bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking Green Human Resource Practices and Environmental Economics Performance: The Role of Green Economic Organizational Culture and Green Psychological Climate
Authors: Shah Syed Mehmood Ali , Jiang Yang , Wu Hao , Ahmed Zahoor , Ullah Irfan , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday
Published: October 2021

An eco-friendly environment with green strategies can help to achieve better environmental performance. However, literature on the relationship between green human resource management practices (GHRMP) and sustainable environmental efficiency (SEF) is limited. Moreover, there is limited knowledge about the factors that could mediate the relationship between GHRMP and SEF. Therefore, the present study examines the impact of green human resource management practices mediating through green psychological climate (GPC) and green organizational culture (GOC) for better environmental efficacy. For this purpose, the primary data on variables are collected by using structured assessment tools and analyzed through regression models. Unlike previous studies, this study adopts a mediation model and unfolds not only the role of green human resource practices in psychological climate and green organizational culture but also clarifies the mediating role of GPC and GOC in sustainable environmental efficiency. The findings unfolded that ecological factors such as green psychological climate, green organizational culture, and sustainable environmental efficiency are positively affected by green human resources management. In addition, green organizational culture and green psychological climate positively mediate the relationship between GHRMP and SEF. This study recommends adopting green human resource management strategies and increasing technical innovations to improve sustainability and economic performance.
Detection of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Activities and Their Transformation Using Earth Observation, Nighttime Light, and Precipitation Data
Authors: Kimijima Satomi , Sakakibara Masayuki , Nagai Masahiko
Published: October 2021

The rapid growth of artificially constructed mining camps has negatively impacted the camps’ surrounding environment and the informal communities that have developed inside the camps. However, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is generally informal, illegal, and unregulated; thus, transformations of the mining activities and potential social-environmental problems resulting from these changes are not revealed. This study assesses the transformation of mining activities in camp-type ASGM sectors in Gorontalo, Indonesia, during 2014–2020 using remotely sensed data, such as Landsat series, nighttime light, and precipitation data obtained through Google Earth Engine. Results show that the combined growth of the built-up areas increased 4.8-fold, and their annual mean nighttime light increased 3.8-fold during 2014–2019. Furthermore, diverse increases in the sizes of area and nighttime light intensity were identified from the mining camps. Among the studied camps, since 2017, Motomboto camp 3 showed a particularly rapid change in activity regardless of the season of the year. Hence, these approaches are capable of identifying rapid transformations in the mining activities and provide significant insight into the socio-environmental problems originating from the closed and vulnerable camp-based ASGM sector. Our results also contribute to developing rapid and appropriate interventions and strengthening environmental governance.
State Anxiety after Exergame Beach Volleyball Did Not Differ between the Single and Multiplayer Modes in Adult Men
Authors: de Oliveira Vinnycius , Viana Ricardo , Morais Naiane , Costa Gustavo , Andrade Marilia , Vancini Rodrigo , de Lira Claudio
Published: October 2021

This study compared the exergame beach volleyball’s acute effects on state anxiety level in single vs. multiplayer mode in adult men. Sixty adult men (age: 21.98 [4.58] years, body mass: 75.40 [15.70] kg, height: 1.77 [0.09] m, and body mass index: 24.19 [5.44] kg/m2; data are expressed as median [interquartile range]) were assigned to play exergame of beach volleyball in single- or multiplayer mode for approximately 30 min using the Xbox 360 Kinect®. The state anxiety level was evaluated before and after the intervention. There was no significant difference in the state anxiety levels after an exergame session between the single and multiplayer modes (p-value = 0.407, effect size (rB) = −0.12, defined as small). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the state anxiety levels before and after an exergame session in single-player mode (p-value = 0.516, effect size (d) = 0.14, defined as trivial) and multiplayer mode (p-value = 0.053, rB = 0.43, defined as medium). In conclusion, state anxiety level after exergame beach volleyball did not differ between the single and multiplayer modes in adult men.
What Should Be Considered in the Evidence-Based Practice Competency-Based Curriculum for Undergraduate Nursing Students? From the Student’s Point of View
Authors: Song Chieun , Kim Weongyeong , Park Jeongmin
Published: October 2021

