bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Spatio-Temporal Variability of Air Temperature Near the Ground Surface in the Central Baltic Area from 2005 to 2019
Authors: Eensaar Agu
Published: December 2020

In this study, we analyzed the changes in the average daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual surface air temperatures based on the temperature data obtained from seven stations (1 January 2005–31 December 2019; 15 years) belonging to the central Baltic area (Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki, Narva, Pärnu, Tartu, and Võru). The statistical analysis revealed that there was a strong correlation between the daily average surface air temperature of the studied cities (range: 0.95–0.99). We analyzed the frequency distribution of the average surface air temperatures in addition to the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests (significance level of 0.05) to demonstrate that the difference in air temperatures between Narva, Tallinn, Tartu, and Stockholm are critical. The Welch’s t-test (significance level 0.05), used to study the differences in the average monthly air temperature of the cities in question, showed that the surface air temperatures in Stockholm do not differ from Tallinn air temperatures from May to August. However, the surface air temperatures of Narva were similar to those of Tallinn in September. According to our results, the trends in the changes of monthly average surface air temperatures have a certain course during the year (ranging from 1.8 °C (Stockholm) to 4.5 °C (Võru and Tartu) per decade in February). During the entire study period, in addition to February, the surface air temperature increased in all the studied cities in March, May, June, and December, and the surface air temperature did not increase in January or from July to October. During the study period, the average annual surface air temperature in the cities of the central Baltic area increased by 0.43 °C per decade. The results also confirm that the surface air temperature in the study area is changing differently in different cities. The acceleration of the surface air temperature is very alarming and requires a significant intensification of the measures taken to slow down the temperature rise.
There Are No Differences in Positive Surgical Margin Rates or Biochemical Failure–Free Survival among Patients Receiving Open, Laparoscopic, or Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Nationwide Cohort Study from the National Cancer Database
Authors: Chang Shyh-Chyi , Chen Ho-Min , Wu Szu-Yuan
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To estimate the rates of positive surgical margin (PSM) and biochemical failure–free survival (BFS) among patients with prostate cancer (PC) receiving open, laparoscopic, or robotic radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients and Methods: The patients were men enrolled in the Taiwan Cancer Registry diagnosed as having PC without distant metastasis who received RP. After adjustment for confounders, logistic regression was used to model the risk of PSM following RP. After adjustment for confounders, Cox proportional regression was used to model the time from the index (i.e., surgical) date to biochemical recurrence. Results: The adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) of PSM risk after propensity score adjustment for laparoscopic versus open, robotic versus open, and robotic versus laparoscopic RP 95% CIs were 1.25 (0.88 to 1.77; p = 0.2064), 1.16 (0.88 to 1.53; p = 0.2847), and 0.93 (0.70 to 1.24; p = 0.6185), respectively. The corresponding adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) of risk of biochemical failure after propensity score adjustment were 1.16 (0.93 to 1.47; p = 0.1940), 1.10 (0.83 to 1.47; p = 0.5085), and 0.95 (0.74 to 1.21; p = 0.6582). Conclusions: No significant differences in PSM or BFS were observed among patients receiving open, laparoscopic, or robotic RP.
The Synthesis of Nonionic Hyperbranched Organosilicone Surfactant and Characterization of Its Wetting Ability
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Fei Fei , Song Ying Hu , Lv Kun , Zhang Ni , Li Yan Chun
Published: December 2020

In this research, the epoxy silicone oil and self-made hydroxyl-terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP-OH) were used to synthesis the nonionic hyperbranched organosilicone surfactant (NHSi). The molar rate of hydroxyl groups of HBP-OH and epoxy groups of epoxy silicon oil (n-OH: n-epoxy) was adjusted from 5:1~60:1 to prepare a series of NHSi. The Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), contact angle measuring instrument, surface tensiometer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were employed to characterize the structure and property of HBP-OH and NHSi. GPC analysis indicated that the Mn of HBP-OH was 340.5. FT-IR analysis showed that with the increase of molar rate of n-OH:n-epoxy, the peak intensity of –OH increased. The prepared NHSi was then used to prepare the water solution. The lowest surface tension of NHSi solution was 24.71 mN·m−1 when the n-OH:n-epoxy was 30:1 in the preparation process. The minimum water contact angle of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) emulsion by adding 2% of NHSi was 14.85° on the surface of glass. The wetting experiments showed that the NHSi has good wetting ability to fixed sea-island superfine fiber synthetic material.
Numerical–Experimental Analysis of Polyethylene Pipe Deformation at Different Load Values
Authors: Gnatowski Adam , Kijo-Kleczkowska Agnieszka , Chyra Mateusz , Kwiatkowski Dariusz
Published: December 2020

