bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Drug-Loaded Electrospun Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Mats for Therapeutic Application
Authors: Opálková Šišková Alena , Bučková Mária , Kroneková Zuzana , Kleinová Angela , Nagy Štefan , Rydz Joanna , Opálek Andrej , Sláviková Monika , Eckstein Andicsová Anita
Published: April 2021

Diclofenac sodium salt (DSS)-loaded electrospun nanofiber mats on the base of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) were investigated as biocompatible nanofibrous mats for medical applications with the ability to inhibit bacterial infections. The paper presents the characteristics of fibrous mats made by electrospinning and determines the effect of medicament on the fiber morphology, chemical, mechanical and thermal properties, as well as wettability. PCL and DSS-loaded PCL nanofibrous mats were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and contact angle measurements. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements confirmed the lifetime of DSS before and after application of high voltage during the electrospinning process. In vitro biocompatibility was studied, and it was proved to be of good viability with ~92% of the diploid human cells culture line composed of lung fibroblast (MRC 5) after 48 h of incubation. Moreover, the significant activity of DSS-loaded nanofibers against cancer cells, Ca Ski and HeLa, was established as well. It was shown that 12.5% (m/V) is the minimal concentration for antibacterial activity when more than 99% of Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and 99% of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) have been exterminated.
Glass-Ceramic Synthesis of Cr-Substituted Strontium Hexaferrite Nanoparticles with Enhanced Coercivity
Authors: Trusov Lev A. , Sleptsova Anastasia E. , Duan Jingtong , Gorbachev Evgeny A. , Kozlyakova Ekaterina S. , Anokhin Evgeny O. , Eliseev Artem A. , Karpov Maxim A. , Vasiliev Alexander V. , Brylev Oleg A. , Kazin Pavel E.
Published: April 2021

Magnetically hard ferrites attract considerable interest due to their ability to maintain a high coercivity of nanosized particles and therefore show promising applications as nanomagnets ranging from magnetic recording to biomedicine. Herein, we report an approach to prepare nonsintered single-domain nanoparticles of chromium-substituted hexaferrite via crystallization of glass in the system SrO–Fe2O3–Cr2O3–B2O3. We have observed a formation of plate-like hexaferrite nanoparticles with diameters changing from 20 to 190 nm depending on the annealing temperature. We demonstrated that chromium substitution led to a significant improvement of the coercivity, which varied from 334 to 732 kA m−1 for the smallest and the largest particles, respectively. The results provide a new strategy for producing high-coercivity ferrite nanomagnets.
The Clinical Value of Nutritional Care before and during Active Cancer Treatment
Authors: Aprile Giuseppe , Basile Debora , Giaretta Renato , Schiavo Gessica , La Verde Nicla , Corradi Ettore , Monge Taira , Agustoni Francesco , Stragliotto Silvia
Published: April 2021

Malnutrition and muscle wasting are frequently reported in cancer patients, either linked to the tumor itself or caused by oncologic therapies. Understanding the value of nutritional care during cancer treatment remains crucial. In fact, cancer-associated sarcopenia plays a key role in determining higher rates of morbidity, mortality, treatment-induced toxicities, prolonged hospitalizations and reduced adherence to anticancer treatment, worsening quality of life and survival. Planning baseline screening to intercept nutritional troubles earlier, organizing timely reassessments, and providing adequate counselling and dietary support, healthcare professional may positively interfere with this process and improve patients’ overall outcomes during the whole disease course. Several screening tools have been proposed for this purpose. Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) are the most common studied. Interestingly, second-level tools including skeletal muscle index (SMI) and bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) provide a more precise assessment of body composition, even if they are more complex. However, nutritional assessment is not currently used in clinical practice and procedures must be standardized in order to improve the efficacy of standard chemotherapy, targeted agents or even checkpoint inhibitors that is potentially linked with the patients’ nutritional status. In the present review, we will discuss about malnutrition and the importance of an early nutritional assessment during chemotherapy and treatment with novel checkpoint inhibitors, in order to prevent treatment-induced toxicities and to improve survival outcomes.
Complementary Feeding and Overweight in European Preschoolers: The ToyBox-Study
Authors: Usheva Natalya , Galcheva Sonya , Cardon Greet , De Craemer Marieke , Androutsos Odysseas , Kotowska Aneta , Socha Piotr , Koletzko Berthold , Moreno Luis , Iotova Violeta , Manios Yannis ,   on behalf of the ToyBox-study Group
Published: April 2021

