bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Beclin1 as an Adjunctive Therapy against HIV Using Mannosylated Polyethylenimine Nanoparticles
Authors: Rodriguez Myosotys , Soler Yemmy , Muthu Karuppan Mohan Kumar , Zhao Yuling , Batrakova Elena V. , El-Hage Nazira
Published: February 2021

Using nanoparticle-based RNA interference (RNAi), we have previously shown that silencing the host autophagic protein, Beclin1, in HIV-infected human microglia and astrocytes restricts HIV replication and its viral-associated inflammatory responses. Here, we confirmed the efficacy of Beclin1 small interfering RNA (siBeclin1) as an adjunctive antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapy in myeloid human microglia and primary human astrocytes infected with HIV, both with and without exposure to combined antiretroviral (cART) drugs. To specifically target human microglia and human astrocytes, we used a nanoparticle (NP) comprised of linear cationic polyethylenimine (PEI) conjugated with mannose (Man) and encapsulated with siBeclin1. The target specificity of the PEI-Man NP was confirmed in vitro using human neuronal and glial cells transfected with the NP encapsulated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). PEI-Man-siBeclin1 NPs were intranasally delivered to healthy C57BL/6 mice in order to report the biodistribution of siBeclin1 in different areas of the brain, measured using stem-loop RT-PCR. Postmortem brains recovered at 1–48 h post-treatment with the PEI-Man-siRNA NP showed no significant changes in the secretion of the chemokines regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and showed significant decreases in the secretion of the cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) when compared to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated brains. Nissl staining showed minimal differences between the neuronal structures when compared to PBS-treated brains, which correlated with no adverse behavioral affects. To confirm the brain and peripheral organ distribution of PEI-siBeclin1 in living mice, we used the In vivo Imaging System (IVIS) and demonstrated a significant brain accumulation of siBeclin1 through intranasal administration.
Magnolol and Honokiol: Two Natural Compounds with Similar Chemical Structure but Different Physicochemical and Stability Properties
Authors: Usach Iris , Alaimo Alessandro , Fernández Juan , Ambrosini Alessandro , Mocini Sara , Ochiuz Lacramioara , Peris José-Esteban
Published: February 2021

Magnolia spp. extracts are known for their use in traditional Korean, Chinese, and Japanese medicine in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, and allergies. Among their main components with pharmacological activity, the most relevant are magnolol and honokiol, which also show antitumoral activity. The objectives of this work were to study some physicochemical properties of both substances and their stability under different conditions of temperature, pH, and oxidation. Additionally, liposomes of honokiol (the least stable compound) were formulated and characterized. Both compounds showed pH-dependent solubility, with different solubility–pH profiles. Magnolol showed a lower solubility than honokiol at acidic pH values, but a higher solubility at alkaline pH values. The partition coefficients were similar and relatively high for both compounds (log Po/w ≈ 4.5), indicating their lipophilic nature. Honokiol was less stable than magnolol, mainly at neutral and basic pH values. To improve the poor stability of honokiol, it was suitably loaded in liposomes. The obtained liposomes were small in size (175 nm), homogeneous (polydispersity index = 0.17), highly negatively charged (−11 mV), and able to incorporate high amounts of honokiol (entrapment efficiency = 93.4%). The encapsulation of honokiol in liposomes increased its stability only at alkaline pH values.
Salinity Duration Differently Modulates Physiological Parameters and Metabolites Profile in Roots of Two Contrasting Barley Genotypes
Authors: Dell’Aversana Emilia , Hessini Kamel , Ferchichi Selma , Fusco Giovanna Marta , Woodrow Pasqualina , Ciarmiello Loredana F. , Abdelly Chedly , Carillo Petronia
Published: February 2021

Hordeum maritimum With. is a wild salt tolerant cereal present in the saline depressions of the Eastern Tunisia, where it significantly contributes to the annual biomass production. In a previous study on shoot tissues it was shown that this species withstands with high salinity at the seedling stage restricting the sodium entry into shoot and modulating over time the leaf synthesis of organic osmolytes for osmotic adjustment. However, the tolerance strategy mechanisms of this plant at root level have not yet been investigated. The current research aimed at elucidating the morphological, physiological and biochemical changes occurring at root level in H. maritimum and in the salt sensitive cultivar Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Lamsi during five-weeks extended salinity (200 mM NaCl), salt removal after two weeks of salinity and non-salt control. H. maritimum since the first phases of salinity was able to compartmentalize higher amounts of sodium in the roots compared to the other cultivar, avoiding transferring it to shoot and impairing photosynthetic metabolism. This allowed the roots of wild plants to receive recent photosynthates from leaves, gaining from them energy and carbon skeletons to compartmentalize toxic ions in the vacuoles, synthesize and accumulate organic osmolytes, control ion and water homeostasis and re-establish the ability of root to grow. H. vulgare was also able to accumulate compatible osmolytes but only in the first weeks of salinity, while soon after the roots stopped up taking potassium and growing. In the last week of salinity stress, the wild species further increased the root to shoot ratio to enhance the root retention of toxic ions and consequently delaying the damages both to shoot and root. This delay of few weeks in showing the symptoms of stress may be pivotal for enabling the survival of the wild species when soil salinity is transient and not permanent.
The Histone Acetyltransferase GCN5 and the Associated Coactivators ADA2: From Evolution of the SAGA Complex to the Biological Roles in Plants
Authors: Vlachonasios Konstantinos , Poulios Stylianos , Mougiou Niki
Published: February 2021

