bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Creative Destruction Functions in Corporate Entrepreneurial Process: An Empirical Investigation of Schumpeterian Concept in Engineering Firms Setting in Pakistan
Authors: Alam Muhammad Zubair , Kousar Shazia , Ullah Muhammad Rizwan , Pervaiz Amber 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Schumpeter's idea of creative destruction (CD) explains innovation functions in organisations. This paper investigates the CD concept in engineering firms by explaining how technical opportunity (TO) transforms into corporate entrepreneurship (CE) actions once opportunities have a market orientation (MO). A survey conducted using a structured questionnaire with 132 managers in engineering firms in Pakistan. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Partial Least Square (PLS) approach has been used to analyse the data. Results reveal that MO and TO exerts a positive influence on CE. MO is the reason for the emergence of TO, which is exploited by CE's in engineering firms. CD intensifies the impact of MO on TO significantly. Opportunity recognition in engineering firms is distinguished and bounded by MO and technical viability. Engineering firms need to identify gaps in the market through naturally occurring obsolescence of products and services (CD) to create TO with appropriate MO. This study has revived a classical debate over opportunity recognition by proposing a CE model by incorporating external factors. The Schumpeterian opportunity recognition process and CD have been explained for engineering firms that are distinguished from other types of firms. Kirznerian opportunity recognition view has also been debated to dialect Schumpeterian view.
MMP-9 Reinforces Radiation-Induced Delayed Invasion and Metastasis of Surviving Neuroblastoma Cells Through Second-Signaling Positive Feedback With NFkB Via Both ERK and IKK Activation
Authors: Somasundaram Dinesh Babu , Aravindan Sheeja , Major Ryan , Natarajan Mohan , Aravindan Natarajan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) progression is branded with hematogenous metastasis and frequent relapses. Despite intensive multimodal clinical therapy, outcomes for patients with progressive disease remain poor, with negligible long-term survival. Therefore, understanding the acquired molecular rearrangements in surviving cells with therapy pressure and developing improved therapeutic strategies is a critical need to improve the outcomes for high-risk NB patients. We investigated the rearrangement of MMP9 in NB with therapy pressure, and unveiled the signaling that facilitates NB evolution. Radiation-therapy (RT) significantly increased MMP9 expression/activity, and the induced enzyme activity was persistently maintained across NB cell lines. Further, RT-triggered NFkB transcriptional activity and this RT-induced NFkB were required/adequate for MMP9 maintenance. RT-triggered NFkB-dependent MMP9 actuated a second-signaling feedback to NFkB, facilitating a NFkB-MMP9-NFkB positive feedback cycle (PFC). Critically, MMP9-NFkB feedback is mediated by MMP9-dependent activation of IKKβ and ERK phosphotransferase activity. Beyond its tumor invasion/metastasis function, PFC-dependent MMP9 lessens RT-induced apoptosis and favors survival pathway through the activation of NFkB signaling. In addition, PFC-dependent MMP9 regulates 19 critical molecular determinants that play a pivotal role in tumor evolution. Interestingly, seven of 19 genes possess NFkB-binding sites, demonstrating that MMP9 regulates these molecules by activating NFkB. Collectively, these data suggest that RT-triggered NFkB-dependent MMP9 actuates feedback to NFkB though IKKβ- and ERK1/2-dependent IkBα phosphorylation. This RT-triggered PFC prompts MMP9-dependent survival advantage, tumor growth, and dissemination. Targeting therapy-pressure-driven PFC and/or selective inhibition of MMP9 maintenance could serve as promising therapeutic strategies for treatment of progressive NB that defies current clinical therapy.
Assessing of channel structure and magnetic properties on heavy metal ions removal from water
Authors: Ateia Ebtesam , Ateia Mahmoud A. , Arman Mohamed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The synthesis of Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 ferrite nanoparticles has been synthesized by the citrate auto combustion method. The distribution of cations on A-site and B-site was studied by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), High- Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The crystallite size and strain were calculated by using the W–H (Williamson-Hall) plot. The crystallite of Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 ferrite nanoparticle is ∼30 nm. HRTEM confirmed the homogeneous formation of the cubic phase. The calculated height and spacing parameters related to roughness are essential to achieve the efficiency of Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 to be used in micro-batteries, smart windows, smart mirrors, displays, gas sensors, and other applications. According to the obtained data, the Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 has a spiky surface with Rku = 5.50. Additionally, the magnetic hysteresis loop has been clarified using the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The double peak characteristic in the Switching field distribution (SFD) reveals the competition between exchange coupling and strong dipolar interactions. Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 has employed as a sorbent material for the removal of lead (II) ions from wastewater. The main advantages of the synthesized sample are ease of separation, high adsorption, low cost as well as recycled with notable efficiency. Two models of adsorption isotherms (Freundlich and Langmuir) are utilized to recognize the adsorption mechanism.
