bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Lifestyle Intervention Effect with Blood Pressure and Physical Activity among Community-Dwelling Older Americans with Hypertension in Southern California
Authors: Chen Mei-Lan , Hu Jie , McCoy Thomas P. , Letvak Susan , Ivanov Luba
Published: August 2020

A healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity are highly recommended for older adults. However, there has been limited research into testing lifestyle intervention effects on physical activity in older adults with hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of lifestyle intervention effects with physical activity and blood pressure in older adults with hypertension, accounting for social support and perceived stress as control variables. This study performed a secondary analysis of a two-arm randomized controlled trial. A total of 196 participants were randomly assigned to a six-month lifestyle intervention group or a control group. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that lifestyle intervention effects were not significantly associated with improvements in physical activity and blood pressure, but the final regression models were statistically significant (all p < 0.001). The result revealed that only physical activity frequency at baseline was significantly related to improvement in physical activity. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) at baseline and monthly income were significantly associated with change in SBP, while age and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at baseline were significantly related to change in DBP. The findings provide empirical evidence for developing and optimizing lifestyle interventions for future research and clinical practice in this population.
Attenuation of Flightless I Increases Human Pericyte Proliferation, Migration and Angiogenic Functions and Improves Healing in Murine Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Thomas Hannah M , Ahangar Parinaz , Hofma Benjamin R , Strudwick Xanthe L , Fitridge Robert , Mills Stuart J , Cowin Allison J
Published: August 2020

Pericytes are peri-vascular mural cells which have an important role in the homeostatic regulation of inflammatory and angiogenic processes. Flightless I (Flii) is a cytoskeletal protein involved in regulating cellular functions, but its involvement in pericyte activities during wound healing is unknown. Exacerbated inflammation and reduced angiogenesis are hallmarks of impaired diabetic healing responses, and strategies aimed at regulating these processes are vital for improving healing outcomes. To determine the effect of altering Flii expression on pericyte function, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to assess the effect on healing, inflammation and angiogenesis in diabetic wounds. Here, we demonstrated that human diabetic wounds display upregulated expression of the Flii protein in conjunction with a depletion in the number of platelet derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) +/ neural glial antigen 2 (NG2) + pericytes present in the dermis. Human pericytes were found to be positive for Flii and attenuating its expression in vitro through siRNA knockdown led to enhanced proliferation, migration and angiogenic functions. Genetic knockdown of Flii in a streptozotocin-induced murine model of diabetes led to increased numbers of pericytes within the wound. This was associated with dampened inflammation, an increased rate of angiogenic repair and improved wound healing. Our findings show that Flii expression directly impacts pericyte functions, including proliferation, motility and angiogenic responses. This suggests that Flii regulation of pericyte function may be in part responsible for the changes in pericyte-related processes observed in diabetic wounds.
Metabolic Syndrome, Clusterin and Elafin in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Holmannova Drahomira , Borsky Pavel , Borska Lenka , Andrys Ctirad , Hamakova Kvetoslava , Rehacek Vit , Svadlakova Tereza , Malkova Andrea , Beranek Martin , Palicka Vladimir , Krejsek Jan , Fiala Zdenek
Published: August 2020

Background: Psoriasis is a pathological condition characterized by immune system dysfunction and inflammation. Patients with psoriasis are more likely to develop a wide range of disorders associated with inflammation. Serum levels of various substances and their combinations have been associated with the presence of the disease (psoriasis) and have shown the potential to reflect its activity. The aim of the present study is to contribute to the elucidation of pathophysiological links between psoriasis, its pro-inflammatory comorbidity metabolic syndrome (MetS), and the expression of clusterin and elafin, which are reflected in the pathophysiological “portfolio” of both diseases. Material and methods: Clinical examinations (PASI score), ELISA (clusterin, elafin), and biochemical analyses (parameters of MetS) were performed. Results: We found that patients with psoriasis were more often afflicted by MetS, compared to the healthy controls. Clusterin and elafin levels were higher in the patients than in the controls but did not correlate to the severity of psoriasis. Conclusion: Our data suggest that patients with psoriasis are more susceptible to developing other systemic inflammatory diseases, such as MetS. The levels of clusterin and elafin, which are tightly linked to inflammation, were significantly increased in the patients, compared to the controls, but the presence of MetS in patients did not further increase these levels.
Improving Search Quality in Crowdsourced Bib Number Tagging Systems Using Data Fusion
Authors: Ponomarev Andrew
Published: August 2020

