bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older Adults’ Socio-Demographic Determinants of Health Related to Promoting Health and Getting Preventive Health Care in Southern United States: A Secondary Analysis of a Survey Project Dataset
Authors: Tzeng Huey-Ming , Okpalauwaekwe Udoka , Li Chih-Ying
Published: February 2021

Background: This exploratory survey study examined the relationship between older adults’ five socio-demographic determinants (urban/rural residence, gender, age, marital status, and education) and their self-reported perception of importance, desire to perform, and ability to perform nine self-care behaviors related to promoting health and getting preventive health care. Methods: We reported a secondary analysis of a dataset from an exploratory survey project; we analyzed 2015–2016 retrospective data collected from a cross-sectional survey study, including 123 adults aged 65 years and older living in southern United States. Data were collected from the Patient Action Inventory for Self-Care and a demographic questionnaire and analyzed using binary and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Advancing age, marital separation, and holding less than a high school education were significantly associated with at least one of the unfavorable perceptions of the importance, the desire to perform, and the ability to perform three self-care behaviors. These three behaviors were: (1) creating habits that will improve health and prevent disease, (2) discussing the use of health screening tests with healthcare providers, and (3) joining in local health screening or wellness events. Gender and urban/rural residence were not significant. Conclusions: Comprehensive health care should include an individual’s socio-demographic context and self-care perception of importance, desire, and ability.
The Perceptions of Nurses and Nursing Students Regarding Family Involvement in the Care of Hospitalized Adult Patients
Authors: Shibily Faygah M. , Aljohani Nada S. , Aljefri Yara M. , Almutairi Aisha S. , Almutairi Wassaif Z. , Alhallafi Mashael A. , Alsharif Fatmah , Almutairi Wedad , Badr Hanan
Published: February 2021

Over the past few decades, there have been concerns regarding the humanization of healthcare and the involvement of family members in patients’ hospital care. The attitudes of hospitals toward welcoming families in this respect have improved. In Arab culture, the main core of society is considered to be the family, not the individual. The objective behind involving family in patient care is to meet patients’ support needs. Consequently, this involvement affects nurses and their attitudes toward the importance of family involvement in patient care. Objectives: To describe nurses’ and nursing students’ perceptions of family involvement in the care of hospitalized adult patients in Saudi Arabia. Design: This study used a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design. The data were collected using a convenience sampling survey via social media. Results: A total of 270 participants (staff and students) took part in this study, including 232 (85.9%) females and 38 (14.1%) males. Moreover, a high percentage of participants (78.8%) acknowledged that family presence strongly affected the improvement of the patient’s condition. However, 69.3% of participants thought that involving family members during special care processes or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) would be traumatizing for these individuals. Moreover, there was a significant diffidence between the attitudes of the nurses and nursing students toward family involvement and the number of years of employment (F = 3.60, p < 0.05). On the contrary, there were insignificant differences between the attitudes of the nurses and nursing students toward family involvement and their gender, nationality, age, education level, and years of work experience in Saudi Arabia (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between nurses’ years of employment and their support of family involvement in patient care (ß = −0.20, SE = 0.08, t = −2.70, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Nurses with more experience showed no support for family involvement in patient care. We have to consider the clinical barriers that affect nurses’ support for family involvement in patient-centered care, such as hospital polices, guidelines, and the model used for family-centered care integration in the hospital system to facilitate the interaction between healthcare providers and family members.
Preparation and Bioevaluation of Novel 99mTc-Labeled Complexes with a 2-Nitroimidazole HYNIC Derivative for Imaging Tumor Hypoxia
Authors: Ruan Qing , Gan Qianqian , Zhang Xuran , Fang Si’an , Zhang Junbo
Published: February 2021

To develop novel 99mTc-labeled single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) radiotracers for imaging hypoxia, a novel HYNICNM ligand (6-hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC) 2-nitroimidazole derivative) was designed and synthesized. It was radiolabeled with technetium-99m using tricine/trisodium triphenylphosphine-3,3′,3′′-trisulfonate (TPPTS), tricine/sodium triphenylphosphine-3-monosulfonate (TPPMS) and tricine as co-ligands to obtain [99mTc]Tc-tricine-TPPTS-HYNICNM, [99mTc]Tc-tricine-TPPMS-HYNICNM, and [99mTc]Tc-(tricine)2-HYNICNM, respectively. The three technetium-99m complexes were radiolabeled in one step with a high yield (95%) and had good stability in saline and mouse serum. In vitro cellular uptake results showed that these complexes exhibited good hypoxic selectivity. The partition coefficient indicated that they were good hydrophilic complexes, and [99mTc]Tc-tricine-TPPTS-HYNICNM displayed the highest hydrophilicity (−3.02 ± 0.08). The biodistribution in mice bearing S180 tumors showed that [99mTc]Tc-tricine-TPPTS-HYNICNM exhibited higher tumor uptake (1.05 ± 0.27% IA/g); more rapid clearance from the liver, blood, muscle, and other non-target organs; and a higher tumor/non-target ratio, especially for the tumor/liver ratio (1.95), than [99mTc]Tc-tricine-TPPMS-HYNICNM and [99mTc]Tc-(tricine)2-HYNICNM. The results of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging studies of [99mTc]Tc-tricine-TPPTS-HYNICNM were in accordance with the biodistribution results, which suggested that [99mTc]Tc-tricine-TPPTS-HYNICNM is a promising agent for imaging tumor hypoxia.
Comparative Analysis of Morphological and Release Profiles in Ocular Implants of Acetazolamide Prepared by Electrospinning
Authors: Morais Mariana , Coimbra Patrícia , Pina Maria Eugénia
Published: February 2021

