ALBERT

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hrvoje Budinčević, Petra Črnac Žuna, Christian Saleh, Nicholas Lange, Bartlomiej Piechowski-Jozwiak, Ivan Bielen, Vida Demarin〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Introduction〈/h6〉 〈p〉The aim of the study was to determine the outcome, prescribed therapy, and localization of non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage in patients with atrial fibrillation.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Patients and methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉This retrospective study enrolled patients with atrial fibrillation hospitalised for non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage from 2004 to 2013. We compared the patients according to previous antithrombotic therapy, demographics, previous CHADS2 score, comorbidities, the international normalised ration, localisation of intracerebral hamorrhage, stroke severity, prescribed antithrombotic therapy and outcome.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉A total of 85 patients were enrolled and assigned to an AT+ group (n = 49; 14 on aspirin, 35 on warfarin) and an AT- group (n = 36; without antithrombotic therapy prior to hospitalisation). The latter had a lower proportion of known atrial fibrillation (90% vs 47%, 〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.001). The mean INR was 2.6 ± 1.5. The in-hospital mortality rates in both groups were high: 43% in AT+ group and 47% in AT- group. There were no significant differences in any of the predefined comparisons.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉Treating patients with intracerebral haemorrhage and atrial fibrillation is challenging due to higher mortality rates and issues regarding the use of antithrombotic treatment in stroke prevention. Based on our data, prior antithrombotic therapy was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality rates or poorer functional outcome at hospital discharge in comparison with no prior antithrombotic therapy.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jean De Dieu Niyonteze, Fumin Zou, Godwin Norense Osarumwense Asemota, Samuel Bimenyimana, Gilbert Shyirambere〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Until recently, the Rwanda power sector increased rapidly to double the 2010 installed capacity. The energy consumption in Rwanda experienced a steady rise correspondingly with the population and modern socio-economic life. Consequently, Rwanda household access to electricity increased to 53% by September 2019. Not only does 47% of Rwanda's population lack electricity access, there are persistent power failures and the grid is also unstable. Using renewable energy hybrid technologies in off-grid areas might be a solution to this problem. However, the high cost of renewable energy hybrid systems has led to its slow adoption in many developing countries. Hence, it is important to find the most appropriate hybrid combinations that reduce energy cost and access electricity generation that maximizes the available renewable energy resources. This paper examines some new technology development needs related to the power sector in Rwanda. Secondly, four different 100% renewable energy hybrid systems were designed and simulated to support rural and remote areas considering an average load demand of 158.1 kWh/day with a peak load of 18 kW. The hybrid systems simulation and optimization were obtained using HOMER (hybrid optimization model for electric renewables) software. The input data were obtained from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for solar and wind resources, and hydro resources were from real-time field data for selected study site. The simulation results indicate hydro/solar/battery hybrid is the most cost-effective and environmentally viable alternative for off-grid rural electrification because of low net present cost (NPC) and least greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed hybrid combination could apply to other rural areas in the region and elsewhere in the world especially where climate conditions are similar.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Francesca Martelli, Eduardo Palermo, Zaccaria Del Prete, Stefano Rossi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this paper we performed the evaluation of ankle motor performance and motor learning during a goal-directed task, executed using the pediAnklebot robot. The protocol consisted of 3 phases (Familiarization, Adaptation, and Wash Out) repeated one time for each movement direction (plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion). During Familiarization and Wash out subjects performed goal-directed movements in unperturbed environment, whereas during Adaptation phase, a curl viscous force field was applied and it was randomly removed 10 times out of 200. Ankle motor performance was evaluated by means of a set of indices grouped into: accuracy, smoothness, temporal, and stopping indices. Learning Index was calculated to study the motor learning during the adaptation phase, which was subdivided into 5 temporal intervals (target sets). The outcomes related to the ankle motor performance highlighted that the best performance in terms of accuracy and smoothness of the trajectories was obtained in dorsiflexion movements in the sagittal plane, and in inversion rotations in the frontal plane. Differences between movement directions revealed an anisotropic behavior of the ankle joint. Results of the Learning index showed a capability of the subjects to rapidly adapt to a perturbed force field depending on the magnitude of the perceived field.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Olayinka Mohammed Olabanji, Khumbulani Mpofu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this article, a novel hybridized Multi-Attribute Decision Model (MADM) is developed to identify an optimal design of a Reconfigurable Assembly Fixture (RAF) from a set of alternative design concepts. The model combines the comparative advantage of Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the computational strength of the Fuzzy Weighted Average (FWA) based on left and right scores in order to obtain aggregates for the design alternatives considering the relative importance of the design criteria as needed in the optimal design. The model was applied to evaluate four design concepts of a RAF with six design features having numerous sub-features. Results obtained from the evaluation process shows that there are differences in final values of the design alternatives. However, a close variation exists between these values. These differences can be accrued to the interrelationships between the design features and sub-features obtained from the Fuzzy Synthetic Extent (FSE) of the FAHP and an unambiguity judgment of the FWA when aggregating availability of the design features and sub-features in the design alternatives.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Vahid Moslemi, Vahid Erfanian, Mansour Ashoor〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The system matrix (SM) being a main part of statistical image reconstruction algorithms establishes relationship between the object and projection space. The aim was to determine it in a short duration time, towards obtaining the best quality of contrast images. In this study, a new analytical method based on Cavalieri's principle as subdividing common regions has been proposed in which the precision of the amounts of estimated areas was improved by increasing the number of divisions (NOD), and consequently the total SM's time was increased. An important issue is the tradeoff between the NODs and computational time. For this purpose, a Monte Carlo simulated Jaszczak phantom study was performed by the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code version 5 (MCNP5) in which the tomographic images of resolution and contrast phantoms were reconstructed by maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) algorithm, and the influence of NODs variations was investigated. The results show that the lowest and best quality have been obtained at the NODs of 0 and 8, respectively and in the optimum case, the SM's total time at NOD of 8 was 925 s, which was much lower than those of the conventional Monte Carlo simulations and experimental test.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pratiksha Singh, Pankaj Baisthakur, Omprakash S. Yemul〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Plastic films for food wrapping, packing are widely used due to their special properties. These fossil fuel derived films are associated with long degradation time, toxicity and environmental pollution. Pineapple waste, sea weed can be very good renewable, alternative carbon sources to produce edible films. These edible films can be consumed by lower animals thereby overcoming the disposal problems of accumulating waste plastic and hence reducing pollution. In the present study, crosslinked polymers are prepared from pectin (P)/sodium alginate (SA) through crosslinking with bio-based acids such as citric acid (CA) and tartaric acid (TA). Pectin was extracted from waste pineapple shell and sodium alginate extracted from seaweed. The crosslinked films were characterized by using various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mice feed study (testing of edibility), plant growth substrate and vermicomposting of these films was studied. Finally a suitable application of these newly prepared polymeric films has been evaluated as wrapping material on food products such as chocolate and Indian vegetable puff to enhance the shelf life of food.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Fabian A. Ikwu, Gideon A. Shallangwa, Paul A. Mamza, Adamu Uzairu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship studies were carried out on arylpiperazine derivatives to investigate their anti-proliferate activity against prostate PC-3 cancer cell lines. The built model with statistical parameters; R〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = 0.8483, R〈sup〉2〈/sup〉〈sub〉adj〈/sub〉 = 0.8078, Q〈sup〉2〈/sup〉〈sub〉cv〈/sub〉 = 0.7122 and external validation (R〈sup〉2〈/sup〉〈sub〉test〈/sub〉) 0.6682 revealed that the anti-proliferate activities were strongly dependent on the descriptors: MATS7c, MATS3e, maxwHBa and WPSA-3. The Variance Inflation Factor of the descriptors were all greater than one but less than two and all descriptors were poorly correlated (r 〈 0.4). A graph of the experimental activities and predicted activities showed a high correlation and a William's plot showed the presence of only one outlier compound. These results are similar to those reported for stable and robust models with high predicting power. Molecular docking studies of compounds 5 (1-phenyl-4-(4-(2-(p-tolyloxy)ethyl)benzyl)piperazine) and 17 (4-(4-((4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenethoxy)benzonitrile) with the androgen receptor gave binding affinities of −7.5 and −7.1 kcal/mol respectively. Compound 5 formed a more stable complex having hydrogen, electrostatic and hydrophobic bond interactions while compound 17 had hydrogen and hydrophobic bond interactions only. This study provides a roadmap to the design of more potent anti-prostate cancer compounds.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Daniele Borin, Brisa Peña, Suet Nee Chen, Carlin S. Long, Matthew R.G. Taylor, Luisa Mestroni, Orfeo Sbaizero〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Given the clinical effect of laminopathies, understanding lamin mechanical properties will benefit the treatment of heart failure. Here we report a mechano-dynamic study of 〈em〉LMNA〈/em〉 mutations in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) using single cell spectroscopy with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and measured changes in beating force, frequency and contractile amplitude of selected mutant-expressing cells within cell clusters. Furthermore, since beat-to-beat variations can provide clues on the origin of arrhythmias, we analyzed the beating rate variability using a time-domain method which provides a Poincaré plot. Data were further correlated to cell phenotypes. Immunofluorescence and calcium imaging analysis showed that mutant lamin changed NRVMs beating force and frequency. Additionally, we noted an altered microtubule network organization with shorter filament length, and defective hemichannel membrane localization (Connexin 43). These data highlight the interconnection between nucleoskeleton, cytoskeleton and sarcolemmal structures, and the transcellular consequences of mutant lamin protein in the pathogenesis of the cardiac 〈em〉laminopathies〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jeffrey S. Lee, Gerald B. Cleaver〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this paper, it is shown that the quantum electrodynamic vacuum particle production rate by a vaporization laser is negligible and is not a significant energy sink at electric field strengths beyond the Schwinger Limit.