Today, crowd computing is successfully applied for many information processing problems in a variety of domains. One of the most acute issues with crowd-powered systems is the quality of results (as humans can make errors). Therefore, a number of methods have been proposed to process the results obtained from the crowd in order to compensate human errors. Most of the existing methods of processing contributions are constructed based on a (natural) assumption that the only information available is unreliable data obtained from the crowd. However, in some cases, additional information is available, and it can be utilized in order to improve the overall quality of the result. The paper describes a crowd computing application for community tagging of running race photos. It presents a utility analysis to identify situations in which community photo tagging is a reasonable choice. It also proposes a data fusion model making use of runners’ location information recorded in their Global Positioning System (GPS) tracks. Field experiments with the applications show that community-based tagging can collect enough contributors to process photosets from medium-sized running events. Simulation results confirm, that the use of data fusion in processing the results of crowd computing is a promising technique, and the use of probabilistic graphical models (e.g., Bayesian networks) for data fusion allows one to smoothly increase the quality of the results with an increase of the available information.
Impact of Protoporphyrin Lysine Derivatives on the Ability of Nosema ceranae Spores to Infect Honeybees
Authors: Buczek Katarzyna , Deryło Kamil , Kutyła Mateusz , Rybicka-Jasińska Katarzyna , Gryko Dorota , Borsuk Grzegorz , Rodzik Beata , Trytek Mariusz
Published: August 2020

The effect of two protoporphyrin IX derivatives conjugated with single (PP[Lys(TFA)-OH)]2) or double (PP[Lys(TFA)-Lys(TFA)-OH]2) lysine moieties on the infectious capacity of Nosema ceranae spores was examined, and their efficacies were compared with those of a cationic porphyrin (H2TTMePP). Honeybees were inoculated with spores preincubated with porphyrins or with untreated spores (control). A significantly lower level of infection was observed in the bees infected with the porphyrin-treated spores than in the infected control. Porphyrins 1 and 2 reduced the infectious capability of microsporidia more efficiently than porphyrin 3, with bee mortality declining to almost 50%. Confocal analysis of the midguts of infected bees revealed distinct differences in the number of spores between the control group and the group infected with PP[Lys(TFA)-Lys(TFA)-OH]2-treated spores. Notably, bees with a reduced level of infection consumed less sucrose syrup than the control bees, indicating a reduction in digestive disorders and an improvement in food absorption.
The Role of Secondary Brain Insults in Status Epilepticus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fontaine Candice , Jacq Gwenaelle , Perier François , Holleville Mathilde , Legriel Stephane
Published: August 2020

(1) Background: Little is known about the impact of pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie the enhancement of excitotoxicity and the neuronal consequences of status epilepticus (SE), as well as the clinical consequences of secondary brain insults (SBI) in patients with SE on outcome; (2) Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in May 2020 using Medline via PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar (#CRD42019139092). Experimental studies of animals or randomized, observational, controlled trials of patients with SE in indexed journals were included. There were no language or date restrictions for the published literature included in this review. Information was extracted on study design, sample size, SBI characteristics, and primary and secondary outcomes, including the timing of evaluation; (3) Results: Among the 2209 articles responding to our inclusion criteria, 56 were included in this systematic review. There are numerous experimental data reporting the deleterious effects associated with each of the SBI in animals exposed to SE. In humans, only the effect of target temperature management in hypothermia (32–34 °C) has been explored. (4) Conclusions: There is little experimental evidence that favors the control of secondary brain insult after SE. Further studies are required to assess the neuroprotective interest of secondary brain insult control after SE in humans.
Frailty and Sleep Disorder in Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Yoh Kazunori , Enomoto Hirayuki , Iwata Yoshinori , Nishimura Takashi , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Iijima Hiroko
Published: August 2020

We aimed to investigate the association in frailty and sleep disorder as assessed by the Japanese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-J) in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs, n = 317, 141 males). Frailty was determined using the following five phenotypes: unintentional body weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, muscle weakness, slow walking speed, and low physical activity. Sleep disorder was defined as patients with PSQI-J score 6 or greater. Robust (phenotype, 0), prefrail (1 or 2 phenotypes) and frailty (3 phenotypes or greater) were observed in 101 (31.9%), 174 (54.9%) and 42 (13.2%), respectively. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) PSQI-J score was 4 (3, 7). Sleep disorder was found in 115 patients (36.3%). The median (IQR) PSQI-J scores in patients of the robust, prefrail, and frail groups were 3 (2, 5), 5 (3, 7), and 8 (4.75, 10.25), respectively (p < 0.0001 between any two groups and overall p < 0.0001). The ratios of sleep disorder in patients with robust, prefrail and frailty were 15.8% (16/101), 39.1% (68/174), and 73.8% (31/42), respectively (overall p < 0.0001). In conclusion, CLD patients with frailty can involve poorer sleep quality. As sleep disorder in CLDs is potentially remediable, future frailty-preventive strategies must take sleep complaints into account.
Fused Filament Fabricated Polypropylene Composite Reinforced by Aligned Glass Fibers
Authors: Shulga Eugene , Karamov Radmir , S. Sergeichev Ivan , D. Konev Stepan , I. Shurygina Liliya , S. Akhatov Iskander , D. Shandakov Sergey , G. Nasibulin Albert
Published: August 2020

