bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doctors’ Perceptions of E-Prescribing upon Its Mandatory Adoption in Poland, Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Method
Authors: Wrzosek Natalia , Zimmermann Agnieszka , Balwicki Łukasz
Published: December 2020

Background: E-prescribing is the most important achievement in the automation of the healthcare sector in Poland. Obligatory electronic prescribing came into force on 8 January 2020. This innovation significantly changes the work of doctors. Therefore, it is useful to identify the factors that have an impact on doctors’ acceptance levels for the new technology. Methods: This study employs a survey based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) method. Our questionnaire was completed by 144 family doctors in Poland during the technology implementation phase and the initial period of obligatory e-prescribing, between 1 December 2019 and 1 March 2020. Results: The results of the survey indicate that doctors do not believe that e-prescribing improves the effectiveness of their work. In addition, this attitude does not depend on the age of the respondent. We also found, regarding the influence of societal attitudes, that doctors only rarely consider the opinions of others in relation to their job. Conclusions: The implementation of new technologies in the healthcare system must be accompanied by consideration of how user-friendly the technologies are, and whether the users will have appropriate technical and financial support.
Palmitoylethanolamide: A Nutritional Approach to Keep Neuroinflammation within Physiological Boundaries—A Systematic Review
Authors: Petrosino Stefania , Schiano Moriello Aniello
Published: December 2020

Neuroinflammation is a physiological response aimed at maintaining the homodynamic balance and providing the body with the fundamental resource of adaptation to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Although the response is initiated with protective purposes, the effect may be detrimental when not regulated. The physiological control of neuroinflammation is mainly achieved via regulatory mechanisms performed by particular cells of the immune system intimately associated with or within the nervous system and named “non-neuronal cells.” In particular, mast cells (within the central nervous system and in the periphery) and microglia (at spinal and supraspinal level) are involved in this control, through a close functional relationship between them and neurons (either centrally, spinal, or peripherally located). Accordingly, neuroinflammation becomes a worsening factor in many disorders whenever the non-neuronal cell supervision is inadequate. It has been shown that the regulation of non-neuronal cells—and therefore the control of neuroinflammation—depends on the local “on demand” synthesis of the endogenous lipid amide Palmitoylethanolamide and related endocannabinoids. When the balance between synthesis and degradation of this bioactive lipid mediator is disrupted in favor of reduced synthesis and/or increased degradation, the behavior of non-neuronal cells may not be appropriately regulated and neuroinflammation exceeds the physiological boundaries. In these conditions, it has been demonstrated that the increase of endogenous Palmitoylethanolamide—either by decreasing its degradation or exogenous administration—is able to keep neuroinflammation within its physiological limits. In this review the large number of studies on the benefits derived from oral administration of micronized and highly bioavailable forms of Palmitoylethanolamide is discussed, with special reference to neuroinflammatory disorders.
Differential Thermotolerance Adaptation between Species of Coccidioides
Authors: Mead Heather L. , Hamm Paris S. , Shaffer Isaac N. , Teixeira Marcus de Melo , Wendel Christopher S. , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Thompson George R. , Muñiz-Salazar Raquel , Castañón-Olivares Laura Rosio , Keim Paul , Plude Carmel , Terriquez Joel , Galgiani John N. , Orbach Marc J. , Barker Bridget M.
Published: December 2020

Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, is caused by two species of dimorphic fungi. Based on molecular phylogenetic evidence, the genus Coccidioides contains two reciprocally monophyletic species: C. immitis and C. posadasii. However, phenotypic variation between species has not been deeply investigated. We therefore explored differences in growth rate under various conditions. A collection of 39 C. posadasii and 46 C. immitis isolates, representing the full geographical range of the two species, was screened for mycelial growth rate at 37 °C and 28 °C on solid media. The radial growth rate was measured for 16 days on yeast extract agar. A linear mixed effect model was used to compare the growth rate of C. posadasii and C. immitis at 37 °C and 28 °C, respectively. C. posadasii grew significantly faster at 37 °C, when compared to C. immitis; whereas both species had similar growth rates at 28 °C. These results indicate thermotolerance differs between these two species. As the ecological niche has not been well-described for Coccidioides spp., and disease variability between species has not been shown, the evolutionary pressure underlying the adaptation is unclear. However, this research reveals the first significant phenotypic difference between the two species that directly applies to ecological research.
Natural Disasters and Economic Growth: A Semiparametric Smooth Coefficient Model Approach
Authors: Fatouros Nikos , Sun Yiguo
Published: December 2020

Despite the fact that growth theories suggest that natural disasters should have an impact on economic growth, parametric empirical studies have provided little to no evidence supporting that prediction. On the other hand, pure nonparametric regression analysis would be an extremely difficult task due to the curse of dimensionality. We therefore re-investigate the impact of natural disasters on economic growth, applying a semiparametric smooth coefficient panel data model that takes into account fixed effects. Our study finds evidence that the coefficient curve of investment is a U-shaped function of the severity of the natural disasters. Thus, for relatively small disasters, marginal returns to investment decrease on the severity of natural disasters. However, after a certain threshold, the coefficient of investment starts increasing as natural disasters become more severe.
On Single and Two-Tiered Approaches to Control
Authors: Reed Lisa A.
Published: December 2020

