bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Films and Destinations—Towards a Film Destination: A Review
Authors: Domínguez-Azcue Janire , Almeida-García Fernando , Pérez-Tapia Gema , Cestino-González Estefanía
Published: January 2021

The destination image is a complex construction in which the different sources of information consulted are decisive. Among these information sources, we can find films, which have a relevant function to create destination images. Films are one of the factors that most influences people in their motivation to travel to a destination. The academic literature on film tourism has grown considerably in recent years, but an updated revision is needed. Due to this fact, the main contribution of this paper is the proposal of an updated review of the academic literature focused on film tourism and destinations and their management implications. The general objective of this research is to analyse the existing literature, systematising the relationships that exist between films, film tourism, destination image, and tourist destination. To this end, a systematic review of the literature has been carried out, with two aims: on the one hand, a review of the existing literature from a descriptive perspective, showing the main publications, authors and topics, and on the other hand, a review from a thematic perspective. The results of the latter will be addressed in the discussion and conclusions. The results of the descriptive analysis highlight the significant growth in the literature analysed over the last 45 years, especially between 2005 and 2015. They also underline that the most studied topics are film destinations, marketing and destination image. The results of the thematic analysis highlight the importance of films and series as important information sources on the creation of destination images. The thematic analysis also provides information on the negative and positive aspects of film destination management.
Reduction of the Cement Content by Incorporation of Fine Recycled Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste in Rendering Mortars
Authors: Jesus Sara , Maia Pederneiras Cinthia , Brazão Farinha Catarina , de Brito Jorge , Veiga Rosário
Published: January 2021

The construction sector is responsible for one third of the total wastes produced in the EU. Finding solutions for the reuse or recycling of these wastes is one of the major environmental concerns of modern times. The replacement of sand or cement in specific construction materials, such as concrete or mortars, is a possible solution for these wastes’ management. By using construction and demolition wastes in construction materials, namely on buildings, the cycle of circular economy is closed, increasing the life cycle of the wastes in the same sector. In this research, a reduction of cement content in rendering mortars is analysed. This reduction is achieved by a decrease of the cement/aggregate ratio simultaneously with the incorporation of very fine recycled aggregate from construction and demolition waste. Two recycled aggregates were studied: recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and mixed recycled aggregate (MRA). The fresh and hardened state properties of the mortars were analysed. Several tests were carried out to evaluate the mortars’ performance, such as mechanical strength tests, water absorption tests, drying tests and shrinkage. It was noticed that the incorporation of RCA led to a better behaviour than in the reference mortar, in terms of mechanical strengths and protection against water.
Predictive Value of the Phase Angle for Analgesic Efficacy in Lumbosacral Transforaminal Block
Authors: Kim Jeayoun , Park Hue Jung , Sim Woo Seog , Lee Seungwon , Kim Keoungah , Kim Woo Jin , Lee Jin Young
Published: January 2021

The mechanism of low back and leg pain involves mixed neuropathic and nociceptive components. Spinal neuropathic pain is related to increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and disrupted and increased permeability of the blood–spinal cord barrier, originally composed of tight junctions of capillary endothelial cells surrounded by lamina. The phase angle (PA) estimates cell membrane integrity using bioelectrical impedance analysis. We evaluated the predictive value of the PA for analgesic efficacy in lumbosacral transforaminal block. We retrospectively collected data from 120 patients receiving transforaminal blocks for lumbosacral radicular pain and assessed the PA before and 5 min following the block. Responders (group R) and non-responders (group N) were defined by ≥50% and <50% pain reduction, respectively, on a numerical rating scale, 30 min following the block; clinical data and the PA were compared. Among the 109 included patients, 50 (45.9%) and 59 (54.1%) had ≥50% and <50% pain reduction, respectively. In group N, the PA change ratio showed 88.1% specificity, 32.0% sensitivity, and 62.4% accuracy; a ratio of <0.087 at 5 min following the block predicted non-response. A PA change ratio of <0.087 at 5 min following lumbar transforaminal blocks predicted non-responders with high specificity.
Clinical Characteristics, Preventive Care and Attitude to Telemedicine among Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Agrawal Siddarth , Strzelec Bartłomiej , Poręba Rafał , Agrawal Anil , Mazur Grzegorz
Published: January 2021

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most frequent and one of the most severe complications of both types of diabetes. Despite the development of versatile diabetes management programs in most developed countries, many patients remain at increased risk for developing this life-limiting and life-threatening condition. This cross-sectional analysis objective was to examine and compare the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and comorbidities, as well as the clinical characteristics, prevention patterns, and attitude to telemedicine in patients with diabetes. We found that, when compared to the non-DR group, patients with DR significantly more often utilize clinical preventive services and counseling; however, there is still a significant gap in the receipt of preventative care. Moreover, in the DR subgroup, inadequate diabetic control and the presence of various signs and symptoms of diseases were observed. Although less than a fifth of all patients use mobile applications to monitor their health status, the patients indicate their willingness to use telemedical technology, particularly if it is recommended by the physician and provided without additional costs. The evolution of telemedicine offers a possibility of inexpensive, continuous monitoring of the disease that could improve treatment outcomes. Our observations emphasize DR’s perception as a complex disease in which education and continuous monitoring, particularly with telemedicine methods, are critical for further improvement in chronic care.
Time Points for Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulation Test Results in Korean Children
Authors: Choi Rihwa , Kwon Aerin , Oh Youngju , Lee Sang Gon , Lee Eun Hee
Published: January 2021

