bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Organic Compounds, Fulvic Acid, Humic Acid, and Humin in Peat and Sapropel Alkaline Extracts
Authors: Jarukas Laurynas , Ivanauskas Liudas , Kasparaviciene Giedre , Baranauskaite Juste , Marksa Mindaugas , Bernatoniene Jurga
Published: May 2021

Black, brown, and light peat and sapropel were analyzed as natural sources of organic and humic substances. These specific substances are applicable in industry, agriculture, the environment, and biomedicine with well-known and novel approaches. Analysis of the organic compounds fulvic acid, humic acid, and humin in different peat and sapropel extracts from Lithuania was performed in this study. The dominant organic compound was bis(tert-butyldimethylsilyl) carbonate, which varied from 6.90% to 25.68% in peat extracts. The highest mass fraction of malonic acid amide was in the sapropel extract; it varied from 12.44% to 26.84%. Significant amounts of acetohydroxamic, lactic, and glycolic acid derivatives were identified in peat and sapropel extracts. Comparing the two extraction methods, it was concluded that active maceration was more efficient than ultrasound extraction in yielding higher amounts of organic compounds. The highest amounts of fulvic acid (1%) and humic acid and humin (15.3%) were determined in pure brown peat samples. This research on humic substances is useful to characterize the peat of different origins, to develop possible aspects of standardization, and to describe potential of the chemical constituents.
Generation of a Hetero Spin Complex from Iron(II) Iodide with Redox Active Acenaphthene-1,2-Diimine
Authors: Yambulatov Dmitriy S. , Nikolaevskii Stanislav A. , Kiskin Mikhail A. , Kholin Kirill V. , Khrizanforov Mikhail N. , Budnikova Yulia G. , Babeshkin Konstantin A. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Goloveshkin Alexander S. , Imshennik Vladimir K. , Maksimov Yurii V. , Kadilenko Evgeny M. , Gritsan Nina P. , Eremenko Igor L.
Published: May 2021

The reaction of the redox active 1,2-bis[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene (dpp-BIAN) and iron(II) iodide in acetonitrile led to a new complex [(dpp-BIAN)FeIII2] (1). Molecular structure of 1 was determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The spin state of the iron cation in complex 1 at room temperature and the magnetic behavior of 1 in the temperature range of 2–300 K were studied using Mossbauer spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements, respectively. The neutral character of dpp-BIAN in 1 was confirmed by IR and UV spectroscopy. The electrochemistry of 1 was studied in solution and solid state using cyclic voltammetry. The generation of the radical anion form of the dpp-BIAN ligand upon reduction of 1 in a CH2Cl2 solution was monitored by EPR spectroscopy.
(-)-Oleocanthal Nutraceuticals for Alzheimer’s Disease Amyloid Pathology: Novel Oral Formulations, Therapeutic, and Molecular Insights in 5xFAD Transgenic Mice Model
Authors: Tajmim Afsana , Cuevas-Ocampo Areli K. , Siddique Abu Bakar , Qusa Mohammed H. , King Judy Ann , Abdelwahed Khaldoun S. , Sonju Jafrin Jobayer , El Sayed Khalid A.
Published: May 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting humans mainly through the deposition of Aβ-amyloid (Aβ) fibrils and accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Currently available AD treatments only exhibit symptomatic relief but do not generally intervene with the amyloid and tau pathologies. The extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) monophenolic secoiridoid S-(–)-oleocanthal (OC) showed anti-inflammatory activity through COX system inhibition with potency comparable to the standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen. OC also showed positive in vitro, in vivo, and clinical therapeutic effects against cardiovascular diseases, many malignancies, and AD. Due to its pungent, astringent, and irritant taste, OC should be formulated in acceptable dosage form before its oral use as a potential nutraceutical. The objective of this study is to develop new OC oral formulations, assess whether they maintained OC activity on the attenuation of β-amyloid pathology in a 5xFAD mouse model upon 4-month oral dosing use. Exploration of potential OC formulations underlying molecular mechanism is also within this study scope. OC powder formulation (OC-PF) and OC-solid dispersion formulation with erythritol (OC-SD) were prepared and characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (ScEM) analyses. Both formulations showed an improved OC dissolution profile. OC-PF and OC-SD improved memory deficits of 5xFAD mice in behavioral studies. OC-PF and OC-SD exhibited significant attenuation of the accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau phosphorylation in the brain of 5xFAD female mice. Both formulations markedly suppressed C3AR1 (complement component 3a receptor 1) activity by targeting the downstream marker STAT3. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential for the application of OC-PF as a prospective nutraceutical or dietary supplement to control the progression of amyloid pathogenesis associated with AD.
Vitamin A Update: Forms, Sources, Kinetics, Detection, Function, Deficiency, Therapeutic Use and Toxicity
Authors: Carazo Alejandro , Macáková Kateřina , Matoušová Kateřina , Krčmová Lenka Kujovská , Protti Michele , Mladěnka Přemysl
Published: May 2021