Transcription of protein-encoding genes starts with forming a pre-initiation complex comprised of RNA polymerase II and several general transcription factors. To activate gene expression, transcription factors must overcome repressive chromatin structure, which is accomplished with multiprotein complexes. One such complex, SAGA, modifies the nucleosomal histones through acetylation and other histone modifications. A prototypical histone acetyltransferase (HAT) known as general control non-repressed protein 5 (GCN5), was defined biochemically as the first transcription-linked HAT with specificity for histone H3 lysine 14. In this review, we analyze the components of the putative plant SAGA complex during plant evolution, and current knowledge on the biological role of the key components of the HAT module, GCN5 and ADA2b in plants, will be summarized.
Linking Tissue Damage to Hyperspectral Reflectance for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Apple Fruit in Orchards
Authors: Solovchenko Alexei , Dorokhov Alexei , Shurygin Boris , Nikolenko Alexandr , Velichko Vitaly , Smirnov Igor , Khort Dmitriy , Aksenov Aleksandr , Kuzin Andrey
Published: February 2021

Reflected light carries ample information about the biochemical composition, tissue architecture, and physiological condition of plants. Recent technical progress has paved the way for affordable imaging hyperspectrometers (IH) providing spatially resolved spectral information on plants on different levels, from individual plant organs to communities. The extraction of sensible information from hyperspectral images is difficult due to inherent complexity of plant tissue and canopy optics, especially when recorded under ambient sunlight. We report on the changes in hyperspectral reflectance accompanying the accumulation of anthocyanins in healthy apple (cultivars Ligol, Gala, Golden Delicious) fruits as well as in fruits affected by pigment breakdown during sunscald development and phytopathogen attacks. The measurements made outdoors with a snapshot IH were compared with traditional “point-type” reflectance measured with a spectrophotometer under controlled illumination conditions. The spectra captured by the IH were suitable for processing using the approaches previously developed for “point-type” apple fruit and leaf reflectance spectra. The validity of this approach was tested by constructing a novel index mBRI (modified browning reflectance index) for detection of tissue damages on the background of the anthocyanin absorption. The index was suggested in the form of mBRI = (R640−1 + R800−1) − R678−1. Difficulties of the interpretation of fruit hyperspectral reflectance images recorded in situ are discussed with possible implications for plant physiology and precision horticulture practices.
The Effect of Grapevine Age (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Zinfandel) on Phenology and Gas Exchange Parameters over Consecutive Growing Seasons
Authors: Riffle Vegas , Palmer Nathaniel , Casassa L. Federico , Dodson Peterson Jean Catherine
Published: February 2021

Unlike most crop industries, there is a strongly held belief within the wine industry that increased vine age correlates with quality. Considering this perception could be explained by vine physiological differences, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vine age on phenology and gas exchange parameters. An interplanted, dry farmed, Zinfandel vineyard block under consistent management practices in the Central Coast of California was evaluated over two consecutive growing seasons. Treatments included Young vines (5 to 12 years old), Control (representative proportion of young to old vines in the block), and Old vines (40 to 60 years old). Phenology, leaf water potential, and gas exchange parameters were tracked. Results indicated a difference in phenological progression after berry set between Young and Old vines. Young vines progressed more slowly during berry formation and more rapidly during berry ripening, resulting in Young vines being harvested before Old vines due to variation in the timing of sugar accumulation. No differences in leaf water potential were found. Young vines had higher mid-day stomatal conductance and tended to have higher mid-day photosynthetic rates. The results of this study suggest vine age is a factor in phenological timing and growing season length.
Candidate Genes and Quantitative Trait Loci for Grain Yield and Seed Size in Durum Wheat
Authors: Mangini Giacomo , Blanco Antonio , Nigro Domenica , Signorile Massimo Antonio , Simeone Rosanna
Published: February 2021