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shriniwas P. Patil〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Introduction〈/h6〉 〈p〉〈em〉Alectra parasitica〈/em〉 (Scrophulariaceae/Orobanchaceae) is a rarely occurring parasitic plant grows on roots of 〈em〉Vitex negundo〈/em〉 L. (Verbenaceae). As per Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, it can be used in treatment of various diseases. So far, this plant has not been explored phyto-chemically in detail. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is mostly occurring type of lung cancer, which so far can be treated by chemotherapy approach including cisplatin.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Aim〈/h6〉 〈p〉Present research work was aimed towards preparation of methanolic fraction of 〈em〉A. parasitica〈/em〉 rhizomes; its phytochemical analysis by 1H-NMR and HR-LC/MS; evaluation of its anti-cancer property against NSCLC-A549 cell line.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉For preparation of methanolic fraction (MF), 〈em〉A. parasitica〈/em〉 rhizome powder was defatted; extracted with combination of water and alcohol (1:1); added with lead acetate and then sulphuric acid; fractionation of ethyl acetate fraction with methanol. After phytochemical analysis of MF by preliminary chemical testing, TLC, 〈sup〉1〈/sup〉H-NMR and HR-LC/MS techniques, MF was screened for its anti - cancer property against NSCLC-A549 cell line by MTT assay.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉Detail phytochemical analysis reflected successful preparation of tannin-less MF of 〈em〉A. parasitica〈/em〉 rhizomes. Different types of analytical techniques first time proved the proved the presence of various types of phytochemicals in this plant. On MTT assay, it was found that MF has anti-cancer property against NSCLC-A549 cell line with IC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 value, 306.51 μg/ml.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉MF contains different phytochemicals like iridoids, flavonoids, steroid glycosides and also strigalactones; which cumulatively exert anti-cancer effect on A549. Appearance of all these compounds is significant in chemotaxonomic surveillance of this rare plant and specially, strigalactones can be proved important in establishing their parasitism with host plant.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shruti Mishra, Achyut Pandey, Siddharth Manvati〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Viral infections are responsible for many illnesses, and recent outbreaks have raised public health concerns. Despite the availability of many antiviral drugs, they are often unsuccessful due to the generation of viral mutants and less effective against their target virus. Identifying novel antiviral drugs is therefore of critical importance and natural products are an excellent source for such discoveries. Coumarin is one such natural compound that is a potential drug candidate owing to its properties of stability, solubility, and low toxicity. There are numerous evidences showing its inhibitory role against infection of various viruses such as HIV, Influenza, Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16). The mechanisms involve either inhibition of proteins essential for viral entry, replication and infection or regulation of cellular pathways such as Akt-Mtor (mammalian target of rapamycin), NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), and anti-oxidative pathway including NrF-2 (The nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-related factor 2). This review summarizes the present state of understanding with a focus on coumarin's antiviral effect and their possible molecular mechanisms against Influenza virus, HIV, Hepatitis virus, Dengue virus and Chikungunya virus.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Younes Dehmani, Abdelaziz Ed-Dra, Omar Zennouhi, Aziz Bouymajane, Fouzia Rhazi Filali, Laila Nassiri, Sadik Abouarnadasse〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Oil mill wastewater (OMW) is the main liquid discharge from oil mills, it is considered as a dangerous pollutant due to its toxic chemical compounds which are unloaded directly in the environment without any treatment. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of OMW adsorption on clay as a good method for the elimination of toxic chemical compounds and to study the application of treated OMW as an irrigation source in agricultural field. For this, Clay was collected from the city of Agourai (Meknes region, Morocco) and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, BET and FTIR analysis. Moreover, the treated OMW was analyzed using UHPLC-ESI-MS and the determination of total phenolic content (TPC) was also performed. However, the application of the treated OMW in agricultural field was performed by the determination of its effect on the germination of 〈em〉Lepidium sativum〈/em〉 seeds (in vitro) and as a source of irrigation of 〈em〉Vicia faba〈/em〉 plants (in situ). The results of this study showed that OMW had the following physicochemical characteristics: average pH of 4.88, TPC of 4.75 g/l, COD of 80 g/l, BOD5 of 18.72 g/l, conductivity of 16.05 cm-1, dry matter of 135.7 g/l and volatile matter of 58.7 g/l. The adsorption on clay had increased the pH from 4.88 to 6.14 and reduced significantly the organic matter (42% of COD and 57.4% of phenolic compounds). UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of a wide variety of organic compounds in OMW, with the appearance of new compounds after adsorption. Moreover, the use of treated OMW as a source of irrigation showed a significant effect on the germination of 〈em〉Lepidium sativum〈/em〉 seeds and the growth of 〈em〉Vicia faba〈/em〉 plants. From this study, we can conclude that the adsorption on clay is a good method for the treatment of OMW, which became non-toxic for environment and can be used as a source of irrigation in agricultural field.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ahmed Shebl, A.I. Imam, M.M. Hazem〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Chaff (the outermost protective layer of rice grain) in nano and ground sized particles was bio-assessed to explore its insecticidal effects against the greater wax moth, 〈em〉Galleria mellonella〈/em〉 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). These particles induced remarkable disturbances in the biological patterns of the greater wax moth. These were cleared as they exhibited insecticidal impact on both juvenile and adult stages, their impacts on larval, pupal and adult death, the formation of morphogenetic features (permanent larvae and larval-pupal intermediates), their negative influence on the adult emergence and the potentialities of the applied concentrations to hinder the larval weight gain. The recorded LC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 values proved more larvicidal potency of the nano-sized particle than that of the ground rice chaff one. The transverse sections in the midgut of the 20 days old larvae (both treated and untreated ones) confirmed the histopathological deformations of the examined particles. The high siliceous content of the chaff particle may be responsible for such recorded disturbances.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Nurulhusna Ab Hamid, Siti Nurfadhlina Mohd Noor, John Susubi, Nur Rasyidah Isa, Rohaiyu Md Rodzay, Ainaa Mardia Bachtiar Effendi, Afiq Ahnaf Hafisool, Fatin Atirah Azman, Siti Farah Abdullah, Muhammad Khairi Kamarul Zaman, Nazni Wasi Ahmad, Han Lim Lee〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In recent decades, dengue incidence has trended upward worldwide causing urgent needs for new or modified vector control methods. We modified the existing indoor residual spraying (IRS) method by applying insecticide on the outer walls of building structures in an outdoor residual spraying (ORS) study. A semi-field study was conducted to investigate the bio-efficacy of two different deltamethrin formulations: K-Othrine® Polyzone, new polymer-enhanced deltamethrin formulated as a suspension concentrate (SC-PE), and K-Othrine® WG 250, traditional deltamethrin formulated as water dispersible granule (WG). The residual bio-efficacy of deltamethrin SC-PE was compared to deltamethrin WG on finished cement surfaces applied to the outer walls at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Malaysia. Standard WHO cone wall bioassays were adapted to evaluate the effective duration of action of these deltamethrin formulations against susceptible laboratory-reared and wild, free-flying 〈em〉Aedes aegypti〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Ae〈/em〉. 〈em〉albopictus〈/em〉. Analyses of bioassay results showed that deltamethrin SC-PE 30 mg/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 has improved longevity in comparison to deltamethrin WG 30 mg/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉. Deltamethrin SC-PE 30 mg/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 was effective until week 17 (producing 〉 80% mortality), surpassing deltamethrin WG 30 mg/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 which only lasted until week 10. This was supported by post-hoc test analyses which demonstrated that deltamethrin SC-PE 30 mg/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 produced the highest mean of mortality in laboratory-reared 〈em〉Aedes〈/em〉 species and the wild 〈em〉Ae. albopictus〈/em〉. However, the effective duration of action of deltamethrin SC-PE (17 weeks) was less than the recommended period by WHO (6 months) but was reasonable given that the spraying was undertaken outdoor. This preliminary data could be of use for the deployment of locally adapted ORS operation in controlling dengue.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Diala Shatleh-Rantisi, Asmaa Tamimi, Yaqoub Ashhab〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Single Tube Nested PCR (ST-nPCR) is of value to clinical laboratories with limited settings for the detection of fastidious microorganisms. The detection sensitivity of ST-nPCR is dependent on ensuring minimal leftovers of outer primers during the second round of the reaction. In this work, we investigated various approaches to optimize the performance of outer primers, including decreasing outer primer concentrations; using antisense oligonucleotides to block outer primers; using chemically modified inner primers; and using Q5 Taq polymerase that lacks 5′-3′ exonuclease and strand displacement capabilities. These solutions were tested on 〈em〉C. abortus〈/em〉 and 〈em〉C. psittaci〈/em〉, which are both fastidious intracellular bacteria that are difficult to diagnose.〈/p〉 〈p〉The best obtained result was by using Q5 Taq polymerase. A detection limit with a range between 0.1 and 1 ag was achieved, which corresponds to a range between 0.2 and 2 copies of the plasmid positive control. This level of sensitivity is comparable or even better than the sensitivity achieved by TaqMan probe based real-time PCR assays. The assay was validated using 70 veterinary clinical samples from small ruminant abortions and 10% of these samples gave positive results.〈/p〉 〈p〉In conclusion, sensitivity of ST-nPCR to detect fastidious microorganisms can be improved by using Taq polymerases that lacks 5′-3′ exonuclease. The proposed assay is affordable and applicable to a wide range of fastidious pathogens and can be suitable for laboratories with limited settings.