bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single and Multi-Objective Optimization of a Three-Dimensional Unbalanced Split-and-Recombine Micromixer
Authors: Raza Wasim , Ma Sang-Bum , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: October 2019

The three-dimensional geometry of a micromixer with an asymmetrical split-and-recombine mechanism was optimized to enhance the fluid-mixing capability at a Reynolds number of 20. Single and multi-objective optimizations were carried out by using particle swarm optimization and a genetic algorithm on a modeled surrogate surface. Surrogate modeling was performed using the computational results for the mixing. Mixing and flow analyses were carried out by solving the convection–diffusion equation in combination with the three-dimensional continuity and momentum equations. The optimization was carried out with two design variables related to dimensionless geometric parameters. The mixing effectiveness was chosen as the objective function for the single-objective optimization, and the pressure drop and mixing index at the outlet were chosen for the multi-objective optimization. The sampling points in the design space were determined using a design of experiment technique called Latin hypercube sampling. The surrogates for the objective functions were developed using a Kriging model. The single-objective optimization resulted in 58.9% enhancement of the mixing effectiveness compared to the reference design. The multi-objective optimization provided Pareto-optimal solutions that showed a maximum increase of 48.5% in the mixing index and a maximum decrease of 55.0% in the pressure drop in comparison to the reference design.
Research on the Cascade-Connected Transducer with Multi-Segment Used in the Acoustic Telemetry System while Drilling
Authors: Teng Duo
Published: October 2019

The electroacoustic transducer with the performances of low frequency, small size, and high power is desired in the application of the acoustic telemetry system while drilling. In order to fulfill the severe requirements, a novel cascade-connected transducer with multi-segment is developed. The essential framework of such a transducer is to add the cross-beams in the multi-segment cascade-connected arrangement, based on the fundamental configuration of the longitudinal transducer. The flexural vibrations of cross-beams help the transducer to present the appropriate coupling between longitudinal and flexural vibrations, which provide many benefits in keeping the advantages of the longitudinal transducer and lowering the resonance frequency. It is the finite element method to be used for simulating the mode shapes of the cascade-connected transducer, especially the behavior of the cross-beams, and some performances of transducer are also predicted. Several prototypes of cascade-connected transducers with different segments are manufactured. Their related tests show a good agreement with the finite element simulations and analyses. Their characteristics of low frequency, small size, light weight, and high power are attractive for the transmitting or receiving application in the acoustic telemetry system while drilling.
Study on Antibacterial and Quorum-Sensing Inhibition Activities of Cinnamomum camphora Leaf Essential Oil
Authors: Wang Wenting , Li Dongxiang , Huang Xiaoqin , Yang Huixiang , Qiu Ziwen , Zou Liting , Liang Qin , Shi Yu , Wu Yingxiang , Wu Shaohua , Yang Chao , Li Yongyu
Published: October 2019

Many essential oils (EOs) regulate the quorum-sensing (QS) system of pathogens and inhibit the virulence expression. Interference with QS can potentially reduce bacterial multidrug resistance and aid the biological control of bacterial disease. In the present work, the antibacterial and anti-QS activities of Cinnamomum camphora leaf EO were investigated. A total of 23 chemical components with relative levels ≥0.11%, including a large number of terpene compounds, were identified in C. camphora leaf EO by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The principal component was linalool, followed by eucalyptol, with relative levels of 51.57% and 22.07%, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and antibacterial activity of C. camphora EO were examined, and P. aeruginosa and E. coli ATCC25922 showed the highest and lowest sensitivity to C. camphora EO, respectively. Tests of QS inhibitory activity revealed that C. camphora EO significantly decreased the production of violacein and biofilm biomass in C. violaceum, with the maximum inhibition rates of 63% and 77.64%, respectively, and inhibited the biofilm formation and swarming movement, independent of affecting the growth of C. violaceum. Addition of C. camphora EO also resulted in downregulation of the expression of the acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) synthesis gene (cviI) and transcription regulator (cviR), and inhibited the expression of QS-regulated virulence genes, including vioA, vioB, vioC, vioD, vioE, lasA, lasB, pilE3, and hmsHNFR. Collectively, the prominent antibacterial activity and anti-QS activities clearly support that C. camphora EO acts as a potential antibacterial agent and QS inhibitor in the prevention of bacterial contamination.
Evaluation of a Technological Image-Based Dietary Assessment Tool for Children during Pubertal Growth: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Jiao-Syuan , Hsieh Rong-Hong , Tung Yu-Tang , Chen Yue-Hwa , Yang Chen , Chen Yang Ching
Published: October 2019

