bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitating Multifunctional Green Infrastructure Planning in Washington, DC through a Tableau Interface
Authors: Taylor John R. , Hanumappa Mamatha , Miller Lara , Shane Brendan , Richardson Matthew L.
Published: July 2021

Multifunctional urban green infrastructure (UGI) can regulate stormwater, mitigate heat islands, conserve biodiversity and biocultural diversity, and produce food, among other functions. Equitable governance of UGI requires new tools for sharing pertinent information. Our goal was to develop a public-access geographic information system (GIS) that can be used for comprehensive UGI planning in Washington, DC (the District) and to create an e-tool for UGI in the form of Tableau dashboards. The dashboards allow stakeholders to identify (1) existing UGI and (2) potential areas for new UGI including urban agriculture (UA). They also allow users to manipulate the data and identify priority locations for equitable UGI development by applying population vulnerability indices and other filters. We demonstrate use of the dashboards through scenarios focusing on UA in the District, which currently has 150 ha of existing UGI in the form of documented projects and an additional 2734 ha potentially suitable for UGI development. A total of 2575 ha is potentially suitable for UA, with 56% of that area in Wards 5, 7, and 8, which are largely food deserts and whose residents are primarily Black and experience the greatest inequities. Our work can serve as a model for similar digital tools in other locales using Tableau and other platforms.
Business, Human Rights and Climate Due Diligence: Understanding the Responsibility of Banks
Authors: Macchi Chiara , Bernaz Nadia
Published: July 2021

Under the 2011 UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), banks, like all businesses, have a responsibility to respect human rights and to carry out human rights due diligence. Although climate due diligence is not explicitly included in the UNGPs, tackling an enterprise’s direct and indirect climate change impacts is arguably a dimension of the corporate responsibility to respect human rights and should form part of the human rights due diligence process. At present, it is unclear how such responsibility applies to banks, whose contribution to climate change is mostly indirect. This article addresses the research question: how should the law be interpreted to form a coherent climate due diligence standard for banks? To address it, the article first maps out the climate responsibility of banks under international soft law standards and assesses privately developed guidance. It then elucidates the emerging concept of climate due diligence, reading climate change responsibilities into the now well-established corporate responsibility to respect human rights as authoritatively elaborated in the UNGPs. Finally, it explains how such normative standard applies to banks and unpacks the key elements that a bank’s climate due diligence process should include.
What Causes Changes in Passenger Behavior in South-East Europe during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Simović Sreten , Ivanišević Tijana , Bradić Bojana , Čičević Svetlana , Trifunović Aleksandar
Published: July 2021

The appearance of the COVID-19 virus in Europe, at the beginning of 2020, brought many challenges and changes to society. These changes affected the behavior, desires, and needs of passengers in vehicles. The change in passenger behavior has contributed to the more difficult organization of passenger transport and traffic management. For these reasons, in the countries of South-East Europe (Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, the Republic of Northern Macedonia and Croatia), this survey was conducted in order to examine which demographic characteristics of respondents (age, gender, residence, education, and health) influence choice of transport, with the aim to optimize the transport system in times of crisis in this region. 786 respondents participated in the research. The results showed that the acceptability of vehicle occupancy most often differs with respect to age, education, and health conditions of the respondents. The obtained results will greatly help the organizers of public transport and the transport system in the region, since based on these results they can have an insight into the demographic factors that influence the choice of transport mode during a crisis.
Dimensions of Urban Blight in Emerging Southern Cities: A Case Study of Accra-Ghana
Authors: Mireku Sally Adofowaa , Abubakari Zaid , Martinez Javier
Published: July 2021

Urban blight functions inversely to city development and often leads to cities’ deterioration in terms of physical beauty and functionality. While the underlying causes of urban blight in the context of the global north are mainly known in the literature to be population loss, economic decline, deindustrialisation and suburbanisation, there is a research gap regarding the root causes of urban blight in the global south, specifically in prime areas. Given the differences in the property rights regimes and economic growth trajectories between the global north and south, the underlying reasons for urban blight cannot be assumed to be the same. This study, thus, employed a qualitative method and case study approach to ascertain in-depth contextual reasons and effects for urban blight in a prime area, East Legon, Accra-Ghana. Beyond economic reasons, the study found that socio-cultural practices of landholding and land transfer in Ghana play an essential role in how blighted properties emerge. In the quest to preserve cultural heritage/identity, successors of old family houses (the ancestral roots) do their best to stay in them without selling or redeveloping them. The findings highlight the less obvious but relevant functions that blighted properties play in the city core at the micro level of individual families in fostering social cohesion and alleviating the need to pay higher rents. Thus, in the global south, we conclude that there is a need to pay attention to the less obvious roles that so-called blighted properties perform and to move beyond the default negative perception that blighted properties are entirely problematic.
Do Morphological Traits Predict Ecological Guilds of the Mekong Fish Fauna?
Authors: Chea Ratha , Brosse Sebastien , Lek Sovan , Grenouillet Gaël
Published: July 2021

