bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACTS OF SNOWMELT AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON HIMALAYAN RIVERS: THE CASE OF DATA-SCARCE DUDHKOSHI RIVER IN EASTERN NEPAL
Authors: Pokhrel Sudeep , Thapa Saraswati
Published: August 2021

Water from snow-melt is crucial to provide
ecosystem services in downstream of the Himalayas. To
study the fate of snow hydrology, an integrated modeling
system has been developed coupling Statistical
Downscaling Model (SDSM) outputs with Snowmelt
Runoff Model (SRM) in the Dudhkoshi Basin, Nepal. The
SRM model is well-calibrated in 2011 and validated in
2012 and 2014 using MODIS satellite data. The annual
average observed and simulated discharges for the
calibration year are 177.89 m3
/s and 181.47 m3
/s
respectively. To assess future climate projections for the
periods 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, the SDSM model is used
for downscaling precipitation, maximum temperature, and
minimum temperature from the Canadian GCM model
(CanESM2) under three different scenarios RCP2.6,
RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. All considered scenarios are
significant in predicting increasing trends of maximumminimum temperature and precipitation and the
storehouse of freshwater in the mountains is expected to
deplete rapidly if global warming continues.
SOSIALISASI DAN EDUKASI MASYARAKAT MELALUI KEARIFAN LOKAL SEBAGAI UPAYA PENANGANAN COVID-19 DI KELURAHAN KAMPUNG SALO KECAMATAN KENDARI KOTA KENDARI SULAWESI TENGGARA
Authors: Aswati Aswati , Aslim Aslim , Sarman Sarman
Published: August 2021

Pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini membahas Sosialisasi dan Edukasi Masyarakat Melalui Kearifan Lokal sebagai Upaya Penanganan Covid-19 Di Kelurahan Kampung Salo Kecamatan Kendari Kota Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara. Pengabdian ini dilakukan karena masih kurangnya pemahaman masyarakat dalam hal bahaya penularan serta cara pencegahan Covid-19. Menjelang penerapan New Normal di Kota Kendari, upaya-upaya yang dilakukan Pemerintah beserta Gugus Tugas Penanggulangan Covid-19 Kota Kendari Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara adalah menghimbau masyarakat agar mengikuti kebijakan social distancing, mencuci tangan dan selalu menggunakan masker. Berdasarkan gambaran permasalahan, pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan edukasi pemahaman kepada masyarakat di kelurahan Kampung Salo tentang penanganan Covid-19 melalui kearifan lokal sehingga masyarakat akan lebih mudah memahami dan mematuhi serta melakukan pola hidup sehat sesuai dengan protokol kesehatan Covid-19. Kegitan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini diharapkan mampu memberikan konstribusi bagi masyarakat di Kelurahan Kampung Salo Kecamatan Kendari Kota Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara melalui kearifan lokal sehingga dapat memutus mata rantai penyebaran virus Covid-19. Pelaksanaan pengabdian masyarakat ini telah dilakukan di Kelurahan Kampung Salo Kecamatan Kendari Kota Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara. Pengabdian ini menggunakan metode pelaksanaan yaitu berupa langkah-langkah yang akan dilakukan dalam memberikan sosialisasi dan edukasi terhadap masyarakat dalam penanganan Covid-19 yaitu melalui tahapan persiapan materi, pelaksanaan kegiatan, serta tahapan evaluasi kegiatan.
FRAGMENTASI IDENTITAS DALAM NOVEL BUKAN CINTA SESAAT KARYA MIRA WIDJAJA
Authors: Burhan Faika
Published: August 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan fragmentasi identitas dalam novel Bukan Cinta Sesaat karya Mira Widjaja. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan studi pustaka, sedangkan metode analisis menggunakan teori identitas dengan melihat fenomena-fenomena yang terkait dengan fragmentasi identitas itu sendiri. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Mira Widjaja dalam novel Bukan Cinta Sesaat menunjukkan gejala kekerasan dan diskriminasi rasial terhadap etnis Tionghoa. Meskipun mengalami kekerasan dan diskriminasi tokoh Nina dihadirkan sebagai perempuan Tionghoa yang kuat dan berupaya menghadapi kerasnya hidup sebagai etnis minoritas. Kekerasan dan diskriminasi tersebut menyebabkan terjadinya fragmentasi identitas. Identitas yang terbangun adalah identitas yang terpecah-belah diakibatkan oleh situasi. Dalam hal ini, identitas yang terpecahbelah tersebut dialami oleh warga etnis Tionghoa  seperti  yang  diceritakan  di  dalam  novel.  Adapun bentuk fragmentasi identitas yang muncul dalam novel ini yakni kecemasan dan keterasingan individu terhadap lingkungan sosialnya.
PENGETAHUAN PERSONALISTIK MASYARAKAT ETNIS KAILI RAI TERHADAP TOPEULE DI DESA SILANGA KECAMATAN SINIU KABUPATEN PARIGI MOUTONG
Authors: Hendra Hendra
Published: August 2021

