bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers Potency to Monitor Non-target Fauna Poisoning by Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Authors: Rached Antoine , Moriceau Meg-Anne , Serfaty Xavier , Lefebvre Sebastien , Lattard Virginie
Published: December 2020

The widespread use of pesticides to control agricultural pests is a hot topic on the public scene of environmental health. Selective pest control for minimum environmental impact is a major goal of the environmental toxicology field, notably to avoid unintended poisoning in different organisms. Anticoagulant rodenticides cause abnormal blood coagulation process; they have been widely used to control rodents, allowing inadvertent primary and secondary exposure in domestic animals and non-target predatory wildlife species through direct ingestion of rodenticide-containing bait or by consumption of poisoned prey. To report toxic effect, the most common approach is the measurement of liver or plasma residues of anticoagulant rodenticides in dead or intoxicated animals showing clinical symptoms. However, one major challenge is that literature currently lacks a hepatic or plasma concentration threshold value for the differentiation of exposure from toxicity. Regarding the variation in pharmacology properties of anticoagulant rodenticides inter- and intra-species, the dose-response relationship must be defined for each species to prejudge the relative risk of poisoning. Beyond that, biomarkers are a key solution widely used for ecological risk assessment of contaminants. Since anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) have toxic effects at the biochemical level, biomarkers can serve as indicators of toxic exposure. In this sense, toxicological knowledge of anticoagulant rodenticides within organisms is an important tool for defining sensitive, specific, and suitable biomarkers. In this review, we provide an overview of the toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic parameters of anticoagulant rodenticides in different animal species. We examine different types of biomarkers used to characterize and differentiate the exposure and toxic effects of anticoagulant rodenticide, showing the strengths and weaknesses of the assays. Finally, we describe possible new biomarkers and highlight their capabilities.
Can This Dog Be Rehomed to You? A Qualitative Analysis and Assessment of the Scientific Quality of the Potential Adopter Screening Policies and Procedures of Rehoming Organisations
Authors: Griffin Karen E. , John Elizabeth , Pike Tom , Mills Daniel S.
Published: December 2020

Unwanted dogs are an international problem, and rehoming organisations are tasked with finding many of them appropriate homes. Whilst the processes involved in assessing dogs' suitability for rehoming have received considerable academic attention, the policies and procedures organisations employ for screening potential adopters, which are equally as important to dogs' outcomes, appear to be largely overlooked. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a qualitative analysis of rehoming organisations' adopter screening processes in order to gain insight into what is being done, the extent to which this appears to have any scientific rationale, and what other factors might be driving the process. A written enquiry was sent to organisations in the UK; topics addressed included whether they use a standardised screening process, whether they interview potential adopters and what information is gathered during the interview, and how they score responses. Information was received from 82 respondents. Pre-adoption home visits were the most commonly used method. Self-administered questionnaires were the most standardised method. Using a thematic analysis, ten themes emerged from the types of information gathered during the screening process; 31 characteristics could lead an adopter being deemed unsuitable to adopt a dog. Evidence to potentially support these was found for only eight of them in the academic literature relating to risk factors for relinquishment and human safety risk. The inclusion of some of the characteristics considered important was thought to be for the purpose of ensuring a good quality of life for a dog, but there is a lack of relevant research investigating this. Organisations seem to invest considerable resources into screening potential adopters, but there is limited scientific, and sometimes logical, rationale for this. A further concern relates to the quality of the assessment processes, which show little evidence of quality control measures. Until the necessary research is conducted, it could be argued, from a pragmatic perspective, that organisations should relax their strict screening criteria, and focus their resources on ensuring owners are fully prepared for the changes in their life associated with the inclusion of a new dog in their home and supporting them as necessary.
Perceived Discrimination of Highly Educated Latvian Women Abroad
Authors: Šūpule Inese
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to answer the question of what factors lead to an increase in perceived discrimination in the workplace among highly educated Latvian women abroad. Although highly educated migrant women are privileged with regard to education, nonetheless, they face discrimination, lower wages, inferior working conditions, de-skilling and brain waste while working abroad. Based on the discussion on the relationship between sociocultural integration and discriminatory practices or perceived discrimination, and two competing theoretical propositions regarding the effects of integration on perceptions and experiences of discrimination, the article tests if attachment to the host country is related to perceived discrimination at work. The data source used for the analysis is a subsample of a quantitative survey of Latvian emigrants. The subsample (n = 2332) includes Latvian women with a tertiary education who are first-generation emigrants from Latvia and who were working at the time of the survey. Results from binary logistic regression analyses reveal that a low attachment to the host country, financial difficulties coping with daily expenses, problems with recognition of an education certificate and lack of a written contract with the employer increase the likelihood of highly educated Latvian women abroad to claim unfair treatment in the workplace.
Parametric Modeling of a Long-Range Aircraft under Consideration of Engine-Wing Integration
Authors: Schulze Matthias , Neumann Jens , Klimmek Thomas
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of the engine position and mass as well as the pylon stiffness on the aeroelastic stability of a long-range wide-body transport aircraft. As reference configuration, DLR’s (German Aerospace Center/Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt) generic aircraft configuration DLR-D250 is taken. The structural, mass, loads, and optimization models for the reference and a modified configuration with different engine and pylon parameters are set up using DLR’s automatized aeroelastic design process cpacs-MONA. At first, the cpacs-MONA process with its capabilities for parametric modeling of the complete aircraft and in particular the set-up of a generic elastic pylon model is unfolded. Then, the influence of the modified engine-wing parameters on the flight loads of the main wing is examined. The resulting loads are afterward used to structurally optimize the two configurations component wise. Finally, the results of post-cpacs-MONA flutter analyses performed for the two optimized aircraft configurations with the different engine and pylon characteristics are discussed. It is shown that the higher mass and the changed position of the engine slightly increased the flutter speed. Although the lowest flutter speeds for both configurations occur at a flutter phenomenon of the horizontal tail-plane outside of the aeroelastic stability envelope.
Design and Optimization of Ram Air–Based Thermal Management Systems for Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Authors: Kellermann Hagen , Lüdemann Michael , Pohl Markus , Hornung Mirko
Published: December 2020

