bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Know Your Clients’ Behaviours: A Cluster Analysis of Financial Transactions
Authors: Thompson John R. J. , Feng Longlong , Reesor R. Mark , Grace Chuck
Published: January 2021

In Canada, financial advisors and dealers are required by provincial securities commissions and self-regulatory organizations—charged with direct regulation over investment dealers and mutual fund dealers—to respectively collect and maintain know your client (KYC) information, such as their age or risk tolerance, for investor accounts. With this information, investors, under their advisor’s guidance, make decisions on their investments that are presumed to be beneficial to their investment goals. Our unique dataset is provided by a financial investment dealer with over 50,000 accounts for over 23,000 clients covering the period from January 1st to August 12th 2019. We use a modified behavioral finance recency, frequency, monetary model for engineering features that quantify investor behaviours, and unsupervised machine learning clustering algorithms to find groups of investors that behave similarly. We show that the KYC information—such as gender, residence region, and marital status—does not explain client behaviours, whereas eight variables for trade and transaction frequency and volume are most informative. Hence, our results should encourage financial regulators and advisors to use more advanced metrics to better understand and predict investor behaviours.
How to Engage Consumers through Effective Social Media Use—Guidelines for Consumer Goods Companies from an Emerging Market
Authors: Aydin Gokhan , Uray Nimet , Silahtaroglu Gokhan
Published: January 2021

This study aims to establish actionable guidelines and provide strategic insights as a means of increasing the social media effectiveness of consumer brands. Post-related factors in addition to the contextual and temporal factors influencing consumer engagement (i.e., reposting, commenting on or liking posts), as an indicator of social media effectiveness, are considered in detail in the research model. Moreover, the model considers differences between industries as well as social media platforms. A total of 1130 posts made by four brands, two each from the durable goods and fast-moving consumer goods sectors, were collected from Facebook and Twitter in Turkey. Through predictive analysis, four different machine learning algorithms were utilized to develop easy-to-apply plans of action and strategies. The findings highlight the significant impact of videos, images, post frequency and interactivity on engagement. Furthermore, social media platforms and the brands themselves were found to be instrumental in influencing engagement levels, indicating that more than one formula is needed for effective social media management. The range and depth of the post-related factors (e.g., image type, video length, kind of interactivity) considered go far beyond those found in the significant majority of similar studies. Moreover, the unique setting and the novel data analysis algorithms applied set this study apart from similar ones.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Land in 2020
Authors:   Land Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Land maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Understanding the Impact of a Major Hydro-Agricultural Project in Low Mondego Area (Portugal)
Authors: Cunha Maria , Marques João , Azevedo José , Castilho Ana
Published: January 2021

The Low Mondego (Baixo Mondego, in Portuguese) river basin has been considerably modified by human interventions to prevent floods and to improve agricultural conditions over recent decades. This work analyzes the main impacts arising from those interventions and the socio-economic context in which they occurred. The development and application of a framework to compute the variation of the nitrogen surplus between 1986 and 2018 in the Low Mondego watershed in the central part Portugal is presented. The nitrogen mass balances take into consideration different land use types, inputs and outputs, thereby making it possible to understand how human interventions have impacted the variation of the surplus. It is noticeable that the major nitrogen sources are related to the agricultural sector. However, factors such as the implementation of the Code of Good Agricultural Practices, as well as social conditions, and regulations to reduce nitrogen emissions to the atmosphere helped to cut the nitrogen surplus. This work shows how improving the agricultural conditions has served to increase the crop productivity in improved areas. Very particular social circumstances led to the reduction in anthropogenic nitrogen sources, which has been accompanied by a decline in the nitrogen that is exported at the river outlet.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Molbank in 2020
Authors:   Molbank Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Molbank maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Self-Healing Asphalt: A Systematic Bibliometric Analysis for Identification of Hot Research Topics during the 2003–2018 Period
Authors: Abejón Ricardo
Published: January 2021

The use of self-healing asphalt is a good option to extend the lifetime of roads and to improve the sustainability of pavement management systems. A bibliometric analysis based on the Scopus database was carried out to review the global research related to self-healing asphalt from 2003 to 2018 and to identify relevant quantitative characteristics from the research in this period. The results from this analysis revealed that the number of accumulated publications followed an exponential growth, which confirmed the relevance that this research topic has gained during the last years. The study revealed that China was the most productive country, followed by the Netherlands, where the most prolific institution is located: Delft University of Technology. Some important research features of the two main approaches most frequently used to develop asphalt mixtures with enhanced self-healing abilities (external heating and encapsulated rejuvenating agents) are compiled in this work.
Vector Hysteresis Processes for Innovative Fe-Si Magnetic Powder Cores: Experiments and Neural Network Modeling
Authors: Quondam Antonio Simone , Riganti Fulginei Francesco , Faba Antonio , Chilosi Francesco , Cardelli Ermanno
Published: January 2021