Background: The nursing curriculum should be systematically developed to improve the evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies of undergraduate nursing students. We attempted to identify the factors important for developing or improving the EBP-integrated nursing curriculum. Methods: This study adopted the qualitative research design using qualitative content analysis. A total of 168 study participants were included in the study. The participants were third-year nursing students at a private university located in southeastern South Korea. An open-ended question was asked: “To improve students’ EBP competencies during theory classes, on-campus practicums, or clinical practicums, what do you think is necessary?” Result(s): The analysis presented thirty themes, which were grouped into 10 sub-categories and further into four categories, and finally into three main categories. The students responded that they needed to form their own attitudes toward EBP. Regarding educator-related needs, students responded that effective teaching and learning methods should be used in classes. The students also suggested that the EBP process should be applied during clinical practicum. Regarding school-related needs, students suggested that EBP education should be applied at the beginning of the curriculum. Furthermore, the students recommended that repeated teaching should be used for EBP, and that EBP education should be connected to the major courses. Conclusions: The development of EBP competencies among undergraduate students is an important factor that can impact the nursing quality and patient safety. Based on the findings of this study, multidimensional efforts are needed to improve the liberal arts education of students and strengthen the educators’ competencies of EBNP and EBTP. Furthermore, schools should strive to assess students’ educational needs regularly and integrate the subsequent EBP-integrated nursing curricula consistent with these needs.
Life Cycle Assessment of Cement Production with Marble Waste Sludges
Authors: Sánchez Antonio Ruiz , Ramos Ventura Castillo , Polo Manuel Sánchez , Ramón María Victoria López , Utrilla José Rivera
Published: October 2021

The construction industry has a considerable environmental impact in societies, which must be controlled to achieve adequate sustainability levels. In particular, cement production contributes 5–8% of CO2 emissions worldwide, mainly from the utilization of clinker. This study applied Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to investigate the environmental impact of cement production and explore environmental improvements obtained by adding marble waste sludges in the manufacture of Portland cement. It was considered that 6–35% of the limestone required for its production could be supplied by marble waste sludge (mainly calcite), meeting the EN 197-1:2011 norm. Energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission data were obtained from the Ecovent database using commercial LCA software. All life cycle impact assessment indicators were lower for the proposed “eco-cement” than for conventional cement, attributable to changes in the utilization of limestone and clinker. The most favorable results were achieved when marble waste sludge completely replaced limestone and was added to clinker at 35%. In comparison to conventional Portland cement production, this process reduced GHG emissions by 34%, the use of turbine waters by 60%, and the emission of particles into the atmosphere by 50%. Application of LCA methodology allowed evaluation of the environmental impact and improvements obtained with the production of a type of functional eco-cement. This approach is indispensable for evaluating the environmental benefits of using marble waste sludges in the production of cement.
Towards Sustainable Cities: The Spillover Effects of Waste-Sorting Policies on Sustainable Consumption
Authors: Yang Shu , Cheng Peng , Wang Shanyong , Li Jun
Published: October 2021

The increasing amount of waste in cities poses a great challenge for sustainable development. Promoting waste sorting is one of the priorities for various levels of public authorities in the context of the rapid growth of waste generation all around China. To achieve this goal, waste-sorting policies should be precisely designed to ensure successful waste reduction at all stages. Previous studies have neglected the spillover effects of different regulatory policies, which may affect the overall goal of reducing waste by influencing different waste production stages. This paper fills this gap by comparing the spillover effects of two typical waste-sorting policies on sustainable consumption behaviours through a survey conducted in Shanghai and Beijing (control group). By combining quasi-natural experiment and questionnaire methods, this paper analyses data through a mediation test to explore the spillover effects between different regulatory policy groups and the effects of the mediation psychological factors. Results show that a penalty policy significantly decreases people’s sustainable consumption behaviours through a negative spillover effect, while a voluntary participation policy significantly increases sustainable consumption behaviours through a positive spillover effect. Results can provide implications for policymaking in waste management and other pro-environmental fields to help cities become more sustainable by shifting multiple behaviours.
Changes in Alienation in Physical Education Classes, School Happiness, and Expectations of a Future Healthy Life after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korean Adolescents
Authors: Lee Seung-Man , Yoo Jung-In , Youn Hyun-Su
Published: October 2021

This study aims to investigate the changes in the structural relationship between alienation in physical education (PE) classes, school happiness, and future healthy life expectations in Korean adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were collected from Korean adolescents using different scales. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis, reliability analysis, validity analysis, independent t test, and path analysis. The key results were: First, there were partial changes in each of the parameters since the outbreak of COVID-19. Second, before the pandemic, alienation in PE classes negatively affected school happiness, and school happiness positively affected expectations of a future healthy life; however, alienation in PE classes did not affect the expectations of a future healthy life, showing a complete mediating effect. Third, during the pandemic, alienation in PE classes negatively affected school happiness, and school happiness positively affected the expectations of a future healthy life; alienation in PE classes negatively affected the expectations of a future healthy life, showing a partial mediating effect. These findings emphasize the importance and potential of school education, especially PE, in promoting happiness and healthy lives in adolescents. We expect these findings to have practical implications for future research by presenting theoretical and empirical data.
Social Capital and COVID-19 Deaths: An Ecological Analysis in Japan
Authors: Murayama Hiroshi , Nakamoto Isuzu , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: October 2021

