bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nazwy czarnoskórych mieszkańców Afryki we współczesnych
przekładach Nowego Testamentu na tle przemian kulturowych
Authors: Zarębski Rafał
Published: May 2021

The contemporary translation strategies concerning equivalents of names
from the fi eld  in translations of the New Testament actualise
the conclusions drawn by researchers, who confront the nominations that are
in use in the Polish language with their perceptions by those in question, that is
black people. A response to a certain depreciation of the semantics of the lexemes
Murzyn, Czarny (when used as nouns) is the selection of a safer strategy, which
consists in transferring the adapted form from the source text (Etiop, Etiopczyk,
Królowa etiopska, Niger).
Keywords: translation studies – pragmalinguistics – translations of the New
Testament – fi eld of names 
Serce Edmonda de Amicisa w tłumaczeniu Marii
Konopnickiej – analiza wybranych fragmentów .
Authors: Kapusta Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

The subject matter of this paper is the language and stylistics of selected
fragments of „Serce” (“Heart”), a children’s novel by Edmondo de Amicisa in
the 19th-century translation into Polish by Maria Konopnicka. With reference
to selected translation theories, the conducted analysis covers the strategy
adopted by the translator, that is one consisting in familiarising the Polish
reader with foreign realities while preserving their originality and “foreignness”
(i.e. the simultaneous “domestication” and “foreignisation”). This determines
the faithfulness and up-to-dateness of her translation, re-editions of which
have been published to this day as it is appreciated for its rich language and
accurate rendition of the original style. Due to the similarity to her own writing
technique, the translator appropriately refl ects the nature of the work, enriching
it with elements of school jargon and colloquial language. Despite the presence
of archaisms, Konopnicka’s language has remained comprehensible to the
contemporary reader.
Keywords: artistic language – language of translation – translation studies –
Edmondo de Amicis
Adaptacja fonetyczna i grafemiczna nazwisk i imion polskich
we współczesnym języku japońskim
Authors: Miura Kenji
Published: May 2021

While summarising the observations about the phonetic and graphemic
adaptations of Polish last and first names in the Japanese language, one can
notice that the source form and the target form of such an adaptation differ from
each other to a large extent. The main cause of this situation is the discrepancy
between the phonological systems of both languages. In simple terms, many
Polish consonants do not have equivalents in Japanese and must be rendered
using substitute equivalents. Another issue here is the principal foreignness of
Polish last names to an average Japanese language user. They are long, do not
resemble any patterns of more universal last or first names, since words of this
kind are always connected with their native language, culture, and tradition.
Keywords: translation – phonetic adaptation – graphemic adaptation – last
name – first name – Polish language – Japanese language
Association between Food Intake, Clinical and Metabolic Markers and DNA Damage in Older Subjects
Authors: Del Bo’ Cristian , Martini Daniela , Bernardi Stefano , Gigliotti Letizia , Marino Mirko , Gargari Giorgio , Meroño Tomas , Hidalgo-Liberona Nicole , Andres-Lacueva Cristina , Kroon Paul A. , Cherubini Antonio , Guglielmetti Simone , Porrini Marisa , Riso Patrizia
Published: May 2021

The use of DNA damage as marker of oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction and age-related diseases is debated. The present study aimed at assessing the level of DNA damage (evaluated as DNA strand-breaks, endogenous and oxidatively-induced DNA damage) in a group of older subjects with intestinal permeability enrolled within the MaPLE (Gut and Blood Microbiomics for Studying the Effect of a Polyphenol-Rich Dietary Pattern on Intestinal Permeability in the Elderly) intervention trial, to evaluate its association with clinical, metabolic and dietary markers. DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed by the comet assay in 49 older subjects participating in the study. Clinical and metabolic markers, markers of inflammation, vascular function and intestinal permeability were determined in serum. Food intake was estimated by weighted food diaries. On the whole, a trend towards higher levels of DNA damage was observed in men compared to women (p = 0.071). A positive association between DNA damage and clinical/metabolic markers (e.g., uric acid, lipid profile) and an inverse association with dietary markers (e.g., vitamin C, E, B6, folates) were found and differed based on sex. By considering the importance of DNA stability during aging, the results obtained on sex differences and the potential role of dietary and metabolic factors on DNA damage underline the need for further investigations in a larger group of older adults to confirm the associations found and to promote preventive strategies.
Editorial of Special Issue “Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, and Dementia: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry”
Authors: Tanaka Masaru , Vécsei László
Published: May 2021

“Where there is light, there must be shadow, [...]
Contrasting Effects of “External” Worker’s Proactive Behavior on Their Turnover Intention: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Kim Seonjo , Ishikawa Jun
Published: May 2021

