bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Multitasking Pharmacological COX-Targeting Agents: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Prodrugs with Antiproliferative Effects
Authors: Grande Fedora , Giordano Francesca , Occhiuzzi Maria Antonietta , Rocca Carmine , Ioele Giuseppina , De Luca Michele , Ragno Gaetano , Panno Maria Luisa , Rizzuti Bruno , Garofalo Antonio
Published: June 2021

The antitumor activity of certain anti-inflammatory drugs is often attributed to an indirect effect based on the inhibition of COX enzymes. In the case of anti-inflammatory prodrugs, this property could be attributed to the parent molecules with mechanism other than COX inhibition, particularly through formulations capable of slowing down their metabolic conversion. In this work, a pilot docking study aimed at comparing the interaction of two prodrugs, nabumetone (NB) and its tricyclic analog 7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-1-one (MC), and their common active metabolite 6-methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid (MNA) with the COX binding site, was carried out. Cytotoxicity, cytofluorimetry, and protein expression assays on prodrugs were also performed to assess their potential as antiproliferative agents that could help hypothesize an effective use as anticancer therapeutics. Encouraging results suggest that the studied compounds could act not only as precursors of the anti-inflammatory metabolite, but also as direct antiproliferative agents.
SARs for the Antiparasitic Plant Metabolite Pulchrol. 3. Combinations of New Substituents in A/B-Rings and A/C-Rings
Authors: Terrazas Paola , Salamanca Efrain , Dávila Marcelo , Manner Sophie , Gimenez Alberto , Sterner Olov
Published: June 2021

The natural products pulchrol and pulchral, isolated from the roots of the Mexican plant Bourreria pulchra, have previously been shown to possess antiparasitic activity towards Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania braziliensis and L. amazonensis, which are protozoa responsible for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. These infections have been classified as neglected diseases, and still require the development of safer and more efficient alternatives to their current treatments. Recent SARs studies, based on the pulchrol scaffold, showed which effects exchanges of its substituents have on the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity. Many of the analogues prepared were shown to be more potent than pulchrol and the current drugs used to treat leishmaniasis and Chagas disease (miltefosine and benznidazole, respectively), in vitro. Moreover, indications of some of the possible interactions that may take place in the binding sites were also identified. In this study, 12 analogues with modifications at two or three different positions in two of the three rings were prepared by synthetic and semi-synthetic procedures. The molecules were assayed in vitro towards T. cruzi epimastigotes, L. braziliensis promastigotes, and L. amazonensis promastigotes. Some compounds had higher antiparasitic activity than the parental compound pulchrol, and in some cases even benznidazole and miltefosine. The best combinations in this subset are with carbonyl functionalities in the A-ring and isopropyl groups in the C-ring, as well as with alkyl substituents in both the A- and C-rings combined with a hydroxyl group in position 1 (C-ring). The latter corresponds to cannabinol, which indeed was shown to be potent towards all the parasites.
Brain Long Noncoding RNAs: Multitask Regulators of Neuronal Differentiation and Function
Authors: Keihani Sarva , Kluever Verena , Fornasiero Eugenio F.
Published: June 2021

The extraordinary cellular diversity and the complex connections established within different cells types render the nervous system of vertebrates one of the most sophisticated tissues found in living organisms. Such complexity is ensured by numerous regulatory mechanisms that provide tight spatiotemporal control, robustness and reliability. While the unusual abundance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in nervous tissues was traditionally puzzling, it is becoming clear that these molecules have genuine regulatory functions in the brain and they are essential for neuronal physiology. The canonical view of RNA as predominantly a ‘coding molecule’ has been largely surpassed, together with the conception that lncRNAs only represent ‘waste material’ produced by cells as a side effect of pervasive transcription. Here we review a growing body of evidence showing that lncRNAs play key roles in several regulatory mechanisms of neurons and other brain cells. In particular, neuronal lncRNAs are crucial for orchestrating neurogenesis, for tuning neuronal differentiation and for the exact calibration of neuronal excitability. Moreover, their diversity and the association to neurodegenerative diseases render them particularly interesting as putative biomarkers for brain disease. Overall, we foresee that in the future a more systematic scrutiny of lncRNA functions will be instrumental for an exhaustive understanding of neuronal pathophysiology.
Theoretical Prediction of Structures, Vibrational Circular Dichroism, and Infrared Spectra of Chiral Be4B8 Cluster at Different Temperatures
Authors: Buelna-García Carlos Emiliano , Robles-Chaparro Eduardo , Parra-Arellano Tristan , Quiroz-Castillo Jesus Manuel , del-Castillo-Castro Teresa , Martínez-Guajardo Gerardo , Castillo-Quevedo Cesar , de-León-Flores Aned , Anzueto-Sánchez Gilberto , Martin-del-Campo-Solis Martha Fabiola , Mendoza-Wilson Ana Maria , Vásquez-Espinal Alejandro , Cabellos Jose Luis
Published: June 2021

