bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both Soil Bacteria and Soil Chemical Property Affected the Micropredator Myxobacterial Community: Evidence from Natural Forest Soil and Greenhouse Rhizosphere Soil
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zhang Xianjiao , Yao Qing , Zhu Honghui
Published: September 2020

Myxobacteria are abundant micropredators in soil, and are social bacteria with multicellular behavior and producers of versatile secondary metabolites. The interaction between predator and prey populations is an important component in the soil microbial food web, and this is expected to shape the composition and dynamics of microbial communities. Here we hypothesize the regulation of bacterial abundance and community composition on soil myxobacterial community. Field investigation indicated that the relative abundance of Myxococcales in subtropical and tropical forest soil from South China was 1.49−4.74% of all the 16S rRNA gene sequences, and myxobacterial community composition differed between subtropical and tropical forest. The canonical correspondence analysis and variation partitioning analysis indicated that biotic factor (bacterial community composition) showed slightly stronger explanation for variation of myxobacteria than soil properties (soil pH and soil organic matter). Based on the rhizosphere bacterial network, the greenhouse mesocosm experiment showed that most of the myxobacterial links were with Gram-negative bacteria, except that some nodes from Haliangiacea and Polyangiaceae interacted with actinomycetes and actinomycetes-like Gram-positive bacteria. We inferred that myxobacteria preferential predation on specific bacterial taxa may explain the influence of bacteria on myxobacterial community. Further study confirming the biological process of myxobacterial predation in situ is necessary to advance the understanding of the ecological role of predation behavior in the microbial world.
Enhanced Magnetic Properties of Co-Doped BiFeO3 Thin Films via Structural Progression
Authors: Bai Liang , Sun Mingjie , Ma Wenjing , Yang Jinghai , Zhang Junkai , Liu Yanqing
Published: September 2020

Co3+ doping in BiFeO3 is expected to be an effective method for improving its magnetic properties. In this work, pristine BiFeO3 (BFO) and doped BiFe1-xCoxO3 (BFCxO, x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.10) composite thin films were successfully synthesized by a sol–gel technique. XRD and Raman spectra indicate that the Co3+ ions are substituted for the Fe3+ ion sites in the BFO rhombohedral lattice. Raman vibration of oxygen octahedron is obviously weakened due to the lattice distortion induced by the size mismatch between two B-site cations (Fe3+ and Co3+ ions), which has an impact on the magnetic properties of BFCxO. SEM images reveal a denser agglomeration in Co-doped samples. TEM results indicate that the average size of grains is reduced due to the Co3+ substitution. XPS measurements illustrate that the replacement of Fe3+ with Co3+ effectively suppresses the generation of oxygen defects and increases the concentration of Fe3+ ions at the B-site of perovskite lattice. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements show that the remanent magnetization (Mr) of BFC0.07O (3.6 emu/cm3) and the saturation magnetization (Ms) of BFC0.10O (48.84 emu/cm3) thin film both increase by approximately two times at room temperature, compared with that of the pure BFO counterpart.
Nanocellulose and Nanocarbons Based Hybrid Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications
Authors: Trache Djalal , Thakur Vijay Kumar
Published: September 2020

Since the emergence of nanotechnology in recent decades, the development and design of hybrid bio-nanomaterials has become an important field of research [...]
Performance Enhancement of Electrospun IGZO-Nanofiber-Based Field-Effect Transistors with High-k Gate Dielectrics through Microwave Annealing and Postcalcination Oxygen Plasma Treatment
Authors: Cho Seong-Kun , Cho Won-Ju
Published: September 2020

We investigated the effects of various high-k gate dielectrics as well as microwave annealing (MWA) calcination and a postcalcination oxygen plasma treatment on the electrical properties and stability of electrospun indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO)-nanofiber (NF)-based field-effect transistors (FETs). We found that the higher the dielectric constant of the gate dielectric, the better the electric field is transferred, resulting in the better performance of the IGZO NF FET. In addition, the MWA-calcined IGZO NF FET was superior to the conventional furnace annealing-calcined device in terms of the electrical properties of the device and the operation of resistor-loaded inverter, and it was proved that the oxygen plasma treatment further improved the performance. The results of the gate bias temperature stress test confirmed that the MWA calcination process and postcalcination oxygen plasma treatment greatly improved the stability of the IGZO NF FET by reducing the number of defects and charge traps. This verified that the MWA calcination process and oxygen plasma treatment effectively remove the organic solvent and impurities that act as charge traps in the chemical analysis of NF using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, it was demonstrated through scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer that the MWA calcination process and postcalcination oxygen plasma treatment also improve the morphological and optical properties of IGZO NF.
Carbon-Supported Mo2C for Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Mladenović Dušan , Vujković Milica , Mentus Slavko , Santos Diogo M. F. , Rocha Raquel P. , C. Sequeira Cesar A. , Figueiredo Jose Luis , Šljukić Biljana
Published: September 2020

Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C)-based electrocatalysts were prepared using two different carbon supports, commercial carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and synthesised carbon xerogel (CXG), to be studied from the point of view of both capacitive and electrocatalytic properties. Cation type (K+ or Na+) in the alkaline electrolyte solution did not affect the rate of formation of the electrical double layer at a low scan rate of 10 mV s−1. Conversely, the different mobility of these cations through the electrolyte was found to be crucial for the rate of double-layer formation at higher scan rates. Molybdenum carbide supported on carbon xerogel (Mo2C/CXG) showed ca. 3 times higher double-layer capacity amounting to 75 mF cm−2 compared to molybdenum carbide supported on carbon nanotubes (Mo2C/CNT) with a value of 23 mF cm−2 due to having more than double the surface area size. The electrocatalytic properties of carbon-supported molybdenum carbides for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media were evaluated using linear scan voltammetry with a rotating disk electrode. The studied materials demonstrated good electrocatalytic performance with Mo2C/CXG delivering higher current densities at more positive onset and half-wave potential. The number of electrons exchanged during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was calculated to be 3, suggesting a combination of four- and two-electron mechanism.
Preparation of PI/PTFE–PAI Composite Nanofiber Aerogels with Hierarchical Structure and High-Filtration Efficiency
Authors: Li Dawei , Liu Huizhong , Shen Ying , Wu Huiping , Liu Feng , Wang Lanlan , Liu Qingsheng , Deng Bingyao
Published: September 2020

Electrospun nanofiber, showing large specific area and high porosity, has attracted much attention across various fields, especially in the field of air filtration. The small diameter contributes to the construction of filters with high-filtration efficiency for fine particulate matter (PM), however, along with an increase in air resistance. Herein, composited nanofiber aerogels (NAs), a truly three-dimensional (3D) derivative of the densely compacted electrospun mat, were constructed with the blocks of polytetrafluoroethylene–polyamideimide (PTFE–PAI) composite nanofiber and polyimide (PI) nanofiber. PI/PTFE–PAI NAs with hierarchically porous architecture and excellent mechanical properties have been obtained by thermally induced crosslink bonding. Results indicated that sintering at 400 °C for 30 min could complete the decomposition of polyethylene (PEO) and imidization of polyamic acid (PAA) into PI, as well as generate sufficient mechanical bonding between adjacent nanofibers in the NAs without extra additive. The well-prepared PI/PTFE–PAI NAs could withstand high temperature up to 500 °C. In addition, the filtration tests illustrated that the composite NAs had an excellent performance in PM filtration. More importantly, the filtration behavior could be adjusted to meet the requirements of various applications. The excellent thermal stability and high-filtration efficiency indicated its great potential in the field of high-temperature air filtration.
A Facile Method for the Non-Covalent Amine Functionalization of Carbon-Based Surfaces for Use in Biosensor Development
Authors: Walters Ffion , Ali Muhammad Munem , Burwell Gregory , Rozhko Sergiy , Tehrani Zari , Daghigh Ahmadi Ehsaneh , Evans Jon E. , Abbasi Hina Y. , Bigham Ryan , Mitchell Jacob John , Kazakova Olga , Devadoss Anitha , Guy Owen J.
Published: September 2020

Affinity biosensors based on graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) or resistor designs require the utilization of graphene’s exceptional electrical properties. Therefore, it is critical when designing these sensors, that the electrical properties of graphene are maintained throughout the functionalization process. To that end, non-covalent functionalization may be preferred over covalent modification. Drop-cast 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) was investigated as a quick and simple method for the non-covalent amine functionalization of carbon-based surfaces such as graphene, for use in biosensor development. In this work, multiple graphene surfaces were functionalized with DAN via a drop-cast method, leading to amine moieties, available for subsequent attachment to receptor molecules. Successful modification of graphene with DAN via a drop-cast method was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and real-time resistance measurements. Successful attachment of receptor molecules also confirmed using the aforementioned techniques. Furthermore, an investigation into the effect of sequential wash steps which are required in biosensor manufacture, on the presence of the DAN layer, confirmed that the functional layer was not removed, even after multiple solvent exposures. Drop-cast DAN is thus, a viable fast and robust method for the amine functionalization of graphene surfaces for use in biosensor development.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Obesity (Diabesity). The Central Role of Gut Microbiota and Its Translational Applications
Authors: Ortega Miguel A. , Fraile-Martínez Oscar , Naya Irene , García-Honduvilla Natalio , Álvarez-Mon Melchor , Buján Julia , Asúnsolo Ángel , de la Torre Basilio
Published: September 2020