The gold standard for the laboratory diagnosis of central precocious puberty is based on the measurement of luteinizing hormone (LH) after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation. We sought to investigate the laboratory data for GnRH stimulation testing using samples collected from Korean children at different time points. Sampling times were at the basal time point (0) and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after GnRH stimulation. Pubertal response was defined as occurring when the peak LH concentration was 5 IU/L or more and rose to at least 2 times the basal LH concentration after GnRH stimulation. During the study period, 19,990 test results from 1958 Korean children (1841 females aged 1.3–8.9 years and 117 males aged 7.3–9.9 years) were obtained. Among the 1958 children, 1232 (62.9%) showed pubertal responses. The receiver operating characteristic curve that demonstrated the greatest area under the curve (AUC) among all examined time points was 45 min after GnRH stimulation in males (AUC 0.982, 95% CI 0.938–0.998) and 60 min in females (AUC 0.975, 95% CI 0.967–0.981). The combination of 45 min and 60 min showed the greatest AUC (0.996, 95% confidence interval 0.991–0.998), with a sensitivity level of 99.1% and a specificity of 100% for all children. The results of this study provide a possibility for a reduction in sampling time points (45 min and 60 min) to identify the presence of a pubertal response after GnRH stimulation in Korean children.
A Deep Learning Method for Alerting Emergency Physicians about the Presence of Subphrenic Free Air on Chest Radiographs
Authors: Su Che-Yu , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Tseng Cheng-Yen , Liu Keng-Hao , Lee Chi-Wei
Published: January 2021

Hollow organ perforation can precipitate a life-threatening emergency due to peritonitis followed by fulminant sepsis and fatal circulatory collapse. Pneumoperitoneum is typically detected as subphrenic free air on frontal chest X-ray images; however, treatment is reliant on accurate interpretation of radiographs in a timely manner. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to have misdiagnoses made by emergency physicians who have insufficient experience or who are too busy and overloaded by multitasking. It is essential to develop an automated method for reviewing frontal chest X-ray images to alert emergency physicians in a timely manner about the life-threatening condition of hollow organ perforation that mandates an immediate second look. In this study, a deep learning-based approach making use of convolutional neural networks for the detection of subphrenic free air is proposed. A total of 667 chest X-ray images were collected at a local hospital, where 587 images (positive/negative: 267/400) were used for training and 80 images (40/40) for testing. This method achieved 0.875, 0.825, and 0.889 in sensitivity, specificity, and AUC score, respectively. It may provide a sensitive adjunctive screening tool to detect pneumoperitoneum on images read by emergency physicians who have insufficient clinical experience or who are too busy and overloaded by multitasking.
Prognostic Impact of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusion in Acute and Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kim Seung-Hyun , Behnes Michael , Mashayekhi Kambis , Bufe Alexander , Meyer-Gessner Markus , El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Akin Ibrahim
Published: January 2021

Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) has gained increasing clinical attention as the most advanced form of coronary artery disease. Prior studies already indicated a clear association of CTO with adverse clinical outcomes, especially in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and concomitant CTO of the non-infarct-related coronary artery (non-IRA). Nevertheless, the prognostic impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of CTO in the acute setting during AMI is still controversial. Due to the complexity of the CTO lesion, CTO-PCI leads to an increased risk of complications compared to non-occlusive coronary lesions. Therefore, this review outlines the prognostic impact of CTO-PCI in patients with AMI. In addition, the prognostic impact of periprocedural myocardial infarction caused by CTO-PCI will be discussed.
Regenerative Approaches and Future Trends for the Treatment of Corneal Burn Injuries
Authors: Saccu Gabriele , Menchise Valeria , Giordano Cristina , Delli Castelli Daniela , Dastrù Walter , Pellicano Rinaldo , Tolosano Emanuela , Van Pham Phuc , Altruda Fiorella , Fagoonee Sharmila
Published: January 2021

Ocular chemical and thermal burns are frequent causes of hospitalization and require immediate interventions and care. Various surgical and pharmacological treatment strategies are employed according to damage severity. Controlling inflammation and neovascularization while promoting normal ocular surface anatomy and function restoration is the principal aim. In the most severe cases, when epithelial healing is severely affected, reconstruction of the ocular surface may be a valid option, which, however, requires expertise, adequate instruments, and qualified donors. Numerous endogenous and exogenous strategies have been considered for corneal repair. Among these, stem cells and their derivatives have offered numerous attractive possibilities in finding an effective way in stimulating corneal regeneration. Limbal epithelial stem cells and mesenchymal cells from the ocular tissue as well as from various sources have demonstrated their effectiveness in dampening neovascularization, scarring, and inflammation, while promoting epithelialization of the injured cornea. Moreover, a plethora of cytokines and growth factors, and extracellular vesicles, which constitute the secretome of these cells, work in concert to enhance wound healing. In this review, we provide an update on the recent potential therapeutic avenues and clinical applications of stem cells and their products in corneal regeneration after burn injury, as well as current imaging strategies for monitoring therapeutic efficacy and damage resolution.
Edema Resolution and Clinical Assessment in Poor-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Useful Indicators to Predict Delayed Cerebral Infarctions?
Authors: Torné Ramon , Hoyos Jhon , Llull Laura , Rodríguez-Hernández Ana , Muñoz Guido , Mellado-Artigas Ricard , Santana Daniel , Pedrosa Leire , Di Somma Alberto , San Roman Luis , Amaro Sergio , Enseñat Joaquim
Published: January 2021