Ram air–based thermal management systems (TMS) are investigated herein for the cooling of future hybrid-electric aircraft. The developed TMS model consists of all components required to estimate the impacts of mass, drag, and fuel burn on the aircraft, including heat exchangers, coldplates, ducts, pumps, and fans. To gain a better understanding of the TMS, one- and multi-dimensional system sensitivity analyses were conducted. The observations were used to aid with the numerical optimization of a ram air–based TMS towards the minimum fuel burn of a 180-passenger short-range partial-turboelectric aircraft with a power split of up to 30% electric power. The TMS was designed for the conditions at the top of the climb. For an aircraft with the maximum power split, the additional fuel burn caused by the TMS is 0.19%. Conditions occurring at a hot-day takeoff represent the most challenging off-design conditions for TMS. Steady-state cooling of all electric components with the designed TMS is possible during a hot-day takeoff if a small puller fan is utilized. Omitting the puller fan and instead oversizing the TMS is an alternative, but the fuel burn increase on aircraft level grows to 0.29%.
Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Dirofilaria immitis in Stray Dogs, from 2016 to 2019, in Southern Italy
Authors: Petruccelli Angela , Ferrara Gianmarco , Iovane Giuseppe , Schettini Rita , Ciarcia Roberto , Caputo Vincenzo , Pompameo Marina , Pagnini Ugo , Montagnaro Serena
Published: December 2020

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) are an important and emerging health concern for humans and animals worldwide. The purpose of the presented study was to assess, from 2016 to 2019, the seroprevalence of CVBD agents and clarify the epidemiology of tick-borne disease in stray dogs living in the Campania Region, Southern Italy. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from January 2016 to December 2019 from 1023 dogs in authorized kennels located in the five municipalities of the Campania Region. SNAP® 4DX® from IDEXX® Laboratories was used for detection of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), and Dirofilaria immitis antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of CVBD in stray dogs was 19.6% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 17.2–22.8%; 201/1023). The most common pathogen was Ehrlichia spp., with a percentage of positivity of 16.03%, followed by Anaplasma spp. with 7.8%. B. burgdorferi s.l. and D. immitis were detected in only 0.2% of dogs; co-infection was detected in 4.5% of stray dogs tested. No link was detected between the gender, age, location, and CVBD seropositivity, except for Ehrlichia spp. for which location (Avellino Province; p = 0.007) and gender (male, p = 0.002) were risk factors for seropositivity. Our results demonstrated that animals are exposed to at least one of the four etiological agents (Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., and Dirofilaria immitis) transmitted by vectors. Finally, this study highlighted the utility of serological monitoring in stray dogs, housed in kennels, given the threat posed by CVBD to animals and the zoonotic implications of these etiological agents and their vectors on human health.
Effects of Music Pitch and Tempo on the Behaviour of Kennelled Dogs
Authors: Amaya Veronica , Descovich Kris , Paterson Mandy B. A. , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: December 2020

Confinement can be stressful for some dogs and this can lead to behavioural issues and poor welfare. A key component of the stress response is behavioural arousal, characterised by increased alertness and sensory sensitivity. This makes behavioural observations a useful tool to assess stress, as they provide insight into an animal’s internal state. Auditory enrichment has been shown to reduce arousal-related behaviour in dogs, but it is not clear if specific characteristics of a music track, such as tempo and/or pitch, produce these effects. The aim of this study was to compare behavioural responses of dogs to music tracks played with different characteristics (high pitch, low pitch, fast tempo, and slow tempo), as well as white noise and a control. Pitch and tempo modifications were applied to ten piano music songs and the six treatments (four different treatment-song combinations, white noise, and control) were presented daily, for ten minutes each, to ten dogs over ten days. Behavioural changes seemed to be driven by low-pitch tracks, which increased the level of alertness of the dogs. These findings could be related to the Morton’s motivations-structural rules: harsh, low frequency vocalisations signal aggressive motivations in mammals. Dogs may have perceived low-pitch tracks as more unsettling and were therefore more active and alert when listening to them.
Total Phenol Content and Antioxidant Activity of Different Celta Pig Carcass Locations as Affected by the Finishing Diet (Chestnuts or Commercial Feed)
Authors: Echegaray Noemí , Munekata Paulo E. S. , Centeno Juan A. , Domínguez Rubén , Pateiro Mirian , Carballo Javier , Lorenzo José M.
Published: December 2020

