bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Espectro esquizofrénico: retrospectivas para el futuro de la psicoterapia
Authors: Irarrázaval Leonor
Published: April 2021

Tres temas principales serán considerados en este artículo: 1) el diagnóstico de la esquizofrenia, 2) las metodologías para el estudio de la esquizofrenia, y 3) la psicoterapia de la esquizofrenia. En primer lugar, con respecto a los futuros sistemas de diagnóstico, la inclusión de la subjetividad y la intersubjetividad son ciertamente imprescindibles para el enriquecimiento de la psicopatología. Las clasificaciones diagnósticas requieren revisión a la luz de aproximaciones que apunten a una mayor comprensión de la enfermedad y permitan explicar aspectos que permanecen confusos con respecto a la fiabilidad del diagnóstico de la esquizofrenia. En segundo lugar, las metodologías cualitativas para el estudio de la esquizofrenia y las psicosis parecen altamente adecuadas. Se trata de cuadros clínicos que no se han abordado suficientemente desde aproximaciones no-objetivantes, y por lo mismo existe una carencia significativa en la comprensión de estos fenómenos, más allá de su sintomatología aparente. Por esta razón, parece apropiado utilizar métodos que intentan caracterizar el propio mundo de los pacientes, tales como el método fenomenológico y el método autobiográfico. En tercer lugar, se ha de tener una consideración especial hacia los enfoques psicoterapéuticos de la esquizofrenia que se centran en fomentar en los pacientes la comprensión y el conocimiento de sí mismos, así como el establecimiento de una base comunicativa común entre el paciente y el terapeuta.
Recursos audiovisuales en terapia sexual y de pareja
Authors: Anton Chacón Lidia , Piqué Planell Carla , Prades Estévez Vanessa , Puigmartí Ventura Mar , Rallo i Casanovas Maria del Carme , Vidal i Raventós Albert
Published: April 2021

En este artículo se analizan una serie de recursos audiovisuales en el marco de la terapia sexual y/o de pareja. Los recursos audiovisuales son una herramienta útil y eficaz para utilizar en diversos momentos dentro del proceso terapéutico, facilitando la conexión y gestión emocional y el aprendizaje de habilidades funcionales, relacionales y/o afectivo-sexuales deficitarias o en conflicto. Concretamente, hacemos referencia a canciones y videoclips musicales, filmografía de pareja, filmografía erótica y pornográfica, vídeo-documentales y programas de radio y televisión, mostrando una selección ilustrativa i sugestiva, con el objetivo de fomentar la creatividad y ampliar el abanico de recursos del psicoterapeuta.
El cine de ciencia ficción como narración social
Authors: Casado Esquius Lluís
Published: April 2021

En este artículo se explora el significado de de un género cinematográfico, la ciencia ficción, a lo largo de su historia, Esta influencia de la sociedad en las películas que se producen en su seno se manifiesta en dos niveles,»como espejo de actitudes, tendencias y cambios en la sociedad (preocupaciones sociales), o como expresión de la psique colectiva de un época (preocupaciones psicológicas sociales)» En el caso de la ciencia ficción la libertad temática permite aflorar los «fantasmas» de una sociedad con total impunidad: lo que permite al género de la ciencia ficción la máxima proximidad con los procesos primarios y la poca elaboración secundaria que permita satisfacer los mecanismos de defensa.
Los sistemas humanos como sistemas lingüísticos: implicaciones para la teoría clínica y la terapia familiar
Authors: Anderson Harlene , A. Goolishian Harold A. Goolishian
Published: April 2021

A partir de nuestra práctica inicial con Terapia Familiar en escuelas médicas, institutos privados de Terapia Familiar y agencias públicas, nuestro trabajo con poblaciones difíciles que no responden a las técnicas de tratamiento comunes, nos ha hecho reflexionar sobre la inadecuación de las descripciones teóricas y sobre las limitaciones de nuestra experiencia práctica. Asimismo, este trabajo ha influido sobre nuestra actual teoría clínica en desarrollo, haciendo que pasemos de una conceptualización de los sistemas humanos en términos de sistemas sociales definidos por la organización social (en forma de roles y estructuras) hacia una conceptualización de ellos en términos de sistemas diferenciados por distintivos lingüísticos y comunicativos. De esta manera, a nuestro parecer, la unidad social con la que trabajamos en terapia es un sistema lingüístico que se caracteriza por incluir a aquellos miembros que utilizan un lenguaje común para hablar sobre un problema determinado, y no por conceptos arbitrarios y predeterminados de organización social. Nosotros denominamos al sistema terapéutico "sistema organizador/desintegrador del problema".
Psicología de los constructos familiares
Authors: G. Procter Harry
Published: April 2021

