bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of MgO Reduction in CaO-Al2O3-MgO Slag by Al in Liquid Fe
Authors: Liu Chengsong , Liu Xiaoqin , Yang Xiaoliu , Zhang Hua , Zhong Ming
Published: September 2019

Kinetics analysis without fully taking into account the effect of mass transport in slag phase on MgO reduction by Al in liquid steel would lead to overestimation of Mg pickup by steel and driving force of the reaction. Two rate models considering mass transport in (a) steel melt phase only (single control model) and (b) steel and slag melt phases (mixed control model) were developed for evaluating the thermodynamic equilibria between CaO-Al2O3-MgO slags and Al-killed steels. Calculated results from the two models were compared and then validated by equilibrium experiments between a CaO-Al2O3-MgO slag (Al2O3-saturated) and Al-killed steels with different Al levels at 1873 K (1600 °C). Results showed that the calculated reaction rate in the mixed control model was always lower than that in the single control model due to the slow mass transport in the slag phase. The mass transfer coefficient of [Mg] in the steel was computed to be 6.2 × 10−5 m/s from the equilibrium experiment results between an Fe-1.0 mass% Al steel and 51 mass% CaO-39 mass% Al2O3-10 mass% MgO slag at 1873 K (1600 °C), with which the mixed control model was validated at different initial Al levels in the steels.
An Isotopic Ratio Outlier Analysis Approach for Global Metabolomics of Biosynthetically Talented Actinomycetes
Authors: Carey Jordan , Nguyen Thanh , Korchak Jennifer , Beecher Christopher , de Jong Felice , Lane Amy L.
Published: September 2019

Actinomycetes are powerhouses of natural product biosynthesis. Full realization of this biosynthetic potential requires approaches for recognizing novel metabolites and determining mediators of metabolite production. Herein, we develop an isotopic ratio outlier analysis (IROA) ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS) global metabolomics strategy for actinomycetes that facilitates recognition of novel metabolites and evaluation of production mediators. We demonstrate this approach by determining impacts of the iron chelator 2,2′-bipyridyl on the Nocardiopsis dassonvillei metabolome. Experimental and control cultures produced metabolites with isotopic carbon signatures that were distinct from corresponding “standard” culture metabolites, which were used as internal standards for LC/MS. This provided an isotopic MS peak pair for each metabolite, which revealed the number of carbon atoms and relative concentrations of metabolites and distinguished biosynthetic products from artifacts. Principal component analysis (PCA) and random forest (RF) differentiated bipyridyl-treated samples from controls. RF mean decrease accuracy (MDA) values supported perturbation of metabolites from multiple amino acid pathways and novel natural products. Evaluation of bipyridyl impacts on the nocazine/XR334 diketopiperazine (DKP) pathway revealed upregulation of amino acid precursors and downregulation of late stage intermediates and products. These results establish IROA as a tool in the actinomycete natural product chemistry arsenal and support broad metabolic consequences of bipyridyl.
Enlargement of a Modular System—Synthesis and Characterization of an s-Triazine-Based Carboxylic Acid Ester Bearing a Galactopyranosyl Moiety and an Enormous Boron Load
Authors: Kellert Martin , Lönnecke Peter , Riedl Bernd , Koebberling Johannes , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie
Published: September 2019

The amount of boron accumulated in tumor tissue plays an important role regarding the success of the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). In this article, we report a modular system, combining readily available starting materials, like glycine, 1,3,5-triazine and the well-known 9-mercapto-1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12), as well as α-d-galactopyranose for increased hydrophilicity, with a novel boron-rich tris-meta-carboranyl thiol.
Palladium Supported on Porous Chitosan–Graphene Oxide Aerogels as Highly Efficient Catalysts for Hydrogen Generation from Formate
Authors: Anouar Aicha , Katir Nadia , El Kadib Abdelkrim , Primo Ana , García Hermenegildo
Published: September 2019

Adsorption of Pd(NH3)42+ in preformed chitosan–graphene oxide (CS-GO) beads and their subsequent reduction with NaBH4 afford well-dispersed, high dispersion (~21%) of uniformly sized Pd nanoparticles (~1.7 nm). The resulting Pd/CS-GO exhibits interesting catalytic activity for hydrogen generation by ammonium formate decomposition. The optimal GO proportion of 7 wt% allows reaching, at 60 °C, a turnover frequency above 2200 h−1—being outstanding among the highest values reported for this process to date. Interestingly, no formation of CO or CH4 was detected. The catalyst did not leach, although it underwent gradual deactivation, probably caused by the increase in the Pd average size that became over 3 nm after three uses. Our results are relevant in the context of efficient on-board hydrogen generation from liquid organic hydrogen carriers in transportation.
Hyaluronic Acid–Decorated Liposomes as Innovative Targeted Delivery System for Lung Fibrotic Cells
Authors: Pandolfi Laura , Frangipane Vanessa , Bocca Claudia , Marengo Alessandro , Tarro Genta Erika , Bozzini Sara , Morosini Monica , D’Amato Maura , Vitulo Simone , Monti Manuela , Comolli Giuditta , Scupoli Maria Teresa , Fattal Elias , Arpicco Silvia , Meloni Federica
Published: September 2019