Interpersonal conflicts between portfolio career workers (hereafter, PCWs) who entered from the external labor market and existing permanent workers are a controversial workplace issue in South Korea. This study examines whether the existing permanent workers’ responses to the newcomers speaking up depend on the type of proactive behavior, that is, whether PCWs speak within extra-role or in-role boundaries. We found that PCWs perceive more workplace ostracism when they are proactive outside their job boundaries and less workplace ostracism when they are proactive inside their job boundaries. Further, their perceptions of ostracism lead to intentions of turnover. These relationships are conditional on the type of employee–organization relationship and the PCWs’ status in a new organization. Data were collected from 261 PCWs in Korea. Bootstrap-based conditional process analyses were utilized to test the hypothesized model. The results show that workplace ostracism mediates the relationship between the two types of proactive behavior and turnover intention, but in contrasting directions. The effect of the two types of proactive behavior on workplace ostracism is stronger for higher levels of reciprocal relationship between organization and employees, while the effect of workplace ostracism on turnover intention is stronger for higher levels of PCWs’ status in a new organization. Thus, the workplace conflicts PCWs face not only represent interpersonal problems within the workplace but also constitute a multilayered phenomenon related to the long-term institutionalized relationships between organizations and employees.
Low RECK Expression Is Part of the Cervical Carcinogenesis Mechanisms
Authors: Herbster Suellen , Trombetta-Lima Marina , de Souza-Santos Paulo Thiago , Paladino Andressa , Silveira Caio Raony Farina , Sogayar Mari Cleide , Villa Luisa Lina , Lepique Ana Paula , Boccardo Enrique
Published: May 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced carcinogenesis comprises alterations in the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their regulators. Reversion-inducing Cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) inhibits the activation of specific metalloproteinases and its expression is frequently lost in human cancers. Here we analyzed the role of RECK in cervical carcinogenesis. Cervical cancer derived cell lines over expressing RECK were used to determine tumor kinetics as well as, cellular, immune and molecular properties in vivo. Besides, we analyzed RECK expression in cervical cancer samples. RECK over expression (RECK+) delayed tumor growth and increased overall survival in vivo. RECK+ tumors displayed an increase in lymphoid-like inflammatory infiltrating cells, reduced number and viability of tumor and endothelial cells and lower collagenase activity. RECK+ tumors exhibited an enrichment of cell adhesion processes both in the mouse model and cervical cancer clinical samples. Finally, we found that lower RECK mRNA levels were associated with cervical lesions progression and worse response to chemotherapy in cervical cancer patients. Altogether, we show that increased RECK expression reduced the tumorigenic potential of HPV-transformed cells both in vitro and in vivo, and that RECK down regulation is a consistent and clinically relevant event in the natural history of cervical cancer.
RAB7A Regulates Vimentin Phosphorylation through AKT and PAK
Authors: Romano Roberta , Calcagnile Matteo , Margiotta Azzurra , Franci Lorenzo , Chiariello Mario , Alifano Pietro , Bucci Cecilia
Published: May 2021

RAB7A is a small GTPase that controls the late endocytic pathway but also cell migration through RAC1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) and vimentin. In fact, RAB7A regulates vimentin phosphorylation at different sites and vimentin assembly, and, in this study, we identified vimentin domains interacting with RAB7A. As several kinases could be responsible for vimentin phosphorylation, we investigated whether modulation of RAB7A expression affects the activity of these kinases. We discovered that RAB7A regulates AKT and PAK1, and we demonstrated that increased vimentin phosphorylation at Ser38 (Serine 38), observed upon RAB7A overexpression, is due to AKT activity. As AKT and PAK1 are key regulators of several cellular events, we investigated if RAB7A could have a role in these processes by modulating AKT and PAK1 activity. We found that RAB7A protein levels affected beta-catenin and caspase 9 expression. We also observed the downregulation of cofilin-1 and decreased matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) activity upon RAB7A silencing. Altogether these results demonstrate that RAB7A regulates AKT and PAK1 kinases, affecting their downstream effectors and the processes they regulate, suggesting that RAB7A could have a role in a number of cancer hallmarks.
Development of Exhaustion and Acquisition of Regulatory Function by Infiltrating CD8+CD28− T Lymphocytes Dictate Clinical Outcome in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Fenoglio Daniela , Belgioia Liliana , Parodi Alessia , Missale Francesco , Bacigalupo Almalina , Tarke Alison , Incandela Fabiola , Negrini Simone , Vecchio Stefania , Altosole Tiziana , Vlah Sara , Astone Giuseppina , Costabile Francesca , Ascoli Alessandro , Ferrera Francesca , Schenone Guido , De Palma Raffaele , Signori Alessio , Peretti Giorgio , Corvò Renzo , Filaci Gilberto
Published: May 2021