Topeule merupakan salah satu bentuk perwujudan dari kekutan supranatural atau ilmu gaib hitam yang dimiliki oleh manusia. Dengan ilmunya tersebut Manusia ini dianggap mampu menjatuhkan penyakit pada diri korban-korbannya dengan cara merubah wujudnya. Focus kajian tulisan ini adalah menggali informasi mengenai pengetahuan personalistik masyarakat etnis Kaili Rai terhadap topeule di Desa Silanga terkait pengetahuan mereka tentang topeule dan jenis-jenis penyakit yang disebabkan oleh ilmu topeule. Informan dipilih menggunakan teknik porposive sampling. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwasanya topeule adalah manusia yang diyakini masyarakat memiliki kekuatan supranatural dalam hal ini ilmu gaib hitam. Adapun orang yang memiliki ilmu topeule terbagi atas dua yakni yang diperoleh melalui sengaja maupaun yang diperoleh secara tidak sengaja. Topeule mampu menyerang korban-korbanya hingga jatuh sakit bahkan kematian. Adapun gejalanya ialah korban akan mengalami Muntah-muntah (Muntah Rumput dan Muntah Lumpur), Kesurupan (nekaratani) , dan mata tinggi (nekambulaya atau nekangga mata).
Integrated Process of Coal Fast Pyrolysis in a Fluidized Bed Reactor With Reforming Reaction of Simulated Fuel Gas to Promote Light Tar Evolution
Authors: Li Chao , Luo Zhongyang , Fang Mengxiang , Yan Qike , Cen Jianmeng
Published: August 2021

The evolution behavior of the light tar during coal fast pyrolysis under inert gas, simulated fuel gas (SFG) atmosphere, and catalytic reformation of simulated (CRS) fuel gas over Ni/Al2O3 was studied in this article. The light tar was recovered from the distillation of the crude tar at the temperature of 300°C and subsequently subjected to detection through the GC-MS analysis. It was found that both SFG and CRS over Ni/Al2O3 significantly enhanced the light tar yield, but a little effect was shown on the heavy tar yield. According to the molecular structure characteristics, the compounds in the light tar could be classified into several groups: aromatic components, phenol components, aliphatic components, heteroatom components, and O-containing components (phenol compounds excluded). It was demonstrated that the selectivity of each component in the light tar varied significantly with the pyrolysis atmosphere and temperature. The evolution of the aromatic components took the dominant role in the light tar produced at high temperature. The SFG and CRS contributed markedly to enhancing the evolution of the O-aromatic components in the light tar, whereas they suppressed the evolution of the O-aliphatic components and the phenol components in the light tar at high temperature.
A Reevaluation of Superior Tree Performance After 48 Years for a Loblolly Pine Progeny Test in Southern Arkansas
Authors: Bragg Don C.
Published: August 2021

A plus-tree progeny test of full- and half-sib “superior” loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) was installed in 1969 on the Crossett Experimental Forest (CEF) to consider the performance of 28 improved families with unimproved planting stock from the CEF (family W29). Performance was evaluated using data from young (3-year-old; early 1970s), maturing (25-year-old; 1994), and mature (48-year-old; 2017) trees. With the exception of a single improved family, early survival was high (>80%), with most families exceeding 90%. Three years post-planting, fusiform rust infection rates were also low, with most families having less than 1% of seedlings infected. At this early stage, the unimproved CEF family W29 only slightly underperformed the best full- and half-sib superior families. By 1994, W29 had slightly higher than average merchantable volume. This trend continued for W29 when remeasured in 2017, with the average merchantable volume yield for W29 statistically similar to the most productive families. This study found only limited volume performance gains from crossing plus-trees. However, it was important to note that several of the best height growth-performing families in 1972 were not the highest merchantable volume producers at 25 or 48 years, and some of the worst early performers moved into the upper tiers by the later remeasurements. These outcomes suggest that depending solely on early height performance to select families for long-term (>50 year) volume (especially if adjusted for wood density) or biomass yields may not be the best approach for forest managers seeking to increase carbon sequestration.
ARID1A, ARID1B, and ARID2 Mutations Serve as Potential Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhu Guangsheng , Shi Ruifeng , Li Yongwen , Zhang Zihe , Xu Songlin , Chen Chen , Cao Peijun , Zhang Hongbing , Liu Minghui , Pan Zhenhua , Liu Hongyu , Chen Jun
Published: August 2021

Worldwide, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the highest morbidity and mortality of all malignancies. The lack of responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitors is a central problem in the modern era of cancer immunotherapy, with the rapid development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in recent years. The human switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complex has been reported to be recurrently mutated in patients with cancer, and those with SWI/SNF mutations have been reported to be sensitive to ICIs. Six reported cohorts, a total of 3416 patients, were used to analyze the mutation status of ARID1A, ARID1B, ARID2 and SMARCA4 in patients with NSCLC and the effect of mutations on prognosis after ICIs. Finally, a nomogram was established to guide the clinical use of ICIs. The results show that patients with NSCLC who have ARID1A, ARID1B, and ARID2 mutations of the SWI/SNF complex were more likely to benefit from ICI therapy.
Role of Decidual Natural Killer Cells in Human Pregnancy and Related Pregnancy Complications
Authors: Zhang Xiuhong , Wei Haiming
Published: August 2021

