bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Step Soft Chemical Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles under Inert Gas Atmosphere. Magnetic Properties and In Vitro Study
Authors: Cursaru Laura Madalina , Piticescu Roxana Mioara , Dragut Dumitru Valentin , Morel Robert , Thébault Caroline , Carrière Marie , Joisten Hélène , Dieny Bernard
Published: July 2020

Iron oxide nanoparticles have received remarkable attention in different applications. For biomedical applications, they need to possess suitable core size, acceptable hydrodynamic diameter, high saturation magnetization, and reduced toxicity. Our aim is to control the synthesis parameters of nanostructured iron oxides in order to obtain magnetite nanoparticles in a single step, in environmentally friendly conditions, under inert gas atmosphere. The physical–chemical, structural, magnetic, and biocompatible properties of magnetite prepared by hydrothermal method in different temperature and pressure conditions have been explored. Magnetite formation has been proved by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterization. It has been found that crystallite size increases with pressure and temperature increase, while hydrodynamic diameter is influenced by temperature. Magnetic measurements indicated that the magnetic core of particles synthesized at high temperature is larger, in accordance with the crystallite size analysis. Particles synthesized at 100 °C have nearly identical magnetic moments, at 20 × 103 μB, corresponding to magnetic cores of 10–11 nm, while the particles synthesized at 200 °C show slightly higher magnetic moments (25 × 103 μB) and larger magnetic cores (13 nm). Viability test results revealed that the particles show only minor intrinsic toxicity, meaning that these particles could be suited for biomedical applications.
Is Caloric Restriction Associated with Better Healthy Aging Outcomes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Caristia Silvia , De Vito Marta , Sarro Andrea , Leone Alessio , Pecere Alessandro , Zibetti Angelica , Filigheddu Nicoletta , Zeppegno Patrizia , Prodam Flavia , Faggiano Fabrizio , Marzullo Paolo
Published: July 2020

Background: Global dietary patterns have gradually shifted toward a ‘western type’ with progressive increases in rates of metabolic imbalance. Recently, animal and human studies have revealed positive effects of caloric restriction (CR) on many health domains, giving new knowledge for prevention of ill and health promotion; Methods: We conducted a systematic review (SR) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the role of CR on health status in adults. A meta-analysis was performed on anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes; Results: A total of 29 articles were retrieved including data from eight RCTs. All included RCTs were at low risk for performance bias related to objective outcomes. Collectively, articles included 704 subjects. Among the 334 subjects subjected to CR, the compliance with the intervention appeared generally high. Meta-analyses proved benefit of CR on reduction of body weight, BMI, fat mass, total cholesterol, while a minor impact was shown for LDL, fasting glucose and insulin levels. No effect emerged for HDL and blood pressure after CR. Data were insufficient for other hormone variables in relation to meta-analysis of CR effects; Conclusion: CR is a nutritional pattern linked to improved cardiometabolic status. However, evidence is limited on the multidimensional aspects of health and requires more studies of high quality to identify the precise impact of CR on health status and longevity.
Differential Effects of Chronic Ingestion of Refined Sugars versus Natural Sweeteners on Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Steatosis in a Rat Model of Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Valle Marion , St-Pierre Philippe , Pilon Geneviève , Marette André
Published: July 2020

While the detrimental effect of refined sugars on health has been the subject of many investigations, little is known about the long-term impact of natural sweeteners on metabolic disorders. In this study we compared the metabolic responses to chronic ingestion of refined sugars compared to various natural sweeteners in diet-induced obese rats. Wistar rats were fed a high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFHS) for 8 weeks and daily gavaged with a solution containing 1 g of total carbohydrates from refined sugar (sucrose or fructose) or six different natural sugar sources, followed by assessment of glucose homeostasis, hepatic lipid accumulation, and inflammation. While glucose tolerance was similar following treatments with refined and natural sugars, lowered glucose-induced hyperinsulinemia was observed with fructose. Consumption of fructose and all-natural sweeteners but not corn syrup were associated with lower insulin resistance as revealed by reduced fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared to sucrose treatment of HFHS-fed rats. All-natural sweeteners and fructose induced similar liver lipid accumulation as sucrose. Nevertheless, maple syrup, molasses, agave syrup, and corn syrup as well as fructose further reduced hepatic IL-1β levels compared to sucrose treatment. We conclude that natural sweeteners and especially maple syrup, molasses, and agave syrup attenuate the development of insulin resistance and hepatic inflammation compared to sucrose in diet-induced obese rats, suggesting that consumption of those natural sweeteners is a less harmful alternative to sucrose in the context of obesity.
Current State of Radiolabeled Heterobivalent Peptidic Ligands in Tumor Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Judmann Benedikt , Braun Diana , Wängler Björn , Schirrmacher Ralf , Fricker Gert , Wängler Carmen
Published: July 2020