La Teoría de los Constructos Personales de Kelly experimenta una aceptación creciente tanto en el ámbito de la psicología de la personalidad, como de la psicoterapia individual. Sin embargo, no se han desarrollado apenas sus implicaciones en el campo de la Terapia Familiar. El artículo considera esta posibilidad y elabora a partir del corolario de socialidad dos nuevos corolarios específicos para cubrir adecuadamente el ámbito grupal y familiar, desarrollando las implicaciones para la práctica terapéutica.
The Variability of Quality Traits of Table Eggs and Eggshell Mineral Composition Depending on Hens’ Breed and Eggshell Color
Authors: Drabik Kamil , Karwowska Małgorzata , Wengerska Karolina , Próchniak Tomasz , Adamczuk Agnieszka , Batkowska Justyna
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the eggshell color parameters and its mineral composition as well as the internal quality of eggs derived from various breeds of hens, varied by eggshell color: seledine from Araucana, brown from Marans, and white from Leghorn. The sample consisted of 180 eggs (60/group) The eggshell color was measured using CIE L*a*b* system. The quality evaluation included traits of whole egg (weight, specific gravity, proportions of elements, shape index), yolk (weight, color, index, pH), albumen (weight, height, pH), and shell (color, strength, weight, thickness, density). The mineral composition of eggshells was analyzed. The eggs origin affected the quality characteristics of particular egg elements (p < 0.001). However, the impact of analyzed colors on the egg quality traits varied, and in the case of whole egg and albumen traits the most favorable was the white color (p ≤ 0.05), while in the case of the strength of shell or its thickness it was the dark brown color (p ≤ 0.05). The eggshell color influenced variations in its mineral composition (p < 0.001) except potassium and sodium content, while the proportion of particular mineral elements in shell was correlated with the L*a*b* color space coordinates (p ≤ 0.05).
The Early Modern Silesian Gallows (15th–19th Century) as an Example of Stray Animals Utilization before the Rise of Institutional Veterinary Care
Authors: Chrószcz Aleksander , Poradowski Dominik , Duma Paweł , Janeczek Maciej , Spychalski Przemysław
Published: April 2021

In the past, executioners played an important role in the legal system. Besides sentence executions, they also worked as dogcatchers (i.e., eliminating stray animals or cadavers of dead animals from towns), and were responsible for sanitary conditions within their towns and closest neighborhoods. Archaeological explorations of gallows in the towns of Lower Silesia (Poland) provide evidence of such activities, including animal skeletal remains. Archaeozoological analysis of these materials from the towns Kamienna Góra (Landeshut), Złotoryja (Goldberg), and Jelenia Góra (Hirschberg) are the subjects of this study. Our work also stresses the nature of the executioner’s profession in animal health control and town hygiene maintenance before the development of modern veterinary services. The results show significant differences in the frequency of species and distribution of anatomical elements in accessible assemblages compared with animal skeletal remains unearthed in typical waste pits or classical inhumation, allowing the assumption that the animals were anatomically adults, and their health statuses were generally good. The dominant species, equids and dogs, were represented by skeletal remains, with the predominance of less valuable body parts (distal parts of appendices, caudal parts of the vertebral column). The fragmentation of accessible bone assemblages narrows the ability of larger conclusions (i.e., minimum number of individual estimations). The work enlightens the complex role of executioners pertaining to the hygiene of early modern town communities, a role later replaced by professional veterinarians with all of the consequences of the transition process.
Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Influences on Neonatal Immunity, Growth and Puberty of Calves—A Review
Authors: Cardoso Claudia L. , King Ailbhe , Chapwanya Aspinas , Esposito Giulia
Published: April 2021

Calf immunity, growth and puberty are important factors affecting heifer productivity. The first four weeks of age are critical for reducing calf morbidity and mortality. It is well documented that colostrum is paramount to neonatal nutrition and passive immunity, however, adaptation to extra-uterine life starts early during embryonic development. Therefore, successful calf rearing strategies are underpinned by adequate maternal nutrition during gestation, and good colostrum management. A deeper understanding of these interactions paves the way for developing strategies to improve immune responses to environmental pathogens, optimal growth and timely attainment of puberty in calves. The literature reviewed here shows that there are opportunities to enhance the future performance of cattle paying attention to the interaction of nutrition and immunity at each developmental stage. Therefore, the objective of this review is to give the reader an overview of interactions between immunity, growth and puberty in dairy calves and highlight how these influence future performances.
Imaging of Canine Neoplastic Reproductive Disorders
Authors: Russo Marco , England Gary C.W. , Catone Giuseppe , Marino Gabriele
Published: April 2021

Diagnostic imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis and management of reproductive neoplasia in dogs and cats. The initial diagnosis, staging, and planning of surgical and radiation treatment and the response to therapy all involve imaging to varying degrees. Routine radiographs, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and cross-sectional imaging in the form of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are routinely used in canine reproductive disorders. The choice of imaging modality depends on many factors, including the level of referral and the pathological information required. The biological behaviour of the tumour also guides the choice of imaging in cancer staging, and imaging may play an important role in guiding serial tumour biopsy during the course of therapy. The sophistication of imaging modalities is increasing exponentially. Each modality has advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, availability, sensitivity, specificity, and qualities of anatomic versus functional imaging.
Emissions and Concentrations of Particulate Matter in Poznan Compared with Other Polish and European Cities
Authors: Jasiński Remigiusz , Galant-Gołębiewska Marta , Nowak Mateusz , Kurtyka Karolina , Kurzawska Paula , Maciejewska Marta , Ginter Monika
Published: April 2021

