bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perizinan Pembangunan Tersus (Terminal Khusus) (Studi Kasus CV Bina Lestari Jaya) Di Pangkalpinang Bangka Belitung
Authors: Supartini Supartini , Dekanawati Vivid , Wardoyo Rizki Dwi
Published: August 2020

Kegiatan bidang pelayaran dibedakan menjadi dua,  pelayaran niaga dan bukan niaga. Guna mendukung sarana angkutan laut diperlukan prasarana berupa pelabuhan. Pelabuhan merupakan tempat pemberhentian/terminal kapal setelah melakukan pelayaran. Di pelabuhan kapal melakukan berbagai macam kegiatan, seperti naik turun penumpang, bongkar muat barang, pengisian bahan bakar, dan air tawar. Guna menunjang kegiatan usaha untuk kepentingan sendiri, maka dapat dibangun Terminal  Khusus (Tersus), Untuk pembangunan tersus, CV Bina Lestari Jaya melakukan koordinasi dengan pihak pemerintah dan menyusun konsep secara matang, mengurus perijinan yang memiliki tahapan dan persyaratan yang cukup rumit, karena membutuhkan survey dengan data yang akurat, baik penetapan lokasi, studi kelayakan baik di darat maupun di laut/perairan. Perlu dipertimbangkan pula aspek ekonomi, efisiensi, dampak lingkungan dan K3 (Kesehatan dan  Keselamatan Kerja). Selanjutnya melakukan studi kelayakan didampingi tim tehnis Distrik Navigasi Kelas 1 Palembang.         Dalam penelitian ini, penulis  menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan diskriptif.
Pembentukan Kompetensi Calon Pelaut Dalam Kepemimpinan Kelompok Kerja Abk Dek Muka Dengan Model Role Play
Authors: Kusuma Ade Chandra
Published: August 2020

Kompetensi berupa kemampuan calon pelaut khususnya ABK dek muka dalam proses berthing yang diberikan kepada taruna Stimaryo jurusan Studi Nautika dalam pembelajaran Kecakapan Bahari agar mereka dapat mudah beradaptasi dan dapat melakukan peran di haluan pada saat proses kapal sandar. Adapun tujuan penelitian utama pada penelitian ini yaitu agar calon pelaut dari Stimaryo khususnya jurusan studi Nautika dalam pendampingan pembelajaran berupa role play dapat dengan mudah pemahaman materi dan mengetahui sikap yang harus dimiliki serta keterampilan baik dalam memimpin order dari anjungan maupun kerjasama kelompok ABK dek muka. Metode Penelitian yang digunakan berupa penelitian deskriptifdengan tujuan membuat deskripsi secarasistematis, faktual serta akurat pada fakta. Kemampuan kepemimpinan calon pelaut dengan model pembelajaran role play mencapai nilai di atas 75, sehingga kompetensinya dinyatakan telah sesuai dengan kebutuhan di lapangan. Model pembelajaran roleplay mampu membentuk kompetensi melalui koordinasi sebagai komunikator dan komunikan serta waktu yang telah ditetapkan.
The relationship between civil society and the anarchic legal regime
Authors: D. Akulenko
Published: August 2020

Is not the freedom a daughter but a mother of order? Is the republic positive anarchy? Is anarchy an extremely destructive phenomenon? Does Ukrainian civil society have any common features with anarchic society? The author attempts to answer these questions in the article. To achieve this goal, the author analyzed a huge layer of information, consisting of both well-known sources (Laozi, Immanuel Kant, Petro Kropotkin) and local, little-known sources. The author even had to look for information among the articles of propaganda journalists from authoritarian countries, for whom democratic institutions and the thirst for freedom are simply a sound for which silencing could be well earned. As it turned out, finding such information was quite easy.
The article is devoted to the study of the existence of civil society in state entities with anarchic legal regime. In the work much attention is paid to the functioning of state bodies on the territory of Ukraine in public centers that have signs of anarchism. Recent legal and historical studies of Ukrainian anarchism have been analyzed in the paper, opinions of famous scientists and philosophers of different times have been investigated, as well as significant differences in understanding of anarchy in the context of its coexistence with accepted state institutions.
It should be emphasized separately that in the article the proposed political and social model is not declared as potentially the best, but it does rethink some of the phenomena that have become special for every citizen of Ukraine. There is a clear and objective view in the work that allows us to analyze different historical stages of state formation of Ukraine somewhat different from the conventional ideas about anarchism and its possible destructive influence.
The author carefully identifies the hidden common features of anarchism, with well-known events. It is no secret that the wealth of Ukrainian freedom is ignited every time, after another attempt to usurp power by a dictator, corrupt officials, or after an attempt by another state to intervene militarily in the internal problems of Ukrainians.
The author's position deserves attention, especially given the lack of interest of domestic scientists in the study of anarchism and its possible positive consequences.
Keywords: anarchism, civil society, democracy, state, legal regime
Legal communications: legal development issues
Authors: Y. Laputina
Published: August 2020

