bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Good Savage” vs. “Bad Savage”. Discourse and Counter-Discourse on Primitive Language as a Reflex of English Colonialism
Authors: Mazzon Gabriella 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the ideological construction of colonialism and, more widely, of any hierarchy of human communities, a crucial role is played by discourse on language. English nationalism and imperialism, in particular, developed extensive argumentations on language as an interpretation of the encounter with the other, on the basis of internal cultural developments that assigned to language the role of social discriminator. The paper investigates a strand of such argumentations during the period from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century: the concept of “primitive” languages, described in a positive or, more often, in a negative light. The former arguments employ tones related to the idea of the “good savage” and stand in connection with narratives on the “language of Adam” and of the “Welsh Indians”, the latter uses a rhetoric extolling “progress” and “civilization” against the “immaturity” and “backwardness” of primitive languages, a perspective that was later to influence Darwinism.
Methane monooxygenases: central enzymes in methanotrophy with promising biotechnological applications
Authors: Khider May L. K. , Brautaset Trygve , Irla Marta 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWorldwide, the use of methane is limited to generating power, electricity, heating, and for production of chemicals. We believe this valuable gas can be employed more widely. Here we review the possibility of using methane as a feedstock for biotechnological processes based on the application of synthetic methanotrophs. Methane monooxygenase (MMO) enables aerobic methanotrophs to utilize methane as a sole carbon and energy source, in contrast to industrial microorganisms that grow on carbon sources, such as sugar cane, which directly compete with the food market. However, naturally occurring methanotrophs have proven to be difficult to manipulate genetically and their current industrial use is limited to generating animal feed biomass. Shifting the focus from genetic engineering of methanotrophs, towards introducing metabolic pathways for methane utilization in familiar industrial microorganisms, may lead to construction of efficient and economically feasible microbial cell factories. The applications of a technology for MMO production are not limited to methane-based industrial synthesis of fuels and value-added products, but are also of interest in bioremediation where mitigating anthropogenic pollution is an increasingly relevant issue. Published research on successful functional expression of MMO does not exist, but several attempts provide promising future perspectives and a few recent patents indicate that there is an ongoing research in this field. Combining the knowledge on genetics and metabolism of methanotrophy with tools for functional heterologous expression of MMO-encoding genes in non-methanotrophic bacterial species, is a key step for construction of synthetic methanotrophs that holds a great biotechnological potential.
Investigating sustainable management of desalination brine through concentration using forward osmosis
Authors: El Zayat Hossam , Nasr Peter , Sewilam Hani 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA fertilizer drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) process was tested for the concentration of synthetic brine using an industrial-grade fertilizer ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 as the draw solution (DS), NaCl-based synthetic brine as the feed solution (FS), and a commercial forward osmosis (FO) membrane. A bench-scale investigation and a pilot-scale investigation were carried out. By using the highest possible concentration of the DS with a fixed concentration of the FS, the brine generated by reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants was simulated. The aim of this investigation, performed in batch mode, was to assess the feasibility of using the FDFO process with the tested DS to concentrate the brine by extracting water to dilute the DS. While the main aim of the investigated process was achieving the maximum possible volume reduction of the brine, the resulting DS was further diluted to reduce the nutrients’ concentration in the diluted DS to the acceptable levels producing fertilized water that can be used for fertigation. The investigation showed that the proposed process using the tested fertilizer resulted in an average water flux of 8.01 l/h/m2, and a volume reduction of the brine of around 12%.
Changes in qualitative and quantitative traits of birch (Betula pendula) pollen allergenic proteins in relation to the pollution contamination
Authors: Ziemianin Monika , Waga Jacek , Czarnobilska Ewa , Myszkowska Dorota 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBirch (Betula pendula) pollen causes inhalant allergy in about 20% of human population in Europe, most of which is sensitive to the main birch allergen, Bet v1. The aim of the study was to find out (i) whether and how the analysed birch individuals differ in regard to composition of individual subunits of pollen proteins and to protein content in these subunits; (ii) whether the level of particulate matter relates to concentration of Bet v1 allergen. Study was performed in Southern Poland, in 2017–2019. Pollen material was collected at 20 sites, of highly or less polluted areas. Protein composition was analysed by SDS-PAGE, while the concentration of Bet v1 was evaluated by ELISA. The obtained results were estimated at the background of the particulate matter (PM10) level and the birch pollen seasons in Kraków. The electrophoregrams of pollen samples collected at different sites showed huge differences in staining intensities of individual protein subunits, also among important birch allergens: Bet v1, Bet v2, Bet v6 and Bet v7. The level of Bet v1 was significantly higher in the pollen samples collected at the more polluted sites. While the birch pollen allergenic potential is determined, the both pollen exposure and the content of the main allergenic components should be considered, as factors causing immunological response and clinical symptoms manifestation in sensitive individuals.