Collagen Tissue Disease–associated Interstitial Lung Fibrosis (CTD-ILDs) and Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS) represent severe lung fibrogenic disorders, characterized by fibro-proliferation with uncontrolled extracellular matrix deposition. Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a key role in fibrosis with its specific receptor, CD44, overexpressed by CTD-ILD and BOS cells. The aim is to use HA-liposomes to develop an inhalatory treatment for these diseases. Liposomes with HA of two molecular weights were prepared and characterized. Targeting efficiency was assessed toward CTD-ILD and BOS cells by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy and immune modulation by RT-PCR and ELISA techniques. HA-liposomes were internalized by CTD-ILD and BOS cells expressing CD44, and this effect increased with higher HA MW. In THP-1 cells, HA-liposomes decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-12, and anti-fibrotic VEGF transcripts but increased TGF-β mRNA. However, upon analyzing TGF-β release from healthy donors-derived monocytes, we found liposomes did not alter the release of active pro-fibrotic cytokine. All liposomes induced mild activation of neutrophils regardless of the presence of HA. HA liposomes could be also applied for lung fibrotic diseases, being endowed with low pro-inflammatory activity, and results confirmed that higher MW HA are associated to an increased targeting efficiency for CD44 expressing LFs-derived from BOS and CTD-ILD patients.
Antiproliferative S-Trityl-l-Cysteine -Derived Compounds as SIRT2 Inhibitors: Repurposing and Solubility Enhancement
Authors: Radwan Mohamed O. , Ciftci Halil I. , Ali Taha F. S. , Ellakwa Doha E. , Koga Ryoko , Tateishi Hiroshi , Nakata Akiko , Ito Akihiro , Yoshida Minoru , Okamoto Yoshinari , Fujita Mikako , Otsuka Masami
Published: September 2019

S-trityl-l-cysteine (STLC) is a well-recognized lead compound known for its anticancer activity owing to its potent inhibitory effect on human mitotic kinesin Eg5. STLC contains two free terminal amino and carboxyl groups that play pivotal roles in binding to the Eg5 pocket. On the other hand, such a zwitterion structure complicates the clinical development of STLC because of the solubility issues. Masking either of these radicals reduces or abolishes STLC activity against Eg5. We recently identified and characterized a new class of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase isoform 2 of sirtuin protein (SIRT2) inhibitors that can be utilized as cytotoxic agents based on an S-trityl-l-histidine scaffold. Herein, we propose new STLC-derived compounds that possess pronounced SIRT2 inhibition effects. These derivatives contain modified amino and carboxyl groups, which conferred STLC with SIRT2 bioactivity, representing an explicit repurposing approach. Compounds STC4 and STC11 exhibited half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 10.8 ± 1.9 and 9.5 ± 1.2 μM, respectively, against SIRT2. Additionally, introduction of the derivatizations in this study addressed the solubility limitations of free STLC, presumably due to interruption of the zwitterion structure. Therefore, we could obtain drug-like STLC derivatives that work by a new mechanism of action. The new derivatives were designed, synthesized, and their structure was confirmed using different spectroscopic approaches. In vitro and cellular bioassays with various cancer cell lines and in silico molecular docking and solubility calculations of the synthesized compounds demonstrated that they warrant attention for further refinement of their bioactivity.
Carbon Nanocomposite Membrane Electrolytes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells—A Concise Review
Authors: Rambabu Gutru , D. Bhat Santoshkumar , Figueiredo Filipe M. L.
Published: September 2019

A membrane electrolyte that restricts the methanol cross-over while retaining proton conductivity is essential for better electrochemical selectivity in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Extensive research carried out to explore numerous blends and composites for application as polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) revealed promising electrochemical selectivity in DMFCs of carbon nanomaterial-based polymer composites. The present review covers important literature on different carbon nanomaterial-based PEMs reported during the last decade. The review emphasises the proton conductivity and methanol permeability of nanocomposite membranes with carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and fullerene as additives, assessing critically the impact of each type of filler on those properties.
Fluorescence Characteristics of Aqueous Synthesized Tin Oxide Quantum Dots for the Detection of Heavy Metal Ions in Contaminated Water
Authors: Liu Jianqiao , Zhang Qianru , Xue Weiting , Zhang Haipeng , Bai Yu , Wu Liting , Zhai Zhaoxia , Jin Guohua
Published: September 2019

Tin oxide quantum dots were synthesized in aqueous solution via a simple hydrolysis and oxidation process. The morphology observation showed that the quantum dots had an average grain size of 2.23 nm. The rutile phase SnO2 was confirmed by the structural and compositional characterization. The fluorescence spectroscopy of quantum dots was used to detect the heavy metal ions of Cd2+, Fe3+, Ni2+ and Pb2+, which caused the quenching effect of photoluminescence. The quantum dots showed the response of 2.48 to 100 ppm Ni2+. The prepared SnO2 quantum dots exhibited prospective in the detection of heavy metal ions in contaminated water, including deionized water, deionized water with Fe3+, reclaimed water and sea water. The limit of detection was as low as 0.01 ppm for Ni2+ detection. The first principle calculation based on the density function theory demonstrated the dependence of fluorescence response on the adsorption energy of heavy metal ions as well as ion radius. The mechanism of fluorescence response was discussed based on the interaction between Sn vacancies and Ni2+ ions. A linear correlation of fluorescence emission intensity against Ni2+ concentration was obtained in the logarithmic coordinates. The density of active Sn vacancies was the crucial factor that determined fluorescence response of SnO2 QDs to heavy metal ions.
Black Raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miquel) Promotes Browning of Preadipocytes and Inguinal White Adipose Tissue in Cold-Induced Mice
Authors: Park Woo Yong , Choe Seong-Kyu , Park Jinbong , Um Jae-Young
Published: September 2019