The visual impairment that often leads to blindness causes a higher morbidity rate. The goal of this work is to create a novel biodegradable polymeric implant obtained from coaxial fibers containing the dispersed drug—acetazolamide—in order to achieve sustained drug release and increase patient compliance, which is of the highest importance. Firstly, during this work, uncoated implants were produced by electrospinning, and rolled in the shape of small cylinders that were composed of uniaxial and coaxial fibers with immobilized drug inside. The fibers were composed by PCL (poly ε-caprolactone) and Lutrol F127 (poly (oxyethylene-b-oxypropylene-b-oxyethylene)). The prepared implants exhibited a fast rate of drug release, which led to the preparation of new implants incorporating the same formulation but with an additional coating film prepared by solvent casting and comprising PCL and Lutrol F127 or PCL and Luwax EVA 3 ((poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)). Implants were characterized and in vitro release profiles of acetazolamide were obtained in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C. The release profile of the acetazolamide from coated implant containing Luwax EVA 3 is considerably slower than what was observed in case of coated implants containing Lutrol F127, allowing a sustained release and an innovation relatively to other ocular drug delivery systems.
Functionalization of Gold Nanostars with Cationic β-Cyclodextrin-Based Polymer for Drug Co-Loading and SERS Monitoring
Authors: Donoso-González Orlando , Lodeiro Lucas , Aliaga Álvaro E. , Laguna-Bercero Miguel A. , Bollo Soledad , Kogan Marcelo J. , Yutronic Nicolás , Sierpe Rodrigo
Published: February 2021

Gold nanostars (AuNSs) exhibit modulated plasmon resonance and have a high SERS enhancement factor. However, their low colloidal stability limits their biomedical application as a nanomaterial. Cationic β-cyclodextrin-based polymer (CCD/P) has low cytotoxicity, can load and transport drugs more efficiently than the corresponding monomeric form, and has an appropriate cationic group to stabilize gold nanoparticles. In this work, we functionalized AuNSs with CCD/P to load phenylethylamine (PhEA) and piperine (PIP) and evaluated SERS-based applications of the products. PhEA and PIP were included in the polymer and used to functionalize AuNSs, forming a new AuNS-CCD/P-PhEA-PIP nanosystem. The system was characterized by UV–VIS, IR, and NMR spectroscopy, TGA, SPR, DLS, zeta potential analysis, FE-SEM, and TEM. Additionally, Raman optical activity, SERS analysis and complementary theoretical studies were used for characterization. Minor adjustments increased the colloidal stability of AuNSs. The loading capacity of the CCD/P with PhEA-PIP was 95 ± 7%. The physicochemical parameters of the AuNS-CCD/P-PhEA-PIP system, such as size and Z potential, are suitable for potential biomedical applications Raman and SERS studies were used to monitor PhEA and PIP loading and their preferential orientation upon interaction with the surface of AuNSs. This unique nanomaterial could be used for simultaneous drug loading and SERS-based detection.
Detecting Genetic Mobility Using a Transposon-Based Marker System in Gamma-Ray Irradiated Soybean Mutants
Authors: Hung Nguyen Ngoc , Kim Dong-Gun , Lyu Jae Il , Park Kyong-Cheul , Kim Jung Min , Kim Jin-Baek , Ha Bo-Keun , Kwon Soon-Jae
Published: February 2021

Transposable elements (TEs)—major components of eukaryotic genomes—have the ability to change location within a genome. Because of their mobility, TEs are important for genome diversification and evolution. Here, a simple rapid method, using the consensus terminal inverted repeat sequences of PONG, miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (MITE)-Tourist (M-t) and MITE-Stowaway (M-s) as target region amplification polymorphism (TE-TRAP) markers, was employed to investigate the mobility of TEs in a gamma-irradiated soybean mutant pool. Among the different TE-TRAP primer combinations, the average polymorphism level and polymorphism information content value were 57.98% and 0.14, respectively. Only the PONG sequence separated the mutant population into three major groups. The inter-mutant population variance, determined using the PONG marker (3.151 and 29%) was greater than that of the M-t (2.209 and 20%) and M-s (2.766 and 18%) markers, whereas the reverse was true for the intra-mutant population variations, with M-t and M-s values, being 15.151 (82%) and 8.895 (80%), respectively, compared with the PONG marker (7.646 and 71%). Thus, the MITE markers revealed more dynamic and active mobility levels than the PONG marker in gamma-ray irradiated soybean mutant lines. The TE-TRAP technique associated with sensitive MITEs is useful for investigating genetic diversity and TE mobilization, providing tools for mutant selection in soybean mutation breeding.
Gelatin/Chitosan Bilayer Patches Loaded with Cortex Phellodendron amurense/Centella asiatica Extracts for Anti-Acne Application
Authors: Kuo Chi-Wen , Chiu Yi-Fang , Wu Min-Hua , Li Ming-Hsien , Wu Cheng-Nan , Chen Wan-Sin , Huang Chiung-Hua
Published: February 2021