COVID-19’s impact on real estate markets: review and outlook
Authors: Balemi Nadia , Füss Roland , Weigand Alois 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs symbolized by vacant office buildings, empty shopping malls and abandoned flats in metropolitan areas, the new coronavirus disease 2019 has severely impacted real estate markets. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of the latest academic insights into how this pandemic has affected the housing, commercial real estate and the mortgage market. Moreover, these findings are linked to comprehensive statistics of each real estate sector’s performance during the crisis. Finally, the paper includes an outlook and discusses possible future developments in each real estate segment.
SEOM clinical guidelines for anaemia treatment in cancer patients (2020)
Authors: Escobar Álvarez Y. , de las Peñas Bataller R. , Perez Altozano J. , Ros Martínez S. , Sabino Álvarez A. , Blasco Cordellat A. , Brozos Vázquez E. , Corral Jaime J. , García Escobar I. , Beato Zambrano C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAnaemia is defined by the presence of haemoglobin (Hb) levels < 13 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women. Up to 39% of cancer patients present it at the time of diagnosis and up to 40% have iron deficiency. Anaemia causes fatigue, functional deterioration and a reduction in the quality of life; it has also been associated with a poorer response to anti-tumour treatment and lower survival. Basic diagnostic tests for anaemia are simple and should be a routine part of clinical practice. These guidelines review the available evidence on the use of different therapies for treating anaemia: erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, iron supplements, and transfusion of blood products.
Locating Hotspots for the Social Life Cycle Assessment of Bio-Based Products from Short Rotation Coppice
Authors: Fürtner Daniela , Ranacher Lea , Perdomo Echenique E. Alejandro , Schwarzbauer Peter , Hesser Franziska 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe establishment of new value chains raises expectations in economic and social benefits. To determine whether these expectations can be fulfilled or whether there are also negative consequences, social aspects should be assessed as early as the R&D phase. Potential social impacts can be assessed with the help of a social life cycle assessment (SLCA). A common problem in SLCA studies is the large number of social aspects. Thus, it is important to prioritize the most relevant aspects. Scholars agree that socioeconomic indicators should not be selected on a purely intuitive and common sense basis and that a standardized approach is missing. A three-step process has been developed to identify the most vulnerable and relevant social aspects. These three steps were implemented into a case study to empirically test the method. Short-rotation-coppice as an alternative form of agricultural dendromass production is one possibility to obtain wood resources for the processing of bio-based products. The use of agricultural land for dendromass production promises additional income for the region’s farmers and job opportunities for the local population. The extant literature shows that the most frequently addressed impacts are related to workers’ health and safety aspects. The outcome of this study aims to support future research by identifying an appropriate approach for the selection of indicators in SLCA. For studies with a similar focus, the proposed set of indicators can be used as a framework in itself or serve as a basis for the choice of relevant social indicators.
The role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition-regulating transcription factors in anti-cancer drug resistance
Authors: Seo Jihye , Ha Jain , Kang Eunjeong , Cho Sayeon 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe complex orchestration of gene expression that mediates the transition of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells is implicated in cancer development and metastasis. As the primary regulator of the process, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-regulating transcription factors (EMT-TFs) play key roles in metastasis. They are also highlighted in recent preclinical studies on resistance to cancer therapy. This review describes the role of three main EMT-TFs, including Snail, Twist1, and zinc-finger E homeobox-binding 1 (ZEB1), relating to drug resistance and current possible approaches for future challenges targeting EMT-TFs.
New Realization of Disaster Risk Reduction Education in the Context of a Global Pandemic: Lessons from Japan
Authors: Shaw Rajib , Sakurai Aiko , Oikawa Yukihiko 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe global COVID-19 pandemic has challenged different development sectors, including education. In this article, two main analyses are provided: one on the biological hazards of the pandemic in the context of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015−2030, which analyzes the overall impacts on the education sector. Then we discuss the overall impact on education sectors, with specific focus on disaster risk reduction (DRR) education and education for sustainable development (ESD). Disaster risk reduction education and ESD are analyzed from the perspective of school-community-family linkages. Specific case analysis of COVID-19 response in the education sector is presented from Omuta City, Japan, which is considered as a champion city for ESD. Four phases of response in Omuta City are characterized with three specific foci: (1) mitigating covid impacts on educational program and participants; (2) preventing exacerbation of covid transmission within and outside schools; and (3) maintaining educational program integrity despite covid. Key lessons are summarized in the concluding section, which explore the importance of (1) educational governance (on critical decision making) during the pandemic as well as with cascading risks; (2) enhancement of school-community-family linkages as pandemic response commonalities between ESD and DRR education; (3) risk communication and citizen behavior; and (4) use of technology. We argue that integration of health and DRR education is important, that resilience needs to be redefined in terms of sustainable development goals (SDGs), and that education plays a vital role in achieving these ends.