3D printing using fused composite filament fabrication technique (FFF) allows prototyping and manufacturing of durable, lightweight, and customizable parts on demand. Such composites demonstrate significantly improved printability, due to the reduction of shrinkage and warping, alongside the enhancement of strength and rigidity. In this work, we use polypropylene filament reinforced by short glass fibers to demonstrate the effect of fiber orientation on mechanical tensile properties of the 3D printed specimens. The influence of the printed layer thickness and raster angle on final fiber orientations was investigated using X-ray micro-computed tomography. The best ultimate tensile strength of 57.4 MPa and elasticity modulus of 5.5 GPa were obtained with a 90° raster angle, versus 30.4 MPa and 2.5 GPa for samples with a criss-cross 45°, 135° raster angle, with the thinnest printed layer thickness of 0.1 mm.
The Effect of the Synthetic Procedure of Acrylonitrile–Acrylic Acid Copolymers on Rheological Properties of Solutions and Features of Fiber Spinning
Authors: Skvortsov Ivan Y. , Chernikova Elena V. , Kulichikhin Valery G. , Varfolomeeva Lydia A. , Kuzin Mikhail S. , Toms Roman V. , Prokopov Nikolay I.
Published: August 2020

The influence of introducing acrylic acid (AA) into the reaction mixture with acrylonitrile at the synthesis of copolymers by free-radical polymerization (FRP) and radical polymerization with reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) on the rheological properties of their solutions in dimethyl sulfoxide, as well as on the capability to spin fibers by the mechanotropic method, is analyzed. The influence of AA dosing conditions on the rheological properties of the solutions in the concentration range above the crossover point was not revealed. In the case of RAFT synthesis, the rheological properties differ distinctively in the high concentration region that is expressed by unusual viscoelastic characteristics. Dilute solution viscometry revealed the influence of the comonomer loading order on the interaction intensity of the copolymer macromolecules with a solvent, which is more pronounced for samples synthesized by FRP and can be associated with the copolymers’ molecular structure. Fiber spinning from solutions of polyacrylonitrile and its copolymers (PAN) synthesized by the RAFT method was not able to achieve a high degree of orientation drawing, while for polymers with a wider molecular weight distribution synthesized by FRP, it was possible to realize large stretches, which led to high-quality fibers with strength values up to 640 MPa and elongation at a break of 20%.
Application of DIC Method in the Analysis of Stress Concentration and Plastic Zone Development Problems
Authors: Romanowicz Paweł J. , Szybiński Bogdan , Wygoda Mateusz
Published: August 2020

The paper presents the assessment of the possibility and reliability of the digital image correlation (DIC) system for engineering and scientific purposes. The studies were performed with the use of samples made of the three different materials—mild S235JR + N steel, microalloyed fine-grain S355MC steel, and high strength 41Cr4 steel subjected to different heat-treatment. The DIC studies were focused on determinations of dangerous zones with large stress concentrations, plastic deformation growth, and prediction of the failure zone. Experimental tests were carried out for samples with different notches (circular, square, and triangular openings). With the use of the DIC system and microstructure analyses, the influence of different factors (laser cutting, heat treatment, material type, notch shape, and manufacturing quality) on the material behavior were studied. For all studied cases, the stress concentration factors (SCF) were estimated with the use of the analytical formulation and the finite element analysis. It was observed that the theoretical models for calculations of the influence of the typical notches may result in not proper values of SCFs. Finally, the selected results of the total strain distributions were compared with FEM results, and good agreement was observed. All these allow the authors to conclude that the application of DIC with a common digital camera can be effectively applied for the analysis of the evolution of plastic zones and the damage detection for mild high-strength steels, as well as those normalized and quenched and tempered at higher temperatures.
Recovery of Ultra-Fine Tungsten and Tin from Slimes Using Large-Scale SLon-2400 Centrifugal Separator
Authors: Xiong Tao , Ren Xiangjun , Xie Meifang , Rao Yuhuan , Peng Yongjun , Chen Luzheng
Published: August 2020

China is very rich in tungsten and tin resources, but most of them are finely disseminated with gangues, and thus, fine grinding is required for effective separation, which results in the abundant production of ultra-fine tungsten and tin values into slimes and tailings. The SLon centrifugal separator is highly effective in recovering ultra-fine heavy particles, because it operates on the centrifugal acceleration of particles in the flowing film of a few millimeters thick. The recovery of ultra-fine tungsten minerals from a slime assaying 0.22% WO3, in which 81.85% distributed in −40 µm fraction, was investigated using large-scale SLon-2400 centrifugal separator. Under optimized operating conditions, it produced a primary tungsten concentrate assaying 1.65% WO3 at a high recovery of 77.83%. Moreover, it produced a primary tin concentrate assaying 1.56% Sn at a high recovery of 79.85% from a tin slime assaying 0.27% Sn, in which 74.78% Sn was distributed in −40 µm fraction; then, followed by the flotation cleaning process, a final tin concentrate assaying 16.23% Sn with 66.7% recovery was produced. It was particularly noted that in this large-scale centrifugal separator, the three-conical separation drum stuck with abrasion-resistant ceramic slices on its inner surface played a key role for achieving high constant separation performance. It was concluded that the SLon centrifugal separator has important application prospects for high-efficient recovery of ultra-fine heavy minerals from slimes and tailings.
The Importance of Marine Omega-3s for Brain Development and the Prevention and Treatment of Behavior, Mood, and Other Brain Disorders
Authors: DiNicolantonio James J. , O’Keefe James H.
Published: August 2020