Obesity is a condition of rising prevalence worldwide, with important socioeconomic implications, being considered as a growing public health concern. Frequently, obesity brings other complications in addition to itself—like Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)—sharing origin, risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. In this context, some authors have decided to include both conditions as a unique entity known as “diabesity”. In fact, understanding diabesity as a single disease is possible to maximise the benefits from therapies received in these patients. Gut microbiota plays a key role in individual’s health, and their alterations, either in its composition or derived products are related to a wide range of metabolic disorders like T2DM and obesity. The present work aims to collect the different changes reported in gut microbiota in patients with T2DM associated with obesity and their possible role in the onset, development, and establishment of the disease. Moreover, current research lines to modulate gut microbiota and the potential clinical translation derived from the knowledge of this system will also be reviewed, which may provide support for a better clinical management of such a complex condition.
Association among Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Cardiovascular, Obesity, and Anthropometric Variables of Overweight and Obese Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Marcos-Pardo Pablo J. , González-Gálvez Noelia , Espeso-García Alejandro , Abelleira-Lamela Tomás , López-Vivancos Abraham , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent and combined associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMedDiet), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and different parameters of overweight and obese middle-aged and older adults. Sixty-two participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Fat mass was measured with Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. AMedDiet and physical activity (PA) were assessed with the PREDIMED and Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ). Maximal aerobic power was assessed using the 6-min walk test. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (BP) were measured with Omron M6, and double product (DP) and mean BP (MBP) were calculated. Kinanthropometry proportionality variables related to obesity were also calculated. Participants with a low CRF as an independent factor or together with a low AMedDiet obtained significantly higher BP, total and trunk fat mass, and proportionality variables (all p ˂ 0.0001). According to the multiple nonlinear regression analysis, Vo2max, AMedDiet, and sex explained 53.4% of SBP, with this formula: 238.611 − (3.63*Vo2max) + (0.044*Vo2max2) − (13.051*AMedDiet) + (0.68*AMedDiet2) + (12.887*sex). SBP and p rediction SBP with the new formula showed a correlation of 0.731 (p ˂ 0.0001); showing a difference between the values of −0.278 (p = 0.883). In conclusion, CRF as an independent factor and combined with AMedDiet can be associated with BP, body composition, and proportionality in overweight and obese middle-aged and older adults.
Black Soybean Improves Vascular Function and Blood Pressure: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Crossover Trial in Humans
Authors: Yamashita Yoko , Nakamura Asuka , Nanba Fumio , Saito Shizuka , Toda Toshiya , Nakagawa Junichi , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: September 2020

Vascular dysfunction and injurious stimuli such as oxidative stress are closely related to the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Dietary polyphenols are reported to exert beneficial effects in reducing the risk of CVD. Black soybean has been used as a nutritionally rich food and contains abundant polyphenols in its seed coat and grain. Black soybean has many beneficial physiological activities, and its prevention effects on CVD risk were reported mainly in animal experiments. In this study, we performed a randomized, single blind, placebo controlled, crossover trial to investigate the effect of black soybean consumption on the vascular function in healthy humans. Twenty-two healthy adults aged from 30 to 60 completed the four week trial with daily consumption of about a 40 g test material cookie containing 20 g roasted black soybean powder. Body composition, vascular function, biomarkers for oxidative stress, and polyphenol contents in the urine and the plasma were measured. After ingestion of the black soybean cookie, vascular function, which was evaluated by plethysmogram using a Pulse Analyzer®, was improved and systolic blood pressure was decreased. Moreover, nitric oxide levels in plasma and urine were increased, while an oxidative stress biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine level, in the plasma was decreased accompanied by an increase in the concentration of polyphenols derived from black soybean in plasma and urine. These results suggest that the antioxidant activity of black soybean polyphenols and an increase in the nitric oxide level may contribute to the improvement of vascular function. Thus, black soybean is an attractive food material for improvement of vascular function through decreasing oxidative stress by its potent antioxidant activity and increasing the nitric oxide level in healthy humans.
Frailty Intervention through Nutrition Education and Exercise (FINE). A Health Promotion Intervention to Prevent Frailty and Improve Frailty Status among Pre-Frail Elderly—A Study Protocol of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohd Suffian Nurul Izzati , Adznam Siti Nur ‘Asyura , Abu Saad Hazizi , Chan Yoke Mun , Ibrahim Zuriati , Omar Noraida , Murat Muhammad Faizal
Published: September 2020