We designed an image-based dietary assessment tool called COFIT, which means “fit together” and pilot-tested it in the Taipei Puberty Longitudinal Study (TPLS). Children aged 6–17 years were invited to use COFIT over three days for recording all instances of eating in addition to maintaining written food records (FR). Spearman’s correlation and Bland–Altman analysis were used to compare the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients estimated using the image-based dietary assessment and the FR method. Intra-class correlation coefficients were used to estimate reliability between dietitians. In the final analysis, 23 children (mean age: 10.47 ± 0.47 years) with complete data obtained using two dietary assessment methods were included. Reliability among dietitians was high. Most assessments of macronutrients and micronutrients revealed moderate correlations between the two methods (range: 0.27–0.94); moreover, no significant differences in nutrients assessments were observed between the two methods, except for energy and fat. The average difference in energy intake between the methods was 194 kcal/day. Most limits of agreement were within an acceptable range. The Bland–Altman plots showed robust agreement with minimum bias. The limitation was the small sample size and not dividing the population into children and teenagers since the two groups may have different food consumption habits. Overall, the results showed that the image-based assessment tool is suitable for assessing children’s dietary intake of macronutrients and micronutrients during pubertal growth.
Effect of the Combination of Creatine Monohydrate Plus HMB Supplementation on Sports Performance, Body Composition, Markers of Muscle Damage and Hormone Status: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fernández-Landa Julen , Calleja-González Julio , León-Guereño Patxi , Caballero-García Alberto , Córdova Alfredo , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan
Published: October 2019

Although there are many studies showing the isolated effect of creatine monohydrate (CrM) and β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB), it is not clear what effect they have when they are combined. The main purpose of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of mixing CrM plus HMB in comparison with their isolated effects on sports performance, body composition, exercise induced markers of muscle damage, and anabolic-catabolic hormones. This systematic review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement guidelines and the PICOS model, for the definition of the inclusion criteria. Studies were found by searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus electronic databases from inception to July 3rd 2019. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed by two authors independently, and disagreements were resolved by third-party evaluation, in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines samples. The literature was examined regarding the effects of the combination of CrM plus HMB on sport performance using several outcome variables (athletic performance, body composition, markers of muscle damage, and hormone status). This systematic review included six articles that investigated the effects of CrM plus HMB on sport performance (two on strength performance, showing improvements in one of them; three on anaerobic performance, presenting enhancements in two of them; and one on aerobic performance, not presenting improvements), body composition (three on body mass, showing improvements in one of them; two on fat free mass, presenting increases in one of them; and two on fat mass, showing decreases in one of them) and markers of muscle damage and hormone status (four on markers of muscle damage and one on anabolic-catabolic hormones, not showing benefits in any of them). In summary, the combination of 3–10 g/day of CrM plus 3 g/day of HMB for 1–6 weeks could produce potential positive effects on sport performance (strength and anaerobic performance) and for 4 weeks on body composition (increasing fat free mass and decreasing fat mass). However, this combination seems to not show positive effects relating to markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and anabolic-catabolic hormones.
Decrease in Serum Vitamin D Level of Older Patients with Fatigue
Authors: Pennisi Manuela , Malaguarnera Giulia , Di Bartolo Giuseppe , Lanza Giuseppe , Bella Rita , Chisari Eleonora Margherita , Cauli Omar , Vicari Enzo , Malaguarnera Michele
Published: October 2019

Fatigue is characterized by reduced energy level, decreased muscle strength, and a variable degree of cognitive impairment. Recent evidences seem to link vitamin D deficiency to fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess and compare vitamin D status in a cohort of older subjects with and without fatigue. We recruited a total of 480 subjects, 240 patients with fatigue and 240 controls without fatigue, from the Cannizzaro Hospital of Catania (Italy). Fatigue severity was measured by the fatigue severity scale, whereas mental and physical fatigue were measured through the Wessely and Powell fatigue scale, respectively. We also measured several blood parameters and 25-OH vitamin D. Subjects with fatigue showed lower levels of vitamin D as compared with those without fatigue. Blood levels of parameters related to fatigue were normal in both groups of subjects, however, platelet, hemoglobin, hematocrit (p < 0.05), mean corpuscular volume, C-reactive protein (CRP), iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the fatigue group with respect to the control group. Moreover, compared to controls, patients showed higher scores in the physical (p < 0.001), mental (p < 0.001), and severity (p < 0.001) fatigue scales. Finally, vitamin D inversely correlated with fatigue severity (r = −0.428, p < 0.01), whereas creatine kinase and CRP levels did not correlate with vitamin D. In conclusion, our data showed a direct link between vitamin D and fatigue in older subjects, suggesting translational implications in the diagnosis and management of these patients.
Increasing Energy Flux to Maintain Diet-Induced Weight Loss
Authors: Melby Christopher L. , Paris Hunter L. , Sayer R. Drew , Bell Christopher , Hill James O.
Published: October 2019

Long-term maintenance of weight loss requires sustained energy balance at the reduced body weight. This could be attained by coupling low total daily energy intake (TDEI) with low total daily energy expenditure (TDEE; low energy flux), or by pairing high TDEI with high TDEE (high energy flux). Within an environment characterized by high energy dense food and a lack of need for movement, it may be particularly difficult for weight-reduced individuals to maintain energy balance in a low flux state. Most of these individuals will increase body mass due to an inability to sustain the necessary level of food restriction. This increase in TDEI may lead to the re-establishment of high energy flux at or near the original body weight. We propose that following weight loss, increasing physical activity can effectively re-establish a state of high energy flux without significant weight regain. Although the effect of extremely high levels of physical activity on TDEE may be constrained by compensatory reductions in non-activity energy expenditure, moderate increases following weight loss may elevate energy flux and encourage physiological adaptations favorable to weight loss maintenance, including better appetite regulation. It may be time to recognize that few individuals are able to re-establish energy balance at a lower body weight without permanent increases in physical activity. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for more research to better understand the role of energy flux in long-term weight maintenance.
Water Extract of Curcuma longa L. Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Mun Jeongeun , Kim Shintae , Yoon Ho-Geun , You Yanghee , Kim Ok-Kyung , Choi Kyung-Chul , Lee Yoo-Hyun , Lee Jeongmin , Park Jeongjin , Jun Woojin
Published: October 2019