The objective of this research was to evaluate the total phenol content, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) and commercial feed employed in the finishing diet of the Celta pig breed and analyze the effect of the feeding (chestnuts vs. commercial feed) in the finishing diet on total phenol content and antioxidant activity of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum, Psoas major, and Biceps femoris muscles and liver of the Celta pig breed. The antioxidant activity of the feed and animal tissue was investigated using three antioxidant methods (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2-2′-Azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonate] (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay). The determination of the total phenol content and total flavonoids showed that chestnut had a significantly lower concentration than commercial feed in these compounds (130.00 vs. 312.89 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh weight and 8.58 vs. 32.18 mg catechin equivalents/100 g fresh weight, respectively). However, the results displayed that chestnuts had a higher antioxidant activity when compared with the commercial feed through the DPPH and ABTS methods (1152.42 vs. 957.33 µg Trolox equivalents/g fresh weight, and 9379.74 vs. 7613.44 µg Trolox equivalents/g fresh weight, for DPPH and ABTS assay, respectively), while the antioxidant activity measured by the FRAP assay turned out to show higher values for commercial feed (1777.49 and 1946.09 µmol Fe2+/100 fresh weight for chestnut and commercial feed, respectively), although significant differences were only found in the ABTS assay. On the other hand, the present study found that chestnut significantly reduces the total phenol content and declines the antioxidant activity of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum, Psoas major, and Biceps femoris muscles and liver of the Celta pig breed. Finally, it has been found that liver is the location that has the best antioxidant characteristics compared to any muscle, regardless of diet utilized.
Application of a Novel Hybrid Wavelet-ANFIS/Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Model to Predict Groundwater Fluctuations
Authors: Jafari Mohammad Mahdi , Ojaghlou Hassan , Zare Mohammad , Schumann Guy Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2020

In order to optimize the management of groundwater resources, accurate estimates of groundwater level (GWL) fluctuations are required. In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence methods based on data mining theory has increasingly attracted attention. The goal of this research is to evaluate and compare the performance of adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and Wavelet-ANFIS models based on FCM for simulation/prediction of monthly GWL in the Maragheh plain in northwestern Iran. A 22-year dataset (1996–2018) including hydrological parameters such as monthly precipitation (P) and GWL from 25 observation wells was used as models input data. To improve the prediction accuracy of hybrid Wavelet-ANFIS model, different mother wavelets and different numbers of clusters and decomposition levels were investigated. The new hybrid model with Sym4-mother wavelet, two clusters and a decomposition level equal to 3 showed the best performance. The maximum values of R2 in the training and testing phases were 0.997 and 0.994, respectively, and the best RMSE values were 0.05 and 0.08 m, respectively. By comparing the results of the ANFIS and hybrid Wavelet-ANFIS models, it can be deduced that a hybrid model is an acceptable method in modeling of GWL because it employs both the wavelet transform and FCM clustering technique.
Biomechanical Properties of Blood Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Revealed by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Bairamukov Viktor , Bukatin Anton , Landa Sergey , Burdakov Vladimir , Shtam Tatiana , Chelnokova Irina , Fedorova Natalia , Filatov Michael , Starodubtseva Maria
Published: December 2020

While extracellular vesicles (EVs) are extensively studied by various practical applications in biomedicine, there is still little information on their biomechanical properties due to their nanoscale size. We identified isolated blood plasma vesicles that carried on biomarkers associated with exosomes and exomeres and applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study them at single particle level in air and in liquid. Air measurements of exosomes revealed a mechanically indented internal cavity in which highly adhesive sites were located. In contrast, the highly adhesive sites of exomeres were located at the periphery and the observed diameter of the particles was ~35 nm. In liquid, the reversible deformation of the internal cavity of exosomes was observed and a slightly deformed lipid bi-layer was identified. In contrast, exomeres were not deformed and their observed diameter was ~16 nm. The difference in diameters might be associated with a higher sorption of water film in air. The parameters we revealed correlated with the well-known structure and function for exosomes and were observed for exomeres for the first time. Our data provide a new insight into the biomechanical properties of nanoparticles and positioned AFM as an exclusive source of in situ information about their biophysical characteristics.
Beta-Arrestins and Receptor Signaling in the Vascular Endothelium
Authors: Lee Claudia , Viswanathan Gayathri , Choi Issac , Jassal Chanpreet , Kohlmann Taylor , Rajagopal Sudarshan
Published: December 2020

