bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding Disparities between Multiples and Singletons by NICU Discharge
Authors: Porta Roser , Capdevila Eva , Botet Francesc , Ginovart Gemma , Moliner Elisenda , Nicolàs Marta , Gutiérrez Antonio , Ponce-Taylor Jaume , Verd Sergio
Published: September 2019

Multiple pregnancy increases the risk of a range of adverse perinatal outcomes, including breastfeeding failure. However, studies on predictive factors of breastfeeding duration in preterm twin infants have a conflicting result. The purpose of this observational study was to compare feeding practices, at hospital discharge, of twin and singleton very low birth weight infants. The study is part of a prospective survey of a national Spanish cohort of very low birth weight infants (SEN1500) that includes 62 neonatal units. The study population comprised all infants registered in the network from 2002 to 2013. They were grouped into singletons and multiples. The explanatory variables were first analyzed using univariate models; subsequently, significant variables were analyzed simultaneously in a multiple stepwise backward model. During the twelve-year period, 32,770 very low birth weight infants were included in the database, of which 26.957 were discharged alive and included in this analysis. Nine thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight neonates were multiples, and 17,199 were singletons. At discharge, 31% of singleton infants were being exclusively breastfed, 43% were bottle-fed, and 26% were fed a combination of both. In comparison, at discharge, only 24% of multiple infants were exclusively breastfed, 43% were bottle-fed, and 33% were fed a combination of both (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, twin pregnancy had a statistically significant, but small effect, on cessation of breastfeeding before discharge (OR 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.19). Risks of early in-hospital breastfeeding cessation were also independently associated with multiple mother-infant stress factors, such as sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy, necrotizing enterocolitis, intubation, and use of inotropes. Instead, antibiotic treatment at delivery, In vitro fertilization and prenatal steroids were associated with a decreased risk for shorter in-hospital breastfeeding duration. Multiple pregnancy, even in the absence of pathological conditions associated to very low birth weight twin infants, may be an impeding factor for in-hospital breastfeeding.
Adiponectin Expression and Genotypes in Italian People with Severe Obesity Undergone a Hypocaloric Diet and Physical Exercise Program
Authors: Corbi Graziamaria , Polito Rita , Monaco Maria Ludovica , Cacciatore Francesco , Scioli Michelina , Ferrara Nicola , Daniele Aurora , Nigro Ersilia
Published: September 2019

Adiponectin exerts positive effects on metabolic and inflammatory processes. Adiponectin levels and some single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) seem to be associated with obesity. Here, we investigated the effects of a 4-week Hypocaloric diet and Physical exercise Program (HPP) on 268 young people with severe obesity. We evaluated the relationship between adiponectin levels and anthropometric and biochemical parameters, at baseline and after a 4-week HPP. Finally, we investigated some adiponectin gene variants and their correlation to biochemical parameters. Adiponectin levels were statistically lower in people with severe obesity than in controls. At the end of the HPP, all the people with severe obesity showed a Body Mass Index (BMI) reduction with a statistically significant increase in adiponectin levels. Genotyping, the adiponectin gene demonstrated a significant difference in 3 polymorphisms within the people with severe obesity. Besides, c.11377C>G and c.11391G>A homozygous subjects experienced more advantages by HPP. Furthermore, c.268G>A heterozygous subjects showed an enhancement in lipid profile as well in adiponectin levels. The best predictor of the changes in adiponectin levels was represented by the c.268G>A WT allele. Our study confirmed that a 4-weeks HPP in people with severe obesity results in metabolic amelioration associated with a significant increase of adiponectin levels. Importantly, we found that a specific genetic background in the ADIPOQ gene can predispose toward a more significant weight loss.
Dairy Fat Consumption and the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: An Examination of the Saturated Fatty Acids in Dairy
Authors: Unger Allison L. , Torres-Gonzalez Moises , Kraft Jana
Published: September 2019

Lifestyle is a key modifiable risk factor involved in the manifestation of metabolic syndrome and, in particular, diet plays a pivotal role in its prevention and development. Current dietary guidelines discourage the consumption of saturated fat and dietary sources rich in saturated fat, such as dairy products, despite data suggesting that full-fat dairy consumption is protective against metabolic syndrome. This narrative review assessed the recent epidemiological and clinical research that examined the consumption of dairy-derived saturated fatty acids (SFA) on metabolic syndrome risk. In addition, this review evaluated studies of individual SFA to gain insight into the potential mechanisms at play with intake of a diet enriched with these dairy-derived fatty acids. This work underscores that SFA are a heterogenous class of fatty acids that can differ considerably in their biological activity within the body depending on their length and specific chemical structure. In summary, previous work on the impact of dairy-derived SFA consumption on disease risk suggests that there is currently insufficient evidence to support current dietary guidelines which consolidate all dietary SFA into a single group of nutrients whose consumption should be reduced, regardless of dietary source, food matrix, and composition.
Early Rehabilitation Program and Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Sensitivity of Balance and the Postural Control in Patients after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Skrobot Wojciech , Liedtke Ewelina , Krasowska Katarzyna , Dzik Katarzyna P. , Flis Damian J. , Samoraj-Dereszkiewicz Anna , Libionka Witold , Kortas Jakub , Kloc Wojciech , Antosiewicz Jedrzej , Kaczor Jan J.
Published: September 2019