The ageing process has been associated with various geriatric issues including frailty. Without early prevention, frailty may cause multiple adverse outcomes. However, it potentially may be reversed with appropriate interventions. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of nutritional education and exercise intervention to prevent frailty among the elderly. A 3-month, single-blind, two-armed, cluster randomized controlled trial of the frailty intervention program among Malaysian pre-frail elderly will be conducted. A minimum of total 60 eligible respondents from 8 clusters (flats) of Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) flats will be recruited and randomized to the intervention and control arm. The intervention group will receive a nutritional education and a low to moderate multi-component exercise program. To date, this is the first intervention study that specifically targets both the degree of frailty and an improvement in the outcomes of frailty using both nutritional education and exercise interventions among Malaysian pre-frail elderly. If the study is shown to be effective, there are major potential benefits to older population in terms of preventing transition to frailty. The findings from this trial will potentially provide valuable evidence and serve as a model for similar future interventions designed for elderly Malaysians in the community.
Cooking for Vitality: Pilot Study of an Innovative Culinary Nutrition Intervention for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Pritlove Cheryl , Capone Geremy , Kita Helena , Gladman Stephanie , Maganti Manjula , Jones Jennifer M.
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent and distressing side effects experienced by patients with cancer during and after treatment, and this negatively impacts all aspects of quality of life. An increasing body of evidence supports the role of poor nutritional status in the etiology of CRF and of specific diets in mitigating CRF. We designed a group-based two session culinary nutrition intervention for CRF, Cooking for Vitality (C4V), aimed at increasing understanding of how food choices can impact energy levels and establishing basic food preparation and cooking skills as well as the application of culinary techniques that minimize the effort/energy required to prepare meals. The purpose of this pilot mixed-method study was to evaluate: Feasibility of the experimental methods and intervention; acceptability and perceived helpfulness of intervention; and to obtain a preliminary estimate of the effectiveness of the intervention on fatigue (primary outcome), energy, overall disability, and confidence to manage fatigue (secondary outcomes). (2) Methods: Prospective, single arm, embedded mixed-methods feasibility study of cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue was conducted. Participants completed measures at baseline (T0), immediately following the intervention (T1), and three months after the last session (T2). Qualitative interviews were conducted at T2. (3) Results: Recruitment (70%) and retention (72%) rates along with qualitative findings support the feasibility of the C4V intervention for cancer survivors living with CRF (program length and frequency, ease of implementation, and program flexibility). Acceptability was also high and participants provided useful feedback for program improvements. Fatigue (FACT-F) scores significantly improved from T0–T1 and T0–T2 (p < 0.001). There was also a significant decrease in disability scores (WHO-DAS 2.0) from T0–T2 (p = 0.006) and an increase in POMS-Vigor (Profile of Mood States) from T0–T1 (p = 0.018) and T0–T2 (p = 0.013). Confidence in managing fatigue improved significantly from T0–T1 and T0–T2 (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that the C4V program was acceptable and helpful to patients and may be effective in improving fatigue levels and self-management skills. A randomized controlled trial is required to confirm these findings.
New Insights into the Pathogenesis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Gut-Derived Lipopolysaccharides and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ferro Domenico , Baratta Francesco , Pastori Daniele , Cocomello Nicholas , Colantoni Alessandra , Angelico Francesco , Del Ben Maria
Published: September 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. The intricate NAFLD pathogenesis is summarized by the multiple-hits hypothesis, which combines all the environmental and genetic factors that promote the development of NAFLD into a single scenario. Among these, bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are derived from the overgrowth of Gram-negative bacteria and translocated mainly as a consequence of enhanced intestinal permeability. Furthermore, oxidative stress is increased in NAFLD as a consequence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and a shortage of endogenous antioxidant molecules, and it is promoted by the interaction between LPS and the Toll-like receptor 4 system. Interestingly, oxidative stress, which has previously been described as being overexpressed in cardiovascular disease, could represent the link between LPS and the increased cardiovascular risk in NAFLD subjects. To date, the only effective strategy for the treatment of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the loss of at least 5% body weight in overweight and/or obese subjects. However, the dose-dependent effects of multispecies probiotic supplementation on the serum LPS level and cardiometabolic profile in obese postmenopausal women were demonstrated. In addition, many antibiotics have regulatory effects on intestinal microbiota and were able to reduce serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in NASH animal models. Regarding the oxidant status, a Mediterranean diet has been reported to reduce oxidant stress, while vitamin E at high daily dosages induced the resolution of NASH in 36% of treated patients. Silymarin had the positive effect of reducing transaminase levels in NAFLD patients and long-term treatment may also decrease fibrosis and slow liver disease progression in NASH. Finally, the influence of nutraceuticals on gut microbiota and oxidant stress in NAFLD patients has not yet been well elucidated and there are insufficient data either to support or refuse their use in these subjects.
Searching for Supersymmetry at LHC Using the Complex-Network-Based Method of the Three-Dimensional Visibility-Graph
Authors: Bhaduri Susmita , Bhaduri Anirban
Published: September 2020