Southeast Asian riverine fishes are classified into three guilds (‘black’, ‘white’ and ‘grey’ species) based on their reproductive and migration strategies. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether fish morphology could be used to predict the Mekong fish guilds. Nine dimensionless ratios of fish morphological traits were used to describe the locomotion and food acquisition strategies of 121 fish species. The links between morphological traits and fish guilds were assessed using a principal component analysis (PCA) and a variance partitioning analysis, which revealed a strong morphological overlap between the guilds. Despite the high contribution of intra-guild variability to overall morphological variability (~90%), black and white fish significantly differed in terms of locomotion-related traits. Mekong fish guilds were satisfactorily predicted by using a random forest (RF) model, which produced a percentage of successful classification of ca 50% for each of the three guilds. Caudal propulsion efficiency, pectoral fin vertical position and body elongation were the most significant traits in the RF predictive model. Although the present study provides initial insight into the links between Mekong fish morphology and ecological guilds, further research is needed in order to clarify the relationship between species morphology, migratory status and responses to environmental variation.
Battling Food Losses and Waste in Saudi Arabia: Mobilizing Regional Efforts and Blending Indigenous Knowledge to Address Global Food Security Challenges
Authors: Al-Khateeb Suliman Ali , Hussain Abid , Lange Stefan , Almutari Mohammad M. , Schneider Felicitas
Published: July 2021

Food Loss and Waste (FLW) that entail substantial economic, environmental, and social cost is of great concern for a country fulfilling > 80% of food demands through the import of agricultural commodities. The current study mainly aimed at bringing together a wide range of perspectives on FLW by multi-stakeholder engagement in order to enhance cooperation and network building with respect to sharing knowledge and experiences on FLW prevention activities along the entire food supply chain for a country located at the geographic frontier facing stubborn challenges of desertification, water scarcity, and harsh climatic conditions. These challenges are not only being addressed at the national level but have also been made the focus of multilateral activities in 2020 as part of the Saudi G20 Presidency. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture under the umbrella of the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) hosted a regional workshop on FLW in collaboration with the Thünen Institute, Germany, to raise awareness among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The present paper provides insights into the current status of FLW by revealing that, overall, 33.1% of the total available food in the Kingdom is lost and wasted during the entire food supply chain. Overall, the GCC countries witnessed higher percentages of food waste compared with food losses. Environmental conditions prevailing in the region necessitate the development of adequate and appropriate cold chain storage facilities for balanced distribution through cold storage transportation facilities along the food supply chain to minimize food losses. However, campaigns and activities to raise awareness with a view of changing attitudes towards reducing FLW by the adoption of good practices, promoting the concept of circular economy practices, and the establishment of food banks for surplus food redistribution are important to mitigate FLW in the Kingdom.
Electrospun Fe3O4-PVDF Nanofiber Composite Mats for Cryogenic Magnetic Sensor Applications
Authors: Chowdhury Tonoy , D’Souza Nandika , Berman Diana
Published: July 2021

Magnetically responsive, mechanically stable and highly flexible iron (III) oxide-polyvinylidene fluoride (Fe3O4-PVDF) piezoelectric composite fiber mats were fabricated via one step electrospinning method for magnetic sensing at cryogenic temperature. The properties of Fe3O4-PVDF composite fiber mats were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, d33 and magnetization test. The fiber diameter decreased as the concentration of Fe3O4 increased. The DSC results suggested a decrease in the crystallinity of the composite fiber mats after adding Fe3O4, and the XRD curves identified that the decrease in crystallinity took place in the β crystalline phases of the fibers. FT-IR results further confirmed the reduction of β phases of the composite fiber mats which dropped the piezoelectric response of the fiber mats by 38% for 5% Fe3O4-PVDF than PVDF fiber but still 400% higher than PVDF pellets. The magnetization test advocated a superparamagnetic state of the fiber at room temperature but a ferromagnetic behavior at a lower temperature. The coercivity values of the mats suggested a homogeneous dispersion of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the PVDF matrix. Young’s modulus (E) of the fibers remained the same before and after the magnetization test, indicating the mechanical stability of the fiber in the range of 5 K to 300 K. Its mechanical stability, superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature and ferromagnetic at low temperature could open up its application in spintronic devices at cryogenic temperature and cryogenic power electronic devices.
Distribution of the Emetic Toxin Cereulide in Cow Milk
Authors: Walser Veronika , Kranzler Markus , Dawid Corinna , Ehling-Schulz Monika , Stark Timo D. , Hofmann Thomas F.
Published: July 2021