Complementary feeding (CF) should start between 4–6 months of age to ensure infants’ growth but is also linked to childhood obesity. This study aimed to investigate the association of the timing of CF, breastfeeding and overweight in preschool children. Infant-feeding practices were self-reported in 2012 via a validated questionnaire by >7500 parents from six European countries participating in the ToyBox-study. The proportion of children who received breast milk and CF at 4–6 months was 51.2%. There was a positive association between timing of solid food (SF) introduction and duration of breastfeeding, as well as socioeconomic status and a negative association with smoking throughout pregnancy (p < 0.005). No significant risk to become overweight was observed among preschoolers who were introduced to SF at 1–3 months of age compared to those introduced at 4–6 months regardless of the type of milk feeding. Similarly, no significant association was observed between the early introduction of SF and risk for overweight in preschoolers who were breastfed for ≥4 months or were formula-fed. The study did not identify any significant association between the timing of introducing SF and obesity in childhood. It is likely that other factors than timing of SF introduction may have impact on childhood obesity.
Anticancer Activity of Triazolo-Thiadiazole Derivatives and Inhibition of AKT1 and AKT2 Activation
Authors: Trafalis Dimitrios T. , Sagredou Sofia , Dalezis Panayiotis , Voura Maria , Fountoulaki Stella , Nikoleousakos Nikolaos , Almpanakis Konstantinos , Deligiorgi Maria V. , Sarli Vasiliki
Published: April 2021

The fusion of 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole rings results in a class of heterocycles compounds with an extensive range of pharmacological properties. A series of 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,2,4-thiadiazoles was synthesized and tested for its enzyme inhibition potential and anticancer activity. The results show that 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,2,4-thiadiazoles display potent anticancer properties in vitro against a panel of cancer cells and in vivo efficacy in HT-29 human colon tumor xenograft in CB17 severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that KA25 and KA39 exhibit time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of Akt Ser-473 phosphorylation. Molecular modeling experiments indicated that 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,2,4-thiadiazoles bind well to the ATP binding site in Akt1 and Akt2. The low acute toxicity combined with in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity render triazolo[3,4-b]thiadiazoles KA25, KA26, and KA39 promising cancer therapeutic agents.
Photophysical, Thermal and Structural Properties of Thiophene and Benzodithiophene-Based Copolymers Synthesized by Direct Arylation Polycondensation Method
Authors: Tegegne Newayemedhin A. , Abdissa Zelalem , Mammo Wendimagegn
Published: April 2021

Three low-band-gap copolymers based on isoindigo acceptor units were designed and successfully synthesized by direct arylation polycondensation method. Two of them were benzodithiophene (BDT)-isoindigo copolymers (PBDTI-OD and PBDTI-DT) with 2-octlydodecyl (OD) and 2-decyltetradecyl (DT) substituted isoindigo units, respectively. Thiophene donor and DT-substituted isoindigo acceptor units were copolymerized to synthesize PTI-DT. The copolymers have a broad absorption range that extends to over 760 nm with a band gap ≈1.5 eV. The photophysical property studies showed that the BDT-based copolymers have non-polar ground states. Their emission exhibited the population of the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state in polar solvents and tightly bound excitonic state in non-polar solvents due to self-aggregation. On the contrary, the emission from the thiophene-based copolymers was only from the tightly bound excitonic state. The thermal decomposition temperature of the copolymers was above 380 °C. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the three copolymers showed a halo due to π−π stacking. A second, sharper peak was observed in the BDT-based copolymer with a longer side chain on the isoindigo unit (PBDTI-DT), and the thiophene-based copolymers with PTI-DT, exhibiting a better structural order.
Influence of Salt on the Self-Organization in Solutions of Star-Shaped Poly-2-alkyl-2-oxazoline and Poly-2-alkyl-2-oxazine on Heating
Authors: Kirila Tatyana , Smirnova Anna , Razina Alla , Tenkovtsev Andrey , Filippov Alexander
Published: April 2021

The water–salt solutions of star-shaped six-arm poly-2-alkyl-2-oxazines and poly-2-alkyl-2-oxazolines were studied by light scattering and turbidimetry. The core was hexaaza[26]orthoparacyclophane and the arms were poly-2-ethyl-2-oxazine, poly-2-isopropyl-2-oxazine, poly-2-ethyl-2-oxazoline, and poly-2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline. NaCl and N-methylpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate were used as salts. Their concentration varied from 0–0.154 M. On heating, a phase transition was observed in all studied solutions. It was found that the effect of salt on the thermosensitivity of the investigated stars depends on the structure of the salt and polymer and on the salt content in the solution. The phase separation temperature decreased with an increase in the hydrophobicity of the polymers, which is caused by both a growth of the side radical size and an elongation of the monomer unit. For NaCl solutions, the phase separation temperature monotonically decreased with growth of salt concentration. In solutions with methylpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate, the dependence of the phase separation temperature on the salt concentration was non-monotonic with minimum at salt concentration corresponding to one salt molecule per one arm of a polymer star. Poly-2-alkyl-2-oxazine and poly-2-alkyl-2-oxazoline stars with a hexaaza[26]orthoparacyclophane core are more sensitive to the presence of salt in solution than the similar stars with a calix[n]arene branching center.
Modelling Sorption Thermodynamics and Mass Transport of n-Hexane in a Propylene-Ethylene Elastomer
Authors: Tammaro Daniele , Lombardi Lorenzo , Scherillo Giuseppe , Di Maio Ernesto , Ahuja Navanshu , Mensitieri Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