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often occurs with anaerobic Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Anti-acne patches, made of hydrocolloid or hydrogel, have become a popular way of topical treatment. The outer water-impermeable layer of commercial patches might create hypoxic conditions and promote P. acnes growth. In this study, gelatin/chitosan (GC) bilayer patches were prepared at different temperatures that included room temperature (RT), −20 °C/RT, and −80 °C/RT. The most promising GC bilayer patch (−80 °C /RT) contained a dense upper layer for protection from bacteria and infection and a porous lower layer for absorbing pus and fluids from pimples. The anti-acne bilayer patch was loaded with Cortex Phellodendri amurensis (PA) and Centella asiatica (CA) extracts. PA extract could inhibit the growth of P. acnes and CA extract was reported to improve wound healing and reduce scar formation. Moreover, the water retention rate, weight loss rate, antibacterial activity, and in vitro cytotoxicity of the patches were investigated. The porous structure of the patches promoted water retention and contributed to absorbing the exudate when used on open acne wounds. The GC bilayer patches loaded with PA/CA extracts were demonstrated to inhibit the growth of P. acnes, and accelerate the skin fibroblast cell viability. Based on their activities and characteristics, the GC bilayer patches with PA/CA extract prepared at −80 °C/RT obtain the potential for the application of acne spot treatment.
Development of Antimicrobial PLA Composites for Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Brounstein Zachary , Yeager Chris M. , Labouriau Andrea
Published: February 2021

In addition to possessing the desirable properties of being a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer fabricated from renewable resources, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) has useful mechanical and thermal attributes that has enabled it to be one of the most widely-used plastics for medicine, manufacturing, and agriculture. Yet, PLA composites have not been heavily explored for use in 3D-printing applications, and the range of feasible materials for the technology is limited, which inhibits its potential growth and industry adoption. In this study, tunable, multifunctional antimicrobial PLA composite filaments for 3D-printing have been fabricated and tested via chemical, thermal, mechanical, and antimicrobial experiments. Thermally stable antimicrobial ceramics, ZnO and TiO2, were used as fillers up to 30 wt%, and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used as a plasticizer to tune the physical material properties. Results demonstrate that the PLA composite filaments exhibit the thermal phase behaviors and thermal stability suitable for 3D-printing. Additionally, PEG can be used to tune the mechanical properties while not affecting the antimicrobial efficacy that ZnO and TiO2 imbue.
Intertwining Christian Mission, Theology, and History: A Case Study of the Basel Mission among the Thiyyas and Badagas of Kerala, 1870–1913
Authors: Basu Roy Tiasa
Published: February 2021

For centuries, various denominations of Christian missionaries have contributed in a larger way towards the spread of Christianity among the people of Indian sub-continent. Each Church had its own principles of preaching the word of God and undertook welfare activities in and around the mission-stations. From establishing schools to providing medical aids, the Christian missionaries were involved in constant perseverance to improve the ‘indigenous’ societies not only in terms of amenities and opportunities, but also in spiritual aspects. Despite conversion being the prime motive, every Mission prepared ground on which their undertakings found meanings and made an impact over people’s lives. These endeavours, combining missiological and theological discourses, brought hope and success to the missionaries, and in our case study, the Basel Mission added to the history of the Christian Mission while operating in the coastal and hilly districts of Kerala during the 19th and the 20th centuries. Predominantly following the trait of Pietism, the Basel Mission emphasised practical matters more than doctrine, which was evident in the Mission activities among the Thiyyas and the Badagas of Malabar and Nilgiris, respectively. Along with addressing issues like the caste system and spreading education in the ‘backward’ regions, the most remarkable contribution of the Basel Mission established the ‘prototype’ of industries which was part of the ‘praxis practice’ model. It aimed at self-sufficiency and provided a livelihood for a number of people who otherwise had no honourable means of subsistence. Moreover, conversion in Kerala was a combination of ‘self-transformation’ and active participation which resulted in ‘enculturation’ and inception of ‘modernity’ in the region. Finally, this article shows that works of the Basel Mission weaved together its theological and missiological ideologies which determined its exclusivity as a Church denomination.
Zen and the Body: A Postmodern Ascetic? Bodily Awakening in the Zen Memoirs of Shozan Jack Haubner
Authors: Van Overmeire Ben
Published: February 2021