Bacillus cereus is frequently associated with food-borne intoxications, and its emetic toxin cereulide causes emesis and nausea after consumption of contaminated foods. The major source for contamination is found within contaminated raw materials containing the highly chemically resistant cereulide, independent of vegetative bacteria cells. Up to date, non-existing removal strategies for cereulide evoke the question of how the toxin is distributed within a food sample, especially cow milk. Milk samples with different milk fat contents were incubated with purified cereulide, separated by centrifugation into a lipid and an aqueous phase, and cereulide was quantified in both fractions by SIDA-LC-MS/MS. By artificially increasing the milk fat content from 0.5% to 50%, the amount of cereulide recovered in the lipid phase and could be augmented from 13.3 to 78.6%. Further, the ratio of cereulide increased in the lipid phase of milk with additional plant-based lipid (sunflower oil) to 47.8%. This demonstrated a clear affinity of cereulide towards the hydrophobic, lipid phase, aligning with cereulide’s naturally strong hydrophobic properties. Therefore, an intensified cereulide analysis of lipid enriched dairy products to prevent severe cereulide intoxications or cross-contamination in processed foods is suggested.
Braneworld Inspires Cosmological Implications of Barrow Holographic Dark Energy
Authors: Rani Shamaila , Azhar Nadeem
Published: July 2021

In the present manuscript, the evolution of the cosmic parameters and planes are being investigated in the framework of the DGP braneworld model. In this scenario, the interaction Γ between the Barrow holographic dark energy model (whose infrared cutoff scale is set by Hubble and event horizons) and pressureless dark matter are considered. We check the behavior of different cosmological parameters such as Hubble, equation of state, deceleration and squared speed of sound from the early matter-dominated era until the late-time acceleration. It is found that the range of Hubble parameter lies in the interval 95−35+35 (for Hubble horizon) and 97−23+23 (for event horizon). For both horizons, the equation of state parameter favors the phantom dominant era as well as the ΛCDM model while the deceleration parameter illustrates the accelerated expansion of the universe. Furthermore, stability of the underlying model is found through squared speed of sound. Furthermore, it is observed that ω−ωϑ′ plane corresponds to freezing and thawing region for Hubble and event horizons, respectively. Furthermore, statefinder plane shows the ΛCDM and Chaplygin gas behavior for both models. Finally, we investigate the thermodynamical nature of the underlying model through Barrow entropy as horizon entropy and found validity for both horizons.
SARS-CoV-2, CT-Values, and Infectivity—Conclusions to Be Drawn from Side Observations
Authors: Platten Martin , Hoffmann Dennis , Grosser Roger , Wisplinghoff Fabian , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , Wiesmüller Gerhard , Schildgen Oliver , Schildgen Verena
Published: July 2021

In their recent article published in Viruses, Michel Drancourt and colleagues [...]
Mechanism of Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA Formation
Authors: Wei Lei , Ploss Alexander
Published: July 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major medical problem affecting at least 257 million chronically infected patients who are at risk of developing serious, frequently fatal liver diseases. HBV is a small, partially double-stranded DNA virus that goes through an intricate replication cycle in its native cellular environment: human hepatocytes. A critical step in the viral life-cycle is the conversion of relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) into covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the latter being the major template for HBV gene transcription. For this conversion, HBV relies on multiple host factors, as enzymes capable of catalyzing the relevant reactions are not encoded in the viral genome. Combinations of genetic and biochemical approaches have produced findings that provide a more holistic picture of the complex mechanism of HBV cccDNA formation. Here, we review some of these studies that have helped to provide a comprehensive picture of rcDNA to cccDNA conversion. Mechanistic insights into this critical step for HBV persistence hold the key for devising new therapies that will lead not only to viral suppression but to a cure.
Evidence of Adaptive Evolution in Wolbachia-Regulated Gene DNMT2 and Its Role in the Dipteran Immune Response and Pathogen Blocking
Authors: Bhattacharya Tamanash , Rice Danny , Crawford John , Hardy Richard , Newton Irene
Published: July 2021

Eukaryotic nucleic acid methyltransferase (MTase) proteins are essential mediators of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic regulation. DNMT2 belongs to a large, conserved family of DNA MTases found in many organisms, including holometabolous insects such as fruit flies and mosquitoes, where it is the lone MTase. Interestingly, despite its nomenclature, DNMT2 is not a DNA MTase, but instead targets and methylates RNA species. A growing body of literature suggests that DNMT2 mediates the host immune response against a wide range of pathogens, including RNA viruses. Curiously, although DNMT2 is antiviral in Drosophila, its expression promotes virus replication in mosquito species. We, therefore, sought to understand the divergent regulation, function, and evolution of these orthologs. We describe the role of the Drosophila-specific host protein IPOD in regulating the expression and function of fruit fly DNMT2. Heterologous expression of these orthologs suggests that DNMT2′s role as an antiviral is host-dependent, indicating a requirement for additional host-specific factors. Finally, we identify and describe potential evidence of positive selection at different times throughout DNMT2 evolution within dipteran insects. We identify specific codons within each ortholog that are under positive selection and find that they are restricted to four distinct protein domains, which likely influence substrate binding, target recognition, and adaptation of unique intermolecular interactions. Collectively, our findings highlight the evolution of DNMT2 in Dipteran insects and point to structural, regulatory, and functional differences between mosquito and fruit fly homologs.
Neural Stem Cells: What Happens When They Go Viral?
Authors: Kamte Yashika S. , Chandwani Manisha N. , Michaels Alexa C. , O’Donnell Lauren A.
Published: July 2021

