bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Modulation of Gremlin-1/NOTCH Pathway in Experimental Crescentic Immune-Mediated Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Tejedor-Santamaria Lucia , Morgado-Pascual Jose Luis , Marquez-Exposito Laura , Suarez-Alvarez Beatriz , Rodrigues-Diez Raul R. , Tejera-Muñoz Antonio , Marchant Vanessa , Mezzano Sergio , Lopez-Larrea Carlos , Sola Anna , Fernandez-Juarez Gema Maria , Ortiz Alberto , Rayego-Mateos Sandra , Ruiz-Ortega Marta
Published: January 2022

Crescentic glomerulonephritis is a devastating autoimmune disease that without early and properly treatment may rapidly progress to end-stage renal disease and death. Current immunosuppressive treatment provides limited efficacy and an important burden of adverse events. Epigenetic drugs are a source of novel therapeutic tools. Among them, bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitors (iBETs) block the interaction between bromodomains and acetylated proteins, including histones and transcription factors. iBETs have demonstrated protective effects on malignancy, inflammatory disorders and experimental kidney disease. Recently, Gremlin-1 was proposed as a urinary biomarker of disease progression in human anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated crescentic glomerulonephritis. We have now evaluated whether iBETs could regulate Gremlin-1 in experimental anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis induced by nephrotoxic serum (NTS) in mice, a model resembling human crescentic glomerulonephritis. In NTS-injected mice, the iBET JQ1 inhibited renal Gremlin-1 overexpression and diminished glomerular damage, restoring podocyte numbers. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated BRD4 enrichment of the Grem-1 gene promoter in injured kidneys, consistent with Gremlin-1 epigenetic regulation. Moreover, JQ1 blocked BRD4 binding and inhibited Grem-1 gene transcription. The beneficial effect of iBETs was also mediated by modulation of NOTCH pathway. JQ1 inhibited the gene expression of the NOTCH effectors Hes-1 and Hey-1 in NTS-injured kidneys. Our results further support the role for epigenetic drugs, such as iBETs, in the treatment of rapidly progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis.
FGFR1 Amplification and Response to Neoadjuvant Anti-HER2 Treatment in Early HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Gaibar María , Novillo Apolonia , Romero-Lorca Alicia , Malón Diego , Antón Beatriz , Moreno Amalia , Fernández-Santander Ana
Published: January 2022

HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) is an aggressive subtype that affects 20–25% of BC patients. For these patients, neoadjuvant therapy is a good option that targets a pathological complete response (pCR) and more breast-conserving surgery. In effect, the outcomes of patients with HER2-positive BC have dramatically improved since the introduction of anti-HER2 antibodies such as trastuzumab (TZ) and/or pertuzumab (PZ) added to chemotherapy. This study sought to examine whether correlation exists between copy number variations (CNVs) in several genes related to the PI3K/AKT pathway (HER2, FGFR1, PIK3CA, AKT3 and MDM2) and the efficacy of anti-HER2 neoadjuvant treatment in patients with early HER2-positive BC. Forty-nine patients received TZ or PZ/TZ and chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment. Gene CNVs were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. The response to 6 months of therapy was assessed by Miller–Payne grading of the tumor on surgical resection; grades 4 and 5, indicating >90% tumor reduction, were defined as a good response. A good response was shown by 64.5% and a pCR by 31.2% of patients. When stratified by anti-HER2 antibody received and gene CNV, it was found that patients with FGFR1 gene amplification or those with FGFR1 amplification treated with TZ alone showed a poor response (p = 0.024 and p = 0.037, respectively). In the subset of patients treated with TZ/PZ combined, the pCR rate was significantly lower among those showing FGFR1 amplification (p = 0.021). Although based on a small sample size, our findings suggest that patients with FGFR1 amplification might benefit less from anti-HER2 antibody therapy.
Slow Light Effect and Tunable Channel in Graphene Grating Plasmonic Waveguide
Authors: Zhang Yingqiu , Liu Xing , Wu Qiaohua , Li Wenfeng , Li Chunlei
Published: January 2022

A graphene plasmon waveguide composed of silicon grating substrate and a silica separator is proposed to generate the slow-light effect. A bias voltage is applied to tune the optical conductivity of graphene. The tunability of the slow-light working channel can be achieved due to the adjustable bias voltage. With an increase in the bias voltage, the working channel exhibited obvious linear blue-shift. The linear correlation coefficient between the working channel and the bias voltage was up to 0.9974. The average value of the normalized delay bandwidth product (NDBP) with different bias voltages was 3.61. In addition, we also studied the tunable group velocity at a specific working channel. Due to the tunability of this miniaturized waveguide structure, it can be used in a variety of applications including optical storage devices, optical buffers and optical switches.
Two-Colour Sum-Frequency Generation Spectroscopy Coupled to Plasmonics with the CLIO Free Electron Laser
Authors: Humbert Christophe , Pluchery Olivier , Lacaze Emmanuelle , Busson Bertrand , Tadjeddine Abderrahmane
Published: January 2022

