bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Societal Views about Sustainable Wildlife Management and Conservation: A Survey of College Students in China
Authors: Miao Zhen , Wang Qiang , Chen Dongxiao , Song Zhifan , Zhang Wei , Zhou Xuehong , MacMillan Douglas C.
Published: October 2020

Wildlife conservation and management has become a very complex public policy issue in China as concerns over on animal welfare and empathy for animals have grown. Science-based conservation strategies that are oriented toward sustainable wildlife management (SWM) are under threat as these new attitudes and values emerge and take hold. This study accesses the attitudes of college students towards SWM and wildlife conservation, and investigates demographic characteristics influencing their attitudes in China, a country that is traditionally associated with consumptive use of wildlife and SWM, but where new ideas about wildlife conservation are emerging. From October 2018 to April 2019, nine universities (including “Double First-Class” universities, first-tier universities, second-tier universities), and four three-year colleges in China were selected as survey locations, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 1991 students. A total of 1977 questionnaires were recovered, of which 1739 were valid, with a completion rate of 88%. A Likert seven-point scale method was used to score students’ attitudes, and a classification and regression tree (CART) was used to analyze whether their attitudes were affected by their demographic characteristics. The results show that although students are broadly supportive of the theory of SWM, some are deeply antagonistic about on SWM on issues that arouse strong emotions such as “Animal Welfare and Rights” and “Trophy Hunting”. Demographic characteristics of students affect their degree of support for the SWM with support for SWM lower among vegetarians, freshmen, and students who have taken environmental protection electives. This research suggests that the theory of SWM requires to be refreshed and adapted to appeal to the younger generation of Chinese students, with SWM principles integrated into the environmental education programs of universities and three-year colleges. More attention should also be attached to media publicity by the government about wildlife conservation so as to enhance awareness of the need for SWM.
A Ka-Band Circular Polarized Waveguide Slot Antenna with a Cross Iris
Authors: Yoon Sung-Joon , Choi Jae-Hoon
Published: October 2020

A Ka-band circularly polarized (CP) waveguide slot antenna with a cross iris is proposed. To achieve the CP characteristic (LHCP) in the antenna, a hexagonal shaped cavity is used. The impedance matching is improved by adjusting the sizes of the hexagonal cavity and a rectangular matching cavity. To enhance the axial ratio bandwidth, a cross iris is used with two arms of different lengths. From experimental results, the proposed antenna has a 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 6810 MHz (31.72 GHz–38.53 GHz). The −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth of the proposed antenna ranges from 31.51 GHz to 39.21 GHz (7700 MHz).
Arylsulfatase A (ASA) in Parkinson’s Disease: From Pathogenesis to Biomarker Potential
Authors: Angelopoulou Efthalia , Paudel Yam Nath , Villa Chiara , Piperi Christina
Published: October 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, is a clinically heterogeneous disorder, with obscure etiology and no disease-modifying therapy to date. Currently, there is no available biomarker for PD endophenotypes or disease progression. Accumulating evidence suggests that mutations in genes related to lysosomal function or lysosomal storage disorders may affect the risk of PD development, such as GBA1 gene mutations. In this context, recent studies have revealed the emerging role of arylsulfatase A (ASA), a lysosomal hydrolase encoded by the ARSA gene causing metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) in PD pathogenesis. In particular, altered ASA levels have been detected during disease progression, and reduced enzymatic activity of ASA has been associated with an atypical PD clinical phenotype, including early cognitive impairment and essential-like tremor. Clinical evidence further reveals that specific ARSA gene variants may act as genetic modifiers in PD. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that ASA may function as a molecular chaperone interacting with α-synuclein (SNCA) in the cytoplasm, preventing its aggregation, secretion and cell-to-cell propagation. In this review, we summarize the results of recent preclinical and clinical studies on the role of ASA in PD, aiming to shed more light on the potential implication of ASA in PD pathogenesis and highlight its biomarker potential.
Neurovascular Coupling Impairment in Heart Failure with Reduction Ejection Fraction
Authors: Aires Ana , Andrade António , Azevedo Elsa , Gomes Filipa , Araújo José Paulo , Castro Pedro
Published: October 2020

The hemodynamic consequences of a persistent reduced ejection fraction and unknown cardiac output on the brain have not been thoroughly studied. We sought to explore the status of the mechanisms of cerebrovascular regulation in patients with heart failure with reduced (HFrEF) and recovered (HFrecEF) ejection fraction. We monitored cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) with transcranial Doppler and blood pressure. Cerebral autoregulation, assessed by transfer function from the spontaneous oscillations of blood pressure to CBFV and neurovascular coupling (NVC) with visual stimulation were compared between groups of HFrEF, HFrecEF and healthy controls. NVC was significantly impaired in HFrEF patients with reduced augmentation of CBFV during stimulation (overshoot systolic CBFV 19.11 ± 6.92 vs. 22.61 ± 7.78 vs. 27.92 ± 6.84, p = 0.04), slower upright of CBFV (rate time to overshoot: 1.19 ± 3.0 vs. 3.06 (4.30) vs. 2.90 ± 3.84, p = 0.02); p = 0.023) and reduced arterial oscillatory properties (natural frequency 0.17 ± 0.06 vs. 0.20 ± 0.09 vs. 0.24 ± 0.07, p = 0.03; attenuation 0.34 ± 0.24 vs. 0.48 ± 0.35 vs. 0.50 ± 0.23, p = 0.05). Cerebral autoregulation was preserved. The neurovascular unit of subjects with chronically reduced heart pumping capability is severely dysfunctional. Dynamic testing with transcranial Doppler could be useful in these patients, but whether it helps in predicting cognitive impairment must be addressed in future prospective studies.
Protein Ingredient in Saliva on Oral Dryness Patients Caused by Calcium Blocker
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Morita Takao , Toya Shuji , Sato Ritsuko , Watarai Yuko , Koide Kaoru
Published: October 2020