Polymer pipes are used in the construction of underground gas, water, and sewage networks. During exploitation, various external forces work on the pipeline, which cause its deformation. In the paper, numerical analysis and experimental investigations of polyethylene pipe deformation at different external load values (500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 N) were performed. The authors measured strains of the lower and upper surface of the pipe during its loading moment using resistance strain gauges, which were located on the pipe at equal intervals. The results obtained from computer simulation and experimental studies were comparable. An innovative element of the research presented in the article is recognition of the impact of the proposed values of the load of polyethylene pipe on the change in its deformation.
Lipid and Glycemic Profiles in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: Cholesterol Levels Are Reduced in Mania
Authors: Fusar-Poli Laura , Amerio Andrea , Cimpoesu Patriciu , Natale Antimo , Salvi Virginio , Zappa Guendalina , Serafini Gianluca , Amore Mario , Aguglia Eugenio , Aguglia Andrea
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mental condition with a lifetime prevalence estimated around 2% among the general population. Due to risk factors, etiological mechanisms, and the chronic use of psychotropic medications, people with BD are frequently affected by medical comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), associated with altered blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Moreover, the lipid concentration may be associated with the severity of psychiatric symptoms. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and forty-two in- and outpatients (418 affected by BD and 124 affected by schizophrenia) were recruited in two Italian university hospitals. A blood examination assessing the fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides was performed. Results: No significant differences were found in the lipid and glycemic profiles between patients with BD and schizophrenia. When considering only the BD sample, we found that patients experiencing a manic episode had significantly lower total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL than euthymic patients. Moreover, the total and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower in (hypo)manic than depressed patients. Mood episodes did not influence the triglyceride and glucose levels in our sample. Conclusions: Clinicians should pay attention to blood cholesterol levels in patients with BD, as differences in concentrations may predispose them to severe medical conditions and can be associated with the onset of mood episodes.
The Two-Way Switch Role of ACE2 in the Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia and Underlying Comorbidities
Authors: Pang Xiao Cong , Zhang Han Xu , Zhang Zhi , Rinkiko Suguro , Cui Yi Min , Zhu Yi Zhun
Published: December 2020

December 2019 saw the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has spread across the globe. The high infectivity and ongoing mortality of SARS-CoV-2 emphasize the demand of drug discovery. Angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) is the functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. ACE2 exists as a membrane-bound protein on major viral target pulmonary epithelial cells, and its peptidase domain (PD) interacts SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with higher affinity. Therefore, targeting ACE2 is an important pharmacological intervention for a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we described the two-way switch role of ACE2 in the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia and underlying comorbidities, and discussed the potential effect of the ACE inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker on a hypertension patient with the SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we analyzed the S-protein-binding site on ACE2 and suggested that blocking hot spot-31 and hot spot-353 on ACE2 could be a therapeutic strategy for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Besides, the recombinant ACE2 protein could be another potential treatment option for SARS-CoV-2 induced acute severe lung failure. This review could provide beneficial information for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents via targeting ACE2 and the clinical usage of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) drugs for novel coronavirus pneumonia treatment.
Oxidative Effects during Irreversible Electroporation of Melanoma Cells—In Vitro Study
Authors: Szlasa Wojciech , Kiełbik Aleksander , Szewczyk Anna , Rembiałkowska Nina , Novickij Vitalij , Tarek Mounir , Saczko Jolanta , Kulbacka Julita
Published: December 2020

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is today used as an alternative to surgery for the excision of cancer lesions. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative and cytotoxic effects the cells undergo during irreversible electroporation using IRE protocols. To do so, we used IRE-inducing pulsed electric fields (PEFs) (eight pulses of 0.1 ms duration and 2–4 kV/cm intensity) and compared their effects to those of PEFs of intensities below the electroporation threshold (eight pulses, 0.1 ms, 0.2–0.4 kV/cm) and the PEFs involving elongated pulses (eight pulses, 10 ms, 0.2–0.4 kV/cm). Next, to follow the morphology of the melanoma cell membranes after treatment with the PEFs, we analyzed the permeability and integrity of their membranes and analyzed the radical oxygen species (ROS) bursts and the membrane lipids’ oxidation. Our data showed that IRE-induced high cytotoxic effect is associated both with irreversible cell membrane disruption and ROS-associated oxidation, which is occurrent also in the low electric field range. It was shown that the viability of melanoma cells characterized by similar ROS content and lipid membrane oxidation after PEF treatment depends on the integrity of the membrane system. Namely, when the effects of the PEF on the membrane are reversible, aside from the high level of ROS and membrane oxidation, the cell does not undergo cell death.
Micelle-in-Liposomes for Sustained Delivery of Anticancer Agents That Promote Potent TRAIL-Induced Cancer Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Zhenjiang , Patel Sagar B. , King Michael R.
Published: December 2020

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces cancer cell-specific apoptosis and has garnered intense interest as a promising agent for cancer treatment. However, the development of TRAIL has been hampered in part because most human cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL. A few small molecules including natural compounds such as piperlongumine (PL) have been reported to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL. We prepared a novel type of nanomaterial, micelle-in-liposomes (MILs) for solubilization and delivery of PL. PL-loaded MILs were used to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL. As visualized by cryo-TEM, micelles were successfully loaded inside the aqueous core of liposomes. The MILs increased the water solubility of PL by ~20 fold. A sustained PL release from MILs in physiologically relevant buffer over 7 days was achieved, indicating that the liposomes prevented premature drug release from the micelles in the MILs. Also demonstrated is a potent synergistic apoptotic effect in cancer cells by PL MILs in conjunction with liposomal TRAIL. MILs provide a new formulation and delivery vehicle for hydrophobic anticancer agents, which can be used alone or in combination with TRAIL to promote cancer cell death.
Pleurotus spp. Mycelia Enriched in Magnesium and Zinc Salts as a Potential Functional Food
Authors: Włodarczyk Anna , Krakowska Agata , Sułkowska-Ziaja Katarzyna , Suchanek Małgorzata , Zięba Piotr , Opoka Włodzimierz , Muszyńska Bożena
Published: December 2020