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a poor clinical outcome despite the presence of a rich CD8+ T cell tumor infiltrate in the majority of patients. This may be due to alterations of tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Here, we performed a characterization of HNSCC infiltrating CD8+ T cells in a cohort of 30 patients. The results showed that differential intratumoral frequency of CD8+CD28+ T cells, CD8+CD28− T cells, and CD8+CD28−CD127−CD39+ Treg distinguished between HNSCC patients who did or did not respond to treatment. Moreover, high PD1 expression identified a CD8+CD28− T cell subpopulation, phenotypically/functionally corresponding to CD8+CD28−CD127−CD39+ Treg, which showed a high expression of markers of exhaustion. This observation suggests that development of exhaustion and acquisition of regulatory properties may configure the late differentiation stage for intratumoral effector T cells, a phenomenon we define as effector-to-regulatory T cell transition.
Dynamics Analysis of a Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Network for Virus Mutation Spreading
Authors: Liu Guiyun , Peng Zhimin , Liang Zhongwei , Li Junqiang , Cheng Lefeng
Published: May 2021

Virus spreading problems in wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WSNs) are becoming a hot topic, and the problem has been studied and discussed in recent years. Many epidemic spreading models have been introduced for revealing how a virus spreads and how a virus is suppressed. However, most of them assumed the sensors are not rechargeable sensors. In addition, most of existing works do not consider virus mutation problems. This paper proposes a novel epidemic model, including susceptible, infected, variant, low-energy and dead states, which considers the rechargeable sensors and the virus mutation factor. The stability of the proposed model is first analyzed by adopting the characteristic equation and constructing Lyapunov functions methods. Then, an optimal control problem is formulated to control the virus spread and decrease the cost of the networks by applying Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Finally, all of the theoretical results are confirmed by numerical simulation.
Enhancing Cybersecurity in Smart Grids: False Data Injection and Its Mitigation
Authors: Unsal Derya Betul , Ustun Taha Selim , Hussain S. M. Suhail , Onen Ahmet
Published: May 2021

Integration of information technologies with power systems has unlocked unprecedented opportunities in optimization and control fields. Increased data collection and monitoring enable control systems to have a better understanding of the pseudo-real-time condition of power systems. In this fashion, more accurate and effective decisions can be made. This is the key towards mitigating negative impacts of novel technologies such as renewables and electric vehicles and increasing their share in the overall generation portfolio. However, such extensive information exchange has created cybersecurity vulnerabilities in power systems that were not encountered before. It is imperative that these vulnerabilities are understood well, and proper mitigation techniques are implemented. This paper presents an extensive study of cybersecurity concerns in Smart grids in line with latest developments. Relevant standardization and mitigation efforts are discussed in detail and then the classification of different cyber-attacks in smart grid domain with special focus on false data injection (FDI) attack, due to its high impact on different operations. Different uses of this attack as well as developed detection models and methods are analysed. Finally, impacts on smart grid operation and current challenges are presented for future research directions.
Investigative Study of Vertical Electrodes Encased in Concrete/Mortar with Various Sizes of Air Voids
Authors: Hizamul-Din Hanis Hamizah , Nor Normiza Mohamad , Samad Dzulkafley Abd , Muhd Sidek Muhd Norhasri
Published: May 2021

Ionisation can occur in the soil when high impulse currents are subjected to grounding systems. This occurrence is generated by a difference in the dielectric strength value between the soil and air voids. Several published works investigating the ionisation process in soil have seen that the degree of ionisation is dependent on several factors, among them soil resistivity, ground electrode size and impulse polarity. The effects on soil resistivity, such as the moisture content in soil, soil grain size, type of soil and its temperature, have been studied; however, the effect of the size of air voids in soil has not been extensively presented. This study considered four rod electrodes—a conventional rod electrode, conventional electrode with porous concrete (PC), conventional electrode with concrete mixed with a foaming agent (FC) and conventional electrode with concrete (NC)—to provide variations in the size of air voids. Resistance values, RDC, were measured for all these electrodes, and we found that the conventional rod electrode had the lowest value. A detailed evaluation of these rod electrodes under high impulse conditions revealed that similar current rise and discharge times were seen in all electrodes; however, PC, with the largest size of air voids, had the lowest impulse impedance (Zimp value) for the current magnitudes below 2 kA.
Short-Term Wind Power Forecasting at the Wind Farm Scale Using Long-Range Doppler LiDAR
Authors: Pichault Mathieu , Vincent Claire , Skidmore Grant , Monty Jason
Published: May 2021