Background: The introduction of early rehabilitation exercise is the foundation of treatment post-Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery, and the search for additional sources of reinforcement physiotherapy seems to be very important. Methods: The patients were randomly divided into the vitamin D3 (n = 15; D3) supplemented group and received 3200 IU per day for five weeks before surgery and the placebo group (n = 18; Pl) received vegetable oil during the same time. The patients began the supervisor rehabilitation program four weeks after surgery. Results: The limits of stability (LOS) were significantly improved in the D3 group after 5 and 14 weeks (p < 0.05), while in the Pl group, progress was only observed after 14 weeks (p < 0.05). The LOS were also higher in the D3 group than in the Pl group after five weeks of supervised rehabilitation (p < 0.05). In the postural stability (PST) test, significant progress was observed in the D3 group after 14 weeks (p < 0.02). In addition, neither rehabilitation nor supplementation had significant effects on the risk of falls (RFT). Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation seems to ameliorate the effects of an early postoperative rehabilitation program implemented four weeks after posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Early physiotherapy treatment after PLIF surgery combined with vitamin D supplementation appears to be a very important combination with regard to the patients’ recovery process.
d-amino Acids in Health and Disease: A Focus on Cancer
Authors: Bastings Jacco J.A.J. , van Eijk Hans M. , Olde Damink Steven W. , Rensen Sander S.
Published: September 2019

d-amino acids, the enantiomeric counterparts of l-amino acids, were long considered to be non-functional or not even present in living organisms. Nowadays, d-amino acids are acknowledged to play important roles in numerous physiological processes in the human body. The most commonly studied link between d-amino acids and human physiology concerns the contribution of d-serine and d-aspartate to neurotransmission. These d-amino acids and several others have also been implicated in regulating innate immunity and gut barrier function. Importantly, the presence of certain d-amino acids in the human body has been linked to several diseases including schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and age-related disorders such as cataract and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, increasing evidence supports a role for d-amino acids in the development, pathophysiology, and treatment of cancer. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the various sources of d-amino acids, their metabolism, as well as their contribution to physiological processes and diseases in man, with a focus on cancer.
Chikungunya Virus Transmission at Low Temperature by Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes
Authors: Wimalasiri-Yapa B. M. C. Randika , Stassen Liesel , Hu Wenbiao , Yakob Laith , McGraw Elizabeth A. , Pyke Alyssa T. , Jansen Cassie C. , Devine Gregor J. , Frentiu Francesca D.
Published: September 2019

Aedes albopictus is an important vector of chikungunya virus (CHIKV). In Australia, Ae. albopictus is currently only known to be present on the islands of the Torres Strait but, should it invade the mainland, it is projected to spread to temperate regions. The ability of Australian Ae. albopictus to transmit CHIKV at the lower temperatures typical of temperate areas has not been assessed. Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were orally challenged with a CHIKV strain from either Asian or East/Central/South African (ECSA) genotypes (107 pfu/mL), and maintained at a constant temperature of either 18 °C or 28 °C. At 3- and 7-days post-infection (dpi), CHIKV RNA copies were quantified in mosquito bodies, and wings and legs using real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), while the detection of virus in saliva (a proxy for transmission) was performed by amplification in cell culture followed by observation of cytopathic effect in Vero cells. Of the ≥95% of Ae. albopictus that survived to 7 dpi, all mosquitoes became infected and showed body dissemination of CHIKV at both temperatures and time points. Both the Asian and ECSA CHIKV genotypes were potentially transmissible by Australian Ae. albopictus at 28 °C within 3 days of oral challenge. In contrast, at 18 °C none of the mosquitoes showed evidence of ability to transmit either genotype of CHIKV at 3 dpi. Further, at 18 °C only Ae. albopictus infected with the ECSA genotype showed evidence of virus in saliva at 7 dpi. Overall, infection with the ECSA CHIKV genotype produced higher virus loads in mosquitoes compared to infection with the Asian CHIKV genotype. Our results suggest that lower ambient temperatures may impede transmission of some CHIKV strains by Ae. albopictus at early time points post infection.
Antifungal and Antivirulence Activity of Vaginal Lactobacillus Spp. Products against Candida Vaginal Isolates
Authors: Itapary dos Santos Camilla , Ramos França Yasmine , Duarte Lima Campos Carmem , Quaresma Bomfim Maria Rosa , Oliveira Melo Bruna , Assunção Holanda Rodrigo , Santos Vera Lucia , Gomes Monteiro Sílvio , Buozzi Moffa Eduardo , Souza Monteiro Andrea , Andrade Monteiro Cristina , Monteiro-Neto Valério
Published: September 2019