It is estimated that the excessive emission of airborne particulate matter shortens the life expectancy of a European city inhabitant by up to eight months. The conducted comparison shows the emission and concentration of PM10 in Poznan against the supra-regional background. The purpose of the comparison with similar area and population cities is to identify the position of the Poznan agglomeration in terms of particulate matter emissions. The main sources are: original research, PM official measuring stations’ data, and the relevant organizations’ reports. On the basis of the conducted comparison, it can be concluded that Wroclaw and Poznan achieve very similar results in terms of emissions. Cracow, on the other hand, as a city where for several years there have been significant problems with the phenomenon of smog and excessive emission of particulate matter, reaches extremely different values compared to Poznan. The article presents also the air quality in Poznan and other Polish and European cities. There were also measurements of PM mass and number conducted in Poznan. The results show that there is a significant difference between the air quality measured at official measuring stations (only some of them are measuring PMs at all) and that measured with portable equipment in different parts of the city.
Lake and Land Breezes at a Mediterranean Artificial Lake: Observations in Alqueva Reservoir, Portugal
Authors: Purificação Carolina , Potes Miguel , Rodrigues Gonçalo , Salgado Rui , Costa Maria João
Published: April 2021

The Alqueva reservoir, in the Southeast of Portugal, has significantly changed the landscape of the region, with impacts also on the local climate, as documented in this manuscript, namely the thermal circulation in the form of lake and land breezes. Taking advantage of three strategic meteorological stations, two installed at the shores and another on a floating platform located near the center of the reservoir, a detailed analysis of lake and land breeze occurrences during two years is presented in this study. The thermal gradient between the reservoir and the surroundings is the main driver for the breeze development and the meteorological stations placed in opposite sides of the reservoir allow to establish the criteria in order to detect lake and land breezes. The results showed more land breeze than lake breeze occurrences, in line with the more negative thermal gradient between shores and reservoir in the annual cycle. Lake breezes are more frequent in summer months during daytime and land breezes in turn are more frequent in winter months during night-time.
Shipping and Air Quality in Italian Port Cities: State-of-the-Art Analysis of Available Results of Estimated Impacts
Authors: Merico Eva , Cesari Daniela , Gregoris Elena , Gambaro Andrea , Cordella Marco , Contini Daniele
Published: April 2021

Populated coastal areas are exposed to emissions from harbour-related activities (ship traffic, loading/unloading, and internal vehicular traffic), posing public health issues and environmental pressures on climate. Due to the strategic geographical position of Italy and the high number of ports along coastlines, an increasing concern about maritime emissions from Italian harbours has been made explicit in the EU and IMO (International Maritime Organization, London, UK) agenda, also supporting the inclusion in a potential Mediterranean emission control area (MedECA). This work reviews the main available outcomes concerning shipping (and harbours’) contributions to local air quality, particularly in terms of concentration of particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants (mainly nitrogen and sulphur oxides), in the main Italian hubs. Maritime emissions from literature and disaggregated emission inventories are discussed. Furthermore, estimated impacts to air quality, obtained with dispersion and receptor modeling approaches, which are the most commonly applied methodologies, are discussed. Results show a certain variability that suggests the necessity of harmonization among methods and input data in order to compare results. The analysis gives a picture of the effects of this pollution source, which could be useful for implementing effective mitigation strategies at a national level.
Predictors of Survival in Atypical Meningiomas
Authors: Da Broi Michele , Borrelli Paola , Meling Torstein R.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Predictors of survival and progression of disease in atypical meningiomas are less well documented in the literature compared to benign meningiomas. Higher grade meningiomas tend to recur often and one of the most critical aspects is how to best deal with relapses. Methods: A total of 77 consecutive patients who underwent craniotomy for atypical meningioma between 1990–2010 at Oslo University Hospital (OUH) were reviewed. Results: Median age at surgery was 62.21 [interquartile range (IQR): 22.87] years. Fifty-one patients (66.2%) had neurological deficits at presentation. Fifty-four patients (70.1%) underwent gross total resection (GTR). Thirty-nine patients (50.7%) had improved/stable neurological outcomes at 6–12 months. Twenty-two patients (28.6%) underwent retreatment, of whom 20 (26.0%) were subjected to resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in patients <65 years (p < 0.001), with preoperative Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score of ≥ 70 (p = 0.006), and who required no retreatment (p = 0.033). GTR significantly prolonged the retreatment-free survival rate (p < 0.001). STR carried almost a six-fold greater risk of neurological outcome deterioration (p = 0.044). Conclusions: GTR significantly prolonged retreatment-free survival but had no significant impact on OS. STR was a significant risk factor for deteriorated neurological outcome. Age, preoperative KPS, and retreatment were all strong predictors of OS. Median time-to-retreatment (TTR) did not shorten significantly throughout repeated surgeries.
Correction: da Costa et al. Establishment of a Temperature-Sensitive Model of Oncogene-Induced Senescence in Angiosarcoma Cells. Cancers 2020, 12, 395
Authors: da Costa Adilson , Bonner Michael Y. , Rao Shikha , Gilbert Linda , Sasaki Maiko , Elsey Justin , MacKelfresh Jamie , Arbiser Jack L.
Published: April 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Topological Properties in a Λ/V-Type Dice Model
Authors: Cheng Shujie , Gao Xianlong
Published: April 2021

