bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation on Fatigue Behaviour of ZK60A-T5 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Morri Alessandro , Ceschini Lorella , Martini Carla , Bernardi Alessandro
Published: December 2020

Magnesium alloys are used in the motorsport and aerospace fields because of their high specific strength. However, due to their low corrosion resistance, protective surface treatments, such as conversion coating or electroless plating, are necessary when they are used in humid or corrosive environments. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), followed by the deposition of a polymeric layer by powder coating, on the rotating bending fatigue behaviour of the wrought magnesium alloy ZK60A-T5. The specimens were extracted from forged wheels of racing motorbikes and were PEO treated and powder coated. Microstructural characterization was carried out by optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyse both the bulk material and the multilayer, consisting of the anodic oxide interlayer with the powder coating top layer (about 40 µm total thickness). Rotating bending fatigue tests were carried out to obtain the S–N curve of PEO-treated specimens. The results of the rotating bending tests evidenced fatigue strength equal to 104 MPa at 106 cycles and 90 MPa at 107 cycles. The results of the investigation pointed out that PEO led to a reduction in fatigue strength between 14% and 17% in comparison to the untreated alloy. Fracture surface analyses of the fatigue specimens, carried out by SEM and by 3D digital microscopy, highlighted multiple crack initiation sites at the interface between the PEO layer and substrate, induced by the concurrent effects of coating defects, local tensile stresses in the substrate, and increased roughness at the substrate–coating interface.
A Pesticide Residues Insight on Honeybees, Bumblebees and Olive Oil after Pesticidal Applications against the Olive Fruit Fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Varikou Kyriaki , Kasiotis Konstantinos M. , Bempelou Eleftheria , Manea-Karga Electra , Anagnostopoulos Chris , Charalampous Angeliki , Garantonakis Nikos , Birouraki Athanasia , Hatjina Fani , Machera Kyriaki
Published: December 2020

In 2017 and 2018, a field survey was initiated on Greek olive orchards to investigate the attractiveness of bait spray applications and the impact of cover and bait sprays applied against the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), on the honeybee, Apis mellifera L. and bumblebees Bombus terrestris, by investigating the pesticides’ residual prevalence. Bee colonies were evenly distributed in three sites located on coastal areas of Western Crete and visited almost weekly between July and October. Samples collected, were analyzed using existing or developed-optimized liquid and gas chromatographic methods. In bee samples, concentrations varied from 0.0013 to 2.3 mg/kg for dimethoate, from 0.0013–0.059 mg/kg for its metabolite omethoate, and from 0.0035 to 0.63 mg/kg regarding the pyrethroids, β-cyfluthrin and λ-cyhalothrin. In one bee sample dimethoate concentration exceeded both acute oral and contact median lethal dose (LD50). Residue findings in bees, along with verified olive oil residues corroborated that those insecticides had been applied in the olive orchards and transferred to bees. The possibility of non-target effects of the bait sprays to the bees, as well as the impact of the contaminated olive to the bees are discussed.
Genomic Portrait of a Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Case in a Large Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 Family
Authors: Morello Giovanna , Gentile Giulia , Spataro Rossella , Spampinato Antonio Gianmaria , Guarnaccia Maria , Salomone Salvatore , La Bella Vincenzo , Conforti Francesca Luisa , Cavallaro Sebastiano
Published: December 2020

Background: Repeat expansions in the spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) gene ATXN1 increases the risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), supporting a relationship between these disorders. We recently reported the co-existence, in a large SCA1 family, of a clinically definite ALS individual bearing an intermediate ATXN1 expansion and SCA1 patients with a full expansion, some of which manifested signs of lower motor neuron involvement. Methods: In this study, we employed a systems biology approach that integrated multiple genomic analyses of the ALS patient and some SCA1 family members. Results: Our analysis identified common and distinctive candidate genes/variants and related biological processes that, in addition to or in combination with ATXN1, may contribute to motor neuron degeneration phenotype. Among these, we distinguished ALS-specific likely pathogenic variants in TAF15 and C9ORF72, two ALS-linked genes involved in the regulation of RNA metabolism, similarly to ATXN1, suggesting a selective role for this pathway in ALS pathogenesis. Conclusions: Overall, our work supports the utility to apply personal genomic information for characterizing complex disease phenotypes.
Capabilities and Limitations of Fire-Shaping to Produce Glass Nozzles
Authors: Rubio Alejandro , Rodríguez Sergio , Cabezas Maria G.
Published: December 2020

Microfluidic devices for drop and emulsion production are often built using fire-shaped (or fire-polished) glass nozzles. These are usually fabricated manually with inexpensive equipment. The shape limitations and poor reproducibility are pointed as the main drawbacks. Here, we evaluate the capabilities of a new fire-shaping approach which fabricates the nozzle by heating a vertical rotating capillary at the Bottom of a Lateral Flame (BLF). We analyze the effect of the heating conditions, and the capillary size and tolerances. The shape reproducibility is excellent for nozzles of the same size produced with the same conditions. However, the size reproducibility is limited and does not seem to be significantly affected by the heating conditions. Specifically, the minimum neck diameter standard deviation is 3%. Different shapes can be obtained by changing the heating position or the capillary dimensions, though, for a given diameter reduction, there is a minimum nozzle length due to the overturning of the surface. The use of thinner (wall or inner diameter) capillaries allows producing much shorter nozzles but hinders the size reproducibility. Finally, we showed an example of how the performance of a microfluidic device is affected by the nozzle shape: a Gas Dynamic Virtual Nozzle (GDVN) built with a higher convergent rate nozzle works over a wider parametric range without whipping.
3D-Printable Carbon Nanotubes-Based Composite for Flexible Piezoresistive Sensors
Authors: Fekiri Chaima , Kim Ho Chan , Lee In Hwan
Published: December 2020

