bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of miR-101-3p Promotes Transmigration of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells through the Brain Endothelium by Inducing COX-2/MMP1 Signaling
Authors: Harati Rania , Mohammad Mohammad G. , Tlili Abdelaziz , El-Awady Raafat A. , Hamoudi Rifat
Published: July 2020

Brain metastases represent one of the incurable end stages in breast cancer (BC). Developing effective or preventive treatments is hampered by a lack of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms driving brain metastasis. Transmigration of BC cells through the brain endothelium is a key event in the pathogenesis of brain metastasis. In this study, we identified miR-101-3p as a critical micro-RNA able to reduce transmigration of BC cells through the brain endothelium. Our results revealed that miR-101-3p expression is downregulated in brain metastatic BC cells compared to less invasive variants, and varies inversely compared to the brain metastatic propensity of BC cells. Using a loss-and-gain of function approach, we found that miR-101-3p downregulation increased transmigration of BC cells through the brain endothelium in vitro by inducing COX-2 expression in cancer cells, whereas ectopic restoration of miR-101-3p exerted a metastasis-reducing effect. In regulatory experiments, we found that miR-101-3p mediated its effect by modulating COX-2-MMP1 signaling capable of degrading the inter-endothelial junctions (claudin-5 and VE-cadherin), key components of the brain endothelium. These findings suggest that miR-101-3p plays a critical role in the transmigration of breast cancer cells through the brain endothelium by modulating the COX-2-MMP1 signaling and thus may serve as a therapeutic target that can be exploited to prevent or suppress brain metastasis in human breast cancer.
Evaluation of Novel Doxorubicin-Loaded Magnetic Wax Nanocomposite Vehicles as Cancer Combinatorial Therapy Agents
Authors: Jiménez-López Julia , García-Hevia Lorena , Melguizo Consolación , Prados Jose , Bañobre-López Manuel , Gallo Juan
Published: July 2020

The development of nanotechnology-based solutions for cancer at a preclinical level advances at an astounding pace. So far, clinical translation of these new developments has not been able to keep the pace due to a range of different reasons. One of them is the mismatch between in vitro and in vivo results coming from the expected difference in complexity. To overcome this problem, extensive characterisation using advanced in vitro models can lead to stronger preliminary data to face in vivo tests. Here, a comprehensive in vitro validation of a combinatorial therapy nanoformulation against solid tumours is presented. The information extracted from the different in vitro models highlights the importance of advanced 3D models to fully understand the potential of this type of complex drugs.
Antiproliferative Effect of 4-Methylumbelliferone in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells Is Mediated by Disruption of Intracellular Homeostasis and Regulation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK Signaling
Authors: An Garam , Park Sunwoo , Lee Minkyoung , Lim Whasun , Song Gwonhwa
Published: July 2020

Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate and high resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, many studies are currently assessing the ability of natural products to induce ovarian cancer cell death. A coumarin derivative, 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU), has been reported to have anti-cancer effects on various cancers, but its effects on ovarian cancer are not fully understood. In this study, we identified the intracellular mechanism underlying the effects of 4-MU on epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Decreased ovarian cancer cell proliferation and an accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase were observed following 4-MU treatment. Moreover, 4-MU interfered with calcium homeostasis; induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in both cell lines; inhibited AKT and S6 phosphorylation; and increased ERK1/2, P38, and JNK phosphorylation. Furthermore, 4-MU and pharmacological inhibitors showed synergic effects in suppressing cell proliferation. Collectively, our current data indicate that antitumor effects of 4-MU could be appropriate for use as a therapeutic agent against epithelial ovarian cancer cells.
The Use of Essential Oil and Hydrosol Extracted from Satureja hellenica for the Control of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica
Authors: Pardavella Iro , Nasiou Eleni , Daferera Dimitra , Trigas Panayiotis , Giannakou Ioannis
Published: July 2020

Essential oil (EO) and hydrosol (HL) isolated from an indigenous plant species Satureja hellenica were evaluated against Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. Particularly, the activity of extracts on a second stage juvenile’s (J2s) motility, the hatching of J2s from eggs, egg differentiation and the effect on J2s in soil were tested. A paralysis of 100% of the J2s of both species was recorded after 96 h of immersion in the essential oil, at a dose of 2000 μL/L. At the same dose, the percentage of paralyzed J2s after 48 h of immersion was more than 80%, for both Meloidogyne species. The use of hydrosol has shown encouraging results only in the dilution of 50%, where for both Meloidogyne species tested, the percentage of paralyzed J2s was more than 70% after 48 h of immersion, while the percentage was increased to 90% after 96 h of immersion. Egg differentiation was ceased after immersion, either in EO or HL. However, this decrease in egg differentiation was evident only at higher concentrations of EO and at the highest HL dilution (0.5 v/v). The hatching of M. incognita J2s was decreasing as the dose was increasing. The lowest numbers of hatched J2s were recorded at the doses of 2000 and 4000 μL/L. A clear reduction in M. javanica J2s hatching was observed as the dose was increased to 250 μL/L, a fact constantly observed as the dose was increasing up to 4000 μL/L. Lower numbers of nematodes were recorded in roots grown in infested soil after the application of EO or HL at the highest doses. The EO of S. hellenica is characterized by the presence of p-cymene (27.46%) and carvacrol (23.25%), and in a lesser extent of other constituents, such as borneol (6.79%), carvacrol methylether (6.77%), γ-terpinene (4.63%) and 4-terpineol (3.65%). Carvacrol was the major constituent found in the HL (50.12%), followed by borneol and 4-terpineol (20.42 and 6.72%, respectively).
Impacts of Verticillium Wilt on Photosynthesis Rate, Lint Production, and Fiber Quality of Greenhouse-Grown Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Ayele Addissu G. , Wheeler Terry A. , Dever Jane K.
Published: July 2020

Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb., leads to significant losses in cotton yield and fiber quality worldwide. To investigate Verticillium wilt impact on photosynthesis rate, yield, and fiber quality, six upland cotton genotypes, namely Verticillium susceptible (DP 1612 B2XF) and partially resistant (FM 2484B2F) commercial cultivars and four breeding lines, were grown to maturity under greenhouse conditions in soil either infested or not infested with V. dahliae microsclerotia. Photosynthetic rate, lint, and seed yield were all higher (p < 0.05) for FM 2484B2F than DP 1612 B2XF when infected with V. dahliae. When comparing healthy (H) to Verticillium wilt (VW) affected plants, fiber properties were greatly impacted. Micronaire decreased from 5.0 (H) to 3.6 (VW) with DP 1612 B2XF and 4.4 (H) to 4.1 (VW) with FM 2484B2F. The maturity ratio decreased from 0.90 (H) to 0.83 (VW) for DP 1612 B2XF and was unchanged for FM 2484B2F (0.90). Fiber properties such as short fiber content, nep count, fineness, and immature fiber content were also significantly affected under Verticillium wilt pressure. With Verticillium wilt affected plants, lines 16-13-601V and 17-17-206V performed similarly to FM 2484B2F for photosynthetic rate, yield, and all fiber properties measured. When selecting for improved cultivars in the presence of Verticillium wilt, it is important to select for relatively unchanged fiber properties under disease pressure in addition to reduced disease severity and increased yield.
Comparative Metabolite Profiling of Wild and Cultivated Justicia procumbens L. Based on 1H-NMR Spectroscopy and HPLC-DAD Analysis
Authors: Lee Hyunyong , Jeon Jihyun , Yoon Joobyoung , Kim Seung-Hwan , Choi Hyun Sik , Kang Jong Seung , Lee Yong Sup , Lee Mase , Kim Young Ho , Chang Hwan Bong
Published: July 2020

Justicia procumbens L. is known across Korea, India, China, and Taiwan as a remedy against fever, cough, sore throat, and cirrhosis of ascites. J. procumbens provides the raw material for a candidate anti-asthma drug (DW2008S) currently completing phase I clinical trials sponsored by Dong Wha Pharmaceutical Company. HPLC-DAD was used to quantify phytochemical constituents of J. procumbens, and HPLC and 1H-NMR results were assessed by multivariate analysis. This is the first time a comparative study using HPLC-DAD and NMR fingerprints has been applied to identify chemical differences between wild and cultivated J. procumbens. The amount of justicidin B as the marker compound was higher in cultivated samples (0.80 ± 0.25 mg/g) than in wild ones (0.63 ± 0.30 mg/g). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) from HPLC and NMR data revealed that there were clear differences between wild and cultivated types and identified five secondary metabolites, which could help distinguish between wild and cultivated plants. Among these five lignans, diphyllin showed the most potent discrimination between two types and was significantly detected higher in cultivated ones than in wild ones. A combination of 1H-NMR and HPLC-DAD analysis is effective for J. procumbens standardization and metabolomics studies.
Development of a Gene Delivery System of Oligonucleotides for Fibroses by Targeting Cell-Surface Vimentin-Expressing Cells with N-Acetylglucosamine-Bearing Polymer-Conjugated Polyethyleneimine
Authors: Song Inu , Ise Hirohiko
Published: July 2020

Targeting myofibroblasts and activated stellate cells in lesion sites of fibrotic tissues is an important approach to treat fibroses. Herein, we focused on targeting the cytoskeletal proteins vimentin, which are reportedly highly expressed on the surface of these cells and have N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-binding activity. A GlcNAc-bearing polymer synthesized via radical polymerization with a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer reagent has been previously found to interact with cell-surface vimentin-expressing cells. We designed a GlcNAc-bearing polymer-conjugated polyethyleneimine (PEI), as the gene carrier to target cell-surface vimentin-expressing cells and specifically deliver nuclear factor-κB decoy oligonucleotides (ODNs) and heat shock protein 47 (HSP47)-small interfering RNA (siRNA) to normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) that express cell-surface vimentin. The results showed that the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated NHDFs and HSP47 in transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated NHDFs was suppressed by cellular uptake of the GlcNAc-bearing polymer-conjugated PEI/nuclear factor (NF)-κB decoy ODNs and HSP47-siRNA complexes through cell-surface vimentin, respectively. These findings suggest that the effective and specific delivery of ODNs and siRNA for cell-surface vimentin-expressing cells such as myofibroblasts and activated stellate cells can be achieved using GlcNAc-bearing polymer-conjugated PEI. This therapeutic approach could prove advantageous to prevent the promotion of various fibroses.
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Modified by Plasma and TEMPO-Oxidized Celluloses
Authors: Panaitescu Denis Mihaela , Vizireanu Sorin , Stoian Sergiu Alexandru , Nicolae Cristian-Andi , Gabor Augusta Raluca , Damian Celina Maria , Trusca Roxana , Carpen Lavinia Gabriela , Dinescu Gheorghe
Published: July 2020