We studied a non-interacting Λ/V-type dice model composed of three triangular sublattices. By considering the isotropic nearest-neighbor hoppings and the next-nearest-neighbor hoppings with the phase, as well as the quasi-staggered on-site potential, we acquired the full phase diagrams under the different fillings of the energy bands. There are abundant topological non-trivial phases with different Chern numbers C=±1, as well as higher ones ±2,±3 and a metal phase in several regimes. In addition, we also checked the bulk–edge correspondence of the system by analyzing the edge-state energy spectrum.
Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking Studies for Discovery of Potential RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors
Authors: Ghazwani Mohammed Y. , Bakheit Ahmed H. , Hakami Abdulrahim R. , Alkahtani Hamad M. , Almehizia Abdulrahman A.
Published: April 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Globally, this pandemic has affected over 111 million individuals and posed many health and economic challenges. Much research effort is dedicated to discovering new treatments to address the associated challenges and restrict the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Since SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-strand RNA virus, its replication requires the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) enzyme. In this study, we report the discovery of new potential RdRp enzyme inhibitors based on computer modeling and simulation methodologies. The antiviral ZINC database was utilized for covalent docking virtual screening followed by molecular inter-action analyses based on reported hot spots within the RdRp binding pocket (PDB: 7BV2). Eleven molecules, ZINC000014944915, ZINC000027556215, ZINC000013556344, ZINC000003589958, ZINC000003833965, ZINC000001642252, ZINC000028525778, ZINC000027557701, ZINC000013781295, ZINC000001651128 and ZINC000013473324, were shown to have the highest binding interactions. These molecules were further assessed by molecular dynamics (MD) simu-lations and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies. The results showed that all 11 molecules except ZINC000027557701 formed stable complexes with the viral RdRp and fell within the accepted ADMET parameters. The identified molecules can be used to design future potential RdRp inhibitors.
Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to Jejunal Diverticula in a Community Hospital: A Case Report and Review of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Abbasi Cynthia , Jimenez M. Carolina , Lisi Michael
Published: April 2021

Small bowel diverticula are rare and often asymptomatic. Severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding from jejunal diverticula is rarely reported and, therefore, should be considered a differential diagnosis in all cases of lower gastrointestinal bleeding with nonconclusive gastroscopy and colonoscopy. In this case report, we discuss a case of a 75-year-old male with massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding from jejunal diverticula. Initial gastroscopy did not reveal the source of bleeding. Repeat upper endoscopy with a pediatric colonoscope identified jejunal diverticula as the likely source of bleeding. Angiography identified the site of extravasation, and successful angioembolization was done by interventional radiology.
Cellular Automata Modeling of Silica Aerogel Condensation Kinetics
Authors: Borzęcka Nina H. , Nowak Bartosz , Pakuła Rafał , Przewodzki Robert , Gac Jakub M.
Published: April 2021

The formation of silica aerogels and the kinetics of condensation were investigated numerically. The influence of the reaction-limited to the diffusion-limited aggregation (RLA to DLA) transition on the reaction kinetics curves and the evolution of the aggregate size distribution during condensation were examined. The 2D cellular automaton was developed and applied to reflect the process of secondary particle aggregation. Several tendencies were observed due to the adjustment of the model parameters: the probability of condensation reaction and the particles’ concentration. The final wet-gel structures’ visualizations proves that the structure becomes more dense and compact due to entering the RLA regime. The simulation time (associated with the gelation time) decreased along with the increase in both model parameters. The lower the collision probability, the slower reaction becomes, and particles are more likely to penetrate the structure deeper until they finally join the aggregate. The developed model reflects the condensation process’s nature and its mechanisms properly and indicates a significant potential for further aerogel synthesis investigations and for the prediction of wet-gel properties according to condensation parameters.
The Mammalian and Yeast A49 and A34 Heterodimers: Homologous but Not the Same
Authors: McNamar Rachel , Rothblum Katrina , Rothblum Lawrence I.
Published: April 2021

Ribosomal RNA synthesis is the rate-limiting step in ribosome biogenesis. In eukaryotes, RNA polymerase I (Pol I) is responsible for transcribing the ribosomal DNA genes that reside in the nucleolus. Aberrations in Pol I activity have been linked to the development of multiple cancers and other genetic diseases. Therefore, it is key that we understand the mechanisms of Pol I transcription. Recent studies have demonstrated that there are many differences between Pol I transcription in yeast and mammals. Our goal is to highlight the similarities and differences between the polymerase-associated factors (PAFs) in yeast and mammalian cells. We focus on the PAF heterodimer A49/34 in yeast and PAF53/49 in mammals. Recent studies have demonstrated that while the structures between the yeast and mammalian orthologs are very similar, they may function differently during Pol I transcription, and their patterns of regulation are different.
Congenital Microcoria: Clinical Features and Molecular Genetics
Authors: Angée Clémentine , Nedelec Brigitte , Erjavec Elisa , Rozet Jean-Michel , Fares Taie Lucas
Published: April 2021

