bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anti-Proliferation, Cycle Arrest and Apoptotic Inducing Activity of Peperomin E on Prostate Cancer PC-3 Cell Line
Authors: Li Yunzhi , Pan Jigang , Gou Meng
Published: April 2019

Peperomin E is a natural secolignan existing distributed in the plants of the genus Peperomia. Previous investigations demonstrated that peperomin E showed potential antitumor activity in some cancer lines, but it is unclear whether peperomin E has an effect on prostate cancer cell lines. The aim of the present study is to investigate its effects on proliferation inhibition, apoptosis-inducing and cell-cycle arrest activity using a prostate cancer PC-3 cell line. The proliferation inhibition was evaluated by MTT assay, apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining and Hoechst 33258 staining, cell cycle distributions were measured by flow cytometry, and western blot analysis was used to determine specific cellular apoptotic protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3. According to the results of this study, peperomin E exhibited significant anti-proliferation activity on PC-3 cell lines in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Peperomin E treatments lead to marked morphological changes. Apoptotic cell count and cell-cycle distribution at G2/M phase significantly increased with increasing concentrations of peperomin E. The down-regulated expression level of Bcl-2 and up-regulated expression level of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 compared with the controls were also observed after peperomin E treatment. These data suggest that peperomin E exhibited proliferation inhabitation, apoptosis-inducing and cell-cycle arrest activity on PC-3 cell lines. The anti-proliferation effect of peperomin E on PC-3 cells should result partly from its cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis-inducing activity, whereas the increasing of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspases-3 play an important role in the development of apoptosis.
In Silico Evaluation of Ibuprofen and Two Benzoylpropionic Acid Derivatives with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Bittencourt José A. H. M. , Neto Moysés F. A. , Lacerda Pedro S. , Bittencourt Renata C. V. S. , Silva Rai C. , Lobato Cleison C. , Silva Luciane B. , Leite Franco H. A. , Zuliani Juliana P. , Rosa Joaquín M. C. , Borges Rosivaldo S. , Santos Cleydson B. R.
Published: April 2019

Inflammation is a complex reaction involving cellular and molecular components and an unspecific response to a specific aggression. The use of scientific and technological innovations as a research tool combining multidisciplinary knowledge in informatics, biotechnology, chemistry and biology are essential for optimizing time and reducing costs in the drug design. Thus, the integration of these in silico techniques makes it possible to search for new anti-inflammatory drugs with better pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles compared to commercially used drugs. This in silico study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of two benzoylpropionic acid derivatives (MBPA and DHBPA) using molecular docking and their thermodynamic profiles by molecular dynamics, in addition to predicting oral bioavailability, bioactivity and toxicity. In accordance to our predictions the derivatives proposed here had the potential capacity for COX-2 inhibition in the human and mice enzyme, due to containing similar interactions with the control compound (ibuprofen). Ibuprofen showed toxic predictions of hepatotoxicity (in human, mouse and rat; toxicophoric group 2-arylacetic or 3-arylpropionic acid) and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract (in human, mouse and rat; toxicophoric group alpha-substituted propionic acid or ester) confirming the literature data, as well as the efficiency of the DEREK 10.0.2 program. Moreover, the proposed compounds are predicted to have a good oral bioavailability profile and low toxicity (LD50 < 700 mg/kg) and safety when compared to the commercial compound. Therefore, future studies are necessary to confirm the anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds.
Preparation and Properties of Tumor-Targeting MRI Contrast Agent Based on Linear Polylysine Derivatives
Authors: Sun Xuanrong , Cai Yue , Xu Zhuomin , Zhu Dabu
Published: April 2019

We developed a tumor-targeted contrast agent based on linear polylysine (PLL) by conjugating a small molecular imaging agent, fluorescent molecule and targeting agent amino phenylboronic acid onto the amino groups of polylysine, which can specifically target monosaccharide sialic acid residues overexpressing on the surface of tumor cell membranes. Further, 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (DCA) was attached to the free amino groups of the polylysine to change to a negative charge at physiology pH to lower the cytotoxicity, but it soon regenerated to a positive charge again once reaching the acidic intratumoral environment and therefore increased cell uptake. Laser confocal microscopy images showed that most of the polymeric contrast agents were bound to the cancer cell membrane. Moreover, the tumor targeting contrast agent showed the same magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrasting performance in vitro as the small molecule contrast agent used in clinic, which made it a promising tumor-targeting polymeric contrast agent for cancer diagnosis.
Stearic Acid/Inorganic Porous Matrix Phase Change Composite for Hot Water Systems
Authors: Xu Ling , Yang Rui
Published: April 2019