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was surface modified by two approaches, namely a plasma treatment in liquid using a Y-shaped tube for oxygen flow (MCC-P) and a TEMPO mediated oxidation (MCC-T). Both treatments led to the surface functionalization of cellulose as illustrated by FTIR and XPS results. However, TEMPO oxidation had a much stronger oxidizing effect, leading to a decrease of the thermal stability of MCC by 80 °C. Plasma and TEMPO modified celluloses were incorporated in a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrix and they influenced the morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of the composites (PHB-MCC-P and PHB-MCC-T) differently. However, both treatments were efficient in improving the fiber–polymer interface and the mechanical properties, with an increase of the storage modulus of composites by 184% for PHB-MCC-P and 167% for PHB-MCC-T at room temperature. The highest increase of the mechanical properties was observed in the composite containing plasma modified cellulose although TEMPO oxidation induced a much stronger surface modification of cellulose. This was due to the adverse effect of more advanced degradation in this last case. The results showed that Y-shaped plasma jet oxidation of cellulose water suspensions is a simple and cheap treatment and a promising method of cellulose functionalization for PHB and other biopolymer reinforcements.
Mode-Based Analysis and Optimal Operation of MSF Desalination System
Authors: Gao Hanhan , Jiang Aipeng , Huang Qiuyun , Xia Yudong , Gao Farong , Wang Jian
Published: July 2020

Multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination plays an important role in achieving large-scale fresh water driven by thermal energy. In this paper, based on first-principle modeling of a typical multi-stage flash desalination system, the effects of different operational parameters on system performance and operational optimization for cost saving were extensively studied. Firstly, the modelled desalination system was divided into flash chamber modules, brine heater modules, mixed modules and split modules, and based on energy and mass conservation laws the equations were formulated and put together to describe the whole process model. Then, with physical parameter calculation the whole process was simulated and analyzed on the platform of MATLAB, and the water production performance effected by operational parameters such as the feed temperature of seawater, the recycle brine from the discharge section, steam temperature and flowrate of recycled brine were discussed and analyzed. Then, the optimal operation to achieve maximize GOR (gained output ratio) with fixed freshwater demand was considered and performed, and thus the optimal flowrate of recycled brine, steam temperature, and seawater output flowrate from rejection section were obtained based on the established model. Finally, considering that minimizing the daily operational cost is a more rational objective, the operational cost equations were formulated and the optimal problem to minimize the daily operational cost was solved and the optimal manipulated variables at different hours were obtained. The study results can be used for guideline of real time optimization of the MSF system.
Religious Experiences of Older People Receiving Palliative Care at Home
Authors: Saarelainen Suvi-Maria , Vähäkangas Auli , Anttonen Mirja Sisko
Published: July 2020

Increasingly more older people are now being cared for in their own homes. Furthermore, it has become more common that people stay at home to receive end-of-life care. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), we analyzed the religious experiences of older people (aged 65+). We answered these questions: What kind of religious experiences do older people have when death is approaching? What does this tell us about their religious coping? As IPA is based on the in-depth analysis of small amounts of homogenous data, we analyzed five interviews with older people who were dying. We identified three main themes. First, religious experiences are relational, that is, deeply rooted in personal relationships. Second, religious experiences are real and can provide both struggles and comfort in the last stage of life. Third, the experience of encountering one’s mortality and planning for one’s death was calming; while many had unclear views on the afterlife, the idea of continuing bonds after death was comforting. More open discussion on religious matters, death, and dying would be welcomed as part of home-based end-of-life care.
Teaching Islam in an International School: A Bourdieusian Analysis
Authors: Adly Gamal Mohammed
Published: July 2020

Recent years have witnessed the burgeoning growth of international schools in Qatar, where Islamic Studies is a statutory subject for all schools. This paper aims to investigate how Islamic Studies teachers navigate an internationalized setting where there is dissonance between local and global educational priorities. International schools aim to forge global citizens who perceive their identity in terms of global rather than religious belonging. To examine how Islamic Studies teachers view their work in such a setting, a qualitative study was conducted in an international school based in Qatar. The study employs Bourdieu’s concepts of religious capital and field to explore how the Islamic teachers’ pedagogical skills and knowledge are valued in a non-Islamic teaching setting. The study concludes that the international schooling field allowed Islamic Studies teachers to transform their religiosity into social capital, but they failed to convert their Islamic knowledge into cultural capital. However, Islamic Studies teachers positively view their work in internationalized milieu. They think that the international schooling field can help them to accumulate different forms of capital that are prized in Qatar.
Maximizing Temporal Correlations in Long-Term Global Satellite Soil Moisture Data-Merging
Authors: Hagan Daniel Fiifi Tawia , Wang Guojie , Kim Seokhyeon , Parinussa Robert M. , Liu Yi , Ullah Waheed , Bhatti Asher Samuel , Ma Xiaowen , Jiang Tong , Su Buda
Published: July 2020