Iris integrity is required to regulate both the amount of light reaching the retina and intraocular pressure (IOP), with elevated IOP being a major risk factor for glaucoma. Congenital microcoria (MCOR) is an extremely rare, autosomal dominant disease affecting iris development and hindering both of these functions. It is characterized by absent or underdeveloped dilator muscle fibers and immaturity of the iridocorneal angle—where the aqueous humor is drained—which play a central role in IOP regulation. The dilator muscle anomaly is manifested in pinhole pupils (<2 mm) and thin transilluminable irises, causing both hemeralopia and photoaversion. Axial myopia and juvenile open-angle glaucoma are very frequent (80% and 30% of all cases, respectively). It has been suggested that the immaturity of the chamber angle contributes to glaucoma, and myopia has been ascribed to photoaversion and elevated IOP. Though possible, these mechanisms are insufficient. The disease has been tied to chromosome 13q32.1 structural variations. In addition to compromising iris development, modification of the 13q32.1 architecture could alter signaling pathways for axial ocular length and IOP regulation. Here, we summarize the clinical, histological, and molecular features of this disease, and we discuss the possible etiology of associated anomalies.
Intermittent Energy Restriction, Weight Loss and Cardiometabolic Risk: A Critical Appraisal of Evidence in Humans
Authors: Katsarou Alexia L. , Katsilambros Nicholas L. , Koliaki Chrysi C.
Published: April 2021

Dietary patterns with intermittent energy restriction (IER) have been proposed as an attractive alternative to continuous energy restriction (CER) for the management of obesity and its associated comorbidities. The most widely studied regimens of IER comprise energy restriction on two days per week (5:2), alternate-day energy restriction by 60–70% (ADF), and timely restriction of energy intake during a specific time window within the day (TRF; time-restricted feeding). Although there is some evidence to suggest that IER can exert beneficial effects on human cardiometabolic health, yet is apparently not superior compared to CER, there are still some critical issues/questions that warrant further investigation: (i) high-quality robust scientific evidence regarding the long-term effects of IER (safety, efficacy, compliance) is limited since the vast majority of intervention studies had a duration of less than 6 months; (ii) whether the positive effects of IER are independent of or actually mediated by weight loss remains elusive; (iii) it remains unknown whether IER protocols are a safe recommendation for the general population; (iv) data concerning the impact of IER on ectopic fat stores, fat-free mass, insulin resistance and metabolic flexibility are inconclusive; (v) the cost-effectiveness of IER dietary regimens has not been adequately addressed; (vi) direct head-to-head studies comparing different IER patterns with variable macronutrient composition in terms of safety and efficacy are scarce; and (vii) evidence is limited with regard to the efficacy of IER in specific populations, including males, the elderly and patients with morbid obesity and diabetes mellitus. Until more solid evidence is available, individualization and critical perspective are definitely warranted to determine which patients might benefit the most from an IER intervention, depending on their personality traits and most importantly comorbid health conditions.
Decision Support Tools for River Restoration: The Implementation of the “River Habitat Survey” Methodology on the River Selho (Guimarães Municipality, Northwest Portugal)
Authors: Costa Francisco , Vieira António
Published: April 2021

The river habitat survey (RHS) system is a method used to assess the physical features and quality of rivers, which was developed to assist in the conservation and recovery of riverside habitats. The RHS takes into account the need to characterize areas of intervention from a hydromorphological point of view, in order to introduce corrective measures aimed at restoring degraded sections and habitats, and increasing local biodiversity. In this paper, we present the results obtained from the application of the RHS methodology to the River Selho, in the municipality of Guimarães (Portugal). The transects that we defined were strongly influenced by anthropic actions that have modified the riverside habitats, the artificialization of the river channel, and the urban occupation of the banks. Taking into account the results, we can point out the main problems that currently affect the hydromorphological quality of the transects analyzed in the River Selho, as well as identify the originating factors: the excessive silting of the watercourse; morphometric changes, with an emphasis on the narrowing and modification of the channel and the banks; as well as the massive destruction of the riparian zone. This study shows that the application of the RHS methodology is a useful tool for the management of degraded riverside areas.
Good Practices for Web-Based Cultural Heritage Information Management for Europeana
Authors: Giannakoulopoulos Andreas , Pergantis Minas , Poulimenou Sofia Maria , Deliyannis Ioannis
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the digital tools, online platform and methodology created during the implementation of BYZART, a European co-funded project for the enrichment of Europeana collections with heritage objects for Byzantine art and archaeology provided by the partners of the project. The creation of the platform and its usability are thoroughly described as well as the importance of such tools for the preservation and promotion of world cultural heritage. Also, the paper discusses the adaptation of the methodology to other projects, for the engagement of communities in the field of heritage datafication, and we demonstrate how existing content can be re-used by “meta-creators” to develop new content, applications and presentation paradigms.
Embracing Industry 4.0: Empirical Insights from Malaysia
Authors: Soomro Mansoor Ahmed , Hizam-Hanafiah Mohd , Abdullah Nor Liza , Ali Mohd Helmi , Jusoh Muhammad Shahar
Published: April 2021

