bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Study of the Adsorption of Phosphates as Wastewater Pollutant Molecules on Faujasites
Authors: Capa-Cobos Luis Fernando , Jaramillo-Fierro Ximena , González Silvia
Published: October 2021

The adsorption of sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4) onto X- and Y-type faujasite zeolites was computationally studied using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method. The structures were modeled using the Materials Studio software. The Si/Al ratios for the X- and Y-type zeolite models were 1.2 and 2.5, respectively. The central pore of the zeolite provided a more favorable coordination for adsorbing NaH2PO4. Full molecular optimization and adsorption energy calculations were performed using the VASP code. The adsorption was more effective on zeolite Y, with an adsorption energy of 161 kJ/mol, compared to the zeolite X system, with an adsorption energy of 31.64 kJ/mol. This calculated value for X-type faujasite was found in the interval of the adsorption energy of H2PO4− on hydrated Fe oxide (94.4 kJ/mol) and modified polyether sulfone (22.5 kJ/mol), and the calculated adsorption energy of the molecule on Y-type faujasite coincides with the reported value for this adsorbate on Mg/Ca-modified biochar structures. The molecular conformations of the adsorbate on the two studied models are very different, so the difference between the adsorption energy values of each type of zeolite model is comprehensible. On the one hand, the oxygen atoms of the molecule formed a bidentate complex with the hydrogen atoms of the pore in the X-type faujasite model, and the O-H distance was 1.5 Ǻ. On the other hand, an adsorbed oxygen atom of the phosphate was placed on a hydrogen atom at site II of the Y-type faujasite zeolite, and two of the hydrogen atoms of the phosphate were placed on the oxygen atoms. The Bader analysis results indicated that the negative charge of the phosphate anions was delocalized on the zeolites protons. The hydroxy groups of the phosphate form bonds between their hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atoms of the zeolite porous structure; therefore, we concluded that these sites have an alkaline character. The aim of this study was to include a computational analysis of possible phosphate adsorption mechanisms in faujasite zeolites that can be confirmed by experimental tests, and hence contribute to the generation of new technologies for capturing pollutant molecules in wastewater. The results are in agreement with the experimental information concerning the influence of pH on the adsorption activity of phosphate adsorption on zeolites.
The Almohads and the “Qur’anization” of War Narrative and Ritual
Authors: Albarrán Javier
Published: October 2021

The Almohad movement (12th–13th centuries, Islamic West) had in the return to the direct study of the primary sources of Islam—the Qur’an and the Sunna—and in jihād, two of its most important pillars of legitimation and action. In this sense, it is an ideal period to study how both realities—Qur’an and jihād—were linked in a given historical context. During the Almohad period, the use of Qur’anic verses in accounts related to war episodes became widespread. We thus witness a “Qur’anization” of the war narrative, a resource adding greater religiosity and spirituality to the context of jihād, to its elaboration and discursive representation, and to its memory and remembrance through written testimonies. In this paper I study, through the main narrative and documentary sources of the period, how the Qur’an was inserted into and adapted to the Almohad war discourse. Likewise, this approach allows me to explore how the Qur’an came to life within the framework of the Almohad jihād, how it served for its justification and legitimation, and how it formed part of the ceremony and the war protocol of the Maghrebi caliphate, thus linking itself with other discursive and propaganda mechanisms such as architecture or military parades.
The Relevance of Thomas Berry for 21st Century Catholicity
Authors: Vanin Cristina
Published: October 2021

The ecological crisis continues to be identified as the most significant social breakdown in the world. One of the important foundational influences on the development of an adequate religious response is the thought of cultural historian Thomas Berry. He affirmed the critical role that the world’s religions have in developing a spirituality that supports the sacrifices, visions, and dreams needed to live in an integral way with the Earth’s community of life. Such a spirituality provides the psychic energies we need to adequately respond to the crisis. The author of this article argues that Berry’s thoughts continue to be relevant, especially in the context of the emergence of a renewed sense of Catholicity. This article presents an overview of the breadth and depth of the study that led to Berry’s articulation of a new human orientation needed to reverse the path of devastation. It offers Berry’s insights into the reasons why it is difficult for Christianity to effectively respond to the present crisis and calls for a new Catholicity that functions out of the comprehensive context of an evolutionary and emergent universe.
A Novel Bayesian Super-Resolution Method for Radar Forward-Looking Imaging Based on Markov Random Field Model
Authors: Tan Ke , Lu Xingyu , Yang Jianchao , Su Weimin , Gu Hong
Published: October 2021