It remains unclear to what extent remote sensing instruments can effectively improve the accuracy of short-term wind power forecasts. This work seeks to address this issue by developing and testing two novel forecasting methodologies, based on measurements from a state-of-the-art long-range scanning Doppler LiDAR. Both approaches aim to predict the total power generated at the wind farm scale with a five minute lead time and use successive low-elevation sector scans as input. The first approach is physically based and adapts the solar short-term forecasting approach referred to as “smart-persistence” to wind power forecasting. The second approaches the same short-term forecasting problem using convolutional neural networks. The two methods were tested over a 72 day assessment period at a large wind farm site in Victoria, Australia, and a novel adaptive scanning strategy was implemented to retrieve high-resolution LiDAR measurements. Forecast performances during ramp events and under various stability conditions are presented. Results showed that both LiDAR-based forecasts outperformed the persistence and ARIMA benchmarks in terms of mean absolute error and root-mean-squared error. This study is therefore a proof-of-concept demonstrating the potential offered by remote sensing instruments for short-term wind power forecasting applications.
Development of Cost Correlations for the Economic Assessment of Power Plant Equipment
Authors: Shamoushaki Moein , Niknam Pouriya H. , Talluri Lorenzo , Manfrida Giampaolo , Fiaschi Daniele
Published: May 2021

A comprehensive cost correlation analysis was conducted based on available cost correlations, and new equipment cost correlation models were proposed based on QUE$TOR modeling. Cost correlations for various types of equipment such as pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, air coolers, and pressure vessels were generated on the basis of extracted cost data. The models were derived on the basis of robust multivariable regression with the aim of minimizing the residuals by using the genetic algorithm. The proposed compressor models for both centrifugal and reciprocating types showed that the Turton cost estimation for carbon steel compressor and Matche’s and Mhhe’s data were compatible with the generated model. According to the results, the cost trend in the Turton correlation for carbon steel had a somewhat lower estimation than these correlations. Further, the cost trend of the Turton correlation for carbon steel pressure vessels was close to the presented model trend for both bullet and sphere types. The Turton cost trend for U-tube shell-and-tube heat exchangers with carbon steel shell and stainless steel tube was close to the proposed heat exchanger model. Furthermore, the Turton cost trend for the flat-plate heat exchanger using carbon steel was similar to the proposed model with a slight difference.
Guidance on Implementing Renewable Energy Systems in Australian Homes
Authors: Horan Peter , Luther Mark B. , Li Hong Xian
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this paper is to examine several real house cases as renewable energy resources are installed. It is an empirical study, based on first principles applied to measured data. In the first case presented, a PV solar system has been installed and a hybrid vehicle purchased. Battery storage is being considered. Smart Meter data (provided in Victoria, Australia) measures the electrical energy flowing to and from the grid in each half hour. Missing is the story about what the house is generating and what its energy requirements are through each half hour interval. We apply actual (on site) solar PV data to this study, resolving the unknown energy flows. Analysing energy flow has revealed that there are five fundamental quantities which determine performance, namely energy load, energy import, energy harvesting, energy export and energy storage. As a function of PV size these quantities depend on four parameters, easily derivable from the Smart Meter data, namely the house load, the night-time house load (no PV generation), the rating of the solar PV system and the tariffs charged. This reveals most of the information for providing advice on PV array size and whether to install a battery. An important discovery is that a battery, no matter what size, needs a PV system large enough to charge it during the winter months. The analysis is extended to two more houses located within 5 km for which detailed solar data is unavailable.
Modeling, Control System Design and Preliminary Experimental Verification of a Hybrid Power Unit Suitable for Multirotor UAVs
Authors: Krznar Matija , Piljek Petar , Kotarski Denis , Pavković Danijel
Published: May 2021

A key drawback of multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with energy sources based solely on electrochemical batteries is related to the available on-board energy. Flight autonomy is typically limited to 15–30 min, with a flight duration upper limit of 90 min currently being achieved by high-performance battery-powered multirotor UAVs. Therefore, propulsion systems that utilize two or more different energy sources (hybrid power systems) may be considered as an alternative in order to increase the flight duration while retaining key performance benefits of battery energy storage use. The research presented in this work considers a multirotor UAV power unit, based on the internal combustion engine (ICE) powering an electricity generator (EG) connected to the common direct current (DC) bus in parallel with the lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery, and the respective modeling and identification of individual power unit subsystem, along with the dedicated control system design. Experimental verification of the proposed hybrid power unit control system has been carried out on the custom-build power unit prototype. The results show that the proposed control system combines the two power sources in a straightforward and effective way, with subsequent analysis showing that a two-fold energy density increase can be achieved with a hybrid energy source, consequently making it possible to achieve higher flight autonomy of the prospective multirotor (hover load around 1000–1400 W) equipped with such a hybrid system.
Not All Street Food Is Bad: Low Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella enterica in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Meats in Ghana Is Associated with Good Vendors’ Knowledge of Meat Safety
Authors: Aduah Martin , Adzitey Frederick , Amoako Daniel Gyamfi , Abia Akebe Luther King , Ekli Rejoice , Teye Gabriel Ayum , Shariff Amir H. M. , Huda Nurul
Published: May 2021