Sertoli Cells Possess Immunomodulatory Properties and the Ability of Mitochondrial Transfer Similar to Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Porubska Bianka , Vasek Daniel , Somova Veronika , Hajkova Michaela , Hlaviznova Michaela , Tlapakova Tereza , Holan Vladimir , Krulova Magdalena 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
It is becoming increasingly evident that selecting an optimal source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is crucial for the successful outcome of MSC-based therapies. During the search for cells with potent regenerative properties, Sertoli cells (SCs) have been proven to modulate immune response in both in vitro and in vivo models. Based on morphological properties and expression of surface markers, it has been suggested that SCs could be a kind of MSCs, however, this hypothesis has not been fully confirmed. Therefore, we compared several parameters of MSCs and SCs, with the aim to evaluate the therapeutic potential of SCs in regenerative medicine. We showed that SCs successfully underwent osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation and determined the expression profile of canonical MSC markers on the SC surface. Besides, SCs rescued T helper (Th) cells from undergoing apoptosis, promoted the anti-inflammatory phenotype of these cells, but did not regulate Th cell proliferation. MSCs impaired the Th17-mediated response; on the other hand, SCs suppressed the inflammatory polarisation in general. SCs induced M2 macrophage polarisation more effectively than MSCs. For the first time, we demonstrated here the ability of SCs to transfer mitochondria to immune cells. Our results indicate that SCs are a type of MSCs and modulate the reactivity of the immune system. Therefore, we suggest that SCs are promising candidates for application in regenerative medicine due to their anti-inflammatory and protective effects, especially in the therapies for diseases associated with testicular tissue inflammation.
Comorbid Chronic Diseases and Health-related Quality of Life in the Obese Population: a Longitudinal Analysis of a Nationally Representative Household Survey in Australia
Authors: Keramat Syed Afroz , Alam Khorshed , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Saha Monidipa , Samad Nandeeta , Gow Jeff , Biddle Stuart J. H. , Seidu Abdul-Aziz 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the relationship between nine comorbid chronic conditions and HRQoL separately, along with the number of chronic diseases among the Australian obese population.MethodsData for this study were sourced from three waves (waves 9, 13 and 17) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. The paper studies 9,444 person-year observations from 5,524 individuals over the years 2009, 2013, and 2017. The outcome variable of HRQoL was measured through the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the main variables of interest were nine chronic conditions and the number of chronic diseases. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to test the association between comorbid chronic diseases and HRQoL. ResultsThis study found a negative relationship between the number of comorbid chronic conditions and sub-scale, summary measures, and health utility index of the SF-36. Obese adults with 1, 2, 3, and 3+ comorbid chronic diseases scored lower points on the SF-36 physical component summary (b = -2.83, b = -7.37, b = -11.15, b = -14.29, respectively), mental component summary (b = -1.46, b = -2.34, b = -3.66, and b = -6.34, respectively), and in the short-form six-dimension utility index (SF-6D) scale (b = -0.030, b = -0.063, b = -0.099, and b = -0.138, respectively) compared to obese peers without comorbid chronic diseases. The number of chronic conditions was associated with reductions in the score of all eight dimensions of the SF-36. Obese people with any of the nine studied comorbid chronic diseases (heart disease, circulatory disease, hypertension, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, and cancer) were associated with lower HRQoL compared to peers without that particular comorbid chronic disease.ConclusionsComorbid chronic diseases in obese individuals are associated with lower HRQoL. Increasing the number of comorbid chronic conditions is associated with a further reduction in all dimensions and summary measures of the SF-36. The findings, therefore, call for improved holistic management of obesity and interventions to reduce obesity-related comorbidities to improve HRQoL of obese Australian.
