bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimal Pollution Control Model for Environmental Protection Cooperation between Developing and Developed Countries
Authors: Liu Liyuan , Zhu Jing , Zhang Yibin , Chen Xiding
Published: June 2020

With the continuous increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the world and the United States announcing withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the conflicts between environmental protection and economic growth of developing and developed countries have become increasingly challenging. In this paper, following the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” specified in the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, we develop an optimal pollution control model based on a dynamic system for both developing and developed countries. We analyze how different perspectives of the developing and developed countries affect their investments in pollution control and how to determine their responsibilities based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Our aim is to obtain a stable equilibrium mechanism to maximize the social welfare between the developing and developed countries and explore the optimal pollution control and economic growth path. Our results show that it is optimal for the developed countries to help developing countries with pollution control in their initial stage of economic growth. Once the developing countries reach a certain economic development level, they can contribute more to pollution control, while the developed countries can reduce their environmental investment. We show that by following this optimal path, the developing and developed countries can effectively control environment pollution without significant loss of social welfare.
A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Newborn Screening Methods for Four Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Authors: Sanders Karen A. , Gavrilov Dimitar K. , Oglesbee Devin , Raymond Kimiyo M. , Tortorelli Silvia , Hopwood John J. , Lorey Fred , Majumdar Ramanath , Kroll Charles A. , McDonald Amber M. , Lacey Jean M. , Turgeon Coleman T. , Tucker Justin N. , Tang Hao , Currier Robert , Isaya Grazia , Rinaldo Piero , Matern Dietrich
Published: June 2020

Newborn screening for one or more lysosomal disorders has been implemented in several US states, Japan and Taiwan by multiplexed enzyme assays using either tandem mass spectrometry or digital microfluidics. Another multiplex assay making use of immunocapture technology has also been proposed. To investigate the potential variability in performance of these analytical approaches, we implemented three high-throughput screening assays for the simultaneous screening for four lysosomal disorders: Fabry disease, Gaucher disease, mucopolysaccharidosis type I, and Pompe disease. These assays were tested in a prospective comparative effectiveness study using nearly 100,000 residual newborn dried blood spot specimens. In addition, 2nd tier enzyme assays and confirmatory molecular genetic testing were employed. Post-analytical interpretive tools were created using the software Collaborative Laboratory Integrated Reports (CLIR) to determine its ability to improve the performance of each assay vs. the traditional result interpretation based on analyte-specific reference ranges and cutoffs. This study showed that all three platforms have high sensitivity, and the application of CLIR tools markedly improves the performance of each platform while reducing the need for 2nd tier testing by 66% to 95%. Moreover, the addition of disease-specific biochemical 2nd tier tests ensures the lowest false positive rates and the highest positive predictive values for any platform.
Comparison of Methods to Evaluate the Influence of an Automated Vehicle’s Driving Behavior on Pedestrians: Wizard of Oz, Virtual Reality, and Video
Authors: Fuest Tanja , Schmidt Elisabeth , Bengler Klaus
Published: June 2020

Integrating automated vehicles into mixed traffic entails several challenges. Their driving behavior must be designed such that is understandable for all human road users, and that it ensures an efficient and safe traffic system. Previous studies investigated these issues, especially regarding the communication between automated vehicles and pedestrians. These studies used different methods, e.g., videos, virtual reality, or Wizard of Oz vehicles. However, the extent of transferability between these studies is still unknown. Therefore, we replicated the same study design in four different settings: two video, one virtual reality, and one Wizard of Oz setup. In the first video setup, videos from the virtual reality setup were used, while in the second setup, we filmed the Wizard of Oz vehicle. In all studies, participants stood at the roadside in a shared space. An automated vehicle approached from the left, using different driving profiles characterized by changing speed to communicate its intention to let the pedestrians cross the road. Participants were asked to recognize the intention of the automated vehicle and to press a button as soon as they realized this intention. Results revealed differences in the intention recognition time between the four study setups, as well as in the correct intention rate. The results from vehicle–pedestrian interaction studies published in recent years that used different study settings can therefore only be compared to each other to a limited extent.
Risk Measurement Method for Privilege Escalation Attacks on Android Apps Based on Process Algebra
Authors: Shen Limin , Li Hui , Wang Hongyi , Wang Yihuan , Feng Jiayin , Jian Yuqing
Published: June 2020

On the Android platform, information leakage can use an application-layer privilege escalation attack composed of multi-app collusion. However, the detection effect of a single app that can construct privilege escalation attacks is not good. Furthermore, the existing software and app measurement methods are not applicable to the measurement of collusion privilege escalation attacks. We propose a method for measuring the risk of a single app by using process algebra to model and determine the attack behavior, and we construct a measurement function based on sensitive data transitions and the feature set of attack behavior. Through the analysis of the privilege escalation attack model, the feature set of attack behavior is obtained. Then, based on the extracted behavior feature set, process algebra is used to model the dangerous behavior of an app. The dangerous behavior of the app is determined by weak equivalence and non-equivalence, and finally the risk of the app is measured based on the measurement function. Three known applications are used to verify the attack, and the risk measurement values are above 0.98. Based on the classification of applications on the market, we select typical apps in each category to build the test set. Benchmark tests and test set experiments show that the risk measurement results are consistent with the actual detection results, verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of this method.
Efficiency Analysis of Regional Innovation Development Based on DEA Malmquist Index
Authors: Firsova Anna , Chernyshova Galina
Published: June 2020