Super-resolution technology is considered as an efficient approach to promote the image quality of forward-looking imaging radar. However, super-resolution technology is inherently an ill-conditioned issue, whose solution is quite susceptible to noise. Bayesian method can efficiently alleviate this issue through utilizing prior knowledge of the imaging process, in which the scene prior information plays a pretty significant role in ensuring the imaging accuracy. In this paper, we proposed a novel Bayesian super-resolution method on the basis of Markov random field (MRF) model. Compared with the traditional super-resolution method which is focused on one-dimensional (1-D) echo processing, the MRF model adopted in this study strives to exploit the two-dimensional (2-D) prior information of the scene. By using the MRF model, the 2-D spatial structural characteristics of the imaging scene can be well described and utilized by the nth-order neighborhood system. Then, the imaging objective function can be constructed through the maximum a posterior (MAP) framework. Finally, an accelerated iterative threshold/shrinkage method is utilized to cope with the objective function. Validation experiments using both synthetic echo and measured data are designed, and results demonstrate that the new MAP-MRF method exceeds other benchmarking approaches in terms of artifacts suppression and contour recovery.
Long-Exposure RGB Photography with a Fixed Stand for the Measurement of a Trajectory of a Dynamic Impact Device in Real Scale
Authors: Kovanič Ľudovít , Ambriško Ľubomír , Marasová Daniela , Blišťan Peter , Kasanický Tomáš , Cehlár Michal
Published: October 2021

The present manuscript proposes a novel method for the measurement of a trajectory of a falling impact hammer in the dynamic loading of conveyor belts and the determination of their impact resistance. The proposed method has been experimentally tested and the results of the measurements are presented in this manuscript. The proposed method is based on the long-exposure photography with a long-duration opened shutter of the Nikon D5000 DSLR camera. Results of the experimental research were compared with direct reference measurements performed using the L-GAGE LT3 laser distance sensor. Differences between values, obtained by the new method and by the reference measurements were up to ±3 mm. The standard deviation identified in all the experiments was 1 mm.
In Search of a Soil Moisture Content Simulation Model: Mechanistic and Data Mining Approach Based on TDR Method Results
Authors: Brandyk Andrzej , Szeląg Bartosz , Kiczko Adam , Krukowski Marcin , Kozioł Adam , Piotrowski Jerzy , Majewski Grzegorz
Published: October 2021

Soil moisture content simulation models have continuously been an important research objective. In particular, the comparisons of the performance of different model types deserve proper attention. Therefore, the quality of selected physically-based and statistical models was analyzed utilizing the data from the Time Domain Reflectometry technique. An E-Test measurement system was applied with the reflectogram interpreted into soil volumetric moisture content by proper calibration equations. The gathered data facilitated to calibrate the physical model of Deardorff and establish parameters of: support vector machines, multivariate adaptive regression spline, and boosted trees model. The general likelihood uncertainty estimation revealed the sensitivity of individual model parameters. As it was assumed, a simple structure of statistical models was achieved but no direct physical interpretation of their parameters, contrary to a physically-based method. The TDR technique proved useful for the calibration of different soil moisture models and a satisfactory quality for their future exploitation.
Secure Outsourcing of Matrix Determinant Computation under the Malicious Cloud
Authors: Song Mingyang , Sang Yingpeng
Published: October 2021

Computing the determinant of large matrix is a time-consuming task, which is appearing more and more widely in science and engineering problems in the era of big data. Fortunately, cloud computing can provide large storage and computation resources, and thus, act as an ideal platform to complete computation outsourced from resource-constrained devices. However, cloud computing also causes security issues. For example, the curious cloud may spy on user privacy through outsourced data. The malicious cloud violating computing scripts, as well as cloud hardware failure, will lead to incorrect results. Therefore, we propose a secure outsourcing algorithm to compute the determinant of large matrix under the malicious cloud mode in this paper. The algorithm protects the privacy of the original matrix by applying row/column permutation and other transformations to the matrix. To resist malicious cheating on the computation tasks, a new verification method is utilized in our algorithm. Unlike previous algorithms that require multiple rounds of verification, our verification requires only one round without trading off the cheating detectability, which greatly reduces the local computation burden. Both theoretical and experimental analysis demonstrate that our algorithm achieves a better efficiency on local users than previous ones on various dimensions of matrices, without sacrificing the security requirements in terms of privacy protection and cheating detectability.
The Influence of Time Winning and Time Losing on Position-Specific Match Physical Demands in the Top One Spanish Soccer League
Authors: Ponce-Bordón José C. , Díaz-García Jesús , López-Gajardo Miguel A. , Lobo-Triviño David , López del Campo Roberto , Resta Ricardo , García-Calvo Tomás
Published: October 2021

