bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seed Oil from Mediterranean Aromatic and Medicinal Plants of the Lamiaceae Family as a Source of Bioactive Components with Nutritional
Authors: Quílez María , Ferreres Federico , López-Miranda Santiago , Salazar Eva , Jordán María J.
Published: June 2020

The potential use as food ingredients of 12 commercial seed species belonging to the Lamiaceae family constitutes the main goal of this research. For that, the oil yield, the lipid profile, tocopherol content, phenolic profile and antioxidant capacities were determined. Seeds from Satureja hortensis, S. montana, Lavandula angustifolia, L. latifolia and Origanum vulgare can be considered as important sources of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (50.5; 52.4; 52.1; 48.5 and 45.5 g/100 g, respectively), likewise for seed oils from Salvia lavandulifolia and Rosmarinus officinalis regarding ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (52.2 and 50.0 g/100 g, respectively). The total tocopherol concentration varied between 42.8 and 113.8 mg/100 g of oil. The highest antioxidant capacities corresponded to Thymbra capitata and Origanum vulgare seed oils, in which carvacrol was the major phenolic monoterpene quantified. The presence of cinnamoyl-apigenin derivatives and hydroxycoumarin-apigenin-derivatives in spike lavender is described for the first time. Most of these seeds can be considered as an important source of oil rich in bioactive components of interest for human nutrition.
The Role of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nuts on an Experimental Model of Painful Degenerative Joint Disease
Authors: Fusco Roberta , Siracusa Rosalba , Peritore Alesso Filippo , Gugliandolo Enrico , Genovese Tiziana , D’Amico Ramona , Cordaro Marika , Crupi Rosalia , Mandalari Giuseppina , Impellizzeri Daniela , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna
Published: June 2020

Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease characterized by the activation of different molecular mediators, including proinflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, metalloproteinases and nociceptive mediators. Anacardium occidentale L. is a medicinal plant with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study we evaluate the effects of cashew nuts (from Anacardium occidentale L.) oral administration on an experimental model of painful degenerative joint disease. Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) was intraarticularly injected, and cashew nuts were orally administered three times per week for 21 days, starting the third day after MIA injection. Nociception was evaluated by a Von Frey filament test, and motor function by walking track analysis at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after osteoarthritis. Histological and biochemical alteration were examined at the end of the experiment. Cashew nuts administration reduced pain-like behavior and showed antioxidant activities, restoring biochemical serum parameters: glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) levels, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, cashew nuts ameliorated radiographic and histological alteration, resulting in decreased cartilage degradation, pro-inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinases levels and mast cells recruitment. Our results demonstrated that the oral assumption of cashew nuts counteracts the inflammatory and oxidative process involved in osteoarthritis.
Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent as Extraction Media for the Main Phenolic Compounds from Olive Oil Processing Wastes
Authors: Bonacci Sonia , Di Gioia Maria Luisa , Costanzo Paola , Maiuolo Loredana , Tallarico Sofia , Nardi Monica
Published: June 2020

In this new century, sustainable development challenges chemical sciences to develop new and clean technological processes. The agri-food industry produces significant quantities of waste, raising significant economic and environmental concerns. Food waste valorization using environmentally friendly procedures is of increasing importance. This study describes the use of several Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) for the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of valuable bioactive phenolic compounds from olive oil processing wastes. The extracted samples were characterized by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF/MS) analysis and the quantification of the phenolic compounds was performed by HPLC analysis. The obtained data were compared with those obtained using water as the solvent in the same extraction conditions. The extraction process is nontoxic, simple and selective and meets most of the criteria to be considered as a sustainable process, with the solvents arising directly from nature.
Genetically Encoded Tools for Research of Cell Signaling and Metabolism under Brain Hypoxia
Authors: Kostyuk Alexander I. , Kokova Aleksandra D. , Podgorny Oleg V. , Kelmanson Ilya V. , Fetisova Elena S. , Belousov Vsevolod V. , Bilan Dmitry S.
Published: June 2020

Hypoxia is characterized by low oxygen content in the tissues. The central nervous system (CNS) is highly vulnerable to a lack of oxygen. Prolonged hypoxia leads to the death of brain cells, which underlies the development of many pathological conditions. Despite the relevance of the topic, different approaches used to study the molecular mechanisms of hypoxia have many limitations. One promising lead is the use of various genetically encoded tools that allow for the observation of intracellular parameters in living systems. In the first part of this review, we provide the classification of oxygen/hypoxia reporters as well as describe other genetically encoded reporters for various metabolic and redox parameters that could be implemented in hypoxia studies. In the second part, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the primary hypoxia model systems and highlight inspiring examples of research in which these experimental settings were combined with genetically encoded reporters.
Comparative Studies on Different Citrus Cultivars: A Revaluation of Waste Mandarin Components
Authors: Costanzo Giulia , Iesce Maria Rosaria , Naviglio Daniele , Ciaravolo Martina , Vitale Ermenegilda , Arena Carmen
Published: June 2020