Foodborne infections due to the consumption of meat is a significant threat to public health. However, good vendor and consumer knowledge of meat safety could prevent meat contamination with and transmission of foodborne pathogens like Salmonella. Thus, this study investigated the vendor and consumer perception, knowledge, and practices of meat safety regarding ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and how this affected the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella enterica in RTE meats in the streets of Ghana. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the demographics, knowledge, and practices of meat safety data from RTE meat vendors (n = 300) and consumers (n = 382). Salmonella enterica detection was done according to the United State of America (USA)-Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual. The disk diffusion method was used for antibiotic resistance testing. The results revealed that most of the respondents had heard of meat safety (98.3% vendors, 91.8% consumers) and knew that meat could be contaminated by poor handling (100.0% vendors, 88.9% consumers). The respondents knew that regular hand washing reduced the risk of meat contamination (100.0% vendors, 94.0% consumers). Responses to the practices of meat safety by vendors were generally better. A very low Salmonella enterica prevalence was observed in the samples, ranging between 0.0 and 4.0% for guinea fowl and beef, respectively. However, the six isolates obtained were resistant to five of the nine antibiotics tested, with all isolates displaying different resistance profiles. Overall, the good knowledge and practice of meat safety demonstrated by the respondents corroborated the negligible prevalence of Salmonella in this study, reiterating the importance of vendor meat safety knowledge. However, the presence of resistant Salmonella enterica in some of the meat samples, albeit in a very low prevalence, warrants stricter sanitary measures and greater meat safety awareness in the general population to prevent meat-borne infections and potential transmission of drug-resistant bacteria to humans.
Harmful Algal Blooms in Aquaculture Systems in Ngerengere Catchment, Morogoro, Tanzania: Stakeholder’s Experiences and Perception
Authors: Kimambo Offoro Neema , Gumbo Jabulani Ray , Chikoore Hector , Msagati Titus Alfred Makudali
Published: May 2021

The aquaculture sector has experienced fast growth as a result of livelihood diversification initiatives among small-scale farmers in Tanzania. Regrettably, the dynamics of harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been overlooked despite the noticeable forcing of climate variability, the interaction between social-economic activities, and domestic water supply reservoirs. This study aimed at surveying the occurrence, experiences, and perceptions of HABs in aquaculture systems from stakeholders in the Ngerengere catchment, Morogoro, Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey focus group discussion (FDG), key informant interviews, and anecdotal observation were adopted. A convenient and purposive sample population was drawn from pond owners, registered water users, and government officials in the catchment. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and constant comparison were performed. Most respondents (95%) were able to recognize the image of blooms displayed. Approximately 70% of the respondents agreed that water quality has deteriorated over time, and blooms occur during the dry season. Further, 60% of the respondents agreed that water pollution is a serious problem attributed to sources other than industrial discharge. There was no consensus regarding the health impacts associated with HABs. Raising awareness on HABs is of paramount importance as it will provide the basis for the development of HABs management framework and health risk assessment.
The Cycle to Respectful Care: A Qualitative Approach to the Creation of an Actionable Framework to Address Maternal Outcome Disparities
Authors: Green Carmen L. , Perez Susan L. , Walker Ashlee , Estriplet Tracey , Ogunwole S. Michelle , Auguste Tamika C. , Crear-Perry Joia A.
Published: May 2021

Despite persistent disparities in maternity care outcomes, there are limited resources to guide clinical practice and clinician behavior to dismantle biased practices and beliefs, structural and institutional racism, and the policies that perpetuate racism. Focus groups and interviews were held in communities in the United States identified as having higher density of Black births. Focus group and interview themes and codes illuminated Black birthing individual’s experience with labor and delivery in the hospital setting. Using an iterative process to refine and incorporate qualitative themes, we created a framework in close collaboration with birth equity stakeholders. This is an actionable, cyclical framework for training on anti-racist maternity care. The Cycle to Respectful Care acknowledges the development and perpetuation of biased healthcare delivery, while providing a solution for dismantling healthcare providers’ socialization that results in biased and discriminatory care. The Cycle to Respectful Care is an actionable tool to liberate patients, by way of their healthcare providers, from biased practices and beliefs, structural and institutional racism, and the policies that perpetuate racism.
Adolescents’ Perspectives on the Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity: An Updated Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Martins João , Costa João , Sarmento Hugo , Marques Adilson , Farias Cláudio , Onofre Marcos , Valeiro Miguel González
Published: May 2021