Microfluidic-based virus detection methods for respiratory diseases
Authors: Tarim E. Alperay , Karakuzu Betul , Oksuz Cemre , Sarigil Oyku , Kizilkaya Melike , Al-Ruweidi Mahmoud Khatib A. A. , Yalcin Huseyin Cagatay , Ozcivici Engin , Tekin H. Cumhur 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWith the recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the importance of rapid and direct detection of respiratory disease viruses has been well recognized. The detection of these viruses with novel technologies is vital in timely prevention and treatment strategies for epidemics and pandemics. Respiratory viruses can be detected from saliva, swab samples, nasal fluid, and blood, and collected samples can be analyzed by various techniques. Conventional methods for virus detection are based on techniques relying on cell culture, antigen-antibody interactions, and nucleic acids. However, these methods require trained personnel as well as expensive equipment. Microfluidic technologies, on the other hand, are one of the most accurate and specific methods to directly detect respiratory tract viruses. During viral infections, the production of detectable amounts of relevant antibodies takes a few days to weeks, hampering the aim of prevention. Alternatively, nucleic acid–based methods can directly detect the virus-specific RNA or DNA region, even before the immune response. There are numerous methods to detect respiratory viruses, but direct detection techniques have higher specificity and sensitivity than other techniques. This review aims to summarize the methods and technologies developed for microfluidic-based direct detection of viruses that cause respiratory infection using different detection techniques. Microfluidics enables the use of minimal sample volumes and thereby leading to a time, cost, and labor effective operation. Microfluidic-based detection technologies provide affordable, portable, rapid, and sensitive analysis of intact virus or virus genetic material, which is very important in pandemic and epidemic events to control outbreaks with an effective diagnosis.
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, Canada, December 25, 2019, to December 1, 2020
Authors: Fung Isaac Chun-Hai , Hung Yuen Wai , Ofori Sylvia K. , Muniz-Rodriguez Kamalich , Lai Po-Ying , Chowell Gerardo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to investigate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemiology in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, Canada.Methods:Using data through December 1, 2020, we estimated time-varying reproduction number, Rt, using EpiEstim package in R, and calculated incidence rate ratios (IRR) across the 3 provinces.Results:In Ontario, 76% (92 745/121 745) of cases were in Toronto, Peel, York, Ottawa, and Durham; in Alberta, 82% (49 878/61 169) in Calgary and Edmonton; in British Columbia, 90% (31 142/34 699) in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal. Across 3 provinces, Rt dropped to ≤ 1 after April. In Ontario, Rt would remain < 1 in April if congregate-setting-associated cases were excluded. Over summer, Rt maintained < 1 in Ontario, ~1 in British Columbia, and ~1 in Alberta, except early July when Rt was > 1. In all 3 provinces, Rt was > 1, reflecting surges in case count from September through November. Compared with British Columbia (684.2 cases per 100 000), Alberta (IRR = 2.0; 1399.3 cases per 100 000) and Ontario (IRR = 1.2; 835.8 cases per 100 000) had a higher cumulative case count per 100 000 population.Conclusions:Alberta and Ontario had a higher incidence rate than British Columbia, but Rt trajectories were similar across all 3 provinces.
Discrimination and Bias in State Triage Protocols Toward Populations With Intellectual Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Felt Ashley Brooke , Mitcham Dionne , Hathcock Morgan , Swienton Raymond , Harris Curtis 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIndividuals with intellectual disabilities face discrimination on a daily basis. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the systemic ableism that is embedded within American culture, particularly through health care bias and discrimination. In turn, this creates further marginalization during diagnosis, triage, and treatment of the novel coronavirus. Multiple states have filed complaints against state triage protocols that suggest an abled life is more worthy than a life with a disability. Although many of these protocols have been updated and replaced, generalized triage statements fail to address health care bias that is embedded within the American system. In addition to the existing solutions, proposed solutions to addressing health care bias include integrating social workers into the emergency management process and the overall disaster management field. To combat bias and ableism across the health care system, a social justice perspective that highlights discrimination, inequalities, and inequities in overall individual care must be adopted.
