bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethylene Oxide Exposure in U.S. Populations Residing Near Sterilization and Other Industrial Facilities: Context Based on Endogenous and Total Equivalent Concentration Exposures
Authors: Sheehan Patrick J. , Lewis Ryan C. , Kirman Christopher R. , Watson Heather N. , Winegar Eric D. , Bus James S.
Published: January 2021

Given ubiquitous human exposure to ethylene oxide (EO), regardless of occupation or geography, the current risk-specific concentrations (RSCs: 0.0001–0.01 ppb) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cancer risk assessment for EO are not useful metrics for managing EO exposures to the general U.S. population. The magnitude of the RSCs for EO are so low, relative to typical endogenous equivalent metabolic concentrations (1.1–5.5 ppb) that contribute ~93% of total exposure, that the RSCs provide little utility in identifying excess environmental exposures that might increase cancer risk. EO monitoring data collected in the vicinity of eight EO-emitting facilities and corresponding background locations were used to characterize potential excess exogenous concentrations. Both 50th and 90th percentile exogenous exposure concentrations were combined with the 50th percentile endogenous exposure concentration for the nonsmoking population, and then compared to percentiles of total equivalent concentration for this population. No potential total exposure concentration for these local populations exceeded the normal total equivalent concentration 95th percentile, indicating that excess facility-related exposures are unlikely to require additional management to protect public health.
Acute Increases in Intracellular Zinc Lead to an Increased Lysosomal and Mitochondrial Autophagy and Subsequent Cell Demise in Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Rudolf Emil , Rudolf Kamil
Published: January 2021

Changes in zinc content and dysregulated zinc homeostatic mechanisms have been recognized in several solid malignancies such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, or pancreatic cancer. Moreover, it has been shown that zinc serum and/or tissue levels are altered in melanoma with varying effects on melanoma development and biology. This study was conducted to explore the effects of acute increases of intracellular zinc in a set of melanoma tissue explants obtained from clinical samples. Measurements of their zinc content showed an extant heterogeneity in total and free intracellular zinc pools associated with varying biological behavior of individual cells, e.g., autophagy levels and propensity to cell death. Use of zinc pyrithione elevated intracellular zinc in a short time frame which resulted in marked changes in mitochondrial activity and lysosomes. These alterations were accompanied by significantly enhanced autophagy flux and subsequent cell demise in the absence of typical apoptotic cell death markers. The present results show for the first time that acutely increased intracellular zinc in melanoma cells specifically enhances their autophagic activity via mitochondria and lysosomes which leads to autophagic cell death. While biologically relevant, this discovery may contribute to our understanding and exploration of zinc in relation to autophagy as a means of controlling melanoma growth and survival.
Clinical Considerations for a Family with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Sudden Cardiac Death, and a Novel TTN Frameshift Mutation
Authors: Micaglio Emanuele , Monasky Michelle M. , Bernardini Andrea , Mecarocci Valerio , Borrelli Valeria , Ciconte Giuseppe , Locati Emanuela T. , Piccoli Marco , Ghiroldi Andrea , Anastasia Luigi , Pappone Carlo
Published: January 2021

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the leading indication for heart transplantation. TTN gene truncating mutations account for about 25% of familial DCM cases and for 18% of sporadic DCM cases. The clinical relevance of specific variants in TTN has been difficult to determine because of the sheer size of the protein for which TTN encodes, as well as existing extensive genetic variation. Clinicians should communicate novel clinically-relevant variants and genotype–phenotype associations, so that animal studies evaluating the molecular mechanisms are always conducted with a focus on clinical significance. In the present study, we report for the first time the novel truncating heterozygous variant NM_001256850.1:c.72777_72783del (p.Phe24259Leufs*51) in the TTN gene and its association with DCM in a family with sudden death. This variant occurs in the A-band region of the sarcomere, in a known mutational hotspot of the gene. Truncating titin variants that occur in this region are the most common cause of DCM and have been rarely reported in asymptomatic individuals, differently from other pathogenic TTN gene variants. Further studies are warranted to better understand this particular clinically-relevant variant.
Circadian Rhythm: Potential Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
Authors: Man Andy W. C. , Li Huige , Xia Ning
Published: January 2021