Viruses that infect the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with developmental abnormalities as well as neuropsychiatric and degenerative conditions. Many of these viruses such as Zika virus (ZIKV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) demonstrate tropism for neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs are the multipotent progenitor cells of the brain that have the ability to form neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Viral infections often alter the function of NSCs, with profound impacts on the growth and repair of the brain. There are a wide spectrum of effects on NSCs, which differ by the type of virus, the model system, the cell types studied, and the age of the host. Thus, it is a challenge to predict and define the consequences of interactions between viruses and NSCs. The purpose of this review is to dissect the mechanisms by which viruses can affect survival, proliferation, and differentiation of NSCs. This review also sheds light on the contribution of key antiviral cytokines in the impairment of NSC activity during a viral infection, revealing a complex interplay between NSCs, viruses, and the immune system.
Buprenorphine Increases HIV-1 Infection In Vitro but Does Not Reactivate HIV-1 from Latency
Authors: Gornalusse Germán Gustavo , Vojtech Lucia N. , Levy Claire N. , Hughes Sean M. , Kim Yeseul , Valdez Rogelio , Pandey Urvashi , Ochsenbauer Christina , Astronomo Rena , McElrath Julie , Hladik Florian
Published: July 2021

Background: medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine is now widely prescribed to treat addiction to heroin and other illicit opioids. There is some evidence that illicit opioids enhance HIV-1 replication and accelerate AIDS pathogenesis, but the effect of buprenorphine is unknown. Methods: we obtained peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy volunteers and cultured them in the presence of morphine, buprenorphine, or methadone. We infected the cells with a replication-competent CCR5-tropic HIV-1 reporter virus encoding a secreted nanoluciferase gene, and measured infection by luciferase activity in the supernatants over time. We also surveyed opioid receptor expression in PBMC, genital epithelial cells and other leukocytes by qPCR and western blotting. Reactivation from latency was assessed in J-Lat 11.1 and U1 cell lines. Results: we did not detect expression of classical opioid receptors in leukocytes, but did find nociception/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) expression in blood and vaginal lymphocytes as well as genital epithelial cells. In PBMCs, we found that at physiological doses, morphine, and methadone had a variable or no effect on HIV infection, but buprenorphine treatment significantly increased HIV-1 infectivity (median: 8.797-fold increase with 20 nM buprenorphine, eight experiments, range: 3.570–691.9, p = 0.0078). Using latently infected cell lines, we did not detect reactivation of latent HIV following treatment with any of the opioid drugs. Conclusions: our results suggest that buprenorphine, in contrast to morphine or methadone, increases the in vitro susceptibility of leukocytes to HIV-1 infection but has no effect on in vitro HIV reactivation. These findings contribute to our understanding how opioids, including those used for MAT, affect HIV infection and reactivation, and can help to inform the choice of MAT for people living with HIV or who are at risk of HIV infection.
Tuning the Catalytic Water Oxidation Activity through Structural Modifications of High-Nuclearity Mn-oxo Clusters [Mn18M] (M = Sr2+, Mn2+)
Authors: Soriano-López Joaquín , Elliott Rory , Kathalikkattil Amal C. , Ako Ayuk M. , Schmitt Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

The water oxidation half-reaction is considered the bottleneck in the development of technological advances to replace fossil fuels with sustainable and economically affordable energy sources. In natural photosynthesis, water oxidation occurs in the oxygen evolving complex (OEC), a manganese-oxo cluster {Mn4CaO5} with a cubane-like topology that is embedded within a redox-active protein environment located in photosystem II (PS II). Therefore, the preparation of biomimetic manganese-based compounds is appealing for the development of efficient and inexpensive water oxidation catalysts. Here, we present the water oxidation catalytic activity of a high-nuclearity mixed-metal manganese-strontium cluster, [MnIII12MnII6Sr(μ4-O8)(μ3-Cl)8(HLMe)12(MeCN)6]Cl2∙15MeOH (Mn18Sr) (HLMe = 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)-p-cresol), in neutral media. This biomimetic mixed-valence cluster features different cubane-like motifs and it is stabilized by redox-active, quinone-like organic ligands. The complex displays a low onset overpotential of 192 mV and overpotentials of 284 and 550 mV at current densities of 1 mA cm−2 and 10 mA cm−2, respectively. Direct O2 evolution measurements under visible light-driven water oxidation conditions demonstrate the catalytic capabilities of this cluster, which exhibits a turnover frequency of 0.48 s−1 and a turnover number of 21.6. This result allows for a direct comparison to be made with the structurally analogous Mn-oxo cluster [MnIII12MnII7(µ4-O)8(µ3-OCH3)2(µ3-Br)6(HLMe)12(MeOH)5(MeCN)]Br2·9MeCN·MeOH (Mn19), the water oxidation catalytic activity of which was recently reported by us. This work highlights the potential of this series of compounds towards the water oxidation reaction and their amenability to induce structural changes that modify their reactivity.
Degradation of Diclofenac in Urine by Electro-Permanganate Process Driven by Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Xuxu , Wang Ying , Zhang Jian , Duanmu Pengbo , Zheng Liushi , Hasson Shabi UI , Baldwin Andrew , Wong Irene , Zhao Chun
Published: July 2021