The vascular endothelium is the innermost layer of blood vessels and is a key regulator of vascular tone. Endothelial function is controlled by receptor signaling through G protein-coupled receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases and receptor serine-threonine kinases. The β-arrestins, multifunctional adapter proteins, have the potential to regulate all of these receptor families, although it is unclear as to whether they serve to integrate signaling across all of these different axes. Notably, the β-arrestins have been shown to regulate signaling by a number of receptors important in endothelial function, such as chemokine receptors and receptors for vasoactive substances such as angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and prostaglandins. β-arrestin-mediated signaling pathways have been shown to play central roles in pathways that control vasodilation, cell proliferation, migration, and immune function. At this time, the physiological impact of this signaling has not been studied in detail, but a deeper understanding of it could lead to the development of novel therapies for the treatment of vascular disease.
Cognitive Performance of Patients with Adult 5q-Spinal Muscular Atrophy and with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Osmanovic Alma , Wieselmann Gary , Mix Lucas , Siegler Hannah , Kumpe Mareike , Ranxha Gresa , Wurster Claudia , Steinke Alexander , Ludolph Albert , Kopp Bruno , Lulé Dorothée , Petri Susanne , Schreiber-Katz Olivia
Published: December 2020

Motor neuron diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), share several clinical similarities while differing substantially in etiology, disease onset and progression. Cognitive dysfunction, a clinically relevant non-motor feature in a substantial proportion of ALS patients, has been less frequently investigated in SMA. In this prospective multicenter cross-sectional study, cognitive function was assessed by the Edinburgh Cognitive (and Behavioural) ALS Screen (ECAS) and a German vocabulary test (Wortschatztest, WST) in 34 adult patients with SMA types 2–4 and in 34 patients with ALS. Demographic and clinical parameters were assessed to identify factors that potentially influence cognitive function. While SMA and ALS patients were comparable in the vocabulary test, on average, SMA patients performed better than ALS patients in the cognitive domains of memory, language and executive function. Better cognitive abilities in SMA patients seemed to be related to the early onset, rather than the extent or the duration, of their physical handicap. Future studies should focus on disease-specific cognitive functions in SMA.
The Role of Probiotics in Cancer Prevention
Authors: Śliżewska Katarzyna , Markowiak-Kopeć Paulina , Śliżewska Weronika
Published: December 2020

The gut microbiome can play important role in maintaining homeostasis in the human body. An imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to pro-inflammatory immune responses and the initiation of disease processes, including cancer. The research results prove some strains of probiotics by modulating intestinal microbiota and immune response can be used for cancer prevention or/and as adjuvant treatment during anticancer chemotherapy. This review presents the latest advances in research into the effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention and treatment support of cancer. The described issues concern to the anticancer activity of probiotic microorganisms and their metabolites. In addition, we described the potential mechanisms of probiotic chemoprevention and the advisability of using probiotics.
Current Understanding of Myelomatous Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Extended through Advances in Experimental Methods
Authors: Ichii Michiko , Hosen Naoki
Published: December 2020

Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. For the proliferation and survival of myeloma cells, as well as the occurrence of the complications, numerous intra- and extra-cellular mechanisms are involved. The interaction of myeloma cells with the microenvironment is known to be one of the most critical mechanisms. A specific microenvironment could affect the progression and growth of tumor cells, as well as drug resistance. Among various microenvironment components, such as hematological and non-hematological cells, and soluble factors (cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins), in this review, we focus on the role of mesenchymal cells. We aimed to summarize the experimental strategies used for conducting studies and current understanding of the biological roles in the pathogenesis of myeloma. Furthermore, we discuss the possible clinical applications targeting mesenchymal cells.
Coordination Polymers Constructed from Semi-Rigid N,N′-Bis(3-pyridyl)terephthalamide and Dicarboxylic Acids: Effect of Ligand Isomerism, Flexibility, and Identity
Authors: Chen Chia-Jou , Chen Chia-Ling , Liu Yu-Hsiang , Lee Wei-Te , Hu Ji-Hong , Chhetri Pradhumna Mahat , Chen Jhy-Der
Published: December 2020

Reactions of the semi-rigid N,N′-bis(3-pyridyl)terephthalamide (L) with divalent metal salts in the presence of dicarboxylic acids afforded [Cd(L)0.5(1,2-BDC)(H2O)]n (1,2-H2BDC = benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid), 1, {[Cd(L)1.5(1,3-BDC)(H2O)]·5H2O}n (1,3-H2BDC = benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), 2a, {[Cd(1,3-BDC)(H2O)3]·2H2O}n, 2b, {[Cd(L)0.5(1,4-BDC)(H2O)2]·H2O}n (1,4-H2BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid), 3, and [Cu(L)0.5(5-tert-IPA)]n (5-tert-IPA = 5-tert-butylbenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), 4, which have been structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 3 are two-dimensional (2D) layers with the bey and the hcb topologies, and 2a and 2b are one-dimensional (1D) ladder and zigzag chain, respectively, while 4 shows a 3-fold interpenetrated three-dimensional (3D) net with the cds topology. The structures of these coordination polymers containing the semi-rigid L ligands are subject to the donor atom positions and the identity of the dicarboxylate ligands, which are in marked contrast to those obtained from the flexible bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligands that form self-catenated nets. The luminescence of 1 and 3 and thermal properties of complexes 1, 3, and 4 are also discussed.
A Review on the Applications of Acoustic Emission Technique in the Study of Stress Corrosion Cracking
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , Proverbio Edoardo
Published: December 2020