Pregnancy is a unique type of immunological process. Healthy pregnancy is associated with a series of inflammatory events: implantation (inflammation), gestation (anti-inflammation), and parturition (inflammation). As the most abundant leukocytes during pregnancy, natural killer (NK) cells are recruited and activated by ovarian hormones and have pivotal roles throughout pregnancy. During the first trimester, NK cells represent up to 50–70% of decidua lymphocytes. Differently from peripheral-blood NK cells, decidual natural killer (dNK) cells are poorly cytolytic, and they release cytokines/chemokines that induce trophoblast invasion, tissue remodeling, embryonic development, and placentation. NK cells can also shift to a cytotoxic identity and carry out immune defense if infectedin uteroby pathogens. At late gestation, premature activation of NK cells can lead to a breakdown of tolerance of the maternal–fetal interface and, subsequently, can result in preterm birth. This review is focused on the role of dNK cells in normal pregnancy and pathological pregnancy, including preeclampsia, recurrent spontaneous abortion, endometriosis, and recurrent implantation failure. dNK cells could be targets for the treatment of pregnancy complications.
Mitochondrial Nucleic Acid as a Driver of Pathogenic Type I Interferon Induction in Mendelian Disease
Authors: Lepelley Alice , Wai Timothy , Crow Yanick J.
Published: August 2021

The immune response to viral infection involves the recognition of pathogen-derived nucleic acids by intracellular sensors, leading to type I interferon (IFN), and downstream IFN-stimulated gene, induction. Ineffective discrimination of self from non-self nucleic acid can lead to autoinflammation, a phenomenon implicated in an increasing number of disease states, and well highlighted by the group of rare genetic disorders referred to as the type I interferonopathies. To understand the pathogenesis of these monogenic disorders, and polyfactorial diseases associated with pathogenic IFN upregulation, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis, it is important to define the self-derived nucleic acid species responsible for such abnormal IFN induction. Recently, attention has focused on mitochondria as a novel source of immunogenic self nucleic acid. Best appreciated for their function in oxidative phosphorylation, metabolism and apoptosis, mitochondria are double membrane-bound organelles that represent vestigial bacteria in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells, containing their own DNA and RNA enclosed within the inner mitochondrial membrane. There is increasing recognition that a loss of mitochondrial integrity and compartmentalization can allow the release of mitochondrial nucleic acid into the cytosol, leading to IFN induction. Here, we provide recent insights into the potential of mitochondrial-derived DNA and RNA to drive IFN production in Mendelian disease. Specifically, we summarize current understanding of how nucleic acids are detected as foreign when released into the cytosol, and then consider the findings implicating mitochondrial nucleic acid in type I interferonopathy disease states. Finally, we discuss the potential for IFN-driven pathology in primary mitochondrial disorders.
Putative Immunological Functions of Inducible Skin-Associated Lymphoid Tissue in the Context of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue
Authors: Kogame Toshiaki , Kabashima Kenji , Egawa Gyohei
Published: August 2021

Acquired immunity is orchestrated in various lymphoid organs, including bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes in humans. However, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is evolutionally known to be emerged in the oldest vertebrates as an immunological tissue for acquired immunity, much earlier than the advent of lymph nodes which appeared in endotherms. Furthermore, the lymphocytes which developed in MALT are known to circulate within the limited anatomical areas. Thus, MALT is comprehended as not the structure but the immune network dedicated to local immunity. As for the skin, skin-associated lymphoid tissue (SALT) was previously postulated; however, its existence has not been proven. Our group recently showed that aggregations of dendritic cells, M2 macrophages, and high endothelial venules (HEVs) are essential components to activate effector T cells in the murine contact hypersensitivity model and termed it as inducible SALT (iSALT) since it was a transient entity that serves for acquired immunity of the skin. Furthermore, in various human skin diseases, we reported that the ectopic formation of lymphoid follicles that immunohistochemically analogous to MALT and regarded them as human counterparts of iSALT. These data raised the possibility that SALT can exist as an inducible form, namely iSALT, which shares the biological significance of MALT. In this article, we revisit the evolution of immunological organs and the related components among vertebrates to discuss the conserved functions of MALT. Furthermore, we also discuss the putative characteristics and functions of iSALT in the context of the MALT concept.
Estuaries as Filters for Riverine Microplastics: Simulations in a Large, Coastal-Plain Estuary
Authors: López Alexander G. , Najjar Raymond G. , Friedrichs Marjorie A. M. , Hickner Michael A. , Wardrop Denice H.
Published: August 2021

