bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Social Responsibility, Intangibles, and Dynamic Performance of the U.S. Airlines
Authors: Wang Wei-Kang , Wu Sheng-Fu , Nourani Mohammad , Kweh Qian Long , Chen Janya
Published: January 2021

La Responsabilidad Social Corporativa, los Intangibles y el Desempeño Dinámico de las Aerolíneas Estadounidenses.
En este estudio se emplea en primer lugar el enfoque del análisis dinámico de la envolvente de datos (DEA) para medir el rendimiento operativo de la industria aeronáutica de los Estados Unidos en el período 2006-2014. Examinamos si las aerolíneas incluidas en la base de datos de Kinder, Lydenberg y Domini (KLD) tienen una mayor eficiencia que las aerolíneas no incluidas en la base de datos de KLD. Las siete dimensiones de la responsabilidad social de las empresas (RSE) disponibles en la base de datos KLD se utilizan para representar la RSE. Así, a través de un gráfico de radar, también documentamos la medida en que las compañías aéreas han aplicado cada una de las dimensiones de la RSE. Este estudio también explora la relación entre la RSE y el rendimiento operativo de las aerolíneas. Nuestros hallazgos muestran una relación indirecta entre la RSE y el rendimiento operativo, que se basa en el efecto mediador de los intangibles, después de tener en cuenta el posible problema de la endogeneidad. Los hallazgos de este estudio pueden proporcionar directrices para hacer frente a los problemas de RSE en la industria de las aerolíneas y para implementar políticas de RSE.

This study first employs the dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to measure the operating performance of the U.S. airline industry for the period 2006-2014. We examine whether airlines included in the Kinder, Lydenberg, and Domini (KLD) database have higher efficiencies than airlines not included in the KLD database. The seven corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions available in the KLD database are used to proxy for CSR. Through a radar graph, we thus also document the extent to which the airlines have implemented each of the dimensions of CSR. Next, this study explores the relationship between CSR and the operating performance of the airlines. Our findings show an indirect relationship between CSR and operating performance, which relies on the mediating effect of intangibles, after accounting for potential endogeneity problem. The findings of this study can provide guidelines for coping with CSR issues in the airline industry and for implementing CSR policies.
Mathematical Calculations within Physics Lessons and Their Popularity Among Learners
Authors: Emanovský Petr , Gonda Dalibor
Published: January 2021

Mathematics is an important nature exploration tool used by all natural sciences. So it is usual that mathematical calculations are part of school science education. But how are these calculations perceived by the learners themselves? What are their attitudes to this part of the teaching process? The answer to this question is important for any teacher who seeks to improve her/his teaching experience. The paper deals with the research of learners´ attitudes towards using mathematical calculations within physics lessons. Semantic differential for the sample of 230 primary and secondary school pupils was used in order to determine their attitudes towards this aspect and investigate the influence of grade and gender on the attitudes. The analysis of acquired data shows slightly negative learners´attitude to the mathematical calculations and some particular differences between grades and genders.
Alopecia areata in Black African patients: epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects
Authors: Kouassi Yao Isidore , GBANDAMA Koffi Kouamé Pacôme
Published: January 2021

Background: The aim was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of alopecia areata in Black African patients. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Dermatology and Venerology Department of the University Hospital Center of Treichville over a 5-year. Results: The prevalence of alopecia areata was 0.2%. The mean age was 24.6 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.47. Stress preceding the symptomatology was found in 3 cases. As for the clinical distribution, there were 25 cases of plaque-type alopecia areata, 10 cases of total descending alopecia areata, and 7 cases of universal alopecia areata. There was no nail damage and no associated pathologies. Local treatment only was administered in 31 cases, local and systemic treatment in 8 cases, and systemic treatment only in 3 cases. Conclusions: Alopecia areata predominates in young male populations and pathologies associated with alopecia are very rare.
Effective treatment of alopecia universalis with oral tofacitinib: A case report
Authors: Shaikh Lenah , Almulhim Amnah , Al Rabai Manal , Shaikh Yasir
Published: January 2021

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease presenting itself with patches of hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or any part of the body. It may manifest itself as a single patch, involving the entire scalp (alopecia totalis), or affecting the entire body, thus the name alopecia universalis. Multiple lines of treatment may be employed, but no single most effective treatment exists, especially if the condition is generalized and, thus, becomes more difficult to treat. Herein, we report a case of alopecia universalis treated with oral tofacitinib with an excellent and persistent response one year after.
Plica polonica: Trichoscopic findings with a brief literature review
Authors: Bhat Yasmeen Jabeen , Shah Faizan Younus , Keen Abid
Published: January 2021