In his most recent work, Landau suggests that control in impersonal passive constructions is cross-linguistically limited to attitude verbs and argues that this universal restriction offers convincing support for his two-tiered theory of control (TTC) over his earlier “single tier” Agree-based model. This paper further examines sentences involving control and passivization and argues that improved empirical coverage is achieved in this area by a single-tier Agree approach to control, one fundamentally different from Landau’s earlier analysis in its extension to control Reuland’s proposals reducing binding phenomena to Agree.
Adaptive Bernstein Copulas and Risk Management
Authors: Pfeifer Dietmar , Ragulina Olena
Published: December 2020

We present a constructive approach to Bernstein copulas with an admissible discrete skeleton in arbitrary dimensions when the underlying marginal grid sizes are smaller than the number of observations. This prevents an overfitting of the estimated dependence model and reduces the simulation effort for Bernstein copulas a lot. In a case study, we compare different approaches of Bernstein and Gaussian copulas regarding the estimation of risk measures in risk management.
A Fast-Pivoting Algorithm for Whittle’s Restless Bandit Index
Authors: Niño-Mora José
Published: December 2020

The Whittle index for restless bandits (two-action semi-Markov decision processes) provides an intuitively appealing optimal policy for controlling a single generic project that can be active (engaged) or passive (rested) at each decision epoch, and which can change state while passive. It further provides a practical heuristic priority-index policy for the computationally intractable multi-armed restless bandit problem, which has been widely applied over the last three decades in multifarious settings, yet mostly restricted to project models with a one-dimensional state. This is due in part to the difficulty of establishing indexability (existence of the index) and of computing the index for projects with large state spaces. This paper draws on the author’s prior results on sufficient indexability conditions and an adaptive-greedy algorithmic scheme for restless bandits to obtain a new fast-pivoting algorithm that computes the n Whittle index values of an n-state restless bandit by performing, after an initialization stage, n steps that entail (2/3)n3+O(n2) arithmetic operations. This algorithm also draws on the parametric simplex method, and is based on elucidating the pattern of parametric simplex tableaux, which allows to exploit special structure to substantially simplify and reduce the complexity of simplex pivoting steps. A numerical study demonstrates substantial runtime speed-ups versus alternative algorithms.
Dietary Supplementation of Astaxanthin Improved the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Ability and Immune Response of Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Fed High-Fat Diet
Authors: Xie Shiwei , Yin Peng , Tian Lixia , Yu Yingying , Liu Yongjian , Niu Jin
Published: December 2020

High-fat diet (HFD) usually induces oxidative stress and astaxanthin is regarded as an excellent anti-oxidant. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary astaxanthin supplementation on growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant ability, and immune response of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed HFD. Four diets were formulated: the control diet (10.87% lipid, C), high-fat diet (18.08% lipid, HF), and HF diet supplemented with 75 and 150 mg kg−1 astaxanthin (HFA1 and HFA2, respectively). Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin improved the growth of fish fed HFD, also decreased hepatosomatic index and intraperitoneal fat ratio of fish fed HFD, while having no effect on body fat. Malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase activity were increased in fish fed HFD, astaxanthin supplementation in HFD decreased the oxidative stress of fish. The supplementation of astaxanthin in HFD also reduced the mRNA levels of Caspase 3, Caspase 9, BAD, and IL15. These results suggested that dietary astaxanthin supplementation in HFD improved the growth performance, antioxidant ability and immune response of largemouth bass.
Colonization of Germ-Free Piglets with Mucinolytic and Non-Mucinolytic Bifidobacterium boum Strains Isolated from the Intestine of Wild Boar and Their Interference with Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Splichalova Alla , Pechar Radko , Killer Jiri , Splichalova Zdislava , Bunesova Vera Neuzil , Vlkova Eva , Salmonova Hana Subrtova , Splichal Igor
Published: December 2020

Non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars are worldwide spread foodborne pathogens that cause diarrhea in humans and animals. Colonization of gnotobiotic piglet intestine with porcine indigenous mucinolytic Bifidobacterium boum RP36 strain and non-mucinolytic strain RP37 and their interference with Salmonella Typhimurium infection were compared. Bacterial interferences and impact on the host were evaluated by clinical signs of salmonellosis, bacterial translocation, goblet cell count, mRNA expression of mucin 2, villin, claudin-1, claudin-2, and occludin in the ileum and colon, and plasmatic levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10. Both bifidobacterial strains colonized the intestine comparably. Neither RP36 nor RP37 B. boum strains effectively suppressed signs of salmonellosis. Both B. boum strains suppressed the growth of S. Typhimurium in the ileum and colon. The mucinolytic RP36 strain increased the translocation of S. Typhimurium into the blood, liver, and spleen.
Effects of Sesame Oil Aroma on Mice after Exposure to Water Immersion Stress: Analysis of Behavior and Gene Expression in the Brain
Authors: Takemoto Hiroaki , Take Chiharu , Kojima Keito , Kuga Yamato , Hamada Tomoya , Yasugi Tomoka , Kato Nanami , Koike Kazuo , Masuo Yoshinori
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: Sesame has been popular as a healthy food since ancient times, and effects of the aroma component of roasted sesame are also expected. However, little research has been reported on its scent; (2) Methods: Jcl:ICR male mice were housed under water immersion stress for 24 h. Then, the scent of saline or sesame oil was inhaled to stress groups for 90 min. We investigated the effects of sesame oil aroma on the behavior and brains of mice; (3) Results: In an elevated plus maze test, the rate of entering to open arm and the staying time were decreased by the stress. These decrements were significantly enhanced by sesame oil aroma. Stress had a tendency to increase the serum corticosterone concentration, which was slightly decreased by the aroma. Expression of Kruppel-like factor-4 (Klf-4) and Dual-specificity phosphatase-1 (Dusp-1) in the striatum were increased by water immersion stress, and the level of Klf-4 and Dusp-1 in the striatum and hippocampus were significantly attenuated by sesame oil aroma (4) Conclusions: The present results strongly suggest that the odor component of sesame oil may have stress suppressing effects. Moreover, Klf-4 and Dusp-1 may be sensitive stress-responsive biomarkers.
Assessment of the Biological Activity and Phenolic Composition of Ethanol Extracts of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peels
Authors: Peršurić Željka , Saftić Martinović Lara , Malenica Mladenka , Gobin Ivana , Pedisić Sandra , Dragović-Uzelac Verica , Kraljević Pavelić Sandra
Published: December 2020