The storage and utilization of waste heat in low and medium temperature ranges using phase change materials (PCMs) is an effective technology to improve energy utilization efficiency in combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems. In this paper, stearic acid/inorganic porous matrix phase change composites were developed to store waste heat for hot water systems. Among them, stearic acid/expanded graphite (EG) phase change composite was highlighted and the thermal physical properties, the dynamic response, and the long-term cyclic stability were evaluated. The stearic acid concentrations in the composites were over 95 wt%. The thermal diffusion coefficients were 3–5 times higher than pure stearic acid, independent of composite densities. Accordingly, the heat storage and release times were decreased by up to 41% and 55%, respectively. After 100 cycles, the composites maintained good dynamic response and long-term cyclic stability, with heat storage density of 122–152 MJ/m3. Hence, this stearic acid/EG phase change composite exhibits excellent comprehensive performances. It is also easy to be prepared and flexible for various types of heat exchangers.
A Highly Efficient Indirect P. pastoris Surface Display Method Based on the CL7/Im7 Ultra-High-Affinity System
Authors: Li Shuntang , Qiao Jie , Lin Siyu , Liu Yi , Ma Lixin
Published: April 2019

Cell surface display systems for immobilization of peptides and proteins on the surface of cells have various applications, such as vaccine generation, protein engineering, bio-conversion and bio-adsorption. Though plenty of methods have been established in terms of traditional yeast surface display systems, the development of a universal display method with high efficiency remains a challenge. Here we report an indirect yeast surface display method by anchoring Im7 proteins on the surface of P. pastoris, achieving highly efficient display of target proteins, including fluorescence proteins (sfGFP and mCherry) or enzymes (human Arginase I), with a CL7 fusion tag through the ultra-high-affinity interaction between Im7 and CL7. This indirect P. pastoris surface display approach is highly efficient and provides a robust platform for displaying biomolecules.
Synthesis of New Derivatives of Benzofuran as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Napiórkowska Mariola , Cieślak Marcin , Kaźmierczak-Barańska Julia , Królewska-Golińska Karolina , Nawrot Barbara
Published: April 2019

The results of our previous research indicated that some derivatives of benzofurans, particularly halogeno-derivatives, are selectively toxic towards human leukemia cells. Continuing our work with this group of compounds we here report new data on the synthesis as well as regarding the physico-chemical and biological characterization of fourteen new derivatives of benzofurans, including six brominated compounds. The structures of all new compounds were established by spectroscopic methods (1H- and, 13C-NMR, ESI MS), and elemental analyses. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated against K562 (leukemia), MOLT-4 (leukemia), HeLa (cervix carcinoma), and normal cells (HUVEC). Five compounds (1c, 1e, 2d, 3a, 3d) showed significant cytotoxic activity against all tested cell lines and selectivity for cancer cell lines. The SAR analysis (structure-activity relationship analysis) indicated that the presence of bromine introduced to a methyl or acetyl group that was attached to the benzofuran system increased their cytotoxicity both in normal and cancer cells.
Simultaneous Quantification of Five Sesquiterpene Components after Ultrasound Extraction in Artemisia annua L. by an Accurate and Rapid UPLC–PDA Assay
Authors: Ruan Jiaqi , Liu Zhengyue , Qiu Feng , Shi Henan , Wang Manyuan
Published: April 2019

Objective: To develop an accurate and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with a photodiode array (PDA) method for the simultaneous determination of artemisinin (Art), arteannuin B (Art B), arteannuin C (Art C), dihydroartemisinic acid (DHAA) and artemisinic acid (AA) in Artemisia annua L. Methodology: Chromatography separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 Column with isocratic elution; the mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B) (A:B = 40:60, v/v). Data were recorded at an ultraviolet (UV) wavelength of 191 nm for Art, Art C, DHAA and AA, and 206 nm for Art B. Results: The calibration curves of the five sesquiterpene components were all linear with correlation coefficients more than 0.9990. The linear ranges were 31.44–1572 μg/mL, 25.48–1274 μg/mL, 40.56–2028 μg/mL, 31.44–1572 μg/mL and 26.88–1396 μg/mL for Art, Art B, Art C, DHAA and AA, respectively. The precision ranged from 0.08% to 2.88%, the stability was from 0.96% to 1.66%, and the repeatability was all within 2.42% and had a mean extraction recovery of 96.5% to 100.6%. Conclusion: The established UPLC–PDA method would be valuable for improving the quantitative analysis of sesquiterpene components in Artemisia annua L.
Recent Advances on Metal-Free, Visible-Light- Induced Catalysis for Assembling Nitrogen- and Oxygen-Based Heterocyclic Scaffolds
Authors: Pawlowski Robert , Stanek Filip , Stodulski Maciej
Published: April 2019

Heterocycles are important class of structures, which occupy a major space in the domain of natural and bioactive compounds. For this reason, development of new synthetic strategies for their controllable synthesis became of special interests. The development of novel photoredox systems with wide-range application in organic synthesis is particularly interesting. Organic dyes have been widely applied as photoredox catalysts in organic synthesis. Their low costs compared to the typical photocatalysts based on transition metals make them an excellent alternative. This review describes proceedings since 2015 in the area of application of metal-free, visible-light-mediated catalysis for assembling various heterocyclic scaffolds containing five- and six-membered rings bearing nitrogen and oxygen heteroatoms.
The Effect of Fulvic Acids Derived from Different Materials on Changing Properties of Albic Black Soil in the Northeast Plain of China
Authors: Kumar Sootahar Mahendar , Zeng Xibai , Su Shiming , Wang Yanan , Bai Lingyu , Zhang Yang , Li Tao , Zhang Xiaojia
Published: April 2019