The intersection between nanoscience and additive manufacturing technology has resulted in a new field of printable and flexible electronics. This interesting area of research tackles the challenges in the development of novel materials and fabrication techniques towards a wider range and improved design of flexible electronic devices. This work presents the fabrication of a cost-effective and facile flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor using a 3D-printable carbon nanotube-based nanocomposite. The carbon nanotubes used for the development of the material are multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) prepolymer. The sensor was fabricated using the direct ink writing (DIW) technique (also referred to as robocasting). The MWCNT-PDMS composite was directly printed onto the polydimethylsiloxane substrate. The sensor response was then examined based on the resistance change to the applied load. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity (6.3 Ω/kPa) over a wide range of applied pressure (up to 1132 kPa); the highest observed measurement range for MWCNT-PDMS composite in previous work was 40 kPa. The formulated MWCNT-PDMS composite was also printed into high-resolution 3-dimensional shapes which maintained their form even after heat treatment process. The possibility to use 3D printing in the fabrication of flexible sensors allows design freedom and flexibility, and structural complexity with wide applications in wearable or implantable electronics for sport, automotive and biomedical fields.
Investigation of Selected Polymer Composite-Aluminum Oxide Coating Tribological Systems
Authors: Korzekwa Joanna , Bociąga Elżbieta , Bochenek Dariusz
Published: December 2020

The tribotesting of friction systems requires discussion on proper selection of its conditions and data presentation. System tribology is based, for example, on analysis of the friction contact, the roughness of the cooperating surfaces, and the wear rate of the rubbing elements or coefficient of friction in relation to the sliding distance. Friction pairs, consisting of an aluminum alloy sample with an oxide layer (Al2O3) with and without the addition of inorganic fullerenes like tungsten disulphide (IF-WS2) nanoparticles on its surface cooperating with a counter-sample made of polymer composites prepared on the basis of phenol-formaldehyde resin with different fillers, were tested using a device with a pin-on-plate friction pair system. The results of the experiments showed sufficient durability of the Al2O3 and Al2O3/IF-WS2 oxide coatings in combination with the polymer composite. It was found that resin fillers such as cotton fibers, jute fibers, molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) or graphite (C) influence the friction behavior of the tribological pairs. Although the values of the coefficient of friction obtained in the tests were quite high, their course during the tests ensured stable cooperation of the aluminum coating/polymer composite friction pair on a 15 km distance, under a load of 0.5 MPa. The lowest coefficients of friction were obtained for oxide layers formed on aluminum combined with a polymer composite filled with cotton fibers and graphite. These studies provide information on the tribological properties of commercially available polymer composites cooperating with the produced oxide coatings, supplementing the available literature with the results of research on new, so far unexplored tribological partners. Microscopic investigation of the structure and morphology of the formed surface oxide layers and also microgeometry studies of both the friction elements were used to better understand the obtained research results.
The Nullity, Rank, and Invertibility of Linear Combinations of k-Potent Matrices
Authors: Tošić Marina , Ljajko Eugen , Kontrec Nataša , Stojanović Vladica
Published: December 2020

Baksalary et al. (Linear Algebra Appl., doi:10.1016/j.laa.2004.02.025, 2004) investigated the invertibility of a linear combination of idempotent matrices. This result was improved by Koliha et al. (Linear Algebra Appl., doi:10.1016/j.laa.2006.01.011, 2006) by showing that the rank of a linear combination of two idempotents is constant. In this paper, we consider similar problems for k-potent matrices. We study the rank and the nullity of a linear combination of two commuting k-potent matrices. Furthermore, the problem of the nonsingularity of linear combinations of two or three k-potent matrices is considered under some conditions. In these situations, we derive explicit formulae of their inverses.
Identification of Persuasive Antiviral Natural Compounds for COVID-19 by Targeting Endoribonuclease NSP15: A Structural-Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Saeed Mohd , Saeed Amir , Alam Md Jahoor , Alreshidi Mousa
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-stranded RNA virus that bundles its genomic material as messenger-sense RNA in infectious virions and replicates these genomes through RNA intermediates. Several virus-encoded nonstructural proteins play a key role during the viral life cycle. Endoribonuclease NSP15 is vital for the replication and life cycle of the virus, and is thus considered a compelling druggable target. Here, we performed a combination of multiscoring virtual screening and molecular docking of a library of 1624 natural compounds (Nuclei of Bioassays, Ecophysiology and Biosynthesis of Natural Products (NuBBE) database) on the active sites of NSP15 (PDB:6VWW). After sequential high-throughput screening by LibDock and GOLD, docking optimization by CDOCKER, and final scoring by calculating binding energies, top-ranked compounds NuBBE-1970 and NuBBE-242 were further investigated via an indepth molecular-docking and molecular-dynamics simulation of 60 ns, which revealed that the binding of these two compounds with active site residues of NSP15 was sufficiently strong and stable. The findings strongly suggest that further optimization and clinical investigations of these potent compounds may lead to effective SARS-CoV-2 treatment.
Isoliquiritigenin Enhances the Beige Adipocyte Potential of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells by JNK Inhibition
Authors: Moon Hanbyeol , Choi Jung-Won , Song Byeong-Wook , Kim Il-Kwon , Lim Soyeon , Lee Seahyoung , Hwang Ki-Chul , Kim Sang Woo
Published: December 2020

