bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Diospyros malabarica Fruit Extract and Assessments of Their Antimicrobial, Anticancer and Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP)
Authors: Bharadwaj Kaushik Kumar , Rabha Bijuli , Pati Siddhartha , Choudhury Bhabesh Kumar , Sarkar Tanmay , Gogoi Sonit Kumar , Kakati Nayanjyoti , Baishya Debabrat , Kari Zulhisyam Abdul , Edinur Hisham Atan
Published: August 2021

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has currently been gaining wide applications in the medical field of nanomedicine. Green synthesis is one of the most effective procedures for the production of AgNPs. The Diospyros malabarica tree grown throughout India has been reported to have antioxidant and various therapeutic applications. In the context of this, we have investigated the fruit of Diospyros malabarica for the potential of forming AgNPs and analyzed its antibacterial and anticancer activity. We have developed a rapid, single-step, cost-effective and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of AgNPs using Diospyros malabarica aqueous fruit extract at room temperature. The AgNPs began to form just after the reaction was initiated. The formation and characterization of AgNPs were confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, XRD, FTIR, DLS, Zeta potential, FESEM, EDX, TEM and photoluminescence (PL) methods. The average size of AgNPs, in accordance with TEM results, was found to be 17.4 nm. The antibacterial activity of the silver nanoparticles against pathogenic microorganism strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was confirmed by the well diffusion method and was found to inhibit the growth of the bacteria with an average zone of inhibition size of (8.4 ± 0.3 mm and 12.1 ± 0.5 mm) and (6.1 ± 0.7 mm and 13.1 ± 0.5 mm) at 500 and 1000 µg/mL concentrations of AgNPs, respectively. The anticancer effect of the AgNPs was confirmed by MTT assay using the U87-MG (human primary glioblastoma) cell line. The IC50 value was found to be 58.63 ± 5.74 μg/mL. The results showed that green synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antimicrobial and anticancer potency. In addition, nitrophenols, which are regarded as priority pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), can also be catalytically reduced to less toxic aminophenols by utilizing synthesized AgNPs. As a model reaction, AgNPs are employed as a catalyst in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, which is an intermediate for numerous analgesics and antipyretic drugs. Thus, the study is expected to help immensely in the pharmaceutical industries in developing antimicrobial drugs and/or as an anticancer drug, as well as in the cosmetic and food industries.
Non-Coding Variants in Cancer: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Potential for Personalized Medicine
Authors: Lange Marios , Begolli Rodiola , Giakountis Antonis
Published: August 2021

The cancer genome is characterized by extensive variability, in the form of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) or structural variations such as Copy Number Alterations (CNAs) across wider genomic areas. At the molecular level, most SNPs and/or CNAs reside in non-coding sequences, ultimately affecting the regulation of oncogenes and/or tumor-suppressors in a cancer-specific manner. Notably, inherited non-coding variants can predispose for cancer decades prior to disease onset. Furthermore, accumulation of additional non-coding driver mutations during progression of the disease, gives rise to genomic instability, acting as the driving force of neoplastic development and malignant evolution. Therefore, detection and characterization of such mutations can improve risk assessment for healthy carriers and expand the diagnostic and therapeutic toolbox for the patient. This review focuses on functional variants that reside in transcribed or not transcribed non-coding regions of the cancer genome and presents a collection of appropriate state-of-the-art methodologies to study them.
Emerging Role of Circular RNA–Protein Interactions
Authors: Das Arundhati , Sinha Tanvi , Shyamal Sharmishtha , Panda Amaresh Chandra
Published: August 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as novel regulators of gene expression in various biological processes. CircRNAs regulate gene expression by interacting with cellular regulators such as microRNAs and RNA binding proteins (RBPs) to regulate downstream gene expression. The accumulation of high-throughput RNA–protein interaction data revealed the interaction of RBPs with the coding and noncoding RNAs, including recently discovered circRNAs. RBPs are a large family of proteins known to play a critical role in gene expression by modulating RNA splicing, nuclear export, mRNA stability, localization, and translation. However, the interaction of RBPs with circRNAs and their implications on circRNA biogenesis and function has been emerging in the last few years. Recent studies suggest that circRNA interaction with target proteins modulates the interaction of the protein with downstream target mRNAs or proteins. This review outlines the emerging mechanisms of circRNA–protein interactions and their functional role in cell physiology.
Communication Network Standards for Smart Grid Infrastructures
Authors: Demertzis Konstantinos , Tsiknas Konstantinos , Taketzis Dimitrios , Skoutas Dimitrios N. , Skianis Charalabos , Iliadis Lazaros , Zoiros Kyriakos E.
Published: August 2021