Our aim was to investigate whether hot water extract (CLW) of Curcuma longa L. could prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). HepG2 cells were treated with free fatty acid (FFA) mixture (oleic acid: palmitic acid, 2:1) for 24 h to stimulate in vitro fatty liver. In addition, C57BL/6 mice were fed 60 kcal% high-fat (HF) diet for eight weeks to induce fatty liver in vivo. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) productions were increased by FFA and HF-diet, but supplementation with CLW significantly decreased these levels. CLW treatment ameliorated antioxidant activities that were suppressed by exposure to the FFA and HF-diet. Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and fatty acid transport proteins (FATP2 and FATP5) were increased in HF-diet groups, while CLW suppressed their expression levels. Moreover, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression levels were down-regulated in the CLW groups compared to HF-diet groups. On the other hand, 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) expressions were up-regulated in the CLW groups. HF-diet fed mice showed high hepatic triglycerides (TG) content compared to the normal diet mice. However, the administration of CLW restored the hepatic TG level, indicating an inhibitory effect against lipid accumulation by CLW. These results suggest that CLW could be a potentially useful agent for the prevention of NAFLD through modulating fatty acid uptake.
Gene Influence in the Effectiveness of Plant Sterols Treatment in Children: Pilot Interventional Study
Authors: San Mauro Martín Ismael , Garicano Vilar Elena , Sanz Rojo Sara , Collado Yurrita Luis , Pérez Arruche Eva , Arce Delgado Esperanza , Blumenfeld Olivares Javier Andrés
Published: October 2019

Cardiovascular disease is linked to high serum low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels. Cardiovascular risk may be indirectly influenced by genetic load. Serum LDL-cholesterol levels may be reduced by the consumption of food enriched with plant sterols (PS). The aim was to test a plant sterol treatment on cholesterol levels according to different genetic polymorphisms. A pilot interventional trial was performed in 26 children (n = 16 girls, n = 10 boys). Seven hundred milliliters/day of commercial skimmed milk with added plant sterols delivering 2.2 g plant sterols were ingested for three weeks. Blood draws were performed at the baseline and end of the study. Significant modifications of non-high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (p = 0.010; p = 0.013) and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.004; p = 0.013) levels appeared in the genes LIPC C-514T and PPAR-α L162V carriers. No statistically significant differences were observed for other genes. LIPC C-514T and PPAR-alpha L162V carriers could benefit from a plant sterol supplement to ameliorate hypercholesterolemia.
The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on its Metabolism and the Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio
Authors: Francic Vito , Ursem Stan R. , Dirks Niek F. , Keppel Martin H. , Theiler-Schwetz Verena , Trummer Christian , Pandis Marlene , Borzan Valentin , Grübler Martin R. , Verheyen Nicolas D. , März Winfried , Tomaschitz Andreas , Pilz Stefan , Heijboer Annemieke C. , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara
Published: October 2019

25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is commonly measured to assess vitamin D status. Other vitamin D metabolites such as 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D) provide additional insights into vitamin D status or metabolism. Earlier studies suggested that the vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR), calculated as 24,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D, could predict the 25(OH)D increase after vitamin D supplementation. However, the evidence for this additional value is inconclusive. Therefore, our aim was to assess whether the increase in 25(OH)D after supplementation was predicted by the VMR better than baseline 25(OH)D. Plasma samples of 106 individuals (25(OH)D < 75 nmol/L) with hypertension who completed the Styrian Vitamin D Hypertension Trial (NC.T.02136771) were analyzed. Participants received vitamin D (2800 IU daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. The treatment effect (ANCOVA) for 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3 and the VMR was 32 nmol/L, 3.3 nmol/L and 0.015 (all p < 0.001), respectively. Baseline 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 predicted the change in 25(OH)D3 with comparable strength and magnitude. Correlation and regression analysis showed that the VMR did not predict the change in 25(OH)D3. Therefore, our data do not support routine measurement of 24,25(OH)2D3 in order to individually optimize the dosage of vitamin D supplementation. Our data also suggest that activity of 24-hydroxylase increases after vitamin D supplementation.
Neural Predictors of the Antidepressant Placebo Response
Authors: Rette Danielle , McDonald Erin , Iosifescu Dan V. , Collins Katherine A.
Published: October 2019

