bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak Interaction of the Antimetabolite Drug Methotrexate with a Cavitand Derivative
Authors: Preisz Zsolt , Nagymihály Zoltán , Lemli Beáta , Kollár László , Kunsági-Máté Sándor
Published: June 2020

Formation of inclusion complexes involving a cavitand derivative (as host) and an antimetabolite drug, methotrexate (as guest) was investigated by photoluminescence measurements in dimethyl sulfoxide solvent. Molecular modeling performed in gas phase reflects that, due to the structural reasons, the cavitand can include the methotrexate in two forms: either by its opened structure with free androsta-4-en-3-one-17α-ethinyl arms or by the closed form when all the androsta-4-en-3-one-17α-ethinyl arms play role in the complex formation. Experiments reflect enthalpy driven complex formation in higher temperature range while at lower temperature the complexes are stabilized by the entropy gain.
CYP3A5 Genotype as a Potential Pharmacodynamic Biomarker for Tacrolimus Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis in Japanese Patients
Authors: Yamamoto Yuki , Nakase Hiroshi , Matsuura Minoru , Maruyama Shihoko , Masuda Satohiro
Published: June 2020

Tacrolimus has been used to induce remission in patients with steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis. It poses a problem of large individual differences in dosage necessary to attain target blood concentration and, often, this leads to drug inefficacy. We examined the difference in mRNA expression levels of ATP binding cassette transporter B1 (ABCB1) between inflamed and non-inflamed tissues, and the influence of CYP3A5 genotype on tacrolimus therapy. The mRNA expression of CYP3A4 in colonic mucosa and that of cytochrome p450 3A5 (CYP3A5) and ABCB1 in inflamed and non-inflamed areas were examined in 14 subjects. The mRNA expression levels of CYP3A5 were higher than that of CYP3A4. The mRNA expression of ABCB1 was lower in the inflamed than in the non-inflamed mucosa, despite that of CYP3A5 mRNA level being not significantly changed. Hence, the deterioration of the disease is related to the reduction of the barrier in the inflamed mucosa. The relationship between CYP3A5 genotype and blood concentration, dose, and concentration/dose (C/D) ratio of tacrolimus in 15 subjects was studied. The tacrolimus dose to maintain equivalent blood concentrations was lower in CYP3A5*3/*3 than in CYP3A5*1 carriers, and the C/D ratio was significantly higher in the latter. Thus, CYP3A5 polymorphism information played a role in determining the initial dose of tacrolimus. Furthermore, since the effect of tacrolimus appears earlier in CYP3A5*3/*3 than in CYP3A5*1/*1 and *1/*3, it seems necessary to change the evaluation time of therapeutic effect by CYP3A5 genotype. Additionally, the relationship between CYP3A5 genotype and C/D ratio of tacrolimus in colonic mucosa was investigated in 10 subjects. Tacrolimus concentration in the mucosa was two-fold higher in CYP3A5*3/*3 than in CYP3A5*1 carriers, although no significant difference in tacrolimus-blood levels was observed. Therefore, the local concentration of tacrolimus affected by CYP3A5 polymorphism might be related to its therapeutic effect.
How Will Sense of Values and Preference Change during Art Appreciation?
Authors: Abe Akinori , Fukushima Kotaro , Kawada Reina
Published: June 2020

We have conducted several experiments where various types of information offering strategies were performed. We obtained interesting phenomena from the results. The participants seemed to be able to gradually understand the artwork by offering information of the artwork. Of course, for an abstract art, the information of the artworks functions better understanding of artworks. Even for a representational painting, the quality and quantity of understanding was gradually changing. Thus, the information of art sometimes influences the art appreciation. In this paper, we will discuss how the value and preference of art will change according to offered information? In addition, we will discuss determining which factor (information) will change the viewers’ value and preference of art in the art appreciation. For that, we conducted two experiments, where information of the artwork was offered randomly (each person may obtain different information for the artswork). Additionally, for all the artworks, the information was offered in the same manner (all persons will obtain the same information for the artworks). The information involved title, painting materials, techniques, production year, name of artist, price, background, and theme of the artworks.
Electroluminescence and Electron Avalanching in Two-Phase Detectors
Authors: Buzulutskov Alexey
Published: June 2020

Electroluminescence and electron avalanching are the physical effects used in two-phase argon and xenon detectors for dark matter searches and neutrino detection, to amplify the primary ionization signal directly in cryogenic noble-gas media. We review the concepts of such light and charge signal amplification, including a combination thereof, both in the gas and in the liquid phase. Puzzling aspects of the physics of electroluminescence and electron avalanching in two-phase detectors are explained, and detection techniques based on these effects are described.
Simulation Study of the IAMSAR Standard Recovery Maneuvers for the Improvement of Serviceability
Authors: Kim Inchul , Chae Chongju , Lee Soyeong
Published: June 2020