Plica polonica is a common but rarely reported acquired condition characterized by sudden onset of irreversible entanglement of the hair. Psychological disturbance is a risk factor for plica formation. Plica polonica was considered a disease of the past caused by poor hygiene and haircare in psychiatric patients. In view of its clinical rarity, we describe the case of a 50-year-old Muslim woman of Kashmiri ethnicity presenting with plica polonica to explain the trichoscopic findings gathered in the process of medical examination. The patient had attempted the treatment of the condition with various shampoos and conditioners but without improvement. There was no history of mental illness either in the patient or the patient’s family. The hair was dry, lusterless, densely adherent, but without discharge, foul odor, or lymphadenopathy. Trichoscopy revealed varying shades of brown and crisscrossing of hair shafts resembling an intertwined mesh of wires with concretions of the hair shafts. The patient was advised to cut the matted hair.
Human complex exploration strategies are enriched by noradrenaline-modulated heuristics
Authors: Dubois Magda , Habicht Johanna , Michely Jochen , Moran Rani , Dolan Ray J , Hauser Tobias U
Published: January 2021

An exploration-exploitation trade-off, the arbitration between sampling a lesser-known against a known rich option, is thought to be solved using computationally demanding exploration algorithms. Given known limitations in human cognitive resources, we hypothesised the presence of additional cheaper strategies. We examined for such heuristics in choice behaviour where we show this involves a value-free random exploration, that ignores all prior knowledge, and a novelty exploration that targets novel options alone. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled drug study, assessing contributions of dopamine (400 mg amisulpride) and noradrenaline (40 mg propranolol), we show that value-free random exploration is attenuated under the influence of propranolol, but not under amisulpride. Our findings demonstrate that humans deploy distinct computationally cheap exploration strategies and that value-free random exploration is under noradrenergic control.
SARS-CoV-2 entry into human airway organoids is serine protease-mediated and facilitated by the multibasic cleavage site
Authors: Mykytyn Anna Z , Breugem Tim I , Riesebosch Samra , Schipper Debby , van den Doel Petra B , Rottier Robbert J , Lamers Mart M , Haagmans Bart L
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus entry is mediated by the spike protein that binds the receptor and mediates fusion after cleavage by host proteases. The proteases that mediate entry differ between cell lines, and it is currently unclear which proteases are relevant in vivo. A remarkable feature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike is the presence of a multibasic cleavage site (MBCS), which is absent in the SARS-CoV spike. Here, we report that the SARS-CoV-2 spike MBCS increases infectivity on human airway organoids (hAOs). Compared with SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 entered faster into Calu-3 cells and, more frequently, formed syncytia in hAOs. Moreover, the MBCS increased entry speed and plasma membrane serine protease usage relative to cathepsin-mediated endosomal entry. Blocking serine proteases, but not cathepsins, effectively inhibited SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in hAOs. Our findings demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 enters relevant airway cells using serine proteases, and suggest that the MBCS is an adaptation to this viral entry strategy.
Researching COVID-19 tracing app acceptance: incorporating theory from the technological acceptance model
Authors: Velicia-Martin Felix , Cabrera-Sanchez Juan-Pedro , Gil-Cordero Eloy , Palos-Sanchez Pedro R.
Published: January 2021

Background

The expansion of the coronavirus pandemic and the extraordinary confinement measures imposed by governments have caused an unprecedented intense and rapid contraction of the global economy. In order to revive the economy, people must be able to move safely, which means that governments must be able to quickly detect positive cases and track their potential contacts. Different alternatives have been suggested for carrying out this tracking process, one of which uses a mobile APP which has already been shown to be an effective method in some countries.

Objective

Use an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model to investigate whether citizens would be willing to accept and adopt a mobile application that indicates if they have been in contact with people infected with COVID-19. Research Methodology: A survey method was used and the information from 482 of these questionnaires was analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling.

Results

The results show that the Intention to Use this app would be determined by the Perceived Utility of the app and that any user apprehension about possible loss of privacy would not be a significant handicap. When having to choose between health and privacy, users choose health.

Conclusions

This study shows that the extended TAM model which was used has a high explanatory power. Users believe that the APP is useful (especially users who studied in higher education), that it is easy to use, and that it is not a cause of concern for privacy. The highest acceptance of the app is found in over 35 years old’s, which is the group that is most aware of the possibility of being affected by COVID-19. The information is unbelievably valuable for developers and governments as users would be willing to use the APP.
A feasibility study to determine the use of baited pots in Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) fisheries, supported by the use of underwater video observations
Authors: Folkins Margaret H. , Grant Scott M. , Walsh Philip
Published: January 2021