Oral dryness as a side effect of certain drugs is increasing. The aim of this study was to examine the change of the protein ingredient in saliva of oral dryness patients caused by calcium blocker. Six patients taking calcium blocker and six healthy elderly were enrolled. Unstimulated salivary flow rate, protein concentration, and flow rate of protein were measured and compared between the patients taking calcium blocker and healthy elderly. iTRAQ (Isobaric Tag for Relative and Absolute Quantitation) proteomic analysis was performed to extract the salivary protein changed in patient taking calcium blocker, and the intensities of Western blotting products were quantified (unpaired t-test). Unstimulated salivary flow rate was significantly lower on patients taking calcium blocker (p < 0.01). Protein concentration tended to be higher and the flow rate of protein tended to be lower on patients. As the result of iTRAQ proteomic analysis, calmodulin-like protein 3, glutathione S-transferase P, and keratin type I cytoskeletal 13 increased characteristically in patient taking calcium blocker, and the expression in calmodulin-like protein 3 was significantly larger (p < 0.01). The results of this study indicated that calmodulin-like protein 3 increased in patients taking calcium blocker and could be a salivary biomarker for oral dryness caused by calcium blocker.
Public Engagement Provides First Insights on Po Plain Ant Communities and Reveals the Ubiquity of the Cryptic Species Tetramorium immigrans (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Castracani Cristina , Spotti Fiorenza Augusta , Schifani Enrico , Giannetti Daniele , Ghizzoni Martina , Grasso Donato Antonio , Mori Alessandra
Published: October 2020

Ants are considered a useful model for biodiversity monitoring and several of their characteristics make them promising for citizen science (CS) projects. Involving a wide range of public figures into collecting valuable data on the effect of human impact on ant biodiversity, the School of Ants (SoA) project represents one of the very few attempts to explore the potential of these insects in CS. Through the collaboration with the “BioBlitz Lombardia” project, we tested the SoA protocol on 12 Northern Italy parks, ranging from urban green to subalpine protected sites. As a result, we obtained some of the very first quantitative data characterizing the ants of this region, recording 30 species and highlighting some interesting ecological patterns. These data revealed the ubiquitous presence of the recently taxonomically defined cryptic species Tetramorium immigrans, which appears to be probably introduced in the region. We also discuss advantages and criticisms encountered applying the SoA protocol, originally intended for schools, to new categories of volunteers, from BioBlitz participants to park operators, suggesting best practices based on our experience.
On First-Passage Times and Sojourn Times in Finite QBD Processes and Their Applications in Epidemics
Authors: Gómez-Corral Antonio , López-García Martín , Lopez-Herrero Maria Jesus , Taipe Diana
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we revisit level-dependent quasi-birth-death processes with finitely many possible values of the level and phase variables by complementing the work of Gaver, Jacobs, and Latouche (Adv. Appl. Probab. 1984), where the emphasis is upon obtaining numerical methods for evaluating stationary probabilities and moments of first-passage times to higher and lower levels. We provide a matrix-analytic scheme for numerically computing hitting probabilities, the number of upcrossings, sojourn time analysis, and the random area under the level trajectory. Our algorithmic solution is inspired from Gaussian elimination, which is applicable in all our descriptors since the underlying rate matrices have a block-structured form. Using the results obtained, numerical examples are given in the context of varicella-zoster virus infections.
Finite Difference Method for the Hull–White Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Lee Yongwoong , Yang Kisung
Published: October 2020

This paper reviews the finite difference method (FDM) for pricing interest rate derivatives (IRDs) under the Hull–White Extended Vasicek model (HW model) and provides the MATLAB codes for it. Among the financial derivatives on various underlying assets, IRDs have the largest trading volume and the HW model is widely used for pricing them. We introduce general backgrounds of the HW model, its associated partial differential equations (PDEs), and FDM formulation for one- and two-asset problems. The two-asset problem is solved by the basic operator splitting method. For numerical tests, one- and two-asset bond options are considered. The computational results show close values to analytic solutions. We conclude with a brief comment on the research topics for the PDE approach to IRD pricing.
Predicting Primary Energy Consumption Using Hybrid ARIMA and GA-SVR Based on EEMD Decomposition
Authors: Kao Yu-Sheng , Nawata Kazumitsu , Huang Chi-Yo
Published: October 2020