Upgrading the existing energy infrastructure to a smart grid necessarily goes through the provision of integrated technological solutions that ensure the interoperability of business processes and reduce the risk of devaluation of systems already in use. Considering the heterogeneity of the current infrastructures, and in order to keep pace with the dynamics of their operating environment, we should aim to the reduction of their architectural complexity and the addition of new and more efficient technologies and procedures. Furthermore, the integrated management of the overall ecosystem requires a collaborative integration strategy which should ensure the end-to-end interconnection under specific quality standards together with the establishment of strict security policies. In this respect, every design detail can be critical to the success or failure of a costly and ambitious project, such as that of smart energy networks. This work presents and classifies the communication network standards that have been established for smart grids and should be taken into account in the process of planning and implementing new infrastructures.
Towards an In-Depth Understanding of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviours during COVID-19 Social Confinement: A Combined Approach from a Portuguese National Survey
Authors: Silva Marlene Nunes , Gregório Maria João , Santos Rute , Marques Adilson , Rodrigues Bruno , Godinho Cristina , Silva Catarina Santos , Mendes Romeu , Graça Pedro , Arriaga Miguel , Freitas Graça
Published: August 2021

Rapid worldwide decreases in physical activity (PA), an increase in sedentary behaviour (SB) and poorer dietary patterns have been reported during COVID-19 confinement periods. However, as national variability has been observed, this study sought to describe PA, SB and eating patterns, and to explore their gender as well as other socio-demographic correlates and how they interrelate in a representative sample of Portuguese adults during the COVID-19 first mandatory social confinement. The survey was applied online and by telephone to 5856 adults (mean age = 45.8 years; 42.6% women). The majority reported high (46.0%) or moderate (20.5%) PA levels. Men, younger participants, those with higher education levels and a favourable perception of their financial situation reported higher PA levels, with the opposite pattern for SB. Physical fitness activities and household chores were more reported by women, with more strength training and running activities reported by men. Regarding eating behaviours, 45.1% reported changes, positive (58%) and negative (42%), with 18.2% reporting increases in consumption of fruit, vegetables, and fish and other seafood consumption, while 10.8% (most with lower educational level and less comfortable with their income) reported an increase in consumption of ready-to-eat meals, soft drinks, savoury snacks, and take-away and delivered meals. Two clusters—a health-enhancing vs. risky pattern—emerged through multiple correspondence analysis characterized by co-occurrence of high vs. low PA levels, positive vs. negative eating changes, awareness or not of the COVID-19 PA and dietary recommendations, perceived financial situation, higher vs. lower educational level and time in social confinement. In conclusion, while in social confinement, both positive and negative PA and eating behaviours and trends were displayed, highlighting the role of key sociodemographic correlates contributing to healthy vs. risky patterns. Results may inform future health interventions and policies to be more targeted to those at risk, and also advocate the promotion of PA and healthy eating in an integrated fashion.
Adaptive Interactions of Achromobacter spp. with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Cystic Fibrosis Chronic Lung Co-Infection
Authors: Sandri Angela , Haagensen Janus Anders Juul , Veschetti Laura , Johansen Helle Krogh , Molin Søren , Malerba Giovanni , Signoretto Caterina , Boaretti Marzia , Lleo Maria M.
Published: August 2021

In the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the main pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often co-isolated with other microbes, likely engaging in inter-species interactions. In the case of chronic co-infections, this cohabitation can last for a long time and evolve over time, potentially contributing to the clinical outcome. Interactions involving the emerging pathogens Achromobacter spp. have only rarely been studied, reporting inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. To evaluate the possible evolution of such interplay, we assessed the ability of Achromobacter spp. isolates to affect the biofilm formation of co-isolated P. aeruginosa strains during long-term chronic co-infections. We observed both competition and cohabitation. An Achromobacter sp. isolate secreted exoproducts interfering with the adhesion ability of a co-isolated P. aeruginosa strain and affected its biofilm formation. Conversely, a clonal Achromobacter sp. strain later isolated from the same patient, as well as two longitudinal strains from another patient, did not show similar competitive behavior against its P. aeruginosa co-isolates. Genetic variants supporting the higher virulence of the competitive Achromobacter sp. isolate were found in its genome. Our results confirm that both inter-species competition and cohabitation are represented during chronic co-infections in CF airways, and evolution of these interplays can happen even at the late stages of chronic infection.
Mothers of Children Diagnosed with ADHD: A Descriptive Study of Maternal Experience during the First Three Years of Treatment
Authors: Darling Rasmussen Pernille , Ribeiro Johanne Pereira , Storebø Ole Jakob
Published: August 2021