Social contextual factors could determine mortality by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with social capital as a potential determinant. This study aimed to examine the association between prefecture-level social capital and COVID-19 deaths in Japan. Data on the cumulative number of COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 individuals between 1 October 2020 and 30 June 2021 in 47 prefectures were obtained from the government open-access database. Prefecture-level social capital was collected from a large-scale web-based nationwide survey conducted between August and September 2020. We included trust in neighbors, norm of reciprocity in the neighborhood, and trust in the national government as cognitive social capital, and neighborhood ties and social participation as structural social capital. The cumulative COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 individuals (1 October 2020 to 30 June 2021) ranged from 0.15 to 27.98 in 47 prefectures. A multiple regression analysis after adjusting for covariates showed that a greater norm of reciprocity and government trust were associated with fewer COVID-19 deaths during the first and second 3-month periods of observation. In the third 3-month period, the association between COVID-19 deaths and government trust became nonsignificant. Trust in neighbors, neighborhood ties, and social participation were not related to COVID-19 deaths during any time period. The disparity of COVID-19 deaths by prefecture in Japan can be explained by cognitive social capital. This study suggests that the association between social capital and COVID-19 deaths may vary according to the dimension of social capital and time period.
Social Distancing Policies in the Coronavirus Battle: A Comparison of Denmark and Sweden
Authors: Seing Ida , Thórný Stefánsdóttir Nina , Wassar Kirk Jeanette , Andersen Ove , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine , Kallemose Thomas , Vedung Evert , Vrangbæk Karsten , Nilsen Per
Published: October 2021

Social distancing measures have been a key component in government strategies to mitigate COVID-19 globally. Based on official documents, this study aimed to identify, compare and analyse public social distancing policy measures adopted in Denmark and Sweden regarding the coronavirus from 1 March 2020 until 1 October 2020. A key difference was the greater emphasis on laws and executive orders (sticks) in Denmark, which allowed the country to adopt many stricter policy measures than Sweden, which relied mostly on general guidelines and recommendations (sermons). The main policy adopters in Denmark were the government and the Danish Parliament, whereas the Public Health Agency issued most policies in Sweden, reflecting a difference in political governance and administrative structure in the two countries. During the study period, Sweden had noticeably higher rates of COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations per 100,000 population than Denmark, yet it is difficult to determine the impact or relative effectiveness of sermons and sticks, particularly with regard to broader and longer-term health, economic and societal effects.
Future Challenges for Work-Related Health Promotion in Europe: A Data-Based Theoretical Reflection
Authors: Faller Gudrun
Published: October 2021

This contribution is a theoretical reflection based on statistical and empirical data as well as concepts proposed by other authors or institutions. Based on the thesis that the respective social developments equally influence and limit the orientation and design of workplace health promotion, this article deals with the challenges that arise from the contemporary social, political and economic developments for a needs-oriented and effective workplace health promotion. On the basis of a historical review of the lines of development in workplace health promotion, beginning with the Ottawa Charter in 1986, the field of tension in which work-related health promotion approaches generally operate is first outlined. Based on the results of a keyword search in relevant European statistics databases and specialized databases on the topics of demographic change, labor migration and digitalization and flexibilization of work, current development trends in the world of work are traced, priority desiderata for a future design of health promotion are derived from these, and their chances of realization are reflected upon. On the basis of the data collected, it becomes clear that today’s world of work is characterized by multidimensional diversification processes, which are accompanied by the risk of worsening social inequalities. The conclusion is that future concepts of workplace health promotion must be more universal than previous approaches, which are often limited to the focus of individual behavioral prevention. The attempt to promote workplace health promotion with economic benefit arguments also runs the risk of reinforcing social inequality. The task of effective workplace health promotion, conversely, must be to initiate critical reflection on current priorities.
SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Is a New Challenge for the Effectiveness of Global Vaccination Campaign: A Systematic Review of Cases Reported in Literature
Authors: Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Ambosino Mariateresa , Lo Muzio Eleonora , Quadri Mir Faeq Ali
Published: October 2021

Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 seems to be a rare phenomenon. The objective of this study is to carry out a systematic search of literature on the SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in order to understand the success of the global vaccine campaigns. A systematic search was performed. Inclusion criteria included a positive RT-PCR test of more than 90 days after the initial test and the confirmed recovery or a positive RT-PCR test of more than 45 days after the initial test that is accompanied by compatible symptoms or epidemiological exposure, naturally after the confirmed recovery. Only 117 articles were included in the final review with 260 confirmed cases. The severity of the reinfection episode was more severe in 92/260 (35.3%) with death only in 14 cases. The observation that many reinfection cases were less severe than initial cases is interesting because it may suggest partial protection from disease. Another interesting line of data is the detection of different clades or lineages by genome sequencing between initial infection and reinfection in 52/260 cases (20%). The findings are useful and contribute towards the role of vaccination in response to the COVID-19 infections. Due to the reinfection cases with SARS-CoV-2, it is evident that the level of immunity is not 100% for all individuals. These data highlight how it is necessary to continue to observe all the prescriptions recently indicated in the literature in order to avoid new contagion for all people after healing from COVID-19 or becoming asymptomatic positive.
Dental Healthcare Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Butt Rabia Tariq , Janjua Omer Sefvan , Qureshi Sana Mehmood , Shaikh Muhammad Saad , Guerrero-Gironés Julia , Rodríguez-Lozano Francisco J. , Zafar Muhammad Sohail
Published: October 2021