Nonlinear plasmonics requires the use of high-intensity laser sources in the visible and near/mid-infrared spectral ranges to characterise the potential enhancement of the vibrational fingerprint of chemically functionalised nanostructured interfaces aimed at improving the molecular detection threshold in nanosensors. We used Two-Colour Sum-Frequency Generation (2C-SFG) nonlinear optical spectroscopy coupled to the European CLIO Free Electron Laser in order to highlight an energy transfer in organic and inorganic interfaces built on a silicon substrate. We evidence that a molecular pollutant, such as thiophenol molecules adsorbed on small gold metal nanospheres grafted on silicon, was detected at the monolayer scale in the 10 µm infrared spectral range, with increasing SFG intensity of three specific phenyl ring vibration modes reaching two magnitude orders from blue to green–yellow excitation wavelengths. This observation is related to a strong plasmonic coupling to the thiophenol molecules vibrations. The high level of gold nanospheres aggregation on the substrate allows us to dramatically increase the presence of hotspots, revealing collective plasmon modes based on strong local electric fields between the gold nanoparticles packed in close contact on the substrate. This configuration favors detection of Raman active vibration modes, for which 2C-SFG spectroscopy is particularly efficient in this unusual infrared spectral range.
DNA Barcoding Study of Representative Thymus Species in Bulgaria
Authors: Aneva Ina , Zhelev Petar , Bonchev Georgi , Boycheva Irina , Simeonova Stiliana , Kancheva Denitsa
Published: January 2022

We present a study on the taxonomy of eleven Thymus species, belonging to two sections and occurring naturally in Bulgaria. Four DNA barcoding markers—matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA and ITS—were applied to discriminate the species and to reveal their phylogenetic relationships. The results showed that rbcL has the lowest discriminating power regarding the studied species, while the other markers yielded results fitting better to the existing taxonomic schemes based on morphological traits. However, even in the case of better performing markers, the results were not straightforward—morphologically distinct species belonging to different sections were grouped together, and closely related species appeared genetically distinct. The results are typical for taxonomically complex groups, such as the genus Thymus, characterized in Bulgaria with great diversity, high percentage of endemism and still requiring a full and comprehensive taxonomic study. The results are discussed in the light of unresolved taxonomic problems and application of DNA barcoding methods.
Biopotential of Underutilized Rosaceae Inflorescences: LC-DAD-MS Phytochemical Profiles Associated with Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Activity In Vitro
Authors: Šola Ivana , Poljuha Danijela , Mikulic-Petkovsek Maja , Davosir Dino , Pinterić Marija , Bilić Josipa , Veberic Robert , Hudina Metka , Rusak Gordana
Published: January 2022

The aim of this work was to assess the biopotential of the young inflorescence tissues of Prunus, Malus and Chaenomeles in order to evaluate the possibility of their application in the food industry, and to provide a polyphenolic fingerprint for their quality control. The contents of different bioactive compounds and their antioxidant capacities were spectrophotometrically measured, the main phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using LC-DAD-MS, the antidiabetic potential was determined using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, the anti-inflammatory potential was determined using a 5-lipoxygenase inhibition assay, and the cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. Using one-way ANOVA, principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, the relations between the samples, and between the samples and the measured parameters, were revealed. In total, 77 compounds were identified. The concentration of sugars was low in M. purpurea, at 1.56 ± 0.08 mg/g DW. The most effective sample in the inhibition of antidiabetic enzymes and anti-inflammatory 5-lipoxygenase was C. japonica. The inhibition of α-glucosidase was strongly positively correlated with the total and condensed tannins, procyanidin dimers and procyanidin tetramer, and was very strongly correlated with chlorogenic acid. In α-amylase inhibition, C. japonica and P. serrulata ‘Kiku Shidare Zakura’ were equally efficient to the standard inhibitor, maltose. The most effective in the growth and proliferation inhibition of HepG2, HCT116 and HaCaT cells was P. avium. The results suggest Prunus, Malus and Chaenomeles inflorescences as functional food ingredients.
Ethanol Treatment Enhances Physiological and Biochemical Responses to Mitigate Saline Toxicity in Soybean
Authors: Das Ashim Kumar , Anik Touhidur Rahman , Rahman Md. Mezanur , Keya Sanjida Sultana , Islam Md. Robyul , Rahman Md. Abiar , Sultana Sharmin , Ghosh Protik Kumar , Khan Sabia , Ahamed Tofayel , Ghosh Totan Kumar , Tran Lam Son-Phan , Mostofa Mohammad Golam
Published: January 2022