The antidepressant placebo response remains a barrier to the development of novel therapies for depression, despite decades of efforts to identify and methodologically address its clinical correlates. This manuscript reviews recent neuroimaging studies that aim to identify the neural signature of antidepressant placebo response. Data captured in clinical trials have primarily focused on antidepressant efficacy or predicting antidepressant response and have reliably implicated the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) in antidepressant placebo response, but also in medication response. Imaging and electroencephalography (EEG) experiments specifically interrogating the mechanism of antidepressant placebo response, while few, suggest the reward network, including opiate neurotransmission, is also involved. Therefore, while the rACC is likely involved in the antidepressant placebo response, its observation in isolation is unlikely to prospectively distinguish antidepressant placebo from medication responders. Instead, future studies of antidepressant placebo response should probe the reward network as a whole and incorporate sophisticated computational analytical approaches.
Comparative Evaluation of Solubility, Cytotoxicity and Photostability Studies of Resveratrol and Oxyresveratrol Loaded Nanosponges
Authors: Dhakar Nilesh Kumar , Matencio Adrián , Caldera Fabrizio , Argenziano Monica , Cavalli Roberta , Dianzani Chiara , Zanetti Marco , López-Nicolás José Manuel , Trotta Francesco
Published: October 2019

Resveratrol and oxyresveratrol are natural polyphenolic stilbenes with several important pharmacological activities. However, low solubility and aqueous instability are the major limitations in their drug delivery applications. In the present work, we demonstrated the encapsulation of resveratrol and oxyresveratrol with nanosponge to improve solubility and stability. Several characterization techniques were used to confirm the encapsulation of both drug molecules within the nanosponges. The high encapsulation efficiency of resveratrol (77.73%) and oxyresveratrol (80.33%) was achieved within the nanosponges. Transmission electron microscopy suggested uniform spherical size particles of resveratrol and oxyresveratrol loaded nanosponges. Compared to free drugs, better protection against UV degradation was observed for resveratrol-loaded nanosponge (2-fold) and oxyresveratrol-loaded nanosponge (3-fold). Moreover, a higher solubilization of resveratrol- and oxyresveratrol-loaded nanosponges lead to a better antioxidant activity compared to drug molecules alone. Cytotoxicity studies against DU-145 prostate cancer cell lines further suggested improved activity of both resveratrol and oxyresveratrol-loaded nanosponges without any significant toxicity of blank nanosponges.
Multi-Responsive Nanocarriers Based on β-CD-PNIPAM Star Polymer Coated MSN-SS-Fc Composite Particles
Authors: Guo Feng , Li Guiying , Ma Songmei , Zhou Hengquan , Chen Xinyi
Published: October 2019

A temperature, glutathione (GSH), and H2O2 multi-responsive composite nanocarrier (MSN-SS-Fc@β-CD-PNIPAM) based on β-cyclodextrin-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (β-CD-PNIPAM) star polymer capped ferrocene modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-SS-Fc) was successfully prepared. The surface of the mesoporous silica was first modified by ferrocene (Fc) via a disulfide bond (–SS–) to form an oxidizing and reducing site and then complexed with a β-CD-PNIPAM star shaped polymer through host–guest interactions as a nano-valve to provide temperature responsive characteristics. The structure and properties of the complex nanoparticles were studied by FTIR, TGA, EDS, Zeta potential, and elemental analysis. Doxorubicin (DOX) and Naproxen (NAP), as model drugs, were loaded into nanocarriers to assess drug loading and release behaviour. The release of drugs from nanocarriers was enhanced with an increase of the GSH, H2O2 concentration, or temperatures of the solution. The kinetics of the release process were studied using different models. This nanocarrier presents successful multi-stimuli responsive drug delivery in optimal stimuli and provides potential applications for clinical treatment.
Organic Zinc Salts as Pro-Ecological Activators for Sulfur Vulcanization of Styrene–Butadiene Rubber
Authors: Maciejewska Magdalena , Sowińska Anna , Kucharska Judyta
Published: October 2019

Organic zinc salts and complexes were applied as activators for sulfur vulcanization of styrene–butadiene elastomer (SBR) in order to reduce the content of zinc ions in rubber compounds as compared with conventionally used zinc oxide. In this article, the effects of different organic zinc activators on the curing characteristics, crosslink densities, and mechanical properties of SBR as well as the aging resistance and thermal behavior of vulcanizates are discussed. Organic zinc salts seem to be good substitutes for zinc oxide as activators for sulfur vulcanization of SBR rubber, without detrimental effects to the vulcanization time and temperature. Moreover, vulcanizates containing organic zinc salts exhibit higher tensile strength and better damping properties than vulcanizate crosslinked with zinc oxide. The application of organic zinc activators allows the amount of zinc ions in SBR compounds to be reduced by 70–90 wt % compared to vulcanizate with zinc oxide. This is very important for ecological reasons, since zinc oxide is classified as being toxic to aquatic species.
Tailoring Cod Gelatin Structure and Physical Properties with Acid and Alkaline Extraction
Authors: Derkach Svetlana R. , Kuchina Yuliya A. , Baryshnikov Andrey V. , Kolotova Daria S. , Voron’ko Nikolay G.
Published: October 2019