The aim of the work was to evaluate the dynamics of regional innovation development and compare the Russian regions according to their innovation efficiency, used resources, and achieved results. To estimate direct and indirect innovation effects, this study used the data on Russian regions according to variables of the innovative product volume, the share of high-tech products in the gross regional product (GRP) structure, the number of used patents, and investment in innovation activity for 2006–2017. To obtain a representative sample, a cluster analysis was applied as a preliminary step, which made it possible to select a group of regions that were most advanced in terms of their innovative development. Output-oriented data envelopment analysis models were applied for Malmquist Productivity Index calculation. The obtained results indicate the average growth of total factor productivity of regional innovation development over time. The main source of innovative development is largely derived from the economy of scale, while the effectiveness of regional innovation systems is basically increasing through broader resource bases, rather than through its effective utilization. The research findings can be applied to diagnose regional innovation effectiveness, justify public investment in research and development (R & D), and identify the priorities of regional innovation policy for specific regions.
Multiscale Determinants Drive Parasitization of Drosophilidae by Hymenopteran Parasitoids in Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Trivellone Valeria , Meier Michela , Cara Corrado , Pollini Paltrinieri Lucia , Gugerli Felix , Moretti Marco , Wolf Sarah , Collatz Jana
Published: June 2020

(1) The management of agricultural landscapes for pest suppression requires a thorough understanding of multiple determinants controlling their presence. We investigated the ecological preferences of indigenous parasitoids and their drosophilid hosts to understand the role of native parasitoids as biological control agents of the invasive frugivorous Drosophila suzukii. (2) Using data from an extensive field survey across different habitat types we analyzed the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on parasitoid and drosophilid communities at multiscale levels. (3) Eight parasitoid and 27 drosophilid species were identified. Thirty-four percent variation in drosophilid communities was explained by factors at the landscape scale, and 52% of significant variation of parasitoids by local distribution of three drosophilid species, mainly collected in woodland. Parasitoid communities were significantly influenced by microhabitat type (ground versus canopy) rather than habitat type. All parasitoids except Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae preferred the ground microhabitat. All parasitoids, with the exception of Trichopria drosophilae and Spalangia erythromera, displayed significant preferences among the drosophilid species used in the baited traps. (4) Since they can tolerate a broad range of habitat factors, altogether pupal parasitoids investigated in this study could play a role in biological control programs to suppress D. suzukii, but non-target effects have to be regarded.
Evaluation of Drimys winteri (Canelo) Essential Oil as Insecticide against Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) and Aegorhinus superciliosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Tampe Jocelyne , Espinoza Javier , Chacón-Fuentes Manuel , Quiroz Andrés , Rubilar Mónica
Published: June 2020

Adverse effects caused by synthetic pesticides have increased interest in plant-derived insecticidal compounds, in particular essential oils, as a more compatible and ecofriendly alternative for pest control of economic importance. For this reason, the essential oil isolated from leaves and shoots of Drimys winteri (J.R. Forster & G. Forster)—also named canelo (CEO)—was investigated for its chemical profile and insecticidal action against Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)—one of the most important post-harvest pests of dry beans in the world—and Aegorhinus superciliosus (Guérin)—a significant pest of fruit trees in Chile. The analysis by gas chromatography, paired with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) determined 56 compounds, corresponding to 92.28% of the detected compounds. Elemol (13.54%), γ-eudesmol (11.42%), β-eudesmol (8.49%), α-eudesmol (6.39%), α-pinene (7.92%) and β-pinene (5.17%) were the most abundant. Regarding the bioactivity of the CEO, the results demonstrated toxicological effects against A. obtectus. A concentration of 158.3 µL L−1 had a mortality rate of 94% after 24 h exposure. The LC50 and LC90 values at 24 h were 60.1 and 163.0 µL L−1. Moreover, behavioral bioassays showed a repellent effect against A. superciliosus with a dose of one microliter of CEO. Both sexes of the raspberry weevil stayed for very short times in the treated area with the oil (<0.8 min), showing a homogeneous repellency in the species. The overall data suggest that canelo leaves and shoots essential oil has an insecticide effect and is worth exploring to better understand the synergistic relationship between the compounds present in the essential oil.
Determinants of the Business Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in the Developing World Context
Authors: Mozumdar Lavlu , Hagelaar Geoffrey , van der Velde Gerben , Omta S.W.F.
Published: June 2020