Peel, pulp and seed extracts of three mandarin varieties, namely Phlegraean mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Kumquat (Citrus japonica), and Clementine (Citrus clementina) were compared and characterised in terms of photosynthetic pigment content, total polyphenols amount, antioxidant activity and vitamin C to assess the amount of functional compounds for each cultivar. The highest polyphenols content was found in the Phlegraean mandarin, especially in peel and seeds, whereas Kumquat exhibited the highest polyphenols amount in the pulp. The antioxidant activity was higher in the peel of Phlegraean mandarin and clementine compared to Kumquat, which showed the highest value in the pulp. The antioxidant activity peaked in the seeds of Phlegraean mandarin. The vitamin C in the Phlegraean mandarin was the highest in all parts of the fruit, especially in the seeds. Total chlorophyll content was comparable in the peel of different cultivars, in the pulp the highest amount was found in clementine, whereas kumquat seeds showed the greatest values. As regards total carotenoids, peel and pulp of clementine exhibited higher values than the other two cultivars, whereas the kumquat seeds were the richest in carotenoids. Among the analysed cultivars Phlegraean mandarin may be considered the most promising as a source of polyphenols and antioxidants, compared to the clementine and Kumquat, especially for the functional molecules found in the seeds. Moreover, regardless of cultivars this study also highlights important properties in the parts of the fruit generally considered wastes.
Photonic Integrated Circuits for NGPON2 ONU Transceivers (Invited)
Authors: Pinho Cátia , Rodrigues Francisco , Tavares Ana Maia , Rodrigues Carla , Rodrigues Cláudio Emanuel , Teixeira António
Published: June 2020

The development of photonic integrated circuits (PIC) for access network applications, such as passive optical networks (PON), constitutes a very attractive ecosystem due to PON’s potential mass market. The implementation of PIC solutions in this context is expected to facilitate the possibility of increasing the complexity and functionalities of devices at a potentially lower cost. We present a review addressing the prominent access network market requirements and the main restrictions stemming from its specific field of application. Higher focus is given to PON devices for the optical network unit (ONU) and the implications of designing a device ready for market by discussing its various perspectives in terms of technology and cost. The discussed PIC solutions/approaches in this paper are mainly based on indium phosphide (InP) technology, due to its monolithic integration capabilities. A comprehensive set of guidelines considering the current technology limitations, benefits, and processes are presented. Additionally, key current approaches and efforts are analyzed for PON next generations, such as next-generation PON 2 (NGPON2) and high-speed PON (HSP).
Natural Compounds: A Dynamic Field of Applications
Authors: Seca Ana M. L. , Moujir Laila
Published: June 2020

Nature represents an amazing source of inspiration since it produces a great diversity of natural compounds selected by evolution, which exhibit multiple biological activities and applications. A large and very active research field is dedicated to identifying biosynthesized compounds, to improve/develop new methodologies to produce/reuse natural compounds and to assess their potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, among others, and also to understand their mechanism of action. Here, the main results presented in each work are highlighted. The applications suggested are mostly related to pharmacological uses and involve mainly pure natural compounds and essential oils. These works are significant contributions and reinforce the dynamic field of natural products applications.
Drugs and Vaccines Will Be Necessary to Control Tuberculosis
Authors: Rappuoli Rino
Published: June 2020

For most infectious diseases, vaccines are used to prevent infection and drugs are used for acute therapy and eradication of established infections [...]
Development of Classification Algorithms for the Detection of Postures Using Non-Marker-Based Motion Capture Systems
Authors: Klishkovskaia Tatiana , Aksenov Andrey , Sinitca Aleksandr , Zamansky Anna , Markelov Oleg A. , Kaplun Dmitry
Published: June 2020

The rapid development of algorithms for skeletal postural detection with relatively inexpensive contactless systems and cameras opens up the possibility of monitoring and assessing the health and wellbeing of humans. However, the evaluation and confirmation of posture classifications are still needed. The purpose of this study was therefore to develop a simple algorithm for the automatic classification of human posture detection. The most affordable solution for this project was through using a Kinect V2, enabling the identification of 25 joints, so as to record movements and postures for data analysis. A total of 10 subjects volunteered for this study. Three algorithms were developed for the classification of different postures in Matlab. These were based on a total error of vector lengths, a total error of angles, multiplication of these two parameters and the simultaneous analysis of the first and second parameters. A base of 13 exercises was then created to test the recognition of postures by the algorithm and analyze subject performance. The best results for posture classification were shown by the second algorithm, with an accuracy of 94.9%. The average degree of correctness of the exercises among the 10 participants was 94.2% (SD1.8%). It was shown that the proposed algorithms provide the same accuracy as that obtained from machine learning-based algorithms and algorithms with neural networks, but have less computational complexity and do not need resources for training. The algorithms developed and evaluated in this study have demonstrated a reasonable level of accuracy, and could potentially form the basis for developing a low-cost system for the remote monitoring of humans.
Virtual Reality in Museums: Exploring the Experiences of Museum Professionals
Authors: Shehade Maria , Stylianou-Lambert Theopisti
Published: June 2020