The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of time winning and time losing on position-specific match physical demands with and without ball possession in the top Spanish professional soccer league. All matches played in the First Spanish soccer league over four consecutive seasons (from 2015/16 to 2018/19) were recorded using an optical tracking system (i.e., ChyronHego), and the data were analyzed via Mediacoach®. Total distance (TD), and TD > 21 km·h−1 covered with and without ball possession were analyzed using a Linear Mixed Model, taking into account the contextual variables time winning and losing. Results showed that TD and TD > 21 km·h−1 covered by central midfielders (0.01 and 0.005 m/min, respectively), wide midfielders (0.02 and 0.01 m/min, respectively), and forwards (0.03 and 0.02 m/min, respectively) significantly increased while winning (p < 0.05). By contrast, TD and TD > 21 km·h−1 covered by central defenders (0.01 and 0.008 m/min, respectively) and wide defenders (0.06 and 0.008 m/min, respectively) significantly increased while losing (p < 0.05). In addition, for each minute that teams were winning, total distance with ball possession (TDWP) decreased, while, for each minute that teams were losing, TDWP increased. Instead, TDWP > 21 km·h−1 obtained opposite results. Total distance without ball possession increased when teams were winning, and decreased when teams were losing. Therefore, the evolution of scoreline significantly influences tactical–technical and physical demands on soccer matches.
A Variable-Sampling Time Model Predictive Control Algorithm for Improving Path-Tracking Performance of a Vehicle
Authors: Choi Yoonsuk , Lee Wonwoo , Kim Jeesu , Yoo Jinwoo
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a novel model predictive control (MPC) algorithm that increases the path tracking performance according to the control input. The proposed algorithm reduces the path tracking errors of MPC by updating the sampling time of the next step according to the control inputs (i.e., the lateral velocity and front steering angle) calculated in each step of the MPC algorithm. The scenarios of a mixture of straight and curved driving paths were constructed, and the optimal control input was calculated in each step. In the experiment, a scenario was created with the Automated Driving Toolbox of MATLAB, and the path-following performance characteristics and computation times of the existing and proposed MPC algorithms were verified and compared with simulations. The results prove that the proposed MPC algorithm has improved path-following performance compared to those of the existing MPC algorithm.
Are Energy-Vulnerable Households More Prone to Informative, Market, and Behavioral Biases?
Authors: Kaliampakou Christina , Papada Lefkothea , Damigos Dimitris
Published: October 2021

The present paper focuses primarily on investigating whether energy-vulnerable households are more prone to informative, market, and behavioral biases. In this direction, a stated preference approach was used to elicit information about human behavior and cognitive barriers in the context of energy poverty based on both subjective and objective indicators. For the purposes of the survey, a questionnaire was developed that included around 40 questions about housing conditions and information, market, and behavioral barriers related to energy efficiency, energy vulnerability, etc., and specific survey hypotheses were tested employing non-parametric tests. The survey was carried out between November 2020 and January 2021 involving residents of Metsovo, a mountain settlement in Greece. In total, 303 participants took place in the survey through personal interviews, which were conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic-related distancing measures, using a video platform. The analysis shows that households that face thermal discomfort or are in arrears on energy bills seem to be more prone to certain behavioral and other biases. This conclusion is not confirmed for households that face condensation, mold and damp problems or are classified as energy-poor under the “ten percent rule”. The main conclusion drawn is that the income status of the household plays a greater role compared to its classification as energy vulnerable. Nevertheless, the findings of the study need to be confirmed by future research, because the research specifically on how energy poverty affects people’s decision making is extremely limited. In any case, the results are worrisome and illustrate the need for more effective energy poverty policies that will take into account the effects of scarcity on household decision making.
Out with “Fine Time,” in with Financial Waivers: Recent Developments in Massachusetts Probation Fines and Fees Policies
Authors: Sanchez Matheson , Gaston Shytierra
Published: October 2021

The criminal justice system routinely imposes financial sanctions on probation clients. These fines, fees, and restitution debts often amount to more than what many clients can reasonably afford to pay. Until recently, Massachusetts courts have incarcerated clients solely for their inability to pay these debts in a practice known as “fine time”. In 2018, the state passed a landmark criminal justice reform bill that restricted the types of cases in which fine time can be ordered. Clients that can establish that payment would lead to financial hardship can now petition the court for a financial waiver accompanied by community service. The current study seeks to explore the implications of the recent reform efforts on probation services by analyzing surveys gathered from a sample of 121 Massachusetts probation officers in 2020. Descriptive findings of officers’ attitudes toward fines and fees, responses to nonpayment by clients, and the use of financial waivers are presented. Officers’ perceptions and practices align with the recent reform efforts, suggesting support among probation personnel for policies that limit punitive responses to nonpayment of legal debts by their supervisees. Possible directions for future research and policy development are discussed.
Overview of Multiple Applications of Basil Species and Cultivars and the Effects of Production Environmental Parameters on Yields and Secondary Metabolites in Hydroponic Systems
Authors: Rusu Teodor , Cowden Reed John , Moraru Paula Ioana , Maxim Mihai Avram , Ghaley Bhim Bahadur
Published: October 2021