Despite low fertility and content of organic carbon in albic black soil, grains are grown in this type of soil in the northeast plain of China in order to find ways to improve the soil’s fertility and crop production. We carried out pot experiments of maize applied with one of three different treatments of fulvic acids (FA) derived from different parent materials: Plant-derived solid (PDSF), mineral-derived liquid (MDLF), and plant-derived liquid (PDLF) applied at respective rates of 2.5, 5, and 5 g kg−1 as well as a control applied at 0 g kg−1. The results showed that soil organic carbon and light fraction C was greater by 29% to 21% and 38% to 21%, respectively, among the treatments compared to that of the control. Similarly, available N content was significantly greater in the PDLF treatment, and P content was also significantly greater in the PDSF treatment. In contrast, available K and extractable Mg contents were lower, as well as organic–inorganic degree complexes and organic–inorganic composites in the PDSF, MDLF, and PDLF treatments compared with those of the control. Further results showed that MDLF and PDLF Fulvic acids (FA) accelerated plant growth, while PDSF limited plant growth. Our study provides empirical evidence that addition of fulvic acid from MDLF and PDLF had more positive effects on soil properties and plant growth than fulvic acid from PDSF. This investigation suggests that application of fulvic acid in liquid form can improve nutrient availability and affect other important chemical, biological, and physical properties of soils.
Phytochemical Characterization of Five Edible Purple-Reddish Vegetables: Anthocyanins, Flavonoids, and Phenolic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Frond Alexandra D. , Iuhas Cristian I. , Stirbu Ioana , Leopold Loredana , Socaci Sonia , Andreea Stǎnilǎ , Ayvaz Huseyin , Andreea Socaciu , Mihai Socaciu , Diaconeasa Zorița , Carmen Socaciu
Published: April 2019

Vegetables comprise a significant portion of our daily diet with their high content in nutrients including fiber, vitamins, minerals, as well as phenolic compounds. Vegetable consumption has been shown to be positively associated with the prevention of several degenerative diseases thanks to their bioactive compounds. Accordingly, five selected vegetables, namely, red chicory, red onion, eggplant, purple sweet potato, and black carrot were thoroughly assessed for their phenolic content in this study. For this purpose, the total phenolic and flavonoid content of these five vegetables and their antioxidant activities that are based on three common methods ABTS radical cation decolorization assay (ABTS), Cupric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC), and DPPH scavenging activity assay were determined. Additionally, HPLC-PDA/Electrospray ionization coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA/-ESI+-MS)-based identification and quantification of the members belonging to polyphenols present in each vegetable were determined. Statistical correlations between antioxidant activities and the specific type of phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids were further elucidated. Phenolic acids (chlorogenic and syringic acids) were found to be the most abundant compounds that are present in all samples. Among the anthocyanins, cyaniding derivatives were present in all vegetables. In terms of their antioxidant activities, the analyzed vegetables were ranked as red chicory > purple sweet potato > black carrot > eggplant > red onion, in descending order. Superior antioxidant activities exhibited by red chicory and purple sweet potato were attributed to the high content of phenolic compounds, especially flavonols (quercetin-3,4-O-diglucoside) in red chicory and anthocyanins (peonidin-3-caffeoyl p-hydroxybenzoylsophoroside-5-glucoside) in purple sweet potato.
PEGylated Polyurea Bearing Hindered Urea Bond for Drug Delivery
Authors: Chen Meishan , Feng Xiangru , Xu Weiguo , Wang Yanqiao , Yang Yanan , Jiang Zhongyu , Ding Jianxun
Published: April 2019

In recent years, polyureas with dynamic hindered urea bonds (HUBs), a class of promising biomedical polymers, have attracted wide attention as a result of their controlled hydrolytic properties. The effect of the chemical structures on the properties of polyureas and their assemblies has rarely been reported. In this study, four kinds of polyureas with different chemical groups have been synthesized, and the polyureas from cyclohexyl diisocyanate and tert-butyl diamine showed the fastest hydrolytic rate. The amphiphilic polyurea composed of hydrophobic cyclohexyl-tert-butyl polyurea and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was synthesized for the controlled delivery of the antitumor drug paclitaxel (PTX). The PTX-loaded PEGylated polyurea micelle more effectively entered into the murine breast cancer 4T1 cells and inhibited the corresponding tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the PEGylated polyurea with adjustable degradation might be a promising polymer matrix for drug delivery.
Chokeberry Juice Containing Polyphenols Does Not Affect Cholesterol or Blood Pressure but Modifies the Composition of Plasma Phospholipids Fatty Acids in Individuals at Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Pokimica Biljana , García-Conesa María-Teresa , Zec Manja , Debeljak-Martačić Jasmina , Ranković Slavica , Vidović Nevena , Petrović-Oggiano Gordana , Konić-Ristić Aleksandra , Glibetić Maria
Published: April 2019