Industry 4.0 revolution, with its cutting-edge technologies, is an enabler for businesses, particularly in reducing the cost and improving the productivity. However, a large number of organizations are still too in their infancy to leverage the true potential of Industry 4.0 and its technologies. This paper takes a quantitative approach to reveal key insights from the companies that have implemented Industry 4.0 technologies. For this purpose, 238 technology companies in Malaysia were studied through a survey questionnaire. As technology companies are usually the first in line to adopt new technologies, they can be studied better as leaders in adopting the latest technologies. The findings of this descriptive study surfaced an array of insights in terms of Industry 4.0 readiness, Industry 4.0 technologies, leadership, strategy, and innovation. This research paper contributes by providing 10 key empirical insights on Industry 4.0 that can be utilized by managers to pace up their efforts towards digital transformation, and can help the policymakers in drafting the right policy to drive the digital revolution.
Ballistic Impact and Virtual Testing of Woven FRP Laminates
Authors: Giannopoulos Ioannis K. , Yasaee Mehdi , Maropakis Nikolaos
Published: April 2021

The aim of the work was to investigate the numerical simulations correlation with the experimental behaviour of steel ball high velocity impact onto a 2 × 2 twill woven carbon composite laminate. The experimental set up consisted of a pressurised gas-gun able to shot steel ball projectiles onto two different composite plate layup configurations of plates made of the same composite material fabric. Subsequently, the experiments were replicated using the LSDYNA explicit finite element analysis software package. Progressive failure numerical models of two different fidelity levels were constructed. The higher fidelity model was simulating each of the plys of the composite panels separately, tied together using cohesive zone modelling properties. The lower fidelity model consisted of a single layer plate with artificial integration points for each ply. The simulation results came out to be in satisfactory agreement with the experimental ones. While the delamination extent was moderately under predicted by the higher fidelity model, the general behaviour was complying with the experimental results. The lower fidelity model was consistent in representing the damage of the panel during the impact and better predicted the impactor residual velocities due to the better matching of the pane stiffness. Despite the competency of the higher fidelity model to capture the damage of the laminate in a more detailed level, the computational cost was 80% higher than the lower fidelity case, which rendered that model impractical against the lower fidelity one, to use in larger models representing more substantial or more complex structures.
Decadal Assessment of Sperm Whale Site-Specific Abundance Trends in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Using Passive Acoustic Data
Authors: Li Kun , Sidorovskaia Natalia A. , Guilment Thomas , Tang Tingting , Tiemann Christopher O.
Published: April 2021

Passive acoustic monitoring has been successfully used to study deep-diving marine mammal populations. To assess regional population trends of sperm whales in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM), including impacts of the Deepwater Horizon platform oil spill in 2010, the Littoral Acoustic Demonstration Center-Gulf Ecological Monitoring and Modeling (LADC-GEMM) consortium collected broadband acoustic data in the Mississippi Valley/Canyon area between 2007 and 2017 using bottom-anchored moorings. These data allow the inference of short-term and long-term variations in site-specific abundances of sperm whales derived from their acoustic activity. A comparison is made between the abundances of sperm whales at specific sites in different years before and after the oil spill by estimating the regional abundance density. The results show that sperm whales were present in the region throughout the entire monitoring period. A habitat preference shift was observed for sperm whales after the 2010 oil spill with higher activities at sites farther away from the spill site. A comparison of the 2007 and 2015 results shows that the overall regional abundance of sperm whales did not recover to pre-spill levels. The results indicate that long-term spatially distributed acoustic monitoring is critical in characterizing sperm whale population changes and in understanding how environmental stressors impact regional abundances and the habitat use of sperm whales.
Preference between Individual Products and Bundles: Effects of Complementary, Price, and Discount Level in Portugal
Authors: Martins Paulo , Rodrigues Paula , Martins Carlos , Barros Teresa , Duarte Nelson , Dong Rebecca Kechen , Liao Yiyi , Comite Ubaldo , Yue Xiaoguang
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to (1) compare consumers’ preferences between individual products and bundles as well as (2) investigate some of the factors involved in bundle characteristics that may affect consumer’s preferences. Those factors are complementarity, price level, and discount level. An online survey developed by means of questionnaires were collected from the Portuguese population. Student’s t-tests were used to test the hypothesis formulated and to analyze the consumers’ preferences. The findings corroborate that in a scenario where the bundle does not offer any discounts, preference of individual products is higher. When a 20% discount is assigned to bundles, the overall preference for individual products is still superior. By offering a discount level of 45%, the overall preference for bundles becomes higher. The positive effect of complementarity bundles valuation is confirmed. This is the first approach to evaluate the preferences between bundles and individual products in the Portuguese market. The findings contribute to clarify the customer map within a Business Model Canvas. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the bundle complementarity and discount level effects simultaneously.
Investor Attention and Corporate Innovation Performance: Evidence from Web Search Volume Index of Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Li Nian , Li Chunling , Yuan Runsen , Khan Muhammad Asif , Sun Xiaoran , Khaliq Nosherwan
Published: April 2021