Feeling stuck: exploring experiences of junior doctors
Authors: Alexander Lauren , Counihan Eimear , McNally Deirdre , Douglas Leonard 
Published: March 2021

Objectives:Staff working in mental health services provide care for individuals with a variety of difficulties, which can pose treatment challenges. Perceived lack of progress in patients can engender uncomfortable feelings within the clinician, such as frustration, ‘heartsink’ and ‘feeling stuck’. The aim of this study was to explore the phenomenon of ‘feeling stuck’ amongst NCHDs in psychiatry.Methods:A total of 30 participants were recruited from three psychiatric hospitals to complete a 15-item questionnaire. The survey was designed to pursue a thematic analysis. Participants were asked to complete the survey anonymously, either online or paper version. The analysis was carried out by two researchers using open coding, with themes finalised through collective discourse.Results:Three themes were elicited from the data. The central theme – ‘causes of feeling stuck’ – consisted of three subthemes (patient, doctor and system factors). Participants were adept at describing patient and system factors, but reflected on doctor factors, such as countertransference, less often and in less detail. Other themes, explored in less detail by respondents, were ‘the experience of feeling stuck’ and ‘responses to feeling stuck’, with participants tending to seek solutions to, rather than an understanding of, these feelings.Conclusions:Trainee psychiatrists can clearly identify the situations where they are ‘stuck’ with clinical interactions. In spite of clinical supervision and reflective practice groups, they desire further training in managing these scenarios. NCHDs would benefit from further training, using these ‘stuck’ interactions as material, to further develop their understanding of the underlying factors in both themselves and their patients.
ADDITIVE BASES AND NIVEN NUMBERS
Authors: SANNA CARLO 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLet

$g \geq 2$
be an integer. A natural number is said to be a base-g Niven number if it is divisible by the sum of its base-g digits. Assuming Hooley’s Riemann hypothesis, we prove that the set of base-g Niven numbers is an additive basis, that is, there exists a positive integer

$C_g$
such that every natural number is the sum of at most

$C_g$
base-g Niven numbers.
Bitter melon fruit extract enhances intracellular ATP production and insulin secretion from rat pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Shimada Takumi , Kato Fumihiro , Dwijayanti Dinia Rizqi , Nagata Takuma , Kinoshita Akito , Okuyama Tetsuya , Nishizawa Mikio , Mukai Eri 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) has been shown to have various health-promoting activities, including antidiabetic and hypoglycaemic effects. Improvement in insulin sensitivity and increase in glucose utilisation in peripheral tissues have been reported, but the effect on insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of bitter melon fruit on insulin secretion from β-cells and the underlying mechanism. The green fruit of bitter melon was freeze-dried and extracted with methanol. The bitter melon fruit extract (BMFE) was fractionated using ethyl acetate (fraction A), n-butanol (fraction B) and water (fraction C). Insulin secretory capacity from INS-1 rat insulinoma cell line and rat pancreatic islets, as well as glucose tolerance in rats by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), was measured using BMFE and fractions. ATP production in β-cells was also examined. BMFE augmented insulin secretion from INS-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The significant augmentation of insulin secretion was independent of the glucose dose. Fraction A (i.e. hydrophobic fraction), but not fractions B and C, augmented insulin secretion significantly at the same level as that by BMFE. This finding was also observed in pancreatic islets. In OGTT, BMFE and fraction A decreased blood glucose levels and increased serum insulin levels after glucose loading. The decrease in blood glucose levels was also observed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In addition, BMFE and fraction A increased the ATP content in β-cells. We concluded that hydrophobic components of BMFE increase ATP production and augment insulin secretion from β-cells, consequently decreasing blood glucose levels.
Megasthenes on the Military Livestock of Chandragupta and the Making of the First Indian Empire
Authors: Trautmann Thomas R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMegasthenes was an eyewitness to the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, maker of the first India-wide empire (from ca. 321 BCE). The army with which he made that empire depended largely upon the supply of men, horses, elephants, and oxen, a sector which may be called military livestock. Megasthenes’ account of this large sector of government expense and the policies under which it operated gives important testimony about the causes of Chandragupta's success, namely the maintenance of a royal monopoly of horses, elephants, and arms, payment of the soldiers in peacetime and war, the demilitarization of the farmers, and the separation of the soldiers from the land. Over the long run of Indian history, from the Mauryan Empire to the present, the environmental roots of the political order lay in the complementary distribution of horse and elephant country, to the dry west and humid east of a line running down the middle of the Subcontinent; that is, respectively, the valleys of the Indus and the Ganga. The dominating power of India has always had its capital in elephant country, the valley of the Ganga, in cities from Pataliputra (Patna) to Kanauj to Delhi, in a position from which to control the eastward flow of horses and the westward flow of elephants to other states.