The hustle and bustle of the planet Earth have come to a halt thanks to the novel coronavirus. The virus has affected approximately 219 million people globally; taken the lives of 4.55 million patients as of September 2021; and created an ambiance of fear, social distancing, and economic instability. The purpose of this review article is to trace the historical origin and evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus is highly contagious with a unique feature of rapid mutations—the scientific research is paving the way for discoveries regarding novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) diagnosis, features, prevention, and vaccination. The connections between the coronavirus pandemic and dental practices are essential because COVID-19 is transmitted by aerosols, fomites, and respiratory droplets, which are also produced during dental procedures, putting both the patient and the dentist at risk. The main emphasis of this paper is to highlight the psychological, economic, and social impact of this pandemic on dental practices throughout the world and under what circumstances and guidelines can dental health care be provided. In the current situation of the pandemic, an appropriate screening tool must be established either by using rapid molecular testing or saliva point-of-care technology, which will be effective in identifying as well as isolating the potential contacts and carriers in hopes to contain and mitigate infection. The blessing in disguise is that this virus has united the leaders, scientists, health care providers, and people of all professions from all around the world to fight against a common enemy.
Breaching Learners’ Social Distancing through Social Media during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Zaheer , Iqbal Ayesha , Seitamaa-Hakkarainen Pirita , Barbera Elena
Published: October 2021

Higher education has been shifted toward blended learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in social media usage intensity and reduced face-to-face interaction due to the COVID-19 pandemic urged instructional communication researchers to revisit the dynamics of learners’ group development in terms of their socialization and academic performance during the COVID-19 crisis. This research aimed to determine the mediating role of social media sociability between face-to-face socialization and academic performance of higher education students in blended learning environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also the aim of the study to determine the moderating effect of social media usage intensity on social media sociability. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with the students (n = 340) enrolled in science teacher education departments of universities in Pakistan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for multivariate analysis. Results revealed that face-to-face socialization gave an essential start to develop a learning group. However, when face-to-face socialization was reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was mediated by social media usage in blended learning environments to increase their socialization and academic performance during the crisis. The findings of the study are useful for higher education institutions to adopt social media strategies for students’ socialization during the crisis.
A Sheathed Spike Gene, TaWUS-like Inhibits Stem Elongation in Common Wheat by Regulating Hormone Levels
Authors: Si Xuemei , Wang Wanxin , Wang Ke , Liu Yunchuan , Bai Jiangping , Meng Yaxiong , Zhang Xueyong , Liu Hongxia
Published: October 2021

The elongation and development of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stem play an important role in plant architecture. The shortened stem would result in a sheathed spike and a low yield in crops. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying a sheathed spike would be beneficial for plant architecture and yield improvement. We identified a novel gene, TaWUS-like (WUSCHEL-related homeobox-like), which regulated sheathed spike and plant architecture in wheat. The plant height of overexpression transgenic lines was significantly decreased and the spike was not completely elongated and enclosed in flag leaf sheaths. Moreover, the increase in tiller angle resulted in loose plant architecture and lower yield. The statistical and cytological analysis demonstrated that the length of the uppermost and secondary internode was significantly shortened, especially the uppermost internode which was only half the length of the wild-type. The size of parenchyma cells was obviously reduced and cell length on the longitudinal section was elongated insufficiently compared with wild-type. The analysis of hormone content showed that there was a lack of gibberellin A 3 (GA3) in internodes but a higher brassinosteroid (BR) content. TaWUS-like may inhibit the synthesis of GA3 and/or BR, thus affecting the function of signal transduction of these hormones, which further caused stem shortening and plant dwarfing in wheat.
Identification of Tumor Antigens in Ovarian Cancers Using Local and Circulating Tumor-Specific Antibodies
Authors: Da Gama Duarte Jessica , Quigley Luke T. , Young Anna Rachel , Hayashi Masaru , Miyazawa Mariko , Lopata Alex , Mancuso Nunzio , Mikami Mikio , Behren Andreas , Meeusen Els
Published: October 2021