Worldwide, mushrooms belonging to the Pleurotus spp. such as P. citrinopileatus, P. djamor, and P. pulmonarius are highly valued not only for their taste and aroma but also for their health-promoting properties. These species are rich in bioelements, vitamins, and above all, compounds that exhibit immunostimulatory activity. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the effect of the supplementation of culture media using inorganic Mg and Zn salts. This is the first study to establish the bioavailability of the selected elements (Mg and Zn) and anions (Cl−, SO42−) from the enriched biomass by means of the extraction of lyophilized mycelium into artificial digestive juices. The following salts were added to the liquid Oddoux medium: ZnSO4·7H2O, ZnCl2, MgSO4·7H2O or MgCl2·6H2O. The bioelements, anions and organic compounds in the obtained biomass were determined. The addition of Zn and Mg salts to the media increased the production of biomass by 30% and increased the bioaccumulation of the inorganic salts. Maintaining in vitro cultures under optimized and controlled conditions produced mycelium with a better composition and health properties than otherwise. Such enriched biomass may be classified as potential functional foods, aiding in overcoming deficiencies of elements and organic compounds with biological activity in humans.
Involvement of miR-190b in Xbp1 mRNA Splicing upon Tocotrienol Treatment
Authors: Ambra Roberto , Manca Sonia , Leoni Guido , Guantario Barbara , Canali Raffaella , Comitato Raffaella
Published: December 2020

We previously demonstrated that apoptosis induced by tocotrienols (γ and δT3) in HeLa cells is preceded by Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. This event is eventually followed by the induction of specific calcium-dependent signals, leading to the expression and activation of the gene encoding for the IRE1α protein and, in turn, to the alternative splicing of the pro-apoptotic protein sXbp1 and other molecules involved in the unfolded protein response, the core pathway coping with EndoR stress. Here, we showed that treatment with T3s induces the expression of a specific set of miRNAs in HeLa cells. Data interrogation based on the intersection of this set of miRNAs with a set of genes previously differentially expressed after γT3 treatment provided a few miRNA candidates to be the effectors of EndoR-stress-induced apoptosis. To identify the best candidate to act as the effector of the Xbp1-mediated apoptotic response to γT3, we performed in silico analysis based on the evaluation of the highest ∆ in Gibbs energy of different mRNA–miRNA–Argonaute (AGO) protein complexes. The involvement of the best candidate identified in silico, miR-190b, in Xbp1 splicing was confirmed in vitro using T3-treated cells pre-incubated with the specific miRNA inhibitor, providing a preliminary indication of its role as an effector of EndoR-stress-induced apoptosis.
Studies of Coumarin Derivatives for Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) Activation
Authors: Juang Shin-Hun , Hsieh Min-Tsang , Hsu Pei-Ling , Chen Ju-Ling , Liu Hui-Kang , Liang Fong-Pin , Kuo Sheng-Chu , Chiu Chen-Yuan , Liu Shing-Hwa , Chou Chen-Hsi , Wu Tian-Shung , Hung Hsin-Yi
Published: December 2020

Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activation has found to ameliorate diabetes in animal models. However, no CAR agonists are available clinically. Therefore, a safe and effective CAR activator would be an alternative option. In this study, sixty courmarin derivatives either synthesized or purified from Artemisia capillaris were screened for CAR activation activity. Chemical modifications were on position 5,6,7,8 with mono-, di-, tri-, or tetra-substitutions. Among all the compounds subjected for in vitro CAR activation screening, 6,7-diprenoxycoumarin was the most effective and was selected for further preclinical studies. Chemical modification on the 6 position and unsaturated chains were generally beneficial. Electron-withdrawn groups as well as long unsaturated chains were hazardous to the activity. Mechanism of action studies showed that CAR activation of 6,7-diprenoxycoumarin might be through the inhibition of EGFR signaling and upregulating PP2Ac methylation. To sum up, modification mimicking natural occurring coumarins shed light on CAR studies and the established screening system provides a rapid method for the discovery and development of CAR activators. In addition, one CAR activator, scoparone, did showed anti-diabetes effect in db/db mice without elevation of insulin levels.
Study on the Inhibitory Activity of a Synthetic Defensin Derived from Barley Endosperm against Common Food Spoilage Yeast
Authors: Shwaiki Laila N. , Sahin Aylin W. , Arendt Elke K.
Published: December 2020