Grain yield (YLD) is affected by thousand kernel weight (TKW) which reflects the combination of grain length (GL), grain width (GW) and grain area (AREA). Grain weight is also influenced by heading time (HT) and plant height (PH). To detect candidate genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) of yield components, a durum wheat recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was evaluated in three field trials. The RIL was genotyped with a 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and a high-density genetic linkage map with 5134 markers was obtained. A total of 30 QTL were detected including 23 QTL grouped in clusters on 1B, 2A, 3A, 4B and 6B chromosomes. A QTL cluster on 2A chromosome included a major QTL for HT co-located with QTL for YLD, TKW, GL, GW and AREA, respectively. The photoperiod sensitivity (Ppd-A1) gene was found in the physical position of this cluster. Serine carboxypeptidase, Big grain 1 and β-fructofuranosidase candidate genes were mapped in clusters containing QTL for seed size. This study showed that yield components and phenological traits had higher inheritances than grain yield, allowing an accurate QTL cluster detection. This was a requisite to physically map QTL on durum genome and to identify candidate genes affecting grain yield.
“Being So Caught up”: Exploring Religious Projection and Ethical Appeal in Leda and the Swan
Authors: Tao Shilong , Peng Anqi , Chen Xi
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the religious projection and ethical appeal in the art and literature of Leda and the Swan created from ancient times to the contemporary era, so as to make a comparative review and reading on it, providing religious reflection and ethical enlightenment to today’s society. From ancient Greek vase paintings to contemporary English poems, the investigation shows that the story of Leda and the Swan has been continuously rewritten and revalued by history, religion and social ethics. The interaction between Leda and the swan goes from divinity to humanity, increasingly out of the cage of eroticism, symbolizing the process of transforming into a secularized life. Besides, Leda, as a representative victim of traditional patriarchy and religious persecution, goes from bondage to liberation, signaling the awakening of feminine consciousness and the gradual collapse of patriarchy; while the swan, an incarnation of power and desire under patriarchy, becomes an object of condemnation. However, as for who is the victim and who should be condemned, there are different religious and ethical standards in different historical periods, which reflects the development and evolution of religious rules and ethical orders in the historical process. By highlighting the Trojan War or woman’s sufferings, Leda and the Swan, in fact, reveals that the tragedy results from the uncontrollable animal factor and free will, and that women should face their ethical or religious identities to make correct choices.
The Trend to Discriminate Christians: Shifting from the ‘Post-Christian’ West to the Global South
Authors: Semenova Nataliya S. , Kiseleva Ekaterina V. , Solntsev Aleksandr M.
Published: February 2021

To date, various international treaties have been adopted at the universal and regional levels, guaranteeing the protection of every person’s freedom of conscience and religion. Moreover, international monitoring mechanisms have been established to protect this human freedom within the framework of the UN, as well as various regional organizations (OSCE, Council of Europe, African Union). (1) In this article, the authors analyze these mechanisms and identify both positive practices and negative discriminatory practices against Christians—citizens of the states of the Global South. (2) The methodological basis of the study involves a combination of general scientific (dialectical, historical, inductive, deductive, analytical, synthetic) and particular scientific methods (formal–legal, comparative–legal, interpretative, statistical, procedural, and dynamic). (3) The use of these allowed the authors to identify a number of key problems in the indicated discourse and to draw conclusions. With regard to abortion, the authors conclude that current trend is that, in multiple and various ways, states are pressed to prioritize a woman’s right to life, a woman’s freedom of “reproductive choice” over a doctor’s right to freedom of conscience. The situation is similar with the prioritization of the so-called “rights” of LGBT persons in relation to the rights of believing Christians. Moreover, the authors pay much attention to the analysis of the situation of the prosecution and persecution of Christians in the countries of the Global South, especially in Africa. (4) In conclusion, it is noted that various instruments, both political and legal, have been established in international law which make it possible to identify facts of the violation of freedom of religion and call to account for such acts of discrimination, but they are not always effective.
Myopic Savings Behaviour of Future Polish Pensioners
Authors: Buchholtz Sonia , Gąska Jan , Góra Marek
Published: February 2021

Low saving rates combined with low effective retirement age herald old-age poverty. This paper examines the preferred strategies of future Polish pensioners in order to sustain the standard of living in the future. A two-step approach is used: as a first-best strategy, we explore determinants of supplementary saving with binary logistic models; as a second-best strategy, we examine alternative options with principal component analysis. Future retirees rarely accumulate long-term savings, do not use dedicated instruments, and they start to save additionally far too late. Savings are concentrated in wealthier and better educated groups. Such myopia is governed by their political stance and not by awareness of dire prospects. Second-best strategies are based on optimistic assumptions about future health (seeking for additional jobs), on the assumed generosity of acquaintances or social institutions (relying on external assistance), or on rebelling. Given the increasing political power of elder generations, balancing the interests of workers and retirees will be an increasingly difficult task for policy makers.
Dynamic Threshold of Carbon Phenology in Two Cold Temperate Grasslands in China
Authors: Xu Lingling , Niu Ben , Zhang Xianzhou , He Yongtao
Published: February 2021

