bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to Affordable Houses for the Low-Income Urban Dwellers in Kigali: Analysis Based on Sale Prices
Authors: Uwayezu Ernest , Vries Walter T. de
Published: March 2020

The government of Rwanda recently passed housing development regulations and funding schemes which aim at promoting access to affordable houses for the low- and middle-income Kigali city inhabitants. The existing studies on housing affordability in this city did not yet discuss whether this government-supported programme is likely to promote access to housing for these target beneficiaries. This study applies the price-to-income ratio (PIR) approach and the 30-percent of household income standard through the bank loan to assess whether housing units developed in the framework of affordable housing schemes are, for the target recipients, affordable at all. It relies mainly on housing prices schemes held by real estate developers, data on households’ incomes collected through the household survey and a review of the existing studies and socio-economic censuses reports. Findings reveal that the developed housing units are seriously and severely unaffordable for most of the target beneficiaries, especially the lowest-income urban dwellers, due to the high costs of housing development, combined with the high profits expected by real estate developers. The study suggests policy and practical options for promoting inclusive urban (re)development and housing affordability for various categories of Kigali city inhabitants. These options include upgrading the existing informal settlements, combined with their conversion into shared apartments through the collaboration between property owners and real estate developers, the development of affordable rental housing for the low-income tenants, tax exemption on construction materials, progressive housing ownership through a rent-to-own approach, and incremental self-help housing development using the low-cost local materials.
Linguistic Diversity, Multilingualism, and Cognitive Skills: A Study of Disadvantaged Children in India
Authors: Tsimpli Ianthi Maria , Vogelzang Margreet , Balasubramanian Anusha , Marinis Theodoros , Alladi Suvarna , Reddy Abhigna , Panda Minati
Published: March 2020

Multilingualism and linguistic diversity are the norm in India. Although studies have shown a relation between bilingualism and cognitive gains, linguistic diversity has so far been ignored as a potential factor affecting cognitive skills. This study aims to fill this gap by examining how cognitive skills—as measured by the n-back and Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices tasks—are affected by multilingualism and/or sociolinguistic diversity in a large cohort of socioeconomically disadvantaged primary school children in two urban sites of India: Delhi and Hyderabad. We present a questionnaire estimating sociolinguistic diversity and show that this measure assesses a distinct construct, as compared to a child’s multilingualism. Children were classified as growing up monolingually or bilingually, depending on whether they grew up with one or more languages in the home. Regarding cognitive performance, bilinguals were found to outperform monolinguals on the n-back task, as well as on the Raven’s task. In addition, a socially and linguistically diverse environment seems to enhance cognitive performance for children who are not multilingual themselves. Finally, several contextual factors such as city were found to influence cognitive performance. Overall, this shows that cognitive tasks are subject to contextual effects and that bilingualism and linguistic diversity can enhance cognitive performance of children in disadvantaged contexts.
Displacement Calculus
Authors: Márquez Albés Ignacio , Tojo F. Adrián F.
Published: March 2020

In this work, we establish a theory of Calculus based on the new concept of displacement. We develop all the concepts and results necessary to go from the definition to differential equations, starting with topology and measure and moving on to differentiation and integration. We find interesting notions on the way, such as the integral with respect to a path of measures or the displacement derivative. We relate both of these two concepts by a Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Finally, we develop the necessary framework in order to study displacement equations by relating them to Stieltjes differential equations.
Existence of Positive Solutions to Singular φ-Laplacian Nonlocal Boundary Value Problems when φ is a Sup-multiplicative-like Function
Authors: Jeong Jeongmi , Kim Chan-Gyun
Published: March 2020

In this paper, using a fixed point index theorem on a cone, we present some existence results for one or multiple positive solutions to φ -Laplacian nonlocal boundary value problems when φ is a sup-multiplicative-like function and the nonlinearity may not satisfy the L 1 -Carath e ´ odory condition.
Generalized Fuzzy Graph Connectivity Parameters with Application to Human Trafficking
Authors: Sebastian Arya , Mordeson John N , Mathew Sunil
Published: March 2020

Graph models are fundamental in network theory. But normalization of weights are necessary to deal with large size networks like internet. Most of the research works available in the literature have been restricted to an algorithmic perspective alone. Not much have been studied theoretically on connectivity of normalized networks. Fuzzy graph theory answers to most of the problems in this area. Although the concept of connectivity in fuzzy graphs has been widely studied, one cannot find proper generalizations of connectivity parameters of unweighted graphs. Generalizations for some of the existing vertex and edge connectivity parameters in graphs are attempted in this article. New parameters are compared with the old ones and generalized values are calculated for some of the major classes like cycles and trees in fuzzy graphs. The existence of super fuzzy graphs with higher connectivity values are established for both old and new parameters. The new edge connectivity values for some wider classes of fuzzy graphs are also obtained. The generalizations bring substantial improvements in fuzzy graph clustering techniques and allow a smooth theoretical alignment. Apart from these, a new class of fuzzy graphs called generalized t-connected fuzzy graphs are studied. An algorithm for clustering the vertices of a fuzzy graph and an application related to human trafficking are also proposed.
A Topological Coincidence Theory for Multifunctions via Homotopy
Authors: O’Regan Donal
Published: March 2020