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), including other species and cultivars, is an excellent source of nutritional compounds, the accumulation of which can be stimulated by exogenous factors (environmental and nutritional conditions). Although best practices are relatively established for mature basil plants, microgreens production requires further research to optimize quality and quantity. The study objectives are (i) to provide an overview of the many uses of basil, (ii) collate and present common hydroponic systems available in the market, (iii) review effects of key production environment parameters on basil yields in hydroponic systems, and (iv) summarize the effects of the growth environments on yield quantity and quality of basil microgreens. The paper analyzes in detail key production parameters of basil microgreens in hydroponic systems, such as temperature, humidity, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrient solutions, and the influence of light (quantity, quality, and photoperiods). The collated literature review has shown that basil, grown hydroponically, can tolerate high variations of environmental parameters: pH 5.1–8.5, temperature 15–24 °C, relative humidity 60–70%, electrical conductivity up to 1.2 mS cm−1, depending on the developmental stage, dissolved oxygen at 4 mg L−1 (optimally 6.5 mg L−1), and light intensity between 200 and 400 μmol m−2 s−1. The study has synthesized an overview of different production parameters to provide guidance on the optimization of environmental conditions to ensure the quantity and quality production of basil microgreens. Improving the quality of basil microgreens can ideally spur continued gastronomic interest in microgreens in general, which will encourage more entrepreneurs to grow basil and other microgreens. Hence, the study findings are a great resource to learn about the effects of different environments on basil microgreen production. This information can inform research for successful production of different species and cultivars of basil microgreens, and establishing testing protocols to improve the quantity and quality of the harvest.
Household Waste Separation Intentions in Mongolia: Persuasive Communication Leads to Perceived Convenience and Behavioral Control
Authors: Negash Yeneneh Tamirat , Hassan Abdiqani Muse , Batbaatar Bayarjargal , Lin Pei-Kuan
Published: October 2021

This study contributes by developing a set of household waste separation (HWS) attributes to address waste mishandling and to enhance waste separation intentions in households. In Mongolia, a lack of waste separation at the household level needs to be addressed to improve municipal solid waste management systems. However, prior studies have not established attributes in a hierarchical structure, nor do they understand their cause-effect interrelationships. First, the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) was used to screen out the unnecessary attributes in qualitative information. The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (FDEMATEL) was then applied to understand the hierarchical structure of the attributes and their cause-effect interrelationships. The study identifies a valid set of attributes consisting of five aspects and 17 criteria under uncertainties. A hierarchical framework consisting of environmental attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived convenience, and persuasive communication is provided. The findings reveal that persuasive communication and environmental attitudes are causal group aspects. Furthermore, persuasive communication has a strong causal impact and higher importance in improving HWS intentions, and it leads to perceived convenience and behavioral control. For policymakers, credibility of information, knowledge and information, awareness of consequences, willingness to sort, and perceived policy effectiveness are the key causal criteria for enhancing HWS intentions. Theoretical and practical policy implications are discussed.
Collective Public Commitment: Young People on the Path to a More Sustainable Lifestyle
Authors: Lindemann-Matthies Petra , Hoyer Ellinor , Remmele Martin
Published: October 2021

Society’s development toward more sustainable lifestyles can only succeed if changes are also performed at the individual level. We, therefore investigated whether the participation of teenagers (14–19 years old) in a collective public commitment and accompanying workshop on plastic consumption strengthened their willingness and ability to take action. Previous projects such as the EcoTeam Program served as workshop templates. Over a period of five weeks, the teenagers met once a week for the workshop, an exchange of ideas, and the establishment of weekly goals for their commitment. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to investigate the outcomes directly after the project and three years later. Participants developed a more conscious environmental perception, which led to behavioral changes and the willingness to maintain or improve those changes. Beyond this outcome, most participants functioned as multipliers and ambassadors for a more sustainable lifestyle in their social environment. Even three years after the commitment project, all former participants had maintained their behavioral changes. Collective public commitment could thus be a suitable method for ESD, and a vehicle to support young people on their path to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Influence of the Caiçaras on Soil Properties in the Savanna Region of Roraima, Northern Amazon
Authors: Gonçalves Ludmilla Verona C. , Pinho Rachel C. , Ayres Marta Iria C. , Ticona-Benavente Cesar A. , Pereira Henrique dos Santos , Junior Afrânio F. Neves , Alfaia Sonia S.
Published: October 2021