In this article, I examine two memoirs by the American Zen Buddhist author Shozan Jack Haubner. Within the contemporary genre of American Zen autobiographical literature, Haubner’s books are special in that they explore Zen awakening as driven by the body. Penetration, pregnancy and sickness are the main figures Haubner uses to show how his autobiographical protagonist accesses the Buddhist truth of no-self. Though these books can thus be said to map an ascetic quest for the erasure of individuality, this quest proceeds not through the imposition of will onto the body, but the body imposing its will on the self. Because this is somewhat different from how the ascetic self is usually theorized, I propose to call Haubner’s main character a “postmodern ascetic”.
Inverse and Forward Kinematic Analysis of a 6-DOF Parallel Manipulator Utilizing a Circular Guide
Authors: Fomin Alexey , Antonov Anton , Glazunov Victor , Rodionov Yuri
Published: February 2021

The proposed study focuses on the inverse and forward kinematic analysis of a novel 6-DOF parallel manipulator with a circular guide. In comparison with the known schemes of such manipulators, the structure of the proposed one excludes the collision of carriages when they move along the circular guide. This is achieved by using cranks (links that provide an unlimited rotational angle) in the manipulator kinematic chains. In this case, all drives stay fixed on the base. The kinematic analysis provides analytical relationships between the end-effector coordinates and six controlled movements in drives (driven coordinates). Examples demonstrate the implementation of the suggested algorithms. For the inverse kinematics, the solution is found given the position and orientation of the end-effector. For the forward kinematics, various assembly modes of the manipulator are obtained for the same given values of the driven coordinates. The study also discusses how to choose the links lengths to maximize the rotational capabilities of the end-effector and provides a calculation of such capabilities for the chosen manipulator design.
A Multipath Fusion Strategy Based Single Shot Detector
Authors: Qu Shuyi , Huang Kaizhu , Hussain Amir , Goulermas Yannis
Published: February 2021

Object detection has wide applications in intelligent systems and sensor applications. Compared with two stage detectors, recent one stage counterparts are capable of running more efficiently with comparable accuracy, which satisfy the requirement of real-time processing. To further improve the accuracy of one stage single shot detector (SSD), we propose a novel Multi-Path fusion Single Shot Detector (MPSSD). Different from other feature fusion methods, we exploit the connection among different scale representations in a pyramid manner. We propose feature fusion module to generate new feature pyramids based on multiscale features in SSD, and these pyramids are sent to our pyramid aggregation module for generating final features. These enhanced features have both localization and semantics information, thus improving the detection performance with little computation cost. A series of experiments on three benchmark datasets PASCAL VOC2007, VOC2012, and MS COCO demonstrate that our approach outperforms many state-of-the-art detectors both qualitatively and quantitatively. In particular, for input images with size 512 × 512, our method attains mean Average Precision (mAP) of 81.8% on VOC2007 test, 80.3% on VOC2012 test, and 33.1% mAP on COCO test-dev 2015.
Multimodal Deep Reinforcement Learning with Auxiliary Task for Obstacle Avoidance of Indoor Mobile Robot
Authors: Song Hailuo , Li Ao , Wang Tong , Wang Minghui
Published: February 2021

It is an essential capability of indoor mobile robots to avoid various kinds of obstacles. Recently, multimodal deep reinforcement learning (DRL) methods have demonstrated great capability for learning control policies in robotics by using different sensors. However, due to the complexity of indoor environment and the heterogeneity of different sensor modalities, it remains an open challenge to obtain reliable and robust multimodal information for obstacle avoidance. In this work, we propose a novel multimodal DRL method with auxiliary task (MDRLAT) for obstacle avoidance of indoor mobile robot. In MDRLAT, a powerful bilinear fusion module is proposed to fully capture the complementary information from two-dimensional (2D) laser range findings and depth images, and the generated multimodal representation is subsequently fed into dueling double deep Q-network to output control commands for mobile robot. In addition, an auxiliary task of velocity estimation is introduced to further improve representation learning in DRL. Experimental results show that MDRLAT achieves remarkable performance in terms of average accumulated reward, convergence speed, and success rate. Moreover, experiments in both virtual and real-world testing environments further demonstrate the outstanding generalization capability of our method.
A Knitted Sensing Glove for Human Hand Postures Pattern Recognition
Authors: Lee Seulah , Choi Yuna , Sung Minchang , Bae Jihyun , Choi Youngjin
Published: February 2021

In recent years, flexible sensors for data gloves have been developed that aim to achieve excellent wearability, but they are associated with difficulties due to the complicated manufacturing and embedding into the glove. This study proposes a knitted glove integrated with strain sensors for pattern recognition of hand postures. The proposed sensing glove is fabricated at all once by a knitting technique without sewing and bonding, which is composed of strain sensors knitted with conductive yarn and a glove body with non-conductive yarn. To verify the performance of the developed glove, electrical resistance variations were measured according to the flexed angle and speed. These data showed different values depending on the speed or angle of movements. We carried out experiments on hand postures pattern recognition for the practicability verification of the knitted sensing glove. For this purpose, 10 able-bodied subjects participated in the recognition experiments on 10 target hand postures. The average classification accuracy of 10 subjects reached 94.17% when their own data were used. The accuracy of up to 97.1% was achieved in the case of grasp posture among 10 target postures. When all mixed data from 10 subjects were utilized for pattern recognition, the average classification expressed by the confusion matrix arrived at 89.5%. Therefore, the comprehensive experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the knitted sensing gloves. In addition, it is expected to reduce the cost through a simple manufacturing process of the knitted sensing glove.
Research on Distance Transform and Neural Network Lidar Information Sampling Classification-Based Semantic Segmentation of 2D Indoor Room Maps
Authors: Zheng Tao , Duan Zhizhao , Wang Jin , Lu Guodong , Li Shengjie , Yu Zhiyong
Published: February 2021