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hiroki Hihara, Hiroyasu Kanetaka, Akitake Kanno, Eriya Shimada, Satoko Koeda, Ryuta Kawashima, Nobukazu Nakasato, Keiichi Sasaki〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉To evaluate the localization of responses to stimulation of the periodontal mechanoreceptors in the primary somatosensory cortex, somatosensory evoked fields (SEFs) were measured for stimulation of the left mandibular canine and first molar using magnetoencephalography in 25 healthy subjects. Tactile stimulation used a handmade stimulus device which recorded the trigger at the moment of touching the teeth.SEFs for the canine and first molar were detected in 20 and 19 subjects, respectively. Both responses were detected in the bilateral hemispheres. The latency for the canine was 62.1 ± 12.9 ms in the ipsilateral hemisphere and 65.9 ± 14.8 ms in the contralateral hemisphere. The latency for the first molar was 47.4 ± 6.6 ms in the ipsilateral hemisphere and 47.8 ± 9.1 ms in the contralateral hemisphere. The latency for the first molar was significantly shorter than that for the canine. The equivalent current dipoles were estimated in the central sulcus and localized anteroinferiorly compared to the locations for the SEFs for the median nerve. No significant differences in three-dimensional coordinates were found between the canine and first molar. These findings demonstrate the precise location of the teeth within the orofacial representation area in the primary somatosensory cortex.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): M. Mobarak, M.A. Zied, Massaud Mostafa, M. Ashari〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (EDXRF) are employed to investigate the microstructure of bulk 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si1.svg"〉〈mi〉C〈/mi〉〈mi〉u〈/mi〉〈mi〉I〈/mi〉〈mi〉n〈/mi〉〈mi〉S〈/mi〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉e〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/math〉 specimens grown through the Bridgman technique and traveling heater process, respectively. We investigate the lattice parameters, grain sizes, and microstrains of the two grown samples. For a crystal grown by the vertical Bridgeman method, the vacancy 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si2.svg"〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉V〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉C〈/mi〉〈mi〉u〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/math〉 serves as an acceptor, resulting in p-type conduction, whereas the vacancy 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si3.svg"〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉V〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉S〈/mi〉〈mi〉e〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/math〉 expected to serve as a donor, occurring in n-type conduction for the crystal grown via the traveling heater technique. The concentration of crystal grown via the VBM is determined to be p-type, whereas the concentration of that grown via the THM is n-type. Concerning 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si1.svg"〉〈mi〉C〈/mi〉〈mi〉u〈/mi〉〈mi〉I〈/mi〉〈mi〉n〈/mi〉〈mi〉S〈/mi〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉e〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/math〉 crystal, the determined crystallite sizes obtained to be 165 and 182 nm for the VBM and THM, respectively.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Miriam E. Arena, Guillermo Martínez Pastur, María Vanessa Lencinas, Rosina Soler, Gimena Bustamante〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉Berberis microphylla〈/em〉 G. Forst. commonly named calafate, is a Patagonian shrub that grows in humid areas of the steppe, coastal thickets, edges and gaps of 〈em〉Nothofagus〈/em〉 forests or along streams and rivers, with small purple berries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in leaf nutrient (carbon, nitrogen, carbon:nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and pigment contents (chlorophyll 〈em〉a〈/em〉 and 〈em〉b〈/em〉, chlorophyll 〈em〉a〈/em〉:〈em〉b〈/em〉 ratio and carotenoids) of 〈em〉B. microphylla〈/em〉 plants growing under different irradiances (low = 24%, medium = 57%, and high = 100% of the natural irradiance) and fertilization levels (0 = 0.00 g, 1 = 3.36 g, and 2 = 6.72 g per plant) during two growing seasons (2008–2009, 2009–2010). Also, we explored the relationships of these variables with anthocyanin, as well as with total phenol fruit contents. The fertilization has been highlighted, particularly in the content of foliar nutrients, where nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents were highest with fertilization level 2 (2.0%, 0.1%, and 0.6%, respectively), while carbon:nitrogen ratio (37.5) was maximum on fertilization level 0. Irradiance has greatly affected the content of foliar pigments. Thus, chlorophyll 〈em〉a〈/em〉, 〈em〉b〈/em〉, and carotenoids were highest under low irradiance (0.4, 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉, respectively), while chlorophyll 〈em〉a〈/em〉:〈em〉b〈/em〉 ratio was maximum under medium and high irradiance conditions (3.1). In addition, the quantity of fruit secondary metabolite (anthocyanin and phenol) could be estimated using carbon and potassium leaf contents and chlorophyll 〈em〉a〈/em〉 and 〈em〉b〈/em〉 contents. On the other hand, the annual climatic variability between 2008-2009 and 2009–2010 mainly affected the variables on nutrient and pigment contents, likely evidencing the influence of two distinct climate periods, El Niño/La Niña phenomena, respectively. The changes observed in the leaf nutrient and pigment contents of 〈em〉B. microphylla〈/em〉 could be related to the acclimation capacity of 〈em〉B. microphylla〈/em〉 shrubs to changes in environmental conditions via arrangements in leaf composition.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Samah M. El-Sayed〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Spinach fine powder is a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidant, and minerals, making it a suitable ingredient to be used in the formulation of foods with high nutritional or biological values. In the current study, spinach nano-powder (0.50, 1.00, 1.50, and 2%) was used in the manufacturing of ultra-filtered soft chesses (UF-soft chesses). The quality of the cheeses was assessed by measuring their chemical compositions, colors, sensory, and antioxidant properties. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that particles of spinach powder followed a normal distribution pattern with an average diameter of about 328 nm. By increasing the addition of spinach nano-powder with retentate its content of fiber, minerals, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity was improved. Moreover, the total solid, protein and acidity contents increased significantly with the increased percentage of added spinach nano-powder reaching maximum values after four weeks of cold storage. Cheese containing 0.5% and 1% spinach powder demonstrated higher values for sensory parameters than other treatments. UF-cheese prepared in this work represents a novel functional dairy product that can potentially provide the human body with better nutrients.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Saja M. Alardhi, Talib M. Albayati, Jamal M. Alrubaye〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, a Methyl Green (MG) dye pollutant was separated by Mobil Composition Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) in a fixed-bed continuous column with investigated three parameters, namely a bed height (2–6 cm), initial MG concentration (10–30 mgL〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉) and a process flow rate (0.8–1.6 mL min〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉). Results indicated that the highest bed capacity of 20.97 mg/g was obtained with respective to optimal values such as; 6 cm for a column height, 0.8 mL min〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 for flow rate, and an initial MG concentration 20 mgL〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉. Furthermore, a quantity of the adsorbed pollutant decreased as the flow rate increased, while increasing the initial MG concentration yielded the opposite effect. The column apparatus was performed properly at the low flow rate, whereas both the breakthrough and exhaustion time increased with the bed depth. Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models were applied for predicting the breakthrough curves and calculating the characteristic factors of the laboratory fixed-bed adsorption column, which were beneficial for process design. Based on regression coefficient analyses, results of employing the Yoon-Nelson model was found to be superior to the Thomas one. Breakthrough performance indicated that MCM-41 was suitable for applications in continuous adsorption regimes for MG dye. The mesoporous MCM-41 was recovered effectively by calcinations and employed again for four times in the continuous system successfully.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Vikas Narain, Subrata Ray〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The Al-Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composite is a MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 particulate reinforced Al metal matrix composite. Its substantial ductility makes it promising composite for study. The Al-3Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and Al-8Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composites were synthesized by stirring 3, 5, and 8 wt% of MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 particulates in Al-3Mg melt and Al-8Mg melt to study their mechanical properties. Their microstructure shows intermetallic precipitates of Al, Mg, and Mn at dendrites, grain boundaries and within the grains. In both sets of composites, the hardness, and the yield strength increases with increasing MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 content in the cast and forged composites. Both the groups of composites show an increase in tensile strength with increasing particle content from 3 to 5 wt%, a further increase in particle content to 8 wt%, leads to an abrupt decrease in tensile strength in both the group of composites. The percentage elongations in forged composites are lower than those in cast composites, but this decrease is more prominent in Al-8Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composites in comparison to Al-3Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composites. The 〈em〉J〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉IC〈/em〉〈/sub〉 value decreases as the percentage of MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 particles increases in Al-3Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and Al-8Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composites. Forging increases 〈em〉J〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉IC〈/em〉〈/sub〉 values in both the class of composites in comparison to their cast counterparts due to work hardening and healing of pores. Crack growth toughness also decreases as the MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 particle content increases in Al-3Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and Al-8Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composites. Forged Al-3Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 shows decreased T/E ratio in comparison to their cast counterparts except at 8wt%. However, forged Al-8Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 shows improved T/E at 3wt% and a drop at 5wt% and 8wt% MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉. Variation of crack growth toughness between cast and forged Al-8Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 is minimal in comparison to that between cast and forged Al-3Mg-MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composites.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Fatemeh Akbarzadeh, Mehdi Motaghi, Narendra Pal Singh Chauhan, Ghasem Sargazi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, the novel zinc metal-organic frameworks (MOF) nanostructure has been employed, which was developed using an affordable, environmental friendly, efficient and fast method of ultrasound-assisted reverse micelle (UARM). These nanostructures were identified with various techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, BET, SEM, TG-DSC, TEM and EDS. It was found that the Zn-MOF samples have favorable physicochemical properties. The impact of experimental parameters of the UARM method is effective on the resulting properties, such as high surface area of the products that increases the interactions between the Zn-MOF nanostructure and bacteria.Their antibacterial activities were investigated using diffusion methods in agar and also with dilutions of Zn-MOF samples. Antibiotics (tetracycline and ampicillin) and their anti-biofilm effects were evaluated using microplate method. Obtained results revealed that the Zn-MOF nanostructures have high antibacterial properties which, could be due to the nature of the applied Zn-MOF as well as the optimization process. The Zn- MOF nanostructures could be a novel antibacterial material as biocatalyst processes.