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most common childhood psychiatric disorder. Current treatment strategies do not provide a convincing improvement on overall functioning, and further, reciprocity between ADHD and attachment has been suggested. This suggests that we do not fully comprehend the mechanisms of the disorder. This study was part of a larger project investigating factors of potential importance when a child is diagnosed with ADHD. Aim: In this current study we aimed to gain a clearer understanding about whether the mothers experienced the diagnostic process and treatment as helpful. Method: Sixty children newly diagnosed with ADHD and their mothers were included three years prior to this study. Fifty-two (87%) completed a survey about their experience with the diagnostic process and the years after in the psychiatric system and the secondary healthcare sector. Forty-three had also participated in an attachment interview in the original study and answered questions about this. Discussion: The follow-up questionnaire was based on conversations with the mothers was not meant to be used as a quantitative measure. However, one point to take is that the mothers did often not feel the help offered to be sufficient. In our opinion, this underlines that we are still far from understanding what ADHD is and what causes the differences in developmental trajectories as well as how differences in etiological factors may call for more customized approaches in treatment strategies.
Chromatin Alterations in Neurological Disorders and Strategies of (Epi)Genome Rescue
Authors: Janowski Marcin , Milewska Małgorzata , Zare Peyman , Pękowska Aleksandra
Published: August 2021

Neurological disorders (NDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of conditions that affect the function of the nervous system. Often incurable, NDs have profound and detrimental consequences on the affected individuals’ lives. NDs have complex etiologies but commonly feature altered gene expression and dysfunctions of the essential chromatin-modifying factors. Hence, compounds that target DNA and histone modification pathways, the so-called epidrugs, constitute promising tools to treat NDs. Yet, targeting the entire epigenome might reveal insufficient to modify a chosen gene expression or even unnecessary and detrimental to the patients’ health. New technologies hold a promise to expand the clinical toolkit in the fight against NDs. (Epi)genome engineering using designer nucleases, including CRISPR-Cas9 and TALENs, can potentially help restore the correct gene expression patterns by targeting a defined gene or pathway, both genetically and epigenetically, with minimal off-target activity. Here, we review the implication of epigenetic machinery in NDs. We outline syndromes caused by mutations in chromatin-modifying enzymes and discuss the functional consequences of mutations in regulatory DNA in NDs. We review the approaches that allow modifying the (epi)genome, including tools based on TALENs and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, and we highlight how these new strategies could potentially change clinical practices in the treatment of NDs.
Graphene and Iron Reinforced Polymer Composite Electromagnetic Shielding Applications: A Review
Authors: Ayub Saba , Guan Beh Hoe , Ahmad Faiz , Oluwatobi Yusuff Afeez , Nisa Zaib Un , Javed Muhammad Faisal , Mosavi Amir
Published: August 2021

With advancements in the automated industry, electromagnetic inferences (EMI) have been increasing over time, causing major distress among the end-users and affecting electronic appliances. The issue is not new and major work has been done, but unfortunately, the issue has not been fully eliminated. Therefore, this review intends to evaluate the previous carried-out studies on electromagnetic shielding materials with the combination of Graphene@Iron, Graphene@Polymer, Iron@Polymer and Graphene@Iron@Polymer composites in X-band frequency range and above to deal with EMI. VOSviewer was also used to perform the keyword analysis which shows how the studies are interconnected. Based on the carried-out review it was observed that the most preferable materials to deal with EMI are polymer-based composites which showed remarkable results. It is because the polymers are flexible and provide better bonding with other materials. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyaniline (PANI), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are effective in the X-band frequency range, and PDMS, epoxy, PVDF and PANI provide good shielding effectiveness above the X-band frequency range. However, still, many new combinations need to be examined as mostly the shielding effectiveness was achieved within the X-band frequency range where much work is required in the higher frequency range.
Evaluating Orientation Effects on the Fire Reaction Properties of Flax-Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Dutta Swagata , Kim Nam Kyeun , Das Raj , Bhattacharyya Debes
Published: August 2021

In this work, the fire reaction properties of flax-polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated at multiple sample angles both experimentally and numerically under two different heat flux conditions (35 and 50 kW/m2) in the cone calorimeter environment. An innovative testing setup which can accommodate a wide range of angles between 0° and 90° for the sample angle frame was developed to perform cone calorimeter tests at different sample angles. An advanced numerical predictive model based on the finite volume method was developed using the fire dynamics simulator (FDS) to quantify the dependency of ignition and combustion properties with sample angles. The numerical model was validated against experimental data from the cone calorimeter tests. The experimental and numerical analyses were conducted to quantify the effects of sample orientation on the different fire reaction properties i.e., ignition time, ignition temperature, burn time, heat release rate (HRR), critical heat flux, etc. The numerical method was utilised to analyse the mechanisms controlling the effect of heat convection and radiation blockage on the heating process. The study establishes that the sample orientation (with respect to the heat flux normal) has a significant influence on the fire reaction properties of natural fibre composites.
Cinnamon Essential Oil Nanocellulose-Based Pickering Emulsions: Processing Parameters Effect on Their Formation, Stabilization, and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Souza Alana Gabrieli de , Ferreira Rafaela Reis , Aguilar Elisa Silva Freire , Zanata Leonardo , Rosa Derval dos Santos
Published: August 2021