The complex nature of the damage evolution in stress corrosion cracking (SCC) leads to explore for new investigation technologies in order to better identify the mechanisms that supervise the initiation and evolution of the damage as well to provide an improvement of knowledge on this critical localized corrosion form during time. Research activities concerning the use of acoustic emission (AE) technique to assess SCC has acquiring considerably relevance in recent decades. The non-invasiveness and the possibility to provide a continuous in situ monitoring of structures and components make this non-destructive technique clearly promising in the field of structural health monitoring. In this concern, this paper aims to be a focused overview on the evaluation of SCC phenomena by AE technique. The main topic of this review is centered on the approaches that can be used in elaborating AE data to better discriminate the mechanisms that contribute to damage propagation in SCC conditions. Based on available literature, investigation approaches assessing AE waveform parameters were classified, evidencing, furthermore, the identified mechanisms that synergistically take place during the material degradation. Eventually, a brief summary and a future trend evaluation was also reported.
Spatio-Temporal Change Monitoring of Outside Manure Piles Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Images
Authors: Park Geonung , Park Kyunghun , Song Bonggeun
Published: December 2020

Water quality deterioration due to outdoor loading of livestock manure requires efficient management of outside manure piles (OMPs). This study was designed to investigate OMPs using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for efficient management of non-point source pollution in agricultural areas. A UAV was used to acquire image data, and the distribution and cover installation status of OMPs were identified through ortho-images; the volumes of OMP were calculated using digital surface model (DSM). UAV- and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)-derived DSMs were compared for identifying the accuracy of calculated volumes. The average volume accuracy was 92.45%. From April to October, excluding July, the monthly average volumes of OMPs in the study site ranged from 64.89 m3 to 149.69 m3. Among the 28 OMPs investigated, 18 were located near streams or agricultural waterways. Establishing priority management areas among the OMP sites distributed in a basin is possible using spatial analysis, and it is expected that the application of UAV technology will contribute to the efficient management of OMPs and other non-point source pollutants.
Assessment of Trace Metals in Sediments from Khnifiss Lagoon (Tarfaya, Morocco)
Authors: Tnoumi Ali , Angelone Massimo , Armiento Giovanna , Caprioli Raffaela , Crovato Cinzia , De Cassan Maurizio , Montereali Maria Rita , Nardi Elisa , Parrella Luisa , Proposito Marco , Spaziani Fabio , Zourarah Bendahhou
Published: December 2020

Surface sediments from Khnifiss lagoon (Morocco) were analyzed to evaluate the contamination degree of the area. Concentrations of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined on samples taken during the summer and the autumn of 2016. On the whole, higher concentrations were found in the summer season. The results revealed the following average concentrations (mg/kg), reported in descending order: Zn (51.7 ± 31.3) > V (38.8 ± 24.7) > Cr (26.6 ± 17.8) > Ni (16.5 ± 5.47) > As (8.50 ± 2.00) > Cu (6.60 ± 3.81) > Pb (6.13 ± 3.46) > Co (3.57 ± 2.09) > Cd (0.16 ± 0.11) > Hg (0.006 ± 0.001). Organic matter showed a positive significant correlation with some trace metals (mainly V, Cr, Co, Zn, Cd, Pb). Three pollution indices were calculated: Enrichment Factor (EF), Index of Geo−accumulation (Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI). Minimal enrichments (for Zn, As, and Cd) were detected at some sampling points. Overall indices showed that the Khnifiss sediments can be classified as not contaminated, and that the trace metals amounts found are ascribable to the geogenic origin. The results of this work can be used as a starting point for further evaluations of trace metals distribution in Moroccan lagoons.
ReCODE to Re-Code: An Instructional Model to Accelerate Students’ Critical Thinking Skills
Authors: Saenab Sitti , Zubaidah Siti , Mahanal Susriyati , Lestari Sri Rahayu
Published: December 2020

