Echinocystis lobata was the most abundant IAS, which was found in 179 out of the 414 river reaches analysed, followed by the annual Impatiens glandulifera and the herbaceous perennial Solidago gigantea. E. lobata was spread over the native riparian vegetation and was affected by the natural gradients of the rivers in terms of altitude and distance from the river’s source. Reaches without IAS significantly differed from reaches colonised with IAS in the width of riparian zone, vegetation height and structure, land-use next to the river, and distance from the source. As IAS in riparian zones affect riparian and aquatic communities, there is the need for management practices to maintain and establish complex riparian zones that are resistant to IAS colonisation.
Hydrogeological Characterization of Coastal Aquifer on the Basis of Observed Sea Level and Groundwater Level Fluctuations: Neretva Valley Aquifer, Croatia
Authors: Srzić Veljko , Lovrinović Ivan , Racetin Ivan , Pletikosić Fanito
Published: January 2020

Hydrogeological data availability is often limited to local areas where usual in situ tests or methods are applied (slug/bail or pumping tests, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)). Because most problems (e.g., saltwater intrusion mitigation) require problem analysis on larger scales (catchment or sub catchment), hydrogeological identification of global character is preferable. This work leads to the determination of aquifer hydrogeological parameters on the basis of observed sea level, groundwater piezometric head found inland, and barometric pressure. When applied to observed signals, the approach led efficiently to final hydrogeological characterization. After identification of dominant tidal constituents from observed signals, barometric efficiency was successfully determined. Following available information on geological settings, an appropriate conceptual model was applied and updated to count for polychromatic signals. Final determination of hydrogeological parameters relied on root mean square error (RMSE) minimization and led to determination of (i) presence of three stratigraphic units: unconfined sandy aquifer on the top, a confining layer made of clay, and a confined gravel layer; (ii) existence of the clay layer under the sea with a total length of 1400 m; (iii) a clay layer has been identified as confining one by both spectral analysis and determined leakance value; and (iv) estimated confined aquifer specific storage ranging from 2.87 × 10−6 to 4.98 × 10−6 (m−1), whereas hydraulic conductivity ranged from 7.0 × 10−4 to 7.5 × 10−3 (m s−1). Both range intervals corresponded to previous in situ findings conducted within the area of interest.
Optical Patterning of Two-Dimensional Materials
Authors: Kollipara Pavana Siddhartha , Li Jingang , Zheng Yuebing
Published: January 2020

Recent advances in the field of two-dimensional (2D) materials have led to new electronic and photonic devices enabled by their unique properties at atomic thickness. Structuring 2D materials into desired patterns on substrates is often an essential and foremost step for the optimum performance of the functional devices. In this regard, optical patterning of 2D materials has received enormous interest due to its advantages of high-throughput, site-specific, and on-demand fabrication. Recent years have witnessed scientific reports of a variety of optical techniques applicable to patterning 2D materials. In this minireview, we present the state-of-the-art optical patterning of 2D materials, including laser thinning, doping, phase transition, oxidation, and ablation. Several applications based on optically patterned 2D materials will be discussed as well. With further developments, optical patterning is expected to hold the key in pushing the frontiers of manufacturing and applications of 2D materials.
Effect of Nitrogen and Variety on Agronomic Performance of Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) in the Sudan
Authors: H. A. M Hussein , Y. M. I Dagash , Mohammed Maarouf I.
Published: January 2020

An experiment was conducted in Shambat (2016-2017) in the demonstration farm of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University for Science and Technology, to study the effect of variety and nitrogen fertilization on the agronomic performance of Rhodes grass. Two Rhodess grass varieties (Fine cut and Reclaimer) and 2 nitrogen doses plus control were studied across seven cuts. The treatments were replicated four times in split plot experiment with fertilizer doses assigned to the main plots and the varieties to the sub-plots. The data collected included forage yield, plant height and days to 50% flowering.
Optimasi Sediaan Krim Dari Ekstrak Etanol Daun Muda Pepaya (Carica papaya L.) Sebagai Antioksidan
Authors: Himaniarwati Himaniarwati , Lolok Nikeherpianti , Nasir Nur Herlina , Chulaifah Dzul
Published: January 2020