Listening to adolescents’ voices has been important to promote meaningful physical activity (PA) opportunities. Therefore, an updated systematic review of the available qualitative literature on adolescents’ perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of PA was conducted, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies published between 2014 (date of the last systematic review) and 2020 were searched in the Web of Science, EBSCO, and SCOPUS databases. Based on the inclusion criteria applied, 30 out of 8069 studies were included in the review. A thematic analysis was used to inductively and deductively analyze the perspectives of ~1250 adolescents (13–18 years). The studies took place in 13 countries from different continents. The main PA barriers and facilitators of PA were presented and discussed around five higher-order themes: (1) Individual factors (e.g., psychological—motivation, self—efficacy; cognitive—knowledge, understanding; physical—motor skills); (2) social and relational factors (family, friends, significant others); (3) PA nature factors (fun, school-based PA and physical education); (4) life factors (time and competing activities; life-course); and (5) sociocultural and environmental factors (e.g., availability/access to PA facilities, programs; urban/rural zones). By transnationally framing adolescents’ voices, this study provides updated evidence and discusses innovative implications for developing tailored interventions and pedagogical strategies aimed at promoting active and healthy lifestyles.
A Narrative Review of Current Understanding of the Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Focus on Plausible Relevance of Vitamin D
Authors: Kalyanaraman Rajeshwari , Pal Lubna
Published: May 2021

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrinopathy of reproductive years. Salient features in presentation of patients PCOS include menstrual dysfunction, hyperandrogenism and/or polycystic appearance of ovaries on ultrasound. While the diagnosis of PCOS depends on presence of specified criteria, misdiagnoses are common. Despite years of extensive research, the exact aetiology of PCOS remains largely unknown. In the past decade, apart from insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), an important marker of ovarian reserve, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a crucial factor in angiogenesis, have been examined as plausible players of causative relevance for PCOS. Vitamin D, a sex-steroid hormone that is universally known for its relevance for skeletal health, has received increasing attention due to growing evidence supporting its pivotal in reproductive physiology and in PCOS. In this review we summarize our current understanding of the mechanisms relevant to the pathophysiology of PCOS and examine the role of vitamin D signalling in this context.
Trefoil Factor Family (TFF) Peptides and Their Links to Inflammation: A Re-evaluation and New Medical Perspectives
Authors: Hoffmann Werner
Published: May 2021

Trefoil factor family peptides (TFF1, TFF2, TFF3), together with mucins, are typical exocrine products of mucous epithelia. Here, they act as a gastric tumor suppressor (TFF1) or they play different roles in mucosal innate immune defense (TFF2, TFF3). Minute amounts are also secreted as endocrine, e.g., by the immune and central nervous systems. As a hallmark, TFF peptides have different lectin activities, best characterized for TFF2, but also TFF1. Pathologically, ectopic expression occurs during inflammation and in various tumors. In this review, the role of TFF peptides during inflammation is discussed on two levels. On the one hand, the expression of TFF1-3 is regulated by inflammatory signals in different ways (upstream links). On the other hand, TFF peptides influence inflammatory processes (downstream links). The latter are recognized best in various Tff-deficient mice, which have completely different phenotypes. In particular, TFF2 is secreted by myeloid cells (e.g., macrophages) and lymphocytes (e.g., memory T cells), where it modulates immune reactions triggering inflammation. As a new concept, in addition to lectin-triggered activation, a hypothetical lectin-triggered inhibition of glycosylated transmembrane receptors by TFF peptides is discussed. Thus, TFFs are promising players in the field of glycoimmunology, such as galectins and C-type lectins.
Cross-TCR Antagonism Revealed by Optogenetically Tuning the Half-Life of the TCR Ligand Binding
Authors: Yousefi Omid Sascha , Ruggieri Matias , Idstein Vincent , von Prillwitz Kai Uwe , Herr Laurenz A. , Chalupsky Julia , Köhn Maja , Weber Wilfried , Timmer Jens , Schamel Wolfgang W. A.
Published: May 2021

Activation of T cells by agonistic peptide-MHC can be inhibited by antagonistic ones. However, the exact mechanism remains elusive. We used Jurkat cells expressing two different TCRs and tested whether stimulation of the endogenous TCR by agonistic anti-Vβ8 antibodies can be modulated by ligand-binding to the second, optogenetic TCR. The latter TCR uses phytochrome B tetramers (PhyBt) as ligand, the binding half-life of which can be altered by light. We show that this half-life determined whether the PhyBt acted as a second agonist (long half-life), an antagonist (short half-life) or did not have any influence (very short half-life) on calcium influx. A mathematical model of this cross-antagonism shows that a mechanism based on an inhibitory signal generated by early recruitment of a phosphatase and an activating signal by later recruitment of a kinase explains the data.
Reviewing the Significance of Vitamin D Substitution in Monoclonal Gammopathies
Authors: Innao Vanessa , Allegra Alessandro , Ginaldi Lia , Pioggia Giovanni , De Martinis Massimo , Musolino Caterina , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: May 2021