Candida yeasts are generally found in the vaginal microbiota; however, disruption of the balance maintained by host factors and microorganisms results in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). This study evaluated the antagonistic activity of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. on Candida albicans to verify whether active compounds of Lactobacillus spp. had antifungal and antivirulence activity. The antagonism assay showed that 15 out of 20 Lactobacillus strains had an inhibitory effect on C. albicans. Biosurfactants displayed surface-tension-reducing activity, with the best value obtained for Lactobacillus gasseri 1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595, Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356, and Lactobacillus paracasei 11 produced biosurfactants that decreased C. albicans adhesion and disrupted biofilm formation. The best results were obtained in the pre-incubation assay for L. gasseri 1 and L. paracasei 11. Overall, Lactobacillus strains showed significant anti-Candida activity, and their biosurfactants exhibited considerable anti-adhesion and antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. To be considered safe for use in vivo, the safety of biosurfactant (BS) should be investigated using cytotoxicity assays.
Norovirus Capsid Protein-Derived Nanoparticles and Polymers as Versatile Platforms for Antigen Presentation and Vaccine Development
Authors: Tan Ming , Jiang Xi
Published: September 2019

Major viral structural proteins interact homotypically and/or heterotypically, self-assembling into polyvalent viral capsids that usually elicit strong host immune responses. By taking advantage of such intrinsic features of norovirus capsids, two subviral nanoparticles, 60-valent S60 and 24-valent P24 nanoparticles, as well as various polymers, have been generated through bioengineering norovirus capsid shell (S) and protruding (P) domains, respectively. These nanoparticles and polymers are easily produced, highly stable, and extremely immunogenic, making them ideal vaccine candidates against noroviruses. In addition, they serve as multifunctional platforms to display foreign antigens, self-assembling into chimeric nanoparticles or polymers as vaccines against different pathogens and illnesses. Several chimeric S60 and P24 nanoparticles, as well as P domain-derived polymers, carrying different foreign antigens, have been created and demonstrated to be promising vaccine candidates against corresponding pathogens in preclinical animal studies, warranting their further development into useful vaccines.
Effect of Porosity and Crystallinity on 3D Printed PLA Properties
Authors: Liao Yuhan , Liu Chang , Coppola Bartolomeo , Barra Giuseppina , Di Maio Luciano , Incarnato Loredana , Lafdi Khalid
Published: September 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a promising technology for the rapid tooling and fabrication of complex geometry components. Among all AM techniques, fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most widely used technique for polymers. However, the consistency and properties control of the FFF product remains a challenging issue. This study aims to investigate physical changes during the 3D printing of polylactic acid (PLA). The correlations between the porosity, crystallinity and mechanical properties of the printed parts were studied. Moreover, the effects of the build-platform temperature were investigated. The experimental results confirmed the anisotropy of printed objects due to the occurrence of orientation phenomena during the filament deposition and the formation both of ordered and disordered crystalline forms (α and δ, respectively). A heat treatment post-3D printing was proposed as an effective method to improve mechanical properties by optimizing the crystallinity (transforming the δ form into the α one) and overcoming the anisotropy of the 3D printed object.
Application of Network Analysis to Flow Systems with Alternating Wave Channels: Part A (Pressure Flows)
Authors: Marschik Christian , Dörner Marius , Roland Wolfgang , Miethlinger Jürgen , Schöppner Volker , Steinbichler Georg
Published: September 2019

Wave-dispersion screws have been used industrially in many types of extrusion processes, injection molding, and blow molding. These high-performance screws are constructed by replacing the metering section of a conventional screw with a melt-conveying zone consisting of two or more parallel flow channels that oscillate periodically in-depth over multiple cycles. With the barrier flight between the screw channels being selectively undercut, the molten resin is strategically forced to flow across the secondary flight, assuring repeated cross-channel mixing of the polymer melt. Despite the industrial relevance, very few scientific studies have investigated the flow in wave-dispersion sections in detail. As a result, current screw designs are often based on traditional trial-and-error procedures rather than on the principles of extrusion theory. This study, which was split into two parts, was carried out to systematically address this issue. The research reported here (Part A) was designed to reduce the complexity of the problem, exclusively analyzing the pressure-induced flows of polymer melts in wave sections. Ignoring the influence of the screw rotation on the conveying characteristics of the wave section, the results could be clearly assigned to the governing type of flow mechanism, thereby providing a better understanding of the underlying physics. Experimental studies were performed on a novel extrusion die equipped with a dual wave-channel system with alternating channel depth profiles. A seminumerical modeling approach based on network theory is proposed that locally describes the downchannel and cross-channel flows along the wave channels and accurately predicts the pressure distributions in the flow domain. The solutions of our seminumerical approach were, moreover, compared to the results of three-dimensional non-Newtonian CFD simulations. The results of this study will be extended to real screw designs in Part B, which will include the influence of the screw rotation in the flow analysis.
Facile Functionalization via Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition for the Effective Filtration of Oily Aerosol
Authors: Roh Sanghyun , Kim Sungmin , Kim Jooyoun
Published: September 2019