The alteration of white adipose tissue (WAT) “browning”, a change of white into beige fat, has been considered as a new therapeutic strategy to treat obesity. In this study, we investigated the browning effect of black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miquel) using in vitro and in vivo models. Black raspberry water extract (BRWE) treatment inhibited lipid accumulation in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and zebrafish. To evaluate the thermogenic activity, BRWE was orally administered for 2 weeks, and then, the mice were placed in a 4 °C environment. As a result, BRWE treatment increased rectal temperature and inguinal WAT (iWAT) thermogenesis by inducing the expression of beige fat specific markers such as PR domain zinc-finger protein 16 (PRDM16), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α), and t-box protein 1 (TBX1) in cold-exposed mice. Furthermore, ellagic acid (EA), a constituent of BRWE, markedly promoted beige specific markers: UCP1, PGC1α, TBX1, and nuclear respiratory factor 1 in beige differentiation media (DM)-induced 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our findings indicate that BRWE can promote beige differentiation/activation, and EA is the active compound responsible for such effect. Thus, we suggest the nature-derived agents BRWE and EA as potential agents for obesity treatment.
Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders
Authors: Vollono Laura , Falconi Mattia , Gaziano Roberta , Iacovelli Federico , Dika Emi , Terracciano Chiara , Bianchi Luca , Campione Elena
Published: September 2019

Curcumin is a compound isolated from turmeric, a plant known for its medicinal use. Recently, there is a growing interest in the medical community in identifying novel, low-cost, safe molecules that may be used in the treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that curcumin may represent an effective agent in the treatment of several skin conditions. We examined the most relevant in vitro and in vivo studies published to date regarding the use of curcumin in inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious skin diseases, providing information on its bioavailability and safety profile. Moreover, we performed a computational analysis about curcumin’s interaction towards the major enzymatic targets identified in the literature. Our results suggest that curcumin may represent a low-cost, well-tolerated, effective agent in the treatment of skin diseases. However, bypass of limitations of its in vivo use (low oral bioavailability, metabolism) is essential in order to conduct larger clinical trials that could confirm these observations. The possible use of curcumin in combination with traditional drugs and the formulations of novel delivery systems represent a very promising field for future applicative research.
A Low Iron Diet Protects from Steatohepatitis in a Mouse Model
Authors: Salaye Lipika , Bychkova Ielizaveta , Sink Sandy , Kovalic Alexander J. , Bharadwaj Manish S. , Lorenzo Felipe , Jain Shalini , Harrison Alexandria V. , Davis Ashley T. , Turnbull Katherine , Meegalla Nuwan T. , Lee Soh-hyun , Cooksey Robert , Donati George L. , Kavanagh Kylie , Bonkovsky Herbert L. , McClain Donald A.
Published: September 2019

High tissue iron levels are a risk factor for multiple chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To investigate causal relationships and underlying mechanisms, we used an established NAFLD model—mice fed a high fat diet with supplemental fructose in the water (“fast food”, FF). Iron did not affect excess hepatic triglyceride accumulation in the mice on FF, and FF did not affect iron accumulation compared to normal chow. Mice on low iron are protected from worsening of markers for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), including serum transaminases and fibrotic gene transcript levels. These occurred prior to the onset of significant insulin resistance or changes in adipokines. Transcriptome sequencing revealed the major effects of iron to be on signaling by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway, a known mechanistic factor in NASH. High iron increased fibrotic gene expression in vitro, demonstrating that the effect of dietary iron on NASH is direct. Conclusion: A lower tissue iron level prevents accelerated progression of NAFLD to NASH, suggesting a possible therapeutic strategy in humans with the disease.
Effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (Pcsk9) Content and Lipid Metabolism in the Blood Plasma and Liver of Obese Wistar Rats
Authors: Grzegorczyk Ewa , Książek Monika , Kurek Krzysztof , Łukaszuk Bartłomiej , Rosołowski Mariusz , Paszko Agnieszka , Krzyżak Michalina , Żendzian-Piotrowska Małgorzata
Published: September 2019

Nowadays, obesity and its complications are heavy burdens to western civilization. Surgical procedures remain one of the available therapies for obesity and obesity-associated diseases treatment. Among them, sleeve gastrectomy is the most common bariatric procedure. Despite the well-established fact that sleeve gastrectomy results in significant weight loss, some of its other divergent effects still need to be established. To fulfill this knowledge gap, we examined whether sleeve gastrectomy affects lipid metabolism in the plasma and liver of obese rats. We demonstrated that chronic high-fat diet feeding led to an increment in the level of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin (PCSK)—a regulator of plasma cholesterol concentration—in the liver, which was decreased after the gastrectomy. Moreover, we noticed significant increases in both plasma and liver contents of free fatty acids, diacylgycerides and triacylglycerides in the obese animals, with their reduction after the bariatric surgery. In conclusion, we revealed, presumably for the first time, that sleeve gastrectomy affects lipid metabolism in the liver of obese rats.
Recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) Expressing Sigma C Protein of Avian Reovirus (ARV) Protects against Both ARV and NDV in Chickens
Authors: Saikia Deep Prakash , Yadav Kalpana , Pathak Dinesh C. , Ramamurthy Narayan , D’Silva Ajai Lawrence , Marriappan Asok Kumar , Ramakrishnan Saravanan , Vakharia Vikram N. , Chellappa Madhan Mohan , Dey Sohini
Published: September 2019