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a rich source of constituents with confirmed strong biological activities. However, pomegranate peel, which encompasses approximately 30–40% of its weight, is treated as a biological waste. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of pomegranate peel extracts and to propose its functional properties that can be used for development of functional products. Eight ethanol extracts of pomegranate peels (PPEs) were characterized by use of direct infusion quadrupole-time of flight (Q-TOF), and afterwards tested on their antioxidant, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the most prevalent compounds in pomegranate peels were punicalagin, granatin and their derivatives. Analysed extracts had high total phenolic contents that ranged from 5766.44 to 10599.43 mg GAE/100 g, and strong antioxidant activity (7551.31–7875.42 and 100.25–176.60 μmol TE/100 g for DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively). The results of biological activity assays showed that all PPEs possessed antibacterial activity, and that S. aureus was the most sensitive specie with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 6.4 mg/mL. Additionally, the analysis of antiproliferative activity revealed high potency of PPEs, as the IC50 values ranged from 0.132 mg/mL to 0.396 mg/mL. Multivariate analysis pointed out the most discriminative metabolites for antioxidant or antiproliferative activity. Overall, the pomegranate peel confirmed to be a highly valuable source of bioactive compounds that could be used to improve the food functional characteristics.
Tetrabutylammonium Bromide (TBAB) Catalyzed Synthesis of Bioactive Heterocycles
Authors: Banik Bimal Krishna , Banerjee Bubun , Kaur Gurpreet , Saroch Shivam , Kumar Rajat
Published: December 2020

During the last two decades, tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) has gained significant attention as an efficient metal-free homogeneous phase-transfer catalyst. A catalytic amount of TBAB is sufficient to catalyze various alkylation, oxidation, reduction, and esterification processes. It is also employed as an efficient co-catalyst for numerous coupling reactions. It has also acted as an efficient zwitterionic solvent in many organic transformations under molten conditions. In this review, we have summarized the recent developments on TBAB-catalyzed protocols for the efficient synthesis of various biologically promising heterocyclic scaffolds.
Effect of the Content and Ordering of the sp2 Free Carbon Phase on the Charge Carrier Transport in Polymer-Derived Silicon Oxycarbides
Authors: Rosenburg Felix , Balke Benjamin , Nicoloso Norbert , Riedel Ralf , Ionescu Emanuel
Published: December 2020

The present work elaborates on the correlation between the amount and ordering of the free carbon phase in silicon oxycarbides and their charge carrier transport behavior. Thus, silicon oxycarbides possessing free carbon contents from 0 to ca. 58 vol.% (SiOC/C) were synthesized and exposed to temperatures from 1100 to 1800 °C. The prepared samples were extensively analyzed concerning the thermal evolution of the sp2 carbon phase by means of Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, electrical conductivity and Hall measurements were performed and correlated with the structural information obtained from the Raman spectroscopic investigation. It is shown that the percolation threshold in SiOC/C samples depends on the temperature of their thermal treatment, varying from ca. 20 vol.% in the samples prepared at 1100 °C to ca. 6 vol.% for the samples annealed at 1600 °C. Moreover, three different conduction regimes are identified in SiOC/C, depending on its sp2 carbon content: (i) at low carbon contents (i.e., <1 vol.%), the silicon oxycarbide glassy matrix dominates the charge carrier transport, which exhibits an activation energy of ca. 1 eV and occurs within localized states, presumably dangling bonds; (ii) near the percolation threshold, tunneling or hopping of charge carriers between spatially separated sp2 carbon precipitates appear to be responsible for the electrical conductivity; (iii) whereas above the percolation threshold, the charge carrier transport is only weakly activated (Ea = 0.03 eV) and is realized through the (continuous) carbon phase. Hall measurements on SiOC/C samples above the percolation threshold indicate p-type carriers mainly contributing to conduction. Their density is shown to vary with the sp2 carbon content in the range from 1014 to 1019 cm−3; whereas their mobility (ca. 3 cm2/V) seems to not depend on the sp2 carbon content.
Effects of Chemically-Modified Polypyridyl Ligands on the Structural and Redox Properties of Tricarbonylmanganese(I) Complexes
Authors: Kanno Takatoshi , Takase Tsugiko , Oyama Dai
Published: December 2020