In the food industry, food spoilage is a real issue that can lead to a significant amount of waste. Although current preservation techniques are being applied to reduce the occurrence of spoilage microorganisms, the problem persists. Food spoilage yeast are part of this dilemma, with common spoilers such as Zygosaccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Debaryomyces and Saccharomyces frequently encountered. Antimicrobial peptides derived from plants have risen in popularity due to their ability to reduce spoilage. This study examines the potential application of a synthetic defensin peptide derived from barley endosperm. Its inhibitory effect against common spoilage yeasts, its mechanisms of action (membrane permeabilisation and overproduction of reactive oxygen species), and its stability in different conditions were characterised. The safety of the peptide was evaluated through a haemolysis and cytotoxicity assay, and no adverse effects were found. Both assays were performed to understand the effect of the peptide if it were to be consumed. Its ability to be degraded by a digestive enzyme was also examined for its safety. Finally, the peptide was successfully applied to different beverages and maintained the same inhibitory effects in apple juice as was observed in the antiyeast assays, providing further support for its application in food preservation.
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Essential Oil from Rhynchanthus beesianus Rhizome
Authors: Zhao Xiaoge , Chen Qi , Lu Tingya , Wei Feng , Yang Yao , Xie Dan , Wang Huijuan , Tian Minyi
Published: December 2020

Rhynchanthus beesianus W. W. Smith, an edible, medicinal, and ornamental plant, is mainly cultivated in China and Myanmar. The essential oil (EO) from R. beesianus rhizome has been used as an aromatic stomachic in China. The chemical composition and biological activities of EO from R. beesianus rhizome were reported for the first time. Based on gas chromatography with flame ionization or mass selective detection (GC-FID/MS) results, the major constituents of EO were 1,8-cineole (47.6%), borneol (15.0%), methyleugenol (11.2%), and bornyl formate (7.6%). For bioactivities, EO showed a significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris with the diameter of the inhibition zone (DIZ) (8.66–10.56 mm), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (3.13–6.25 mg/mL), and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (6.25–12.5 mg/mL). Moreover, EO (128 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the production of proinflammatory mediators nitric oxide (NO) (92.73 ± 1.50%) and cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (20.29 ± 0.17%) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (61.08 ± 0.13%) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages without any cytotoxic effect. Moreover, EO exhibited significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (the concentration of the sample that affords a 50% inhibition in the assay (IC50) = 1.03 ± 0.18 mg/mL) and moderate α-glucosidase inhibition effect (IC50 = 11.60 ± 0.25 mg/mL). Thus, the EO could be regarded as a bioactive natural product and has a high exploitation potential in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
PDI-Regulated Disulfide Bond Formation in Protein Folding and Biomolecular Assembly
Authors: Fu Jiahui , Gao Jihui , Liang Zhongxin , Yang Dong
Published: December 2020

Disulfide bonds play a pivotal role in maintaining the natural structures of proteins to ensure their performance of normal biological functions. Moreover, biological molecular assembly, such as the gluten network, is also largely dependent on the intermolecular crosslinking via disulfide bonds. In eukaryotes, the formation and rearrangement of most intra- and intermolecular disulfide bonds in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are mediated by protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs), which consist of multiple thioredoxin-like domains. These domains assist correct folding of proteins, as well as effectively prevent the aggregation of misfolded ones. Protein misfolding often leads to the formation of pathological protein aggregations that cause many diseases. On the other hand, glutenin aggregation and subsequent crosslinking are required for the formation of a rheologically dominating gluten network. Herein, the mechanism of PDI-regulated disulfide bond formation is important for understanding not only protein folding and associated diseases, but also the formation of functional biomolecular assembly. This review systematically illustrated the process of human protein disulfide isomerase (hPDI) mediated disulfide bond formation and complemented this with the current mechanism of wheat protein disulfide isomerase (wPDI) catalyzed formation of gluten networks.
Tripeptide Self-Assembly into Bioactive Hydrogels: Effects of Terminus Modification on Biocatalysis
Authors: Kurbasic Marina , Garcia Ana M. , Viada Simone , Marchesan Silvia
Published: December 2020

Bioactive hydrogels based on the self-assembly of tripeptides have attracted great interest in recent years. In particular, the search is active for sequences that are able to mimic enzymes when they are self-organized in a nanostructured hydrogel, so as to provide a smart catalytic (bio)material whose activity can be switched on/off with assembly/disassembly. Within the diverse enzymes that have been targeted for mimicry, hydrolases find wide application in biomaterials, ranging from their use to convert prodrugs into active compounds to their ability to work in reverse and catalyze a plethora of reactions. We recently reported the minimalistic l-His–d-Phe–d-Phe for its ability to self-organize into thermoreversible and biocatalytic hydrogels for esterase mimicry. In this work, we analyze the effects of terminus modifications that mimic the inclusion of the tripeptide in a longer sequence. Therefore, three analogues, i.e., N-acetylated, C-amidated, or both, were synthesized, purified, characterized by several techniques, and probed for self-assembly, hydrogelation, and esterase-like biocatalysis. This work provides useful insights into how chemical modifications at the termini affect self-assembly into biocatalytic hydrogels, and these data may become useful for the future design of supramolecular catalysts for enhanced performance.
Revisiting Electrochemical Biosensing in the 21st Century Society for Inflammatory Cytokines Involved in Autoimmune, Neurodegenerative, Cardiac, Viral and Cancer Diseases
Authors: Campuzano Susana , Yáñez-Sedeño Paloma , Pingarrón José Manuel
Published: December 2020