Optimization of post polymerization processes of polyolefin elastomers (POE) involving solvents is of considerable industrial interest. To this aim, experimental determination and theoretical interpretation of the thermodynamics and mass transport properties of POE-solvent mixtures is relevant. Sorption behavior of n-hexane vapor in a commercial propylene-ethylene elastomer (V8880 VistamaxxTM from ExxonMobil, Machelen, Belgium) is addressed here, determining experimentally the sorption isotherms at temperatures ranging from 115 to 140 °C and pressure values of n-hexane vapor up to 1 atm. Sorption isotherms have been interpreted using a Non Random Lattice Fluid (NRLF) Equation of State model retrieving, from data fitting, the value of the binary interaction parameter for the n-hexane/V8880 system. Both the cases of temperature-independent and of temperature-dependent binary interaction parameter have been considered. Sorption kinetics was also investigated at different pressures and has been interpreted using a Fick’s model determining values of the mutual diffusivity as a function of temperature and of n-hexane/V8880 mixture composition. From these values, n-hexane intra-diffusion coefficient has been calculated interpreting its dependence on mixture concentration and temperature by a semi-empiric model based on free volume arguments.
Recyclability Analysis of Starch Thermoplastic/Almond Shell Biocomposite
Authors: Ibáñez-García Ana , Martínez-García Asunción , Ferrándiz-Bou Santiago
Published: April 2021

This article is focused on studying the effect of the reprocessing cycles on the mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic properties of a biocomposite. This process is based on starch thermoplastic polymer (TPS) filled with 20 wt% almond shell powder (ASP) and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) as a compatibilizing additive. To do so, the biocomposite was prepared in a twin-screw extruder, molded by injection, and characterized in terms of its mechanical, thermal, and visual properties (according to CieLab) and the melt flow index (MFI). The analyses carried out were tensile, flexural, Charpy impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of the reprocessing were also studied for the biodegradable unfilled TPS polymer. The results showed that TPS and TPS/ASP biocomposite suffer changes progressively on the properties studied after each reprocessing cycle. Furthermore, it was observed that the addition of ASP intensified these effects regarding TPS. However, in spite of the progressive degradation in both cases, it is technically feasible to reprocess the material at least three times without needing to incorporate virgin material.
Influence of Elongation of Paclitaxel-Eluting Electrospun-Produced Stent Coating on Paclitaxel Release and Transport through the Arterial Wall after Stenting
Authors: Nazarkina Zhanna K. , Chelobanov Boris P. , Kuznetsov Konstantin A. , Shutov Alexey V. , Romanova Irina V. , Karpenko Andrey A. , Laktionov Pavel P.
Published: April 2021

It was previously shown that polycaprolactone (PCL)-based electrospun-produced paclitaxel (PTX)-enriched matrices exhibit long-term drug release kinetics and can be used as coatings for drug-eluting stents (DES). The installation of vascular stents involves a twofold increase in stent diameter and, therefore, an elongation of the matrices covering the stents, as well as the arterial wall in a stented area. We studied the influence of matrix elongation on its structure and PTX release using three different electrospun-produced matrices. The data obtained demonstrate that matrix elongation during stent installation does not lead to fiber breaks and does not interfere with the kinetics of PTX release. To study PTX diffusion through the expanded artery wall, stents coated with 5%PCL/10%HSA/3%DMSO/PTX and containing tritium-labeled PTX were installed into the freshly obtained iliac artery of a rabbit. The PTX passing through the artery wall was quantified using a scintillator β-counter. The artery retained the PTX and decreased its release from the coating. The retention of PTX by the arterial wall was more efficient when incubated in blood plasma in comparison with PBS. The retention/accumulation of PTX by the arterial wall provides a prolonged drug release and allows for the reduction in the dose of the drugs in electrospun-produced stent coatings.
A Sustainable Recycling Alternative: Electrospun PET-Membranes for Air Nanofiltration
Authors: Bonfim Daniela P. F. , Cruz Fabiana G. S. , Bretas Rosario E. S. , Guerra Vádila G. , Aguiar Mônica Lopes
Published: April 2021

Currently, the inappropriate disposal of plastic materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes, is a major environmental problem since it can cause serious damage to the environment and contribute to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. To reduce this accumulation, PET-type bottles have been recycled, and also explored in other applications such as the development of membranes. Thus, this research aims to develop electrospun microfiber membranes from PET wastes and evaluate their use as an air filter media. The solution concentrations varied from 20 to 12% wt% of PET wastes, which caused a reduction of the average fiber diameter by 60% (from 3.25 µm to 1.27 µm). The electrospun filter membranes showed high mechanical resistance (4 MPa), adequate permeability (4.4 × 10−8 m2), high porosity (96%), and provided a high collection efficiency (about 100%) and low-pressure drop (212 Pa, whose face velocity was 4.8 cm/s) for the removal of viable aerosol nanoparticles. It can include bacteria, fungi, and also viruses, mainly SARS-CoV-2 (about 100 nm). Therefore, the developed electrospun membranes can be applied as indoor air filters, where extremely clean air is needed (e.g., hospitals, clean zones of pharmaceutical and food industry, aircraft, among others).
The Formation of the Bhikṣu Ordination in 19th Century Chosŏn Korea: Focusing on the Ten Wholesome Precepts of the Monk Paekp’a
Authors: Lee Ja-rang
Published: April 2021