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is essential for bone mineral metabolism and it has several other effects in the body, including anti-cancer actions. Vitamin D causes a reduction in cell growth by interrupting the cell cycle. Moreover, the active form of vitamin D, i.e., 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, exerts various effects via its interaction with the vitamin D receptor on the innate and adaptive immune system, which could be relevant in the onset of tumors. Multiple myeloma is a treatable but incurable malignancy characterized by the growth of clonal plasma cells in protective niches in the bone marrow. In patients affected by multiple myeloma, vitamin D deficiency is commonly correlated with an advanced stage of the disease, greater risk of progression, the development of pathological fractures, and a worse prognosis. Changes in the vitamin D receptor often contribute to the occurrence and progress of deficiencies, which can be overcome by supplementation with vitamin D or analogues. However, in spite of the findings available in the literature, there is no clear standard of care and clinical practice varies. Further research is needed to better understand how vitamin D influences outcomes in patients with monoclonal gammopathies.
Potential Therapeutic Strategies and Substances for Facial Nerve Regeneration Based on Preclinical Studies
Authors: Yoo Myung Chul , Chon Jinmann , Jung Junyang , Kim Sung Su , Bae Seonhwan , Kim Sang Hoon , Yeo Seung Geun
Published: May 2021

Despite advances in microsurgical technology and an improved understanding of nerve regeneration, obtaining satisfactory results after facial nerve injury remains a difficult clinical problem. Among existing peripheral nerve regeneration studies, relatively few have focused on the facial nerve, particularly how experimental studies of the facial nerve using animal models play an essential role in understanding functional outcomes and how such studies can lead to improved axon regeneration after nerve injury. The purpose of this article is to review current perspectives on strategies for applying potential therapeutic methods for facial nerve regeneration. To this end, we searched Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane library using keywords, and after applying exclusion criteria, obtained a total of 31 qualifying experimental studies. We then summarize the fundamental experimental studies on facial nerve regeneration, highlighting recent bioengineering studies employing various strategies for supporting facial nerve regeneration, including nerve conduits with stem cells, neurotrophic factors, and/or other therapeutics. Our summary of the methods and results of these previous reports reveal a common feature among studies, showing that various neurotrophic factors arising from injured nerves contribute to a microenvironment that plays an important role in functional recovery. In most cases, histological examinations showed that this microenvironmental influence increased axonal diameter as well as myelination thickness. Such an analysis of available research on facial nerve injury and regeneration represents the first step toward future therapeutic strategies.
Effective Drug Concentration and Selectivity Depends on Fraction of Primitive Cells
Authors: Lica Jan Jakub , Wieczór Miłosz , Grabe Grzegorz Jan , Heldt Mateusz , Jancz Marta , Misiak Majus , Gucwa Katarzyna , Brankiewicz Wioletta , Maciejewska Natalia , Stupak Anna , Bagiński Maciej , Rolka Krzysztof , Hellmann Andrzej , Składanowski Andrzej
Published: May 2021

Poor efficiency of chemotherapeutics in the eradication of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) has been driving the search for more active and specific compounds. In this work, we show how cell density-dependent stage culture profiles can be used in drug development workflows to achieve more robust drug activity (IC50 and EC50) results. Using flow cytometry and light microscopy, we characterized the cytological stage profiles of the HL-60-, A-549-, and HEK-293-derived sublines with a focus on their primitive cell content. We then used a range of cytotoxic substances—C-123, bortezomib, idarubicin, C-1305, doxorubicin, DMSO, and ethanol—to highlight typical density-related issues accompanying drug activity determination. We also showed that drug EC50 and selectivity indices normalized to primitive cell content are more accurate activity measurements. We tested our approach by calculating the corrected selectivity index of a novel chemotherapeutic candidate, C-123. Overall, our study highlights the usefulness of accounting for primitive cell fractions in the assessment of drug efficiency.
Contested Land Restitution Processes in Cambodia
Authors: Ngin Chanrith , Neef Andreas
Published: May 2021

Cambodia has experienced rapid economic growth due partly to excessive natural resource extraction. Land conflicts have been pervasive between local communities and companies that invest in land and other natural resources. Despite substantial research into land conflict resolution, knowledge about how land is returned to wronged parties and what happens to the returned land is fragmented. This review aims to provide a holistic understanding of land restitution in Cambodia by examining different types of land conflict, actors involved, and restitution processes. It provides both a macro perspective on land restitution and conflict-specific perspectives regarding how actors engage in different processes that produce various outcomes for disputants. We find both complications and ambivalence of the actors involved, particularly concerning their roles and influences in resolution processes. Specifically, we find contentious and ambivalent roles that non-governmental organisations (NGOs), donor agencies, and government authorities played in mixed results of resolution mechanisms in the cases that have yielded outcomes in terms of land restitution. Our review also suggests that the neoliberal policy that favours commoditisation of resources and the authoritarian patronage state disguised in a hybrid democracy allowed some grassroots resistance, civil society space, and responses from other concerned economic and political actors in the resolution processes. However, the state controlled and manipulated their engagement to benefit and maintain its economic and political bases, and it never allowed any transformative approach that could tackle the root causes of the problems. This understanding of complexities in land restitution is crucial to achieving land tenure security, particularly for local communities.
The Effects of Roadside Woody Vegetation on the Surface Temperature of Cycle Paths
Authors: Žižlavská Nikola , Mikita Tomáš , Patočka Zdeněk
Published: May 2021