Newcastle disease (ND) and avian reovirus (ARV) infections are a serious threat to the poultry industry, which causes heavy economic losses. The mesogenic NDV strain R2B is commonly used as a booster vaccine in many Asian countries to control the disease. In this seminal work, a recombinant NDV strain R2B expressing the sigma C (σC) gene of ARV (rNDV-R2B-σC) was generated by reverse genetics, characterized in vitro and tested as a bivalent vaccine candidate in chickens. The recombinant rNDV-R2B-σC virus was attenuated as compared to the parent rNDV-R2B virus as revealed by standard pathogenicity assays. The generated vaccine candidate, rNDV-R2B-σC, could induce both humoral and cell mediated immune responses in birds and gave complete protection against virulent NDV and ARV challenges. Post-challenge virus shedding analysis revealed a drastic reduction in NDV shed, as compared to unvaccinated birds.
Energetic and Exergetic Investigations of Hybrid Configurations in an Absorption Refrigeration Chiller by Aspen Plus
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Cai Liang , Chen Tao
Published: September 2019

In the present study, a steady-state simulation model was built and validated by Aspen Plus to assess the performance of an absorption refrigeration chiller according to the open literature. Given the complex heat transfer happening in the absorbers and the generator, several assumptions were proposed to simplify the model, for which a new parameter ε l i q was introduced to describe the ratio of possible heat that could be recovered from the absorption and heat-transferring process in the solution cooling absorber. The energetic and the exergetic investigations of a basic cycle and hybrid cycles were conducted, in which the following parameters were analyzed: coefficient of performance (COP), exergetic efficiency, exergy destruction, and irreversibility. According to the results, the basic cycle exhibited major irreversibility in the absorbers and the generator. Subsequently, two proposed novel configurations were adopted to enhance its performance; the first (configuration 1) involved a compressor between a solution heat exchanger and a solution cooling absorber, and the second (configuration 2) involved a compressor between a rectifier and a condenser. The peak COP and the overall exergetic efficiency (η) of configuration 1 were found to be better, increasing by 15% and 5.5%, respectively, and those of configuration 2 were also upregulated by 5% and 4%, respectively. The rise in intermediate compressor ratio not only reduced the driving generator temperature of both configurations but also expanded the operating range of the system under configuration 1, thus proving their feasibility in waste heat sources and the superiority of configuration 1. Detailed information about the optimal state for hybrid cycles is also presented.
Observing the Ocean Submesoscale with Enhanced-Color GOES-ABI Visible Band Data
Authors: Jolliff Jason K. , Lewis M. David , Ladner Sherwin , Crout Richard L.
Published: September 2019

Ocean color remote sensing has long been utilized as a fundamental research tool in the oceanographic investigations of coupled biological-physical processes. Despite numerous technical advances in the application of space borne ocean-viewing radiometers, host satellite platforms in a polar-orbiting configuration often render the temporal frequency of sensor data acquisition insufficient for studies of ocean processes that occur within increasingly smaller space-time scales. Whereas geostationary ocean color missions are presently the exception (GOCI) rather than the rule, this paper presents a method to convolve ocean reflectance data obtained from contemporary ocean-viewing multispectral radiometers (VIIRS, OLCI) with spectrally-limited Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) data obtained from the GOES-R meteorological satellites. The method, Chromatic Domain Mapping (CDM), employs a colorimetry approach to visible range ocean reflectance data. The true color space is used as a frame-of-reference that is mapped by the dedicated yet temporally sparse ocean color sensors; coincident and spectrally coarse information from ABI is then used to estimate the evolution of the true color scene. The procedure results in very high resolution (~5 min) true color image sequences. Herein, example CDM applications of rapid frontal boundary evolution and feature displacement in the Gulf of Mexico are presented and future applications of this technique are discussed.
Innovative Processes and Technologies for Nutrient Recovery from Wastes: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ahmed Mukhtar , Ahmad Shakeel , Fayyaz-ul-Hassan  , Qadir Ghulam , Hayat Rifat , Shaheen Farid Asif , Raza Muhammad Ali
Published: September 2019