Semantic segmentation of room maps is an essential issue in mobile robots’ execution of tasks. In this work, a new approach to obtain the semantic labels of 2D lidar room maps by combining distance transform watershed-based pre-segmentation and a skillfully designed neural network lidar information sampling classification is proposed. In order to label the room maps with high efficiency, high precision and high speed, we have designed a low-power and high-performance method, which can be deployed on low computing power Raspberry Pi devices. In the training stage, a lidar is simulated to collect the lidar detection line maps of each point in the manually labelled map, and then we use these line maps and the corresponding labels to train the designed neural network. In the testing stage, the new map is first pre-segmented into simple cells with the distance transformation watershed method, then we classify the lidar detection line maps with the trained neural network. The optimized areas of sparse sampling points are proposed by using the result of distance transform generated in the pre-segmentation process to prevent the sampling points selected in the boundary regions from influencing the results of semantic labeling. A prototype mobile robot was developed to verify the proposed method, the feasibility, validity, robustness and high efficiency were verified by a series of tests. The proposed method achieved higher scores in its recall, precision. Specifically, the mean recall is 0.965, and mean precision is 0.943.
Nano-Interstice Driven Powerless Blood Plasma Extraction in a Membrane Filter Integrated Microfluidic Device
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Yoon Junghyo , Byun Jae-Yeong , Kim Hyunho , Han Sewoon , Kim Junghyun , Lee Jeong Hoon , Jo Han-Sang , Chung Seok
Published: February 2021

Blood plasma is a source of biomarkers in blood and a simple, fast, and easy extraction method is highly required for point-of-care testing (POCT) applications. This paper proposes a membrane filter integrated microfluidic device to extract blood plasma from whole blood, without any external instrumentation. A commercially available membrane filter was integrated with a newly designed dual-cover microfluidic device to avoid leakage of the extracted plasma and remaining blood cells. Nano-interstices installed on both sides of the microfluidic channels actively draw the extracted plasma from the membrane. The developed device successfully supplied 20 μL of extracted plasma with a high extraction yield (~45%) in 16 min.
Advancement of Sensor Integrated Organ-on-Chip Devices
Authors: Clarke Gabriel A. , Hartse Brenna X. , Niaraki Asli Amir Ehsan , Taghavimehr Mehrnoosh , Hashemi Niloofar , Abbasi Shirsavar Mehran , Montazami Reza , Alimoradi Nima , Nasirian Vahid , Ouedraogo Lionel J. , Hashemi Nicole N.
Published: February 2021

Organ-on-chip devices have provided the pharmaceutical and tissue engineering worlds much hope since they arrived and began to grow in sophistication. However, limitations for their applicability were soon realized as they lacked real-time monitoring and sensing capabilities. The users of these devices relied solely on endpoint analysis for the results of their tests, which created a chasm in the understanding of life between the lab the natural world. However, this gap is being bridged with sensors that are integrated into organ-on-chip devices. This review goes in-depth on different sensing methods, giving examples for various research on mechanical, electrical resistance, and bead-based sensors, and the prospects of each. Furthermore, the review covers works conducted that use specific sensors for oxygen, and various metabolites to characterize cellular behavior and response in real-time. Together, the outline of these works gives a thorough analysis of the design methodology and sophistication of the current sensor integrated organ-on-chips.
The Potential Role of Lithium as an Antiviral Agent against SARS-CoV-2 via Membrane Depolarization: Review and Hypothesis
Authors: Qaswal Abdallah Barjas , Suleiman Aiman , Guzu Hasan , Harb Taima’a , Atiyat Bashir
Published: February 2021

Studies on potential treatments of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are important to improve the global situation in the face of the pandemic. This review proposes lithium as a potential drug to treat COVID-19. Our hypothesis states that lithium can suppress NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity, inhibit cell death, and exhibit immunomodulation via membrane depolarization. Our hypothesis was formulated after finding consistent correlations between these actions and membrane depolarization induced by lithium. Eventually, lithium could serve to mitigate the NLRP3-mediated cytokine storm, which is allegedly reported to be the inciting event of a series of retrogressive events associated with mortality from COVID-19. It could also inhibit cell death and modulate the immune system to attenuate its release, clear the virus from the body, and interrupt the cycle of immune-system dysregulation. Therefore, these effects are presumed to improve the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 patients. As the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise exponentially without a clear consensus on potential therapeutic agents, urgent conduction of preclinical and clinical studies to prove the efficacy and safety of lithium is reasonable.
New Energy Policy Directions in the European Union Developing the Concept of Smart Cities
Authors: Tantau Adrian , Şanta Ana-Maria Iulia
Published: February 2021