Daun Pepaya memiliki kandungan antioksidan yang tinggi seperti senyawa flavonoid, α-tokoferol, dan asam askorbat yang dapat digunakan untuk mencegah penuaan dini akibat radikal bebas. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menguji stabilitas dan aktivitas antioksidan sediaan krim ekstrak etanol 96% dengan metode DPPH. Meode penelitin yang dilakukan dalah ekperimental yang dilakukan di Laboratorium, daun muda pepaya 1500 mg di maserasi menggunakan etanol 96% mengjhasilkan ekstrak 500 mg. Ekstrak daun pepaya dibuat dalam bentuk krim kemudian dilakukan evaluasi sediaan krim meliputi evaluasi organoleptic, pH, daya sebar, daya lekat, tipe emulsi, viskositas dan evaluasi pengujian aktivitas antioksidandilakukan dengan metode DPPH konsentrasi 1% 3% dan 5%. Kemudian dilakukan analisis data. Hasil Evaluasi sediaan krim uji organoleptik: bau dan bentuk  stabil, warna ada perubahan; uji pH 5, daya sebar  5,15cm, 5,55 cm, 5,85 cm,  daya lekat 18,25 detik, 17 detik 15,25 detik, emulsi Homogen, viskositas 162,5 dPas, 170 dPas, 145 dPas dan aktivitas antioksidan 58,23%; 62,73%; 67,83%. Kesimpulan dari hasil penelitian bahwa Sediaan krim ekstrak etanol 95% daun pepaya stabil dan mampu memberikan efek antioksidan dengan menggunakan metode DPPH.
Uji Stabilitas Fisik Ekstrak Etanol Daun Jambu Mete (Anacardium occidentale L. ) Dalam Formulasi Sediaan Emulgel AntiInflamasi
Authors: Halid Nurhatidjah Awaliyah , Saleh Ahmad
Published: January 2020

Jambu mete (Anacardium occidentale L.) merupakan tanaman yang tumbuh subur di Sulawesi tenggara. Secara tradisional daun Anacardium occidentalis digunakan sebagai antiinflamasi. Daun Anacardium occidentalis mengandung berbagai senyawa aktif seperti flavonoid, asam anakardik, beta-sitosterol, cardol, asam linoleat, asam  salisilat serta tannin. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian eksperimental. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan mencanangkan formulasi ekstrak etanol daun Anacardium occidentalis dalam bentuk sediaan emulgel, serta mengevaluasi stabilitas sediaan emulgel tersebut secara fisik. Formulasi emulgel ekstrak etanol daun Anacardium occidentalis menggunakan basis gel yaitu karbopol 940. Formulasi dilakukan dalam 3 konsentrasi ekstrak etanol daun Anacardium occidentalis yaitu 10%, 12%, dan 15%. Basis karbopol 940 yaitu 0,5%, 10%, dan 1,5%, disamping itu juga digunakan basis gel sebagai kontrol negatif. Uji karakteristik sediaan emulgel meliputi pemeriksaan fisik yaitu pemeriksaan warna, homogenitas, konsistens, pH, penentuan viskositas, uji daya sebar. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak Ekstrak Daun Jambu Mete (Anacardium occidentale L.) dapat diformulasi menjadi emulgel dengan karakteristik yang baik. Semua basis gel karbopol 940, dapat menghasilkan emulgel dengan karakteristik yang baik. Formula I, VI, VII dan IX merupakan formula mempunyai karakteristik yang paling baik untuk sediaan emulgel Ekstrak Daun Jambu Mete (Anacardium occidentale L.).
Pengaruh Pola Makan Terhadap Potensi Resiko Penyakit Diabetes Melitus
Authors: Susilowati Arikha Ayu , Waskita Kuncara Nata
Published: January 2020