Soil salinity, a major environmental concern, significantly reduces plant growth and production all around the world. Finding solutions to reduce the salinity impacts on plants is critical for global food security. In recent years, the priming of plants with organic chemicals has shown to be a viable approach for the alleviation of salinity effects in plants. The current study examined the effects of exogenous ethanol in triggering salinity acclimatization responses in soybean by investigating growth responses, and numerous physiological and biochemical features. Foliar ethanol application to saline water-treated soybean plants resulted in an enhancement of biomass, leaf area, photosynthetic pigment contents, net photosynthetic rate, shoot relative water content, water use efficiency, and K+ and Mg2+ contents, leading to improved growth performance under salinity. Salt stress significantly enhanced the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde, and electrolyte leakage in the leaves, suggesting salt-induced oxidative stress and membrane damage in soybean plants. In contrast, ethanol treatment of salt-treated soybean plants boosted ROS-detoxification mechanisms by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase. Ethanol application also augmented the levels of proline and total free amino acids in salt-exposed plants, implying a role of ethanol in maintaining osmotic adjustment in response to salt stress. Notably, exogenous ethanol decreased Na+ uptake while increasing K+ and Mg2+ uptake and their partitioning to leaves and roots in salt-stressed plants. Overall, our findings reveal the protective roles of ethanol against salinity in soybean and suggest that the use of this cost-effective and easily accessible ethanol in salinity mitigation could be an effective approach to increase soybean production in salt-affected areas.
Morphology Characterization, Molecular Identification, and Pathogenicity of Fungal Pathogen Causing Kaffir Lime Leaf Blight in Northern Thailand
Authors: Suwannarach Nakarin , Khuna Surapong , Kumla Jaturong , Cheewangkoon Ratchadawan , Suttiprapan Piyawan , Lumyong Saisamorn
Published: January 2022

Thailand is known to be the largest producer of kaffir lime leaf products in the global market. In 2021, leaf blight was found on kaffir lime plants (Citrus hystrix DC.) in Lamphun Province of northern Thailand. This disease has been associated with significant economic losses. However, there have been no prior reports of leaf blight on kaffir lime plants in Thailand or anywhere else in the world. In this study, causal fungi were isolated from lesions of kaffir lime plants and a total of three fungal isolates were obtained. All causal fungi were identified as Lasiodiplodia chinensis based on morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic analysis of combined sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1), β-tubulin (tub), and RNA polymerase II subunit (rbp2) genes. Pathogenicity tests were conducted and the results revealed that all isolated fungi caused symptoms of leaf blight on inoculated leaves. This outcome was similar to symptoms that naturally occur and have been observed in the field. This is the first report on kaffir lime leaf blight caused by L. chinensis. Our study will provide information of high value for the development of effective strategies for the monitoring and prevention of this disease.
Tissue Culture Response of Ornamental and Medicinal Aesculus Species—A Review
Authors: Zdravković-Korać Snežana , Milojević Jelena , Belić Maja , Ćalić Dušica
Published: January 2022

Species of the genus Aesculus are very attractive woody ornamentals. Their organs contain numerous health-promoting phytochemicals. The most valuable of them—aescin—is used in commercial preparations for the treatment of venous insufficiency. The industrial source of aescin is horse chestnut seeds because the zygotic embryos are the main site of its accumulation. Horse chestnut somatic and zygotic embryos contain similar amount of aescin, hence somatic embryos could be exploited as an alternative source of aescin. Somatic embryogenesis, androgenesis and de novo shoot organogenesis were successfully achieved in several Aesculus species, as well as secondary somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis, which enables mass production of embryos and shoots. In addition, an efficient method for cryopreservation of embryogenic tissue was established, assuring constant availability of the plant material. The developed methods are suitable for clonal propagation of elite specimens selected as the best aescin producers, the most attractive ornamentals or plants resistant to pests and diseases. These methods are also useful for molecular breeding purposes. Thus, in this review, the medicinal uses and a comprehensive survey of in vitro propagation methods established for Aesculus species, as well as the feasibility of in vitro production of aescin, are presented and discussed.
Sunset Yellow Dye Induces Amorphous Aggregation in β-Lactoglobulin at Acidic pH: A Multi-Techniques Approach
Authors: Khan Javed Masood , Malik Ajamaluddin , Husain Fohad Mabood , Hakeem Mohammed J. , Alhomida Abdullah S.
Published: January 2022

Protein aggregation is of two types: (i) amorphous and (ii) amyloid fibril. Several extrinsic factors (temperature, pH, and small ligands) stimulate protein aggregation in vitro. In this study, we have examined the role of sunset yellow (SY) on the β-lactoglobulin (BLG) aggregation at pH 2.0. We have used spectroscopic (turbidity, Rayleigh light scattering (RLS), far-UV CD) and microscopic (transmission electron microscopy [TEM]) techniques to describe the effects of SY on BLG aggregation. Our results showed that BLG aggregation is dependent on SY concentrations. Very low concentrations (0.0–0.07 mM) of SY were unable to induce aggregation, while SY in the concentrations range of 0.1–5.0 mM induces aggregation in BLG. The kinetics of SY-stimulated aggregation is very fast and monomeric form of BLG directly converted into polymeric aggregates. The kinetics results also showed SY-induced BLG aggregation disappeared in the presence of NaCl. The far-UV CD and TEM results indicated the amorphous nature of SY-induced BLG aggregates. We believe that our results clearly suggest that SY dye effectively stimulates BLG aggregation.
Designing Versatile Polymers for Lithium-Ion Battery Applications: A Review
Authors: Maia Beatriz Arouca , Magalhães Natália , Cunha Eunice , Braga Maria Helena , Santos Raquel M. , Correia Nuno
Published: January 2022