Vitamin A is a group of vital micronutrients widely present in the human diet. Animal-based products are a rich source of the retinyl ester form of the vitamin, while vegetables and fruits contain carotenoids, most of which are provitamin A. Vitamin A plays a key role in the correct functioning of multiple physiological functions. The human organism can metabolize natural forms of vitamin A and provitamin A into biologically active forms (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid), which interact with multiple molecular targets, including nuclear receptors, opsin in the retina and, according to the latest research, also some enzymes. In this review, we aim to provide a complex view on the present knowledge about vitamin A ranging from its sources through its physiological functions to consequences of its deficiency and metabolic fate up to possible pharmacological administration and potential toxicity. Current analytical methods used for its detection in real samples are included as well.
Nutrient Intake and Status of German Children and Adolescents Consuming Vegetarian, Vegan or Omnivore Diets: Results of the VeChi Youth Study
Authors: Alexy Ute , Fischer Morwenna , Weder Stine , Längler Alfred , Michalsen Andreas , Sputtek Andreas , Keller Markus
Published: May 2021

There is a lack of data on associations between modern vegetarian and vegan diets and health among children and adolescents. The aim of the Vechi Youth Study was to cross-sectionally examine anthropometry, dietary intakes and nutritional status in a sample of 149 vegetarian, 115 vegan and 137 omnivore children and adolescents (6–18 years old, mean age: 12.7 ± 3.9 years). Group differences of dietary intake (calculated from three-day dietary records), nutrient biomarker and blood lipid concentrations were assessed using an analysis of covariance, adjusted for sex, age and other covariates. The total energy intake did not differ significantly between groups, but intake of carbohydrates was higher among vegetarians and vegans than among omnivores (p = 0.0002, respectively). The median protein intake exceeded 0.9 g/kg body weight/day in all diet groups and was lowest among vegetarians (p < 0.02). There was no significant difference of haemoglobin, vitamin B2, 25-OH vitamin D3, HDL-C and triglycerides blood concentrations between diet groups. Vegan participants had higher folate concentrations than vegetarian participants (p = 0.0053). Ferritin concentration was significantly higher in omnivores than in vegetarians (p = 0.0134) and vegans (p = 0.0404). Vegetarians had lower concentrations of holotranscobalamin (p = 0.0042) and higher concentrations of methylmalonic acid (p = 0.0253) than omnivores. Vegans had the lowest non-HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations in comparison to vegetarians (p = 0.0053 and p = 0.0041) and omnivores (p = 0.0010 and p = 0.0010). A high prevalence (>30%) of 25-OH vitamin D3 and vitamin B2 concentrations below reference values were found irrespective of the diet group. In conclusion, the Vechi Youth Study did not indicate specific nutritional risks among vegetarian and vegan children and adolescents compared to omnivores.
The Preparation of a Novel Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Sustained H2S Releasing Microsphere for Rheumatoid Arthritis Alleviation
Authors: Yu Yue , Wang Zhou , Ding Qian , Yu Xiangbin , Yang Qinyan , Wang Ran , Fang Yudong , Qi Wei , Liao Junyi , Hu Wei , Zhu Yizhun
Published: May 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that mainly erodes joints and surrounding tissues, and if it is not treated in time, it can cause joint deformities and loss of function. S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC) is an excellent endogenous hydrogen sulfide donor which can relieve the symptoms of RA through the promotion of H2S release via the CSE/H2S pathway in vivo. However, the instant release of H2S in vivo could potentially limit its further clinical use. To solve this problem, in this study, a SPRC-loaded poly(lactic acid) (PLA) microsphere (SPRC@PLA) was prepared, which could release SPRC in vitro in a sustained manner, and further promote sustained in vivo H2S release. Furthermore, its therapeutical effect on RA in rats was also studied. A spherical-like SPRC@PLA was successfully prepared with a diameter of approximately 31.61 μm, yielding rate of 50.66%, loading efficiency of 6.10% and encapsulation efficiency of 52.71%. The SPRC@PLA showed significant prolonged in vitro SPRC release, to 4 days, and additionally, an in vivo H2S release around 3 days could also be observed. In addition, a better therapeutical effect and prolonged administration interval toward RA rats was also observed in the SPRC@PLA group.
Whole-Genome Doubling Affects Pre-miRNA Expression in Plants
Authors: Esposito Salvatore , Aversano Riccardo , Tripodi Pasquale , Carputo Domenico
Published: May 2021