A novel microbial fuel cell-assisted electro-permanganate process (MFC-PM) was proposed for enhanced diclofenac degradation compared to that of the permanganate oxidation process. By utilizing eco-friendly bio-electricity in situ, the MFC-PM process could activate the simultaneous anodic biological metabolism of urea and the cathodic electro-permanganate process. Density functional analysis and experimental evidence revealed the reactive manganese species (Mn(VII)aq, Mn(VI)aq, Mn(V)aq, and Mn(III)aq), generated via single electron transfer, contributed to diclofenac degradation in the cathodic chamber. The sites of diclofenac with a high Fukui index were preferable to be attacked by reactive manganese species, and diclofenac degradation was mainly accomplished through the ring hydroxylation, ring opening, and decarboxylation processes. Biological detection revealed clostridia were the primary electron donor in the anode chamber in an anaerobic environment. Furthermore, maximum output power density of 1.49 W m−3 and the optimal removal of 94.75% diclofenac were obtained within 20 min under the conditions of pH = 3.0, [DCF]0 = 60 µM, and [PM]0 = 30 µM. Diclofenac removal efficiency increased with external resistance, higher PM dosage, and lower catholyte pH. In addition, the MFC-PM process displayed excellent applicability in urine and other background substances. The MFC-PM process provided an efficient and energy-free bio-electricity catalytic permanganate oxidation technology for enhancing diclofenac degradation.
Main trends and problems of spatial development of agricultural land use and land tenure in the Non-Chernozem Economic Zone of Russia
Authors: Polunin G.A. , Alakoz V.V.
Published: July 2021

The article sets out the main goals, objectives and priorities of the spatial development of agricultural land use and land tenure in the territories of the Non-Black Earth Economic Zone. The principles, main directions and scenarios of the spatial development of agricultural land use are given. The greatest attention is paid to the mechanisms of spatial development of agricultural land use.
New draft Federal law "Land Management" Is full of flaws
Authors: Stafiychuk I.D. , Kutliyarov A.N. , Kutliyarov D.N. , Lukmanova A.D. , Khisamov R.R. , Galin Z.A.
Published: July 2021

The article considers a new version of the draft Federal Law "Land Management" finalized after consideration with the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography (Rosreestr) of the Department of Natural Resources, Land Relations and Agro-Industrial Complex of the Government of Russia and submitted on December 11, 2020 for approval in the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. The article contains critical remarks and proposals, and also underlines the necessity to take wide experience of our country into account.
Wild Shrimp Larvae Harvesting in the Coastal Zone of Bangladesh: Socio-economic Perspectives
Authors: AZAD A.K. , LIN C.K. , JENSEN K.R.
Published: July 2021

About 0.42 million people are involved in shrimp post larvae collection along the estuaries and coastline of the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. Shrimp fry collection from wild sources has assumed a notorious image for being ecologically destructive. In 2000, the Government of Bangladesh imposed regulation to stop shrimp seed collection to protect the fisheries resources. But thousands of people involved in post larvae collection are defying the ban. There is an apprehension that strict implementation of the banning ordinance may displace the people who depend upon the income from catching the larvae. To get the socioeconomic patterns of fry collection 72-85 collectors were interviewed weekly from three harvesting sites. This paper analyzes the larvae collection and distribution efficiency, livelihood strategy of fry collectors, user options for fisheries management and role of various stakeholders empirically. Results show that poverty, migration, credit systems and lack of coordination of service-providing agencies all have important influence on shrimp fry collection in the coastal zone. With an ever-increasing demand for sustainable use of coastal fisheries resources there is a need for consensus among the stakeholders. We propose alternative employment opportunities for fry collectors, community participation and integrated coastal zone management approach for the development of fisheries resources.
A Randomized Intervention to Assess the Effectiveness of an Educational Video on Organ Donation Intent
Authors: Molmenti Ernesto P. , Finuf Kayla D. , Patel Vidhi H. , Molmenti Christine L. , Thornton Daryl , Pekmezaris Renee
Published: July 2021

Key Points

Organ donation in the United States is characterized by major racial disparities that are especially prominent in large urban centers.

Our study provides unique insight into the causes of these disparities in New York City and potential ways to address and correct them.

Our study provides pathways to improve organ donation registration in a large heterogeneous areas to help correct inequities in health care.

Background

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an emotive educational video on organ donation intent in New York City. The secondary study objective was to determine if the educational video affected various factors associated with organ donation.

Methods

New York City residents were recruited via a crowdsourcing online platform and randomized to one of two groups, with exposure to viewing (1) an educational video before completing an 81 question survey on organ donation (“video first” condition) or (2) after completing the survey (“video last” condition). Logistic regression analysis compared organ donation intent (i.e., “how likely are you to become an organ donor”) between the two groups. Additional variables related to organ donation (e.g., religious beliefs, financial incentives) were also evaluated between the two groups. Analyses were adjusted for organ donation registration status.