Over the past few years, an approach emerged that combines different receptor-specific peptide radioligands able to bind different target structures on tumor cells concomitantly or separately. The reason for the growing interest in this special field of radiopharmaceutical development is rooted in the fact that bispecific peptide heterodimers can exhibit a strongly increased target cell avidity and specificity compared to their corresponding monospecific counterparts by being able to bind to two different target structures that are overexpressed on the cell surface of several malignancies. This increase of avidity is most pronounced in the case of concomitant binding of both peptides to their respective targets but is also observed in cases of heterogeneously expressed receptors within a tumor entity. Furthermore, the application of a radiolabeled heterobivalent agent can solve the ubiquitous problem of limited tumor visualization sensitivity caused by differential receptor expression on different tumor lesions. In this article, the concept of heterobivalent targeting and the general advantages of using radiolabeled bispecific peptidic ligands for tumor imaging or therapy as well as the influence of molecular design and the receptors on the tumor cell surface are explained, and an overview is given of the radiolabeled heterobivalent peptides described thus far.
Co-Amorphization of Kanamycin with Amino Acids Improves Aerosolization
Authors: Adhikari Bishal Raj , Bērziņš Kārlis , Fraser-Miller Sara J. , Gordon Keith C. , Das Shyamal C.
Published: July 2020

Different formulation techniques have been investigated to prepare highly aerosolizable dry powders to deliver a high dose of antibiotics to the lung for treating local infections. In this study, we investigated the influence of the co-amorphization of a model drug, kanamycin, with selected amino acids (valine, methionine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan) by co-spray drying on its aerosolization. The co-amorphicity was confirmed by thermal technique. The physical stability was monitored using low-frequency Raman spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis. Except for the kanamycin-valine formulation, all the formulations offered improved fine particle fraction (FPF) with the highest FPF of 84% achieved for the kanamycin-methionine formulation. All the co-amorphous formulations were physically stable for 28 days at low relative humidity (25 °C/<15% RH) and exhibited stable aerosolization. At higher RH (53%), even though methionine transformed into its crystalline counterpart, the kanamycin-methionine formulation offered the best aerosolization stability without any decrease in FPF. While further studies are warranted to reveal the underlying mechanism, this study reports that the co-amorphization of kanamycin with amino acids, especially with methionine, has the potential to be developed as a high dose kanamycin dry powder formulation.
Lead Compounds in the Context of Extracellular Vesicle Research
Authors: Tran Thao T.D. , Tran Phuong H.L.
Published: July 2020

Studies of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), known as exosomes, have been flourishing in the last decade with several achievements, from advancing biochemical knowledge to use in biomedical applications. Physiological changes of sEVs due to the variety of cargos they carry undoubtedly leave an impression that affects the understanding of the mechanism underlying disease and the development of sEV-based shuttles used for treatments and non-invasive diagnostic tools. Indeed, the remarkable properties of sEVs are based on their nature, which helps shield them from recognition by the immune system, protects their payload from biochemical degradation, and contributes to their ability to translocate and convey information between cells and their inherent ability to target disease sites such as tumors that is valid for sEVs derived from cancer cells. However, their transport, biogenesis, and secretion mechanisms are still not thoroughly clear, and many ongoing investigations seek to determine how these processes occur. On the other hand, lead compounds have been playing critical roles in the drug discovery process and have been recently employed in studies of the biogenesis and secretion of sEVs as external agents, affecting sEV release and serving as drug payloads in sEV drug delivery systems. This article gives readers an overview of the roles of lead compounds in these two research areas of sEVs, the rising star in studies of nanoscale medicine.
Effects of Starch Incorporation on the Physicochemical Properties and Release Kinetics of Alginate-Based 3D Hydrogel Patches for Topical Delivery
Authors: Bom Sara , Santos Catarina , Barros Rita , Martins Ana M. , Paradiso Patrizia , Cláudio Ricardo , Pinto Pedro Contreiras , Ribeiro Helena M. , Marto Joana
Published: July 2020

The development of printable hydrogel inks for extrusion-based 3D printing is opening new possibilities to the production of new and/or improved pharmaceutical forms, specifically for topical application. Alginate and starch are natural polysaccharides that have been extensively exploited due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, viscosity properties, low toxicity, and relatively low cost. This research work aimed to study the physicochemical and release kinetic effects of starch incorporation in alginate-based 3D hydrogel patches for topical delivery using a quality by design approach. The incorporation of a pregelatinized starch is also proposed as a way to improve the properties of the drug delivery system while maintaining the desired quality characteristics. Critical material attributes and process parameters were identified, and the sensitivity and adequacy of each parameter were statistically analyzed. The impact of alginate, starch, and CaCl2·2H2O amounts on relevant quality attributes was estimated crosswise. The amount of starch revealed a synergetic impact on porosity (p = 0.0021). An evident increase in the size and quantity of open pores were detected in the as printed patches as well as after crosslinking (15.6 ± 5.2 µm). In vitro drug release studies from the optimized alginate-starch 3D hydrogel patch, using the probe Rhodamine B, showed an initial high burst release, followed by a controlled release mechanism. The results obtained also showed that the viscoelastic properties, printing accuracy, gelation time, microstructure, and release rates can be modulated by varying the amount of starch added to the system. Furthermore, these results can be considered an excellent baseline for future drug release modulation strategies.
Surface Etching of 3D Printed Poly(lactic acid) with NaOH: A Systematic Approach
Authors: Schneider Matthias , Fritzsche Nora , Puciul-Malinowska Agnieszka , Baliś Andrzej , Mostafa Amr , Bald Ilko , Zapotoczny Szczepan , Taubert Andreas
Published: July 2020