Every organism has an intrinsic biological rhythm that orchestrates biological processes in adjusting to daily environmental changes. Circadian rhythms are maintained by networks of molecular clocks throughout the core and peripheral tissues, including immune cells, blood vessels, and perivascular adipose tissues. Recent findings have suggested strong correlations between the circadian clock and cardiovascular diseases. Desynchronization between the circadian rhythm and body metabolism contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases including arteriosclerosis and thrombosis. Circadian rhythms are involved in controlling inflammatory processes and metabolisms, which can influence the pathology of arteriosclerosis and thrombosis. Circadian clock genes are critical in maintaining the robust relationship between diurnal variation and the cardiovascular system. The circadian machinery in the vascular system may be a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The research on circadian rhythms in cardiovascular diseases is still progressing. In this review, we briefly summarize recent studies on circadian rhythms and cardiovascular homeostasis, focusing on the circadian control of inflammatory processes and metabolisms. Based on the recent findings, we discuss the potential target molecules for future therapeutic strategies against cardiovascular diseases by targeting the circadian clock.
Maternal Undernutrition Modulates Neonatal Rat Cerebrovascular Structure, Function, and Vulnerability to Mild Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury via Corticosteroid-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Franco Patsy Naomi , Durrant Lara M. , Doan Coleen , Carreon Desirelys , Beltran Alejandra , Jullienne Amandine , Obenaus Andre , Pearce William J.
Published: January 2021

The present study explored the hypothesis that an adverse intrauterine environment caused by maternal undernutrition (MUN) acted through corticosteroid-dependent and -independent mechanisms to program lasting functional changes in the neonatal cerebrovasculature and vulnerability to mild hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury. From day 10 of gestation until term, MUN and MUN-metyrapone (MUN-MET) group rats consumed a diet restricted to 50% of calories consumed by a pair-fed control; and on gestational day 11 through term, MUN-MET groups received drinking water containing MET (0.5 mg/mL), a corticosteroid synthesis inhibitor. P9/P10 pups underwent unilateral carotid ligation followed 24 h later by 1.5 h exposure to 8% oxygen (HI treatment). An ELISA quantified MUN-, MET-, and HI-induced changes in circulating levels of corticosterone. In P11/P12 pups, MUN programming promoted contractile differentiation in cerebrovascular smooth muscle as determined by confocal microscopy, modulated calcium-dependent contractility as revealed by cerebral artery myography, enhanced vasogenic edema formation as indicated by T2 MRI, and worsened neurobehavior MUN unmasked HI-induced improvements in open-field locomotion and in edema resolution, alterations in calcium-dependent contractility and promotion of contractile differentiation. Overall, MUN imposed multiple interdependent effects on cerebrovascular smooth muscle differentiation, contractility, edema formation, flow-metabolism coupling and neurobehavior through pathways that both required, and were independent of, gestational corticosteroids. In light of growing global patterns of food insecurity, the present study emphasizes that infants born from undernourished mothers may experience greater risk for developing neonatal cerebral edema and sensorimotor impairments possibly through programmed changes in neonatal cerebrovascular function.
Physical Device Compatibility Support for Implementation of IoT Services with Design Once, Provide Anywhere Concept
Authors: Bin Ahmadon Mohd Anuaruddin , Yamaguchi Shingo , Mahamad Abd Kadir , Saon Sharifah
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a method to ensure compatibility between physical devices for implementing a service design. The method supports the relaxation of strict implementation. It allows a set of compatible devices to be implemented instead of specifying specific devices in the service design. This paper’s main contribution is the formalization of device constraints using the device’s attributes and a method to check the compatibility between devices. The method’s characteristic is that a service designer can decide the level of strictness and abstractness of the design by adjusting the compatibility rate. We show the feasibility of the proposed method to achieve the goal of “Design Once, Provide Anywhere” with an application example. We also evaluated the quality of service of the implemented IoT service in a different environment using a platform called Elgar.
Does Tap Water Quality Compromise the Production of Aedes Mosquitoes in Genetic Control Projects?
Authors: Mamai Wadaka , Maiga Hamidou , Bimbilé Somda Nanwintoum Sévérin , Wallner Thomas , Masso Odet Bueno , Resch Christian , Yamada Hanano , Bouyer Jérémy
Published: January 2021

A mosquito’s life cycle includes an aquatic phase. Water quality is therefore an important determinant of whether or not the female mosquitoes will lay their eggs and the resulting immature stages will survive and successfully complete their development to the adult stage. In response to variations in laboratory rearing outputs, there is a need to investigate the effect of tap water (TW) (in relation to water hardness and electrical conductivity) on mosquito development, productivity and resulting adult quality. In this study, we compared the respective responses of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus to different water hardness/electrical conductivity. First-instar larvae were reared in either 100% water purified through reverse osmosis (ROW) (low water hardness/electrical conductivity), 100% TW (high water hardness/electrical conductivity) or a 80:20, 50:50, 20:80 mix of ROW and TW. The immature development time, pupation rate, adult emergence, body size, and longevity were determined. Overall, TW (with higher hardness and electrical conductivity) was associated with increased time to pupation, decreased pupal production, female body size in both species and longevity in Ae. albopictus only. However, Ae. albopictus was more sensitive to high water hardness/EC than Ae. aegypti. Moreover, in all water hardness/electrical conductivity levels tested, Ae. aegypti developed faster than Ae. albopictus. Conversely, Ae. albopictus adults survived longer than Ae. aegypti. These results imply that water with hardness of more than 140 mg/l CaCO3 or electrical conductivity more than 368 µS/cm cannot be recommended for the optimal rearing of Aedes mosquitoes and highlight the need to consider the level of water hardness/electrical conductivity when rearing Aedes mosquitoes for release purposes.
Correction: Duso C.; et al. Colonization Patterns, Phenology and Seasonal Abundance of the Nearctic Leafhopper Erasmoneura vulnerata (Fitch), a New Pest in European Vineyards. Insects 2020, 11, 731
Authors: Duso Carlo , Zanettin Giulia , Gherardo Pamela , Pasqualotto Giulia , Raniero Damiano , Rossetto Filippo , Tirello Paola , Pozzebon Alberto
Published: January 2021