The past few years have seen an increase in the use of virtual reality (VR) in museum environments in an attempt for museums to embrace technological innovations and adapt to the challenges of the digital era. While there are studies that examine the advantages of VR in museums and visitors’ experiences with it, there are no studies examining the experiences of museum professionals who are responsible for a museum’s objects and narratives. The aim of this paper is to explore the practices, experiences, and perceptions of museum professionals on the use of VR technology in museums, their perceived advantages and challenges of such technologies, and their vision for the future of technology in museums. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of interviews with museum professionals from a number of countries around the world who worked with particular VR projects in their own institutions. The ultimate aim is to offer a more critical and holistic examination and assessment of the use of VR in museums and provide suggestions for designing and developing VR projects in the future.
Pilot-Aided Frame Synchronization in Optical OFDM Systems
Authors: Offiong Funmilayo B. , Sinanović Sinan , Popoola Wasiu O.
Published: June 2020

Efficient frame synchronization is essential for data recovery in communication systems. In this study, a single pilot sequence is used to achieve both frame synchronization and peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction. The two systems considered are direct-current biased optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM) and asymmetrically clipped O-OFDM (ACO-OFDM). The pilot symbol is allocated to odd indexed subcarriers only. Thus, the synchronization algorithm leverages the mirror symmetric property of the pilot symbol within a frame to detect the start of the pilot signal at the receiver. This scheme has low complexity and gives precise frame synchronization at signal-to-noise ratios as low as 4 dB in an indoor visible light communication (VLC) channel.
Quantum Dilation and Erosion
Authors: Ma Shi-Yuan , Khalil Ashraf , Hajjdiab Hassan , Eleuch Hichem
Published: June 2020

The dilation and erosion operations are the first fundamental step in classical image processing. They are important in many image processing algorithms to extract basic image features, such as geometric shapes; such shapes are then fed to higher level algorithms for object identification and recognition. In this paper, we present an improved quantum method to realize dilation and erosion in imaging processing. Unlike in the classical way, in the quantum version of imaging processing, all of the information is stored in quantum bits (qubits). We use qubits to code the location and other information of each pixel of the images and apply quantum operators (or quantum gates) to accomplish specific functions. Because of quantum entanglement and other nonintuitive features in quantum mechanics, qubits have many advantages over classical bits, but their nature presents challenges in designing quantum algorithms. We first built the quantum circuit theoretically, and then ran it on the IBM Quantum Experience platform to test and process real images. With this algorithm, we are looking forward to more potential applications in quantum computation.
Investigation of Roller-Tape Contact Pair Used in Precision Mechatronic System
Authors: Fursenko Antanas , Kilikevičius Artūras , Kilikevičienė Kristina , Borodinas Sergejus , Kasparaitis Albinas , Matijošius Jonas
Published: June 2020

Smoothness of tape movement and stability of the tape area where elements are generated are very important in precision mechatronic devices where precise elements are generated on a steel tape, controlling them in real time. During movement, deformations and vibrations form in the steel tape area where elements are generated as a result of imperfections of movement equipment, contact between the roller surface and the tape, and errors arising in the movement process. This article is based on the need for a detailed theoretical and experimental research of the effects occurring during the movement of the precision steel tape used in measuring systems with precision elements generated on the tape, including an investigation of the roller-tape contact. The article also aims to develop a model of the system for measuring the displacement of the tape in a raster formation device, to investigate and assess possible effects of external and internal factors on steel tape parameters. The article presents experimental research conducted for determining dynamic variables forming during the movement of a steel tape, assessing the factors that may cause raster generation errors in dynamic mode.
Adaptive Sensor Array Error Calibration Based Impact Localization on Composite Structure
Authors: Ren Li , Zhong Yongteng , Xiang Jiawei , Wang Zhiling
Published: June 2020

Gains and phases delay induced by sensor position error would significantly degrade the performance of high-resolution two-dimensional multiple signal classification (2D-MUSIC) algorithm, which resulting in low positioning estimation accuracy and poor imaging. In this study, adaptive piezoelectric sensor array calibration based method is proposed for impact localization on composite structure. First, observed signal vector from the sensor array is represented by error calibration matrix with unknown gains and phases, and then it used to construct the cost function including sensor array parameters. Second, a 2D-MUSIC algorithm based on linear attenuation calibration is applied for estimating the initial estimate of impact location. Finally, substituting the initial estimate, the cost function is minimized by adaptive iterative to calculate the sensor array error parameters and the exact location of the impact source. Both finite element method (FEM) simulation and experimental results on carbon-fiber composite panel demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Examining User Perception of the Size of Multiple Objects in Virtual Reality
Authors: Thomas Bruce H.
Published: June 2020