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) can be isolated from fat tissue and have attracted interest for their potential therapeutic applications in metabolic disease. hASCs can be induced to undergo adipogenic differentiation in vitro by exposure to chemical agents or inductive growth factors. We investigated the effects and mechanism of differentiating hASC-derived white adipocytes into functional beige and brown adipocytes with isoliquiritigenin (ILG) treatment. Here, we showed that hASC-derived white adipocytes could promote brown adipogenesis by expressing both uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and PR/SET Domain 16 (PRDM16) following low-dose ILG treatments. ILG treatment of white adipocytes enhanced the expression of brown fat-specific markers, while the expression levels of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway proteins were downregulated. Furthermore, we showed that the inhibition of JNK phosphorylation contributed to white adipocyte differentiation into beige adipocytes, which was validated by the use of SP600125. We identified distinct regulatory effects of ILG dose responses and suggested that low-dose ILG induced the beige adipocyte potential of hASCs via JNK inhibition.
Salmon (Salmo salar) Cooking: Achieving Optimal Quality on Select Nutritional and Microbiological Safety Characteristics for Ready-to-Eat and Stored Products
Authors: Głuchowski Artur , Czarniecka-Skubina Ewa , Rutkowska Jarosława
Published: December 2020

This study was performed in order to assess technological characteristics, proximate composition, fatty acids profile, and microbiological safety of sous-vide processed salmon in comparison with steaming and roasting. The cooking loss was lower in the sous-vide method (6.3–9.1%) than in conventional methods (11.6–16.2%). The preparation of salmon using sous-vide was more time- and energy-consuming than steaming. The dry matter content of the salmon fillets was higher in conventionally processed samples than sous-vide due to the evaporation of water, and it was connected with total protein (r = 0.85) and lipid content (r = 0.73). Analysis of the fatty acids profile only revealed significant differences in six fatty acids. All of the heat treatment methods ensured microbiological safety with regard to coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. However, in sous-vide (57 °C, 20 min) and steamed samples after storage Enterobacteriaceae bacteria (<104) was detected. Summing up, high parameters of sous-vide salmon cooking, when considering both technological parameters, nutritional value, and microbiological status should be recommended.
Antifungal Activity of Polyoxometalate-Ionic Liquids on Historical Brick
Authors: Rajkowska Katarzyna , Koziróg Anna , Otlewska Anna , Piotrowska Małgorzata , Atrián-Blasco Elena , Franco-Castillo Isabel , Mitchell Scott G.
Published: December 2020

Moulds inhabiting mineral-based materials may cause their biodeterioration, contributing to inestimable losses, especially in the case of cultural heritage objects and architectures. Fungi in mouldy buildings may also pose a threat to human health and constitute the main etiological factor in building related illnesses. In this context, research into novel compounds with antifungal activity is of high importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of polyoxometalate-ionic liquids (POM-ILs) and their use in the eradication of moulds from historical brick. In the disc diffusion assay, all the tested POM-ILs inhibited growth of a mixed culture of moulds including Engyodontium album, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus. These were isolated from the surfaces of historical brick barracks at the Auschwitz II-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim, Poland. POM-IL coatings on historical brick samples, under model conditions, showed that two compounds demonstrated very high antifungal activity, completely limiting mould growth and development. The antifungal activity of the POM-ILs appeared to stem from their toxic effects on conidia, as evidenced by environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy observations. The results herein indicated that POM-ILs are promising disinfectant materials for use not only on historical objects, but probably also on other mineral-based materials.
Performance of Waterborne Polyurethanes in Inhibition of Gas Hydrate Formation and Corrosion: Influence of Hydrophobic Fragments
Authors: Pavelyev Roman S. , Zaripova Yulia F. , Yarkovoi Vladimir V. , Vinogradova Svetlana S. , Razhabov Sherzod , Khayarov Khasan R. , Nazarychev Sergei A. , Stoporev Andrey S. , Mendgaziev Rais I. , Semenov Anton P. , Valiullin Lenar R. , Varfolomeev Mikhail A. , Kelland Malcolm A.
Published: December 2020