Synthesis of a Novel Highly Efficient Flame-Retardant Coating for Cotton Fabrics With Low Combustion Toxicity and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Makhlouf Ghada , abdelkhalik aksam , Ameen Heba 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Synthesis of multi-function flame retardants is widely increasing to fulfil industrial and economic goals. In this work, a novel flame retardant, melamine salt of tannic phosphate (MTP) was prepared and characterized. MTP was mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution and used as a coating for cotton fabrics. In addition, tannic acid (TA) and melamine phosphate (MP) were mixed with PVA solution and applied as a coating for cotton fabrics. Vertical and horizontal flammability tests showed that the flame did not propagate in samples treated with PVA/MTP. In contrast, samples treated with PVA/TA/MP burnt completely. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) data indicated that samples treated with PVA/30%MTP reached LOI value 68.4%, while control sample had LOI value 17.1%. Smoke density results presented that PVA/MTP succeeded in reducing the maximum specific optical density (Ds max) of cotton fabrics. FTIR gas analyzer results manifested that addition of PVA/MTP to cotton fabrics decreased the emission of CO, CO2, C3H8, C2H6, C6H14 and formaldehyde in the gas phase. Fractional effective dose (FED) and lethal toxic potency (LC50) showed that samples coated with PVA/MTP are less toxic than blank. In addition, these fabrics exhibited a remarkable antibacterial property against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Trajectories of a Ball Moving Inside a Spherical Cavity Using First Integrals of The Governing Nonlinear System
Authors: Naprstek Jiri , Fischer Cyril 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Analytical study of ball vibration absorber behavior is presented in the paper. The dynamics of trajectories of a heavy ball moving without slipping inside a spherical cavity are analyzed. Following our previous work, where a similar system was investigated through various numerical simulations, research of the dynamic properties of a sphere moving in a spherical cavity was carried out by methods of analytical dynamics. The strategy of analytical investigation enabled definition of a set of special and limit cases which designate individual domains of regular trajectories. In order to avoid any mutual interaction between the domains along a particular trajectory movement, energy dissipation at the contact of the ball and the cavity has been ignored, as has any kinematic excitation due to cavity movement. A governing system was derived using the Lagrangian formalism and complemented by appropriate non-holonomic constraints of the Pfaff type. The three first integrals are defined, enabling the evaluation of trajectory types with respect to system parameters, the initial amount of total energy, the angular momentum of the ball and its initial spin velocity. The neighborhoods of the limit trajectories and their dynamic stability are assessed. Limit and transition special cases are investigated along with their individual elements. The analytical means of investigation enabled the performance of broad parametric studies. Good agreement was found when comparing the results achieved by the analytical procedures in this paper with those obtained by means of numerical simulations, as they followed from the Lagrangian approach and the Appell-Gibbs function presented in previous papers.
The catalytic activity of PtnCum (n+m=3, m≠3) clusters for methanol dehydrogenation to CO
Authors: Wang Qingyun , Wang Chun-Yan , Tong Yong-Chun , Xu Xin-Jian , Bai Qing-Ling , Li Shou-Bo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Based on the density functional theory (DFT), the geometric for the reactants, intermediates, transition states and dehydrogenation products have been optimized. The energy diagrams are drawn out along both the O-adsorption path and H-adsorption path, and the C-H bond scission pathway is energetically more favorable than the O-H bond scission pathway. By calculation, the Pt is the active site in the whole reaction processes, and the barrier energy of the rate-determining step is 11.09 kcal/mol by Pt: Cu=2: 1 which is lower than that of Pt 3 and PtCu 2 . Importantly, it is shown that the complete dehydrogenation product of methanol, CO, can more easily dissociate from PtCu 2 cluster than from Pt 3 cluster. Therefore, Cu doping can promote the catalytic activity of Pt in a certain extent.
Cytotoxicity and Changes in Gene Expression Under Aluminium Potassium Sulfate on Spodoptera Frugiperda 9 Cells
Authors: Feng Rong , Chen Liang , Chen Keping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aluminium, a substance found in large amounts in nature, has been widely used for various purposes, especially food additives. The effects of long-term and excessive exposure to aluminium on human health are receiving increasing attention. The extensive human use of aluminium food additives can also cause aluminium to enter the ecosystem, where it has significant impacts on insects. This study explored the cytotoxicity and changes in gene expression under aluminium potassium sulfate toward Spodoptera frugiperda 9 cells. We found that high concentrations of aluminium resulted in cell enlargement and cell membrane breakage, decreased cell vitality, and caused apoptosis. Through RNA-Seq transcriptomics, we found that aluminium ions may inhibit the expression of regulatory-associated protein of mTOR, tdIns-dependent protein kinase-1, and small heat shock proteins (heat shock 70 kDa protein and crystallin alpha B), leading to changes in mTOR-related pathways (such as the longevity regulation pathway and PI3K-Akt signalling pathway) , and promoting cell apoptosis. On the other hand, aluminium ions lead to the overexpression of GSH S-transferase，prostaglandin-H2 D-isomerase and pyrimidodiazepine synthase, and induce intracellular oxidative damage, which ultimately affects cell growth and apoptosis through a series of cascade reactions.