A thorough investigation of the 2-D hysteresis processes under arbitrary excitations was carried out for a specimen of innovative Fe-Si magnetic powder material. The vector experimental measurements were first performed via a single disk tester (SDT) apparatus under a controlled magnetic induction field, taking into account circular, elliptic, and scalar processes. The experimental data relative to the circular loops were utilized to identify a vector model of hysteresis based on feedforward neural networks (NNs), having as an input the magnetic induction vector B and as an output the magnetic field vector H. Then the model was validated by the simulation of the other experimental hysteresis processes. The comparison between calculated and measured loops evidenced the capability of the model in both the reconstruction of the magnetic field trajectory and the prediction of the power loss under various excitation waveforms. Finally, the computational efficiency of the model makes it suitable for future application in finite element analysis (FEA).
A New Simplified Weak Second-Order Scheme for Solving Stochastic Differential Equations with Jumps
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Yaolei , Feng Taitao , Xin Yifei
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we propose a new weak second-order numerical scheme for solving stochastic differential equations with jumps. By using trapezoidal rule and the integration-by-parts formula of Malliavin calculus, we theoretically prove that the numerical scheme has second-order convergence rate. To demonstrate the effectiveness and the second-order convergence rate, three numerical experiments are given.
An Analysis of a KNN Perturbation Operator: An Application to the Binarization of Continuous Metaheuristics
Authors: García José , Astorga Gino , Yepes Víctor
Published: January 2021

The optimization methods and, in particular, metaheuristics must be constantly improved to reduce execution times, improve the results, and thus be able to address broader instances. In particular, addressing combinatorial optimization problems is critical in the areas of operational research and engineering. In this work, a perturbation operator is proposed which uses the k-nearest neighbors technique, and this is studied with the aim of improving the diversification and intensification properties of metaheuristic algorithms in their binary version. Random operators are designed to study the contribution of the perturbation operator. To verify the proposal, large instances of the well-known set covering problem are studied. Box plots, convergence charts, and the Wilcoxon statistical test are used to determine the operator contribution. Furthermore, a comparison is made using metaheuristic techniques that use general binarization mechanisms such as transfer functions or db-scan as binarization methods. The results obtained indicate that the KNN perturbation operator improves significantly the results.
Differential Subordination and Superordination Results Associated with Mittag–Leffler Function
Authors: Attiya Adel A. , Aouf Mohamed K. , Ali Ekram E. , Yassen Mansour F.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we derive a number of interesting results concerning subordination and superordination relations for certain analytic functions associated with an extension of the Mittag–Leffler function.
Use of the Modified Riccati Technique for Neutral Half-Linear Differential Equations
Authors: Pátíková Zuzana , Fišnarová Simona
Published: January 2021

We study the second-order neutral half-linear differential equation and formulate new oscillation criteria for this equation, which are obtained through the use of the modified Riccati technique. In the first statement, the oscillation of the equation is ensured by the divergence of a certain integral. The second one provides the condition of the oscillation in the case where the relevant integral converges, and it can be seen as a Hille–Nehari-type criterion. The use of the results is shown in several examples, in which the Euler-type equation and its perturbations are considered.
Overview of the Mechanical Properties of Tungsten/Steel Brazed Joints for the DEMO Fusion Reactor
Authors: Bachurina Diana , Vorkel Vladimir , Suchkov Alexey , Gurova Julia , Ivannikov Alexander , Penyaz Milena , Fedotov Ivan , Sevryukov Oleg , Kalin Boris
Published: January 2021

A Demonstration (DEMO) thermonuclear reactor is the next step after the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Designs for a DEMO divertor and the First Wall require the joining of tungsten to steel; this is a difficult task, however, because of the metals’ physical properties and necessary operating conditions. Brazing is a prospective technology that could be used to solve this problem. This work examines a state-of-the-art solution to the problem of joining tungsten to steel by brazing, in order to summarize best practices, identify shortcomings, and clarify mechanical property requirements. Here, we outline the ways in which brazing technology can be developed to join tungsten to steel for use in a DEMO application.
Living Lithic and Sublithic Bacterial Communities in Namibian Drylands
Authors: Genderjahn Steffi , Lewin Simon , Horn Fabian , Schleicher Anja M. , Mangelsdorf Kai , Wagner Dirk
Published: January 2021

Dryland xeric conditions exert a deterministic effect on microbial communities, forcing life into refuge niches. Deposited rocks can form a lithic niche for microorganisms in desert regions. Mineral weathering is a key process in soil formation and the importance of microbial-driven mineral weathering for nutrient extraction is increasingly accepted. Advances in geobiology provide insight into the interactions between microorganisms and minerals that play an important role in weathering processes. In this study, we present the examination of the microbial diversity in dryland rocks from the Tsauchab River banks in Namibia. We paired culture-independent 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing with culture-dependent (isolation of bacteria) techniques to assess the community structure and diversity patterns. Bacteria isolated from dryland rocks are typical of xeric environments and are described as being involved in rock weathering processes. For the first time, we extracted extra- and intracellular DNA from rocks to enhance our understanding of potentially rock-weathering microorganisms. We compared the microbial community structure in different rock types (limestone, quartz-rich sandstone and quartz-rich shale) with adjacent soils below the rocks. Our results indicate differences in the living lithic and sublithic microbial communities.
Phage Amplification Assay for Detection of Mycobacterial Infection: A Review
Authors: Beinhauerova Monika , Slana Iva
Published: January 2021