Waste management is necessary for environmental and economic sustainability, but it depends upon socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors. More countries are shifting toward recycling as compared to landfilling; thus, different researchers have presented the zero waste concept, considering the importance of sustainability. This review was conducted to provide information about different well established and new/emerging technologies which could be used to recover nutrients from wastes and bring zero waste concepts in practical life. Technologies can be broadly divided into the triangle of nutrient accumulation, extraction, and release. Physicochemical mechanisms, plants, and microorganisms (algae and prokaryotic) could be used to accumulate nutrients. Extraction of nutrient is possible through electrodialysis and crystallization while nutrient release can occur via thermochemical and biochemical treatments. Primary nutrients, i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are used globally and are non-renewable. Augmented upsurges in prices of inorganic fertilizers and required discharge restrictions on nutrients have stimulated technological developments. Thus, well-proven technologies, such as biochar, composting, vermicomposting, composting with biochar, pyrolysis, and new emerging technologies (forward osmosis and electro-dialysis) have potential to recover nutrients from wastes. Therefore, reviewing the present and imminent potential of these technologies for adaptation of nutrient recycling from wastes is of great importance. Since waste management is a significant concern all over the globe and technologies, e.g., landfill, combustion, incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification, are available to manage generated wastes, they have adverse impacts on society and on the environment. Thus, climate-friendly technologies, such as composting, biodegradation, and anaerobic decomposition, with the generation of non-biodegradable wastes need to be adopted to ensure a sustainable future environment. Furthermore, environmental impacts of technology could be quantified by life cycle assessment (LCA). Therefore, LCA could be used to evaluate the performance of different environmentally-friendly technologies in waste management and in the designing of future policies. LCA, in combination with other approaches, may prove helpful in the development of strategies and policies for the selection of dynamic products and processes.
Predicting Entrepreneurial Intentions and Pre-Start-Up Behaviour among Asnaf Millennials
Authors: Mahmood Tengku Mohd Azizuddin Tuan , Al Mamun Abdullah , Ahmad Ghazali Bin , Ibrahim Mohamed Dahlan
Published: September 2019

The study referred to the theory of planned behaviour in determining how the selected factors (innovativeness, proactive personality, need of achievement, internal locus of control, risk-taking propensity, lifestyle integration, social networking, resource and opportunity recognition, attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control) influenced the entrepreneurial intentions and pre-start-up behaviour among the Asnaf millennials in Malaysia. This study collected cross-sectional survey data, which are quantitative data from 310 randomly selected Asnaf millennials from Kelantan, Malaysia using structured interviews. This study used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling PLS-SEM to analyse the data. The result confirmed the indirect influence (entrepreneurial intention) of attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control on the pre-start-up behaviour. Findings revealed that all antecedents have a positive and statistically significant effect on attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, with an exception to risk-taking propensity. Hence, it is suggested that development programs and policies should enhance the innovativeness and opportunity recognition competency, provide access to working capital, and build a platform to promote entrepreneurial networking in increasing entrepreneurial intention among the low-income Asnaf millennials in Malaysia.
The Relationship between CEO Governance and Social Responsibility of Service Firms
Authors: Ji Sang-Hyun , Yoon Ki-Chang , Park Joshua , An Sang-Bong , Oh Han-Mo
Published: September 2019

Although it is widely accepted that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is key to obtaining business sustainability, there is a significant lack of empirical tests on the longer-term benefits of CSR in academic literature. The objective of our study was to examine the effects of chief executive officer (CEO) governance on CSR in service firms. We used CEO pay slice (CPS) to measure CEO governance and the Korea Economic Justice Institute Index (KEJI) to measure the level of CSR activities. CPS was measured using the compensation information of the board of directors in their business reports. The KEJI was obtained from the website of Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice. The sample selected from listed firms consisting of 260 observations was collected from 2013 to 2015 at the TS-2000 and the FnGuide. The results showed that the CPS has a significant negative impact on the level of CSR activities in service firms. Specifically, CPS has a significant negative impact on the level of CSR activities in the areas of human, environment, and society at a significant level of one percent. Based on these results, higher CEO governance is expected to mean lower CSR in service firms. This paper contributes to the field of research in that it is the first research on the relationship between CEO governance and the level of CSR activities in service firms.
A New Approach to Partnerships for SDG Transformations
Authors: Horan David
Published: September 2019

Recent scientific reports highlight the urgent need for transformations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and long-term sustainability. This paper presents a new approach to partnerships that focuses on their role in transformations, the types of partnerships that may be needed and their enabling environment. It introduces transformation effectiveness as a criterion to evaluate a portfolio of partnerships and pathways as a tool to frame discussion of required partnerships. Guided by energy decarbonization and using a simple model of partnership formation, I highlight a (potential) mismatch between the types of partnerships required for transformation and the partnership types arising under the currently dominant voluntary approach. The model suggests the bottom-up approach can deliver some, but not all, of the partnerships needed. Five specific problems are identified—compensation for losers, partnering capacity, short-time horizons, inadequate coordination mechanisms and misaligned incentives. The paper then outlines some policy tools—transfers, regulation, public investment—governments could use to strengthen the bottom-up framework and orchestrate missing partnerships. The conclusion addresses two problems specific to the transformation approach: how to identify more systematically the partnerships needed (identification problem) and how to implement them (implementation problem); and outlines some ways to deal with these—science, deliberation, international leadership coalitions and frameworks/monitoring systems for transition partnerships.
On Finite Quasi-Core-p p-Groups
Authors: Wang Jiao , Guo Xiuyun
Published: September 2019