This article presents a user study into user perception of an object’s size when presented in virtual reality. Critical for users understanding of virtual worlds is their perception of the size of virtual objects. This article is concerned with virtual objects that are within arm’s reach of the user. Examples of such virtual objects could be virtual controls such as buttons, dials and levers that the users manipulate to control the virtual reality application. This article explores the issue of a user’s ability to judge the size of an object relative to a second object of a different colour. The results determined that the points of subjective equality for height and width judgement tasks ranging from 10 to 90 mm were all within an acceptable value. That is to say, participants were able to perceive height and width judgements very close to the target values. The results for height judgement task for just-noticeable difference were all less than 1.5 mm and for the width judgement task less than 2.3 mm.
Numerical Analysis of the Influence of Empty Channels Design on Performance of Resin Flow in a Porous Plate
Authors: Magalhães Glauciléia M. C. , Fragassa Cristiano , Lemos Rafael de L. , Isoldi Liércio A. , Amico Sandro C. , Rocha Luiz A. O. , Souza Jeferson A. , dos Santos Elizaldo D.
Published: June 2020

This numerical study aims to investigate the influence of I and T-shaped empty channels’ geometry on the filling time of resin in a rectangular porous enclosed mold, mimicking the main operating principle of a liquid resin infusion (LRI) process. Geometrical optimization was conducted with the constructal design (CD) and exhaustive search (ES) methods. The problem was subjected to two constraints (areas of porous mold and empty channels). In addition, the I and T-shaped channels were subjected to one and three degrees of freedom (DOF), respectively. Conservation equations of mass and momentum for modeling of resin/air mixture flow were numerically solved with the finite volume method (FVM). Interaction between the phases was considered with the volume of fluid method (VOF), and the effect of porous medium resistance in the resin flow was calculated with Darcy’s law. For the studied conditions, the best T-shaped configuration resulted in a filling time nearly three times lower than that for optimal I-shaped geometry, showing that the complexity of the channels benefited the performance. Moreover, the best T-shaped configurations were achieved for long single and bifurcated branches, except for configurations with skinny channels, which saw the generation of permanent voids.
Moment-Curvature Behavior of PP-ECC Bridge Piers under Reversed Cyclic Lateral Loading: An Experimental Study
Authors: Jia Yi , Su Hexian , Lai Zhengcong , Bai Yu , Li Fuhai , Zhou Zhidong
Published: June 2020

In the study, the moment–curvature relations of bridge piers constructed with polypropylene-fiber-reinforced engineered cementitious composite (PP-ECC) and reinforced concrete (RC) at the potential plastic hinge regions were performed experimentally. The bridge pier specimens were subjected to a combination of constant axial vertical loading and reversed cyclic lateral loading. The test variables include the reinforcement stirrup ratio, axial compression ratio, and height of the PP-ECC regions. Strain gauges were installed at the plastic hinge regions to determine the curvature. PP-ECC and RC bridge piers presented similar shapes of moment–curvature hysteretic curve. Regardless of the concrete type for the pier, the maximum moment and curvature were located near the bottom of the pier, which was consistent with the observed failure patterns. As greater peak moments and larger areas of hysteretic curves were observed for PP-ECC piers, this indicated that the use of PP-ECC at the potential plastic hinge regions significantly improved the deformation capacity and damage tolerance of bridge piers. Regarding the design variables, it was found that the axial loading ratio has a negative effect on enhancing the rotation capacity and plastic deformability, while the height of the PP-ECC portion and the amount of reinforcement stirrups displayed the opposite trend. Moreover, the contribution of stirrups in PP-ECC piers was more significant than that of RC ones.
Characterizing Spatiotemporal Patterns of Mangrove Forests in Can Gio Biosphere Reserve Using Sentinel-2 Imagery
Authors: Le Hoa T. , Tran Thuong V. , Gyeltshen Sangay , Nguyen Chau P. T. , Tran Duy X. , Luu Tung H. , Duong Man B.
Published: June 2020

This study aimed at evaluating the spatiotemporal patterns of mangrove forest variations for three ecological zones of the Can Gio biosphere reserve (i.e., core, buffer, and transition zones) and its relation to land use/land cover changes. Time series Sentinel-2 Imagery—which presents the Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI), obtained through the Google Earth Engine and Overlap Similarity Algorithm—was used to characterize vegetation cover in the study area. Furthermore, the Cohen’s Kappa agreement was applied to examine the accuracy of mangrove classification, and the Mann–Kendal (MK) significance was used to analyze the spatiotemporal trends of mangrove forests. The results showed that an NDVI value greater than 0.3 recorded the reflected signal of mangrove population in the study area with an O-index greater than 0.85. A Cohen’s Kappa statistic of agreement of 0.7 and an overall classification accuracy of 83% was obtained. Regarding the trend in mangrove forest patterns, an increase in area of 669 ha and 579 ha explored at the buffer and core zones, respectively, while the largest declined mangrove area of 350 ha was investigated at the buffer zone, followed by a transition at 314 ha during the study period due to the interconversion of shrimp farming and the expansion of built-up areas. Moreover, the study also described the negative impacts of the sea-encroached urban-tourism zone on mangrove patterns in the foreseeable future. The results from this study will act as a basic fundamental authentic report for local governments in proposing strategies for the shielding of mangrove forests and economic development from negative consequences in foreseeable future.
The Long Game
Authors: Hawk Polk Dyani White
Published: June 2020