The management of caiçaras by indigenous peoples in the “Lavrado” (savannas) region of Roraima is a practice that increases soil fertility. Caiçaras are temporary corrals where farmers keep the cattle at night for a certain period, when the soil is enriched by manure addition. In periods when these areas are not used as corrals, they may be planted with different plants species. In addition, areas adjacent to caiçaras may receive manure runoff and also be used for crop production. The study evaluated the changes in soil physical and chemical characteristics resulting from manure supply and runoff in caiçara and adjacent areas and compared these to soil characteristics of nearby unmanaged areas. Soil samples from the three system components were analyzed. The nutrient content added by manure runoff in the plantation adjacent to the caiçara resulted in significant accumulations of organic Ca, Mg, K, P, C, and micronutrients in the soil, without, however, changing pH. Only the soil surface (0–5 cm) showed improvements in soil bulk density and total porosity. This soil management system proves how efficient indigenous farmers can be in integrating their livestock component with the exploitation of available resources to improve soil fertility in areas of low natural fertility, enhancing agricultural production.
A Method to Estimate Surface Soil Moisture and Map the Irrigated Cropland Area Using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Rabiei Saman , Jalilvand Ehsan , Tajrishy Massoud
Published: October 2021

Considering variations in surface soil moisture (SSM) is essential in improving crop yield and irrigation scheduling. Today, most remotely sensed soil moisture products have difficulties in resolving irrigation signals at the plot scale. This study aims to use Sentinel-1 radar backscatter and Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery to estimate SSM at high spatial (10 m) and temporal resolution (at least 5 days) over an agricultural domain. Three supervised machine learning algorithms, multilayer perceptron (MLP), a convolutional neural network (CNN), and linear regression models, were trained to estimate changes in SSM based on the variation in surface reflectance and backscatter over five different crops. Results showed that CNN is the best algorithm as it understands spatial relations and better represents two-dimensional images. Estimated values for SSM were in agreement with in-situ measurements regardless of the crop type, with RMSE=0.0292 (cm3/cm3) and R2=0.92 for the Sentinel-2 derived SSM and RMSE=0.0317 (cm3/cm3) and R2=0.84 for the Sentinel-1 soil moisture data. Moreover, a time series of estimated SSM based on Sentinel-1 (SSM-S1), Sentinel-2 (SSM-S2), and SSM derived from SMAP-Sentinel1 was compared. The developed SSM data showed a significantly higher mean SSM state over irrigated agriculture relative to the rainfed cropland area during the irrigation season. The multiple comparisons (fisher LSD) were tested and found that these two groups are different (pvalue=0.035 in 95% confidence interval). Therefore, by employing the maximum likelihood classification on the SSM data, we managed to map the irrigated agriculture. The overall accuracy of this unsupervised classification is 77%, with a kappa coefficient of 65%.
The Short-Term Impacts of the Registration-Based IPO Reform in China: Towards a More Sustainable Equity Market
Authors: Zhou Chun , Zhou Wenyu , Lu Jiajun
Published: October 2021

The sustainable development of a modern equity market heavily relies on an effective IPO system that can properly reflect the underlying risk, demand, and supply in the IPO market. Recently, China has implemented an unprecedented IPO reform that transforms the previous approval-based IPO system to a registration-based one. Despite its importance, the impacts of the reform still remain unexplored. Using firm-level data from the Chinese A-shares market, we show that the recent IPO reform significantly increases IPO cost and reduces the degree of IPO underpricing. We also investigated the impacts of the reform on the market structures in different IPO service markets. Overall, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the registration-based IPO reform makes the IPO system in China more market-oriented. To our best knowledge, this is the first empirical study that sheds light on the short-term impacts of the adoption of a registration-based IPO system.
Environmental Impact Modeling for Transportation of Hazardous Liquids
Authors: Dvorak Zdenek , Leitner Bohus , Ballay Michal , Mocova Lenka , Fuchs Pavel
Published: October 2021

Modeling the effects of leakage in the transport of hazardous liquids is a highly topical issue, not only in the field of environmental engineering. This article’s introduction presents relevant information and statistical sources, analyzes selected scientific and professional publications, and characterizes the results of selected research projects. The applied approaches, methods, and results of our research specify the processes of developing and testing a theoretical model of spreading the impacts of leakage of hazardous liquids on biological components of the environment. The proposed model for predicting the environmental impacts of hazardous liquid (HL) leakage during transport is a crucial risk management tool in the planning of transport of dangerous goods. It also enables the creation of comprehensive information systems that monitor the transport unit in real-time, indicate the presence of significant habitats along the transport route, and draw attention to possible threats, in particular to the health and lives of people and the environment. The main result of the presented research is the application of a computational model for determining the parameters of the dangerous zone in case of HL leakage and its graphical plotting along the transport route, estimating the probability of impacting the selected place by leaking HL. The model application results are presented in the form of calculated frequency of impacting the set of points in the vicinity of the HL transport route. Defined standardized frequencies of HL infiltration above a specified limit in liters per square meter in the event of leakage of the entire volume of HL from a road tanker (leaked volume of 30 m3) form the basic set of information for creating relevant risk maps near busy traffic routes and subsequent selection of ecologically and spatially optimal routes.
Representational and Authentic: Sustainable Heritage Message through Architectural Experience in the Case of Bernard Tschumi’s Acropolis Museum, Athens
Authors: Han Jiae
Published: October 2021