Given a positive integer n, a finite group G is called quasi-core-n if ⟨ x ⟩ / ⟨ x ⟩ G has order at most n for any element x in G, where ⟨ x ⟩ G is the normal core of ⟨ x ⟩ in G. In this paper, we investigate the structure of finite quasi-core-p p-groups. We prove that if the nilpotency class of a quasi-core-p p-group is p + m , then the exponent of its commutator subgroup cannot exceed p m + 1 , where p is an odd prime and m is non-negative. If p = 3 , we prove that every quasi-core-3 3-group has nilpotency class at most 5 and its commutator subgroup is of exponent at most 9. We also show that the Frattini subgroup of a quasi-core-2 2-group is abelian.
Extraction of Cellulose Nano-Whiskers Using Ionic Liquid-Assisted Ultra-Sonication: Optimization and Mathematical Modelling Using Box–Behnken Design
Authors: Chowdhury Zaira Zaman , Chandran R. Reevenishaa Ravi , Jahan Afrin , Khalid Khalisanni , Rahman Md Mahfujur , Al-Amin Md , Akbarzadeh Omid , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Khan T. M. Yunus , Kamangar Sarfaraz , Hamizi Nor Aliya Binti , Wahab Yasmin Abdul , Johan Rafie Bin , Adebisi Ganiyu Abimbola
Published: September 2019

This study focuses on the extraction of cellulose nano-whiskers (CNWs) from the leaves of Adansonia kilima (AK), usually known as African baobab, using a combination of a microwave-assisted alkali (KOH) pre-treatment with subsequent bleaching process prior to ultra-sonication. Ultra-sonication was carried out using the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (Bmim-HSO4). Process parameters for ultra-sonication were optimized using a two-level factorial Box–Behnken design (BBD). Process variables such as ultra-sonication power (x1), hydrolysing time (x2) and temperature (x3) were varied. Responses selected were percentage crystallinity index, CrI% (y1) and yield% (y1) for the finally procured CNWs sample. Regression analysis was carried out to develop quadratic model to analyze the effect of process variables on IL-assisted ultra-sonication process. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that ultra-sonication power was the most influential aspect for hydrolyzing the amorphous segments of crude cellulose extracted from baobab leaves. A relative study of the physio-chemical properties of the starting lignocellulosic substrate (AK), KOH pre-treated, bleached and IL-assisted ultra-sonicated CNWs was conducted. The synthesized samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermo-gravimetric and zeta potential analysis. Under optimum condition, the extracted CNWs showed an average width of 15–20 nm; with high crystallinity index of 86.46%. This research provides an insight about the delignification of Adansonia kilima (AK) leaves and its effective conversion to CNWs having high crystallinity.
The Rural-Urban Food Systems’ Links with the Agenda 2030: From FAO Guidelines on Food Supply and Distribution Systems to a Dairy Sector Application in the Area of Bogota
Authors: Armenia Stefano , Pompei Alessandro , Castaño Barreto Andres , Atzori Alberto , Fonseca Jorge
Published: September 2019

What should be the policy to meet urban food needs in developing countries and those in transition? This is a key question of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which was posed into the “FAO’s methodological and operational guide to study and understand Food Supply and Distribution Systems (FSDS) to cities in developing countries and countries in transition” in order to face the current overwhelming increase of urban population and the increasing urbanization pressures on food systems. Following some previous work in the field where it was argued that clarifying the various problems and structure behind Food Supply and Distribution Systems (FSDS) in urban environments is vital to assess policies that aim at meeting urban food needs, the purpose of this paper is to show that the methodological approach known as system dynamics modeling and simulation can lead, in terms of knowledge and/or theoretical contribution, to the unfolding of complexity in this area of research as well as bring into the analysis the relationships across a few goals of the Agenda 2030. As an additional result, we show how the developed model can be applied (case of the production of milk for consumption in the city of Bogota, Colombia) to analyze the dynamics of food supply and distribution systems in urban environments.
Special Issue: Applications of CRISPR Technology in Virology 2018
Authors: Jin Dong-Yan
Published: September 2019

Precision genome engineering by CRISPR is a game-changing technology that originates from the study of virus–host interaction and promises to revolutionize virology and antiviral therapy [...]
Leaf Wetness Duration Models Using Advanced Machine Learning Algorithms: Application to Farms in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Authors: Park Junsang , Shin Ju-Young , Kim Kyu Rang , Ha Jong-Chul
Published: September 2019

Leaf wetness duration (LWD) models have been proposed as an alternative to in situ LWD measurement, as they can predict leaf wetness using physical mechanism and empirical relationship with meteorological conditions. Applications of advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms in the development of empirical LWD model can lead to improvements in the LWD prediction. The current study developed LWD model using extreme learning machine, random forest method, and a deep neural network. Additionally, performances of these ML-based LWD models are evaluated and compared with existing models. Observed LWD and meteorological variable data are obtained from nine farms in South Korea. Temporal and geographical information were also used. Additionally, the priorities of the employed variables in the development of the ML-based LWD models were analyzed. As a result, the ML-based LWD models outperformed the existing models; the random forest led to the best performance for LWD prediction among the tested LWD models. Strengths of associations between input variables and leaf wetness were relative humidity, short wave radiation, air temperature, hour, latitude, longitude, and wind speed in descending order. Uses of the geographical and time information in development of LWD model can improve the performance of LWD model.
Dam Site Suitability Mapping and Analysis Using an Integrated GIS and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Al-Ruzouq Rami , Shanableh Abdallah , Yilmaz Abdullah Gokhan , Idris AlaEldin , Mukherjee Sunanda , Khalil Mohamad Ali , Gibril Mohamed Barakat A.
Published: September 2019