We are pleased and honored to include the keynote address delivered by award-winning Sičáŋǧu Lakota artist, Dyani White Hawk Polk at the Native American Art Studies Association Conference (NAASA) on 2 October 2019. The NAASA is the leading professional and scholarly organization supporting and promoting the study and exchange of ideas related to Indigenous arts in the United States and Canada. At the organization’s biennial conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and while standing on Dakota traditional lands, Dyani White Hawk Polk delivered her important address, “The Long Game.” In it, she movingly and powerfully explores her life experiences, the history of and ongoing effects of colonialism, and how both inform her artistic practice. Her address traces the roles of mentors in her life, including the late Ho-Chunk artist, Truman Lowe, who taught at the University of Wisconsin, Madison during her time in the MFA program. She eloquently speaks to the challenges she has faced in tackling head-on hierarches in the art world that have continuously sought to diminish the significance of Indigenous art. She also provocatively addresses how artists, scholars, and critics can build the field of Indigenous art and support Indigenous artists. The address was widely praised at the conference, owing to the power and beauty of her words, as she spoke to how the past effects the present and as she illuminated a path for the future. We are grateful to be able to include her address in this Special Issue of Arts journal. Her thought-provoking address is both an artistic statement and a profound and moving commentary on the state of the Indigenous art world.
Optimum Design of RC Footings with Genetic Algorithms According to ACI 318-19
Authors: Solorzano German , Plevris Vagelis
Published: June 2020

Engineers usually use trial-and-error approaches for dealing with design problems where they need to find the most economical design of a structural element in terms of its material cost while satisfying all the safety requirements imposed by the design codes. In this study, we employ a genetic algorithm (GA) with a dominance-based tournament selection technique for dealing with this design challenge. The methodology is applied in the design of reinforced concrete rectangular-shaped isolated footings in accordance with the American Concrete Institute ACI 318-19. First, the footing is encoded into a set of decision variables and an objective function is defined to compute the total cost based on the different construction materials. Then, the compliance of the design with the ACI 318-19 code is enforced by a constraint function that takes into consideration all the demand–capacity ratios for the different resistance requirements such as the allowable bearing pressure of the supporting soil, and the shear and flexural capacities of the footing, among others. Two numerical examples are presented where the results show a significant advantage in terms of material-cost and design-time reduction in comparison with the commonly used trial and error approach, proving the applicability of optimization algorithms (OAs) into the everyday design routine of the structural engineer.
Porous Hybrid Materials Based on Mesotetrakis(Hydroxyphenyl) Porphyrins and TiO2 for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Production
Authors: Huang Li-Yuan , Huang Jian-Feng , Lei Yang , Qin Su , Liu Jun-Min
Published: June 2020

A series of highly robust nano-micro hybrid materials based on meso-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrins (M = H, Pd, Zn) and titanium dioxide (denoted as THPP-TiO2, THPP-Pd-TiO2, and THPP-Zn-TiO2) have been prepared by a facile sol-gel method for the first time. When Pt nanoparticles are incorporated in these hybrids, Pt/THPP-Pd-TiO2 achieves good H2 production activity (2025.4 μmol g−1 h−1 and 12.03 μmol m−2 h−1), higher than that of Pt/THPP-Zn-TiO2 (1239.8 μmol g−1 h−1 and 7.46 μmol m−2 h−1) and Pt/THPP-TiO2 (576.8 μmol g−1 h−1 and 4.02 μmol m−2 h−1), owing to the different central metal ions in porphyrins. The best activity of Pt/THPP-Pd-TiO2 would be attributed to the two-center catalysis from coordination Pd metal ions and Pt nanoparticles, while the higher activity of Pt/THPP-Zn-TiO2 than Pt/THPP-TiO2 could be ascribed to the more effective light harvesting and electron transfer between THPP-Zn and TiO2. In addition, the hybridized Pt/THPP-Pd-TiO2 catalyst exhibits unattenuated hydrogen production stability even after recycling the experiment 10 times (cumulative turnover number of 5111 after 50 h), far superior to that of the surface-sensitized Pt/THPP-Pd/TiO2 catalyst with analogous components, due to the more stable Ti-O bonds between four phenols in porphyrins and TiO2 for the hybrid system. The present study provides a promising approach for constructing stable organic–inorganic hybrid systems with unique hierarchical structures for efficient light absorption and electron transfer.
Porous Layered Double Hydroxide/TiO2 Photocatalysts for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Orange II
Authors: Djeda Rodrigue , Mailhot Gilles , Prevot Vanessa
Published: June 2020

Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)/TiO2 nanocomposites with photocatalytic properties were synthesized by both impregnation and the direct coprecipitation of LDH matrices using a colloidal suspension of TiO2 nanoparticles. While the two methods led to an efficient TiO2 nanoparticle immobilization, the direct coprecipitation allowed us to tune the amount of immobilized TiO2 within the materials. The LDH/TiO2 nanocomposites obtained were deeply characterized by chemical analysis (ICP-AES), Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infra-Red (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Clearly, the immobilization of TiO2 by direct coprecipitation promoted a modification of the textural properties and a net increase in the surface area. The crystallized TiO2 nanoparticles can be distinctly visualized by HRTEM at the surface of the layered material. Several parameters, such as the nature of the chemical composition of LDH (ZnAl and MgAl), the method of immobilization and the amount of TiO2, were shown to play a crucial role in the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of the nanocomposites. The photocatalytic efficiency of the different LDH/TiO2 nanocomposites was investigated using the photodegradation of a model pollutant, the Orange II (OII), and was compared to a pure TiO2 colloidal solution. The degradation tests revealed that the nanocomposite obtained from MgAl LDH at a low MgAl LDH/TiO2 ratio was the most efficient for the photodegradation of OII leading to complete mineralization in 48 h.
Methane Emission Factors from Vietnamese Rice Production: Pooling Data of 36 Field Sites for Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vo Thi Bach Thuong , Wassmann Reiner , Mai Van Trinh , Vu Duong Quynh , Bui Thi Phuong Loan , Vu Thi Hang , Dinh Quang Hieu , Yen Bui Tan , Asch Folkard , Sander Bjoern Ole
Published: June 2020

Rice production is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the national budget of many Asian countries, but the extent of emissions varies strongly across agro-environmental zones. It is important to understand these differences in order to improve the national GHG inventory and effectively target mitigation options. This study presents a meta-analysis of CH4 database emission factors (EFs) from 36 field sites across the rice growing areas of Vietnam and covering 73 cropping seasons. The EFs were developed from field measurements using the closed chamber technique. The analysis for calculating baseline EFs in North, Central and South Vietnam in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 methodology was specified for the three cropping seasons being early-(E), mid-(M) and late-year (L) seasons. Calculated average CH4 EFs are given in kg ha−1 d−1 and reflect the distinct seasons in North (E: 2.21; L: 3.89), Central (E: 2.84; M+L: 3.13) and South Vietnam (E: 1.72; M: 2.80; L: 3.58). Derived from the available data of the edapho-hydrological zones of the Mekong River Delta, season-based EFs are more useful than zone-based EFs. In totality, these average EFs indicate an enormous variability of GHG emissions in Vietnamese rice production and represent much higher values than the IPCC default. Seasonal EFs from Vietnam exceeded IPCC defaults given for Southeast Asia corresponding to 160% (E), 240% (M) and 290% (L) of the medium value, respectively.
Towards Indicators for a Negative Emissions Climate Stabilisation Index: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Fridahl Mathias , Hansson Anders , Haikola Simon
Published: June 2020

The incongruence between the United Nations objective to hold global warming well below 2 °C and the rate of global emission reductions has intensified interest in negative emissions. Previous research has explored several pros and cons of individual negative emissions technologies. Systematised approaches to comparing and prioritising among them are, however, largely lacking. In response to this gap in the literature, this article reviews the scientific literature on indicators for designing negative emissions climate stabilisation value indexes. An index typically provides summary measures of several components, often denoted indicators. Utilizing a narrative review methodology, the article derives five categories of indicators underpinned by overlapping and often mutually reinforcing environmental and socio-economic values. A list of 21 indicators are proposed to capture both positive and negative values associated with effectiveness, efficiency, scale, risk, and synergies. While discussing indicators capable of providing guidance on negative emissions is timely, given the emerging shift away from pure emission reduction targets towards net-zero targets, numerous complexities are involved in determining their relative values. The results herein serve to inform policy making on the prioritisation and incentivisation of negative emissions technologies capable of delivering on the new objectives, and the results highlight the many risks and uncertainties involved in such exercises. The article concludes that systematic research on the comparison of NETs is incomplete. An iterative, interdisciplinary research programme exploring such questions has the potential to be extremely rewarding.
Many Body Quantum Chaos
Authors: Wimberger Sandro
Published: June 2020

This editorial remembers Shmuel Fishman, one of the founding fathers of the research field “quantum chaos”, and puts into context his contributions to the scientific community with respect to the twelve papers that form the special issue.
Insight of Malaysian Users of Cosmetic Regarding Cosmetovigilance
Authors: Hadi Hazrina , Ihsan Awadh Ammar , Zamli Mazlina , Ai Nur’ain , Jamshed Shazia
Published: June 2020