Carbonyl complexes with manganese(I) as the central metal are very attractive catalysts. The introduction of redox-active ligands, such as quinones and methyl viologen analogs into these catalysts, would be expected to lead to superior catalyst performances, since they can function as excellent electron carriers. In this study, we synthesized four tricarbonylmanganese(I) complexes containing typical bidentate polypyridyl ligands, including 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) frameworks bound to redox-active ortho-quinone/catechol or methyl viologen-like units. The molecular structures of the resulting complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography to clarify their steric features. As expected from the infrared (IR) data, three CO ligands for each complex were coordinated in the facial configuration around the central manganese(I) atom. Additionally, the structural parameters were found to differ significantly between the quinone/catechol units. Electrochemical analysis revealed some differences between them and their reference complexes, namely [MnBr(CO)3(phen)] and [MnBr(CO)3(bpy)]. Notably, interconversions induced by two-electron/two-proton transfers between the quinone and catechol units were observed in the phenanthroline-based complexes. This work indicated that the structural and redox properties in tricarbonylmanganese(I) complexes were significantly affected by chemically modified polypyridyl ligands. A better understanding of structures and redox behaviors of the present compounds would facilitate the design of new manganese complexes with enhanced properties.
Cyano Enone-Bearing Triterpenoid Soloxolone Methyl Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells In Vitro and Metastasis of Murine Melanoma In Vivo
Authors: Markov Andrey V. , Odarenko Kirill V. , Sen’kova Aleksandra V. , Salomatina Oksana V. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F. , Zenkova Marina A.
Published: December 2020

Introduction of α-cyano α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety into natural cyclic compounds markedly improves their bioactivities, including inhibitory potential against tumor growth and metastasis. Previously, we showed that cyano enone-bearing derivatives of 18βH-glycyrrhetinic (GA) and deoxycholic acids displayed marked cytotoxicity in different tumor cell lines. Moreover, GA derivative soloxolone methyl (SM) was found to induce ER stress and apoptosis in tumor cells in vitro and inhibit growth of carcinoma Krebs-2 in vivo. In this work, we studied the effects of these compounds used in non-toxic dosage on the processes associated with metastatic potential of tumor cells. Performed screening revealed SM as a hit compound, which inhibits motility of murine melanoma B16 and human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and significantly suppresses colony formation of A549 cells. Further study showed that SM effectively blocked transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of A549 cells: namely, inhibited TGF-β-stimulated motility and invasion of tumor cells as well as loss of their epithelial characteristics, such as, an acquisition of spindle-like phenotype, up- and down-regulation of mesenchymal (vimentin, fibronectin) and epithelial (E-cadherin, zona occludens-1 (ZO-1)) markers, respectively. Network pharmacology analysis with subsequent verification by molecular modeling revealed that matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2/-9 and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase 1 (JNK1) can be considered as hypothetical primary targets of SM, mediating its marked anti-EMT activity. The inhibitory effect of SM on EMT revealed in vitro was further confirmed in a metastatic model of murine B16 melanoma: SM was found to effectively block metastatic dissemination of melanoma B16 cells in vivo, increase expression of E-cadherin and suppress expression of MMP-9 in lung metastatic foci. Altogether, our data provided valuable information for a better understanding of the antitumor activity of cyano enone-bearing semisynthetic compounds and revealed SM as a promising anti-metastatic drug candidate.
Pandemic-Driven Development of a Medical-Grade, Economic and Decentralized Applicable Polyolefin Filament for Additive Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Burkhardt Felix , Schirmeister Carl G. , Wesemann Christian , Nutini Massimo , Pieralli Stefano , Licht Erik H. , Metzger Marc , Wenz Frederik , Mülhaupt Rolf , Spies Benedikt C.
Published: December 2020

A polyolefin with certified biocompatibility according to USP class VI was used by our group as feedstock for filament-based 3D printing to meet the highest medical standards in order to print personal protective equipment for our university hospital during the ongoing pandemic. Besides the chemical resistance and durability, as well as the ability to withstand steam sterilization, this polypropylene (PP) copolymer is characterized by its high purity, as achieved by highly efficient and selective catalytic polymerization. As the PP copolymer is suited to be printed with all common printers in fused filament fabrication (FFF), it offers an eco-friendly cost–benefit ratio, even for large-scale production. In addition, a digital workflow was established focusing on common desktop FFF printers in the medical sector. It comprises the simulation-based optimization of personalized print objects, considering the inherent material properties such as warping tendency, through to validation of the process chain by 3D scanning, sterilization, and biocompatibility analysis of the printed part. This combination of digital data processing and 3D printing with a sustainable and medically certified material showed great promise in establishing decentralized additive manufacturing in everyday hospital life to meet peaks in demand, supply bottlenecks, and enhanced personalized patient treatment.
Phytochemicals as Anti-Inflammatory Agents in Animal Models of Prevalent Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Shin Seong Ah , Joo Byeong Jun , Lee Jun Seob , Ryu Gyoungah , Han Minjoo , Kim Woe Yeon , Park Hyun Ho , Lee Jun Hyuck , Lee Chang Sup
Published: December 2020