The instructional models that have been implemented in the classroom could not support the development of students’ critical thinking skills. These instructional models can be well implemented if those models can facilitate students with meaningful learning experiences such as reading, connecting prior knowledge to new information being learned in the classroom as well as doing investigation-based activities, discussion activities, and evaluation activities. The authors conducted the research to develop a ReCODE (Reading, Connecting, Observing, Discussing, Evaluating) instructional model and valid, practical, and effective tools. The procedures for developing the model included the preliminary research phase, prototyping phase, and assessment phase. Data on the validity of the model were collected using expert validation instruments, while the practicality of the model was measured using the instruments for the model’s component practicality and the model’s implementation. The effectiveness of the model was examined using the critical thinking test and questionnaires. The model was implemented to first-year students from the Department of Biology Education, Universitas Negeri Makassar, in the even semester of 2018/2019. The results showed that ReCODE was (1) valid, in terms of the theory underlying the development of the model, the components of the model, and the instructional tools accompanying the model, (2) practical because it had feasible components, and the learning process could be carried out successfully, and (3) effective in improving student critical thinking skills; the model also received positive responses from the lecturer and the students. Thus, this study’s findings suggest that the ReCODE instructional model can be applied in the classroom to facilitate critical thinking.
Decentralized Control Strategy for an AC Co-Phase Traction Microgrid
Authors: Ma Lan , Du Yuhua , Zhu Leilei , Yang Fan , Xiang Shibiao , Shu Zeliang
Published: December 2020

High speed and heavy loads have become more prevalent in the traction power supply system recently. To ensure system operating stability, better power quality, and sufficient power capacity, improvements are needed over the conventional traction system. Inspired by the concept of a microgrid (MG), an AC co-phase traction MG system was proposed. Substations were connected to the traction grid as distributed generators operate in islanded mode. Droop control was adopted as the primary control to stabilize the system’s operating frequency and voltage. Considering the operating features of the substation and locomotive load, a de-centralized secondary control strategy was proposed for AC co-phase traction MG system operation with enhanced resiliency. The proposed control strategy could increase system stability and prevent circulation currents between substations. Moreover, the proposed de-centralized coordination between substations does not rely on communication, which promotes the system’s “plug-and-play” functionality. Stability analysis was undertaken and the proposed controller was proved to be exponentially stable. The dynamic response of the proposed controller was validated using comprehensive case studies in MATLAB/Simulink.
Cyber-Security of Smart Microgrids: A Survey
Authors: Nejabatkhah Farzam , Li Yun Wei , Liang Hao , Reza Ahrabi Rouzbeh
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the cyber-security of smart microgrids is thoroughly discussed. In smart grids, the cyber system and physical process are tightly coupled. Due to the cyber system’s vulnerabilities, any cyber incidents can have economic and physical impacts on their operations. In power electronics-intensive smart microgrids, cyber-attacks can have much more harmful and devastating effects on their operation and stability due to low inertia, especially in islanded operation. In this paper, the cyber–physical systems in smart microgrids are briefly studied. Then, the cyber-attacks on data availability, integrity, and confidentiality are discussed. Since a false data injection (FDI) attack that compromises the data integrity in the cyber/communication network is one of the most challenging threats for smart microgrids, it is investigated in detail in this paper. Such FDI attacks can target state estimation, voltage and frequency control, and smart microgrids’ protection systems. The economic and physical/technical impacts of the FDI attacks on smart microgrids are also reviewed in this paper. The defensive strategies against FDI attacks are classified into protection strategies, in which selected meter measurements are protected, and detection/mitigation strategies, based on either static or dynamic detection. In this paper, implementation examples of FDI attacks’ construction and detection/mitigation in smart microgrids are provided. Samples of recent cyber-security projects in the world, and critical cyber-security standards of smart grids, are presented. Finally, future trends of cyber-security in smart microgrids are discussed.
Cooling System Energy Consumption Reduction through a Novel All-Electric Powertrain Traction Module and Control Optimization
Authors: Lombardi Simone , Villani Manfredi , Chiappini Daniele , Tribioli Laura
Published: December 2020

In this work, the problem of reducing the energy consumption of the cooling circuit for the propulsion system of an all-electric vehicle is approached with two different concepts: improvement of the powertrain efficiency and optimization of the control strategy. Improvement of the powertrain efficiency is obtained through a modular design, which consists of replacing the electric powertrain with several smaller traction modules whose powers sum up to the total power of the original powertrain. In this paper, it is shown how modularity, among other benefits, also allows reducing the energy consumption of the cooling system up to 54%. The energy consumption of the cooling system is associated with two components: the pump and the fan. They produce a so-called auxiliary load on the battery, reducing the maximum range of the vehicle. In conventional cooling systems, the pump and the fan are controlled with a thermostat, without taking into account the energy consumption. Conversely, in this work a control strategy to reduce the auxiliary loads is developed and compared with the conventional approach, showing that the energy consumption of the cooling system can be reduced up to 27%. To test the control strategy, numerical simulations have been carried out with a 1-D model of the cooling system. On the other hand, all the thermal loads of the components have been calculated with a vehicle simulator, which is able to predict the vehicle’s behavior under different driving cycles.
The Applicability of Coanda Effect Hysteresis for Designing Unsteady Ventilation Systems
Authors: Skotnicka-Siepsiak Aldona
Published: December 2020