A new simple result is presented which immediately yields the topological transversality theorem for coincidences.
Topology in the Alternative Set Theory and Rough Sets via Fuzzy Type Theory
Authors: Novák Vilém
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we will visit Rough Set Theory and the Alternative Set Theory (AST) and elaborate a few selected concepts of them using the means of higher-order fuzzy logic (this is usually called Fuzzy Type Theory). We will show that the basic notions of rough set theory have already been included in AST. Using fuzzy type theory, we generalize basic concepts of rough set theory and the topological concepts of AST to become the concepts of the fuzzy set theory. We will give mostly syntactic proofs of the main properties and relations among all the considered concepts, thus showing that they are universally valid.
Drivers’ Skills and Behavior vs. Traffic at Intersections
Authors: Szajowski Krzysztof J. , Włodarczyk Kinga
Published: March 2020

The aim of the work is to connect individual behavior of drivers with traffic intensity. By diversifying the populations of drivers into two categories, often considered in this type of an analysis, CO (cooperative) and DE (defective), the tendency of drivers from each of these groups to deviate from compliance with traffic rules is established. The effective driver behavior translates into disrupting traffic by slowing it down. Participant interactions are described using game theories that provide information for simulations algorithms based on cellular automata. Three different ways of using this combination of descriptions of traffic participants to examine the impact of their behavior on the traffic dynamics are shown. Directions of the further, detailed analysis are indicated, which requires basic research in the field of game theory models.
Hypothesized Mechanisms Through Which Exercise May Attenuate Memory Interference
Authors: Crawford Lindsay K. , Li Hong , Zou Liye , Wei Gao-Xia , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: March 2020

In this paper we introduce a mechanistic model through which exercise may enhance episodic memory, specifically via attenuating proactive and retroactive memory interference. We discuss the various types of memory, different stages of memory function, review the mechanisms behind forgetting, and the mechanistic role of exercise in facilitating pattern separation (to attenuate memory interference).
Impact of Elderly Masticatory Performance on Nutritional Status: An Observational Study
Authors: Aquilanti Luca , Alia Sonila , Pugnaloni Sofia , Coccia Erminia , Mascitti Marco , Santarelli Andrea , Limongelli Luisa , Favia Gianfranco , Mancini Margherita , Vignini Arianna , Rappelli Giorgio
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: Masticatory limitations on the dietary habits of edentulous subjects restrict their access to adequate nutrition, exposing them to a greater risk of protein energy malnutrition. The aim of this study is to verify the existence of an association between Masticatory Performance (MP) and nutritional changes in the elderly. Materials and Methods: 76 participants were enrolled. MP testing was performed using the two-color chewing gum mixing test. The system used reveals the extent to which the two differently colored chewing gums mix, and allows discrimination between different MPs. The assessment of the participants’ nutritional statuses was carried out through a food interview. Anthropometric parameters were collected, and bioimpedance analysis was performed. Results: Mean MP was 0.448 ± 0.188. No statistically significant differences were detected between male and female subjects (p > 0.05). According to the Body Mass Index (BMI), obese patients had a lower MP than overweight and normal weight subjects (0.408 ± 0.225, 0.453 ± 0.169 and 0.486 ± 0.181, respectively). MP values were lower both in male and female subjects with a waist circumference above the threshold than those below it (0.455 ± 0.205 vs. 0.476 ± 0.110, respectively, in males and 0.447 ± 0.171 vs. 0.501 ± 0.138, respectively, in females). No relationship was noticed between MP and bioimpedance parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A statistically significant relation was observed between MP and the number of missing teeth. A reduced MP could worsen nutritional parameters. A reduced MP did not seem to negatively affect bioimpedance parameters.
Yarsagumba is a Promising Therapeutic Option for Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension due to the Potent Anti-Proliferative and Vasorelaxant Properties
Authors: Luitel Himal , Novoyatleva Tatyana , Sydykov Akylbek , Petrovic Aleksandar , Mamazhakypov Argen , Devkota Bhuminand , Wygrecka Malgorzata , Ghofrani Hossein Ardeschir , Avdeev Sergey , Schermuly Ralph Theo , Kosanovic Djuro
Published: March 2020

Background and objectives: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by the vasoconstriction and abnormally proliferative vascular cells. The available allopathic treatment options for PH are still not able to cure the disease. Alternative medicine is becoming popular and drawing the attention of the general public and scientific communities. The entomogenous fungus Yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis) and its biologically active ingredient cordycepin may represent the therapeutic option for this incurable disease, owing to their anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory and anti-oxidative effects. Methods: In this study, we investigated whether Yarsagumba extract and cordycepin possess anti-proliferative and vasorelaxant properties in the context of PH, using 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine assay and isolated mice lungs, respectively. Results: Our results revealed that Yarsagumba extract and its bioactive compound cordycepin significantly attenuated the proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells derived from donor and PH subjects. In isolated murine lungs, only Yarsagumba extract, but not cordycepin, resulted in vasodilatation, indicating the probable existence of other bioactive metabolites present in Yarsagumba that may be responsible for this outcome. Conclusion: Future comprehensive in vivo and in vitro research is crucially needed to discover the profound mechanistic insights with regard to this promising therapeutic potency of Yarsagumba extract and to provide further evidence as to whether it can be used as a strategy for the treatment of PH.
Feasibility of Telephone Follow-Up after Critical Care Discharge
Authors: Hodalova Sofia , Moore Sarah , Dowds Joanne , Murphy Niamh , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Broderick Julie
Published: March 2020