The multifaceted key roles of cytokines in immunity and inflammatory processes have led to a high clinical interest for the determination of these biomolecules to be used as a tool in the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and treatment of several diseases of great current relevance (autoimmune, neurodegenerative, cardiac, viral and cancer diseases, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes). Therefore, the rapid and accurate determination of cytokine biomarkers in body fluids, cells and tissues has attracted considerable attention. However, many currently available techniques used for this purpose, although sensitive and selective, require expensive equipment and advanced human skills and do not meet the demands of today’s clinic in terms of test time, simplicity and point-of-care applicability. In the course of ongoing pursuit of new analytical methodologies, electrochemical biosensing is steadily gaining ground as a strategy suitable to develop simple, low-cost methods, with the ability for multiplexed and multiomics determinations in a short time and requiring a small amount of sample. This review article puts forward electrochemical biosensing methods reported in the last five years for the determination of cytokines, summarizes recent developments and trends through a comprehensive discussion of selected strategies, and highlights the challenges to solve in this field. Considering the key role demonstrated in the last years by different materials (with nano or micrometric size and with or without magnetic properties), in the design of analytical performance-enhanced electrochemical biosensing strategies, special attention is paid to the methods exploiting these approaches.
Multibeam Reflectarrays in Ka-Band for Efficient Antenna Farms Onboard Broadband Communication Satellites
Authors: Martinez-de-Rioja Daniel , Martinez-de-Rioja Eduardo , Rodriguez-Vaqueiro Yolanda , Encinar Jose A. , Pino Antonio
Published: December 2020

Broadband communication satellites in Ka-band commonly use four reflector antennas to generate a multispot coverage. In this paper, four different multibeam antenna farms are proposed to generate the complete multispot coverage using only two multibeam reflectarrays, making it possible to halve the number of required antennas onboard the satellite. The proposed solutions include flat and curved reflectarrays with single or dual band operation, the operating principles of which have been experimentally validated. The designed multibeam reflectarrays for each antenna farm have been analyzed to evaluate their agreement with the antenna requirements for real satellite scenarios in Ka-band. The results show that the proposed configurations have the potential to reduce the number of antennas and feed-chains onboard the satellite, from four reflectors to two reflectarrays, enabling a significant reduction in cost, mass, and volume of the payload, which provides a considerable benefit for satellite operators.
A Survey of Enabling Technologies for Smart Communities
Authors: Iqbal Amna , Olariu Stephan
Published: December 2020

In 2016, the Japanese Government publicized an initiative and a call to action for the implementation of a “Super Smart Society” announced as Society 5.0. The stated goal of Society 5.0 is to meet the various needs of the members of society through the provisioning of goods and services to those who require them, when they are required and in the amount required, thus enabling the citizens to live an active and comfortable life. In spite of its genuine appeal, details of a feasible path to Society 5.0 are conspicuously missing. The first main goal of this survey is to suggest such an implementation path. Specifically, we define a Smart Community as a human-centric entity where technology is used to equip the citizenry with information and services that they can use to inform their decisions. The arbiter of this ecosystem of services is a Marketplace of Services that will reward services aligned with the wants and needs of the citizens, while discouraging the proliferation of those that are not. In the limit, the Smart Community we defined will morph into Society 5.0. At that point, the Marketplace of Services will become a platform for the co-creation of services by a close cooperation between the citizens and their government. The second objective and contribution of this survey paper is to review known technologies that, in our opinion, will play a significant role in the transition to Society 5.0. These technologies will be surveyed in chronological order, as newer technologies often extend old technologies while avoiding their limitations.
Evaluating the Environmental Sustainability of Smart Cities in India: The Design and Application of the Indian Smart City Environmental Sustainability Index
Authors: Shruti Shruti , Singh Prabhat Kumar , Ohri Anurag
Published: December 2020

There is a growing consensus that the initiatives taken under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in India should be used as an opportunity to prepare models for Environmentally Sustainable Smart Cities (ESSC). While developed countries have earlier worked towards Sustainable Cities and now are moving towards Smart Sustainable Cities, the conditions in developing countries are different. In their current form, SCM guidelines appear to emphasize more on social and economic development along with governance issues using modern tools of information and communication technology (ICT). To ensure environmental sustainability of such large-scale development planning, after a two-stage screening process, 24 environmental indicators have been finalized (including 11 from the existing guidelines), which can be used to monitor various environmentally sustainable elements of smart cities. Accordingly, in the present study; a tentative framework has been developed using these indicators to arrive at a Smart City Environmental Sustainability Index (SCESI) on a 0–100 increasing scale, and the city’s environmental sustainability has been classified under five categories: Excellent; Good; Fair; Poor or Critically Low; based on decreasing SCESI. Using this framework, five Indian cities, which are currently being developed under SCM (Delhi; Patna; Allahabad; Varanasi; and Bhubaneswar), have been examined. The analyses indicate that while three of them (Delhi, Allahabad, and Bhubaneswar) are found in the Fair (SCESI = 40–60) category of environmental sustainability, two (Varanasi and Patna) are in the Poor (SCESI = 20–40) category. The SCESI developed may be used as a monitoring and diagnostic tool for planning and managing services connected with the environment surrounding human life.
Community Perceptions and Knowledge of Modern Stormwater Treatment Assets
Authors: Zamanifard Hadi , Morgan Edward A. , Hadwen Wade L.
Published: December 2020