Bernard Tschumi’s Acropolis Museum represents the historical heritage value entailing the traces of the time with the combinations of diverse elements. The experience of the value of immanent heritage is a special process engaging both body and mind. This paper ranges from the planning of the museum to an examination of the purpose of the design concept and its close relationship with the surrounding urban context. The design concept of the coexistence of the excava tion site and the new museum is analyzed in cross-sectional and structural terms. The way the message of the past of the Acropolis’s heritage meets with the present architecture of today’s museum with the keyword experience is also analyzed. Overall, it focuses on the delicate process of coordination where the old and new meet. In this respect, the Acropolis Museum is an example of recreating authentic heritage.
Determinants of Livelihood Diversification: The Case of Community-Based Ecotourism in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Ávila-Foucat Véronique Sophie , Revollo-Fernández Daniel , Navarrete Carolina
Published: October 2021

Diversification is a livelihood strategy that households use to survive and to absorb disturbances. Community-based ecotourism (CBE) is part of a set of sustainable options that are available to households for diversification. This paper analyses households’ capital assets that increase the probability of a family becoming involved in a CBE compared to other forms of diversification, and empirical evidence is presented for coastal communities located in Oaxaca, Mexico. Based on household surveys and a multinomial logit econometric model, the results show that the probability that a household decides to become involved in CBE increases for households with young people and those that have their basic needs covered by government programs or small agricultural production. Other forms of diversification are positively related to agreements within the community, woodfire use, and the presence of irrigated lands. Thus, CBE is determined by specific assets mentioned previously compared to other forms of diversification. Particularly, to promote CBE, tourism policies need to consider households’ human, social, natural, and financial capital assets and the associated programs in an integrated way to enhance community development.
Computational Solutions Based on Bayesian Networks to Hierarchize and to Predict Factors Influencing Gender Fairness in the Transport System: Four Use Cases
Authors: Molero Gemma Dolores , Poveda-Reyes Sara , Malviya Ashwani Kumar , García-Jiménez Elena , Leva Maria Chiara , Santarremigia Francisco Enrique
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have highlighted inequalities and gender differences in the transport system. Some factors or fairness characteristics (FCs) strongly influence gender fairness in the transport system. The difference with previous studies, which focus on general concepts, is the incorporation of level 3 FCs, which are more detailed aspects or measures that can be implemented by companies or infrastructure managers and operators in order to increase fairness and inclusion in each use case. The aim of this paper is to find computational solutions, Bayesian networks, and analytic hierarchy processes capable of hierarchizing level 3 FCs and to predict by simulation their values in the case of applying some improvements. This methodology was applied to data from women in four use cases: railway transport, autonomous vehicles, bicycle sharing stations, and transport employment. The results showed that fairer railway transport requires increased personal space, hospitality rooms, help points, and helpline numbers. For autonomous vehicles, the perception of safety, security, and sustainability should be increased. The priorities for bicycle sharing stations are safer cycling paths avoiding hilly terrains and introducing electric bicycles, child seats, or trailers to carry cargo. In transport employment, the priorities are fair recruitment and promotion processes and the development of family-friendly policies.
Intelligent Safety Assessment of Prestressed Steel Structures Based on Digital Twins
Authors: Liu Zhansheng , Shi Guoliang , Jiao Zedong , Zhao Linlin
Published: October 2021

In the development process of intelligent construction, the safety assessment of prestressed steel structures as an important research direction has become more and more attractive in academia. Digital twins (DTs) is the key technology to realize intelligent construction. The virtual and real interaction of the DTs can provide an efficient management and control mechanism for the construction process. This research proposes an intelligent safety assessment method of prestressed steel structures based on DTs. In this research method, the structural safety assessment is divided into two aspects: performance analysis and maintenance. By analyzing the characteristics of the construction safety assessment, a DTs framework for construction safety assessment is built. Driven by the DTs framework, a physical space model and a virtual space model are constructed. On the basis of virtual and actual interaction, multidimensional information fusion of time and space is carried out to realize the analysis of structural safety performance. On this basis, the paper establishes a Bow-tie model for the maintenance modeling of unsafe construction events. Moreover, the theoretical method formed is applied to the construction of a symmetrical structure (wheel–spoke cable truss). The validity of the method is verified by comparing the cable force calculated by the theoretical method and measured on site. The assessment method driven by the DTs ensures the structural safety and improves the intelligence level of safety management and control of the structure construction.
Fuzzy Differential Subordination of the Atangana–Baleanu Fractional Integral
Authors: Alb Lupaş Alina , Cătaş Adriana
Published: October 2021

