bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Physical Model-Based Observer Framework for Nonlinear Constrained State Estimation Applied to Battery State Estimation
Authors: Brembeck Jonathan
Published: October 2019

Future electrified autonomous vehicles demand higly accurate knowledge of their system states to guarantee a high-fidelity and reliable control. This constitutes a challenging task—firstly, due to rising complexity and operational safeness, and secondly, due to the need for embedded service oriented architecture which demands a continuous development of new functionalities. Based on this, a novel model based Kalman filter framework is outlined in this publication, which enables the automatic incorporation of multiphysical Modelica models into discrete-time estimation algorithms. Additionally, these estimation algorithms are extended with nonlinear inequality constraint handling functionalities. The proposed framework is applied to a constrained nonlinear state of charge lithium-ion cell observer and is validated with experimental data.
Ambulatory and Laboratory Stress Detection Based on Raw Electrocardiogram Signals Using a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Cho Hyun-Myung , Park Heesu , Dong Suh-Yeon , Youn Inchan
Published: October 2019

The goals of this study are the suggestion of a better classification method for detecting stressed states based on raw electrocardiogram (ECG) data and a method for training a deep neural network (DNN) with a smaller data set. We suggest an end-to-end architecture to detect stress using raw ECGs. The architecture consists of successive stages that contain convolutional layers. In this study, two kinds of data sets are used to train and validate the model: A driving data set and a mental arithmetic data set, which smaller than the driving data set. We apply a transfer learning method to train a model with a small data set. The proposed model shows better performance, based on receiver operating curves, than conventional methods. Compared with other DNN methods using raw ECGs, the proposed model improves the accuracy from 87.39% to 90.19%. The transfer learning method improves accuracy by 12.01% and 10.06% when 10 s and 60 s of ECG signals, respectively, are used in the model. In conclusion, our model outperforms previous models using raw ECGs from a small data set and, so, we believe that our model can significantly contribute to mobile healthcare for stress management in daily life.
Exploring Gender Differences in Teacher–Student Interactions during an Adapted Robotics Program for Children with Disabilities
Authors: Kolne Kendall , Lindsay Sally
Published: October 2019

We compared the interactions between teachers and children with disabilities enrolled in an adapted robotics program to examine potential gender differences in these interactions. We coded video recordings from instructional sections of the HB FIRST® robotics program, an adapted robotics program developed through a partnership between a pediatric rehabilitation hospital and FIRST® Canada (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). The program consists of 6-weekly, two-hour workshops. We coded videos from four separate single-gender workshops (two all-girls, and two all-boys) involving 22 children aged 6 to 8 years-old. Results revealed that boys and girls display different styles of engagement during the robotics, and teachers’ behaviour is functionally responsive to these differences. The differences in the interaction styles of boys and girls identified in this study may contribute to gender differences in students’ perceived STEM competence, and ultimately interest in pursuing STEM education and careers.
Effects of Plyometric Training on Sprint Running Performance in Boys Aged 9–12 Years
Authors: Tottori Nobuaki , Fujita Satoshi
Published: October 2019

Skilled sprinting is fundamental in many sports, especially to improve athletic performance in youth. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effect of plyometric training on sprint performance in boys aged 9–12 years. Twenty boys were divided into a plyometric training group (n = 9) and a control training group (n = 11). In both groups, participants performed respective training programs once per week for 8 weeks with measurements at baseline and post-intervention. Sprint performance was assessed by 50-m sprint time, sprint velocity, step frequency and step length at 10-m intervals. Jumping performance was assessed using horizontal, vertical and rebound jumps. The plyometric training group showed an improved sprint velocity at 20–30 m, 30–40 m and 40–50 m, and step length at 0–10 m, 20–30 m and 30–40 m (p < 0.05). Furthermore, only the plyometric group showed an increased standing long jump distance and rebound jump performance (p < 0.05). The control group did not show any significant changes in any variable. Our findings suggest that plyometric training in pre-adolescent boys improves sprint velocity and step length at the maximum velocity phase concomitant with increased horizontal and rebound jump performance.
Thermal Performance Assessment of Flexible Modular Housing Units for Energy Independence Following Disasters
Authors: Park Beungyong , Cho Jinkyun , Jeong Yongdae
Published: October 2019

