bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Defeat Modulates T Helper Cell Percentages in Stress Susceptible and Resilient Mice
Authors: Ambrée Oliver , Ruland Christina , Zwanzger Peter , Klotz Luisa , Baune Bernhard T , Arolt Volker , Scheu Stefanie , Alferink Judith
Published: July 2019

Altered adaptive immunity involving T lymphocytes has been found in depressed patients and in stress-induced depression-like behavior in animal models. Peripheral T cells play important roles in homeostasis and function of the central nervous system and thus modulate behavior. However, the T cell phenotype and function associated with susceptibility and resilience to depression remain largely unknown. Here, we characterized splenic T cells in susceptible and resilient mice after 10 days of social defeat stress (SDS). We found equally decreased T cell frequencies and comparably altered expression levels of genes associated with T helper (Th) cell function in resilient and susceptible mice. Interleukin (IL)-17 producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers in the spleen were significantly increased in susceptible mice. These animals further exhibited significantly reduced numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg) and decreased gene expression levels of TGF-β. Mice with enhanced Th17 differentiation induced by conditional deletion of PPARγ in CD4+ cells (CD4-PPARγKO), an inhibitor of Th17 development, were equally susceptible to SDS when compared to CD4-PPARγWT controls. These data indicate that enhanced Th17 differentiation alone does not alter stress vulnerability. Thus, SDS promotes Th17 cell and suppresses Treg cell differentiation predominantly in susceptible mice with yet unknown effects in immune responses after stress exposure.
Regulation of Epithelial Cell Functions by the Osmolality and Hydrostatic Pressure Gradients: A Possible Role of the Tight Junction as a Sensor
Authors: Tokuda Shinsaku , Yu Alan S. L.
Published: July 2019

Epithelia act as a barrier to the external environment. The extracellular environment constantly changes, and the epithelia are required to regulate their function in accordance with the changes in the environment. It has been reported that a difference of the environment between the apical and basal sides of epithelia such as osmolality and hydrostatic pressure affects various epithelial functions including transepithelial transport, cytoskeleton, and cell proliferation. In this paper, we review the regulation of epithelial functions by the gradients of osmolality and hydrostatic pressure. We also examine the significance of this regulation in pathological conditions especially focusing on the role of the hydrostatic pressure gradient in the pathogenesis of carcinomas. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanism by which epithelia sense the osmotic and hydrostatic pressure gradients and the possible role of the tight junction as a sensor of the extracellular environment to regulate epithelial functions.
Prioritization of Variants for Investigation of Genotype-Directed Nutrition in Human Superpopulations
Authors: Nilsson Pascal D. , Newsome Jacklyn M. , Santos Henry M. , Schiller Martin R.
Published: July 2019

Dietary guidelines recommended by key health agencies are generally designed for a global population. However, ethnicity affects human disease and environment-gene interactions, including nutrient intake. Historically, isolated human populations with different genetic backgrounds have adapted to distinct environments with varying food sources. Ethnicity is relevant to the interaction of food intake with genes and disease susceptibility; yet major health agencies generally do not recommend food and nutrients codified by population genotypes and their frequencies. In this paper, we have consolidated published nutrigenetic variants and examine their frequencies in human superpopulations to prioritize these variants for future investigation of population-specific genotype-directed nutrition. The nutrients consumed by individuals interact with their genome and may alter disease risk. Herein, we searched the literature, designed a data model, and manually curated hundreds of papers. The resulting database houses 101 variants that reached significance (p < 0.05), from 35 population studies. Nutrigenetic variants associated with modified nutrient intake have the potential to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and several other diseases. Since many nutrigenetic studies have identified a major variant in some populations, we suggest that superpopulation-specific genotype-directed nutrition modifications be prioritized for future study and evaluation. Genotype-directed nutrition approaches to dietary modification have the potential to reduce disease risk in select human populations.
Methylene Blue Blocks and Reverses the Inhibitory Effect of Tau on PMCA Function
Authors: Berrocal Maria , Caballero-Bermejo Montaña , Gutierrez-Merino Carlos , Mata Ana M.
Published: July 2019

Methylene blue (MB) is a synthetic phenothiazine dye that, in the last years, has generated much debate about whether it could be a useful therapeutic drug for tau-related pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanism of action is far from clear. Recently we reported that MB activates the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) in membranes from human and pig tissues and from cells cultures, and that it could protect against inactivation of PMCA by amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). The purpose of the present study is to further examine whether the MB could also modulate the inhibitory effect of tau, another key molecular marker of AD, on PMCA activity. By using kinetic assays in membranes from several tissues and cell cultures, we found that this phenothiazine was able to block and even to completely reverse the inhibitory effect of tau on PMCA. The results of this work point out that MB could mediate the toxic effect of tau related to the deregulation of calcium homeostasis by blocking the impairment of PMCA activity by tau. We then could conclude that MB could interfere with the toxic effects of tau by restoring the function of PMCA pump as a fine tuner of calcium homeostasis.
Age-Dependent Myocardial Dysfunction in Critically Ill Patients: Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Lautz Andrew J. , Zingarelli Basilia
Published: July 2019