Leveraging from the online search index of Chinese listed companies from 2012 to 2018, we empirically test the relationship between investors’ attention and corporate innovation performance for the first time. The main results are as follows: (1) investors’ attention significantly improves listed companies’ innovation performance, which is reflected in the increase of patent applications. This indicates that investors’ active information collection behaviour affects China’s economic development by promoting enterprise innovation. (2) This paper’s conclusion remains intact after a battery of robustness checks, such as alternative measures of key variables and empirical specifications and a series of endogenous treatment. (3) The mechanisms tests show that: “information asymmetry”, “financing constraint”, and “agency cost” are supported. In other words, with the increase of investors’ attention, not only the information asymmetry is reduced, which greatly improved the information environment of the capital market, but also the external financing constraints of enterprises are alleviated. The opportunistic management behaviour is effectively suppressed, thus motivating the corporate innovation incentives and improving the corporate innovation of input, output and quality. (4) Further research shows that investor attention to listed companies also improves the efficiency of capital allocation. This paper’s conclusion shows that investors’ initiative information acquisition behaviour can improve enterprises innovation performance, thus providing a driving force for China’s economic development.
Cytokines, Proliferation Markers, Antimicrobial Factors and Neuropeptide-Containing Innervation in Human Nasal Mucosa after Rhinoseptoplasty Procedure
Authors: Podlesnaja Marija , Pilmane Mara , Sumeraga Gunta
Published: April 2021

The nasal cavity lined by nasal mucosa, is a significant part of respiratory system of human. However, there are no studies aimed to detect a molecular phenotype of healthy and normal functioning nasal mucosa, obtained after rhinoseptoplasty procedure, to understand its physiology and growth and inflammation processes. Thus, our aim is to identify human healthy nasal mucosa cytokines, neuropeptide-containing innervation and cell proliferation markers to form a control group for further tissue investigation of human nasal polyposis as the next step of our research. The study included surgery materials from 17 healthy humans. Biotin-streptavidin immunohistochemistry was performed for detection of tissue PGP9.5, Ki-67, β-Defensin 2, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12. Results were evaluated semi-quantitatively and by Friedman ANOVA and Spearman rang correlation tests. All factors were more widely expressed by superficial epithelium than by glandular one. Abundance of ILs-8, -10 and -12 positive cells was detected in comparison with moderate to numerous distributions of IL-1, IL-6 and β-Defensin 2. Moderate number of PGP 9.5-containing nerve fibers and only few to moderate Ki-67 positive cells were found in healthy nasal mucosa. We revealed statistically significant difference between Ki-67 and ILs-4, -6, -7, -8, -10, -12 both in healthy nasal mucosa superficial and glandular epithelium. From nasal epithelia, commonly the surface one displays more cytokines and β-Defensin 2 in comparison to the glandular one. Numerous to abundant expression of ILs-4, -6, -7, -8, -10, -12 and β-Defensin 2 in nasal superficial and glandular epithelia proves probably these factors’ role into the common immune response of tissue and stimulation of immune cell differentiation.
Relationship among Agroclimatic Variables, Soil and Leaves Nutrient Status with the Yield and Main Composition of Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC) Leaves Essential Oil
Authors: Efendi Darda , Budiarto Rahmat , Poerwanto Roedhy , Santosa Edi , Agusta Andria
Published: April 2021

Previous studies revealed the impact growing location has on the quantity and quality of essential oils derived from numerous Citrus spp., except on the kaffir lime. This study aims to analyze the relationship shared by agroclimatic variables and soil-plant nutrient status to kaffir lime leaves essential oil yield and main composition. The experiment was conducted between February and April 2019 in four growing locations, namely Bogor (6°36′36″ S, 106°46′47″ E), West Bandung (6°48′12″ S, 107°39′16″ E), Pasuruan (7°45′5″ S, 112°40′6″ E) and Tulungagung (8°6′27″ S, 112°0′35″ E). The highest essential oil yield was obtained from Bogor (1.5%), while the lowest one was from Tulungagung (0.78%). The yield was positively and significantly correlated with the rainfall, soil organic carbon, soil pH, and macronutrient levels, i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium. Citronellal, the major component in metabolites’ profile of kaffir lime leaves essential oils, was significantly affected by the growing location. The absolute content of citronellal was positively and significantly correlated with the actual soil pH and leaf Ca content; furthermore, it negatively correlated with the leaf content of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu. Pearson correlation analysis also showed (i) a negative significant correlation between the relative percentage of citronellol and annual rainfall intensity; (ii) a negative significant correlation between altitude and relative percentage of caryophyllene, and (iii) a positive significant correlation between the relative percentage of linalool and leaf K content.
A Decade of Organs-on-a-Chip Emulating Human Physiology at the Microscale: A Critical Status Report on Progress in Toxicology and Pharmacology
Authors: Rothbauer Mario , Bachmann Barbara E.M. , Eilenberger Christoph , Kratz Sebastian R.A. , Spitz Sarah , Höll Gregor , Ertl Peter
Published: April 2021