It has recently come to our attention that there were some mistakes in legends and figures reported in our study [...]
Comparing Survival of Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus Infection among Stocks of U.S. Honey Bees
Authors: Bhatia Shilpi , Baral Saman S. , Vega Melendez Carlos , Amiri Esmaeil , Rueppell Olav
Published: January 2021

Among numerous viruses that infect honey bees (Apis mellifera), Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) can be linked to severe honey bee health problems. Breeding for virus resistance may improve honey bee health. To evaluate the potential for this approach, we compared the survival of IAPV infection among stocks from the U.S. We complemented the survival analysis with a survey of existing viruses in these stocks and assessing constitutive and induced expression of immune genes. Worker offspring from selected queens in a common apiary were inoculated with IAPV by topical applications after emergence to assess subsequent survival. Differences among stocks were small compared to variation within stocks, indicating the potential for improving honey bee survival of virus infections in all stocks. A positive relation between worker survival and virus load among stocks further suggested that honey bees may be able to adapt to better cope with viruses, while our molecular studies indicate that toll-6 may be related to survival differences among virus-infected worker bees. Together, these findings highlight the importance of viruses in queen breeding operations and provide a promising starting point for the quest to improve honey bee health by selectively breeding stock to be better able to survive virus infections.
The Nonlinear Impact of Task Rewards and Duration on Solvers’ Participation Behavior: A Study on Online Crowdsourcing Platform
Authors: Yang Keng , Qi Hanying
Published: January 2021

Crowdsourcing has attracted significant attention in the past decade because it has more competitive advantages than traditional methods for mobilizing distributed labor and utilizing innovation. Crowdsourcing contests are one of the most popular and effective crowdsourcing modes. Reasonable task rewards and duration are the key factors for seekers to attract solvers who can efficiently participate in the crowdsourcing contest task. Previous studies have mainly focused on task results to analyze solvers’ participation behavior in crowdsourcing contests, but have paid little attention to the task process, and there have been conflicting conclusions regarding the impact of task rewards and duration on solvers’ participation behavior and the performance of crowdsourcing contests. In view of this gap, this study collected 2706 logo design task data points from 2015–2017 on an online crowdsourcing platform and measured the performance of solvers’ participation behavior in two stages. The participation time was used to represent the performance of solvers’ participation behavior in the task process, while the number of submissions of solutions was used to represent the performance of participation behavior in the task result. The results show that task rewards and duration have an inverted U-shaped effect on the number of submissions, money rewards have a positive impact on participation time, and duration has an inverted U-shaped relationship with participation time. This study proposes the nonlinear effects of task rewards and duration on participation behavior and explains the reason for the conflicting results of previous studies. This paper also expands upon existing research by using solvers’ participation time in the task process to measure the performance of solvers’ participation behavior.
Green Concrete for a Circular Economy: A Review on Sustainability, Durability, and Structural Properties
Authors: Al-Hamrani Abathar , Kucukvar Murat , Alnahhal Wael , Mahdi Elsadig , Onat Nuri C.
Published: January 2021

A primary concern of conventional Portland cement concrete (PCC) is associated with the massive amount of global cement and natural coarse aggregates (NCA) consumption, which causes depletion of natural resources on the one hand and ecological problems on the other. As a result, the concept of green concrete (GC), by replacing cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), and metakaolin (MK), or replacing NCA with recycled coarse aggregates, can play an essential role in addressing the environmental threat of PCC. Currently, there is a growing body of literature that emphasizes the importance of implementing GC in concrete applications. Therefore, this paper has conducted a systematic literature review through the peer-reviewed literature database Scopus. A total of 114 papers were reviewed that cover the following areas: (1) sustainability benefits of GC, (2) mechanical behavior of GC in terms of compressive strength, (3) durability properties of GC under several environmental exposures, (4) structural performance of GC in large-scale reinforced beams under shear and flexure, and (5) analytical investigation that compares the GC shear capacities of previously tested beams with major design codes and proposed models. Based on this review, the reader will be able to select the optimum replacement level of cement with one of the SCMs to achieve a certain concrete strength range that would suit a certain concrete application. Also, the analysis of durability performance revealed that the addition of SCMs is not recommended in concrete exposed to a higher temperature than 400 °C. Moreover, combining GGBFS with FA in a concrete mix was noticed to be superior to PCC in terms of long-term resistance to sulfate attack. The single most striking observation to emerge from the data comparison of the experimentally tested beams with the available concrete shear design equations is that the beams having up to 70% of FA as a replacement to OPC or up to 100% of RCA as a replacement to NCA were conservatively predicted by the equations of Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE-1997), the American Concrete Institute (ACI 318-19), and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA-A23.3-14).
Accuracy of Contrast Extravasation on Computed Tomography for Diagnosing Severe Pelvic Hemorrhage in Pelvic Trauma Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Moon Sung , Pyo Jung-Soo , Kang Wu
Published: January 2021