Plant phenology, especially the timing of the start and the end of the vegetation growing season (SOS and EOS), plays a major role in grassland ecosystem carbon cycles. As the second-largest grassland country in the world, China’s grasslands are mainly distributed in the northern cold temperate climate zone. The accuracies and relations of plant phenology estimations from multialgorithms and data resources are poorly understood. Here, we investigated vegetation phenology in two typical cold temperate grasslands, Haibei (HB) and Inner Mongolia (NM) grasslands, in China from 2001 to 2017. Compared to ground vegetation phenology observations, we analyzed the performance of the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer MODIS phenology products (MCD12Q2) and two remote sensing-based vegetation phenology algorithms from the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) time series (five satellite-based phenology algorithms). The optimal algorithm was used to compare with eddy covariance (EC)-based carbon phenology, and to calculate the thresholds of carbon phenology periods (SOSt and EOSt) in each site. Results showed that satellite-based phenology estimations (all five algorithms in this study) were strongly coupled with the temporal variation of the observed phenological period but significantly overestimated the SOS, predicting it to be over 21 days later than the field data. The carbon phenology thresholds of HB grassland (HB_SOSt and HB_EOSt) had a significant upward trend, with the multiyear average values being 0.14 and 0.29, respectively. In contrast, the thresholds of NM grasslands (NM_SOSt and NM_EOSt) also showed a certain upward trend, but it was not significant (p > 0.05), with the multiyear average values being 0.17 and 0.2, respectively. Our study suggested the thresholds of carbon phenology periods (SOSt and EOSt, %) could be simply and effectively estimated based on their significant relationship with the EC-based maximum of gross primary productivity observations (GPPmax) at a specific site and time. Therefore, this study suggested the thresholds of carbon phenology were not fixed even in a specific ecosystem, which also provided simple bridges between satellite-based vegetation phenology and EC-based carbon phenology in similar grasslands.
Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Card under New Acquisition and Transmission Architecture of High Frequency Ground Wave Radar
Authors: Bai Yang , Zhang Xin , Yang Qiang , Yang Yong , Deng Weibo , Yao Di
Published: February 2021

It is known that the data acquisition and processing system plays an important role in radar target detection system. In order to meet the requirements of real-time processing and accurate transmission of echo signals in high-frequency ground-wave radar (HFGWR) systems, a new acquisition and transmission framework utilizing the designed acquisition card based on the PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) has been designed and is presented in this paper. The Xilinx FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) chip Kintex7-XC7K325T is adopted as a hardware carrier in acquisition card. The hardware’s composition, analog front-end circuit, the DMA (Direct Memory Access) transmission, FPGA structure, ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) chip, and performance test of this card are showed and discussed. Currently, the acquisition card has been accomplished and applied in the practical system of HFGWR.
A Flexible Pressure Sensor Based on Magnetron Sputtered MoS2
Authors: Pang Xing , Zhang Qi , Shao Yiwei , Liu Mingjie , Zhang Dongliang , Zhao Yulong
Published: February 2021

Although two-dimensional (2D) layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has widespread electrical applications in catalysis, energy storage, and photodetection, there are few reports available regarding sputtered MoS2 for piezoresistive sensors. In this research, we found that the resistance of magnetron sputtered MoS2 on a flexible substrate changed significantly and regularly when pressure was applied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) images revealed an MoS2 micro-grain-like structure comprising nano-scale particles with grooves between the particles. Chemical characterization data confirmed the successful growth of amorphous MoS2 on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. A micro-thickness film flexible sensor was designed and fabricated. In particular, the sensor with a 1.5 μm thick polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate exhibited the best resistance performance, displaying a maximum ΔR/R of 70.39 with a piezoresistive coefficient as high as 866.89 MPa−1 while the pressure was 0.46 MPa. A proposed flexible pressure sensor based on an MoS2 film was also successfully used as a wearable pressure sensor to measure plantar pressure and demonstrated good repeatability. The results showed that the thin film pressure sensor had good piezoresistive performance and high sensitivity.
Use of Amperometric and Potentiometric Probes in Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy for the Spatially-Resolved Monitoring of Severe Localized Corrosion Sites on Aluminum Alloy 2098-T351
Authors: da Silva Rejane M. P. , Izquierdo Javier , Milagre Mariana X. , Betancor-Abreu Abenchara M. , Costa Isolda , Souto Ricardo M.
Published: February 2021