Ordination can be said to be the core of Buddhism and maintaining this tradition is the key to maintaining Buddhism. This was the realization of the monastics in early 19th century Korea such as Paekp’a (1767–1852), Taeŭn (1780–1841), and Manha (d.u.) who were the pioneers in reviving the ordination tradition at a time when the saṃgha must have suffered a severe decline of this all too important tradition. Among these three monks, there were some commonalities such as the common geography of Chirisan area in the Hoam region where they started this movement and the fact that Paekp’a and Taeŭn, belonged to the Pyŏngyang lineal clan, the lineal descendants of the great masters Hyujŏng and P’yŏnyang. The effort to revitalize the ordination tradition by Paekp’a and other monks were successful in establishing their lineal clan and, at the same time, significantly contributed to securing their lineage within the history of Korea Buddhism. However, because Paekp’a’s method of the ten wholesome precepts was seen to be different from the traditional methods of ordination, its influence was. Taeŭn’s methods, on the other hand, by borrowing notions from the Brahmā’s Net Sutra which allowed monks to revitalize their lineal clan through one’s own effort, drew support from eminent monks and became widely practiced. Similarly, the lineage that was formed by Manha by traveling to China on being recognized for its legitimacy came to be established as part of the mainline of Korean Buddhism. While such methods were successful in responding to the dire situation of the early 19th century, this movement also provided the foundation for the continuation to the modern period the traditional orthodox lineage that was started some 300 years earlier.
Ghost Elimination via Multi-Component Collaboration for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing Image Stitching
Authors: Xue Wanli , Zhang Zhe , Chen Shengyong
Published: April 2021

Ghosts are a common phenomenon widely present in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing image stitching that seriously affect the naturalness of stitching results. In order to effectively remove ghosts and produce visually natural stitching results, we propose a novel image stitching method that can identify and eliminate ghosts through multi-component collaboration without object distortion, segmentation or repetition. Specifically, our main contributions are as follows: first, we propose a ghost identification component to locate a potential ghost in the stitching area; and detect significantly moving objects in the two stitched images. In particular, due to the characteristics of UAV shooting, the objects in UAV remote sensing images are small and the image quality is poor. We propose a mesh-based image difference comparison method to identify ghosts; and use an object tracking algorithm to accurately correspond to each ghost pair. Second, we design an image information source selection strategy to generate the ghost replacement region, which can replace the located ghost and avoid object distortion, segmentation and repetition. Third, we find that the process of ghost elimination can produce natural mosaic images by eliminating the ghost caused by initial blending with selected image information source. We validate the proposed method on VIVID data set and compare our method with Homo, ELA, SPW and APAP using the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) evaluation indicator.
Design of a New 1D Halbach Magnet Array with Good Sinusoidal Magnetic Field by Analyzing the Curved Surface
Authors: Liu Guangdou , Hou Shiqin , Xu Xingping , Xiao Wensheng
Published: April 2021

In the linear and planar motors, the 1D Halbach magnet array is extensively used. The sinusoidal property of the magnetic field deteriorates by analyzing the magnetic field at a small air gap. Therefore, a new 1D Halbach magnet array is proposed, in which the permanent magnet with a curved surface is applied. Based on the superposition of principle and Fourier series, the magnetic flux density distribution is derived. The optimized curved surface is obtained and fitted by a polynomial. The sinusoidal magnetic field is verified by comparing it with the magnetic flux density of the finite element model. Through the analysis of different dimensions of the permanent magnet array, the optimization result has good applicability. The force ripple can be significantly reduced by the new magnet array. The effect on the mass and air gap is investigated compared with a conventional magnet array with rectangular permanent magnets. In conclusion, the new magnet array design has the scalability to be extended to various sizes of motor and is especially suitable for small air gap applications.
Outlier Detection Transilience-Probabilistic Model for Wind Tunnels Based on Sensor Data
Authors: Quesada Encarna , Cuadrado-Gallego Juan J. , Patricio Miguel Ángel , Usero Luis
Published: April 2021