Background and objective: The early detection of underlying hemorrhage of pelvic trauma has been a critical issue. The aim of this study was to systematically determine the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) for detecting severe pelvic hemorrhage. Materials and Methods: Relevant articles were obtained by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases through 28 November 2020. Diagnostic test accuracy results were reviewed to obtain the sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary receiver operating characteristic curve of CT for the diagnosis in pelvic trauma patients. The positive finding on CT was defined as the contrast extravasation. As the reference standard, severe pelvic hemorrhage was defined as an identification of bleeding at angiography or by direct inspection using laparotomy that required hemostasis by angioembolization or surgery. A subgroup analysis was performed according to the CT modality that is divided by the number of detector rows. Result: Thirteen eligible studies (29 subsets) were included in the present meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity of CT was 0.786 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.574–0.909], and pooled specificity was 0.944 (95% CI, 0.900–0.970). Pooled sensitivity of the 1–4 detector row group and 16–64 detector row group was 0.487 (95% CI, 0.215–0.767) and 0.915 (95% CI, 0.848–0.953), respectively. Pooled specificity of the 1–4 and 16–64 detector row groups was 0.956 (95% CI, 0.876–0.985) and 0.906 (95% CI, 0.828–0.951), respectively. Conclusion: Multi-detector CT with 16 or more detector rows has acceptable high sensitivity and specificity. Extravasation on CT indicates severe hemorrhage in patients with pelvic trauma.
Diverse Taxonomies for Diverse Chemistries: Enhanced Representation of Natural Product Metabolism in UniProtKB
Authors: Feuermann Marc , Boutet Emmanuel , Morgat Anne , Axelsen Kristian , Bansal Parit , Bolleman Jerven , de Castro Edouard , Coudert Elisabeth , Gasteiger Elisabeth , Géhant Sébastien , Lieberherr Damien , Lombardot Thierry , Neto Teresa , Pedruzzi Ivo , Poux Sylvain , Pozzato Monica , Redaschi Nicole , Bridge Alan ,   on behalf of the UniProt Consortium
Published: January 2021

The UniProt Knowledgebase UniProtKB is a comprehensive, high-quality, and freely accessible resource of protein sequences and functional annotation that covers genomes and proteomes from tens of thousands of taxa, including a broad range of plants and microorganisms producing natural products of medical, nutritional, and agronomical interest. Here we describe work that enhances the utility of UniProtKB as a support for both the study of natural products and for their discovery. The foundation of this work is an improved representation of natural product metabolism in UniProtKB using Rhea, an expert-curated knowledgebase of biochemical reactions, that is built on the ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) ontology of small molecules. Knowledge of natural products and precursors is captured in ChEBI, enzyme-catalyzed reactions in Rhea, and enzymes in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot, thereby linking chemical structure data directly to protein knowledge. We provide a practical demonstration of how users can search UniProtKB for protein knowledge relevant to natural products through interactive or programmatic queries using metabolite names and synonyms, chemical identifiers, chemical classes, and chemical structures and show how to federate UniProtKB with other data and knowledge resources and tools using semantic web technologies such as RDF and SPARQL. All UniProtKB data are freely available for download in a broad range of formats for users to further mine or exploit as an annotation source, to enrich other natural product datasets and databases.
Ochre-Based Pigments in the Tablinum of the House of the Bicentenary (Herculaneum, Italy) between Decorative Technology and Natural Disasters
Authors: Secco Michele , Rainer Leslie , Graves Kiernan , Heginbotham Arlen , Artioli Gilberto , Piqué Francesca , Angelini Ivana
Published: January 2021

Ochre-based pigments have been employed since the first artistic expressions of mankind, with widespread diffusion during the Roman civilization. Such prominent use influenced their technological development, focused on functional and aesthetic optimization through complex manufacturing procedures. Furthermore, their appearance is also influenced by degradation processes, sometimes driven by natural disasters such as the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, in which yellow ochres of Vesuvian sites were sometimes converted to red by thermal alteration. In this contribution, a multi-analytical approach was adopted based on preliminary non-invasive investigations complemented by laboratory analyses to characterize the painted surfaces of the tablinum of the House of the Bicentenary (Herculaneum) with a particular focus on the ochre-based monochrome backgrounds. The study was aimed at (a) reconstructing the original color scheme of the walls and (b) deciphering the complex decorative techniques adopted by Roman craftsmen. The analytical results allowed testing and defining analytical procedures for the discrimination between the original and converted red pigments. Furthermore, these studies indicated that specific decorative technologies were adopted according to aesthetic, functional, and economic purposes, including the utilization of various qualities of ochre with different compositional and textural properties, and the mixture of ochre pigments with other compounds.
Nanoindentation of Graphene/Phospholipid Nanocomposite: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Shunaev Vladislav V. , Glukhova Olga E.
Published: January 2021