Energy-saving ventilation systems are designed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Low energy efficiency in buildings poses a considerable problem that needs to be addressed. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery has gained increased popularity in recent years. Mechanical ventilation has numerous advantages, including easy adjustment and control, high indoor air quality and elimination of indoor pollutants. Mixing ventilation is the most popular type of mechanical ventilation, in particular in residential buildings. Unsteady ventilation is a type of mixing ventilation that involves stronger mixing effects and smaller vertical temperature gradients to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and minimize energy consumption. This study examines the possibility of controlling and modifying Coanda effect hysteresis (CEH) to generate unsteady flow and simulate the conditions of unsteady mixing ventilation. The experiment was performed on a self-designed test bench at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. It demonstrated that an auxiliary nozzle can be applied at the diffuser outlet to control CEH and the angles at which the air jet becomes attached to and separated from the flat plate positioned directly behind the nozzle. The study proposes an innovative mixing ventilation system that relies on CEH. The potential of the discussed concept has not been recognized or deployed in practice to date. This is the first study to confirm that an auxiliary nozzle by the diffuser outlet can be operated in both injection and suction mode to control CEH. In the future, the results can be used to design a new type of nozzles for unsteady ventilation systems that are based on CEH control.
Microchip Electrophoresis
Authors: Hassan Sammer-ul
Published: December 2020

Microchip electrophoresis (MCE) is a miniaturized form of capillary electrophoresis. Electrophoresis is a common technique to separate macromolecules such as nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and proteins. This technique has become a routine method for DNA size fragmenting and separating protein mixtures in most laboratories around the world. The application of higher voltages in MCE achieves faster and efficient electrophoretic separations.
Model-Based Estimation of Amazonian Forests Recovery Time after Drought and Fire Events
Authors: De Faria Bruno L. , Marano Gina , Piponiot Camille , Silva Carlos A. , Dantas Vinícius de L. , Rattis Ludmila , Rech Andre R. , Collalti Alessio
Published: December 2020

In recent decades, droughts, deforestation and wildfires have become recurring phenomena that have heavily affected both human activities and natural ecosystems in Amazonia. The time needed for an ecosystem to recover from carbon losses is a crucial metric to evaluate disturbance impacts on forests. However, little is known about the impacts of these disturbances, alone and synergistically, on forest recovery time and the resulting spatiotemporal patterns at the regional scale. In this study, we combined the 3-PG forest growth model, remote sensing and field derived equations, to map the Amazonia-wide (3 km of spatial resolution) impact and recovery time of aboveground biomass (AGB) after drought, fire and a combination of logging and fire. Our results indicate that AGB decreases by 4%, 19% and 46% in forests affected by drought, fire and logging + fire, respectively, with an average AGB recovery time of 27 years for drought, 44 years for burned and 63 years for logged + burned areas and with maximum values reaching 184 years in areas of high fire intensity. Our findings provide two major insights in the spatial and temporal patterns of drought and wildfire in the Amazon: (1) the recovery time of the forests takes longer in the southeastern part of the basin, and, (2) as droughts and wildfires become more frequent—since the intervals between the disturbances are getting shorter than the rate of forest regeneration—the long lasting damage they cause potentially results in a permanent and increasing carbon losses from these fragile ecosystems.
Optimization of Xanthan and Locust Bean Gum in a Gluten-Free Infant Biscuit Based on Rice-Chickpea Flour Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Benkadri Soulef , Salvador Ana , Sanz Teresa , Nasreddine Zidoune Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Incorporation of xanthan gum and locust bean gum in rice flour supplemented by chickpea flour was used to obtain a good quality of nutritionally enriched biscuit for celiac children. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the levels of xanthan and locust bean gum added to the composite gluten-free flour. Analysis was based on the rheological (hardness and viscoelastic) characteristics of the dough and specific volume, water activity, and hardness of the biscuit. The results revealed that the regression and variance analysis coefficients related to the rheological and physical properties of dough and biscuit under the influence of independent variables were sufficient for an adequate and well-fitted response surface model. Linear terms of variables significantly affect most of the dough and biscuit parameters, where the xanthan gum effect was found to be more pronounced than locust bean gum. Interaction terms showed a significant positive effect on the specific volume of the biscuits and a negative effect on the water activity. However, the interactive effect of gums did not significantly affect the rheological parameters of the dough. Optimized conditions were developed to maximize the specific volume of biscuit and minimize water activity and biscuit hardness, while keeping hardness and viscoelastic properties of the dough in range. Predicted responses were found satisfactory for both rheological and physical characteristics of dough and biscuit.
Assessing Consumer Preferences for Suboptimal Food: Application of a Choice Experiment in Citrus Fruit Retail
Authors: Huang Wen-Shin , Kuo Hung-Yu , Tung Shi-Yuan , Chen Han-Shen
Published: December 2020