Forecasting energy consumption is not easy because of the nonlinear nature of the time series for energy consumptions, which cannot be accurately predicted by traditional forecasting methods. Therefore, a novel hybrid forecasting framework based on the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) approach and a combination of individual forecasting models is proposed. The hybrid models include the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), the support vector regression (SVR), and the genetic algorithm (GA). The integrated framework, the so-called EEMD-ARIMA-GA-SVR, will be used to predict the primary energy consumption of an economy. An empirical study case based on the Taiwanese consumption of energy will be used to verify the feasibility of the proposed forecast framework. According to the empirical study results, the proposed hybrid framework is feasible. Compared with prediction results derived from other forecasting mechanisms, the proposed framework demonstrates better precisions, but such a hybrid system can also be seen as a basis for energy management and policy definition.
Assisting Users in Decisions Using Fuzzy Ontologies: Application in the Wine Market
Authors: Morente-Molinera Juan Antonio , Cabrerizo Francisco Javier , Alonso Sergio , Pérez Ignacio Javier , Herrera-Viedma Enrique
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, wine has become a very popular item to purchase. There are a lot of brands and a lot of different types of wines that have different prices and characteristics. Since there is a lot of options, it is easy for buyers to feel lost among the high number of possibilities. Therefore, there is a need for computational tools that help buyers to decide which is the wine that better fits their necessities. In this article, a decision support system built over a fuzzy ontology has been designed for helping people to select a wine. Two different possible architecture implementation designs are presented. Furthermore, imprecise information is used to design a comfortable way of providing information to the system. Users can use this comfortable communication system to express their preferences and provide their opinion about the selected products. Moreover, mechanisms to carry out a constant update of the fuzzy ontology are exposed.
Production-Related Surface and Subsurface Properties and Fatigue Life of Hybrid Roller Bearing Components
Authors: Breidenstein Bernd , Denkena Berend , Krödel Alexander , Prasanthan Vannila , Poll Gerhard , Pape Florian , Coors Timm
Published: October 2020

By combining different materials, for example, high-strength steel and unalloyed structural steel, hybrid components with specifically adapted properties to a certain application can be realized. The mechanical processing, required for production, influences the subsurface properties, which have a deep impact on the lifespan of solid components. However, the influence of machining-induced subsurface properties on the operating behavior of hybrid components with a material transition in axial direction has not been investigated. Therefore, friction-welded hybrid shafts were machined with different process parameters for hard-turning and subsequent deep rolling. After machining, subsurface properties such as residual stresses, microstructures, and hardness of the machined components were analyzed. Significant influencing parameters on surface and subsurface properties identified in analogy experiments are the cutting-edge microgeometry, S¯, and the feed, f, during turning. The deep-rolling overlap, u, hardly changes the residual stress depth profile, but it influences the surface roughness strongly. Experimental tests to determine fatigue life under combined rolling and rotating bending stress were carried out. Residual stresses of up to −1000 MPa, at a depth of 200 µm, increased the durability regarding rolling-contact fatigue by 22%, compared to the hard-turned samples. The material transition was not critical for failure.
Expanding Family of Litharge-Derived Sulfate Minerals and Synthetic Compounds: Preparation and Crystal Structures of [Bi2CuO3]SO4 and [Ln2O2]SO4 (Ln = Dy and Ho)
Authors: Siidra Oleg , Charkin Dmitri , Plokhikh Igor , Nazarchuk Evgeny , Holzheid Astrid , Akimov Georgy
Published: October 2020

During the last decades, layered structures have attracted particular and increasing interest due to the multitude of outstanding properties exhibited by their representatives. Particularly common among their archetypes, with a significant number of mineral and synthetic species structural derivatives, is that of litharge. In the current paper, we report the structural studies of two later rare-earth oxysulfates, [Ln2O2]SO4 (Ln = Dy, Ho), which belong indeed to the grandreefite family, and a novel compound [Bi2CuO3]SO4, which belongs to a new structure type and demonstrates the second example of Cu2+ incorporation into litharge-type slabs. Crystals of [Bi2CuO3]SO4 were obtained under high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) conditions, whereas polycrystalline samples of [Ln2O2]SO4 (Ln = Dy, Ho) compounds were prepared via an exchange solid-state reaction. The crystal structure of [Bi2CuO3]SO4 is based on alternation of continuous [Bi2CuO3]2+ layers of edge-sharing OBi2Cu2 and OBi3Cu tetrahedra and sheets of sulfate groups. Cu2+ cations are in cis position in O5Bi2Cu2 and O6Bi2Cu2 oxocentered tetrahedra in litharge slab. The crystal structure of [Ln2O2]SO4 (Ln = Dy, Ho) is completely analogous to those of grandreefite and oxysulfates of La, Sm, Eu, and Bi.
Development of Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Method for Simultaneous Determination of Three Cationic Dyes in Environmental Samples
Authors: Hakami Afnan Ali Hussain , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Ali Khan Moonis , Abdullah Alothman Zeid , Rafatullah Mohd. , Siddiqui Masoom Raza
Published: October 2020

Lower dye concentrations and the presence of several dyes along with other matrices in environmental samples restrict their determination. Herein, a highly sensitive and rapid ultra-performance tandem mass spectrometric method was developed for simultaneous determination of cationic dyes, namely methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RB) and crystal violet (CV), in environmental samples. To preconcentrate environmental samples, solid-phase extraction cartridges were developed by using hydrogen peroxide modified pistachio shell biomass (MPSB). The surface morphological and chemical functionalities of MPSB were well characterized. The developed method was validated considering different validation parameters. In terms of accuracy and precision, the %RSD for all three dyes at all four concentration points was found to be between 1.26 and 2.76, while the accuracy reported in terms of the recovery was found to be 98.02%-101.70%. The recovery was found to be in the range of 98.11% to 99.55%. The real sample analysis shows that MB, RB, and CV were found in the ranges of 0.39–5.56, 0.32–1.92 and 0.27–4.36 μg/mL, respectively.
Synthesis of Novel Chalcone-Based Phenothiazine Derivatives as Antioxidant and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Al Zahrani Nourah A. , El-Shishtawy Reda M. , Elaasser Mahmoud M. , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: October 2020