The article attempts to provide an overview of appearance and social purpose of legal communications. The results indicate that legal communications appear and develop as behavioral guidelines expressed in the sources of law.
The study revealed that ancient sources of law serve as guidelines for communications of legal prohibitions or incentives in the ancient world. This article provides examples of a new communicative model introduction in the states of the ancient world, in particular in Babylon’s King Hammurabi activities. The article provides an analysis of communication models that were introduced in different historical periods - in ancient Greece, in the Middle Ages, in modern times. The author demonstrates the importance of communication potential of the category . The author argues that the communicative function of law ensures that the participants of legal relations receive the state’s position of necessary, permitted or prohibited behavior.
The author concludes that in-depth study of legal communication in the future requires the study of methods, techniques, communication guidelines as behavioral impulses that must be conveyed to recipients in various spheres of human life.
Keywords: communication, law, legal communication, communication guidelines, human rights.
The role of legal communication in ensuring human rights
Authors: O. Makeieva
Published: August 2020

The article examines the role of legal communication in ensuring human rights. It is noted that the study of legal communication in the modern information space forms a modern postclassical legal understanding, which is focused on ensuring the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens. Legal communication acts as a means of ensuring dialogue between the state and citizens, as a regulatory and socio-constructive factor of social development.
According to recent research, the doctrine of human rights is developing on the basis of an interdisciplinary approach to such sciences as philosophy, theory and history of state and law, political science, linguistics, information theory and more. The introduction of information and communication technologies in all spheres of society presupposes the study of the communicative properties of law, in particular legal communication. Given the increased attention to the problems of the effectiveness of law, the definition of its functional purpose, there is a need to study the role of legal communication in ensuring human rights.
Human rights are a common value of civil society and the state, they determine their relationship, and ensuring the implementation and protection of human rights is their common task. A manifestation of such interaction is the legal communication between the state and civil society. The study of legal communication in the modern information space forms a modern postclassical legal understanding, which is focused on ensuring the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens. The renewal of legal relations, first of all between the state and society, requires scientific substantiation and introduction of new forms of communication. Legal communication in this case acts as a means of ensuring dialogue between the state and citizens, as a regulatory and socio-constructive factor of social development. At the stage of transition to the information and legal society, the relationship between legal communication and legal regulation changes. Legal communication acquires an independent meaning in relation to legal regulation, which itself becomes a system, a derivative element of legal communication.
Іt is proved that legal communication contributes to the formation of legal values in the modern information space, a positive perception of law, the formation of the legal consciousness of the subjects of communication, the improvement of the legal mechanism for the protection of human rights. Legal communication acquires an independent meaning in relation to legal regulation, which itself becomes a system, a derivative element of legal communication. The effectiveness of legal communication in ensuring human rights is ensured by observance of the principles of the rule of law, legality, publicity, democracy, and universality.
Keywords: human rights, legal communication, information society, information security.
The doctrinal approaches to figuring out the judiciary legal acts’ essence
Authors: N. Parchomenko
Published: August 2020

It was found the legal nature, essence, concept and legal effect of the judiciary legal act’s at the current stage of development of the rule of law in Ukraine.
At the moment, a legal science and legal practice has not the only approach to defining the application of the law by a court and judiciary legal acts.
Their legal force is not clearly defined in the Ukrainian legislation, but they are binding. Therefore, the new Ukrainian legislation is investigated, namely the implementation of such legal ties as exemplary case of enshrining the binding nature of the Supreme Court’s judgements.
It was found out that the judicial practice, judicial doctrine and judicial precedent have the common nature.
They are the result of court’s activity, but in doing so, they have the different forms and legal force, thus, their status in the legal system, system of law and legal sources also differ.
The judicial practice is primary to the judicial precedent and judicial doctrine, which result from the judicial practice and which are its manifestation.
The judicial doctrine could have as a binding nature as a nature of recommendations. The judgements in exemplary case is regarded as judicial doctrine, as one of efficient manifestation of judicial practice. Therefore, the Supreme Court’s attitude were strengthened, since it has to ensure unity of judicial practice.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court formulates the legal attitudes, that are binding. The court’s judgements, that are not based on the legal attitudes of the Supreme Court, the High Specialized Courts, the regulations of Supreme Court’s plenary, could be cancelled. So they are compulsory. They are the legal source at the formal legal level. Thus, judiciary’s law-enforcement acts have the normative content. Thereby, a clear distinction between legal and individual acts disappear.
This is a judicial legislation. It results in the legal regulations, namely, judgements in an exemplary case or an order confirmed by the higher court.
Accordingly, at the moment there is a need to legalize the legislation power of the court, what must be done on the constitutional level. That is, the reality must be formally enshrined.
Keywords: doctrine, court, acts, legislation, precedent, exemplary case, practice, order, plenary, judgement.
Oxygen–Methane Torch Ignition System for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Shynkarenko Olexiy , Simone Domenico
Published: August 2020