The design of new dual-function inhibitors simultaneously preventing hydrate formation and corrosion is a relevant issue for the oil and gas industry. The structure-property relationship for a promising class of hybrid inhibitors based on waterborne polyurethanes (WPU) was studied in this work. Variation of diethanolamines differing in the size and branching of N-substituents (methyl, n-butyl, and tert-butyl), as well as the amount of these groups, allowed the structure of polymer molecules to be preset during their synthesis. To assess the hydrate and corrosion inhibition efficiency of developed reagents pressurized rocking cells, electrochemistry and weight-loss techniques were used. A distinct effect of these variables altering the hydrophobicity of obtained compounds on their target properties was revealed. Polymers with increased content of diethanolamine fragments with n- or tert-butyl as N-substituent (WPU-6 and WPU-7, respectively) worked as dual-function inhibitors, showing nearly the same efficiency as commercial ones at low concentration (0.25 wt%), with the branched one (tert-butyl; WPU-7) turning out to be more effective as a corrosion inhibitor. Commercial kinetic hydrate inhibitor Luvicap 55 W and corrosion inhibitor Armohib CI-28 were taken as reference samples. Preliminary study reveals that WPU-6 and WPU-7 polyurethanes as well as Luvicap 55 W are all poorly biodegradable compounds; BODt/CODcr (ratio of Biochemical oxygen demand and Chemical oxygen demand) value is 0.234 and 0.294 for WPU-6 and WPU-7, respectively, compared to 0.251 for commercial kinetic hydrate inhibitor Luvicap 55 W. Since the obtained polyurethanes have a bifunctional effect and operate at low enough concentrations, their employment is expected to reduce both operating costs and environmental impact.
Grignard Reagent Utilization Enables a Practical and Scalable Construction of 3-Substituted 5-Chloro-1,6-naphthyridin-4-one Derivatives
Authors: Wang Ming-Shu , Gong Yi , Yu Zhi-Cheng , Tian Yan-Guang , Zhuo Lin-Sheng , Huang Wei , She Neng-Fang
Published: December 2020

A robust, practical, and scalable approach for the construction of 3-substituted 5-chloro-1,6-naphthyridin-4-one derivatives 13 via the addition of Grignard reagents to 4-amino-2-chloronicotinonitrile (15) was developed. Starting with various Grignard reagents, a wide range of 3-substituted 5-chloro-1,6-naphthyridin-4-one derivatives 13 were conveniently synthesized in moderate-to-good yields through addition–acidolysis–cyclocondensation. In addition, the robustness and applicability of this synthetic route was proven on a 100 g scale, which would enable convenient sample preparation in the preclinical development of 1,6-naphthyridin-4-one-based MET-targeting antitumor drug candidates.
Recent Progress in Bioconjugation Strategies for Liposome-Mediated Drug Delivery
Authors: Almeida Bethany , Nag Okhil K. , Rogers Katherine E. , Delehanty James B.
Published: December 2020

In nanoparticle (NP)-mediated drug delivery, liposomes are the most widely used drug carrier, and the only NP system currently approved by the FDA for clinical use, owing to their advantageous physicochemical properties and excellent biocompatibility. Recent advances in liposome technology have been focused on bioconjugation strategies to improve drug loading, targeting, and overall efficacy. In this review, we highlight recent literature reports (covering the last five years) focused on bioconjugation strategies for the enhancement of liposome-mediated drug delivery. These advances encompass the improvement of drug loading/incorporation and the specific targeting of liposomes to the site of interest/drug action. We conclude with a section highlighting the role of bioconjugation strategies in liposome systems currently being evaluated for clinical use and a forward-looking discussion of the field of liposomal drug delivery.
Novel Non-Evaporable Getter Materials and Their Possible Use in Fusion Application for Tritium Recovery
Authors: Santucci Alessia , Farina Luca , Tosti Silvano , Frattolillo Antonio
Published: December 2020

Non-evaporable getters (NEGs) are metallic compounds of the IV group, particularly titanium and/or zirconium-based alloys and are usually used as pumps in vacuum technologies since they are able to sorb, by chemical reactions, most of the active gas molecules, with particular efficacy towards hydrogen isotopes. This work suggests an alternative application of these materials to fusion nuclear reactors, where there is the need to recover small amount of tritium from the large helium flow rate composing the primary coolant loop. Starting from the tritium mass balance inside the primary coolant loop, the amount of coolant to be routed inside the coolant purification system (CPS) is identified. Then a feasibility study, based on the bulk getter theory, is presented by considering three different commercial alloys, named ST707, ST101 and ZAO. The results provide the mass, the area and the regeneration parameters of the three different alloys necessary to fulfill the requirements of the CPS unit. By comparing the features of the three alloys, the ZAO material appears the most promising for the proposed application because it requires the lower amount of material and a lower number of regeneration cycles.
Immunoregulatory and Antimicrobial Activity of Bovine Neutrophil β-Defensin-5-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles against Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Liang Zhengmin , Liu Yiduo , Sun Xingya , Lin Jingjun , Yao Jiao , Song Yinjuan , Li Miaoxuan , Liu Tianlong , Zhou Xiangmei
Published: December 2020

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex imposing a high zoonotic threat to human health. The limited efficacy of BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) and upsurges of drug-resistant tuberculosis require new effective vaccination approaches and anti-TB drugs. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a preferential drug delivery system candidate. In this study, we formulated PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating the recombinant protein bovine neutrophil β-defensin-5 (B5), and investigated its role in immunomodulation and antimicrobial activity against M. bovis challenge. Using the classical water–oil–water solvent-evaporation method, B5-NPs were prepared, with encapsulation efficiency of 85.5% ± 2.5%. These spherical NPs were 206.6 ± 26.6 nm in diameter, with a negatively charged surface (ζ-potential −27.1 ± 1.5 mV). The encapsulated B5 protein from B5-NPs was released slowly under physiological conditions. B5 or B5-NPs efficiently enhanced the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 in J774A.1 macrophages. B5-NPs-immunized mice showed significant increases in the production of TNF-α and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in serum, and the proportion of CD4+ T cells in spleen compared with B5 alone. In immunoprotection studies, B5-NPs-immunized mice displayed significant reductions in pulmonary inflammatory area, bacterial burden in the lungs and spleen at 4-week after M. bovis challenge. In treatment studies, B5, but not B5-NPs, assisted rifampicin (RIF) with inhibition of bacterial replication in the lungs and spleen. Moreover, B5 alone also significantly reduced the bacterial load in the lungs and spleen. Altogether, our findings highlight the significance of the B5-PLGA NPs in terms of promoting the immune effect of BCG and the B5 in enhancing the therapeutic effect of RIF against M. bovis.
Quantification of Drugs in Distinctly Separated Ocular Substructures of Albino and Pigmented Rats
Authors: Rimpelä Anna-Kaisa , Garneau Michel , Baum-Kroker Katja S. , Schönberger Tanja , Runge Frank , Sauer Achim
Published: December 2020