Amperometric and potentiometric probes were employed for the detection and characterization of reactive sites on the 2098-T351 Al-alloy (AA2098-T351) using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Firstly, the probe of concept was performed on a model Mg-Al galvanic pair system using SECM in the amperometric and potentiometric operation modes, in order to address the responsiveness of the probes for the characterization of this galvanic pair system. Next, these sensing probes were employed to characterize the 2098-T351 alloy surface immersed in a saline aqueous solution at ambient temperature. The distribution of reactive sites and the local pH changes associated with severe localized corrosion (SLC) on the alloy surface were imaged and subsequently studied. Higher hydrogen evolution, lower oxygen depletion and acidification occurred at the SLC sites developed on the 2098-T351 Al-alloy.
Noncontact Respiratory Monitoring Using Depth Sensing Cameras: A Review of Current Literature
Authors: Addison Anthony P. , Addison Paul S. , Smit Philip , Jacquel Dominique , Borg Ulf R.
Published: February 2021

There is considerable interest in the noncontact monitoring of patients as it allows for reduced restriction of patients, the avoidance of single-use consumables and less patient–clinician contact and hence the reduction of the spread of disease. A technology that has come to the fore for noncontact respiratory monitoring is that based on depth sensing camera systems. This has great potential for the monitoring of a range of respiratory information including the provision of a respiratory waveform, the calculation of respiratory rate and tidal volume (and hence minute volume). Respiratory patterns and apneas can also be observed in the signal. Here we review the ability of this method to provide accurate and clinically useful respiratory information.
Open-Design for a Smart Cover of a Night-Time Telescope for Day-Time Use
Authors: Cedazo Raquel , Brunete Alberto , Albarracin Hugo R. , Gonzalez Esteban
Published: February 2021

Robotic observatories are ideal infrastructures that can be remotely accessed by scientists, amateurs, and general public for research and education in Astronomy. Its robotization is a complex process for ensuring autonomy, safety, and coordination among all subsystems. Some observatories, such as Francisco Sanchez’s, are equipped with two types of telescopes: one for the night and one for the day. The night-time telescope must be protected from exposure to sunlight in order to use them in an automated way. For this purpose, this article proposes the design and construction of a smart cover that opens and closes according to the time of day. The mechatronic design covers the electronic, mechanical, and software programming, and it has been devised taking while taking the principles of open design, ease of reproduction, low-cost, and smart behaviour into account. The design has been parameterized, so that it can be adapted to telescopes of any size. The final prototype is lightweight, cost-effective, and can be built while using common 3D printing and PCB milling machines. The complete design is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 and all the documentation, schematics, and software are available in public repositories, like Zenodo, GitHub, and Instructables.
The Effect of Blockchain Technology on Supply Chain Sustainability Performances
Authors: Park Arim , Li Huan
Published: February 2021

Improving supply chain sustainability is an essential part of achieving the UN’s sustainable goals. Digitalization, such as blockchain technology, shows the potential to reshape supply chain management. Using distributed ledger technology, the blockchain platform provides a digital system and database to record the transactions along the supply chain. This decentralized database of transactions brings transparency, reliability, traceability, and efficiency to the supply chain management. This paper focuses on such novel blockchain-based supply chain management and its sustainability performances in the areas of environmental protection, social equity, and governance efficiency. Using a systematic literature review and two case studies, we evaluate whether the three sustainability indicators can be improved indirectly along supply chains based on blockchain technology. Our study shows that blockchain technology has the potential to improve supply chain sustainability performance, and we expect blockchain technology to rise in popularity in supply chain management.
Study on the Spatial Association and Influencing Factors of Carbon Emissions from the Chinese Construction Industry
Authors: Li Siyao , Wu Qiaosheng , Zheng You , Sun Qi
Published: February 2021

As the world’s largest carbon emitter, China is under enormous pressure to decrease carbon emissions. With the economic development in recent years, China has increased its investment in infrastructure, and the construction industry has become an essential source of carbon emissions. Using the social network analysis (SNA) methodology, this article analyzes the evolutionary characteristics of the spatial correlation network for carbon emissions in the construction industry from 2003–2017 and its affecting factors. The results of the empirical analysis in this paper are: (1) the spatial association of carbon emissions in Chinese inter-provincial construction industry shows an intuitive network layout and the spatial network has gradually stabilized since 2014; (2) according to the results of degree centrality, betweenness centrality and closeness centrality, it can be concluded that the regions with higher level of association with other provinces are the central and the eastern regions (Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Jiangsu, etc.) and Xinjiang; the linkage of construction-related carbon emissions was mainly achieved through the regions of Henan, Anhui, Shanxi, Hebei, Guangdong, and Inner Mongolia; the regions with higher level of construction industry development (Jiangsu, Henan, Hunan, Guangdong, etc.) are more closely associated with other provinces; (3) geographical proximity and reduction of difference in energy intensity and in industrial structure have substantial positive effects on the carbon emission association of the construction industry. Finally, based on the research results, this article proposes corresponding policy recommendations.
Corporate Social Responsibility in the European Banking Sector: Commitment to the 2030 Agenda and Its Relationship with Gender Diversity
Authors: Gallego-Sosa Clara , Gutiérrez-Fernández Milagros , Fernández-Torres Yakira , Nevado-Gil María Teresa
Published: February 2021