Gelatin (G) was extracted from the skin of Atlantic cod at different pH of the aqueous phase (pH 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9) and at a temperature of 50 ± 1 °C. The yield of gelatin (G3, G4, G5, G8, and G9, respectively) was 49–55% of the dry raw material. The influence of extraction pH on the physicochemical and functional properties of gelatin was studied. Sample G5 was characterized by higher protein content (92.8%) while lower protein content was obtained for sample G3 (86.5%) extracted under more aggressive conditions. Analysis of the molecular weight distribution showed the presence of α- and β-chains as major components; the molecular weight of the samples ranged between 130 and 150 kDa, with sample G5 having the highest molecular weight. IR spectra of all samples had absorption bands characteristic of fish gelatin. The study of the secondary structure demonstrated higher amounts of ordered triple collagen-like helices for G5 extracted under mild conditions. Accordingly, sample G5 formed gels with high values for the storage modulus and gelling and melting temperatures, which decrease as pH changes into acidic or alkaline regions. In addition, the differential scanning calorimetry data showed that G5 had a higher glass transition temperature and melting enthalpy. Thus, cod skin is an excellent source of gelatin with the necessary physicochemical and functional properties, depending on the appropriate choice of aqueous phase pH for the extraction.
Challenges of Industry 4.0 Technology Adoption for SMEs: The Case of Japan
Authors: Prause Martin
Published: October 2019

In the light of several national advanced manufacturing strategies such as Industry 4.0 in Germany or the Made in China 2025 initiative in China, this article examines the challenges of Industry 4.0 adoption of Japanese small and medium-sized manufacturing firms. A technology adoption model for Industry 4.0 is developed and empirically tested with 38 manufacturing companies. The results yield that the market uncertainty of the firm’s business is a significant driver for adoption in the short, medium, and long-term. Relative competitive advantage matters in the short term and top management support in the long-term. No support has been identified concerning advanced manufacturing complexity and market transparency of Industry 4.0 solutions.
Ambidexterity, Alliances and Environmental Management System Adoption in Spanish Hotels
Authors: Boronat-Navarro Montserrat , García-Joerger Alexandra
Published: October 2019

Competitiveness in the hotel sector and its effect on the environment involves integrating environmental issues in hotel management. Current environmental challenges often require firms to cope with contradictory processes. Ambidexterity is a firm’s capability to deal with conflicting demands and could be helpful in increasing a firm’s environmental management system (EMS) adoption. Furthermore, given the complexity of technological advances, environmental requirements demand inter-firm collaboration. The aim of this study is to further an understanding of how hotels can increase EMS adoption by providing a framework of the contributing effect of alliances and ambidexterity. Results from tests using logistic regression and bootstrapping techniques on a sample of 306 Spanish hotels confirm the importance of ambidexterity because of its positive and direct effect on EMS adoption, and because of the mediating effect, which helps transform the benefits of firms’ participation in strategic alliances into their adoption of EMS. This study contributes to the literature on ambidexterity by highlighting the importance for firms to develop this capability. It also contributes to a better understanding of the drivers of EMS adoption, introducing the integrated effect of hotel participation in alliances and ambidexterity. Hotel managers should endeavor to develop ambidexterity capability to facilitate EMS adoption.
Education for Sustainable Development: A Study in Adolescent Perception Changes Towards Sustainability Following a Strategic Planning-Based Intervention—The Young Persons’ Plan for the Planet Program
Authors: Ian Chambers , John Roberts , Suzy Urbaniak , David Gibson , Graham Durant , Bobby Cerini , Aman Maulloo , Bhamini Kamudu Applasawmy , Rees Barrett , Charles Nelson , Heather Robson , Kamaljit Sangha , Jeremy Russell-Smith , Kim Flintoff , Joel Buchholz , Mark Stafford Smith , James Gordon Iain
Published: October 2019

In 2016, the United Nations (UN) launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for sustainable development and a sustainable future. However, the global challenge has been to engage, connect, and empower communities, particularly young people, to both understand and deliver the 17 SDGs. In this study, we show the benefit of a strategic planning-based experiential learning tool, the Young Persons’ Plan for the Planet (YPPP) Program, to improve the underlying competencies of Australian and Mauritian adolescents in increasing understanding and delivering the SDGs. The study was conducted with 300 middle to senior high school students, in 25 schools throughout Australia and Mauritius, over an 18-month period. The intervention included the development of research, strategic planning, management, STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, Maths) and global competency skills in the students, to enable them to build and deliver regional and national SDG plans. Research methods included pre- and post-intervention testing of the attitudes of these students to sustainable development outcomes and compared these attitudes to subsets of scientists and the Australian national population. Our results, from both qualitative and quantitative evidence, demonstrate significant improvements in these adolescents’ appreciation of, and attitudes towards, the SDGs and sustainable outcomes, across a range of key parameters. The results from the 76 students who attended the International Conference in Mauritius in December 2018 demonstrate significant improvements in mean levels of understanding, and attitudes of the students towards the SDGs awareness (+85%), understanding/engagement (+75%), motivation (+57%), and action orientation/empowerment (+66%). These changes were tested across a range of socio-demographic, geographic, and cultural parameters, with consistent results. These findings have significant implications for the challenge of sustainable education and achieving community engagement and action towards the SDGs in Australia and Mauritius, particularly for young people. As the intervention can be replicated and scaled, the findings also highlight the opportunity to extend both the research and this type of experiential learning intervention across both broader geographies and other generation and community segments.
The Impact of Environmental Administrative Penalties on the Disclosure of Environmental Information
Authors: Ding Xiangan , Qu Ying , Shahzad Mohsin
Published: October 2019