The present paper continues the study on the relatively new concept of fuzzy differential subordination conducted in some recently published cited papers. In this article, certain fuzzy subordination results for analytical functions involving the Atangana–Baleanu fractional integral of Bessel functions are presented. Theorems giving the best dominants for some fuzzy differential subordinations are proved, and interesting corollaries are provided with the use of particular functions as fuzzy best dominants.
Insights into Elemental Composition and Sources of Fine and Coarse Particulate Matter in Dense Traffic Areas in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Celo Valbona , Yassine Mahmoud M. , Dabek-Zlotorzynska Ewa
Published: October 2021

Traffic is a significant pollution source in cities and has caused various health and environmental concerns worldwide. Therefore, an improved understanding of traffic impacts on particle concentrations and their components could help mitigate air pollution. In this study, the characteristics and sources of trace elements in PM2.5 (fine), and PM10-2.5 (coarse), were investigated in dense traffic areas in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, from 2015–2017. At nearby urban background sites, 24-h integrated PM samples were also concurrently collected. The PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 masses, and a number of elements (i.e., Fe, Ba, Cu, Sb, Zn, Cr), showed clear increases at each near-road site, related to the traffic emissions resulting from resuspension and/or abrasion sources. The trace elements showed a clear partitioning trend between PM2.5 and PM10-2.5, thus reflecting the origin of some of these elements. The application of positive matrix factorization (PMF) to the combined fine and coarse metal data (86 total), with 24 observations at each site, was used to determine the contribution of different sources to the total metal concentrations in fine and coarse PM. Four major sources were identified by the PMF model, including two traffic non-exhaust (crustal/road dust, brake/tire wear) sources, along with regional and local industrial sources. Source apportionment indicated that the resuspended crustal/road dust factor was the dominant contributor to the total coarse-bound trace element (i.e., Fe, Ti, Ba, Cu, Zn, Sb, Cr) concentrations produced by vehicular exhaust and non-exhaust traffic-related processes that have been deposited onto the surface. The second non-exhaust factor related to brake/tire wear abrasion accounted for a considerable portion of the fine and coarse elemental (i.e., Ba, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sb) mass at both near-road sites. Regional and local industry contributed mostly to the fine elemental (i.e., S, As, Se, Cd, Pb) concentrations. Overall, the results show that non-exhaust traffic-related processes were major contributors to the various redox-active metal species (i.e., Fe, Cu) in both PM fractions. In addition, a substantial proportion of these metals in PM2.5 was water-soluble, which is an important contributor to the formation of reactive oxygen species and, thus, may lead to oxidative damage to cells in the human body. It appears that controlling traffic non-exhaust-related metals emissions, in the absence of significant point sources in the area, could have a pronounced effect on the redox activity of PM, with broad implications for the protection of public health.
Key Global Actions for Mycotoxin Management in Wheat and Other Small Grains
Authors: Leslie John F. , Moretti Antonio , Mesterházy Ákos , Ameye Maarten , Audenaert Kris , Singh Pawan K. , Richard-Forget Florence , Chulze Sofía N. , Ponte Emerson M. Del , Chala Alemayehu , Battilani Paola , Logrieco Antonio F.
Published: October 2021

Mycotoxins in small grains are a significant and long-standing problem. These contaminants may be produced by members of several fungal genera, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Claviceps, and Penicillium. Interventions that limit contamination can be made both pre-harvest and post-harvest. Many problems and strategies to control them and the toxins they produce are similar regardless of the location at which they are employed, while others are more common in some areas than in others. Increased knowledge of host-plant resistance, better agronomic methods, improved fungicide management, and better storage strategies all have application on a global basis. We summarize the major pre- and post-harvest control strategies currently in use. In the area of pre-harvest, these include resistant host lines, fungicides and their application guided by epidemiological models, and multiple cultural practices. In the area of post-harvest, drying, storage, cleaning and sorting, and some end-product processes were the most important at the global level. We also employed the Nominal Group discussion technique to identify and prioritize potential steps forward and to reduce problems associated with human and animal consumption of these grains. Identifying existing and potentially novel mechanisms to effectively manage mycotoxin problems in these grains is essential to ensure the safety of humans and domesticated animals that consume these grains.
Increased Risk of Thrombocytopenia and Death in Patients with Bacteremia Caused by High Alpha Toxin-Producing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Alhurayri Fatimah , Porter Edith , Douglas-Louis Rachid , Minejima Emi , Wardenburg Juliane Bubeck , Wong-Beringer Annie
Published: October 2021

