bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Betacoronavirus Genomes: How Genomic Information has been Used to Deal with Past Outbreaks and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Llanes Alejandro , Restrepo Carlos M. , Caballero Zuleima , Rajeev Sreekumari , Kennedy Melissa A. , Lleonart Ricardo
Published: June 2020

In the 21st century, three highly pathogenic betacoronaviruses have emerged, with an alarming rate of human morbidity and case fatality. Genomic information has been widely used to understand the pathogenesis, animal origin and mode of transmission of coronaviruses in the aftermath of the 2002–2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks. Furthermore, genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis have had an unprecedented relevance in the battle against the 2019–2020 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the newest and most devastating outbreak caused by a coronavirus in the history of mankind. Here, we review how genomic information has been used to tackle outbreaks caused by emerging, highly pathogenic, betacoronavirus strains, emphasizing on SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. We focus on shared genomic features of the betacoronaviruses and the application of genomic information to phylogenetic analysis, molecular epidemiology and the design of diagnostic systems, potential drugs and vaccine candidates.
On the Catalytic Activity of the Engineered Coiled-Coil Heptamer Mimicking the Hydrolase Enzymes: Insights from a Computational Study
Authors: Prejanò Mario , Romeo Isabella , Russo Nino , Marino Tiziana
Published: June 2020

Recently major advances were gained on the designed proteins aimed to generate biomolecular mimics of proteases. Although such enzyme-like catalysts must still suffer refinements for improving the catalytic activity, at the moment, they represent a good example of artificial enzymes to be tested in different fields. Herein, a de novo designed homo-heptameric peptide assembly (CC-Hept) where the esterase activity towards p-nitro-phenylacetate was obtained for introduction of the catalytic triad (Cys-His-Glu) into the hydrophobic matrix, is the object of the present combined molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics investigation. Constant pH Molecular Dynamics simulations on the apoform of CC-Hept suggested that the Cys residues are present in the protonated form. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the enzyme–substrate complex evidenced the attitude of the enzyme-like system to retain water molecules, necessary in the hydrolytic reaction, in correspondence of the active site, represented by the Cys-His-Glu triad on each of the seven chains, without significant structural perturbations. A detailed reaction mechanism of esterase activity of CC-Hept-Cys-His-Glu was investigated on the basis of the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations employing a large quantum mechanical (QM) region of the active site. The proposed mechanism is consistent with available esterases kinetics and structural data. The roles of the active site residues were also evaluated. The deacylation phase emerged as the rate-determining step, in agreement with esterase activity of other natural proteases.
Ontogenic Development of Digestive Enzymes in Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor) and Their Suitable Harvesting Time for Use as Fish Feed
Authors: Rodjaroen Somrak , Thongprajukaew Karun , Khongmuang Puridet , Malawa Saowalak , Tuntikawinwong Kimhun , Saekhow Suktianchai
Published: June 2020

Mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) are edible insects consumed in feed and food. In the current study, the optimal harvesting time of mealworm larvae for use as aquafeed was investigated during the ages of 30–90 days after hatching (DAH). Development of digestive enzymes, proximate composition, and in vitro protein digestibility using digestive enzymes from African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), were used as criteria. The specific activities of pepsin and trypsin significantly decreased with age (p < 0.05) from the first harvesting time until 50 and 45 DAH, respectively, while steadiness in these enzyme activities was observed onwards. Chymotrypsin specific activity appeared constant across all harvesting times. The specific activity of amylase significantly decreased in the later stages of development, while cellulase exhibited a different pattern suggesting it has a major role in dietary fiber utilization relative to starch. Regarding proximate compositions of the mealworm larvae, the moisture and ash contents decreased significantly with age, while the protein content exhibited the opposite trend with the highest contents from 60 to 90 DAH. Crude lipid was generally fairly constant, but its lowest value was observed in the earliest stage. In vitro protein digestibility was not significantly different across all harvesting times for both fish species, except for the significantly decreased digestibility value at 65 DAH relative to 30 and 35 DAH for Nile tilapia. However, based on the economic benefits of time for growth increment and proximate chemical composition, approximately 60 DAH is proposed as suitable for harvesting mealworm larvae to be used in fish feed.
Low Resistance TiO2/p-Si Heterojunction for Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Ašmontas Steponas , Anbinderis Maksimas , Gradauskas Jonas , Juškėnas Remigijus , Leinartas Konstantinas , Lučun Andžej , Selskis Algirdas , Staišiūnas Laurynas , Stanionytė Sandra , Sužiedėlis Algirdas , Šilėnas Aldis , Širmulis Edmundas
Published: June 2020