A new ignition system, based on a CH4/O2 torch has been developed by the Chemical Propulsion Laboratory of the University of Brasilia. Designed to ignite a hybrid rocket, this device has been improved to be used in testing of solid and liquid ramjet engines under development in our lab. The capability to provide multiple ignitions and to cool-down its combustion chamber walls by using a swirled injection of the oxidizer, along with a very low weight to power ratio, makes this device versatile. The igniter is controlled by a feedback system, developed by our group, which guarantees the possibility of operating in different design conditions enabling, therefore, complete integration with systems of different nature. The main characteristics of the igniter and the design solutions are presented including some considerations about the tests performed to evaluate the quality and performance of the ignition system.
Potent Antibacterial Prenylated Acetophenones from the Australian Endemic Plant Acronychia crassipetala
Authors: Tran Trong D. , Olsson Malin A. , McMillan David J. , Cullen Jason K. , Parsons Peter G. , Reddell Paul W. , Ogbourne Steven M.
Published: August 2020

Acronychia crassipetala is an endemic plant species in Australia. Its phytochemistry and therapeutic properties are underexplored. The hexane extract of the fruit A. crassipetala T. G. Hartley was found to inhibit the growth of the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Following bio-activity guided fractionation, two prenylated acetophenones, crassipetalonol A (1) and crassipetalone A (2), were isolated. Their structures were determined mainly by NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses. This is the first record of the isolation and structural characterisation of secondary metabolites from the species A. crassipetala. Their antibacterial and cytotoxic assessments indicated that the known compound (2) had more potent antibacterial activity than the antibiotic chloramphenicol, while the new compound (1) showed moderate cytotoxicity.
Antioxidant Potential of Psychotropic Drugs: From Clinical Evidence to In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment and toward a New Challenge for in Silico Molecular Design
Authors: Ribaudo Giovanni , Bortoli Marco , Pavan Chiara , Zagotto Giuseppe , Orian Laura
Published: August 2020

Due to high oxygen consumption, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which is considered an important element in the etiopathogenesis of several mental disorders, including schizophrenia, depression and dependencies. Despite the fact that it is not established yet whether oxidative stress is a cause or a consequence of clinic manifestations, the intake of antioxidant supplements in combination with the psychotropic therapy constitutes a valuable solution in patients’ treatment. Anyway, some drugs possess antioxidant capacity themselves and this aspect is discussed in this review, focusing on antipsychotics and antidepressants. In the context of a collection of clinical observations, in vitro and in vivo results are critically reported, often highlighting controversial aspects. Finally, a new challenge is discussed, i.e., the possibility of assessing in silico the antioxidant potential of these drugs, exploiting computational chemistry methodologies and machine learning. Despite the physiological environment being incredibly complex and the detection of meaningful oxidative stress biomarkers being all but an easy task, a rigorous and systematic analysis of the structural and reactivity properties of antioxidant drugs seems to be a promising route to better interpret therapeutic outcomes and provide elements for the rational design of novel drugs.
Sputtered SnO2/ZnO Heterostructures for Improved NO2 Gas Sensing Properties
Authors: Sharma Bharat , Sharma Ashutosh , Joshi Monika , Myung Jae-ha
Published: August 2020

A highly sensitive and selective NO2 gas sensor dependent on SnO2/ZnO heterostructures was fabricated using a sputtering process. The SnO2/ZnO heterostructure thin film samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Sensors fabricated with heterostructures attained higher gas response (S = 66.9) and quicker response-recovery (20 s, 45 s) characteristics at 100 °C operating temperature towards 100 ppm NO2 gas efficiently in comparison to sensors based on their mono-counterparts. The selectivity and stability of SnO2/ZnO heterostructures were studied. The more desirable sensing mechanism of SnO2/ZnO heterostructures towards NO2 was described in detail.
Understanding the Psychosocial and Parenting Needs of Mothers with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Young Children
Authors: Murphy Lexa K. , van Diggelen Tanera R. , Levy Rona L. , Palermo Tonya M.
Published: August 2020

Women of childbearing age experience the highest prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), yet little is known about their psychosocial and parenting needs, which may influence their children’s experience of future gastrointestinal or pain-related conditions. The aims of this study were to conduct qualitative interviews to understand the psychosocial and parenting needs of mothers with IBS who have young school-age children, and to assess mothers’ potential interest in and acceptability of a preventive parenting intervention program. Ten mothers with IBS who have young (age 5–10), healthy children were interviewed. Interviews were coded with thematic analysis and three themes were identified: (1) Guilt about how IBS impacts children, (2) Worry that children will develop IBS, and (3) Already on high alert for children’s health. All mothers expressed interest in an Internet-based preventive intervention and identified tools and strategies they would want included. Results demonstrate that mothers experience guilt about how IBS has impacted their children in their daily lives, concern that they need to pay attention to children’s early signs and symptoms that could indicate gastrointestinal problems, and worry about children developing IBS in the future—suggesting that a preventive intervention may address important concerns for this population.
Towards a Universal Measure of Complexity
Authors: Klamut Jarosław , Kutner Ryszard , Struzik Zbigniew R.
Published: August 2020