The rat is a commonly used species in ocular drug research. Detailed methods of separating rat ocular tissues have not been described in literature. To understand the intraocular drug distribution, we developed a robust method for the separation of individual anterior and posterior substructures of pigmented Brown Norway (BN) and albino Wistar Han (WH) rat eyes, followed by quantification of drug concentration in these substructures. A short formalin incubation, which did not interfere with drug quantification, enabled the preservation of individual tissue sections while minimizing cross-tissue contamination, as demonstrated by histological analysis. Following oral administration, we applied the tissue separation method, in order to determine the ocular concentrations of dexamethasone and levofloxacin, as well as two in-house molecules BI 113823 and BI 1026706, compounds differing in their melanin binding. The inter-individual variability in tissue partitioning coefficients (Kp) was low, demonstrating the reproducibility of the separation method. Kp values of individual tissues varied up to 100-fold in WH and up to 46,000-fold in BN rats highlighting the importance of measuring concentration directly from the ocular tissue of interest. Additionally, clear differences were observed in the BN rat tissue partitioning compared to the WH rat. Overall, the developed method enables a reliable determination of small molecule drug concentrations in ocular tissues to support ocular drug research and development.
Formation of Water-Free Cavity in the Process of Nafion Swelling in a Cell of Limited Volume; Effect of Polymer Fibers Unwinding
Authors: Ninham Barry W. , Bolotskova Polina N. , Gudkov Sergey V. , Juraev Yulchi , Kiryanova Mariya S. , Kozlov Valeriy A. , Safronenkov Roman S. , Shkirin Alexey V. , Uspenskaya Elena V. , Bunkin Nikolai F.
Published: December 2020

When Nafion swells in water, colloidal particles are repelled from the polymer surface; this effect is called the formation exclusion zone (EZ), and the EZ size amounts to several hundred microns. However, still no one has investigated the EZ formation in a cell whose dimension is close to the EZ size. It was also shown that, upon swelling in water, Nafion fibers “unwind” into the water bulk. In the case of a cell of limited volume, unwound fibers abut against the cell windows, and water is completely pushed out from the region between the polymer and the cell window, resulting in a cavity appearance. The temporal dynamics of the collapse of this cavity was studied depending on the cell size. It is shown that the cavity formation occurs due to long-range forces between polymer strands. It turned out that this scenario depends on the isotopic composition of the water, ionic additives and water pretreatment. The role of nanobubbles in the formation and collapse of the cavity were analyzed. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that the EZ formation is precisely due to the unwinding of polymer fibers into the liquid bulk.
The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Religiosity in Poland
Authors: Boguszewski Rafał , Makowska Marta , Bożewicz Marta , Podkowińska Monika
Published: December 2020

Background: Poland is one of Europe’s most religious societies. Methods: The article presents the results of an online survey conducted in April 2020 during the period of the Polish government’s strictest restrictions to date in response to the pandemic. A quota sample of 1001 adult Poles was surveyed. Results: Around one-fifth (21.3%) of people declared that they spent more time praying and engaging in other religious practices than previously. As many as 61.3% of people who previously practiced religion several times a week spent more time on these practices, and, more interestingly, religious observance also increased among people who had previously practiced only once every few years (15.9%) and those who had not previously practiced at all (7.4%). People who previously practiced sporadically or not at all, but who began to pray more during the pandemic, are found to be distinguished from others by a greater fear of losing their job. Spending more time on religious observance is shown to be related to, e.g., disregard for some government restrictions, possession of less knowledge about COVID-19, and a greater tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. Conclusions: Overall, religious practices increased during the Polish spring lockdown. Although these increases are unlikely to be long-lasting, changes in religiosity caused by COVID-19 appear to be a real phenomenon. As the pandemic continues, more research on different aspects of this phenomenon is needed.
Investigating the Impacts of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Trace Gases Using Ground-Based MAX-DOAS Observations in Nanjing, China
Authors: Javed Zeeshan , Wang Yuhang , Xie Mingjie , Tanvir Aimon , Rehman Abdul , Ji Xiangguang , Xing Chengzhi , Shakoor Awais , Liu Cheng
Published: December 2020