In the context of the European Union promoting clean energy, sustainability and better living conditions for its citizens, the development of smarts cities is an initiative supported at the European Union level, in line with the new energy policies of the European Union promoted by the package “Clean Energy for All Europeans”. The concept of smart cities gains increasing importance in the European Union, a fact that is reflected in the project “European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities” of the European Commission. Smart cities are a practical example of how the new energy policies shape the lives of the European Union citizens, trying to improve it. As a consequence, new business models arise in big cities, involving the use of technology for better living conditions. These new, technology-based business models are important, as they improve the life quality of the inhabitants, they reduce the climate change impact, and they contribute as well to job creation in the IT-industry, promoting innovation. They have as well a social impact, as they bring experts from energy policies, business, economics, legal and IT together in order to project a new type of city—the smart city. The research hypothesis of the present article is that there is a high acceptance towards the concept of smart cities at the European Union level and that this concept could be implemented with the help of information technology and of artificial intelligence. This way, legal provisions, economic measures and IT-tools work together in order to create synergy effects for better life quality of the citizens of the European Union. The research hypothesis is analyzed by means of the questionnaire as a qualitative research method and is as well assessed by using case studies (e.g., Austria, Finland, Romania). The novelty of the case studies is that the development of smart cities is analyzed due to the new trend towards sustainability in two countries with different living conditions in the European Union.
Learning Body Techniques: Dance and Body Flexibility among Gay Black Teens in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Lopes Maycon
Published: February 2021

This article is the result of ethnographic fieldwork among amateur dancers, mainly among gay adolescents from the outskirts of Salvador de Bahia (Brazil), who label themselves as “flexible”. This self-definition arises out of bodily flexibility techniques, cultivated through intense physical work. By focusing on specific training situations, such as stretching exercises, I trace understand how the “flexible” body is built. I propose that the language mobilized by these young people offer an important guide to understanding the distinctive elements of this practice. The practitioners’ accounts and my own observations of the practice indicate that the embodiment of acrobatic skills occurs in a process that weaves body and environment. Following Ingold, I argue that an ecological approach help us to comprehend this kinesthetic practice as spatial realization, as well as providing useful insights into its learning practices exploring the richly sensory dimension of learning practices and development of motor sensibilities, such as the sound and the imperative pain experience. Furthermore, I analyze how my interlocutors’ concept of body fits the theoretical idea of how bodies should not be defined by what they are, but rather by what they are able to do.
Untargeted Exometabolomics Provides a Powerful Approach to Investigate Biogeochemical Hotspots with Vegetation and Polygon Type in Arctic Tundra Soils
Authors: Ladd Mallory P. , Reeves David T. , Poudel Suresh , Iversen Colleen M. , Wullschleger Stan D. , Hettich Robert L.
Published: February 2021

Rising temperatures in the Arctic have led to the thawing of tundra soils, which is rapidly changing terrain, hydrology, and plant and microbial communities, causing hotspots of biogeochemical activity across the landscape. Despite this, little is known about how nutrient-rich low molecular weight dissolved organic matter (LMW DOM) varies within and across tundra ecosystems. Using a high-resolution nano-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) approach, we characterized the composition and availability of LMW DOM from high-centered polygons (HCP) and low-centered polygons (LCP) with Eriophorum angustifolium or Carex aquatilis as the dominant vegetation. Over 3000 unique features (i.e., discrete mass/charge ions) were detected; 521 were identified as differentially abundant between polygonal types and 217 were putatively annotated using high mass accuracy MS data. While polygon type was a strong predictor of LMW DOM composition and availability, vegetation and soil depth were also important drivers. Extensive evidence was found for enhanced microbial processing at the LCP sites, which were dominated by Carex plant species. We detected significant differences between polygon types with varying aboveground landscape features or properties, and hotspots of biogeochemical activity, indicating LMW DOM, as quantified by untargeted exometabolomics, provides a window into the dynamic complex interactions between landscape topography, vegetation, and organic matter cycling in Arctic polygonal tundra soils.
Uncovering the Role of Biophysical Factors and Socioeconomic Forces Shaping Soil Sensitivity to Degradation: Insights from Italy
Authors: Gambella Filippo , Colantoni Andrea , Egidi Gianluca , Morrow Nathan , Prokopová Marcela , Salvati Luca , Giménez-Morera Antonio , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: February 2021