Recently, it has been argued that entropy can be a direct measure of complexity, where the smaller value of entropy indicates lower system complexity, while its larger value indicates higher system complexity. We dispute this view and propose a universal measure of complexity that is based on Gell-Mann’s view of complexity. Our universal measure of complexity is based on a non-linear transformation of time-dependent entropy, where the system state with the highest complexity is the most distant from all the states of the system of lesser or no complexity. We have shown that the most complex is the optimally mixed state consisting of pure states, i.e., of the most regular and most disordered which the space of states of a given system allows. A parsimonious paradigmatic example of the simplest system with a small and a large number of degrees of freedom is shown to support this methodology. Several important features of this universal measure are pointed out, especially its flexibility (i.e., its openness to extensions), suitability to the analysis of system critical behaviour, and suitability to study the dynamic complexity.
Modelling Types 1 and 2 Wind Turbines Based on IEC 61400-27-1: Transient Response under Voltage Dips
Authors: García-Sánchez Tania , Muñoz-Benavente Irene , Gómez-Lázaro Emilio , Fernández-Guillamón Ana
Published: August 2020

Wind power plants depend greatly on weather conditions, thus being considered intermittent, uncertain and non-dispatchable. Due to the massive integration of this energy resource in the recent decades, it is important that transmission and distribution system operators are able to model their electrical behaviour in terms of steady-state power flow, transient dynamic stability, and short-circuit currents. Consequently, in 2015, the International Electrotechnical Commission published Standard IEC 61400-27-1, which includes generic models for wind power generation in order to estimate the electrical characteristics of wind turbines at the connection point. This paper presents, describes and details the models for wind turbine topologies Types 1 and 2 following IEC 61400-27-1 for electrical simulation purposes, including the values for the parameters for the different subsystems. A hardware-in-the-loop combined with a real-time simulator is also used to analyse the response of such wind turbine topologies under voltage dips. The evolution of active and reactive powers is discussed, together with the wind turbine rotor and generator rotational speeds.
Generalized Fault-Location Scheme for All-Parallel AT Electric Railway System
Authors: Han Zhengqing , Li Shuai , Liu Shuping , Gao Shibin
Published: August 2020

The existing fault location methods for all-parallel autotransformer railway systems (AARS) have limitations because they are generally designed for several given feeding conditions. In alternate feeding conditions, the existing fault location methods do not work well and may have large errors. To solve this problem, we have proposed a generalized fault location scheme for AARS in this paper. After analyzing the fault characteristics of AARS, we classified the feeding conditions of the faulted section of AARS into three types and introduced the corresponding fault location methods. In order to identify the faulted section and its feeding condition, we first formed a switch state matrix based on the adjacency matrix and mapped the fault current distribution into a current state matrix, then we unified the two matrices into a fault state matrix to reflect the fault state of the AARS. Finally, a generalized fault location scheme was proposed based on a fault state matrix. The proposed scheme effectively eliminates the negative influence of feeding conditions on the fault location, and it can identify the fault type and locate faults in different feeding conditions. Several simulation cases verified the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Electrical Damping Assessment and Sensitivity Analysis of a Liquefied Natural Gas Plant: Experimental Validation
Authors: Bongini Lorenzo , Mastromauro Rosa Anna , Sgrò Daniele , Malvaldi Fabrizio
Published: August 2020

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants are commonly island-operated weak grids where the interaction of high-power Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) with the Turbine-Generator (TG) units might cause Sub-Synchronous Torsional Interaction (SSTI) phenomena. SSTI phenomena can lead the LNG plant to instability conditions. Each LNG plant configuration is characterized by a risk level, which is considered high when the electrical damping at the TG Torsional Natural Frequencies (TNFs) is negative. Starting from a real case study, a detailed electromechanical model of an LNG plant is presented. The model is comprehensive of the control system of the power conversion stage and of the TG unit. Sensitivity analysis, performed on control system parameters, allows one to detect the parameters that impact the electrical damping and the stability of the overall LNG plant. A complete simulation platform is developed. Experimental results are carried out on a real LNG plant considering four different configurations. The theoretical model and the simulation platform allow one to estimate the electrical damping and the results are confirmed by the experimental validation. It is demonstrated that fine tuning of the power conversion stage control parameters can reduce the risk related to torsional instability.
Wind Farm Loads under Wake Redirection Control
Authors: Kanev Stoyan , Bot Edwin , Giles Jack
Published: August 2020