Background: The level of consciousness and cerebral edema are among the indicators that best define the intensity of early brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Although these indicators are usually altered in patients with a poor neurological status, their usefulness for selecting patients at risk of cerebral infarction (CI) is not well established. Furthermore, little is known about the evolution of these indicators during the first week of post-ictal events. Our study focused on describing the association of the longitudinal course of these predictors with CI occurrence in patients with severe aSAH. Methods: Out of 265 aSAH patients admitted consecutively to the same institution, 80 patients with initial poor neurological status (WFNS 4–5) were retrospectively identified. After excluding 25 patients with early mortality, a total of 47 patients who underwent early CT (<3 days) and late CT (<7 days) acquisitions were included in the study. Early cerebral edema and delayed cerebral edema were calculated using the SEBES score, and the level of consciousness was recorded daily during the first week using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Results: There was a significant improvement in the SEBES (Early-SEBES median (IQR) = 3 (2–4) versus Delayed-SEBES = 2 (1–3); p = 0.001) and in GCS scores (B = 0.32; 95% CI 0.15–0.49; p = 0.001) during the first week. When comparing the ROC curves of Delayed-SEBES vs Early-SEBES as predictors of CI, no significant differences were found (Early-SEBES Area Under the Curve: 0.65; Delayed-SEBES: 0.62; p = 0.17). Additionally, no differences were observed in the relationship between the improvement in the GCS across the first week and the occurrence of CI (p = 0.536). Conclusions: Edema and consciousness level improvement did not seem to be associated with the occurrence of CI in a surviving cohort of patients with severe aSAH. Our results suggest that intensive monitoring should not be reduced in patients with a poor neurological status regardless of an improvement in cerebral edema and level of consciousness during the first week after bleeding.
Cartilage Micrografts as a Novel Non-Invasive and Non-Arthroscopic Autograft Procedure for Knee Chondropathy: Three-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Marcarelli Marco , Zappia Marcello , Rissolio Lorenzo , Baroni Chiara , Astarita Carlo , Trovato Letizia , Graziano Antonio
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: Focal chondral defects of the knee can significantly impair patient quality of life. Although different options are available, they are still not conclusive and have several limitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of autologous cartilage micrografts in the treatment of knee chondropathy. (2) Methods: Eight patients affected by knee chondropathy were evaluated before and after 6 months and 3 years following autologous cartilage micrografts by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for cartilage measurement and clinical assessment. (3) Results: All patients recovered daily activities, reporting pain reduction without the need for analgesic therapy; Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was 28.4 ± 6 and 40.8 ± 6.2 and visual analogue scale (VAS) was 5.5 ± 1.6 and 1.8 ± 0.7 before and after 6 months following treatment, respectively. Both scores remained stable after 3 years. Lastly, a significant improvement of the cartilage thickness was observed using MRI after 3 years. (4) Conclusions: Autologous cartilage micrografts can promote the formation of new cartilage, and could be a valid approach for the treatment of knee chondropathy.
Gut Microbiota Modulation and Fecal Transplantation: An Overview on Innovative Strategies for Hepatic Encephalopathy Treatment
Authors: Hassouneh Ramzi , Bajaj Jasmohan S.
Published: January 2021

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major complication of cirrhosis, which is associated with gut microbial composition and functional alterations. Current treatments largely focus on gut microbiota using lactulose, rifaximin and other agents. However, despite these treatments, patients with HE have a high rate of readmission, morbidity and cognitive impairment. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) involves introduction of a donor microbiota into a recipient and is currently mainly used for recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI). The role of FMT in cirrhosis and HE is evolving. There have been two randomized clinical trials (RCT) and several case reports/series in cirrhosis. Both RCTs were safety-focused phase 1 trials. One involved pre-FMT antibiotics and FMT enema versus standard of care, while the other involved 15 FMT capsules versus placebo without pre-FMT antibiotics. There was evidence of safety in both trials and the FMT group demonstrated reduction in hospitalizations compared to the non-FMT group. Changes in microbial function centered around short-chain fatty acids, bile acids and brain function showed improvement in the FMT groups. Long-term follow-up demonstrated continued safety and reduction in the antibiotic-resistance gene carriage. However, larger trials of FMT in HE are needed that can refine the dose, duration and route of FMT administration.
Development of A Nano-Apatite Based Composite Sealer for Endodontic Root Canal Filling
Authors: Bertacci Angelica , Moro Daniele , Ulian Gianfranco , Valdrè Giovanni
Published: January 2021