Resource-based theory posits the deployment of resources by entrepreneurs to achieve performance without questioning the possibility of deploying these resources. The question, however, remains how resources are deployed in developing countries that constrain the choice in the deployment of resources. To answer this, we analyse the factors determining the business performance of women entrepreneurs in a developing country context. Data were collected through a survey sent to 211 Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs engaged in handicraft businesses. Results from hierarchical multiple regression analyses show that (1) the social environment in terms of socio-cultural norms and customs hinders the performance; (2) the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions, namely, combined Innovative–proactive EO and Risk-taking EO, and the business trainings positively affect the performance; and (3) the social ties negatively influence the performance, which may be due to the excessive presence of strong ties in a personal social network. Based on results, we suggest that environment (context) is a contingent factor for the way personal traits such as EO, human, and social capital can be used by women entrepreneurs to achieve performance in a developing world context.
Examination of Curcumin and Fenugreek Soluble Fiber Supplementation on Submaximal and Maximal Aerobic Performance Indices
Authors: Goh Jensen , Menke Walter , Herrick Lauren P. , Campbell Marilyn S. , Abel Mark G. , Fleenor Bradley S. , Bergstrom Haley C.
Published: June 2020

This study examined the effects of curcumin and fenugreek soluble fiber supplementation on the ventilatory threshold (VT) and peak oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O2 peak). Methods: Forty-five untrained men and women were randomly assigned to one of three supplementation groups: placebo (PLA, n = 13), 500 mg·day−1 CurQfen® (CUR, n = 14), or 300 mg·day−1 fenugreek soluble fiber (FEN, n = 18). Participants completed a maximal graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine the VT and V ˙ O2 peak before (PRE) and after (POST) 28 days of daily supplementation. Separate, one-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were used to examine the between-group differences for adjusted POST VT and V ˙ O2 peak values, covaried for the respective PRE-test values. Results: The adjusted POST VT V ˙ O2 values for the CUR (mean ± SD = 1.593 ± 0.157 L·min−1) and FEN (1.597 ± 0.157 L·min−1) groups were greater than (p = 0.039 and p = 0.025, respectively) the PLA (1.465 ± 0.155 L·min−1) group, but the FEN and CUR groups were not different (p = 0.943). There were no differences in the adjusted V ˙ O2 peak values (F = 0.613, p = 0.547) among groups. Conclusion: These findings indicated that fenugreek soluble fiber was responsible for the improvements in the submaximal performance index for both CUR and FEN groups.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise on Hormones in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Shele Grei , Genkil Jessica , Speelman Diana
Published: June 2020

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that is characterized by menstrual irregularity and elevated serum androgens, and is often accompanied by insulin resistance. The etiology of PCOS is unknown. Lifestyle interventions and weight loss, where appropriate, remain first-line treatments for women with PCOS. Regular physical activity is recommended for women with PCOS to maintain a healthy weight and cardiovascular fitness. Purpose: To review the evidence for the impact of various exercise interventions on hormone levels in women with PCOS. Methods: A systematic review of original studies indexed in PubMed that utilized an exercise intervention in women with PCOS and reported hormone values pre- and post-intervention. Studies in which the effects of the exercise intervention could be determined were included. Results: Vigorous aerobic exercise improves insulin measures in women with PCOS. Resistance or strength training may improve androgen levels, though additional studies are warranted. Studies with yoga are limited but suggest improvements in androgens. Limited information is available on the impact of exercise on adipokines and anti-Müllerian hormone, warranting further investigation. Conclusions: Recommended guidelines for women with PCOS include vigorous aerobic exercise and resistance training to improve measures of insulin sensitivity and androgen levels.
Siderophore-Based Molecular Imaging of Fungal and Bacterial Infections—Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Petrik Milos , Pfister Joachim , Misslinger Matthias , Decristoforo Clemens , Haas Hubertus
Published: June 2020

Invasive fungal infections such as aspergillosis are life-threatening diseases mainly affecting immuno-compromised patients. The diagnosis of fungal infections is difficult, lacking specificity and sensitivity. This review covers findings on the preclinical use of siderophores for the molecular imaging of infections. Siderophores are low molecular mass chelators produced by bacteria and fungi to scavenge the essential metal iron. Replacing iron in siderophores by radionuclides such as gallium-68 allowed the targeted imaging of infection by positron emission tomography (PET). The proof of principle was the imaging of pulmonary Aspergillus fumigatus infection using [68Ga]Ga-triacetylfusarinine C. Recently, this approach was expanded to imaging of bacterial infections, i.e., with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, the conjugation of siderophores and fluorescent dyes enabled the generation of hybrid imaging compounds, allowing the combination of PET and optical imaging. Nevertheless, the high potential of these imaging probes still awaits translation into clinics.
Equilibrium CT Texture Analysis for the Evaluation of Hepatic Fibrosis: Preliminary Evaluation against Histopathology and Extracellular Volume Fraction
Authors: Yeung Jason , Ganeshan Balaji , Endozo Raymond , Hall Andrew , Wan Simon , Groves Ashley , Taylor Stuart A. , Bandula Steve
Published: June 2020