Whole-genome doubling (polyploidy) is common in angiosperms. Several studies have indicated that it is often associated with molecular, physiological, and phenotypic changes. Mounting evidence has pointed out that micro-RNAs (miRNAs) may have an important role in whole-genome doubling. However, an integrative approach that compares miRNA expression in polyploids is still lacking. Here, a re-analysis of already published RNAseq datasets was performed to identify microRNAs’ precursors (pre-miRNAs) in diploids (2x) and tetraploids (4x) of five species (Arabidopsis thaliana L., Morus alba L., Brassica rapa L., Isatis indigotica Fort., and Solanum commersonii Dun). We found 3568 pre-miRNAs, three of which (pre-miR414, pre-miR5538, and pre-miR5141) were abundant in all 2x, and were absent/low in their 4x counterparts. They are predicted to target more than one mRNA transcript, many belonging to transcription factors (TFs), DNA repair mechanisms, and related to stress. Sixteen pre-miRNAs were found in common in all 2x and 4x. Among them, pre-miRNA482, pre-miRNA2916, and pre-miRNA167 changed their expression after polyploidization, being induced or repressed in 4x plants. Based on our results, a common ploidy-dependent response was triggered in all species under investigation, which involves DNA repair, ATP-synthesis, terpenoid biosynthesis, and several stress-responsive transcripts. In addition, an ad hoc pre-miRNA expression analysis carried out solely on 2x vs. 4x samples of S. commersonii indicated that ploidy-dependent pre-miRNAs seem to actively regulate the nucleotide metabolism, probably to cope with the increased requirement for DNA building blocks caused by the augmented DNA content. Overall, the results outline the critical role of microRNA-mediated responses following autopolyploidization in plants.
The Role of Pyrolysis and Gasification in a Carbon Negative Economy
Authors: Brown Robert C.
Published: May 2021

The International Panel on Climate Change and the 2015 Climate Summit in Paris have recommended that efforts to reduce carbon emissions be coupled with carbon removal from the atmosphere. Carbon negative energy combines net carbon removal with the production of energy products or other revenue-generating products beyond sequestered carbon. Even though both biochemical and thermochemical approaches to carbon negative energy can be envisioned, this paper considers the prospects for the latter including pyrolysis and gasification. The fundamentals of these two processes are described to better understand how they would be integrated with carbon removal. Characteristics of pyrolysis and gasification are related to the kinds of sequestration agents they would produce, the scale of their deployment, the fraction of biomass carbon that could ultimately sequestered, the challenges of effectively sequestering these different forms of carbon and the economics of thermochemical carbon negative energy.
Correction: Atkinson, D.; Becker, T. A 117 Line 2D Digital Image Correlation Code Written in MATLAB. Remote Sens. 2020, 12, 2906
Authors: Atkinson Devan , Becker Thorsten
Published: May 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to the paper [...]
A Novel MIMO Radar Orthogonal Waveform Design Algorithm Based on Intelligent Ions Motion
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wen Fangqing
Published: May 2021

Orthogonal waveform design is one of the key technologies that affects the detection performance of MIMO radars. Most of the existing methods indirectly tackle this problem as an intractable nonconvex optimization and an NP-hard problem. In this work, we propose a novel waveform design algorithm based on intelligent ions motion optimization (IMO) to directly obtain a set of polyphase codes with good orthogonality. The autocorrelation sidelobe and cross-correlation sidelobe are first derived and subsequently integrated into evaluation functions for evaluating the orthogonality of polyphase codes. In order to effectively cope with the aforementioned problem, we present a strengthened IMO that is highly robust and converges rapidly. In the liquid state, an optimal guiding principle of same-charge ions is suggested to enhance global search ability and avoid falling into local optima. An ion updating strategy based on fitness ranking is presented to improve the search efficiency in the crystal state. Finally, the improved algorithm is employed to optimize the polyphase codes. The experimental results, compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms, show that the polyphase codes obtained by the proposed algorithm have better orthogonality.
The Synthesis of Planar Four-Bar Linkage for Mixed Motion and Function Generation
Authors: Wang Bin , Du Xianchen , Ding Jianzhong , Dong Yang , Wang Chunjie , Liu Xueao
Published: May 2021

The synthesis of four-bar linkage has been extensively researched, but for a long time, the problem of motion generation, path generation, and function generation have been studied separately, and their integration has not drawn much attention. This paper presents a numerical synthesis procedure for four-bar linkage that combines motion generation and function generation. The procedure is divided into two categories which are named as dependent combination and independent combination. Five feasible cases for dependent combination and two feasible cases for independent combination are analyzed. For each of feasible combinations, fully constrained vector loop equations of four-bar linkage are formulated in a complex plane. We present numerical examples to illustrate the synthesis procedure and determine the defect-free four-bar linkages.
Antenna-Coupled Titanium Microbolometers: Application for Precise Control of Radiation Patterns in Terahertz Time-Domain Systems
Authors: Qi Liang , Minkevičius Linas , Urbanowicz Andrzej , Švigelj Andrej , Grigelionis Ignas , Kašalynas Irmantas , Trontelj Janez , Valušis Gintaras
Published: May 2021

An ability of lensless titanium-based antenna coupled microbolometers (Ti-μbolometers) operating at room temperature to monitor precisely radiation patterns in terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) systems are demonstrated. To provide comprehensive picture, two different THz-TDS systems and Ti-μbolometers coupled with three different antennas—narrowband dipole antennas for 0.3 THz, 0.7 THz and a log-periodic antenna for wideband detection—were selected for experiments. Radiation patterns, spatial beam profiles and explicit beam evolution along the propagation axis are investigated; polarization-sensitive properties under various THz emitter power ranges are revealed. It was found that the studied Ti-μbolometers are convenient lensless sensors suitable to discriminate and control THz radiation pattern features in various wideband THz-TDS systems.
Three-Dimensional Slope Imaging Method for Ground-Based Real-Aperture Radar
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yang Xiaolin , Yang Feng , Ma Haitao , Yu Zhengxing , Zheng Xiangtian , Sun Yuan
Published: May 2021