Anomaly Detection research is focused on the development and application of methods that allow for the identification of data that are different enough—compared with the rest of the data set that is being analyzed—and considered anomalies (or, as they are more commonly called, outliers). These values mainly originate from two sources: they may be errors introduced during the collection or handling of the data, or they can be correct, but very different from the rest of the values. It is essential to correctly identify each type as, in the first case, they must be removed from the data set but, in the second case, they must be carefully analyzed and taken into account. The correct selection and use of the model to be applied to a specific problem is fundamental for the success of the anomaly detection study and, in many cases, the use of only one model cannot provide sufficient results, which can be only reached by using a mixture model resulting from the integration of existing and/or ad hoc-developed models. This is the kind of model that is developed and applied to solve the problem presented in this paper. This study deals with the definition and application of an anomaly detection model that combines statistical models and a new method defined by the authors, the Local Transilience Outlier Identification Method, in order to improve the identification of outliers in the sensor-obtained values of variables that affect the operations of wind tunnels. The correct detection of outliers for the variables involved in wind tunnel operations is very important for the industrial ventilation systems industry, especially for vertical wind tunnels, which are used as training facilities for indoor skydiving, as the incorrect performance of such devices may put human lives at risk. In consequence, the use of the presented model for outlier detection may have a high impact in this industrial sector. In this research work, a proof-of-concept is carried out using data from a real installation, in order to test the proposed anomaly analysis method and its application to control the correct performance of wind tunnels.
Surface EMG-Based Instantaneous Hand Gesture Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Network with the Transfer Learning Method
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Zhao Jianghai , Wang Yucheng , He Linglong , Wang Shaonan
Published: April 2021

In recent years, surface electromyography (sEMG)-based human–computer interaction has been developed to improve the quality of life for people. Gesture recognition based on the instantaneous values of sEMG has the advantages of accurate prediction and low latency. However, the low generalization ability of the hand gesture recognition method limits its application to new subjects and new hand gestures, and brings a heavy training burden. For this reason, based on a convolutional neural network, a transfer learning (TL) strategy for instantaneous gesture recognition is proposed to improve the generalization performance of the target network. CapgMyo and NinaPro DB1 are used to evaluate the validity of our proposed strategy. Compared with the non-transfer learning (non-TL) strategy, our proposed strategy improves the average accuracy of new subject and new gesture recognition by 18.7% and 8.74%, respectively, when up to three repeated gestures are employed. The TL strategy reduces the training time by a factor of three. Experiments verify the transferability of spatial features and the validity of the proposed strategy in improving the recognition accuracy of new subjects and new gestures, and reducing the training burden. The proposed TL strategy provides an effective way of improving the generalization ability of the gesture recognition system.
Match Analysis of Soccer Refereeing Using Spatiotemporal Data: A Case Study
Authors: Gonçalves Bruno , Coutinho Diogo , Travassos Bruno , Brito João , Figueiredo Pedro
Published: April 2021

This case study explored how spatiotemporal data can develop key metrics to evaluate and understand elite soccer referees’ performance during one elite soccer match. The dynamic position of players from both teams, the ball and three elite referees allowed to capture the following performance metrics: (i) assistant referees: alignment with the second last defender; (ii) referee: referee diagonal movement—a position density was computed and a principal component analysis was carried to identify the directions of greatest variability; and (iii) referee: assessing the distance from the referee to the ball. All computations were processed when the ball was in-play and separated by 1st and 2nd halves. The first metric showed an alignment lower than 1 m between the assistant referee and the second last defender. The second metric showed that in the 1st half, the referee position ellipsis area was 548 m2, which increased during the 2nd half (671 m2). The third metric showed an increase in the distance from the referee to the ball and >80% of the distance between 5–30 m during the 2nd half. The findings may be used as a starting point to elaborate normative behavior models from the referee’s movement performance in soccer.
Mobility during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Data-Driven Time-Geographic Analysis of Health-Induced Mobility Changes
Authors: Toger Marina , Kourtit Karima , Nijkamp Peter , Östh John
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the spatial mobility of a major part of the population in many countries. For most people, this was an extremely disruptive shock, resulting in loss of income, social contact and quality of life. However, forced to reduce human physical interaction, most businesses, individuals and households developed new action lines and routines, and were gradually learning to adapt to the new reality. Some of these changes might result in long-term changes in opportunity structures and in spatial preferences for working, employment or residential location choice, and for mobility behavior. In this paper we aim to extend the time-geographic approach to analyzing people’s spatial activities, by focusing on health-related geographical mobility patterns during the pandemic in Sweden. Starting from a micro-approach at individual level and then looking at an aggregate urban scale, we examine the space-time geography during the coronavirus pandemic, using Hägerstrand’s time-geography model. We utilize a massive but (location-wise) fuzzy dataset to analyze aggregate spatiotemporal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic using a contemporary time-geographical approach. First, we address micro-level behavior in time-space to understand the mechanisms of change and to illustrate that a temporal drastic change in human mobility seems to be plausible. Then we analyze the changes in individuals’ mobility by analyzing their activity spaces in aggregate using mobile phone network data records. Clearly, it is too early for predicting long-term spatial changes, but a clear heterogeneity in spatial behavior can already be detected. It seems plausible that the corona pandemic may have long-lasting effects on employment centers, city roles and spatial mobility patterns.
Research on Indoor Thermal Comfort and Age of Air in Qilou Street Shop under Mechanical Ventilation Scheme: A Case Study of Nanning Traditional Block in Southern China
Authors: Huang Xianfeng , Qu Chen
Published: April 2021