Recovery maneuvers are highly important for rescuing a person overboard at sea. This is the prime reason why the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual III, which aims to assist vessels and aircrafts in the performance of a search, rescue, or on-scene co-ordinated efforts with aspects of search and rescue (SAR) which pertain to their own emergencies. The IAMSAR Manual III includes the Williamson turn, the Anderson turn and the Scharnov turn. Furthermore, the Lorén turn has been newly included in the 2019 edition of the Manual. Although several studies have pointed out that the Williamson turn needs to be applied in a modified form for proper application, in terms of returning ability to the original track line, it has not yet been modified in the Manual. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the serviceability of the four standard recovery maneuvers through a series of ship-handling simulations with representative types of ships. Our main results are as follows: firstly, the Anderson turn is the fastest recovery method, regardless of engine power and rudder efficiency; secondly, the actual paths of the Williamson turn are not consistent with the expected ones; and, finally, no correlations were found between the returning ability of the Williamson turn and any ship configuration or maneuvering ability factors, or their combinations. Thus, based on the experimental results, this paper proposes revising the descriptions of the standard recovery maneuvers and IMO regulations on ship maneuverability, as well as posting the actual tracks of the Williamson turn on the bridge in order to improve its serviceability.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Berms and Roughness on Wave Overtopping at Rock-Armoured Dikes
Authors: Chen Weiqiu , Marconi Alberto , van Gent Marcel R. A. , Warmink Jord J. , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H.
Published: June 2020

The average overtopping discharge is an important parameter for the design and reinforcement of dikes. Rock armour on the waterside slopes and berms of dikes is widely used to reduce the wave overtopping discharge by introducing slope roughness and dissipation of energy in the permeable armour layer. However, methods for estimating the influence of a rock berm and roughness of rock armour at dikes on the average overtopping discharge still need to be developed and/or validated. Therefore, this study aims to develop empirical equations to quantify the reductive influence of rock armour on wave overtopping at dikes. Empirical equations for estimating the effects of rock berms and roughness are derived based on the analysis of experimental data from new physical model tests. The influence of roughness of the rock armour applied on parts of waterside slopes is estimated by introducing the location weighting coefficients. Results show that the newly derived equations to predict the average overtopping discharge at dikes lead to a significantly better performance within the tested ranges compared to existing empirical equations.
Rhizoferrin Glycosylation in Rhizopus microsporus
Authors: Škríba Anton , Patil Rutuja Hiraji , Hubáček Petr , Dobiáš Radim , Palyzová Andrea , Marešová Helena , Pluháček Tomáš , Havlíček Vladimír
Published: June 2020

Rhizopus spp. are the most common etiological agents of mucormycosis, causing over 90% mortality in disseminated infections. The diagnosis relies on histopathology, culture, and/or polymerase chain reaction. For the first time, the glycosylation of rhizoferrin (RHF) was described in a Rhizopus microsporus clinical isolate by liquid chromatography and accurate tandem mass spectrometry. The fermentation broth lyophilizate contained 345.3 ± 13.5, 1.2 ± 0.03, and 0.03 ± 0.002 mg/g of RHF, imido-RHF, and bis-imido-RHF, respectively. Despite a considerable RHF secretion rate, we did not obtain conclusive RHF detection from a patient with disseminated mucormycosis caused by the same R. microsporus strain. We hypothesize that parallel antimycotic therapy, RHF biotransformation, and metabolism compromised the analysis. On the other hand, the full profile of posaconazole metabolites was retrieved by our in house software CycloBranch.
Regulatory Restrictions on US Bank Funding Sources: A Review of the Treatment of Brokered Deposits
Authors: Barth James R. , Lu Wenling , Sun Yanfei
Published: June 2020

This paper is the first paper to provide a comprehensive review of the US regulatory treatment of a relatively recent and controversial source of funds, namely brokered deposits. To do this, we consider the extent to which banks rely on brokered deposits, as well as the impact of these funds on bank performance, bank failures, and bank failure costs. We also consider the changes taking place in technologies and how they continue to affect the way banks obtain funds and provide services to their customers. Our conclusion is that, without sufficient evidence to the contrary, such deposits should be treated no differently from all other deposits and other purchased funds.
Ridge Type Shrinkage Estimation of Seemingly Unrelated Regressions And Analytics of Economic and Financial Data from “Fragile Five” Countries
Authors: Yüzbaşı Bahadır , Ahmed S. Ejaz
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we suggest improved estimation strategies based on preliminarily test and shrinkage principles in a seemingly unrelated regression model when explanatory variables are affected by multicollinearity. To that end, we split the vector regression coefficient of each equation into two parts: one includes the coefficient vector for the main effects, and the other is a vector for nuisance effects, which could be close to zero. Therefore, two competing models per equation of the system regression model are obtained: one includes all the regression of coefficients (full model); the other (sub model) includes only the coefficients of the main effects based on the auxiliary information. The preliminarily test estimation improves the estimation procedure if there is evidence that the vector of nuisance parameters does not provide a useful contribution to the model. The shrinkage estimation method shrinks the full model estimator in the direction of the sub-model estimator. We conduct a Monte Carlo simulation study in order to examine the relative performance of the suggested estimation strategies. More importantly, we apply our methodology based on the preliminarily test and the shrinkage estimations to analyse economic data by investigating the relationship between foreign direct investment and several economic variables in the “Fragile Five” countries between 1983 and 2018.
Drought Impacts, Coping Responses and Adaptation in the UK Outdoor Livestock Sector: Insights to Increase Drought Resilience
Authors: Salmoral Gloria , Ababio Benjamin , Holman Ian
Published: June 2020