Modern stormwater treatment assets are a form of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) features that aim to reduce the volumes of sediment, nutrients and gross pollutants discharged into receiving waterways. Local governments and developers in urban areas are installing and maintaining a large number of stormwater treatment assets, with the aim of improving urban runoff water quality. Many of these assets take up significant urban space and are highly visible and as a result, community acceptance is essential for effective WSUD design and implementation. However, community perceptions and knowledge about these assets have not been widely studied. This study used a survey to investigate community perceptions and knowledge about stormwater treatment assets in Brisbane, Australia. The results suggest that there is limited community knowledge of these assets, but that communities notice them and value their natural features when well-maintained. This study suggests that local governments may be able to better inform residents about the importance of these assets, and that designing for multiple purposes may improve community acceptance and support for the use of Council funds to maintain them.
Data-Informed Decomposition for Localized Uncertainty Quantification of Dynamical Systems
Authors: Subber Waad , Ghosh Sayan , Pandita Piyush , Zhang Yiming , Wang Liping
Published: December 2020

Industrial dynamical systems often exhibit multi-scale responses due to material heterogeneity and complex operation conditions. The smallest length-scale of the systems dynamics controls the numerical resolution required to resolve the embedded physics. In practice however, high numerical resolution is only required in a confined region of the domain where fast dynamics or localized material variability is exhibited, whereas a coarser discretization can be sufficient in the rest majority of the domain. Partitioning the complex dynamical system into smaller easier-to-solve problems based on the localized dynamics and material variability can reduce the overall computational cost. The region of interest can be specified based on the localized features of the solution, user interest, and correlation length of the material properties. For problems where a region of interest is not evident, Bayesian inference can provide a feasible solution. In this work, we employ a Bayesian framework to update the prior knowledge of the localized region of interest using measurements of the system response. Once, the region of interest is identified, the localized uncertainty is propagate forward through the computational domain. We demonstrate our framework using numerical experiments on a three-dimensional elastodynamic problem.
ON THE STABILITY OF A THIRD ORDER DIFFERENCE EQUATION
Authors: TAŞDEMİR Erkan , ERDOĞAN TAŞDEMİR Tülin
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we are investigated the equilibrium points of difference equation x_(n+1)=x_(n-1) x_(n-2)+A, where A is a positive real number and the initial conditions are positive. We are also studied the local asymptotic stability of related difference equation. Particularly, we are examined the convergence of solutions of related equation. .
HPLC Analysis of Aflatoxin B1 Contamination of Local and Foreign Brands of Cigarette Tobacco Popularly Consumed in Niger State North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Saba Ndagi Mohammed , Dickson Musa Achimugu , Cyril Ogbiko
Published: December 2020

Under favorable growth conditions, fungi produced aflatoxins. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) categorized as a carcinogen is the most toxic and subject of regulation in foods and feeds in many countries. AFB1 contamination has been reported in a wide range of products including cigarette tobacco due to improper processing and storage conditions. This research aim at determining the concentration load of AFB1 mycotoxin in brands of cigarette tobacco commonly consumed in Lapai and Minna metropolis of Niger State Nigeria. Thirty-six (36) brands of cigarette tobacco were purchased in open markets in Minna and Lapai towns of Niger state, Nigeria. Residual AFB1 was extracted from the sample using standard procedures. HPLC analysis was used for the mycotoxin quantification. The result showed that all cigarette samples produces AFB1 with a concentration of 302 µg/mL and 18 µg/mL as the highest and lowest AFB1 concentration respectively for the local – Nigeria brands compared to 166 µg/mL and 8 µg/mL AFB1 concentration observed for the foreign brands. The findings from this study provide sufficient levels of contamination to pose significant health hazard for the consumer of the tobacco. Careful processing and storage is therefore advocated to eliminate or reduce the mycotoxin contamination of the cigarette brands.
Preliminary Research of Air Rescue Services in the World and Improvement for the Slovak Republic
Authors: Korniienko Anton , Daňko Petr
Published: December 2020

The paper tackles the development of air rescue services in the world, comparing their activities. It presents a general overview of the development history of these services from the beginning to today. It also deals with the economic demands of the operation of air rescue services. The intention and main goal of this paper were to analyze various solutions of air rescue service in selected states, organization of the rescue itself, including rescue in mountain terrain for the optimization of air rescue services in the Slovak Republic.
Assessment of Pandemics Impact on Public Health and Aviation Sector by Using Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Szabó Peter , Ferencová Miroslava , Szabóová Eva
Published: December 2020