Chokeberry polyphenols have been suggested to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure and thus protect against cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but the evidence in humans is limited and inconsistent. This randomized double-blinded three-parallel groups trial investigated the changes in various anthropometric and clinical biomarkers, and in plasma phospholipids fatty acids (PPFA) in volunteers at cardiovascular risk after a four-week intervention with 100 mL/day of (1) chokeberry juice with a high-dose of polyphenols (1177.11 mg gallic acid equivalents, GAE); (2) chokeberry juice with a low-dose of polyphenols (294.28 mg GAE) and; (3) a nutritionally matched polyphenol-free placebo drink. Our results indicate that the intake of chokeberry juice containing either the low or the high dose of polyphenols cannot be linked with a reduction in total- and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)cholesterol or in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in comparison with the consumption of the placebo drink. However, we found evidence of moderate changes in the PPFA, i.e., increased saturated fatty acids (SFA), mostly palmitic acid, and reduced n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), principally linoleic acid (LA) with the intake of chokeberry against the placebo. These effects may be associated with the polyphenols but we could not differentiate a clear dose-response effect. Further research is still needed to elucidate the contribution of the polyphenolic fraction to the potential cardiovascular effects of the chokeberry and to build up the evidence of its potential benefit via the modulation of PPFA composition.
Macrocolony of NDM-1 Producing Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. oharae Generates Subpopulations with Different Features Regarding the Response of Antimicrobial Agents and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Brust Flávia Roberta , Boff Luana , da Silva Trentin Danielle , Pedrotti Rozales Franciele , Barth Afonso Luís , Macedo Alexandre José
Published: April 2019

Enterobacter cloacae complex has been increasingly recognized as a nosocomial pathogen representing the third major Enterobacteriaceae species involved with infections. This study aims to evaluate virulence and antimicrobial susceptibility of subpopulations generated from macrocolonies of NDM-1 producing Enterobacter hormaechei clinical isolates. Biofilm was quantified using crystal violet method and fimbrial genes were investigated by PCR. Susceptibility of antimicrobials, alone and combined, was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration and checkerboard assays, respectively. Virulence and efficacy of antimicrobials were evaluated in Galleria mellonella larvae. Importantly, we verified that some subpopulations that originate from the same macrocolony present different biofilm production ability and distinct susceptibility to meropenem due to the loss of blaNDM-1 encoding plasmid. A more in-depth study was performed with the 798 macrocolony subpopulations. Type 3 fimbriae were straightly related with biofilm production; however, virulence in larvae was not statistically different among subpopulations. Triple combination with meropenem–rifampicin–polymyxin B showed in vitro synergistic effect against all subpopulations; while in vivo this treatment showed different efficacy rates for 798-1S and 798-4S subpopulations. The ability of multidrug resistant E. hormaechei isolates in generating bacterial subpopulations presenting different susceptible and virulence mechanisms are worrisome and may explain why these infections are hardly overcome.
Effect of Cationic Lipid Type in Folate-PEG-Modified Cationic Liposomes on Folate Receptor-Mediated siRNA Transfection in Tumor Cells
Authors: Hattori Yoshiyuki , Shimizu Satono , Ozaki Kei-ichi , Onishi Hiraku
Published: April 2019

In this study, we examined the effect of cationic lipid type in folate (FA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified cationic liposomes on gene-silencing effects in tumor cells using cationic liposomes/siRNA complexes (siRNA lipoplexes). We used three types of cationic cholesterol derivatives, cholesteryl (3-((2-hydroxyethyl)amino)propyl)carbamate hydroiodide (HAPC-Chol), N-(2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethyl)cholesteryl-3-carboxamide (OH-Chol), and cholesteryl (2-((2-hydroxyethyl)amino)ethyl)carbamate (OH-C-Chol), and we prepared three types of FA-PEG-modified siRNA lipoplexes. The modification of cationic liposomes with 1–2 mol % PEG-lipid abolished the gene-silencing effect in human nasopharyngeal tumor KB cells, which overexpress the FA receptor (FR). In contrast, FA-PEG-modification of cationic liposomes restored gene-silencing activity regardless of the cationic lipid type in cationic liposomes. However, the optimal amount of PEG-lipid and FA-PEG-lipid in cationic liposomes for selective gene silencing and cellular uptake were different among the three types of cationic liposomes. Furthermore, in vitro transfection of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) siRNA by FA-PEG-modified liposomes exhibited strong cytotoxicity in KB cells, compared with PEG-modified liposomes; however, in in vivo therapy, intratumoral injection of PEG-modified PLK1 siRNA lipoplexes inhibited tumor growth of KB xenografts, as well as that of FA-PEG-modified PLK1 siRNA lipoplexes. From these results, the optimal formulation of PEG- and FA-PEG-modified liposomes for FR-selective gene silencing might be different between in vitro and in vivo transfection.
Development of a Unique Student Pharmacist Internship in a Primary Care Provider System
Authors: Fenn Norman E. , Gadbois Natalie R. , Seamon Gwen J. , Castek Shannon L. , Plake Kimberly S.
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To describe a unique pharmacy intern program in a group of federally qualified health center (FQHC) outpatient primary care provider clinics. Summary: A pharmacy intern program was created at the North Central Nursing Clinics in Indiana, a group of four FQHC outpatient primary care provider facilities. Intern-performed tasks included: Prior authorization (PA) requests, medication assistance program (MAP) applications, sample procurement and inventory, and contraceptive devices for implantation inventory management. Interns interacted with clinic administration, nurse practitioners, and medical staff to complete their assigned responsibilities. Over a one-year period, the interns completed documentation on more than 2000 charts during a combined 12 h a week. Interns identified the interprofessional interactions as the most beneficial experience, while providers acknowledged no difference in the processing of paperwork during the transition of duties from pharmacy fellow to intern. Conclusion: This unique pharmacy intern program was successfully created and implemented in a primary care provider office, resulting in learning opportunities for pharmacy interns, as well as operational efficiencies to fellows, providers, and the organization.
Morphological and Transcriptome Analysis of Wheat Seedlings Response to Low Nitrogen Stress
Authors: Wang Jun , Song Ke , Sun Lijuan , Qin Qin , Sun Yafei , Pan Jianjun , Xue Yong
Published: April 2019