This study examines the degree of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the European banking sector in terms of commitment to the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also explores whether gender diversity on the board of directors can be used to differentiate between companies with different degrees of engagement with the SDGs. This question is important, given that achieving equal opportunities for women is a CSR priority for today’s companies given stakeholders’ demands. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses are conducted using a sample of the 30 largest banks in Europe in terms of market capitalization as of 15 February 2019. Key conclusions are that most of the analyzed banks target at least one of the SDGs and that the banks that are most committed to Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action) of the 2030 Agenda have greater gender diversity on their boards of directors.
A Study on the Trend of Domestic Waste Generation and the Recognition of Recycling Priorities in Korea
Authors: Jung Seok-ho , Lee Mee-hye , Lee Seong-ho , Ahn Ji Whan
Published: February 2021

In September 2015, the United Nations included ‘sustainable consumption and production’ as part of its 12th goal of sustainable development. The EU announced its Circular Economic Package in December 2015 to move from the existing linear economic structure to the net environmental system. Recycling of household waste has become more significant as a circular economic policy has been implemented to reflow waste into the economy through recycling worldwide. In this study, Korea’s household waste generation for 20 years from 1998 to 2017 was analyzed through statistical techniques. Waste generation tended to increase in the order of plastics and cans, and papers tended to decrease. The amount of bottle wastes has been on the decline after increasing. A questionnaire survey on recycling priority was conducted on 261 people, including participants in the EARTH-2019 recycling experience hall, using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique. According to the survey, the recycling priorities of six types of household waste are (first) plastic, (second) cans, viny, scrap metals, (third) paper, and (fourth) bottles. Statistical analysis of mid- to long-term household waste generation and AHP-based household waste recycling priority survey results can be used as basic data, such as environmental analysis in Korea’s recycling-related policies and research.
Do Cross-Listed Firms Have a Better Governance Structure and Lower Agency Costs? Evidence from Chinese Firms
Authors: Kim Dong-Soon , Yeo Eunjung , Zhang Li
Published: February 2021

This study examines whether an influence from a difference in corporate governance structure exists on firms’ agency costs between Chinese companies cross-listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE) and those that are domestically listed ones. We determine that, overall, companies with an HKSE cross-listing had better corporate governance than those without. The corporate governance advantage of the HKSE cross-listed firms holds if we control for firm fixed effects and resolve the potential endogeneity problem between corporate governance and agency costs by using two-stage least square (2SLS) regression analysis with instrumental variables. Specifically, the HKSE cross-listed firms had better corporate governance in terms of board size and institutional ownership. By contrast, domestically listed firms experienced the adverse effects of institutional owner’s roles and higher board pay. The advantages of HKSE cross-listed firms may stem from the benefits of having a larger board size and the effective monitoring of the management by the institutional stockholders. Implications are drawn for the debate on cross-listing and the future challenges of Chinese firms, and a more robust monitoring is necessary for sustainable finance of their stock markets.
Challenging the Reductionism of “Evidence-Based” Youth Justice
Authors: Case Stephen
Published: February 2021

The generation of empirical evidence to explain offending by children and young people has been a central driver of criminological and sociological research for more than two centuries. Across the international field of youth justice, empirical research evidence has become an integral means of complementing and extending the knowledge and understanding of offending offered by the official enquiries and data collection of professional stakeholders and an essential tool for informing ‘evidence-based’ policy, practice and ‘effective intervention’. However, it will be argued that the hegemonic empirical evidence-base created by youth justice research over the past two decades has been generated through methodological reductionism - the oversimplification of complexity, the restriction of conceptual lens and the relative exclusion of competing explanatory paradigms and empirical methodologies, which in turn, has reduced the scope and validity of the policy and practice recommendations derived from it.
AI in Context and the Sustainable Development Goals: Factoring in the Unsustainability of the Sociotechnical System
Authors: Sætra Henrik Skaug
Published: February 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) is associated with both positive and negative impacts on both people and planet, and much attention is currently devoted to analyzing and evaluating these impacts. In 2015, the UN set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), consisting of environmental, social, and economic goals. This article shows how the SDGs provide a novel and useful framework for analyzing and categorizing the benefits and harms of AI. AI is here considered in context as part of a sociotechnical system consisting of larger structures and economic and political systems, rather than as a simple tool that can be analyzed in isolation. This article distinguishes between direct and indirect effects of AI and divides the SDGs into five groups based on the kinds of impact AI has on them. While AI has great positive potential, it is also intimately linked to nonuniversal access to increasingly large data sets and the computing infrastructure required to make use of them. As a handful of nations and companies control the development and application of AI, this raises important questions regarding the potential negative implications of AI on the SDGs. The conceptual framework here presented helps structure the analysis of which of the SDGs AI might be useful in attaining and which goals are threatened by the increased use of AI.
Planning Walkable Neighborhoods for “Aging in Place”: Lessons from Five Aging-Friendly Districts in Singapore
Authors: Tao Yiqi , Zhang Wei , Gou Zhonghua , Jiang Boya , Qi Yi
Published: February 2021