Based on reported results for the potential medicinal impact of phenothiazine core, as well as the chalcone skeleton that is widely present in many natural products, together with their reported bioactivities, the present work was aimed at combining both moieties in one molecular skeleton and to synthesize and characterize a novel series of chalone-based phenothiazine derivatives. For this purpose, 2-acetylphenothiazine was N-alkylated, followed by the Claisen-Schmidt reaction to produce the chalcones with good yield. Antioxidant activity, as evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, was assessed to determine if their antioxidant potential was comparable with ascorbic acid, and attributable to the phenothiazine core. Screening anticancer activities of the synthesized chalone-based phenothiazine derivatives against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 cells, and human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2 cells, compared with standard drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin, was evaluated. The results revealed that compounds 4a, 4b, 4d, 4h, 4j, 4k, 4m, 4o, and 4p were good against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2 cells, and among these compounds 4b and 4k were the most effective compounds, with IC50 values of 7.14 μg/mL and 7.6 1 μg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, compounds 4a, 4b, 4k, and 4m were good against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 cells and, among these compounds, 4k and 4b were the most effective compounds, with IC50 values of 12 μg/mL and 13. 8 μg/mL, respectively. The overall results suggest that these compounds could, potentially, be further modified for the formation of more potent antioxidant and anticancer agents.
Electrografting of 4-Carboxybenzenediazonium on Glassy Carbon Electrode: The Effect of Concentration on the Formation of Mono and Multilayers
Authors: Phal Sereilakhena , Shimizu Kenichi , Mwanza Daniel , Mashazi Philani , Shchukarev Andrey , Tesfalidet Solomon
Published: October 2020

Grafting of electrodes with diazonium salts using cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a well-established procedure for surface modification. However, little is known about the effect of the concentration of the diazonium salt on the number of layers grafted on the electrode surface. In this work, the impact of concentration on the grafting of 4-carboxybenzenediazonium (4-CBD) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is elucidated. The number of layers grafted on the GCE was linearly dependent on the concentration of 4-CBD and varied between 0.9 and 4.3 when the concentration was varied between 0.050 and 0.30 mmol/L at 0.10 V.s−1. Characterization of modified glassy carbon surface with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the grafting of carboxyphenyl layer on the surface. Grafting with 0.15 mmol/L 4-CBD (1 CV cycle) did not form a detectable amount of carboxyphenyl (CP) moieties at the surface, while a single scan with higher concentration (2.5 mmol/L) or multiple scans (22 cycles) gave detectable signals, indicating formation of multilayers. We also demonstrate the possibility of removing the thin layer grafted on a glassy carbon electrode by applying high oxidation potential +1.40 V.
Maillard Reaction Intermediates and Related Phytochemicals in Black Garlic Determined by EPR and HPLC Analyses
Authors: Nakagawa Kouichi , Maeda Hayato , Yamaya Yoshifumi , Tonosaki Yudai
Published: October 2020

The Maillard reaction intermediates and related phytochemicals in garlic (Allium sativum L.), which was heated for various lengths of time, using X-band (9 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were investigated. Non-spin-trap and non-destructive EPR detected the total reaction intermediates (radicals). The g-value of the signal was 2.004. The signal with a peak-to-peak linewidth (ΔHpp) was approximately 0.67 milli Tesla (mT). The values of the intermediates are suggestive of organic compounds. The garlic darkened in color with the increasing number of heating days. Melanoidin, responsible for darkening of the garlic, was detected at an absorbance of 400 nm. Analysis of the correlation between the EPR intensity and melanoidin absorbance showed a good correlation coefficient (0.98). In addition, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) and total phenolic compounds increased with the increasing number of heating days. Moreover, trace amount of Fe3+ was observed in the black garlic by EPR. Non-destructive EPR is a useful method for evaluating not only Maillard reaction intermediates, but also the pigment associated with the reaction processes.
Morphology Related Defectiveness in ZnO Luminescence: From Bulk to Nano-Size
Authors: Crapanzano Roberta , Villa Irene , Mostoni Silvia , D’Arienzo Massimiliano , Di Credico Barbara , Fasoli Mauro , Scotti Roberto , Vedda Anna
Published: October 2020

This study addresses the relationship between material morphology (size, growth parameters and interfaces) and optical emissions in ZnO through an experimental approach, including the effect of different material dimensions from bulk to nano-size, and different excitations, from optical sources to ionizing radiation. Silica supported ZnO nanoparticles and ligand capped ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized through a sol–gel process and hot injection method, respectively. Their optical properties are investigated by radioluminescence, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence, and compared to those of commercial micrometric powders and of a bulk single crystal. The Gaussian spectral reconstruction of all emission spectra highlights the occurrence of the same emission bands for all samples, comprising one ultraviolet excitonic peak and four visible defect-related components, whose relative intensities and time dynamics vary with the material parameters and the measurement conditions. The results demonstrate that a wide range of color outputs can be obtained by tuning synthesis conditions and size of pure ZnO nanoparticles, with favorable consequences for the engineering of optical devices based on this material.
Medication Adherence in a Community Population with Uncontrolled Asthma
Authors: Serhal Sarah , Saini Bandana , Bosnic-Anticevich Sinthia , Krass Ines , Wilson Frances , Armour Carol
Published: October 2020