Lowest-energy structures, the distribution of isomers, and their molecular properties depend significantly on geometry and temperature. Total energy computations using DFT methodology are typically carried out at a temperature of zero K; thereby, entropic contributions to the total energy are neglected, even though functional materials work at finite temperatures. In the present study, the probability of the occurrence of one particular Be4B8 isomer at temperature T is estimated by employing Gibbs free energy computed within the framework of quantum statistical mechanics and nanothermodynamics. To identify a list of all possible low-energy chiral and achiral structures, an exhaustive and efficient exploration of the potential/free energy surfaces is carried out using a multi-level multistep global genetic algorithm search coupled with DFT. In addition, we discuss the energetic ordering of structures computed at the DFT level against single-point energy calculations at the CCSD(T) level of theory. The total VCD/IR spectra as a function of temperature are computed using each isomer’s probability of occurrence in a Boltzmann-weighted superposition of each isomer’s spectrum. Additionally, we present chemical bonding analysis using the adaptive natural density partitioning method in the chiral putative global minimum. The transition state structures and the enantiomer–enantiomer and enantiomer–achiral activation energies as a function of temperature evidence that a change from an endergonic to an exergonic type of reaction occurs at a temperature of 739 K.
Ditopic Aza-Scorpiand Ligands Interact Selectively with ds-RNA and Modulate the Interaction upon Formation of Zn2+ Complexes
Authors: Guijarro Lluís , Martínez-Camarena Álvaro , Chicote Javier U. , García-España Antonio , García-España Enrique , Inclán Mario , Verdejo Begoña , González-García Jorge
Published: June 2021

Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules in living systems and represent one of the main targets of chemists, biophysics, biologists, and nanotechnologists. New small molecules are continuously developed to target the duplex (ds) structure of DNA and, most recently, RNA to be used as therapeutics and/or biological tools. Stimuli-triggered systems can promote and hamper the interaction to biomolecules through external stimuli such as light and metal coordination. In this work, we report on the interaction with ds-DNA and ds-RNA of two aza-macrocycles able to coordinate Zn2+ metal ions and form binuclear complexes. The interaction of the aza-macrocycles and the Zn2+ metal complexes with duplex DNA and RNA was studied using UV thermal and fluorescence indicator displacement assays in combination with theoretical studies. Both ligands show a high affinity for ds-DNA/RNA and selectivity for ds-RNA. The ability to interact with these duplexes is blocked upon Zn2+ coordination, which was confirmed by the low variation in the melting temperature and poor displacement of the fluorescent dye from the ds-DNA/RNA. Cell viability assays show a decrease in the cytotoxicity of the metal complexes in comparison with the free ligands, which can be associated with the observed binding to the nucleic acids.
Glochidion littorale Leaf Extract Exhibits Neuroprotective Effects in Caenorhabditis elegans via DAF-16 Activation
Authors: Bagoudou Abdel Fawaz , Zheng Yifeng , Nakabayashi Masahiro , Rawdkuen Saroat , Park Hyun-Young , Vattem Dhiraj A. , Sato Kenji , Nakamura Soichiro , Katayama Shigeru
Published: June 2021

A number of plants used in folk medicine in Thailand and Eastern Asia are attracting interest due to the high bioactivities of their extracts. The aim of this study was to screen the edible leaf extracts of 20 plants found in Thailand and investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of the most bioactive sample. The total phenol and flavonoid content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity were determined for all 20 leaf extracts. Based on these assays, Glochidion littorale leaf extract (GLE), which showed a high value in all tested parameters, was used in further experiments to evaluate its effects on neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. GLE treatment ameliorated H2O2-induced oxidative stress by attenuating the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and protected the worms against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced neurodegeneration. The neuroprotective effects observed may be associated with the activation of the transcription factor DAF-16. The characterization of this extract by LC-MS identified several phenolic compounds, including myricetin, coumestrin, chlorogenic acid, and hesperidin, which may play a key role in neuroprotection. This study reports the novel neuroprotective activity of GLE, which may be used to develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s syndrome.
The Genus Cladosporium: A Rich Source of Diverse and Bioactive Natural Compounds
Authors: Salvatore Maria Michela , Andolfi Anna , Nicoletti Rosario
Published: June 2021

Fungi are renowned as one of the most fruitful sources of chemodiversity and for their ubiquitous occurrence. Among the many taxonomic groupings considered for the implications deriving from their biosynthetic aptitudes, the genus Cladosporium stands out as one of the most common in indoor environments. A better understanding of the impact of these fungi on human health and activities is clearly based on the improvement of our knowledge of the structural aspects and biological properties of their secondary metabolites, which are reviewed in the present paper.
Structural and Optical Sensing Properties of Nonthermal Atmospheric Plasma-Synthesized Polyethylene Glycol-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Linh , Lamichhane Pradeep , Choi Eun , Lee Geon
Published: June 2021