In hot summers, air conditioning (AC) and mechanical ventilation (such as fans) are used as cooling modes that strongly influence the resultant indoor environment, like thermal comfort and air quality in the shops of a Nanning arcade street (qilou). The air circulation mode in shops greatly affects the indoor thermal environment and level of air freshness. The approaches for effectively improving the indoor thermal comfort and air quality are developed in qilou street shops with air-conditioner in a humid and hot region in southern China. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to assess different ventilation schemes in order to identify the best one. By using two indices, i.e., the predicted mean vote (PMV) and the age of air (AoA), in situ measurement and numerical simulation are conducted to investigate humans’ thermal comfort in extreme summer. Then, the indoor thermal comfort and AoA levels in summer under three different ventilation schemes (upper-inlet–upper-outlet, upper-inlet–bottom-outlet, and side-inlet–side-outlet) are comparatively analyzed through numerical computations of the indoor thermal environment. The results show that the upper-inlet–upper-outlet mode of the AC ventilation scheme led to the creation of a favorable air quality and comfortable thermal environment inside the shop, which will help designers understand the influence of the ventilation scheme on the indoor thermal comfort and health environment.
Antibiotic Use in Broiler Poultry Farms in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal: Which Antibiotics and Why?
Authors: Koirala Ananta , Bhandari Priyanka , Shewade Hemant Deepak , Tao Wenjing , Thapa Badri , Terry Robert , Zachariah Rony , Karki Surendra
Published: April 2021

Inappropriate antibiotic use in food-producing animals is associated with the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. In industrial broiler poultry farms in three districts of Kathmandu valley, Nepal, we assessed antibiotic use prevalence, and their classes, types, and quantities. A cross-sectional questionnaire study involving field visits to large poultry farms (flock size ≥ 3000) of the Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur districts was conducted. Of 30 farms (total flock size 104,200; range 3000–6000), prevalence of antibiotic use was 90% (95% CI: 73–98%). Six (22%) farms used antibiotics as prophylaxis, while 21 (78%) used it for therapeutics. Seven antibiotics from six classes (including quinolones, macrolides, and polymyxins) were used. The most commonly used antibiotics were tylosin (47%), colistin (47%), and dual therapies with neomycin and doxycycline (33%). A total of 50,000 grams of antibiotics (total weight including active and inactive ingredients) were used (0.5 grams/chicken/45 days of flock life) with eight (26%) farms using more than two antibiotics. No farms had records on clinical indications for prophylaxis or treatment. No post-mortem records of sick birds were available. Prevalence of antibiotic use in broiler farms of Kathmandu valley is high and includes “highest priority critically important antibiotics” for human use, with direct implications on public health.
Aquaculture and Restoration: Perspectives from Mediterranean Sea Experiences
Authors: Giangrande Adriana , Gravina Maria Flavia , Rossi Sergio , Longo Caterina , Pierri Cataldo
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the different possibilities and innovations related to sustainable aquaculture in the Mediterranean area are discussed, while different maricultural methods, and the role of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) in supporting the exploitation of the ocean’s resources, are also reviewed. IMTA, and mariculture in general, when carefully planned, can be suitable for environmental restoration and conservation purposes. Aquaculture, especially mariculture, is a sector that is progressively increasing in parallel with the increase in human needs; however, several problems still affect its development, mainly in relation to the choice of suitable sites, fodder production, and the impact on the surrounding environment. A current challenge that requires suitable solutions is the implementation of IMTA. Unfortunately, some criticisms still affect this approach, mostly concerning the commercialization of new products such as invertebrates and seaweeds, notwithstanding their environmentally friendly character. Regarding the location of a suitable site, mariculture plans are currently displaced from inshore to offshore, with the aim of reducing the competition for space with other human activities carried out within coastal waters. Moreover, in open water, waste loading does not appear to be a problem, but high-energy waters increase maintenance costs. Some suggestions are given for developing sustainable mariculture in the Mediterranean area, where IMTA is in its infancy and where the scarce nutrients that characterize offshore waters are not suitable for the farming of both filter feeder invertebrates and macroalgae. From the perspective of coupling mariculture activity with restoration ecology, the practices suggested in this review concern the implementation of inshore IMTA, creating artificially controlled gardens, as well as offshore mussel farming coupled with artificial reefs, while also hypothesizing the possibility of the use of artificially eutrophized areas.
Invertebrate Responses to Restoration across Benthic and Hyporheic Stream Compartments
Authors: Robertson Anne , Perkins Daniel , England Judy , Johns Tim
Published: April 2021