Recently, endodontic sealers based on injectable bioactive materials were proposed to improve the filling of anatomical irregularities during root canal obturation. In this context, this preliminary work investigated the possibility of realizing a new calcium phosphate-based composite sealer for root canal filling with an optimized composition on setting kinetics and dentin tubules occlusion. Several calcium phosphate/liquid phase mixtures were initially evaluated for their workability, finding two suitable formulations. Both of them contained 66 wt.% of a nano-apatite-based cement (solid powdered phase). The liquid phase (34 wt.%) comprised 13.6% propanediol and 20.4% PEG 1000 (formulation 1), and formulation 2 comprised 27.2% glycerin and 6.8% PEG 200 (formulation 2). Then, these formulations were tested by means of permeability measurements and observation by scanning electron microscopy of treated model dentin samples. Both formulations succeeded in occluding dentinal tubules: the first one was able to create a full-bodied layer on dentin surface and, moreover, to resist, at least to a large extent, against citric acid attack. The second one showed a lower effectiveness after citric acid exposure. The composite compound that better satisfied the overall required characteristics of use, workability and sealing capacity was formulation 1.
Dexel-Based Simulation of Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Böß Volker , Denkena Berend , Dittrich Marc-André , Malek Talash , Friebe Sven
Published: January 2021

Additive manufacturing is typically a flexible alternative to conventional manufacturing processes. However, manufacturing costs increase due to the effort required to experimentally determine optimum process parameters for customized products or small batches. Therefore, simulation models are needed in order to reduce the amount of effort necessary for experimental testing. For this purpose, a novel technological simulation method for directed energy deposition additive manufacturing is presented here. The Dexel-based simulation allows modeling of additive manufacturing of varying geometric shapes by considering multi-axis machine tool kinematics and local process conditions. The simulation approach can be combined with the simulation of subtractive processes, which enables integrated digital process chains.
Trichoderma asperellum T76-14 Released Volatile Organic Compounds against Postharvest Fruit Rot in Muskmelons (Cucumis melo) Caused by Fusarium incarnatum
Authors: Intana Warin , Kheawleng Suchawadee , Sunpapao Anurag
Published: January 2021

Postharvest fruit rot caused by Fusarium incarnatum is a destructive postharvest disease of muskmelon (Cucumis melo). Biocontrol by antagonistic microorganisms is considered an alternative to synthetic fungicide application. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of action involved in the biocontrol of postharvest fruit rot in muskmelons by Trichoderma species. Seven Trichoderma spp. isolates were selected for in vitro testing against F. incarnatum in potato dextrose agar (PDA) by dual culture assay. In other relevant works, Trichoderma asperellum T76-14 showed a significantly higher percentage of inhibition (81%) than other isolates. Through the sealed plate method, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from T. asperellum T76-14 proved effective at inhibiting the fungal growth of F. incarnatum by 62.5%. Solid-phase microextraction GC/MS analysis revealed several VOCs emitted from T. asperellum T76-14, whereas the dominant compound was tentatively identified as phenylethyl alcohol (PEA). We have tested commercial volatile (PEA) against in vitro growth of F. incarnatum; the result showed PEA at a concentration of 1.5 mg mL−1 suppressed fungal growth with 56% inhibition. Both VOCs and PEA caused abnormal changes in the fungal mycelia. In vivo testing showed that the lesion size of muskmelons exposed to VOCs from T. asperellum T76-14 was significantly smaller than that of the control. Muskmelons exposed to VOCs from T. asperellum T76-14 showed no fruit rot after incubation at seven days compared to fruit rot in the control. This study demonstrated the ability of T. asperellum T76-14 to produce volatile antifungal compounds, showing that it can be a major mechanism involved in and responsible for the successful inhibition of F. incarnatum and control of postharvest fruit rot in muskmelons.
Increased Heschl’s Gyrus Duplication in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Cross-Sectional MRI Study
Authors: Takahashi Tsutomu , Sasabayashi Daiki , Takayanagi Yoichiro , Furuichi Atsushi , Kido Mikio , Pham Tien Viet , Kobayashi Haruko , Noguchi Kyo , Suzuki Michio
Published: January 2021

Duplicated Heschl’s gyrus (HG) is prevalent in patients with schizophrenia and may reflect early neurodevelopmental anomalies. However, it currently remains unclear whether patients with schizotypal disorder, a prototypic disorder within the schizophrenia spectrum, exhibit a similar HG gyrification pattern. In this magnetic resonance imaging study, HG gyrification patterns were examined in 47 patients with schizotypal disorder, 111 with schizophrenia, and 88 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. HG gyrification patterns were classified as single, common stem duplication (CSD), or complete posterior duplication (CPD). The prevalence of the duplicated HG patterns (CSD or CPD) bilaterally was higher in the schizophrenia and schizotypal groups than in healthy controls, whereas no significant difference was observed between the schizophrenia and schizotypal groups. Schizophrenia patients with the right CPD pattern had less severe positive symptoms, whereas the right single HG pattern was associated with higher doses of antipsychotic medication in schizotypal patients. The present study demonstrated shared HG gyrification patterns in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, which may reflect a common biological vulnerability factor. HG patterns may also be associated with susceptibility to psychopathology.
Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Profiles in Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Assogna Francesca , Liguori Claudio , Cravello Luca , Macchiusi Lucia , Belli Claudia , Placidi Fabio , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Stefani Alessandro , Mercuri Bruno , Izzi Francesca , Caltagirone Carlo , Mercuri Nicola B. , Pontieri Francesco E. , Spalletta Gianfranco , Pellicano Clelia
Published: January 2021