Background: Evaluate equilibrium contrast-enhanced CT (EQ-CT) texture analysis (EQ-CTTA) against histologically-quantified fibrosis, serum-based enhanced liver fibrosis panel (ELF) and imaging-based extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in chronic hepatitis. Methods: This study was a re-analysis of image data from a previous prospective study. Pre- and equilibrium-phase post-IV contrast CT datasets were collected from patients with chronic hepatitis with contemporaneous liver biopsy and serum ELF measurement between April 2011 and July 2013. Biopsy samples were analysed to derive collagen proportionate area (CPA). EQ-CTTA was performed with a filtration histogram technique using texture analysis software, with texture quantification using statistical and histogram-based metrics (mean, skewness, standard deviation, entropy, etc.). Association between pre-contrast and EQ-CTTA against CPA, ECV and ELF was evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs). Results: Complete datasets collected in 29 patients (16 male; 13 female), mean age (range): 49 (22–66 years). Liver ECV, CPA and ELF had a median (interquartile range) of 0.26 (0.24–0.29); 5.0 (3.0–13.7) and 9.71 (8.39–10.92). Difference in segment VII hepatic CTTA (medium texture scale) between EQ-CT and pre-contrast images was significantly and positively associated with ELF score (mean: rs = 0.69, p < 0.001; skewness: rs = 0.57, p = 0.007). Significant negative associations were observed between pre-contrast and EQ-CT whole hepatic CTTA (coarse texture scale) with CPA (pre-contrast, SD: rs = −0.66, p < 0.001) and ECV (EQ-CT, entropy: rs = −0.58, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Hepatic EQ-CTTA demonstrates significant association with validated markers of liver fibrosis, suggesting a role in non-invasive quantification of severity in diffuse fibrosis.
Long Memory in the Volatility of Selected Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple
Authors: Kaya Soylu Pınar , Okur Mustafa , Çatıkkaş Özgür , Altintig Z. Ayca
Published: June 2020

This paper examines the volatility of cryptocurrencies, with particular attention to their potential long memory properties. Using daily data for the three major cryptocurrencies, namely Ripple, Ethereum, and Bitcoin, we test for the long memory property using, Rescaled Range Statistics (R/S), Gaussian Semi Parametric (GSP) and the Geweke and Porter-Hudak (GPH) Model Method. Our findings show that squared returns of three cryptocurrencies have a significant long memory, supporting the use of fractional Generalized Auto Regressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) extensions as suitable modelling technique. Our findings indicate that the Hyperbolic GARCH (HYGARCH) model appears to be the best fitted model for Bitcoin. On the other hand, the Fractional Integrated GARCH (FIGARCH) model with skewed student distribution produces better estimations for Ethereum. Finally, FIGARCH model with student distribution appears to give a good fit for Ripple return. Based on Kupieck’s tests for Value at Risk (VaR) back-testing and expected shortfalls we can conclude that our models perform correctly in most of the cases for both the negative and positive returns.
Impacts of Endogenous Sunk-Cost Investment on the Islamic Banking Industry: A Historical Analysis
Authors: Jain Siddharth , Gangopadhyay Partha
Published: June 2020

Endogenous sunk-cost investments are optional fixed investment or capita, that a firm can choose to impact either upon its price-cost margin or its market share for capturing larger market spoils. Oft-cited examples are investments in vertical product (quality) differentiation, advertising outlays, and R&D type expenses for improving production processes. The importance of sunk-cost capital has been highlighted in the recent literature since these investments significantly influence the degree of competition in an industry mainly through forestalling entry and thereby limiting future competition in the industry. Sunk-cost investments play an important role in the debate on the competition-(in)stability perspectives for the banking industry. This paper is motivated by an important distinction, hitherto unrecognized, that some endogenous sunk-cost investments impact on the relative efficiencies of firms and thereby on its market spoils or profits, while others will only impact on its market share and thereby on profits. An example of this distinction is as follows: while quality improvement in a product or production processes will create efficiencies and, therefore, additional profits, while advertising expenses are used to snatch market shares from rivals. The unintended consequence of the first type of endogenous-sunk cost investment is to boost efficiencies and thereby shape the nature of competition in a market. The second type will have little effect on efficiencies. In this paper, by exploiting the above distinction and using a dataset created from the annual reports of nine major Islamic banks in Jordon during 1993–2010, we will apply the efficiency models and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) methodology to test if information technology (IT) capital is strategically used by Islamic banks as an endogenous sunk-cost investment to boost their relative efficiencies. For the first time—to the best of our knowledge—we find that IT capital is strategically used by seven out of the nine Islamic banks. We then consider the implication of the strategic use of IT capital by Islamic banks for the nature of competition in the Islamic bank industry of Jordon. By so doing, we also argue that IT capital, through its effects on the nature of competition, will lend stability to the Islamic banking industry of Jordan.
Family Ownership and Corporate Environmental Responsibility: The Contingent Effect of Venture Capital and Institutional Environment
Authors: Zhu Zhu , Lu Feifei
Published: June 2020