The article describes a systematic investigation of the effects of an aqueous NaOH treatment of 3D printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds for surface activation. The PLA surface undergoes several morphology changes and after an initial surface roughening, the surface becomes smoother again before the material dissolves. Erosion rates and surface morphologies can be controlled by the treatment. At the same time, the bulk mechanical properties of the treated materials remain unaltered. This indicates that NaOH treatment of 3D printed PLA scaffolds is a simple, yet viable strategy for surface activation without compromising the mechanical stability of PLA scaffolds.
Advanced Design of Fiber-Based Particulate Filters: Materials, Morphology, and Construction of Fibrous Assembly
Authors: Jung Seojin , Kim Jooyoun
Published: July 2020

With increasing air pollution and sporadic outbreaks of epidemics, there is ramping attention on the filtration devices. The main constituents of airborne pollutants are particulate matters of solid particles, liquid aerosol, bioaerosol/bio-droplets, and gas/vapor. With the growing demand for high-performance filters, novel materials and functionalities are being developed applying advanced technologies. In this paper, recent developments of fiber-based particulate filters are reviewed, with a focus on the important performance parameters and material properties. Trends in technology and research activities are briefly reviewed, and the evaluative measures of filtration performance are reported. Recent studies on the advanced filter materials are reviewed in the aspect of polymers and the fabrication process of fibrous assembly. The characterization method including 3D modeling and simulation is also briefly introduced. Multifunctional filters such as antimicrobial filter and gas and particulate filters are briefly introduced, and efforts for developing environmentally sustainable filters are noted.
3D Bioprinting in Tissue Engineering for Medical Applications: The Classic and the Hybrid
Authors: Xie Zelong , Gao Ming , Lobo Anderson O. , Webster Thomas J.
Published: July 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, as one of the most popular recent additive manufacturing processes, has shown strong potential for the fabrication of biostructures in the field of tissue engineering, most notably for bones, orthopedic tissues, and associated organs. Desirable biological, structural, and mechanical properties can be achieved for 3D-printed constructs with a proper selection of biomaterials and compatible bioprinting methods, possibly even while combining additive and conventional manufacturing (AM and CM) procedures. However, challenges remain in the need for improved printing resolution (especially at the nanometer level), speed, and biomaterial compatibilities, and a broader range of suitable 3D-printed materials. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the development of 3D bioprinting techniques, particularly new hybrid 3D bioprinting technologies for combining the strengths of both AM and CM, along with a comprehensive set of material selection principles, promising medical applications, and limitations and future prospects.
Geological Challenges of Archaeological Prospecting: The Northern Peloponnese as a Type Location of Populated Syn-Rift Settings
Authors: Rusch Katharina , Stümpel Harald , Gauß Walter , Müth Silke , Sokolicek Alexander , Kissas Konstantinos , Rabbel Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

The Northern Peloponnese is not only home of a series of ancient poleis that are being studied by archaeologists, but it is also located on the southern shoulder of the most active extensional crustal structure in the world; the Corinthian rift. This rift has shaped the Northern Peloponnese as we now see it today since the Pliocene. Normal faulting, the tectonic uplift of syn-rift sediments and sea level changes, has shaped a landscape of steps rising from the coast to the ridges in the hinterland that provides challenging conditions to a geophysical survey. Where we can find coarse grained slope and delta deposits of conglomerate on top of banks of marl on ridges and slopes, the lower marine terraces and the coastal plain as well as valleys show the protective caprock eroded and the marl covered by young alluvial deposits. These materials show only a small contrast in their magnetic properties, which reduces the importance of magnetic mapping for the archaeological prospection in this region. The human utilization of the coastal plain and the urban areas pose additional challenges. These challenges have been overcome through various approaches that are shown in exemplary case studies from Aigeira and Sikyon. Whereas a combination of magnetic mapping and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) works very well on the ridges and along the slopes where we find coarser sediments in addition to the magnetic mapping, it is not suitable in the coastal plain due to the attenuating properties of the alluvial sediment. Here, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) proved to be very successful in mapping entire parts of a settlement in great detail. Seismic soundings were also sucessfully applied in determining the bedrock depth, the detection of walls and in the question of locating the harbor basin. In the presented six exemplary case studies, the following findings were made: (1) A fortification wall and building foundations at a depth of 0.4–1.2 m on a plateau northwest of the acropolis of Aigeira was found by 400 MHz GPR. (2) A honeycomb-shaped pattern of magnetic anomalies that suggested cavities could be identified as a weathering pattern of conglomerate rocks. (3) A rock basement 2.3 m deep and remains of an enclosing wall of the Aigeira theater area were found by shear wave refraction measurements. (4) Extensive ERT surveys detected several building remains in Sikyon like a potential building and grave monuments as well as several small houses. (5) A silted-up depression in the sediments of the coastal plane located through Love wave measurements, could be taken as evidence for either a silted harbor or a navigable riverbed.
Recording Urban Land Dynamic and Its Effects during 2000–2019 at 15-m Resolution by Cloud Computing with Landsat Series
Authors: Dong Yulin , Ren Zhibin , Fu Yao , Miao Zhenghong , Yang Ran , Sun Yuanhe , He Xingyuan
Published: July 2020