This work aimed to prepare nanocellulose-based Pickering emulsions using cinnamon essential oil. Different formulations were investigated by varying the preparation time, homogenization speed, oil and nanocellulose concentration, and morphology. The emulsions were first characterized by droplet size, morphologies, and storage stability. The Design of Experiments (DoE) was used to evaluate the parameter’s effects on the emulsions’ stability, and the emulsions with optimum particle size and stability were evaluated by antimicrobial activity. The more stable emulsions required higher energy in the system to obtain efficient emulsification. The cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) emulsions showed a 30% oil volume as a constant to obtain a low creaming index (34.4% and 42.8%) and zeta potential values around −29 mV, indicating an electrostatic stabilization. The cellulose nanofiber (CNF) emulsions showed 100% stability after a month using a 20% oil volume as a constant and Zeta potential values around −15 mV, indicating a steric stabilization. CNF-emulsions’ inhibition halos for Bacilus subtilis were 30.1 ± 3.7% smaller than those found in CNC-emulsions (65 ± 2.9 mm), while Pseudomonasaeruginosas almost do not present differences in the inhibition halos. These results suggest that the nanocellulose morphology may promote a regulation on the EO migration to the medium, as well that this migration ratio does not affect the bacteria.
Anatomy of a Paroxysmal Lava Fountain at Etna Volcano: The Case of the 12 March 2021, Episode
Authors: Calvari Sonia , Bonaccorso Alessandro , Ganci Gaetana
Published: August 2021

On 13 December 2020, Etna volcano entered a new eruptive phase, giving rise to a number of paroxysmal episodes involving increased Strombolian activity from the summit craters, lava fountains feeding several-km high eruptive columns and ash plumes, as well as lava flows. As of 2 August 2021, 57 such episodes have occurred in 2021, all of them from the New Southeast Crater (NSEC). Each paroxysmal episode lasted a few hours and was sometimes preceded (but more often followed) by lava flow output from the crater rim lasting a few hours. In this paper, we use remote sensing data from the ground and satellite, integrated with ground deformation data recorded by a high precision borehole strainmeter to characterize the 12 March 2021 eruptive episode, which was one of the most powerful (and best recorded) among that occurred since 13 December 2020. We describe the formation and growth of the lava fountains, and the way they feed the eruptive column and the ash plume, using data gathered from the INGV visible and thermal camera monitoring network, compared with satellite images. We show the growth of the lava flow field associated with the explosive phase obtained from a fixed thermal monitoring camera. We estimate the erupted volume of pyroclasts from the heights of the lava fountains measured by the cameras, and the erupted lava flow volume from the satellite-derived radiant heat flux. We compare all erupted volumes (pyroclasts plus lava flows) with the total erupted volume inferred from the volcano deflation recorded by the borehole strainmeter, obtaining a total erupted volume of ~3 × 106 m3 of magma constrained by the strainmeter. This volume comprises ~1.6 × 106 m3 of pyroclasts erupted during the lava fountain and 2.4 × 106 m3 of lava flow, with ~30% of the erupted pyroclasts being remobilized as rootless lava to feed the lava flows. The episode lasted 130 min and resulted in an eruption rate of ~385 m3 s−1 and caused the formation of an ash plume rising from the margins of the lava fountain that rose up to 12.6 km a.s.l. in ~1 h. The maximum elevation of the ash plume was well constrained by an empirical formula that can be used for prompt hazard assessment.
Automatic, Qualitative Scoring of the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) Based on U-Net, CNN and Mobile Sensor Data
Authors: Park Ingyu , Lee Unjoo
Published: August 2021

The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is a rapid, inexpensive, and popular screening tool for cognitive functions. In spite of its qualitative capabilities in diagnosis of neurological diseases, the assessment of the CDT has depended on quantitative methods as well as manual paper based methods. Furthermore, due to the impact of the advancement of mobile smart devices imbedding several sensors and deep learning algorithms, the necessity of a standardized, qualitative, and automatic scoring system for CDT has been increased. This study presents a mobile phone application, mCDT, for the CDT and suggests a novel, automatic and qualitative scoring method using mobile sensor data and deep learning algorithms: CNN, a convolutional network, U-Net, a convolutional network for biomedical image segmentation, and the MNIST (Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology) database. To obtain DeepC, a trained model for segmenting a contour image from a hand drawn clock image, U-Net was trained with 159 CDT hand-drawn images at 128 × 128 resolution, obtained via mCDT. To construct DeepH, a trained model for segmenting the hands in a clock image, U-Net was trained with the same 159 CDT 128 × 128 resolution images. For obtaining DeepN, a trained model for classifying the digit images from a hand drawn clock image, CNN was trained with the MNIST database. Using DeepC, DeepH and DeepN with the sensor data, parameters of contour (0–3 points), numbers (0–4 points), hands (0–5 points), and the center (0–1 points) were scored for a total of 13 points. From 219 subjects, performance testing was completed with images and sensor data obtained via mCDT. For an objective performance analysis, all the images were scored and crosschecked by two clinical experts in CDT scaling. Performance test analysis derived a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and precision for the contour parameter of 89.33, 92.68, 89.95 and 98.15%, for the hands parameter of 80.21, 95.93, 89.04 and 93.90%, for the numbers parameter of 83.87, 95.31, 87.21 and 97.74%, and for the center parameter of 98.42, 86.21, 96.80 and 97.91%, respectively. From these results, the mCDT application and its scoring system provide utility in differentiating dementia disease subtypes, being valuable in clinical practice and for studies in the field.
Affordable Embroidered EMG Electrodes for Myoelectric Control of Prostheses: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kamavuako Ernest N. , Brown Mitchell , Bao Xinqi , Chihi Ines , Pitou Samuel , Howard Matthew
Published: August 2021