Gaya hidup masyarakat saat ini mengalami banyak perubahan, baik yang dilakukan oleh remaja maupun dewasa.  Makanan cepat saji dan instan merupakan jenis makanan yang paling banyak digemari, Konsumsi banyak makanan yang mengandung gula akan menyebabkan berbagai penyakit, salah satunya diabetes melitus. Untuk menjaga kadar gula darah, jadwal makan dan porsi makan perlu di atur. Mengurangi porsi makan dapat membantu mengontrol gula darah, sedangkan menambah porsi makan dapat menimbulkan komplikasi Diabetes Melitus. Oleh karena itu perlu adanya suatu penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh pola makan remaja terhadap apotensi resiko penyakit diabetes mellitus. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan analitik korelatif dan menggunakan pendekatan cross sectional. Penelitian ini menganalisis hubungan antara makanan dengan kadar gula darah pasien DM. Pendekatan cross sectional mengumpulkan variabel dependent dan variabel independent dalam waktu yang bersamaan dan secara langsung. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji one way annova. Deskripsi responden yang meliputi jenis kelamin, umur, pendidikan dan olahraga juga dihubungkan dengan resiko penyakit diabetes mellitus.
Dificuldades dos professores do curso de Ciências Contábeis
Authors: Farias Rafael Araújo Sousa , Sallaberry Jonatas Dutra , Sousa Weslei Gomes de , Freitas Marcelo Machado de , Dias Cleidson Nogueira
Published: January 2020

O presente trabalho possui como objetivo analisar e debater, a partir da literatura, as dificuldades enfrentadas por professores de graduação no curso de Ciências Contábeis e propor uma agenda de pesquisa. A amostra de artigos foi analisada detidamente a fim de identificar os problemas mais recorrentes. Os temas mais apontados pelos professores de Contabilidade foram problemas relacionados ao início e ao fim da carreira, à solidão, ao estresse, ao grande número de afazeres administrativos e às dificuldades de conciliar a teoria com a prática. Destaca-se o debate realizado pela pesquisa e a promoção da interação entre diferentes estudos levantados, tendo em vista principalmente que esse tipo de estudo é escasso no Brasil. A agenda sumariza oportunidades de pesquisa e visa promover mais estudos sobre o tema. Espera-se que este trabalho contribua com o ensino da Contabilidade, pois as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos docentes é uma variável importante para esse processo.
Afetividade e ensino
Authors: Figueiredo Ana Paula Silva , Leite Sergio Antônio da Silva
Published: January 2020

Este trabalho analisa narrativas sobre dois professores identificados como inesquecíveis – profissionais que marcam positivamente a vida de seus alunos. Para isso, foi realizada uma entrevista com um professor em uma universidade pública, bem como uma enquete virtual na mesma universidade, onde esse professor atua; e ele foi apontado por um dos respondentes como seu professor inesquecível. Com isso, foi possível alinhar as declarações dos entrevistados, identificando as marcas deixadas pelos professores que foram transferidas para a prática docente. As decisões e as práticas pedagógicas do professor inesquecível, classificadas em núcleos e subnúcleos, foram identificadas nas narrativas. Reconhecer a mediação do professor e perceber a afetividade nela contida, que foram expressas nas entrevistas, trazem-nos exemplos de como essa mediação e as decisões no planejamento de ensino afetam e marcam os alunos.
The technical production, storage and conservation routes of chilli peppers (Capsicum spp.) produced in Benin and constraints impeding the development of the sector.
Authors: M. Glodjinon Nicéphore , A. Noumavo Pacôme , Adéot Kifouli , Baba-Moussa Farid , Savadogo Aly , Baba-Moussa Lamine , Toukourou Fatiou , C. Fainou Marcellin , S. Tovide Noel , Cisse Hama , M. Ohin Brice , H. S. Kouhoundé Sonangnon , Garba Kamal
Published: January 2020