Active wake control (AWC) is a strategy for operating wind farms in such a way as to reduce the wake effects on the wind turbines, potentially increasing the overall power production. There are two concepts to AWC: induction control and wake redirection. The former strategy boils down to down-regulating the upstream turbines in order to increase the wind speed in their wakes. This has generally a positive effect on the turbine loading. The wake redirection concept, which relies on intentional yaw misalignment to move wakes away from downstream turbines, has a much more prominent impact and may lead to increased loading. Moreover, the turbines are typically not designed and certified to operate at large yaw misalignments. Even though the potential upsides in terms of power gain are very interesting, the risk for damage or downtime due to increased loading is seen as the main obstacle preventing large scale implementation of this technology. In order to provide good understanding on the impacts of AWC on the turbine loads, this paper presents the results from an in-depth analysis of the fatigue loads on the turbines of an existing wind farm. Even though for some wind turbine components the fatigue loads do increase for some wind conditions under yaw misalignment, it is demonstrated that the wake-induced loading decreases even more so that the lifetime loads under AWC are generally lower.
A Case Study of the Water Abundance Evaluation of Roof Aquifer Based on the Development Height of Water-Conducting Fracture Zone
Authors: Zhai Wen , Li Wei , Huang Yanli , Ouyang Shenyang , Ma Kun , Li Junmeng , Gao Huadong , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2020

In the eastern mining area of Ningxia, China, multi-layered sandstone aquifers are widely distributed in the underground. However, the water abundance of these aquifers is not clear, which brings great challenges to the prevention and control of mine water disaster. In this paper, five mining areas in eastern Ningxia were taken as the study area, and the distribution characteristics of aquifer and the mine water filling source were analyzed through the analysis of geological data and numerical simulation. Finally, the lithology influencing index (LII) was constructed, and the water abundance of the aquifer was evaluated. The results show that the sandstone aquifer III in the lower part of the Jurassic Zhiluo formation is the main water-source aquifer of the #2 coal seam in the study area, while the middle aquifer II and the upper aquifer I are indirect water-source aquifers; the areas with extremely strong and strong water abundance are Maiduoshan, Hongliu, the south of Shicaocun, southeast and southwest of Meihuajing, and the central and southern areas of Shuangma mining areas; when the depth of water drainage boreholes in the roof reaches the development height of the water-conducting fracture zone, the pre-drainage measures can effectively control the mining inrush water of the working face and ensure the safety production. This research is of great significance to the prevention and control of mine water disaster.
High-Energy Solid Fuel Obtained from Carbonized Rice Starch
Authors: Kurc Beata , Lijewski Piotr , Rymaniak Łukasz , Fuć Paweł , Pigłowska Marita , Urbaniak Rafał , Ciupek Bartosz
Published: August 2020

The paper describes the investigations of the physicochemical properties of biocoal, a solid fuel obtained following the carbonization of rice starch. The production of biocoal (carbonization) was completed at the temperature of 600 °C in the nitrogen atmosphere. As a result of the carbonization, amorphous carbon with high monodispersity was obtained, devoided of oxygen elements and was a very well developed BET specific surface—360 m2 g−1. The investigations of the technical parameters have confirmed a very high concentration of energy. The calorific value of 53.21 MJ kg−1 and the combustion heat of 54.92 MJ kg−1 are significantly higher than those of starch before carbonization (18.72 MJ kg−1 and 19.43 MJ kg−1, respectively) and these values for typical biomass fuels. These values are also greater than those of hard coal. Other advantageous features of the obtained fuel are low ash (0.84%) and moisture content. These features predispose this fuel for the application as an alternative to conventional fuels.
Hydrothermal Carbonization as a Valuable Tool for Energy and Environmental Applications: A Review
Authors: Maniscalco Manfredi Picciotto , Volpe Maurizio , Messineo Antonio
Published: August 2020

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) represents an efficient and valuable pre-treatment technology to convert waste biomass into highly dense carbonaceous materials that could be used in a wide range of applications between energy, environment, soil improvement and nutrients recovery fields. HTC converts residual organic materials into a solid high energy dense material (hydrochar) and a liquid residue where the most volatile and oxygenated compounds (mainly furans and organic acids) concentrate during reaction. Pristine hydrochar is mainly used for direct combustion, to generate heat or electricity, but highly porous carbonaceous media for energy storage or for adsorption of pollutants applications can be also obtained through a further activation stage. HTC process can be used to enhance recovery of nutrients as nitrogen and phosphorous in particular and can be used as soil conditioner, to favor plant growth and mitigate desertification of soils. The present review proposes an outlook of the several possible applications of hydrochar produced from any sort of waste biomass sources. For each of the applications proposed, the main operative parameters that mostly affect the hydrochar properties and characteristics are highlighted, in order to match the needs for the specific application.
Soil Bacterial Diversity and Its Relationship with Soil CO2 and Mineral Composition: A Case Study of the Laiwu Experimental Site
Authors: Zhang Hongying , Gao Zongjun , Shi Mengjie , Fang Shaoyan
Published: August 2020