Niobium-doped titanium dioxide (Ti1−xNbxO2) films were grown on p-type Si substrates at low temperature (170 °C) using an atomic layer deposition technique. The as-deposited films were amorphous and showed low electrical conductivity. The films became electrically well-conducting and crystallized into the an anatase structure upon reductive post-deposition annealing at 600 °C in an H2 atmosphere for 30 min. It was shown that the Ti0.72Nb0.28O2/p+-Si heterojunction fabricated on low resistivity silicon (10−3 Ω cm) had linear current–voltage characteristic with a specific contact resistivity as low as 23 mΩ·cm2. As the resistance dependence on temperature revealed, the current across the Ti0.72Nb0.28O2/p+-Si heterojunction was mainly determined by the band-to-band charge carrier tunneling through the junction.
A Hybrid Model for Predicting Bone Healing around Dental Implants
Authors: Kung Pei-Ching , Chien Shih-Shun , Tsou Nien-Ti
Published: June 2020

Background: The effect of the short-term bone healing process is typically neglected in numerical models of bone remodeling for dental implants. In this study, a hybrid two-step algorithm was proposed to enable a more accurate prediction for the performance of dental implants. Methods: A mechano-regulation algorithm was firstly used to simulate the tissue differentiation around a dental implant during the short-term bone healing. Then, the result was used as the initial state of the bone remodeling model to simulate the long-term healing of the bones. The algorithm was implemented by a 3D finite element model. Results: The current hybrid model reproduced several features which were discovered in the experiments, such as stress shielding effect, high strength bone connective tissue bands, and marginal bone loss. A reasonable location of bone resorptions and the stability of the dental implant is predicted, compared with those predicted by the conventional bone remodeling model. Conclusions: The hybrid model developed here predicted bone healing processes around dental implants more accurately. It can be used to study bone healing before implantation surgery and assist in the customization of dental implants.
Effect of Strain Rate on Compressive Behavior of a Zr-Based Metallic Glass under a Wide Range of Strain Rates
Authors: Li Wenqing , Geng Tieqiang , Ge Shaofan , Zhu Zhengwang , Zhang Long , Li Zhengkun , Fu Huameng , Zhang Hongwei , Li Hong , Wang Aimin , Zhang Haifeng
Published: June 2020

The strain rate effect on the mechanical behavior of amorphous alloys has aroused general interest. Most studies in this area have focused on quasi-static and high strain-rate compressive deformations. However, experimental results have been few, or even non-existent, under a moderate strain-rate loading. This article extends the traditional split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique to characterize compressive deformation of an amorphous alloy at medium strain rates. The compressive behavior of Zr65.25Cu21.75Al8Ni4Nb1 amorphous alloy shows a negative strain rate effect on the yield strength with a quasi-static, moderate to high strain-rate range, and the fracture angle increases from 44° at 10−5 s−1 to 60° at 4000 s−1 as strain rate increases. Herein, we introduce a modified cooperative shear model to describe the compressive behavior of the current amorphous alloy under a broad strain rate range. The model predicts that the normalized yield strength will linearly descend with logarithmic strain rate when the strain rate is less than a critical strain rate, however, which rapidly decreases linearly with the square of the strain rate at high strain rates. The predicted data of the model are highly consistent with the current experimental results. These findings provide support for future engineering applications of amorphous alloys.
Geometric Effect on the Nonlinear Force-Displacement Relationship of Awl-Shaped Serpentine Microsprings for In-Plane Deformation
Authors: Lin Meng-Ju , Chou Hui-Min , Chen Rongshun
Published: June 2020

Even when made by brittle materials, awl-shaped serpentine microsprings (ASSMs) were found to have a nonlinear displacement–force relationship similar to springs made by ductile material. It is found that the nonlinear displacement–force relationship is due to the geometry and dimensions of the ASSMs. The geometric effect of the nonlinear force–displacement relationship of ASSMs for in-plane motion was investigated. A theoretical solution was derived to analyze this nonlinearity. By successfully fabricating and measuring an ASSM, the theoretical results agreed well with the experimental results. The results indicated that ASSMs have a nonlinear force–displacement relationship, which is similar to that of hardening springs. The taper angle has a significant effect on the nonlinear displacement of ASSMs. When the taper angle was small, no obvious effect appeared on the nonlinearity of the microsprings with different numbers of turns. When the beam length increased, the critical force for nonlinear deflection decreased.
Recycling of Titanium Alloy Powders and Swarf through Continuous Extrusion (ConformTM) into Affordable Wire for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Smythe Sarah A. , Thomas Ben M. , Jackson Martin
Published: June 2020

Over the last 20 years, there has been growing research and development investment to exploit the benefits of wire deposition additive manufacturing (AM) for the production of near-net shape components in aircraft and space applications. The wire feedstock for these processes is a significant part of the overall process costs, especially for high-value materials such as alloyed titanium. Powders for powder-based AM have tight specifications regarding size and morphology, resulting in a significant amount of waste during the powder production. In the aerospace sector, up to 95% of forged billet can be machined away, and with increasing aircraft orders, stockpiles of such machining swarf are increasing. In this study, the continuous extrusion process—ConformTM—was employed to consolidate waste titanium alloy feedstocks in the forms of gas atomised powder and machining swarf into wire. Samples of wire were further cold-drawn down to 40% reduction, using conventional wiredrawing equipment. As close to 100% of the waste powder can be converted to wire by using the ConformTM process. This technology offers an attractive addition to the circular economy for manufacturers and, with further development, could be an important addition as industries move toward more sustainable supply chains.
Bio-Based Hydrogels Composed of Humic Matter and Pectins of Different Degree of Methyl-Esterification
Authors: Nuzzo Assunta , Mazzei Pierluigi , Savy Davide , Di Meo Vincenzo , Piccolo Alessandro
Published: June 2020