Heterogeneous Severity of COVID-19 in African Countries: A Modeling Approach
Authors: Musa Salihu Sabiu , Wang Xueying , Zhao Shi , Li Shudong , Hussaini Nafiu , Wang Weiming , He Daihai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous impact on global health and economics. The impact in African countries has not been investigated through fitting epidemic model to the reported COVID-19 deaths.Method: We downloaded data for the twelve most-affected countries with the highest cumulative COVID-19 deaths to estimate the time-varying effective reproduction number (B) and infection attack rate (IAR). We developed a simple epidemic model and fitted the model to reported COVID-19 deaths in 12 African countries, using iterated filtering and allowing flexible transmission rate. Results: We found high heterogeneity in the case-fatality rate across countries, which may be due to different reporting or testing efforts. We found that South Africa, Tunisia, and Libya were hit hardest with a relatively higher a and infection attack rate Conclusion: To effectively control the spread of COVID-19 epidemics in Africa, there is a need to consider other mitigation strategies (such as improvement in socio-economic wellbeing, health care system, water supply, awareness campaigns).
Improvement of Solar Photo-Fenton by Extracts of Amazonian Fruits for the Degradation of Pharmaceuticals in Municipal Wastewater
Authors: Manrique-Losada Lis , Santanilla-Calderón Heidy L , Serna-Galvis Efraím A , Torres-Palma Ricardo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Extracts of copoazu (Theobroma gramdiflorum), canangucha (Maurita Flexuosa), and coffee (coffea arabica) were explored as enhancers of the solar photo-Fenton process to eliminate acetaminophen, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, and diclofenac. The process performance, at pH 6.2 and 5 mg L− 1 of iron without the extracts, has a very limited action (~ 35% of the pollutants degradation at 90 min of treatment) due to the iron precipitation. Interestingly, the extracts addition increased the soluble iron forms but only copoazu extract improved the pollutants degradation (~ 95% of elimination at 90 min of the process action). The copoazu extract acted as a natural complexing agent, maintaining the soluble iron up to 2 mg L− 1 even after 90 min, and consequently enhancing the pollutants degradation. The effect of copoazu extract dose on the process performance was also assessed, finding that an iron: copoazu extract molar ratio equal to 1:0.16 was the most favorable condition. Then, the process improved by copoazu extract was applied to municipal wastewater. Remarkably, the process led to ~ 90% of total pharmaceuticals degradation at 20 min of treatment. This work evidences the feasibility of amazonian fruits extracts to improve the solar photo-Fenton process to degrade pharmaceuticals in aqueous matrices at near-neutral pH.
Assessment of Academic Performance: A Shared Experience From Jazan Faculty of Medicine, Saudi Arabia and a Proposal for Systematic Monitoring and Evaluation
Authors: Gosadi Ibrahim , Makeen Anwar , Panjwani Vikrant 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesIn 2016, the government of Saudi Arabia announced its ambitious transformation vision, Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, where a new Universities System was established. The new system aims to reduce bureaucracy in the academic environment and enable objective measurement of performance via the utilization of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).One of the challenges is related to difficulties in assessing the academic performance of faculty members, especially among medical school. The responsibilities of teaching staff working at medical schools in Saudi Arabia can be diverse and difficult to measure and varying between teaching, research, clinical, and administrative activities. ResultsIn this report, we share our experience in Jazan University Faculty of Medicine (FoM) to propose a low-cost system to monitor and evaluate the academic performance. This report provides a comprehensive description of data acquisition methods, data follow, data management, and data display. The proposed system aims to evaluate the overall academic activities through the quantification of teaching, research, administrative, clinical and professional development and community service activities to enable the relevant stakeholders to monitor KPIs achievement, ensure appropriate resources utilization, data-driven decision making and planning. Additionally, the proposed system is suitable for use in relatively new academic institutions with limited resources.
The Potential Role of Community Actors in The Response Against COVID-19: Lessons From Three African Countries, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia
Authors: Zulu Joseph Mumba , Mulubwa Chama , Sirili Nathanael , Silumbwe Adam , Chavula Malizgani Paul , Munakampe Margarate , Zulu Wanga , Michelo Charles , Tetui Moses 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective With the spread of COVID-19 to most low-and middle- income countries, global concerns arise on how to respond to the pandemic. We seek to highlight the early response to COVID-19 of Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and draw lessons on how community actors could be engaged in the global efforts to prevent its spread and resurgence. This is envisioned to guide COVID-19 prevention efforts as well as implementation of interventions, especially in areas with relaxed, no or partial lockdown measures. ResultsCommunity actors can be useful in the promotion of behavioural change including consistent use of face masks, handwashing, social distancing, as well as act as whistle-blowers who identify new residents, report suspected COVID-19 cases and those breaking self-quarantine directives. Furthermore, community actors can encourage adherence to government directives on COVID-19 prevention through integrating COVID-19 information into their routine services. Countries across the globe have the opportunity to tap into the potential role of community actors, especially as we move towards more inclusive health systems. Increased involvement of community health systems is vital in sustaining the gains that have been made in areas where COVID-19 cases have reduced.