Graphene and phospholipids are widely used in biosensing and drug delivery. This paper studies the mechanical and electronic properties of a composite based on two graphene flakes and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) phospholipid molecules located between them via combination of various mathematical modeling methods. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that an adhesion between bilayer graphene and DPCC increases during nanoindentation of the composite by a carbon nanotube (CNT). Herewith, the DPPC molecule located under a nanotip takes the form of graphene and is not destroyed. By the Mulliken procedure, it was shown that the phospholipid molecules act as a “buffer” of charge between two graphene sheets and CNT. The highest values of electron transfer in the graphene/DPPC system were observed at the lower indentation point, when the deflection reached its maximum value.
Outstanding Radiation Tolerance of Supported Graphene: Towards 2D Sensors for the Space Millimeter Radioastronomy
Authors: Paddubskaya Alesia , Batrakov Konstantin , Khrushchinsky Arkadiy , Kuten Semen , Plyushch Artyom , Stepanov Andrey , Remnev Gennady , Shvetsov Valery , Baah Marian , Svirko Yuri , Kuzhir Polina
Published: January 2021

We experimentally and theoretically investigated the effects of ionizing radiation on a stack of graphene sheets separated by polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) slabs. The exceptional absorption ability of such a heterostructure in the THz range makes it promising for use in a graphene-based THz bolometer to be deployed in space. A hydrogen/carbon ion beam was used to simulate the action of protons and secondary ions on the device. We showed that the graphene sheets remain intact after irradiation with an intense 290 keV ion beam at the density of 1.5 × 1012 cm−2. However, the THz absorption ability of the graphene/PMMA multilayer can be substantially suppressed due to heating damage of the topmost PMMA slabs produced by carbon ions. By contrast, protons do not have this negative effect due to their much longer mean free pass in PMMA. Since the particles’ flux at the geostationary orbit is significantly lower than that used in our experiments, we conclude that it cannot cause tangible damage of the graphene/PMMA based THz absorber. Our numerical simulations reveal that, at the geostationary orbit, the damaging of the graphene/PMMA multilayer due to the ions bombardment is sufficiently lower to affect the performance of the graphene/PMMA multilayer, the main working element of the THz bolometer, which remains unchanged for more than ten years.
How to Make Digitalization Better Serve an Increasing Quality of Life?
Authors: Kryzhanovskij Oleg A. , Baburina Natalia A. , Ljovkina Anastasia O.
Published: January 2021

Modern people live in the era of knowledge and digitalization supposed to increase their quality of life. Nevertheless, digital technologies are only the instruments in the development and transformation of social-economic processes and their usage per se does not ensure only positive effects, which much depends on goals, conditions, institutes, etc. Thus, digitalization has an unambiguous influence on many social-economic processes and needs a wise policy to provide smooth progress and well-being for everybody. This study aims to design and test appropriate tools for managing digitalization to direct this process on increasing the quality of life. For this purpose we analyzed: (1) correlation to identify interrelations between digitalization and quality of life; (2) the potential of using the visualization matrix method to identify and monitor national trends of digitalization in the context of quality of life. We found: (1) close correlation between subjective and objective indicators of quality of life and between the quality of life and digitalization; (2) the two-dimensional matrix turned out to be a relevant visual tool that embraces specific two-way relationships between human development and digitalization. In combination with statistical and qualitative methods, this tool has wide prospects for managing digitalization in the context of social progress and increasing quality of life.
Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems as Tools for Sustainability Research
Authors: Gonçalves Alexandre B.
Published: January 2021

The multidisciplinary fields of study on sustainability, which relate to ecological, geophysical, societal and environmental research, demand for the availability and processing of data that is capable to represent spatial phenomena [...]
Should the Same Products Consumed in Different Retail Channels Have an Identical Carbon Footprint? An Environmental Assessment of Consumer Preference of Retail Channels and Mode of Transport
Authors: Wang Jenhung , Lin Pei-Chun
Published: January 2021