Results

In total, 1905 participants were randomized. We observed a statistically significant increased odds of organ donation intent among those randomized to the video first condition compared with those randomized to the video last condition (odds ratio [OR], 1.70; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.29 to 2.24). Differences regarding both educational effect on nondonors and racial differences such that there was a decreased odds of organ donation intent among those who identified as Black compared with those who were White (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.92). Black participants were also more likely to report bodily integrity and differential treatment by doctors compared with White participants.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that future interventions to increase organ donation registration among ethnically diverse populations could be effective if sufficient information is presented before decision making to addresses potential concerns.
Programmable Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoarrows via Regioselective Adsorption
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zheng Liheng , Guo Fucheng , Fang Zheyu , Qi Limin
Published: July 2021

Programing the self-assembly of colloidal nanoparticles into predetermined superstructures represents an attractive strategy to realize functional assemblies and novel nanodevices, but it remains a challenge. Herein, gold nanoarrows (GNAs) showing a distinct convex-concave structure were employed as unique building blocks for programmable self-assembly involving multiple assembly modes. Regioselective adsorption of 1,10-decanedithiol on the vertexes, edges, and facets of GNAs allowed for programmable self-assembly of GNAs with five distinct assembly modes, and regioselective blocking with 1-dodecanethiol followed by adsorption of 1,10-decanedithiol gave rise to programmable self-assembly with six assembly modes including three novel wing-engaged modes. The assembly mode was essentially determined by regioselective adsorption of the dithiol linker dictated by the local curvature together with the shape complementarity of GNAs. This approach reveals how the geometric morphology of nanoparticles affects their regioselective functionalization and drives their self-assembly.
Rapid Progression of Pott’s Disease after Short Term Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Discontinuation for Regimen Adjustment: Case Report
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Ham Chang Hwa , Na Jung Hyun , Lee Seung Hoon , Moon Hong Joo , Kim Joo Han , Park Youn-Kwan , Kwon Woo-Keun
Published: July 2021

We present a case of spinal tuberculosis (TB) whom showed significant progression of imaging findings as well as neurologic deterioration after short term discontinuation of anti-tuberculosis medication. A 26-year-old man without any clinical past history of tuberculosis complained only back pain and subtle numbness at his leg. After proper diagnosis was made based on laboratory findings by biopsy, anti TB medication was started following the recommended guidelines. However, due to drug rash at the day of medication initiation, anti TB regimen were hold for a brief duration which was less than 3 days. After that, although we were adding on TB medications step by step the patient revisited our emergency room with sudden onset of incomplete paraplegia due to prominent progression of epidural abscess and cord compression. While the progression of spinal TB is known to be insidious and gradual in most cases, this patient presented both clinical and radiographic significant progression within 2 weeks. Anti-tuberculosis medication has key role in treatment of spinal tuberculosis just like any other tuberculosis. We suggest that when discontinuing anti TB medication in the active phase of disease, extra caution must be given.
Pulp: Research in Temporary, Biodegradable Structures
Authors:   Ryerson University, Davidson Stephanie
Published: July 2021

This paper documents in-progress design research in temporary, biodegradable structures. The experimental, thin-shell monocoque structures have been cast using a variety of cellulose-based materials, and represent a sampling of the outcome of a studio taught at three different architecture schools to date.
MONOSACCHARIDE DERIVATIVES: SYNTHESIS, ANTIMICROBIAL, PASS, ANTIVIRAL AND MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES AGAINST SARS-COV-2 MPRO INHIBITORS
Authors: YASMIN FARHANA , AMIN MOHAMMED R. , HOSEN MOHAMMED A. , BULBUL MOHAMMED Z. H. , DEY SUJAN , KAWSAR SARKAR M. A.
Published: July 2021

Several carbohydrate-based drugs are currently being used to treat a number of diseases in humans worldwide. Thus, our research group has focused on the synthesis of new methyl α-D-mannopyranoside (MDM) derivatives and their antimicrobial evaluation through computational studies. A series of MDM derivatives (2-6) were synthesized through facile regioselective acylation, using the direct method affording 6-O-(3-chlorobenzoyl) derivatives. This isolated 6-O-derivative was further transformed to 2,3,4-tri-O-acyl derivatives, bearing a wide variety of functionalities in a single molecular framework. The structures of the newly designed molecules were elucidated with the aid of IR, 1H NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The prediction of the activity spectra for the compounds (PASS) and their in vitro antimicrobial evaluation were performed, demonstrating them to be potential antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial tests demonstrated that the compounds 3 and 5 were the most potent with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, ranging from 0.312±0.01 to 1.25±0.03 mg/mL, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, ranging from 0.625±0.02 to 2.50±0.05 mg/mL. A quantum chemical study was performed to calculate the thermodynamic, molecular orbital and electrostatic potential properties of the designed compounds. Molecular docking simulation was carried out against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro protein 7BQY and 6Y84 to investigate their binding energy and binding tactics with the viral protein, and better binding affinity than that of the parent drug was observed. Also, pharmacokinetic prediction revealed an improved drug-likeness profile for all MDM derivatives.
GRAFTING METHOD OF FLUORINATED COMPOUNDS TO CELLULOSE AND CELLULOSE ACETATE: CHARACTERIZATION AND BIODEGRADATION STUDY
Authors: EZAHRA TABAGHT FATIMA , EL IDRISSI ABDERRAHMANE , AQIL MOHAMED , ELBACHIRI ALI , TAHANI ABDESLAM , MAAROUFI ABDELKARIM
Published: July 2021