Public awareness of microplastics and their widespread presence throughout most bodies of water are increasingly documented. The accumulation of microplastics in the ocean, however, appears to be far less than their riverine inputs, suggesting that there is a “missing sink” of plastics in the ocean. Estuaries have long been recognized as filters for riverine material in marine biogeochemical budgets. Here we use a model of estuarine microplastic transport to test the hypothesis that the Chesapeake Bay, a large coastal-plain estuary in eastern North America, is a potentially large filter, or “sink,” of riverine microplastics. The 1-year composite simulation, which tracks an equal number of buoyant and sinking 5-mm diameter particles, shows that 94% of riverine microplastics are beached, with only 5% exported from the Bay, and 1% remaining in the water column. We evaluate the robustness of this finding by conducting additional simulations in a tributary of the Bay for different years, particle densities, particle sizes, turbulent dissipation rates, and shoreline characteristics. The resulting microplastic transport and fate were sensitive to interannual variability over a decadal (2010–2019) analysis, with greater export out of the Bay during high streamflow years. Particle size was found to be unimportant while particle density – specifically if a particle was buoyant or not – was found to significantly influence overall fate and mean duration in the water column. Positively buoyant microplastics are more mobile due to being in the seaward branch of the residual estuarine circulation while negatively buoyant microplastics are transported a lesser distance due to being in the landward branch, and therefore tend to deposit on coastlines close to their river sources, which may help guide sampling campaigns. Half of all riverine microplastics that beach do so within 7–13 days, while those that leave the bay do so within 26 days. Despite microplastic distributions being sensitive to some modeling choices (e.g., particle density and shoreline hardening), in all scenarios most of riverine plastics do not make it to the ocean, suggesting that estuaries may serve as a filter for riverine microplastics.
Toward Development of Neuron Specific Transduction After Systemic Delivery of Viral Vectors
Authors: Finneran Dylan J. , Njoku Ikenna P. , Flores-Pazarin Diego , Ranabothu Meghana R. , Nash Kevin R. , Morgan David , Gordon Marcia N.
Published: August 2021

Widespread transduction of the CNS with a single, non-invasive systemic injection of adeno-associated virus is now possible due to the creation of blood-brain barrier-permeable capsids. However, as these capsids are mutants of AAV9, they do not have specific neuronal tropism. Therefore, it is necessary to use genetic tools to restrict expression of the transgene to neuronal tissues. Here we compare the strength and specificity of two neuron-specific promoters, human synapsin 1 and mouse calmodulin/calcium dependent kinase II, to the ubiquitous CAG promoter. Administration of a high titer of virus is necessary for widespread CNS transduction. We observed the neuron-specific promoters drive comparable overall expression in the brain to the CAG promoter. Furthermore, the neuron-specific promoters confer significantly less transgene expression in peripheral tissues compared with the CAG promoter. Future experiments will utilize these delivery platforms to over-express the Alzheimer-associated pathological proteins amyloid-beta and tau to create mouse models without transgenesis.
Abnormal Functional Connectivity of Posterior Cingulate Cortex Correlates With Phonemic Verbal Fluency Deficits in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Li Danian , Zhang Hanyue , Liu Yujie , Liang Xinyu , Chen Yaoping , Zheng Yanting , Qiu Shijun , Cui Ying
Published: August 2021

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) patients face an increased risk of developing cognitive impairments. One of the prominent cognitive impairments in MDD patients is verbal fluency deficit. Nonetheless, it is not clear which vulnerable brain region in MDD is interactively linked to verbal fluency deficit. It is important to gain an improved understanding for verbal fluency deficit in MDD.

Methods: Thirty-four MDD patients and 34 normal controls (NCs) completed resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) scan and a set of verbal fluency tests (semantic VFT and phonemic VFT). Fourteen brain regions from five brain networks/systems (central executive network, default mode network, salience network, limbic system, cerebellum) based on their vital role in MDD neuropathology were selected as seeds for functional connectivity (FC) analyses with the voxels in the whole brain. Finally, correlations between the z-score of the FCs from clusters showing significant between-group difference and z-score of the VFTs were calculated using Pearson correlation analyses.

Results: Increased FCs in MDD patients vs. NCs were identified between the bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the right inferior frontal gyrus (triangular part), in which the increased FC between the right PCC and the right inferior frontal gyrus (triangular part) was positively correlated with the z score of phonemic VFT in the MDD patients. Moreover, decreased FCs were identified between the right hippocampal gyrus and PCC, as well as left cerebellum Crus II and right parahippocampal gyrus in MDD patients vs. NCs.

Conclusions: The MDD patients have altered FCs among key brain regions in the default mode network, the central executive network, the limbic system, and the cerebellum. The increased FC between the right PCC and the right inferior frontal gyrus (triangular part) may be useful to better characterize pathophysiology of MDD and functional correlates of the phonemic verbal fluency deficit in MDD.
Bandpass Filter Based on Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons With a Switchable High-Selectivity Notch Band
Authors: Tan Longfei , Wang Qiangji , Guo Ying-Jiang , Cui Jianlei , Xu Kai-Da
Published: August 2021

A substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) based spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) is proposed for the design of bandpass filter (BPF). The left and right edge cutoff frequencies of the passband can be easily adjusted by changing the parameters of SIW and ring slot embedded into the SIW. Then, four half-wavelength circular slots are added on two sides of the SSPP located at the center of the circuit to introduce a high-selectivity notch band. In order to make the notch band switchable, four full-wavelength circular slots and four PIN diodes are applied instead of the four half-wavelength circular slots. As the PIN diodes are under the ON state, the notch band will be generated within the passband of BPF. On the contrary, as the PIN diodes are under the OFF state, the notch band will disappear. To validate the design idea, two BPF examples are fabricated and measured, whose simulation and measurement results are both in reasonably good agreement.
Daucus carota DcPSY2 and DcLCYB1 as Tools for Carotenoid Metabolic Engineering to Improve the Nutritional Value of Fruits
Authors: Arias Daniela , Arenas-M Anita , Flores-Ortiz Carlos , Peirano Clio , Handford Michael , Stange Claudia
Published: August 2021