Myocardial dysfunction is common in septic shock and post-cardiac arrest but manifests differently in pediatric and adult patients. By conventional echocardiographic parameters, biventricular systolic dysfunction is more prevalent in children with septic shock, though strain imaging reveals that myocardial injury may be more common in adults than previously thought. In contrast, diastolic dysfunction in general and post-arrest myocardial systolic dysfunction appear to be more widespread in the adult population. A growing body of evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction mediates myocardial depression in critical illness; alterations in mitochondrial electron transport system function, bioenergetic production, oxidative and nitrosative stress, uncoupling, mitochondrial permeability transition, fusion, fission, biogenesis, and autophagy all may play key pathophysiologic roles. In this review we summarize the epidemiologic and clinical phenotypes of myocardial dysfunction in septic shock and post-cardiac arrest and the multifaceted manifestations of mitochondrial injury in these disease processes. Since neonatal and pediatric-specific data for mitochondrial dysfunction remain sparse, conclusive age-dependent differences are not clear; instead, we highlight what evidence exists and identify gaps in knowledge to guide future research. Finally, since focal ischemic injury (with or without reperfusion) leading to myocardial infarction is predominantly an atherosclerotic disease of the elderly, this review focuses specifically on septic shock and global ischemia-reperfusion injury occurring after resuscitation from cardiac arrest.
Fresh Properties of EVA-Modified Cementitious Mixtures for Use in Additive Construction by Extrusion
Authors: Yeon Kyu-Seok , Kim Kwan Kyu , Yeon Jaeheum , Lee Hee Jun
Published: July 2019

In this study, the fresh properties of ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA)-modified cementitious mixtures were experimentally investigated to evaluate the feasibility of this type of material being used in additive construction by extrusion (ACE). The EVA/cement ratio was a main variable to determine the properties, including flowability, extrudability, buildability, and open time. According to the flow test results, the optimized flow of the EVA-modified cementitious mixtures was found to be 65% for buildability. This excellent flowability could be achieved because the flow increased as the EVA/cement ratio increased; conversely, the extrudability was slightly reduced when the EVA/cement ratio increased. However, if the flow of the EVA-modified cementitious mixtures was maintained at 65%, ACE could be achieved without significant issues. In addition, the height of the additive concrete walls created was not substantially reduced after printing of these mixtures, even though different EVA/cement ratios were applied. Plus, ACE can be operated longer with such mixtures because the open time becomes longer as the EVA/cement ratio increases. In summary, the results clearly demonstrated that EVA-modified cementitious mixtures were feasible for use as ACE materials.
Single-Pot Synthesis of Biodiesel using Efficient Sulfonated-Derived Tea Waste-Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Rashid Umer , Ahmad Junaid , Ibrahim Mohd Lokman , Nisar Jan , Hanif Muhammad Asif , Shean Thomas Yaw Choong
Published: July 2019

The main purpose of this manuscript is to report the new usage of tea waste (TW) as a catalyst for efficient conversion of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) to biodiesel. In this work, we investigate the potential of tea waste char as a catalyst for biodiesel production before and after sulfonation. The activated sulfonated tea waste char catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), elemental composition (CHNS), nitrogen adsorption-desorption using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and ammonia-temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD). The activated tea waste char catalyst shows higher acid density of 31 μmol g−1 as compared to tea waste char of 16 μmol g−1 and higher surface area of 122 m2/g. The optimum fatty acid conversion conditions were found that 4 wt % of catalyst loading with 9:1 of methanol:PFAD for 90 min of reaction time at 65 °C gives 97% free fatty acid (FFA) conversion. In conclusion, the sulfonated tea waste (STW) catalyst showed an impressive catalytic activity towards the esterification of PFAD at optimum reaction conditions with significant recyclability in five successive cycles without any reactivation step.
Oral Bone Tissue Engineering: Advanced Biomaterials for Cell Adhesion, Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Roi Alexandra , Ardelean Lavinia Cosmina , Roi Ciprian Ioan , Boia Eugen-Radu , Boia Simina , Rusu Laura-Cristina
Published: July 2019

The advancements made in biomaterials have an important impact on oral tissue engineering, especially on the bone regeneration process. Currently known as the gold standard in bone regeneration, grafting procedures can sometimes be successfully replaced by a biomaterial scaffold with proper characteristics. Whether natural or synthetic polymers, biomaterials can serve as potential scaffolds with major influences on cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Continuous research has enabled the development of scaffolds that can be specifically designed to replace the targeted tissue through changes in their surface characteristics and the addition of growth factors and biomolecules. The progress in tissue engineering is incontestable and research shows promising contributions to the further development of this field. The present review aims to outline the progress in oral tissue engineering, the advantages of biomaterial scaffolds, their direct implication in the osteogenic process and future research directions.
On the Efficacy of Ensemble of Constraint Handling Techniques in Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution
Authors: Javed Hassan , Jan Muhammad Asif , Tairan Nasser , Mashwani Wali Khan , Khanum Rashida Adeeb , Sulaiman Muhammad , Khan Hidayat Ullah , Shah Habib
Published: July 2019