Solid-state electrolytes are a promising family of materials for the next generation of high-energy rechargeable lithium batteries. Polymer electrolytes (PEs) have been widely investigated due to their main advantages, which include easy processability, high safety, good mechanical flexibility, and low weight. This review presents recent scientific advances in the design of versatile polymer-based electrolytes and composite electrolytes, underlining the current limitations and remaining challenges while highlighting their technical accomplishments. The recent advances in PEs as a promising application in structural batteries are also emphasized.
Multifunctional Slippery Polydimethylsiloxane/Carbon Nanotube Composite Strain Sensor with Excellent Liquid Repellence and Anti-Icing/Deicing Performance
Authors: Liu Ke , Yang Chao , Zhang Siyuan , Wang Yao , Zou Rui , Lee Alamusi , Deng Qibo , Hu Ning
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a multifunctional slippery polydimethylsiloxane/carbon nanotube composite strain sensor (SPCCSS) is prepared using a facile template method. Benefitting from the slippery surface, the SPCCSS shows excellent liquid repellence properties, which can repel various liquids such as oil, cola, yogurt, hot water and some organic solvents. Meanwhile, the SPCCSS has a large strain sensing range (up to 100%), good sensitivity (GF = 3.3) and stable response with 500 cyclic stretches under 20% strain. Moreover, it is also demonstrated that the SPCCSS displays outstanding corrosion resistance (from pH = 1 to pH = 14) and anti-icing (8 min at −20 °C)/photothermal deicing (104 s with NIR power density of 1 W/cm2) properties, broadening its application in extreme acid, alkali and low-temperature conditions. Therefore, the multifunctional SPCCSS with the liquid repellence, anti-corrosion, and anti-icing/deicing properties has potential applications in wearable human motion monitoring tools under complex harsh environments.
Hydroxyl Conducting Hydrogels Enable Low-Maintenance Commercially Sized Rechargeable Zn–MnO2 Batteries for Use in Solar Microgrids
Authors: Cho Jungsang , Yadav Gautam Ganapati , Weiner Meir , Huang Jinchao , Upreti Aditya , Wei Xia , Yakobov Roman , Hawkins Brendan E. , Nyce Michael , Lambert Timothy N. , Arnot David J. , Bell Nelson S. , Schorr Noah B. , Booth Megan N. , Turney Damon E. , Cowles Gabriel , Banerjee Sanjoy
Published: January 2022

Zinc (Zn)–manganese dioxide (MnO2) rechargeable batteries have attracted research interest because of high specific theoretical capacity as well as being environmentally friendly, intrinsically safe and low-cost. Liquid electrolytes, such as potassium hydroxide, are historically used in these batteries; however, many failure mechanisms of the Zn–MnO2 battery chemistry result from the use of liquid electrolytes, including the formation of electrochemically inert phases such as hetaerolite (ZnMn2O4) and the promotion of shape change of the Zn electrode. This manuscript reports on the fundamental and commercial results of gel electrolytes for use in rechargeable Zn–MnO2 batteries as an alternative to liquid electrolytes. The manuscript also reports on novel properties of the gelled electrolyte such as limiting the overdischarge of Zn anodes, which is a problem in liquid electrolyte, and finally its use in solar microgrid applications, which is a first in academic literature. Potentiostatic and galvanostatic tests with the optimized gel electrolyte showed higher capacity retention compared to the tests with the liquid electrolyte, suggesting that gel electrolyte helps reduce Mn3+ dissolution and zincate ion migration from the Zn anode, improving reversibility. Cycling tests for commercially sized prismatic cells showed the gel electrolyte had exceptional cycle life, showing 100% capacity retention for >700 cycles at 9.5 Ah and for >300 cycles at 19 Ah, while the 19 Ah prismatic cell with a liquid electrolyte showed discharge capacity degradation at 100th cycle. We also performed overdischarge protection tests, in which a commercialized prismatic cell with the gel electrolyte was discharged to 0 V and achieved stable discharge capacities, while the liquid electrolyte cell showed discharge capacity fade in the first few cycles. Finally, the gel electrolyte batteries were tested under IEC solar off-grid protocol. It was noted that the gelled Zn–MnO2 batteries outperformed the Pb–acid batteries. Additionally, a designed system nameplated at 2 kWh with a 12 V system with 72 prismatic cells was tested with the same protocol, and it has entered its third year of cycling. This suggests that Zn–MnO2 rechargeable batteries with the gel electrolyte will be an ideal candidate for solar microgrid systems and grid storage in general.
Synthesis of a Ternary Polysulfonate Dispersant and Its Suspension Performance
Authors: Pei Kemei , Huang Yongjie , Yu Xiao , Wang Dekai
Published: January 2022

Allyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (APEG), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and styrene sodium sulfonate (SSS) were used as monomers to obtain a APEG-HEMA-SSS comb-like polymer, which was employed as the polysulfonate dispersant for pendimethalin suspensions in this paper. The comb-like polymer has an anionic polysulfonate backbone, hydrophilic APEG side chains and sulfonic acid groups, which makes the dispersant absorb easily on the surface of pendimethalin particles. The polysulfonate dispersant with good dispersion performance was screened out by orthogonal experiments. The surface tension, zeta potential, particle size and dynamic contact angle of the pendimethalin suspension with APEG-HEMA-SSS as dispersant were investigated. The dispersant improves the dispersibility and wettability of the pendimethalin suspension observably.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Social Cohesion from 1994–2020
Authors: Moustakas Louis
Published: January 2022

Social cohesion is recognised as the glue that holds societies together and is connected to numerous positive social outcomes. Many authors have defined the term and its dimensions, leading to a wide range of different perspectives. Indeed, an array of dimensions have emerged as researchers have conceptualized social cohesion based on the theoretical assumptions of their disciplines. This wide range of disciplinary contributions has created a rich but muddled research field. In line with the growing recognition of social cohesion, there is a need to better understand social cohesion’s evolution and status within broader academic research. Thus, this study has two main objectives: (i) to analyse the nature and evolution of literature related to social cohesion and (ii) to identify the thematic areas related to social cohesion research and their connections to specific disciplines. To achieve this, a bibliometric analysis of 5027 journal articles listed in the Web of Science (WoS) was conducted. Through this, a substantial increase in research activity was noted, and the broad, multidisciplinary nature of the research is also illustrated. However, there remains room for further collaboration across disciplines as well as research exploring how different social groups and institutions contribute to social cohesion.
High-Intensity, Low-Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field as an Odd Treatment in a Patient with Mixed Foot Ulcer: A Case Report
Authors: Roberti Roberta , Marcianò Gianmarco , Casarella Alessandro , Rania Vincenzo , Palleria Caterina , Muraca Lucia , Citraro Rita , De Sarro Giovambattista , Serra Raffaele , Romeo Pietro , Gallelli Luca
Published: January 2022

Lower-extremity ulcers are associated with an increasing prevalence and significant economic and social costs. To date, there is no high-quality evidence related to an optimal treatment algorithm. A multimodal approach is needed particularly in patients with comorbidity and polytherapy. Herein, we report the case of a 94-year-old Caucasian female with comorbidity and polytherapy who was admitted to our observation for a history (1 year) of chronic painful malleolar mixed ulcer. After clinical evaluation, she was treated with a twice daily pain relief therapy and with a weekly diamagnetic therapy protocol plus a local treatment. During the clinical examination, we documented a statistically significant improvement in both pain (VAS score from 8 to 2 p < 0.01) and foot ulcer (surface reduction from 6 cm × 4 cm to 2 cm × 2 cm, p < 0.01) at the sixth week of combined treatment. The ulcer completely healed at the ninth week. This is the first study to document the effect of diamagnetic therapy as an add-on therapy in the management of wound healing. In conclusion, even if high-quality evidence is still lacking, diamagnetic therapy might represent an interesting option as an add-on treatment for ulcer.
Engagement with Higher Education Surface Pattern Design Students as a Catalyst for Circular Economy Action
Authors: Whitehill Steven , Hayles Carolyn Susan , Jenkins Sean , Taylour Jim
Published: January 2022

The ‘circular economy’ is seen as an approach by which the issue of sustainability can be addressed whilst broadly maintaining patterns of production, consumption, economic growth, and living standards. If circular economy ambitions are to be achieved, ways and processes of manufacturing need to radically change from the current linear model, and there is the potential for higher education students to act as active participants and catalysts, as explored in this research. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the potential for collaborative learning projects to generate value to all stakeholders and participants, with the definition of value pertinent to each participant’s needs whilst also addressing the principles of circular economy. A case study collaborative learning design project is used to illustrate the positive direct and indirect outcomes and to show how such design projects can form part of a wider drive for transition through innovation towards circular economy ways of working. We consider this research to be at the intersection of circular economy advancement and the integration of effective methods of education for the circular economy in higher education. A cohort of 29 undergraduate surface pattern design students was engaged in a challenge-based design project co-created with an established manufacturing firm. This research shows how such projects provide learning not only for students but also the case study firm and give tangible outputs in terms of new value-generative products. Through an examination of the reflective comments of participants, an outline of key aspects to consider in delivering such projects to ensure greatest impact is identified.
Circular Economy Projects and Firm Disclosures in an Encouraging Institutional Environment
Authors: García-Sánchez Isabel-María , Somohano-Rodríguez Francisco-Manuel , Amor-Esteban Víctor , Gonzalez-Valdueza Benito
Published: January 2022

This paper analyses the strategies implemented by listed Spanish companies that are leaders in their industrial environments to inform shareholders and the public about their circular economy projects. It uses content and textual approaches through the factorial correspondence analysis of all the information about the circular economy presented on corporate websites. The analysis of the 17,510 resulting terms suggests that companies prioritise discourses about a sustainable future, their commitment to the proper use of resources and the reduction or elimination of greenhouse gases. The sectors most sensitive to institutional pressures, such as oil and energy companies, are more active in disclosing the problems and desired solutions of their projects.
Solvent-Free Synthesis of MIL-101(Cr) for CO2 Gas Adsorption: The Effect of Metal Precursor and Molar Ratio
Authors: Chong Kok Chung , Ho Pui San , Lai Soon Onn , Lee Sze Shin , Lau Woei Jye , Lu Shih-Yuan , Ooi Boon Seng
Published: January 2022