Ovarian cancers include several disease subtypes and patients often present with advanced metastatic disease and a poor prognosis. New biomarkers for early diagnosis and targeted therapy are, therefore, urgently required. This study uses antibodies produced locally in tumor-draining lymph nodes (ASC probes) of individual ovarian cancer patients to screen two separate protein microarray platforms and identify cognate tumor antigens. The resulting antigen profiles were unique for each individual cancer patient and were used to generate a 50-antigen custom microarray. Serum from a separate cohort of ovarian cancer patients encompassing four disease subtypes was screened on the custom array and we identified 28.8% of all ovarian cancers, with a higher sensitivity for mucinous (50.0%) and serous (40.0%) subtypes. Combining local and circulating antibodies with high-density protein microarrays can identify novel, patient-specific tumor-associated antigens that may have diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic uses in ovarian cancer.
New N-Substituted-1,2,4-triazole Derivatives of Pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinone with Significant Anti-Inflammatory Activity—Design, Synthesis and Complementary In Vitro, Computational and Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Szczukowski Łukasz , Krzyżak Edward , Wiatrak Benita , Jawień Paulina , Marciniak Aleksandra , Kotynia Aleksandra , Świątek Piotr
Published: October 2021

Regarding that the chronic use of commonly available non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is often restricted by their adverse effects, there is still a current need to search for and develop new, safe and effective anti-inflammatory agents. As a continuation of our previous work, we designed and synthesized a series of 18 novel N-substituted-1,2,4-triazole-based derivatives of pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinone 4a-c-9a-c. The target compounds were afforded via a convenient way of synthesis, with good yields. The executed cell viability assay revealed that molecules 4a-7a, 9a, 4b-7b, 4c-7c do not exert a cytotoxic effect and were qualified for further investigations. According to the performed in vitro test, compounds 4a-7a, 9a, 4b, 7b, 4c show significant cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory activity and a promising COX-2/COX-1 selectivity ratio. These findings are supported by a molecular docking study which demonstrates that new derivatives take position in the active site of COX-2 very similar to Meloxicam. Moreover, in the carried out in vitro evaluation within cells, the title molecules increase the viability of cells pre-incubated with the pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide and reduce the level of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in induced oxidative stress. The spectroscopic and molecular modeling study discloses that new compounds bind favorably to site II(m) of bovine serum albumin. Finally, we have also performed some in silico pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness predictions. Taking all of the results into consideration, the molecules belonging to series a (4a-7a, 9a) show the most promising biological profile.
Ochratoxin A-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Up-to-Date Evidence
Authors: Khoi Chong-Sun , Chen Jia-Huang , Lin Tzu-Yu , Chiang Chih-Kang , Hung Kuan-Yu
Published: October 2021

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin widely found in various foods and feeds that have a deleterious effect on humans and animals. It has been shown that OTA causes multiorgan toxicity, and the kidney is the main target of OTA among them. This present article aims to review recent and latest intracellular molecular interactions and signaling pathways of OTA-induced nephrotoxicity. Pyroptosis, lipotoxicity, organic anionic membrane transporter, autophagy, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and histone acetyltransferase have been involved in the renal toxicity caused by OTA. Meanwhile, the literature reviewed the alternative or method against OTA toxicity by reducing ROS production, oxidative stress, activating the Nrf2 pathway, through using nanoparticles, a natural flavonoid, and metal supplement. The present review discloses the molecular mechanism of OTA-induced nephrotoxicity, providing opinions and strategies against OTA toxicity.
Suppression of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Differentiation and Enhances the Chemosensitivity of P53-Positive U2OS Osteosarcoma Cell
Authors: Wang Jir-You , Chen Chao-Ming , Chen Cheng-Fong , Wu Po-Kuei , Chen Wei-Ming
Published: October 2021

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant musculoskeletal tumor that is commonly noticed in adolescent children, young children, and elderly adults. Due to advances in surgery, chemotherapy and imaging technology, survival rates have improved to 70–80%, but chemical treatments do not enhance patient survival; in addition, the survival rate after chemical treatments is still low. The most obvious clinical feature of osteosarcoma is new bone formation, which is called “sun burst”. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is an essential feature of osteogenesis and regulates cell growth in various tumors, including osteosarcoma. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of ERα in osteosarcoma and to determine if ERα can be used as a target to facilitate the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma to current treatments. The growth rate of each cell clone was assayed by MTT and trypan blue cell counting, and cell cycle analysis was conducted by flow cytometry. Osteogenic differentiation was induced by osteogenic induction medium and quantified by ARS staining. The effects of ERα on the chemoresponse of OS cells treated with doxorubicin were evaluated by colony formation assay. Mechanistic studies were conducted by examining the levels of proteins by Western blot. The role of ERα on OS prognosis was investigated by an immunohistochemical analysis of OS tissue array. The results showed an impaired growth rate and a decreased osteogenesis ability in the ERα-silenced P53(+) OS cell line U2OS, but not in P53(−) SAOS2 cells, compared with the parental cell line. Cotreatment with tamoxifen, an estrogen receptor inhibitor, increased the sensitivity to doxorubicin, which decreased the colony formation of P53(+) U2OS cells. Cell cycle arrest in the S phase was observed in P53(+) U2OS cells cotreated with low doses of doxorubicin and tamoxifen, while increased levels of apoptosis factors indicated cell death. Moreover, patients with ER−/P53(+) U2OS showed better chemoresponse rates (necrosis rate > 90%) and impaired tumor sizes, which were compatible with the findings of basic research. Taken together, ERα may be a potential target of the current treatments for osteosarcoma that can control tumor growth and improve chemosensitivity. In addition, the expression of ERα in osteosarcoma can be a prognostic factor to predict the response to chemotherapy.
Single Cell Center of Mass for the Analysis of BMP Receptor Heterodimers Distributions
Authors: Boog Hendrik , Medda Rebecca , Cavalcanti-Adam Elisabetta Ada
Published: October 2021