Cellulose (Cell) and cellulose acetate (CA) are attractive durable materials; they can acquire various properties through modification in order to obtain valuable industrial products. First, a series of novel fluorinated cellulose carbamate and fluorinated CA carbamate have been synthesized. The introduction of fluoro-groups onto cellulose and CA chain backbone was achieved by the one-pot grafting method using diisocyanate as a coupling agent, which can be considered as a green procedure. The compounds prepared were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) measurements. The results obtained from these analytical techniques confirm that modification occurs successfully. Second, the solubility behavior and biodegradation process of these new fluorinated materials have been studied. The results show that these new materials exhibit better solubility compared to cellulose, but this solubility decreases compared to that of CA. The phenomenon of biodegradation was studied using two methods, the rate of biodegradability was determined. The results of this part show that the biodegradation of fluorinated materials decreases compared to that of the starting materials. These novel materials are biodegradable, can substitute currently used industrial non-biodegradable products and be promising agents for several uses, such as bioplastics, drug carriers, etc. A sustainable development and an increased use of green chemistry principles are among the essential objectives of this work.
SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF CHITIN/CLAY BIO-NANOCOMPOSITES
Authors: ÇANKAYA NEVIN
Published: July 2021

Chitin, which is composed of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) units linked by β-(1,4) linkage, makes up the cell walls of fungi, the exoskeletons of arthropods, such as crustaceans (e.g., crabs, lobsters and shrimps) and insects, the radulae of mollusks, and the beaks of cephalopods, including squid and octopuses. Both chitin and clay are sustainable materials, as they are low cost, biodegradable and readily available. That is why, in this study, sodium montmorillonite (CNa) nanoclay and 1-140 (C15A) organo-nanoclay were used as nanofiller support in the preparation of chitin/clay bio-nanocomposites. Trichloroacetic acid was used to dissolve the chitin and to disperse the clay in the chitin solution. Chitin/CNa and chitin/C15A bio-nanocomposites were synthesized by the solution-induced intercalation method. The effect of the nanofiller on the bio-nanocomposite was investigated by varying the loading rates as follows: 1, 3 and 5% by weight. The composites were characterized by FT-IR, XRD and SEM methods. The XRD patterns and SEM images showed that the clay dispersion in the chitin biopolymer matrix presented an exfoliated structure. It was noted that neither the nanoclay nor the organo-nanoclay used in the synthesis of the bio-composites affected the formation of the exfoliated structure. This result can be attributed to the use of a low amount of clay. These newly synthesized bio-composites, which are environmentally friendly and sustainable, can find application in many different areas in the future.
OPTIMIZATION OF DITHIONITE BLEACHING OF HIGH YIELD BAGASSE PULP
Authors: EL-SAKHAWY MOHAMED , ABD EL-KADER AMAL H. , FAHMY TAMER Y. A. , ABD EL-SAYED ESSAM S. , KASSEM NESRINE F.
Published: July 2021

Non-wood raw materials are an essential fiber source in regions where forest resources are limited. Therefore, chemi-mechanical high-yield bagasse pulp was prepared and then bleached with a dithionite bleaching agent. One- and two-stage bleaching of the pulp was carried out by using sodium dithionite (Y) as a sole bleaching agent, or after bleaching with hydrogen peroxide to achieve high brightness for the prepared pulp. Different parameters, such as consistency, concentration, temperature, time and pH were investigated. The effect of various additives, such as diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) as chelating agent or Zn compounds and hexamethylenetetramine to stabilize the bleaching solution, was studied. The effect of dissolved oxygen in liquor was also considered.
EXTRACTION OF BAMBOO SHOOT SHELL FIBERS BY THE ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED ALKALI-OXYGEN BATH METHOD
Authors: YANG YINZHI , ZHU MENGTING , FAN FANGWEI , FANG KAIYANG , XIE JINPENG , DENG ZHONGMIN , CAO XINWANG
Published: July 2021