MIL-101(Cr), a subclass of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), is a promising adsorbent for carbon dioxide (CO2) removal due to its large pore volume and high surface area. Solvent-free synthesis of MIL-101(Cr) was employed in this work to offer a green alternative to the current approach of synthesizing MIL-101(Cr) using a hazardous solvent. Characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, and FTIR were employed to confirm the formation of pure MIL-101(Cr) synthesized using a solvent-free method. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that MIL-101(Cr) shows high thermal stability up to 350 °C. Among the materials synthesized, MIL-101(Cr) at the molar ratio of chromium precursor to terephthalic organic acid of 1:1 possesses the highest surface area and greatest pore volume. Its BET surface area and total pore volume are 1110 m2/g and 0.5 cm3/g, respectively. Correspondingly, its CO2 adsorption capacity at room temperature is the highest (18.8 mmol/g), suggesting it is a superior adsorbent for CO2 removal. The textural properties significantly affect the CO2 adsorption capacity, in which large pore volume and high surface area are favorable for the adsorption mechanism.
Sustainable Mechanism of the Entrusted Transportation Management Mode on High-Speed Rail and the Impact of COVID-19: A Case Study of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Rail
Authors: Ji Chao , Yao Yanke , Duan Jianqiang , Li Wenxing
Published: January 2022

The transport management mode fundamentally determines the sustainable development of high-speed rail passenger transport (HSRPT), which was shocked by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In order to study the sustainable development mechanism of HSRPT and the impact of COVID-19, primarily based on the data from the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed rail (HSR) taken from 2018, we adopt system dynamics (SD) to provide a scenario simulation method to examination sustainable operation status of HSRPT under the entrusted transportation management mode (ETMM) by VENSIM, and take into account the following two evaluation indicators: economic and operational. The results show the following: (1) Transportation demand and commissioned transportation management fees play a vital role in the sustainable operation of the Beijing–Shanghai HSR, causing significant changes in transportation revenue and transportation costs. (2) COVID-19 had a great impact on the sustainable operation of the Beijing–Shanghai HSR. In 2020, the turnover and transportation profit of the Beijing–Shanghai HSR fell by 74.31% and 49.19%, respectively. In 2022, the transportation profit can be restored to the level of 2019. The study results reveal that Beijing–Shanghai HSR under the ETMM has a good sustainable development capability.
LCA of Mortar with Calcined Clay and Limestone Filler in RC Column Retrofit
Authors: Bautista Brian E. , Ongpeng Jason Maximino C. , Razon Luis F.
Published: January 2022

Cement manufacture contributes about 5–7% of the global carbon dioxide emission. The fastest short-term remedy is to replace parts of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce CO2 emissions. Calcined clay and limestone filler have proven to be potential substitutes to good quality SCMs such as fly ash and slag because of their abundance, low cost, and potential reactivity to calcium hydroxide to form calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) which are responsible for the strength and other mechanical properties of concrete. A life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of mortar with calcined clay and limestone filler in reinforced concrete (RC) column retrofitting is carried out using data from a multi-purpose complex project in Rizal province in the Philippines. A total of four retrofitting methods are evaluated based on two retrofitting techniques (RC column jacketing and steel jacketing) with two material alternatives (pure OPC-based mortar and mortar with partial replacements). Results show that RC column jacketing using patched mortar with partial replacement of calcined clay and limestone fillers is the least environmentally damaging retrofit option. The use of these SCMs resulted in a 4–7% decrease in global warming potential and a 2–4% decrease in fine particulate matter formation. Meanwhile, RC column jacketing decreased the effect on human carcinogenic toxicity by 75% compared to steel jacketing.
Overcoming Catch Data Collection Challenges and Traceability Implementation Barriers in a Sustainable, Small-Scale Fishery
Authors: Grantham Alison , Pandan Ma. Raisa , Roxas Susan , Hitchcock Bryan
Published: January 2022

The seafood sector faces both socioeconomic and environmental sustainability challenges, as well as pressure to demonstrate progress from governments, NGOs, retailers, and consumers. To document data elements necessary in verifying key sustainability attributes and fishery progress, the sector needs to implement traceability systems accessible to fishers and other vulnerable near-shore actors. Implementation must overcome a suite of technological, social, and economic barriers. We assessed and reviewed the efficacy of several approaches attempted in a Philippines yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) fishery. The current prevailing approach is a centralized, analog method of catch recording, both broadly across the Philippines and specifically in this MSC-certified fishery, where they have implemented enumerator-facilitated catch certificate recording. The fishery has begun developing, testing, and piloting new decentralized digital models, including NFC cards, RFID tags, and an app-based smartphone catch data capture. All approaches encountered barriers to uptake, and the most recent estimates suggest up to 44% of the catch in the Philippines remains unreported. We discuss additional systemic considerations necessary to advance sustainability outcomes and their documentation through traceability systems in the seafood sector originating with small-scale fishers.
Analyzing Tehran’s Air Pollution Using System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Shahsavari-Pour Nasser , Bahador Sadegh , Heydari Azim , Fekih Afef
Published: January 2022