Cities, the core of the global climate change and economic development, are high impact land cover land use change (LCLUC) hotspots. Comprehensive records of land cover land use dynamics in urban regions are essential for strategic climate change adaption and mitigation and sustainable urban development. This study aims to develop a Google Earth Engine (GEE) application for high-resolution (15-m) urban LCLUC mapping with a novel classification scheme using pan-sharpened Landsat images. With this approach, we quantified the annual LCLUC in Changchun, China, from 2000 to 2019, and detected the abrupt changes (turning points of LCLUC). Ancillary data on social-economic status were used to provide insights on potential drivers of LCLUC by examining their correlation with change rate. We also examined the impacts of LCLUC on environment, specifically air pollution. Using this approach, we can classify annual LCLUC in Changchun with high accuracy (all above 0.91). The change detection based on the high-resolution wall-to-wall maps show intensive urban expansion with the compromise of cropland from 2000 to 2019. We also found the growth of green space in urban regions as the result of green space development and management in recent years. The changing rate of different land types were the largest in the early years of the observation period. Turning points of land types were primarily observed in 2009 and 2010. Further analysis showed that economic and industry development and population migration collectively drove the urban expansion in Changchun. Increasing built-up areas could slow wind velocity and air exchange, and ultimately led to the accumulation of PM2.5. Our implement of pan-sharpened Landsat images facilitates the wall-to-wall mapping of temporal land dynamics at high spatial resolution. The primary use of GEE for mapping urban land makes it replicable and transferable by other users. This approach is a first crucial step towards understanding the drivers of change and supporting better decision-making for sustainable urban development and climate change mitigation.
Performance of GLASS and MODIS Satellite Albedo Products in Diagnosing Albedo Variations during Different Time Scales and Special Weather Conditions in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: An Yingying , Meng Xianhong , Zhao Lin , Li Zhaoguo , Wang Shaoying , Shang Lunyu , Chen Hao , Lyu Shihua , Li Guangwei , Ma Yingsai
Published: July 2020

Surface albedo is a crucial parameter in accurately and quantitatively estimating energy and water budget on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and is also one of the largest radiative uncertainties in land surface modelling attempts. Based on an 8-year ground-based observation of the surface albedo over typical alpine meadows at Maqu and Maduo sites in the eastern TP, the performance of surface albedo products of Global LAnd Surface Satellite (GLASS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in describing albedo variations at daily, 8-day, seasonal timescales, and during different special weather conditions were analyzed. Compared with the ground-based observation in Maqu, the 8-day albedo products from GLASS and MCD43B3 present maximum negative biases of −0.030 and −0.027 at Maqu, respectively. The black-sky albedo (BSA) of GLASS product coincides well with the ground-based observation in Maduo, with root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.092 and correlation coefficient (R) of 0.833, whereas that of MCD43B3 had an RMSE of 0.072 and R of 0.752. However, they are underestimated when the albedo is greater than 0.4. At the seasonal timescale, the BSA of GLASS and MCD43B3 underestimated the ground-based observation of Maqu by 0.015 in summer, while their white-sky albedo (WSA) are slightly overestimated and closer to the ground-based observation. In daily timescale, the response of surface albedo to soil moisture is different in semihumid and semiarid areas in summer. For both sites, the blue-sky-albedo of MCD43A3 has better agreement with the ground-based observation than GLASS and MCD43B3, as it improves the temporal resolution and calculates the albedo by weighting multiple observations within 16 days to be closer to the actual surface. However, even MCD43A3 could not capture the slowdown processes of albedo changes resulted by small snowfall processes or the snow aging due to cloud cover and inversion algorithms.
Towards Customer-Centric Additive Manufacturing: Making Human-Centered 3D Design Tools through a Handheld-Based Multi-Touch User Interface
Authors: Rodriguez-Conde Ivan , Campos Celso
Published: July 2020