Despite high popularity and demand for cosmetic products among users of cosmetics, there is paucity of work on cosmetovigilance. The objective of this study was to explore the cosmetovigilance-related insight encompassing the knowledge, practices, attitude, and perception of Malaysian users of cosmetics. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire comprising of 47 items reflecting on demographic profile, knowledge, practices, attitude, and perception toward cosmetics. The questionnaire was administered using the SurveyMonkey website, subject to a convenience sample of 552 users of cosmetics in Malaysia. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Insufficient knowledge of cosmetic safety was found, especially in terms of the ingredients used and the adverse effects related to common cosmetic products. The total knowledge score showed a significant difference between gender (p < 0.001) and monthly expenditure (p = 0.001). The total attitude score showed a significant difference with respect to gender (p = 0.008), age (p < 0.001), marital status (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.014), occupation (p < 0.001), income range (p = 0.009) and monthly expenditure (p = 0.013). The levels of cosmetovigilance-related knowledge, practices, attitude and perception of users of cosmetics in Malaysia are still unsatisfactory. The current research is expected to offer baseline data which can further help in strengthening the knowledge and attitudes of cosmetic consumers, while reinforcing best practices towards cosmetic products.
Charge Recombination Kinetics of Bacterial Photosynthetic Reaction Centres Reconstituted in Liposomes: Deterministic Versus Stochastic Approach
Authors: Altamura Emiliano , Albanese Paola , Stano Pasquale , Trotta Massimo , Milano Francesco , Mavelli Fabio
Published: June 2020

In this theoretical work, we analyse the kinetics of charge recombination reaction after a light excitation of the Reaction Centres extracted from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides and reconstituted in small unilamellar phospholipid vesicles. Due to the compartmentalized nature of liposomes, vesicles may exhibit a random distribution of both ubiquinone molecules and the Reaction Centre protein complexes that can produce significant differences on the local concentrations from the average expected values. Moreover, since the amount of reacting species is very low in compartmentalized lipid systems the stochastic approach is more suitable to unveil deviations of the average time behaviour of vesicles from the deterministic time evolution.
Could SCGF-Beta Levels Be Associated with Inflammation Markers and Insulin Resistance in Male Patients Suffering from Obesity-Related NAFLD?
Authors: Tarantino Giovanni , Citro Vincenzo , Balsano Clara , Capone Domenico
Published: June 2020

One of the pathologic hallmarks of obesity is macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue that has been confirmed as source of multipotent adult stem cells. Stem cell growth factor-beta (SCGF-β) shows activity on granulocyte/macrophage progenitor cells in combination with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Obesity-associated inflammation induces insulin resistance (IR), which is central to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or hepatic steatosis (HS). We searched for relationship between levels of SCGF-β and those of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β), interleukin-12p40 (IL-12p40), interleukin-10 (IL-10), ferritin, GM-CSF and M-CSF and between SCGF-β concentrations and IR in obese patients with HS. Eighty obese patients were retrospectively studied. Serum cytokines levels were appreciated by magnetic bead-based multiplex immunoassays. IR was evaluated by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), HOMA-derived β-cell function (HOMA-B%), quantitative insulin sensitivity check Index (QUICKI) and single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE). HS and spleen volume were assessed by ultrasonography (US). SCGF-β and IL-6 levels predicted HOMA values (p = 0.032 and 0.041, respectively) only in males. In male patients, CRP and IL-6 levels (p = 0.007) predicted SCGF-β concentrations (p = 0.03 and 0.007, respectively), which in turn predicted HS at US, p = 0.037. SCGF-β levels were linked to IR and HS severity with the mediation role of CRP. IL-10 levels negatively predicted SCGF-β concentrations (p = 0.033). M-CSF levels predicted serum concentration of both TNF-β and IL-12p40 (p = 0.00), but did not predict serum IL-10 (p = 0.30). Prediction of HOMA values by SCGF-β levels, likely mediated by markers of inflammation, characterizes this study, shedding some light on mechanisms inducing/worsening IR of male patients with obesity-related NAFLD.
“Keep Walls Down Instead of Up”: Interrogating Writing/Making as a Vehicle for Black Girls’ Literacies
Authors: Brownell Cassie J.
Published: June 2020

Drawing on data generated following the 2016 United States presidential election, in this article the author considers how a classroom makerspace made Black girls’ literacies visible in new ways. During a six-week integrated humanities unit in a third-grade public school classroom in the Midwestern U.S., four Black girls used making to create a space for themselves to collaboratively make sense of contemporary (im)migration issues. In the findings, the author provides two analytic snapshots to illustrate how the girls’ making exemplified the six components of the Black Girls’ Literacies Framework—an asset-oriented framing that highlights how Black girls’ literacies are (1) multiple, (2) connected to identities that are (3) historical, (4) collaborative, (5) intellectual, and (6) political/critical (Muhammad & Haddix, 2016). In closing, the author offers provocations for educational researchers and practitioners to consider, as they facilitate school-based opportunities for Black girls’ literacies to be made visible through making.
Evaluation of Wearable Electronics for Epilepsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rukasha Tendai , I Woolley Sandra , Kyriacou Theocharis , Collins Tim
Published: June 2020