Phytochemicals are known to have anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, such as in inflammatory disease model systems. Inflammation is an essential immune response to exogenous stimuli such as infection and injury. Although inflammation is a necessary host-defense mechanism, chronic inflammation is associated with the continuous local or systemic release of inflammatory mediators, non-cytokine mediators, such as ROS and NO, and inflammatory cytokines are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory disorders. Phytochemicals that exhibit anti-inflammatory mechanisms that reduce sustained inflammation could be therapeutic candidates for various inflammatory diseases. These phytochemicals act by modulating several main inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPKs, STAT, and Nrf-2 signaling. Here, we discuss the characteristics of phytochemicals that possess anti-inflammatory activities in various chronic inflammatory diseases and review the molecular signaling pathways altered by these anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, with a focus on transcription factor pathways. Furthermore, to evaluate the phytochemicals as drug candidates, we translate the effective doses of phytochemicals in mice or rat disease models into the human-relevant equivalent and compare the human-relevant equivalent doses of several phytochemicals with current anti-inflammatory drugs doses used in different types of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Bio-Catalysis in Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Jumbam Ndze Denis , Masamba Wayiza
Published: December 2020

Enzyme catalysis is a very active research area in organic chemistry, because biocatalysts are compatible with and can be adjusted to many reaction conditions, as well as substrates. Their integration in multicomponent reactions (MCRs) allows for simple protocols to be implemented in the diversity-oriented synthesis of complex molecules in chemo-, regio-, stereoselective or even specific modes without the need for the protection/deprotection of functional groups. The application of bio-catalysis in MCRs is therefore a welcome and logical development and is emerging as a unique tool in drug development and discovery, as well as in combinatorial chemistry and related areas of research.
Sol–Gel Entrapped Lewis Acids as Catalysts for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Kolet Mirit , Atrash Melad , Molina Karen , Zerbib Daniel , Albo Yael , Nakonechny Faina , Nisnevitch Marina
Published: December 2020

Replacing fossil fuels with biodiesel enables the emission of greenhouse gases to be decreased and reduces dependence on fossil fuels in countries with poor natural resources. Biodiesel can be produced by an esterification reaction between free fatty acids (FFAs) and methanol or by transesterification of triglycerides from oils. Both reactions require homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis. Production of biodiesel catalyzed by heterogeneous catalysts seems to be the preferred route, enabling easy product separation. As we have previously shown, the Lewis acids AlCl3 and BF3 can serve as highly efficient catalysts under ultrasonic activation. The present study focused on the development of oleic acid (OA) esterification with methanol by the same catalysts immobilized in silica matrices using the sol–gel synthesis route. During the course of immobilization, AlCl3 converts to AlCl3 × 6H2O (aluminite) and BF3 is hydrolyzed with the production of B2O3. The immobilized catalysts can be reused or involved in a continuous process. The possibility of biodiesel production using immobilized catalysts under ultrasonic activation is shown for the conversion of FFAs into biodiesel in batch and continuous mode.
A Reliable Enantioselective Route to Mono-Protected N1-Cbz Piperazic Acid Building Block
Authors: Papadaki Evanthia , Georgiadis Dimitris , Tsakos Michail
Published: December 2020

The chiral N1-Cbz, N2-H derivative of the piperazic acid monomer is a valuable building block in the total synthesis of natural products, comprising this nonproteinogenic amino acid. In that context, we wish to report an improved synthetic protocol for the synthesis of both (3R)- and (3S)-piperazic acids bearing the carboxybenzyl protecting group (Cbz) selectively at the N1 position. Our method builds on previously reported protocols, circumventing their potential shortcomings, and optimizing the ultimate selective deprotection at the N2 position, thus, offering an efficient and reproducible pathway to suitably modified piperazates in high optical purity.
Analytical Methods for the Detection and Quantification of ADCs in Biological Matrices
Authors: Cahuzac Héloïse , Devel Laurent
Published: December 2020

Understanding pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) is a one of the critical steps enabling their successful development and optimization. Their complex structure combining large and small molecule characteristics brought out multiple bioanalytical methods to decipher the behavior and fate of both components in vivo. In this respect, these methods must provide insights into different key elements including half-life and blood stability of the construct, premature release of the drug, whole-body biodistribution, and amount of the drug accumulated within the targeted pathological tissues, all of them being directly related to efficacy and safety of the ADC. In this review, we will focus on the main strategies enabling to quantify and characterize ADCs in biological matrices and discuss their associated technical challenges and current limitations.
The Epidemiology of Plant Virus Disease: Towards a New Synthesis
Authors: Jeger Michael J.
Published: December 2020