In this study, an existing combination approach that maximizes temporal correlations is used to combine six passive microwave satellite soil moisture products from 1998 to 2015 to assess its added value in long-term applications. Five of the products used are included in existing merging schemes such as the European Space Agency’s essential climate variable soil moisture (ECV) program. These include the Special Sensor Microwave Imagers (SSM/I), the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM/TMI), the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) sensor on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Aqua satellite, the WindSAT radiometer, onboard the Coriolis satellite and the soil moisture retrievals from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) sensor onboard the Global Change Observation Mission on Water (GCOM-W). The sixth, the microwave radiometer imager (MWRI) onboard China’s Fengyun-3B (FY3B) satellite, is absent in the ECV scheme. Here, the normalized soil moisture products are merged based on their availability within the study period. Evaluation of the merged product demonstrated that the correlations and unbiased root mean square differences were improved over the whole period. Compared to ECV, the merged product from this scheme performed better over dense and sparsely vegetated regions. Additionally, the trends in the parent inputs are preserved in the merged data. Further analysis of FY3B’s contribution to the merging scheme showed that it is as dependable as the widely used AMSR2, as it contributed significantly to the improvements in the merged product.
Extreme Events of Precipitation over Complex Terrain Derived from Satellite Data for Climate Applications: An Evaluation of the Southern Slopes of the Pyrenees
Authors: Navarro Andrés , García-Ortega Eduardo , Merino Andrés , Sánchez José Luis
Published: July 2020

Estimating extreme precipitation events over complex terrain is challenging but crucial for evaluating the performance of climate models for the present climate and expected changes of the climate in the future. New satellites operating in the microwave wavelengths have started to open new opportunities for performing such estimation at adequate temporal and spatial scales and within sensible error limits. This paper illustrates the feasibility and limits of estimating precipitation extremes from satellite data for climatological applications. Using a high-resolution gauge database as ground truth, it was found that global precipitation measurement (GPM) constellation data can provide valuable estimates of extreme precipitation over the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, a region comprising several climates and a very diverse terrain (a challenge for satellite precipitation algorithms). Validation using an object-based quality measure showed reasonable performance, suggesting that GPM estimates can be advantageous reference data for climate model evaluation.
Potential Approach for Single-Peak Extinction Fitting of Aerosol Profiles Based on In Situ Measurements for the Improvement of Surface PM2.5 Retrieval from Satellite AOD Product
Authors: Lin Tang-Huang , Chang Kuo-En , Chan Hai-Po , Hsiao Ta-Chih , Lin Neng-Huei , Chuang Ming-Tung , Yeh Hung-Yi
Published: July 2020

The vertical distribution of aerosols is important for accurate surface PM2.5 retrieval and initial modeling forecasts of air pollution, but the observation of aerosol profiles on the regional scale is usually limited. Therefore, in this study, an approach to aerosol extinction profile fitting is proposed to improve surface PM2.5 retrieval from satellite observations. Owing to the high similarity of the single-peak extinction profile in the distribution pattern, the log-normal distribution is explored for the fitting model based on a decadal dataset (3248 in total) from Micro Pulse LiDAR (MPL) measurements. The logarithmic mean, standard deviation, and the height of peak extinction near-surface (Mode) are manually derived as the references for model construction. Considering the seasonal impacts on the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH), Mode, and the height of the surface layer, the extinction profile is then constructed in terms of the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) and the total column aerosol optical depth (AOD). A comparison between fitted profiles and in situ measurements showed a high level of consistency in terms of the correlation coefficient (0.8973) and root-mean-square error (0.0415). The satellite AOD is subsequently applied for three-dimensional aerosol extinction, and the good agreement of the extinction coefficient with the PM2.5 within the surface layer indicates the good performance of the proposed fitting approach and the potential of satellite observations for providing accurate PM2.5 data on a regional scale.
Quantized Residual Preference Based Linkage Clustering for Model Selection and Inlier Segmentation in Geometric Multi-Model Fitting
Authors: Zhao Qing , Zhang Yun , Qin Qianqing , Luo Bin
Published: July 2020

In this paper, quantized residual preference is proposed to represent the hypotheses and the points for model selection and inlier segmentation in multi-structure geometric model fitting. First, a quantized residual preference is proposed to represent the hypotheses. Through a weighted similarity measurement and linkage clustering, similar hypotheses are put into one cluster, and hypotheses with good quality are selected from the clusters as the model selection results. After this, the quantized residual preference is also used to present the data points, and through the linkage clustering, the inliers belonging to the same model can be separated from the outliers. To exclude outliers as many as possible, an iterative sampling and clustering process is performed within the clustering process until the clusters are stable. The experiments undertake indicate that the proposed method performs even better on real data than the some state-of-the-art methods.
Visual Reconstruction of Ancient Coins Using Cycle-Consistent Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Zachariou Marios , Dimitriou Neofytos , Arandjelović Ognjen
Published: July 2020