This study involved an environmental assessment of retail channels using the simplified life-cycle assessment (LCA) method to quantify the environmental impact of packaged beverages consumed in 7-Eleven convenience stores (c-stores) and Carrefour hypermarkets, with the aim of offering shoppers more environmentally friendly chain stores. The life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA) of packaged drinks at the point of sale (POS) shows the environmental impact of (1) consumer transportation mode and (2) truck distribution. A comparative analysis was conducted on the consumption of 1800 cartons of packaged beverages in c-stores compared to hypermarket channels replenished by individual distribution systems. The paired t-test was used to assess the impact of the consumption of 1800 boxes of 24 packs of 10-ounce drinks. The significance level of the beverages consumed in Carrefour and 7-Eleven c-stores differed by 0.1. The logistics-focused LCA explained the environmental and business rationale for replenishment and sustainable customer transportation. We conclude that, due to consumer preference for retail channels and mode of transport, the carbon footprint for the same products consumed in different channels should not be identical. The research demonstrated a tool to convey more environmental profiles of transportation mode selection to consumers and contribute to building sustainable communities.
From Interactivity to Brand Preference: The Role of Social Comparison and Perceived Value in a Virtual Brand Community
Authors: Li Miao , Hua Ying , Zhu Junxuan
Published: January 2021

The main purpose of the paper is to examine whether and how perceived interactivity in a virtual brand community affects brand preference to realize the sustainable development of the brand. In this study, we propose and empirically test a theoretical model by analyzing data collected from online brand community members in China. The study confirms that (1) perceived interactivity has a positive effect on social value, emotional value, and informational value; (2) social value, emotional value, and informational value positively influence brand preference; (3) upward social comparison positively moderates the impact of perceived interactivity on social value, while downward social comparison negatively moderates the impact of perceived interactivity on social value. This study has highlighted the role of perceived interactivity in a brand community in promoting brand preference. We believe that the findings offer reliable and important insights for research and practice of brand management.
Agriculture for Sustainable Development: A SWOT-AHP Assessment of Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs Initiative
Authors: Ali Ernest Baba , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Adadi Parise
Published: January 2021

The exponential increase in the population of Ghana and the need to meet the population’s food security needs while creating job opportunities have necessitated the implementation of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative by the Government of Ghana (GoG). Using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analytical tool, we SWOT of the PFJ initiative. We further complemented the study with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) tool to rank the various criteria (factors) identified under the SWOT analysis. The study identified favorable environmental conditions as the highest strength, which recorded 59.3%, followed by agricultural lands availability (21.8%). Inadequate of financial services was identified as the highest weakness (55.8%), followed by over-reliance on climatic conditions (25.9%). High export potential relative to agricultural products in the country was identified as the highest opportunity, which recorded a weight of 50.3%. The One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative came up as the second highest opportunity. Negative ramification of climate change was identified as the main threat to Ghana’s agricultural sector (57.9%), followed by the importation of basic food products (25%).
Mechanistic Investigation of Typical Loess Landslide Disasters in Ili Basin, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhuang Maoguo , Gao Wenwei , Zhao Tianjie , Hu Ruilin , Wei Yunjie , Shao Hai , Zhu Sainan
Published: January 2021

In the period from 2010 to 2018, a total of 302 geological disasters occurred in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China, of which 136 occurred in the Ili Basin. Compared with those in other regions, the loess landslides in the Ili Basin are strongly influenced by the seasonal freeze–thaw effect. Taking the No. 2 Piliqinghe landslide as an example and based on the field geological investigation, it was found in the present study that the main triggering factors of this landslide were the snowmelt erosion of the slope toe and meltwater infiltration into the trailing edge of the slope. The mechanism of loess landslide instability was studied using numerical simulation. The results showed that (1) the Piliqinghe landslide disaster was formed through a process composed of the local sliding of the leading edge → the creep sliding and tension cracking of the slope surface → the overall sliding stage; (2) the infiltration of snowmelt was the direct cause of the landslide formation; (3) the fluvial erosion and softening caused the soil of the slope toe to slide. The results can be used as a reference for the analysis of the disaster mechanism and movement characteristics of similar loess landslides.
Recycling and Upcycling in the Practice of Waste Management of Construction Giants
Authors: Wang Guanru , Krzywda Dariusz , Kondrashev Sergey , Vorona-Slivinskaya Lubov
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of recycling and upcycling technologies on the level of efficiency of large construction companies in the context of waste management practice. The research methodology was based on regression analysis and factorial analysis of variance. Based on the assessment of waste management efficiency in the context of recycling (upcycling), the positive dynamics of the efficiency of its implementation was determined in comparison with traditional waste disposal. The levels of the relationship among net profit, investment in waste management, and recycling efficiency for the companies under study were determined. Regression analysis of the impact of recycling efficiency on the performance of the companies under study in the context of waste management demonstrated a positive effect of an increase in the efficiency of recycling (upcycling) on the net profit of all companies under study. However, at the same time, there was a different effect and degree of influence of this indicator according to the formed scenarios. Despite the high efficiency of recycling (upcycling), the prospective increase in its level does not have a proportional relationship with profit but depends on the development factors of the construction company. Two-way analysis of variance demonstrated a strong influence of the efficiency of recycling (upcycling) and waste disposal on waste management efficiency. It was proven that companies that currently have a high level of recycling (upcycling) efficiency are practically not focused on traditional waste disposal, since recycling has a more significant and positive impact on the effectiveness of their activities.
Influence of Load and Phase of Contraction on Lateral Symmetries in Flywheel Squats
Authors: Smajla Darjan , Spudić Darjan , Šarabon Nejc
Published: January 2021