Seeking a more flexible and efficient production, additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a major player in the industrial field, streamlining the fabrication of custom tangible assets by directly 3D printing them. However, production still takes too long due to printing, but also due to the product design stage, in which the customer works together with an expert to create a 3D model of the targeted product by means of computer-aided design (CAD) software. Skipping intermediate agents and making customers responsible for the design process will reduce waiting times and speed up the manufacturing process. This work is conceived as a first step towards that optimized AM model, being aimed at bringing CAD tools closer to clients through an enhanced user experience, and consequently at simplifying pre-manufacturing design tasks. Specifically, as an alternative to the traditional user interface operated with the keyboard and mouse duo, standard in CAD and AM, the paper presents a comprehensive multi-touch interaction system conceived as a customer-centric human-machine interface. To depict the proposed solutions, we adopt furniture manufacturing as a case study and, supported by a CAD-like software prototype for 3D modeling of custom cabinets introduced in a previous work of the authors, we assess our approach’s validity in terms of usability by conducting in-lab and remote user studies. The comparison between the designed multi-touch interaction and its desktop alternative yields promising results, showing improved performance and higher satisfaction of the end-user for the touch-based approach, that lay the groundwork for a smarter factory vision based on remotely-operated AM.
Re-Examining the Public–Catholic School Gap in STEM Opportunity to Learn: New Evidence from HSLS
Authors: Xu Shangmou , Kelly Sean
Published: July 2020

This paper examines public–Catholic gap in STEM opportunity to learn in the US using Mahalanobis-distance matching and adjacent categories models. Consistent with prior studies, there are significant public–Catholic differences in math and science course sequence level and total credits earned. However, we find that these gaps are largely accounted for by selection processes among students of differing family background. Moreover, we find that the Catholic school advantage in STEM opportunity to learn differs by subject; Catholic school students are more likely to enroll in advanced math courses relative to middle-level courses, while their advantage in science is concentrated in the middle of the course-taking hierarchy.
Airbnb Is Customers’ Choice: Empirical Findings from a Survey
Authors: Agapitou Chrysa , Liana Anna , Folinas Dimitrios , Konstantoglou Aggeliki
Published: July 2020

The main objective of this paper is to identify the incentives (strengths) that attract tourists to use the Airbnb platform. Moreover, Airbnb tourists’ expectations are compared to the services provided by hotels in order to assess their possible weaknesses. Via a quantitative survey that includes the exploration of the knowledge and use of this platform, a comparative analysis of the levels of agreement, along with a disagreement with the various incentives, are identified in order to highlight how important the practical factors for Airbnb’s choice are. The results show that the hotel industry is actually exposed to Airbnb’s existence and clearly disputes the statement as to whether Aibnb complements or just competes with traditional accommodations.
Impact of Deforestation on Land–Atmosphere Coupling Strength and Climate in Southeast Asia
Authors: Tölle Merja H.
Published: July 2020

Southeast Asia (SEA) is a deforestation hotspot. A thorough understanding of the accompanying biogeophysical consequences is crucial for sustainable future development of the region’s ecosystem functions and society. In this study, data from ERA-Interim driven simulations conducted with the state-of-the-art regional climate model COSMO-CLM (CCLM; version 4.8.17) at 14 km horizontal resolution are analyzed over SEA for the period from 1990 to 2004, and during El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events for November to March. A simulation with large-scale deforested land cover is compared to a simulation with no land cover change. In order to attribute the differences due to deforestation to feedback mechanisms, the coupling strength concept is applied based on Pearson correlation coefficients. The correlations were calculated based on 10-day means between the latent heat flux and maximum temperature, the latent and sensible heat flux, and the latent heat flux and planetary boundary layer height. The results show that the coupling strength between land and atmosphere increased for all correlations due to deforestation. This implies a strong impact of the land on the atmosphere after deforestation. Differences in environmental conditions due to deforestation are most effective during La Niña years. The strength of La Nina events on the region is reduced as the impact of deforestation on the atmosphere with drier and warmer conditions superimpose this effect. The correlation strength also intensified and shifted towards stronger coupling during El Niño events for both Control and Grass simulations. However, El Niño years have the potential to become even warmer and drier than during usual conditions without deforestation. This could favor an increase in the formation of tropical cyclones. Whether deforestation will lead to a permanent transition to agricultural production increases in this region cannot be concluded. Rather, the impact of deforestation will be an additional threat besides global warming in the next decades due to the increase in the occurrence of multiple extreme events. This may change the type and severity of upcoming impacts and the vulnerability and sustainability of our society.
Determinants of Dollarization of Savings in the Turkish Economy
Authors: Bărbuță-Mișu Nicoleta , Güleç Tuna Can , Duramaz Selim , Virlanuta Florina Oana
Published: July 2020

This study aims to analyze the nature of the dollarization that takes place in the Turkish economy and to decompose the factors that have contributed to its increase in recent years. With this purpose, we first identify the events that have significantly affected the dollarization trend in Turkey using the Iterative Cumulative Sum of Squares (ICSS) and Markov Switching Dynamic Regression (MS-Dynamic) structural break models. Then, we proceed to analyze the relationship between the percentage of Forex deposits of the residents over total deposits of the residents and the TRY/USD exchange rate using the Johansen cointegration test. USD, EUR, and TRY interest rates are also added to the model as independent variables to account for the effects of the difference between exchange rates. Long-term and short-term effects are tested with the Vector Error Correction Model, and causality is tested using the Granger causality test. The results of the study indicate that speculative trading is not the cause of the dollarization of deposits in Turkey. Additionally, results suggest that the political events have a stronger influence over dollarization compared to economic events. Collectively, our findings suggest that domestic citizens dollarize their deposits with the motivation to protect against political ambiguity rather than economic volatility. The results of the study are in line with the literature in the sense that they support the claim that dollarization can be averted in the short run with an increase in interest rates.
Are Consumers Willing to Pay a Premium for Pure Rice Noodles? A Study of Discrete Choice Experiments in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yu-Hui , Qiu Kai-Han , Liu Kang Ernest , Chiang Chun-Yuan
Published: July 2020