Polyethylene glycol-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au@PEG NPs) were prepared by a simple plasma-assisted method without additional reducing chemicals. After irradiating tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in aqueous medium with an argon plasma jet, the gold precursor transformed into an Au@PEG NP colloid that exhibited surface plasma resonance at 530 nm. When the plasma jet entered the water, additional reactive species were induced through interactions between plasma-generated reactive species and aqueous media. Interaction of the gold precursor with the plasma-activated medium allowed the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) without reductants. The plasma-synthesized Au@PEG NPs had a quasi-spherical shape with an average particle diameter of 32.5 nm. The addition of PEG not only helped to stabilize the AuNPs but also increased the number of AuNPs. Au@PEG NP-loaded paper (AuNP-paper) was able to detect the degradation of rhodamine B, therefore, indicating that AuNP-paper can act as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering platform. Dye degradation by plasma treatment was investigated by optical absorption and Raman spectroscopy. The method proposed for the fabrication of Au@PEG NPs is rapid, low-cost, and environment-friendly and will facilitate the application of plasma-synthesized nanomaterials in sensors.
Highly Effective Self-Propagating Synthesis of Lamellar ZnO-Decorated MnO2 Nanocrystals with Improved Supercapacitive Performance
Authors: Li Luming , Li Jing , Li Hongmei , Lan Li , Deng Jie
Published: June 2021

A series of MOx (M = Co, Ni, Zn, Ce)-modified lamellar MnO2 electrode materials were controllably synthesized with a superfast self-propagating technology and their electrochemical practicability was evaluated using a three-electrode system. The results demonstrated that the specific capacitance varied with the heteroatom type as well as the doping level. The low ZnO doping level was more beneficial for improving electrical conductivity and structural stability, and Mn10Zn hybrid nanocrystals exhibited a high specific capacitance of 175.3 F·g−1 and capacitance retention of 96.9% after 2000 cycles at constant current of 0.2 A·g−1. Moreover, XRD, SEM, and XPS characterizations confirmed that a small part of the heteroatoms entered the framework to cause lattice distortion of MnO2, while the rest dispersed uniformly on the surface of the carrier to form an interfacial collaborative effect. All of them induced enhanced electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties. Thus, the current work provides an ultrafast route for development of high-performance pseudocapacitive energy storage nanomaterials.
Four-Period Vertically Stacked SiGe/Si Channel FinFET Fabrication and Its Electrical Characteristics
Authors: Li Yongliang , Zhao Fei , Cheng Xiaohong , Liu Haoyan , Zan Ying , Li Junjie , Zhang Qingzhu , Wu Zhenhua , Luo Jun , Wang Wenwu
Published: June 2021

In this paper, to solve the epitaxial thickness limit and the high interface trap density of SiGe channel Fin field effect transistor (FinFET), a four-period vertically stacked SiGe/Si channel FinFET is presented. A high crystal quality of four-period stacked SiGe/Si multilayer epitaxial grown with the thickness of each SiGe layer less than 10 nm is realized on a Si substrate without any structural defect impact by optimizing its epitaxial grown process. Meanwhile, the Ge atomic fraction of the SiGe layers is very uniform and its SiGe/Si interfaces are sharp. Then, a vertical profile of the stacked SiGe/Si Fin is achieved with HBr/O2/He plasma by optimizing its bias voltage and O2 flow. After the four-period vertically stacked SiGe/Si Fin structure is introduced, its FinFET device is successfully fabricated under the same fabrication process as the conventional SiGe FinFET. And it attains better drive current Ion, subthreshold slope (SS) and Ion/Ioff ratio electrical performance compared with the conventional SiGe channel FinFET, whose Fin height of SiGe channel is almost equal to total thickness of SiGe in the four-period stacked SiGe/Si channel FinFET. This may be attributed to that the four-period stacked SiGe/Si Fin structure has larger effective channel width (Weff) and may maintain a better quality and surface interfacial performance during the whole fabrication process. Moreover, Si channel of the stacked SiGe/Si channel turning on first also may have contribution to its better electrical properties. This four-period vertically stacked SiGe/Si channel FinFET device has been demonstrated to be a practical candidate for the future technology nodes.
Drug-Releasing Antibacterial Coating Made from Nano-Hydroxyapatite Using the Sonocoating Method
Authors: AbouAitah Khaled , Bil Monika , Pietrzykowska Elzbieta , Szałaj Urszula , Fudala Damian , Woźniak Bartosz , Nasiłowska Justyna , Swiderska-Sroda Anna , Lojkowski Maciej , Sokołowska Barbara , Swieszkowski Wojciech , Lojkowski Witold
Published: June 2021