Air pollution is one of the major issues in urban management. City managers and planners pay a great deal of attention to this problem given its harmful effect on people’s health and the environment. This paper proposes a simulated model of the pollution level of the capital city of Tehran along with its source and outcomes based on system dynamics. First, it provides a comprehensive review of the sources of greenhouse emission along with the impact of natural factors on its growth. The data is collected from 2011 to 2021. Then a dynamic model is applied to simulate Tehran’s air pollution for twenty years (from 2011 to 2031). The statistical method of design of experiments (DoE) is considered to set the sensitive and controllable variables of the city’s pollution. The information is used to set plans to reduce the air pollution considering several scenarios. The results of the research show that the best strategy to reduce air pollution that can resolve other issues as well is to manufacture environmentally friendly cars that can rely on renewable energy resources as their fuels. The other highly important strategy is to preserve forests.
Socio-Ecological Support and Physical Facilities Satisfaction: How They Link to Social Participation and Well-Being among Urban Residents in Malaysia
Authors: Awang Mohd Mahzan , Alfitri Alfitri , Ahmad Abdul Razaq , Careemdeen Jalal Deen , Ahmad Juhari
Published: January 2022

In urban communities, the threat to residents’ social well-being arises from their social lives; however, there is little evidence demonstrating how urban communities are connected with each other to improve their well-being. Therefore, the current study aims to identify the satisfaction levels with socio-ecological support and facilities received by selected urban residents in Malaysia. The study also examines the link between residents’ satisfaction and their social participation, as well as social well-being. This survey used a set of closed-ended questionnaires. A simple random sampling technique was employed, where a total number of 2502 respondents from six zones participated in this study. The collected data were analysed descriptively and inferentially. The results revealed that the majority of respondents are satisfied with socio-ecological and physical green facilities. Better green infrastructure management practice is required because the results from this study identified scientific issues in green environments in urban recreational centres, waste management, regular health maintenance, landscaping, and building maintenance. Results showed significant differences in the residents’ social well-being based on their socio-economic backgrounds. Results also demonstrated that social participation has significantly contributed to the social well-being of urban residents. These findings indicate the importance of various socio-ecological programmes to ensure a positive impact on the social well-being of the urban community. Overall, this study suggests implementing a comprehensive support mechanism for socio-ecological support initiatives to improve the social well-being of urban residents.
Human Decision Time in Uncertain Binary Choice
Authors: Hu Lunhu , Pan Xing , Ding Song , Kang Rui
Published: January 2022

Decision time, also known as choice reaction time, has been frequently discussed in the field of psychology. The Hick–Hyman Law (HHL) has been a fundamental model that has revealed the quantitative relationship between the mean choice reaction time of human and the information entropy of stimuli. However, the HHL is only focused on rule-based behavior in which rules for selecting response according to stimulus are certain and neglects to model the knowledge-based behavior in which choices are uncertain and influenced by human belief. In this article, we explored the decision time related to one basic knowledge-based behavior—uncertain binary choice, where selections of response are determined by human belief degrees but not by stimuli uncertainties. Two experiments were conducted: one for verifying the HHL and the other for uncertain binary choice. The former (experiment) demonstrated the effectiveness of the HHL, and the latter one indicated that there is an exponential relationship existing between decision time and entropy of belief degree in uncertain binary choice. Moreover, data obtained from both experiments showed that the disturbance term of decision time should not be seen as probabilistic as existing studies have assumed, which highlighted the necessity and advantage of uncertain regression analysis.
IoT Framework for Measurement and Precision Agriculture: Predicting the Crop Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Bakthavatchalam Kalaiselvi , Karthik Balaguru , Thiruvengadam Vijayan , Muthal Sriram , Jose Deepa , Kotecha Ketan , Varadarajan Vijayakumar
Published: January 2022

IoT architectures facilitate us to generate data for large and remote agriculture areas and the same can be utilized for Crop predictions using this machine learning algorithm. Recommendations are based on the following N, P, K, pH, Temperature, Humidity, and Rainfall these attributes decide the crop to be recommended. The data set has 2200 instances and 8 attributes. Nearly 22 different crops are recommended for a different combination of 8 attributes. Using the supervised learning method, the optimum model is attained using selected machine learning algorithms in WEKA. The Machine learning algorithm selected for classifying is multilayer perceptron rules-based classifier JRip, and decision table classifier. The main objective of this case study is to end up with a model which predicts the high yield crop and precision agriculture. The proposed system modeling incorporates the trending technology, IoT, and Agriculture needy measurements. The performance assessed by the selected classifiers is 98.2273%, the Weighted average Receiver Operator Characteristics is 1 with the maximum time taken to build the model being 8.05 s.
Prioritizing the Effects of Emerging Contaminants on Estuarine Production under Global Warming Scenarios
Authors: Martins Irene , Soares Joana , Neuparth Teresa , Barreiro Aldo , Xavier Cândido , Antunes Carlos , Santos Miguel
Published: January 2022