Self-adaptive variants of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) tune their parameters on the go by learning from the search history. Adaptive differential evolution with optional external archive (JADE) and self-adaptive differential evolution (SaDE) are two well-known self-adaptive versions of differential evolution (DE). They are both unconstrained search and optimization algorithms. However, if some constraint handling techniques (CHTs) are incorporated in their frameworks, then they can be used to solve constrained optimization problems (COPs). In an early work, an ensemble of constraint handling techniques (ECHT) is probabilistically hybridized with the basic version of DE. The ECHT consists of four different CHTs: superiority of feasible solutions, self-adaptive penalty, ε -constraint handling technique and stochastic ranking. This paper employs ECHT in the selection schemes, where offspring competes with their parents for survival to the next generation, of JADE and SaDE. As a result, JADE-ECHT and SaDE-ECHT are developed, which are the constrained variants of JADE and SaDE. Both algorithms are tested on 24 COPs and the experimental results are collected and compared according to algorithms’ evaluation criteria of CEC’06. Their comparison, in terms of feasibility rate (FR) and success rate (SR), shows that SaDE-ECHT surpasses JADE-ECHT in terms of FR, while JADE-ECHT outperforms SaDE-ECHT in terms of SR.
A Comparative Analysis of Simulated Annealing and Variable Neighborhood Search in the ATCo Work-Shift Scheduling Problem
Authors: Tello Faustino , Jiménez-Martín Antonio , Mateos Alfonso , Lozano Pablo
Published: July 2019

This paper deals with the air traffic controller (ATCo) work shift scheduling problem. This is a multi-objective optimization problem, as it involves identifying the best possible distribution of ATCo work and rest periods and positions, ATCo workload and control center changes in order to cover an airspace sector configuration, while, at the same time, complying with ATCo working conditions. We propose a three-phase problem-solving methodology based on the variable neighborhood search (VNS) to tackle this problem. The solution structure should resemble the previous template-based solution. Initial infeasible solutions are built using a template-based heuristic in Phase 1. Then, VNS is conducted in Phase 2 in order to arrive at a feasible solution. This constitutes the starting point of a new search process carried out in Phase 3 to derive an optimal solution based on a weighted sum fitness function. We analyzed the performance in the proposed methodology of VNS against simulated annealing, as well as the use of regular expressions compared with the implementation in the code to verify the feasibility of the analyzed solutions, taking into account four representative and complex instances of the problem corresponding to different airspace sectorings.
Chitosan Use in Dentistry: A Systematic Review of Recent Clinical Studies
Authors: Cicciù Marco , Fiorillo Luca , Cervino Gabriele
Published: July 2019

This study aims to highlight the latest marine-derived technologies in the biomedical field. The dental field, in particular, uses many marine-derived biomaterials, including chitosan. Chitosan that is used in different fields of medicine, is analyzed in this review with the aim of highlighting its uses and advantages in the dental field. A literature search was conducted in scientific search engines, using keywords in order to achieve the highest possible number of results. A review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) was conducted to evaluate and process all the relevant results for chitosan and oral health. After a screening and a careful analysis of the literature, there were only 12 results highlighted. Chitosan performs different functions and it is used in different fields of dentistry in a safe and effective way. Among the uses of chitosan, we report on the remineralizing property of chitosan which hardens tissues of the tooth, and therefore its role as a desensibilizer used in toothpastes. According to our systematic review, the use of chitosan has shown better surgical healing of post-extraction oral wounds. Furthermore, some studies show a reduction in bacterial biofilm when used in dental cements. In addition, it has antibacterial, antifungal, hemostatic and other systemic properties which aid its use for drug delivering.
Some Recent Advances on Thermal–mechanical Fatigue Design and Upcoming Challenges for the Automotive Industry
Authors: Szmytka Fabien , Osmond Pierre , Rémy Luc , Masson Pierre-Damien , Forré Agathe , Hoche François-Xavier
Published: July 2019

Automotive industry faces numerous evolutions regarding environment regulations and parts reliability. Through the specific case of a cylinder head, actual and forthcoming challenges for low-cycle and thermal–mechanical fatigue design in an industrial context are presented. With a description of current design approaches and highlighting limitations, this work focuses on variable loadings, constitutive models and their interaction with the environment, fatigue criteria, and structure validations, the four major steps to meet a reliable design. The need to carry out extended experimental databases for different complexity levels is emphasized to provide a better understanding of loadings and their impact on the strength of materials and structures, as well as the production of more physically-based models that are easier to identify and lead to higher levels of reliability in the thermal–mechanical design process.
Silicon Optical Modulator Using a Low-Loss Phase Shifter Based on a Multimode Interference Waveguide
Authors: Inoue Daisuke , Ichikawa Tadashi , Kawasaki Akari , Yamashita Tatsuya
Published: July 2019