To better understand the characteristics of soil bacterial diversity in different environments, the Laiwu Qilongwan experimental site was selected as it is of great significance for the study of geochemical cycles. The soil CO2, mineral composition and bacterial community were analyzed by an EGM-4 portable environmental gas detector, an X-ray diffractometer and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing, and soil bacterial diversity and the relationship between soil bacterial diversity and environmental factors were studied. The results showed that with increasing soil depth, the CO2 content increased, the feldspar and amphibole contents increased, the quartz content decreased, the richness of the soil bacterial community increased, the relative richness of Nitrospirae increased, and Chloroflexi decreased. The dominant bacteria were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria. There were slight differences in soil CO2, mineral composition and dominant bacterial flora at the same depth. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla of L02. The CO2 was lowest in bare land, and the quartz and K-feldspar contents were the highest. Soil CO2 mainly affected the deep bacterial diversity, while shallow soil bacteria were mainly affected by mineral components (quartz and K-feldspar). At the same depth, amphibole and clay minerals had obvious effects on the bacterial community, while CO2 had obvious effects on subdominant bacteria.
Mind Over Matter: Mindfulness, Income, Resilience, and Life Quality of Vocational High School Students in China
Authors: Cheung Shannon , Xie Xiaoxia , Huang Chien-chung
Published: August 2020

Many social welfare programs focus on the provision of cash assistance and cash transfers to improve the quality of life (QoL) of those living in low-income households. While there is literature to support a positive relationship between income and QoL, studies have shown that QoL is impacted by non-income-related factors. This study examined the effects of income and mindfulness on QoL through a mediator, resilience, and attempts to answer the question of how important income is to QoL, relative to a non-income-based determinant, mindfulness. Using a sample of 905 emerging adults from the senior class of a secondary vocational high school based in an impoverished county of China, we studied two key determinants of QoL, income and mindfulness, as well as respective pathways, during a particularly critical stage of life. The results indicated that mindfulness had strong direct and indirect effects on QoL via resilience, while income had only limited indirect effects on QoL via resilience. Policy implications were discussed.
Heat-Related Illness Is Associated with Lack of Air Conditioning and Pre-Existing Health Problems in Detroit, Michigan, USA: A Community-Based Participatory Co-Analysis of Survey Data
Authors: Cardoza Jacqueline E. , Gronlund Carina J. , Schott Justin , Ziegler Todd , Stone Brian , O’Neill Marie S.
Published: August 2020

The objective of the study was to investigate, using academic-community epidemiologic co-analysis, the odds of reported heat-related illness for people with (1) central air conditioning (AC) or window unit AC versus no AC, and (2) fair/poor vs. good/excellent reported health. From 2016 to 2017, 101 Detroit residents were surveyed once regarding extreme heat, housing and neighborhood features, and heat-related illness in the prior 5 years. Academic partners selected initial confounders and, after instruction on directed acyclic graphs, community partners proposed alternate directed acyclic graphs with additional confounders. Heat-related illness was regressed on AC type or health and co-selected confounders. The study found that heat-related illness was associated with no-AC (n = 96, odds ratio (OR) = 4.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22, 17.72); living ≤5 years in present home (n = 57, OR = 10.39, 95% CI = 1.13, 95.88); and fair/poor vs. good/excellent health (n = 97, OR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.33, 7.48). Co-analysis suggested multiple built-environment confounders. We conclude that Detroit residents with poorer health and no AC are at greater risk during extreme heat. Academic-community co-analysis using directed acyclic graphs enhances research on community-specific social and health vulnerabilities by identifying key confounders and future research directions for rigorous and impactful research.
COVID-19 Lockdown, Food Systems and Urban–Rural Partnership: Case of Nagpur, India
Authors: Sukhwani Vibhas , Deshkar Sameer , Shaw Rajib
Published: August 2020

The globally fast-spreading novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is now testing the abilities of all countries to manage its widespread implications on public health. To effectively contain its impacts, a nation-wide temporary lockdown was enforced in India. The resultant panic buying and stockpiling incidents together with spread of misinformation created a sense of food insecurity at local level. This paper discusses a specific case of Nagpur from the worst affected Maharashtra state of India, wherein the urban–rural food supply chains were reportedly disrupted. Based on formal interviews with local government officials, a month-long timeline of COVID-19 outbreak in Nagpur was studied along with the consequent government initiatives for maintaining public health and food supply. While the city residents were confined to their homes, this study then assessed their perceived food security at household level, along with their “Immediate Concerns” and “Key Information Sources”. Through online surveys at two different time intervals, the concerns of “Food and Grocery” were found to be rising, and “Government Apps and Websites” were identified as the most reliable source of information. Based on the research findings, the authors further suggest specific policy recommendations for addressing the immediate and long-term concerns related to food systems in Nagpur.
Anti-Obesity Effects of Polyphenol Intake: Current Status and Future Possibilities
Authors: Boccellino Mariarosaria , D’Angelo Stefania
Published: August 2020