Stakeholders often have a significant interest in the disclosure of information by companies that have received environmental penalties. This study examines how environmental administrative penalties influence companies’ environmental disclosures. Using a sample of 316 manufacturing companies across three years in China, the regression results indicate that the level of voluntary environmental information disclosure (EID) is significantly positively affected by environmental penalties. For companies in heavily polluting industries, environmental penalties decrease their involuntary EID. Environmental penalties also reduce the quality of environmental information, which is mainly reflected in the weakening of the integrity, comprehensibility, and relevance of environmental information in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports or environmental reports. These findings help us to understand the sustainability of corporate environmental responsibility in the context of environmental administrative penalties.
Increasing Landscape Appreciation through the Landscape Services Approach. A Case Study from Switzerland
Authors: Keller Roger , Clivaz Mélanie , Reynard Emmanuel , Backhaus Norman
Published: October 2019

Switzerland uses various instruments to protect and maintain its natural resources and the environment. The federal inventory “Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance” documents 19 percent of Switzerland’s land surface. It aims for the permanent preservation or greatest possible protection of these environments. This inventory’s records of impact (knowledge by the population) and acceptance (in particular by local authorities) would benefit from improvements. Based on expert interviews and observations in five pilot regions, this study highlights the obstacles and possible solutions to the goal of increasing appreciation of landscapes of national importance. The study develops recommendations for action for different stakeholders (the federal state, cantons, local authorities, NGOs and associations, economic actors) in three areas: (i) communication, information, and dialogue, (ii) cooperation between stakeholders, and (iii) support from federal and cantonal agencies.
Embedding Sustainability Competences into Engineering Education. The Case of Informatics Engineering and Industrial Engineering Degree Programs at Spanish Universities
Authors: Miñano Rubio Rafael , Uribe Diego , Moreno-Romero Ana , Yáñez Susana
Published: October 2019

The incorporation of sustainability in universities finds the greatest barriers in the field of teaching. The curricula do not usually cover all dimensions of sustainability as most of the experiences are isolated and they do not reach all students. Within a larger study, an exploratory investigation has been carried out on how sustainability competences are being integrated into the programs of both Informatics Engineering and Industrial Engineering degrees of 25 Spanish universities. The main findings suggest that existing courses in the domain of the humanities and engineering projects, as well as the final degree project, are very appropriate areas for developing a holistic and reflective approach. Likewise, there is a lack of environmental issues in Informatics Engineering, and ethical issues do not usually appear in Industrial Engineering courses. In general, there is no systematic and strategic integration along the degree programs. However, inspiring practices have been identified to propose lines of action and a curriculum model to embed sustainability into engineering education coherently and effectively. In addition, some reflections on drivers, opportunities, and challenges to achieve it are presented.
Lie Symmetries, Conservation Laws and Exact Solutions for Jaulent-Miodek Equations
Authors: Pei Jian-Ting , Bai Yu-Shan
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the Lie symmetries of the Jaulent-Miodek (JM) equations are calculated and one dimensional optimal systems of Lie algebra are obtained. Furthermore, the conservation laws are constructed by using the adjoint equation method. Finally, the exact solutions of the equations are obtained by the conservation laws.
Plasma Levels of Oxidative Stress Markers, before and after BoNT/A Treatment, in Chronic Migraine
Authors: Dini Elisa , Mazzucchi Sonia , De Luca Ciro , Cafalli Martina , Chico Lucia , Lo Gerfo Annalisa , Siciliano Gabriele , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Baldacci Filippo , Gori Sara
Published: October 2019

The pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine transformation are debated. Modifications of plasma oxidative stress biomarkers have been described in chronic migraine. OnabotulintoxinA (BoNT/A) treatment, approved for chronic migraine prophylaxis, possibly reduces pain neurotransmitters release and oxidative stress products. Aims of our study were to investigate differences in the levels of selected plasmatic oxidative stress biomarkers (Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Thiolic Groups (SH)) comparing chronic migraineurs (CM) and healthy controls (HC). We also explored possible clinical and biochemical modifications in the CM group after six months of treatment with BoNT/A. At the baseline, we found higher values of AOPP (p < 0.001), and lower values of SH (p < 0.001) and FRAP (p = 0.005) in the CM group. At the six-month follow-up we found a reduction of AOPP (p < 0.001) and an increase of FRAP (p < 0.001) and SH (p = 0.023) within the CM group. BoNT/A treatment improved migraine symptoms in the CM group. We confirmed previous reports of imbalanced antioxidant mechanisms in chronic migraine showing lower antioxidant capacities in patients than controls. BoNT/A improved the levels of plasma oxidative stress biomarkers and confirmed its role as an effective prophylactic treatment for CM. Other studies should investigate the potential antioxidant properties of BoNT/A treatment.
Simian Foamy Viruses in Central and South America: A New World of Discovery
Authors: Santos André F. , Cavalcante Liliane T. F. , Muniz Cláudia P. , Switzer William M. , Soares Marcelo A.
Published: October 2019