Today, “walkability” is considered a critical component of an aging-friendly neighborhood. This study examined the relationships between the neighborhood physical environment, walkability, and physical activity levels of older residents in Singapore. Five neighborhoods notable for their “aging in place” strategies were selected for a site survey. A questionnaire focusing on the evaluation of neighborhood walkability was administered to older adults in these neighborhoods. The questionnaire included three sections: neighborhood satisfaction, walkability, and the daily physical activity of older adults. The results indicated that adequate physical facilities and connectivity to the city were critical to older adults’ satisfaction with their neighborhoods. The mean walking time significantly dropped as the number of nearby facilities increased, and the number of facilities was negatively correlated with the daily activity levels of older adults. Thus, planners should attempt to calibrate the provision of neighborhood facilities to maintain the physical activity levels of older adults.
International Logistics and Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade: Who Matters Whom?
Authors: He Yugang , Wu Renhong , Choi Yong-Jae
Published: February 2021

Unlike previous papers on international logistics and cross-border e-commerce trade, this paper sets Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries as an example to explore the dynamic interaction between international logistics and cross-border e-commerce trade. The panel data for the period 2000–2018 will be employed to perform an empirical analysis via a host of econometric techniques, such as panel unit root tests, panel cointegration tests, panel causality tests and the panel vector error correction model. Incorporating with other control variables, we find that there is a long-term relationship between international logistics and cross-border e-commerce trade. Specifically speaking, in the long-run, international logistics has a positive and significant effect on cross-border e-commerce trade. However, in the short-run, international logistics has a negative and significant effect on cross-border e-commerce trade. Furthermore, the results suggest that deviation from a cointegration system of cross-border e-commerce trade and international logistics will lead to the cross-border e-commerce trade and international logistics changing within the range of approximately 2.2% to 47.2% in the next period. Therefore, referring to these findings, each OECD country’s government should take up corresponding policies to ensure the sustainable development of both international logistics and cross-border e-commerce trade.
Can Security and Safety Education Support Sustainability? Lessons Learned from Poland
Authors: Gawlik-Kobylińska Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

The aim of the article is to prove that sustainable development goals can be supported by security and safety education, where security refers to the state of being free from danger or threats and safety applies to creating protection from risks or dangers. This kind of education, which is obligatory in Polish schools, encompasses interdisciplinary knowledge and universal values focusing on improvement of human existence through minimisation of threats. Through the Word Frequency Query, the most intense descriptors of security and safety education were distinguished and fitted within the framework of sustainable development goals. The obtained data were supported with literature analysis identified with relevant keywords in the Web of Science database. It was proved that security and safety education reflects the idea of sustainable development in a variety of aspects. Since common foundations were identified, it could be inferred that teaching security and safety is a great platform for promotion of sustainable development goals. Moreover, in countries where security and safety education is taught as a separate school subject, more cross-disciplinary sustainability issues should be implemented in the curricula and taught with the use of novel strategies and tools.
Determining the 2019 Carbon Footprint of a School of Design, Innovation and Technology
Authors: Filippone Guillermo , Sancho Rocío , Labella Sebastián
Published: February 2021

As a contribution to the fight against climate change, ESNE’s 2018/19 carbon footprint has been evaluated using the CarbonFeel methodology, based on ISO 14069 standards. In the scenario studied, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by direct and indirect emissions have been included. For comparative purposes, a second scenario has been analyzed in which fossil fuels used for heating are replaced by electrical energy from renewable sources. A decrease of 28% in GHG emissions has been verified, which could even reach 40% if the energy for thermal conditioning was replaced by renewables.
On the Trace Anomaly of the Chaudhuri–Choi–Rabinovici Model
Authors: Nakayama Yu
Published: February 2021

Recently a non-supersymmetric conformal field theory with an exactly marginal deformation in the large N limit was constructed by Chaudhuri–Choi–Rabinovici. On a non-supersymmetric conformal manifold, the c coefficient of the trace anomaly in four dimensions would generically change. In this model, we, however, find that it does not change in the first non-trivial order given by three-loop diagrams.
Drinking Green Tea: Despite the Risks Due to Mycotoxins, Is It Possible to Increase the Associated Health Benefits?
Authors: Assunção Ricardo , Twarużek Magdalena , Kosicki Robert , Viegas Carla , Viegas Susana
Published: February 2021