An important prerequisite for the effective control, timely diagnosis, and successful treatment of mycobacterial infections in both humans and animals is a rapid, specific, and sensitive detection technique. Culture is still considered the gold standard in the detection of viable mycobacteria; however, mycobacteria are extremely fastidious and slow-growing microorganisms, and therefore cultivation requires a very long incubation period to obtain results. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods are also frequently used in the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections, providing faster and more accurate results, but are unable to distinguish between a viable and non-viable microorganism, which results in an inability to determine the success of tuberculosis patient treatment or to differentiate between an active and passive infection of animals. One suitable technique that overcomes these shortcomings mentioned is the phage amplification assay (PA). PA specifically detects viable mycobacteria present in a sample within 48 h using a lytic bacteriophage isolated from the environment. Nowadays, an alternative approach to PA, a commercial kit called Actiphage™, is also employed, providing the result within 6–8 h. In this approach, the bacteriophage is used to lyse mycobacterial cells present in the sample, and the released DNA is subsequently detected by PCR. The objective of this review is to summarize information based on the PA used for detection of mycobacteria significant in both human and veterinary medicine from various kinds of matrices.
No Change, No Life? What We Know about Phase Variation in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gor Vishal , Ohniwa Ryosuke L. , Morikawa Kazuya
Published: January 2021

Phase variation (PV) is a well-known phenomenon of high-frequency reversible gene-expression switching. PV arises from genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and confers a range of benefits to bacteria, constituting both an innate immune strategy to infection from bacteriophages as well as an adaptation strategy within an infected host. PV has been well-characterized in numerous bacterial species; however, there is limited direct evidence of PV in the human opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms that generate PV and focuses on earlier and recent findings of PV in S. aureus, with a brief look at the future of the field.
Design and Characterization of a Screw Extrusion Hot-End for Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Feuerbach Tim , Thommes Markus
Published: January 2021

The filament is the most widespread feedstock material form used for fused deposition modeling printers. Filaments must be manufactured with tight dimensional tolerances, both to be processable in the hot-end and to obtain printed objects of high quality. The ability to successfully feed the filament into the printer is also related to the mechanical properties of the filament, which are often insufficient for pharmaceutically relevant excipients. In the scope of this work, an 8 mm single screw hot-end was designed and characterized, which allows direct printing of materials from their powder form and does not require an intermediate filament. The capability of the hot-end to increase the range of applicable excipients to fused deposition modeling was demonstrated by processing and printing several excipients that are not suitable for fused deposition modeling in their filament forms, such as ethylene vinyl acetate and poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate). The conveying characteristic of the screw was investigated experimentally with all materials and was in agreement with an established model from literature. The complete design information, such as the screw geometry and the hot-end dimensions, is provided in this work.
Recent Developments in Chitosan-Based Adsorbents for the Removal of Pollutants from Aqueous Environments
Authors: da Silva Alves Daniele C. , Healy Bronach , Pinto Luiz A. de Almeida , Cadaval Tito R. Sant’Anna , Breslin Carmel B.
Published: January 2021

The quality of water is continuously under threat as increasing concentrations of pollutants escape into the aquatic environment. However, these issues can be alleviated by adsorbing pollutants onto adsorbents. Chitosan and its composites are attracting considerable interest as environmentally acceptable adsorbents and have the potential to remove many of these contaminants. In this review the development of chitosan-based adsorbents is described and discussed. Following a short introduction to the extraction of chitin from seafood wastes, followed by its conversion to chitosan, the properties of chitosan are described. Then, the emerging chitosan/carbon-based materials, including magnetic chitosan and chitosan combined with graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, biochar, and activated carbon and also chitosan-silica composites are introduced. The applications of these materials in the removal of various heavy metal ions, including Cr(VI), Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), and different cationic and anionic dyes, phenol and other organic molecules, such as antibiotics, are reviewed, compared and discussed. Adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics are then highlighted and followed by details on the mechanisms of adsorption and the role of the chitosan and the carbon or silica supports. Based on the reviewed papers, it is clear, that while some challenges remain, chitosan-based materials are emerging as promising adsorbents.
CytroCell: Valued Cellulose from Citrus Processing Waste
Authors: Scurria Antonino , Albanese Lorenzo , Pagliaro Mario , Zabini Federica , Giordano Francesco , Meneguzzo Francesco , Ciriminna Rosaria
Published: January 2021