River restoration is a multi-billion-dollar business, yet it is unclear whether benthic community health, which is routinely monitored, can be used as a proxy for the health of the hyporheos. Applying a Before-After-Control-Impact approach to a UK case study, we compared the effects of removing an impoundment on the hyporheos with effects on the benthos. We compared invertebrate biological traits that we expected to respond to the restoration. We constructed sample-size based diversity curves and determined β-diversity between compartments and reaches. Two years post-restoration, hyporheic taxon richness was significantly lower in the restored reach compared to the control. However, three years post-restoration taxon richness was significantly higher in the impact reach. The composition of the control and impact reach hyporheos was most dissimilar at the first sampling time point post-restoration and at this time there was a universal decrease in the relative abundance of burrowing organisms respiring through gills. We did not detect a signal of restoration on benthic assemblage diversity and composition, perhaps because reach-scale restorations can be overwhelmed by catchment-scale disturbances. Thus, the hyporheos and the benthos responded differently to restoration. Given the importance of the hyporheic zone in the provision of ecosystem function and services, it is clear that it should be included in future monitoring protocols that aim to assess river restoration success.
Modeling and Optimization of Biochar Based Adsorbent Derived from Kenaf Using Response Surface Methodology on Adsorption of Cd2+
Authors: Saeed Anwar Ameen Hezam , Harun Noorfidza Yub , Sufian Suriati , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Nufida Baiq Asma , Ismail Noor Maizura , Zakaria Zaki Yamani , Jagaba Ahmad Hussaini , Ghaleb Aiban Abdulhakim Saeed , Al-Dhawi Baker Nasser Saleh
Published: April 2021

Cadmium is one of the most hazardous metals in the environment, even when present at very low concentrations. This study reports the systematic development of Kenaf fiber biochar as an adsorbent for the removal of cadmium (Cd) (II) ions from water. The adsorbent development was aided by an optimization tool. Activated biochar was prepared using the physicochemical activation method, consisting of pre-impregnation with NaOH and nitrogen (N2) pyrolysis. The influence of the preparation parameters—namely, chemical impregnation (NaOH: KF), pyrolysis temperature, and pyrolysis time on biochar yield, removal rate, and the adsorption capacity of Cd (II) ions—was investigated. From the experimental data, some quadratic correlation models were developed according to the central composite design. All models demonstrated a good fit with the experimental data. The experimental results revealed that the pyrolysis temperature and heating time were the main factors that affected the yield of biochar and had a positive effect on the Cd (II) ions’ removal rate and adsorption capacity. The impregnation ratio also showed a positive effect on the specific surface area of the biochar, removal rate, and adsorption capacity of cadmium, with a negligible effect on the biochar yield. The optimal biochar-based adsorbent was obtained under the following conditions: 550 °C of pyrolysis temperature, 180 min of heating time, and a 1:1 NaOH impregnation ratio. The optimum adsorbent showed 28.60% biochar yield, 69.82% Cd (II) ions removal, 23.48 mg/g of adsorption capacity, and 160.44 m2/g of biochar-specific area.
Nexus Thinking at River Basin Scale: Food, Water and Welfare
Authors: Ponce Oliva Roberto D. , Fernández Francisco J. , Vasquez-Lavín Felipe , Arias Montevechio Esteban , Julio Natalia , Stehr Alejandra
Published: April 2021

Water resources face an unparalleled confluence of pressures, with agriculture and urban growth as the most relevant human-related stressors. In this context, methodologies using a Nexus framework seem to be suitable to address these challenges. However, the urban sector has been commonly ignored in the Nexus literature. We propose a Nexus framework approach, considering the economic dimensions of the interdependencies and interconnections among agriculture (food production) and the urban sector as water users within a common basin. Then, we assess the responses of both sectors to climatic and demographic stressors. In this setting, the urban sector is represented through an economic water demand at the household level, from which economic welfare is derived. Our results show that the Nexus components here considered (food, water, and welfare) will be negatively affected under the simulated scenarios. However, when these components are decomposed to their particular elements, we found that the less water-intensive sector—the urban sector—will be better off since food production will leave significant amounts of water available. Moreover, when addressing uncertainty related to climate-induced shocks, we could identify the basin resilience threshold. Our approach shows the compatibilities and divergences between food production and the urban sector under the Nexus framework.
Implications of Primary Cilia and Associated Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling in Glioblastoma Biology and Therapy
Authors:   ,   West Virginia University, Loskutov Yuriy
Published: April 2021