Most consumers in Taiwan have never eaten pure rice noodles (PRNs) and some may mistakenly treat corn starch-based rice noodles as PRNs. This study examines consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for PRNs using discrete choice (DC) experiments with a blind tasting test to understand consumers’ ability to identify PRNs with varying rice content on the basis of their appearance and taste. Collecting data from the Taipei metropolitan area, our DC experimental results of both pre- and post-experiment conditions show that Taiwanese consumers do prefer PRNs and their WTP for PRNs was strengthened. A latent class model highlights that attribute preferences tend to differ by group and thus rice content ratios should be properly labeled so that consumers can make a better choice according to their preferences. Our WTP estimates also imply that offering tasting trials to consumers is an effective marketing strategy to encourage potential purchases of PRNs for the rice noodle industry.
Characterisers of Teaching in a Mathematics Problem Posing Lesson in Preschool Education
Authors: Martín-Díaz Juan Pedro , Montes Miguel , Codes Myriam , Carrillo José
Published: July 2020

Problem posing is rarely seen in Spanish classrooms, least of all in preschool education. The lack of research, coupled with a lack of guidance, has resulted in teachers simply not considering the approach as something that could enrich their work. This study examines a problem-posing lesson given by a preschool teacher to a class of four-year-olds. It focuses in particular on the organisational principles and the factors to be taken into consideration in applying the strategy. Through the application of a bottom-up analysis, seven characterisers are identified, four associated with task design and planning: Characteristics of the resources, type of problem, expression of problem formulation, and type of problem formulation; and three associated with lesson management: Stages in task execution, degree of liberty, and role of the pupils’ drawings of the problem.
Financial Sustainability Evaluation and Forecasting Using the Markov Chain: The Case of the Wine Business
Authors: Rekova Nataliya , Telnova Hanna , Kachur Oleh , Golubkova Iryna , Baležentis Tomas , Streimikiene Dalia
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a framework for assessing the financial sustainability of a wine producing company. The probabilistic approach is used to model the expected changes in the financial situation of an enterprise based on the historical trends. The case of an enterprise in Ukraine is considered as an illustration. The Markov chain is adopted for the forecasting exercise. Using the Markov chain framework allows one to predict the probability of financial security change for several periods ahead. The forecast relies on the transition probabilities obtained by exploiting the historical data. The proposed framework is implemented by construction of the financial security level transition matrices for three scenarios (optimistic, baseline and pessimistic). The case study of a Ukrainian wine producing company is considered. The possibilities for applying the proposed method in establishing anti-crisis financial strategy are discussed. The research shows how forecasting the financial security level of a company can serve in anti-crisis financial potential buildup.
The Optimal Allocation and Operation of an Energy Storage System with High Penetration Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Jun , Piao Zailin , Meng Xiaofang , Sun Chao , Yuan Gang , Zhu Sitong
Published: July 2020

High-penetration grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems can lead to reverse power flow, which can cause adverse effects, such as voltage over-limits and increased power loss, and affect the safety, reliability and economic operations of the distribution network. Reasonable energy storage optimization allocation and operation can effectively mitigate these disadvantages. In this paper, the optimal location, capacity and charge/discharge strategy of the energy storage system were simultaneously performed based on two objective functions that include voltage deviations and active power loss. The membership function and weighting method were used to combine the two objectives into a single objective. An energy storage optimization model for a distribution network considering PV and load power temporal changes was thus established, and the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm was utilized to solve the problem. Taking the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)-33 bus system as an example, the optimal allocation and operation of the energy storage system was realized for the access of high penetration single-point and multi-point PV systems in the distribution network. The results of the power flow optimization in different scenarios were compared. The results show that using the proposed approach can improve the voltage quality, reduce the power loss, and reduce and smooth the transmission power of the upper-level grid.
Evaluation of Hospital Food Waste—A Case Study in Portugal
Authors: Gomes Ana , Saraiva Cristina , Esteves Alexandra , Gonçalves Carla
Published: July 2020