The prevalence of obesity has steadily increased worldwide over the past three decades. The conventional approaches to prevent or treat this syndrome and its associated complications include a balanced diet, an increase energy expenditure, and lifestyle modification. Multiple pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been developed with the aim of improving obesity complications. Recently, the use of functional foods and their bioactive components is considered a new approach in the prevention and management of this disease. Due to their biological properties, polyphenols may be considered as nutraceuticals and food supplement recommended for different syndromes. Polyphenols are a class of naturally-occurring phytochemicals, some of which have been shown to modulate physiological and molecular pathways involved in energy metabolism. Polyphenols could act in the stimulation of β-oxidation, adipocyte differentiation inhibition, counteract oxidative stress, etc. In this narrative review, we considered the association between polyphenols (resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, and some polyphenolic extracts) and obesity, focusing on human trials. The health effects of polyphenols depend on the amount consumed and their bioavailability. Some results are contrasting, probably due to the various study designs and lengths, variation among subjects (age, gender, ethnicity), and chemical forms of the dietary polyphenols used. But, in conclusion, the data so far obtained encourage the setting of new trials, necessary to validate benefic role of polyphenols in obese individuals.
Hypoxia Alters the Expression of CC Chemokines and CC Chemokine Receptors in a Tumor–A Literature Review
Authors: Korbecki Jan , Kojder Klaudyna , Barczak Katarzyna , Simińska Donata , Gutowska Izabela , Chlubek Dariusz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena
Published: August 2020

Hypoxia, i.e., oxygen deficiency condition, is one of the most important factors promoting the growth of tumors. Since its effect on the chemokine system is crucial in understanding the changes in the recruitment of cells to a tumor niche, in this review we have gathered all the available data about the impact of hypoxia on β chemokines. In the introduction, we present the chronic (continuous, non-interrupted) and cycling (intermittent, transient) hypoxia together with the mechanisms of activation of hypoxia inducible factors (HIF-1 and HIF-2) and NF-κB. Then we describe the effect of hypoxia on the expression of chemokines with the CC motif: CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL11, CCL13, CCL15, CCL16, CCL17, CCL18, CCL19, CCL20, CCL21, CCL22, CCL24, CCL25, CCL26, CCL27, CCL28 together with CC chemokine receptors: CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, and CCR10. To better understand the effect of hypoxia on neoplastic processes and changes in the expression of the described proteins, we summarize the available data in a table which shows the effect of individual chemokines on angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and recruitment of eosinophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), regulatory T cells (Treg), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) to a tumor niche.
Increase of Neutrophil Activation Markers in Venous Thrombosis—Contribution of Circulating Activated Protein C
Authors: Martos Laura , Oto Julia , Fernández-Pardo Álvaro , Plana Emma , Solmoirago María José , Cana Fernando , Hervás David , Bonanad Santiago , Ferrando Fernando , España Francisco , Navarro Silvia , Medina Pilar
Published: August 2020

Upon activation, neutrophils release their content through different mechanisms like degranulation and NETosis, thus prompting thrombosis. The natural anticoagulant activated protein C (APC) inhibits neutrophil NETosis and, consequently, this may lower the levels of neutrophil activation markers in plasma, further diminishing the thrombotic risk exerted by this anticoagulant. We aimed to describe the status of markers of neutrophil activation in plasma of patients with venous thrombosis, their association with the thrombotic risk and the potential contribution of APC. We quantified three markers of neutrophil activation (cell-free DNA, calprotectin, and myeloperoxidase) in 253 patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a stable phase (192 lower extremity VTE and 61 splanchnic vein thrombosis) and in 249 healthy controls. In them, we also quantified plasma APC, soluble endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), and soluble thrombomodulin (TM), and we genotyped two genetic regulators of APC: the EPCR gene (PROCR) haplotypes (H) and the TM gene (THBD) c.1418C>T polymorphism. We found a significant increase in plasma cell-free DNA (p < 0.0001), calprotectin (p = 0.0001) and myeloperoxidase (p = 0.005) in VTE patients compared to controls. Furthermore, all three neutrophil activation markers were associated with an increase in the thrombotic risk. Cell-free DNA and calprotectin plasma levels were significantly correlated (Spearman r = 0.28; p < 0.0001). As expected, the natural anticoagulant APC was significantly decreased in VTE patients (p < 0.0001) compared to controls, what was mediated by its genetic regulators PROCR-H1, PROCR-H3, and THBD-c.1418T, and inversely correlated with cell-free DNA levels. This is the largest case-control study that demonstrates the increase in markers of neutrophil activation in vivo in VTE patients and their association with an increased thrombotic risk. This increase could be mediated by low APC levels and its genetic regulators, which could also increase NETosis, further enhancing thrombosis and inflammation.
Prevention of P2 Receptor-Dependent Thrombocyte Activation by Pore-Forming Bacterial Toxins Improves Outcome in A Murine Model of Urosepsis
Authors: Christensen Mette , Johnsen Nanna , Skals Marianne , Hamilton Aimi , Rubak Peter , Hvas Anne-Mette , Praetorius Helle
Published: August 2020