Medical implant use is associated with a risk of infection caused by bacteria on their surface. Implants with a surface that has both bone growth-promoting properties and antibacterial properties are of interest in orthopedics. In the current study, we fabricated a bioactive coating of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) using the sonocoating method. The sonocoating method creates a layer by immersing the object in a suspension of nanoparticles in water and applying a high-power ultrasound. We show that the simple layer fabrication method results in a well-adhering layer with a thickness of 219 nm to 764 nm. Dropping cefuroxime sodium salt (Cef) antibiotic on the coated substrate creates a layer with a drug release effect and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. We achieved a concentration of up to 1 mg of drug per cm2 of the coated substrate. In drug release tests, an initial burst was observed within 24 h, accompanied by a linear stable release effect. The drug-loaded implants exhibited sufficient activity against S. aureus for 24 and 168 h. Thus, the simple method we present here produces a biocompatible coating that can be soaked with antibiotics for antibacterial properties and can be used for a range of medical implants.
Computational and Experimental Analysis of Gold Nanorods in Terms of Their Morphology: Spectral Absorption and Local Field Enhancement
Authors: Núñez-Leyva Juan Manuel , Kolosovas-Machuca Eleazar Samuel , Sánchez John , Guevara Edgar , Cuadrado Alexander , Alda Javier , González Francisco Javier
Published: June 2021

A nanoparticle’s shape and size determine its optical properties. Nanorods are nanoparticles that have double absorption bands associated to surface plasmon oscillations along their two main axes. In this work, we analize the optical response of gold nanorods with numerical simulations and spectral absorption measurements to evaluate their local field enhancement—which is key for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) applications. Our experimental results are in good agreement with finite element method (FEM) simulations for the spectral optical absorption of the nanoparticles. We also observed a strong dependence of the optical properties of gold nanorods on their geometrical dimension and shape. Our numerical simulations helped us reveal the importance of the nanorods’ morphology generated during the synthesis stage in the evaluation of absorption and local field enhancement. The application of these gold nanorods in surface-enhancement Raman spectroscopy is analyzed numerically, and results in a 5.8×104 amplification factor when comparing the values obtained for the nanorod deposited on a dielectric substrate compared to the nanorod immersed in water.
Diet, Microbiome, and Cancer Immunotherapy—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Szczyrek Michał , Bitkowska Paulina , Chunowski Patryk , Czuchryta Paulina , Krawczyk Paweł , Milanowski Janusz
Published: June 2021

The immune system plays a key role in cancer suppression. Immunotherapy is widely used as a treatment method in patients with various types of cancer. Immune checkpoint blockade using antibodies, such as anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, and anti-CTLA-4, is currently gaining popularity. A systematic literature search was executed, and all available data was summarized. This review shows that specific dietary patterns (such as, e.g., animal-based, vegetarian, or Mediterranean diet) alter the gut microbiome’s composition. An appropriate intestinal microbiota structure might modulate the function of human immune system, which affects the bodily anti-cancer response. This paper shows also that specific bacteria species inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract can have a beneficial influence on the efficacy of immunotherapy. Antibiotics weaken gut bacteria and worsen the immune checkpoint blockers’ efficacy, whereas a faecal microbiota transplant or probiotics supplementation may help restore bacterial balance in the intestine. Other factors (like vitamins, glucose, or BMI) change the cancer treatment response, as well. This review demonstrates that there is a strong association between one’s diet, gut microbiome composition, and the outcome of immunotherapy. However, further investigation on this subject is required.
Controlling Microresonator Solitons with the Counter-Propagating Pump
Authors: Fan Zhiwei , Skryabin Dmitry V.
Published: June 2021

Considering a bidirectionally pumped ring microresonator, we provide a concise derivation of the model equations allowing us to eliminate the repetition rate terms and reduce the nonlinear interaction between the counter-propagating waves to the power-dependent shifts of the resonance frequencies. We present the simulation results of the soliton control by swiping the frequency of the counter-propagating wave in the forward and backward directions and with the soliton-blockade effect either present or not. We highlight the non-reciprocity of the forward and backward scans. Furthermore, we report the soliton crystals and breathers existing in the vicinity of the blockade interval.
Chilling and Freezing Temperature Stress Differently Influence Glucosinolates Content in Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Authors: Ljubej Valentina , Radojčić Redovniković Ivana , Salopek-Sondi Branka , Smolko Ana , Roje Sanja , Šamec Dunja
Published: June 2021

Brassica oleracea var. acephala is known to have a strong tolerance to low temperatures, but the protective mechanisms enabling this tolerance are unknown. Simultaneously, this species is rich in health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and glucosinolates. We hypothesize that these metabolites play an important role in the ability to adapt to low temperature stress. To test this hypothesis, we exposed plants to chilling (8 °C) and additional freezing (−8 °C) temperatures under controlled laboratory conditions and determined the levels of proline, chlorophylls, carotenoids, polyphenols, and glucosinolates. Compared with that of the control (21 °C), the chilling and freezing temperatures increased the contents of proline, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Detailed analysis of individual glucosinolates showed that chilling increased the total amount of aliphatic glucosinolates, while freezing increased the total amount of indolic glucosinolates, including the most abundant indolic glucosinolate glucobrassicin. Our data suggest that glucosinolates are involved in protection against low temperature stress. Individual glucosinolate species are likely to be involved in different protective mechanisms because they show different accumulation trends at chilling and freezing temperatures.
Morpho-Physiological Responses of Arabidopsis thaliana L. to the LED-Sourced CoeLux® System
Authors: Beatrice Peter , Terzaghi Mattia , Chiatante Donato , Scippa Gabriella Stefania , Montagnoli Antonio
Published: June 2021