Food waste (FW) has been linked with nutrient intake, menu performance, food acceptability, costs and environmental impacts. This study aims to evaluate the FW in the wards of a Portuguese public hospital. The evaluation of the FW of lunch meals was performed during 21 days, to all new hospitalized patients (n = 105) admitted in four hospital wards (Medicine (Med), Paediatrics (Ped), Oncology (Onc) and Orthopaedics (Ort)). For each patient, the type of diet and FW were evaluated during the length of hospital stay (covering 321 meals). The FW of the dish was calculated by the physical method by weighing and the soup by the method of visual estimation, evaluating before and after distribution. The patients have a mean 3.1 ± 2.2 day length of hospital stay. In relation to the FW of the dish per ward, that in the Ped ward it was 72.6%, Med 47.5%, Onc 46.9% and Ort 58.4% (ρ = 0.027). The FW for Ped soup was 67.1%, Med 30.9%, Onc 29.4% and Ort 35.2% (ρ = 0.018). The FW values are high, especially in the paediatric ward. The institutions are unaware of the FW produced and given the magnitude of the problem it is necessary to implement effective measures.
In-Between ‘Smart’ Urban Growth and ‘Sluggish’ Rural Development? Reframing Population Dynamics in Greece, 1940–2019
Authors: Salvia Rosanna , Egidi Gianluca , Salvati Luca , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús , Quaranta Giovanni
Published: July 2020

Multifaceted demographic dynamics have shaped population growth in Mediterranean Europe, reflecting a metropolitan cycle from urbanization to re-urbanization. To assess the distinctive impact of economic downturns on population dynamics, the present study illustrates the results of an exploratory analysis that assesses urban expansion and rural decline at various temporal scales in Greece, a peripheral country in southeastern Europe. Statistical analysis based on multivariate exploratory techniques outlined the persistent increase of regional populations, evidencing the distinctive role of agglomeration/scale with urbanization and early suburbanization phases (1940–1980) and accessibility/amenities with late suburbanization and re-urbanization phases (1981–2019). Recession accompanied (and, in some way, consolidated) the decline of agglomeration economies, leading to counter-urbanization in some cases. As an indirect result of counter-urbanization, the population increased more rapidly in low-density coastal areas with moderate accessibility and tourism specialization. Consistently, settlement expansion has altered the persistent gap in central and peripheral locations. A polarized urban hierarchy centered on the capital city, Athens, was replaced with a more diffused growth of medium-sized cities and attractive rural locations, depicting a new development path for lagging countries in the European Union and other socioeconomic contexts worldwide.
Water–Energy Nexus: Addressing Stakeholder Preferences in Jordan
Authors: Komendantova Nadejda , Marashdeh Leena , Ekenberg Love , Danielson Mats , Dettner Franziska , Hilpert Simon , Wingenbach Clemens , Hassouneh Kholoud , Al-Salaymeh Ahmed
Published: July 2020

The water and energy sectors are fundamentally linked. In Jordan, especially in the face of a changing climate, the water–energy nexus holds a number of challenges but also opportunities. A key point in exploring synergies is the identification of such, as well as the communication between the water and energy sectors. This paper promotes the importance of using a co-creative approach to help resolve opposing views and assessing stakeholder preferences in the context of the water–energy nexus in Jordan. A computer-supported, co-creative approach was used to evaluate stakeholder preferences and opinions on criteria and future scenarios for the energy and water sector in Jordan, identifying common difficulties and possibilities. The criteria describe socio-ecological aspects as well as techno-economic aspects for both systems. Discussing a set of preliminary scenarios describing possible energy and water futures ranked under a set of sector relevant criteria, a consensus between both stakeholder groups is reached. The robustness of results is determined, using a second-order probabilistic approach. The results indicate that there are no fundamental conflicts between the energy and water stakeholder groups. Applying a participatory multi-stakeholder, multi-criteria framework to the energy-water nexus case in Jordan promotes a clear understanding of where different stakeholder groups stand. This understanding and agreement can form the basis of a joint water–energy nexus policy used in the continued negotiation process between and within national and international cooperation, as well as promoting and developing acceptable suggestions to solve complex problems for both sectors.
Generalized Bessel Polynomial for Multi-Order Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Izadi Mohammad , Cattani Carlo
Published: July 2020

The main goal of this paper is to define a simple but effective method for approximating solutions of multi-order fractional differential equations relying on Caputo fractional derivative and under supplementary conditions. Our basis functions are based on some original generalization of the Bessel polynomials, which satisfy many properties shared by the classical orthogonal polynomials as given by Hermit, Laguerre, and Jacobi. The main advantages of our polynomials are two-fold: All the coefficients are positive and any collocation matrix of Bessel polynomials at positive points is strictly totally positive. By expanding the unknowns in a (truncated) series of basis functions at the collocation points, the solution of governing differential equation can be easily converted into the solution of a system of algebraic equations, thus reducing the computational complexities considerably. Several practical test problems also with some symmetries are given to show the validity and utility of the proposed technique. Comparisons with available exact solutions as well as with several alternative algorithms are also carried out. The main feature of our approach is the good performance both in terms of accuracy and simplicity for obtaining an approximation to the solution of differential equations of fractional order.
Genetic Characterizations and Molecular Evolution of VP7 Gene in Human Group A Rotavirus G1
Authors: Zhou Nan , Zhou Lu , Wang Bei
Published: July 2020