Most of the global population is deficient in long-chain marine omega-3s. In particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, is important for brain and eye development. Additionally, DHA plays a significant role in mental health throughout early childhood and even into adulthood. In the brain, DHA is important for cellular membrane fluidity, function and neurotransmitter release. Evidence indicates that a low intake of marine omega-3s increases the risk for numerous mental health issues, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, bipolar disorder, depression and suicidal ideation. Studies giving supplemental marine omega-3s have shown promise for improving numerous mental health conditions. This paper will review the evidence surrounding marine omega-3s and mental health conditions.
Comparisons of Within-Group Instead of Between-Group Affect the Conclusions. Comment on: “Changes in Weight and Substrate Oxidation in Overweight Adults Following Isomaltulose Intake during a 12-Week Weight Loss Intervention: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial”. Nutrients 2019, 11(10), 2367
Authors: Vorland Colby J. , Kyle Theodore K. , Brown Andrew W.
Published: August 2020

We read with interest the publication by Lightowler et al [...]
Low Vitamin C Status in Patients with Cancer Is Associated with Patient and Tumor Characteristics
Authors: White Rebecca , Nonis Maria , Pearson John F. , Burgess Eleanor , Morrin Helen R. , Pullar Juliet M. , Spencer Emma , Vissers Margreet C. M. , Robinson Bridget A. , Dachs Gabi U.
Published: August 2020

Vitamin C (ascorbate) acts as an antioxidant and enzyme cofactor, and plays a vital role in human health. Vitamin C status can be affected by illness, with low levels being associated with disease due to accelerated turnover. However, robust data on the ascorbate status of patients with cancer are sparse. This study aimed to accurately measure ascorbate concentrations in plasma from patients with cancer, and determine associations with patient or tumor characteristics. We recruited 150 fasting patients with cancer (of 199 total recruited) from two cohorts, either prior to cancer surgery or during cancer chemo- or immunotherapy. A significant number of patients with cancer had inadequate plasma ascorbate concentrations. Low plasma status was more prevalent in patients undergoing cancer therapy. Ascorbate status was higher in women than in men, and exercising patients had higher levels than sedentary patients. Our study may prompt increased vigilance of ascorbate status in cancer patients.
Reply to “Comparisons of Within-Group Instead of Between-Group Affect the Conclusions. Comment on: Changes in Weight and Substrate Oxidation in Overweight Adults Following Isomaltulose Intake during a 12-Week Weight Loss Intervention: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2019, 11(10), 2367”
Authors: Lightowler Helen , Schweitzer Lisa , Theis Stephan , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: August 2020

We thank the authors Vorland, Kyle and Brown for their interest in our paper and their comments [...]
The Relationship between Choline Bioavailability from Diet, Intestinal Microbiota Composition, and Its Modulation of Human Diseases
Authors: Arias Natalia , Arboleya Silvia , Allison Joseph , Kaliszewska Aleksandra , Higarza Sara G. , Gueimonde Miguel , Arias Jorge L.
Published: August 2020

Choline is a water-soluble nutrient essential for human life. Gut microbial metabolism of choline results in the production of trimethylamine (TMA), which, upon absorption by the host is converted into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in the liver. A high accumulation of both components is related to cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic kidney disease. However, the relationship between the microbiota production of these components and its impact on these diseases still remains unknown. In this review, we will address which microbes contribute to TMA production in the human gut, the extent to which host factors (e.g., the genotype) and diet affect TMA production, and the colonization of these microbes and the reversal of dysbiosis as a therapy for these diseases.
Effects of High Intensity Dynamic Resistance Exercise and Whey Protein Supplements on Osteosarcopenia in Older Men with Low Bone and Muscle Mass. Final Results of the Randomized Controlled FrOST Study
Authors: Kemmler Wolfgang , Kohl Matthias , Jakob Franz , Engelke Klaus , von Stengel Simon
Published: August 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of high intensity dynamic resistance exercise (HIT-DRT) and whey protein supplementation (WPS) on bone mineral density (BMD) and sarcopenia parameters in osteosarcopenic men. Men ≥ 72 years with osteosarcopenia (n = 43) were randomly assigned to a HIT-RT (HIT-RT: n = 21) or a non-training control group (n = 22). Supervised HIT-RT twice/week was applied for 18 months, while the control group maintained their habitual lifestyle. Supplying WPS, total protein intake amounted to 1.5–1.6 (HIT-RT) and 1.2 g/kg/body mass/d (control). Both groups were supplied with calcium and vitamin D. Primary study outcomes were BMD and the sarcopenia Z-score. After adjusting for multiplicity, we observed significant positive effects for sarcopenia Z-score (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.40), BMD at lumbar spine (SMD: 0.72) and total hip (SMD: 0.72). In detail, effect sizes for skeletal muscle mass changes were very pronounced (1.97, p < 0.001), while effects for functional sarcopenia parameters were moderate (0.87, p = 0.008; handgrip strength) or low (0.39, p = 0.209; gait velocity). Apart from one man who reported short periods of temporary worsening of existing joint pain, no HIT-RT/WPS-related adverse effects or injuries were reported. We consider HIT-RT supported by whey protein supplementation as a feasible, attractive, safe and highly effective option to fight osteosarcopenia in older men.
In Vitro Study of Extracellular Vesicles Migration in Cartilage-Derived Osteoarthritis Samples Using Real-Time Quantitative Multimodal Nonlinear Optics Imaging
Authors: Mortati Leonardo , de Girolamo Laura , Perucca Orfei Carlotta , Viganò Marco , Brayda-Bruno Marco , Ragni Enrico , Colombini Alessandra
Published: August 2020