Tea has been consumed for thousands of years. Despite the different varieties, particular emphasis has been placed on green tea (GT), considering the associated health benefits following its regular consumption, some of which are due to its polyphenol constituents, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Tea is not prone to the growth of microorganisms, except fungus, when proper storage, handling, and packing conditions are compromised. Consequently, mycotoxins, secondary metabolites of fungi, could contaminate tea samples, affecting human health. In the present study, we aimed to assess the balance between risks (due to mycotoxins and high levels of EGCG) and benefits (due to moderate intake of EGCG) associated with the consumption of GT. For this, 20 GT samples (10 in bulk and 10 in bags) available in different markets in Lisbon were analyzed through a LC–MS/MS method, evaluating 38 different mycotoxins. Six samples revealed detectable values of the considered toxins. Current levels of mycotoxins and EGCG intake were not associated with health concerns. Scenarios considering an increasing consumption of GT in Portugal showed that drinking up to seven cups of GT per day should maximize the associated health benefits. The present study contributes to the future establishment of GT consumption recommendations in Portugal.
Therapeutic Use of Botulinum Neurotoxins in Dermatology: Systematic Review
Authors: Martina Emanuela , Diotallevi Federico , Radi Giulia , Campanati Anna , Offidani Annamaria
Published: February 2021

Botulinum toxin is a superfamily of neurotoxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum with well-established efficacy and safety profile in focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis. Recently, botulinum toxins have also been used in many other skin diseases, in off label regimen. The objective of this manuscript is to review and analyze the main therapeutic applications of botulinum toxins in skin diseases. A systematic review of the published data was conducted, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Botulinum toxins present several label and off-label indications of interest for dermatologists. The best-reported evidence concerns focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis, Raynaud phenomenon, suppurative hidradenitis, Hailey–Hailey disease, epidermolysis bullosa simplex Weber–Cockayne type, Darier’s disease, pachyonychia congenita, aquagenic keratoderma, alopecia, psoriasis, notalgia paresthetica, facial erythema and flushing, and oily skin. Further clinical trials are still needed to better understand the real efficacy and safety of these applications and to standardize injection and doses protocols for off label applications.
High Diversity of Human Non-Polio Enterovirus Serotypes Identified in Contaminated Water in Nigeria
Authors: Majumdar Manasi , Klapsa Dimitra , Wilton Thomas , Bujaki Erika , Fernandez-Garcia Maria Dolores , Faleye Temitope Oluwasegun Cephas , Oyero Adefunke Olufunmilayo , Adewumi Moses Olubusuyi , Ndiaye Kader , Adeniji Johnson Adekunle , Martin Javier
Published: February 2021

Human enteroviruses (EVs) are highly prevalent in sewage and have been associated with human diseases with complications leading to severe neurological syndromes. We have used a recently developed molecular method to investigate the presence of EVs in eight samples collected in 2017–2018 from water streams contaminated by drainage channels in three different locations in Nigeria. A total of 93 human EV strains belonging to 45 different serotypes were identified, far exceeding the number of strains and serotypes found in similar samples in previous studies. Next generation sequencing analysis retrieved whole-capsid genomic nucleotide sequences of EV strains belonging to all four A, B, C, and D species. Our results further demonstrate the value of environmental surveillance for the detection of EV transmission of both serotypes commonly associated with clinical syndromes, such as EV-A71, and those that appear to circulate silently but could eventually cause outbreaks and disease. Several uncommon serotypes, rarely reported elsewhere, were detected such as EV-A119, EV-B87, EV-C116, and EV-D111. Ten EV serotypes were detected in Nigeria for the first time and two of them, CV-A12 and EV-B86, firstly described in Africa. This method can be expanded to generate whole-genome EV sequences as we show here for one EV-D111 strain. Our data revealed phylogenetic relationships of Nigerian sewage strains with EV strains reported elsewhere, mostly from African origin, and provided new insights into the whole-genome structure of emerging serotype EV-D111 and recombination events among EV-D serotypes.
Medical Students and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: Attitude and Behaviors
Authors: Szmyd Bartosz , Bartoszek Adrian , Karuga Filip Franciszek , Staniecka Katarzyna , Błaszczyk Maciej , Radek Maciej
Published: February 2021

Since physicians play a key role in vaccination, the initial training of medical students (MS) should aim to help shape their attitude in this regard. The beginning of vaccination programs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an excellent time to assess the attitudes held by both medical and non-medical students regarding vaccination. A 51- to 53-item questionnaire including the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was administered to 1971 students (49.21% male; 34.86% MS); two career-related questions were also addressed to the MS. The majority of surveyed students indicated a desire to get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, with more medical than non-medical students planning to get vaccinated (91.99% vs. 59.42%). The most common concern about SARS-CoV-2 infection was the risk of passing on the disease to elderly relatives. While conspiracy theories regarding the COVID-19 vaccine are less popular among MS, both groups indicated concerns that vaccines may cause autism is equally common (~5%). Further studies exploring social attitudes towards the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine are a necessary first step to optimizing vaccination programs and achieving herd immunity.