Background: Critical care has evolved from a primary focus on short-term survival, with greater attention being placed on longer-term health care outcomes. It is not known how best to implement follow-up after critical care discharge. Study aims were to (1) assess the uptake and feasibility of telephone follow-up after a critical care stay and (2) profile overall physical status and recovery during the sub-acute recovery period using a telephone follow-up assessment. Methods: Adults who had been admitted to critical care units of St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, for >72 h were followed up by telephone 3–9 months post discharge from critical care. The telephone assessment consisted of a battery of questionnaires (including the SF-36 questionnaire and the Clinical Frailty Scale) and examined quality of life, frailty, employment status, and feasibility of telephone follow-up. Results: Sixty five percent (n = 91) of eligible participants were reachable by telephone. Of these, 80% (n = 73) participated in data collection. Only 7% (n = 5) expressed a preference for face-to-face hospital-based follow-up as opposed to telephone follow-up. For the SF-36, scores were lower in a number of physical health domains as compared to population norms. Frailty increased in 43.2% (n = 32) of participants compared to pre-admission status. Two-thirds (n = 48) reported being >70% physically recovered. Conclusion: Results showed that telephone follow-up is a useful contact method for a typically hard-to-reach population. Deficits in physical health and frailty were noted in the sub-acute period after discharge from critical care.
Fate and Biofilm Formation of Wild-Type and Pressure-Stressed Pathogens of Public Health Concern in Surface Water and on Abiotic Surfaces
Authors: Kabir Md Niamul , Aras Sadiye , Wadood Sabrina , Chowdhury Shahid , Fouladkhah Aliyar Cyrus
Published: March 2020

Since the historic outbreak near Broad Street in London, which serves as cornerstone of modern epidemiology, infectious diseases spread in surface and sub-surface water has been a persisting public health challenge. The current study investigated persistence of wild-type and pressure-stressed Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica serovars in surface water stored aerobically for up to 28 days at 5, 25, and 37 °C. Additionally, biofilm formation of wild-type and pressure-stressed non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars were monitored on surface of stainless steel and rubber coupons for 28 days at 25 and 37 °C. While L. monocytogenes exhibited a lower (p < 0.05) survival rate at 5 °C, relative to the two Gram-negative pathogens, at higher temperatures of 25 and 37 °C, all three pathogens exhibited similar (p ≥ 0.05) trends for survival in surface water. Both wild-type and pressure-stressed Salmonella serovars in the vast majority of tested times, temperatures, and surfaces exhibited comparable (p ≥ 0.05) persistence and biofilm formation capability. Our study thus indicates the occurrence of contamination could lead to prolonged survival of these microorganisms in low-nutrient environments and highlights the need for preventive measures such as those articulated under Produce Safety Rule of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act.
Ivermectin Inhibits Bovine Herpesvirus 1 DNA Polymerase Nuclear Import and Interferes With Viral Replication
Authors: Raza Sohail , Shahin Farzana , Zhai Wenjun , Li Hanxiong , Alvisi Gualtiero , Yang Kui , Chen Xi , Chen Yingyu , Chen Jianguo , Hu Changmin , Chen Huanchun , Guo Aizhen
Published: March 2020

Bovine herpesvirus1 (BoHV-1) is a major bovine pathogen. Despite several vaccines being available to prevent viral infection, outbreaks are frequent and cause important economic consequences worldwide. The development of new antiviral drugs is therefore highly desirable. In this context, viral genome replication represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention. BoHV-1 genome is a dsDNA molecule whose replication takes place in the nuclei of infected cells and is mediated by a viral encoded DNA polymerase holoenzyme. Here, we studied the physical interaction and subcellular localization of BoHV-1 DNA polymerase subunits in cells for the first time. By means of co-immunoprecipitation and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) experiments, we could show that the processivity factor of the DNA polymerase pUL42 is capable of being autonomously transported into the nucleus, whereas the catalytic subunit pUL30 is not. Accordingly, a putative classic NLS (cNLS) was identified on pUL42 but not on pUL30. Importantly, both proteins could interact in the absence of other viral proteins and their co-expression resulted in accumulation of UL30 to the cell nucleus. Treatment of cells with Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug which has been recently identified as an inhibitor of importin α/β-dependent nuclear transport, reduced UL42 nuclear import and specifically reduced BoHV-1 replication in a dose-dependent manner, while virus attachment and entry into cells were not affected. Therefore, this study provides a new option of antiviral therapy for BoHV-1 infection with Ivermectin.
Contamination Pathways can Be Traced along the Poultry Processing Chain by Whole Genome Sequencing of Listeria innocua
Authors: Gwida Mayada , Lüth Stefanie , El-Ashker Maged , Zakaria Amira , El-Gohary Fatma , Elsayed Mona , Kleta Sylvia , Al Dahouk Sascha
Published: March 2020

Foodborne infection with Listeria causes potentially life-threatening disease listeriosis. Listeria monocytogenes is widely recognized as the only species of public health concern, and the closely related species Listeria innocua is commonly used by the food industry as an indicator to identify environmental conditions that allow for presence, growth, and persistence of Listeria spp. in general. In our study, we analyze the occurrence of Listeria spp. in a farm-to-fork approach in a poultry production chain in Egypt and identify bacterial entry gates and transmission systems. Prevalence of Listeria innocua at the three production stages (farm, slaughterhouse, food products) ranged from 11% to 28%. The pathogenic species Listeria monocytogenes was not detected, and Listeria innocua strains under study did not show genetic virulence determinants. However, the close genetic relatedness of Listeria innocua isolates (maximum 63 SNP differences) indicated cross-contamination between all stages from farm to final food product. Based on these results, chicken can be seen as a natural source of Listeria. Last but not least, sanitary measures during production should be reassessed to prevent bacterial contamination from entering the food chain and to consequently prevent human listeriosis infections. For this purpose, surveillance must not be restricted to pathogenic species.
Extensive Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Colistin in Critically Ill Patients Reveals Undetected Risks
Authors: Ehrentraut Stefan Felix , Muenster Stefan , Kreyer Stefan , Theuerkauf Nils Ulrich , Bode Christian , Steinhagen Folkert , Ehrentraut Heidi , Schewe Jens-Christian , Weber Matthias , Putensen Christian , Muders Thomas
Published: March 2020

(1) Background: With the rise of multi-/pan-drug resistant (MDR/PDR) pathogens, the less utilized antibiotic Colistin has made a comeback. Colistin fell out of favor due to its small therapeutic range and high potential for toxicity. Today, it is used again as a last resort substance in treating MDR/PDR pathogens. Although new guidelines with detailed recommendations for Colistin dosing are available, finding the right dose in critically ill patients with renal failure remains difficult. Here, we evaluate the efficiency of the current guidelines’ recommendations by using high resolution therapeutic drug monitoring of Colistin. (2) Methods: We analyzed plasma levels of Colistin and its prodrug colisthimethate sodium (CMS) in 779 samples, drawn from eight PDR-infected ICU patients, using a HPLC-MS/MS approach. The impact of renal function on proper Colistin target levels was assessed. (3) Results: CMS levels did not correlate with Colistin levels. Over-/Underdosing occurred regardless of renal function and mode of renal replacement therapy. Colistin elimination half-time appeared to be longer than previously reported. (4) Conclusion: Following dose recommendations from the most current guidelines does not necessarily lead to adequate Colistin plasma levels. Use of Colistin without therapeutic drug monitoring might be unsafe and guideline adherence does not warrant efficient target levels in critically ill patients.
A Review and Perspective of eDNA Application to Eutrophication and HAB Control in Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Liu Qi , Zhang Yun , Wu Han , Liu Fengwen , Peng Wei , Zhang Xiaonan , Chang Fengqin , Xie Ping , Zhang Hucai
Published: March 2020

Changing ecological communities in response to anthropogenic activities and climate change has become a worldwide problem. The eutrophication of waterbodies in freshwater and seawater caused by the effects of human activities and nutrient inputs could result in harmful algae blooms (HABs), decreases water quality, reductions in biodiversity and threats to human health. Rapid and accurate monitoring and assessment of aquatic ecosystems are imperative. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis using high-throughput sequencing has been demonstrated to be an effective and sensitive assay for detecting and monitoring single or multiple species in different samples. In this study, we review the potential applications of eDNA approaches in controlling and mitigating eutrophication and HABs in freshwater and marine ecosystems. We use recent studies to highlight how eDNA methods have been shown to be a useful tool for providing comprehensive data in studies of eutrophic freshwater and marine environments. We also provide perspectives on using eDNA techniques to reveal molecular mechanisms in biological processes and mitigate eutrophication and HABs in aquatic ecosystems. Finally, we discuss the feasible applications of eDNA for monitoring biodiversity, surveying species communities and providing instructions for the conservation and management of the environment by integration with traditional methods and other advanced techniques.
Epstein–Barr Virus Infection of Oral Squamous Cells
Authors: Heawchaiyaphum Chukkris , Iizasa Hisashi , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Burassakarn Ati , Kiyono Tohru , Kanehiro Yuichi , Yoshiyama Hironori , Pientong Chamsai
Published: March 2020

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus associated with various cancers. The number of reports that describe infection of EBV in oral squamous carcinoma cells is increasing. However, there is no available in vitro model to study the possible role of EBV in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Herein, we report establishment of a latent EBV infection of well-differentiated HSC1 cells and poorly differentiated SCC25 cells. Viral copy numbers per cell in EBV-infected HSC1 and SCC25 cells are 2 and 5, respectively. Although the EBV copy number was small, spontaneous viral replication was observed in EBV-infected HSC1 cells. Contrarily, infectious viral production was not observed in EBV-infected SCC25 cells, despite containing larger number of EBV genomes. Chemical activation of cells induced expression of viral lytic BZLF1 gene in EBV-infected HSC1 cells, but not in EBV-infected SCC25 cells. EBV infection activated proliferation and migration of HSC1 cells. However, EBV-infection activated migration but not proliferation in SCC25 cells. In conclusion, EBV can infect squamous cells and establish latent infection, but promotion of cell proliferation and of lytic EBV replication may vary depending on stages of cell differentiation. Our model can be used to study the role of EBV in the development of EBV-associated oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Phylogenetic Grouping of Human Ocular Escherichia coli Based on Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis
Authors: Ranjith Konduri , SaiAbhilash Chinthala Reddy , Sai Prashanthi Gumpili , Padakandla Shalem Raj , Sharma Savitri , Shivaji Sisinthy
Published: March 2020

Escherichia coli is a predominant bacterium in the intestinal tracts of animals. Phylogenetically, strains have been classified into seven phylogroups, A, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F. Pathogenic strains have been categorized into several pathotypes such as Enteropathogenic (EPEC), Enterotoxigenic (ETEC), Enteroinvasive (EIEC), Enteroaggregative (EAEC), Diffusely adherent (DAEC), Uropathogenic (UPEC), Shiga-toxin producing (STEC) or Enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) and Extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). E. coli also survives as a commensal on the ocular surface. However, under conditions of trauma and immune-compromised states, E. coli causes conjunctivitis, keratitis, endopthalmitis, dacyrocystitis, etc. The phylogenetic affiliation and the pathotype status of these ocular E. coli strains is not known. For this purpose, the whole-genome sequencing of the 10 ocular E. coli strains was accomplished. Based on whole-genome SNP variation, the ocular E. coli strains were assigned to phylogenetic groups A (two isolates), B2 (seven isolates), and C (one isolate). Furthermore, results indicated that ocular E. coli originated either from feces (enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic), urine (uropathogenic), or from extra-intestinal sources (extra-intestinal pathogenic). A high concordance was observed between the presence of AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) genes and antibiotic resistance in the ocular E. coli strains. Furthermore, several virulent genes (fimB to fimI, papB to papX, etc.) and prophages (Enterobacteria phage HK97, Enterobacteria phage P1, Escherichia phage D108 etc.) were unique to ocular E. coli. This is the first report on a whole-genome analysis of ocular E. coli strains.
Thermoelastic Properties of K0.7Na0.3AlSi3O8 Hollandite and NaAlSi2O6 Jadeite: Implication for the Fate of the Subducted Continental Crust in the Deep Mantle
Authors: Gréaux Steeve , Zhou Youmo , Kono Yoshio , Yamada Akihiro , Higo Yuji , Irifune Tetsuo
Published: March 2020

The thermoelastic properties of K0.7Na0.3AlSi3O8 hollandite and NaAlSi2O6 jadeite, synthesized from a (K, Na)-felspar (microcline), were investigated by a combination of in situ energy dispersive synchrotron X-ray radiation and multi-anvil techniques at high pressure (P) and temperature (T) up to 21 GPa and 1700 K. The second-order phase transformation was found to occur in hollandite at ~16 GPa from tetragonal I/4m (hollandite-I) to monoclinic I2/m (hollandite-II), which confirms the previous report that the incorporation of Na in the hollandite structure decreases the transformation pressure. Fitting the pressure–volume–temperature data to the Birch–Murnaghan equation of state yielded estimates of the thermoelastic parameters for jadeite as well as the K0.7Na0.3AlSi3O8 hollandite-I and -II phases, which indicate that the incorporation of Na is likely to decrease the bulk moduli of both hollandite phases. The obtained thermoelastic parameters were combined with those of other mantle minerals reported previously to estimate the density of continental materials along an average mantle geotherm. Based on our results, continental crust and sediment become, respectively, 11% and 15% denser than the pyrolitic mantle at pressure >10 GPa, suggesting that once pulled down to the critical depth of ~300 km, the continental portions of the slab can subduct further into the deep mantle, down to the lowermost part of the mantle transition region.
Assessment of Geotourism Values and Ecological Status of Mines in Kopaonik Mountain (Serbia)
Authors: Vukoičić Danijela , Ivanović Radomir , Radovanović Dragan , Dragojlović Jovan , Martić-Bursać Nataša , Ivanović Marko , Ristić Dušan
Published: March 2020

Abandoned mines can pose a major environmental hazard. At the beginning of the 21st century, significant steps were taken all around the world in order to protect these historically valuable complexes, and the mining heritage was recognized as a potential for the development of alternative tourism. This exploration covers mines in the Kopaonik Mountain area. Mining on this mountain began in ancient times. It has developed throughout history, and today only one mine is active. Three abandoned (Gvozdac, Suvo Rudište and Raičeva Gora) and one active mine (Belo Brdo-Zaplanina) are the subject of research. The basic aim of the research is twofold. The estimation of geo-tourist values was performed using the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), and the ecological status assessment WAS performed according to the standard model based on negative and positive values. Based on the applied methods, it was concluded that mines (geosites) have a high level of natural characteristics, and that differences between geosites are evident in tourist values. The reason for this is insufficient tourist affirmation and the insufficient availability of tourist infrastructure. With the ecological status, positive values were observed on the geosites, which also differ from one (Raičeva Gora) to 15 points (Gvozdac). In the end, the results obtained are of great scientific importance, and their direct application is in the development of the Tourism Development Strategy in the Kopaonik area.
Dynamic Modification of Fermi Energy in Single-Layer Graphene by Photoinduced Electron Transfer from Carbon Dots
Authors: Armano Angelo , Buscarino Gianpiero , Messina Fabrizio , Sciortino Alice , Cannas Marco , Gelardi Franco Mario , Giannazzo Filippo , Schilirò Emanuela , Agnello Simonpietro
Published: March 2020

Graphene (Gr)—a single layer of two-dimensional sp2 carbon atoms—and Carbon Dots (CDs)—a novel class of carbon nanoparticles—are two outstanding nanomaterials, renowned for their peculiar properties: Gr for its excellent charge-transport, and CDs for their impressive emission properties. Such features, coupled with a strong sensitivity to the environment, originate the interest in bringing together these two nanomaterials in order to combine their complementary properties. In this work, the investigation of a solid-phase composite of CDs deposited on Gr is reported. The CD emission efficiency is reduced by the contact of Gr. At the same time, the Raman analysis of Gr demonstrates the increase of Fermi energy when it is in contact with CDs under certain conditions. The interaction between CDs and Gr is modeled in terms of an electron-transfer from photoexcited CDs to Gr, wherein an electron is first transferred from the carbon core to the surface states of CDs, and from there to Gr. There, the accumulated electrons determine a dynamical n-doping effect modulated by photoexcitation. The CD–graphene interaction unveiled herein is a step forward in the understanding of the mutual influence between carbon-based nanomaterials, with potential prospects in light conversion applications.
Real-Time In Vivo Imaging of Mouse Left Ventricle Reveals Fluctuating Movements of the Intercalated Discs
Authors: Kobirumaki-Shimozawa Fuyu , Nakanishi Tomohiro , Shimozawa Togo , Terui Takako , Oyama Kotaro , Li Jia , Louch William E. , Ishiwata Shin’ichi , Fukuda Norio
Published: March 2020

Myocardial contraction is initiated by action potential propagation through the conduction system of the heart. It has been thought that connexin 43 in the gap junctions (GJ) within the intercalated disc (ID) provides direct electric connectivity between cardiomyocytes (electronic conduction). However, recent studies challenge this view by providing evidence that the mechanosensitive cardiac sodium channels Nav1.5 localized in perinexii at the GJ edge play an important role in spreading action potentials between neighboring cells (ephaptic conduction). In the present study, we performed real-time confocal imaging of the CellMask-stained ID in the living mouse heart in vivo. We found that the ID structure was not rigid. Instead, we observed marked flexing of the ID during propagation of contraction from cell to cell. The variation in ID length was between ~30 and ~42 μm (i.e., magnitude of change, ~30%). In contrast, tracking of α-actinin-AcGFP revealed a comparatively small change in the lateral dimension of the transitional junction near the ID (i.e., magnitude of change, ~20%). The present findings suggest that, when the heart is at work, mechanostress across the perinexii may activate Nav1.5 by promoting ephaptic conduction in coordination with electronic conduction, and, thereby, efficiently transmitting excitation-contraction coupling between cardiomyocytes.
Long Non-coding RNAs Mechanisms of Action in HIV-1 Modulation and the Identification of Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Ray Roslyn M. , Morris Kevin V.
Published: March 2020

This review aims to highlight the role of long non-coding RNAs in mediating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) viral replication, latency, disease susceptibility and progression. In particular, we focus on identifying possible lncRNA targets and their purported mechanisms of action for future drug design or gene therapeutics.
Oral Lactate Administration Additively Enhances Endurance Training-Induced Increase in Cytochrome C Oxidase Activity in Mouse Soleus Muscle
Authors: Takahashi Kenya , Kitaoka Yu , Yamamoto Ken , Matsunaga Yutaka , Hatta Hideo
Published: March 2020

We tested the hypothesis that oral lactate supplementation increases mitochondrial enzyme activity given the potential role of lactate for inducing mitochondrial biogenesis. In this study, mice were assigned to a saline-ingested sedentary group (S+S; n = 8), a lactate-ingested sedentary group (L+S; n = 9), a saline-ingested training group (S+T; n = 8), and a lactate-ingested training group (L+T; n = 8). Mice in the S+S and S+T groups received saline, whereas mice in the L+S and L+T groups received sodium lactate (equivalent to 5 g/kg of body weight) via oral gavage 5 days a week for 4 weeks. At 30 min after the ingestion, mice in the S+T and L+T groups performed endurance training (treadmill running, 20 m/min, 30 min, 5 days/week). At 30 min after lactate ingestion, the blood lactate level reached peak value (5.8 ± 0.4 mmol/L) in the L+S group. Immediately after the exercise, blood lactate level was significantly higher in the L+T group (9.3 ± 0.9 mmol/L) than in the S+T group (2.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L) (p < 0.01). Following a 4-week training period, a main effect of endurance training was observed in maximal citrate synthase (CS) (p < 0.01; S+T: 117 ± 3% relative to S+S, L+T: 110 ± 3%) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activities (p < 0.01; S+T: 126 ± 4%, L+T: 121 ± 4%) in the plantaris muscle. Similarly, there was a main effect of endurance training in maximal CS (p < 0.01; S+T: 105 ± 3%, L+T: 115 ± 2%) and COX activities (p < 0.01; S+T: 113 ± 3%, L+T: 122 ± 3%) in the soleus muscle. In addition, a main effect of oral lactate ingestion was found in maximal COX activity in the soleus (p < 0.05; L+S: 109 ± 3%, L+T: 122 ± 3%) and heart muscles (p < 0.05; L+S: 107 ± 3%, L+T: 107 ± 2.0%), but not in the plantaris muscle. Our results suggest that lactate supplementation may be beneficial for increasing mitochondrial enzyme activity in oxidative phenotype muscle.
Heavy Baryon Spectroscopy in the Relativistic Quark Model
Authors: Faustov Rudolf N. , Galkin Vladimir O.
Published: March 2020

Masses of heavy baryons are calculated in the framework of the relativistic quark-diquark picture and QCD. The obtained results are in good agreement with available experimental data including recent measurements by the LHCb Collaboration. Possible quantum numbers of excited heavy baryon states are discussed.
Isolation, Characterization, and Application of a Bacteriophage Infecting the Fish Pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Akmal Muhammad , Rahimi-Midani Aryan , Hafeez-ur-Rehman Muhammad , Hussain Ali , Choi Tae-Jin
Published: March 2020

Bacteriophages are increasingly being used as biological control agents against pathogenic bacteria. In the present study, we isolate and characterize bacteriophage Akh-2 from Geoje Island, South Korea, to evaluate its utility in controlling motile Aeromonas septicemia. Akh-2 lysed four of the seven Aeromonas hydrophila strains tested. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that Akh-2 belongs to the Siphoviridae family, with head and tail sizes of 50 ± 5 and 170 ± 5 nm, respectively. One-step growth curve analysis revealed that the phage has a latent period of 50 ± 5 min and a burst size of 139 ± 5 plaque-forming units per infected cell. The phage appeared stable in a pH range of 6–8 and a temperature range of −80 to 46 °C. Based on next-generation sequencing analysis, its genome is 114,901 bp in size, with a 44.22% G + C content and 254 open reading frames. During an artificial induction of the disease, loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) treated with Akh-2 showed an increased survival rate and time compared with the non-treated control. Our results suggest that Akh-2 is a potential biological agent for the treatment of Aeromonas infections in fish.
Combined Amoebicidal Effect of Atorvastatin and Commercial Eye Drops against Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff: In Vitro Assay Based on Mixture Design
Authors: Sifaoui Ines , Capote Yanes Eulalia , Reyes-Batlle María , Rodríguez-Expósito Rubén L. , Piñero José E. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: March 2020

The establishment of an effective therapeutic agent against Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), remains until present, an issue to be solved due to the existence of a cyst stage in the life cycle of Acanthamoeba. Moreover, the effectiveness of the current standard therapeutic agents varies depending on the tested Acanthamoeba strains and its resistance pattern. In the present study, two 10-point augmented simplex-centroid designs were used to formulate a three-component mixture system using water, atorvastatin, and Diclofenaco-lepori or Optiben. The amoebicidal effects and in vitro-induced toxicity in a eukaryotic cell line were determined for all experiments. The optimal mixture to inhibit the parasite without inducing toxicity was established in the first plan as 30% Optiben, 63.5% atorvastatin, and 3.1% water. As for the second experimental design, the optimal mixture to inhibit Acanthamoeba with lower toxicity effect was composed of 17.6% Diclofenaco-lepori and 82.4% atorvastatin.
The Chikchi and Its Positions in Fourteenth-Century Korea
Authors: Kim Jongmyung
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this paper is to examine the historical and ideological positions of the Chikchi, a Korean Zen text. Originally composed of two fascicles, the book was published with metal type in 1377 and in woodblock print in 1378. The metal type print only remains. in its second fascicle, which is currently preserved in the La Bibliotheque nationale de France, registered in the Memory of the World by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Memory of the World list. However, the woodblock print remains in two fascicles, including the teachings of Buddhas, recorded sayings, enlightened verses, and transmission records of more than one hundred patriarchs and masters of India, China, and Korea. The role of the Chikchi shines more in modern times. As a rare book in Korea and as the oldest extant book printed with metal type in the world, it has a great significance in the world history of printing culture. The Chikchi also has originality in terms of soteriology, ideological flexibility, an open interpretation of Buddhist teachings, and an integration with Confucianism, thus suggesting its possible contribution to a better understanding of the characteristics of Korean Buddhism in particular and, by extension, East Asian Buddhism in general.
The Relevance of the Centrality and Content of Religiosity for Explaining Islamophobia in Switzerland
Authors: Yendell Alexander , Huber Stefan
Published: March 2020

Research on Islamophobia in Switzerland, and on the role of religiosity in relation to Islamophobia, is in its infancy. Against this background, we analyzed data from an online survey conducted in Switzerland on “Xenosophia and Xenophobia in and between Abrahamic religions”. The results of a multivariate analysis revealed that, besides right-wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, and political orientation, indicators related to religion play a crucial role. We found that the greater the role of religion, and the more central it is for the individual, the more likely it is that the individual has a positive view of Islam. We claim that a person’s level of religiosity is accompanied by her adoption of religious values, such as neighbourliness and tolerance, and that the more religious individuals are, the more likely they are occupied with different religions, which leads to tolerance as long as it is not accompanied by a fundamentalist religious orientation. Also relevant is that the preference for the state to have a secularized relationship with religion is accompanied by a fear of Islam. We propose that studies on Islamophobia, as well as on other prejudices, should use differentiated measures for religiosity; the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS) turned out to be a reliable instrument of measurement in this regard.
Introduction: Fashion/Religion Interfaces
Authors: Almila Anna-Mari
Published: March 2020

The complex interconnections between religious beliefs and fashion in clothing have been increasingly recognised by researchers, already since the ‘new veiling’ phenomenon spread across the Muslim world in the 1970s (El-Guindi 1981, 1999; MacLeod 1987, 1992), and especially since the extreme politicisation of the Muslim veil in the 2000s and 2010s (Haddad 2007) [...]
Investigating the Suitability of Grape Husks Biochar, Municipal Solid Wastes Compost and Mixtures of Them for Agricultural Applications to Mediterranean Soils
Authors: Vamvuka Despina , Esser Katerina , Komnitsas Kostas
Published: March 2020

Present work aimed at evaluating the leaching potential of grape husks biochar, municipal solid wastes compost and their combined application as amendments of sandy Mediterranean soil, in order to assess their capability of releasing/retaining nutrients or heavy metals and therefore their suitability for agricultural applications. Grape husks biochar was produced by pyrolysis at 500 °C in a fixed bed unit. Column leaching experiments, simulating Mediterranean rainfall conditions, were conducted. For all compost/biochar/soil combinations, alkali and alkaline earth metals showed greater solubility, increasing the pH of the extracts and thus decreasing the leachability of heavy metals Cr, Cu, Zr and Sr. Biochar co-application with compost did not prevent the leaching of nitrates, phosphates or trace elements; however, it did lower the chemical oxygen demand and allowed the slower release of sodium, calcium and magnesium from soil. As compared to compost, addition of biochar to soil increased the concentration of potassium by 76%, whereas it decreased that of heavy metals in the leachates by 40%–95%. Grape husks biochar could serve as a better soil amendment than municipal solid wastes compost and if carefully managed could be used as liming agent or fertilizer on acidic soils.
CARL and His POT: Measuring Risks in Commodity Markets
Authors: Algieri Bernardina , Leccadito Arturo
Published: March 2020

The present study aims at modelling market risk for four commodities, namely West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, natural gas, gold and corn for the period 2007–2017. To this purpose, we use Extreme Value Theory (EVT) together with a set of Conditional Auto-Regressive Logit (CARL) models to predict risk measures for the futures return series of the considered commodities. In particular, the Peaks-Over-Threshold (POT) method has been combined with the Indicator and Absolute Value CARL models in order to predict the probability of tail events and the Value-at-Risk and the Expected Shortfall risk measures for the selected commodities. Backtesting procedures indicate that generally CARL models augmented with specific implied volatility outperform the benchmark model and thus they represent a valuable tool to anticipate and manage risks in the markets.
General Compound Hawkes Processes in Limit Order Books
Authors: Swishchuk Anatoliy , Huffman Aiden
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we study various new Hawkes processes. Specifically, we construct general compound Hawkes processes and investigate their properties in limit order books. With regard to these general compound Hawkes processes, we prove a Law of Large Numbers (LLN) and a Functional Central Limit Theorems (FCLT) for several specific variations. We apply several of these FCLTs to limit order books to study the link between price volatility and order flow, where the volatility in mid-price changes is expressed in terms of parameters describing the arrival rates and mid-price process.
Artistic Robotic Painting Using the Palette Knife Technique
Authors: Beltramello Andrea , Scalera Lorenzo , Seriani Stefano , Gallina Paolo
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a novel robotic painting system able to create artworks using the palette knife technique. The implementation of this method with a robotic system is particularly challenging, since the robot needs to precisely manipulate the palette knife to pick up and release the color on the canvas. The painting system comprises a 6-DOF collaborative robot, a camera to acquire the information on the color position, and several algorithms for the artistic rendering of the images and for the planning of the trajectories that the robot has to follow. During the painting process the user can modify multiple parameters: both software, for example, stroke position and orientation, and hardware, for example, palette knife inclination and height, to obtain different stroke effects. Finally, the experimental results are discussed by analyzing the artworks painted by the novel robotic system.