Chilli pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an annual vegetable fruit used as a spice in almost all food
and especially in all local dishes in Benin. However, it is neglected in many countries and
relegated to the background which does not favor the agricultural development. As a result,
its cultivation and conservation are still traditional and face many cultural and post-harvest
constraints. The objective of this work is to make an investigation on the current state of the
chilli pepper sector in Benin from the planting, growth, harvest until the transformation
through storage and preservation. Overall, the review presents all the technical
shortcomings hindering the opening of the sector on its socio-economic environment and to
make recommendations for the improvement of the quality of chilli pepper sold and
consumed in Benin. Thus, the results of this review indicate that there are several local
varieties of chilli pepper grown in Benin belonging to three species of the Solanaceae family:
Capsicum chinense (annual variety), Capsicum annuum L. (annual variety) and Capsicum
frutescens (perennial variety). Its production is generally in rainfed or irrigated crops, in
truck farming or on mainland. The best farming technique is the one that begins with the
nursery and its success depends on the quality of the plants resulting from this stage. The
best methods of storage and preservation vouching a good sanitary quality of chilli pepper
are still to be promoted. The main problem encountered by the tillage of chilli peppers in
Benin is its contamination by mold during its production and storage. It is therefore
important to follow the technical production, storage and preservation routes, to assess the
susceptibility of chilli pepper to mold at each stage and to measure the mycotoxins
throughout the production chain so as to vouch the safety of chilli pepper consumers and to
develop the chilli pepper sector in Benin.
Pengujian Aktivitas Antibakteri Hidrogel Ekstrak Etanol Daun Tagetes erecta L
Authors: Edy Hosea Jaya , Marchaban Marchaban , Wahyuono Subagus , Nugroho Agung Endro
Published: January 2020

Kandungan kimia flavonoid dan fenolik dalam ekstrak daun T.erecta diketahui memiliki aktivitas antibakteri yang baik. Pengunaan ekstrak daun T.erecta sebagai zat aktif sediaan hidrogel akan sangat mempermudah pemanfaatan dalam proses terapi oleh masyarakat. Tujuan dalam penelitian ini adalah melihat kemampuan aktivitas antibakteri sediaan hidrogel dengan zat aktif ekstrak daun T.erecta. Dalam penelitian ini digunakan 6 variasi konsentrasi ekstrak yang terkandung pada sediaan hidrogel yaitu 1.5; 2.0; 2.5; 3.0; 3.5; dan 4.0 %. Pengujian aktivitas antibakteri menggunakan metode difusi sumuran terhadap bakteri Staphylococcus aureus dan Escherichia coli. Aktivitas antibakteri terbesar ditunjukkan oleh sediaan hidrogel dengan konsentrasi ekstrak daun T.erecta 2.5%. Diameter zona hambat yang terbentuk terhadap pertumbuhan E.coli adalah 15.33 mm sedangkan diameter zona hambat terhadap S.aureus adalah 17.87 mm. Untuk kontrol positif digunakan bioplacenton® dan untuk kontrol negatif digunakan basis hidrogel tanpa kandungan ekstrak T.erectaFlavonoid and phenolic on ethanolic extract of T.erecta L has been antibacterial activity. The aim of this research was to determinate of antibacterial from hydrogel with ethanolic extract of T.erecta L. This research was begun making hydrogels with six variations of ethanolic extract of T.erecta L were 1.5; ; 2.0; 2.5; 3.0; 3.5; and 4.0 %.  Antibacterial activity used hole diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Hydrogel containing 2.5 % ethanolic extract of T.erecta L was shown the highest antibacterial activity. The diameters of the inhibition zone against E.coli was 15.33 mm and against S.aureus was 17.87 mm. Positive control used bioplacenton® and negative control was hydrogel without ethanolic extract of T.erecta content