In this paper, our goal is to perform a virtual restoration of an ancient coin from its image. The present work is the first one to propose this problem, and it is motivated by two key promising applications. The first of these emerges from the recently recognised dependence of automatic image based coin type matching on the condition of the imaged coins; the algorithm introduced herein could be used as a pre-processing step, aimed at overcoming the aforementioned weakness. The second application concerns the utility both to professional and hobby numismatists of being able to visualise and study an ancient coin in a state closer to its original (minted) appearance. To address the conceptual problem at hand, we introduce a framework which comprises a deep learning based method using Generative Adversarial Networks, capable of learning the range of appearance variation of different semantic elements artistically depicted on coins, and a complementary algorithm used to collect, correctly label, and prepare for processing a large numbers of images (here 100,000) of ancient coins needed to facilitate the training of the aforementioned learning method. Empirical evaluation performed on a withheld subset of the data demonstrates extremely promising performance of the proposed methodology and shows that our algorithm correctly learns the spectra of appearance variation across different semantic elements, and despite the enormous variability present reconstructs the missing (damaged) detail while matching the surrounding semantic content and artistic style.
Help and Solidarity Interactions in Interactive Groups: A Case Study with Roma and Immigrant Preschoolers
Authors: Khalfaoui Andrea , García-Carrión Rocío , Villardón-Gallego Lourdes , Duque Elena
Published: July 2020

Peer interactions in early childhood education play a key role in establishing the first structures of social relationships and foundations for future development. Engaging in social exchanges with different people enriches children’s concurrent and future learning opportunities. Building on the importance of diversifying interactions, interactive groups (IGs) are a specific dialogue-based classroom organization format that creates an inclusive learning environment by allocating students to small heterogeneous groups with an adult volunteer per group. This classroom organization format has produced reported evidence of enhancing social cohesion and academic achievement, mainly in elementary education. However, its potential to foster positive peer interactions in Early Childhood Education among disadvantaged children remains unexplored. Therefore, this case study explores in depth the type and frequency of positive peer interactions in interactive groups in a preschool classroom serving mainly Roma and immigrant children with a very low SES. The results show that in this context, children acknowledge each other’s work and provide help, guidance, and solidarity interactions when solving academic tasks. Our analysis reveals that children internalize the rules and functioning of the IG since those aspects emerge in their conversations during the activity. Implications for practitioners and policymakers are also discussed.
The Mechanism of Tourism Risk Perception in Severe Epidemic—The Antecedent Effect of Place Image Depicted in Anti-Epidemic Music Videos and the Moderating Effect of Visiting History
Authors: Wang Fang , Xue Tao , Wang Ting , Wu Bihu
Published: July 2020

Tourism risk perception is proven to have significant influence on tourists’ decision-making behaviors, however, the impact of the place image depicted in the cultural media of destinations on it needs to be further studied. The study explores the mechanism of potential tourists’ risk perception in severe COVID-19 epidemics with the antecedent effects of the place image depicted in anti-epidemic music videos, and the impact of risk perception on potential tourists’ place attachment and travel intention, based on the risk perception theory. This study also explores the moderating effect of the visiting history on balancing risk perception, place attachment, and travel intention. With empirical research, the study result indicates that in severe epidemics: (1). The place image depicted in anti-epidemic music videos has a significant negative effect on tourism risk perception; tourism risk perception has a significant negative effect on potential tourists’ place attachment and travel intention; (2). The tourism risk perception mediates between the place image depicted in the music videos and potential tourists’ place attachment and travel intention; (3). Visiting history modulates the influence of tourism risk perception, potential tourists’ place attachment, and travel intention. This research would be helpful if it enriches the theoretical content of risk perception, expands the theoretical foundation of tourists’ decision making, promotes the application of music videos in tourism research, and proposes empirical risk management countermeasures of tourism destination.
Design for Societal Resilience: The Risk Evaluation Diversity-Aiding Approach (RED-A)
Authors: Onencan Abby Muricho , Liu Lian Ena , Van de Walle Bartel
Published: July 2020