With the growing concern about the health impacts associated with airborne particles, there is a pressing need to design an effective filter device. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of plasma-based surface modifications on static charges of electrospun filter media and their resulting filtration performance. Polystyrene (PS) electrospun web (ES) had inherent static charges of ~3.7 kV due to its electric field-driven process, displaying effective filtration performance. When oxygen species were created on the surface by the oxygen plasma process, static charges of electret media decreased, deteriorating the filter performance. When the web surface was fluorinated by the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), the filtration efficiency against oily aerosol significantly increased due to the combined effect of decreased wettability and strong static charges (~−3.9 kV). Solid particles on the charged media formed dendrites as particles were attracted to other layers of particles, building up a pressure drop. The PECVD process is suggested as a facile functionalization method for effective filter design, particularly for capturing oily aerosol.
A Modular and Practical Synthesis of Zwitterionic Hydrogels through Sequential Amine-Epoxy “Click” Chemistry and N-Alkylation Reaction
Authors: Oh Junki , Jung Kevin Injoe , Jung Hyun Wook , Khan Anzar
Published: September 2019

In this work, the amine-epoxy “click” reaction is shown to be a valuable general tool in the synthesis of reactive hydrogels. The practicality of this reaction arises due to its catalyst-free nature, its operation in water, and commercial availability of a large variety of amine and epoxide molecules that can serve as hydrophilic network precursors. Therefore, hydrogels can be prepared in a modular fashion through a simple mixing of the precursors in water and used as produced (without requiring any post-synthesis purification step). The gelation behavior and final hydrogel properties depend upon the molecular weight of the precursors and can be changed as per the requirement. A post-synthesis modification through alkylation at the nitrogen atom of the newly formed β-hydroxyl amine linkages allows for functionalizing the hydrogels. For example, ring-opening reaction of cyclic sulfonic ester gives rise to surfaces with a zwitterionic character. Finally, the established gelation chemistry can be combined with soft lithography techniques such as micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) to obtain hydrogel microstructures.
Influence of Organo-Sepiolite on the Morphological, Mechanical, and Rheological Properties of PP/ABS Blends
Authors: Wang Kui , Li Tiantian , Xie Sen , Wu Xianshun , Huang Weijiang , Tian Qin , Tu Chunyun , Yan Wei
Published: September 2019

To improve the poor impact toughness of polypropylene (PP), organo-sepiolite (O-Sep) filled 80/20 (w/w) polypropylene/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (PP/ABS) nanocomposites were fabricated. The contents of O-Sep were correlated with the morphological, mechanical, and rheological behavior of PP/ABS/O-Sep blends. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to study the morphology and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was applied to study the thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to study the crystallinity. The obtained results show that O-Sep enhanced the dispersion of ABS in the PP matrix and increased the crystallinity of blends. The rheological results show that O-Sep could increase the viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus of blends. Moreover, the mechanical behavior shows that O-Sep (at proper content) simultaneously increased the tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength of PP/ABS/O-Sep blends.
The Trade Impact of EU Tariff Margins: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Cipollina Maria , Salvatici Luca
Published: September 2019

This article provides an assessment of how the EU trade policies affect EU imports. The main contribution is that we compute a theoretically consistent measure of the EU tariff margin and estimate the elasticities of substitution at the sectoral level, using a structural gravity model that includes domestic trade flows. Our analysis is related to the most recent gravity literature and the identification strategy is based on the existence of a sufficient variation of the tariffs applied by the EU to different markets of origin. We use cross-section data (more than 5000 tariff lines and 188 exporters, including the EU28 Member States, in the year 2017), to obtain structural gravity estimates of trade substitution elasticities. Since tariffs greatly differ by product, an in-depth analysis should take place at the tariff line. Moreover, we use the information provided by the Eurostat Comext database on the tariff regime of imports, so we distinguish the Most Favored Nation (MFN) from the preferential trade flows. The estimated elasticities can be used to calculate the counterfactual change in total EU imports that would follow either from the removal of trade preferences or from the removal of trade policies.
Kinematic and Kinetic Analyses of the Vertical Jump with and without Header as Performed by Para-Footballers with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Reina Raúl , Elvira José , Valverde Manuel , Roldán Alba , Yanci Javier
Published: September 2019

Vertical jump is a relevant variable in the classification of football for individuals with cerebral palsy. In this regard, the literature is limited. There are no studies assessing vertical jumping ability through kinematic methods and in more specific football game situations, such as jumps with a header. The goals of the present study were to assess how the modification of jumping conditions (without and with a header) might affect the kinematic and kinetic parameters of counter movement jumping, and whether the functional profiles of the players constrain their ability to jump vertically, both with and without a header. Thirteen male football players with cerebral palsy (27.7 ± 5.7 years old) and different functional profiles participated in this study. All the players performed ten counter movement jumps with arms swing, five headed a ball and five did not. The kinematic parameters were recorded with a 3D motion analysis system, and the kinetic parameters using a force platform. Significantly smaller angles of the hips (dg = 0.75–0.79; p < 0.01) and knees (dg = 1.04–1.15; p < 0.05), as well as greater ankle extension (dg = −0.71; p < 0.05), were observed during the eccentric phase of the jumps with a header. There were also asymmetries between legs in ankle extension during jumps with a header (dg = −1.06; p < 0.05), which could be an adjustment element for the precision of the jumps (i.e., header action). It should be mentioned that the jumping pattern could be partially affected by the functional profile of football players with cerebral palsy.
Natural Geography and Patterns of Local Population Growth and Decline in Spain: 1960–2011
Authors: Holl Adelheid
Published: September 2019