We prepared humo-pectic hydrogels through ionotropic gelation by crosslinking natural pectins of different degree of methyl-esterification with either humic substances (HS) extracted from cow manure compost or humic-like substances (HULIS) from depolymerized lignocellulose biorefinery waste. The hydrogels were characterized by solid-state 13C-NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopic magnetic resonance imaging and rheological analyses. Their ability to work as controlled release systems was tested by following the release kinetics of a previously incorporated model phenolic compound, like phloroglucinol. Our results indicated that the release properties of hydrogels were influenced by the molecular composition of HS and HULIS and by the different degrees of methyl-esterification of pectins. The hydrogel made by the high methoxyl pectin and HS showed the fastest rate of phloroglucinol release, and this was attributed not only to its morphological structure and crosslinking density but also to the least formation of ionic interactions between phloroglucinol and the polysaccharidic chains. Our study suggests that the efficiency of novel humo-pectic hydrogels as sustainable carriers of agroproducts to crops is related to a careful choice of the characteristics of their components.
PbS Quantum Dots Decorating TiO2 Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Topology, and Optical Properties of the Colloidal Hybrid Architecture
Authors: Dibenedetto Carlo Nazareno , Sibillano Teresa , Brescia Rosaria , Prato Mirko , Triggiani Leonardo , Giannini Cinzia , Panniello Annamaria , Corricelli Michela , Comparelli Roberto , Ingrosso Chiara , Depalo Nicoletta , Agostiano Angela , Curri Maria Lucia , Striccoli Marinella , Fanizza Elisabetta
Published: June 2020

Fabrication of heterostructures by merging two or more materials in a single object. The domains at the nanoscale represent a viable strategy to purposely address materials’ properties for applications in several fields such as catalysis, biomedicine, and energy conversion. In this case, solution-phase seeded growth and the hot-injection method are ingeniously combined to fabricate TiO2/PbS heterostructures. The interest in such hybrid nanostructures arises from their absorption properties that make them advantageous candidates as solar cell materials for more efficient solar light harvesting and improved light conversion. Due to the strong lattice mismatch between TiO2 and PbS, the yield of the hybrid structure and the control over its properties are challenging. In this study, a systematic investigation of the heterostructure synthesis as a function of the experimental conditions (such as seeds’ surface chemistry, reaction temperature, and precursor concentration), its topology, structural properties, and optical properties are carried out. The morphological and chemical characterizations confirm the formation of small dots of PbS by decorating the oleylamine surface capped TiO2 nanocrystals under temperature control. Remarkably, structural characterization points out that the formation of heterostructures is accompanied by modification of the crystallinity of the TiO2 domain, which is mainly ascribed to lattice distortion. This result is also confirmed by photoluminescence spectroscopy, which shows intense emission in the visible range. This originated from self-trapped excitons, defects, and trap emissive states.
Special Issue “Pharmaceutical Residues in the Environment”
Authors: Kumirska Jolanta
Published: June 2020

Pharmaceuticals, due to their pseudo-persistence and biological activity as well as their extensive use in human and veterinary medicine, are a class of environmental contaminants that is of emerging concern [...]
Phonon Bridge Effect in Superlattices of Thermoelectric TiNiSn/HfNiSn With Controlled Interface Intermixing
Authors: Heinz Sven , Angel Emigdio Chavez , Trapp Maximilian , Kleebe Hans-Joachim , Jakob Gerhard
Published: June 2020

The implementation of thermal barriers in thermoelectric materials improves their power conversion rates effectively. For this purpose, material boundaries are utilized and manipulated to affect phonon transmissivity. Specifically, interface intermixing and topography represents a useful but complex parameter for thermal transport modification. This study investigates epitaxial thin film multilayers, so called superlattices (SL), of TiNiSn/HfNiSn, both with pristine and purposefully deteriorated interfaces. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry are used to characterize their structural properties in detail. A differential 3 ω -method probes their thermal resistivity. The thermal resistivity reaches a maximum for an intermediate interface quality and decreases again for higher boundary layer intermixing. For boundaries with the lowest interface quality, the interface thermal resistance is reduced by 23% compared to a pristine SL. While an uptake of diffuse scattering likely explains the initial deterioration of thermal transport, we propose a phonon bridge interpretation for the lowered thermal resistivity of the interfaces beyond a critical intermixing. In this picture, the locally reduced acoustic contrast of the less defined boundary acts as a mediator that promotes phonon transition.
Effect of Chemical Solvents on the Wetting Behavior Over Time of Femtosecond Laser Structured Ti6Al4V Surfaces
Authors: Schnell Georg , Polley Christian , Bartling Stephan , Seitz Hermann
Published: June 2020