The global impacts of disaster risks are on the rise. Moreover, evidence shows that the severity of damage will increase exponentially. In 2019, there were 395 natural disasters that caused 11,755 deaths. Literature and practice indicate that diversification of disaster risk management (DRM) approaches can make communities more resilient. One notable bottleneck in adopting diverse DRM approaches is the historical dominance of natural and technological sciences with little contribution from social sciences. Thus, a heterogeneous social-technical approach to DRM is rare and risk governance challenges are hardly understood. We conducted a systematic literature and practice review and extracted data to develop and answer five sub-questions. After that, we reviewed relevant information and selected eight risk evaluation approaches. We made comparisons and used the input to design the Risk Evaluation Diversity-aiding Approach (RED-A). The approach consists of 12 criteria and a checklist with 22 items. RED-A provides guidance to DRM researchers and practitioners when conducting socio-technical risk evaluations. It helps identify cognitive biases in the ongoing DRM process that may largely impact the quality of risk evaluation procedures. The goal of the 22-item checklist is to ensure that the 12 RED-A criteria are incorporated as much as possible to support the progressive transition towards a heterogeneous social-technical DRM approach. Finally, the RED-A criteria and checklist are applied in the Solotvyno municipality context (in Ukraine), to illustrate the use of the approach.
Mobility Acceptance Factors of an Automated Shuttle Bus Last-Mile Service
Authors: Soe Ralf-Martin , Müür Jaanus
Published: July 2020

The main interest of this paper is to analyze the mobility acceptance factors of an automated shuttle bus last-mile service. There is limited research on the passengers’ perception of security and safety of automated mobility, whereas prior research is mostly based on surveys interested in attitudes towards self-driving vehicles, without being linked to the experience. We, on the other hand, are interested in passengers’ feeling of security and safety, after taking a ride with an automated shuttle in an open urban environment. For studying this, we conducted an automated shuttle bus last-mile pilot during a four-month period in the city of Tallinn in late 2019. The method is a case study focusing on one city with several tools for data collection applied (surveys, interviews, document analysis). The pilot, open and free for everybody, attracted approximately 4000 passengers, out of which 4% responded to the online feedback survey. For studying the operational capacity, we had a panel interview with operators of the shuttle service, in addition to analyzing daily operational log files. The results indicate that passengers’ perceived feeling of security and safety onboard was remarkably high, after taking a ride (and lower without a ride, in a different control group). The bus was operated only if operational capacity was secured, thus having significant downtime in service due to environment, technology and traffic-related factors.
Validity of the “Big Data Tendency in Education” Scale as a Tool Helping to Reach Inclusive Social Development
Authors: Matas-Terrón Antonio , Leiva-Olivencia Juan José , Franco-Caballero Pablo Daniel , García-Aguilera Francisco José
Published: July 2020

Big Data technology can be a great resource for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in a fair and inclusive manner; however, only recently have we begun to analyse its impact on education. This research goal was to analyse the psychometric characteristics of a scale to assess opinions that educators in training have about Big Data besides their related emotions. This is important, as it will be the educators of the future who will have to manage with Big Data at school. A nonprobability sample of 337 education students from Peru and Spain was counted. Internal consistency, as well as validity, were analysed through exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis. The results show good psychometric values, highlighting as relevant a latent structure of six factors that includes emotional and cognitive dimensions. As a result, the profile defining the participants in relation to Big Data was identified. Finally, the implications of the Big Data for Inclusive Education in a sustainable society are discussed.
Contested Dam Development in Iran: A Case Study of the Exercise of State Power over Local People
Authors: Hoominfar Elham , Radel Claudia
Published: July 2020

In this article, we address the interaction of the Iranian State, an agent of power, with affected village residents, as four dam projects are planned and implemented. Dams, recently positioned as a green energy source, are a central component to Iran’s national development strategies; yet historically their construction has been a source of significant conflict and resistance around the world. We focus on ten villages facing displacement or partial loss of lands at the time of the research, and we answer the question: During dam building and resettlement processes, how have residents experienced their role in decision making and the exercise of state power over them? Through a lens of political ecology, we engage with Lukes’ theory of power to interpret data from 18 focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with residents, as well as from 10 interviews with local and state authorities. This case study illustrates how, from the perspectives of residents of rural communities, the Iranian State applies its power over them through multiple, simultaneous means. Coercion, non-decision making, and the withholding of information emerge from analysis as the primary successful mechanisms, while discursive consent-production emerges as largely unsuccessful. We demonstrate how lack of data or other information provision for natural resource development projects can be an important lever the state uses to exercise power, especially when combined with non-decision making. Although all Lukes’ dimensions of power apply to this case, non-decision making was most severe in its experienced effects, as residents suffered from uncertainty and an inability to move forward with individual plans. Our research provides insight into how conflicts over state-sponsored dam building can embody the contest between a sustainable development centered on justice/equity and one centered on economic growth.
Genetic and Morphologic Variation in a Potential Mosquito Biocontrol Agent, Hydrochara Affinis (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)
Authors: Kang Ji Hyoun , Lim Changseob , Park Sung Hwan , Kim Wang Gyu , Sareein Nattawut , Bae Yeon Jae
Published: July 2020