Commercial myoelectric prostheses are costly to purchase and maintain, making their provision challenging for developing countries. Recent research indicates that embroidered EMG electrodes may provide a more affordable alternative to the sensors used in current prostheses. This pilot study investigates the usability of such electrodes for myoelectric control by comparing online and offline performance against conventional gel electrodes. Offline performance is evaluated through the classification of nine different hand and wrist gestures. Online performance is assessed with a crossover two-degree-of-freedom real-time experiment using Fitts’ Law. Two performance metrics (Throughput and Completion Rate) are used to quantify usability. The mean classification accuracy of the nine gestures is approximately 98% for subject-specific models trained on both gel and embroidered electrode offline data from individual subjects, and 97% and 96% for general models trained on gel and embroidered offline data, respectively, from all subjects. Throughput (0.3 bits/s) and completion rate (95–97%) are similar in the online test. Results indicate that embroidered electrodes can achieve similar performance to gel electrodes paving the way for low-cost myoelectric prostheses.
Robustness against Chirp Signal Interference of On-Board Vehicle Geodetic and Low-Cost GNSS Receivers
Authors: Dimc Franc , Pavlovčič-Prešeren Polona , Bažec Matej
Published: August 2021

Robust autonomous driving, as long as it relies on satellite-based positioning, requires carrier-phase-based algorithms, among other types of data sources, to obtain precise and true positions, which is also primarily true for the use of GNSS geodetic receivers, but also increasingly true for mass-market devices. The experiment was conducted under line-of-sight conditions on a straight road during a period of no traffic. The receivers were positioned on the roof of a car travelling at low speed in the presence of a static jammer, while kinematic relative positioning was performed with the static reference base receiver. Interference mitigation techniques in the GNSS receivers used, which were unknown to the authors, were compared using (a) the observed carrier-to-noise power spectral density ratio as an indication of the receivers’ ability to improve signal quality, and (b) the post-processed position solutions based on RINEX-formatted data. The observed carrier-to-noise density generally exerts the expected dependencies and leaves space for comparisons of applied processing abilities in the receivers, while conclusions on the output data results comparison are limited due to the non-synchronized clocks of the receivers. According to our current and previous results, none of the GNSS receivers used in the experiments employs an effective type of complete mitigation technique adapted to the chirp jammer.
Enhancement of Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Standardized Frankincense Extract Using Optimized Self-Nanoemulsifying Delivery System
Authors: El-Mancy Shereen S. , El-Haddad Alaadin E. , Alshareef Walaa A. , Saadeldeen Amr M. , El-Emam Soad Z. , Elnahas Osama S.
Published: August 2021