We have developed a novel phase modulator, based on fin-type electrodes placed at self-imaging positions of a silicon multimode interference (MMI) waveguide, which allows reduced scattering losses and relaxes the fabrication tolerance. The measured propagation losses and spectral bandwidth are 0.7 dB and 33 nm, respectively, on a 987 μm-long phase shifter. Owing to the self-imaging effect in the MMI waveguide, the wave-front expansion to the electrode was counteracted, and therefore, the scattering loss caused by electrode fins was successfully mitigated. As a proof-of-concept for the MMI-based phase modulator applications, we performed optical modulation based on Mach–Zehnder interferometers (MZIs). The π shift current of the modulator was 1.5 mA.
Utility of Unrefined Carbohydrates in Type 2 Diabetes. Comment on “Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review of the Evidence, Nutrients, 2019, 11, 766”
Authors: Joshi Shivam , Zaki Timothy , Ostfeld Robert J. , McMacken Michelle
Published: July 2019

Hallberg et al. provide a limited literature review on the reversal of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [...]
Food Intake and Satiety Response after Medium-Chain Triglycerides Ingested as Solid or Liquid
Authors: Maher Tyler , Sampson Alistair , Goslawska Magdalena , Pangua-Irigaray Cristina , Shafat Amir , Clegg Miriam E
Published: July 2019

Consuming medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) may reduce subsequent energy intake and increase satiety compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCT) but this may be dependent on the physical form in which MCT is ingested. Twenty-nine participants completed four trials where they consumed a breakfast containing either LCT or MCT in solid (Con-S and MCT-S, respectively) or liquid (Con-L and MCT-L, respectively) form. Appetite ratings and gastric emptying (GE) were taken at baseline and at 15 min intervals for 4 h. Energy intake was assessed at an ad libitum meal and via weighed food records for the remainder of the day. Ad libitum energy intake was highest in Con-L (4101 ± 1278 kJ vs. Con-S, 3323 ± 1196; MCT-S, 3516 ± 1058; MCT-L, 3257 ± 1345; p = 0.001). Intake over the whole day was significantly lower in MCT-L (7904 ± 3244) compared to Con-L (9531 ± 3557; p = 0.001). There were significant differences in GE times (p < 0.05), with MCT breakfasts delaying GE to a greater extent than LCT, and MCT-L having the longest GE times. There were no differences in appetite sensations. MCT reduce subsequent intake without affecting subjective sensations of appetite when consumed in liquid form.
Influence of Equimolar Doses of Beetroot Juice and Sodium Nitrate on Time Trial Performance in Handcycling
Authors: Flueck Joelle Leonie , Gallo Alessandro , Moelijker Nynke , Bogdanov Nikolay , Bogdanova Anna , Perret Claudio
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to investigate the influence of a single dose of either beetroot juice (BR) or sodium nitrate (NIT) on performance in a 10 km handcycling time trial (TT) in able-bodied individuals and paracyclists. In total, 14 able-bodied individuals [mean ± SD; age: 28 ± 7 years, height: 183 ± 5 cm, body mass (BM): 82 ± 9 kg, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak): 33.9 ± 4.2 mL/min/kg] and eight paracyclists (age: 40 ± 11 years, height: 176 ± 9cm, BM: 65 ± 9 kg, VO2peak: 38.6 ± 10.5 mL/min/kg) participated in the study. All participants had to perform three TT on different days, receiving either 6 mmol nitrate as BR or NIT or water as a placebo. Time-to-complete the TT, power output (PO), as well as oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured. No significant differences in time-to-complete the TT were found between the three interventions in able-bodied individuals (p = 0.80) or in paracyclists (p = 0.61). Furthermore, VO2 was not significantly changed after the ingestion of BR or NIT in either group (p < 0.05). The PO to VO2 ratio was significantly higher in some kilometers of the TT in able-bodied individuals (p < 0.05). The ingestion of BR or NIT did not increase handcycling performance in able-bodied individuals or in paracyclists.
Mediatizing the Holy Community—Ultra-Orthodoxy Negotiation and Presentation on Public Social-Media
Authors: Mishol-Shauli Nakhi , Golan Oren
Published: July 2019

In recent years, media theorists stress macroscopic relations between digital communications and religion, through the framing of mediatization theory. In these discussions, media is conceptualized as a social institution, which influences religious establishments and discourse. Mediatization scholars have emphasized the transmission of meanings and outreach to individuals, and the religious-social shaping of technology. Less attention has been devoted to the mediatization of the religious community and identity. Accordingly, we asked how members of bounded religious communities negotiate and perform their identity via public social media. This study focuses on public performances of the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel, rhetorically and symbolically expressed in groups operating over WhatsApp, a mobile instant messaging and social media platform. While a systematic study of instant messaging has yet to be conducted on insular-religious communities, this study draws upon an extensive exploration of over 2000 posts and 20 interviews conducted between 2016–2019. The findings uncover how, through mediatization, members work towards reconstructing the holy community online, yet renegotiate enclave boundaries. The findings illuminate a democratizing impact of mediatization as growing masses of ultra-Orthodox participants are given a voice, restructure power relations and modify fundamentalist proclivities towards this-worldly activity, to influence society beyond the enclave’s online and offline boundaries.
Precision and Limits of Detection for Selected Commercially Available, Low-Cost Carbon Dioxide and Methane Gas Sensors
Authors: Honeycutt Wesley T. , Ley M. Tyler , Materer Nicholas F.
Published: July 2019