The effect of chemical solvents on the wetting state of laser-structured surfaces over time is systematically examined in this paper. By using a 300-fs laser, nanostructures were generated on Ti6Al4V, subsequently cleaned in an ultrasonic bath with different solvents and stored in ambient air. The static contact angle showed significant differences for cleaning with various solvents, which, depending on the applied cleaning and time, amounted up to 100°. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses reveal that the cleaning of the laser-structured surfaces affects the surface chemistry and the aging behavior of the surfaces, even with highly volatile solvents. The effect of the chemical surface modification is particularly noticeable when using alcohols for cleaning, which, due to their OH groups, cause highly hydrophilic behavior of the surface after one day of storage. Over the course of 14 days, enrichment with organic groups from the atmosphere occurs on the surface, which leads to poorer wetting on almost every structured surface. In contrast, the cleaning in hexane leads to a fast saturation of the surface with long-chain carbon groups and thus to a time-independent hydrophobic behavior.
Living with Gluten and Other Food Intolerances: Self-Reported Diagnoses and Management
Authors: Araya Magdalena , Bascuñán Karla A. , Alarcón-Sajarópulos Dana , Cabrera-Chávez Francisco , Oyarzún Amaya , Fernández Alan , Ontiveros Noé
Published: June 2020

People suffering from a food intolerance (FI) tend to initiate restrictive diets such as a gluten-free diet (GFD), to alleviate their symptoms. To learn about how people live with these problems in daily life (independent of their medical diagnoses), 1203 participants answered a previously validated questionnaire and were divided into: G1 (those self-reporting symptoms after gluten consumption) and G2 (those informing no discomfort after gluten consumption). Self-reported clinical characteristics, diagnoses and diets followed were registered. Twenty nine percent referred some FI (8.5% in G1). In G1, self-reported diagnoses were more frequent (p < 0.0001), including a high proportion of eating and mood disorders. Diagnoses were reported to be given by a physician, but GFD was indicated by professional and nonprofessional persons. In G2, despite declaring no symptoms after gluten consumption, 11.1% followed a GFD. The most frequent answer in both groups was that GFD was followed “to care for my health”, suggesting that some celiac patients do not acknowledge it as treatment. Conclusion: close to one third of the population report suffering from some FI. Those perceiving themselves as gluten intolerant report more diseases (p < 0.0001). A GFD is followed by ~11% of those declaring no symptoms after gluten ingestion. This diet is perceived as a healthy eating option.
Selenium and Copper as Biomarkers for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Sun Qian , Hackler Julian , Hilger Julia , Gluschke Hans , Muric Aldina , Simmons Szandor , Schomburg Lutz , Siegert Elise
Published: June 2020

Circulating selenoprotein P (SELENOP) constitutes an established biomarker of Se status. SELENOP concentrations are reduced in inflammation and severe disease. Recently, elevated SELENOP levels have been suggested as diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We decided to re-evaluate this hypothesis. A group of healthy controls (n = 30) was compared with patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (SSc, n = 66), one third with SSc-related PAH. Serum was analysed for trace elements and protein biomarkers, namely SELENOP, glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and ceruloplasmin (CP). Compared to controls, patients with SSc-related PAH displayed reduced serum Se (91 ± 2 vs. 68 ± 2 µg/L) and SELENOP concentrations (3.7 ± 0.8 vs. 2.7 ± 0.9 mg/L), along with lower GPx3 activity (278 ± 40 vs. 231 ± 54 U/L). All three biomarkers of Se status were particularly low in patients with skin involvement. Serum Cu was not different between the groups, but patients with SSc-related PAH showed elevated ratios of Cu/Se and CP/SELENOP as compared to controls. Our data indicate that patients with SSc-related PAH are characterized by reduced Se status in combination with elevated CP, in line with other inflammatory diseases. Further analyses are needed to verify the diagnostic value of these TE-related biomarkers in PAH.
Effects of 3-Month Astaxanthin Supplementation on Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction-A Pilot Study
Authors: Kato Takao , Kasai Takatoshi , Sato Akihiro , Ishiwata Sayaki , Yatsu Shoichiro , Matsumoto Hiroki , Shitara Jun , Murata Azusa , Shimizu Megumi , Suda Shoko , Hiki Masaru , Naito Ryo , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