At the plasma membrane, transmembrane receptors are at the interface between cells and their environment. They allow sensing and transduction of chemical and mechanical extracellular signals. The spatial distribution of receptors and the specific recruitment of receptor subunits to the cell membrane is crucial for the regulation of signaling and cell behavior. However, it is challenging to define what regulates such spatial patterns for receptor localization, as cell shapes are extremely diverse when cells are maintained in standard culture conditions. Bone morphogenetic protein receptors (BMPRs) are serine-threonine kinases, which build heteromeric complexes of BMPRI and II. These are especially interesting targets for receptor distribution studies, since the signaling pathways triggered by BMPR-complexes depends on their dimerization mode. They might exist as preformed complexes, or assemble upon binding of BMP, triggering cell signaling which leads to differentiation or migration. In this work we analyzed BMPR receptor distributions in single cells grown on micropatterns, which allow not only to control cell shape, but also the distribution of intracellular organelles and protein assemblies. We developed a script called ComRed (Center Of Mass Receptor Distribution), which uses center of mass calculations to analyze the shift and spread of receptor distributions according to the different cell shapes. ComRed was tested by simulating changes in experimental data showing that shift and spread of distributions can be reliably detected. Our ComRed-based analysis of BMPR-complexes indicates that receptor distribution depends on cell polarization. The absence of a coordinated internalization after addition of BMP suggests that a rapid and continual recycling of BMPRs might occur. Receptor complexes formation and localization in cells induced by BMP might yield insights into the local regulation of different signaling pathways.
CFD Prediction of Ship Seakeeping and Slamming Behaviors of a Trimaran in Oblique Regular Waves
Authors: Liao Xiyu , Chen Zhanyang , Gui Hongbin , Du Mengchao
Published: October 2021

The main hull encounters waves at first and causes waves to break, when trimarans are subject to the slamming in head waves. At this moment, emergence phenomena of side hulls will not occur. Thus, the slamming study of trimarans in oblique waves presents further practical significance. In this study, a CFD method is used for trimaran seakeeping and slamming analysis. An overset grid technique is adopted to simulate ship motions in waves. Firstly, to further verify the present method, a series of verification and validation studies is conducted. Then, the motion responses and slamming pressure with different control parameters, such as forward speed and ship heading angle, are calculated and discussed. The comparative results indicate that the seakeeping and slamming behaviors of trimarans differ significantly from those of conventional monohull ships. Finally, severe bow slamming and green water in oblique waves are also observed and investigated, which should be given enough attention during ship design and evaluation.
Potent and Selective Inhibitors of Human Monoamine Oxidase A from an Endogenous Lichen Fungus Diaporthe mahothocarpus
Authors: Jeong Geum Seok , Hillman Prima F. , Kang Myung-Gyun , Hwang Sungbo , Park Jong-Eun , Nam Sang-Jip , Park Daeui , Kim Hoon
Published: October 2021

Using 126 endogenous lichen fungus (ELF) extracts, inhibitory activities against monoamine oxidases (MAOs) and cholinesterases (ChEs) were evaluated. Among them, extract ELF29 of the endogenous fungus Diaporthe mahothocarpus of the lichen Cladonia symphycarpia showed the highest inhibitory activity against hMAO-A. Compounds alternariol (AT), 5′-hydroxy-alternariol (HAT), and mycoepoxydiene (MED), isolated from the extract, had potent inhibitory activities against hMAO-A with IC50 values of 0.020, 0.31, and 8.68 µM, respectively. AT, HAT, and MED are reversible competitive inhibitors of hMAO-A with Ki values of 0.0075, 0.116, and 3.76 µM, respectively. The molecular docking studies suggested that AT, HAT, and MED had higher binding affinities for hMAO-A (−9.1, −6.9, and −5.6 kcal/mol, respectively) than for hMAO-B (−6.3, −5.2, and −3.7 kcal/mol, respectively). The relative tight binding might result from a hydrogen bond interaction of the three compounds with a Tyr444 residue in hMAO-A, whereas no hydrogen bond interaction was proposed in hMAO-B. In silico pharmacokinetics, the three compounds showed high gastrointestinal absorption without violating Lipinski’s five rules, but only MED showed high probability to cross the blood–brain barrier. These results suggest that AT, HAT, and MED are candidates for treating neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression and cardiovascular disease.
Mixed Land Use Evaluation and Its Impact on Housing Prices in Beijing Based on Multi-Source Big Data
Authors: Yang Hanbing , Fu Meichen , Wang Li , Tang Feng
Published: October 2021