For the last several decades, there has been tremendous interest in search for Supersymmetry (SUSY) in the area of high energy physics. At Large Hadron Collider (LHC), there have been continuous searches for SUSY for prompt and non-prompt, for particle R-parity conserving and R-parity violating generation and decays. The limits obtained from these experiments and analyses for detection of the signatures of supersymmetric particles (LSP), revealed greater possibilities of such experiments in the collider. However, these signatures are usually derived under the assumption of bit optimistic conditions of the decaying process of sparticles to the final states. Moreover, SUSY might have been in a disguised state at lower mass-scales as a result of difficult and challenging mass spectra and mixed modes of decays. In this investigation, a novel method of 3-dimensional (3D) Visibility-Graph Analysis is proposed. This is an extension of Visibility Graph analysis of data series to perform the scaling analysis for 3D space. The experimental data spaces analyzed are made up of the component-space (in the X,Y and Z coordinates) of transverse momentum (pT) values taken out from 4-momenta of the signatures of the final state of the pair of mega-jets extracted from the multiJet primary pp collision data from Run B of 2010 at 7 TeV which was used for the search of SUSY using razor filter. The symmetry scaling and the inherent scaling behavior, scale-freeness of multi-particle production process is studied in terms of 3D Power-of-Scale-freeness-of-Visibility-Graph (3D-PSVG) extracted from the 3D Visibility Graphs constructed out of the experimental data spaces. The signature of SUSY may be identified by analyzing the scaling behavior and long-range correlation inherent in the 3D space made up of signatures of final state of multi-particles produced in the pp collision at 7 TeV, for the analysis of SUSY, which the conventional method of analyzing the spectrum of invariant mass or pT may miss.
Evaluation of FORMOSAT-2 and PlanetScope Imagery for Aboveground Oil Palm Biomass Estimation in a Mature Plantation in the Congo Basin
Authors: Migolet Pierre , Goïta Kalifa
Published: September 2020

The present study developed methods using remote sensing for estimation of total dry aboveground biomass (AGB) of oil palm in the Congo Basin. To achieve this, stem diameters at breast height (DBH, 1.3 m) and stem heights were measured in an oil palm plantation located in Gabon (Congo Basin, Central Africa). These measurements were used to determine AGB in situ. The remote sensing approach that was used to estimate AGB was textural ordination (FOTO) based upon Fourier transforms that were applied, respectively, to PlanetScope and FORMOSAT-2 satellite images taken from the area. The FOTO method is based on the combined use of two-dimensional (2D) Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). In the context of the present study, it was used to characterize the variation in canopy structure and to estimate the aboveground biomass of mature oil palms. Two types of equations linking FOTO indices to in situ biomass were developed: multiple linear regressions (MLR); and multivariate adaptive spline regressions (MARS). All best models developed yielded significant results, regardless of whether they were derived from PlanetScope or from FORMOSAT-2 images. Coefficients of determination (R2) varied between 0.80 and 0.92 (p ≤ 0.0005); and relative root mean-square-errors (%RMSE) were less than 10.12% in all cases. The best model was obtained using MARS approach with FOTO indices from FORMOSAT-2 (%RMSE = 6.09%).
Robust TOA-Based UAS Navigation under Model Mismatch in GNSS-Denied Harsh Environments
Authors: Mortier Jan , Pagès Gaël , Vilà-Valls Jordi
Published: September 2020

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is the technology of choice for outdoor positioning purposes but has many limitations when used in safety-critical applications such Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Unmanned Autonomous Systems (UAS). Namely, its performance clearly degrades in harsh propagation conditions and is not reliable due to possible attacks or interference. Moreover, GNSS signals may not be available in the so-called GNSS-denied environments, such as deep urban canyons or indoors, and standard GNSS architectures do not provide the precision needed in ITS. Among the different alternatives, cellular signals (LTE/5G) may provide coverage in constrained urban environments and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging is a promising solution to achieve high positioning accuracy. The key points impacting any time-of-arrival (TOA)-based navigation system are (i) the transmitters’ geometry, (ii) a perfectly known transmitters’ position, and (iii) the environment. In this contribution, we analyze the performance loss of alternative TOA-based navigation systems in real-life applications where we may have both transmitters’ position mismatch, harsh propagation environments, and GNSS-denied conditions. In addition, we propose new robust filtering methods able to cope with both effects up to a certain extent. Illustrative results in realistic scenarios are provided to support the discussion and show the performance improvement brought by the new methodologies with respect to the state-of-the-art.
Multi-Scale Residual Deep Network for Semantic Segmentation of Buildings with Regularizer of Shape Representation
Authors: Wang Chengyi , Li Lianfa
Published: September 2020