Meeting water demands is a critical pillar for sustaining normal human living standards, industry evolution and agricultural growth. The main obstacles for developing countries in arid regions include unplanned urbanisation and limited water resources. Locating and constructing dams is a strategic priority of countries to preserve and store water. Recent advances in remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS), and machine learning (ML) techniques provide valuable tools for producing a dam site suitability map (DSSM). In this research, a hybrid GIS decision-making technique supported by an ML algorithm was developed to identify the most appropriate location to construct a new dam for Sharjah, one of the major cities in the United Arab Emirates. Nine thematic layers have been considered to prepare the DSSM, including precipitation, drainage stream density, geomorphology, geology, curve number, total dissolved solid elevation, slope and major fracture. The weights of the thematic layers were determined through the analytical hierarchy process supported by several ML techniques, where the best attempted ML technique was the random forest method, with an accuracy of 76%. Precipitation and drainage stream density were the most influential factors affecting the DSSM. The developed DSSM was validated using existing dams across the study area, where the DSSM provides an accuracy of 83% for dams located in the high and moderate zones. Three major sites were identified as suitable locations for constructing new dams in Sharjah. The approach adopted in this study can be applied for any other location globally to identify potential dam construction sites.
Hydrodynamic and Soil Biodiversity Characterization in an Active Landslide
Authors: Remelli Sara , Petrella Emma , Chelli Alessandro , Conti Federica Delia , Lozano Fondón Carlos , Celico Fulvio , Francese Roberto , Menta Cristina
Published: September 2019

Landslides are common in the Northern Apennines (Italy) and their resulting changes in soil structure affect edaphic fauna biodiversity, whose activity has concurrent impacts on soil structural stability and water-holding capacity. The aim of this study was to characterise landslide evolution and assess potential relationships between its hydrogeological features and soil fauna. The landforms of the study area, located in the River Taro valley, were mapped and the hydraulic head fluctuations and groundwater electrical conductivity profiles were measured. The soil arthropod community was studied in seven sites, one subject to earth flow and six to rotational slide; the last ones were divided into the main scarp of the slide, and five sites characterized by different land use: three grassland, a wheat cultivated field and an overgrown area. Soil organic matter (SOM) and pH measurements were performed. Hydrogeological results suggest unexpected rapid percolation of relatively low-salinity waters through the unsaturated zone. Both lower SOM content and arthropod biodiversity were found in earth flow area, while higher values were found in grasslands. Fauna composition appears to be a good indicator of soil degradation processes, linked to the hydraulic features, and contributes to the evaluation of the soil condition in landslide areas for further agricultural purposes.
CONSTITUTIVE ASPECTS OF JOINT ACTIVITY: PRERQUISITES AND CONTRADICTIONS OF REALIZING COOPERATIVE RELATIONS
Authors: Revin Frol
Published: September 2019

The article examines the dominant paradigm and current research state of the theoretical and practical dimension of cooperative behavior based on the notion of “collective intentionality” scrutinized within the framework of analytic social philosophy. Accordingly, the goal was to elaborate foundational normative, socio-ontological and psychological aspects of the debate around the underlying nature of the mechanisms of content, modality, and subjects of shared praxeological undertakings, outline major points of agreement, controversy and contention in positions and arguments of the principal sides and their proponents.
Rehabilitation of patients after transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke: pilot feasibility randomised trial of a home-based prevention programme
Authors: Heron Neil , Kee Frank , Mant Jonathan , Cupples Margaret E , Donnelly Michael
Published: September 2019

Background

Although the importance of secondary prevention after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is recognised, research is sparse regarding novel, effective ways in which to intervene in a primary care context.

Aim

To pilot a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a novel home-based prevention programme (The Healthy Brain Rehabilitation Manual) for patients with TIA or ‘minor’ stroke.

Design and setting

Pilot RCT, home-based, undertaken in Northern Ireland between May 2017 and March 2018.

Method

Patients within 4 weeks of a first TIA or ‘minor’ stroke received study information from clinicians in four hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: standard care (control group) (n = 12); standard care with manual and GP follow-up (n = 14); or standard care with manual and stroke nurse follow-up (n = 14). Patients in all groups received telephone follow-up at 1, 4, and 9 weeks. Eligibility, recruitment, and retention were assessed; stroke/cardiovascular risk factors measured at baseline and 12 weeks; and participants’ views were elicited about the study via focus groups.