The performance of a sensor platform for environmental or industrial monitoring is sensitive to the cost and performance of the individual sensor elements. Thus, the detection limits, accuracy, and precision of commercially available, low-cost carbon dioxide and methane gas concentration sensors were evaluated by precise measurements at known gas concentrations. Sensors were selected based on market availability, cost, power consumption, detection range, and accuracy. A specially constructed gas mixing chamber, coupled to a precision bench-top analyzer, was used to characterize each sensor during a controlled exposure to known gas concentrations. For environmental monitoring, the selected carbon dioxide sensors were characterized around 400 ppm. For methane, the sensor response was first monitored at 0 ppm, close to the typical environmental background. The selected sensors were then evaluated at gas concentrations of several thousand ppm. The determined detection limits accuracy, and precision provides a set of matrices that can be used to evaluate and select sensors for integration into a sensor platform for specific applications.
Using Greedy Random Adaptive Procedure to Solve the User Selection Problem in Mobile Crowdsourcing
Authors: Yang Jian , Ban Xiaojuan , Xing Chunxiao
Published: July 2019

With the rapid development of mobile networks and smart terminals, mobile crowdsourcing has aroused the interest of relevant scholars and industries. In this paper, we propose a new solution to the problem of user selection in mobile crowdsourcing system. The existing user selection schemes mainly include: (1) find a subset of users to maximize crowdsourcing quality under a given budget constraint; (2) find a subset of users to minimize cost while meeting minimum crowdsourcing quality requirement. However, these solutions have deficiencies in selecting users to maximize the quality of service of the task and minimize costs. Inspired by the marginalism principle in economics, we wish to select a new user only when the marginal gain of the newly joined user is higher than the cost of payment and the marginal cost associated with integration. We modeled the scheme as a marginalism problem of mobile crowdsourcing user selection (MCUS-marginalism). We rigorously prove the MCUS-marginalism problem to be NP-hard, and propose a greedy random adaptive procedure with annealing randomness (GRASP-AR) to achieve maximize the gain and minimize the cost of the task. The effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed approaches are clearly verified by a large scale of experimental evaluations on both real-world and synthetic data sets.
Effects of Applying Liquid Swine Manure on Soil Quality and Yield Production in Tropical Soybean Crops (Paraná, Brazil)
Authors: Antoneli Valdemir , Mosele Ana Caroline , Bednarz João Anésio , Pulido-Fernández Manuel , Lozano-Parra Javier , Keesstra Saskia Deborah , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: July 2019

Brazil is one of the main producers of pork meat in the world. It is well-known that the agricultural sector is a key component of the economic development of this country, where super-intensive fields are only competitive in the globalized market. For the farmers, the application of swine manure to fertilize the soil can increase the yearly income, but it also may cause serious environmental problems related to soil health and soil quality. In this research, we assessed the effects of applying liquid swine manure in a tropical soybean (Glycine max) plantation to better understand when this technique stops being effective and starts causing a threat to soil health and quality. Therefore, we compared values of several soil properties and the soybean yield on treated fields at 10 random points belonging to 7 different plots that were treated with the liquid swine manure over a period ranging from 0 to 15 years. The results showed a positive linear trend in soybean production from 2.45 to 3.08 Mg ha−1 yr−1. This positive trend was also recorded for some key soil parameters such as porosity and exchangeable cations content (Ca, Mg, K, and Al). Additionally, positive effects were also found for organic matter content after 10 years of application. Our findings suggest that the use of liquid swine manure has a positive effect on soybean yield and improves soil quality, particularly on mixed farms where pigs are intensively raised nearby cultivated fields.
Trialogue on Built Heritage and Sustainable Development
Authors: Lai Lawrence W.C. , Davies Stephen N.G. , Lorne Frank T.
Published: July 2019

This study represents a trialogue by a town planner, an economist, and a political scientist on the concepts of built heritage and sustainable development in terms of some features in the relationship between sustainable development and economics, sustainable development, built heritage conservation and economics, built heritage conservation and politics, built heritage conservation and sustainable development, and the tension between built heritage conservation vs. conservation/sustainable development. From planning, economic, and political angles, the feasibility and limitations of heritage building conservation in relation to conservation and sustainable development are presented. Compared to ecological conservation, built heritage conservation can easily accommodate sustainable development, as it is certainly a physical dimension for managing cultural heritage conservation. Built heritage as “heritage buildings” can articulate with real estate development via proper conservation planning. Its historical aspect signifies the legitimacy of conservation, while its proprietary aspect renders it fit for betterment.
Promoting Owners’ BIM Adoption Behaviors to Achieve Sustainable Project Management
Authors: Yuan Hongping , Yang Yu , Xue Xiaolong
Published: July 2019