As scholars and policy makers pay more attention to the environmental impact of economic activities, more focus has been placed on the corporate environmental responsibility (CER) of family firms, which accounts for the majority of businesses in both developed and developing countries. Using a sample of 4714 private enterprises across 23 provinces in China, the current study examines the effect of family ownership on CER investment, as well as the moderating effects of venture capital investment and local institutional development. Results show that concentrated family ownership leads to lower CER spending, however, when venture capital investment comes from developed markets, the negative relationship is reversed. In addition, the marketization level of the province in which a family firm is headquartered mitigates the negative relationship between family ownership and CER investment.
Benefits Are Limited with High Nitrogen Fertiliser Rates in Kikuyu-Ryegrass Pasture Systems
Authors: Viljoen Charné , van der Colf Janke , Swanepoel Pieter Andreas
Published: June 2020

Nitrogen (N) fertiliser is applied to pastures in dairy farming systems to ensure productivity, but it is an expensive input that could be damaging to the environment if used excessively. In the southern Cape region of South Africa, N fertilisation guidelines for pastures were developed under conditions different to current management practices, yet dairy producers still base fertiliser programmes on these outdated guidelines. This study aimed to determine the efficiencies of N fertilisation. Various N fertiliser rates (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg ha−1 applied after grazing), as well as a variable rate according to the nitrate concentration in the soil water solution, were assessed on a grazed pasture. Dairy cows returned to a pasture approximately 11 times per year. Pasture production showed a minimal response to fertilisation within each season. The most responsive parameters to fertilisation were the herbage crude protein content, soil mineral N content and urease activity. Reduced microbial activity was observed when more than 40 kg N ha−1 was applied. When considering the soil total mineral N content, N is used inefficiently at rates above 40 kg N ha−1. The results are indicative of an N saturated system that provides a rationale for reducing N fertiliser rates.
Soil Mapping Based on the Integration of the Similarity-Based Approach and Random Forests
Authors: Wang Desheng , Zhu A-Xing
Published: June 2020

Digital soil mapping (DSM) is currently the primary framework for predicting the spatial variation of soil information (soil type or soil properties). Random forests and similarity-based methods have been used widely in DSM. However, the accuracy of the similarity-based approach is limited, and the performance of random forests is affected by the quality of the feature set. The objective of this study was to present a method for soil mapping by integrating the similarity-based approach and the random forests method. The Heshan area (Heilongjiang province, China) was selected as the case study for mapping soil subgroups. The results of the regular validation samples showed that the overall accuracy of the integrated method (71.79%) is higher than that of a similarity-based approach (58.97%) and random forests (66.67%). The results of the 5-fold cross-validation showed that the overall accuracy of the integrated method, similarity-based approach, and random forests range from 55% to 72.73%, 43.48% to 69.57%, and 54.17% to 70.83%, with an average accuracy of 66.61%, 57.39%, and 59.62%, respectively. These results suggest that the proposed method can produce a high-quality covariate set and achieve a better performance than either the random forests or similarity-based approach alone.
Improving the Landscape and Tourism in Marginal Areas: The Case of Land Consolidation Associations in the North-West of Italy
Authors: Bonadonna Alessandro , Rostagno Andrea , Beltramo Riccardo
Published: June 2020

Land fragmentation is a factor that limits the development of the agricultural and forestry sector, as well as the ability of operators to reach a profitable economic dimension. This phenomenon also influences the creation of activities and incomes in a negative way in marginal areas. In this context, land consolidation associations (LCA) can be a useful tool in reducing this limitation and promoting better management of the territory by improving the link between the landscape and tourism. This study aims to make a comparison between the different LCAs operating in the north-west of Italy, with a specific focus on differences and similarities amongst LCAs, highlighting each orientation towards the management of the landscape with the purpose of improving tourism development. The research used a survey method; a questionnaire was designed, and a semi-structured interview was conducted with each LCA president. Findings show that land management by LCAs allows the preservation and/or improvement of the landscape and supports the development of agricultural activities such as animal breeding. This kind of landscape-based land management increases the attractiveness of the territory in terms of tourism, stimulating the nature-oriented tourism tools. Therefore, on the one hand, the Piedmontese model supports the landscape and also allows economic and social goals to be reached by tourism solutions, and on the other hand it stimulates the improvement of the environment and the creation of chests of biodiversity.
Saturation of Specific Absorption Rate for Soft and Hard Spinel Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized by Polyol Process
Authors: Iacovita Cristian , Stiufiuc Gabriela Fabiola , Dudric Roxana , Vedeanu Nicoleta , Tetean Romulus , Stiufiuc Rares Ionut , Lucaciu Constantin Mihai
Published: June 2020