The article is on the effects of woody vegetation growing on the roadside on the temperature of the surface of cycle paths. The main hypothesis of the study is that vegetation has the effect of lowering the temperature of the surroundings in its shadow and thus improves the comfort of users of cycle paths in the summer months. The second hypothesis is to find out which type of road surface is most suitable for the thermal well-being of users. This goal was achieved by measuring the temperature of selected locations on cycle paths with different types of construction surfaces with nearby woody vegetation using a contactless thermometer over several days at regular intervals. The positions of the selected locations were measured using GNSS and the whole locality of interest was photographed using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone, and subsequently a digital surface model (DSM) of the area was created using a Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithm. This model served for the calculation of incident solar radiation during the selected days using the Solar Area Graphics tool with ArcGIS software. Subsequently, the effect of the shade of the surrounding vegetation on the temperature during the day was analysed and statistically evaluated. The results are presented in many graphs and their interpretation used to evaluate the effects of nearby woody vegetation and the type of road surface on the surrounding air temperature and the comfort of users of these routes. The results demonstrate the benefits of using UAVs for the purpose of modelling the course of solar radiation during the day, showing the effect of roadside vegetation on reducing the surface temperature of the earth’s surface and thus confirming the need for planting and maintaining such vegetation.
Effects of Cropland Expansion on Temperature Extremes in Western India from 1982 to 2015
Authors: Liu Jinxiu , Shen Weihao , He Yaqian
Published: May 2021

India has experienced extensive land cover and land use change (LCLUC). However, there is still limited empirical research regarding the impact of LCLUC on climate extremes in India. Here, we applied statistical methods to assess how cropland expansion has influenced temperature extremes in India from 1982 to 2015 using a new land cover and land use dataset and ECMWF Reanalysis V5 (ERA5) climate data. Our results show that during the last 34 years, croplands in western India increased by ~33.7 percentage points. This cropland expansion shows a significantly negative impact on the maxima of daily maximum temperature (TXx), while its impacts on the maxima of daily minimum temperature and the minima of daily maximum and minimum temperature are limited. It is estimated that if cropland expansion had not taken place in western India over the 1982 to 2015 period, TXx would likely have increased by 0.74 (±0.64) °C. The negative impact of croplands on reducing the TXx extreme is likely due to evaporative cooling from intensified evapotranspiration associated with croplands, resulting in increased latent heat flux and decreased sensible heat flux. This study underscores the important influences of cropland expansion on temperature extremes and can be applicable to other geographic regions experiencing LCLUC.
Electrical Transport and Magnetic Properties of Metal/Metal Oxide/Metal Junctions Based on Anodized Metal Oxides
Authors: Zarzycki Arkadiusz , Chojenka Juliusz , Perzanowski Marcin , Marszalek Marta
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we describe magnetoelectric properties of metal/metal-oxide/metal junctions based on anodized metal oxides. Specifically, we use Ti and Fe metallic layers separated by the porous metal-oxides of iron or titanium formed by the anodization method. Thus, we prepare double junctions with at least one ferromagnetic layer and measure magnetoresistance, as well as their current-voltage and magnetic characteristics. We find that magnetoresistance depends on that junction composition and discuss the nature of differential resistance calculated from I-V characteristics. Our findings show that a top metallic layer and the interface between this layer and anodized oxide, where strong interatomic diffusion is expected, have the strongest influence on this observed behavior.
Femtosecond Laser Fabrication of Micro and Nano-Structures on CIGS/ITO Bilayer Films for Thin-Film Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Huizhu , Jiang Gedong , Wang Wenjun , Mei Xuesong
Published: May 2021

Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin films have attracted considerable interest as potential photovoltaic solar cells. Moreover, several current studies are focusing on improving their conversion efficiency. This study proposes a method to process micro- and nanostructures onto the surface of CIGS/ITO bilayer films to broaden the field of solar cell application. The bilayer films exhibited optical characteristics different from those of a single-film during processing. Field intensities at different layer positions of the CIGS/ITO bilayer films were analyzed, and different structures were fabricated by varying a set of parameters. Ripples were obtained using a pulse energy of 0.15 μJ and scanning speeds in the range of 0.1–1 mm/s, but after increasing speed to 3–5 mm/s, ripple structures were produced that had a large period of several microns and spatial porous nanostructures. This pattern exhibited low reflectivity. Optimal structures were obtained at a scanning speed of 3.5 mm/s a pulse energy of 0.15 μJ, and a reflectivity lower than 5%. Large areas characterized by micron-sized ripple structures and accompanied by nanoscale porous structures presented high optical performance and efficiency, which can be used to broaden the application of thin film-based solar cells.