It is challenging for semantic segmentation of buildings based on high-resolution remote sensing images, given high variability of appearance and complicated backgrounds of the buildings and their images. In this communication, we proposed an ensemble multi-scale residual deep learning method with the regularizer of shape representation for semantic segmentation of buildings. Based on the U-Net architecture using residual connections and multi-scale ASPP (atrous spatial pyramid pooling) modules, our method introduced the regularizer of shape representation and ensemble learning of multi-scale models to enhance model training and reduce over-fitting. In our method, the shape representation was coded in an antoencoder that was used to encode and reconstruct the shape characteristics of the buildings. In prediction, we consider multi-scale trained models for different resolution inputs and side effects to obtain an optimal semantic segmentation. With the high-resolution image of the Changshan, an island county in China, we used two-thirds of the study region image to train the model and the remaining one-third for the independent test. We obtained the accuracy of 0.98–0.99, mean intersection over union (MIoU) of 0.91–0.93 and Jaccard coefficient of 0.89–0.92 in validation. In the independent test, our method achieved state-of-the-art performance (MIoU: 0.83; Jaccard index: 0.81). By comparing with the existing representative methods on four different data sets, the proposed method consistently improved the learning process and generalization. The study shows important contributions of ensemble learning of multi-scale residual models and regularizer of shape representation to semantic segmentation of buildings.
Tapering and Peaking Maximal Strength for Powerlifting Performance: A Review
Authors: Travis S. Kyle , Mujika Iñigo , Gentles Jeremy A. , Stone Michael H. , Bazyler Caleb D.
Published: September 2020

Prior to major competitions, athletes often use a peaking protocol such as tapering or training cessation to improve performance. The majority of the current literature has focused on endurance-based sports such as swimming, cycling, and running to better understand how and when to taper or use training cessation to achieve the desired performance outcome. However, evidence regarding peaking protocols for strength and power athletes is lacking. Current limitations for peaking maximal strength is that many studies do not provide sufficient details for practitioners to use. Thus, when working with athletes such as powerlifters, weightlifters, throwers, and strongman competitors, practitioners must use trial and error to determine the best means for peaking rather than using an evidence-based protocol. More specifically, determining how to peak maximal strength using data derived from strength and power athletes has not been established. While powerlifting training (i.e., back squat, bench press, deadlift) is used by strength and power athletes up until the final days prior to a competition, understanding how to peak maximal strength relative to powerlifting performance is still unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to review the literature on tapering and training cessation practices relative to peaking powerlifting performance.
Using Eye-Tracking Technology to Measure Environmental Factors Affecting Street Robbery Decision-Making in Virtual Environments
Authors: Yang Jae weon , Kim Dowoo , Jung Sungwon
Published: September 2020

There is a lack of quantitative data regarding how offenders make decisions about committing a crime or how situational factors influence such decisions. Detailed crime data on decision-making among criminals are required to improve the accuracy of research. Demonstrating a new methodology for assessing the factors impacting criminal decision-making among street robbery offenders, this study identifies visual data that influence criminal decision-making, and verifies the significance of the measured data. To this end, this study first identified and organized the physical aspects affecting criminal decision-making based on the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) literature. Next, participants were informed of a street crime scenario and asked to replicate the behaviors of criminals in the virtual environment of Grand Theft Auto 5. Factors affecting criminals’ decision-making were then quantitatively assessed using eye-tracking technology. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to verify the significance of the measured data. Results show that windows placed adjacent to the street, balconies and verandas, and signs indicating territoriality have a significant effect on criminals’ decision-making. Confirming the influence of CPTED factors on the occurrence of street robbery, this study advances a new way of acquiring quantitative data through eye-tracker technology, a method hitherto unexplored by existing research on street robbery.
Simulation of a Real Call for Research Projects as Activity to Acquire Research Skills: Perception Analysis of Teacher Candidates
Authors: Rodríguez-Martín Manuel , Vergara Diego , Rodríguez-Gonzálvez Pablo
Published: September 2020

In this research, a novel methodology based on the simulation of a call for research projects was applied for the training of STEM secondary school teachers, with results raised and analyzed to determine the response of the students to this new methodology. The activity was applied in the same course during two academic years with student groups from very different teaching specialties such as mathematics, physics and chemistry, biology and geology, technology and health processes who were studying the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, specifically, the 3 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) course of Initiation to Educational Research (IER), this Master’s course being mandatory for working as a secondary professor. The Master’s students are asked to write their own research project proposals for a fictitious call on a topic freely chosen by them, which might have been related to the research line of the final Master’s thesis. In it, they had to propose all the contents studied in the course (such as writing a brief state of the art, establishing a research team, setting objectives, a description of the methodology for educational research, instruments, a plan for the dissemination of the results, the needed resources, etc.). The students’ perceptions of the usefulness and reality of what they had learned for their professional development and for writing their final theses were assessed. The results based on the perceptions of the students demonstrate that the activity had been useful for assimilating concepts related to educational research in the context of secondary education (research skills), which will be useful for improving the critical sense of the students (teacher candidates) and for their professional future in the context of applied research in day-to-day secondary teacher activities. Furthermore, the results show the activity was useful for the development of the final Master’s thesis. The difficult aspects that the activity presented for them were analyzed. The results were statistically compared for the students of the different specialties, deducing, in all cases, a homogeneous good acceptance with slight differences between them.
Sustainability, Sociocultural Challenges, and New Power of Capitalism for Renewable Energy Megaprojects in an Indigenous Mayan Community of Mexico
Authors: El Mekaoui Amina , Tariq Rasikh , Ramírez Othón Baños , Méndez-Monroy P.E.
Published: September 2020