Although building information modeling (BIM) has a promising future in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, its wider adoption and implementation is desired. Grounded with a technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and the theory of technology acceptance model (TAM), this study extracted “social influence”, “organizational support”, “BIM technical features”, and “government BIM policies” as four key external antecedents—in reference to the particular BIM practices in China—and proposed a model to predict project owners’ BIM adoption behaviors. To test the proposed model, structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was applied for configuration analyses on a sample of 188 project owners from the Chinese construction industry. Results show that BIM technical features, and government BIM policies have positive effects on perceived usefulness, but social influence and organizational support have no significant influence on perceived usefulness. Furthermore, both social influence and BIM technical features have positive effects on perceived ease of use, while organizational support and government BIM policies have no significant influence on perceived ease of use. Attitude plays a significant intermediary role among perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavior intention. Additionally, attitude significantly affects behavior intention, and behavior intention can also affect BIM adoption behavior. This study is the first attempt to investigate project owners’ behaviors toward BIM adoption and the findings are expected to provide a better understanding of the essential elements of project owners’ BIM adoption behaviors and guide industry practitioners in developing proper strategies to achieve more effective BIM implementation.
Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Generation in Universiti Putra Malaysia and Its Potential for Green Energy Production
Authors: Zulkifli Ahmad Aiman , Mohd Yusoff Mohd Zulkhairi , Abd Manaf Latifah , Zakaria Mohd Rafein , Roslan Ahmad Muhaimin , Ariffin Hidayah , Shirai Yoshihito , Hassan Mohd Ali
Published: July 2019

The global waste generation keeps increasing over the years and it requires innovative solutions to minimize its impacts on environmental quality and public health. A strategic plan must be ascertained to overcome the future challenges of Municipal solid waste (MSW) locally and globally. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) coined an initiative to demonstrate a showcase pilot plant for green energy production from MSW. The data was obtained from the survey and actual sampling within the UPM compound shows that UPM has generated 5.0–7.0 t/d of MSW generated consist of 30–35% organic fraction. Restaurants are the main source of the organic fraction. Upon separation, the organic fractions were digested into biogas. At a maximum conversion of the organic fraction, 715 kWh of electricity might be generated from the 2.2 t/d of organic waste generated in UPM. In this study, organic components from UPM were proposed to be subsequently used as a substrate via anaerobic digestion to produce green energy in the form of electricity or flammable fuels.
Risk Assessment for Social Practices in Small Vegetable farms in Poland as a Tool for the Optimization of Quality Management Systems
Authors: Niemiec Marcin , Komorowska Monika , Szeląg-Sikora Anna , Sikora Jakub , Kuboń Maciej , Gródek-Szostak Zofia , Kapusta-Duch Joanna
Published: July 2019

Globalization of the food market is associated with the possibility of selling products into newer markets. However, it is also associated with the necessity to ensure proper quality products. Quality defined by the ISO 9001:2015 standard consists of factors that are part of customers’ expectations concerning the safety of products and the technology of their manufacture. Currently, consumers are looking for products with defined and reproducible sensory properties, in which the content of harmful substances is below the critical values specified by legislation. This is observable particularly in developed countries. The second quality factor is the use of a production technology where negative environmental impacts are reduced. Recently, issues associated with protecting workers’ rights and social needs have also become very important. In successive versions of quality management systems, such as GLOBAL G.A.P. or SAI Platform, social issues are becoming more and more important. The aim of this study was to assess the role of risk analysis for social practices in small farms in building a quality management system. Surveys were conducted in 2018. The surveys covered 62 vegetables or fruit farms with a cultivated area of up to 20 ha. Their lack of staff was due to the character of production. Where mechanic production is possible in small farms, family members can secure workforce demand. To achieve the research objective, a risk analysis was carried out for the implementation of social practices according to the guidelines of the ISO 31000:2018 standard. The criteria and inventory of identified risks were carried out, based on the guidelines of GLOBAL G.A.P. Risk Assessments on Social Practice (GRASP). Based on the identified risks, the areas relating to social practices, which require improvement in order to satisfy compliance with the GLOBAL G.A.P. standard, were indicated. The results of the conducted research pointed to a high risk of good social practices not being carried out and not meeting compliance with the requirements of the GLOBAL G.A.P. standard. The most important identified problems are associated with the deficiency of competent workers as well as the lack of facilities where workers can rest, eat and drink. A considerable problem is the conformity of employment contracts with local legislation and ensuring that work time and rest time are consistent with the law. In conditions of small farms in Poland, the problem with ensuring compliance with the standard in question is often the small number of workers. Creating an organized quality management system in the area of social practices is difficult in these cases, and sometimes even impossible.
Definable Transformation to Normal Crossings over Henselian Fields with Separated Analytic Structure
Authors: Nowak Krzysztof Jan
Published: July 2019