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdowns all over the world have had various impacts on atmospheric quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the lockdown on the air quality of Nanjing, China. The off-axis measurements from state-of-the-art remote-sensing Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscope (MAX-DOAS) were used to observe the trace gases, i.e., Formaldehyde (HCHO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), along with the in-situ time series of NO2, SO2 and Ozone (O3). The total dataset covers the span of five months, from 1 December 2019, to 10 May 2020, which comprises of four phases, i.e., the pre lockdown phase (1 December 2019, to 23 January 2020), Phase-1 lockdown (24 January 2020, to 26 February 2020), Phase-2 lockdown (27 February 2020, to 31 March 2020), and post lockdown (1 April 2020, to 10 May 2020). The observed results clearly showed that the concentrations of selected pollutants were lower along with improved air quality during the lockdown periods (Phase-1 and Phase-2) with only the exception of O3, which showed an increasing trend during lockdown. The study concluded that limited anthropogenic activities during the spring festival and lockdown phases improved air quality with a significant reduction of selected trace gases, i.e., NO2 59%, HCHO 38%, and SO2 33%. We also compared our results with 2019 data for available gases. Our results imply that the air pollutants concentration reduction in 2019 during Phase-2 was insignificant, which was due to the business as usual conditions after the Spring Festival (Phase-1) in 2019. In contrast, a significant contamination reduction was observed during Phase-2 in 2020 with the enforcement of a Level-II response in lockdown conditions i.e., the easing of the lockdown situation in some sectors during a specific interval of time. The observed ratio of HCHO to NO2 showed that tropospheric ozone production involved Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) limited scenarios.
Characterization of 1,4-Dioxane Biodegradation by a Microbial Community
Authors: Lee Kang Hoon , Wie Young Min , Lee Yong-Soo
Published: December 2020

In this study, a microbial community of bacteria was investigated for 1,4-dioxane(1,4-D) biodegradation. The enriched culture was investigated for 1,4-dioxane mineralization, co-metabolism of 1,4-dioxane and extra carbon sources, and characterized 1,4-dioxane biodegradation kinetics. The mineralization test indicates that the enriched culture was able to degrade 1,4-dioxane as the sole carbon and energy source. Interestingly, the distribution of 1,4-dioxane into the final biodegrading products were 36.9% into biomass, 58.3% completely mineralized to CO2, and about 4% escaped as VOC. The enriched culture has a high affinity with 1,4-dioxane during biodegradation. The kinetic coefficients of the Monod equation were qmax = 0.0063 mg 1,4-D/mg VSS/h, Ks = 9.42 mg/L, YT = 0.43 mg VSS/mg 1,4-dioxane and the decay rate was kd = 0.023 mg/mg/h. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and ethylene glycol were both consumed together with 1,4-dioxane by the enriched culture; however, ethylene glycol did not show any influence on 1,4-dioxane biodegradation, while THF proved to be a competitive.
RESISTANCE OF SPRING BARLEY VARIETIES BRED BY THE OMSK AGRARIAN SCIENTIFIC CENTER TO STRESS UNDER CONDITIONS OF WESTERN SIBERIA
Authors:   Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center, Nikolaev P.N. , Yusova O.A. ,   Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center
Published: December 2020

Spring barley is a key grain-fodder and fodder crop, which forms an increased yield compared to other grain-fodder crops due to early maturity and drought resistance. Taking into account climatic factors and production demands, breeding for increased productivity and adaptability to local natural and climatic factors, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses is relevant today. The purpose of the research was to assess the fitness of spring barley varieties (Hordeum sativum L.) bred by the Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center for the conditions of climate transition from continental to sharply continental in Western Siberia. The object of the research: eleven varieties of spring barley, which belong to the multi-row hulled (standard ‘Omskiy 99’), two-row hulled (standard ‘Omskiy 95’), multi-row hulless or “naked” (standard ‘Omskiy golozerny 2’) and two-row hulless (standard ‘Omskiy golozerny 1’). The studies were carried out in the zone of the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia from 2011 to 2019. The coefficient of linear regression and the stability of the reaction of the yield of varieties were calculated. Under the conditions of the continental and sharply continental climate of Western Siberia, the average yield of spring barley for the period of research was 4.03 t/ha (Lim. = 2.23–5.63 t/ha). The intensive group includes varieties ‘Omskiy golozerny 4’, ‘Sibirskiy Avangard’ and ‘Sasha’ (regression coefficient more than 1). Increased stability of the yield was noted in the varieties ‘Omskiy golozerny 2’, ‘Omskiy golozerny 1’, ‘Sasha’, ‘Omskiy 90’, ‘Omskiy 96’, ‘Omskiy 100’ (stability variance less than 0.29). Varieties ‘Omskiy 96’ and ‘Omskiy 100’ are characterized by full compliance of the formed yield with those agrotechnical conditions in which they are grown at a fairly stable level of productivity formation. The highest average yield over the years of the study was formed by the varieties ‘Sasha’ (4.70 t/ha) with values of plasticity (regression coefficient is equal 1.1) and stability (stability variance is equal 0.18), ‘Omskiy 100’ (4.89 t/ha; 1.02; 0.11, respectively). We recommend them for cultivation in the region.
WAYS TO USE GREEN MASS OF WINTER TRITICALE AS FERTILIZER IN THE STEPPE CRIMEA
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Prikhodko A.V. , Karaeva N.V. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Zubochenko A.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: December 2020