Nitrogen (N) is one of the essential macronutrients that plays an important role in plant growth and development. Unfortunately, low utilization rate of nitrogen has become one of the main abiotic factors affecting crop growth. Nevertheless, little research has been done on the molecular mechanism of wheat seedlings resisting or adapting to low nitrogen environment. In this paper, the response of wheat seedlings against low nitrogen stress at phenotypic changes and gene expression level were studied. The results showed that plant height, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, total root length, and number under low nitrogen stress decreased by 26.0, 28.1, 24.3, 38.0, 41.4, and 21.2 percent, respectively compared with plants under normal conditions. 2265 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in roots and 2083 DEGs were detected in leaves under low nitrogen stress (N-) compared with the control (CK). 1688 genes were up-regulated and 577 genes were down-regulated in roots, whilst 505 genes were up-regulated and 1578 were down-regulated in leaves. Among the most addressed Gene Ontology (GO) categories, oxidation reduction process, oxidoreductase activity, and cell component were mostly represented. In addition, genes involved in the signal transduction, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, antioxidant activity, and environmental adaptation were highlighted. Our study provides new information for further understanding the response of wheat to low nitrogen stress.
Structure, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyphenylene Sulfide and Polysulfone Impregnated Carbon Fiber Composites
Authors: Chukov Dilyus , Nematulloev Sarvarkhodzha , Zadorozhnyy Mikhail , Tcherdyntsev Victor , Stepashkin Andrey , Zherebtsov Dmitry
Published: April 2019

The paper studies new high-temperature thermoplastic impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber composites. The research focuses on the effect of thermal and chemical oxidation of the carbon fibers surface on the interfacial interaction between fibers and polysulfone and polyphenylene sulfide as well as thermal and mechanical properties of the composites. The research reveals the interaction between carbon fibers and the polymer matrix depend both on the type of surface treatment and nature of the polymer. The chemical oxidation of carbon fibers results in good interfacial interaction, and the best mechanical properties were observed for tows impregnated with polyphenylene sulfide.
Introduction to the Special Issue of Religions—“Religion and Family Life”
Authors: Petts Richard J.
Published: April 2019

Family and religion are inherently intertwined social institutions [...]
Recent Regulation in Credit Risk Management: A Statistical Framework
Authors: Ewanchuk Logan , Frei Christoph
Published: April 2019

A recently introduced accounting standard, namely the International Financial Reporting Standard 9, requires banks to build provisions based on forward-looking expected loss models. When there is a significant increase in credit risk of a loan, additional provisions must be charged to the income statement. Banks need to set for each loan a threshold defining what such a significant increase in credit risk constitutes. A low threshold allows banks to recognize credit risk early, but leads to income volatility. We introduce a statistical framework to model this trade-off between early recognition of credit risk and avoidance of excessive income volatility. We analyze the resulting optimization problem for different models, relate it to the banking stress test of the European Union, and illustrate it using default data by Standard and Poor’s.
Assessment of Physical Water Scarcity in Africa Using GRACE and TRMM Satellite Data
Authors: Hasan Emad , Tarhule Aondover , Hong Yang , Moore Berrien
Published: April 2019