Spinel ferrite nanoparticles represent a class of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with enormous potential in magnetic hyperthermia. In this study, we investigated the magnetic and heating properties of spinel soft NiFe2O4, MnFe2O4, and hard CoFe2O4 MNPs of comparable sizes (12–14 nm) synthesized by the polyol method. Similar to the hard ferrite, which predominantly is ferromagnetic at room temperature, the soft ferrite MNPs display a non-negligible coercivity (9–11 kA/m) arising from the strong interparticle interactions. The heating capabilities of ferrite MNPs were evaluated in aqueous media at concentrations between 4 and 1 mg/mL under alternating magnetic fields (AMF) amplitude from 5 to 65 kA/m at a constant frequency of 355 kHz. The hyperthermia data revealed that the SAR values deviate from the quadratic dependence on the AMF amplitude in all three cases in disagreement with the Linear Response Theory. Instead, the SAR values display a sigmoidal dependence on the AMF amplitude, with a maximum heating performance measured for the cobalt ferrites (1780 W/gFe+Co), followed by the manganese ferrites (835 W/gFe+Mn), while the nickel ferrites (540 W/gFe+Ni) present the lowest values of SAR. The heating performances of the ferrites are in agreement with their values of coercivity and saturation magnetization.
Interaction of Nanocomposites Based on the FemOn–SiO2 System with an Electromagnetic Field in an Ultra-Wide Frequency Range
Authors: Gareev Kamil G.
Published: June 2020

The article describes the interaction of nanocomposites based on the FemOn–SiO2 system with an electromagnetic field (radiation) in an ultra-wide frequency range 0–1021 Hz. The development of the technique based on the sol–gel method for producing nanocomposites is described, which made it possible to achieve superparamagnetic properties in combination with low toxicity when used in vivo and in vitro and a high microwave absorption coefficient, which makes it possible to use the obtained nanocomposites in solving a wide range of practical problems. The most effective methods of exposure and threshold levels of the electromagnetic field, the corresponding modifications of the magnetic structure, crystalline structure and microstructure of nanocomposites are determined.
On the Fractional Wave Equation
Authors: Iafrate Francesco , Orsingher Enzo
Published: June 2020

In this paper we study the time-fractional wave equation of order 1 < ν < 2 and give a probabilistic interpretation of its solution. In the case 0 < ν < 1 , d = 1 , the solution can be interpreted as a time-changed Brownian motion, while for 1 < ν < 2 it coincides with the density of a symmetric stable process of order 2 / ν . We give here an interpretation of the fractional wave equation for d > 1 in terms of laws of stable d−dimensional processes. We give a hint at the case of a fractional wave equation for ν > 2 and also at space-time fractional wave equations.
Hypersurfaces of a Sasakian Manifold
Authors: Alodan Haila , Deshmukh Sharief , Turki Nasser Bin , Vîlcu Gabriel-Eduard
Published: June 2020

We extend the study of orientable hypersurfaces in a Sasakian manifold initiated by Watanabe. The Reeb vector field ξ of the Sasakian manifold induces a vector field ξ T on the hypersurface, namely the tangential component of ξ to hypersurface, and it also gives a smooth function ρ on the hypersurface, which is the projection of the Reeb vector field on the unit normal. First, we find volume estimates for a compact orientable hypersurface and then we use them to find an upper bound of the first nonzero eigenvalue of the Laplace operator on the hypersurface, showing that if the equality holds then the hypersurface is isometric to a certain sphere. Also, we use a bound on the energy of the vector field ∇ ρ on a compact orientable hypersurface in a Sasakian manifold in order to find another geometric condition (in terms of mean curvature and integral curves of ξ T ) under which the hypersurface is isometric to a sphere. Finally, we study compact orientable hypersurfaces with constant mean curvature in a Sasakian manifold and find a sharp upper bound on the first nonzero eigenvalue of the Laplace operator on the hypersurface. In particular, we show that this upper bound is attained if and only if the hypersurface is isometric to a sphere, provided that the Ricci curvature of the hypersurface along ∇ ρ has a certain lower bound.
Extracts and Marine Algae Polysaccharides in Therapy and Prevention of Inflammatory Diseases of the Intestine
Authors: Besednova Natalya N. , Zaporozhets Tatyana S. , Kuznetsova Tatyana A. , Makarenkova Ilona D. , Kryzhanovsky Sergey P. , Fedyanina Lydmila N. , Ermakova Svetlana P.
Published: June 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious public health problem worldwide. Current therapeutic strategies that use anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biological treatments are often ineffective and have adverse health effects. In this regard, the use of natural compounds aimed at key pathogenic therapeutic targets in IBD attracts universal attention. Seaweed is a valuable source of structurally diverse biologically active compounds. The materials presented in the review indicate that seaweed extracts and polysaccharides are effective candidates for the development of drugs, biological food additives, and functional nutrition products for the treatment and prevention of IBD. The structural features of algal polysaccharides provide the possibility of exposure to therapeutic targets of IBD, including proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, nuclear factor NF-kB, intestinal epithelial cells, reactive oxygen and nitrogen. Further study of the relationship between the effect of polysaccharides from different types of algae, with different structure and molecular weights on immune and epithelial cells, intestinal microorganisms will contribute to a deeper understanding of their mechanisms and will help in the development of drugs, dietary supplements, functional foods for the treatment of patients with IBD.
Marine Biocompounds for Neuroprotection—A Review
Authors: Bălașa Adrian Florian , Chircov Cristina , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai
Published: June 2020