Traditional two-dimensional radar images can only reflect the target azimuth and slant range and thus suffer problems of geometric deformation and overlapping. The unique three-dimensional (3D) imaging capability of ground-based real-aperture radar can more accurately and directly achieve correlation between the radar image and the slope monitoring scenarios, thus providing reliable information for the early warning and forecasting of landslides and collapse disasters. The latest method of selecting a slope target from a high-resolution range profile includes two indexes: maximum amplitude and coherence, which will affect the accuracy of displacement measurement when there is an interference target. We present a three-dimensional slope imaging method based on smoothness constraints. On the basis of the latest method, the objective fact of the practically smooth and continuous distribution of slope surfaces is considered. This method can be used for image interpretation on strongly scattered targets within the slope. The independently developed ground-based real-aperture slope radar system was deployed in the Heidaigou Open-Pit Coal Mine in Inner Mongolia to carry out 3D slope imaging experiments. The effectiveness of this method in slope monitoring and imaging was confirmed by comparing the surface roughness and the spatial positions of the targets with the high-density point cloud data in the projective plane obtained during the same time period. We used RMSE function and roughness as two measures. It shows that the method presented in this paper is more suitable for actual three-dimensional slope imaging.
Farmers’ Participation in Operational Groups to Foster Innovation in the Agricultural Sector: An Italian Case Study
Authors: Molina Natalia , Brunori Gianluca , Favilli Elena , Grando Stefano , Proietti Patrizia
Published: May 2021

Recently, the interpretation of the innovation process has changed significantly. Its linear model has evolved to a dynamic and ongoing participatory approach where cooperation, oriented to generate co-ownership, is the essence to co-produce knowledge among multiple actors. Farmers’ direct participation in the process is widely accepted since they contribute with first-hand information, perceptions, field experiences, and feedback that are essential for the design and implementation of a project. The European Union encourages their participation through the European Rural Development Policy that promotes competitiveness and sustainability in the agriculture and forestry sectors, building bridges among heterogeneous stakeholders that complement each other to find an innovative solution to a given problem. Thus far, despite participation importance, few details have been provided about producer’s contributions within the process. Consequently, this paper attempts to explore the modus operandi of an Italian Operational Group to get insights about the farmers’ participation and identify the factors that could influence and foster the interactive innovation process. The results, based on a participatory observation, key informants’ interviews, and theory reflection, revealed that farmers are active players in the design and implementation phases. Yet, their participation is not constant throughout the entire process. Empower them to find solutions with different players is a complex challenge as it requires motivation, commitment, trust, and an open communication among different actors.
Do Walking-Friendly Built Environments Influence Frailty and Long-Term Care Insurance Service Needs?
Authors: Mitsutake Seigo , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Yokoyama Yuri , Nishi Mariko , Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Oka Koichiro , Yano Shohei , Abe Takumi , Kitamura Akihiko
Published: May 2021

Our study examined the associations between neighborhood walkability, frailty, and the incidence of long-term care insurance (LTCI) service needs using a prospective cohort survey in a suburban town in Japan. The final sample for analyses comprised 2867 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 73.0 years). Neighborhood walkability was measured using the Walk Score®. A total of 387 participants (13.5%) exhibited frailty. The odds of frailty, adjusted for the covariates (sex, age, educational status, marital status, residential status, employment status, subjective economic status) among participants who lived in somewhat walkable/very walkable areas, was 0.750 (95% Confidence Interval, CI: 0.597–0.943) versus those who lived in car-dependent areas. During the 23-month follow-up, 102 participants needed LTCI services (19.0 per 1000 person-years), 41 of whom (21.0 per 1000 person-years) lived in car-dependent areas, and 61 of whom (17.9 per 1000 person-years) lived in somewhat walkable/very walkable areas. As compared with participants who lived in car-dependent areas, the incidence of LTCI service needs was not significantly lower than that of those who lived in somewhat walkable/very walkable areas. Walk Score® can provide the critical information for the strategies to improve walkability and prevent older adults’ frailty in less walkable areas, contributing to achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How Do Brazilian Consumers Relate to Chocolate Brands? Validity and Reliability Evidence of the Chocolate Brands Relationship Scale
Authors: Demo Gisela , Coura Karla , Scussel Fernanda , Azevedo Graziela
Published: May 2021