Astaxanthin has strong antioxidant properties. We conducted a prospective pilot study on heart failure (HF) patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction to investigate improvements in cardiac function and exercise tolerance in relation to suppression of oxidative stress by 3-month astaxanthin supplementation. Oxidative stress markers—serum Diacron reactive oxygen metabolite (dROM), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), and urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentrations, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) were assessed before and after 3-month astaxanthin supplementation. Finally, the data of 16 HF patients were analyzed. Following 3-month astaxanthin supplementation, dROM level decreased from 385.6 ± 82.6 U.CARR to 346.5 ± 56.9 U.CARR (p = 0.041) despite no changes in BAP and urinary 8-OHdG levels. LVEF increased from 34.1 ± 8.6% to 38.0 ± 10.0% (p = 0.031) and 6MWD increased from 393.4 ± 95.9 m to 432.8 ± 93.3 m (p = 0.023). Significant relationships were observed between percent changes in dROM level and those in LVEF. In this study, following 3-month astaxanthin supplementation, suppressed oxidative stress and improved cardiac contractility and exercise tolerance were observed in HF patients with LV systolic dysfunction. Correlation between suppression of oxidative stress and improvement of cardiac contractility suggests that suppression of oxidative stress by astaxanthin supplementation had therapeutic potential to improve cardiac functioning.
Selenoneine Ameliorates Hepatocellular Injury and Hepatic Steatosis in a Mouse Model of NAFLD
Authors: Miyata Masaaki , Matsushita Koki , Shindo Ryunosuke , Shimokawa Yutaro , Sugiura Yoshimasa , Yamashita Michiaki
Published: June 2020

Selenoneine is a novel organic selenium compound markedly found in the blood, muscles, and other tissues of fish. This study aimed to determine whether selenoneine attenuates hepatocellular injury and hepatic steatosis in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mice lacking farnesoid X receptor (FXR) were used as a model for fatty liver disease, because they exhibited hepatomegaly, hepatic steatosis, and hepatic inflammation. Fxr-null mice were fed a 0.3 mg Se/kg selenoneine-containing diet for four months. Significant decreases in the levels of hepatomegaly, hepatic damage-associated diagnostic markers, hepatic triglycerides, and total bile acids were found in Fxr-null mice fed with a selenoneine-rich diet. Hepatic and blood clot total selenium concentrations were 1.7 and 1.9 times higher in the selenoneine group than in the control group. A marked accumulation of selenoneine was found in the liver and blood clot of the selenoneine group. The expression levels of oxidative stress-related genes (heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), glutathione S-transferase alpha 1 (Gsta1), and Gsta2), fatty acid synthetic genes (stearoyl CoA desaturase 1(Scd1) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (Acc1)), and selenoprotein (glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) and selenoprotein P (Selenop)) were significantly decreased in the selenoneine group. These results suggest that selenoneine attenuates hepatic steatosis and hepatocellular injury in an NAFLD mouse model.
Thermal Requirements Underpinning Germination Allude to Risk of Species Decline from Climate Warming
Authors: Cochrane Jennifer Anne
Published: June 2020

The storage of seeds is a commonly used means of preserving plant genetic diversity in the face of rising threats such as climate change. Here, the findings of research from the past decade into thermal requirements for germination are synthesised for more than 100 plant species from southern Western Australia. This global biodiversity hotspot is predicted to suffer major plant collapse under forecast climate change. A temperature gradient plate was used to assess the thermal requirements underpinning seed germination in both commonly occurring and geographically restricted species. The results suggest that the local climate of the seed source sites does not drive seed responses, neither is it indicative of temperatures for optimal germination. The low diurnal phase of the temperature regime provided the most significant impact on germination timing. Several species germinated optimally at mean temperatures below or close to current wet quarter temperatures, and more than 40% of species were likely to be impacted in the future, with germination occurring under supra-optimal temperature conditions. This research highlights both species vulnerability and resilience to a warming climate during the regeneration phase of the life cycle and provides vital information for those aiming to manage, conserve and restore this regional flora.
Short-Term Pre-Harvest UV-B Supplement Enhances the Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Ocimum basilicum Leaves during Storage
Authors: dos S. Nascimento Luana Beatriz , Brunetti Cecilia , Agati Giovanni , Lo Iacono Clara , Detti Cassandra , Giordani Edgardo , Ferrini Francesco , Gori Antonella
Published: June 2020

Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves are rich in polyphenols, conferring them a high antioxidant activity. The application of UV-B can be used to maintain the post-harvest nutraceutical quality of basil leaves. We aimed to investigate the effects of pre-harvest UV-B application on polyphenolic and pigment contents, antioxidant capacity, and the visual quality of basil stored leaves. We also evaluated the applicability of the non-invasive Dualex® for monitoring the accumulation of leaf epidermal phenolics (Flav Index). After exposing plants to white light (control) and to supplemental UV-B radiation for 4 d, the leaves were harvested and stored for 7d (TS7). The UV-B leaves showed both a higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than the controls at TS7. In addition, the correlations between the Flav Index and phenolic content demonstrated that Dualex® can reliably assess the content of epidermal phenolics, thus confirming its promising utilization as a non-destructive method for monitoring the phytochemical quality of O. basilicum leaves. In conclusion, a pre-harvesting UV-B application may be a tool for enhancing the content of polyphenols and the antioxidant potential of basil stored leaves without detrimental effects on their visual quality. These results are important considering the nutraceutical value of this plant and its wide commercial distribution.
The Essential Oil of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. from Italy as a Source of Health-Promoting Compounds: Chemical Profile and Antioxidant and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Leporini Mariarosaria , Bonesi Marco , Loizzo Monica Rosa , Passalacqua Nicodemo Giuseppe , Tundis Rosa
Published: June 2020