Boswellic acids (BAs) are the main bioactive compounds of frankincense, a natural resin obtained from the genus Boswellia. This study aimed to develop a self-nanoemulsifying delivery system (SNEDS) to improve the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of standardized frankincense extract (Fr-extract). Fr-extract was standardized, and BA content was quantified using the developed HPLC-UV method. Screening studies of excipients followed by formula optimization using a mixture simplex lattice design was employed. The optimized Fr-SENDS formulation was characterized. Furthermore, microbiological and antiproliferative assessments of the standardized Fr-extract and Fr-SNEDS were evaluated. Quantification demonstrated that the major constituent is 11-keto-boswellic acid (KBA) (16.25%) among BA content (44.96%). The optimized Fr-SENDS (composed of 5% CapryolTM 90, 48.7% Gelucire® 44/14 and 46.3% ethanol) showed spherical nanosized dispersions with DS, PDI, and zeta potential of 17.9 nm, 0.2, and −14.5 mV, respectively. Fr-SNEDS exhibited lower MIC and MBC values compared with Fr-extract against pathogens conjugated with lung cancer and was comparable to reference antimicrobials. Fr-SNEDS showed superior antiproliferative activity over Fr-extract, with IC50 values of 20.49 and 109.5 μg mL−1, respectively. In conclusion, the optimized Fr-SNEDS could be easily developed and manufactured at a low cost and the in vitro results support its use as a potential adjuvant oral therapy for lung cancer. Further in vivo studies could be continued to assess the therapeutic efficiency of the prepared system.
Pharmacological Activity and Phytochemical Profile of Acacia Heartwood Extracts
Authors: Prayogo Yanico Hadi , Syafii Wasrin , Sari Rita Kartika , Batubara Irmanida , Danu
Published: August 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are related to several degenerative diseases. In this study, Acacia, a genus with many fast-growing species, was investigated to explore the many phytochemical compounds that are biologically active in processes dealing with ROS-related diseases. This study aimed to select extracts of Acacia heartwood on the basis of their pharmacological and phytochemical profiles and identify their bioactive compounds. Five methanolic extracts from Acacia heartwood were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using three different in vitro assays: toxicity toward Artemia salina and phenolic and polyphenolic content. Multivariate analysis was conducted to select two promising extracts and then their bioactive compounds were identified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Acacia crassicarpa extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity, as well as phenolic and hydrolyzable tannin contents, but low toxicity. The A. mangium extract exhibited high flavonoid and condensed tannin content, whereas A. decurrrens had the highest toxicity with low antioxidant activity. Pearson’s correlation analysis demonstrated no correlation between antioxidant activity and toxicity. Moreover, the phytochemical profile exhibited an association with pharmacological parameters. Principal component analysis followed by cluster analysis divided the extracts into three clusters. Two heartwood extracts of A. crassicarpa and A. auriculiformis were chosen as the best extracts. Identification showed that these extracts were dominated by phenolic compounds, as well as anthraquinone and xanthone.
Our Life Is Not Here: Migration and Return of Young Spaniards Living in Chile
Authors: Puertas Rubén Rodríguez , Galende Alexandra Ainz
Published: August 2021

With the aim of understanding the recent migration processes of young Spaniards settled in Chile, the present paper analyzes, on the one hand, how these young people experience their arrival and establishment in said Latin American country and, in the other hand, how the process of returning and readjusting to Spanish society takes place. For that, and following the procedures of the Grounded Theory, the discourses of 37 Spanish migrants obtained through in depth interviews were analyzed: 22 of them are living in Chile and the other 15 returned to Spain after spending a long period in Chilean society and have been living in Spain for at least one year since then. All of them have university degrees, are between 25 and 35 years old, and arrived in Chile between 2013 and 2018. This qualitative study shows the way in which these migrants experience their sociocultural integration in Chilean society, which could be typified as “nostalgic” since it is characterized by the idealization of and the longing for their society of origin. Another key characteristic is the eventual return to the country of origin, in which the desynchronization they experience is especially remarkable: after a long period abroad, they feel disconnected from the transformations that have taken place in their original environment, which leads them to experience a difficult process of readjustment to Spanish society that sometimes is even more complex than that experienced abroad.
Discarded Identities/Inspiring Just Sustainability with Reuse Persona Dolls
Authors: Domingues Michelle
Published: August 2021

The author identifies as a mixed-race Chicana teacher/educator, bridging ecology, culture, and learning situated within an early learning center on a university campus. This inquiry integrates Gloria Anzaldúa’s autohistoria teoría/autobiographical theory and documents (1) the social construction of a gender-fluid persona doll named “Logan” during a focus group with REMIDA Reggio-inspired educators, (2) a (dis)rupture that took place after engaging the persona doll to introduce the term “transgender” during a preschool circle time, and (3) lessons learned to move early childhood education for social sustainability forward. During this disrupture in our learning community, the question of whether or not to discard Logan’s (gender non-binary) identity emerged. Logan’s story is one of curricular innovation in the examination of topics and concepts of ecological sustainability, equity-based pedagogy, and creative reuse through the construction and use of persona dolls. The dolls themselves are created from reuse materials, and they adopt personas and social backgrounds reflecting awareness of ecological and social injustice while co-developing ideas of actions for equity with the input of children.
Assessment of Research and Development Financing Based on the Strategies in EU: Case of Sweden, Slovakia and Romania
Authors: Duľová Spišáková Emília , Gontkovičová Barbora , Spišák Emil
Published: August 2021

Research and development have been of interest to the European Union for a long time. This topic is also underlined in economic reform agendas and plans that have the form of strategies with clearly set targets. The article deals with the issue of financing R&D activities from the perspective of the share of expenditure to GDP, the total amount of funds spent on R&D, the share of expenditure per capita, and the structure of expenditure. The aim is to analyze and compare development in the field of R&D financing in selected countries of the European Union with emphasis on achieving the Europe 2020 target and to point out the expected development of the indicator for the first years of the validity of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. During the processing of the article, mathematical and statistical methods (regression and correlation analysis) were used in addition to standard logic methods intended for processing data and drawing conclusions (synthesis, induction). The final evaluates the achievement of the target in the field of R&D financing in accordance with the target of the Europe 2020 strategy and, using regression, predicts the development of the given indicator for coming years.
Bayesian Updates for an Extreme Value Distribution Model of Bridge Traffic Load Effect Based on SHM Data
Authors: Gao Xin , Duan Gengxin , Lan Chunguang
Published: August 2021