Alpha toxin (Hla) is a major virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus that targets platelets but clinical data on Hla pathogenesis in bacteremia (SAB) is limited. We examined the link between in vitro Hla activity and outcome. Study isolates obtained from 100 patients with SAB (50 survivors; 50 non-survivors) were assessed for in vitro Hla production by Western immunoblotting in a subset of isolates and Hla activity by hemolysis assay in all isolates. Relevant demographics, laboratory and clinical data were extracted from patients’ medical records to correlate Hla activity of the infecting isolates with outcome. Hla production strongly correlated with hemolytic activity (rs = 0.93) in vitro. A trend towards higher hemolytic activity was observed for MRSA compared to MSSA and with high-risk source infection. Significantly higher hemolytic activity was noted for MRSA strains isolated from patients who developed thrombocytopenia (median 52.48 vs. 16.55 HU/mL in normal platelet count, p = 0.012) and from non survivors (median 30.96 vs. 14.87 HU/mL in survivors, p = 0.014) but hemolytic activity of MSSA strains did not differ between patient groups. In vitro Hla activity of MRSA strains obtained from patients with bacteremia is significantly associated with increased risk for thrombocytopenia and death which supports future studies to evaluate feasibility of bedside phenotyping and therapeutic targeting.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infection and Genus Enterovirus in Children Requiring Intensive Care: Clinical Manifestations and Impact of Viral Co-Infections
Authors: Penela-Sánchez Daniel , González-de-Audicana Jon , Armero Georgina , Henares Desiree , Esteva Cristina , de-Sevilla Mariona-Fernández , Ricart Silvia , Jordan Iolanda , Brotons Pedro , Cabrerizo María , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen , Launes Cristian
Published: October 2021

Infection by rhinovirus (RV) and enterovirus (EV) in children ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). This cohort study evaluates the clinical impact of RV/EV species, alone or in codetection with other viruses, in young children with severe LRTI. Seventy-one patients aged less than 5 years and admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of a reference children’s hospital with RV or EV (RV/EV) LRTI were prospectively included from 1/2018 to 3/2020. A commercial PCR assay for multiple respiratory pathogens was performed in respiratory specimens. In 22/71, RV/EV + respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was found, and 18/71 had RV/EV + multiple viral detections. Patients with single RV/EV detection required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) as frequently as those with RSV codetection, whereas none of those with multiple viral codetections required IMV. Species were determined in 60 samples, 58 being RV. No EV-A, EV-C, or EV-D68 were detected. RV-B and EV-B were only found in patients with other respiratory virus codetections. There were not any associations between RV/EV species and severity outcomes. To conclude, RV/EV detection alone was observed in young children with severe disease, while multiple viral codetections may result in reduced clinical severity. Differences in pathogenicity between RV and EV species could not be drawn.
Metabolic Modifications by Common Respiratory Viruses and Their Potential as New Antiviral Targets
Authors: Kleinehr Jens , Wilden Janine J. , Boergeling Yvonne , Ludwig Stephan , Hrincius Eike R.
Published: October 2021

Respiratory viruses are known to be the most frequent causative mediators of lung infections in humans, bearing significant impact on the host cell signaling machinery due to their host-dependency for efficient replication. Certain cellular functions are actively induced by respiratory viruses for their own benefit. This includes metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, fatty acid synthesis (FAS) and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, among others, which are modified during viral infections. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of metabolic pathway modifications mediated by the acute respiratory viruses respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (RV), influenza virus (IV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), coronavirus (CoV) and adenovirus (AdV), and highlight potential targets and compounds for therapeutic approaches.
Effects of the Newly Isolated T4-like Phage on Transmission of Plasmid-Borne Antibiotic Resistance Genes via Generalized Transduction
Authors: Zhang Junxuan , He Xiaolu , Shen Shuqing , Shi Mengya , Zhou Qin , Liu Junlin , Wang Mianzhi , Sun Yongxue
Published: October 2021

Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entities on earth and may play an important role in the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) from host bacteria. Although the specialized transduction mediated by the temperate phage targeting a specific insertion site is widely explored, the carrying characteristics of “transducing particles” for different ARG subtypes in the process of generalized transduction remains largely unclear. Here, we isolated a new T4-like lytic phage targeting transconjugant Escherichia coli C600 that contained plasmid pHNAH67 (KX246266) and encoded 11 different ARG subtypes. We found that phage AH67C600_Q9 can misload plasmid-borne ARGs and package host DNA randomly. Moreover, for any specific ARG subtype, the carrying frequency was negatively correlated with the multiplicity of infection (MOI). Further, whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified that only 0.338% (4/1183) of the contigs of an entire purified phage population contained ARG sequences; these were floR, sul2, aph(4)-Ia, and fosA. The low coverage indicated that long-read sequencing methods are needed to explore the mechanism of ARG transmission during generalized transduction.