The primary cilium is a ubiquitous organelle presented on most human cells. It serves as a crucial signaling hub for multiple pathways including growth factor and G-protein coupled receptors. Loss of primary cilia was observed in various cancers, however, the implications of this event are unclear. Several studies show that loss of cilia promotes cell proliferation, suggesting that alteration of ciliary-dependent signaling can drive the hyperproliferative phenotype of cancer cells, therefore re-establishing primary cilia or targeting altered signaling pathways could be a beneficial strategy as an anti-cancer therapy.;Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest cancers with a median survival of 14 months. Such rapid progression of the disease is usually due to the very high growth rate of the tumor and rapid recurrence after surgical resection. Current standard of care for GBM patients includes aggressive radiation and chemotherapy, thus there is a high demand for more targeted approaches. Primary cilia formation is drastically decreased in GBM, however, the role of cilia in glioblastoma proliferation has not been explored. The overall aim of this work was to elucidate the mechanisms of increases in proliferation driven by the loss of cilia, and utilize it to target GBM. The cellular origins of GBM are currently under debate. One of the potential candidates are astrocytes, a highly abundant type of cell in the brain. Loss of primary cilia in human astrocytes stimulates proliferation in the presence of serum. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) was found to be a serum component responsible for this phenotype. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1), a G-protein coupled receptor, was found to be accumulated in primary cilium in both astrocytes and GBM cells when cilium was present, while previously reported interactors of LPAR1, Galpha 12 and Galphaq, were excluded from cilium. LPAR1 signaling through Galpha12/Galphaq was previously reported to be responsible for cancer cell proliferation. Such compartmentalization in ciliated cells creates a barrier against unlimited proliferation, which is one of the hallmarks of cancer.;Inhibition of LPA signaling with the small molecule compound Ki16425 in deciliated, highly proliferative astrocytes or GBM cells/xenografts drastically suppresses their growth both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Ki16425 brain delivery via PEG-PLGA nanoparticles inhibited tumor progression in an intracranial glioblastoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Overall, in the current studies, a novel mechanism by which primary cilium restricts proliferation was established. Loss of primary cilia is sufficient to increase mitogenic signaling, and is important for the maintenance of a highly proliferative cancer phenotype. Clinical application of LPA inhibitors may prove beneficial to restrict glioblastoma proliferation and ensure local control of the disease.
Accounting aspects of participation of an agricultural organization in a non-commercial partnership
Authors: Shilova Tatyana Nikolaevna , Boyko Oksana Vladimirovna , Livanova Rimma Veniaminovna
Published: April 2021

The activities of non-profit associations of agricultural producers, organizations of the processing industry, as well as other legal entities operating in the agro-industrial complex, are of increasing importance in the development of the agricultural sector, both in Russia and in foreign countries. The interest of state bodies in the development and strengthening of the role of such forms of non-commercial cooperation is due to the fact that they help to find out the problems and opinions of agricultural producers directly on key issues of the development of the agricultural economy. In this connection, industry unions and associations are increasingly involved in the discussion of legislative initiatives of the ministries and departments of the Russian Federation. The participation of agricultural organizations in nonprofit industrial unions helps them build relationships with partners, enter the market, uphold their interests in relations with state and other structures, influence and participate in the ongoing agricultural policy. A significant impact on the organization of accounting for participation in non-profit partnerships is the knowledge of the legal framework of non-profit partnerships, as well as the rights and obligations of its participants (founders). In this regard, the legal basis for participation in a nonprofit partnership has been studied both from the position of the founding member of a nonprofit organization and from the position of its members. Proposals have been developed for reflecting in the accounting records of the contributions of the founder of a nonprofit organization when creating the property basis of a non-profit partnership, the features of accounting for entrance and membership fees of participants in a non-profit partnership are studied. It is proposed to use the sub-account “Settlements on contributions to NPOs” to account 76 “Settlements with various debtors and creditors”; The legal assessment of the reflection in the account of the return of funds to participating organizations due to the termination of membership in a non-profit partnership is given.
Analysis of the creditworthiness of agribusiness organizations as a tool for obtaining additional Bank financing
Authors: Zaruk Natalia Fedorovna , Kolomeeva Elena Sergeevna
Published: April 2021

The article presents various approaches and methods for assessing the creditworthiness of agricultural organizations in order to obtain additional funding. Models of analysis of the borrower’s creditworthiness by foreign banks and some Russian credit institutions are considered. A comparative assessment of the main methods for determining the level of creditworthiness of a borrower — legal entity is given based on: statistical models (methods) of assessment; models of limited expert assessment; models of direct expert assessment. It is established that major Russian banks mainly use methods for analyzing the borrower’s creditworthiness, based on the analysis of the main performance indicators of the industry and organization, assessment of the borrower’s financial condition, and analysis of collateral. These rules allow agribusiness organizations to assess their ability to repay debt and interest on it on time and reduce Bank risks. The analysis of the creditworthiness of the agribusiness organization according to the methodology of JSC “Rosselkhozbank” was carried out.
Analysis of statistical indicators of labor and its payment in agriculture of the Republic of Mordovia
Authors: Myrksina Yulia , Livanova Rimma Veniaminovna
Published: April 2021

Agriculture is a key sector of our economy. The development of any sector, including agriculture, depends on such key issues as the availability of labor, skills of workers, complexity of work performed and labor, wages in industry, social guarantees for the population, etc. In agriculture, it is still impossible to do without manual labor. Labor must be paid. Remuneration should become a social guarantee for the working person, giving the right to a decent existence in society. To determine the current economic situation in society in 2020, the impact of negative economic processes on the development of the Republic of Mordovia, agriculture in the Republic and the level of wages in agriculture, the analysis of the main statistical indicators of the industry and the impact of these indicators on wages and social security of the population was carried out.