The CoeLux® lighting system reproduces the true effect of natural sunlight entering through an opening in the ceiling, with a realistic sun perceived at an infinite distance surrounded by a clear blue sky. It has already been demonstrated that this new lighting system generates long-term positive effects on human beings; however, there are no investigations so far concerning the plant responses to CoeLux® lighting. To fill this gap, the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana L. was grown at four different distances from the light source, corresponding to four different light intensities (120, 70, 30, 20 μmol m−2 s−1). High-pressure sodium lamps were used as control light. Plant phenology and morpho-physiological traits were monitored to assess for the first time the ability of plants to grow and develop under the light spectrum and intensity of the CoeLux® system. Plants grown at the lower light intensities showed a delayed life cycle and were significantly smaller than plants grown with more light. Furthermore, plants grown under the CoeLux® light type showed an additional deficit when compared to control plants. Overall, our results show that both the light spectrum and intensity of the CoeLux® system had a strong impact on A. thaliana growth performance.
Chemical Composition and Cosmeceutical Potential of the Essential Oil of Oncosiphon suffruticosum (L.) Källersjö
Authors: Adewinogo Selena O. , Sharma Rajan , Africa Charlene W. J. , Marnewick Jeanine L. , Hussein Ahmed A.
Published: June 2021

The South African medicinal plant Oncosiphon suffruticosum (L.) Källersjö is an important remedy used to treat chronic, respiratory, and skin ailments. From the essential oil (EO) extracted by the hydrodistillation, sixteen constituent components were identified with oxygenated monoterpenes: camphor (31.21%), filifolone (13.98%), chrysanthenone (8.72%), 1,8-cineole (7.85%), and terpinen-4-ol (7.39%) as predominant constituents. In the antibacterial activity study, the EO was found most susceptible against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an MIC of 6.4 mg/mL; however, it showed the same activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with an MIC value of 12.8 mg/mL. The sun protecting factor (SPF) of the EO was found to be 2.299 and thus establishing it as a potentially important cosmeceutical for sunscreen applications. This is the first report investigating the essential oil of O. suffruticosum for its chemical composition and skin-related in vitro biological activities viz antibacterial, antioxidant capacity, antityrosinase, and sun protection factor.
Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Mechanism of Natural Rubber Waterstop after Aging in Low-Temperature Environment
Authors: Yu Lin , Liu Shiman , Yang Weiwei , Liu Mengying
Published: June 2021

In order to elucidate the aging performance and aging mechanism of a rubber waterstop in low-temperature environments, the rubber waterstops were placed in the freezing test chamber to accelerate aging, and then we tested its tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, compression permanent deformation and hardness at different times. Additionally, the damaged specimens were tested by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. The results showed that with the growth of aging time, the mechanical properties of the rubber waterstop are reduced. At the same time, many protrusions appeared on the surface of the rubber waterstop, the C element gradually decreased, and the O element gradually increased. During the period of 72–90 days, the content of the C element in the low-temperature air environment significantly decreased compared with that in low-temperature water, while the content of O element increased significantly.
Analyzing Management Control Systems between Principal Owners of Facilities and Subsidiaries in the Chemical Industry
Authors: Segovia-Villarreal Maria , López-Pérez Lucía , Ramón-Jerónimo Juan M. , Florez-Lopez Raquel
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyze how managers of sections that belong to the chemical industry make use of management control systems (MCS) in order to facilitate relationships between the labor force of the owner enterprise and employees of outsourced companies, through collaboration and daily bases of coworking. It intends to consider how they allocate their available resources to the contractor characteristics and how, together, they confront external factors. The research strategy is based on a case study in which the uses of MCS by the most relevant Spanish chemical contractor influence the relationship with subcontractors in terms of strategic goals, trust, risk management or performance evaluation. Findings derived from four semi-structured interviews conducted with the central contractor and three subcontractors belonging to each of the three separate activities’ categories suggest that using MCS as controlling or enabling, in this setting, can have lasting and deep effects in the alignment of subcontractors’ strategic orientation to match the contractor’s, in the unification of risk management mechanisms, in the enhanced trust and collaboration in the coworking space, as well as in the performance evaluation criteria applied.
Optimization of Spray-Drying Process with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for Preparing High Quality Graphene Oxide Slurry
Authors: Ye Xingxing , Shi Yexun , Shen Liming , Su Peng , Bao Ningzhong
Published: June 2021