The tense relationship between the supply and demand of land resources and the past spatial expansion of urban development in Beijing have brought many urban problems. Mixed land use is considered to be able to solve these urban problems as well as promote sustainable urban development. In this context, this study uses multi-source big data such as POI, OpenStreetMap and web crawler data to construct current land-use data of the area within the sixth ring road of Beijing, and then uses the entropy index and type number index to analyze the spatial distribution and aggregation characteristics of the mixed land-use level. Finally, a multi-scale geographically weighted regression is applied to explore the impact of the block and life circle scale mixed land use on housing prices. The results show that: (1) the accuracy of land use data obtained by using multi-source big data is high, and the consistency with the real land use situation is as high as 82.67%. (2) the mixed land use level in the study area is higher in the urban center and lower in the periphery of the city. However, it does not show the spatial distribution characteristics gradually decreasing with the increase of the distance from the urban center but shows that the area from the third to the fifth ring road is the highest. (3) the impact of block scale and life circle scale mixed land use on housing price is different. The type number index has a negative effect on the housing price in block scale mixed land use, while the entropy index has a positive effect on the housing price in life circle scale mixed land use. Based on the existing “bottom-up” individual-dominant development mode, the government of Beijing should issue relevant policies and documents to give “top-down” control and guidance in the future, so as to promote the maximization of the benefits of mixed land use. Furthermore, in the practice of mixed land use in Beijing, land use types should be reduced at the block scale and the area of different land use types should be balanced at the life circle scale.
Thirty Years of Land Use/Land Cover Changes and Their Impact on Urban Climate: A Study of Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Koko Auwalu Faisal , Wu Yue , Abubakar Ghali Abdullahi , Alabsi Akram Ahmed Noman , Hamed Roknisadeh , Bello Muhammed
Published: October 2021

Rapid urban expansion and the alteration of global land use/land cover (LULC) patterns have contributed substantially to the modification of urban climate, due to variations in Land Surface Temperature (LST). In this study, the LULC change dynamics of Kano metropolis, Nigeria, were analysed over the last three decades, i.e., 1990–2020, using multispectral satellite data to understand the impact of urbanization on LST in the study area. The Maximum Likelihood classification method and the Mono-window algorithm were utilised in classifying land uses and retrieving LST data. Spectral indices comprising the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) were also computed. A linear regression analysis was employed in order to examine the correlation between land surface temperature and the various spectral indices. The results indicate significant LULC changes and urban expansion of 152.55 sq. km from 1991 to 2020. During the study period, the city’s barren land and water bodies declined by approximately 172.58 sq. km and 26.55 sq. km, respectively, while vegetation increased slightly by 46.58 sq. km. Further analysis showed a negative correlation between NDVI and LST with a Pearson determination coefficient (R2) of 0.6145, 0.5644, 0.5402, and 0.5184 in 1991, 2000, 2010, and 2020 respectively. NDBI correlated positively with LST, having an R2 of 0.4132 in 1991, 0.3965 in 2000, 0.3907 in 2010, and 0.3300 in 2020. The findings of this study provide critical climatic data useful to policy- and decision-makers in optimizing land use and mitigating the impact of urban heat through sustainable urban development.
Ultra-Stretchable and Self-Healing Anti-Freezing Strain Sensors Based on Hydrophobic Associated Polyacrylic Acid Hydrogels
Authors: Yin Shuya , Su Gehong , Chen Jiajun , Peng Xiaoyan , Zhou Tao
Published: October 2021

Water-rich conductive hydrogels with excellent stretchability are promising in strain sensors due to their potential application in flexible electronics. However, the features of being water-rich also limit their working environment. Hydrogels must be frozen at subzero temperatures and dried out under ambient conditions, leading to a loss of mechanical and electric properties. Herein, we prepare HAGx hydrogels (a polyacrylic acid (HAPAA) hydrogel in a binary water–glycerol solution, where x is the mass ratio of water to glycerol), in which the water is replaced with water–glycerol mixed solutions. The as-prepared HAGx hydrogels show great anti-freezing properties at a range of −70 to 25 °C, as well as excellent moisture stability (the weight retention rate was as high as 93% after 14 days). With the increase of glycerol, HAGx hydrogels demonstrate a superior stretchable and self-healing ability, which could even be stretched to more than 6000% without breaking, and had a 100% self-healing efficiency. The HAGx hydrogels had good self-healing ability at subzero temperatures. In addition, HAGx hydrogels also had eye-catching adhesive properties and transparency, which is helpful when used as strain sensors.
New Simulation Method for Dependency of Device Degradation on Bending Direction and Channel Length
Authors: Choi Yunyeong , Park Jisun , Shin Hyungsoon
Published: October 2021