As the distribution function of traffic load effect on bridge structures has always been unknown or very complicated, a probability model of extreme traffic load effect during service periods has not yet been perfectly predicted by the traditional extreme value theory. Here, we focus on this problem and introduce a novel method based on the bridge structural health monitoring data. The method was based on the fact that the tails of the probability distribution governed the behavior of extreme values. The generalized Pareto distribution was applied to model the tail distribution of traffic load effect using the peak-over-threshold method, while the filtered Poisson process was used to model the traffic load effect stochastic process. The parameters of the extreme value distribution of traffic load effect during a service period could be determined by theoretical derivation if the parameters of tail distribution were estimated. Moreover, Bayes’ theorem was applied to update the distribution model to reduce the statistical uncertainty. Finally, the rationality of the proposed method was applied to analyze the monitoring data of concrete-filled steel tube arch bridge suspenders. The results proved that the approach was convenient and found that the extreme value distribution type III might be more suitable as the traffic load effect probability model.
Assess the Engagement with 3D Virtual Learning Tools during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shyr Wen-Jye , Liau Hung-Ming , Hsu Chia-Chen , Chen Chia-Hung
Published: August 2021

The recent growth of learning technologies has catalyzed the surge in investments in e-learning systems across higher education to revolutionize pedagogical practices. Thus, the implementation of 3D virtual learning tools has become an indispensable, standard methodological tool in higher education. More recently, the enforcement of restrictions and emergency lockdowns to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled higher education institutions worldwide to cope with and meet the requirements of online education while preserving the quality of the learning experience at an equal pace. To develop a 3D physics laboratory, the appropriate equipment for physical experiments was first collected; then, the design software was applied to construct the 3D model. Software was then developed to edit the 3D experimental environment. Two practical tests were performed on the completed setup to verify the disadvantages and feasibility of the experiments. The present study develops and validates the incorporation of user satisfaction approaches to examine the quality of the most influential 3D learning tools during the coronavirus outbreak. The findings of this study confirm that 3D laboratories can positively influence learning attitudes when it comes to physics and improve learners’ understanding of physics concepts; they also confirm that 3D laboratories are a suitable tool for teaching physics experiments. Finally, the difficulties and solutions encountered in the development of the 3D laboratory are outlined as a reference for subsequent studies.
Cooperative Learning Contribution to Student Social Learning and Active Role in the Class
Authors: Silva Rita , Farias Cláudio , Mesquita Isabel
Published: August 2021

An emphasis on providing authentic and inclusive educational experiences to students has been recommended in many educational systems as essential for motor, social, and psychological development. Despite the focus of recent studies on the preparation of physical education (PE) teachers for entering the profession, little attention has been paid to beginner teachers and how these teachers can promote educationally rich PE experiences. Therefore, this study sought (1) to understand how a novice PE teacher implemented the cooperative learning model and shared the responsibility for teaching–learning processes with students; and (2) to examine students’ perspectives about their cooperative experiences and student-centered learning. Participants included 25 high school students and one novice PE teacher. Through an action-research design, data were collected by utilizing three qualitative techniques and analyzed using thematic analysis. CL was found to be a complex model that needed time to be implemented effectively and allow students to take advantage of its potential. The development of cooperative relationships allowed students to assume greater responsibility in the lessons. Novice teachers should be encouraged to adopt CL and promote a gradual process of sharing responsibility with students.
Analysis of the Relationships between Tourism Efficiency and Transport Accessibility—A Case Study in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Wang Yaobin , Wang Meizhen , Li Kongming , Zhao Jinhang
Published: August 2021

There is a close relationship between tourism efficiency and transport accessibility, but there is little research on the topic. This paper takes 17 administrative units in Hubei Province as the research object, evaluates their tourism efficiency from 2011 to 2017 and transportation accessibility in 2011 and 2017, and explores the temporal and spatial correlation between the two. The results showed that, from 2011 to 2017, tourism efficiency of Hubei province was high and steadily improving, space non-equilibrium gradually decreased, and differences shrank. In 2011 and 2017, the province had a good tourism transport accessibility, and the spatial distribution pattern was high in the east and low in the west. At the same time, tourism transport continued to improve, and spatial imbalance declined. In 2011 and 2017, the coupling and coordination of tourism efficiency and its decomposition efficiency and transport accessibility in Hubei Province were both good, indicative of the development of a tourism economy and the improvement of tourism transport facilities in all regions of the province. There is also a poor spatial matching of tourism efficiency and its decomposition efficiency with transport accessibility during the study period. This study suggested that the tourism efficiency and transport accessibility increased in Hubie province, but the coupling and spatial match remain not very good. Therefore, each region should improve the spatial match and coupling degree of tourism efficiency and transport accessibility, and enhance the sustainability of tourism development.
Technology and Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Potocan Vojko
Published: August 2021