Isolating cellulose from citrus processing waste without employing chemicals has so far been an unfulfilled goal of chemical research applied to the valorization of a widely available biowaste, annually totaling >100 million tonnes. We have applied hydrodynamic cavitation using a Venturi-type reactor for the extraction of all valued bioproducts of industrial citrus processing waste in water only, directly on a semi-industrial scale. After reporting the discovery of IntegroPectin in the soluble fraction of the aqueous extract, we now report the isolation of a cellulosic material in the water-insoluble fraction of cavitated lemon and grapefruit processing waste. Named “CytroCell”, the material is cellulose of low crystallinity, high porosity, good water holding capacity and good dispersibility in water. These properties open the route to mass-scale production of a useful functional material from a cheap and abundant biowaste.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Phytocompounds from Olive Pomace Subjected to Different Drying Methods
Authors: Difonzo Graziana , Aresta Antonella , Cotugno Pietro , Ragni Roberta , Squeo Giacomo , Summo Carmine , Massari Federica , Pasqualone Antonella , Faccia Michele , Zambonin Carlo , Caponio Francesco
Published: January 2021

Olive pomace is a semisolid by-product of olive oil production and represents a valuable source of functional phytocompounds. The valorization of agro-food chain by-products represents a key factor in reducing production costs, providing benefits related to their reuse. On this ground, we herein investigate extraction methods with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) of functional phytocompounds from olive pomace samples subjected to two different drying methods, i.e., freeze drying and hot-air drying. Olive pomace was produced using the two most common industrial olive oil production processes, one based on the two-phase (2P) decanter and one based on the three-phase (3P) decanter. Our results show that freeze drying more efficiently preserves phytocompounds such as α-tocopherol, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and polyphenols, whereas hot-air drying does not compromise the β-sitosterol content and the extraction of squalene is not dependent on the drying method used. Moreover, higher amounts of α-tocopherol and polyphenols were extracted from 2P olive pomace, while β-sitosterol, chlorophylls, and carotenoids were more concentrated in 3P olive pomace. Finally, tocopherol and pigment/polyphenol fractions exerted antioxidant activity in vitro and in accelerated oxidative conditions. These results highlight the potential of olive pomace to be upcycled by extracting from it, with green methods, functional phytocompounds for reuse in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-b-Poly(D,L-Lactide) Nanoparticles as Potential Carriers for Anticancer Drug Oxaliplatin
Authors: Kadina Yulia A. , Razuvaeva Ekaterina V. , Streltsov Dmitry R. , Sedush Nikita G. , Shtykova Eleonora V. , Kulebyakina Alevtina I. , Puchkov Alexander A. , Volkov Dmitry S. , Nazarov Alexey A. , Chvalun Sergei N.
Published: January 2021

Nanoparticles based on biocompatible methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactide) (mPEG113-b-P(D,L)LAn) copolymers as potential vehicles for the anticancer agent oxaliplatin were prepared by a nanoprecipitation technique. It was demonstrated that an increase in the hydrophobic PLA block length from 62 to 173 monomer units leads to an increase of the size of nanoparticles from 32 to 56 nm. Small-angle X-ray scattering studies confirmed the “core-corona” structure of mPEG113-b-P(D,L)LAn nanoparticles and oxaliplatin loading. It was suggested that hydrophilic oxaliplatin is adsorbed on the core-corona interface of the nanoparticles during the nanoprecipitation process. The oxaliplatin loading content decreased from 3.8 to 1.5% wt./wt. (with initial loading of 5% wt./wt.) with increasing PLA block length. Thus, the highest loading content of the anticancer drug oxaliplatin with its encapsulation efficiency of 76% in mPEG113-b-P(D,L)LAn nanoparticles can be achieved for block copolymer with short hydrophobic block.
Humic Acid Extracts Leading to the Photochemical Bromination of Phenol in Aqueous Bromide Solutions: Influences of Aromatic Components, Polarity and Photochemical Activity
Authors: Liu Hui , Pu Yingying , Qiu Xiaojun , Li Zhi , Sun Bing , Zhu Xiaomei , Liu Kaiying
Published: January 2021

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is considered to play an important role in the abiotic transformation of organobromine compounds in marine environment, for it produces reactive intermediates photochemically and is recognized as a significant source of reactive halogen species in seawater. However, due to the complex composition of DOM, the relationship between the natural properties of DOM and its ability to produce organobromine compounds is less understood. Here, humic acid (HA) was extracted and fractionated based on the polarity and hydrophobicity using silica gel, and the influences of different fractions (FA, FB and FC) on the photochemical bromination of phenol was investigated. The structural properties of HA fractions were characterized by UV-vis absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, and the photochemical reactivity of HA fractions was assessed by probing triplet dissolved organic matter (3DOM*), singlet oxygen (1O2) and hydroxyl radical (•OH). The influences of HA fractions on the photo-bromination of phenol were investigated in aqueous bromide solutions under simulated solar light irradiation. FA and FB with more aromatic and polar contents enhanced the photo-bromination of phenol more than the weaker polar and aromatic FC. This could be attributed to the different composition and chemical properties of the three HAs’ fractions and their production ability of •OH and 3DOM*. Separating and investigating the components with different chemical properties in DOM is of great significance for the assessment of their environmental impacts on the geochemical cycle of organic halogen.
Diagnosis of Agglomeration and Crystallinity of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in Over the Counter Headache Medication by Electrospray Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: Van Meter Mariann Inga , Khan Salah M. , Taulbee-Cotton Brynne V. , Dimmitt Nathan H. , Hubbard Nathan D. , Green Adam M. , Webster Gregory K. , McVey Patrick A.
Published: January 2021