The method of incorporating green leafy matter directly into the soil is called Green Manuring. Green Manuring helps improve soil quality in the following ways: increase organic content of soil, increase biological activity in the soil, improve agrochemical and agrophysical properties of the soil. The purpose of our research was to identify the influence of different ways of using green mass of winter triticale variety ‘Allegro’ on the soil fertility indicators before the sowing winter wheat under conditions of the steppe Crimea. Field experiments were carried out in 2015–2018. Soil – chernozem southern calcareous low humic. In the course of the research, we studied three ways of green manure management: disking at the phase of stem elongation, disking and ploughing at the phase of early heading, use of triticale biomass for forage (triticale stubble disking) – control variant. Specifically, the studies revealed that the most favorable conditions for obtaining seedlings of winter wheat were after the incorporation of plant biomass at the phase of stem elongation. In this case, plants consume moisture and nutrients more economically, organic matter mineralization occurs more actively. This method provided 2.01 mg/100 g of nitrate nitrogen in the root layer of the soil before sowing winter wheat exceeding the indicators by up to 40 % compared to other options of triticale biomass incorporation. Manuring Triticale aestivumforme at the phase of early heading increases the input of soil organic matter by 2.5–2.6 times compared to the stem elongation phase; by 3.9–4.0 times in case of use triticale biomass for forage. The full benefits of this technique will be seen in the subsequent years when the process of the organic matter mineralization will be completed. Option “use of triticale biomass for forage” ensured the least input of soil organic matter – 2.11 t/ha. Moreover, the content of nitrate nitrogen in the 0–30 cm soil layer decreased to 1.37, available forms of phosphorus – to 2.12 mg/100 g of soil. Besides, the production costs for incorporating 1 ton of organic matter into the soil increased by 5.3–5.6 times compared to green mass manuring.
INTEGRATION OF MODULAR PROCESSING LINES INTO COMPOSITION OF OPERATING SMALL-SCALE FORMULA-FEED PLANTS
Authors:   structural unit SKNIIMESH, SSE “Agricultural research center «Donskoy»”, Braginets S.V. , Bakhchevnikov O.N. ,   structural unit SKNIIMESH, SSE “Agricultural research center «Donskoy»”, Khlystunov V.F. ,   structural unit SKNIIMESH, SSE “Agricultural research center «Donskoy»”
Published: December 2020

In Russia, small-scale formula-feed plants do not use progressive manufacturing operations and hardware. There is, therefore, a need to offer the technical and organizational solutions creating an opportunity quickly and without the long-term interruption of production to integrate new processing lines into the composition of small-scale formula-feed plants. Prefabricated buildings based on a steel frame are optimum for placement of new processing lines. The new processing line is created as a modular structure, the components of which are modules with the dimensions of a standard cargo container, inside which the equipment is installed. The research is aimed at developing methods for modular processing lines integration into the composition of operating small-scale formula-feed plants. Formation of the modular line for a small-scale formula-feed plant is made on the basis of its process chart, while the structure of the line corresponds to the structure of the process chart. The modular processing line is created from modules fully completed by the manufacturer and ready for operation. Based on the work carried out, we concluded that the more efficient form of a modular processing line is a tower, the floors of which are modules. Modular processing lines of careful raw materials preparation and formula-feed processing can be integrated into the composition of operating small-scale formula-feed plant. The prefabricated building of an additional processing line is placed near the main production building of the existing formula-feed plant. The new modular line is connected by transport machines to bunkers for the operational storage of raw materials and ready-made products. The introduced method of modular processing lines integration into the composition of operating small-scale formula-feed plants will allow solving a problem of rapid implementation of new technical and technology solutions in the production of such enterprises.
RESPONSE OF THE NEW SELF-POLLINATED MAIZE LINES ON THE PARAGUAY TYPE OF CMS
Authors:   SSE “Agricultural research center «Donskoy»”, Krivosheev G.Ya.
Published: December 2020

It is extremely important to study cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in maize since it is impossible to conduct large-scale commercial seed production of hybridized maize without CMS. The purpose of the current study was to identify the response of the new self-pollinated maize lines in a sterile cytoplasm of the Paraguay type, to group the lines according to the composition of fertility restoring genes based on an optimal quantity of the analyzed crossings. The field trials were carried out in 2016–2019 in the State Scientific Establishment “Agricultural research center “Donskoy”” (SSE “ARC “Donskoy”). To obtain hybrid combinations, the method of full top-crosses, namely eight testers and ten lines, was used. The new early-ripening and mid-ripening self-pollinated maize lines (I6), developed in the ARC “Donskoy”, were grouped according to the composition of the alleles of fertility restoring genes of the Paraguay (“C”) type of CMS based on the flowering pattern of the test cross F1 hybrids. The first group included the line SP 207 (genotype rf4rf4 rf5rf5 rf6rf6); the second group included the line SP 209 (genotype rf4rf4 rf5rf5 Rf6Rf6); the third group included the line SP 194 (genotype rf4rf4 Rf5Rf5 rf6rf6); the fourth group included the line SP 198 (genotype Rf4Rf4 rf5rf5 rf6rf6); the fifth group included the lines SP 203 and SP 195 (genotype rf4rf4 Rf5Rf5 Rf6Rf6); the sixth group included the line SP 206 (genotype Rf4Rf4 rf5rf5 Rf6Rf6); the seventh group included the line SP 180 (genotype Rf4Rf4 Rf5Rf5 rf6rf6); the eighth group included the lines SP 210 and SP 197 (genotype Rf4Rf4 Rf5Rf5 Rf6Rf6). The lines SP 207, SP 210 and SP 197 were of the greatest practical value when converting maize hybrids to a sterile base: the line SP 207 was a complete sterility fixer; the lines SP 210 and SP 197 were constant natural fertility restorers. In order to optimize the quantity of the analyzed crossings for grouping the maize lines according to the composition of the alleles of fertility restoring genes of the Paraguay (“C”) type of CMS, it was necessary to use such sterile sources as KR 21C (group IV), WF9C (group V), LC (group VI), W401C (group VII). The minimum quantity of analyzers to determine the response of the lines on the Paraguay type of CMS should be at least two. However, it was necessary to use sterile sources of certain classes, such as KR 21C (group IV) and Gb834 C (group I).
Realistic Mathematics & Vygotsky’s Theories in Mathematics Education
Authors: Das Kaushik
Published: December 2020