An investigation was conducted into temporary modular housing for use in disaster areas to assess the feasibility of energy independence. Flexible modular units have been proposed as a temporary housing solution in disaster areas, as they can be deployed in combination with energy units across a wide range of environments. A dynamic energy simulation was used to examine the heating/cooling requirements and the potential photovoltaic power generation of such modular housing in an East Asian climate. This was used to assess the potential for energy independence. The building performance was analyzed based on measurements of airtightness, insulation performance, and thermal bridge phenomena taken from mock-up modular housing. According to the wall assembly method, it was confirmed that the airtightness performance was poor. Further investigations explored the possibility of reducing the annual heating/cooling loads by improving the airtightness, which would contribute to greater energy independence. In general, the specific housing needs of different victim groups can easily be satisfied through the application of different modular unit combinations.
Platform Growth Model: The Four Stages of Growth Model
Authors: Kim Junic , Yoo Jaewook
Published: October 2019

As the platform business becomes more important, it is crucial to make adequate decisions and choices for strategies, considering influence factors in relation to the platform for each growth model. This study researched how to build a platform business in the IT industry from the perspective of a dynamic approach to understand how the platform growth model successfully enables business entities to enter the market and to continue expansion. Through 21 case studies, this research formulated the four stages of platform growth model: entry, growth, expansion and maturity, providing a conceptual framework to build a platform growth model ecosystem.
Do Political Connections Affect the Conservative Financial Reporting of Family Firms?
Authors: Chi Hsin-Yi , Weng Tzu-Ching , Chen Guang-Zheng , Chen Shu-Ping
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the effect of political connections on the association between family firms and conservative financial reporting. While family firms have incentives to reduce agency and litigation-related costs by means of conservative reporting, firms with political connections tend to have opaque financial reporting, which enable them to engage in rent-seeking activities. Using data for Taiwanese listed firms between 1996 and 2012, the final sample observations were 13,877 firm-year observations from a population of 21,393 firm-year observations. We found that political connections weaken the positive relationship between family ownership and conservative financial reporting. This suggests that politically connected family firms make fewer demands for conservative financial reporting. This study contributes to the literature on how political connections affect the family owners’ reporting incentives. Policy makers may consider political connections as an essential factor with respect to establishing governance practice in family firms.
Structure Please; Continuous Improvement and Employee Consequences in a Dynamic Task Environment
Authors: Benders Jos , Bal Michiel , Vermeerbergen Lander
Published: October 2019

Whilst continuous improvement (CI) programs have had an enduring appeal for several decades, their sustainability has been a concern for almost as long. Sustaining a CI program requires permanent support of all its stakeholders, particularly of the most important ones—employees. Some authors argue that continuous improvement programs are beneficial for employee wellbeing, while others contest this. We contribute to the small empirical basis for such claims by presenting results from research among care workers in Flemish nursing homes. Questionnaires from 553 care workers in a nursing home applying continuous improvement and in a reference group of nine comparable homes were analyzed to study differences in job demands, job resources, burnout risk, and work engagement. In addition, we have drawn on interviews, site visits, and other qualitative data to assess the extent to which the differences found may be attributed to the CI program used. Overall, the care workers in the nursing home with the CI program evaluated their jobs as better than their colleagues in the reference group. These differences are at least partly caused by the continuous improvement program. We argue that the main effect is that over time, daily work processes become more structured. The work pressure decreases as work becomes less hectic.
Agricultural Water Management Model Based on Grey Water Footprints under Uncertainty and its Application
Authors: Song Ge , Dai Chao , Tan Qian , Zhang Shan
Published: October 2019