Epidemiology is the science of how disease develops in populations, with applications in human, animal and plant diseases. For plant diseases, epidemiology has developed as a quantitative science with the aims of describing, understanding and predicting epidemics, and intervening to mitigate their consequences in plant populations. Although the central focus of epidemiology is at the population level, it is often necessary to recognise the system hierarchies present by scaling down to the individual plant/cellular level and scaling up to the community/landscape level. This is particularly important for diseases caused by plant viruses, which in most cases are transmitted by arthropod vectors. This leads to range of virus-plant, virus-vector and vector-plant interactions giving a distinctive character to plant virus epidemiology (whilst recognising that some fungal, oomycete and bacterial pathogens are also vector-borne). These interactions have epidemiological, ecological and evolutionary consequences with implications for agronomic practices, pest and disease management, host resistance deployment, and the health of wild plant communities. Over the last two decades, there have been attempts to bring together these differing standpoints into a new synthesis, although this is more apparent for evolutionary and ecological approaches, perhaps reflecting the greater emphasis on shorter often annual time scales in epidemiological studies. It is argued here that incorporating an epidemiological perspective, specifically quantitative, into this developing synthesis will lead to new directions in plant virus research and disease management. This synthesis can serve to further consolidate and transform epidemiology as a key element in plant virus research.
Advanced 3D Cell Culture Techniques in Micro-Bioreactors, Part I: A Systematic Analysis of the Literature Published between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Grün Christoph , Altmann Brigitte , Gottwald Eric
Published: December 2020

Bioreactors have proven useful for a vast amount of applications. Besides classical large-scale bioreactors and fermenters for prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, micro-bioreactors, as specialized bioreactor systems, have become an invaluable tool for mammalian 3D cell cultures. In this systematic review we analyze the literature in the field of eukaryotic 3D cell culture in micro-bioreactors within the last 20 years. For this, we define complexity levels with regard to the cellular 3D microenvironment concerning cell–matrix-contact, cell–cell-contact and the number of different cell types present at the same time. Moreover, we examine the data with regard to the micro-bioreactor design including mode of cell stimulation/nutrient supply and materials used for the micro-bioreactors, the corresponding 3D cell culture techniques and the related cellular microenvironment, the cell types and in vitro models used. As a data source we used the National Library of Medicine and analyzed the studies published from 2000 to 2020.
Exceptional Injustice: Facebook as a Reflection of Race- and Gender-Based Narratives Following the Death of George Floyd
Authors: Dixon Patricia J , Dundes Lauren
Published: December 2020

Following the death of George Floyd, Facebook posts about the Black Lives Matter movement (BLM) surged, creating the opportunity to examine reactions by race and sex. This study employed a two-part mixed methods approach beginning with an analysis of posts from a single college student’s Facebook newsfeed over a 12-week period, commencing on the date of George Floyd’s death (25 May 2020). A triangulation protocol enhanced exploratory observational–archival Facebook posts with qualitative data from 24 Black and White college students queried about their views of BLM and policing. The Facebook data revealed that White males, who were the least active in posting about BLM, were most likely to criticize BLM protests. They also believed incidents of police brutality were exceptions that tainted an otherwise commendable profession. In contrast, Black individuals commonly saw the case of George Floyd as consistent with a longstanding pattern of injustice that takes an emotional toll, and as an egregious exemplification of racism that calls for indictment of the status quo. The exploratory data in this article also illustrate how even for a cause célèbre, attention on Facebook ebbs over time. This phenomenon obscures the urgency of effecting change, especially for persons whose understanding of racism is influenced by its coverage on social media. The need to recognize the divergence of views—how they vary by sex and race and their connection to social media—remains critical for progress in determining the best steps forward in race relations and police reform.
The Relationships between Internal and External Load Measures for Division I College Football Practice
Authors: Sobolewski Eric J.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study is to explore the relationships between internal and external load measures in American football. Thirty football players wore a portable integrated monitor unit for 10 weeks during the fall football season. Relationships between internal and external load measurements were determined. Internal load consisted of heart rate zones and heart rate-derived measures and session Ratings of Perceived Exertion (sRPE). External load consisted of distance in different speed zones, total distance traveled, and accelerations. There were many significant positive relationships, but the meaningful relationships (r > 0.5) were between heart rate-derived measures of load (Training Impulse and heart rate reserve) and low-intensity movement and total distance. Only accelerations between 1 and 1.99 m·s−2 were moderately correlated to heart rate-derived internal load. RPE values alone did not correlate strong enough with any of the measure but sRPE training load (sRPE-TL) correlated to most external values. Overall, moderate correlations were present between heart rate-derived internal load to total distance and lower intensity movement. sRPE-TL values had high correlations but were highly dependent on duration, not perceived exertion. When addressing load in American football, duration of the session is a key component in determining internal load as HR data and sRPE alone do not correlate highly with external loads.
Consumer’s Circular Behaviors in Relation to the Purchase, Extension of Life, and End of Life Management of Electrical and Electronic Products: A Review
Authors: Corsini Filippo , Gusmerotti Natalia Marzia , Frey Marco
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, management of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and the related waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a growing concern around the world and clearly an open issue to tackle in order to move towards a more circular economy. The goal of this review paper is to analyze and summarize research conducted exploring behaviors connected with purchases, extension of useful life, and management of end of life of electrical and electronic equipment. The results highlight several research exploring the determinants of WEEE recycling behavior, also in relation with different practices (e.g., online recycling); on the other hand other typologies of behaviors are less analyzed in the literature (e.g., purchase of used EEE products, donation of EEE products, participation in WEEE takeback activities established by firm operating in this sector, etc.). Moreover, the results suggest that the theoretical model adopted in many studies reveals its usefulness to predict the determinist of such circular consumer’s behavior in relation to the purchase, extension of life, and end of life management of electrical and electronic products; however, in many cases, additional variables are needed to fully explain the behavior.
Radon—The Element of Risk. The Impact of Radon Exposure on Human Health
Authors: Grzywa-Celińska Anna , Krusiński Adam , Mazur Jadwiga , Szewczyk Katarzyna , Kozak Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