Sustainable development is an integrated blend of energetic, economic, social, environmental, and governmental actors, making it one of the most challenging and subjective aims of the United Nations. A sustainability project that does not consider any of these parameters can generate resistance among different actors of society. In this work, we have demonstrated that the traditional definition of sustainability encompassing economic development, environmental protection, and social justice does not adequately cover large-scale renewable energy projects. We have presented an illuminating case study of solar development in the Yucatan state of Mexico to show that the traditional three-legged stool of sustainable development fails to accommodate local power relations and their role in energy decision-making. This point is made through a substantive and illuminating ethnography of a solar project in the community of San José Tipceh, which involves the importance of energy democracy and understanding power relations in any assessment of sustainable development. These power relations are an important component of sustainable development, and all megaprojects, especially renewable energy projects, require special attention in the governance processes. Through an analysis of an example of implementation of a mega solar project, we argue that the methodology through which the power is exercised is an exercise of great importance because it leads us to a scientific discussion that structures an international reflection on sustainability. The case study consists of mixed methods, including several techniques to deepen the analysis of sociocultural aspects, and tries to present the limits and show the weakness of the sustainability perspective in such megaprojects. It is concluded that environmental justice as a basic element of the new era of renewable energies is limited and can generate social injustices. In the same way, this work shows how power is exercised in the implementation of energy projects and in the absence of equitable comprehensive governance that does not consider the local sociocultural contexts of the communities, resulting in the generation of new powers and permanent conflicts. At the end of this work, a framework to empower local sociocultural contexts for an equitable energy transition is recommended.
Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises, Organizational Resilience Capacity and Flash Floods: Insights from a Literature Review
Authors: Skouloudis Antonis , Tsalis Thomas , Nikolaou Ioannis , Evangelinos Konstantinos , Leal Filho Walter
Published: September 2020

From a managerial standpoint, sustainability poses numerous challenges for the business community. One of the prominent concerns in the context of organizational sustainability is the impact of climate change and extreme weather events (EWEs), which create discontinuity and damages to business operations. In this respect, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable to EWEs, such as flash floods, having disastrous consequences to SMEs that tend to be ill-prepared. Taking into consideration that these negatives effects are also transferred into the local communities in which SMEs are located, it is crucial to create appropriate mechanisms that will enable these enterprises to build relevant capacities and acquire necessary resources in order to deal with relevant disruptive events. With this in mind, this paper attempts to delineate the emerging literature in relation to strategic approaches in dealing with high impact/low probability EWEs. With this analysis, we aim to provide insights for enhancing the robustness of SMEs against such natural hazards through effective resilience and adaptation strategies. The paper reveals that resilience to EWEs is indeed a multifaceted issue posing numerous challenges to SMEs. Taking into account their intrinsic characteristics, there is a need for a holistic management approach that will assist SMEs to safeguard their assets against extreme weather.
Nature-Based Solutions Forming Urban Intervention Approaches to Anthropogenic Climate Change: A Quantitative Literature Review
Authors: Parker Jackie , Simpson Greg D , Miller Jonathon Edward
Published: September 2020