Drought has detrimental impacts on crop and livestock farming systems worldwide, but less attention has been given to outdoor livestock systems, particularly in humid temperate regions. This research evaluated how an intense drought in 2018 impacted the UK livestock sector and the responses adopted by key actors, though a combination of analysis of weekly agricultural trade publications and semi-structured interviews with livestock farmers. Drought impacts centred on feed and fodder availability, animal productivity and welfare, farm economics, and farmer well-being, with strong inter-dependencies observed. Most drought responses by farmers were reactive short-term coping strategies to address feed shortages, with three main strategies applied: management of available grazing and feed; selling livestock to reduce feed demand and to obtain income; and buying-in additional feed. Few longer-term adaptive measures were identified due to a range of constraints. Moving forwards, the UK livestock sector needs to convert the learning from the reactive measures implemented in 2018 into pro-active drought planning approaches. The current political changes in the UK also provides a unique opportunity for agricultural policy to better reward the desirable nationally- and locally-important non-market services or public goods that livestock farming provides. Together, these should support increased drought resilience in livestock farming and increased farming viability.
Independent Rainbow Domination Numbers of Generalized Petersen Graphs P(n,2) and P(n,3)
Authors: Gabrovšek Boštjan , Peperko Aljoša , Žerovnik Janez
Published: June 2020

We obtain new results on independent 2- and 3-rainbow domination numbers of generalized Petersen graphs P ( n , k ) for certain values of n , k ∈ N . By suitably adjusting and applying a well established technique of tropical algebra (path algebra) we obtain exact 2-independent rainbow domination numbers of generalized Petersen graphs P ( n , 2 ) and P ( n , 3 ) thus confirming a conjecture proposed by Shao et al. In addition, we compute exact 3-independent rainbow domination numbers of generalized Petersen graphs P ( n , 2 ) . The method used here is developed for rainbow domination and for Petersen graphs. However, with some natural modifications, the method used can be applied to other domination type invariants, and to many other classes of graphs including grids and tori.
A Two-Regime Markov-Switching GARCH Active Trading Algorithm for Coffee, Cocoa, and Sugar Futures
Authors: De la Torre-Torres Oscar V. , Aguilasocho-Montoya Dora , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz
Published: June 2020

In the present paper we tested the use of Markov-switching Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (MS-GARCH) models and their not generalized (MS-ARCH) version. This, for active trading decisions in the coffee, cocoa, and sugar future markets. With weekly data from 7 January 2000 to 3 April 2020, we simulated the performance that a futures’ trader would have had, had she used the next trading algorithm: To invest in the security if the probability of being in a distress regime is less or equal to 50% or to invest in the U.S. three-month Treasury bill otherwise. Our results suggest that the use of t-student Markov Switching Component ARCH Model (MS-ARCH) models is appropriate for active trading in the cocoa futures and the Gaussian MS-GARCH is appropriate for sugar. For the specific case of the coffee market, we did not find evidence in favor of the use of MS-GARCH models. This is so by the fact that the trading algorithm led to inaccurate trading signs. Our results are of potential use for futures’ position traders or portfolio managers who want a quantitative trading algorithm for active trading in these commodity futures.
Improving Kernel Methods for Density Estimation in Random Differential Equations Problems
Authors: Cortés López Juan Carlos , Jornet Sanz Marc
Published: June 2020

Kernel density estimation is a non-parametric method to estimate the probability density function of a random quantity from a finite data sample. The estimator consists of a kernel function and a smoothing parameter called the bandwidth. Despite its undeniable usefulness, the convergence rate may be slow with the number of realizations and the discontinuity and peaked points of the target density may not be correctly captured. In this work, we analyze the applicability of a parametric method based on Monte Carlo simulation for the density estimation of certain random variable transformations. This approach has important applications in the setting of differential equations with input random parameters.
Halosmysin A, a Novel 14-Membered Macrodiolide Isolated from the Marine-Algae-Derived Fungus Halosphaeriaceae sp.
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Kogure Haruka , Kataoka Minami , Kikuchi Takashi , Hirano Tomoya
Published: June 2020

Halosmysin A, a new 14-membered macrodiolide with an unprecedented skeleton, was isolated from the fungus Halosphaeriaceae sp. OUPS-135D-4, which, in turn, was obtained from the marine algae Sargassum thunbergii. The chemical structure of the macrodiolide was elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR, as well as high resolution fast atom bombardment mass (HRFABMS) spectral analysis. The absolute stereochemistry was determined via chemical derivatization and comparison with a known compound, (6R,11R,12R,14R)-colletodiol. Additionally, halosmysin A was shown to be very potent against murine P388 leukemia, human HL-60 leukemia, and murine L1210 leukemia cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 2.2 ± 3.1 to 11.7 ± 2.8 μM.
Phycocosmetics and Other Marine Cosmetics, Specific Cosmetics Formulated Using Marine Resources
Authors: Couteau Céline , Coiffard Laurence
Published: June 2020

Marine resources exist in vast numbers and show enormous diversity. As a result, there are likely many possible applications for marine molecules of interest in the cosmetic industry, whether as excipients or additives, but especially as active substances. It is possible to obtain extracts from active substances; for example, quite a few algae species can be used in moisturizing or anti-ageing products. In the field of topical photoprotection, mycosporine-like amino acids and gadusol are important lines of enquiry that should not be overlooked. In the field of additives, the demonstration that certain seaweed (algae) extracts have antimicrobial properties suggests that they could provide alternatives to currently authorized preservatives. These promising leads must be explored, but it should be kept in mind that it is a long process to bring ingredients to market that are both effective and safe to use.
The Role of Essential Oils against Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Food Products
Authors: Munekata Paulo E.S. , Pateiro Mirian , Rodríguez-Lázaro David , Domínguez Rubén , Zhong Jian , Lorenzo Jose M.
Published: June 2020

Outbreaks related to foodborne diseases are a major concern among health authorities, food industries, and the general public. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a pathogen associated with causing multiple outbreaks in the last decades linked to several ready to eat products such as meat, fish, dairy products, and vegetables. The ingestion of contaminated food with pathogenic E. coli can cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, and persistent diarrhea as well as more severe effects such as hemorrhagic colitis, end-stage renal disease, and, in some circumstances, hemolytic uremic syndrome. Essential oils (EOs) are natural compounds with broad-spectrum activity against spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms and are also generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Particularly for E. coli, several recent studies have been conducted to study and characterize the effect to inhibit the synthesis of toxins and the proliferation in food systems. Moreover, the strategy used to apply the EO in food plays a crucial role to prevent the development of E. coli. This review encompasses recent studies regarding the protection against pathogenic E. coli by the use of EO with a major focus on inhibition of toxins and proliferation in food systems.
Quinoxaline Derivatives as Antiviral Agents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Montana Marc , Montero Vincent , Khoumeri Omar , Vanelle Patrice
Published: June 2020

Background: In recent decades, several viruses have jumped from animals to humans, triggering sizable outbreaks. The current unprecedent outbreak SARS-COV-2 is prompting a search for new cost-effective therapies to combat this deadly pathogen. Suitably functionalized polysubstituted quinoxalines show very interesting biological properties (antiviral, anticancer, and antileishmanial), ensuring them a bright future in medicinal chemistry. Objectives: Focusing on the promising development of new quinoxaline derivatives as antiviral drugs, this review forms part of our program on the anti-infectious activity of quinoxaline derivatives. Methods: Study compiles and discusses recently published studies concerning the therapeutic potential of the antiviral activity of quinoxaline derivatives, covering the literature between 2010 and 2020. Results: A final total of 20 studies included in this review. Conclusions: This review points to a growing interest in the development of compounds bearing a quinoxaline moiety for antiviral treatment. This promising moiety with different molecular targets warrants further investigation, which may well yield even more encouraging results regarding this scaffold.
Association of Carotenoids Concentration in Blood with Physical Performance in Korean Adolescents: The 2018 National Fitness Award Project
Authors: Jeong Dawn , Park Saejong , Kim Hyesook , Kwon Oran
Published: June 2020

Adolescent physical performance is not only dependent on exercise but also on the role of antioxidants obtained through a healthy diet. However, few studies have specifically identified the relationship between carotenoids, a common antioxidant, and physical performance. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between the level of carotenoids in the blood and physical performance among Korean adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. The study sample consisted of 450 participants (190 males, 260 females) from the 2018 National Fitness Award project. In boys, multiple regression analysis after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking, and physical activity revealed that the α-carotene level was positively associated with a 20-m progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) (β = 5.350, p < 0.05) and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (β = 1.049, p < 0.05). In girls, after adjustment for age, BMI, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, the levels of α-carotene were positively associated with a 20-m PACER (β = 3.290, p < 0.05), VO2max (β = 0.644, p < 0.05) and curl-up (β = 5.782, p < 0.05), and β-carotene (β = 2.983, p < 0.05) and total carotenoids (β = 4.248, p < 0.05) were positively associated with curl-up. Our results suggest that an increased level of carotenoids in the blood may be associated with better physical performance among adolescents in Korea.
Liposome-Embedding Silicon Microparticle for Oxaliplatin Delivery in Tumor Chemotherapy
Authors: Cevenini Armando , Celia Christian , Orrù Stefania , Sarnataro Daniela , Raia Maddalena , Mollo Valentina , Locatelli Marcello , Imperlini Esther , Peluso Nicoletta , Peltrini Rosa , De Rosa Enrica , Parodi Alessandro , Del Vecchio Luigi , Di Marzio Luisa , Fresta Massimo , Netti Paolo Antonio , Shen Haifa , Liu Xuewu , Tasciotti Ennio , Salvatore Francesco
Published: June 2020

Mesoporous silicon microparticles (MSMPs) can incorporate drug-carrying nanoparticles (NPs) into their pores. An NP-loaded MSMP is a multistage vector (MSV) that forms a Matryoshka-like structure that protects the therapeutic cargo from degradation and prevents its dilution in the circulation during delivery to tumor cells. We developed an MSV constituted by 1 µm discoidal MSMPs embedded with PEGylated liposomes containing oxaliplatin (oxa) which is a therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer (CRC). To obtain extra-small liposomes able to fit the 60 nm pores of MSMP, we tested several liposomal formulations, and identified two optimal compositions, with a prevalence of the rigid lipid 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000]. To improve the MSV assembly, we optimized the liposome-loading inside the MSMP and achieved a five-fold increase of the payload using an innovative lyophilization approach. This procedure also increased the load and limited dimensional changes of the liposomes released from the MSV in vitro. Lastly, we found that the cytotoxic efficacy of oxa-loaded liposomes and-oxa-liposome-MSV in CRC cell culture was similar to that of free oxa. This study increases knowledge about extra-small liposomes and their loading into porous materials and provides useful hints about alternative strategies for designing drug-encapsulating NPs.
Tailoring the Diameters of Electro-Mechanically Spun Fibers by Controlling Their Deborah Numbers
Authors: Flores-Hernandez Domingo R. , Cardenas-Benitez Braulio , Martinez-Chapa Sergio O. , Bonilla-Rios Jaime
Published: June 2020

Polymer solutions with different concentrations of SU-8 2002/poly(ethylene) glycol/tetrabutyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate (SU-8/PEO/TBATFB) were electrospun in a low-voltage near-field electrospinning platform (LVNFES) at different velocities. Their diameters were related to the concentration contents as well as to their Deborah (De) numbers, which describes the elasticity of the polymer solution under determined operating conditions. We found a direct correlation between the concentration of PEO/TBATFB, the De and the diameter of the fibers. Fibers with diameters as thin as 465 nm can be achieved for De ≈ 1.
Flexible Conductive Cellulose Network-Based Composite Hydrogel for Multifunctional Supercapacitors
Authors: Ke Shaoqiu , Wang Zhiqi , Zhang Kai , Cheng Fangchao , Sun Jianping , Wang Nannan , Zhu Yanqiu
Published: June 2020

With the continuous development of energy storage devices towards sustainability and versatility, the development of biomass-based multi-functional energy storage devices has become one of the important directions. In this study, a symmetric dual-function supercapacitor was constructed based on a cellulose network/polyacrylamide/polyaniline (CPP) composite hydrogel. The presented supercapacitor, with excellent electrochemical performance and an areal capacitance of 1.73 mF/cm2 at 5 mV/s, an energy density of 0.62 µW h/cm2 at a power density of 7.03 µW/cm2, a wide electrochemical window of 1.6 V and a promising cycling stability, can be achieved. The transmittance of the supercapacitor at 500 nm decreased by 9.6% after the electrification at 3 V, and the device can exhibit periodic transmittance change under the square potential input between 0.0 V and 3.0 V at regular intervals of 10 s. The present construction strategy provides a basis for the preparation of multifunctional devices with natural renewable materials and structures.
Performance Enhancement of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery by Treated Carbon Felt Electrodes of Polyacrylonitrile using Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: Lin Chien-Hong , Zhuang Yu-De , Tsai Ding-Guey , Wei Hwa-Jou , Liu Ting-Yu
Published: June 2020

A high-performance carbon felt electrode for all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) systems is prepared via low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma treatment in air to improve the hydrophilicity and surface area of bare carbon felt of polyacrylonitrile and increase the contact potential between vanadium ions, so as to reduce the overpotential generated by the electrochemical reaction gap. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of the modified carbon felt is, significantly, five times higher than that of the pristine felt. The modified carbon felt exhibits higher energy efficiency (EE) and voltage efficiency (VE) in a single cell VRFB test at the constant current density of 160 mA cm−2, and also maintains good performance at low temperatures. Moreover, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis results show that the resistance between electrolyte and carbon felt electrode decreased. As a result, owing to the increased reactivity of the vanadium ion on the treated carbon felt, the efficiency of the VRFB with the plasma-modified carbon felt is much higher and demonstrates better capacity under a 100-cycle constant current charge-discharge test.
3D Integrated Modeling of Supersonic Coherent Jet Penetration and Decarburization in EAF Refining Process
Authors: Chen Yuchao , Silaen Armin K. , Zhou Chenn Q.
Published: June 2020

The present study proposes a complete 3D integrated model to simulate the top-blown supersonic coherent jet decarburization in the electric arc furnace (EAF) refining process. The 3D integrated model avoids the direct simulation of the supersonic coherent jet interacting with the liquid steel bath and provides a feasible way to simulate the decarburization in the liquid steel-oxygen two-phase reacting flow system with acceptable computational time. The model can be used to dynamically predict the details of the molten bath, including 3D distribution of in-bath substances, flow characteristics and bath temperature and provide a basis for optimizing the decarburization rate or other required parameters during the refining process.
Vibrational Spectroscopy as a Sensitive Probe for the Chemistry of Intra-Phase Bacterial Growth
Authors: Kochan Kamila , Lai Elizabeth , Richardson Zack , Nethercott Cara , Peleg Anton Y. , Heraud Philip , Wood Bayden R.
Published: June 2020

Bacterial growth in batch cultures occurs in four phases (lag, exponential/log, stationary and death phase) that differ distinctly in number of different bacteria, biochemistry and physiology. Knowledge regarding the growth phase and its kinetics is essential for bacterial research, especially in taxonomic identification and monitoring drug interactions. However, the conventional methods by which to assess microbial growth are based only on cell counting or optical density, without any insight into the biochemistry of cells or processes. Both Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have shown potential to determine the chemical changes occurring between different bacterial growth phases. Here, we extend the application of spectroscopy and for the first time combine both Raman and FTIR microscopy in a multimodal approach to detect changes in the chemical compositions of bacteria within the same phase (intra-phase). We found a number of spectral markers associated with nucleic acids (IR: 964, 1082, 1215 cm−1; RS: 785, 1483 cm−1), carbohydrates (IR: 1035 cm−1; RS: 1047 cm−1) and proteins (1394 cm−1, amide II) reflecting not only inter-, but also intra-phase changes in bacterial chemistry. Principal component analysis performed simultaneously on FTIR and Raman spectra enabled a clear-cut, time-dependent discrimination between intra-lag phase bacteria probed every 30 min. This demonstrates the unique capability of multimodal vibrational spectroscopy to probe the chemistry of bacterial growth even at the intra-phase level, which is particularly important for the lag phase, where low bacterial numbers limit conventional analytical approaches.
Efficient Processing of Geospatial mHealth Data Using a Scalable Crowdsensing Platform
Authors: Kraft Robin , Birk Ferdinand , Reichert Manfred , Deshpande Aniruddha , Schlee Winfried , Langguth Berthold , Baumeister Harald , Probst Thomas , Spiliopoulou Myra , Pryss Rüdiger
Published: June 2020

Smart sensors and smartphones are becoming increasingly prevalent. Both can be used to gather environmental data (e.g., noise). Importantly, these devices can be connected to each other as well as to the Internet to collect large amounts of sensor data, which leads to many new opportunities. In particular, mobile crowdsensing techniques can be used to capture phenomena of common interest. Especially valuable insights can be gained if the collected data are additionally related to the time and place of the measurements. However, many technical solutions still use monolithic backends that are not capable of processing crowdsensing data in a flexible, efficient, and scalable manner. In this work, an architectural design was conceived with the goal to manage geospatial data in challenging crowdsensing healthcare scenarios. It will be shown how the proposed approach can be used to provide users with an interactive map of environmental noise, allowing tinnitus patients and other health-conscious people to avoid locations with harmful sound levels. Technically, the shown approach combines cloud-native applications with Big Data and stream processing concepts. In general, the presented architectural design shall serve as a foundation to implement practical and scalable crowdsensing platforms for various healthcare scenarios beyond the addressed use case.
Influence of Dietary Fiber on the Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract and the Performance of Gilts
Authors: Priester Miriam , Visscher Christian , Fels Michaela , Dusel Georg
Published: June 2020

Optimal intestinal development in gilts is a prerequisite for a better farrowing and a higher feed intake in lactation, and these are important facets in improving animal welfare for sows in a high-performance situation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a fiber-rich diet on these topics. Studies with 20 male Topigs castrates and a performance study with 38 female siblings were conducted. Pigs in both of the groups were offered either a control diet (CG) or a high fiber diet (FG) during the second half of the rearing phase (~97 kg BW) until 7 days a.p. At the time of the insemination of the gilts (body weight >170 kg), the castrates were slaughtered and the morphological parameters of the gastrointestinal tract were taken. In the performance study, the feed intake as well as the number and weight of the live and stillborn piglets and the weaning weight of the litters were recorded. The results indicated that the high fiber diet with a greater swelling capacity was beneficial to the development of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach weight CG = 714 g, FG = 812 g, p = 0.007), increased the litter weight (CG =15.9 kg, FG = 20.6 kg, p = 0.045) and resulted in a higher feed intake during lactation overall (CG = 196 kg, FG = 211 kg, p = 0.035).
Effect of Soil Microbiome from Church Forest in the Northwest Ethiopian Highlands on the Growth of Olea europaea and Albizia gummifera Seedlings under Glasshouse Conditions
Authors: Abebe Getu , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Taniguchi Takeshi , Wondie Menale , Adgo Enyew , Masunaga Tsugiyuki , Tsubo Mitsuru , Ebabu Kindiye , Mamedov Amrakh , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye
Published: June 2020

Loss of beneficial microbes and lack of native inoculum have hindered reforestation efforts in the severely-degraded lands worldwide. This is a particularly pressing problem for Ethiopia owing to centuries-old unsustainable agricultural practices. This study aimed to evaluate the inoculum potential of soils from church forest in the northwest highlands of Ethiopia and its effect on seedling growth of two selected native tree species (Olea europaea and Albizia gummifera) under a glasshouse environment. Seedlings germinated in a seed chamber were transplanted into pots containing sterilized and/or non-sterilized soils collected from under the canopy of three dominant church forest trees: Albizia gummifera (AG), Croton macrostachyus (CM), and Juniperus procera (JP) as well as from adjacent degraded land (DL). A total of 128 pots (2 plant species × 4 soil origins × 2 soil treatments × 8 replicates) were arranged in a factorial design. Overall, seedlings grown in AG, CM, and JP soils showed a higher plant performance and survival rate, as a result of higher soil microbial abundance and diversity, than those grown in DL soils. The results showed significantly higher plant height, root collar diameter, shoot, and total mass for seedlings grown in non-sterilized forest soils than those grown in sterilized soils. Furthermore, the bacterial relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Nitrospirae was significantly higher in the non-sterilized forest soils AG, CM, and JP (r2 = 0.6–0.8, p < 0.001). Soil pH had a strong effect on abundance of the bacterial community in the church forest soils. More specifically, this study further demonstrated that the effect of soil microbiome was noticeable on the performance of Olea seedlings grown in the soil from CM. This suggests that the soils from remnant church forests, particularly from the canopy under CM, can serve as a good soil origin, which possibly would promote the native tree seedling growth and survival in degraded lands.
Moderating Effect of the Continental Factor on the Business Strategy and M&A Performance in the Pharmaceutical Industry for Sustainable International Business
Authors: Kwon Jinhee , Kim Cheong , Lee Kun Chang
Published: June 2020

This research analyzed the moderating effects of the continental factor on the relation between the business strategies (cost advantage strategy and differentiation strategy) of the pharmaceutical industry and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) performance. A total of 1303 M&A cases were collected from the Bloomberg database between 1995 and 2016 for the sake of empirical analyses. The independent variables were represented by the cost advantage strategy and the differentiation strategy. The dependent variable was for the M&A performance, which was measured for the changes in ROA (return on assets). The results showed that the cost advantage strategy was advantageous when an Asian firm acquired one in either Asia or Europe. In contrast, when a European company received one in either Europe or Asia, M&A performance also was higher, although the cost was higher. On the other hand, the differentiation strategy was valid only when a European firm acquired one in Asia. The moderating effect of the continental factor was beneficial only in the relation between the cost advantage strategy and M&A performance. These results could help companies make decisions that maximize M&A performance based on continental factors from the perspective of the sustainable international business strategy establishment.
The Influence of Innovation in Tangible and Intangible Resource Allocation: A Qualitative Multi Case Study
Authors: Silva Rui , Oliveira Cidália
Published: June 2020

Considering the current turbulent macroeconomic environment, the aim of this research is to explore the influence of innovation in tangible and intangible resource allocation. The literature underlines that organizations are facing a revolution in their business processes. As such, there is a need to understand the value of knowledge resources and to identify ways to manage them. This paper explores the field of resource allocation, namely dynamic capabilities, and highlights the importance of monitoring intangible resources. This research has three specific contributions. The first contribution provides a comprehensive picture of what has occurred in the field of tangible and intangible resource allocation, such as intellectual capital and its importance towards organizational performance. Secondly, it offers evidence about the actual need for performance measurement tools that foster intangible resource monitoring. Organizations devote special attention to market demands which consequently lead managers to adapt their strategies in areas concerning resource allocation. Given this importance, this research, comprising major innovative organizations in Portugal from diverse activity sectors, provides new insights and stresses the importance of tools to follow the overall performance of resource allocation. Managers of innovative organizations recognize the very powerful features of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in monitoring and linking strategic resources of both tangible and intangible natures. Thirdly, this research, with a view to enrich the field of intangible natures, points out some aspects for future research areas, bearing in mind the relevance of this research area confirmed by managers of the major innovative organizations. Thus, it provides prominent information for both academia and innovative organizations.
Geopolymer Technologies for Stabilization of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slags and Sustainable Application as Construction Materials
Authors: Lee Wei-Hao , Cheng Ta-Wui , Lin Kuan-Yu , Lin Kae-Long , Wu Chia-Cheng , Tsai Chih-Ta
Published: June 2020

The basic oxygen furnace slag is a major waste by-product generated from steel-producing plants. It possesses excellent characteristics and can be used as a natural aggregate. Chemically, the basic oxygen furnace slag encloses free CaO and free MgO, which is the main reason for the expansion crisis since these free oxides of alkaline earth metals react with water to form their hydroxide yields. The objective of the present research study is to stabilize the basic oxygen furnace slag by using innovative geopolymer technology, as their matrix contains a vast quantity of free silicon, which can react with free CaO and free MgO to form stable silicate compounds resulting in the prevention of the basic oxygen furnace slag expansion predicament. Lab-scale and ready-mixed plant pilot-scale experimental findings revealed that the compressive strength of fine basic oxygen furnace slag-based geopolymer mortar can achieve a compressive strength of 30–40 MPa after 28 days, and increased compressive strength, as well as the expansion, can be controlled less than 0.5% after ASTM C151 autoclave testing. Several pilot-scale cubic meters basic oxygen furnace slag-based geopolymer concrete blocks were developed in a ready-mixed plant. The compressive strength and autoclave expansion test results demonstrated that geopolymer technology does not merely stabilize the basic oxygen furnace slag production issue totally, but also turns the slags into value-added products.
Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Methods for Forest Fire Modeling and Prediction
Authors: Pham Binh Thai , Jaafari Abolfazl , Avand Mohammadtaghi , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Dinh Du Tran , Yen Hoang Phan Hai , Phong Tran Van , Nguyen Duy Huu , Le Hiep Van , Mafi-Gholami Davood , Prakash Indra , Thi Thuy Hoang , Tuyen Tran Thi
Published: June 2020

Predicting and mapping fire susceptibility is a top research priority in fire-prone forests worldwide. This study evaluates the abilities of the Bayes Network (BN), Naïve Bayes (NB), Decision Tree (DT), and Multivariate Logistic Regression (MLP) machine learning methods for the prediction and mapping fire susceptibility across the Pu Mat National Park, Nghe An Province, Vietnam. The modeling methodology was formulated based on processing the information from the 57 historical fires and a set of nine spatially explicit explanatory variables, namely elevation, slope degree, aspect, average annual temperate, drought index, river density, land cover, and distance from roads and residential areas. Using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and seven other performance metrics, the models were validated in terms of their abilities to elucidate the general fire behaviors in the Pu Mat National Park and to predict future fires. Despite a few differences between the AUC values, the BN model with an AUC value of 0.96 was dominant over the other models in predicting future fires. The second best was the DT model (AUC = 0.94), followed by the NB (AUC = 0.939), and MLR (AUC = 0.937) models. Our robust analysis demonstrated that these models are sufficiently robust in response to the training and validation datasets change. Further, the results revealed that moderate to high levels of fire susceptibilities are associated with ~19% of the Pu Mat National Park where human activities are numerous. This study and the resultant susceptibility maps provide a basis for developing more efficient fire-fighting strategies and reorganizing policies in favor of sustainable management of forest resources.
In Vitro Toxicological Screening of Stable and Senescing Cultures of Aphanizomenon, Planktothrix, and Raphidiopsis
Authors: Wejnerowski Łukasz , Falfushynska Halina , Horyn Oksana , Osypenko Inna , Kokociński Mikołaj , Meriluoto Jussi , Jurczak Tomasz , Poniedziałek Barbara , Pniewski Filip , Rzymski Piotr
Published: June 2020

Toxicity of cyanobacteria is the subject of ongoing research, and a number of toxic metabolites have been described, their biosynthesis pathways have been elucidated, and the mechanism of their action has been established. However, several knowledge gaps still exist, e.g., some strains produce hitherto unknown toxic compounds, while the exact dynamics of exerted toxicity during cyanobacterial growth still requires further exploration. Therefore, the present study investigated the toxicity of extracts of nine freshwater strains of Aphanizomenon gracile, an Aphanizomenon sp. strain isolated from the Baltic Sea, a freshwater strain of Planktothrix agardhii, and two strains of Raphidiopsis raciborskii obtained from 25- and 70-day-old cultures. An in vitro experimental model based on Cyprinus carpio hepatocytes (oxidative stress markers, DNA fragmentation, and serine/threonine protein activity) and brain homogenate (cholinesterase activity) was employed. The studied extracts demonstrated toxicity to fish cells, and in general, all examined extracts altered at least one or more of considered parameters, indicating that they possess, to some degree, toxic potency. Although the time from which the extracts were obtained had a significant importance for the response of fish cells, we observed strong variability between the different strains and species. In some strains, extracts that originated from 25-day-old cultures triggered more harmful effects on fish cells compared to those obtained from 70-day-old cultures, whereas in other strains, we observed the opposite effect or a lack of a significant change. Our study revealed that there was no clear or common pattern regarding the degree of cyanobacterial bloom toxicity at a given stage of development. This means that young cyanobacterial blooms that are just forming can pose an equally toxic threat to aquatic vertebrates and ecosystem functioning as those that are stable or old with a tendency to collapse. This might be largely due to a high variability of strains in the bloom.
ELISA-Based Assay for Studying Major and Minor Group Rhinovirus–Receptor Interactions
Authors: Pazderova Petra , Waltl Eva E. , Niederberger-Leppin Verena , Flicker Sabine , Valenta Rudolf , Niespodziana Katarzyna
Published: June 2020

Rhinovirus (RV) infections are a major cause of recurrent common colds and trigger severe exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases. Major challenges for the development of vaccines for RV include the virus occurring in the form of approximately 160 different serotypes, using different receptors, and the need for preclinical models for the screening of vaccine candidates and antiviral compounds. We report the establishment and characterization of an ELISA-based assay for studying major and minor group RV–receptor interactions. This assay is based on the interaction of purified virus with plate-bound human receptor proteins, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Using RV strain-specific antibodies, we demonstrate the specific binding of a panel of major and minor RV group types including RV-A and RV-B strains to ICAM-1 and LDLR, respectively. We show that the RV–receptor interaction can be blocked with receptor-specific antibodies as well as with soluble receptors and neutralizing RV-specific antibodies. The assay is more sensitive than a cell culture-based virus neutralization test. The ELISA assay will therefore be useful for the preclinical evaluation for preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting the RV–receptor interaction, such as vaccines, antibodies, and anti-viral compounds.