This paper analyzes the role of natural geography for explaining local population change patterns. Using spatially detailed data for Spain from 1960 to 2011, the estimation results indicated that natural geography variables relate to about half of the population growth variation of rural areas and more than a third of the population growth variation of urban areas during this period. Local differences in climate, topography, and soil and rock formation as well as distance to aquifers and the coast contribute to variations in local population growth patterns. Although, over time, local population change became less related to differences in natural geography, natural geography is still significantly related to nearly a third of the variation in local population change in rural areas and the contribution of temperature range and precipitation seasonality has even increased. For urban areas, weather continues to matter too, with growth being higher in warmer places.
Competences of Graduates of Higher Education Business Studies in Labor Market I (Results of Pilot Cross-Border Research Project in Poland and Slovakia)
Authors: Stuss Magdalena M. , Szczepańska-Woszczyna Katarzyna , Makieła Zbigniew J.
Published: September 2019

The analysis of the experiences of cross-border countries shall facilitate the identification of the most helpful and useful tools to improve the process of adaptation of young people into the labor market. The goal of the higher education system, as part of cross-border cooperation, is to develop professionally competent, service-oriented, principled and productive citizens in Poland and Slovakia. There are a lot of factors influencing the possibility of undertaking rewarding jobs by students and graduates that are related to their degree, especially the supply and demand of business related jobs which plays a significant role in the process. The analysis of degree programs, the views of working students, graduates and employers, followed by the preparation of a research report and relevant recommendations may have a beneficial effect on the profile and quality of education and the future of graduates in the countries included in the study, as well as in other countries which are interested in the outcomes of the project. The objective of this article is to present the results of research on how graduates of higher education business studies develop in terms of the skills, knowledge and characteristics which enable them to be employable in Poland and Slovakia. The applied research methodology combines the analysis of subject-related literature with empirical research. The questionnaires for data collection constituted a survey for independent completion. The adopted method allowed a numerical description of trends, attitudes and opinions in a selected group. It also facilitated a comparison of the results of the studies of Polish graduates and Slovakian graduates.
Sustainable Energy Autarky and the Evolution of German Bioenergy Villages
Authors: Pieńkowski Dariusz , Zbaraszewski Wojciech
Published: September 2019

The concept of an autarky has a long history and meaning related to its negation and unpopularity. In liberal schools of economics, autarky is usually considered from the perspectives of economic trade protectionism, closed economies, and threats to welfare. Nevertheless, the concept of autarky has gained a new meaning, understood as the local utilization of renewable energy resources from the perspective of their inter- and intragenerational distribution. Local action is shaped by the global perspective. This research consists of three steps. First, a model of energy autarky has been offered based on the system theory. The model shows the variety of the structures and features of energy systems offered in today’s debates on energy autarky. Second, the key postulates of sustainable development have been presented to define an autarkical sustainable energy system. Finally, the concept of bioenergy villages in Germany has been presented to illustrate the approach to energy autarky. The research shows that the concept of autarky and single solutions, such as the use of renewable resources, are not themselves a success from the perspective of sustainable development; this misunderstanding is well illustrated by the evolution of the German concept of bioenergy villages into smart villages.
Environmental Aesthetics in the Age of Climate Change
Authors: Auer Matthew R.
Published: September 2019

As climate change alters the environment, people’s associations with and appreciations of the environment change too. Environmental aesthetics, an area of knowledge informed by philosophy and ethics, offers an important vantage point on human wellbeing in the age of climate change. Contributors to the literature have attempted to imagine how changing environmental conditions might change aesthetic encounters with nature. Some have contemplated the prospect of aesthetic enjoyment becoming tainted by knowledge of the societal forces and human folly that have damaged nature. One strain of argument rests on the view that aesthetic value in nature is an inherent property of the natural entity itself, and thus independent of moral considerations and other interests, which are viewed as external. The irrelevance of moral consideration to estimations of aesthetic value is the crux of the “autonomist” understanding of environmental aesthetics. From this perspective, condemnation of peoples’ enjoyment of climate-altered nature is beside the point, since moral concerns have no bearing on the intrinsic, aesthetic qualities of the observed entity. This paper argues that the autonomist perspective is challenged in a world of increasingly pervasive and negative encounters with climate-altered nature. Expectations for more frequent, widespread, and severe impacts from climate change suggest a rethinking of salient questions bearing on aesthetic experience. This article raises the prospect of pleasurable aesthetic experiences becoming increasingly rare in a climate-changed world and the prospect of moral pressures becoming more immediate and personal. Also challenged is the thesis that people will ably adjust to climate change and thereby secure aesthetic comfort.
Antibodies and Vaccines against Botulinum Toxins: Available Measures and Novel Approaches
Authors: Rasetti-Escargueil Christine , Popoff Michel R.
Published: September 2019