The critical role of water in enabling or constraining human well-being and socioeconomic activities has led to an interest in quantitatively establishing the status of water (in)sufficiency over space and time. Falkenmark introduced the first widely accepted measure of water status, the Water Scarcity Index (WSI), which expressed the status of the availability of water resources in terms of vulnerability, stress, and scarcity. Since then, numerous indicators have been introduced, but nearly all adopt the same basic formulation; water status is a function of “available water” resource—by the demand or use. However, the accurate assessment of “available water” is difficult, especially in data-scarce regions, such as Africa. In this paper, therefore, we introduce a satellite-based Potential Available Water Storage indicator, PAWS. The method integrates GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite Total Water Storage (TWS) measurements with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation estimates between 2002 and 2016. First, we derived the countries’ Internal Water Storage (IWS) using GRACE and TRMM precipitation data. Then, the IWS was divided by the population density to derive the PAWS per capita. Following the Falkenmark thresholds, 54% of countries are classified in the same water vulnerability status as the AQUASTAT Internal Renewable Water Resources (IRWR) method. Of the remaining countries, PAWS index leads to one or two categories shift (left or right) of water status. The PAWS index shows that 14% (~160 million people) of Africa’s population currently live under water scarcity status. With respect to future projections, PAWS index suggests that a 10% decrease in future water resources would affect ~37% of Africa’s 2025 population (~600 million people), and 57% for 2050 projections (~1.4-billion people). The proposed approach largely overcomes the constraints related to the data needed to rapidly and robustly estimate available water resources by incorporating all stocks of water within the country, as well as underscores the recent water storage dynamics. However, the estimates obtained concern potential available water resources, which may not be utilizable for practical, economic, and technological issues.
Design, Calibration, and Evaluation of a Backpack Indoor Mobile Mapping System
Authors: Karam Samer , Vosselman George , Peter Michael , Hosseinyalamdary Siavash , Lehtola Ville
Published: April 2019

Indoor mobile mapping systems are important for a wide range of applications starting from disaster management to straightforward indoor navigation. This paper presents the design and performance of a low-cost backpack indoor mobile mapping system (ITC-IMMS) that utilizes a combination of laser range-finders (LRFs) to fully recover the 3D building model based on a feature-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm. Specifically, we use robust planar features. These are advantageous, because oftentimes the final representation of the indoor environment is wanted in a planar form, and oftentimes the walls in an indoor environment physically have planar shapes. In order to understand the potential accuracy of our indoor models and to assess the system’s ability to capture the geometry of indoor environments, we develop novel evaluation techniques. In contrast to the state-of-the-art evaluation methods that rely on ground truth data, our evaluation methods can check the internal consistency of the reconstructed map in the absence of any ground truth data. Additionally, the external consistency can be verified with the often available as-planned state map of the building. The results demonstrate that our backpack system can capture the geometry of the test areas with angle errors typically below 1.5° and errors in wall thickness around 1 cm. An optimal configuration for the sensors is determined through a set of experiments that makes use of the developed evaluation techniques.
A Controlled Experiment Investigating the Effects of Explanatory Manual on Adherence to Operating Procedures
Authors: Cao Shi , Chan Keziah , Elkamel Ali
Published: April 2019

Operators’ adherence to operating procedures is a crucial factor for process safety in the process industry. Instruction manuals that document Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are commonly used both as training materials and references during operation. Traditional SOP manual design emphasized using simple step-by-step instructions for how to do the tasks, but it often neglected the reasons why the steps and their specific orders should be closely followed. It is evident that operators sometimes choose to deviate from SOP intentionally if they do not understand the reasons and incorrectly deem the steps in the manual as slow or outdated. To help bridge the knowledge gap between SOP designers and operators, we advocate explanatory SOP manual design that adds the reasons for the steps in manual instructions. To examine the effect of explanatory manual, we conducted a controlled experiment using a hydraulic pump system that represented the wash operation in the electroplating industry. Participants’ performance and adherence to operating procedures (both Adherence to Production Order Procedures and Adherence to Wait Time) were measured and compared between the explanatory manual and the procedural manual conditions. The results showed that the explanatory manual had the benefit of increasing Adherence to Production Order Procedures, while time performance, Percent Duration within Bounds, and Adherence to Wait Time were not significantly affected. The finding supports the use of explanatory manuals because they have the potential to serve as an effective and economic way to improve operators’ adherence to operating procedures and process safety. Limitations of the laboratory setup were discussed.
Analyzing Spatial Congruencies and Mismatches between Supply, Demand and Flow of Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Development
Authors: Schirpke Uta , Egarter Vigl Lukas , Tasser Erich , Tappeiner Ulrike
Published: April 2019

Ecosystem services (ESs) are increasingly included into decision-making to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although both concepts consider the interactions between humans and the environment, spatial relationships between ESs and sustainability have been rarely addressed. Therefore, this study aims at analyzing spatial congruencies and mismatches between ESs and sustainability in the greater Alpine region. Using hot spot and overlap analyses, we overlaid maps of supply, demand and flow of eight key ESs with the spatial distribution of sustainability based on 24 indicators. Our results reveal that, in most cases, supply of and demand for ESs are greatly dislocated. These mismatches are reflected also in the spatial distribution of sustainability. In contrast to ES demand hot spots, supply hot spots are generally characterized by high sustainability levels, especially in relation to the environment. However, due to discrepancies in the social and economic dimensions, it cannot be assumed that ES supply hot spots always correspond to high sustainability. Hence, using ES indicators for measuring sustainability provides rather limited insights. We conclude that both concepts should be applied in a complementary way to maximize ecological, social and economic benefits in land management and planning processes.
Northern Warning Lights: Ambiguities of Environmental Security in Finland and Sweden
Authors: Hakala Emma , Lähde Ville , Majava Antti , Toivanen Tero , Vadén Tere , Järvensivu Paavo , Eronen Jussi T.
Published: April 2019