Agglomeration of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in tablets can lead to decreased bioavailability in some enabling formulations. In a previous study, we determined that crystalline APIs can be detected as agglomeration in tablets formulated with amorphous acetaminophen tablets. Multiple method advancements are presented to better resolve agglomeration caused by crystallinity in standard tablets. In this study, we also evaluate three “budget” over-the-counter headache medications (subsequently labeled as brands A, B, and C) for agglomeration of the three APIs in the formulation: Acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. Electrospray laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (ELDI-MSI) was used to diagnose agglomeration in the tablets by creating molecular images and observing the spatial distributions of the APIs. Brand A had virtually no agglomeration or clustering of the active ingredients. Brand B had extensive clustering of aspirin and caffeine, but acetaminophen was observed in near equal abundance across the tablet. Brand C also had extensive clustering of aspirin and caffeine, and minor clustering of acetaminophen. These results show that agglomeration with active ingredients in over-the-counter tablets can be simultaneously detected using ELDI-MS imaging.
Wide-Range Measurement of Thermal Preference—A Novel Method for Detecting Analgesics Reducing Thermally-Evoked Pain in Mice
Authors: Sałat Kinga , Furgała-Wojas Anna , Awtoniuk Michał , Sałat Robert
Published: January 2021

Background: Wide use of oxaliplatin as an antitumor drug is limited by severe neuropathy with pharmacoresistant cold hypersensitivity as the main symptom. Novel analgesics to attenuate cold hyperalgesia and new methods to detect drug candidates are needed. Methods: We developed a method to study thermal preference of oxaliplatin-treated mice and assessed analgesic activity of intraperitoneal duloxetine and pregabalin used at 30 mg/kg. A prototype analgesiameter and a broad range of temperatures (0–45 °C) were used. Advanced methods of image analysis (deep learning and machine learning) enabled us to determine the effectiveness of analgesics. The loss or reversal of thermal preference of oxaliplatin-treated mice was a measure of analgesia. Results: Duloxetine selectively attenuated cold-induced pain at temperatures between 0 and 10 °C. Pregabalin-treated mice showed preference towards a colder plate of the two used at temperatures between 0 and 45 °C. Conclusion: Unlike duloxetine, pregabalin was not selective for temperatures below thermal preferendum. It influenced pain sensation at a much wider range of temperatures applied. Therefore, for the attenuation of cold hypersensitivity duloxetine seems to be a better than pregabalin therapeutic option. We propose wide-range measurements of thermal preference as a novel method for the assessment of analgesic activity in mice.
Improving the Recovery of Phenolic Compounds from Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG) by Environmentally Friendly Extraction Techniques
Authors: Okur Ilhami , Soyler Betul , Sezer Purlen , Oztop Mecit Halil , Alpas Hami
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of different extraction techniques (high hydrostatic pressure-assisted extraction (HHPE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and classical solvent extraction (CSE)) on phenolic compounds from spent coffee grounds (SCG). Different HHPE parameters (300, 400 and 500 MPa at 25 °C for 5, 10 and 15 min) and UAE parameters (40%, 50%, and 60% amplitude at 25 °C for 5, 10 and 15 min) were used. These techniques were compared with CSE (at 50 °C for 30 min) according to total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results showed that eco-friendly techniques increased the TPC and AA compared to CSE and morphological changes were verified by SEM results. Furthermore, chlorogenic and caffeic acid were also quantified by using HPLC. Chlorogenic acid was found as the main phenolic compound in spent coffee grounds (SCG). The highest chlorogenic acid was detected as 85.0 ± 0.6 mg/kg FW with UAE at 60% amplitude for 15 min. In brief, for the extraction of phenolic compounds from waste SCG eco-friendly techniques such as HHPE and/or UAE were more convenient than CSE.
From Angiotensin II to Cyclic Peptides and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Perspectives of ARBs in COVID-19 Therapy
Authors: Matsoukas John , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Zulli Anthony , Moore Graham , Kelaidonis Konstantinos , Moschovou Kalliopi , Mavromoustakos Thomas
Published: January 2021