Assessment of lateral symmetries (LS) of lower limbs has been widely investigated. However, there are no studies about LS during exposure to high eccentric and concentric loads during flywheel (FW) squats. A total of 422 young, physically active participants performed squats on an FW device with different equidistant loads (0.05, 0.125 and 0.2 kg∙m2). The mean and peak force of the left and right leg were assessed for the concentric and eccentric contaction phase. LS values were calculated for each load and phase of squat. Our results showed that the absolute mean and peak force of the concentric and eccentric phase of contraction had excellent reliability, while LS values were more reliable when eccentric force was used for their calculation. Mean and peak forces were increased with the higher FW load. In general, we found a decrease in LS values in the concentric phase of contraction with the higher load. Moreover, values of LS are similar to a wide range of other functional movements. Nevertheless, symmetrical force application during squatting on a FW device should be satisfied regardless of the FW load. Due to the large sample size, our results are valuable as a reference point when athletes are evaluated during training.
Solid-State Structural Transformation and Photoluminescence Properties of Supramolecular Coordination Compounds
Authors: Ghosh Dipankar , Ragnarsdóttir Oddný , Tómasson Daníel Arnar , Damodaran Krishna K.
Published: January 2021

The combination of strong coordination bonds and hydrogen bonding interactions were used to generate a series of supramolecular coordination materials (SCMs), which was achieved by reacting a bis-pyridyl amide ligand, namely N-(4-pyridyl)nicotinamide (4PNA) with copper(II), zinc(II), and cadmium(II) benzoates. The SCMs were structurally characterized using X-ray diffraction and the key intermolecular interactions were identified via Hirshfeld surface analysis. The role of solvent molecules on the supramolecular architecture was analyzed by synthesizing the SCMs in different solvents/solvent mixtures. A solvent-mediated solid-state structural transformation was observed in copper(II) SCMs and we were able to isolate the intermediate form of the crystal-to-crystal transformation process. The luminescence experiments revealed that complexation enhanced the fluorescence properties of 4PNA in the zinc(II) and cadmium(II) SCMs, but a reverse phenomenon was observed in the copper(II) SCMs. This work demonstrated the tuning of supramolecular assembly in coordination compounds as a function of solvents for generating SCMs with diverse properties.
Characterization of Yersinia pestis Phage Lytic Activity in Human Whole Blood for the Selection of Efficient Therapeutic Phages
Authors: Moses Sarit , Vagima Yaron , Tidhar Avital , Aftalion Moshe , Mamroud Emanuelle , Rotem Shahar , Steinberger-Levy Ida
Published: January 2021

The global increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria has led to growing interest in bacteriophage (“phage”) therapy. Therapeutic phages are usually selected based on their ability to infect and lyse target bacteria, using in vitro assays. In these assays, phage infection is determined using target bacteria grown in standard commercial rich media, while evaluation of the actual therapeutic activity requires the presence of human blood. In the present work, we characterized the ability of two different Yersinia pestis lytic phages (ϕA1122 and PST) to infect and kill a luminescent Y. pestis EV76 strain suspended in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI)-rich medium or in human whole blood, simulating the host environment. We found that the ability of the phages to infect and lyse blood-suspended Y. pestis was not correlated with their ability to infect and lyse BHI-suspended bacteria. While the two different phages exhibited efficient infective capacity in a BHI-suspended culture, only the PST phage showed efficient lysis ability against blood-suspended bacteria. Therefore, we recommend that for personalized phage therapy, selection of phage(s) for efficient treatment of patients suffering from MDR bacterial infections should include prior testing of the candidate phage(s) for their lysis ability in the presence of human blood.
Zika Virus Infection Leads to Demyelination and Axonal Injury in Mature CNS Cultures
Authors: Schultz Verena , Cumberworth Stephanie L. , Gu Quan , Johnson Natasha , Donald Claire L. , McCanney George A. , Barrie Jennifer A. , Da Silva Filipe Ana , Linington Christopher , Willison Hugh J. , Edgar Julia M. , Barnett Susan C. , Kohl Alain
Published: January 2021