Lung cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases with multifactorial aetiology. Smoking has been undeniably recognized as the main aetiological factor in lung cancer, but it should be emphasized that it is not the only factor. It is worth noting that a number of nonsmokers also develop this disease. Radon exposure is the second greatest risk factor for lung cancer among smokers—after smoking—and the first one for nonsmokers. The knowledge about this element amongst specialist oncologists and pulmonologists seems to be very superficial. We discuss the impact of radon on human health, with particular emphasis on respiratory diseases, including lung cancer. A better understanding of the problem will increase the chance of reducing the impact of radon exposure on public health and may contribute to more effective prevention of a number of lung diseases.
Poljska između iseljavanja i useljavanja, u kontekstu Crkve
Authors: Mąkosa Paweł
Published: December 2020

Poljsku se ponajprije smatra izvorom migracija, ali posljednjih godina zemlja je postala i mjesto naseljavanja izbjeglica i migranata, koji osobito dolaze iz Istočne Europe. U ovom smo radu najprije pokušali prikazati današnje iseljavanje iz Poljske, a zatim predstaviti priljev stranaca u tu zemlju. Pokazali smo i posljedice iseljavanja za Poljsku. Zatim smo se fokusirali na učenje Crkve o iseljenicima, a posebno na brigu za njihovo duhovno dobro. Drugi dio članka posvećen je useljenicima u Poljsku. Razmišljanje završava predstavljanjem trenutačnih podataka o broju imigranata i razlozima naseljavanja u Poljskoj. Prikazali smo poljsku državnu politiku s tim u vezi te prešli na stav Rimokatoličke Crkve u pogledu prihvaćanja izbjeglica i migranata. Na temelju provedenih analiza ustanovili smo da je politika poljske države otvorena uglavnom prema pridošlicama iz Istočne Europe, dok potencijalnim migrantima sa Srednjeg Istoka i iz Afrike, poljska Vlada nudi pomoć samo u privremenom naseljavanju. S druge strane, Rimokatolička Crkva u Poljskoj naglašava potrebu otvorenosti prema svim ljudima kojima je pomoć potrebna, premda primjećuje da je potrebno educiranje javnosti o tom pitanju. Rješenja prihvaćena u Poljskoj rezultirala su masovnim priljevom migranata iz istočnoeuropskih zemalja, posebno iz Ukrajine.
Pengaruh Budaya 5R dan Kinerja Karyawan terhadap Lingkungan Kerja di Sinter Plant PT.XYZ
Authors: Anthony Muhamad Bob
Published: December 2020

Abstract— PT. XYZ is one of the large and multinational companies engaged in steel production in Indonesia and in the first half of 2019 PT. XYZ faces a challenge that is the many employees in the sinter plant do not implement the 5R culture. Sinter plant is the main supplier plant for the blast furnace plant at PT. XYZ which functions to combine a raw material mixture at high temperatures to produce a product known as sinter ore. This research was conducted at PT. XYZ. The data obtained was then processed and analyzed using the SPSS version 26 program. Based on the results of data processing and analysis, it was found that all indicators used in this study had good validity and reliability. The results of data processing and analysis in this study also found that 5R culture (X1) and employee performance (X2) had an influence on the work environment (Y).Keywords— 5R Culture, Employee Performance, Work Environment. Abstrak— PT. XYZ adalah salah satu perusahaan besar dan multinasional yang bergerak di bidang produksi baja di Indonesia dan pada semester pertama tahun 2019 PT. XYZ menghadapi tantangan yaitu banyaknya karyawan di sinter plant yang tidak melaksanakan budaya 5R. Sinter plant merupakan plant pemasok utama untuk blast furnace plant di PT. XYZ yang berfungsi untuk menggabungkan suatu raw material mixture pada temperatur tinggi sehingga menghasilkan produk yang dikenal dengan nama sinter ore. Penelitian ini dilakukan di sinter plant PT. XYZ. Data yang didapat kemudian diolah dan dianalisis menggunakan program SPSS versi 26. Berdasarkan hasil pengolahan data dan analisa tersebut didapat bahwa  semua indikator-indikator yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini memiliki keabsahan (validitas) dan keandalan (reliabilitas) yang baik. Hasil pengolahan data dan analisa dalam penelitian ini juga mendapatkan bahwa budaya 5R (X1) dan kinerja karyawan (X2) mempunyai pengaruh terhadap lingkungan kerja (Y).Kata kunci— Budaya 5R, Kinerja Karyawan, Lingkungan Kerja.
Enformasyonun Dayanılmaz Hafifliği ve Bilginin İmkansız Ağırlığı: Büyük Veri ve Bir Dijital Sözlü Kültürün Bileşenleri (Zizi Papacharissi)
Authors: TOPÇU Çiçek
Published: December 2020