Foamy viruses (FVs) are the only exogenous retrovirus to date known to infect neotropical primates (NPs). In the last decade, an increasing number of strains have been completely or partially sequenced, and molecular evolution analyses have identified an ancient co-speciation with their hosts. In this review, the improvement of diagnostic techniques that allowed the determination of a more accurate prevalence of simian FVs (SFVs) in captive and free-living NPs is discussed. Determination of DNA viral load in American primates indicates that oral tissues are the viral replicative site and that buccal swab collection can be an alternative to diagnose SFV infection in NPs. Finally, the transmission potential of NP SFVs to primate workers in zoos and primate centers of the Americas is examined.
A Novel Hepadnavirus is Associated with Chronic Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cats
Authors: Pesavento Patricia A. , Jackson Kenneth , Scase Timothy , Tse Tiffany , Hampson Bronte , Munday John S. , Barrs Vanessa R. , Beatty Julia A.
Published: October 2019

In 2015, over 850,000 people died from chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). A novel hepatitis B-like virus has recently been identified in domestic cats. The pathogenic potential of domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), for which 6.5% to 10.8% of pet cats are viremic, is unknown. We evaluated stored formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsies of diseased and normal feline liver for the presence of DCH using PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH). DCH was detected in 43% (6/14) of chronic hepatitis cases and 28% (8/29) of HCCs, whereas cholangitis (n = 6), biliary carcinoma (n = 18) and normal liver (n = 15) all tested negative for DCH. Furthermore, in DCH-associated cases, the histologic features of inflammation and neoplasia, and the viral distribution on ISH were strikingly similar to those seen with HBV-associated disease. Several histological features common in human HBV-associated hepatitis, including piecemeal necrosis and apoptotic bodies, were identified in DCH-positive cases of chronic hepatitis. In two cases of HCC examined, the proliferation index in regions that were ISH-positive was higher than in ISH-negative regions. The intracellular distribution of virus in both hepatitis and HCC demonstrated that viral nucleic acid is present in both nuclear and cytoplasmic forms. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a compelling association between DCH and some cases of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the cat that mirrors features of HBV-associated hepatopathies. Future investigations of viral epidemiology and natural history are needed to establish the impact of DCH on feline health.
Dewatering Characteristics and Inflow Prediction of Deep Foundation Pits with Partial Penetrating Curtains in Sand and Gravel Strata
Authors: Liu Linghui , Lei Mingfeng , Cao Chengyong , Shi Chenghua
Published: October 2019

The dewatering of deep foundation pits excavated in highly permeable geology usually requires waterproofing technologies to relieve groundwater flow. However, no effective prediction formula is yet available for determining water inflow in the presence of partial penetrating curtains. In this study, a dewatering project with partial penetrating curtains is analyzed via a finite difference method to show evident three-dimensional (3D) seepage characteristics. The standard curve and distortion functions are established under the assumption of an equivalent well by quantifying the blocking effects; thus, the empirical inflow prediction formulas for steady flow are further developed. Moreover, a dewatering design method based on the prediction formulas is proposed and applied to the field dewatering project in sand and gravel strata. Measured results show that dewatering efficiency is considerably enhanced by 3D flow, forming appropriate pressure distributions for dewatering construction. The uplift pressure below the pit bottom is controlled within a 25% safety margin to verify the reliability of the design method.
Correction: Castellini, M., et al. Spatial Variability of Soil Physical and Hydraulic Properties in a Durum Wheat Field: An Assessment by the BEST-Procedure. Water 2019, 11, 1434
Authors: Castellini Mirko , Stellacci Anna Maria , Tomaiuolo Matteo , Barca Emanuele
Published: October 2019

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
The Effect of Landscape Interventions on Groundwater Flow and Surface Runoff in a Watershed in the Upper Reaches of the Blue Nile
Authors: Akale Adugnaw T. , Dagnew Dessalegn C. , Moges Mamaru A. , Tilahun Seifu A. , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: October 2019

Anthropogenic landscape conversion from forest to agricultural land affects baseflow. Baseflow is a source of potable water and can be used for the irrigation of high value crops. Finding ways to increase base and inter flow (i.e., groundwater flow) is, therefore, essential for the improvement of the livelihood of rural inhabitants. Therefore, the objective is to investigate the effect of landscape interventions on stream discharge and, in particular, on groundwater flow. The Tikur-Wuha experimental watershed in the upper reaches of the Blue Nile was selected because discharge data were available before and after implementation of a suite of land management practices that, among others, enhanced the percolation of water to below the rootzone. The parameter efficient distributed (PED) model was used to separate overland flow from total flow. The groundwater flow index (GWFI), defined as the quotient of the annual groundwater flow to the total stream discharge at the outlet of the watershed, was calculated. Our analysis with the PED model showed that at similar annual rainfall amounts, more baseflow and less surface runoff was generated after the landscape intervention, which promoted deep infiltration of the rainwater. The decrease in surface runoff shortly after the implementation of the land management practices is similar to observations in other watersheds in the Ethiopian highlands.
ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN ÜNİVERSİTE, REKTÖR VE GELECEK KAVRAMLARINA İLİŞKİN METAFORİK ALGILARININ İNCELENMESİ
Authors: YARIM Mehmet Ali , ÇELİK Sabri
Published: October 2019