Carotenoids are pigments with important nutritional value in the human diet. As antioxidant molecules, they act as scavengers of free radicals enhancing immunity and preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, α-carotene and β-carotene, the main carotenoids of carrots (Daucus carota) are precursors of vitamin A, whose deficiency in the diet can trigger night blindness and macular degeneration. With the aim of increasing the carotenoid content in fruit flesh, three key genes of the carotenoid pathway, phytoene synthase (DcPSY2) and lycopene cyclase (DcLCYB1) from carrots, and carotene desaturase (XdCrtI) from the yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, were optimized for expression in apple and cloned under the Solanum chilense (tomatillo) polygalacturonase (PG) fruit specific promoter. A biotechnological platform was generated and functionally tested by subcellular localization, and single, double and triple combinations were both stably transformed in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. Microtom) and transiently transformed in Fuji apple fruit flesh (Malus domestica). We demonstrated the functionality of the S. chilense PG promoter by directing the expression of the transgenes specifically to fruits. Transgenic tomato fruits expressing DcPSY2, DcLCYB1, and DcPSY2-XdCRTI, produced 1.34, 2.0, and 1.99-fold more total carotenoids than wild-type fruits, respectively. Furthermore, transgenic tomatoes expressing DcLCYB1, DcPSY2-XdCRTI, and DcPSY2-XdCRTI-DcLCYB1 exhibited an increment in β-carotene levels of 2.5, 3.0, and 2.57-fold in comparison with wild-type fruits, respectively. Additionally, Fuji apple flesh agroinfiltrated with DcPSY2 and DcLCYB1 constructs showed a significant increase of 2.75 and 3.11-fold in total carotenoids and 5.11 and 5.84-fold in β-carotene, respectively whereas the expression of DcPSY2-XdCRTI and DcPSY2-XdCRTI-DcLCYB1 generated lower, but significant changes in the carotenoid profile of infiltrated apple flesh. The results in apple demonstrate that DcPSY2 and DcLCYB1 are suitable biotechnological genes to increase the carotenoid content in fruits of species with reduced amounts of these pigments.
Three Sample Estimates of Fraction of Missing Information From Full Information Maximum Likelihood
Authors: Chen Lihan , Savalei Victoria
Published: August 2021

In missing data analysis, the reporting of missing rates is insufficient for the readers to determine the impact of missing data on the efficiency of parameter estimates. A more diagnostic measure, the fraction of missing information (FMI), shows how the standard errors of parameter estimates increase from the information loss due to ignorable missing data. FMI is well-known in the multiple imputation literature (Rubin, 1987), but it has only been more recently developed for full information maximum likelihood (Savalei and Rhemtulla, 2012). Sample FMI estimates using this approach have since then been made accessible as part of the lavaan package (Rosseel, 2012) in the R statistical programming language. However, the properties of FMI estimates at finite sample sizes have not been the subject of comprehensive investigation. In this paper, we present a simulation study on the properties of three sample FMI estimates from FIML in two common models in psychology, regression and two-factor analysis. We summarize the performance of these FMI estimates and make recommendations on their application.
Entrepreneurial Learning, Self-Efficacy, and Firm Performance: Exploring Moderating Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation
Authors: Shen Yan , Wang Qi , Hua Danni , Zhang Zhetao
Published: August 2021

Although the impact entrepreneurial learning on firm performance has attracted significant attention, a comprehensive understanding by integrating entrepreneurial orientation and individual self-efficacy remain poorly understood. We fill this void by integrating the above variables into a model and examine these relations. Findings from a sample of 411 nascent entrepreneurs support that entrepreneurial learning is positively related to firm performance, and this relationship is fully mediated by entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE). We also found entrepreneurial orientation strengthens the positive impact of entrepreneurial learning on ESE. The findings indicate that ESE must be in place to maximize the effect of entrepreneurial learning on performance, and entrepreneurial orientation is an important contingency in shaping entrepreneurial learning's impact on nascent entrepreneur's self-efficacy.
IL-1/IL-1R Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Niklander Sven E. , Murdoch Craig , Hunter Keith D.
Published: August 2021

Decades ago, the study of cancer biology was mainly focused on the tumor itself, paying little attention to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, it is well recognized that the TME plays a vital role in cancer development and progression, with emerging treatment strategies focusing on different components of the TME, including tumoral cells, blood vessels, fibroblasts, senescent cells, inflammatory cells, inflammatory factors, among others. There is a well-accepted relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer development. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine commonly found at tumor sites, is considered one of the most important inflammatory factors in cancer, and has been related with carcinogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. Increasing evidence has linked development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with chronic inflammation, and particularly, with IL-1 signaling. This review focuses on the most important members of the IL-1 family, with emphasis on how their aberrant expression can promote HNSCC development and metastasis, highlighting possible clinical applications.
Long-Term Recovery of the Fecal Microbiome and Metabolome of Dogs with Steroid-Responsive Enteropathy
Authors: Pilla Rachel , Guard Blake C , Blake Amanda B , Ackermann Mark , Webb Craig , Hill Steve , Lidbury Jonathan A , Steiner Jörg M , Jergens Albert E. , Suchodolski Jan S
Published: August 2021