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Aseer Manilal, Kuzhunellil Raghavanpillai Sabu, Misgun Shewangizaw, Addis Aklilu, Mohammed Seid, Behailu Merdikios, Behailu Tsegaye〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The prevalence of methicillin-resistant 〈em〉Staphylococcus aureus〈/em〉 (MRSA) is slowly rising in Ethiopia for the past few decades. Therefore, novel classes of antibiotics are indispensable to combat the increased incidence of newly emerging multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. Terrestrial flora is considered as a reservoir of novel bioactive secondary metabolites as they have provided us with the largest array of natural products. In this background, the present study is intended to evaluate the 〈em〉in-vitro〈/em〉 antibacterial efficacy of five medicinal plants (〈em〉Ocimum lamiifolium〈/em〉 Hochst. ex Benth.〈em〉, Rosmarinus officinalis〈/em〉 L〈em〉, Catharanthus roseus〈/em〉 Linn.〈em〉, Azadirachta indica〈/em〉 A. Juss 〈em〉and Moringa stenopetala〈/em〉 Bac) against a panel of seven biofilm-forming MRSA. The leaves of the plants were extracted in organic solvents of varying polarity and the resultant crude extracts of respective medicinal plants were inspected for their antimicrobial activity by well diffusion technique. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of the plant extracts against MRSA were determined by the broth dilution method. Besides, an anti-biofilm assay of the most potent plant extract was also performed, after which its chemical constituents were delineated by combined Gas Chromatographic and Mass Spectroscopic profiling (GC-MS). The results revealed that, of the five plants, three species including 〈em〉M. stenopetala, R. officinalis,〈/em〉 and 〈em〉O. lamifolium〈/em〉 exhibited significant antibacterial activity. Organic solvents with high and medium polarity were excellent in extracting antimicrobials compared to nonpolar solvents. The broadest and highest rank of activity was observed in the crude ethanolic extract of 〈em〉M. stenopetala.〈/em〉 Based on the MIC/MBC ratio, the crude ethanolic extract of 〈em〉M. stenopetala〈/em〉 was determined to be bacteriostatic. Anti-biofilm assay showed that the extract of 〈em〉M. stenopetala〈/em〉 fairly inhibited the growth of MRSA in the preformed biofilm matrix. The GC-MS analysis of 〈em〉M. stenopetala〈/em〉 revealed the presence of twelve compounds with antimicrobial activity. The present study provides new insight into the development of novel drug leads to the management of MRSA.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lyubov Dyshlyuk, Olga Babich, Alexander Prosekov, Svetlana Ivanova, Valery Pavsky, Tatiana Chaplygina〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The effect of different doses of long-wavelength UV-A (320 nm–400nm) irradiation on physicochemical and antioxidant characteristics of tomatoes grown on the territory of the Russian Federation was studied. The obtained results show that this kind of processing does not cause deterioration of qualitative parameters of vegetables (texture, color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity). It was established that the total content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and flavonoids increases (p-value〈0.05) in tomatoes at all the investigated wavelengths (353 nm, 365 nm and 400 nm), while the content of chlorophylls reacts ambiguously: at some wavelengths, it increases, at other, it decreases. The maximum increase in antioxidant activity, as compared to untreated samples, is observed in tomatoe samples irradiated for 360 min within the range of 365 nm. For different types of tomatoes, the increment for common content of phenolic compounds is – 42.9–55.0 %, carotenoids – 24.0–56.0 %, flavonoids – 28.0–33.0 %, β-carotene – 70.9–71.6 %, lycopene – 62.6–69.0 %, lutein – 64.8–72.0 % from original. The studies reveal some potential of post-harvest ultraviolet irradiation (A-range) of tomatoes to increase their antioxidant activity. However, more research is needed to confirm this fact and the possibility to develop some technology.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jamshid Ali Turi, Shahryar Sorooshian, Yasir Javed〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rossanto Dwi Handoyo, Angga Erlando, Nita Tri Astutik〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study aims to analyze the relationship between the current account and budget deficit (twin deficits hypothesis), measuring the account performance and other macroeconomic indicators in predicting the debt crisis in Indonesia. Furthermore, the data used for hypothesis was obtained from 2004q1-2017q4, followed by the application of the ARDL method, while values based on debt crisis were taken from the year 1981–2017, and indicators performance measurement required the use of Early Warning System (EWS) method, which was conducted through Quadratic Probability Score (QPS), and Global Squared Bias (GSB). The results indicate a long-term positive relationship between the current account and budget deficit (twin deficits), while the short-term studies reveal a negative association termed twin divergence, which occur on instances where a country has high savings rate. Furthermore, it was established that the current account deficit towards predicting the debt crisis in Indonesia was of a low performance, and the leading macroeconomic indicators include short-term debt-foreign exchange reserves, the temporary debt-total external type, M2-foreign exchange reserves, inflation, IMF, and domestic credit-GDP. Therefore, the EWS model possesses 60% predictive abilities and an NTSR of 0.25, where the QPS value obtained was 0.373, and that of GSB was 0.005.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Agustín J. Sánchez-Medina, Inmaculada Galván-Sánchez, Margarita Fernández-Monroy〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Sexual cyberbullying is becoming a serious problem in today's society. In the workplace, this issue is more complex because of the power imbalance between potential perpetrators and victims. Preventing sexual cyberbullying in organizations is very important for a safety and respectful workplace. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards establish certain policies to be considered to create an organizational culture based on zero tolerance to sexual cyberbullying. The research aims to broaden knowledge about personality and sexual cyberbullying. Therefore, this paper proposes a crucial tool to explore potential sexual cyberbullying behaviour. This study analysed how personality traits, particularly those related to the Dark Triad (psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism), might influence this behaviour. Participants (N = 374) were Spanish young adults, using the convenience sampling to recruit them. The methodology focused on the use of structural equation modelling and ensemble classification tree. First, we tested the proposed hypotheses with structural equation method based on covariance using the Lavaan R-package. Second, for the ensemble of classification trees, we applied the package randomForest and Adabag (bagging and boosting) in R. Results proposed high levels of psychopathy and Machiavellianism are more likely to be related to sexual cyberbullying behaviours. Organizations could use the tool proposed in this research to develop internal policies and procedures for detection and deterrence of potential cyberbullying behaviours. By raising awareness about cyberbullying behaviour including its conceptualisation and measurement in training courses, organizations might build an organizational culture based on a respectful workplace without sexual cyberbullying behaviours.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Cristiam Victoriano Portilla Cabrera, John Josephraj Selvaraj〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Claudia Schäfer, Yawen Ju, Youngbin Tak, Cesar Vazquez, Sangyoon J. Han, Edwin Tan, Jerry W. Shay, Mats Holmqvist, Gaudenz Danuser, William M. Schopperle, Glenn Bubley〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Purpose〈/h6〉 〈p〉Over 90% of all cancer related deaths are due to metastasis. However, current diagnostic tools can't reliably discriminate between invasive and localized cancers.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Patients and methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉In this proof-of-concept study, we employed the embryonic stem cell marker TRA-1-60 (TRA+) to identify TRA + cells within the blood of prostate cancer patients and searched for TRA + cells in men with metastatic and localized cancers. We isolated whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 26 metastatic prostate cancer patients, from 13 patients with localized prostate cancer and from 17 healthy controls. Cells were stained for DAPI, CD45 and TRA + by immunofluorescence and imaged by epi-fluorescence microscopy. Imaged-based software was used both to identify TRA + cells, and to analyze CD45 levels in TRA+ and negative cells.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉We found high numbers of TRA + cells within the blood of metastatic cancer patients, whereas healthy individuals or men with localized prostate cancer showed none or very low numbers of TRA + cells. Further analysis of the CD45 levels of TRA + cells revealed a small population of TRA + cells with almost undetectable CD45 levels that were found frequently in metastatic prostate cancer patients. By excluding CD45 positive cells from the TRA + cell pool, we were able to refine the assay to be highly specific in identifying men with metastatic disease. In fact, the difference of CD45 levels between TRA+ and negative cells was a robust measure to distinguish between men with localized and metastatic prostate cancers in this small patient cohort.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉The data suggest that metastatic prostate cancer patient have significant numbers of TRA+/CD45〈sup〉low〈/sup〉 cells which might represent a potential tool for diagnostic assessment in the future.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rama Devi, Kavita Tapadia, Tungabidya Maharana〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The present investigation deals with the fabrication of a novel flexible and highly conductive PPy electrode. This was made by festooning PPy nanoparticles on carbon cloth (CC) by using chemical liquid process. The developed porous PPy@CC composite have good flexibility with low weight (1.1 mg) and high electrical conductivity (89 Ω〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉cm〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) confirmed the formation of PPy on carbon cloth. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) reveals that the PPy nanoparticles are encapsulated in carbon cloth. The fabricated carbon cloth has been used for solid-state symmetrical supercapacitors (SC) and low-cost material for electrode in potential energy storage devices. These film electrodes showed much superior electrochemical performance i.e. high stability under different current density, encouraging energy density, lower internal resistivity and higher specific capacitance. Synthesized flexible PPy@CC composite electrodes have brilliant applications in various kinds of electrochemical energy storage devices.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mustapha EL. Bakkali, Souad Aboudrar, Taoufiq Dakka, Halima Benjelloun〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Introduction〈/h6〉 〈p〉Primary hypertension can be masked and be responsible of a severe impact on the target bodies. The purpose of this study was to see if Phenobarbital at low dose is able to decrease the sympathetic hyperactivity assessed by cardiovascular autonomic reflexes in patients with masked hypertension.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Materials and methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉This prospective study was conducted on a total of 91 patients with masked hypertension (average age 52.1 ± 10.3 years old). The cardiovascular autonomic tests performed in this group, before and after 3 months of daily oral administration of Phenobarbital, included deep breathing, hand-grip, mental stress and orthostatic tests. Statistical analysis was done using the Student's t-test, Univariate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis; p is significant if 〈 0.05.