Hydrochara affinis (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae), a water scavenger beetle, was recently identified as a natural and effective agent for biological mosquito control; it was reported to exhibit high rates of mosquito larvae predation. However, maintaining the quality (i.e., natural ecological attributes, such as genetic variation) of laboratory-reared populations is essential for ensuring the long-term success of biological control programs. Accordingly, here, we aimed to use mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences to document the genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogenetic position of natural and lab-reared H. affinis populations in South Korea and use geometric morphometric analysis to investigate the populations’ morphological divergence. The natural H. affinis populations possessed high genetic diversity and numerous COI haplotypes, suggesting that these populations were healthy and could be directly applied to mosquito habitats without alterations to their natural genetic attributes. The lab-reared populations also possessed high genetic diversity and, thus, the potential for high adaptive capacity to new environments. Although no distinct population genetic structures were observed, quantitative variation was observed in the body shape of both the natural and lab-reared populations. The high levels of genetic and morphologic variation observed in the H. affinis populations examined here indicate the species’ favorable conservation status, genetic diversity, adaptive capacity, and, thus, “suitability” for field application as an effective mosquito control agent.
Effects of Default Option and Lateral Presentation on Consumer Choice of the Sustainable Option in an Online Choice Task
Authors: Antonides Gerrit , Welvaarts Michelle
Published: July 2020

In order to reduce the environmental impact of products, sustainability must be improved in many industries. One way to accomplish this aim is to influence consumers by means of nudging in order to choose more sustainable products in online choices. We investigated whether the lateral presentation of products from left to right or from right to left, along with using a status quo default option, influence sustainable choices of make-up products. A pilot study has been conducted in order to obtain background information on make-up choices. Next, an online, quantitative experiment has been conducted in which 330 women together made 1094 hypothetical make-up product choices. Making the sustainable option the default resulted in more sustainable choices than making unsustainable products the default. The left–right versus right–left presentation of products did not significantly influence consumer choices. Furthermore, higher educated people and those finding sustainability important relatively often chose a sustainable make-up product. People frequently wearing make-up and those finding a low price important relatively often chose an unsustainable make-up product. Our experiment suggests that making sustainable products the default choice makes a sustainable choice about 8% more likely than making unsustainable products the default choice.
ZnO Surface Doping to Enhance the Photocatalytic Activity of Lithium Titanate/TiO2 for Methylene Blue Photodegradation under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Iqbal Anwar , Ibrahim N. H. , Rahman Nur Ruzaina Abdul , Saharudin K. A. , Adam Farook , Sreekantan Srimala , Yusop Rahimi M. , Jaafar N. F. , Wilson Lee D.
Published: July 2020

Wastewater contaminated with dyes produced by textile industries is a major problem due to inadequate treatment prior to release into the environment. In this paper, the ability of ZnO to enhance the interfacial photocatalytic activity of lithium titanate/TiO2 (LTO/TiO2) for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation (4.38 mW/cm2) was assessed. The ZnO-doped lithium titanate/TiO2 (ZnO/LTO/TiO2) was synthesized using a combination of hydrothermal and wetness impregnation methods. The high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses indicate that the ZnO/LTO/TiO2 contain several phases (ZnO, LTO, and TiO2). The adsorption capacity of LTO/TiO2 (70%) was determined to be higher compared to its photocatalytic activity (25%), which is attributed to the strong interaction between the Li and surface oxygen atoms with the MB dye molecules. The introduction of ZnO improved the photocatalytic ability of LTO/TiO2 by 45% and extended the life span of ZnO/LTO/TiO2. The ZnO/LTO/TiO2 can be reused without a significant loss up to four cycles, whereas LTO/TiO2 had reduced adsorption after the second cycle by 30%. The ZnO increased the surface defects and restrained the photo-induced electrons (e−) from recombining with the photo-induced holes (h+). Scavenging tests indicated that the hydroxyl radicals played a major role in the photodegradation of MB, which is followed by electrons and holes.
Enzymatic Degradation of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol in a Microreactor using Soybean Peroxidase
Authors: Costa Rodrigo A. , Cunha Alexandre S. , Peres José Carlos G. , Azzoni Adriano R. , Laurenti Enzo , Vianna Ardson S.
Published: July 2020

Soybean peroxidase is an enzyme extracted from soybean seed hulls. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, the enzyme has the potential to catalyze the biodegradation of toxic substances like chlorophenols. For this reason, its use in wastewater treatment processes is environmentally friendly since the enzyme can be obtained from a renewable and abundant raw material. In this work, enzymatic biodegradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol performed by soybean peroxidase in a microreactor was studied experimentally and theoretically. The experimental data set was obtained with a volume of 250 μL by using different soybean peroxidase concentrations and different reaction times. The fluid dynamics of the microreactor was modeled as well, using ANSYS CFX. The simulations exhibited secondary flows, which enhanced mixing. Although the laminar flow was developed, it can be assumed to be a well-mixed medium. The kinetic data were evaluated through a mechanistic model, the modified bi-bi ping-pong model, which is adequate to represent the enzymatic degradation using peroxidases. The model was composed of an initial value problem for ordinary differential equations that were solved using MATLAB. Some kinetic constants were estimated using the least square function. The results of the model fit well the experimental data.
Two-Dimensional Correlation Function of Binary Black Hole Coalescences
Authors: Cavaglià Marco , Modi Ashini
Published: July 2020