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising therapeutic nano-carriers for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The assessment of their uptake in tissues is mandatory but, to date, available technology does not allow to track and quantify incorporation in real-time. To fill this knowledge gap, the present study was intended to develop an innovative technology to determine kinetics of fluorescent MSC-EV uptake by means of time-lapse quantitative microscopy techniques. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs)-EVs were fluorescently labeled and tracked during their uptake into chondrocytes micromasses or cartilage explants, both derived from OA patients. Immunofluorescence and time-lapse coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, second harmonic generation and two-photon excited fluorescence were used to follow and quantify incorporation. EVs penetration appeared quickly after few minutes and reached 30–40 μm depth after 5 h in both explants and micromasses. In explants, uptake was slightly faster, with EVs signal overlapping both extracellular matrix and chondrocytes, whereas in micromasses a more homogenous diffusion was observed. The finding of this study demonstrates that this innovative technology is a powerful tool to monitor EVs migration in tissues characterized by a complex extracellular network, and to obtain data resembling in vivo conditions.
CYP3A Excipient-Based Microemulsion Prolongs the Effect of Magnolol on Ischemia Stroke Rats
Authors: Guo Jiun-Wen , Chien Chih-Cheng , Chen Jiann-Hwa
Published: August 2020

Magnolol, which is a CYP3A substrate, is a well-known agent that can facilitate neuroprotection and reduce ischemic brain damage. However, a well-controlled release formulation is needed for the effective delivery of magnolol due to its poor water solubility. In this study, we have developed a formulation for a CYP3A-excipient microemulsion, which can be administrated intraperitoneally to increase the solubility and bioavailability of magnolol and increase its neuroprotective effect against ischemic brain injury. The results showed a significant improvement in the area under the plotted curve of drug concentration versus time curve (AUC0–t) and mean residence time (MRT) of magnolol in microemulsion compared to when it was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Both magnolol in DMSO and microemulsion, administrated after the onset of ischemia, showed a reduced visual brain infarct size. As such, this demonstrates a therapeutic effect on ischemic brain injury caused by occlusion, however it is important to note that a pharmacological effect cannot be concluded by this study. Ultimately, our study suggests that the excipient inhibitor-based microemulsion formulation could be a promising concept for the substrate drugs of CYP3A.
Heat-Stable Hazelnut Profilin: Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Immunoinformatics Analysis
Authors: Barazorda-Ccahuana Haruna L. , Theiss-De-Rosso Vinicius , Valencia Diego Ernesto , Gómez Badhin
Published: August 2020

Heat treatment can modify the allergenic potential, reducing allergenicity in specific proteins. Profilins are one of the important hazelnut allergens; these proteins are considered panallergens due to their high capacity for cross-reactivity with other allergens. In the present work, we evaluated the thermostability of hazelnut profilin, combining molecular dynamics simulation and immunoinformatic techniques. This approach helped us to have reliable results in immunogenicity studies. We modeled Cor a 2 profilin and applied annealing simulation, equilibrium, and production simulation at constant temperatures ranging from 300 to 500 K using Gromacs software. Despite the hazelnut profilins being able to withstand temperatures of up to 400 K, this does not seem to reduce its allergenicity. We have found that profilin subjected to temperatures of 450 and 500 K could generate cross-reactivity with other food allergens. In conclusion, we note a remarkable thermostability of Cor a 2 at 400 K which avoids its structural unfolding.
Photoresponsive Photoacid-Macroion Nano-Assemblies
Authors: Zika Alexander , Bernhardt Sarah , Gröhn Franziska
Published: August 2020

In this study, light-responsive nano-assemblies with light-switchable size based on photoacids are presented. Anionic disulfonated napthol derivates and cationic dendrimer macroions are used as building blocks for electrostatic self-assembly. Nanoparticles are already formed under the exclusion of light as a result of electrostatic interactions. Upon photoexcitation, an excited-state dissociation of the photoacidic hydroxyl group takes place, which leads to a more highly charged linker molecule and, subsequently, to a change in size and structure of the nano-assemblies. The effects of the charge ratio and the concentration on the stability have been examined with absorption spectroscopy and ζ-potential measurements. The influence of the chemical structure of three isomeric photoacids on the size and shape of the nanoscale aggregates has been studied by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy, revealing a direct correlation of the strength of the photoacid with the changes of the assemblies upon irradiation.
Thermal Degradation Kinetics of ZnO/polyester Nanocomposites
Authors: Franco-Urquiza E. A. , May-Crespo J. F. , Escalante Velázquez C. A. , Pérez Mora R. , González García P.
Published: August 2020