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉Cardiovascular autonomic reflexes responses before and after 3 months of Phenobarbital oral administration were as follows: Vagal response (XDB) obtained on deep breathing test was of 32.6 ± 5.4% VS 30.4 ± 6.1%, (p = 0.08), alpha peripheral sympathetic response (alpha SP) obtained on hand grip test was of 35.6 ± 8.7% VS 12.0 ± 2.5%, (p 〈 0.001), alpha central sympathetic response (alpha SC), beta central sympathetic response (beta SC) obtained during mental stress were of respectively 29.3 ± 9.2% VS 11.8 ± 2.4%, (p 〈 0.001) and 11.0 ± 5.3% VS 10.4 ± 6.1%, (p = 0.2), alpha peripheral adrenergic sympathetic (alpha PAS) obtained during orthostatic test was of 25.3 ± 6.0% VS 13.0 ± 3.4%, (p 〈 0.001).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉These results demonstrated that Phenobarbital at low dose may have an anti-sympathetic effect in patients with masked hypertension.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): M.E. Mora-Ramos, A. El Aouami, E. Feddi, A. Radu, R.L. Restrepo, J.A. Vinasco, A.L. Morales, C.A. Duque〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The properties of the conduction band energy states of an electron interacting with a donor impurity center in spherical sector-shaped GaAs-Al〈sub〉0.3〈/sub〉Ga〈sub〉0.7〈/sub〉As quantum dots are theoretically investigated. The study is performed within the framework of the effective mass approximation through the numerical solution of the 3D Schrödinger equation for the envelope function via the finite element method. The modifications undergone by the spectrum due to the changes in the conical structure geometry (radius and apical angle) as well as in the position of the donor atom are discussed. With the information regarding electron states the linear optical absorption coefficient associated with transition between confined energy levels is evaluated and its features are discussed. The comparison of results obtained within the considered model with available experimental data in GaAs truncated-whisker-like quantum dots shows very good agreement. Besides, our simulation leads to identify the lowest energy photoluminescence peak as donor-related, instead of being associated to acceptor atoms, as claimed after experimental measurement (Hiruma et al. (1995) [14]). Also, a checking of our numerical approach is performed by comparing with analytical solutions to the problem of a spherical cone-shaped GaN with infinite confinement and donor impurity located at the cone apex. Coincidence is found to be remarkable.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Renata Sõukand, Nataliya Stryamets, Michele Filippo Fontefrancesco, Andrea Pieroni〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉〈em〉Babushka〈/em〉 informal markets selling several homemade gastronomic plant and animal-based products and culinary preparations, as well as wild and cultivated plants, and sometimes family butchered barnyard animals are extremely popular in Ukraine. In this field study that we conducted over a few years we inventoried the most relevant food plant products sold in these markets and we analysed how these markets represent remarkable food refugia for several local niche foods.〈/p〉 〈p〉In addition, we researched the historical and socio-economic reasons for the start, survival, and revival of this phenomenon, which had its origin during the Communist period. We furthermore evaluated similar recent trends in other Eastern European countries and especially those which had a very different post-Communist trajectory with the aim of addressing the possible factors affecting their survival and what could be done to preserve their existence. In particular, in a few of these countries (i.e. Azerbaijan) we observed how informal food markets represent experimental fields where gastronomic knowledge is not only “preserved”, but also reinvented, possibly in response to the preferences and requests of a city's customers.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zahraa Saker, Hisham F. Bahmad, Youssef Fares, Zahraa Al Najjar, Mohamad Saad, Hayat Harati, Sanaa Nabha〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉Gliomas are a group of diseases arising from intracranial neoplastic tissues that produce a wide spectrum of clinicopathological features and morphological changes. Key questions that intrigue neuro-oncology researchers include defining novel oncophenotypic signatures relevant to diagnosing such tumors and predicting prognoses among patients. One of the key regulators of the cellular actin dynamics is adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 2 (CAP2), a protein that has been studied before in the milieu of cancer and shown to be associated with tumor progression; yet, its expression levels in the context of gliomas have not been assessed. Hence, we were interested in investigating CAP2 expression in gliomas and evaluating its clinicopathological and prognostic significance.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Materials and methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉CAP2 expression at the protein level was analyzed in 47 human paraffin-embedded gliomas and normal brain tissues by automated immunohistochemical analysis. Statistical analysis was also performed to assess CAP2 expression level in normal and tumor tissues, and to evaluate its clinicopathological and prognostic significance.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉Our results revealed high expression of CAP2 protein in tumors of gliomas compared to normal tissues and normal areas adjacent to tumors. High expression of CAP2 was also associated with advanced tumor grades among gliomas. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high CAP2 expression was associated with poor prognosis of patients with glioma (P 〈 0.05). In Cox regression analysis, CAP2 expression was indicated as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.843, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.252–2.714; P 〈 0.005).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉CAP2 is overexpressed in glioma and it is proposed as a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with gliomas. CAP2 expression level may serve as a promising target for diagnosis and treatment of glioma.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Maria Alvarado-Kristensson〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉More than a century ago, the centrosome was discovered and described as “the true division organ of the cell”. Electron microscopy revealed that a centrosome is an amorphous structure or pericentriolar protein matrix that surrounds a pair of well-organized centrioles. Today, the importance of the centrosome as a microtubule-organizing center and coordinator of the mitotic spindle is questioned, because centrioles are absent in up to half of all known eukaryotic species, and various mechanisms for acentrosomal microtubule nucleation have been described. This review recapitulates the known functions of centrosome movements in cellular homeostasis and discusses knowledge gaps in this field.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): A. Haruna, I. Abdulkadir, S.O. Idris〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The studies of advanced materials in environmental remediation and degradation of pollutants is rapidly advancing because of their wide varieties of applications. BiFeO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 (BFO), a perovskite nanomaterial with a rhombohedral 〈em〉R3c〈/em〉 space group, is currently receiving tremendous attention in photodegradation of dyes. The photocatalytic activity of BFO nanoparticle is a promising field of research in photocatalysis. BFO nanomaterial is a photocatalyst enhanced by doping because of its reduce bandgap energy (2.0–2.77 eV), multiferroic property, strong photoabsorption and crystal structure. The material has proven to be very useful for the degradation of dyes under visible light irradiation among other photocatalysts. Its exceptional nontoxicity, suitability, low cost and long term excellent stability makes it an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of effluents from textile and pharmaceutical industries which ended-up in the environment and now a major concern of the modern world. This mini-review attempts to provide some detailed synthetic routes of BFO and BFO related nanomaterials and the notable achievements so far on the effect of doping the material. It also discusses the effect of crystallite size of the material and other photophysical properties and how they influence the photocatalytic process of model organic dye pollutants, to date.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Naseer Ahmad Bhat, Idrees Ahmed Wani, Afshan Mumtaz Hamdani〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The nutritional quality of bakery products keeps on degrading from the process of baking, packaging, transportation and storage. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of addition of tomato powder (2 & 4/100 g of flour) and crude lycopene (50 & 100 mg/100 g of flour), which have potent antioxidant activity, on the nutritional quality and shelf life of cookies prepared from whole wheat flour. Color values i.e., 〈em〉a*〈/em〉 and 〈em〉b〈/em〉* of freshly prepared cookies containing tomato powder (TP) were found in the range of 5.40–6.21 and 33.20–33.40 respectively, and that of crude lycopene (CL) in the range of 5.18–5.24 and 32.50–34.90 respectively, higher than the control (4.53 and 32.50, respectively). Significant (p 〈 0.05) and non-significant (p 〉 0.05) increase was observed in the total phenolic content of dough containing TP (0.54–0.72 mg GAE/g) and CL (0.46–0.59 mg GAE/g), when compared to control (0.38 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant properties like, DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (ILP), and total carotenoid content (TCC) of dough and cookies increased significantly (p 〈 0.05) upon incorporation of TP and CL. Sensory properties of enriched cookies were comparable with that of control. Color values (〈em〉a*〈/em〉 and 〈em〉b〈/em〉*), hardness, TCC, ILP and TPC were reduced significantly (p 〈 0.05) with storage.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Abdourhimou Amadou Issoufou, Idrissa Soumana, Garba Maman, Souleymane Konate, Ali Mahamane〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Climate change increases the vulnerability of agrosystems to soil degradation and reduces the effectiveness of traditional soil restoration options. The implementation of some practices need to be readjusted due to steadily increasing temperature and lowering precipitation. For farmers, the best practice found, should have the potential to achieve maximum sustainable levels of soil productivity in the context of climate change. A study was conducted in South-West Niger to investigate the use of the suitable practice, through (i) a meta-analysis of case studies, (ii) using field survey and (iii) by using AquaCrop model. Results showed that the effects of the association zaï + mulch on crop yield was up to 2 times higher than control plots depending on climate projections scenario RCP 8.5 under which carbon dioxide (CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) concentrations are projected to reach 936 ppm by 2100. The practice appeared to be an interesting option for enhancing crop productivity in a context of climate change. Concerning its ability, it offers the best prospects to reverse soil degradation in the study area. In addition, the simulation showed that this strategy was suitable for timely sowing and therefore confirmed scholars and farmers views. Furthermore, this practice is relatively more effective compared to the others practices. These results show that association zaï + mulch could be considered as the best practice that can participate to a successful adaptation to reduce risk from climate change at the same time by reducing the vulnerability of farmers in Southwest of Niger for now and even for the future.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Noritaka Komune, Shogo Masuda, Ryuji Yasumatsu, Takahiro Hongo, Rina Jiromaru, Satoshi Matsuo, Osamu Akiyama, Nana Tsuchihashi, Nozomu Matsumoto, Hidetaka Yamamoto, Takashi Nakagawa〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) of the skull base are extremely rare. Here we report the first description of a malignant PEComa mimicking jugular foramen schwannoma and presenting as Collet-Sicard syndrome, and we review the previous literature on PEComas of the head, neck and skull base.