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects 50 million people worldwide. It is characterised by seizures that can vary in presentation, from short absences to protracted convulsions. Wearable electronic devices that detect seizures have the potential to hail timely assistance for individuals, inform their treatment, and assist care and self-management. This systematic review encompasses the literature relevant to the evaluation of wearable electronics for epilepsy. Devices and performance metrics are identified, and the evaluations, both quantitative and qualitative, are presented. Twelve primary studies comprising quantitative evaluations from 510 patients and participants were collated according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two studies (with 104 patients/participants) comprised both qualitative and quantitative evaluation components. Despite many works in the literature proposing and evaluating novel and incremental approaches to seizure detection, there is a lack of studies evaluating the devices available to consumers and researchers, and there is much scope for more complete evaluation data in quantitative studies. There is also scope for further qualitative evaluations amongst individuals, carers, and healthcare professionals regarding their use, experiences, and opinions of these devices.
High-Performance Analog Front-End (AFE) for EOG Systems
Authors: López Alberto , Ferrero Francisco , Villar José Ramón , Postolache Octavian
Published: June 2020

Electrooculography is a technique for measuring the corneo-retinal standing potential of the human eye. The resulting signal is called the electrooculogram (EOG). The primary applications are in ophthalmological diagnosis and in recording eye movements to develop simple human–machine interfaces (HCI). The electronic circuits for EOG signal conditioning are well known in the field of electronic instrumentation; however, the specific characteristics of the EOG signal make a careful electronic design necessary. This work is devoted to presenting the most important issues related to the design of an EOG analog front-end (AFE). In this respect, it is essential to analyze the possible sources of noise, interference, and motion artifacts and how to minimize their effects. Considering these issues, the complete design of an AFE for EOG systems is reported in this work.
Imitating Human Emotions with a NAO Robot as Interviewer Playing the Role of Vocational Tutor
Authors: Goenaga Selene , Navarro Loraine , Quintero M. Christian G. , Pardo Mauricio
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes an intelligent system that can hold an interview, using a NAO robot as interviewer playing the role of vocational tutor. For that, twenty behaviors within five personality profiles are classified and categorized into NAO. Five basic emotions are considered: anger, boredom, interest, surprise, and joy. Selected behaviors are grouped according to these five different emotions. Common behaviors (e.g., movements or body postures) used by the robot during vocational guidance sessions are based on a theory of personality traits called the “Five-Factor Model”. In this context, a predefined set of questions is asked by the robot—according to a theoretical model called the “Orientation Model”—about the person’s vocational preferences. Therefore, NAO could react as conveniently as possible during the interview, according to the score of the answer given by the person to the question posed and its personality type. Additionally, based on the answers to these questions, a vocational profile is established, and the robot could provide a recommendation about the person’s vocation. The results show how the intelligent selection of behaviors can be successfully achieved through the proposed approach, making the Human–Robot Interaction friendlier.
The Vital Contribution of MagLev Vehicles for the Mobility in Smart Cities
Authors: Stephan Richard M. , Pereira Amaro O.
Published: June 2020

The role of transport in sustainable development was first recognized at the 1992 United Nations (UN) Earth Summit and reinforced in its outcome document—Agenda 21. It is also part of objective 11 of UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The improvements in the traditional methods of transportation lag behind the necessities. This paper shows that Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) can fulfill the demand and fits with smart grid concepts. Moreover, the levitation method based on the diamagnetic property of high-temperature superconductors in the proximity of rare-earth permanent magnets presents advantages in comparison with other levitation methods. This technological solution was tested with the operation of a real scale prototype inside the campus of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), operating since 2014. The paper presents a historical and technological overview of the steps necessary to turn this prototype into a commercial product. The development is framed within NASA’s Technological Readiness Levels (TRL). A new transportation paradigm is on the verge of becoming a reality.
Determination and Review of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Raw and Treated Coconut Fibers for Their Recycling in Construction Materials
Authors: Bui Huyen , Sebaibi Nassim , Boutouil Mohamed , Levacher Daniel
Published: June 2020

In order to reduce the dependency on conventional materials and negative environmental impacts, one of the main responsibilities of the construction field is to find new eco-friendly resources to replace the traditional materials partially. Natural fibers were known as potential candidates for the reinforcement of structures in civil engineering by virtue of their advantages. Among the different kinds of vegetable fibers, coconut fiber has been exploited in a limited way over the past few years. This paper aims at evaluating the different properties of local coconut fibers (Vietnam). Several laboratory tests provide geometrical, physical, mechanical properties and durability properties that are compared with literature results obtained from similar natural fibers. The local coconut fibers tested demonstrated properties suitable for reinforced mortars. With adequate control of their preparation, they could be reused in the manufacture of mortars in the construction.