Following an operational framework derived from earlier research, our study research estimates the specific contribution of biophysical and socioeconomic factors to soil sensitivity to degradation at two-time points (Early-1990s and Early-2010s) in Italy, a Mediterranean hotspot for desertification risk. A total of 34 variables associated (directly or, at least, indirectly) with different processes of soil degradation (erosion, salinization, sealing, contamination, and compaction) and climate change were considered here, delineating the predominant (underlying) cause (i.e., biophysical or socioeconomic). This set of variables represented the largest (quantitative) information available from national and international data sources including official statistics at both national and European scale. Contribution of biophysical and socioeconomic dimensions to soil sensitivity to degradation was heterogeneous in Italy, with the level of soil sensitivity to biophysical factors being the highest in less accessible, natural areas mostly located in hilly and mountainous districts. The highest level of soil sensitivity to socioeconomic drivers was instead observed in more accessible locations around large cities and flat rural districts with crop intensification and low (but increasing) population density. All these factors delineated an enlarged divide in environmental quality between (i) flat and upland districts, and between (ii) Northern and Southern Italian regions. These findings suggest the appropriateness of policy strategies protecting soils with a strong place-specific knowledge, i.e., based on permanent monitoring of local (biophysical and socioeconomic) conditions.
Solid Dispersions of Anthelmintics and Plant Protection Preparations
Authors: Khalikov Salavat S.
Published: February 2021

Because of the rapid development of nanotechnologies, materials, in particular, solid dispersions (SDs), which are actively introduced into the life of modern man, have been obtained. Special progress in this area is observed in industry and medicine. The use of SDs in agriculture is lagging far behind, despite the growing number of scientific papers on this topic. At the same time, the prospects for the introduction of SDs in the agro-industrial complex are obvious. The review presents the results of research on the development of innovative preparations based on SD to protect plants from diseases and pests of cultivated plants, as well as parasiticides to protect animal health based on modern achievements of nanotechnology. One of these technologies is the methods of mechanochemistry, which improve the properties of poorly soluble biologically active substances by their joint mechanical treatment with water-soluble polymers and auxiliary substances.
What Key Drivers Are Needed to Implement Material Efficiency Strategies? An Analysis of the Electrical and Electronic Industry in Malaysia and Its Implications to Practitioners
Authors: Ho Fu Haw , Abdul-Rashid Salwa Hanim , Raja Ghazilla Raja Ariffin , Sakundarini Novita , Woo Yoke Ling , Ahmad Said , Ghazali Ihwan , Abdul Haq Reazul Haq
Published: February 2021

A circular economy can be achieved by the efficient use of materials across different industries and sectors. In the manufacturing sectors, practicing material efficiency is one of the effective strategies to reduce material usage and solid waste generation. However, due to many unknown factors, such as key drivers to enhance material efficiency, most of the time, manufacturers are practicing at the minimum level of material saving. This study aims to examine the key drivers of material efficiency among electrical and electronic (E&E) companies to fulfill the aims of sustainable manufacturing. The data collection and synthesis were conducted using semi-structured interviews and an analytical hierarchy process survey. In this study, thirteen key drivers were found. Five internal drivers and eight external drivers with different priorities were found to influence E&E companies in the practice of material efficiency strategies. In addition, the drivers’ implications to different practitioner groups are suggested. To conclude, achieving material efficiency can be done effectively if the incentivized key drivers are clearly notified. This research is important to show the key drivers that influence the implementation of material efficiency strategies in the E&E industries.
Introducing the Shared Micro-Depot Network for Last-Mile Logistics
Authors: Rosenberg Leonardo N. , Balouka Noemie , Herer Yale T. , Dani Eglantina , Gasparin Paco , Dobers Kerstin , Rüdiger David , Pättiniemi Pete , Portheine Peter , van Uden Sonja
Published: February 2021

Last-mile logistics is both a source and cause of problems in urban areas, especially problems related to traffic congestion, unsustainable delivery modes, and limited parking availability. In this context, multiple sustainable logistics solutions have been proposed. We focus on micro-depots (MDs), which can function as a consolidation center and a collection-and-delivery point for business-to-consumer (B2C) small parcels. This paper presents a new research idea that extends the existing MD solution by introducing the concept of a shared MD network with parcel lockers. Such networks enable multiple logistics service providers (LSPs) and/or business partners to use an MD while minimizing their individual costs and optimizing the use of urban space. We present case studies of such shared MD networks operating in the cities of Helsinki and Helmond. We provide a framework for auxiliary businesses that can exploit the existing MD structure to offer services to the surrounding population. Finally, we define metrics for evaluating the success of shared MD networks while considering social, environmental and economic objectives. The case studies highlight the complexity of implementing such a solution; it requires stakeholders’ involvement and collaboration. In particular, deciding on the location for a shared MD network is a critical phase, since local authorities have their own regulations, and residents’ preferences are usually different than LSPs’ ones. Nevertheless, if these challenges are overcome, this sustainable last-mile logistics solution has a promising future.
(Un)Sustainability of the Time Devoted to Selected Housework—Evidence from Slovakia
Authors: Knapková Miroslava , Považanová Mariana
Published: February 2021