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Case description〈/h6〉 〈p〉A 29-year-old woman presented with hoarseness, dysphagia, vomiting, and headache. She was first diagnosed with Collet-Sicard syndrome caused by thrombosis of the sigmoid and transverse sinuses. She was treated with anticoagulant therapy, and the hoarseness and paralysis of the accessory nerve improved. Later, at age 31, the hoarseness again worsened. At another hospital, enhanced computed tomography revealed a tumor in the jugular foramen extending to the neck and medially displacing the internal carotid artery. She was referred to our hospital for further examination and was diagnosed with jugular foramen schwannoma causing thrombosis of the sinuses. At the one-year follow-up, the tumor had grown rapidly and had started to surround the internal carotid artery. We therefore performed a tissue biopsy of the tumor in the jugular foramen and neck. Based on pathological analysis, we made a definitive diagnosis of malignant PEComa.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉It may be extremely challenging to reach an accurate diagnosis of PEComa in the skull-base region, which can cause a delay in treatment initiation. When atypical clinical features for a skull-base tumor are found, we recommend preliminary biopsy to obtain a definitive diagnosis and initiate an appropriate treatment strategy as early as possible.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Uzma Zaidi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Introduction〈/h6〉 〈p〉The dimensions of wellness and engagement in physical activity both are crucial for a healthy lifestyle, adjustment, and attainment of professional excel among young female health students.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objective〈/h6〉 〈p〉The purpose of the study is to determine adherence to physical activity and dimensions of wellness among students of the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (n = 198).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Design〈/h6〉 〈p〉This study is based on a Cross-sectional design.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Setting〈/h6〉 〈p〉Students of College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out from May to December, 2018.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Material & methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉Perceived Wellness scale was used to measure six dimensions of wellness. The frequency of physical activity was measured by self-report 5-point Likert scale. Data was collected through survey research forms.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉Results revealed that the physical wellness dimension was significantly correlated with all physical activity, exercising last year, social, intellectual, and overall wellness (p 〈 .01) and with psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellness (p 〈 .05). Furthermore, regression analysis confirmed the predictive relationship of frequency of physical activity and exercising last year (R〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = .113, F (2, 195) = 12.371, p 〈 .01) with perceived wellness. The department-wise comparison of wellness perception revealed that all the departments score differently on various wellness dimensions.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉Comprehensively, association with all dimensions of wellness and physical activity was found among students of the College of Health and Rehabilitation. It further validates the impact of their well-designed curriculum and encouragement to engage with a healthy lifestyle. Further programs can work out to dimensions of wellness where weakness was found to achieve overall wellness.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Aleksandr Yu. Romanov, Evgeny V. Lezhnev, Aleksandr Yu. Glukhikh, Aleksandr A. Amerikanov〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This work is devoted to the study of application of new topologies in the design of networks-on-chip (NoCs). It is proposed to use two-dimensional optimal circulant topologies for NoC design, and it is developed an optimized routing algorithm with the decreased memory usage. The proposed routing algorithm was compared with Table routing, Clockwise routing, and Adaptive routing algorithms, previously developed for ring circulant topologies, and specialized routing algorithm for multiplicative circulants. The results of synthesis of routers implementing proposed routing algorithms are presented. The cost of ALM and register resources for the implementation of communication subsystems in NoCs with circulant topologies is estimated.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): B.Y. Aju, R. Rajalakshmi, S. Mini〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Nahum Rosenberg, Orit Rosenberg〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Bone-like viable tissue can be generated 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 by utilizing a combination of inorganic matrix, osteoblasts, osteogenic media and application of adequate mechanical stimulation of the cells. To pursue the proof that the 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 generated bone-like tissue (BLT) is capable of bridging a critical bone gap in 〈em〉vivo〈/em〉 without adverse effects, the 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 cytotoxicity method (MTT) and murine 〈em〉in vivo〈/em〉 model were implemented, by implanting the BLT into calvaria critical bone gap in rats. The endpoints for the evaluation of this concept were histological and radiographic data which should show the effectiveness of this method. We found that there was no cytotoxic effect of the BLT according to the MTT assay and no carcinogenic or other morbid effects of the BLT in vivo (mice experiment, n = 10) The critical gaps in BLT -implanted animals (experimental model with rats) demonstrated full bridging of the calvaria critical bone gap with vascularized woven bone (n = 3) as opposed to animals treated with vehicle material (n = 3), which maintained an open gap without any visible closure, according to gross examination, X-ray imaging and histological analysis. The newly formed bone tissue was characterized by pronounced presence of bone marrow regions and newly formed host blood vessels, a strong indication for functional osseointegration. Therefore, the 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 generated BLT, which causes bone regeneration in critical gaps, has the translational potential to bridge bone non-union defects, without harmful systemic or cytotoxic effects. These initial feasibility results indicate a high safety profile following 〈em〉in vivo〈/em〉 implantation of BLT and its potential clinical ability to be used as autologous bone graft.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Thipparapu Rajesh, Dr B. Rangaiah〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study explored the associations between Facebook addiction and personality factors. A total of 114 participants (age range of participants is 18–30 and males were 68.4% and females were 31.6 %) have participated through an online survey. The results showed that 14.91 % of the participants had reached the critical polythetic cutoff score, and 1.75 % has reached the monothetic cutoff score. The personality traits, such as extraversion, openness to experience, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and narcissism, are not related to Facebook addiction and Facebook intensity. Loneliness was positively related to Facebook addiction, and it significantly predicted Facebook addiction by accounting to 14% of the variation in Facebook addiction. The limitations and suggestions for further research have been discussed.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Vidya Latchmi Mudliar, Kai Chun Li, Ludwig Jansen van Vuuren, John Neil Waddell〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objectives〈/h6〉 〈p〉To evaluate the elastic recovery of a typical irreversible hydrocolloid impression material in terms of the amount of undercut identified and additional thickness of spacer provided before custom tray fabrication.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉This study surveyed the undercut depths of the teeth surfaces and lingual sulci of one hundred partially dentate mandibular dental casts which were subsequently scanned and the data exported as STL files. A typical cast from each undercut category (0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm) was 3D printed. Three custom trays were constructed with spacer thicknesses representing 20%, 30% and 50% compression against the wall of the custom trays on removal, impressions recorded, and casts fabricated in dental stone. Measurements for elastic recovery of irreversible hydrocolloid were done using an internal caliper and a digital caliper. All measurements were done by the principal investigator. Non-parametric analyses were used for comparisons of the undercut values between the 3D printed and poured casts to determine the amount of elastic recovery of the irreversible hydrocolloid impression material.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉There was no statistically significant difference in measurements between the original 3D printed casts and the poured casts, irrespective of percentage compression (p 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si1.svg"〉〈mrow〉〈mo linebreak="goodbreak" linebreakstyle="after"〉〉〈/mo〉〈/mrow〉〈/math〉 0.05).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉In removable partial denture construction, casts should be blocked out parallel to the path of insertion and then an additional 3mm of spacer applied as a standard technique before custom tray fabrication to ensure elastic recovery of the irreversible hydrocolloid impression.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Clinical implications〈/h6〉 〈p〉In severe undercut situations, accurate impressions can be taken using irreversible hydrocolloid by blocking out all undercut surfaces on the teeth and lingual sulci before adapting additional three-millimetre wax spacer on casts when constructing custom trays thereby ensuring accurate and reliable impressions for removable prosthesis construction.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Abolfazl Varvani Farahani, Mohsen Montazeri〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper presents a new computational method for the decentralized multiphase flow measurement based on the interconnections between the two subsystems to precisely estimate the states of the multiphase flow at the gas refinery. The states of the condensate and gas sub-systems were separately estimated using the Differential Mean Value Theorem by considering the relationship between two subsystems, designing an observer and converting the conditions to linear matrix inequality. To check the stability and performance of the system against the changes, the Lyapunov theory has been used. The states behavior investigated with and without disturbance in the system output and dynamics. Additionally, the Unscented Kalman Filter based on the simplified drift flux model was used to estimate the states. It is found that both observers are capable to identify the states with some differences in performance and drift flux model is sufficient for estimation of parameters and states.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Claudia Deutschmann, Dirk Roggenbuck, Peter Schierack, Stefan Rödiger〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an indispensable tool for clinical diagnostics to identify or differentiate diseases such as autoimmune illnesses, but also to monitor their progression or control the efficacy of drugs. One use case of ELISA is to differentiate between different states (e.g. healthy vs. diseased). Another goal is to quantitatively assess the biomarker in question, like autoantibodies. Thus, the ELISA technology is used for the discovery and verification of new autoantibodies, too. Of key interest, however, is the development of immunoassays for the sensitive and specific detection of such biomarkers at early disease stages. Therefore, users have to deal with many parameters, such as buffer systems or antigen-autoantibody interactions, to successfully establish an ELISA. Often, fine-tuning like testing of several blocking substances is performed to yield high signal-to-noise ratios.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉We developed an ELISA to detect IgA and IgG autoantibodies against chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), a newly identified autoantigen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in the serum of control and disease groups (n = 23, respectively). Microwell plates with different surface modifications (PolySorp and MaxiSorp coating) were tested to detect reproducibility problems.