The octapeptide hormone angiotensin II is one of the most studied peptides with the aim of designing and synthesizing non-peptide mimetics for oral administration. To achieve this, cyclizations at different positions within the peptide molecule has been a useful strategy to define the active conformation. These studies on angiotensin II led to the discovery of Sarmesin, a type II angiotensin II antagonist, and the breakthrough non-peptide mimetic Losartan, the first in a series of sartans marketed as a new generation of anti-hypertensive drugs in the 1990s. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBS) and angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) were recently reported to protect hypertensive patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors reduce excess angiotensin II and increase antagonist heptapeptides alamandine and aspamandine which counterbalance angiotensin II and maintain homeostasis and vasodilation.
Assessment of the Kernel Gram Matrix Representation of Data in Order to Avoid the Alignment of Chromatographic Signals
Authors: Stanimirova Ivana , Daszykowski Michal
Published: January 2021

This article discusses the possibility of exploratory data analysis of samples described by second-order chromatographic data affected by peak shifts. In particular, the potential of the kernel Gram matrix representation as an alternative to the necessary and time-consuming alignment step is evaluated. It was demonstrated through several simulation studies and comparisons that even small peak shifts can be a substantial source of data variance, and they can easily hamper the interpretation of chromatographic data. When peak shifts are small, their negative effect is far more destructive than the impact of relatively large levels of the Gaussian noise, heteroscedastic noise, and signal’s baseline. The Gram principal component analysis approach has proven to be a well-suited tool for exploratory analysis of chromatographic signals collected using the diode-array detector in which sample-to-sample peak shifts were observed.
Dysregulation of Catalase by a Sulphamoylated Estradiol Analogue Culminates in Antimitotic Activity and Cell Death Induction in Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Lebelo Maphuti T. , Joubert Anna M. , Visagie Michelle H.
Published: January 2021

Recent findings revealed that 2-ethyl-17-oxoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-yl sulfamate (ESE-one) induces antiproliferative activity and cell rounding dependent on the generation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and peroxyl radical. In the current study, the role of these reactive oxygen species was assessed in the activity exerted by ESE-one on cell cycle progression, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell death induction in breast tumorigenic cells. The influence of ESE-one was also investigated on superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. ESE-one induced a time-dependent accumulation of cells in the G1 phase and G2/M phase that is partially impaired by tiron and trolox and N,N′-dimethylthiourea suggesting that superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and peroxyl radical are required for these effects exerted by ESE-one. Flow cytometry data in MCF-7 cells demonstrated that tiron decreased depolarization of the membrane potential in ESE-one exposed cells, indicating that superoxide anion plays a role in the depolarization effects induced by ESE-one. Spectrophotometry data showed that ESE-one decreased catalase activity in both cell lines. This study contributes towards pertinent information regarding the effects of an in silico-designed sulfamoylated compound on antioxidant enzymes leading to aberrant quantities of specific reactive oxygen species resulting in antimitotic activity culminating in the induction of cell death in breast cancer cell lines.
Experimental Study of the Potential Role of Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae in the Diarrhoeic Syndrome of Lambs
Authors: Chatzopoulos Dimitris C. , Vasileiou Natalia G. C. , Ioannidi Katerina S. , Katsafadou Angeliki I. , Mavrogianni Vasia S. , Michael Charalambia K. , Katsarou Eleni I. , Karavanis Emmanouil , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Sbiraki Afroditi , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Billinis Charalambos , Fthenakis George C.
Published: January 2021

The objectives of this experimental work were the evaluation of the potential role of Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae in diarrhoeic syndrome in lambs and the investigation of facets of the pathogenesis of the infection. In total, 12 lambs were challenged orally on the first day of life, with a S. enterica subsp. diarizonae isolate from a clinical case of diarrhoeic syndrome. Sequential blood, faecal and buccal samples were collected from lambs and faecal and milk samples were taken from their dams. Lambs were euthanised 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days after challenge. Samples were processed for recovery of the challenge organism; they were also subjected to examination by PCR for detection of the invA gene. Tissue samples from lambs were also examined as above and histopathologically. S. enterica subsp. diarizonae was recovered from faecal samples of all lambs, in total, from 45/77 samples (median duration: 2.4 days post-inoculation). It was also recovered from buccal samples (10/77) from seven lambs (median duration: 0.8 days), and from tissue samples (small intestine, abomasum, liver, gallbladder) of nine lambs. It was recovered from two consecutive milk samples from the same ewe, but not from any faecal sample from ewes. The invA gene was detected in samples from all lambs (median duration: 5.5 days in faecal and 1.3 days in buccal samples), as well as in milk samples from three ewes. Histopathological findings included abomasitis with subepithelial presence of eosinophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells, consistently observed in all lambs. In the small intestine, salient lesions initially included distension and oedema of intestinal villi, leucocytic infiltration and hyperplasia of lymphoid nodules with apparent germinal centres; this was followed at later stages by atrophy and/or degeneration of the lymphoid tissue of the intestine with marked subepithelial infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils.
The Role of TLR2 and TLR4 in Recognition and Uptake of the Apicomplexan Parasite Eimeria bovis and Their Effects on NET Formation
Authors: Muñoz-Caro Tamara , Gibson Amanda J. , Conejeros Iván , Werling Dirk , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos
Published: January 2021