The article researches the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the air traffic and aviation sector. The airlines alike the individual countries are introducing the measures intending to stop the COVID-19 pandemic spread. These measures might have a significant impact on the public health of the inhabitants. In the article, the authors assess the viral diseases spread by using mathematical modelling. The first general mathematical model includes the basic epidemiological parameters (basic reproductive number, incubation period, and population). The objective of this model is to explain the basic terms and processes during the transmission of viral diseases. The second mathematical model includes the data analysis of the COVID-19 virus spread in individual countries. The data source for this analysis is the World Health Organization (WHO). A unique protocol to measure viral diseases spread does not exist, hence, the data from this analysis cannot be comparable. Nevertheless, the research results might be useful for public health as well as for the life’s segments where the air traffic and airlines belong to.
Dampak Profitabilitas sebagai Intervening pada Kepemilikan Institusional terhadap Kualitas Laba
Authors: Setiyowati Supami Wahyu , Irianto Mochamad Fariz
Published: December 2020

Earnings quality refers to reported earnings to predict a firm’s future earnings, which is essential for the investor’s decision-making to understand its financial health. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of profitability as an intervening variable between institutional ownership to earnings quality. This study's population was manufacturing companies in the consumer goods industry listed on the IDX for the 2017-2019 period. The sampling method is based on criteria. The samples in this study were 15 issuers. Data analysis techniques using Smart Pls. The results showed that institutional ownership affected earnings quality. Profitability was not proven as an intervening variable on the relationship between institutional ownership and earnings quality. This finding implied that institutions that had share ownership in the company increased their supervision to reduce the manager's opportunistic behaviour.
Os filmes de Luiz de Barros na Cinédia dos anos 1930: estilo e encenação em profundidade
Authors: Adamatti Margarida Maria
Published: December 2020

Se a trajetória de mais de sessenta anos de carreira de Luiz de Barros permanece pouco explorada em seu conjunto, o artigo analisa a configuração espacial e as estratégias de encenação em profundidade de três filmes de Luiz de Barros na Cinédia dos anos trinta: O jovem tataravô (1936), O samba da vida (1937) e Maridinho de luxo (1938). Por meio da análise estilística (Bordwell, 2008, 2013), procura-se observar se a encenação em profundidade constrói significações dramáticas, demarcação precisa de cena e vantagens em relação ao processo de edição, de forma a guiar a atenção do espectador para o que ocorre dentro do plano em momentos específicos do filme.
Cultura histórica, mangá e ensino de história: desaplanando memórias em “O Zero Eterno”
Authors: De Paula do Espírito Santo Janaina , Carneiro Maristela
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo investiga aspectos das relações de mercado, cultura histórica e ensino de história a partir do caso do mangá japonês O zero eterno (Eien no zero, no original), inicialmente publicado entre 2014 e 2015, em cinco volumes, de autoria de Naoki Hyakuta e Souichi Sumoto. Este mangá faz uso do contexto da Segunda Guerra Mundial como temporalidade central para o desenrolar de seu enredo. A análise se deu tomando o conceito de cultura histórica de Jörn Rüsen como horizonte orientador. O principal objetivo foi explorar o quadrinho tanto enquanto elemento de uso público do conhecimento histórico, quanto convergência de memórias, saberes históricos e entretenimento.
Marketing de conteúdo e setor alimentício: apropriações do mercado em tempos de pandemia do novo coronavírus
Authors: Abreu Fernanda Ferreira de , Castro Alves Daniele
Published: December 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo refletir eticamente sobre ações de marketing de conteúdo realizadas por empresas do setor alimentício durante a pandemia do novo coronavírus (Covid-19). Para tanto, é conduzida uma pesquisa bibliográfica de forma a situar o marketing de conteúdo no contexto das transformações no cenário midiático e na publicidade; e apresentar conceituações dessa estratégia comunicacional, que tem por foco oferecer conteúdo relevante e útil aos consumidores, diferenciando-se dos tradicionais anúncios publicitários. Além disso, é realizada uma pesquisa de caráter exploratório para levantamento de exemplos de ações. Percebe-se, no atual período de crise, uma ênfase no apelo emocional e uma maior utilização do marketing de conteúdo, o que ofusca o caráter mercadológico, configurando-se, assim, como um problema ético e demandando investimento em regulações específicas.
2010-2019 yılları arasında erken okuryazarlık alanında yapılan lisansüstü tezlerin incelenmesi
Authors: ÇALIŞ Elif Satı , FEYMAN GÖK Nihan
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı okul öncesi dönemde erken okuryazarlık alanıyla ilgili yapılmış ulusal lisansüstü tez çalışmalarının incelenmesidir. Son yıllarda adını sıkça duyduğumuz erken okuryazarlık kavramı ile ilgili doküman incelemesi modeli kullanılarak yapılan araştırmada, Yüksek Öğrenim Kurulu (YÖK) veri tabanından “erken okuryazarlık” anahtar sözcüğü kullanılarak ulaşılan 19 lisansüstü tez, betimleyici özellikleri (üniversite, enstitü, anabilim dalı, yılı, dili), araştırma yöntemi, araştırma modeli, çalışma grubu, veri toplama aracı, veri toplama yöntemi, araştırma yöntemi, araştırma konusu, araştırma sonuçları ve önerileri incelenmiştir.
Lisansüstü tezlerden elde edilen veriler nicel ve nitel analize tabi tutulmuştur. Nicel verilerin frekans ve yüzde değerleri, nitel veriler ise içerik analizi yapılarak değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda erken okuryazarlık konusu ile yapılan lisansüstü tezlerin 2019 yılında artış gösterdiği, nicel çalışmaların çoğunlukta olduğu, örneklem grubunun çoğunluğunu 5-6 yaş grubu çocukların oluşturduğu, erken okuryazarlık ile ilgili yapılan eğitim ve müdahale programlarının etkili olduğu, ebeveyn özelliklerinin erken okuryazarlık becerileri üzerinde etkili olduğu bulgularına ulaşılmıştır. İleride yapılacak çalışmaların yöntem, analiz, çalışma grubu gibi özellikleri açısından çeşitlendirilmesi, öğretmen ve ebeveynlere yönelik eğitimler düzenlenmesi ile ilgili önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Ecopedagogía para la formación bioética ambiental en estudiantes de enfermería
Authors: Diaz Vasquez Maribel A. , Diaz Manchay Rosa J. , Hernández Santillan Cindy M.
Published: December 2020