Bu makale, Büyük Verinin, bilgiyi nasıl tanımladığımızı değiştirip değiştirmediğine dair Danah Boyd ve Kate Crawford'un düşüncelerine cevap ve ek olarak yazılmıştır Ben değiştirmediğini, fakat; dijital sözlü kültür dediğim bilgiyi iletmenin bir türünü pekiştirip yeniden ürettiğini öne sürüyorum. Büyük Veriyi ve çok çeşitli benzer analitik formülasyonları destekleyen birbirlerine bağlı online platformlar, kişilerarası ve kitlesel hikaye anlatma pratiklerini değişken şekilde harmanlayarak birincil ve ikincil sözlü kültür eğilimlerinin ve gerilimlerinin bir uzlaşmasını sunmaktadır. Büyük Verinin kökenleri, yapıları ve belirtileri hakkında sorular sorma biçimindeki yazılı kültür, ister küçük ister büyük olsun; veri işlemeyi, dijital sözlü kültürü sağlayan yeni hikaye anlatma usullerine zemin olarak hazırlayıp, bu sözlü kültüre hakim olarak bu hikayeleri yerleşik bilginin anlamlı biçimlerine dönüştürmektedir.
РОЗВИТОК ВИЩОЇ ВІЙСЬКОВОЇ ОСВІТИ УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ВІЙСЬКОВОГО КОНФЛІКТУ ТА ЄВРОАТЛАНТИЧНОЇ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ: НОВІ ВИКЛИКИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ
Authors: Ю. В. ГИКАЛО
Published: December 2020

У статті проаналізовано перепони та перспективи підготовкивисококваліфікованих офіцерських кадрів для Збройних сил України всистемі вітчизняної вищої військової освіти. В ході дослідженняздійснено дефінітивний аналіз та запропоновано власне тлумаченнятерміну «система вищої військової освіти», визначено її особливості тамісце у вітчизняній системі освіти загалом. Запропоновано шляхипідвищення якості освітніх послуг вищої військової школи тапопуляризації воєнних професій серед молоді.
Bien jurídico “penal”. Contenido procedimental y nuevo contenido material
Authors: Balmaceda Quirós Justo Fernando
Published: December 2020

El clásico objeto de protección del Derecho penal, el bien jurídico, aún se presenta como dogma de la teoría del delito, a pesar de la incursión funcionalista de la idea de lesión del deber como objeto de protección del Derecho penal. El paso del tiempo, con los variadísimos ensayos para dotar al bien jurídico de un concepto material universal, pero adaptable a los cambios sociales, aunque ninguno concluyente (tanto en sí mismo, como por opinión de todos los doctrinarios) nos ha puesto en el trabajo de buscar en la Filosofía del Derecho alguna propuesta con esas características: creemos que la hemos encontrado en la idea del derecho como cosa justa abstracta.
El Programa Nuclear de Irán
Authors: Burga Coronel Angélica
Published: December 2020

Al fin de la Guerra Fría nació un nuevo orden internacional que trajo consigo una serie de oportunidades para los Estados (como la apertura de mercados), pero también desafíos (como la globalización), riesgos y amenazas (como la proliferación de armas de destrucción masiva, el terrorismo global, el crimen organizado, la corrupción institucionalizada, entre otros). En ese contexto, algunos Estados, como Irán, han venido desarrollando programas nucleares que podrían ser considerados como una amenaza a la paz y seguridad internacionales.La preocupación de la comunidad internacional se ha visto acrecentada por la incertidumbre reflejada en los informes del Organismo Internacional de la Energía Atómica, que hasta la actualidad no ha podido afirmar o negar que Irán se encuentra efectivamente fabricando una bomba atómica.
Perú – Alemania. ¿Cómo operaba la diplomacia durante el III Reich? (1935 – 1937)
Authors: Vallejo Jorge Luis
Published: December 2020

El presente artículo apunta a contribuir con los estudios de Ciencia Política bajo la línea de las Relaciones Internacionales desde la historia política de la actuación de nuestra Cancillería, explorando las relaciones diplomáticas del Perú con el III Reich Alemán, por ello esta investigación se centra en torno a los legajos diplomáticos guardados en los repositorios del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores peruano, se ha sistematizado la documentación referente a los años de 1935, 1936 y 1937, tiempos de la ya plena instalación del régimen nazi en Alemania, previos a la conflagración mundial. Se muestran así diversos extractos de documentos que salen a luz luego de varias décadas de postergación.
Legitimidad como requisito de procedencia de la Nulidad Procesal
Authors: Vilela Chinchay Sheila María
Published: December 2020

La legitimidad es un requisito de singular importancia, exigido para poner en marcha el proceso y para actuar al interior de este. Así, resulta ser también una exigencia para plantear nulidades y en el supuesto de no contar con legitimidad, el órgano jurisdiccional expedirá una resolución declarando improcedente el pedido de nulidad. La improcedencia opera en tanto existe un defecto en un requisito de fondo.De acuerdo a lo regulado por el Código Procesal Civil, un sujeto contará con legitimidad si acredita haber sido perjudicado con el acto procesal viciado, y en esta afirmación encontramos el problema. Hablar de perjuicio es hablar del principio de trascendencia, el mismo que al lado de los principios de conservación y convalidación constituye el contenido del examen de fundabilidad, de modo que ante la ausencia de perjuicio no podría luego pretenderse declarar improcedente el pedido. Una desacertada equiparación entre perjuicio y legitimidad impide comprender el requisito, crea confusión en los operadores del derecho al resolver el pedido de nulidad y dificulta la comprensión de la facultad del órgano jurisdiccional para declarar la nulidad de oficio.