The long-term impact of treatment of dogs with steroid-responsive enteropathy (SRE) on the fecal microbiome and metabolome has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the fecal microbiome and metabolome of dogs with SRE before, during, and following treatment with standard immunosuppressive therapy and an elimination diet. We retrospectively selected samples from 9 dogs with SRE enrolled in a previous clinical trial, which received treatment for 8 weeks, and had achieved remission as indicated by the post-treatment clinical scores. Long-term (1 year) samples were obtained from a subset (5/9) of dogs. Samples from 13 healthy dogs were included as controls (HC). We evaluated the microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR. To evaluate the recovery of gut function, we measured fecal metabolites using an untargeted approach. While improvement was observed for some bacterial taxa after 8 weeks of treatment, several bacterial taxa remained significantly different from HC. Seventy-five metabolites were altered in dogs with SRE, including increased fecal amino acids and vitamins, suggesting malabsorption as a component of SRE. One year after treatment, however, all bacterial species were evaluated by qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and all but thirteen metabolites were no longer different from healthy controls.
Dairy Heifer Motivation for Access to a Shaded Area
Authors: Cardoso Clarissa Silva , von Keyserlingk Marina A. G. , Pinheiro Machado Filho Luiz Carlos , Hötzel Maria José
Published: August 2021

We used an operant conditioning paradigm to test the motivation of non-pregnant dairy heifers to access shade during the summer and autumn months (January to June) in southern Brazil. Dairy heifers (n = 18) were trained to push a weighted gate to access either an experimental area containing both a shaded (simple tree shade and shade cloth) and unshaded area (WITH SHADE) or an experimental area with no shade (BARREN). The latency to push the weighted gate, and the maximum weight pushed by each heifer, were recorded in both the summer and the autumn. Temperature and humidity were recorded continuously for the duration of the study and were used to calculate the heat index. The maximum weight pushed to enter the WITH SHADE area was greater in summer than in autumn, and was inversely related to the latency to push the weighted gate. Heifers refused to work for access to the BARREN environment. As expected, both the maximum ambient temperatures and heat index were higher in summer than in autumn, and also higher in the non-shaded areas than under the shade in both seasons. Heifers of higher social rank displaced other heifers more often, and spent more time in the shaded areas, particularly in the area with trees plus a shade cloth, than the intermediate and subordinate heifers. We conclude that shade is an important and valued resource for heifers reared on pasture-based systems in sub-tropical environments, particularly during the hot summer months.
Assessing the Energy Efficiency Potential of Recycled Materials with Construction and Demolition Waste: A Spanish Case Study
Authors: Porras-Amores César , Martin Garcia Patricia , Villoria Sáez Paola , del Rio Merino Mercedes , Vitielo Veronica
Published: August 2021

Buildings are responsible for 40% of the overall final energy consumption in the European Union. On the other hand, the construction, energy, and industry sectors generate around 50% of the waste produced in Europe, out of which a third part is construction and demolition waste (CDW). In recent years, many research works have been carried out to analyze the viability of incorporating waste, especially CDW, as a substitute for traditional raw materials with great environmental impact. However, most of the studies found cover only the mechanical characterization of the compound, and there are very few that analyze these materials in specific building applications. This research work evaluates the energy efficiency potential of recycled materials with CDW. After an exhaustive analysis of the main existing recycled materials, an energetic evaluation of several construction solutions is carried out, as well as a comparison with traditional solutions. The findings show that the incorporation of recycled materials in several building construction elements is a success, since it not only reduces the consumption of raw materials, but also reduces the energy consumption of the building. Energy savings using recycled materials can range from 8% in a warm region (such as Seville) up to 13% in cold regions (such as Soria), which are greater in heating than in cooling.
The Ball Response on the Beech Parquet Floors Used for Basketball Halls
Authors: Lunguleasa Aurel , Spirchez Cosmin , Radulescu Loredana , Diaconu Minerva Turcas
Published: August 2021

In recent years, with the occurrence of standards in the field, the realization of parquet floors in basketball halls acquires new values that take into account, among other factors, the response of the ball to touching the floor. That is why the paper aims to test four beech parquet floor structures in order to find optimal solutions for these sports activities. Each structure with an area of 1 m × 1 m includes beech parquet with friezes glued together with vinyl adhesive, fixed on a support of longitudinal spruce slats 20 mm thick in the case of structure A, fixed on a spruce frame in the case of structure B, fixed on a spruce frame and beech taggers in the case of structure C, and fixed on a spruce frame and rubber taggers in the case of structure D. The results of laboratory tests showed the clear advantages of type B structures, of type C structures with a large number of beech shock pads, and D-type structures with a small number of rubber shock pads. All tests were based on the antagonism of the elasticity and rigidity properties of the beech wood. Through methodology and experiment, the research contributes to the construction of beech parquet floors used in basketball halls, in terms of the ball’s response to touching the floor.
Development of an Automatic Ultrasound Image Classification System for Pressure Injury Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Matsumoto Masaru , Karube Mikihiko , Nakagami Gojiro , Kitamura Aya , Tamai Nao , Miura Yuka , Kawamoto Atsuo , Kurita Masakazu , Miyake Tomomi , Hayashi Chieko , Kawasaki Akiko , Sanada Hiromi
Published: August 2021