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉We found a significant impact of the surface properties of the microwell plates. IgA antibody reactivity was significantly lower, since it was in the range of background noise, when measured on MaxiSorp coated plates (p 〈 0.0001). The IgG antibody reactivity did not differ on the diverse plates, but the plate surface had a significant influence on the test result (p = 0.0005).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉With this report, we want to draw readers' attention to the properties of solid phases and their effects on the detection of autoantibodies by ELISA. We want to sensitize the reader to the fact that the choice of the wrong plate can lead to a false negative test result, which in turn has serious consequences for the discovery of autoantibodies.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mansoure Hatamian, Abdolhossein Rezaei Nejad, Mohsen Kafi, Mohammad Kazem Souri, Karim Shahbazi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The environmental toxicity of heavy metals in particular cadmium is a public concern. Cadmium is toxic for all living organisms including plants; however, plant species may show different tolerance to the presence of cadmium in their root medium. Adopting practical strategies may reduce cadmium bioavailability or increase the plant tolerance. In the present study, interaction of nitrate was investigated on cadmium treatment in hackberry (〈em〉Celtis australis〈/em〉 L.) seedlings. Different levels of nitrate (0, 50 and 100 mg/L) and cadmium (0 and 5 mg/L) were applied to seedlings via irrigation water during two consequence years. The treatments were arranged in a factorial with completely randomized design in four replications. The results of ANOVA showed that the cadmium-nitrate interaction was significant on leaf Cd concentration and root dry weight at P = 0.01, and on carotenoids and leaf dry weight at P = 0.05, while it was not significant on the rest of traits. Application of cadmium had no significant effect on new shoot growth, leaf chlorophyll and leaf fresh weight; however, it significantly reduced stomatal water conductance and photosynthesis rate, while it increased leaf transpiration rate, root and stem fresh weights, leaf Cd and proline concentrations. Application of nitrate levels, on the other hand, constantly increased the leaf nitrate concentration, new shoot growth, leaf fresh and dry weights, root fresh weight, stomatal water conductance and photosynthesis rate, whereas it reduced the necrotic points of leaves. The results indicated that the growth characteristics of hackberry seedlings were mainly influenced by nitrate but not cadmium application, and this ornamental tree is a tolerant species to high soil Cd levels.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Agnieszka Smolinska, Julia Swoboda, Wojciech Fendler, Markus M. Lerch, Matthias Sendler, Patryk Moskwa〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers. Acquired inherited and/or somatic mutations drive its development. In order to prevent the formation of these mutations, precise and immediate repair of any DNA damage is indispensable. Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is the key mechanism of DNA double-strand break repair. Here, we report that miR-502 targets two components in pancreatic cell lines, Ku70 and XLF of the C-NHEJ. Interestingly, we also observed an attenuated cell cycle response to gamma ionizing radiation (γ-IR) via diminished phosphorylation of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) on serine 345 in these cell lines. Altogether, pancreatic cells showed increased susceptibility to γ-IR via direct inhibition of DNA double-strand break repair and attenuation of the cell cycle response.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Nabeel Ahmad, Emmanuel Ugo Enemuoh〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper presents an analytical model of energy consumption for Direct metal laser sintering hybrid milling (DMLS-HM) additive manufacturing (AM) of stainless steel 316L. The model is used to quantify energy consumption during production of a defined geometry with DMLS-HM process and compared with energy consumption in electron beam melting (EBM) and conventional machining (CM). The solid-envelope ratio (α) was used to quantify energy consumption and eco impact of the three manufacturing processes on three different geometry models. The Gabi database and other published literature were used to establish energy consumption during primary metal production and material shaping processes. It was found that solid-envelope ratio (α) has more impact on the energy model of the additive processes than on the subtractive machining. On average, the percentage change in α is equal to the percentage change in energy consumed by DMLS-HM and EBM. The CM process had very little average change of 1.5% compared to the major changes in α. The DMLS-HM process showed dominant energy consumption during the part production stage with an average 84% more than EBM and CM processes. However, the CM was dominant in energy consumption during the primary production stage with an average 70% more energy than DMLS-HM and EBM processes. The novel outcomes of this research will contribute to the understanding of basic physics of energy consumption in AM and can be used in setting sustainable manufacturing goals. Moreover, energy consumption in metal AM also influences mechanical properties and microstructure of produced parts, so this work will further enhance prediction of their quality and service life. DMLS-HM is recently being introduced for industrial applications such as mold and tool manufacturing due to its capabilities in building free form and complex shapes that are otherwise challenging to manufacture by conventional methods.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Onesmus Mulwa Munyao, Joseph Karanja Thiong'o, Jackson Wachira Muthengia, Daniel Karanja Mutitu, Romano Mwirichia, Genson Muriithi, Joseph Mwiti Marangu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Most of concrete structural failures are attributed to poor workmanship and poor engineering designs. Some microorganisms present in sewer systems can degrade the concrete and/or mortar. Concrete failures due to microbial attack has not attracted much attention especially in developing countries such as Kenya. This study investigated the effect of 〈em〉Thiobacillus intermedius〈/em〉 bacteria on the performance of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Preparation of test mortar prisms was done using the bacterial solution as either mix water, curing water or both. The control mortar prisms were prepared and cured in distilled water. Compressive strength test was done after 7〈sup〉th〈/sup〉, 28〈sup〉th〈/sup〉, 56〈sup〉th〈/sup〉 and 90〈sup〉th〈/sup〉 days of curing respectively. Results showed significant drop in compressive strength for the mortar prisms prepared and cured in bacterial solution as compared to the control mortar samples. Soundness and normal consistency increased significantly for the bacterial treated cement paste as compared to the control sample. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed severe damage on the bacterial treated cement mortar. This was characterized by formation of deleterious expansive products like ettringite and gypsum. Control mortar sample exhibited even formation of hydration products within the pore system.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Marwan A. Ibrahim, Mostafa M. Eraqi, Faiz A. Alfaiz〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Aim〈/h6〉 〈p〉The current investigation focused on the therapeutic role of the administration of taurine on hypertensive rats to reduce or cure the hazard effects of hypertension problems.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methodology〈/h6〉 〈p〉This research included 2 experiments; 1〈sup〉st〈/sup〉 was done to survey the variations that might occur in blood pressure (BP) of male rats because of the fed 8% NaCl diet for 4 weeks. 2〈sup〉nd〈/sup〉 experiment, it contains normal control rats', hypertensive rats were served as hypertension recovery group and hypertensive rats were took orally by the help of gastric tube 50 mg taurine/100 g b.wt/day for four weeks and served as taurine group.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉1〈sup〉st〈/sup〉 experimental, clarified a significant elevation in BP, body weight, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, activities of serum cardiac enzymes, endothelin-1, ADMA, MDA and TNF-α in hypertensive rats' group. On contrary, there is a significant reduction in serum level of TNO and antioxidant enzymes level in relation to the control group. A numerical variation but not statistically significant was happened in HDL in hypertensive rats' group as compared to their matching results in control rats' group. 2〈sup〉nd〈/sup〉 experimental taurine significantly reduced the BP as compared with hypertensive control. Furthermore, a significant improvement occurred in the mean value of most investigation parameters in hypertensive animal group which treated with taurine.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉The previous data could be concluded that, there is an obvious amelioration effects of taurine on hypertensive rats by reducing the hazard effects of hypertension problems. The primary mechanisms were discussed according to existing published investigations.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yong Chen, Yunfeng Lin, Jingwen Wang, Xinxin Guo, Yujia Guo, Feng Dong, Feng Gao, Qicai Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objective〈/h6〉 〈p〉Dysregulation of neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is thought to play significant roles in diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the importance of beta-calcitonin gene related peptide (βCGRP, 〈em〉CALCB〈/em〉) in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉There were fifty-eight patients with T1D and 320 age and gender-matched healthy controls in Chinese Han population were included, the genotypes of 〈em〉CALCB〈/em〉 were analyzed by direct sequencing and the clinicopathologic parameters of patients were also evaluated.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉Among the SNPs genotyped, the C allele of 〈em〉CALCB〈/em〉_rs3829220 T (c.224G + 846) and rs382922 C (c.224G + 848) were positively associated with T1D (OR = 2.67 and 3.42, respectively). Serum βCGRP of patients is 1.58 times higher compare to normal control. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed βCGRP expression in the infiltrating lymphocytes of pancreas from T1D mice as compared to normal control.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉Our findings indicate that the presence of βCGRP is a probable molecular basis for the initial events triggered in T1D.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Julie Laurent, Nik Chmiel, Isabelle Hansez〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Safety citizenship behaviors (SCB) have never been classified following the intended beneficiary of these behaviors. The first aim of this study was to examine Hofmann et al. (2003)'s SCB items in an attempt to identify two dimensions: SCB oriented towards individuals (SCB-I) and SCB oriented towards the organization (SCB-O). Further, by drawing on Christian et al. (2009)'s model of safety performance, we examined how distal (i.e. personality) and proximal (i.e. safety motivation and knowledge) person-related factors are associated with these behaviors. Structural equation modelling realized on a sample of 290 workers from a Belgian pharmaceutical company showed that the broader conscientiousness trait was related to both SCB-I and SCB-O, indirectly through safety motivation and knowledge, as would be predicted by Christian et al. In contrast, the altruism facet was directly related to SCB-I only. Results are discussed and practical implications considered.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dodik Siswantoro, Rangga Handika, Aria Farah Mita〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This research aims to evaluate the suitability of cryptocurrency as money from the Islamic perspective. Money, in the Islamic perspective, has specific characteristics and requirements, such as stability and is based on assets. Cryptocurrency may not fulfil this as it has queries as money from the Islamic perspective. The research method applied data of 23 cryptocurrency prices and related information. The result shows that cryptocurrency is hugely volatile and has limits to being called ‘money,’ as it is limited and used for speculation, which is prohibited in Islam. The research implies that Muslims would be reluctant to use cryptocurrency as money, as a currency of transaction. This reason raise an expectation that the cryptocurrency will not develop rapidly in Muslim countries.