We are concerned with rigid analytic geometry in the general setting of Henselian fields K with separated analytic structure, whose theory was developed by Cluckers–Lipshitz–Robinson. It unifies earlier work and approaches of numerous mathematicians. Separated analytic structures admit reasonable relative quantifier elimination in a suitable analytic language. However, the rings of global analytic functions with two kinds of variables seem not to have good algebraic properties such as Noetherianity or excellence. Therefore, the usual global resolution of singularities from rigid analytic geometry is no longer at our disposal. Our main purpose is to give a definable version of the canonical desingularization algorithm (the hypersurface case) due to Bierstone–Milman so that both of these powerful tools are available in the realm of non-Archimedean analytic geometry at the same time. It will be carried out within a category of definable, strong analytic manifolds and maps, which is more flexible than that of affinoid varieties and maps. Strong analytic objects are those definable ones that remain analytic over all fields elementarily equivalent to K. This condition may be regarded as a kind of symmetry imposed on ordinary analytic objects. The strong analytic category makes it possible to apply a model-theoretic compactness argument in the absence of the ordinary topological compactness. On the other hand, our closedness theorem enables application of resolution of singularities to topological problems involving the topology induced by valuation. Eventually, these three results will be applied to such issues as the existence of definable retractions or extending continuous definable functions. The established results remain valid for strictly convergent analytic structures, whose classical examples are complete, rank one valued fields with the Tate algebras of strictly convergent power series. The earlier techniques and approaches to the purely topological versions of those issues cannot be carried over to the definable settings because, among others, non-Archimedean geometry over non-locally compact fields suffers from lack of definable Skolem functions.
Hepatitis B Virus X Gene Differentially Modulates Subgenotype F1b and F4 Replication
Authors: Elizalde María Mercedes , Speroni Micaela , Campos Rodolfo Héctor , Flichman Diego Martín
Published: July 2019

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is classified into ten genotypes and numerous subgenotypes (sgt). In particular, sgt F1b and sgt F4, native of Latin America, have been associated with differences in clinical and virological characteristics. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a multifunctional regulatory protein associated with the modulation of viral transcription and replication. In this work, we analyzed the role of the X gene and the encoded X protein in sgtF1b and sgtF4 replication. Transfection with HBx deficient genomes revealed remarkable differences in the replicative capacity of sgtF1b and sgtF4 mutants. The silencing of HBx increased sgtF1b X(-) transcription and replication by more than 2.5 fold compared to the wild type variant, while it decreased sgtF4 X(-) transcription and replication by more than 3 fold. Trans-complementation of HBx restore sgtF1b and sgtF4 wild type transcription and replication levels. In addition, transfection with chimeric variants, carrying wild type (F1b/XF4 and F4/XF1b) or mutated (F1b/X(-)F4 and F4/X(-)F1b) X gene of one sgt in the backbone of the other sgt, showed that the nucleotide sequence of the X gene, that includes regulatory elements that modulate pgRNA transcription, was responsible for the disparity observed between sgtF1b X(-) and sgtF4 X(-). These results showed that sgtF1b and sgtF4 X gene play a central role in regulating HBV transcription and replication, which eventually lead to a common purpose, to reach wild type replication levels of sgtF1b and sgtF4 viruses.
Evaluation of Root Water Uptake and Urea Fertigation Distribution under Subsurface Drip Irrigation
Authors: Eltarabily Mohamed Galal , Bali Khaled M. , Negm Abdelazim M. , Yoshimura Chihiro
Published: July 2019

Shallow groundwater contamination by nitrate is frequent in agricultural lands in Egypt because of the use of urea fertilizers. The urea transformation process in the vadose zone was simulated using a HYDRUS-2D model, Software package for simulations of 2D movement of water, heat, and multiple solutes in variably saturated media, for subsurface drip irrigation. The root water and nutrient uptake were assessed for three soil types (sandy loam, loam, and silty loam) with three emitter discharge levels (1.0 L h−1, 1.50 L h−1, and 2.0 L h−1), for a comparison of three fertigation strategies (A) at the beginning, (B) at the end, and (C) at the middle of the irrigation cycle. The extension of the wetted area mainly depends on soil hydraulic conductivity. The high emitter discharge with a short irrigation time is suitable for shallow-rooted crops. The cumulative flux was highest for silty loam soil and the lowest was for the sandy loam soil (1891, and 1824 cm3) for the 2 L h−1 emitter discharge within the 35 days simulation. The cumulative drainage significantly differs among soil types with little effect of emitter discharge. It recorded 1213, 295, 11.9 cm3 for sandy loam, loam, silty loam, respectively. Urea transformation is controlled by hydrolysis and nitrification as well as the adsorption coefficient of ammonium. Nitrate distribution is mainly governed by soil type rather than the emitter discharge where the sandy loam soil is more highly susceptible to nitrate leaching than to silty loam. Nitrate concentration has recorded the minimum possible level when applying the urea fertilizer at the beginning of the irrigation event for sandy loam and loam soil while for the silty loam soil, urea application at the middle of the irrigation event is more effective. Urea application at the end of the irrigation event gives the highest accumulated leached nitrate concentration below the root zone and should be avoided (the worst strategy).
Assessing Hydrological and Sedimentation Effects from Bottom Topography Change in a Complex River–Lake System of Poyang Lake, China
Authors: Ye Xuchun , Guo Qiang , Zhang Zengxin , Xu Chongyu
Published: July 2019