It is well documented that the use of medications in asthma and allergic rhinitis is often suboptimal, and consequently, patients remain symptomatic. This study aimed to determine the extent and type of medication-related issues contributing to poor asthma control by profiling medication management in those most at risk—a population with clinically uncontrolled asthma. Participants (n = 363) were recruited from Australian community pharmacies, and a dispensed medication history report for the previous 12 months was collected to examine medication adherence and factors affecting adherence. Information was also collected regarding participant asthma control and asthma/allergic rhinitis (if applicable) management. The participants’ mean asthma control score was 2.49 (± 0.89 SD, IQR = 1.20) (score ≥ 1.5 indicative of poorly controlled asthma), and 72% were either non-adherent or yet to initiate preventer therapy. Almost half had been prescribed high doses of inhaled corticosteroid and 24% reported use of oral corticosteroids. Only 22% of participants with concomitant allergic rhinitis were using first line treatment. A logistic regression model highlighted that participant health care concession status and hospital admissions were associated with better adherence. Suboptimal medication management is evident in this at-risk population.
Determination of Epicenters before Earthquakes Utilizing Far Seismic and GNSS Data: Insights from Ground Vibrations
Authors: Chen Chieh-Hung , Lin Li-Ching , Yeh Ta-Kang , Wen Strong , Yu Huaizhong , Yu Chen , Gao Yongxin , Han Peng , Sun Yang-Yi , Liu Jann-Yenq , Lin Cheng-Horng , Tang Chi-Chia , Lin Che-Min , Hsieh Hung-Hao , Lu Pin-Ji
Published: October 2020

Broadband seismometers, ground-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and magnetometers that were located within an epicentral distance of approximately 150 km consistently observed the novel anomalous behaviors of the common-mode ground vibrations approximately 5–10 days before the M6.6 Meinong earthquake in Taiwan. The common-mode ground vibrations with amplitudes near 0.1 m at frequencies ranging from 8 × 10−5 to 2 × 10−4 Hz were generated near the region close to the epicenter of the impending earthquake. The common-mode vibrations were consistently observed in seismic and GNSS data associated with five other earthquakes in four distinct areas. The results reveal that the common-mode vibrations could be a typical behavior before earthquakes. The causal mechanism of common-mode vibrations can be attributed to crustal resonance excitations before fault dislocations occur. Potential relationships with other pre-earthquake anomalies suggest that the common-mode vibrations could be ground motion before earthquakes, which was investigated for a significant length of time.
Democratising Smart Cities? Penta-Helix Multistakeholder Social Innovation Framework
Authors: Calzada Igor
Published: October 2020

The smart cities policy approach has been intensively implemented in European cities under the Horizon 2020 programme. However, these implementations not only reduce the interdependencies among stakeholders to technocratic Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) models, but also fail to question the identities of strategic stakeholders and how they prioritise their business/social models. These aspects are putting democracy at stake in smart cities. Therefore, this article aims to unfold and operationalise multistakeholders’ policy frameworks from the social innovation perspective by suggesting the ex-novo penta-helix framework—including public, private, academia, civic society, and social entrepreneurs/activists—to extend the triple and quadruple-helix frameworks. Based on fieldwork action research conducted from February 2017 to December 2018—triangulating desk research, 75 interviews, and three validation workshops—this article applies the penta-helix framework to map out five strategic dimensions related to (i) multistakeholder helix framework and (ii) the resulting business/social models comparatively in three follower cities of the H2020-Replicate project: Essen (Germany), Lausanne (Switzerland), and Nilüfer (Turkey). For each case study, the findings reveal: (i) a unique multistakeholder composition, (ii) diverse preferences on business/social models, (iii) a regular presence of the fifth helix as intermediaries, and (iv) the willingness to experiment with democratic arrangements beyond the hegemonic PPP.
GPs’ familiarity with and use of cardiovascular clinical prediction rules: a UK survey study
Authors: Ban Jong-Wook , Perera Rafael , Stevens Richard
Published: October 2020

Background

Clinical prediction rules (CPRs) can help general practitioners (GPs) address challenges in cardiovascular disease. A survey published in 2014 evaluated GPs’ awareness and use of CPRs in the UK. However, many new CPRs have been published since and it is unknown which cardiovascular CPRs are currently recognised and used.

Aim

To identify cardiovascular CPRs recognised and used by GPs, and to assess how GPs’ familiarity and use have changed over time.

Design & setting

An online survey of GPs in the UK was undertaken.

Method

Using comparable methods to the 2014 survey, GPs were recruited from a network of doctors in the UK. They were asked how familiar they were with cardiovascular CPRs, how frequently they used them, and why they used them. The results were compared with the 2014 survey.

Results

Most of 401 GPs were familiar with QRISK scores, ABCD scores, CHADS scores, HAS-BLED score, Wells scores for deep vein thrombosis, and Wells scores for pulmonary embolism. The proportions of GPs using these CPRs were 96.3%, 65.1%, 97.3%, 93.0%, 92.5%, and 82.0%, respectively. GPs’ use increased by 31.2% for QRISK scores, by 13.5% for ABCD scores, by 54.6% for CHADS scores, by 33.2% for Wells scores for deep vein thrombosis, and by 43.6% for Wells scores for pulmonary embolism; and decreased by 45.9% for the Joint British Societies (JBS) risk calculator, by 38.7% for Framingham risk scores, and by 8.7% for New Zealand tables. GPs most commonly used cardiovascular CPRs to guide therapy and referral.