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is produced by the anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium Clostridium botulinum. As one of the most poisonous toxins known and a potential bioterrosism agent, BoNT is characterized by a complex mode of action comprising: internalization, translocation and proteolytic cleavage of a substrate, which inhibits synaptic exocytotic transmitter release at neuro-muscular nerve endings leading to peripheral neuroparalysis of the skeletal and autonomic nervous systems. There are seven major serologically distinct toxinotypes (A–G) of BoNT which act on different substrates. Human botulism is generally caused by BoNT/A, B and E. Due to its extreme lethality and potential use as biological weapon, botulism remains a global public health concern. Vaccination against BoNT, although an effective strategy, remains undesirable due to the growing expectation around therapeutic use of BoNTs in various pathological conditions. This review focuses on the current approaches for botulism control by immunotherapy, highlighting the future challenges while the molecular underpinnings among subtypes variants and BoNT sequences found in non-clostridial species remain to be elucidated.
An Attenuated Zika Virus Encoding Non-Glycosylated Envelope (E) and Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1) Confers Complete Protection against Lethal Challenge in a Mouse Model
Authors: Annamalai Arun S. , Pattnaik Aryamav , Sahoo Bikash R. , Guinn Zack P. , Bullard Brianna L. , Weaver Eric A. , Steffen David , Natarajan Sathish Kumar , Petro Thomas M. , Pattnaik Asit K.
Published: September 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus, emerged in the last decade causing serious human diseases, including congenital microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Although many vaccine platforms are at various stages of development, no licensed vaccines are currently available. Previously, we described a mutant MR766 ZIKV (m2MR) bearing an E protein mutation (N154A) that prevented its glycosylation, resulting in attenuation and defective neuroinvasion. To further attenuate m2MR for its potential use as a live viral vaccine, we incorporated additional mutations into m2MR by substituting the asparagine residues in the glycosylation sites (N130 and N207) of NS1 with alanine residues. Examination of pathogenic properties revealed that the virus (m5MR) carrying mutations in E (N154A) and NS1 (N130A and N207A) was fully attenuated with no disease signs in infected mice, inducing high levels of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, and protecting mice from subsequent lethal virus challenge. Furthermore, passive transfer of sera from m5MR-infected mice into naïve animals resulted in complete protection from lethal challenge. The immune sera from m5MR-infected animals neutralized both African and Asian lineage viruses equally well, suggesting that m5MR virus could be developed as a potentially broad live virus vaccine candidate.
TIV Vaccination Modulates Host Responses to Influenza Virus Infection that Correlate with Protection against Bacterial Superinfection
Authors: Choi Angela , Christopoulou Ioanna , Saelens Xavier , García-Sastre Adolfo , Schotsaert Michael
Published: September 2019

Background: Influenza virus infection predisposes to secondary bacterial pneumonia. Currently licensed influenza vaccines aim at the induction of neutralizing antibodies and are less effective if the induction of neutralizing antibodies is low and/or the influenza virus changes its antigenic surface. We investigated the effect of suboptimal vaccination on the outcome of post-influenza bacterial superinfection. Methods: We established a mouse vaccination model that allows control of disease severity after influenza virus infection despite inefficient induction of virus-neutralizing antibody titers by vaccination. We investigated the effect of vaccination on virus-induced host immune responses and on the outcome of superinfection with Staphylococcus aureus. Results: Vaccination with trivalent inactivated virus vaccine (TIV) reduced morbidity after influenza A virus infection but did not prevent virus replication completely. Despite the poor induction of influenza-specific antibodies, TIV protected from mortality after bacterial superinfection. Vaccination limited loss of alveolar macrophages and reduced levels of infiltrating pulmonary monocytes after influenza virus infection. Interestingly, TIV vaccination resulted in enhanced levels of eosinophils after influenza virus infection and recruitment of neutrophils in both lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes after bacterial superinfection. Conclusion: These observations highlight the importance of disease modulation by influenza vaccination, even when suboptimal, and suggest that influenza vaccination is still beneficial to protect during bacterial superinfection in the absence of complete virus neutralization.
Turbulence Characteristics before and after Scour Upstream of a Scaled-Down Bridge Pier Model
Authors: Lee Seung Oh , Hong Seung Ho
Published: September 2019

Bridge pier scour is one of the main causes of bridge failure and a major factor that contributes to the total construction and maintenance costs of bridge. Recently, because of unexpected high water during extreme hydrologic events, the resilience and security of hydraulic infrastructure with respect to the scour protection measure along a river reach has become a more immediate topic for river engineering society. Although numerous studies have been conducted to suggest pier scour estimation formulas, understanding of turbulence characteristics which is dominant driver of sediment transport around a pier foundation is still questionable. Thus, to understand near bed turbulence characteristics and resulting sediment transport around a pier, hydraulic laboratory experiments were conducted in a prismatic rectangular flume using scale-down bridge pier models. Three-dimensional velocities and turbulent intensities before and after scour were measured with Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV), and the results were compared/analyzed using the best available tools and current knowledge gained from recent studies. The results show that the mean flow variable is not enough to explain complex turbulent flow field around the pier leading to the maximum scour because of unsteady flows. Furthermore, results of quadrant analysis of velocity measurements just upstream of the pier in the horseshoe vortex region show significant differences before and after scour.
The Impact of the Quality of Tap Water and the Properties of Installation Materials on the Formation of Biofilms
Authors: Papciak Dorota , Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara , Domoń Andżelika , Wojtuś Anna , Żywiec Jakub , Konkol Janusz
Published: September 2019