In recent years, a dramatic decline in Poyang Lake water levels and a shrinking water surface have raised concerns about water security and the wetland ecosystem. Changes in bottom topography due to sand mining activities in the lake was supposed to be one of the influencing factors of these changes. In response to this issue, the current study analyzed the change of lake bottom topography from observed digital elevation model (DEM) data, and quantitatively assessed the spatial and temporal responses of lake hydrology based on the framework of the neural network and the sediment effect was examined afterward. Results showed a total volume of 11.54 × 108 m3/year (about 0.96 × 108 m3/year or 1.58 × 108 t/year sediment) in net change of lake bottom topography in recent years, among which 97% was directly exported by commercial sand mining. During the study period, 2000–2011, intensive sand mining extended the central part of Poyang Lake and widened and deepened the outflow channel of the northern lake. This great change of lake bottom topography caused an average annual increase of 182.74 m3/s of lake outflow and a decline of 0.23 m–0.61 m in water levels across the lake. However, lake water levels are not consistent and show remarkable spatial and seasonal differences. The effects of changes in lake bottom topography on lake hydrological processes continue to grow as sand mining activities in the lake continue. More research on the environmental impacts is required for sustainable management of the lake ecosystem.
Os modelos ortodônticos digitais são confiáveis? Uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Pithon Matheus Melo , Sant'Anna Leticia , Andrade Ana , Tanaka Orlando , Cople-Maia Lucianne , Magno Marcela , Amorim Camila , Matos Tarcila Santana
Published: July 2019

Introdução: os modelos digitais são alternativas para o uso de modelos ortodônticos em gesso. Devido a sua importância no dignostico, faz-se necessário averiguar a precisão dos softwares modelos ortodônticos digitais disponiveis.  Objetivo: evidenciar qual software de modelos ortodônticos digitais possui maior confiabilidade. Material e métodos: foi realizada busca sistemática nas seguintes bases de dados eletrônicas: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase e Cochrane, Grey Literature e Clinical Trials, sem limitações quanto ao ano de publicação ou idioma. Foram incluídos estudos laboratoriais que utilizaram softwares destinados a geração de modelos ortodônticos digitais, comparando-os com modelos ortodônticos em gesso. Após seleção por título e resumo, os artigos potencialmente elegíveis foram lidos na íntegra. A qualidade metodológica e o risco de viés dos artigos incluídos foram avaliados de acordo com as descrições dos modelos, técnicas de medição e análises estatísticas. A qualidade metodológica foi classificada em alta, moderada ou baixa. Resultados: 13.333 artigos foram encontrados nas bases de dados utilizadas. Após a aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade e remoção de duplicações, restaram apenas 41 artigos. 29 foram considerados de qualidade moderada e 12 de alta qualidade. A classificação quanto à confiabilidade variou de menos confiaveis, equivalentes e a mais confiaveis. Apresentando diferenças estatisticas em suas mensurações (p<0.05), sem significância clínica. Conclusão: os modelos ortodônticos digitais apresentaram mensurações acuradas, reprodutíveis e confiáveis quando comparado ao método convencional utilizando modelos de gesso.
Religião e Cultura Pop
Authors: Magalhães Francisco Felipe , Fernandes da Costa Rosemary , Belém de Andrade da Silva Raquel , Tobias Vinicius
Published: July 2019

O horizonte hodierno é marcado por um crescimento do acesso às mídias sociais, sobretudo por parte de uma população cada vez mais jovem. As juventudes, na busca por temas diversos e ávidos por tudo aquilo que se coloca como “novo”, não seleciona seus conteúdos tendo por base os critérios religiosos pré-estabelecidos pela comunidade em que estão inseridos ou, até mesmo, por aqueles critérios religiosos dos quais sofreram influências culturais, mas muito mais pelos temas trazidos pela cultura pop, por meio de canais de YouTube, músicas de celebridades, poemas, etc. Ao mesmo tempo que esse tipo de atitude facilita o aliciamento por parte de grupos extremistas e alienantes, também favorece o acesso a grupos mais esclarecidos a respeito das questões atuais, possibilitando o contínuo processo de formação cultural, inclusive na transformação do elemento propriamente religioso nessa cultura. Também o fenômeno religioso passa por um processo contínuo de transformação e, sob influência da cultura, produz e oferece novas e múltiplas formas de acesso ao Sagrado. Nesse sentido, pensar a religião na atualidade implica também pensar a cultura e em como essa se mostra aberta à questão religiosa, podendo, assim, ser também considerada uma ponte para o diálogo ecumênico e inter-religioso na interseção de seus diversos agentes, sejam eles literários, musicais, cinematográficos, de redes sociais, etc. Interessam-nos comunicações que se insiram nessa interface entre cultura pop e religião, de modo a refletirmos, criticamente, como esses elementos manifestam o fenômeno religioso, bem como sinalizam aberturas legítimas para a produção de diálogo ecumênico e inter-religioso.