While terrestrial organisms are the primary source of natural products, recent years have witnessed a considerable shift towards marine-sourced biocompounds. They have achieved a great scientific interest due to the plethora of compounds with structural and chemical properties generally not found in terrestrial products, exhibiting significant bioactivity ten times higher than terrestrial-sourced molecules. In addition to the antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and cardio-protection properties, marine-sourced biocompounds have been investigated for their neuroprotective potential. Thus, this review aims to describe the recent findings regarding the neuroprotective effects of the significant marine-sourced biocompounds.
Oxytocin Differentiated Effects According to the Administration Route in a Prenatal Valproic Acid-Induced Rat Model of Autism
Authors: Lefter Radu , Ciobica Alin , Antioch Iulia , Ababei Daniela Carmen , Hritcu Luminita , Luca Alina-Costina
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives: The hormone oxytocin (OXT) has already been reported in both human and animal studies for its promising therapeutic potential in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the comparative effectiveness of various administration routes, whether central or peripheral has been insufficiently studied. In the present study, we examined the effects of intranasal (IN) vs. intraperitoneal (IP) oxytocin in a valproic-acid (VPA) autistic rat model, focusing on cognitive and mood behavioral disturbances, gastrointestinal transit and central oxidative stress status. Materials and Methods: VPA prenatally-exposed rats (500 mg/kg; age 90 days) in small groups of 5 (n = 20 total) were given OXT by IP injection (10 mg/kg) for 8 days consecutively or by an adapted IN pipetting protocol (12 IU/kg, 20 μL/day) for 4 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were performed during the last three days of OXT treatment, and OXT was administrated 20 minutes before each behavioral testing for each rat. Biochemical determination of oxidative stress markers in the temporal area included superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA). A brief quantitative assessment of fecal discharge over a period of 24 hours was performed at the end of the OXT treatment to determine differences in intestinal transit. Results: OXT improved behavioral and oxidative stress status in both routes of administration, but IN treatment had significantly better outcome in improving short-term memory, alleviating depressive manifestations and mitigating lipid peroxidation in the temporal lobes. Significant correlations were also found between behavioral parameters and oxidative stress status in rats after OXT administration. The quantitative evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) transit indicated lower fecal pellet counts in the VPA group and homogenous average values for the control and both OXT treated groups. Conclusions: The data from the present study suggest OXT IN administration to be more efficient than IP injections in alleviating autistic cognitive and mood dysfunctions in a VPA-induced rat model. OXT effects on the cognitive and mood behavior of autistic rats may be associated with its effects on oxidative stress. Additionally, present results provide preliminary evidence that OXT may have a balancing effect on gastrointestinal motility.
Roles of JNK/Nrf2 Pathway on Hemin-Induced Heme Oxygenase-1 Activation in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Jang Hye-Yeon , Hong On-Yu , Chung Eun-Yong , Park Kwang-Hyun , Kim Jong-Suk
Published: June 2020