Discussion around anthropogenic climate change has occurred for over 100 years. However, in recent decades, these discussions have intensified due to increased confidence in scientific research highlighting adverse effects, increased knowledge breadth in climate science, and heightened public and political awareness and engagement on the topic. Climate change is now acknowledged as one of the biggest challenges and threats to modern lifestyles. Nature-based solutions (NBS), as a mediator and mitigator to adverse climate change effects, is an emerging area of expanding research collateral and practitioner literacy. To highlight current NBS knowledge, existing knowledge gaps, and research trends, a Quantitative Systematic Literature Review (QSLR) was undertaken (n = 54). This QSLR reveals the short temporal span of articles relating to NBS as a response to climate change, with most articles being of a research style format. NBS research focus areas were found to be dominated by ecological and infrastructure approaches to climate change mitigation, and ecological and technical positions were found to be most topical across the current climate change literature. Multiple knowledge gaps were identified by the review, namely the lack of broader conceptual approaches and knowledge acquisition regarding climate change responses via NBS, as well as the psychological relationship humans share with NBS and climate change, adverse or otherwise. These knowledge gaps highlight where future research inquiry may be directed to increase the value and completion of this research area. It is hoped that this QSLR will assist in increasing the profile of NBS in the multidisciplinary and complex response to anthropogenic climate change, as well as contribute to the growth in investment and implementation of NBS assets for a rigid and resilient global future.
90 Days of COVID-19 Social Distancing and Its Impacts on Air Quality and Health in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Debone Daniela , da Costa Mariana V. , Miraglia Simone G. E. K.
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a unique situation for humanity, reaching up to 5623 deaths in Sao Paulo city during the analyzed period of this study. Due to the measures for social distancing, an improvement of air quality was observed worldwide. In view of this scenario, we investigated the air quality improvement related to PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 concentrations during 90 days of quarantine compared to an equivalent period in 2019. We found a significant drop in air pollution of 45% of PM10, 46% of PM2.5, and 58% of NO2, and using a relative-risk function, we estimated that this significant air quality improvement avoided, respectively, 78, 337, and 387 premature deaths, respectively, and prevented approximately US $720 million on health costs. Moreover, we estimated that 5623 deaths by COVID-19 represent an economic health loss of US $10.5 billion. Both health and economic gains associated with air pollution reductions give a positive perspective of the efforts towards keeping air pollution reduced even after the pandemic, highlighting the importance of improving the strategies of air pollution mitigation actions, as well as the crucial role of adopting efficient measures to protect human health both during and after the COVID-19 global health crisis.
Casimir and Casimir-Polder Forces in Graphene Systems: Quantum Field Theoretical Description and Thermodynamics
Authors: Klimchitskaya Galina L. , Mostepanenko Vladimir M.
Published: September 2020

We review recent results on the low-temperature behaviors of the Casimir-Polder and Casimir free energy an entropy for a polarizable atom interacting with a graphene sheet and for two graphene sheets, respectively. These results are discussed in the wide context of problems arising in the Lifshitz theory of van der Waals and Casimir forces when it is applied to metallic and dielectric bodies. After a brief treatment of different approaches to theoretical description of the electromagnetic response of graphene, we concentrate on the derivation of response function in the framework of thermal quantum field theory in the Matsubara formulation using the polarization tensor in (2 + 1)-dimensional space—time. The asymptotic expressions for the Casimir-Polder and Casimir free energy and entropy at low temperature, obtained with the polarization tensor, are presented for a pristine graphene as well as for graphene sheets possessing some nonzero energy gap Δ and chemical potential μ under different relationships between the values of Δ and μ. Along with reviewing the results obtained in the literature, we present some new findings concerning the case μ≠0, Δ=0. The conclusion is made that the Lifshitz theory of the Casimir and Casimir-Polder forces in graphene systems using the quantum field theoretical description of a pristine graphene, as well as real graphene sheets with Δ>2μ or Δ<2μ, is consistent with the requirements of thermodynamics. The case of graphene with Δ=2μ≠0 leads to an entropic anomaly, but is argued to be physically unrealistic. The way to a resolution of thermodynamic problems in the Lifshitz theory based on the results obtained for graphene is discussed.
PRRSV Vaccine Strain-Induced Secretion of Extracellular ISG15 Stimulates Porcine Alveolar Macrophage Antiviral Response against PRRSV
Authors: Liu Hongbin , Shi Bingjun , Zhang Zhigang , Zhao Bao , Zhao Guangming , Li Yijing , Nan Yuchen
Published: September 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has disrupted the global swine industry since the 1980s. PRRSV-host interactions are largely still unknown but may involve host ISG15 protein. In this study, we developed a monoclonal antibody (Mab-3D5E6) specific for swine ISG15 (sISG15) by immunizing mice with recombinant sISG15. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) incorporating this sISG15-specific Mab was developed to detect sISG15 and provided a lower limit of sISG15 detection of 200 pg/mL. ELISA results demonstrated that infection of porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) with low-virulence or attenuated PRRSV vaccine strains induced intracellular ISG15 expression that was independent of type I IFN production, while PAMs infection with a PRRSV vaccine strain promoted extracellular ISG15 secretion from infected PAMs. Conversely, the addition of recombinant sISG15 to PAMs mimicked natural extracellular ISG15 effects whereby sISG15 functioned as a cytokine by activating PAMs. Once activated, PAMs could inhibit PRRSV replication and resist infection with PRRSV vaccine strain TJM. In summary, a sandwich ELISA incorporating homemade anti-ISG15 Mab detected ISG15 secretion induced by PAMs infection with a PRRSV vaccine strain. Recombinant ISG15 added to cells exhibited cytokine-like activity that stimulated PAMs to assume an anti-viral state that enabled them to inhibit PRRSV replication and resist viral infection.