The classification of ultrasound (US) findings of pressure injury is important to select the appropriate treatment and care based on the state of the deep tissue, but it depends on the operator’s skill in image interpretation. Therefore, US for pressure injury is a procedure that can only be performed by a limited number of highly trained medical professionals. This study aimed to develop an automatic US image classification system for pressure injury based on deep learning that can be used by non-specialists who do not have a high skill in image interpretation. A total 787 training data were collected at two hospitals in Japan. The US images of pressure injuries were assessed using the deep learning-based classification tool according to the following visual evidence: unclear layer structure, cobblestone-like pattern, cloud-like pattern, and anechoic pattern. Thereafter, accuracy was assessed using two parameters: detection performance, and the value of the intersection over union (IoU) and DICE score. A total of 73 images were analyzed as test data. Of all 73 images with an unclear layer structure, 7 showed a cobblestone-like pattern, 14 showed a cloud-like pattern, and 15 showed an anechoic area. All four US findings showed a detection performance of 71.4–100%, with a mean value of 0.38–0.80 for IoU and 0.51–0.89 for the DICE score. The results show that US findings and deep learning-based classification can be used to detect deep tissue pressure injuries.
An Epidemiological Study Report on the Antioxidant and Phenolic Content of Selected Mediterranean Functional Foods, Their Consumption Association with the Body Mass Index, and Consumers Purchasing Behavior in a Sample of Healthy Greek Adults
Authors: Kandyliari Aikaterini , Elmaliklis Ioannis-Nektarios , Kontopoulou Olga , Tsafkopoulou Marianna , Komninos Georgios , Ntzatha Christina , Petsas Andreas , Karantonis Haralabos C. , Koutelidakis Antonios E.
Published: August 2021

Functional food consumption is shown to have a positive effect on anthropometric parameters and human health promotion. In addition, consumers seem to be more interested in food choices, that may have a positive effect on their health. The current study aimed to identify the antioxidant and phenolic content of naturally functional foods from the Mediterranean diet and to investigate consumer behavior towards their consumption in terms of their weight control, as well as their purchasing behavior and knowledge of functional foods. For this purpose, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, grapefruit, red peppers, almonds and mountain tea were analyzed for their phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, using the Folin-Ciocalteau and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assays, respectively. Furthermore, nine hundred forty-nine healthy Greek adults participated in an epidemiological study, by completing a validated food frequency questionnaire, for the consumption of the above investigated functional foods. Five hundred and fifty participants also completed an online questionnaire investigating factors that consumers evaluate when purchasing functional foods. Study results showed that the analyzed functional foods were high in antioxidants and phenolic compounds, especially the mountain tea. The increased consumption of cranberries, pomegranate, grapefruit, red peppers and mountain tea was significantly correlated with a decreased Body Mass Index, suggesting a possible positive role, in weight control. Participants seemed to be aware of the beneficial role of these specific investigated Mediterranean functional foods to human health. They evaluated the price, taste and nutritional value, as critical factors to buy these food products. A combination of factors seems to lead them to purchase and consume these functional foods. Future epidemiological and clinical studies should be conducted in order to further evaluate consumer preferences and bioactivity mechanisms related to Mediterranean functional food consumption.
PyFlies: A Domain-Specific Language for Designing Experiments in Psychology
Authors: Dejanović Igor , Dejanović Mirjana , Vidaković Jovana , Nikolić Siniša
Published: August 2021

The majority of studies in psychology are nowadays performed using computers. In the past, access to good quality software was limited, but in the last two decades things have changed and today we have an array of good and easily accessible open-source software to choose from. However, experiment builders are either GUI-centric or based on general-purpose programming languages which require programming skills. In this paper, we investigate an approach based on domain-specific languages which enables a text-based experiment development using domain-specific concepts, enabling practitioners with limited or no programming skills to develop psychology tests. To investigate our approach, we created PyFlies, a domain-specific language for designing experiments in psychology, which we present in this paper. The language is tailored for the domain of psychological studies. The aim is to capture the essence of the experiment design in a concise and highly readable textual form. The editor for the language is built as an extension for Visual Studio Code, one of the most popular programming editors today. From the experiment description, various targets can be automatically produced. In this version, we provide a code generator for the PsychoPy library while generators for other target platforms are planned. We discuss the language, its concepts, syntax, some current limitations, and development directions. We investigate the language using a case study of the implementation of the Eriksen flanker task.
Influence of Printing Substrate on Quality of Line and Text Reproduction in Flexography
Authors: Valdec Dean , Hajdek Krunoslav , Majnarić Igor , Čerepinko Darijo
Published: August 2021