Organ-on-a-chip technology has the potential to accelerate pharmaceutical drug development, improve the clinical translation of basic research, and provide personalized intervention strategies. In the last decade, big pharma has engaged in many academic research cooperations to develop organ-on-a-chip systems for future drug discoveries. Although most organ-on-a-chip systems present proof-of-concept studies, miniaturized organ systems still need to demonstrate translational relevance and predictive power in clinical and pharmaceutical settings. This review explores whether microfluidic technology succeeded in paving the way for developing physiologically relevant human in vitro models for pharmacology and toxicology in biomedical research within the last decade. Individual organ-on-a-chip systems are discussed, focusing on relevant applications and highlighting their ability to tackle current challenges in pharmacological research.
An Automatic Platform Based on Nanostructured Microfluidic Chip for Isolating and Identification of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Jou Hei-Jen , Chou Li-Yun , Chang Wen-Chun , Ho Hsin-Cheng , Zhang Wan-Ting , Ling Pei-Ying , Tsai Ko-Hsin , Chen Szu-Hua , Chen Tze-Ho , Lo Pei-Hsuan , Chen Ming , Hsu Heng-Tung
Published: April 2021

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) test is currently used as a biomarker in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, the poor reproducibility and limited sensitivity with the CTC detection have limited its potential impact on clinical application. A reliable automated CTC detection system is therefore needed. We have designed an automated microfluidic chip-based CTC detection system and hypothesize this novel system can reliably detect CTC from clinical specimens. SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line was used first to test the reliability of our system. Ten healthy volunteers, 5 patients with benign ovarian tumors, and 8 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) were recruited to validate the CTC capturing efficacy in the peripheral blood. The capture rates for spiking test in SKOV3 cells were 48.3% and 89.6% by using anti-EpCAM antibody alone and a combination of anti-EpCAM antibody and anti-N-cadherin antibody, respectively. The system was sensitive to detection of low cell count and showed a linear relationship with the cell counts in our test range. The sensitivity and specificity were 62.5% and 100% when CTC was used as a biomarker for EOC. Our results demonstrated that this automatic CTC platform has a high capture rate and is feasible for detection of CTCs in EOC.
Binary Pectin-Chitosan Composites for the Uptake of Lanthanum and Yttrium Species in Aqueous Media
Authors: Kong Dexu , Kusrini Eny , Wilson Lee D.
Published: April 2021

Rare-earth elements such as lanthanum and yttrium have wide utility in high-tech applications such as permanent magnets and batteries. The use of biopolymers and their composites as adsorbents for La (III) and Y (III) ions were investigated as a means to increase the uptake capacity. Previous work has revealed that composite materials with covalent frameworks that contain biopolymers such as pectin and chitosan have secondary adsorption sites for enhanced adsorption. Herein, the maximum adsorption capacity of a 5:1 Pectin-Chitosan composite with La (III) and Y (III) was 22 mg/g and 23 mg/g, respectively. Pectin-Chitosan composites of variable composition were characterized by complementary methods: spectroscopy (FTIR, 13C solids NMR), TGA, and zeta potential. This work contributes to the design of covalent Pectin-Chitosan biopolymer frameworks for the controlled removal of La (III) and Y (III) from aqueous media.
Gene–Phenotype Associations Involving Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) Reveal Significant Species- and Strain-Specificity in Carbohydrate Catabolism
Authors: Liu Shijie , Fang Zhifeng , Wang Hongchao , Zhai Qixiao , Hang Feng , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Lu Wenwei , Chen Wei
Published: April 2021

Bifidobacteria are among the first colonizers of the human gastrointestinal tract. Different bacterial species use different mechanisms for utilization of various carbon sources in order to establish themselves in the complex microbial ecosystem of the gut. However, these mechanisms still need to be explored. Here, a large gene–phenotype correlation analysis was carried out to explore the metabolic and genetic diversity of bifidobacterial carbohydrate utilization abilities. In this study, we used 21 different carbohydrates to determine the growth phenotypes, the distribution of glycoside hydrolases (GHs), and gene clusters related to the utilization of multiple carbon sources in six human-residential Bifidobacterium species. Five carbohydrates significantly stimulated growth of almost all strains, while the remaining sugars exhibited species- and strain-specificity. Correspondingly, different Bifidobacterium species also had specific GHs involved in fermentation of plant or host glycans. Moreover, we analyzed several carbohydrate utilization gene clusters, such as 2-fucosyllactose (2′FL), sialic acid (SA), and fructooligosaccharide (FOS). In summary, by using 217 bifidobacterial strains and a wide range of growth substrates, our research revealed inter- and intra-species differences in bifidobacterial in terms of carbohydrate utilization. The findings of this study are useful for the process of developing prebiotics for optimum growth of probiotics, especially Bifidobacterium species.