The dependency of device degradation on bending direction and channel length is analyzed in terms of bandgap states in amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) films. The strain distribution in an a-IGZO film under perpendicular and parallel bending of a device with various channel lengths is investigated by conducting a three-dimensional mechanical simulation. Based on the obtained strain distribution, new device simulation structures are suggested in which the active layer is defined as consisting of multiple regions. The different arrangements of a highly strained region and density of states is proportional to the strain account for the measurement tendency. The analysis performed using the proposed structures reveals the causes underlying the effects of different bending directions and channel lengths, which cannot be explained using the existing simulation methods in which the active layer is defined as a single region.
Influence of Welding Speed on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 5251 Aluminum Alloy Joints Fabricated by Self-Reacting Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Gao Shikang , Zhou Li , Sun Guangda , Zhao Huihui , Chu Xiaolong , Li Gaohui , Zhao Hongyun
Published: October 2021

In the present study, 8 mm-thick 5251 aluminum alloy was self-reacting friction stir welded (SRFSW) employing an optimized friction stir tool to analyze the effect of welding speed from 150 to 450 mm/min on the microstructure and mechanical properties at a constant rotation speed of 400 rpm. The results indicated that high-quality surface finish and defect-free joints were successfully obtained under suitable process parameters. The microhardness distribution profiles on the transverse section of joint exhibited a typical “W” pattern. The lowest hardness values located at the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and the width of the softened region decreased with increasing welding speed. The tensile strength significantly decreased due to the void defect, which showed mixed fracture characteristics induced by the decreasing welding speed. The average tensile strength and elongation achieved by the SRFSW process were 242.61 MPa and 8.3% with optimal welding conditions, and the fracture surface exhibited a typical toughness fracture mode.
Modeling of Polymer Friction on Boundaries of Solids and Inside Materials
Authors: Zmitrowicz Alfred
Published: October 2021

Friction models are proposed for anisotropic and heterogeneous dry friction on boundaries of polymer solids. Unit vectors and oriented angles of sliding velocities, radii of curvature and unit normal vectors of sliding trajectories are taken as independent variables in constitutive equations of anisotropic and heterogeneous friction. Heterogeneous dry friction of a polymer pin in pin-on-disc tests is illustrated in the case of Archimedean spiral trajectory. Individual molecular chains composing polymer materials can move inside the material with a high degree of friction anisotropy. The resistance of macromolecule motion is considered with respect to micromechanical models of macromolecules, their kinematics, and friction laws. Two approaches are applied for modeling of anisotropic friction inside polymer materials: continuum-based models (anisotropic viscous friction) and micromechanical models (anisotropic dry friction). Examples of macromolecule dry friction are considered under conditions of spinning and sliding of a disc-like macromolecule and snake-like sliding of a long macromolecule.
Investigation of Tensile Creep Behavior for High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) via Experiments and Mathematical Model
Authors: Mao Qiang , Su Buyun , Ma Ruiqiang , Li Zhiqiang
Published: October 2021

Temperatures of −25 °C, +5 °C, and +35 °C were selected to study the creep behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The ultimate tensile strength of HDPE materials was obtained through uniaxial tensile experiments and the time–strain curves were obtained through creep experiments. When the loaded stress levels were lower than 60% of the ultimate strength, the specimens could maintain a longer time in the stable creep stage and were not prone to necking. In contrast, the specimens necked in a short time. Then, the time hardening form model was applied to simulate the time–strain curve and the parameter values were solved. The parameter values changed exponentially with the stresses, thereby expanding and transforming the time hardening model. The expanded model can easily and accurately predict creep behaviors of the initial and stable creep stages as well as the long-term deformations of HDPE materials. This study would provide a theoretical basis and reference value for engineering applications of HDPE.
Thermal Study and Emission Characteristics of Rice Husk Using TG-MS
Authors: Arranz José Ignacio , Miranda María Teresa , Montero Irene , Sepúlveda Francisco José
Published: October 2021

Rice husks are a by-product that is generated in large quantities in Spain. However, they are not used efficiently. One of their possible applications is its thermal use in power generation equipment. For that purpose, it is important to know the characteristics of rice husks and their thermal behavior, as well as their possible pollutant emission to the atmosphere with respect to its thermal use as a biofuel. In this work, the thermal characteristics of rice husks and their thermal behavior were studied by using thermogravimetry and mass spectroscopy for two different atmospheres (oxidizing and inert). This way, the thermal profiles and the main characteristics were studied, as well as the emission of possible pollutants to the atmosphere, such as CO2, CH4, NO2, NH3, SO2, and H2S. Moreover, three different methods (FWO, KAS, and Starink) were used to carry out a thermal analysis, in order to obtain the main thermal parameters such as activation energy. The results of the analysis predicted that rice husks could be used as biofuel in industrial thermal equipment based on its acceptable calorific value, good thermal characteristics, and low gas emissions both in oxidizing and inert atmosphere (although they have a high ash content).