This study characterizes and compares the parameters of the quality reproduction of fine elements in flexography on coated and uncoated paper as well as on OPP film (oriented polypropylene). A monochrome test form was created and printed using cyan UV ink. The analysis of results confirms the importance of interaction between the printing substrate and ink; it also indicates identical line and text deformations on the print. Quality reproduction on coated paper is higher in relation to OPP film for all the research parameters. The ink penetrates significantly more and with more irregularity into the pores and throats of the uncoated paper, which results in less homogeneous elements, and in such way that it loses its original shape. In coated paper and OPP film, the ink spreads more on the substrate area which gives it a significantly more homogeneous shape. However, due to the surface spread of the ink, the biggest changes in the size of fine elements are noticeable in the OPP film. The scientific contribution of this paper is based on the comparison of print quality parameters of fine elements, which can contribute to the optimization of the production process and quality of the final graphical product.
Radiomics Analysis in Ovarian Cancer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Arezzo Francesca , Loizzi Vera , La Forgia Daniele , Moschetta Marco , Tagliafico Alberto Stefano , Cataldo Viviana , Kawosha Adam Abdulwakil , Venerito Vincenzo , Cazzato Gerardo , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Resta Leonardo , Cicinelli Ettore , Cormio Gennaro
Published: August 2021

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common gynecological malignancy, accounting for about 14,000 deaths in 2020 in the US. The recognition of tools for proper screening, early diagnosis, and prognosis of OC is still lagging. The application of methods such as radiomics to medical images such as ultrasound scan (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) in OC may help to realize so-called “precision medicine” by developing new quantification metrics linking qualitative and/or quantitative data imaging to achieve clinical diagnostic endpoints. This narrative review aims to summarize the applications of radiomics as a support in the management of a complex pathology such as ovarian cancer. We give an insight into the current evidence on radiomics applied to different imaging methods.
Seismic and Geodetic Crustal Moment-Rates Comparison: New Insights on the Seismic Hazard of Egypt
Authors: Sawires Rashad , Peláez José A. , Sparacino Federica , Radwan Ali M. , Rashwan Mohamed , Palano Mimmo
Published: August 2021

A comparative analysis of geodetic versus seismic moment-rate estimations makes it possible to distinguish between seismic and aseismic deformation, define the style of deformation, and also to reveal potential seismic gaps. This analysis has been performed for Egypt where the present-day tectonics and seismicity result from the long-lasting interaction between the Nubian, Eurasian, and Arabian plates. The data used comprises all available geological and tectonic information, an updated Poissonian earthquake catalog (2200 B.C.–2020 A.D.) including historical and instrumental datasets, a focal-mechanism solutions catalog (1951–2019), and crustal geodetic strains from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data. The studied region was divided into ten (EG-01 to EG-10) crustal seismic sources based mainly on seismicity, focal mechanisms, and geodetic strain characteristics. The delimited seismic sources cover the Gulf of Aqaba–Dead Sea Transform Fault system, the Gulf of Suez–Red Sea Rift, besides some potential seismic active regions along the Nile River and its delta. For each seismic source, the estimation of seismic and geodetic moment-rates has been performed. Although the obtained results cannot be considered to be definitive, among the delimited sources, four of them (EG-05, EG-06, EG-08, and EG-10) are characterized by low seismic-geodetic moment-rate ratios (<20%), reflecting a prevailing aseismic behavior. Intermediate moment-rate ratios (from 20% to 60%) have been obtained in four additional zones (EG-01, EG-04, EG-07, and EG-09), evidencing how the seismicity accounts for a minor to a moderate fraction of the total deformational budget. In the other two sources (EG-02 and EG-03), high seismic-geodetic moment-rates ratios (>60%) have been observed, reflecting a fully seismic deformation.
Ethylenediamine and Pentaethylene Hexamine Modified Bamboo Sawdust by Radiation Grafting and Their Adsorption Behavior for Phosphate
Authors: Du Jifu , Xiong Houhua , Dong Zhen , Yang Xin , Zhao Long , Yang Jun
Published: August 2021

Phosphate is an important component for the growth of plants and microorganisms; however, excess phosphate causes serious eutrophication in natural waters. New potential low-loss adsorbents from natural biomass for phosphate removal are desired. Bamboo is one of the most abundant renewable cellulose resources; however, the pure bamboo cellulose is poor to adsorb phosphate. To enhance the adsorption capacity, in this work, bamboo sawdust (BS) was chemically modified by two kinds of amines. First, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was grafted on BS using radiation induced graft polymerization. Then, the GMA-grafted BS was further modified by a ring-opening reaction with amines, including ethylenediamine (EDA) and pentaethylene hexamine (PEHA). The amine groups were then quaternized to prepare the BS-GMA-EDA-Q and BS-GMA-PEHA-Q adsorbents. The adsorbents were characterized by FTIR, SEM, TG, and XPS analysis. The adsorption performances of the adsorbents for phosphate were evaluated through batch experiments. The adsorption by BS-GMA-EDA-Q and BS-GMA-PEHA-Q both well obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that the adsorption process was chemical monomolecular layer adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacities for BS-GMA-EDA-Q and BS-GMA-PEHA-Q calculated by the Langmuir model were 85.25 and 152.21 mg/g, respectively. A total of 1 mol/L HCl was used to elute the saturated adsorbents. A negligible decrease in adsorption capacity was found after five adsorption–desorption cycles.