Mathematics education is not mathematics, it makes a basic use of highly specialized kinds of mathematical knowledge. The modern world feels a crisis of proper mathematics education in any nation. Realistic Mathematics Education is a domain-specific instruction theory for mathematics. This paper introduces realistic mathematics education (RME) and Vygotskian impacts on mathematics education for learning mathematics. This article describes the development of teaching-learning mathematics & learning theories from a socio-cultural perspective. The methodology of the study is based on qualitative type.
Job Satisfaction Level on Online Teaching among Higher Secondary School Teachers during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Suganya S. , Sankareshwari B.
Published: December 2020

Education is the process, whereas an actual human mind will be evolved into a mature mind. Education is a tool to impart knowledge about known and unknown things. It will make a human brain to understand the know things deeper way and unknown things better way. As days are inherited, the ways of education are also transferring according to the need of an hour. The COVID-19 situation made all the educational institutions going in line with virtual classes and the online education system from the physical environment. The technological evolution is not new to the Indian education system, but getting exposed to often and getting adopted towards the pandemic situation could be vulnerable among education professionals. Before any changes occur, preparing for the situation needs transition space to get adopt and getting used to it. But the pandemic situation allowed the transition and breeding time to adapt towards the technological culture. This has a higher impact on online educators. This research highlights the impact intensity among education professionals who are teaching online affects their Psychological well-being and providing suggestions to cope with the technological culture and psychological well-being.
Alternativas de intervención en conductas de riesgo en estudiantes de bachillerato
Authors: Álvarez-Trujillo Estefanía , Cornelio-Landero Rosa , Macías-Murguía Gilberto
Published: December 2020

Risk behaviors are actions that involucrate danger to the person, mainly in an adolescence. For this reason, the objective of this article is to offer intervention alternatives about risk behavior in high school students to favor the integral formation. In this study, it elaborate a diagnostic that it view the situation of the educative institution about risk behavior of these students. It interviewed 10 people, including teachers and administrators, and it to survey 205 students belonging to the Industrial Technological and Services Baccalaureate Center in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico in November 2019, using the action research method. Some results of this research indicates that there are various risk behaviors in the institution, but there are no intervention strategies that allow them to be attended it.
Freud e Fliess
Authors: Drawin Carlos Roberto , Moreira Jacqueline de Oliveira , Câmara Thiago Clemente Colbert
Published: December 2020

O texto que se segue apresenta uma pesquisa histórica e teórica acerca de alguns aspectos do período de criação da Psicanálise por Sigmund Freud. Abordou-se especificamente a intrigante relação entre Freud e Fliess, a partir da seguinte pergunta: qual foi o papel dessa relação para a criação da Psicanálise? Certamente, o lugar de Fliess é o de amigo, interlocutor e, alguns diriam, um analista “avant la lettre”. Neste texto discute-se a possibilidade de se considerar Fliess o supervisor imaginário de Freud. Para respaldar esta hipótese, analisa-se, principalmente, a correspondência completa de Freud para Fliess, além de passagens específicas de algumas biografias de Freud e textos de estudiosos que abordaram o tema.
Moisture in buildings objects. Humidity testing problems
Authors: Trochonowicz Maciej
Published: December 2020

Humidity is one of the fundamental physical features of materials; the detection of water is one of the most frequently executed examinations. The following article presents problems connected with measurements of material humidity.
Kazimierz quarry – protection of cultural landscape
Authors: Michalska Grażyna , Niedźwiedź Jan
Published: December 2020

The article concerns for question of protection of Kazimierz quarry, winning limestone. It is located near Kazimierz Dolny at Vistula River. It characterize history of Kazimierz quarry reaching XIV century as well as the description of landscape and geological values. Particular attention concerns necessity and ways of protection of quarry as classic example cultural landscape.
中老年妇女常见妇科疾病的预防保健措施应用价值分析
Authors: 岳 晓红
Published: December 2020

目的：分析预防保健措施在中老年妇女常见妇科疾病治疗过程中的应用价值。方法：实验随机选取 2019 年 1 月 1 日至 2019 年 12 月 31 日于北京市朝阳区亚运村社区卫生服务中心接受诊治并符合相关纳入标准的中老年妇科病患者 70 例作为受试对象，随机将其分为常规组与保健组，常规组患者（35 例）实施常规的治疗方法，保健组患者（35 例）实施常规治疗方式的基础上增加了预防保健措施，在治疗结束以后针对两组患者包括治疗有效率、焦虑、抑郁评分、生活质量等在内的多项观察指标进行对比。结果：保健组患者的各项对比指标均优于常规组。结论：针对中老年妇女临床常见妇科疾病实施积极有效的预防保健措施可有效提升综合治疗疗效。