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is highly induced in various human disease states, including cancer, indicating that HO-1 is an emerging target of cancer therapy. In this study, we investigated that the mechanisms of hemin-induced HO-1 expression and its signaling pathways in human breast cancer cell. We used MCF-7 cells, a human breast cancer cell line. Hemin increased HO-1 expression in MCF-7 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Hemin enhanced HO-1 expression through the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) signaling pathway. Hemin also induced activation of Nrf2, a major transcription factor of HO-1 expression. These responses in MCF-7 cells were completely blocked by pretreatment with brazilin, a HO-1 regulator. These results indicated that brazilin inhibits hemin-induced HO-1 expressions through inactivation of JNK/Nrf2 in MCF-7 cells. Thus, our findings suggest that HO-1 is an important anticancer-target of brazilin in human breast cancer.
Perirectal Hematoma and Intra-Abdominal Bleeding after Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy and STARR—A Proposal for a Decision-Making Algorithm
Authors: Popivanov Georgi , Fedeli Piergiorgio , Cirocchi Roberto , Lancia Massimo , Mascagni Domenico , Giustozzi Michela , Teodosiev Ivan , Kjossev Kirien , Konaktchieva Marina
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives: The present study aims to assess the effectiveness and current evidence of the treatment of perirectal bleeding after stapled haemorrhoidopexy. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was performed that combined the published and the obtained original data after a search of PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Results: The present systematic review includes 16 articles with 37 patients. Twelve papers report perirectal and six report intra-abdominal bleeding. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) was performed in 57% of cases (3 PPH 01 and 15 PPH 03), stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in 13%, and for 30% information was not available. The median age was 49 years (±11.43). The sign and symptoms of perirectal bleeding were abdominal pain (43%), pelvic discomfort without rectal bleeding (36%), urinary retention (14%), and external rectal bleeding (21%). The median time to bleeding was 1 day (±1.53 postoperative days), with median hemoglobin at diagnosis 8.8 ± 1.04 g/dL. Unstable hemodynamic was reported in 19%. Computed tomography scan (CT) was the first examination in 77%. Only two cases underwent the abdominal US, but subsequently, a CT scan was also conducted. Non-operative management was performed in 38% (n = 14) with selective arteriography and percutaneous angioembolization in two cases. A surgical treatment was performed in 23 cases—transabdominal surgery (3 colostomies, 1 Hartmann’ procedure, 1 low anterior resection of the rectum, 1 bilateral ligation of internal iliac artery and 1 ligation of vessels located at the rectal wall), transanal surgery (n = 13), a perineal incision in one, and CT-guided paracoccygeal drainage in one. Conclusions: Because of the rarity and lack of experience, no uniform tactic for the treatment of perirectal hematomas exists in the literature. We propose an algorithm similar to the approach in pelvic trauma, based on two main pillars—hemodynamic stability and the finding of contrast CT.
PVA-Based Mixed Matrix Membranes Comprising ZSM-5 for Cations Separation
Authors: Sheng Fangmeng , Afsar Noor Ul , Zhu Yanran , Ge Liang , Xu Tongwen
Published: June 2020

The traditional ion-exchange membranes face the trade-off effect between the ion flux and perm-selectivity, which limits their application for selective ion separation. Herein, we amalgamated various amounts of the ZSM-5 with the polyvinyl alcohol as ions transport pathways to improve the permeability of monovalent cations and exclusively reject the divalent cations. The highest contents of ZSM-5 in the mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) can be extended up to 60 wt% while the MMMs with optimized content (50 wt%) achieved high perm-selectivity of 34.4 and 3.7 for H+/Zn2+ and Li+/Mg2+ systems, respectively. The obtained results are high in comparison with the commercial CSO membrane. The presence of cationic exchange sites in the ZSM-5 initiated the fast transport of proton, while the microporous crystalline morphology restricted the active transport of larger hydrated cations from the solutions. Moreover, the participating sites and porosity of ZSM-5 granted continuous channels for ions electromigration in order to give high limiting current density to the MMMs. The SEM analysis further exhibited that using ZSM-5 as conventional fillers, gave a uniform and homogenous formation to the membranes. However, the optimized amount of fillers and the assortment of a proper dispersion phase are two critical aspects and must be considered to avoid defects and agglomeration of these enhancers during the formation of membranes.
Biodegradable Magnesium Alloy (ZK60) with a Poly(l-lactic)-Acid Polymer Coating for Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Byun Soo-Hwan , Lim Ho-Kyung , Lee Sung-Mi , Kim Hyoun-Ee , Kim Soung-Min , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical strength and biodegradation of a ZK60 plate coated with poly(l-lactic)-acid polymer (PLLA) in a LeFort I osteotomy canine model for maxillofacial applications. The PLLA-coated ZK60 plate and screw were evaluated using a LeFort I osteotomy canine model based on five beagles. The presence of wound dehiscence, plate exposure, gas formation, inflammation, pus formation, occlusion, food intake, and fistula formation were evaluated. After 12 weeks, these dogs were sacrificed, and an X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) was conducted. Plate exposure, gas formation, and external fistula were not observed, and the occlusion remained stable. Wound dehiscence did not heal for 12 weeks. CT images did not show plates in all the five dogs. A few screw bodies fixed in the bone remained, and screw heads were completely absorbed after 12 weeks. These findings may be attributed to the inability to optimize the absorption rate with PLLA coating. Rapid biodegradation of the PLLA-coated ZK60 occurred due to the formation of microcracks during the bending process. Further improvement to the plate system with PLLA-coated ZK60 is required using other surface coating methods or alternative Mg alloys.
Color-Metallographic Characterization of Alloyed White Cast Irons Ni-Hard Type
Authors: González Fernández de Castro Milagrosa , Martín Álvarez Yolanda , Moreno-Labella Juan José , Panizo-Laiz Miguel , del Río Benito
Published: June 2020

The Ni-hard alloys white-cast irons are generally used for high wear work. Among them, those with better impact resistance because of its low carbon content compared to the rest of the family, are studied in this paper. One experimental technique of characterizing the metallic materials is the microstructural study. Several metallographic attacks intended to reveal qualitatively each microconstituent that forms the alloy, as well as the segregation and solidification structure of casting, are studied in this article. The use of color metallography is fundamental in this case to distinguish clearly the microconstituents. The main objective of this paper is to propose a series of attacks that identify each one of the microconstituents present in the alloy that has not been reported up to date.