The article presents changes in the quality of tap water depending on time spent in installation and its impact on the creation of biofilms on various materials (polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chrome-nickel steel and galvanized steel). For the first time, quantitative analyses of biofilm were performed using methods such as: Adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) measurement, flow cytometry, heterotrophic plate count and using fractographical parameters. In the water, after leaving the experimental installation, the increase of turbidity, content of organic compounds, nitrites and nitrates was found, as well as the decrease in the content of chlorine compounds, dissolved oxygen and phosphorus compounds. There was an increase in the number of mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria. In addition, the presence of Escherichia coli was also found. The analysis of the quantitative determination of microorganisms in a biofilm indicates that galvanized steel is the most susceptible material for the adhesion of microorganisms. These results were also confirmed by the analysis of the biofilm morphology. The roughness profile, the thickness of the biofilm layer can be estimated at about 300 μm on galvanized steel.
Development Trend and Frontier of Stormwater Management (1980–2019): A Bibliometric Overview Based on CiteSpace
Authors: Wu Jing , Wu Xinyu , Zhang Jiawei
Published: September 2019

The threat of urban floods due to climate change and urbanization has enabled sustained attention to the stormwater management field. Numerous scholars and countries have successively proposed innovative concepts for stormwater management. To grasp the current research focus and status quo and determine the development trend and dynamic direction, this work used CiteSpace, a scientific bibliometric analysis software, to analyze and identify 3080 articles based on the core database of Web of Science from 1980 to 2019. Results show a comprehensive overview of the stormwater management field, including the changes of annual articles with time; the most influential countries, institutions, authors, and articles; and the periodical keywords, highly cited papers, and burst time in the field. A knowledge table in the stormwater management field was obtained, the development context of the field and the research focus of each stage were understood, and the future development trend of the field is inferred. This study aims to provide reference for researchers and practitioners in the stormwater management field.
Journal of Bioengineering and Technology Applied to Health
Authors: Knop Luciana
Published: September 2019

The entire articles submitted to the JBTH vol 2 issue 1 2019.
Структурні дослідження аграрного сектору в контексті концепції сталого розвитку
Authors: Yuriy Alexandrovich  , Yefanov V.A.  , Baga L.G.
Published: September 2019

Зроблено аналіз еволюції поняття аграрний сектор та проведено оцінку специфіки його функціонування в рамках концепції сталого розвитку. Приведено різні підходи до оцінки структури аграрного сектору економіки. Оцінено взаємозв’язок понять «аграрний сектор економіки» й «сільські території». Визначено, що понять вони взаємодоповнюють одне одного через те, що аграрний сектор економіки у просторовому плані розміщується переважно на сільських територіях.  Розвинуто ідею багатофункціональності розвитку сільського господарства в контексті еволюції сільських територій. Розглянуто перспективи формування стійкого розвитку аграрного сектору з позиції створення сталих умов існування сільських територій
Відповідальність у місцевому самоврядуванні: до визначення поняття
Authors: Olkhovskyi Yuriy
Published: September 2019

Проаналізовано різні підходи до визначення категорії «відповідальність». Наголошено, що важливе значення для науки публічного управління та адміністрування є формування власного категорійного апарату. Для цього необхідно використовувати наробки різних галузей науки. Ми зупинимося на визначенні поняття «відповідальність у місцевому самоврядування» в його публічно управлінському дискурсі.

Наведено власне визначення категорії відповідальність у місцевому самоврядування. Так, відповідальність у місцевому самоврядуванні пропонується розглядати як систему чітко адміністрованих санкцій за дії або бездіяльність суб’єктів системи місцевого самоврядування, що настають у разі виконання прийнятими ними рішень, невиконання взятих на себе зобов’язань. Представницькі органи і посадові особи місцевого самоврядування відповідальні на загальнодержавному рівні, що передбачене нормами законодавчих актів, і на місцевому рівні, визначеному нормами статутів територіальних громад та нормативно-правовими акта­ми рад або їхніх виконавчих органів, а також передвиборчих зобов’язань та програм.
Технологія Smart City у забезпеченні життєдіяльності громади: модель співпраці з громадськістю
Authors: Mamonova V. V.  , Kalmykov Y. V.
Published: September 2019