Although the chocolate market has become increasingly larger and more competitive, no diagnostic measures were found to evaluate relationship marketing from customer perspectives in this very attractive market in the B2C context. Thus, the main purpose of this paper is to obtain validity evidence for the Chocolate Brands Relationship Scale (CBR Scale), a scientific instrument that enables the identification and measurement of the prime aspects perceived by chocolate brands’ customers as relevant in their relationship with such brands. Additionally, we tested the influence of the relationship, evaluated from the validated CBR Scale, with the chocolate consumers’ satisfaction. We conducted a survey with 523 Brazilian consumers, and data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The CBR Scale is composed of 21 items divided into three factors: Brand Trust, Shopping Experience and Perceived Quality. As theoretical implications, we produce a valid and reliable operational measure, offering a useful starting point from which further theoretical and empirical research of customer relationship management, branding strategies, brand loyalty, and brand experience in the chocolate market can be built. Managerially, the CBR Scale is a valid instrument for practitioners and managers in the chocolate sector to access customers, establishing and developing long-term relationships with them.
New Contributions to the Ericion umbellatae Alliance in the Central Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Piñar Fuentes José C. , Raposo Mauro , Pinto Gomes Carlos J. , del Río González Sara , Spampinato Giovanni , Cano Eusebio
Published: May 2021

The study of heathlands dominated by Erica australis, E. umbellata and Cistus populifolius in the centre and west of the Iberian Peninsula allows us to separate the eight shrubland communities. The taxonomic analysis of E. australis distinguishes two subspecies: E. australis subsp. australis and E. australis subsp. aragonensis. The statistical treatment confirms the differences between the suballiances Ericenion aragonensis and Ericenion umbellatae. This ecological, bioclimatic, biogeographical and floristic study has allowed us to differentiate three new associations from the remaining five: TCp = Teucrio oxylepis-Cistetum populifolii nova. HEau = Halimio ocymoidis-Ericetum australis nova. DEu = Drosophyllo lusitanicae-Ericetum umbellatae nova. ECp = Erico australis-Cistetum populifolii Rivas Goday 1964. PCp = Polygalo microphyllae-Cistetum populifolii Rivas Goday 1964. HEa = Halimio ocymoidis-Ericetum aragonensis Rivas-Martínez 1979. HEu = Halimio ocymoidis-Ericetum umbellatae Rivas Goday 1964. UEu = Ulici eriocladi-Ericetum umbellatae.
Sustainable Business Model Innovations in the Value Uncaptured Manufacturing Industry: Fitting Gains—Gain Creators
Authors: Burhan  , Ciptomulyono Udisubakti , Singgih Moses Laksono , Baihaqi Imam
Published: May 2021

Increased manufacturing activity has an impact on environmental quality degradation. Waste generated from manufacturing activities is one of the causes. Previous studies have referred to this waste as value uncaptured. Minimizing value uncaptured is a solution to improve environmental quality. This study aims to reduce value uncaptured by converting it into value captured. This process requires a value proposition design approach because of its advantages. One of the advantages of this approach is that it can improve existing or future products/services. To do so, this research uses a case study of a furniture company. To implement a converting process, a sustainable business model is proposed to solve this problem. This business model combines several methods: value proposition design, house of value and the product sustainability index matrix. Recently, the existing value proposition problem-solving has been using the value proposition design method. This research proposed implementing a house of value to replace the fitting process. The questionnaire is developed to obtain various value uncaptured in the company. To the weight of the value uncaptured, this research utilized the pairwise comparison method. Then, the weights could represent the importance of jobs. Based on the highest weight of these jobs, the alternative gains would be selected. To provide the weight of the gain creators and value captured, the house of value method is developed. Referring to three pillars of sustainability, the value captured should be considered. This research proposed implementing a product sustainability index which in turn produces eco-friendly products. This study produces “eco-friendly products” as sustainability value captured. The sustainability business model could be an alternative policy to minimize the existence of value uncaptured.
Combating Desertification through the Wine Industry in Hongsibu, Ningxia
Authors: Zhang Liang , Wang Zhilei , Xue Tingting , Gao Feifei , Wei Ruteng , Wang Ying , Han Xing , Li Hua , Wang Hua
Published: May 2021

Land desertification is a global environmental problem, leading to the deterioration of the ecological environment and is an issue that threatens humans. Hongsibu, located in Ningxia, northwest China, is a semi-desert area with the largest domestic single-site ecological resettlement area for poverty alleviation based on the wine industry. Here, we quantified the value of the ecosystem services of the wine industry in Hongsibu and used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to quantitatively evaluate the comprehensive benefits of the wine industry for resolving desertification. We found that winegrapes significantly increase vegetation cover, while significantly decreasing blowing sand and generating a total annual value of ecosystem services of 6.13× 108 RMB. The evaluation score of the comprehensive benefits is 81.85%, with grape growers and chateaus obtaining large economic benefits from the wine industry. In conclusion, the wine industry’s development not only enhances the economic level of grape growers but significantly resolves desertification in impoverished areas—thus alleviating poverty and land degradation, contributing to sustainable development. Therefore, this may be an effective strategy for sustainable development in other parts of the world.
Optimal Allocation of Gas Resources to Different Consumption Sectors Using Multi-Objective Goal Programming
Authors: Meidute-Kavaliauskiene Ieva , Davidaviciene Vida , Ghorbani Shahryar , Sahebi Iman Ghasemian
Published: May 2021