Domestic appliances play a vital role in modern households. Appliances help simplify domestic work, but individuals become dependent on them. The present paper aims to contribute to the long-standing dilemma among scholars whether domestic appliances help to shorten the time devoted to household chores or not. The paper focuses on the utilization of various domestic appliances in Slovak households and on the influence of their utilization on the time of men and women in partner households and in the single-person households devoted to routine unpaid work activities. The results of the paper are based on the data from original field research conducted in Slovakia in 2015. A total of 1179 partner households, 182 single-man households and 226 single-woman households were included in the analysis. The jamovi version 1.2 statistical program was used to verify the hypothesis by chi-squared goodness of fit test and nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-test. In partner households and in single-man households, usage of automatic washing machines significantly influences time devoted to preparation and maintenance of the clothes. In single-woman households, usage of dishwasher significantly influences time devoted to food preparation. In partner households, men devote less time to routine unpaid work activities than women, regardless of usage or non-usage of domestic appliances.
Issues of Natural Resources Law for Adopting Catchment-Based Measures for Flood Risk Management in Sweden
Authors: Goytia Susana
Published: February 2021

The EU Floods Directive calls for integrated flood risk management at a catchment scale. The potential of this directive to integrate relevant policy areas and deliver catchment-based measures may however be undermined by sectoral laws and policies in the Member States. This article focuses on the legal issues affecting the integration of catchment-based measures for managing flood risk in three relevant policy areas, namely, energy (in the form of hydropower production), agriculture, and forestry, in Sweden. The results show that that the present legal frameworks not only can restrict attempts to introduce catchment-based measures through compulsory means, but in some cases can also encumber collaborative and voluntary initiatives. It is therefore important to reinforce the catchment perspective in the processes leading to the adoption of flood risk management plans, in terms of assessing flood risks, evaluating measures and engaging stakeholders.
Alternative Tourism and Environmental Impacts: Perception of Residents of an Extractive Reserve in the Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Medeiros Heloise Michelle Nunes , Guerreiro Quêzia Leandro de Moura , Vieira Thiago Almeida , Silva Sandra Maria Sousa da , Renda Ana Isabel da Silva Aço , Oliveira-Junior José Max Barbosa
Published: February 2021

Alternative tourism (AT) contributes to conservation, valuing the environment and recipient cultures with minimal impact, especially in protected areas. In this context, this article identified, considering the residents’ perception, the possible environmental impacts resulting from alternative tourism in communities of the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve (RESEX), Brazilian Amazonia. Thus, between February and April 2019 a semi-structured interview was conducted with 122 residents of three communities of RESEX (Anã, Maripá, and São Miguel). The interview script was divided into three groups of questions: (i) interviewee data, (ii) socioeconomic data, and (iii) perception of the concept and environmental impacts of alternative tourism. We used a snowball sampling method, which consists of a form of a non-probabilistic sample. The majority (91.8%) of the informants did not know how to explain the concept of alternative tourism; however, for 87.7% of them, this tourism does not generate negative impacts. Income is the most used expression (53%) by RESEX residents to demonstrate what alternative tourism positively impacts. About 74.6% of respondents reported that tourists do not influence local customs change, and 94.3% do not identify tourism-related violence. Finally, 89.3% say that tourists do not pollute the environments. The research carried out in this Conservation Unit deserves the attention of decision-makers, managers, technicians, and researchers. It provides subsidies for management programs to provide real bases for the analysis, interpretation, and planning of sustainable tourist spaces.
A Study on the Effect of Change Management on Organizational Innovation: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Members’ Innovative Behavior
Authors: Sung Wookjoon , Kim Changil
Published: February 2021

This study is an empirical study on the impact of change management on organizational innovation through innovative behavior in the public sector. The independent variables are the four elements of change management (organizational goal, transformational leadership, participation and communication, education and training), the dependent variable is organizational innovation, and the mediating variable is the innovative behavior of members. The data used for the analysis is the Public Service Recognition Survey 2018 by KIPA (the Korea Institute of Public Administration). Hayes’ Process Macro analysis (Model 4) was performed to verify the mediating variable. As a result of the analysis, it was found that change management factors have a positive effect on innovative behavior and organizational innovation. In addition, public officials’ innovative behavior played a mediating role between change management and organizational innovation. It was confirmed that the innovative behavior of organizational members is essential to achieve organizational innovation. Among the factors of change management, participation and communication had the highest influence on innovative behavior and organizational innovation.
Enzymatic Methods for the Manipulation and Valorization of Soapstock from Vegetable Oil Refining Processes
Authors: Casali Beatrice , Brenna Elisabetta , Parmeggiani Fabio , Tessaro Davide , Tentori Francesca
Published: February 2021

The review will discuss the methods that have been optimized so far for the enzymatic hydrolysis of soapstock into enriched mixtures of free fatty acids, in order to offer a sustainable alternative to the procedure which is currently employed at the industrial level for converting soapstock into the by-product known as acid oil (or olein, i.e., free fatty acids removed from raw vegetable oil, dissolved in residual triglycerides). The further biocatalyzed manipulation of soapstock or of the corresponding acid oil for the production of biodiesel and fine chemicals (surfactants, plasticizers, and additives) will be described, with specific attention given to processes performed in continuous flow mode. The valorization of soapstock as carbon source in industrial lipase production will be also considered.