Due to non-linear interactions, the effects of contaminant mixtures on aquatic ecosystems are difficult to assess, especially under temperature rise that will likely exacerbate the complexity of the responses. Yet, under the current climatic crisis, assessing the effects of water contaminants and temperature is paramount to understanding the biological impacts of mixtures of stressors on aquatic ecosystems. Here, we use an ecosystem model followed by global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to prioritize the effects of four single emerging contaminants (ECs) and their mixture, combined with two temperature rise scenarios, on the biomass production of a NE Atlantic estuary. Scenarios ran for 10 years with a time-step of 0.1 days. The results indicate that macroinvertebrate biomass was significantly explained by the effect of each single EC and by their mixture but not by temperature. Globally, the most adverse effects were induced by two ECs and by the mixture of the four ECs, although the sensitivity of macroinvertebrates to the tested scenarios differed. Overall, the present approach is useful to prioritize the effects of stressors and assess the sensitivity of the different trophic groups within food webs, which may be of relevance to support decision making linked to the sustainable management of estuaries and other aquatic systems.
Transgenerational Effects of Prenatal Endocrine Disruption on Reproductive and Sociosexual Behaviors in Sprague Dawley Male and Female Rats
Authors: Kermath Bailey A. , Thompson Lindsay M. , Jefferson Justin R. , Ward Mary H. B. , Gore Andrea C.
Published: January 2022

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) lead to endocrine and neurobehavioral changes, particularly due to developmental exposures during gestation and early life. Moreover, intergenerational and transgenerational phenotypic changes may be induced by germline exposure (F2) and epigenetic germline transmission (F3) generation, respectively. Here, we assessed reproductive and sociosexual behavioral outcomes of prenatal Aroclor 1221 (A1221), a lightly chlorinated mix of PCBs known to have weakly estrogenic mechanisms of action; estradiol benzoate (EB), a positive control; or vehicle (3% DMSO in sesame oil) in F1-, F2-, and F3-generation male and female rats. Treatment with EDCs was given on embryonic day (E) 16 and 18, and F1 offspring monitored for development and adult behavior. F2 offspring were generated by breeding with untreated rats, phenotyping of F2s was performed in adulthood, and the F3 generation were similarly produced and phenotyped. Although no effects of treatment were found on F1 or F3 development and physiology, in the F2 generation, body weight in males and uterine weight in females were increased by A1221. Mating behavior results in F1 and F2 generations showed that F1 A1221 females had a longer latency to lordosis. In males, the F2 generation showed decreased mount frequency in the EB group. In the F3 generation, numbers of ultrasonic vocalizations were decreased by EB in males, and by EB and A1221 when the sexes were combined. Finally, partner preference tests in the F3 generation revealed that naïve females preferred F3-EB over untreated males, and that naïve males preferred untreated over F3-EB or F3-A1221 males. As a whole, these results show that each generation has a unique, sex-specific behavioral phenotype due to direct or ancestral EDC exposure.
Developing Immunity Testing for SARS-CoV-2 and Other Novel Vaccines—Correlates of Immunogenicity Parameters with Protection
Authors: Vajo Zoltan
Published: January 2022

During the assessment and licensing of novel vaccines, as well as post licensure follow up, it is critical to have reliable immunogenicity testing methods that relate well to real life protection [...]
Heterogeneous Ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) Interacts with the Nucleoprotein of the Influenza a Virus and Impedes Virus Replication
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Batra Jyoti , Stuchlik Olga , Reed Matthew S. , Pohl Jan , Sambhara Suryaprakash , Lal Sunil Kumar
Published: January 2022

Influenza A virus (IAV), like other viruses, depends on the host cellular machinery for replication and production of progeny. The relationship between a virus and a host is complex, shaped by many spatial and temporal interactions between viral and host proteome, ultimately dictating disease outcome. Therefore, it is imperative to identify host-virus interactions as crucial determinants of disease pathogenies. Heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) is an RNA binding protein involved in the life cycle of many DNA and RNA viruses; however, its role in IAV remains undiscovered. Here we report that human hnRNPA1 physically interacts with the nucleoprotein (NP) of IAV in mammalian cells at different time points of the viral replication cycle. Temporal distribution studies identify hnRNPA1 and NP co-localize in the same cellular milieu in both nucleus and mitochondria in NP-transfected and IAV-infected mammalian cells. Interestingly, hnRNPA1 influenced NP gene expression and affected viral replication. Most importantly, hnRNPA1 knockdown caused a significant increase in NP expression and enhanced viral replication (93.82%) in IAV infected A549 cells. Conversely, hnRNPA1 overexpression reduced NP expression at the mRNA and protein levels and impeded virus replication by (60.70%), suggesting antagonistic function. Taken together, results from this study demonstrate that cellular hnRNPA1 plays a protective role in the host hitherto unknown and may hold potential as an antiviral target to develop host-based therapeutics against IAV.