ZnO particles were synthetized by the sol–gel method and subsequent heat treatment of 400, 500 and 600 °C was applied. The nano ZnO particles were incorporated to the unsaturated polyester resin by solution blending at 0.05 wt % concentration. X-ray diffraction detected the formation of a wurtzite-like structure. Viscoelastic behavior of neat polyester and nanocomposites revealed the nano ZnO particles does not promote better mechanical properties because of a weak interaction and the glass transition temperature of the polyester was favored by the presence of a higher quantity of nano-size ZnO particles. Thermogravimetric analysis at 5, 10 and 20 °C/min allowed determining the degradation kinetic parameters based on the Friedman and Kissinger models for neat polyester and nanocomposites. Heating rates promoted an increase in the temperature degradation and the addition of ZnO particles promoted a catalyst effect that reduce the amount of thermal energy needed to start the thermal degradation.
Erratum: Estoque, R. C. A Review of the Sustainability Concept and the State of SDG Monitoring Using Remote Sensing. Remote Sens. 2020, 12, 1770
Authors: Estoque Ronald C.
Published: August 2020

The author wishes to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Remote Sensing Estimation of Regional NO2 via Space-Time Neural Networks
Authors: Li Tongwen , Wang Yuan , Yuan Qiangqiang
Published: August 2020

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an essential air pollutant related to adverse health effects. A space-time neural network model is developed for the estimation of ground-level NO2 in this study by integrating ground NO2 station measurements, satellite NO2 products, simulation data, and other auxiliary data. Specifically, a geographically and temporally weighted generalized regression neural network (GTW-GRNN) model is used with the advantage to consider the spatiotemporal variations of the relationship between NO2 and influencing factors in a nonlinear neural network framework. The case study across the Wuhan urban agglomeration (WUA), China, indicates that the GTW-GRNN model outperforms the widely used geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR), with the site-based cross-validation R2 value increasing by 0.08 (from 0.61 to 0.69). Besides, the comparison between the GTW-GRNN and original global GRNN models shows that considering the spatiotemporal variations in GRNN modeling can boost estimation accuracy. All these results demonstrate that the GTW-GRNN based NO2 estimation framework will be of great use for remote sensing of ground-level NO2 concentrations.
Multisatellite-Based Feeding Habitat Suitability Modeling of Albacore Tuna in the Southern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Vayghan Ali Haghi , Lee Ming-An , Weng Jinn-Shing , Mondal Sandipan , Lin Ching-Te , Wang Yi-Chen
Published: August 2020

Decision strategies in fisheries management are often directed by the geographic distribution and habitat preferences of target species. This study used remote sensing data to identify the optimal feeding habitat of albacore tuna in the Southern Atlantic Ocean (SAO) using an empirical habitat suitability model applying longline fisheries data during 2009–2015. An arithmetic mean model with sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface chlorophyll-a concentration (SSC) was determined to be suitable for defining the albacore habitat in the SAO. The optimal ranges of SST and SSC for the habitat were approximately 16.5 °C–19.5 °C and 0.11–0.33 mg/m3, respectively. The study revealed a considerable positive trend between the suitable habitat area and standardized catch per unit effort (r = 0.97; p < 0.05); due to the west-to-east and northward development of the suitable habitat, albacore schools moved to the northeast of the SAO, thus increasing catch probability in April to August in that region. Overall, the frontal structure of SST and SSC plays an essential role in the formation of potential albacore habitats in the SAO. Our findings could contribute to the establishment of regional ecosystem-based fisheries management in the SAO.
Satellite Observations of PM2.5 Changes and Driving Factors Based Forecasting Over China 2000–2025
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Zhengqiang , Chang Wenyuan , Zhang Yuanxun , de Leeuw Gerrit , Schauer James J.
Published: August 2020

In China, atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is a challenging environmental problem. Systematic PM2.5 measurements have started only in 2013, resulting in a lack of historical data which is a key obstacle for the analysis of long-term PM2.5 trends and forecasting the evolution over this hot region. Satellite data can provide a new approach to derive historical PM2.5 information provided that the column-integrated aerosol properties can adequately be converted to PM2.5. In this study, a recently developed formulation for the calculation of surface PM2.5 concentrations using satellite data is introduced and applied to reconstruct a PM2.5 time series over China from 2000 to 2015. The formulated model is also used to explore the PM2.5 driving factors related to anthropogenic or meteorological parameters in this historical period. The results show that the annually averaged PM2.5 over China’s polluted regions increased rapidly between 2004 and 2007 (with an average rate of 3.07 μg m−3 yr−1) to reach values of up to 61.1 μg m−3 in 2007, and decreased from 2011 to 2015 with an average rate of −2.61 μg m−3 yr−1, to reach a value of 46.9 μg m−3 in 2015. The analysis shows that the increase in PM2.5 before 2008 was mainly associated with increasing anthropogenic factors, further augmented by the effect of meteorological influences. However, the decrease in PM2.5 after 2011 is mainly attributed to the effect of pollution control measures on anthropogenic factors, whereas the effects of meteorological factors have continued to increase since 2000. The results also suggest that further reduction in anthropogenic emissions is needed to accelerate the decrease in PM2.5 concentrations to reach the target of 35 μg m−3 over major polluted areas in China before 2025.
Manganese (Mn) Concentrations and the Mn-Fe Relationship in Shallow Groundwater: Implications for Groundwater Monitoring
Authors: Hamer Kay , Gudenschwager Imke , Pichler Thomas
Published: August 2020

Manganese (Mn) concentrations in approximately 32,000 groundwater analyses from more than 4800 monitoring wells in northern Germany were evaluated. This region was considered well suited to study Mn in shallow groundwater in unconsolidated sediments. Spearman rank correlation was used to correlate between redox-sensitive parameters and the Mann–Kendall test for an evaluation of temporal trends. Manganese concentrations varied over two orders of magnitude and more than 40% of the wells had concentrations above 0.3 mg/L. Median Mn concentrations in the major hydrogeological units, the Geesten, tidal wetlands, and fluviatile lowlands were 0.12 mg/L, 0.46 mg/L, and 0.27 mg/L, respectively. Separating the data by land use, the median concentrations were 0.20 mg/L for arable land, 0.15 mg/L for forests, and 0.24 for grassland. Calculated background concentrations of Mn varied from <0.25 mg/L to 4.79 mg/L. A new parameter, ∆Mn-Fe, defined as the concentration difference between Mn and Fe in mg/L together with nitrate concentrations exceeding 50 mg/L was used to identify the fertilizer-borne input of nitrate. However, the factor controlling Mn occurrence seemingly was the depth of monitoring wells and the screen-length. Elevated concentrations of Mn and a high ∆Mn-Fe were generally found in shallow wells and wells with short screen-lengths.
Golden Apples or Green Apples? The Effect of Entrepreneurial Creativity on Green Entrepreneurship: A Dual Pathway Model
Authors: Jiang Hui , Wang Suli , Wang Lu , Li Gang
Published: August 2020

Entrepreneurs with high creativity (i.e., golden apples) are easy to find, but entrepreneurs with green entrepreneurial intention (i.e., green apples) are rare. To explain this phenomenon, we first introduce cognitive dissonance theory to demonstrate how entrepreneurial creativity influences green entrepreneurship through two parallel mechanisms—green recognition and green disengagement. Moreover, we propose the use of green self-identity as a moderator to predict when the relationships between entrepreneurial creativity and these two mechanisms are intensified or attenuated. Through an empirical study, we surveyed 362 entrepreneurs from a local entrepreneurship association in eastern China. The results show that entrepreneurial creativity is positively associated with both green recognition and green disengagement. While green recognition strengthens green entrepreneurial intention, green disengagement weakens green entrepreneurial intention. More importantly, creative entrepreneurs with high green self-identity are more likely to engage in green recognition and, thus, promote green entrepreneurial intention. By contrast, creative entrepreneurs with low green self-identity are more willing to engage in green disengagement and, thus, inhibit green entrepreneurial intention. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for entrepreneurial creativity and green entrepreneurship.
Sustaining International Students’ Learning of Chinese in China: Shifting Motivations among New Zealand Students during Study Abroad
Authors: Gong Yang (Frank) , Ma Mengyao , Hsiang Tien Ping , Wang Chuang
Published: August 2020

This paper reports on an inquiry that examined groups of New Zealand students’ motivational shifts related to learning Chinese before and after relocation to China. In the inquiry, we encouraged 15 participants to write reflective journals and conducted two rounds of interviews before and after their study abroad trip to China. The analysis revealed that most participants had their motivation enhanced by the trip, and expected to sustain their heightened motivation for learning Chinese in the future. The findings suggest that the participants’ motivational shifts happened during their period of study abroad in China, and were prompted by their new pedagogical environment and individual learning experiences. In other words, the motivational enhancement emerged from ongoing interactions between the participants’ L2 self-concepts (e.g., ideal L2 selves) and learning and sociocultural contexts in China. These findings offer fresh insights into the dynamic nature of Chinese language learning motivation and the role of formal and informal settings in the participants’ learning of Chinese. They imply that educational stakeholders need to provide authentic communication opportunities and resources to enhance international students’ motivation for the sustainable learning of Chinese.
Gender Differences in Attitudes to Vegans/Vegetarians and Their Food Preferences, and Their Implications for Promoting Sustainable Dietary Patterns–A Systematic Review
Authors: Modlinska Klaudia , Adamczyk Dominika , Maison Dominika , Pisula Wojciech
Published: August 2020

Limiting meat consumption has recently become one of the key issues linked to public health and environmental sustainability. This is reflected in the strong emphasis on increasing promotion of plant-based nutritional styles, such as vegan and vegetarian diets. Vegan/vegetarian diets appeal to certain demographic groups more than to others. The most striking difference, however, is found between the sexes. Men and women differ in their preferences for plant products and in their attitudes to meat consumption. There are also differences between their motivations to start and/or follow a vegan/vegetarian diet. Major differences have also been observed in men’s and women’s attitudes towards people following plant-based diets. Vegetarian diets are generally considered to be less masculine than meat-based diets, and omnivores exhibit more prejudice against vegetarian men than women. This study follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) systematic literature review model. The Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched (up to January 2020) to identify studies, which analysed variables directly or indirectly related to inter-sex differences with regard to the vegan/vegetarian diet. After the screening process based on the relevance and quality criteria, 29 articles were included in the study. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness of these gender differences, not only as regards social perceptions, but also in terms of individual attitudes to vegetarian/vegan diets. Ignoring those differences hinders the promotion of plant-based diets and may explain the relatively meager success of previous efforts to promote sustainable nutritional styles.
Modeling the Evolutionary Mechanism of China’s Domestic Air Transport Network
Authors: Zhang Shengrun , Hu Yue , Tang Xiaowei , Fuellhart Kurt , Dai Liang , Witlox Frank
Published: August 2020

With the rapid expansion of China’s domestic air transport network (CATN), it is fundamental to model which factors and mechanisms impact this development. This paper investigates how the combined endogenous and exogenous factors influencing the evolution of CATN based on longitudinal data by utilizing a more all-encompassing methodology of stochastic actor based-modeling (SABM). Endogenous variables include a density effect, a betweenness effect, a transitivity closure effect, and a ‘number of distances-two’ effect. Exogenous variables incorporate airport hierarchy, a distance effect, presence or absence of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and high-speed rail (HSR). The systematic classification of Chinese airports into more than the typical two or three tiers allows the impacts of the four endogenous covariates to be revealed. Overall, the CATN has tended to evolve into a more compacted and non-concentrated network structure through the creation of non-stop routes and closed triads. The integrated inclusion of low-cost carrier and high-speed rail effects highlights the importance of market presence to the initiation of new routes at initial stages, cultivating potential demand and increasing accessibility. In addition, the construction of HSR to one primary airport within a multi-airport system can raise “shadow effects” for other airports. Our findings provide policy suggestions for airport operators in terms of developing accurate positions in the hierarchy and strengthening transfer ability.
A Conceptual Framework to Manage Resilience and Increase Sustainability in the Supply Chain
Authors: Zavala-Alcívar Antonio , Verdecho María-José , Alfaro-Saiz Juan-José
Published: August 2020

The challenges of global economies foster supply chains to have to increase their processes of collaboration and dependence between their nodes, generating an increase in the level of vulnerability to possible impacts and interruptions in their operations that may affect their sustainability. This has developed an emerging area of interest in supply chain management, considering resilience management as a strategic capability of companies, and causing an increase in this area of research. Additionally, supply chains should deal with the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, environmental, and social dimensions) by incorporating the three types of objectives in their strategy. Thus, there is a need to integrate both resilience and sustainability in supply chain management to increase competitiveness. In this paper, a systematic literature review is undertaken to analyze resilience management and its connection to increase supply chain sustainability. In the review, 232 articles published from 2000 to February 2020 in peer-reviewed journals in the Scopus and ScienceDirect databases are analyzed, classified, and synthesized. With the results, this paper develops a conceptual framework that integrates the fundamental elements for analyzing, measuring, and managing resilience to increase sustainability in the supply chain. Finally, conclusions, limitations, and future research lines are exposed.
Landslide Hazard Knowledge, Risk Perception and Preparedness in Southeast Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Edris
Published: August 2020

Over the last thirty years, Bangladesh has been experiencing hill cutting problems and subsequent landslide occurrence in its southeastern hilly region. Since 2000, landslides have caused over 500 deaths, mostly in informal settlements in southeast Bangladesh. The most significant single event was the 2007 landslide causing 127 deaths in Chittagong’s informal settlements. The landslide events took over 110 people in Rangamati on 12 June 2017. In the scenario of rising deaths by landslides in the southeastern region, this research aimed to understand communities’ landslide hazard knowledge, reasons for living in at-risk areas, risk perception and preparedness. This research applied both quantitative (i.e., structural questionnaire) and qualitative (i.e., semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire and informal interviews) data collection techniques to assess hill-top and hill-side dwellers knowledge, risk perception and preparedness to landslides in southeast Bangladesh. The investigation conducted face-to-face interviews with 208 community members, 15 key informant interviews, three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and field observations and visits in southeast Bangladesh. The findings suggest that unplanned development activities, overpopulation, settlement along hill slopes and ineffective disaster risk reduction efforts are the anthropogenic contributories accompanying climate-change induced increased torrential rainfall are the main reasons for the increase of landslide occurrence. The results suggest that community members perceive a low-risk for landslides, despite the community’s location in high-risk areas. The community’s perception of low risk results in a lack of preparedness and an unwillingness to relocate a comparatively safer place. It was noted that landslide disaster preparation depends on the communities’ development maturity, house ownership, ethnicity, gender and economic status of the residents. It is suggested that the place of relocation for residents living in the high-risk areas should be selected with full consideration of psychosocial aspects of the community, particularly providing acceptable livelihood options.