The “Drying-redissolution” method is promising for the industrial production of high-concentration well-dispersed graphene oxide slurry (GOS). As the potential key step in this method, the spray drying process requires a statistical investigation which guides the large-scale preparation of graphene oxide powder (GOP). This work systematically studies the effects of operating parameters, including nozzle airflow rate (439–895 L·h−1), atomization pressure (0.5–0.7 MPa), and liquid feed rate (3.0–9.0 mL·min−1), by using the response surface methodology integrated Box–Behnken design (RSM–BBD), aiming to produce GOP with high yield and easy re-dispersion. The optimized spray drying condition is predicted to be 439 L·h−1, 0.59 MPa, and 9.0 mL·min−1, at which a powder yield of 70.45% can be achieved. The experimentally obtained GOP has an average particle size of 11.65 μm and the low crumpling degree of the particle morphology results in the good re-dispersibility (97.95%) and excellent adsorption performance (244.1 mg·g−1) of GOP. The GOS prepared by the spray-dried GOP possess low viscosity and high exfoliation efficiency with a single-layer fraction up to 90.8%, exhibiting good prospects for application. This work first applied the RSM–BBD model on the spray drying process of GO, and evidenced the possibility of producing high-quality GO slurry with the “drying-redissolution” method.
Numerical Analysis and Optimization of Solar-Assited Heat Pump Drying System with Waste Heat Recovery Based on TRNSYS
Authors: Xie Zhiyuan , Gong Yulie , Ye Cantao , Yao Yuan , Liu Yubin
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a new solar-assisted heat pump drying system with waste heat recovery and double water tanks (SCAHP) was established and the system optimized by TRNSYS and variable air volume experiment. The annual cumulative efficiency of the SCAHP (COPac), buffer tank heating efficiency (ηBT) and hot water storage tank heating efficiency (ηST) are all considered as optimization objectives, and this paper discusses the relationship between the three optimization objectives and studies the influence of hot air volume (qDR), area of solar collector (ASC), inclination angle of solar collector (ISC) and volume of heat storage water tank (VST) on system efficiency in the drying process. In order to explore the general rule of system optimization, numerical analysis and optimization were carried out in five typical cities in five climatic regions of China. The results show that the mixed variable air volume mode can increase the drying rate with less energy loss, and shorten the drying period by 28.6–33.3%. When the system surface body ratio (SBR) in Nanjing is between 3.1 and 4.1, the COPac, ηBT, and ηST can reach the maximum value simultaneously. It is estimated that the cost can be recovered in 5 years when the system configuration parameters are optimized.
‘A Most Select Gathering’. Mexican National Pilgrimages to Rome during the Papacy of Leo XIII
Authors: Ramón Solans Francisco Javier
Published: June 2021

The objective of this article is to analyse Mexican national pilgrimages to Rome that took place during the pontificate of Leo XIII (1878–1903). These pilgrimages occurred in the context of a global Catholic mobilisation in support of the papacy, during the so-called Roman Question. This paper’s analysis of these pilgrimages draws from historiography about national pilgrimages, as well as studies on Catholic mobilisation in support of the pope in the second half of the nineteenth century. It is fundamentally based on primary sources of an official nature, such as reports and other printed documents produced on the occasion of the pilgrimage. The study’s primary conclusion is that national pilgrimages to Rome had a polysemic character since they brought together various religious and national identities. The pilgrimages contributed simultaneously to reinforcing the link between Catholicism and Mexican national identity and the global dimension of Catholicism and allegiance to the Holy See.
“I Am Not Good at Any of This.” Playing with Homoeroticism in The Arabian Nights
Authors: Bosman Frank G.
Published: June 2021

The story collection known in the West as The Arabian Nights or One Thousand and One Nights, is famous, among other things, for its erotic playfulness. This eroticism was (and is) one of the key reasons for its continuous popularity after Antoine Galland’s French translation in 1704. The Arabian Nights includes, besides traditional, heterosexual acts, play, and desires, examples of homoerotic playfulness—even though we must tread lightly when using such Western concepts with an oriental text body such as this one. The homoerotic playfulness of The Arabian Nights is the subject of this article. By making use of a text-immanent analysis of two of the Nights’ stories—of Qamar and Budûr and of Alî Shâr and Zumurrud—the author of this article focuses on the reversal of common gender roles, acts of cross-dressing, and, of course, homoerotic play. He will argue that these stories provide a narrative safe environment in which the reader is encouraged to “experiment” with non-normative sexual and gender orientations, leaving the dominant status quo effectively and ultimately unchallenged, thus preventing the (self-proclaimed) defenders of that status quo from feeling threatened enough to actively counter-act the experiment.
Assist-As-Needed Exoskeleton for Hand Joint Rehabilitation Based on Muscle Effort Detection
Authors: Castiblanco Jenny Carolina , Mondragon Ivan Fernando , Alvarado-Rojas Catalina , Colorado Julian D.
Published: June 2021

Robotic-assisted systems have gained significant traction in post-stroke therapies to support rehabilitation, since these systems can provide high-intensity and high-frequency treatment while allowing accurate motion-control over the patient’s progress. In this paper, we tackle how to provide active support through a robotic-assisted exoskeleton by developing a novel closed-loop architecture that continually measures electromyographic signals (EMG), in order to adjust the assistance given by the exoskeleton. We used EMG signals acquired from four patients with post-stroke hand impairments for training machine learning models used to characterize muscle effort by classifying three muscular condition levels based on contraction strength, co-activation, and muscular activation measurements. The proposed closed-loop system takes into account the EMG muscle effort to modulate the exoskeleton velocity during the rehabilitation therapy. Experimental results indicate the maximum variation on velocity was 0.7 mm/s, while the proposed control system effectively modulated the movements of the exoskeleton based on the EMG readings, keeping a reference tracking error <5%.
Chiroptical Metasurfaces: Principles, Classification, and Applications
Authors: Kim Joohoon , Rana Ahsan Sarwar , Kim Yeseul , Kim Inki , Badloe Trevon , Zubair Muhammad , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Rho Junsuk
Published: June 2021