Background: Bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) constitutively express the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) TLR2 and TLR4 and have been shown to generate Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) upon exposure to Eimeria bovis. The present work investigated the role of TLR2 and TLR4 in the recognition and uptake of E. bovis sporozoites, IL-8 production and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Methods: TLR expression was performed by flow cytometric analysis on PMN exposed to live carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-stained sporozoites. Supernatants of PMN exposed to different E. bovis sporozoite preparations and antigens in the absence or presence of TLR antibodies were assessed for IL-8 secretion. Cells were exposed to sporozoite preparations and assessed for the activation of transcription factor NF-κB using a luciferase reporter assay. Immunofluorescence analysis was done to investigate TLR2 and TLR4 surface expression and NET formation on bovine PMN exposed to vital sporozoites. Results: we observed significantly increased TLR2 and TLR4 expression with a mean increase in expression that was greater for TLR2 than TLR4. This upregulation neither inhibited nor promoted sporozoite phagocytosis by bovine PMN. Live sporozoites together with anti-TLR2 mAb resulted in a significant enhancement of IL-8 production. NF-κB activation was more strongly induced in TLR2-HEK cells than in TLR4/MD2-HEK cells exposed to heat-killed sporozoites and antigens. Immunofluorescence analysis showed TLR-positive signals on the surface of PMN and concomitant NET formation. Conclusions: This is the first report on E. bovis-induced concomitant TLR2 and TLR4 expression during bovine PMN-derived NETosis.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Pharmaceutics in 2020
Authors:   Pharmaceutics Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Pharmaceutics maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Role of Nutrition Education in Pharmacy Curriculum—Students’ Perspectives and Attitudes
Authors: Syed-Abdul Majid Mufaqam , Kabir Syed Sadath , Soni Dhwani Satishkumar , Faber Tony J. , Barnes Jeremy T. , Timlin Maureen T.
Published: January 2021

Many pharmacists report they lack nutritional knowledge and believe the best time to educate pharmacists about nutrition is during pharmacy school. Purpose: This study was conducted to determine if today’s pharmacy students receive education in nutrition and if they realize the importance of a nutrition course. Methods: Ninety-five pharmacy students attending pharmacy school were surveyed in two pharmacy schools in the United States. Results: The survey showed only 13.7% received nutrition education and 82.9% of students believed nutrition education should be incorporated into the pharmacy degree curriculum. When the pharmacy-related experience was taken into account, 73.3% of students believed that a nutrition course should be incorporated into the curriculum. Conclusion: This study suggests that pharmacy students from two major universities in Alabama and Illinois realize the importance of nutrition education and believe a nutrition course should be incorporated into the pharmacy degree curriculum.
Sentiment Analysis of Online Reviews for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Authors: Compagner Chad , Lester Corey , Dorsch Michael
Published: January 2021

Background: Depression affects millions worldwide, with drug therapy being the mainstay treatment. A variety of factors, including personal reviews, are involved in the success or failure of medication therapy. This study looked to characterize the sentiment of online medication reviews of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRIs) used to treat depression. Methods: The publicly available data source used was the Drug Review Dataset from the University of California Irvine Machine Learning Repository. The dataset contained the following variables: ID, drug name, condition, review, rating, date, and usefulness count. This study utilized a sentiment analysis of free-text, online reviews via the sentimentr package. A Mann–Whitney U test was used for comparisons. Results: The average sentiment was higher in SSRIs compared to SNRIs (0.065 vs. 0.005, p < 0.001). The average sentiment was also found to be higher in high-rated reviews than in low-rated reviews (0.169 vs. −0.367, p < 0.001). Ratings were similar in the high-rated SSRI group and high-rated SNRI group (9.19 vs. 9.19). Conclusions: This study supports the use of sentiment analysis using the AFINN lexicon, as the lexicon showed a difference in sentiment between high-rated reviews from low-rated reviews. This study also found that SNRIs have more negative sentiment and lower-rated reviews than SSRIs.
Nomenclatural Synopsis of Cirsium Sect. Eriolepis (Asteraceae) in Italy
Authors: Del Guacchio Emanuele , Bernardo Liliana , Caputo Paolo , Carucci Francesca , Domina Gianniantonio , Iamonico Duilio
Published: January 2021

The names of the Italian taxa in Cirsium sect. Eriolepis are discussed. The accepted names are: Cirsium echinatum, C. eriophorum subsp. eriophorum, C. eriophorum subsp. spathulatum, C. ferox, C. italicum, C. lacaitae, C. lobelii, C. morisianum, C. scabrum, C. tenoreanum, C. vallis-demonii subsp. vallis-demonii, C. vallis-demonii subsp. calabrum comb. nov., and C. vulgare (= C. crinitum, C. sylvaticum). Four accepted names are typified by specimens preserved at FI (one lectotype), G (one lectotype and one neotype), P (one lectotype), and by illustrations (two lectotypes). Several other heterotypic synonyms of taxa described from Italy are discussed and six of them are typified. A new combination and status are proposed: C. vallis-demonii subsp. calabrum, based on C. eriophorum var. vallis-demonii f. calabrum.
Genome-Wide Analysis of MDHAR Gene Family in Four Cotton Species Provides Insights into Fiber Development via Regulating AsA Redox Homeostasis
Authors: Zhou Fangfang , Zheng Bowen , Wang Fei , Cao Aiping , Xie Shuangquan , Chen Xifeng , Schick Joel A. , Jin Xiang , Li Hongbin
Published: January 2021