Bu araştırmanın temel amacı üniversite
öğrencilerinin “üniversite”, “rektör”, “gelecek” kavramlarına ilişkin
algılarını metaforlar aracılığıyla ortaya koymaktır. Araştırmanın çalışma
grubunu, Atatürk Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi’nde öğrenimini sürdüren 203
öğrenciden oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma verileri araştırma kapsamında yer alan
üniversite öğrencilerinin  “Üniversite/rektör/gelecek….gibidir, çünkü…”
cümlesini tamamlamasıyla elde edilmiştir. Verilerin analiz edilmesinde ve
yorumlanmasında içerik analizi tekniği kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına
göre öğrenciler üniversiteyi bir yandan bilgi, üretim ve gelişme yeri olarak
görürken diğer yandan da kısıtlama ve baskı unsuru olan yer olarak
görmektedirler. Rektör ve gelecek kavramlarına ilişkin sonuçlara bakıldığında
öğrenciler rektörü bir güç ve gizem unsuru olarak görürken geleceğe ilişkin
umutsuz, karamsar bir algıya sahiplerdir ve geleceği bir bilinmezlik ve tehdit
unsuru olarak görmektedirler. Çalışma sonuçlarına göre üniversite yönetimleri
ve rektörlerin yönetim görevlerine odaklanıp, öğretimsel, liderlik görevlerini
ihmal ettikleri ve öğrencilerin psikolojik, sosyal ve kültürel ihtiyaçlarının
göz ardı ettikleri söylenebilir.
Öğrencilerin Öğrenme Ortamlarındaki Sosyal Ağ Rollerinin Karşılaştırılmasına İlişkin Bir Ağ Analizi
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Oğuzhan , KESER Neslihan
Published: October 2019

Sosyal
ağ üyeleri akrabalık, arkadaşlık, iş, ticaret gibi birçok değişik ilişki ile
birbirlerine bağlıdır. Bu karmaşık ağ yapısının incelenebilir ve
araştırılabilir hale gelmesi için araştırmacılar tarafından sosyal ağ analizi
yöntemi kullanılmaktadır. İnsanların bilgi paylaşım ilişkilerinin
incelenmesinde zengin bir ölçüm sağlayan sosyal ağ analizi kullanıldığı alanın
geliştirilmesi ve iyileştirilmesi için araştırmacılara fikirler sunmaktadır.
Birçok farklı alanda yaygın olarak kullanılan sosyal ağ analizi eğitim alanında
da kullanılmaktadır. Sosyal ağ analizi yapılarak elde edilen ölçüm sonuçları
öğrencilerin öğrenme etkinliklerine ilişkin fikir vermekte ve öğrencilerin
öğrenme ortamlarındaki rollerinin belirlenmesine yardımcı olmaktadır. Bu
çalışmada öğrencilerin Facebook üzerinden eğitim amaçlı açılan grupta dersle
ilgili paylaşımda bulunduğu sanal ortamdaki ve gerçek sınıf ortamındaki
rollerinin belirlenerek, karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu kapsamda sanal
ortamdaki veriler çevirimiçi olarak toplanırken, gerçek sınıf ortamındaki
veriler sosyometri testiyle toplanmıştır. Bir grup öğrencinin sanal ortamdaki
ve gerçek sınıf ortamındaki rollerini belirlemek için elde edilen veriler
sosyal ağ analizi yöntemiyle çözümlenmiştir. Çalışmada sosyal ağ analizi yapmak
için yaygın olarak kullanılan UCINET 6 programı tercih edilmiş ve bu programla
merkezilik ölçümleri yapılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonucuna göre öğrencilerin
arkadaşlarıyla Facebook üzerinden iletişim kurduğu sanal ortamdaki ve gerçek
sınıf ortamındaki rollerinin benzerlik göstermediği görülmüştür. Ayrıca sanal
ortam ağında önemli roller üstlenerek iletişimde aktif olan, gerçek sınıf
ortamında pasif kalan aktöre rastlanmıştır. Öğrencilerin farklı öğrenme
ortamlarında farklı roller üstlendiği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
BERBAGI KASIH DAN BERKAT ALLAH DENGAN KAUM MUDA
Authors: Wilhelmus Ola Rongan
Published: October 2019

All the talents, potentials and abilities possessed by young people are a gift and a blessing from God. Therefore the Church is always present for young people and is called to provide special assistance to them. The Church's efforts to provide assistance to the young people with the intention of helping them find meaning in life, realizing their talents, potential, abilities, dreams and life expectancy is a success of the Church in building the future of the Church, society and the world. Because the journey and future of the Church, society and the world are truly in young people.
Fiscal Horizontal Transfers and Fiscal Autonomy in Local Government: Evidence of Public-Private-Partnership influence in Uganda
Authors: Delewa Paul Onyango
Published: October 2019

Drawing on the pure theory of local expenditure and fiscal federalism theory, we investigated whether fiscal horizontal transfers are antecedents of fiscal autonomy in local government. Moreover, it was also examined if public-private-partnerships possibly mediate the fiscal horizontal transfers-fiscal autonomy relationship. In order to test the hypothesized model, data were collected from 27 districts, 9 municipalities and 243 sub-counties scattered in the eastern region of Uganda, East Africa. Over the years, the country has been applauded for its relatively efficient fiscal federalism system in the region. Data were then subjected to both regression and structural equation modeling statistical analysis. Results indicated that fiscal horizontal transfers predict changes in fiscal autonomy and public-private-partnerships have an intervening influence on the fiscal horizontal transfers-fiscal autonomy linkages. Implications to both theory and practice are accordingly discussed and future research path is proposed.