Conclusion

The study found GPs’ familiarity and use of cardiovascular CPRs changed substantially. Integrating CPRs into guidelines and practice software might increase familiarity and use.
On determining factors affecting injury and recovery in athletes
Authors: Parish Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study is to develop a comprehensive model on the risk factors of injury/re-injury and factors affecting the recovery process.

Material and methods. Systematic analysis and scientific generalization of the latest theoretical and analytical studies on the factors affecting risk of injury, assessment, prevention and recovery of injuries in athletes.

Results. The conducted comprehensive analysis allowed to build a theoretical model on the injury-recovery cycle. The model includes 3 main groups of factors affecting the risk of injury, namely: internal, caused by physiological processes; external, caused by training conditions and equipment; fear, which is related to the personal psychological and emotional characteristics and external surroundings. At the same time, implementation of preventive measurements can reduce the risk of injuries. The model highlighted the positive impact of social support and interactions between a patient and a therapist in the process of injury recovery.

Conclusions. In order to minimize the risk of injury and stimulate the recovery process in athletes the following recommendation should be taken in place: to promote the spreading of information on possible ways of injury prevention; to provide educational services for those who are involved in sports and other physical activities; to spread the information about the main types of injury and the treatment approaches to make athletes familiar with that, which can increase their competence and reduce the fear of injury; to encourage communication and interaction between teammates, with their trainers and coaches during the period of recovery to eliminate the level of isolation of injured athletes.
Physical activities for moral forming football athletes
Authors: Atiq Ahmad , Yunitaningrum Wiwik
Published: October 2020

Aim: to determine the level of implementation of physical activity in the formation of moral football athletes.

Material and methods. The method used in this research is descriptive research, with a quantitative approach. The research instrument used interviews, observation and observation sheets, as well as documentation. The method used in this study is a descriptive method with survey research forms. The population in this study amounted to 16 athletes. This research uses a Likert scale.

Results. Based on the results of research and discussion of physical activities for moral forming football athletes, it can be concluded that: (1) Moral Knowing, it can be concluded into 4 categories, namely very good at 3.2%, good at 53.2%, enough for 39.2%, and less at 4.3%. The category difference between very good and good is 50%. Meanwhile, the moderate and insufficient categories had a difference of 34.9%. There is absolutely no or 0% lack for the category. (2) Moral Action can be concluded into 3 categories, namely very good at 26.9%, both 53.2% and 19.9% ​​sufficient. Meanwhile, for the less and less category, it was 0%. (3) Moral Feeling can be concluded into 3 categories, namely very good at 41.4%, good at 48.4% and quite 10.2%. Meanwhile, for the category of less and less at 0%. So the results of this study can be concluded that to form a person's character through sports, one of which is through football. Then it can be seen in the results of the study that physical activity to shape the character of soccer athletes in Pontianak is in the good category. If athletes want to develop into professional athletes, they must be able to form good personal character.

Conclusions. Athletes must have morals that are formed when doing physical activities such as branching sports that is having knowledge about morals, having feelings about morals and having good moral habits. This can be demonstrated by carrying out physical activities according to the trainer's direction, having a special schedule to carry out physical activity, teamwork, self-knowledge, the spirit of fairplay competence, decision making, and an attitude of empathy
HUMIC SUBSTANCES AND MOISTURE CONTENT IN THE PRODUCTION OF BIOMASS AND BIOACTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF Th ymus vulgaris L.
Authors: Juárez R. Cecilia R. , Craker Lyle E. , Rodríguez-Mendoza Ma. de las Nieves , Aguilar-Castillo Juan A.
Published: October 2020

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is an aromatic and medicinal plant with antioxidant, antimicrobial and antinfungical properties that have attracted the interest of pharmacological and food industries. Humic substances (HS) are a natural product that has shown beneficial effects on soil and on plant growth. These positive effects are explained by the direct interaction of HS with physiological processes. But it is unknown their effect on the composition of the thyme bioactive constituents. To test the effect of humic substances, seeds of T. vulgaris were germinated and grown at different rates of HS (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L-1). Th yme plants were also grown at three levels of moisture (20, 40 and 60 % of field capacity). At harvest plant height and shoot fresh and dry weight were measured. Bioactive constituents were determined in terms of yield and principal components of essential oil (by distillation in Clevenger apparatus and gas chromatography). Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined with spectrophotometric techniques. Morphological variables, except for shoot fresh weight, showed signifi cant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among treatments. The essential oil yield and composition, as well as antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid contents, were higher at the highest levels of HS and substrate moisture.
ANATOMÍA, CONTENIDOS DE ÁCIDO ABSCÍSICO Y NUTRIMENTOS Y GERMINACIÓN DE SEMILLAS DE HELICONIA
Authors: Benítez-Domínguez Lizeth , Gómez-Merino Fernando C. , Trejo-Téllez Libia I. , Robledo-Paz Alejandrina
Published: October 2020