Monodehydroasorbate reductase (MDHAR) (EC1.6.5.4), a key enzyme in ascorbate-glutathione recycling, plays important roles in cell growth, plant development and physiological response to environmental stress via control of ascorbic acid (AsA)-mediated reduction/oxidation (redox) regulation. Until now, information regarding MDHAR function and regulatory mechanism in Gossypium have been limited. Herein, a genome-wide identification and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of 36 MDHAR family genes in four Gossypium species, Gossypium arboreum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense, were performed, indicating their close evolutionary relationship. Expression analysis of GhMDHARs in different cotton tissues and under abiotic stress and phytohormone treatment revealed diverse expression features. Fiber-specific expression analysis showed that GhMDHAR1A/D, 3A/D and 4A/D were preferentially expressed in fiber fast elongating stages to reach peak values in 15-DPA fibers, with corresponding coincident observances of MDHAR enzyme activity, AsA content and ascorbic acid/dehydroascorbic acid (AsA/DHA) ratio. Meanwhile, there was a close positive correlation between the increase of AsA content and AsA/DHA ratio catalyzed by MDHAR and fiber elongation development in different fiber-length cotton cultivars, suggesting the potential important function of MDHAR for fiber growth. Following H2O2 stimulation, GhMDHAR demonstrated immediate responses at the levels of mRNA, enzyme, the product of AsA and corresponding AsA/DHA value, and antioxidative activity. These results for the first time provide a comprehensive systemic analysis of the MDHAR gene family in plants and the four cotton species and demonstrate the contribution of MDHAR to fiber elongation development by controlling AsA-recycling-mediated cellular redox homeostasis.
Enhancement of Photosynthetic Iron-Use Efficiency Is an Important Trait of Hordeum vulgare for Adaptation of Photosystems to Iron Deficiency
Authors: Saito Akihiro , Shinjo Shotaro , Ito Daiki , Doi Yuko , Sato Akira , Wakabayashi Yuna , Honda Juma , Arai Yuka , Maeda Tsubasa , Ohyama Takuji , Higuchi Kyoko
Published: January 2021

Leaf iron (Fe) contents in Fe-deficiency-tolerant plants are not necessarily higher than that in Fe-deficiency-susceptible ones, suggesting an unknown mechanism involved in saving and allowing the efficient use of minimal Fe. To quantitatively evaluate the difference in Fe economy for photosynthesis, we compared the ratio of CO2 assimilation rate to Fe content in newly developed leaves as a novel index of photosynthetic iron-use efficiency (PIUE) among 23 different barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties. Notably, varieties originating from areas with alkaline soil increased PIUE in response to Fe-deficiency, suggesting that PIUE enhancement is a crucial and genetically inherent trait for acclimation to Fe-deficient environments. Multivariate analyses revealed that the ability to increase PIUE was correlated with photochemical quenching (qP), which is a coefficient of light energy used in photosynthesis. Nevertheless, the maximal quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry, non-photochemical quenching, and quantum yield of carbon assimilation showed a relatively low correlation with PIUE. This result suggests that the ability of Fe-deficiency-tolerant varieties of barley to increase PIUE is related to optimizing the electron flow downstream of PSII, including cytochrome b6f and photosystem I.
Dry Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Separately Collected Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste: Two-Year Experience in an Industrial-Scale Plant
Authors: Le Pera Adolfo , Sellaro Miriam , Migliori Massimo , Bianco Micaela , Zanardi Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

In this paper, performance analysis over two years’ operation of an industrial anaerobic digestion (AD) plant of a separately collected organic fraction of municipal solid waste is presented. The continuous plug-flow AD plant is still regularly operating and it has been fully operational since September 2018. Since then, it has been supplied with 40,000 t/y of pretreated separately collected organic fraction of municipal solid waste from municipalities of the Calabria region in Southern Italy. The AD process is carried out in a mesophilic regime at 40 ± 0.5 °C, using a constant hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 22 days and a substrate with average total solids and average total volatile solids of 30.0% and 22.2%, respectively. In the last two years, the plant produced an average of 191 m3 and 860 m3 of biogas per tonne (t) of organic input material and of total volatile solids, respectively, with an average methane specific production of 508 m3/t (total volatile solids). The average CH4 percentage in the biogas was of 59.09%. The obtained results came out from the combination of high organic content of separately collected organic fraction of municipal solid waste, optimized pretreatment system and operating conditions adopted.