Results

Over a 32-week period, 28.2% of clinic attendees (125/443) were eligible; 35.2% of whom (44/125) consented to research contact; 90.9% of these patients (40/44) participated, of whom 97.5% (39/40) completed the study. After 12 weeks, stroke risk factors [cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure and measures of physical activity] improved in both intervention groups. The research methods and the programme were acceptable to patients and health professionals, who commented that the programme ‘filled a gap’ in current post-TIA management.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that implementation of this novel cardiac rehabilitation programme, and of a trial to evaluate its effectiveness, is feasible, with potential for clinically important benefits and improved secondary prevention after TIA or ‘minor’ stroke.
PHÉNOMÉNOLOGIE DE LA CONSCIENCE NORMATIVE
Authors: Alves Pedro M. S.
Published: September 2019

Discussing from a phenomenological stance the distinction between hyletic and expressive conceptions of norms, I stress that phenomenology is able to develop an analysis of nomothetic intentionality that can surmount the opposition presented by Alchourrón and Bulygin. However, this entails a revision of the Husserlian analysis of the relationship between judgments and norms, namely of his thesis concerning the foundation of every intentional act in objectifying acts. I highlight the specificity of normative intentionality, its non-dependence on objectifying acts, and I propose to name the quality of normative acts as “ductive force”. Then, I take distance to the classical analysis of normative judgments as having the ought-form, outlining a more detailed analysis of them, namely stressing that the juridical propositions must have a richer content in order to describe norms. Then, I propose my own account based on the concept of “ductive force”. I affirm that the ductive force of norms cannot be identified only with coercion. I show that there is, even inside the juridical sphere, a variety of ductive forces, going from sheer coercion to council and recommendation. Finally, I stress the centrality of the concept of “ductive force” for a phenomenology of the social world.
DES HERITAGES DEVENUS CONCEPTS. REMARQUES SUR LA NOTION D’IPSEITE CHEZ SARTRE
Authors: Recchia Fabio
Published: September 2019

En philosophie, il n’y a d’héritage que gagné. Et en nous installant dans cette ambigüité propre au savoir philosophique, nous examinerons, dans ce texte, un développement peu étudié de la pensée sartrienne : sa théorie du « circuit de l’ipséité » de la conscience. Quant à notre objectif, il s’agira de faire le point sur le processus de maturation intellectuelle à l’issue duquel Sartre conçut l’ipséité comme un circuit. Ainsi nous mettrons en évidence que certaines des réflexions de Heidegger, Bergson et Mauss, sur la notion d’identité personnelle constituèrent les héritages philosophiques mobilisés et transformés par la théorie sartrienne de l’ipséité.
A HERANÇA ÀS AVESSAS DA FENOMENOLOGIA DE HUSSERL NO PENSAMENTO DE MICHEL FOUCAULT: DA EPISTEMOLOGIA FRANCESA E DA ARQUEOLOGIA COMO CONTRA-FENOMENOLOGIAS
Authors: Yazbek André Constantino
Published: September 2019

A partir da introdução à edição estadunidense de O normal e o patológico de Georges Canguilhem, escrita por Michel Foucault em 1978, este artigo pretende mostrar que a fenomenologia de Husserl jamais deixou de ter um significado crucial para a arqueologia foucaultiana, no sentido de que a fenomenologia indicaria um dos mais sérios desafios para uma crítica contemporânea da racionalidade moderna. Assim, o autor pretende demonstrar que a oposição de Foucault à fenomenologia, que constitui uma das bases de seu método, depende em boa medida de sua particular leitura das relações entre a epistemologia francesa e o legado da fenomenologia husserliana.
O DEUS “CRISTÃO” DE HEGEL; A ESTRUTURA DAS PRELEÇÕES SOBRE FILOSOFIA DA RELIGIÃO E A REAÇÃO A ELAS
Authors: Schubert Coelho Humberto
Published: September 2019

Não há dúvidas de que o conceito hegeliano de Deus é peculiar e único, justificando interpretações contraditórias a respeito da relação do filósofo com o cristianismo. Para melhor compreendê-lo, é preciso situar o papel do conceito de Deus em relação aos conceitos de religião e ao conceito de cristianismo, que juntos formam o quadro metafísico e historicista de imanência e revelação do Espírito. A negação da ideia de imortalidade da consciência individual, contudo, fez com que a defesa hegeliana de conceitos fortes de Deus e de cristianismo não fosse vista como suficiente para isentá-lo de acusações de ateísmo e panteísmo. Ao final deste trabalho, portanto, apresentaremos uma dessas críticas a respeito da recepção do pensamento hegeliano pela filosofia e teologia cristãs. Palavras-chave: Deus, Espírito, Cristianismo, Panteísmo, Imortalidade.
A TEORIA ANSELMIANA DOS NOMES: SIGNO, SIGNIFICADO E DISCURSO MENTAL
Authors: Pereira Diego Fragoso
Published: September 2019

Resumo: Significar é estabelecer o entendimento de algo na mente. O signo – linguístico ou não-linguístico – é aquilo que estabelece um entendimento. O nome próprio estabelece o entendimento de um indivíduo, o qual consiste de uma certa natureza e um conjunto de propriedades que o distinguem dos demais membros da mesma classe (espécie ou gênero). O nome comum estabelece o entendimento de uma natureza, e nada mais. Natureza pode ser a espécie, como o que é significado pelo nome ‘homem’, ou pode ser gênero, como o que é significado pelo nome ‘Deus’. Um nome próprio e um nome comum significam do mesmo modo, já que ambos fazem vir à mente algo além do próprio signo. No entanto, o entendimento produzido por cada um deles é diferente. Enquanto em um se tem um determinado indivíduo, que pode existir ou não, no outro se tem uma determinada natureza, que é um universal. Palavras-chave: Anselmo de Cantuária, signo, significação, nome próprio, nome comum.