Las heliconias se propagan asexualmente a través de rizomas y en consecuencia hay pocos estudios sobre la biología de sus semillas, las cuales son necesarias para generar variabilidad genética. En esta investigación se estudió la constitución interna de las semillas, los contenidos de ácido abscísico y de nutrimentos, y la germinación en cuatro especies de heliconias: Heliconia bourgaeana, H. collinsiana, H. latispatha y H. psittacorum. En semillas de H. collinsiana y H. latispatha analizadas al microscopio, los embriones aparecen sin daños después de un año de almacenamiento, mientras que en H. bourgaeana y H. psittacorum se observaron alteraciones del tejido embrionario. En las cuatro especies se detectaron taninos y almidón en endospermo, con mayor presencia de taninos en H. bourgaeana y H. psittacorum. El contenido de ABA fue mayor en H. collinsiana (7.8 μg g-1 MS) que en las demás especies que presentaron 0.26 μg g-1 MS o menos. El mayor contenido de B, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe y Zn también se registró en H. collinsiana, y las menores concentraciones de B, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P y Zn las presentó H. psittacorum. A 85 d después de la siembra la germinación in vitro fue de 18, 30, 3 y 32 % para H. bourgaeana, H. collinsiana, H. latispatha y H. psittacorum, respectivamente. Se concluye que las semillas de las cuatro especies de heliconias analizadas difieren en niveles de consumo de sustancias de reserva del endospermo, en presencia de taninos y de almidón, en contenido de ABA y nutrimentos, y en porcentaje de germinación.
LA FECHA DE COSECHA Y LA SÍNTESIS DE COMPUESTOS VOLATÍLES EN FRUTOS ALMACENADOS DE MANZANOS ‘GOLDEN DELICIOUS’ Y ‘RED DELICIOUS’
Authors: Salas-Salazar Nora A. , Molina-Corral Francisco J. , Berlanga-Reyes David I. , Romo-Chacón Alejandro , Olivas Guadalupe I.
Published: October 2020

Se estudió el efecto de la fecha de cosecha en la producción de compuestos volátiles en frutos de dos variedades de manzana (Malus domestica Borkh.): ‘Golden Delicious’, cosechados antes del inicio del climaterio (concentración interna de etileno, CIE = 0.003 ppm) y al inicio del climaterio (CIE = 0.9 ppm), a los 157 y 176 d después de plena floración (ddpf), respectivamente; ‘Red Delicious’, cosechados al inicio del climaterio (CIE = 0.3 ppm) y en el climaterio (CIE = 17 ppm), a los 176 y 191 ddpf, respectivamente. Los frutos de ambas variedades fueron almacenados a 0 °C por 150 d, y cada 30 d se analizó el perfil del aroma. Durante el almacenamiento la manzana ‘Golden Delicious’ cosechada a los 157 ddpf presentó una mayor concentración (P < 0.05) de los hexenal, hexanal y hexanol, compuestos del sabor característicos de una manzana verde, en comparación con la cosechada a los 176 ddpf. Esta última cosecha produjo mayor concentración (P < 0.05) de los alcoholes 1-butanol, y 2-metil-1-butanol, y del éster acetato de butilo, característicos del sabor dulce afrutado de una manzana madura. La manzana ‘Red Delicious’ cosechada a los 176 ddpf mostró una concentración mayor (P < 0.05) de cis-3-hexenal, acetato de butilo y acetato 2-metil butilo importantes contribuyentes del sabor, en comparación con la cosechada a los 190 ddpf. Estos resultados muestran la estrecha asociación del estado de maduración del fruto de manzana con la producción de los compuestos volátiles del sabor durante el almacenamiento, y demuestra que la cosecha muy temprana o muy tardía puede afectar negativamente la producción de estos compuestos y el desarrollo del sabor durante el almacenamiento.
MÉTODO ECONÓMICO Y EFICIENTE PARA LA CUANTIFICACIÓN COLORIMÉTRICA DE LISINA EN GRANO DE MAÍZ
Authors: Galicia-Flores Luis A. , Islas-Caballero Catalina , Rosales-Nolasco Aldo , Palacios-Rojas Natalia
Published: October 2020

Los maíces (Zea Mays L.) de alta calidad proteínica (ACP) tienen mayor contenido de lisina y triptófano, dos aminoácidos esenciales que normalmente están presentes en bajas cantidades en el grano de maíz. La metodología colorimétrica que se usa actualmente para monitorear el contenido de lisina en el grano de maíz es costosa y poco reproducible. El presente trabajo es una modificación a la metodología para la determinación colorimétrica de lisina en grano completo de maíz. Se hizo una reducción de reactivos costosos como el acetato de etilo, reducción de riesgos al personal que se encarga de desarrollar este análisis por la disminución en la emisión de residuos contaminantes, y reducción de pasos para desarrollar la curva de calibración, lo cual aumenta la capacidad de análisis por día. La metodología descrita se validó por comparación con la metodología colorimétrica de referencia y con NIR, y se obtuvieron coeficientes de determinación (R2) de 0.97 y de 0.85, respectivamente. El método desarrollado es económico, preciso y rápido, y puede ser usado para la determinación de lisina en un gran número de muestras durante los programas de mejoramiento.
GRANOS DE MAÍCES PIGMENTADOS DE CHIAPAS, CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICAS, CONTENIDO DE ANTOCIANINAS Y VALOR NUTRACÉUTICO
Authors: Salinas-Moreno Yolanda , Cruz-Chávez Francisco J. , Díaz-Ortiz Silvia A. , Castillo-González Fernando
Published: October 2020