As the literature on environmental security has evolved and widened, knowledge of the full range of potential consequences of environmental change for different societies remains scattered. This article contributes to a more comprehensive approach to the implications of environmental change by providing a three-level framework of the security impacts. In particular, it will address gaps in knowledge by pointing out the relevance of geopolitical and structural factors behind environmental security impacts. The article will focus on the cases of two countries, Finland and Sweden—both seen as stable, high-income democracies that are well equipped to adapt to climate risks. Yet even under these conditions, preparedness to threat-prevention will not follow without a recognition of the full range of risks, including ones that are linked to socio-economic and geopolitical factors. On the basis of the Finnish and Swedish cases, the article proposes an analytical framework of three categories of environmental security impacts: local, geopolitical and structural.
Effects of Physico-Chemical Parameters on Actinomycetes Communities during Composting of Agricultural Waste
Authors: Li Yuanping , Chen Yanrong , Chen Yaoning , Wu Yanxin , Zhang Chun , Peng Zhen , Liu Yihuan , Wang Sha , Xu Ran , Zeng Ziping
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of physico-chemical parameters on Actinomycetes communities and to prioritize those parameters that contributed to Actinomycetes community composition during the composting of agricultural waste. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR-DGGE) and redundancy analysis (RDA) were used to determine the relationships between those parameters and Actinomycetes community composition. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and regression analysis were used to monitor the 16S rDNA copy numbers of Actinomycetes and to analyse the correlations between physico-chemical parameters and Actinomyces 16S rDNA gene abundance, respectively. The RDA results showed that moisture content, water soluble carbon (WSC) and pH (p < 0.05) made the main contributions to the temporal variations of Actinomycetes community composition. The output of the regression analysis indicated that moisture content (R2 = 0.407, p < 0.01) showed a negative linear relationship with the Actinomyces 16S rDNA gene abundance.
Euroregion as an Entity Stimulating the Sustainable Development of the Cross-Border Market for Cultural Services in a City Divided by a Border
Authors: Wróblewski Łukasz , Kasperek Andrzej
Published: April 2019

This article discusses the issue of the sustainable development of the Polish-Czech cross-border market for cultural services in a city divided by an international border. The article uses the example of Cieszyn and Český Těšín, a city divided following the decision of the Council of Ambassadors in 1920. The research carried out so far indicates the main constraints in the harmonious functioning of the cross-border market for cultural services in this city, such as: The different cultural policies implemented on both sides of the city, the language barriers, as well as some legal and administrative differences. Therefore, the authors undertook research aimed at recognising the role of Euroregional structures in stimulating the sustainable development of this region. On the basis of an analysis of the Cieszyn Silesia Euroregion’s documentation, and the results of qualitative and quantitative research, this article describes the role of the Euroregion in building a cross-border market for cultural services. The presented results shows that the level of familiarity with cultural events organised in Cieszyn and Český Těšín within the framework of Interreg cross-border projects, is much higher than the familiarity with cultural events that are organised without financial support received through the Euroregion. Recommendations were also prepared that could constitute the principles of a common cultural policy, not only for Cieszyn and Český Těšín, but also for other European cities in the Schengen Area, which, like Cieszyn and Český Těšín, have been divided by an international border.
Thermal Comfort and Longwave Radiation over Time in Urban Residential Complexes
Authors: Kwon You Jin , Lee Dong Kun
Published: April 2019

Large cities with a high concentration of high-rise buildings are shaded by urban canyon. This brings a cooling effect compared to the space exposed to the sun, but is not always cool due to the longwave radiation emitted from buildings and the built environment. We tested the micro-scale effects of major external spatial factors, trees, and buildings, under shade on longwave radiation shifts to understand the effects of large shaded areas in megacities. Incoming and outgoing longwave radiations (ILR and OLR, respectively) were found to decrease the overall observation by time zone. Longwave radiation on a micro-scale was also inversely proportional to the tree volume. From mean radiant temperature (MRT) analysis, we found that about a 10% decrease in MRT could be achieved by increasing tree volume by around 50%. Larger tree volumes corresponded to greater blocking effects on longwave radiation. Considering the tree volume, a multilayer urban tree canopy composition can more favorably improve the thermal environment and energy sustainability of a city compared to a single-layer canopy. Larger trees planted with harmonious shrubs are the most effective in reducing longwave radiation.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices of the Largest Seafood Suppliers in the Wild Capture Fisheries Sector: From Vision to Action
Authors: Packer Helen , Swartz Wilf , Ota Yoshitaka , Bailey Megan
Published: April 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the seafood industry is on the rise. Because of increasing public awareness and non-governmental organization (NGO) campaigns, seafood buyers have made various commitments to improve the sustainability of their wild seafood sourcing. As part of this effort, seafood suppliers have developed their own CSR programs in order to meet buyers’ sourcing requirements. However, the CSR of these companies, many of which are mid-supply chain or vertically integrated, remain largely invisible and unstudied. In order to better understand how mid-chain seafood suppliers engage in sustainability efforts, we reviewed the CSR practices of the 25 largest seafood companies globally (by revenue) that deal with wild seafood products. Based on literature, existing frameworks, and initial data analysis, we developed a structured framework to identify and categorize practices based on the issues addressed and the approach used. We found companies implement CSR to address four key areas, and through various activities that fit into five categories: Power; Practices; Partnerships; Public policy; and Philanthropy. One of the biggest gaps identified in this study is the lack of accountability mechanisms, as well as robust and consistent accounting of impacts. Indeed, many companies express commitments without clear goals and structures in place to ensure implementation. Therefore, improvements in seafood company performance on social and environmental aspects may not only require creating a better business case for CSR, but also require ensuring that companies have the necessary processes and structures in place through public oversights and regulations.
Impact of Landscape Structure on the Variation of Land Surface Temperature in Sub-Saharan Region: A Case Study of Addis Ababa using Landsat Data (1986–2016)
Authors: Dissanayake DMSLB , Morimoto Takehiro , Murayama Yuji , Ranagalage Manjula
Published: April 2019