Understanding how Zika virus (Flaviviridae; ZIKV) affects neural cells is paramount in comprehending pathologies associated with infection. Whilst the effects of ZIKV in neural development are well documented, impact on the adult nervous system remains obscure. Here, we investigated the effects of ZIKV infection in established mature myelinated central nervous system (CNS) cultures. Infection incurred damage to myelinated fibers, with ZIKV-positive cells appearing when myelin damage was first detected as well as axonal pathology, suggesting the latter was a consequence of oligodendroglia infection. Transcriptome analysis revealed host factors that were upregulated during ZIKV infection. One such factor, CCL5, was validated in vitro as inhibiting myelination. Transferred UV-inactivated media from infected cultures did not damage myelin and axons, suggesting that viral replication is necessary to induce the observed effects. These data show that ZIKV infection affects CNS cells even after myelination—which is critical for saltatory conduction and neuronal function—has taken place. Understanding the targets of this virus across developmental stages including the mature CNS, and the subsequent effects of infection of cell types, is necessary to understand effective time frames for therapeutic intervention.
A COVID-19 Vaccine: Big Strides Come with Big Challenges
Authors: Mellet Juanita , Pepper Michael S.
Published: January 2021

As of 8 January 2021, there were 86,749,940 confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and 1,890,342 COVID-19-related deaths worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). In order to address the COVID-19 pandemic by limiting transmission, an intense global effort is underway to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The development of a safe and effective vaccine usually requires several years of pre-clinical and clinical stages of evaluation and requires strict regulatory approvals before it can be manufactured in bulk and distributed. Since the global impact of COVID-19 is unprecedented in the modern era, the development and testing of a new vaccine are being expedited. Given the high-level of attrition during vaccine development, simultaneous testing of multiple candidates increases the probability of finding one that is effective. Over 200 vaccines are currently in development, with over 60 candidate vaccines being tested in clinical trials. These make use of various platforms and are at different stages of development. This review discusses the different phases of vaccine development and the various platforms in use for candidate COVID-19 vaccines, including their progress to date. The potential challenges once a vaccine becomes available are also addressed.
A Study on Interaction between Overfall Types and Scour at Bridge Piers with a Moving-Bed Experiment
Authors: Lee Wei-Lin , Lu Chih-Wei , Huang Chin-Kun
Published: January 2021

River slopes can be changed due to an extreme event, e.g., a large-scale earthquake. This can uplift a riverbed greatly and thereby change the behavior of the river flow into a free or submerged overfall. Corresponding damage, including extreme erosion, on bridge piers located in the river can take place due to the aforementioned flow conditions. A reconstructed bridge pier in the same location would also experience a similar impact if the flow condition is not changed. It is important to identify these phenomena and research the mechanism in the interaction between overfall types and scour at bridge piers. Therefore, this paper is aimed at studying a mechanism of free and submerged overfall flow impacts on bridge piers with different distances by a series of moving-bed experiments. The experiment results showed clearly that bridge pier protection requires attention particularly when the pier is located in the maximum scour hole induced by the submerged overfall due to the z directional flow eddies. In many other cases, such as when the location of the bridge pier was at the upstream slope of a scour hole induced by a flow drop, a deposition mound could be observed at the back of the pier. This indicates that, while a pier is at this location, an additional protection takes place on the bridge pier.
The Relationship Between Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) and Facilitators to Achieve Successful Business Outcomes in South Korean Organizations
Authors: Yang Jungho , Leung Nelson K. Y. , Young Bill
Published: January 2021

Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) is an important process in the implementation and use of IT systems in today’s dynamic and increasingly digitalized organizations. However, SISP is not a straightforward task, it is a process that covers simultaneous multiple planning issues often in changing environmental and organizational climates. Although SISP has been widely studied, and evaluating the SISP process has matured, theory on SISP facilitators that enable successful outcomes remain sparse. The main objective of this paper is to explore such facilitators and to investigate their relationship and contribution in achieving SISP success. By postal surveying a random sample of managers with SISP experience in South Korean organizations, we modeled the relationship between facilitators of SISP and their outcomes. The study used Structural Equation Modelling to analyze and validate its findings. This study suggests that facilitators positively affect successful SISP through business and IT alignment. It also demonstrates that effective SISP has a positive effect on organizational outcomes by ensuring organizational capabilities and IT infrastructure flexibility. The findings of this study expounding the role of facilitators adds to the theory of SISP and provides a guide to planners and managers responsible for information systems.
Set Theoretic Rajan Transform and its Properties
Authors: Prashanthi G. , Sathya G. , Prateek Manish , Rajan E. G.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we describe the formulation of a novel transform called Set Theoretic Rajan Transform (STRT) which is an extension of Rajan Transform (RT). RT is a coding morphism by which a number sequence (integer, rational, real, or complex) of length equal to any power of two is transformed into a highly correlated number sequence of same length. STRT was introduced by G. Sathya. In STRT, RT is applied to a sequence of sets instead of sequences of numbers. Here the union (U) is analogous to addition (+) operation and symmetric difference (~) is analogous to subtraction (-). This transform satisfies some interesting set theoretic properties like Cyclic Shift Invariance, Dyadic Shift invariance, Graphical Inverse Invariance. This paper explains in detail about STRT and all of its set theoretic properties.