The chemical composition of the essential oil from Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. collected in Calabrian Ionian (R1) and Tyrrhenian (R2) coast (Southern Italy) was examined by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Essential oils are mainly characterized by monoterpene hydrocarbons (39.32–40.70%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (36.08-39.47%). The 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor, and trans-caryophyllene are the most representative compounds. S. rosmarinus essential oils were investigated for their antioxidant activity by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity assays were used to screen the neuroprotective effects of S. rosmarinus. R2 showed the highest antioxidant potential as confirmed by relative antioxidant capacity index (RACI) and exhibited a selective activity against AChE (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50, value of 41.86 μg/mL). These results suggest S. rosmarinus essential oil as a potential source of bioactive compounds.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of D-Glucitol-Based Non-Ionic Amphiphilic Architectures as Nanocarriers
Authors: Manchanda Priyanka , Achazi Katharina , Verma Diksha , Böttcher Christoph , Haag Rainer , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: June 2020

Newer non-ionic amphiphiles have been synthesized using biocompatible materials and by following a greener approach i.e., D-glucitol has been used as a template, and hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments were incorporated on it by using click chemistry. The hydrophilic segments in turn were prepared from glycerol using an immobilized Candida antarctica lipase (Novozym-435)-mediated chemoenzymatic approach. Surface tension measurements and dynamic light scattering studies reflect the self-assembling behavior of the synthesized amphiphilic architectures in the aqueous medium. The results from UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy establish the encapsulation of guests in the hydrophobic core of self-assembled amphiphilic architectures. The results of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay indicate that the amphiphiles are well tolerated by the used A549 cell lines at all tested concentrations.
Towards a Deeper Understanding of Creep and Physical Aging Behavior of the Emulsion Polymer Isocyanate
Authors: Zhou Shihao , Fang Xuansheng , He Yaolong , Hu Hongjiu
Published: June 2020

Information of the relaxation behaviors of polymer film is crucial to judge the durability of emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI) as a structural adhesive for bonding timber-based products. A sequence of tensile creep tests and free volume evaluation of the cured EPI adhesive films during isothermal condition were carried out by dynamic mechanical analysis and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, respectively. It is the first time to explore the creep response and physical aging of the EPI film, as well as associated microstructural evolution. The results indicate that the creep characteristics of the glassy EPI coating intimately depend upon the crosslinker and elapsed time, and the ideal momentary creep master curve can be constructed in terms of modified horizontal shifting method. Furthermore, the relaxation process is found to be dominated by vacancy diffusion mechanism. In addition, increasing the polymeric isocyanate content can significantly enhance the resistance to creep deformation of EPI films, but also accelerate the physical aging process. Due to a higher packing degree of pure polymer films, the EPI films with aqueous emulsified isocyanate exhibit much better relaxation resistance compared to that with general isocyanate crosslinker.
New Approach Evaluating Peatland Fires in Indonesian Factors
Authors: Hayasaka Hiroshi , Usup Aswin , Naito Daisuke
Published: June 2020

Until 2018, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was used as an explanation for fires in Indonesia’s peatlands. However, when the 2019 fires occurred independently of El Niño, more suitable indicators and methods were required to (a) analyze, (b) evaluate and (c) forecast peatland fires. In this study, we introduced the OLR–MC index—one of the rain-related indices derived from OLR (outgoing longwave radiation) in MC (maritime continent) area in Indonesia. This index showed stronger correlation with active peatland fires than the conventional ENSO index, and is likely to be able to respond to heat and dry weather supposed to be under climate-change conditions. We then analyzed peatland fires in the top six fire years from 2002 to 2018 and showed that peatland fires occurred in three stages—surface fire, shallow peatland fire and deep peatland fire. To explain each stage, we proposed a one-dimensional groundwater level (GWL) prediction model (named as MODEL-0). MODEL-0 predicts GWL from daily rainfall. Analysis using MODEL-0 showed the GWL thresholds for the three fire stages were between -300 mm and -500 mm; peatland fire activities during the three fire stages were dependent on these GWL values. The validity of MODEL-0 was shown by comparison with the measured values of GWL in the top three fire years.
Quantitative 3D Reconstruction from Scanning Electron Microscope Images Based on Affine Camera Models
Authors: Töberg Stefan , Reithmeier Eduard
Published: June 2020

Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are versatile imaging devices for the micro- and nanoscale that find application in various disciplines such as the characterization of biological, mineral or mechanical specimen. Even though the specimen’s two-dimensional (2D) properties are provided by the acquired images, detailed morphological characterizations require knowledge about the three-dimensional (3D) surface structure. To overcome this limitation, a reconstruction routine is presented that allows the quantitative depth reconstruction from SEM image sequences. Based on the SEM’s imaging properties that can be well described by an affine camera, the proposed algorithms rely on the use of affine epipolar geometry, self-calibration via factorization and triangulation from dense correspondences. To yield the highest robustness and accuracy, different sub-models of the affine camera are applied to the SEM images and the obtained results are directly compared to confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) measurements to identify the ideal parametrization and underlying algorithms. To solve the rectification problem for stereo-pair images of an affine camera so that dense matching algorithms can be applied, existing approaches are adapted and extended to further enhance the yielded results. The evaluations of this study allow to specify the applicability of the affine camera models to SEM images and what accuracies can be expected for reconstruction routines based on self-calibration and dense matching algorithms.
Speech Quality Feature Analysis for Classification of Depression and Dementia Patients
Authors: Sumali Brian , Mitsukura Yasue , Liang Kuo-ching , Yoshimura Michitaka , Kitazawa Momoko , Takamiya Akihiro , Fujita Takanori , Mimura Masaru , Kishimoto Taishiro
Published: June 2020

Loss of cognitive ability is commonly associated with dementia, a broad category of progressive brain diseases. However, major depressive disorder may also cause temporary deterioration of one’s cognition known as pseudodementia. Differentiating a true dementia and pseudodementia is still difficult even for an experienced clinician and extensive and careful examinations must be performed. Although mental disorders such as depression and dementia have been studied, there is still no solution for shorter and undemanding pseudodementia screening. This study inspects the distribution and statistical characteristics from both dementia patient and depression patient, and compared them. It is found that some acoustic features were shared in both dementia and depression, albeit their correlation was reversed. Statistical significance was also found when comparing the features. Additionally, the possibility of utilizing machine learning for automatic pseudodementia screening was explored. The machine learning part includes feature selection using LASSO algorithm and support vector machine (SVM) with linear kernel as the predictive model with age-matched symptomatic depression patient and dementia patient as the database. High accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity was obtained in both training session and testing session. The resulting model was also tested against other datasets that were not included and still performs considerably well. These results imply that dementia and depression might be both detected and differentiated based on acoustic features alone. Automated screening is also possible based on the high accuracy of machine learning results.
Statistical Properties of a New Social Media Context Awareness Scale (SMCA)—A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Rad Dana , Balas Valentina , Lile Ramona , Demeter Edgar , Dughi Tiberiu , Rad Gavril
Published: June 2020

In the Internet of Things era, or in the digitalization and mediatization of everything paradigm, where context awareness computing is on the rise, people are also facing a new challenge, that of being aware of the digital contexts, in all situations when surfing the internet’s ocean of row information. The emerging social media context awareness competency refers to a new emerging skill regarding the trust load people give to a specific social media context they encounter. Since it is an emergent competence, it cannot be understood as standalone. If the digital context would not be available, we would not develop such a competence. Being a competence, it must be defined by three core elements: Knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Consequently, we have operationalized the competence of social media context awareness in terms of social media literacy, social media communication process understanding, social media content impact awareness, and social media confidence. An online questionnaire was created under the Erasmus+ project Hate’s Journey, addressing a convenience sample of 206 online youth respondents from Turkey, Spain, Latvia, and Romania. Our team has computed a reliability analysis on the social media context awareness scale designed with four items referring to social media literacy (m = 3.79, SD = 1), social media communication process understanding (m = 3.77, SD = 0.9), social media content impact awareness (m = 3.88, SD = 1), and social media confidence (m = 3.45, SD = 1). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the Exploratory Factor Analysis demonstrated the acceptable reliability of the SMCA scale, α = 0.87. Conclusions, implications, and limitations are discussed in the context of social sustainability.
Peace Engineering Gains Momentum
Authors: Phillips Fred
Published: June 2020

To create a sustainable future, technological innovators must become intentional about their designs, rather than design first and worry later. Though this idea appears straightforward, it requires fundamental changes in engineering education and in channels of product commercialization/valorization. This communication describes the Peace Engineering movement and its thrust toward design for peace and human welfare. It describes the movement’s history, notably its changes in approach relative to that of the Vietnam war protests and the first Earth Day of 50 years ago; Peace Engineering’s potential for reducing waste and loss of life; and the challenges Peace Engineering now faces. It concludes with preliminary ideas on moving past these challenges. The nascent field of Peace Engineering will lead to new streams of research and new initiatives in engineering education and practice for sustainability.
Sustainability Education in Risks and Crises: Lessons from Covid-19
Authors: Wolff Lili-Ann
Published: June 2020