Natural gas is a main source of energy in Iran, and optimal allocation to different sectors is crucial, based on realities, geopolitical considerations, and national security concerns. In this paper, a multi-objective goal programming model is developed to study the optimal allocation of this resource to various consumption sectors, including household business, industry, petrochemical industry, power plants, injection to oil fields, and export from Iran for the horizon of 2025. In this research, the energy security index is prioritized over other indicators. Two objective functions are considered: the first is maximizing the energy security index (minimizing the cost of energy security), and the second is minimizing the relative weight of different consumption sectors. The goal share of the various gas sectors, the amount of consumption of the various consumption sectors, and the allocatable and predicted amount for each year is calculated. Household business, power plants, petrochemical industries, industry, and export aid injection to oil fields are the most consuming sectors in 2025, respectively. Also, based on cost minimization, power plants, petrochemical industries, and industries in general are the more consuming sectors, respectively.
Crash Severity Analysis of Highways Based on Multinomial Logistic Regression Model, Decision Tree Techniques, and Artificial Neural Network: A Modeling Comparison
Authors: Shiran Gholamreza , Imaninasab Reza , Khayamim Razieh
Published: May 2021

The classification of vehicular crashes based on their severity is crucial since not all of them have the same financial and injury values. In addition, avoiding crashes by identifying their influential factors is possible via accurate prediction modeling. In crash severity analysis, accurate and time-saving prediction models are necessary for classifying crashes based on their severity. Moreover, statistical models are incapable of identifying the potential severity of crashes regarding influencing factors incorporated in models. Unlike previous research efforts, which focused on the limited class of crash severity, including property damage only (PDO), fatality, and injury by applying data mining models, the present study sought to predict crash frequency according to five severity levels of PDO, fatality, severe injury, other visible injuries, and complaint of pain. The multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model and data mining approaches, including artificial neural network-multilayer perceptron (ANN-MLP) and two decision tree techniques, (i.e., Chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID) and C5.0) are utilized based on traffic crash records for State Highways in California, USA. The comparison of the findings of the relative importance of ten qualitative and ten quantitative independent variables incorporated in CHAID and C5.0 indicated that the cause of the crash (X1) and the number of vehicles (X5) were known as the most influential variables involved in the crash. However, the cause of the crash (X1) and weather (X2) were identified as the most contributing variables by the ANN-MLP model. In addition, the MLR model showed that the driver’s age (X11) accounts for a larger proportion of traffic crash severity. Therefore, the sensitivity analysis demonstrated that C5.0 had the best performance for predicting road crash severity. Not only did C5.0 take a shorter time (0.05 s) compared to CHAID, MLP, and MLR, it also represented the highest accuracy rate for the training set. The overall prediction accuracy based on the training data was approximately 88.09% compared to 77.21% and 70.21% for CHAID and MLP models. In general, the findings of this study revealed that C5.0 can be a promising tool for predicting road crash severity.
Symmetrical Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Four Romanian Cruciferous Extracts
Authors: Muntean Delia , Ştefănuţ Mariana , Căta Adina , Buda Valentina , Danciu Corina , Bănică Radu , Pop Raluca , Licker Monica , Ienaşcu Ioana
Published: May 2021

Four alcoholic extracts from Romanian Cruciferous species—cabbage, acclimatized broccoli, black radish and cauliflower—were obtained in a microwave field. The extracts showed good and symmetric antioxidant activity (0.97–1.13 mmol/L TE) and good phenolic content (1001–1632 mg GAE/L). For the HPLC method, the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ) and recovery degree were established. The small values of LOD and LOQ indicated a great fit of data. The HPLC method achieved satisfactory quantitative recoveries in the range of 96%–122%, except for the lowest sinigrin concentration (8.774 µg/mL). The presence of metals in the studied extracts falls within the allowed limits. The four Cruciferous extracts showed good and slightly asymmetric antibacterial activities against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including strains with known resistance to antibiotics. Moreover, greater inhibitory effects were exhibited against Gram-negative bacteria. Asymmetrically, no inhibition was observed on the fungal strains. Therefore, the present results may suggest that some alcoholic extract formulas of cabbage and black radish (presenting good antibacterial activity) might be helpful in the antimicrobial fight and could be successfully used on selected cases and strains.
Neutralizing Antibody Response of Vaccinees to SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Anichini Gabriele , Terrosi Chiara , Gori Savellini Gianni , Gandolfo Claudia , Franchi Federico , Cusi Maria Grazia
Published: May 2021

Due to their increased transmissibility, three variants of high concern have emerged in the United Kingdom (also known as B.1.1.7 lineage or VOC-202012/01), South Africa (B.1.351 lineage), and Brazil (P1 lineage) with multiple substitutions in the spike protein. Since neutralizing antibodies elicited by vaccination are likely considered as correlates of protection for SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is important to analyze whether vaccinees with mRNA BNT162b2 are equally protected against these emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. To this aim, we enrolled healthy subjects one month after complete vaccination with Comirnaty and evaluated the neutralizing response against the native Wuhan strain and the emerging B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and P1 lineages, by using the microneutralization assay, currently considered the gold standard test for the evaluation and detection of functional neutralizing antibodies. The most remarkable finding of this study was the significantly lower neutralizing antibody titer against B.1.351 lineage, compared to the wild-type virus. No significant differences were observed with the other two lineages. These findings provide evidence that vaccinated subjects may not be equally protected against all SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
Mental disorders that occur against the background of water-electrolyte disorders in patients with neoplasms of chiasmal-sellar region
Authors: Koval K. V. , Chmutin G. E. , Kalinin P. L. , Kutin M. A. , Ivanov V. V.
Published: May 2021