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a risk factor for developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may represent its prodromal state. We compared neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric phenotypes of idiopathic (i) RBD, PD and healthy comparators (HC) in order to identify iRBD specific characteristics. Thirty-eight patients with iRBD, 38 PD patients with RBD (PD + RBD), 38 PD patients without RBD (PD-RBD) and 38 HC underwent a comprehensive neurological, neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric evaluation. iRBD, PD + RBD and PD-RBD performed worse than HC in short-term verbal memory, praxia, language and executive functions. iRBD had higher levels of anxiety, depression, apathy and alexithymia than HC. iRBD had higher levels of apathy than PD + RBD. Both PD groups had higher levels of anxiety and depression than HC. Surprisingly, iRBD performed better than all groups in long-term verbal memory. Patients diagnosed with iRBD are characterized by poor global cognitive performance, but better long-term memory and higher levels of depression, anxiety, alexithymia and apathy. Alexithymia and apathy in patients diagnosed with iRBD may be the expression of precocious derangement of emotional regulation, subsequently observed also in PD. Cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms of iRBD are early clinical manifestations of widespread neurodegeneration.
Single-Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Evoked Potential Amplitudes and Latencies in the Motor and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex among Young, Older Healthy Participants, and Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Noda Yoshihiro , Barr Mera S. , Zomorrodi Reza , Cash Robin F. H. , Lioumis Pantelis , Chen Robert , Daskalakis Zafiris J. , Blumberger Daniel M.
Published: January 2021

Background: The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography (EEG) allows for non-invasive investigation of cortical response and connectivity in human cortex. This study aimed to examine the amplitudes and latencies of each TMS-evoked potential (TEP) component induced by single-pulse TMS (spTMS) to the left motor (M1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) among healthy young participants (YNG), older participants (OLD), and patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). Methods: We compared the spatiotemporal characteristics of TEPs induced by spTMS among the groups. Results: Compared to YNG, M1-spTMS induced lower amplitudes of N45 and P180 in OLD and a lower amplitude of P180 in SCZ, whereas the DLPFC-spTMS induced a lower N45 in OLD. Further, OLD demonstrated latency delays in P60 after M1-spTMS and in N45-P60 over the right central region after left DLPFC-spTMS, whereas SCZ demonstrated latency delays in N45-P60 over the midline and right central regions after DLPFC-spTMS. Conclusions: These findings suggest that inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms mediating TEPs may be altered in OLD and SCZ. The amplitude and latency changes of TEPs with spTMS may reflect underlying neurophysiological changes in OLD and SCZ, respectively. The spTMS administered to M1 and the DLPFC can probe cortical functions by examining TEPs. Thus, TMS-EEG can be used to study changes in cortical connectivity and signal propagation from healthy to pathological brains.
Governance Vis-à-Vis Investment Efficiency: Substitutes or Complementary in Their Effects on Disclosure Practice
Authors: Elberry Noha , Hussainey Khaled
Published: January 2021

Prior studies provide evidence that both corporate governance and corporate investment efficiency affect corporate disclosure practice. In this paper, we examine their joint effect on disclosure. In particular, we examine whether corporate governance quality and corporate investment efficiency act as substitutes or complements in their impact on narrative disclosure. We collect disclosure scores from Lancaster University’s Corporate Financial Information Environment (CFIE) website for a sample of non-financial UK companies for the period 2007–2014. We regress measures of corporate governance and corporate investment efficiency on two different proxies of disclosure practice (performance commentaries disclosure and the tone of narrative disclosure). Consistent with prior studies, we find that both governance and investment efficiency affect disclosure. We contribute to narrative disclosure studies in two crucial respects. First, we provide empirical evidence that governance and investment efficiency has a complementary effect on performance commentaries disclosure. Second, we contribute to the disclosure tone literature by providing empirical evidence that both governance and investment efficiency have a substitution effect on the tone of narrative disclosure.
Advances in the Coordination between the Cadastre and Land Registry
Authors: Femenia-Ribera Carmen , Mora-Navarro Gaspar , Martinez-Llario Jose Carlos
Published: January 2021