Humans have always lived in eras of more or less obvious crises and risks. When Ulrich Beck wrote about the risk society in 1986, he talked about risks as invisibility lacking spatial and temporal boundaries. The environmental risks of the modern society may often appear diffuse, even if, for example, the climate change dilemma has progressively become noticeable. However, this year, people on Earth have had to face a most obvious risk. The effects of Covid-19 have reached such proportions that the human world probably will never be the same again. However, the extent of jeopardies is not similar for all world inhabitants, neither are the tools to handle the risks. To face the threat and learn from it, humans need to change manners on many levels and in many social and physical areas. Some of the main questions to reflect on and discuss in this feature issue of Sustainability are: What will the most urgent role of sustainability education be now and in the future? What kind of teaching, learning and educational policies are most relevant? What issues are most crucial in sustainability education research?
Spatial Heterogeneity of Housing Space Consumption in Urban China: Locals vs. Inter-and Intra-Provincial Migrants
Authors: Cao Yuting , Liu Ran , Qi Wei , Wen Jin
Published: June 2020

The relationships between migration and housing congestion have attracted attention in engaging the public against the COVID-19 pandemic and some other public health crises. In recent years in China, promoting the citizenization (“shimin hua”) of migrants and improving the quality of urbanization have become the focus of attention in the new-type urbanization today. The housing space consumption of migrants is one of the important indices to look into regarding their real living status in the receiving cities: how do the housing consumption behavior and residential quality vary between the local, inter- and intra-provincial migratory patterns? This article uses the micro household data of the 1% population sampling survey conducted in 2015 by the National Bureau of Statistics of China to look into the spatial variance of the aggregate housing space consumption behaviors of the local and non-local population at the prefectural level and above in urban China. This study finds that: (a) the longer migratory pattern indicates a thriftier housing space consumption that implies a higher probability of residential overcrowding among the inter-provincial migrants; at the same time, the locals enjoy the greater living comfort than their migrant peers; (b) the spatial variance in terms of housing space consumption can be attributed to a series of destination city contexts, such as the geological background, city administrative rank, areal location, local-nonlocal demography, municipal economic growth, and the local residential development levels. The results show that the more “targeted” housing policies are needed to solve the housing difficulties with migrant workers for a goal of human-centered urbanization development. Although we lack the more detailed data-sets to examine the correlation between public health risks (like the COVID-19 pandemic) and housing congestion problems (especially with the population on the move), this research is still illuminating in terms of how to cut down the public health risk in a highly mobile and rapidly urbanizing context like China.
Effect of Backsheet Properties on PV Encapsulant Degradation during Combined Accelerated Aging Tests
Authors: Mansour Djamel Eddine , Barretta Chiara , Pitta Bauermann Luciana , Oreski Gernot , Schueler Andreas , Philipp Daniel , Gebhardt Paul
Published: June 2020

Long-term photovoltaic (PV) module reliability is highly determined by the durability of the polymeric components (backsheet and encapsulation materials). This paper presents the result of experiments on encapsulant degradation influenced by the backsheet permeation properties. Towards this goal, one type of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) was aged in glass/EVA/backsheet laminates in accelerated aging tests (up to 4000 h for Damp-Heat (DH) and up to 480 kWh/m2 for UV and UV-DH combined). The samples contained three backsheets with different permeation properties to examine their impact on EVA degradation. Thermal and chemical characterization shows that the EVA degradation is stronger with the glass–EVA–polyamide (PA)-based backsheet than with the polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based backsheets. The higher oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the PA-based backsheet may increase photo-oxidation and aggravating the degradation of EVA in the laminates. Furthermore, FTIR results were used to demonstrate the effect of damp heat exposure on the EVA interfaces, showing an accelerated degradation at the glass–EVA interface. The comparison of accelerated aging stress factors reveals that EVA suffers the strongest chemical and optical degradation when high UV, high temperature and high relative humidity are combined simultaneously.
Process Intensification of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane Detection Methods for Determining Trace Concentrations in Soils
Authors: Zhao Jinghan , Vanderburgt Stephen , Santos Rafael M. , Chiang Yi Wai
Published: June 2020

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) residue in Ontario soil is expected to be found at trace levels, since it has been banned for over 45 years in Canada. This presents challenges to the efficiency and accuracy of conventional detection methods. This study intensified the conventional DDT detection method, in the characterization of aged soil samples collected from historically-treated sites in Ontario. Recovery, time consumption, and labor intensity were considered for the intensification evaluation. Ultrasonic probe extraction was found to significantly shorten the extraction time, with similar yield compared to ultrasonic water bath extraction and homogenized extraction. Homogenized extraction for 24 h following ultrasonic probe extraction can increase yield over 27%. Rotary evaporator concentration was used, since it can reduce the operating time with comparable recovery. The Florisil clean-up column used in the conventional method was removed from the intensified method, due to its negligible effect and high time consumption. The intensified method may be valuable for further investigation to determine other trace level organochlorine pesticide residues in soil samples.