Chiral materials, which show different optical behaviors when illuminated by left or right circularly polarized light due to broken mirror symmetry, have greatly impacted the field of optical sensing over the past decade. To improve the sensitivity of chiral sensing platforms, enhancing the chiroptical response is necessary. Metasurfaces, which are two-dimensional metamaterials consisting of periodic subwavelength artificial structures, have recently attracted significant attention because of their ability to enhance the chiroptical response by manipulating amplitude, phase, and polarization of electromagnetic fields. Here, we reviewed the fundamentals of chiroptical metasurfaces as well as categorized types of chiroptical metasurfaces by their intrinsic or extrinsic chirality. Finally, we introduced applications of chiral metasurfaces such as multiplexing metaholograms, metalenses, and sensors.
Method for Tunnel Displacements Calculation Based on Mobile Tunnel Monitoring System
Authors: Yue Zeyu , Sun Haili , Zhong Ruofei , Du Liming
Published: June 2021

Efficient, high-precision, and automatic measurement of tunnel structural changes is the key to ensuring the safe operation of subways. Conventional manual, static, and discrete measurements cannot meet the requirements of rapid and full-section detection in subway construction and operation. Mobile laser scanning technology is the primary method for tunnel detection. Herein, we propose a method to calculate shield tunnel displacements of a full cross-section tunnel. The point cloud data, obtained via a mobile tunnel deformation detection system, were fitted, projected, and interpolated to generate an orthophoto image. Combined with the cumulative characteristics of the tunnel gray gradient, the longitudinal ring seam of the tunnel was identified, while the Canny algorithm and Hough line detection algorithm identified the transverse seam. The symmetrical vertical foot method and cross-section superposition analysis were used to calculate the circumferential and radial displacements, respectively. The proposed displacement calculation method achieves automatic recognition of a ring seam, reduces human–computer interaction, and is fast, intelligent, and accurate. Furthermore, the description of the tunnel deformation location and deformation amount is more quantitative and specific. These results confirm the significance of shield tunnel displacement monitoring based on mobile monitoring systems in tunnel disease monitoring.
A Deep Learning-Based Electromagnetic Signal for Earthquake Magnitude Prediction
Authors: Bao Zhenyu , Zhao Jingyu , Huang Pu , Yong Shanshan , Wang Xin’an
Published: June 2021

The influence of earthquake disasters on human social life is positively related to the magnitude and intensity of the earthquake, and effectively avoiding casualties and property losses can be attributed to the accurate prediction of earthquakes. In this study, an electromagnetic sensor is investigated to assess earthquakes in advance by collecting earthquake signals. At present, the mainstream earthquake magnitude prediction comprises two methods. On the one hand, most geophysicists or data analysis experts extract a series of basic features from earthquake precursor signals for seismic classification. On the other hand, the obtained data related to earth activities by seismograph or space satellite are directly used in classification networks. This article proposes a CNN and designs a 3D feature-map which can be used to solve the problem of earthquake magnitude classification by combining the advantages of shallow features and high-dimensional information. In addition, noise simulation technology and SMOTE oversampling technology are applied to overcome the problem of seismic data imbalance. The signals collected by electromagnetic sensors are used to evaluate the method proposed in this article. The results show that the method proposed in this paper can classify earthquake magnitudes well.
Sustainable Event Planning: An Exploration of University Conference Centers
Authors: Samuel Madeline , Choi Hyunsuk , Kang Haesang , Lee Myong Jae
Published: June 2021

The use of conference services on university campuses has grown in recent years. Focusing on three university conference centers in Southern California in the United States, this study explores innovative practices, tools, and strategies that sales and marketing teams can use to attract potential clients to campus facilities. A Delphi method with a panel of eight sales and marketing experts from three university conference centers was used to examine tools and strategies used by university conference centers. The findings reveal that email marketing, tradeshows, and social media are effective marketing tools to show that universities are an economical option for meeting planners, providing meeting attendees with the college atmosphere that they would not receive at a hotel. Detailed implications of results are discussed.
The Need for Systems Awareness to Support Early-Phase Decision-Making—A Study from the Norwegian Energy Industry
Authors: Engen Siv , Falk Kristin , Muller Gerrit
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we explore the need to improve systems awareness to support early-phase decision-making. This research uses the Norwegian energy industry as context. This industry deals with highly complex engineering systems that shall operate remotely for 25+ years. Through an in-depth study in a systems supplier company, we find that engineers are not sufficiently aware of the systems operational context and do not focus on the context in the early phase. We identified the lack of a holistic mindset and the challenge of balancing internal strategy and customers’ needs as the prevalent barriers. To support the concept evaluation, the subsea system suppliers need to raise systems awareness in the early phase. The study identifies four aspects that are important to consider when developing and implementing approaches to improve systems awareness in the early phase.
Cyberspace: A Digital Ecosystem
Authors: Lippert Kari J. , Cloutier Robert
Published: June 2021