En el Estado de Chiapas hay una gran diversidad de razas de maíz (Zea mays L.) dentro de las cuales se presentan variantes de grano pigmentado que han sido poco estudiadas en lo que se refiere a sus antocianinas, compuestos que les confieren a los granos estos colores. En este estudio se determinaron las características físicas del grano, el contenido de antocianinas (CAT) y su valor nutracéutico, en términos de la actividad antioxidante (AA), en poblaciones de maíces pigmentados del Estado de Chiapas, México. Las razas a las que pertenecen las poblaciones obtenidas son: Olotillo (21), Olotón (1), Tehua (9), Tepecintle (1), Tuxpeño (7), Vandeño (10) y Zapalote Grande (3), donde el número de poblaciones se anota entre paréntesis. El color de grano predominante fue el azul (AZ), seguido del rojo claro (RC) y rojo magenta (RM). El CAT más elevado se registró en las poblaciones de grano azul, con un rango de 213.6 a 904.0 mg equivalentes de cianidina 3-glucósido/kg de muestra, y el menor en las RC (30.7 a 188.1 mg equivalentes de pelargonidina clorada/kg de muestra). La mayor AA se observó en las muestras de grano AZ y RM. La raza Olotillo tiene ventajas para ser aprovechada en la elaboración de productos alimenticios en los que se requiera alta concentración de antocianinas y textura de grano dura.
RESERVORIO DE CARBONO EN SUELO Y RAÍCES DE UN PASTIZAL Y UNA PRADERA BAJO PASTOREO
Authors: Céspedes-Flores Flora E. , Fernández Juan A. , Gobbi José A. , Bernardis Aldo C.
Published: October 2020

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del pastoreo animal sobre el almacén de C orgánico en suelo y raíces de un pastizal de Sorghastrum setosum y de una pradera de Cynodon nlemfluensis. El estudio se realizó en General Obligado y en Colonia Benítez, en Chaco, Argentina. Se tomaron muestras de suelo y biomasa radical de cuatro profundidades: 0-0.1 m, 0.1-0.2 m, 0.2-0.6 m y 0.6-1 m. El C en suelo se determinó por el método de oxidación de la materia orgánica, y la masa neta de C se estimó con la densidad aparente en cada estrato. Las raíces fueron lavadas y separadas del suelo con tamices, y se secaron a 65 ºC para determinar materia seca. El C se calculó al asumir un 0.45 de C en la MS. El diseño estadístico fue un diseño en bloques al azar con cinco bloques en el pastizal y tres en la pradera, con dos tratamientos de pastoreo (con y sin). El contenido de C total acumulado en suelo a 1 m fue de 110.1 Mg ha-1 en el pastizal y de 108.6 Mg ha-1 en la pradera, con diferencias (P < 0.05) entre los estratos de 0.2 m y 0.6 m en ambos sitios. El contenido de C acumulado en suelo disminuye con la profundidad y más de la mitad del C se encuentra en los primeros 0.2 m en ambos sitios. El C acumulado en raíces fue similar en ambos sitios, con diferencias (P < 0.05) entre los dos estratos extremos. La menor masa de raíces fue a 1 m, mientras que su mayor volumen y distribución fue hasta los 0.2 m.
CRECIMIENTO DE PLANTAS Y RENDIMIENTO DE TOMATE EN DIVERSAS RELACIONES NITRATO/AMONIO Y CONCENTRACIONES DE BICARBONATO
Authors: Parra-Terraza Saúl , Lara-Murrieta Praxédes , Villarreal-Romero Manuel , Hernández-Verdugo Sergio
Published: October 2020

Aunque se ha reportado el efecto principal de diferentes relaciones de nitrato/amonio y de concentraciones de bicarbonato en la solución nutritiva sobre el crecimiento de las plantas, se conoce poco de la influencia de la interacción de ambos factores sobre el tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Por ello se hicieron dos estudios para determinar la influencia de tres relaciones porcentuales nitrato/amonio (100/0, 85/15 y 70/30) y tres concentraciones de HCO3- (0, 2.5 y 5 molc m-3) en la solución nutritiva, sobre el crecimiento, rendimiento y composición mineral de tomate cv. ‘Slolly F-1’ desarrollado en hidroponía. La relación 70/30 de nitrato/amonio redujo (P ≤ 0.05) el peso seco de raíz y el volumen radical, mientras que la concentración de 5 molc HCO3- m-3 disminuyó el diámetro de tallo, el peso seco de hojas, el volumen radical y la relación vástago/raíz de las plantas jóvenes. La concentración de calcio en hojas y tallos de plantas jóvenes y plantas adultas se redujo (P ≤ 0.05) con la relación 70/30; en contraste, la concentración de fósforo en dichos órganos se incrementó (P ≤ 0.05). La adición de 5 molc HCO3- m-3 a la solución nutritiva redujo (P ≤ 0.05) la concentración de fósforo en hojas y tallos de plantas jóvenes, y en tallos y frutos de plantas adultas. La interacción 70/30 y 0 molc de HCO3- m-3 incrementó (P ≤ 0.05) la altura de plantas jóvenes y redujo la concentración de magnesio en hojas y tallos. Sustituir 30 % del nitrógeno nítrico con nitrógeno amoniacal o añadir 5 mol HCO3- m-3 a la solución nutritiva en la etapa de planta joven, redujo algunos indicadores del crecimiento pero no afectó al rendimiento de tomate.