We compute the two-dimensional correlation functions of the binary black hole coalescence detections in LIGO-Virgo’s first and second observation runs. The sky distribution of binary black hole coalescence events is tested for correlations at different angular scales by comparing the observed correlation function to two reference functions that are obtained from mock datasets of localization error regions uniformly distributed in the sky. No excess correlation at any angular scale is found. The power-law slope of the correlation function is estimated to be γ = 2.24 ± 0.33 at the three- σ confidence level, a value consistent with the measured distribution of galaxies.
Rotavirus Inner Capsid VP6 Acts as an Adjuvant in Formulations with Particulate Antigens Only
Authors: Heinimäki Suvi , Tamminen Kirsi , Hytönen Vesa P. , Malm Maria , Blazevic Vesna
Published: July 2020

Novel adjuvants present a concern for adverse effects, generating a need for alternatives. Rotavirus inner capsid VP6 protein could be considered a potential candidate, due to its ability to self-assemble into highly immunogenic nanospheres and nanotubes. These nanostructures exhibit immunostimulatory properties, which resemble those of traditional adjuvants, promoting the uptake and immunogenicity of the co-administered antigens. We have previously elucidated an adjuvant effect of VP6 on co-delivered norovirus and coxsackievirus B1 virus-like particles, increasing humoral and cellular responses and sparing the dose of co-delivered antigens. This study explored an immunostimulatory effect of VP6 nanospheres on smaller antigens, P particles formed by protruding domain of a norovirus capsid protein and a short peptide, extracellular matrix protein (M2e) of influenza A virus. VP6 exhibited a notable improving impact on immune responses induced by P particles in immunized mice, including systemic and mucosal antibody and T cell responses. The adjuvant effect of VP6 nanospheres was comparable to the effect of alum, except for induction of superior mucosal and T cell responses when P particles were co-administered with VP6. However, unlike alum, VP6 did not influence M2e-specific immune responses, suggesting that the adjuvant effect of VP6 is dependent on the particulate nature of the co-administered antigen.
A Flow-Calibrated Method to Project Groundwater Infiltration into Coastal Sewers Affected by Sea Level Rise
Authors: Fung Adrienne , Babcock Roger
Published: July 2020

Collection systems in coastal cities are often below the groundwater table, leading to groundwater infiltration (GWI) through defects such as cracks and poor lateral connections. Climate-change-induced sea level rise (SLR) will raise groundwater levels, increasing the head and thus the inflow. A method has been developed to predict GWI when groundwater levels change using calibration with sewershed flow monitoring data. The calibration results in a parameter that characterizes the porosity of the collection system. A case study is presented for a coastal city with reliable flow monitoring data for eight days that resulted in a large range of effective defect sizes (minimum 0.0044 to maximum 0.338 radians), however, the range of predicted future GWI in currently submerged pipes varied by only 12% from the mean. The mean effective defect predicts 70 to 200% increases in GWI due to SLR of 0.3 to 0.9 m (1 to 3 ft), respectively, for currently submerged pipes. Predicted additional GWI for pipes that will become submerged due to SLR will increase GWI to values that approach or exceed the current average dry weather flow. This methodology can be used for planning of infrastructure improvements to enhance resiliency in coastal communities.
Staging Gogol’s play Marriage in Bulgaria
Authors: Fed Tatiana
Published: July 2020

The article traces a range of performances staging Gogol’s play Marriage in Bulgaria with a special emphasis on the respective translations into Bulgarian. The theory features translation and adaptation mechanisms specifically applied to cultural realia. The staging in the Sofia Theatre is highlighted. The methodology applied belongs to the framework of cross-cultural communication studies and employs cultural-historic and reception approaches.
“Professor, não tenho tempo para ler!” – a prática docente diante do hábito de não-leitura
Authors: Baade Joel Haroldo , Silva Ezequiel Theodoro da
Published: July 2020

Este ensaio é uma reflexão sobre a prática de não-leitura como parte do cotidiano do ensino superior no Brasil. O hábito de não-leitura parece estar sedimentado nos indivíduos como ação não-racional e funciona como estrutura estruturada e estruturante, de modo a perpetuar-se nas práticas de ensino e aprendizado. Já os recursos à disposição de docentes e discentes, enquanto sujeitos diretamente envolvidos neste processo, são demasiadamente escassos e pouco favorecem uma mudança.
Uma apresentação do manuscrito inédito de João Köpke: Versos para os pequeninos
Authors: Ferreira Norma Sandra de Almeida
Published: July 2020

Neste estudo apresentamos, à luz da História Cultural, Versos para os pequeninos, manuscrito inédito e escrito do próprio punho por João Köpke (1852-1926), educador, autor de livros escolares, intelectual republicano do século XIX. Nosso objetivo é explorar a configuração composicional desse manuscrito interrogando sua materialidade, práticas e finalidades de leitura e de escrita, previstas para uso escolar de leitores infantis. Situamos tal manuscrito no contexto da produção para crianças desse período e no contexto das próprias obras publicadas por Köpke. Concluimos destacando a singularidade desse manuscrito e o reconhecemos como pertencente a um gênero discursivo pouco pesquisado na história da leitura e dos livros para crianças, distinto das publicações no período histórico-cultural-educacional em que ele se encontra circunscrito, e ainda bastante distinto da produção impressa do próprio João Köpke.