Розглянуто характеристики концепції «розумне місто» як технології управління містом з позицій використання сучасних ІКТ для покращення якості життя мешканців та відвідувачів міста. Обґрунтовано доцільність застосування в муніципальному менеджменті ідеї коворкінгу як моделі організації роботи людей в єдиному робочому просторі. Описано можливості «хмарних обчислень» для залучення громадськості до управління містом. Запропоновано модель громадського контролю за діяльністю органів місцевого самоврядування при впровадженні технології Smart City в «персональній хмарі».
Шляхи створення інституційних засад муніципального управління засобами публічного врядування на основі соціальної рефлексії
Authors: Azarova A. O.  , Tkachuk L. M.  , Khoshaba O. M.
Published: September 2019

У статті запропоновано механізми створення ефективних інституційних засад муніципального управління засобами публічного врядування на основі соціальної рефлексії. Досліджено основні проблеми, що постали перед органами муніципального управління і потребують невідкладного вирішення. Обґрунтовано переваги застосування такого потужного засобу публічного управління, як е-демократія для підвищення рівня муніципального управління. Запропоновано нові підходи до формування державної регіональної політики та соціально-економічної політики регіонів, що мають бути спрямовані на досягнення окреслених в статті перспектив розвитку муніципального управління.
Створення рейтингових систем в університеті: досвід США для України
Authors: Grybko O. V.
Published: September 2019

Розглянуто основні підходи до оцінювання діяльності науково-педагогічних працівників в університетах США та визначено їх особливості. На основі нормативних документів з’ясовані кваліфікаційні вимоги до викладачів університету, а також окреслено сфери діяльності, які беруться до уваги при здійсненні рейтингування .
Підтримка багатодітних сімей, як пріоритетний напрямок державної сімейної політики
Authors: Sitnik S. P.
Published: September 2019

Досліджено основні категорії сімей за рівнем потреби у допомозі з боку держави. Проаналізовано інститут сім`ї як соціальний інститут, ціннісно-нормативний комплекс, за допомогою якого регулюється й контролюється поведінка членів сімї, визначаються їхні соціальні ролі та статуси. Досліджені види державної допомоги сімям з дітьми. Зроблено аналіз системи соціального захисту соціально вразливих сімей, досліджені основні принципи державної сімейної політики та pоль деpжави у цьому пpоцесi. Проаналізовані механізми державного управління, їх пріоритетні завдання у сфері державної сімейної політики.
Місце та роль інституту Президента України в системі державного управління національною безпекою країни
Authors: Golovko O. S.
Published: September 2019

Розглянуто проблемні аспекти становлення і розвитку в Україні інституту президентства як ключового інституту в системі державного управління сферою національної безпеки. Проаналізовано категоріально-понятійну термінологію, джерельну базу формування та функціонування інституту глави держави в Україні, визначено наявність певних алгоритмів, закономірностей і динаміки його розвитку та фактор суспільно-політичної реакції на процеси щодо своєчасного реагування на виклики і загрози національній безпеці нашої держави.
Аксіологічні виміри бюрократизму: теоретико-методологічний аспект
Authors: Kuznetsov Andriy , Grabar Nataliya
Published: September 2019

Досліджено феномен бюрократизму крізь призму аксіологічних витоків, доведено доцільність розділяти за змістом такі поняття, як “бюрократія” та “бюрократизм”, доведено припущення про те, що в умовах бюрократії бюрократизм виступає лише як один із можливих варіантів рольових ситуацій поведінки актора, продемонстровано, що теорія раціональної бюрократії М. Вебера, яку було покладено в основу традиційної моделі суспільного управління (Old Public Management), відбивається і в наступних моделях, лише видозмінюючи певні патерни, і за умов відповідної позиції інструментальних, консуматорних, внутрішніх і зовнішніх факторів ситуація бюрократизму знаходить свого актора.
Застосування системного методу в дослідженнях розвитку громадських організацій
Authors: Tokar Marian
Published: September 2019

Здійснено аналіз можливостей застосування системного методу в дослідженнях проблем розвитку неурядових громадських організацій в Україні. Зроблено огляд умов, у яких він викорис-товується. Наголошено на загальноприйнятій практиці методологічного вивчення у працях зарубіжних та українських вчених. Роз’яснено багатоаспектність системного методу крізь при-зму досліджуваної проблеми. Запропоновано авторський варіант використання поетапності системного дослідження розвитку громадських організацій. Констатовано, що системний ана-ліз потребує постійного вдосконалення через швидкоплинність і динаміку розвитку сучасних демократичних відносин.
Дослідження підходів прогнозування державного бюджету і методів планування його макроекономічних показників
Authors: Butenko Olena , Opikunova Nataliya
Published: September 2019

Досліджено методи, використовувані для розрахунку середньострокового бюджету, з метою визначення їхніх переваг і недоліків відповідно до сучасних вимог. Обґрунтовано, що через низку недоліків та переваг методи розрахунку обираються після оцінювання ситуації, що має місце у відповідний період. Проведено зіставлення методів макроекономічного планування та встановлено, що вони дозволяють здійснити розрахунок планових показників, що базуються на даних минулих періодів. Нормативи, що регламентують види надходжень і видатків, оптимізують обмежені ресурси бюджету, формують необхідний обсяг доходів, але мають суттєві недоліки, які потребують дослідження й усунення, що підтверджує актуальність обраної теми.