Cyberspace is a new frontier, not just for hackers, but for engineers. It is a digital ecosystem, the next generation of Internet and network applications, promising a whole new world of distributed and open systems that can interact, self-organize, evolve, and adapt. These ecosystems transcend traditional collaborative environments, such as client-server, peer-to-peer, or hybrid models (e.g., web services), to become a self-organized, evolving, interactive environment. Understanding cyberspace as a system is critical if we are to properly design systems to exist within it. Considering it to be a digital ecosystem, where systems can adapt and evolve, will enable systems engineering to become more effective in the future of networks and the Internet. While most systems engineers have only anecdotal experience with large segments of this ecosystem, in today’s world all of them must come to understand it. Engineering any system, or portion of a system, begins with an understanding of the system. This paper presents two interrelated yet distinct foundational models of the ecosystem of cyberspace: a Systemigram to narrate the cyclical nature of cyber warfare, and a modified predator–prey model, as a mathematical model. Systems engineers can utilize these models to design digital “species” that function and adapt within this ecosystem.
Performance of MALDI–TOF Mass Spectrometry in the Philippines
Authors: Osa Morichika , Belo Maria Cecilia , Dela Merced Zita , Villanueva Annavi Marie G. , Mauhay Jaira , Celis Alyannah , Catli Melissa , Suzuki Shuichi , Ukawa Tatsuya , Tamaki Shingo , Dhoubhadel Bhim Gopal , Ariyoshi Koya , Telan Elizabeth Freda O. , Umipig Dorcas Valencia , Parry Christopher M. , Saito Nobu , Smith Chris
Published: June 2021

Identification of the causative pathogen in infectious diseases is important for surveillance and to guide treatment. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), conventional culture and identification methods, including biochemical methods, are reference-standard. Biochemical methods can lack sensitivity and specificity and have slow turnaround times, causing delays in definitive therapy. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) is a rapid and accurate diagnostic method. Most studies comparing MALDI–TOF MS and biochemical methods are from high-income countries, with few reports from LMIC with tropical climates. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of MALDI–TOF MS compared to conventional methods in the Philippines. Clinical bacterial or fungal isolates were identified by both MALDI–TOF MS and automated (VITEK2) or manual biochemical methods in the San Lazaro Hospital, Metro Manila, the Philippines. The concordance between MALDI–TOF MS and automated (VITEK2) or manual biochemical methods was analyzed at the species and genus levels. In total, 3530 bacterial or fungal isolates were analyzed. The concordance rate between MALDI–TOF MS and biochemical methods was 96.2% at the species level and 99.9% at the genus level. Twenty-three isolates could not be identified by MALDI–TOF MS. In this setting, MALDI–TOF MS was accurate compared with biochemical methods, at both the genus and the species level. Additionally, MALDI–TOF MS improved the turnaround time for results. These advantages could lead to improved infection management and infection control in low- and middle-income countries, even though the initial cost is high.
Special Issue “Innovation and Evidence for Achieving TB Elimination in the Asia-Pacific Region”
Authors: du Cros Philipp , Hussain Hamidah , Viney Kerri
Published: June 2021

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) END-TB strategy has set the world on course to climb the highest of medical mountains by 2035, with a targeted peak of reductions in TB deaths by 95%, TB cases by 90%, and no burden of catastrophic expenses on families due to TB [...]
Planning for Informal Urban Green Spaces in African Cities: Children’s Perception and Use in Peri-Urban Areas of Luanda, Angola
Authors: Pedrosa Eurídice Lurdes Jorge , Okyere Seth Asare , Frimpong Louis Kusi , Diko Stephen Kofi , Commodore Tracy Sidney , Kita Michihiro
Published: June 2021

Urbanization has placed considerable constraints on the preservation and maintenance of formal green spaces in African cities. This situation has given attention to the potentials of informal green spaces (IGS). While studies on IGS in African cities is only emerging, scholarly and policy attention to children’s perceptions and use of IGS within Africa’s spatially expansive urbanism is limited. This study explores children’s perceptions, use, barriers, willingness, and suggestions for improving IGS in the peri-urban area of Funda in Luanda. Based on semi-structured interviews and focused-group discussions, the study revealed that, while IGS offered different ecosystem services, not all IGS were accessible to children, due to safety concerns, maintenance conditions, and parental restrictions. Children’s interest in maintenance activities and suggestions for improving IGS reflected their independent identities, sense of place, and cognitive capacity to contribute to planning their community. The paper submits that the potential role of IGS in Africa’s peri-urban areas can be improved by taking into account children’s agency and experiential knowledge of community spaces. For this reason, there is a need to recognize and engage children as co-producers of community knowledge and interventions.