Rotavirus group A (RVA) G1 is one leading genotype circulating in humans worldwide, and related molecular information from a global perspective is still limited. Here, we present a comprehensive description of the genetic characterizations and molecular evolution of the RVA G1 VP7 gene. Our results show that RVA G1 can be divided into two lineages and multiple sub-lineages with a relatively high genetic diversity. Vaccine strains are phylogenetic, closer to lineage I. The evolutionary rate of the RVA G1 VP7 gene is 8.869 × 10−4 substitutions/site/year, and its most recent common ancestor was in 1933. The RVA G1 VP7 gene shows a linear evolution at the nucleotide level and a linear accumulation of difference at the amino acid level. Sub-lineage replacement of G1 VP7 gene is also observed and the effective population size of the G1 VP7 gene has had great change in the past decades and has remained stable in recent years. Altogether, the RVA G1 VP7 gene constantly evolves and there is no clear evidence that the evolution of the RVA G1 VP7 gene was influenced by vaccines. Continuous surveillance is still indispensable to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of RVA, especially in the post-vaccination era.
Differential Behaviours and Preferential Bindings of Influenza Nucleoproteins on Importins-α
Authors: Donchet Amélie , Vassal-Stermann Emilie , Gérard Francine C. A. , Ruigrok Rob W. H. , Crépin Thibaut
Published: July 2020

Influenza viruses are negative single-stranded RNA viruses with nuclear transcription and replication. They enter the nucleus by using the cellular importin-α/-β nuclear import machinery. Influenza nucleoproteins from influenza A, B, C and D viruses possess a nuclear localization signal (NLS) localized on an intrinsically disordered extremity (NPTAIL). In this paper, using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), SEC-multi-angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS) analysis, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and fluorescence anisotropy, we provide the first comparative study designed to dissect the interaction between the four NPTAILs and four importins-α identified as partners. All interactions between NPTAILs and importins-α have high association and dissociation rates and present a distinct and specific behaviour. D/NPTAIL interacts strongly with all importins-α while B/NPTAIL shows weak affinity for importins-α. A/NPTAIL and C/NPTAIL present preferential importin-α partners. Mutations in B/NPTAIL and D/NPTAIL show a loss of importin-α binding, confirming key NLS residues. Taken together, our results provide essential highlights of this complex translocation mechanism.
Nucleocapsid Structure of Negative Strand RNA Virus
Authors: Luo Ming , Terrell James Ross , Mcmanus Shelby Ashlyn
Published: July 2020

Negative strand RNA viruses (NSVs) include many important human pathogens, such as influenza virus, Ebola virus, and rabies virus. One of the unique characteristics that NSVs share is the assembly of the nucleocapsid and its role in viral RNA synthesis. In NSVs, the single strand RNA genome is encapsidated in the linear nucleocapsid throughout the viral replication cycle. Subunits of the nucleocapsid protein are parallelly aligned along the RNA genome that is sandwiched between two domains composed of conserved helix motifs. The viral RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase (vRdRp) must recognize the protein–RNA complex of the nucleocapsid and unveil the protected genomic RNA in order to initiate viral RNA synthesis. In addition, vRdRp must continuously translocate along the protein–RNA complex during elongation in viral RNA synthesis. This unique mechanism of viral RNA synthesis suggests that the nucleocapsid may play a regulatory role during NSV replication.
A Influência da Filosofia Crítica Kantiana em Michel Foucault
Authors: Vicente Monti Isabela , Negrão Chamma Letícia
Published: July 2020

O presente artigo objetiva estabelecer uma breve análise da interpretação e apropriação do pensamento kantiano na filosofia desenvolvida por Michel Foucault (1926-1984) em suas obras As palavras e as coisas (1966) e O governo de si e dos outros, sendo este último resultado de um curso no Collége de France proferido entre os anos de 1982 e 1983.
MOBILIDADE E IDENTIDADE ESTUDANTIL EM CONTEXTO TRANSNACIONAL: UMA ANÁLISE DOS RELATOS DE EX-ALUNOS DO PROGRAMA DE INTERCÂMBIO PEC-G
Authors: Souza Michele
Published: July 2020

O Programa Estudante-Convênio Graduação (PEC-G) seleciona alunos de outros países para que esses tenham a oportunidade de estudar em universidades brasileiras. Essa pesquisa visa o estudo dos relatos de ex-alunos desse programa, analisando as experiências que eles tiveram como alunos imigrantes no Brasil. Será observado quais memórias e narrativas eles selecionaram para construir o significado desta experiência de vida e de ensino em outro país. A narrativa faz parte de um conjunto de memórias que selecionamos no momento que iremos produzir uma trajetória de vida. Além disso, a memória contribui na formação de nossa identidade, pois as memórias que selecionamos, as que esquecemos, como as interpretamos e como as modelamos faz parte de um processo de construção do “eu”. No momento que vamos narrar a nossas trajetórias, vamos pinçar as memórias que queremos que sejam destacadas, fazemos isso com a finalidade de justificar a maneira como nos enxergamos em determinados momentos e situações. A narração será produzida sempre com vistas para uma projeção do futuro. O estudo foi feito por meio da pesquisa documental, levantamento bibliográfico e análise dos relatos de vida publicados no site oficial do programa PEC-G no Brasil.