The work is devoted to assessing the results of the analysis of world literature for a period of more than 50 years: it reflects the data on the nature of the occurrence of mental disorders developing in patients with tumors of the chiasmal-sellar region against the background of water-electrolyte disorders both before and after surgery. The presented data shed light on the occurrence of the variants of mental disorders in such a specific category of neurosurgical patients, which may allow the clinician to timely determine the appropriate treatment tactics and reduce the severity of complications in the postoperative period.
Predictibilidad en el diagnóstico utilizando Watson de IBM
Authors: Ventura-Fernández Tania Ysabel , Vidalón Soldevilla Ethel , Ventura-Fernández Freddy Gustavo
Published: May 2021

El presente estudio trata sobre una revisión documental relacionada con la predictibilidad en el diagnóstico utilizando Watson de IBM, el cual tiene como objetivo principal “conocer el nivel de predictibilidad en el diagnóstico con Watson de IMB “se ha utilizado un diseño no experimental de corte cualitativo donde las técnicas de recolección de datos han sido la revisión documental y el análisis de datos provenientes de estudios realizados por expertos que validan el uso de este tipo de tecnología, de acuerdo a los documentos consultados y en función de la opinión de los expertos se puede referir que la hipótesis planteada “el conocer el nivel de predictibilidad en el diagnóstico utilizando Watson de IMB contribuye a su implementación en el diagnóstico de enfermedades de orden oncológico” se cumple y como parte de algunas de las conclusiones las cuales refiere que el uso de este tipo de tecnología aporta a la prontitud en la generación de diagnósticos más certeros y con un nivel de predictibilidad media – alta, al igual que es una oportunidad para el trabajo colaborativo entre profesionales de la salud y representa la necesidad imperante de actualizar sus conocimientos para proporcionar datos de calidad que faciliten una mayor predictibilidad del diagnóstico.
Long-Term Impact of Arteriovenous Fistula Ligation on Cardiac Structure and Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A 5-Year Follow-Up Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Salehi Tania , Montarello Nicholas J. , Juneja Nishant , Stokes Michael B. , Scherer Daniel J. , Williams Kerry F. , King David , Macaulay Ewan , Russell Christine H. , Olakkengil Santosh A. , Carroll Robert P. , Faull Randall J. , Teo Karen S.L. , McDonald Stephen P. , Worthley Matthew I. , Coates Patrick T. , Rao Nitesh N.
Published: May 2021

Key Points

Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing AVF ligation postkidney transplantation demonstrates continuing regression of LVM and LVH.

There was no demonstrated negative effect of AVF ligation on long-term kidney allograft function reflected by stability of serum creatinine.

There was no observed increase in mortality, nonfatal MI, or cardiac hospitalization in the AVF ligation cohort over the 5-year follow-up period.

Background

The long-term effects of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) ligation on cardiovascular structure following kidney transplantation remain uncertain. A prospective randomized, controlled trial (RCT) examined the effect of AVF ligation at 6 months on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)–derived parameters in 27 kidney transplant recipients compared with 27 controls. A mean decrease in left ventricular mass (LVM) of 22.1 g (95% CI, 15.0 to 29.1) was observed compared with an increase of 1.2 g (95% CI, −4.8 to 7.2) in the control group (P<0.001). We conducted a long-term follow-up observational cohort study in the treated cohort to determine the evolution of CMR-derived parameters compared with those documented at 6 months post-AVF ligation.

Methods

We performed CMR at long-term follow-up in the AVF ligation observational cohort from our original RCT published in 2019. Results were compared with CMR at 6 months postintervention. The coprimary end point was the change in CMR-derived LVM and LVM index at long-term follow-up from imaging at 6 months postindex procedure.

Results

At a median of 5.1 years (interquartile range, 4.7–5.5 years), 17 patients in the AVF ligation group were studied with repeat CMR with a median duration to follow-up imaging of 5.1 years (IQR, 4.7–5.5 years). Statistically significant further reductions in LVM (−17.6±23.0 g, P=0.006) and LVM index (−10.0±13.0 g/m2, P=0.006) were documented.

Conclusions

The benefit of AVF ligation on LVM and LVM index regression appears to persist long term. This has the potential to lead to a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality.
Dose-Dependent Effect of Tolvaptan on Renal Prognosis in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Akihisa Taro , Manabe Shun , Kataoka Hiroshi , Makabe Shiho , Yoshida Rie , Ushio Yusuke , Watanabe Kentaro , Sato Masayo , Tsuchiya Ken , Mochizuki Toshio , Nitta Kosaku
Published: May 2021

Key Points

This is the first report to describe dose dependency in the effects of tolvaptan treatment for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

The weight-adjusted average daily dose of tolvaptan was found to be a factor that significantly affected the change in eGFR.