This study examined the importance of technologies in advancing modern organizations’ corporate social responsibility (CSR). Drawing upon environmentalist and technological theories, we analyzed the shift from the traditional development of technology to the development of sustainable technologies for the further sustainable advancement of organizations. Technology has decisively influenced the development of humankind, but its research has traditionally excluded sustainable development issues. Newer technological visions have addressed the incorporation of technologies in all industries more comprehensively to solve social issues related to environmental protection and sustainable economic development. Such an orientation is followed by several conceptual solutions, such as the sustainable use of traditional technologies, development of sustainable technologies, and interdisciplinary treatment of sustainable technology to extend the CSR model. The results of our study have theoretical implications, highlighting the effects of technological development and new technologies on the course of further societal sustainable development. Practical implications include extending CSR’s Triple Bottom model with a technological dimension to improve organizations’ further sustainable operating and behavior.
Impact of Tax Incentives on Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from Africa
Authors: Appiah-Kubi Seth Nana Kwame , Malec Karel , Phiri Joseph , Maitah Mansoor , Gebeltová Zdeňka , Smutka Luboš , Blazek Vojtech , Maitah Kamil , Sirohi Jitka
Published: August 2021

African countries have faced competition and several challenges to attract foreign direct investment given the role that FDIs play in the development process. Several efforts made have been futile because of numerous factors that play against the business environment for foreign investments. Our paper analyses the influence of tax incentives on foreign direct investment in African economies based on data from 2000–2018. We utilized panel data on forty (40) African countries and an econometric model of four proxies of tax incentives, after controlling other variables, with robust Random Effect as our discussion estimator. Our results revealed that FDI responds to lower corporate income tax (CTR). Furthermore, foreign direct investment predominates in African economies with longer tax holidays and withholding tax. However, tax concession is insignificant to the inflows of FDIs in Africa. Summarizing, our results recommend that without proper restructuring of the tax incentives to deal with policy lapses by the governments of Africa, achieving the four main goals, i.e., poverty eradication, sustainable growth and development, African integration in the competitive global economy, and women empowerment, will be hindered.
The Impacts of Technology Shocks on Sustainable Development from the Perspective of Energy Structure—A DSGE Model Approach
Authors: Sun Dongqing , Wang Fanzhi , Chen Nanxu , Chen Jing
Published: August 2021

Considering that the effect of different types of energy on sustainable development differs, the optimization of energy structure is commonly seen as a decisive factor for sustainable development. In this study, we focus on energy structure and construct a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) analysis framework including the environment, society, and the economy. Furthermore, we analyze the effect of different technology shocks on sustainable development when the proportion of clean energy is separately set at 10%, 20%, and 40%. To demonstrate the conclusions of the DSGE analysis framework, we construct the sustainability index and measure the relationship between the sustainability index scores and the proportion of clean energy of 68 countries in 2017, and the R2 of the linear relationship between the sustainability index score and the proportion of clean energy was 0.30. Results show that the technology shock of clean energy exhibits more benefits for sustainable development than that of non-clean energy. Moreover, we find that the optimization of the energy structure can be helpful for the enhancement of sustainable development capacity. This study is helpful to expand the DSGE analysis framework from the perspective of energy structure. This study also provides effective ways and reference suggestions for local governments to optimize energy structure and improve sustainable development capability.
Are Spanish TTOs Prepared to Innovation in a COVID Context?
Authors: Rodríguez-González Tamara , Villanueva-Flores Mercedes , Fernández-Alles Mariluz , Díaz-Fernández Mirta
Published: August 2021

The analysis of the characteristics of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) is particularly important as they constitute mediating units in the relationship between the market and university research. They are responsible for the transfer and exploitation of knowledge arising in the university context. Previous studies have been inconclusive as to the importance that the size, professionalisation or age of TTOs might have on the transfer process. However, the need to explore new markets, recognise new opportunities and identify potential customers points to the importance of TTOs having a dual exploitative and exploratory orientation and an extensive relational network. More recent research in the literature, based on ambidexterity and network theory, points to the impact that these variables could have on change management and innovation in uncertain and changing environments, such as those faced by TTOs in the current pandemic context. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyse whether Spanish TTOs, due to their ambidextrous orientation at the organisational and individual level, and their relational network with academic and market actors, are prepared to promote innovation in a COVID-19 context. Based on a cluster analysis of 29 Spanish TTOs, our results show that just a few of the Spanish TTOs surveyed would be prepared, from the perspective of ambidexterity and their relational capital, to promote innovation in a COVID-19 context. In conclusion, Spanish TTOs and their employees should focus more on ambidexterity and building extensive relational capital so that, through mentoring, training, incubation or the provision of various resources, they can help academics take advantage of the innovation opportunities offered by the changing and uncertain environment.