A necessary and effective coordination between cadastre and land registry has always existed in Spain, but the difficulties have only been specifically addressed in the last few years. The aim of this study is to illustrate, analyse, and evaluate advances in this coordination in Spain from the beginnings of the current system in the early twentieth century, with the cadastre and land registry operating as separate organisations. A preliminary study was made in 2002 of the difficulties that needed to be overcome to achieve an ideal coordination of mainly mapped information. The study was made by gathering and analysing the opinions of various specialists who have dealt with the issue of coordination. For this research, qualitative information (current and historical) was gathered by querying documents about cadastre and land registry coordination in Spain. This information was studied and compared to identify the problems and challenges. A survey in 2012 analysed the relationship between the cadastre and land registry from the point of view of the general public in the city of Gandia. The Spanish government enacted the first specific and effective legislation on coordination in 2015 (Act 13/2015), and much has changed since its introduction. During the last five years of application, each of the problems initially highlighted has been monitored and analysed, and the difficulties that have arisen have been noted. In this study, each of these problems and challenges is analysed from various perspectives: querying documents (norms, budgets, official news, etc.), websites, digital applications, observation, and interviews. The main results of the case study in Spain are as follows: coordination is generally indispensable and cannot be postponed; there is a difficult understanding between the organisations involved; the general public associate the word “cadastre” with taxes and not with security in the demarcation of property; political will and understanding is necessary; the process is slow and requires long-term agreements; an improvement in the quality of maps is fundamental; and technology is not a problem.
Synthesis, Properties, and Biodegradability of Thermoplastic Elastomers Made from 2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol, Glutaric Acid and Lactide
Authors: Zahir Lamya , Kida Takumitsu , Tanaka Ryo , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi , Kawasaki Norioki , Yamano Naoko , Nakayama Atsuyoshi
Published: January 2021

An innovative type of biodegradable thermoplastic elastomers with improved mechanical properties from very common and potentially renewable sources, poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(2-methyl-1,3-propylene glutarate)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLA-b-PMPG-b-PLA)s, has been developed for the first time. PLA-b-PMPG-b-PLAs were synthesized by polycondensation of 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and glutaric acid and successive ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide, where PMPG is an amorphous central block with low glass transition temperature and PLA is hard semicrystalline terminal blocks. The copolymers showed glass transition temperature at lower than −40 °C and melting temperature at 130–152 °C. The tensile tests of these copolymers were also performed to evaluate their mechanical properties. The degradation of the copolymers and PMPG by enzymes proteinase K and lipase PS were investigated. Microbial biodegradation in seawater was also performed at 27 °C. The triblock copolymers and PMPG homopolymer were found to show 9–15% biodegradation within 28 days, representing their relatively high biodegradability in seawater. The macromolecular structure of the triblock copolymers of PLA and PMPG can be controlled to tune their mechanical and biodegradation properties, demonstrating their potential use in various applications.
Use of Steel Slag as an Alternative to Aggregate and Filler in Road Pavements
Authors: Dondi Giulio , Mazzotta Francesco , Lantieri Claudio , Cuppi Federico , Vignali Valeria , Sangiovanni Celestino
Published: January 2021

Today the use of Construction and Demolition Materials (CDM) can be considered as a suitable solution for the construction or the rehabilitation of road pavements. In this context, it is central to minimizing waste production, favoring the reuse through new production cycles to replace virgin natural raw materials. As illustrated in this study, steel slag has mechanical properties that justify its use as aggregate in the manufacture of bituminous mixes. In road construction, their use is focused on the substitution of fine aggregate and filler in bituminous mixtures. Mechanical characterizations, Marshall stability and indirect tensile resilient modulus (ITSM) tests were used to evaluate the laboratory performance of the mixtures. The research aims are to provide the use of these materials for the construction of the entire road pavement structure; in this study authors used these materials both in the characterization of cementitious layers and in those with bituminous conglomerate. In both cases, the use of steel slag has favored an increase of stiffness in the mixtures.
Physicochemical Factors That Influence the Biocompatibility of Cationic Liposomes and Their Ability to Deliver DNA to the Nuclei of Ovarian Cancer SK-OV-3 Cells
Authors: Sun Mengwei , Yuan Yuhao , Lu Fake , Di Pasqua Anthony J.
Published: January 2021

Cationic liposomes composed of 3-[N-(N’,N’-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl] cholesterol (DC-chol) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) have previously been shown to have applications in gene delivery. Our study aims to explore the effects of inclusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and using different molar ratios of DC-chol/DOPE on size, zeta potential, cytotoxicity and DNA delivery of DC-chol/DOPE liposomes. Our results show that PEGylation reduces the cytotoxicity of DC-chol/DOPE liposomes, and, furthermore, PEGylated liposome-DNA lipoplexes are smaller in size and more uniform in size distribution than those that are not PEGylated. Additionally, toxicity against ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells decreases with the amount of cationic DC-chol present in the formulation; however, decreased delivery of DNA to cellular nuclei is also observed. Transfection with the PEGylated liposomes was successfully demonstrated using plasmid DNA with a known functional outcome. These results offer further insight into physicochemical properties important for cationic liposomes as vehicles for DNA delivery and demonstrate the potential of PEGylated DC-chol/DOPE liposomes as systemic delivery carriers for DNA-mediated ovarian cancer therapy.
Current and New Approaches to Predict the Deflections of One-Way Flexural Members with a Focus on Composite Steel Deck Slabs Voided by Circular Tubes
Authors: Lee Chang-Hwan , Mansouri Iman , Bae Jaehoon , Ryu Jaeho
Published: January 2021