If a patient shows tolerance, increasing the tolvaptan dose to the maximum should be considered.
Crop coefficient of pomegranate in the Comarca Lagunera
Authors: Sifuentes-Morín Norma Guadalupe , Montemayor-Trejo José Alfredo , Servín-Prieto Alan Joel , Orozco-Vidal Jorge Arnaldo
Published: May 2021

For agricultural development, water is the most important thing, so today farmers are looking for crops that have some degree of resistance to drought and high economic value such as pomegranate, however, there is poor literature on its production. The Crop Coefficient (Kc) helps us determine the water requirement during plant development, which is critical for reducing production costs and saving water. The objective of this study was to know the Kc during the phenological development of the pomegranate, in an orchard located in the municipality of Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico, using 8 Landsat satellite images and geographic information systems. The estimation of Kc based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), was performed as proposed by Calera (2016). The KC values obtained range from 0.33 to 0.65. Its evolution with satellite images is consistent according to the development stages of the crop. The relationship between the NDVI and KC may be a promising tool for farmers to estimate water use of pomegranate trees on a regional scale based on satellite imagery.
Reflection on consumers in e-Commerce
Authors: González-Castolo Juan Carlos , Ramos-Cabral Silvia , Zatarain-Durán Omar Alí
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a reflection on the ideal requirements that a provider should offer to the consumer. Traditionally, studies are made to improve products and/or services, but the consumer's point of view is disesteemed. This work approaches the commerce scenario from an approach where the consumer is the protagonist. The context of analysis is electronic commerce (e-commerce), however, the approaches can be extended to traditional commerce. It should be noted that commerce can be classified as traditional or electronic. In the specific area of ecommerce, it is known that the relevant defining characteristic is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). Due to the above, the consumer has some particularities that are considered to present the approach. It is about identifying the elements for ecommerce improvement. Improving the sale-purchase cycle that includes improving marketing, improving consumer service, improving the product and/or service offered, and the improvement of the WEB portal.
Methodology for the detection of accidents in the company based on the Bird pyramid
Authors: Carpinteyro-Chavez Lina Mariana , Zamudio-Rodríguez Alexandra Berenice , Balderas-López Silvia María , Teon-Veja Argelia
Published: May 2021

Accidents at work are a very important issue within companies, because they reflect losses not only economic or raw material, but can affect the lives of workers, therefore it is important to develop a Methodology for the detection of accidents that allows the control of accident investigations. To carry out this project, it was necessary to carry out three phases, the first of which was research, in which technical and regulatory information sources applicable to the program were reviewed. In the second stage, the accident investigation process was designed, in which variables such as: investigation time, communication time, personnel and accident investigation follow-up were considered. Finally, a pilot run was carried out to identify the areas of opportunity of the program and define the corrective actions. Through the detection, management and control of accidents, it is possible to decrease the accident rate, this methodology identifies the root cause of the problem and generates corrective or preventive actions to avoid repeating said accident.
Job hazard analysis in the killing area of a federal inspection slaughterhouse
Authors: Cano-Carrasco Adolfo , Vásquez-Torres María del Carmen , Fornés-Rivera René Daniel , Velderrain-Jacobo José Alberto
Published: May 2021

This research deals with occupational safety and health and its scope includes the conditions in which the worker must perform his tasks, the hazards to which the worker is exposed, their prevention and control. The study object is the killing area of a TIF slaughterhouse which handles the problem of reducing the number of accidents that jeopardizes the integrity of workers. The objective was to reduce the risk of the worker reflected in the number of accidents. The procedure was to Identify risks and threats in the work area, Analyze risks at work stations. Risk assessment and proposal development. The results show the risks present in the killing area in which the use of PPE is a common and most critical cause, an in-depth analysis reveals that the problem is common to the other areas, of a total of 326 incidents killing has a value of 49 and 89% of these incidents have a high probability of causing temporary loss of working capacity impacting directly to the risk premium, only 11% could cause permanent partial disability. Finally, after carrying out an inspection program, the partial result in number of accidents at the end of this research was 4 compared to the previous year with 10.
CRIMINOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC CRIME
Authors: Moskaleva E.G. , Podol'naya N.N.
Published: May 2021

The article defines the consequences of economic crimes, summarizes the experience of theoretical and empirical studies of crime in the Russian economy, and presents the results of the author's research in this area. The interpretation of the concept of "economic crime" is characterized by legislative, departmental and research approaches. The authors argue that it is difficult to detect crimes in the economic sphere and the high level of latency of economic crime. Data from official statistics of Rosstat and the Prosecutor General's office of the Russian Federation were selected as the empirical base of the study. The research was carried out using methods of visual representation of data, research of dynamics, structure and analysis of relationships in the whole country and in the regional context. The study revealed the main trends in the situation from the point of view of criminalization and de-criminalization of the Russian economy, consisting in slowing down the reduction in the number of crimes in the economy in the Russian Federation. The study identifies regions with an increased level of economic crime and assesses the effectiveness of measures taken to counteract economic crime. The analysis made it possible to determine the directions of countering economic crime in Russia with the mandatory involvement of digital technologies.