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Saeed Ataei Kachooei, Roya Rahmani, Nasrin Zareh, Fatemeh Donyadideh, Saba Ataei Kachooei, Mohammad Nabiuni, Sajjad Yazdansetad〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Great attention has been focused on the discovery of anti-angiogenic natural and synthetic compounds to be finally used as or at least a part of the treatment of tumors. The marine ecosystems provide diversity in natural chemicals with the potential of being exploited as medicines in the treatment of diseases. Several studies have investigated Ophiuroids as a source of anti-tumor and anti-metastatic organisms. Here, we described the inhibitory effects of an ethanolic crude extract of brittle star (〈em〉Ophiocoma erinaceus〈/em〉) on angiogenesis and the expression level of TGF-β, VEGF, and bFGF in chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) as an experimental model. To do this 45 embryonated eggs were randomly divided into six groups including the control group, sham, three experimental groups and positive. The number and the length of vessels were calculated using ImageJ® software. The relative mRNA levels of the genes in different groups were evaluated by qRT-PCR method. Our study was suggestive of an anti-angiogenesis effect of brittle star ethanolic crude extract in a CAM model. The extract also showed a pharmacological effect of down-regulation of mRNA related to VEGF, TGF-β, and bFGF genes on chicken vascular endothelial cells. It was also showed that the observed inhibitory effect is with a dose-dependent manner in which the highest inhibitory effect belonged to the highest used dose. We indicated the anti-angiogenesis properties of the Persian Gulf brittle star. Further studies are needed in other aspects of the brittle star extract in the treatment of angiogenesis, hyperplasia, and cancers.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Amal Nassar, Eman Nassar〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The effect of fiberglass type and adding a very small amount of Nano filler in the resin on mechanical and thermal properties of multilayers laminate composite has been studied. The results show clearly that laminate composites can be achieved by controlling the fiberglass type and by dispersing nanoparticles in the resin. Using continues fiber glass helps to increase the impact strength by 17 %–24% compared with samples with random fiberglass. The barcol hardness of continues fiberglass composite is 7% higher than random fiberglass composite. The results of this study show that using small amount form Nano filler in the resin could produce a laminate composite with excellent thermal and mechanical properties.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ilhwan Park, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Kensuke Seno, Sanghee Jeon, Hiroyuki Inano, Mayumi Ito, Naoki Hiroyoshi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Mining activities often generate large amounts of sulfide-rich wastes containing arsenopyrite (FeAsS), which when dissolved releases toxic arsenic (As) and generates acid mine drainage (AMD) that are both disastrous to the environment. To suppress arsenopyrite dissolution, a technique that selectively coats sulfide minerals with a protective layer of Al-oxyhydroxide called Al-based carrier-microencapsulation (CME) was developed. Although a previous study of the authors showed that Al-based CME could significantly limit arsenopyrite dissolution, nature of the coating formed on arsenopyrite, including its electrochemical properties, is still not well understood. Moreover, stability of the coating once exposed to weathering conditions remains unclear. Better understanding of these important issues would greatly improve Al-based CME especially in its application to real mine wastes. In this study, nature of the coating formed by Al-based CME was investigated using SEM-EDX, DRIFTS and XPS while the electrochemical properties of the coating were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Meanwhile, stability of the coating was elucidated using consecutive batch leaching experiments and weathering cell tests.〈/p〉 〈p〉SEM-EDX, DRIFTS and XPS results indicate that the protective coating formed on arsenopyrite by Al-based CME was mainly composed of bayerite (α-Al(OH)〈sub〉3〈/sub〉), gibbsite (γ-Al(OH)〈sub〉3〈/sub〉), and boehmite (γ-AlO(OH)). These Al-based coatings, which have insulating properties, made arsenopyrite less electrochemically active. The coatings also limited the extent of both the anodic and cathodic half-cell reactions of arsenopyrite oxidation that suppressed As release and acid generation. Weathering cell tests indicated that the oxidation of CME-treated arsenopyrite was effectively limited until about 15 days but after this, it started to gradually progress with time due to the increasing acidity of the system where Al-based coatings became unstable. Nonetheless, CME-treated arsenopyrite was less oxidized based on the released amounts of Fe, As and S suppressed by 80, 60 and 70%, respectively, compared with the one treated with control.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Godall Rohi, O'tega Ejofodomi, Godswill Ofualagba〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The effect of air pollution on the environment, economic and health of the people in the affected countries cannot be overemphasized. This paper investigates large scale air pollution elimination to remove pollutants that are already in existence in the environment. This method involves the use of Environmental Drones (E-drones) to autonomously monitor the air quality at a specific location. The E-drone flies up to a predetermined height (Ealtitude) every hour, measures the air pollutants at that location, implements on-board pollution abatement solutions for pollutants above the recommended threshold, and then flies back down to its location on the ground. The advantages of this system is its ability to measure air pollution concentration of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, CO, NH〈sub〉3〈/sub〉, SO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, PM, O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 and NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, detect when they are too high, and implement on-board pollution abatement solutions as needed. This system's novelty lies in the fact that it not only detects when there is excessive pollution, but it also automatically deals with and abates the detected air pollution above earth. When multiple E-drones are used in different locations, a custom software generates an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) map of the region that can be used for present and long-term environmental analysis.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Frederique Corbett, Elio Spinello〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This manuscript provides a literature review of connectivism. It presents evidence and thinking in which connectivism, a new learning theory which has typically been used for online learning, is applied to leadership, with a provocative discussion on the yet unexplored opportunities to use connectivism to redefine leadership in the twenty-first century. The paper aims to bridge the gap between the contributions of digital learning in education and the field of leadership theory and development. It seeks to apply the critical tenants of connectivism in education and learning to leadership theory and to stimulate a debate on new forms of leadership.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yu-hsin Chang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The travel agencies have a cooperative-competitive relationship with each other. In line with the background, the agencies need to know clearly their positions and roles in the industrial network. First, an affiliate network matrix is established based on the relationship between travel agents that participate in the package tour (PAK). Then, the two-mode network analysis and relationship redundancy are adopted to construct two new indicators, namely, the active relationship and complementary relationship, to assess the agencies’ positions and roles in the tourism network. The active relationship (AR) is constructed to identify the activeness of an agency in the travel industry while the complementary relationship (CR) is constructed to identify the need of a travel agency for complementary resources. A two-dimensional coordinate chart is formed to analyze the positions and roles of the travel agencies. The travel providers in this study are classified into followers, speculators, dependents and leaders.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Honoré G. Ouattara, Ryan J. Elias, Edward G. Dudley〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Interactions between two major microorganisms from Ivorian cocoa fermentation, namely 〈em〉Bacillus subtilis〈/em〉 BS38 and 〈em〉Pichia kudriazevii〈/em〉 YS201, were investigated during fermentation in cocoa pulp simulation medium. The strains were mutually inhibitory, with 〈em〉Bacillus〈/em〉 being more susceptible to this antagonistic effect than 〈em〉Pichia〈/em〉. However, both strains yielded different pulp-degrading enzymes, namely polygalacturonase (PG) from 〈em〉Pichia〈/em〉 and pectate lyase (Pel) from 〈em〉Bacillus〈/em〉, that cooperate to efficiently breakdown pectin and vegetable pulp. The quantification of aromas from microbial cultures using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) coupled with headspace microextration (SPME) method, showed that 〈em〉P. kudriazevii〈/em〉 produce mainly alcohols such as ethanol (63.165 g/L), phenylethanol (1.005 g/L), methylbutanol (0.138 g/L) and esters, notably ethyl acetate (0.037 g/L) and isoamyl acetate (0.032 g/L). The volatile fraction produced by 〈em〉Bacillus〈/em〉 was dominated by butanediol (5.707 g/L), acetoin (1.933 g/L), phenylethanol (0.035 g/L) and acetic acid (0.034 g/L). In co-culture, 〈em〉Bacillus〈/em〉 produced low levels of aroma compounds whereas a moderate decrease in the production of these compounds was observed in the yeasts strain. Thus, the dominant aromas present in the co-culture were mainly those from the yeasts strain; however, a 1.37 fold increase of ethanol production was observed in co-culture indicating a synergy between the strains. This study showed that cooperation between 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 BS38 and 〈em〉P. kudriazevii〈/em〉 YS201 leads principally to increasing pulp degradation and ethanol production, known as desirable properties for a well processing of cocoa fermentation.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2020〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 1〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Cornelia Sindermann, Jon D. Elhai, Morten Moshagen, Christian Montag〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Potential effects of demographics, personality, and ideological attitudes on the number of news sources consumed should be investigated. The number of news sources consumed, in turn, was seen as inverse proxy for the susceptibility to be caught in “filter bubbles” and/or “echo chambers” (online), which are hotly discussed topics also in politics. A sample of 1,681 (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 557 males) participants provided data on demographics, the Big Five as well as Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) alongside the number of different news sources consumed and current voting preferences. Results showed that age (positively), gender (higher in males), Openness (positively), and RWA (negatively) predicted the number of different news sources consumed. The group of participants consuming news exclusively offline showed highest scores in Conscientiousness and lowest scores in Neuroticism compared to the “news feeds only” and the “news feeds and online” groups. However, less than 5% of the participants exclusively consumed news via news feeds of social networking sites. Participants who stated that they would not vote reported the lowest number of different news sources consumed. These findings reveal first insights into predisposing factors for the susceptibility to be caught in “filter bubbles” and/or “echo chamber” online and how this might be associated with voting preferences.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