Es urgente tomar conciencia para restablecer y proteger el ambiente, debido a la magnitud de la destrucción ambiental a nivel mundial que ha producido el propio ser humano al dejarse llevar por una cultura de consumismo y descarte, sin considerar las consecuencias a futuro para las próximas generaciones. El ambiente es considerado un determinante de la salud, por ello es importante incorporarlo en el estudio de los profesionales de enfermería, siendo pertinente utilizar los principios de la ecopedagogía durante su formación puesto que se enfoca no solo en la educación ambiental, sino que incluye la visión de desarrollo sostenible, es decir cuidar el ambiente y aprovecharlo de manera razonable, para mejorar las condiciones de vida de las personas. Con este ensayo se pretende reflexionar y analizar la importancia de la ecopedagogía para la formación en bioética ambiental de los futuros profesionales de enfermería.
La investigación cualitativa en Ciencias Humanas y Educación. Criterios para elaborar artículos científicos
Authors: Loayza Maturrano Edward Faustino
Published: December 2020

La investigación cualitativa goza de una atención renovada producto de una orientación interdisciplinaria de las Ciencias Humanas y Educación. Este trabajo tiene como propósito principal plantear los criterios generales que toda investigación cualitativa debiera desarrollar y que todo artículo científico debiera explicar. La metodología empleada en este estudio es de naturaleza cualitativa cuyo diseño se enmarca en el análisis del discurso. Los principales resultados de la investigación explican la existencia de criterios generales en las investigaciones cualitativas expresados en los artículos científicos en el campo de las Ciencias Humanas y Educación. Las conclusiones del estudio indican que los artículos científicos de investigaciones cualitativas cumplen los criterios generales propuestos; sin embargo algunos de estos criterios no se encuentran explícitos, lo que denota que los artículos científicos cualitativos poseen una estructura organizativa flexible.
Análise das mudanças do uso e da cobertura da terra em municípios com áreas de mineração na microrregião de Itabira, a partir de dados do MAPBIOMAS entre 1987 e 2017
Authors: Moraes Rafael Adighieri
Published: December 2020

Atualmente, a análise da dinâmica do uso do espaço é de extrema importância em estudos de planejamento e monitoramento da ação humana. Estes estudos permitem diagnósticos sobre o crescimento econômico e social sustentável. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar se houve mudanças no uso da terra em municípios com áreas de mineração na microrregião de Itabira, que possam ter gerado desenvolvimento além ou devido à mineração. Foram utilizadas imagens do MAPBIOMAS para geração de mapas de uso da terra, para os anos de 1987, 1997, 2007 e 2017, além de gráficos e matrizes de transição de modo a permitir uma análise de 30 anos. Os resultados indicaram que houve poucas mudanças expressivas. As principais mudanças, em geral, foram o crescimento da infraestrutura urbana e de áreas de mineração. Identificou-se também diminuição da floresta nativa e aumento de áreas com floresta plantada, provavelmente eucalipto. Porém, alguns municípios áreas de pastagens foram substituídas por mata nativa e mosaico de agricultura e pecuária, indicando desenvolvimento e recuperação ambiental.
CT-scans of capsules from the Clarno Formation (Oregon, USA) reveal an extinct Eocene theaceous taxon
Authors: Smith MacKenzie A. , Manchester Steven R.
Published: December 2020

The economically important but relatively small family Theaceae can be traced back to the Late Cretaceous and is found today in the Western Hemisphere and Asia. Theaceous fruits are generally loculicidal capsules and have been found as fossils throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Using reflected light and μCT-scanning, we recognize Anubiscarpon andersonae MA Smith et Manchester gen. et sp. nov. from the middle Eocene Clarno Formation of north central Oregon, based on five-valved, loculicidal capsules with a central columella, persistent perianth and pedicel, preserved as impressions in lacustrine shale. Its most distinctive feature is its apically clefted valves which are not seen in any other species of the family. Anubiscarpon augments our understanding of former morphological diversity in the Theaceae