Amid the trend of sustainable development, reducing food waste is a global concern and campaigns to reduce food waste have been launched. For example, the term “food sharing” has originated from Germany and promotes sharing food instead of wasting. “The Guerilla Kitchen”, which originated from Netherlands, is an organization that also promotes avoiding wasting food. Consequently, more and more people are paying attention on this issue and we think it is necessary to understand people’s acceptance of suboptimal food, as discarded suboptimal food represents a significant proportion of food waste. Additionally, at least one-third of the food globally produced each year is classified as suboptimal and cannot be sold in the market because of a poor appearance, damaged packaging, or near expiration date, thus presenting challenges for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Previous studies on suboptimal food have focused more on appearances and packaging dates and less on investigating traceable agricultural and price discounts, which is where food classified as suboptimal entails a discount. Moreover, citrus product attributes such as appearance, size, freshness indicators, traceable agricultural products, and price discounts were determined in terms of consumer preference through pre-measurement here, then using a choice experiment method to clarify which attributes consumers care about most (N = 485 respondents). Conditional logistic regression and a random parameter logit model (RPL) are employed to examine the various properties of a marginal willingness to pay (WTP). RPL was also used to deduce the respondents’ choices based on differences in appearance and freshness indicator. The results showed that consumers place greater emphasis on the freshness indicators (harvesting/packaging date labels) and appearance of suboptimal citrus fruits but do not focus on the size. Consumers are willing to purchase citrus fruit with a flawed appearance, although the price needs to be reduced from the original price. Although suboptimal food does not reduce health, people may still not buy it and this result in food wastage. As a result, it is essential to increase awareness regarding suboptimal foods and reduce food waste to support sustainable development.
Inclusion Complex of Resveratrol with γ-Cyclodextrin as a Functional Ingredient for Lemon Juices
Authors: Silva Andreia F. R. , Monteiro Mariana , Resende Daniela , Braga Susana S. , Coimbra Manuel A. , Silva Artur M. S. , Cardoso Susana M.
Published: December 2020

Microencapsulated resveratrol (RSV) is a pertinent ingredient in functional foods to be used in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. Gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) was evaluated for its RSV inclusion ability. Inclusion procedures comprised mixing equal concentration of an aqueous solution of γ-CD with an ethanol solution of RSV and freeze-drying to obtain a solid material. Solid-state characterization by vibrational spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) confirmed the formation of the γ-CD·RSV complex in a ratio of 1:1. PXRD suggested that cyclodextrin molecules in the complex are stacked in infinite channels holding the RSV inside, with a wide inter-channel space where 14 water molecules are retained. Fresh lemon juices supplemented with 0.625 mg/mL of RSV in its free (RSV-juice) or complexed (γ-CD·RSV-juice) form were stored along 28 days under dark and room temperature or at 4 °C. Initially, the RSV level in γ-CD·RSV-juice was about nine times higher than in RSV-juice (43.1% and 4.8%, respectively), suggesting that the RSV complexation promoted its solubility in the lemon juice, a fact that was still noticed after 28 days of storage. Moreover, regardless the fact that the antioxidant capacity was similar among the juices, the loss of antiradical ABTS•+ capacity in γ-CD·RSV-juice was reduced compared to that of the RSV-juice. Overall, this study allowed concluding that γ-CD can serve as a carrier of RSV, promoting its solubility and eventually protecting its antioxidant stability in lemon juices for at least 28 days.
Foods, the Best Way to Take Antioxidant Natural Products
Authors: Araújo Maria Eduarda Machado , Martins Alice
Published: December 2020

Antioxidants are powerful compounds that help the body to destroy the excess of endogenous radical species responsible for many severe conditions like neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and cardiovascular impairments, and even some forms of cancer [...]
Role of Her-2 in Gastrointestinal Tumours beyond Gastric Cancer: A Tool for Precision Medicine
Authors: Lengyel Csongor G. , Habeeb Baker , Khan Shah Z. , El Bairi Khalid , Altuna Sara C. , Hussain Sadaqat , Mazher Syed Ayub , Trapani Dario , Petrillo Angelica
Published: December 2020

Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors account for a quarter of all the cancer burden and a third of the global cancer-related mortality. Among them, some cancers retain a dismal prognosis; therefore, newer and innovative therapies are urgently needed in priority disease areas of high-unmet medical need. In this context, HER2 could be a relevant prognostic and predictive biomarker acting as a target for specific drugs. However, if the role of HER2 has been object of investigation for several years in gastric cancer, it is not well established in other GI malignancies. The aim of this narrative review was to portray the current landscape of the potential role of HER2 as a predictive biomarker for GI tumors beyond gastric cancer. In colon cancer, the benefit from anti-HER2 therapies is less clear than in gastric neoplasms for the lack of controlled studies. Pancreatic, biliary tract adenocarcinomas and hepatocarcinoma may derive a less clear clinical benefit by using anti-HER2 agents in HER2 positive tumors. Overall, the results are promising and seem to suggest that the integration of multiple modalities of therapies can optimize the cancer care. However, further prospective trials are needed to validate the use of personalized targeted therapies in this field.