A new type of composite voided slab, the TUBEDECK (TD), which utilizes the structural function of profiled steel decks, has recently been proposed. Previous studies have confirmed that the flexural strength of TD slabs can be calculated based on the full composite contribution of the steel deck, but for long-span flexural members, the deflection serviceability requirement is often dominant. Herein, we derived a novel deflection prediction approach using the results of flexural tests on slab specimens, focusing on TD slabs. First, deflection prediction based on modifications of the current code was proposed. Results revealed that TD slabs exhibited smaller long-term deflections and at least 10% longer maximum span lengths than solid slabs, indicating their greater efficiency. Second, a novel rational method was derived for predicting deflections without computing the effective moment of inertia. The ultimate deflections predicted by the proposed method correlated closely with the deflection under maximum bending moments. To calculate immediate deflections, variation functions for the concrete strain at the extreme compression fiber and neutral axis depth were assumed with predictions in good agreement with experiments. The proposed procedure has important implications in highlighting a new perspective on the deflection prediction of reinforced concrete and composite flexural members.
Study of Concrete Strength and Pore Structure Model Based on Grey Relation Entropy
Authors: Zhang Min , Yao Xianhua , Guan Junfeng , Li Lielie , Wang Juan , Qing Longbang
Published: January 2021

The Grey Relation Entropy (GRE) theory is used to analyze the sensitive pore size that affects the compressive strength of concrete. The relationship between the strength and pore structure is revised based on the sensitivity coefficient. The revised model is used to calculate the compressive strength of concrete. In order to verify the validity of the proposed model, the calculated results are compared with experimental ones, showing satisfactory agreement with a larger correlation than existing methods.
Impact of Plasma Pre-Treatment on the Tribological Properties of DLC Coatings on PDMS Substrates
Authors: Kaczorowski Witold , Świątek Hanna , Łuczak Klaudia , Głuszek Marta , Cłapa Marian
Published: January 2021

The processes of the deposition of carbon coatings on PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) substrates using plasma techniques are widely used in a large number of studies, in applications ranging from electronic to biological. That is why the potential improvement of their functional properties, including tribological properties, seems very interesting. This paper presents an analysis of the impact of plasma pre-treatment on the properties of the produced diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings, including changes in the coefficients of friction and wear rates. The initial modification processes were performed using two different techniques based on low-pressure plasma (RF PACVD, radio-frequency plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition) and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. The effects of the above-mentioned treatments on the geometric structure of the PDMS surface and its water contact angles and stability over time were determined. The basic properties of the DLC coatings produced on unmodified substrates were compared to those of the coatings subjected to plasma pre-treatment. The most interesting effects in terms of tribological properties were achieved after the DBD process and production of DLC coatings, achieving a decrease in wear rates to 2.45 × 10−8 mm3/Nm. The tests demonstrate that the cross-linking of the polymer substrate occurs during plasma pre-treatment.
Modeling of Equivalent Circuit Analysis of Degraded Electric Double-Layer Capacitors
Authors: Omori Tomoki , Nakanishi Masahiro , Tashima Daisuke
Published: January 2021

The demand for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) has recently increased, especially for regenerative braking systems in electric or hybrid vehicles. However, using EDLCs under high temperature often enhances their degradation. Continuously monitoring EDLC degradation is important to prevent sudden malfunction and rapid drops in efficiency. Therefore, it is useful to diagnose the degradation at a lower frequency than that used in charge/discharge. Unused and degraded EDLCs were analyzed using the alternating current impedance method for measurements over a wide frequency range. Each result had a different spectrum up to 1 kHz. In addition, we show the basic inside condition of EDLCs with equivalent circuit analysis. This paper explores the possibility of degradation diagnosis at a high frequency and the basic physical mechanism.
Optimal Design of Double-Pole Magnetization BLDC Motor and Comparison with Single-Pole Magnetization BLDC Motor in Terms of Electromagnetic Performance
Authors: Shin Hyo-Seob , Jang Gang-Hyeon , Jung Kyung-Hun , Cho Seong-Kook , Choi Jang-Young , Shin Hyeon-Jae
Published: January 2021

This study presents an optimal double-pole magnetization brushless DC (BLDC) motor design, compared to a single-pole magnetization BLDC motor in terms of electromagnetic performance. Initially, a double-pole model is selected based on the permanent magnet (PM) of the single-pole model. The pole separation space, which is generated in the magnetization process of the double-pole PM, is selected based on the pole space of the single-pole model. Moreover, the PM offset is selected considering the PM volume of the single-pole model. Further, an optimal model is selected using the multiple response optimal method, which is a type of response surface methodology (RSM). The objective of the optimal design is to maintain the back EMF and decrease the cogging torque; the design variables include the pole separation space and PM offset. The experimental points of the initial model are designed using the central composite method (CCD). Finally, the optimization is verified by comparing the experimental and analysis results of the single-pole model with the analysis results of the optimal model.
Microstructure Evolution of Ag/TiO2 Thin Film
Authors: Halin Dewi Suriyani Che , Razak Kamrosni Abdul , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Ramli Mohd Izrul Izwan , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Azhari Ayu Wazira , Nogita Kazuhiro , Yasuda Hideyuki , Nabiałek Marcin , Wysłocki Jerzy J.
Published: January 2021

Ag/TiO2 thin films were prepared using the sol-gel spin coating method. The microstructural growth behaviors of the prepared Ag/TiO2 thin films were elucidated using real-time synchrotron radiation imaging, its structure was determined using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), its morphology was imaged using the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and its surface topography was examined using the atomic force microscope (AFM) in contact mode. The cubical shape was detected and identified as Ag, while the anatase, TiO2 thin film resembled a porous ring-like structure. It was found that each ring that coalesced and formed channels occurred at a low annealing temperature of 280 °C. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) result revealed a small amount of Ag presence in the Ag/TiO2 thin films. From the in-situ synchrotron radiation imaging, it was observed that as the annealing time increased, the growth of Ag/TiO2 also increased in terms of area and the number of junctions. The growth rate of Ag/TiO2 at 600 s was 47.26 µm2/s, and after 1200 s it decreased to 11.50 µm2/s and 11.55 µm2/s at 1800 s. Prolonged annealing will further decrease the growth rate to 5.94 µm2/s, 4.12 µm2/s and 4.86 µm2/s at 2400 s, 3000 s and 3600 s, respectively.
Enhancing Accuracy of Runge–Kutta-Type Collocation Methods for Solving ODEs
Authors: Urevc Janez , Halilovič Miroslav
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a new class of Runge–Kutta-type collocation methods for the numerical integration of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is presented. Its derivation is based on the integral form of the differential equation. The approach enables enhancing the accuracy of the established collocation Runge–Kutta methods while retaining the same number of stages. We demonstrate that, with the proposed approach, the Gauss–Legendre and Lobatto IIIA methods can be derived and that their accuracy can be improved for the same number of method coefficients. We expressed the methods in the form of tables similar to Butcher tableaus. The performance of the new methods is investigated on some well-known stiff, oscillatory, and nonlinear ODEs from the literature.
New Deoxyisoaustamide Derivatives from the Coral-Derived Fungus Penicillium dimorphosporum KMM 4689
Authors: Zhuravleva Olesya I. , Antonov Alexandr S. , Trang Vo Thi Dieu , Pivkin Mikhail V. , Khudyakova Yuliya V. , Denisenko Vladimir A. , Popov Roman S. , Kim Natalya Y. , Yurchenko Ekaterina A. , Gerasimenko Andrey V. , Udovenko Anatoly A. , Amsberg Gunhild von , Dyshlovoy Sergey A. , Afiyatullov Shamil S.
Published: January 2021

Seven new deoxyisoaustamide derivatives (1–7) together with known compounds (8–10) were isolated from the coral-derived fungus Penicillium dimorphosporum KMM 4689. Their structures were established using spectroscopic methods, X-ray diffraction analysis and by comparison with related known compounds. The absolute configurations of some alkaloids were determined based on CD and NOESY data as well as biogenetic considerations. The cytotoxic and neuroprotective activities of some of the isolated compounds were examined and structure-activity relationships were pointed out. New deoxyisoaustamides 4–6 at concentration of 1 µM revealed a statistical increase of PQ(paraquat)-treated Neuro-2a cell viability by 30–39%.
An Anti-Inflammatory 2,4-Cyclized-3,4-Secospongian Diterpenoid and Furanoterpene-Related Metabolites of a Marine Sponge Spongia sp. from the Red Sea
Authors: Tai Chi-Jen , Huang Chiung-Yao , Ahmed Atallah F. , Orfali Raha S. , Alarif Walied M. , Huang Yusheng M. , Wang Yi-Hsuan , Hwang Tsong-Long , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: January 2021

Chemical investigation of a Red Sea Spongia sp. led to the isolation of four new compounds, i.e., 17-dehydroxysponalactone (1), a carboxylic acid, spongiafuranic acid A (2), one hydroxamic acid, spongiafuranohydroxamic acid A (3), and a furanyl trinorsesterpenoid 16-epi-irciformonin G (4), along with three known metabolites (−)-sponalisolide B (5), 18-nor- 3,17-dihydroxy-spongia-3,13(16),14-trien-2-one (6), and cholesta-7-ene-3β,5α-diol-6-one (7). The biosynthetic pathway for the molecular skeleton of 1 and related compounds was postulated for the first time. Anti-inflammatory activity of these metabolites to inhibit superoxide anion generation and elastase release in N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl phenylalanine/cytochalasin B (fMLF/CB)-induced human neutrophil cells and cytotoxicity of these compounds toward three cancer cell lines and one human dermal fibroblast cell line were assayed. Compound 1 was found to significantly reduce the superoxide anion generation and elastase release at a concentration of 10 μM, and compound 5 was also found to display strong inhibitory activity against superoxide anion generation at the same concentration. Due to the noncytotoxic activity and the potent inhibitory effect toward the superoxide anion generation and elastase release, 1 and 5 can be considered to be promising anti-inflammatory agents.