High incidental catches of Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) in Nunavut’s Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) fishery has led to studies on the feasibility of capturing Greenland halibut with baited pots. In this study, catch rates among six experimental pots are compared. In addition to this, underwater video observations of Greenland halibut interacting with two of these experimental pot types are quantified in order to help provide recommendations on future pot designs. Catch rates of Greenland halibut differed among pots with different entrance mesh types, and none of the pots produced substantial amounts of bycatch. Strings of pots were deployed within a narrow corridor between baited gillnets targeting Greenland halibut, which may have affected catch results. Video observations revealed Greenland halibut entangled by their teeth significantly more often in entrance funnels constructed with 50 mm than with 19 mm clear monofilament netting and the entrance rate was 45% higher with the 19 mm netting. Greenland halibut that successfully entered a pot repeatedly became entangled by their teeth in 58 mm netting used in the side and end panels and in a horizontal panel used to separate the pot into a lower and upper chamber. The majority (80%) of Greenland halibut were observed to approach a pot against the current. The downstream entrance was aligned with the current in 52% of the observed Greenland halibut approaches. Seventy percent of entry attempts and 67% of successful entries occurred when fish approached against the current and when the entrance was aligned with the current. These observations lead to recommendations that future studies consider developing a four entrance pot to ensure an entrance is always aligned with bottom currents. Based on these observations of entanglements, it is recommended to use 19 mm clear monofilament netting in the entrance funnel, 100 mm polyethylene netting in the exterior panels, and 19 mm polypropylene netting in the horizontal panel when targeting Greenland halibut. Three Greenland sharks were observed interacting with the pots in the video sets, but none were captured or damaged the pots during the potting experiments, providing validity to the use of pots to mitigate the capture of Greenland shark in Nunavut territorial waters.
Sanciones administrativas regulatorias: tres premisas sobre su función
Authors: Letelier Wartenberg Raúl
Published: January 2021

El actual análisis de las sanciones administrativas regulatorias se estructura sobre tres premisas incorrectas. La necesidad de analizar estas sanciones bajo una unidad conceptual, el fraccionamiento entre regla de conducta y regla de sanción y la valoración positiva de una regulación basada en principios jurídicos son premisas que un análisis funcional del derecho administrativo debe necesariamente rechazar.
Sobre la responsabilidad civil de los operadores eléctricos en materia de seguridad de las instalaciones, en el marco del ejercicio de una servidumbre eléctrica
Authors: Wegmann Stockebrand Adolfo
Published: January 2021

El presente artículo tiene por objeto abordar el problema del régimen jurídico al que se encuentra sujeta la responsabilidad civil de los operadores eléctricos en materia de seguridad de las instalaciones, en particular, en lo que dice relación con los deberes establecidos en el artículo 139 de la Ley General de Servicios Eléctricos y demás disposiciones reglamentarias que lo complementan, y cómo estas normas se vinculan con los deberes impuestos en los artículos 56 y 57 de la misma ley, al dueño de un predio gravado con servidumbre eléctrica.
Role of public entrepreneurship in the progress of agricultural produces in Himalayas
Authors: Parrey Imtiyaz Rasool
Published: January 2021

Villagers living in the Western Himalayan region of Uttarakhand are primarily dependent upon subsistence farming. They follow the practice of growing crops and raising livestock sufficient only for one's own use, without any surplus for trade. With the growing financial needs of the villagers, some portion of their produces is now readily available for marketing. While doing so a farmer gets easily entrapped into the web of the middleman, who provides him anticipatory loans in lieu of the agricultural produces grown by him and a promise to handover those produces at a much lower prices. Under this process farmers are totally debarred from getting a real fair price for their agricultural produces which otherwise they could have fetched in the absence of a middleman. This paper showcases a real experiment done by one of the authors of this paper in which a Farmer’s Producer Organization was established with hundreds of local farmers. Farmer’s Producer Organization is ensuring true monetary value for their agricultural produces by eliminating middleman and ensuring value addition to their produces. This paper critically analyses a case of formation of a Farmer’s Producer Organization in Mukteshwar area of District Nainital, Uttarakhand. Paper also throws light over its working and the challenges being faced by new generation Farmers. Key Words: Traditional farming, Framer’s Producer Organization, Middleman, Livelihood security.
What Principle Governs the Chemical Dynamic/Kinetic Process?
Authors: Xu Wei-Xing
Published: January 2021

In this work uncovered is the basic principle governing the chemical reaction dynamic/kinetic process of chemical reaction (kt=4.6 and Ea/RT=4.6), which is ignored before. Based on the “yin and yang” philosophy (see appendix A), the discovered principle has been elucidated clearly. In addition, we also demonstrate: 1. how to optimize the condition of chemical reaction, such as reaction time and temperature; 2. how to suppress the side chemical reaction. Furthermore the potential application of the discovered principle has been discussed.
Ternary Mathematics Principles Truth Tables and Logical Operators 3 D Placement of Logical Elements Extensions of Boolean Algebra
Authors: Pozinkevych Ruslan
Published: January 2021

The approach presented in this article aims at transition between two systems of counting binary and ternary I propose to use ternary math principle in coding the signal Instead of using duos of numbers 01 I propose to use triplets (1,0-1) and make a transition from binary to ternary so that the binary code is converted to ternary and vice versa That same principle can be used for building microcircuits where logical elements are placed in a 3 D space instead of a layer.
The Principal Curvatures and the Third Fundamental Form of Dini-Type Helicoidal Hypersurface in 4-Space
Authors: G¨uler Erhan
Published: January 2021

We consider the principal curvatures and the third fundamental form of Dini-type helicoidal hypersurface D(u, v, w) in the four dimensional Euclidean space E4. We find the Gauss map e of helicoidal hypersurface in E4. We obtain characteristic polynomial of shape operator matrix S. Then, we compute principal curvatures ki=1;2;3, and the third fundamental form matrix III of D.
Perception of Specialist Agriculture Officers towards Agricultural Credit- A Comparative Study between Public and Private Sector Banks in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Muralidharan C. , Kumar R. Senthil , Selvanayaki S. , Gangaiselvi R. , Selvi R. Pangayar
Published: January 2021

This paper attempts to analyse the perceptions of Specialist officers (Agriculture) towards Agriculture credit in public and private sector banks in Tamil Nadu. Among different zones in Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore zone was selected purposively for this study, because of its representation of maximum number of branches and credit activities. Purposive sampling of 150 Specialist officers (Agriculture) from various public sector banks and 51 Specialist officers (Agriculture) from private sector banks were selected for this study. In case of crop loan, about 91.35 per cent of Specialist Officers (Agriculture) from Public sector banks were satisfied with the disbursement of credit based on scale of finance as against 78.42 per cent in case of Private sector banks. About 70.27 per cent of Specialist Officers (Agriculture) from Public sector banks faced lot of hardships to recover agricultural loans. 84.96 per cent of Specialist Officer (Agriculture) employed from Public sector banks perceived that farmers never responded to bank notice and phone calls in case of Special Mentioned Accounts (SMA) and Non Performing Assets (NPA). However, 71.86 per cent of Specialist Officers (Agriculture) employed in Private sector banks perceived that farmers never responded to bank notice and phone calls in case of SMA and NPA. Thus from the above study, following policy implications may be arrived (i.e) Up-gradation of land records and delivery of documents through online and documentation of loan process such as mortgage, issuing of non-encumbrance certificate and verification of patta land can be published through online
Effects of Sesame Seed Oil (Black /White) as a Natural Antioxidant on the Oxidative and Frying Stability of Linseed Oil
Authors: Prakash Karnika , Naik Satya Narayan , Yadav Upasana
Published: January 2021

Aims: In today's scenario, the oil industry is striving for natural and newly synthesized bioactive compounds due to their distinct nutritional, safety and health benefits over chemically synthesized antioxidants. Sesame seeds are conventionally perceived as the wealthy source of bioactive lignans. Both water-soluble and oil-soluble lignans in sesame oil (SO) and sesame cake have been proclaimed to have therapeutic benefits on humans. On the contrary, linseed oil (LO) due to its high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid is prone to oxidation. To enhance the oxidative stability index (OSI) shelf life of LO, optimal formulations and admixtures of bioactive components with different mechanisms were studied.

Study Design: Different combinations of oil bends were prepared using SO and LO and the quality characteristics were compared with the pure oils.

Place and Duration of Study: Centre for Rural development and technology, Indian Institute of Technology – Delhi, Delhi (India)

Methodology: Physical and biochemical analysis for the oil blends and pure oils were done. Along with that sensory and shelf life analysis of the fried products were also done using standard procedures.

Results: The oxidative stability of all the oil blends and pure oils were measured at 110°C, 120°C and 130°C. Out of all the ratios, 50:50 wt/wt of LO, WSO, BSO and their blends were exposed to deep fat frying. After frying blends were evaluated for physical and biochemical analysis. Fried potato chips were evaluated for its sensory attributes, moisture loss and fat absorption.

Conclusion: It is proposed that the OSI of LO was upgraded by blending. No significant changes were observed in the FTIR and SF/USF acid ratios of the blends and pure oils throughout the frying days implicit satisfying OSI. Sensory attributes, moisture loss and fat absorption exhibit no significant differences between potato chips fried in WSO, BSO and blends BSO: LO, WSO: LO over 5 days of frying.
Amino Acids Profile and Vitamin D Measurement in Hypertension in Egyptian Population
Authors: Saleem Tahia H. , Ali Hosam H. , Farouk Ahmed , Atta Sara A. , Mikhail Maher F. , Fakhry Michel E.
Published: January 2021

Objective: To investigate the association between plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) profile changes, vitamin D concentration and hypertension and evaluate the clinical utility of this association for nascent hypertension before the development of complications.

Methods: 70 subjects were enrolled in this study; 50 of them were hypertensive (25 were with uncontrolled hypertensive and 25 were with controlled hypertensive), the other 20 subjects were healthy controls.

Results: Circulating levels of Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs); (valine, leucine, and isoleucine), Aromatic amino acids (AAAs); (phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan), homocysteine, aspartic, ornithine, asparagine and lysine were elevated significantly in both uncontrolled and controlled hypertensive subgroups in comparison with control group. On the contrary, the results showed marked decline in the concentration of threonine, serine, methionine, and arginine amino acids in the two hypertensive subgroups compared to control group. Moreover, there was a marked decrease of vitamin D level in hypertensive population in comparison with control.

Conclusion: There is obvious association between PFAAs profile changes, hypovitaminosis D and hypertension.
Effect of Tillage and Crop Establishment Methods with Residue Retention on Growth, Yield attributes and Productivity of Wheat under Rice-Wheat Rotation in Typic ustochrept
Authors: Kumar Reenu , Naresh R. K. , Vivek . , Singh S. P. , Chandra M. Sharath , Kumar Rajendra
Published: January 2021

A field experiment was conducted on sandy loam soil at Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh during rabi season (December 2018 to April 2019) in randomised block design with three replications. The treatments comprised of twelve tillage crop establishment methods were used for the experimentation and different observations were recorded during the crop growth period. The results indicated that the growth characters of wheat were significantly higher under wide raised bed residue retention (T9) except narrow raised bed residue retention (T7) and conventional tillage residue incorporation (T11) compared to other treatments. The grain yield, biological yield, harvest Index, yield attributes and grain weight were higher in treatments T9, T7, and T11, respectively. The improvement in grain yield with the tune of 32.09%, 28.14% and 25.49% was under treatments T9, T7 and T11 as compared to T12. It can be concluded that among crop establishment methods, wide raised bed residue retention (T9) found excellent to increase growth, yield attributes and yield for sustainability of wheat crop.
Investigating the Determinants of Work-life Balance (WLB): Insights from Generation Y Employees in Sri Lanka
Authors: Tennakoon W. D. N. S. M. , Senarathne R. B. C. P.
Published: January 2021

Aims: Previous studies show a significant attitudinal difference between Generation Y and others in the context of Work-Life Balance. The present study aimed at finding promising factors and the magnitude of them in affecting Work-Life Balance of Generation Y employees.

Study Design: The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional inquiry of the determinants of Work-Life Balance which equipped an email survey (N = 213).

Place and Duration of Study: The was primarily based on Kandy District of Sri Lanka. Approximately, the study stood for six months (February 2019 to August 2019).

Methodology: Determinants of Work-Life Balance, namely; Flexibility & freedom, Motivation, Job satisfaction, Feedback & support and Technological adaption were tested for their influence over Work-Life Balance. The survey instrument had 32 items of which the responses were measured against a five-point Likert scale. A Google form of the instrument was e-mailed to respondents (85.2% response rate). Data was analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques.

Results: Results of multiple regression analysis detected Job satisfaction (β = .287; p < .001), Flexibility & freedom (β = .198; p < .001) and Feedback & support (β = .181; p < .001) as principal determinants of the Work-Life Balance of Generation Y employees. Technological adaption (p >.001) and Motivation (p > .001) found insignificant in affecting Work-Life Balance of Generation Y employees. 

Conclusion: The study was theoretically profound as it refined determinants of Work-Life Balance determinants specific to Generation Y. Practically, findings are useful in crafting any action plan towards enhancing Work-Life Balance of Generation Y employees who are currently the most active group in the workforce.
A luminescence probe for c‐myc G‐quadruplex by a triphenylamine‐appended ruthenium complex
Authors: Liu Xue‐Wen , Liu Ning‐Yi , Deng Yuan‐Qing , Wang Shan , Liu Ting , Tang Yu‐Cai , Chen Yuan‐Dao , Lu Ji‐Lin
Published: January 2021

Due to the essential roles of G‐quadruplex in biological processes, the development of G‐quadruplex luminescent probe is becoming more and more important for further understanding of the functions of G‐quadruplex in biology. We herein reported that a ruthenium complex containing triphenylamine group exhibited “off–on” emission behavior after binding to G‐quadruplex in the presence of luminescence quencher [Fe (CN6)]4−. The Ru‐Fe system consists of a mixture of [Ru (phen)2(TPAD)]2+, where TPAD = N‐4‐(1H‐imidazo [4,5‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐2‐yl phenyl)‐N‐phenyl‐benzenamine and [Fe (CN6)]4−, which showed luminescent selectivity toward parallel G‐quadruplex (c‐myc). The detection limit was 159 nM for c‐myc. The ligand TPAD bearing nonplanar triphenylamine group and steric hindrance led to different DNA affinities toward various DNA structures. Luminescence experiments, CD spectra, G4‐FID, FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) measurements, and molecular docking results indicated that different DNA affinities and binding modes of the complex toward various DNA structures result in the luminescence selectivity.
Effect of Enzymatic Hydrolysis on the Antioxidant Activity of Red and Green Seaweeds and Characterization of the Active Extracts
Authors: Habeebullah Sabeena Farvin K. , Alagarsamy Surendraraj , Sattari Zainab , Al‐Haddad Sakinah , Fakhraldeen Saja , Al‐Ghunaim Aws , Al‐Yamani Faiza
Published: January 2021

In the present study, the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the antioxidant activity of three red seaweeds (Chondria cornuta, Chondria dasyphylla, and Murrayella periclados) and two green seaweeds (Cladophora sp. and Ulva lactuca) from the Kuwait coast were evaluated. The seaweeds were hydrolyzed with five carbohydrases and three proteases, and the resulting extracts were tested for antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content and yield of the extracts varied greatly depending upon the species and enzyme used for hydrolysis. Of the 40 enzymatic extracts screened for antioxidant activity, the Viscozyme and Alcalase extracts of M. periclados, Neutrase and Ultraflo extracts of Cladophora sp., and Neutrase extracts of C. cornuta had high antioxidant activity compared to other enzymatic extracts in various in vitro assays. Fractionation of the extracts revealed that the radical scavenging and reducing power of the extracts were mainly due to phenolic fractions. In contrast, the iron‐chelating ability was mainly due to protein fractions. The level of prevention of lipid oxidation in the liposome model system varied for different fractions of extracts and did not correlate with total phenolic content and other antioxidant properties. The results of the study show that, by hydrolyzing seaweeds with specific enzymes, customized seaweed extracts with specific bioactivity could be obtained.
Effect of Ag2S nanoparticles on optical, photophysical, and electrical properties of P3HT thin films
Authors: Khan Mohd Taukeer , Almohammedi Abdullah , Shkir Mohd , Aboud Salman Walid
Published: January 2021

In the present work, optical, electrical, and photophysical properties of poly(3‐hexylthiophen)/silver sulphide (P3HT/Ag2S) nanocomposites thin films were investigated. New amorphous dispersion formula was used to fit the experimental ellipsometer data and it was observed that the both refractive index (n) and absorption index (k) increased for hybrid films compared with pure P3HT film. The photophysical properties of fabricated films were examined by recording the photoluminescence (PL) and time resolved fluorescence spectra. The PL quenching in hybrid films signalled the formation of a charge transfer complex between host (P3HT) and guest (Ag2S). The fluorescence average life time was noted to drop to 94 ps for hybrid P3HT:Ag2S 1:2 film compared with 126 ps for pristine P3HT. Finally, the electrical properties of fabricated films were measured using the Hall effect systems. The surface resistivity (ρ) of pure P3HT thin films was found to be 9.70 × 104 Ω.cm, which decreased slightly for Ag2S/P3HT hybrid films.
Netrin‐1 regulates ERK1/2 signaling pathway and autophagy activation in wear particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Wang Lei , Gao Zhibiao , Zhang Jie , Huo Yulong , Xu Qiang , Qiu Yusheng
Published: January 2021

Background

Artificial joint replacement surgery is often accompanied by osteolysis induced aseptic loosening around the prosthesis. Wear particles from joint replacement are thought to be one of the main factors leading to local inflammation and osteolysis at the prosthesis site. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of osteoclast formation and dissolution induced by wear particles and the potential roles of Netrin‐1, the ERK1/2 pathway and autophagy activation in this process.

Methods

The messenger RNA levels in cells and tissues were detected with real‐time quantitative PCR. The western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins. A CCK‐8 kit was used to detect the viability of RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, an air pouch model of bone resorption was established. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TRAP and Netrin‐1 in rat bone tissue. Cell culture supernatants were collected in the rat air pouch model of bone resorption, and the levels of RANKL and OPG were detected with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of TRAP and Netrin‐1 in bone tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Titanium wear particles induced osteoclast formation and autophagy activation. Moreover, blocking autophagy suppressed the osteoclastogenesis after exposure to wear particles in vitro. The activation of the ERK1/2 pathway and the overexpression of Netrin‐1 were both found to play important roles in osteoclastogenesis mediated by autophagy. Moreover, 3‐MA effectively decreased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines mediated by wear particles.

Conclusion

Blockade of autophagy inhibits the osteoclastogenesis and inflammation induced by wear particles, thus potentially providing novel treatment strategies for abnormal osteoclastogenesis and aseptic prosthesis loosening induced by wear particles.
Impact of specific energy input of a 915 MHz microwave dryer on quality, functional, and physicochemical properties of different rice cultivars
Authors: Bruce Rebecca M. , Atungulu Griffiths G. , Sadaka Sammy , Smith Deandrae
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives

The 915 MHz industrial microwave has a great penetration depth relative to the 2.45 GHz microwave and holds the potential to achieve one‐pass drying of deeper rice beds within a short drying duration. The objective of this research is to determine the effect of microwave specific energy on the quality, functional, and physicochemical properties of different rice cultivars. Two rice cultivars were used: a medium grain cultivar (Titan) and a long grain hybrid cultivar (XL753) from two different locations (Burdette and Carlisle). Rice samples at harvest moisture content of 20% wet basis were dried using the 915 MHz industrial microwave at specific energies ranging from 360 to 720 kJ per kg of initial wet grain mass (kJ.[kg‐grain]‐1). Rice physicochemical and functional properties were analyzed.

Findings

Results indicate that specific energy had a significant effect (p‐value < 0.0001) on moisture removal and head rice yield. On average, increasing specific energy (drying duration 3–4 min, power 4–6 kW) resulted in increased moisture points removed from 2.5% to 7.3% and 3.7% to 7.5% for long grain hybrids and medium grain cultivars, respectively, while head rice yield decreased. Setback and final viscosities increased while peak viscosity decreased with increasing specific energies. Kernel surface lipid and protein content slightly decreased with increasing specific energies, although specific energy did not have a significant effect on these responses. Resistant starch content decreased with increasing specific energy for hybrid rice. Water and oil absorption capacities varied at different specific energies. The most desirable specific energy for moisture removal that maintains rice quality characteristics (relative to control samples) was 525 kJ.[kg‐grain]‐1.

Conclusions

The 915 MHz industrial microwave has the potential to achieve one‐pass drying of rice. A study of the best specific energy for drying different cultivars of rice using this technology is essential to meet the diverse industrial needs for rice drying.

Significance and novelty

This study provides science‐based information on the properties of different rice cultivars dried using the 915 MHz microwave and selection of desirable microwave parameters for rice drying. The technology has a great potential to transform the rice drying industry by decreasing rice drying duration, improving milling yield, and energy efficiency.
Recent Advances of CeO2‐Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen and Hydrogen Evolution as well as Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Song Xue‐Zhi , Zhu Wen‐Yu , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Tan Zhenquan
Published: January 2021

High‐performance electrocatalysts have been deeply investigated and widely explored to improve the energy conversion efficiency in advanced electrochemical technologies. As a vital rare‐earth oxide, CeO2 has shown great promise in catalysis for its feasible redox feature, high oxygen storage capacity, abundant surface oxygen defects, and structural robustness. The structural characteristics will boost the electrocatalytic activity and durability of CeO2‐based hybrids. In this Review, relevant research results focusing on recent hybrid materials between CeO2 and other functional species, including metal, metal oxides/hydroxides, metal sulfides and phosphides, towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) are summarized. This Review also highlights the key role of CeO2 and the structural design strategies in the hybrid electrocatalysts, including ion doping, interface and defect engineering, electronic structure optimization, and morphology control for catalytic output enhancement. Lastly, some scientific challenges and perspectives have been proposed, aiming to promote the development of other CeO2‐based hybrids for energy related electrocatalysis.
A randomized controlled trial of a forgiveness intervention program with female acid attack survivors in Pakistan
Authors: Haroon Zaineb , Iftikhar Rabia , Kim Jichan J. , Volk Fred , Enright Robert D.
Published: January 2021

Despite the traumatic effects of acid violence on its victims, treatment options are very limited. The present study was aimed at examining the efficacy of a forgiveness intervention with female survivors of acid attack violence in Pakistan. Female acid attack victims in Pakistan were randomized to either a forgiveness group (n = 8) or a treatment‐as‐usual (TAU; n = 8) control group. The forgiveness group received twice‐a‐week forgiveness sessions for 4 months, whereas the TAU group either received typical psychological treatment sessions for acid attack victims or no treatment. All participants were assessed on their levels of forgiveness, anger, anxiety, depression, and hope four times prior to the 4‐month intervention period, twice after the intervention period, and once at the 1‐year follow‐up. Posttreatment, the forgiveness intervention group showed greater improvement in hope, anger, anxiety, and depression when compared with the TAU group. Upon further examinations, both groups improved on forgiveness from pretreatment to posttreatment, but the forgiveness group had a higher baseline. From pretreatment to the 12‐month follow‐up, the forgiveness group, when compared with the TAU group, showed greater improvement in all areas except for depression. This is the first study that examined the effects of a forgiveness intervention for acid attack victims in Pakistan. Results showing the improvement posttreatment as well as over a 1‐year period posttreatment are encouraging.
A narrative review of cross‐sectional and prospective associations between self‐schemas and bipolar disorder
Authors: Yang Yan , Fletcher Kathryn , Murray Greg
Published: January 2021

The role of self‐concept in bipolar disorder (BD) has not been well understood. The present review utilizes the notion of self‐schema and interrogates existing research concerning evidence for cross‐sectional and prospective associations between four schema‐like constructs (i.e. trait self‐esteem, dysfunctional beliefs concerning contingent self‐worth, early maladaptive schemas and implicit self‐esteem) and various facets of BD. Existing findings demonstrate various types of involvement of self‐schemas in BD. Of particular clinical relevance, the present review suggests that low trait self‐esteem and dysfunctional beliefs concerning contingent self‐worth are risk factors for ongoing BD symptoms and mood episodes. The present review also yields important yet unaddressed questions with respect to the evaluative content of self‐schemas associated with the hypo/manic phase of BD.
Lymphomatous effusion of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T‐cell lymphoma is characterized by azurophilic granules and is a dismal sign: Report of two new cases with literature review
Authors: Pan Shien‐Tung , Wang Ren Ching , Su Ying‐Zhen , Hsieh Yen‐Chuan , Chuang Shih‐Sung
Published: January 2021

Lymphoma involving serous effusion is uncommon. The diagnosis of effusion lymphoma may be challenging, particularly when the lymphoid cells are small to medium‐sized, which would be difficult for differentiating reactive effusions from low grade lymphomas. Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T‐cell lymphoma (MEITL) is an uncommon type of aggressive intestinal T cell lymphoma with a median survival of 7 months. MEITL rarely disseminates to the body cavities. To date, there are only three reported cases of MEITL with malignant effusion. Here we report two additional cases of MEITL with lymphoma cells involving the pleural effusion and the ascites, respectively. Review of the three literature cases and our two new cases of MEITL with malignant effusion, cytoplasmic azurophilic granules were identified in both the two cases with Liu stain. The median survival time was 1.5 months after the occurrence of malignant effusion, even shorter than the median survival in patients with MEITL. Although the case number is small, malignant effusion seems to be a poor prognostic factor of MEITL.
Ecohydrology of epiphytes: Modelling water balance, CAM photosynthesis, and their climate impacts
Authors: Miller Greta , Hartzell Samantha , Porporato Amilcare
Published: January 2021

Epiphytes are aerial plants, often characterized by CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) photosynthesis, which make up a significant portion of the biomass in some rainforests. Their unique characteristics have not yet been included in ecohydrological models, and their potential impact on local hydrometeorology is largely unexplored. This work introduces a water balance model for epiphytes, which adapts the soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum model to represent a plant system without soil and couples it to the Photo3 photosynthesis model, which includes CAM photosynthesis. The model, which is parameterized with field data of Guzmania monostachia, accurately captures the observed hydraulic and photosynthetic behaviour of the epiphytic species. The application of vertical profiles of environmental inputs within the rainforest canopy shows increasing transpiration rates and decreasing water use efficiency with increasing canopy height, which corresponds to observed distributions of epiphytes in rainforests. Given that vascular epiphytes constitute a maximum of 35–50% of the foliar biomass in rainforests and contribute up to 13% of forest net primary production, they may contribute up to 10–50% of total rainforest evapotranspiration, a significant portion of the water cycle on the local ecosystem scale. The results of this work provide a missing piece to current ecohydrological models and can be integrated into Earth system models to help improve the physical representation of transpiration and free‐surface evaporation from canopy in current and future climates.
Impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on patients and families with Dravet syndrome
Authors: Brambilla Isabella , Aibar José Ángel , Hallet Anne Sophie , Bibic Irena , Cardenal‐Muñoz Elena , Prpic Igor , Darra Francesca , Specchio Nicola , Nabbout Rima
Published: January 2021

We explored the impact of coronavirus virus 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) and their family. With European patient advocacy groups (PAGs), we developed an online survey in 10 languages to question health status, behavior, personal protection, and health services before and after lockdown. Approximately 538 European PAG members received electronic invitations. Survey ran from April 14, to May 17, 2020, with 219 answers; median age 9 year 10 months. Protection against infection was highly used prior to COVID‐19, but 88% added facemask‐use according to pandemic recommendations. Only one patient was tested positive for COVID‐19. Most had stable epilepsy during lockdown, and few families (4%) needed emergency care during lockdown. However, behavior disorder worsened in over one‐third of patients, regardless of epilepsy changes. Half of appointments scheduled prior to lockdown were postponed; 12 patients (11%) had appointments fulfilled; and 39 (36%) had remote consultations. Responders welcomed remote consultations. Half of responders were unsatisfied with psychological remote support as only few (21 families) received this support. None of the five of patient in clinical trials stopped investigational treatment. Prior adoption of protective measures against general infection might have contributed to avoiding COVID‐19 infections. Protocols for the favored remote contact ought to now be prepared.
Why child neurologists talk about SUDEP: Results from two cross‐sectional surveys
Authors: Keller Anne E. , Whitney Robyn , Donner Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To characterize SUDEP discussion practices of child neurologists approximately 6 and 12 months after publication of the American Academy of Neurology SUDEP Clinical Practice Guideline and explore factors associated with discussion practice.

Methods

Child Neurology Society members (~2450) were electronically surveyed in November 2017 and May 2018 regarding their practice of discussing SUDEP with patients with epilepsy or their caregivers. Multivariable proportional odds ordinal logistic regression evaluated factors associated with discussing SUDEP with a greater proportion of epilepsy patients/caregivers. Reasons for changing practice were described.

Results

Among the 369 child neurologist respondents, 36% reported discussing SUDEP with at least half of their epilepsy patients/caregivers including 12% who discuss with all or almost all (>90%) of their epilepsy patients/families. Those who discussed SUDEP with an increased proportion of their patients were more likely to agree that they knew enough to talk about SUDEP, agree that healthcare providers have an ethical obligation to discuss SUDEP, and disagree that there is not enough time to talk about SUDEP. Those who agreed SUDEP could provoke excessive anxiety or worry were less likely to discuss SUDEP with an increased proportion of their patients. Reading the SUDEP Clinical Practice Guideline was a frequently cited reason among respondents who reported a recent change in discussion practice.

Significance

Most child neurologists do not follow the current SUDEP Clinical Practice Guideline regarding SUDEP discussion. Feeling sufficiently knowledgeable and ethically obligated to discuss SUDEP were associated with increased discussion practice, suggesting an educational intervention may be effective at increasing SUDEP discussion rates.