Herein, bamboo shoot shell fibers were extracted by the ultrasound-assisted alkali-oxygen bath method. The effects of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide dosage, temperature and treating time on degumming properties were discussed. Taking the degumming rate as the index, the optimum technological parameters of alkali oxygen bath degumming were obtained by orthogonal experiments as follows: scouring temperature was 95 °C, alkali boiling time of 120 minutes, sodium hydroxide dosage of 20 g/L, hydrogen peroxide dosage of 24 mL/L, and the corresponding degumming rate was 70.07%. The structure of bamboo shoot shell fibers was examined by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that pectin, lignin and hemicelluloses were effectively removed from bamboo shoot shell fibers after degumming.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Klebsiella And Enterobacter Species Recovered in Sunflower Seed Agar from Cases Resembling Respiratory Cryptococcosis
Authors: Emele Felix Emele , Daramola Kehinde Caleb , Anyabolu Arthur Ebelenna
Published: July 2021

Respiratory cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus species can present with symptoms indistinguishable from bacterial or viral etiology. Cryptococcus species produce typical colonial features on Sunflower Seed Agar (SSA), which aids in rapid diagnoses of cryptococcosis. In studying respiratory cryptococcosis, we observed bacterial growths on SSA that resembled Cryptococcus species in colonial characteristics. This study aimed at identifying and characterizing those bacterial isolates for documentation. Sputum samples were collected from 201 patients with symptoms suggestive of respiratory cryptococcosis. The samples were inoculated onto SSA, incubated at 37oC for two weeks. Suspected colonies were further evaluated. Of the samples, none yielded Cryptococcus species, although a total of twenty Cryptococcus-resembling bacterial colonies were encountered and isolated. Eight of the isolates could not amplify by PCR techniques. The other twelve were identified as follows: Klebsiella pneumonia (8 or 67%), Klebsiella ozaneae (3 or 25%), and Enterobacter ludwigii (1 or 8%). All isolates were susceptible to Ertapenem, Meropenem, and Fosfomycin but resistant to ampicillin. Results show that Klebsiella and Enterobacter pneumonia-like illnesses can be misidentified as cryptococcosis using SSA.  Reliance on microscopic rather than macroscopic, colonial features on SSA will prevent misdiagnosis.
INTEGRATION OF THE EU AND EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION - THE CONDITION OF GLOBAL STABILITY
Authors: SAMADASHVILI USHANGI
Published: July 2021

The historical fact is that a large-scale trade war led the United States to a “great depression” in the thirties of the last century. History also shows that when the trade between strategic countries is resolved, war begins. Given this, one of the most important conditions for global stability is the integration of the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union. Until recently, relations between the EU and Russia were short-lived. The relationship between the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union as an alternative should be based on equality and long-term consequences. The aim of the article is to contribute to the normalization and further development of the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union, which, in our view, will eventually complete a comprehensive integration agreement
and will have a solid foundation for global stability.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT DIFFICULTIES IN GEORGIA UNDER THE MODERN GLOBALIZATION TERMS
Authors: TSARTSIDZE MURMAN
Published: July 2021

Unfortunately, in the epoch of modern globalization, the main priority of the country is still the unemployment and the poverty overcoming. In such situation it is clear, that the
economic development and the significant improvement of the population’s living standards cannot be achieved without human resources development, effective use of the labor potential, formation of civilized labor market and organization of the professional educational system according to the modern standards. The latter should favor the development of the main state strategy task – labor force oriented to the labor
market demands and accordingly, the human capital development, significant increase of the competitiveness in the local and international markets. Proceeding from the actuality of the issue, in the work the role of education, especially the professional education, as the social-cultural phenomena is considered. The main problems
and challenges of the field are studied. We have documented that in the terms of modern globalization the level, quality of functioning of the professional educational system and its correct orientation towards the labor market demands to determine the human capital development in the country, labor market potential their quality perfection and their use prospective.
STUDY OF FACTORS AFFECTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION IN GEORGIA
Authors: KVIRKVAIA MURTAZ , KIKUTADZE VASIL , SIKHARULIDZE DAVID , SHABURISHVILI SHOTA , CHARAIA VAKHTANG
Published: July 2021

The correct professional orientation is related to the problems of the society, which are quite difficult to solve. These problems include high rate of unemployment, low labor
productivity, career advancement opportunities, etc. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper is to study the factors which affect the professional orientation of young people in Georgia and to determine how much they affect the decision about professional orientation. Graduate students of Georgian secondary schools participated in the present research. With the help of a special questionnaire, the schoolchildren have expressed their opinions and assessments regarding the factors affecting their professional choices.
Research showed that professional orientation of the most people participating in the research is affected by the following factors: the prestige of a profession, future employment opportunities, the estimated level of income by profession, personal interests and direct relation of family members with the profession. The choice of profession by young people is largely influenced by their parents, while schools fail to provide proper assistance regarding professional orientation. For ensuring representativeness of the research results, the research limitations were identified. In particular, public and private, regional and central secondary education institutions of Georgia involved in the research were previously determined by territorial and ownership forms. The research was conducted based on a structured survey format through preliminary developed questionnaires. The questionnaire was completely filled out by 712 respondents from all around Georgia. In our opinion, taking the current limitations into consideration ensures representativeness of the research results.
Identification of the factors affecting professional orientation in Georgia provides possibility to consider these factors while planning the activities of proper professional orientation.