Urbanization has bloomed across Asia and Africa of late, while two centuries ago, it was confined to developed regions in the largest urban agglomerations. The changing urban landscape can cause irretrievable changes to the biophysical environment, including changes in the spatiotemporal pattern of the land surface temperature (LST). Understanding these variations in the LST will help us introduce appropriate mitigation techniques to overcome negative impacts. The research objective was to assess the impact of landscape structure on the variation in LST in the African region as a geospatial approach in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 1986–2016 with fifteen-year intervals. Land use and land cover (LULC) mapping and LST were derived by using pre-processed Landsat data (Level 2). Gradient analysis was computed for the pattern of the LST from the city center to the rural area, while intensity calculation was facilitated to analyze the magnitude of LST. Directional variation of the LST was not covered by the gradient analysis. Hence, multidirectional and multitemporal LST profiles were employed over the orthogonal and diagonal directions. The result illustrated that Addis Ababa had undergone rapid expansion. In 2016, the impervious surface (IS) had dominated 33.8% of the total lands. The IS fraction ratio of the first zone (URZ1) has improved to 66.2%, 83.7%, and 87.5%, and the mean LST of URZ1 has improved to 25.2 °C, 26.6 °C, and 29.6 °C in 1986, 2001, and 2016, respectively. The IS fraction has gradually been declining from the city center to the rural area. The behavior of the LST is not continually aligning with a pattern of IS similar to other cities along the URZs. After the specific URZs (zone 17, 37, and 41 in 1986, 2001, and 2016, respectively), the mean LST shows an increasing trend because of a fraction of bare land. This trend is different from those of other cities even in the tropical regions. The findings of this study are useful for decision makers to introduce sustainable landscape and urban planning to create livable urban environments in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
An Examination of Sustainable HRM Practices on Job Performance: An Application of Training as a Moderator
Authors: Manzoor Faiza , Wei Longbao , Bányai Tamás , Nurunnabi Mohammad , Subhan Qazi Abdul
Published: April 2019

This study attempts to examine the role of sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on job performance and encompasses training as a moderator variable to further evaluate the association among HRM practices and employee’s job performance.The study seeks to measure the effect of selection, participation, and employee empowerment on job performance in the publicly owned universities of Pakistan. The descriptive survey research design was utilized for this study. The target population was the entire teaching staff of two publicly owned universities (namely “The University of Agriculture Peshawar” and “Hazara University Mansehra” Pakistan). By using a convenient sampling technique, 130 sample participants were selected from the target population. The reliability scales were tallied by using Cronbach’s Alpha. The findings of the study are gleaned by using regression to investigate the role of HRM practices in job performance and whether training moderated the association between HRM practices and employee performance. Through Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS), Hayes process was used regarding the moderation effect of training between HRM practices and job performance. The main results of regression analysis validate that HRM practices, such as selection, participation, and employee empowerment, have a significant and positive effect on employee job performance. Specifically, the study suggests that training significantly moderates the effect of HRM practices on the performance of employees and that sustainability of HRM practices has a great impact on job performance. Based on the outcomes the study confirms that the proposed hypotheses are statistically significant. Furthermore, directions for future research are offered.
Incomplete Fuzzy Soft Sets and Their Application to Decision-Making
Authors: Wang Lu , Qin Keyun
Published: April 2019

The research of incomplete fuzzy soft sets is of paramount importance in fuzzy soft sets, where the combination of incomplete fuzzy soft set and decision-making problem is of great significance. Incomplete information in fuzzy soft sets leads to more uncertainty and ambiguity in decision-making. The focus of this paper to propose an algorithm of fuzzy soft set based decision-making problems under incomplete information. On the basis of the weighted function, we introduce the notions of weighted incomplete soft sets and weighted incomplete fuzzy soft sets, and show an approach to weighted incomplete fuzzy soft sets for dealing with decision-making. Considering the missing weight function, the concept of incomplete weighted fuzzy soft sets is presented. Meanwhile, we apply the incomplete weighted fuzzy soft sets to solve the decision-making problem. As modal-style operators for fuzzy soft sets have a precise description of attributes possessed by objects, we apply modal-style operator for incomplete fuzzy soft set to deal with decision-making and propose a new algorithm to make it more accurate and simple.