Urosepsis is a potentially life-threatening, systemic reaction to uropathogenic bacteria entering the bloodstream of the host. One of the hallmarks of sepsis is early thrombocyte activation with a following fall in circulating thrombocytes as a result of intravascular aggregation and sequestering of thrombocytes in the major organs. Development of a thrombocytopenic state is associated with a poorer outcome of sepsis. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli frequently produce the pore-forming, virulence factor α-haemolysin (HlyA), of which the biological effects are mediated by ATP release and subsequent activation of P2 receptors. Thus, we speculated that inhibition of thrombocyte P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors might ameliorate the septic response to HlyA-producing E. coli. The study combined in vitro measurements of toxin-induced thrombocyte activation assessed as increased membrane abundance of P-selectin, fibronectin and CD63 and data from in vivo murine model of sepsis-induced by HlyA-producing E. coli under infusion of P2Y1 and P2Y12 antagonists. Our data show that the P2Y1 receptor antagonist almost abolishes thrombocyte activation by pore-forming bacterial toxins. Inhibition of P2Y1, by constant infusion of MRS2500, markedly increased the survival in mice with induced sepsis. Moreover, MRS2500 partially prevented the sepsis-induced depletion of circulating thrombocytes and dampened the sepsis-associated increase in proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast, P2Y12 receptor inhibition had only a marginal effect in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, inhibition of the P2Y1 receptor gives a subtle dampening of the thrombocyte activation and the cytokine response to bacteraemia, which may explain the improved survival observed by P2Y1 receptor antagonists.
Tuning of Molecular Electrostatic Potential Enables Efficient Charge Transport in Crystalline Azaacenes: A Computational Study
Authors: Sosorev Andrey , Dominskiy Dmitry , Chernyshov Ivan , Efremov Roman
Published: August 2020

The chemical versatility of organic semiconductors provides nearly unlimited opportunities for tuning their electronic properties. However, despite decades of research, the relationship between molecular structure, molecular packing and charge mobility in these materials remains poorly understood. This reduces the search for high-mobility organic semiconductors to the inefficient trial-and-error approach. For clarifying the abovementioned relationship, investigations of the effect of small changes in the chemical structure on organic semiconductor properties are particularly important. In this study, we computationally address the impact of the substitution of C-H atom pairs by nitrogen atoms (N-substitution) on the molecular properties, molecular packing and charge mobility of crystalline oligoacenes. We observe that besides decreasing frontier molecular orbital levels, N-substitution dramatically alters molecular electrostatic potential, yielding pronounced electron-rich and electron-deficient areas. These changes in the molecular electrostatic potential strengthen face-to-face and edge-to-edge interactions in the corresponding crystals and result in the crossover from the herringbone packing motif to π-stacking. When the electron-rich and electron-deficient areas are large, sharply defined and, probably, have a certain symmetry, calculated charge mobility increases up to 3–4 cm2V−1s−1. The results obtained highlight the potential of azaacenes for application in organic electronic devices and are expected to facilitate the rational design of organic semiconductors for the steady improvement of organic electronics.
Plasticity of the 340-Loop in Influenza Neuraminidase Offers New Insight for Antiviral Drug Development
Authors: Han Nanyu , Ng Justin , Li Yanpeng , Mu Yuguang , Huang Zunxi
Published: August 2020

The recently discovered 340-cavity in influenza neuraminidase (NA) N6 and N7 subtypes has introduced new possibilities for rational structure-based drug design. However, the plasticity of the 340-loop (residues 342–347) and the role of the 340-loop in NA activity and substrate binding have not been deeply exploited. Here, we investigate the mechanism of 340-cavity formation and demonstrate for the first time that seven of nine NA subtypes are able to adopt an open 340-cavity over 1.8 μs total molecular dynamics simulation time. The finding that the 340-loop plays a role in the sialic acid binding pathway suggests that the 340-cavity can function as a druggable pocket. Comparing the open and closed conformations of the 340-loop, the side chain orientation of residue 344 was found to govern the formation of the 340-cavity. Additionally, the conserved calcium ion was found to substantially influence the stability of the 340-loop. Our study provides dynamical evidence supporting the 340-cavity as a druggable hotspot at the atomic level and offers new structural insight in designing antiviral drugs.
Histone Demethylase KDM7A Regulates Androgen Receptor Activity, and Its Chemical Inhibitor TC-E 5002 Overcomes Cisplatin-Resistance in Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Kyoung-Hwa , Kim Byung-Chan , Jeong Seung-Hwan , Jeong Chang Wook , Ku Ja Hyeon , Kim Hyeon Hoe , Kwak Cheol
Published: August 2020

Histone demethylase KDM7A regulates many biological processes, including differentiation, development, and the growth of several cancer cells. Here, we have focused on the role of KDM7A in bladder cancer cells, especially under drug-resistant conditions. When the KDM7A gene was knocked down, bladder cancer cell lines showed impaired cell growth, increased cell death, and reduced rates of cell migration. Biochemical studies revealed that KDM7A knockdown in the bladder cancer cells repressed the activity of androgen receptor (AR) through epigenetic regulation. When we developed a cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cell line, we found that AR expression was highly elevated. Upon treatment with TC-E 5002, a chemical inhibitor of KDM7A, the cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cells, showed decreased cell proliferation. In the mouse xenograft model, KDM7A knockdown or treatment with its inhibitor reduced the growth of the bladder tumor. We also observed the upregulation of KDM7A expression in patients with bladder cancer. The findings suggest that histone demethylase KDM7A mediates the growth of bladder cancer. Moreover, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the KMD7A inhibitor, TC-E 5002, in patients with cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer.