bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Property Rights, Village Political System, and Forestry Investment: Evidence from China’s Collective Forest Tenure Reform
Authors: Ren Yang , Kuuluvainen Jari , Yang Liu , Yao Shunbo , Xue Caixia , Toppinen Anne
Published: September 2018

To investigate the effect of improved property rights and, in particular, village democracy under China’s Collective Forest Tenure Reform (Tenure Reform) on household forestry investments, we estimate both tobit models and the more general Cragg models for farmers’ labor and monetary inputs into forestry, using survey data of 652 households from the southern collective forest region of China. The results reveal that the improved forestland use and disposition rights had a significant effect on household investments in forestry, while the beneficiary right did not. In addition, the results suggest that village democracy had a positive effect on households’ forestry investments. More importantly, we find that village democracy was able to significantly strengthen the investment incentive effect of the improved property rights under the Tenure Reform. These effects may be explained by the fact that village democracy improved households’ perception, cognition, and, subsequently, confidence toward, in particular, the use and disposition rights of the forests entitled to them. Therefore, the findings suggest that to increase the investment incentives of the Tenure Reform further, governments could strengthen the bundle of households’ use and disposition rights, as well as their related policies. Also, our findings indicate that governments could significantly improve the performance of public policies by effectively employing democratic procedures in the process of policy implementation.
Antioxidant Potential of Grass Pea Seeds from European Countries
Authors: Rybiński Wojciech , Karamać Magdalena , Sulewska Katarzyna , Börner Andreas , Amarowicz Ryszard
Published: September 2018

Phenolic compounds were extracted from seeds of 30 varieties of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) into 80% (v/v) methanol. The total phenolics compounds content of the extracts and their antioxidant activity were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, respectively. Total phenolic contents ranged from 1.88 to 7.12 mg/g extract and 20.3 to 70.3 mg/100 g seeds. The extracts and seeds were characterized using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values of 0.015–0.037 mmol Trolox/g extract and 0.158–0.372 mmol Trolox/100 g seeds, and FRAP values of 0.045–0.120 mmol Fe2+/g extract and 0.487–1.189 Fe2+/100 g seeds. The total phenolics content of grass pea extract was correlated with the results of the ABTS (r = 0.881) and FRAP (r = 0.781) assays. The same correlation was observed between the results of both assays (r = 0.842). Two derivatives of p-coumaric acid were the dominant phenolic compounds of the Derek cultivar of grass pea.
Matrix Games with Interval-Valued 2-Tuple Linguistic Information
Authors: Singh Anjali , Gupta Anjana
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a two-player constant-sum interval-valued 2-tuple linguistic matrix game is construed. The value of a linguistic matrix game is proven as a non-decreasing function of the linguistic values in the payoffs, and, hence, a pair of auxiliary linguistic linear programming (LLP) problems is formulated to obtain the linguistic lower bound and the linguistic upper bound of the interval-valued linguistic value of such class of games. The duality theorem of LLP is also adopted to establish the equality of values of the interval linguistic matrix game for players I and II. A flowchart to summarize the proposed algorithm is also given. The methodology is then illustrated via a hypothetical example to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed theory in the real world. The designed algorithm demonstrates acceptable results in the two-player constant-sum game problems with interval-valued 2-tuple linguistic payoffs.
The Effect of Ethephon, Abscisic Acid, and Methyl Jasmonate on Fruit Ripening in Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum)
Authors: Wang Yi-Wen , Malladi Anish , Doyle John W. , Scherm Harald , Nambeesan Savithri U.
Published: September 2018

Ripening in blueberry fruit is irregular and occurs over an extended period requiring multiple harvests, thereby increasing the cost of production. Several phytohormones contribute to the regulation of fruit ripening. Certain plant growth regulators (PGRs) can alter the content, perception, or action of these phytohormones, potentially accelerating fruit ripening and concentrating the ripening period. The effects of three such PGRs—ethephon, abscisic acid, and methyl jasmonate—on fruit ripening were evaluated in the rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) cultivars ‘Premier’ and ‘Powderblue’. Application of ethephon, an ethylene-releasing PGR, at 250 mg L−1 when 30–40% of fruit on the plant were ripe, accelerated ripening by increasing the proportion of blue (ripe) fruit by 1.5–1.8-fold within 4 to 7 days after treatment in both cultivars. Ethephon applications did not generally alter fruit quality characteristics at harvest or during postharvest storage, except for a slight decrease in juice pH at 1 day of postharvest storage and an increase in fruit firmness and titratable acidity after 15 days of postharvest storage in Powderblue. In Premier, ethephon applications decreased the proportion of defective fruit at 29 days of postharvest storage. Abscisic acid (600–1000 mg L−1) and methyl jasmonate (0.5–1 mM) applications did not alter the proportion of ripe fruit in either cultivar. These applications also had little effect on fruit quality characteristics at harvest and during postharvest storage. None of the above PGR applications affected the development of naturally occurring postharvest pathogens during storage. Together, data from this study indicated that ethephon has the potential to accelerate ripening in rabbiteye blueberry fruit, allowing for a potential decrease in the number of fruit harvests.
The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Screening for and Vaccination Against Hepatitis B Virus among Migrants in the EU/EEA: A Systematic Review
Authors: Myran Daniel T , Morton Rachael , Biggs Beverly-Ann , Veldhuijzen Irene , Castelli Francesco , Tran Anh , Staub Lukas P , Agbata Eric , Rahman Prinon , Pareek Manish , Noori Teymur , Pottie Kevin
Published: September 2018

Migrants from hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemic countries to the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) comprise 5.1% of the total EU/EEA population but account for 25% of total chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Migrants from high HBV prevalence regions are at the highest risk for CHB morbidity. These migrants are at risk of late detection of CHB complications; mortality and onwards transmission. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CHB screening and vaccination programs among migrants to the EU/EEA. We found no RCTs or direct evidence evaluating the effectiveness of CHB screening on morbidity and mortality of migrants. We therefore used a systematic evidence chain approach to identify studies relevant to screening and prevention programs; testing, treatment, and vaccination. We identified four systematic reviews and five additional studies and guidelines that reported on screening and vaccination effectiveness. Studies reported that vaccination programs were highly effective at reducing the prevalence of CHB in children (RR 0.07 95% CI 0.04 to 0.13) following vaccination. Two meta-analyses of therapy for chronic HBV infection found improvement in clinical outcomes and intermediate markers of disease. We identified nine studies examining the cost-effectiveness of screening for CHB: a strategy of screening and treating CHB compared to no screening. The median acceptance of HB screening was 87.4% (range 32.3–100%). Multiple studies highlighted barriers to and the absence of effective strategies to ensure linkage of treatment and care for migrants with CHB. In conclusion, screening of high-risk children and adults and vaccination of susceptible children, combined with treatment of CHB infection in migrants, are promising and cost-effective interventions, but linkage to treatment requires more attention.
Implementation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Sets for Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: Global Initiatives Promoting Optimal Functioning
Authors: Schiariti Verónica , Longo Egmar , Shoshmin Alexander , Kozhushko Ludmila , Besstrashnova Yanina , Król Maria , Neri Correia Campos Taynah , Náryma Confessor Ferreira Haryelle , Verissimo Cláudia , Shaba Daniel , Mwale Matilda , Amado Sandra
Published: September 2018

Background: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Sets for children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) offer service providers and stakeholders a specific framework to explore functioning and disability for assessment, treatment, evaluation, and policy purposes in a global context. Objective: Describe global initiatives applying the ICF Core Sets for children and youth with CP, with a focus on contributions to clinical practice and challenges in their implementation. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Ongoing initiatives applying the ICF Core Sets for CP in Russia, Poland, Malawi, and Brazil are included. Results: The main contributions of applying the ICF Core Sets for children and youth with CP include: (1) an objective description of abilities and limitations in everyday activities; (2) a consistent identification of facilitators and barriers influencing functioning; (3) a practical communication tool promoting client-centered care and multidisciplinary teamwork; and, (4) a useful guideline for measurement selection. The main challenges of adopting the ICF Core Sets are related to lack of ICF knowledge requiring intense training and translating results from standardized measures into the ICF qualifiers in a consistent way. Conclusions: Global initiatives include research and clinical applications at the program, service and system levels. The ICF Core Sets for CP are useful tools to guide service provision and build profiles of functioning and disability. Global interprofessional collaboration, capacity training, and informatics (e-records) will maximize their applications and accelerate adoption.
Analysis of the Spatial Variability of Soil Texture in a Tropical Highland: The Case of the Jema Watershed, Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Taye Mintesinot , Simane Belay , Selsssie Yihenew , Zaitchik Benjamin , Setegn Shimelis
Published: September 2018

This study sought to analyze the degree of spatial association of soil texture with agro-climatic zones and slope classes on the farmlands of the Jema watershed, in the Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia. The agro-climatic zones (elevation zones) determine the micro-climate and biota of the study area. Thirty six soil composite samples for texture (the proportion of clay, silt and sand) analysis from four agro-climatic (elevation) zones and seven slope classes were collected. One-Way-ANOVA was employed to compute the mean variability of texture among the identified terrain classes, and linear regression was used to analyze the degree of association between texture and the terrain attributes. The measured values of sand, silt and clay in the watershed ranged from 11.4 to 43.4, 6.0 to 34.8, and 21.8 to 77.8, respectively. The One-Way-ANOVA indicated a significant (p < 0.05) soil texture variation in both slope and agro-climatic zone classes. Heavy clay, clay and clay loam were identified as the major texture classes in the lower, middle and upper parts of the watershed, respectively. The regression analysis showed that texture was more influenced by the difference in the elevation values than in slope values in the watershed. The standardized beta coefficients of slope and elevation for clay particles were 0.499 and 0.767, respectively. For sand, the regression coefficients for slope and agro-climatic zone were 0.485 and 0.812, respectively. This implies that an interactive effect of micro-climate and biota governed by elevation influenced the spatial distribution of soil texture more than slope.
Seroprevalence of Markers of Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Associated Factors, and Vaccination Status in Young Adults in Arkhangelsk, Northwest Russia: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Balaeva Tatiana , Grjibovski Andrej M. , Samodova Olga , Sannikov Anatoly , Klouman Elise
Published: September 2018

Russia had a high incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before the vaccination campaigns of 1997, 2001, 2007, which targeted newborns, adolescents, and adults, respectively. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of serological markers of HBV infection, associated factors, and vaccination status among young adults in Arkhangelsk, Northwest Russia. In this cross-sectional, population-based study, we used a quota sampling method to recruit 1243 adults aged 18–39 years. Participants completed a self-administrated questionnaire and were tested for hepatitis B markers. Associations between positivity for markers and selected sociodemographic and behavioral factors were studied by logistic regression. 10.9% of our participants were positive for at least one marker of hepatitis B, 1.2% were positive for HBsAg, and 42.1% were negative for all markers. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, age 30–34 years; lack of self-reported vaccination; and having ≥2 sexual partners in the last 6 months were associated with positivity for markers of hepatitis B. Hepatitis B vaccination was confirmed in 46.9% of participants. Although half of our study sample was vaccinated, four in 10 were still susceptible to infection and more than one participant in 100 showed evidence of an active infection.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Diabetes in the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study from Pakistan
Authors: Gillani Ali , Amirul Islam Fakir , Hayat Khezar , Atif Naveel , Yang Caijun , Chang Jie , Qu Zhan , Fang Yu
Published: September 2018

Background: Low knowledge about diabetes risk factors coupled with high disease prevalence is common in low-resource countries. This study evaluated diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the general population in Punjab (Pakistan). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts in Punjab from January to March 2017. Data were collected from 2019 adults aged 18–90 years through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The total knowledge score ranged from 0–9; a score ≥6 was considered adequate diabetes awareness. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and linear and binary logistic regression were used for the analyses. Results: Respondents’ mean age was 32.92 ± 11.4 years. In total, 85.9% of respondents had heard of diabetes, and 30.1% knew about the glucose tolerance test. We found 2.3% of respondents scored zero for diabetes knowledge, 11.3% scored 9, and 47.4% scored ≥6 (adequate awareness). Being female (β = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16, 0.05; p = 0.001), socioeconomic status (β = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.36; p < 0.001), being diabetic (β = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.53, 1.10; p < 0.001), and higher education (β = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.33; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge score. Respondents with high socioeconomic status showed significantly higher positive attitudes compared with those with low socioeconomic status (adjusted odds ratio 1.57, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.24). Only 8.7% (30/343) of those diagnosed with diabetes had never undergone blood glucose screening since diagnosis. Conclusions: Knowledge of diabetes risk factors, management, and care is low in Pakistan’s general population. Targeted public education programs should be instigated at a national level to increase understanding of diabetes prevention and treatment.
Evaluation by the Ames Assay of the Mutagenicity of UV Filters Using Benzophenone and Benzophenone-1
Authors: Wang Wen-Qian , Duan Hai-Xin , Pei Zhou-Tao , Xu Rou-Rou , Qin Ze-Tian , Zhu Guang-Can , Sun Li-Wei
Published: September 2018

Ultraviolet absorbing chemicals (UV filters) are widely used in personal care products for protecting human skin and hair from damage by UV radiation. Although these substances are released into the environment during production and consumption processes, little is known about their genotoxicity effects. Our previous studies have shown that benzophenone-type UV filters exhibited acute toxicity on three species of aquatic organisms. Mutagenesis by benzophenone (BP) and benzophenone-1(BP-1) was tested in the present study by the Salmonella typhimurium/reverse mutation assay (Ames assay). All the positive reverse mutations occurred in the absence of the S9 liver extract system for both chemicals. From BP, positive mutation effects on the TA102 strain at doses of 0.05 μg/plate and 0.5 μg/plate were detected. From BP-1, positive mutation effects on the TA97 strain at doses of 0.05 μg/plate and 0.5 μg/plate, and on the TA100 strain at a dose of 0.5 μg/plate, were detected. A mixture of BP and BP-1 exhibited mutagenicity on the TA97 and TA100 strains. For the TA97 strain, the positive mutation results were detected at 10% and 50% of the mixture. For the TA100 strain, the results were detected when the mixture was at 5% and 10%. In the mixture at 5%, the concentrations of BP and BP-1 were 3.5 μg/plate and 14 μg/plate, respectively. In the 10% mixture, the doses of BP and BP-1 were 7 μg/plate and 28 μg/plate, respectively. In the 50% mixture, the doses of BP and BP-1 were 35 μg/plate and 140 μg/plate, respectively. The mixture test results suggested that there was antagonism in mutagenicity between BP and BP-1.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Intervention in School Bullying Episodes with Special Education Needs Students: A Research in Italian and Greek Samples
Authors: Begotti Tatiana , Tirassa Maurizio , Acquadro Maran Daniela
Published: September 2018

Background: The aim of the study was to compare the level of self-confidence in dealing with problems at school, the attitude towards bullying situations and the recommended strategies to cope with bullying in two samples of pre-service teachers (PSTs). The PSTs were in training to become teachers with special education needs students (SEN) and came from two different countries (Italy and Greece). Methods: A questionnaire survey was made involving 110 Italian and 84 Greek PSTs. Results: The results about self-confidence showed that Greek PSTs had lower outcome expectations and a higher external locus of causality than Italian PSTs. Teachers’ training programs and school preventive intervention were also discussed. Conclusions: Because the participants in this investigation will be teachers in the near future, they require specific training on bullying in general and in students with SEN in particular.
Interaction Mechanism between Antibiotics and Humic Acid by UV-Vis Spectrometry
Authors: Yuan Xiaoyu , Yang Shengke , Fang Jie , Wang Xueli , Ma Haizhen , Wang Zongzhou , Wang Runze , Zhao Yaqian
Published: September 2018

In this study, the interaction between the humus and two antibiotics was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy to describe the interaction mechanism and the effects of different environmental factors on the mechanism. Results showed that humic acid (HA) containing more aromatic groups was easily associated with antibiotics. In the HA-OTC, with the increase of the concentration of OTC, there were obvious absorption peaks in the 230–260 nm and 330–360 nm range, and the absorption band of the HA ultraviolet spectrum underwent a slight blue shift and the absorption intensity increased, demonstrating that a new ground state complex was generated. In the HA-SD, with the increase of SD concentration, an aromatic structure absorption peak appeared in the 190–220 nm range, and the peak value increased and the absorption band underwent a red shift, and the aromatization of HA decreased, which enhanced the interaction between the antibiotics and HA. With the increase of pH, the absorption band of HA, HA-OTC and HA-SD ultraviolet spectrum suffered a blue shift, the degree of polymerization of HA molecules decreased, and the number of adsorption binding sites increased, which resulted in the interaction of HA with antibiotics being enhanced. The absorption band of HA, HA-OTC and HA-SD displayed a red shift with the increase of ionic strength, which indicated that the repulsion within HA particles was weakened, and the molecular polymerization was strengthened and therefore, the interaction between antibiotics and HA was inhibited. The UV characteristics of the HA, HA-OTC and HA-SD systems were insensitive to the temperature. This study lays the foundation for better studying the effect of humus on the distribution of antibiotic residues in the environment.
A School-Based Educational Intervention for School-Aged Children and Caregivers about Rational Use of Antibiotics in Urban Areas of Shaanxi Province: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Research
Authors: Zhang Yu , Kabba John , Chang Jie , Ji Wenjing , Zhu Shan , Yu Jiale , Xu Sen , Fang Yu
Published: September 2018

(1) Background: Antibiotic resistance is an imperative public health issue globally. Major factors that are resulting in this trend are the irrational and excessive use of antibiotics. Children account for a greater population of antibiotics use, therefore, an educational intervention on the rational use of antibiotics for children and caregivers will be beneficial. (2) Methods: A randomized controlled and parallel group study of fifth grade children and their caregivers will be evaluated in four primary schools in Baoji and Weinan of the Shaanxi Province. Two primary schools will be randomly selected for the educational intervention and two schools will serve as a control group. In the intervention arm, educational interventions will be conducted among caregivers and their children. The intervention measures include interactive training sessions, booklets, and printed or electronic educational materials that will be given to the caregivers or the school-aged children. In the control arm, no interventions will be implemented. Baseline data collected from June, 2018 and the intervention will last for three months. Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) questionnaires will be used to evaluate the caregivers’ knowledge, their attitude, and their practice. Knowledge-Retention questionnaires will be used to assess the children’s knowledge about microbes, antibiotics, and hygiene. (3) Discussion: This study is a unique comprehensive intervention targeting both children and their caregivers. We hypothesize a decrease in the irrational use of antibiotics among the studied population. Hence, this result would provide evidence for policy makers and educational departments for the implementation of similar interventions on the rational use of antibiotics.
Going Green or Going Away? A Spatial Empirical Examination of the Relationship between Environmental Regulations, Biased Technological Progress, and Green Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Wang Xueli , Sun Caizhi , Wang Song , Zhang Zhixiong , Zou Wei
Published: September 2018

China’s economic development has resulted in significant resource consumption and environmental damage. However, technological progress is important for achieving coordinated economic development and environmental protection. Appropriate environmental regulation policies are also important. Although green total factor productivity, environmental regulations, and technological progress vary by location, few studies have been conducted from a spatial perspective. However, spatial spillover effects should be taken into consideration. This study used energy consumption, the sum of physical capital stock and ecological service value as total capital stock, the number of employed people as inputs, sulfur dioxide emissions as undesired outputs, and green GDP as total output to obtain green TFP through a slacks-based measure (SBM) global Malmquist-Luenberger Index. This study also estimated China’s biased technological progress under environmental constraints from 2004 to 2015 based on relevant data (e.g., green GDP, total capital stock, and employment figures). The relationship between green total factor productivity (GTFP), technological progress, and environmental regulation was then examined using a spatial Durbin model. Results were as follows: (1) Based on the complementary elements, although the labor costs gradually increase, the rapid accumulation of capital leads to technological progress that is biased toward capital. However, technological progress in the labor bias can significantly increase GTFP. (2) There is a u-shaped relationship between existing environmental regulations and GTFP. Technological progress can significantly promote GTFP in the surrounding areas through existing environmental regulations. (3) Under spatial weight, the secondary industry coefficient was negative while human capital stock and FDID had positive effects on GTFP. Technological progress is the source of economic growth. It is therefore necessary to promote biased technological development and improve labor-force skills while implementing effective environmental regulation policies.
Successful Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles using a Corchorus olitorius Extract and Their Antiproliferative Effect in Cancer Cells
Authors: Ismail Eman H. , Saqer Aliyah M. A. , Assirey Eman , Naqvi Arshi , Okasha Rawda M.
Published: September 2018

A facile bottom-up “green” synthetic route of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is described, using a leaf extract of the Malvaceae plant Corchorus olitorius as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The size and shape of the obtained nanoparticles were modulated by varying the amounts of the metal salt and the broth extract in the reaction medium. Only one hour was required for the complete conversion to Au NPs, suggesting that the reaction rate was higher or comparable to those of nanoparticles synthesized by chemical methods. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). While infrared spectroscopy was employed to characterize the various functional groups in the organic layer that stabilized the particles, TEM images were used to optimize the conditions for NPs growth. A low concentration of the C. olitorius extract yielded mixed triangular and hexagonal shapes; in contrast, quasi-spherical shapes of Au NPs with an average size of 37–50 nm were obtained at a higher extract broth concentration. The Au NPs displayed Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) bands at 535 nm. An in vitro cytotoxic assay of the biocompatible Au NPs revealed a strong cytotoxic activity in three human cancer cell lines, namely, colon carcinoma HCT-116, hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2, and breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7. In-silico bioactivity, drug-likeness, and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) predictions were conducted in order to examine the pharmacokinetic behavior of the compounds present in the C. olitorius extract.
Editorial for the Special Issue on ‘Agent-Based Artificial Markets’
Authors: Mathieu Philippe
Published: September 2018

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Numerical Assessment of Roll Motion Characteristics and Damping Coefficient of a Ship
Authors: Kianejad S.S. , Lee Jaesuk , Liu Yi , Enshaei Hossein
Published: September 2018

Accurate calculation of the roll damping moment at resonance condition is essential for roll motion prediction. Because at the resonance condition, the moment of inertia counteracts restoring moment and only the damping moment resists increase in the roll angle. There are various methods to calculate the roll damping moment which are based on potential flow theory. These methods have limitations to taking into account the viscous effects in estimating the roll motion, while, CFD as a numerical method is capable of considering the viscous effects. In this study, a CFD method based on a harmonic excited roll motion (HERM) technique is used to compute the roll motion and the roll damping moment of a containership’s model in different conditions. The influence of excitation frequency, forward speed and degrees of freedom at beam-sea and oblique-sea realizations are considered in estimating the roll damping coefficients. The results are validated against model tests, where a good agreement is found.
Sporothrix schenckii Cell Wall Proteins-Stimulated BMDCs Are Able to Induce a Th1-Prone Cytokine Profile In Vitro
Authors: Quinello Camila , Souza Ferreira Lucas , Picolli Isabella , Loesch Maria Luiza , Portuondo Deivys Leandro , Batista-Duharte Alexander , Zeppone Carlos Iracilda
Published: September 2018

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis affecting humans and other animals. The disease can be acquired by accidental inoculation of the fungus through the skin or through the respiratory system. Sporotrichosis can also be transmitted through bites or scratches by infected cats and more rarely by other animals (zoonotic transmission). Conventional antifungal therapy is especially inefficient in immunocompromised patients, who tend to develop the most severe forms of the disease, thus prompting the search for alternative therapies. Given their antigen-presenting properties, dendritic cells (DCs) have been used in both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination strategies. Hence, this study aims to assess the use of DCs as a prophylactic tool in sporotrichosis by evaluating the immune profile induced by Sporothrix schenckii cell wall proteins (SsCWP)-stimulated, bone-marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). Mouse BMDCs were stimulated with SsCWP for 24 h and analyzed for the surface expression of costimulatory molecules and TLR-4, as well as for the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and IL-10. Following that, activated BMDCs were cocultured with splenocytes for 72 h and had the same cytokines measured in the supernatant. SsCWP-stimulated BMDCs showed higher expression of CD80, CD86, and CD40, but not TLR-4, and higher secretion of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF. On the other hand, higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-2 were found in the supernatants of the coculture as compared with the BMDCs alone; TNF secretion was almost completely abrogated, whereas IL-6 was only partially inhibited and IL-17A was unaffected. Our results thus suggest that SsCWP-stimulated BMDCs are able to induce a Th1-prone cytokine profile which is known to be protective against other fungal diseases. This result could lead to studies which evaluate the development of prophylactic and/or therapeutic DC-based tools against sporotrichosis.
The Aerosol Deposition Method: A Modified Aerosol Generation Unit to Improve Coating Quality
Authors: Hanft Dominik , Glosse Philipp , Denneler Stefan , Berthold Thomas , Oomen Marijn , Kauffmann-Weiss Sandra , Weis Frederik , Häßler Wolfgang , Holzapfel Bernhard , Moos Ralf
Published: September 2018

Owing to its ability to produce dense thick-films at room temperature directly from a ceramic powder, the Aerosol Deposition Method (AD) possesses a unique feature in ceramics processing. For this technology, the aerosol generation of particles is a decisive part of reliable process control. However, there has only been a small amount of work published addressing this topic. In this work, we compare the aerosolization and deposition behavior of a fluidized bed generator with an aerosol generator with the rotary brush principle. While film properties very much depend on deposition time for the fluidized bed generator, films produced with the brush generator show a constant film profile, and their film thickness correlates with the controllable aerosol concentration and the duration of deposition. This type of aerosol generation may improve the setup towards a more reliable AD process.
Design Method of Lightweight Metamaterials with Arbitrary Poisson’s Ratio
Authors: Qin Haoxing , Yang Deqing , Ren Chenhui
Published: September 2018

A heuristic approach to design lightweight metamaterials with novel configurations and arbitrary Poisson’s ratio is studied by using the functional element topology optimization (FETO) method. Mathematical model of the optimization problem is established, where the minimization of the mass is set as the objective, then a series of metamaterials with Poisson’s ratio ranging from −1.0 to +1.0 are designed by solving this model. The deformation resistance and vibration reduction performance of the novel metamaterials and conventional honeycomb are compared by numerical simulations. Specific stiffness analysis shows that the novel metamaterials are 5.6 to 21.0 times more resistant to deformation than that of the honeycomb, and frequency response shows about 60% improvement in vibration reduction performance. Finally, the lightweight effects of the novel metamaterials on deformation resistance and vibration reduction performance are analyzed, and further analysis reflects that the lightweight effects increase with the increase of the absolute value of the Poisson’s ratio.
Demineralized Bone Matrix Coating Si-Ca-P Ceramic Does Not Improve the Osseointegration of the Scaffold
Authors: Parrilla-Almansa Andrés , García-Carrillo Nuria , Ros-Tárraga Patricia , Martínez Carlos M. , Martínez-Martínez Francisco , Meseguer-Olmo Luis , De Aza Piedad N.
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to manufacture and evaluate the effect of a biphasic calcium silicophosphate (CSP) scaffold ceramic, coated with a natural demineralized bone matrix (DBM), to evaluate the efficiency of this novel ceramic material in bone regeneration. The DBM-coated CSP ceramic was made by coating a CSP scaffold with gel DBM, produced by the partial sintering of different-sized porous granules. These scaffolds were used to reconstruct defects in rabbit tibiae, where CSP scaffolds acted as the control material. Micro-CT and histological analyses were performed to evaluate new bone formation at 1, 3, and 5 months post-surgery. The present research results showed a correlation among the data obtained by micro-CT and the histomorphological results, the gradual disintegration of the biomaterial, and the presence of free scaffold fragments dispersed inside the medullary cavity occupied by hematopoietic bone marrow over the 5-month study period. No difference was found between the DBM-coated and uncoated implants. The new bone tissue inside the implants increased with implantation time. Slightly less new bone formation was observed in the DBM-coated samples, but it was not statistically significant. Both the DBM-coated and the CSP scaffolds gave excellent bone tissue responses and good osteoconductivity.
The Golden Activity of Lysinibacillus sphaericus: New Insights on Gold Accumulation and Possible Nanoparticles Biosynthesis
Authors: Bustos María , Ibarra Humberto , Dussán Jenny
Published: September 2018

Power struggles surrounding the increasing economic development of gold mining give rise to severe environmental and social problems. Two new strains of Lysinibacillus sphaericus were isolated from an area of active alluvial gold mining exploitation at El Bagre, Antioquia. The absorption capacity of these strains and some of the L. sphaericus Microbiological Research Center (CIMIC) collection (CBAM5, OT4b.31, III(3)7) were evaluated by spectrophotometry according to a calibration gold curve of HAuCl4− with concentrations between 0 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL. Bioassays with living biomass were carried out with an initial gold concentration of 60 µg/mL. Their sorption capacity was evident, reaching percentages of gold removal between 25% and 85% in the first 2 h and 75% to 95% after 48 h. Biosynthesis of possible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in assays with living biomass was also observed. Metal sorption was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The sorption and fabrication capacity exhibited by the evaluated strains of L. sphaericus converts this microorganism into a potential alternative for biomining processes, especially those related to gold extraction.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Properties of Wood-Derived Biocarbon Structures
Authors: Yu Min , Saunders Theo , Su Taicao , Gucci Francesco , Reece Michael John
Published: September 2018

Wood-derived porous graphitic biocarbons with hierarchical structures were obtained by high-temperature (2200–2400 °C) non-catalytic graphitization, and their mechanical, electrical and thermal properties are reported for the first time. Compared to amorphous biocarbon produced at 1000 °C, the graphitized biocarbon-2200 °C and biocarbon-2400 °C exhibited increased compressive strength by ~38% (~36 MPa), increased electrical conductivity by ~8 fold (~29 S/cm), and increased thermal conductivity by ~5 fold (~9.5 W/(m·K) at 25 °C). The increase of duration time at 2200 °C contributed to increased thermal conductivity by ~12%, while the increase of temperature from 2200 to 2400 °C did not change their thermal conductivity, indicating that 2200 °C is sufficient for non-catalytic graphitization of wood-derived biocarbon.
Study on Nonlinear Conductivity of CCTO/EPDM Rubber Composites
Authors: Li Zhongyuan , Zhao Hong , Zhang Changhai
Published: September 2018

Researches of the theories and application of polymer composites with nonlinear conductivity are useful for dealing with the nonuniform electrical fields widely existing in the cable accessory insulation. In the present work, we fabricated CCTO (CaCu3Ti4O12)/EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) composites and investigated their breakdown strength, dielectric and nonlinear conductivity properties in detail; the microstructures of fillers and composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. CCTO particles are uniformly dispersed in CCTO/EPDM composites, and the composites showed nonlinear conductivity with electric field changes. When the CCTO particle content is low, the conductivity of CCTO/EPDM composites does not present obvious nonlinearity. However, when CCTO content exceeds 2 vol %, the conductivity experiences a nonlinear change with increasing electric field strength and the threshold field (Eth) of nonlinear conductivity declines with the increase of CCTO contents. In addition, it can be found from experiment and simulation results that 8 vol % CCTO/EPDM exhibit significant nonlinear conductivity and dielectric properties as expected, and homogenizing the electrical field much more effectively. Therefore, this paper offers a preliminary discussion about the variation trend of nonlinear conductivity CCTO/EDPM composites, providing an effective reference to solve the application of nonlinear conductivity materials for cable accessories.
Experimental Investigation of Stainless Steel SAE304 Laser Engraving Cutting Conditions
Authors: Nikolidakis Evangelos , Choreftakis Ioannis , Antoniadis Aristomenis
Published: September 2018

Laser machining processes are a new entrant and a rapidly evolving type of non-conventional machining process which allows the machining of complex geometries with high precision, surface quality and productivity in a wide range of materials. Thus, the need for creating a method has emerged that will help the laser machine operator to select the optimal process parameters. In this study an experimental investigation of the effect of the process parameters on the effectiveness of the laser engraving process was held. The examined process parameters were namely the average output power, the repetition rate, and the scanning speed. For this purpose 126 experimental samples, with various combinations of process parameters using a nanosecond Nd:YAG DMG MORI Lasertec 40 laser machine on a SAE 304 stainless steel plate were made. The measured criteria which evaluated the effectiveness of the process were the removed material layer thickness and the material removal rate.
Insomnia in Adolescence
Authors: Donskoy Innessa , Loghmanee Darius
Published: September 2018

Adolescent insomnia is a common condition that negatively impacts a developing young adult’s mental and physical health. While the treatment of adult insomnia has been standardized, the treatment of pediatric insomnia is very practitioner-dependent and few large-scale studies are available to determine a standard recommended practice. There is great hope that as the adolescent medicine and sleep medicine fields flourish, larger cohort analyses will be performed to determine the prevalence and precipitating factors of adolescent insomnia, allowing for standardized treatment recommendations and systematic efforts to make these recommendations available to all adolescents.
The Formation of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membranes with Tailored Properties via Vapour/Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Marino Tiziana , Russo Francesca , Figoli Alberto
Published: September 2018

The present investigation reports as it is possible to prepared polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes for microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) applications, by using triethyl phosphate (TEP) as non–toxic solvent in accordance with the Green Chemistry. Casting solutions containing different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were prepared in order to study its effect on the final membrane morphology and properties. The possibility to finely modulate membrane properties was also investigated by applying two different membrane preparation techniques, the Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation (NIPS) and its coupling with Vapour Induced Phase Separation (VIPS). Membranes’ morphology was detected by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thickness, porosity, contact angle, pore size and water permeability were also recorded. Both the PEG content in the dope solution and the selected time intervals during which the nascent films were exposed to established relative humidity and temperature were found to play a crucial role in membrane formation. In particular, it was demonstrated as, by varying PEG content between 10 and 20 wt %, and by setting the exposure time to humidity at 0/2.5/5/7.5 min, membranes with different pore diameter and bicontinuous structure, suitable for UF and MF applications, could be easily obtained.
Gut Bacterial Communities in Geographically Distant Populations of Farmed Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) and Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Nikouli Eleni , Meziti Alexandra , Antonopoulou Efthimia , Mente Eleni , Kormas Konstantinos A.
Published: September 2018

This study investigated the profile of the autochthonous gut bacterial communities in adult individuals of Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax reared in sea cages in five distantly located aquaculture farms in Greece and determine the impact of geographic location on them in order to detect the core gut microbiota of these commercially important fish species. Data analyses resulted in no significant geographic impact in the gut microbial communities within the two host species, while strong similarities between them were also present. Our survey revealed the existence of a core gut microbiota within and between the two host species independent of diet and geographic location consisting of the Delftia, Pseudomonas, Pelomonas, Propionibacterium, and Atopostipes genera.
Major and Trace Element Geochemistry of Pyrite and Pyrrhotite from Stratiform and Lamellar Orebodies: Implications for the Ore Genesis of the Dongguashan Copper (Gold) Deposit, Eastern China
Authors: Liu Zhongfa , Shao Yongjun , Zhou Haodi , Liu Nan , Huang Kuanxin , Liu Qingquan , Zhang Jiandong , Wang Cheng
Published: September 2018

The Dongguashan copper (gold) deposit in Anhui Province is one of the largest copper (gold) deposits in the Tongling ore district, which is the most important region in the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, Eastern China. Stratiform and lamellar orebodies are the major deposit types. Pyrite and pyrrhotite from the stratiform deposit type (Py I, Po I) and lamellar deposit type (Py II, Po II) are investigated using Electron-probe Microanalyses (EPMA) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Py I, Py II, Po I and Po II have high contents of Cu, Co, Au and Se, low contents of As, Pb and Zn, with Co/Ni ratios of 0.50−48.00, 4.00−45.00, 1.55−14.45 and 1.02−1.36, respectively, most of which are greater than 1 and vary widely; these characteristics are consistent with those of pyrite with a magmatic–hydrothermal origin. The higher Au/Ag and Fe/(S + As) ratios of pyrite and crystallization temperatures (286–387 °C) of hexagonal pyrrhotite indicate that the mineralization occurrs in environments with medium- to high-temperatures, high sulfur fugacity and medium-shallow depths. Therefore, we suggest that the Dongguashan copper (gold) deposit is a stratabound skarn-type ore deposit associated with magma intrusion activity during the Yanshanian Period.
Synchrotron Radiation Based Study of the Catalytic Mechanism of Ag+ to Chalcopyrite Bioleaching by Mesophilic and Thermophilic Cultures
Authors: Nie Zhenyuan , Zhang Weiwei , Liu Hongchang , Xia Jinlan , Zhu Wei , Zhang Duorui , Zheng Lei , Ma Chenyan , Zhao Yidong , Wen Wen
Published: September 2018

The catalytic mechanism of Ag+ for chalcopyrite bioleaching by mesophilic culture (at 30 °C) and thermophilic culture (at 48 °C) was investigated using synchrotron radiation-based X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) and S K-edge and Fe L-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Bioleaching experiments showed that copper extraction from chalcopyrite bioleaching by both cultures was promoted significantly by Ag+, with more serious corrosion occurring on the minerals surface. SR-XRD and XANES analyses showed that the intermediates S0, jarosite and secondary minerals (bornite, chalcocite and covellite) formed for all bioleaching experiments. For these secondary minerals, the formation of bornite and covellite was promoted significantly in the presence of Ag+ for both cultures, while Ag+ has almost no effect on the formation of chalcocite. These results provided insight into the catalytic mechanisms of Ag+ to chalcopyrite bioleaching by the mesophilic and thermophilic cultures, which are both probably due to the rapid formation of bornite by Ag+ and the conversion of bornite to covellite.
Hierarchical Self-Assembled Structures from Diblock Copolymer Mixtures by Competitive Hydrogen Bonding Strength
Authors: Tseng Tzu-Chun , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: September 2018

In this work we prepared poly(styrene–b–vinylphenol) (PS-b-PVPh) by sequential anionic living polymerization and poly(ethylene oxide-b-4-vinylpyridine) (PEO-b-P4VP) by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) by using poly(ethylene oxide) 4-cyano-4-(phenylcarbonothioylthio)pentanoate (PEO-SC(S)Ph) as a macroinitiator with two hydrogen bonded acceptor groups. When blending with disordered PEO-b-P4VP diblock copolymer, we found the order-order self-assembled structure transition from lamellar structure for pure PS-b-PVPh to cylindrical, worm-like, and finally to PEO crystalline lamellar structures. Taking the advantage of the ΔK effect from competitive hydrogen bonding strengths between PVPh/P4VP and PVPh/PEO domains, it could form the hierarchical self-assembled morphologies such as core–shell cylindrical nanostructure.