The grey water footprint theory was introduced into a fractional programming model to alleviate non-point source pollution and increase water-use efficiency through the adjustment of crop planting structure. The interval programming method was also incorporated within the developed framework to handle parametric uncertainties. The objective function of the model was the ratio of economic benefits to grey water footprints from crop production, and the constraints contained water availability constraints, food security constraints, planting area constraints, grey water footprint constraints and non-negative constraints. The model was applied to the Hetao Irrigation District of China. It was found that, based on the data in the year of 2016, the optimal planting plans generated from the developed model would reduce 34,400 m3 of grey water footprints for every 100 million Yuan gained from crops. Under the optimal planting structure, the total grey water footprints would be reduced by 21.9 million m3, the total economic benefits from crops would be increased by 1.138 billion Yuan, and the irrigation water would be saved by 44 million m3. The optimal results could provide decision-makers with agricultural water use plans with reduced negative impacts on the environment and enhanced economic benefits from crops.
Effect of an Instructor-Centered Tool for Automatic Assessment of Programming Assignments on Students’ Perceptions and Performance
Authors: Gordillo Aldo
Published: October 2019

Automated assessment systems are increasingly used in higher education programming courses since the manual assessment of programming assignments is very time-consuming. Although a substantial amount of research work has been done on systems for the automatic assessment of programming assignments, most studies are focused on technical characteristics and further research is needed for examining the effect of using these systems on students’ perceptions and performance. This paper examines the effect of using an instructor-centered tool for automatically assessing programming assignments on students’ perceptions and performance in a web development course at a higher education institution. A total of three data sources were used: a survey to collect data regarding students’ perceptions, and the grades of the student assignment submissions and of a practical programming exam in order to analyze the students’ performance. The results show that the incorporation of the automated assessment tool into the course was beneficial for the students, since it allowed for increasing their motivation, improving the quality of their works, and enhancing their practical programming skills. Nonetheless, a significant percentage of students found the feedback that was generated by the tool hard to understand and of little use, and the generated grades unfair.
Rethinking 21st-Century Businesses: An Approach to Fourth Sector SMEs in Their Transition to a Sustainable Model Committed to SDGs
Authors: Rubio-Mozos Ernestina , García-Muiña Fernando , Fuentes-Moraleda Laura
Published: October 2019

With barely ten years remaining to reach the goals included in the United Nations 2030 Agenda (UN2030A), there is still no agreed-upon universal criterion regarding how businesses can move firmly forward to achieve them. A significant number of laudable initiatives have emerged and been consolidated internationally, highlighting the need to change the outdated mainstream economic model based on continuous growth—whose maximum exponent is the macroeconomic magnitude “Gross Domestic Product” (GDP)—to another sustainable model which considers the ecological "people and planet-centered" oriented limits, prioritizing individual wellbeing and social prosperity, in line with the UN2030A. Facing the prevalent resistance to change, some innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are consciously addressing the transition on their own, but not without difficulties. The purpose of this article was to fill the gap in the social sciences literature by conducting in-depth interviews with Fourth Sector (4S) entrepreneurs, business leaders from purpose-driven companies, and academics, in order to approach and look into their perspective about the role that 4S SMEs are being called to execute to advance toward 2030. The two main contributions of this article are (1) 4S SMEs identify an urgent need to modify the current economic model with metrics aligned with UN2030A and (2) it is essential to assemble and build an “Engagement Ecosystem” through a systemic thinking approach to allow 4S SMEs to make real contributions to the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Spanish Universities’ Sustainability Performance and Sustainability-Related R&D+I
Authors: De Filippo Daniela , Sandoval-Hamón Leyla Angélica , Casani Fernando , Sanz-Casado Elías
Published: October 2019

For its scope and the breadth of its available resources, the university system is one of the keys to implementing and propagating policies, with sustainability policies being among them. Building on sustainability performance in universities, this study aimed to: Identify the procedures deployed by universities to measure sustainability; detect the strengths and weaknesses of the Spanish university system (SUS) sustainability practice; analyse the SUS contributions to sustainability-related Research, Development and Innovation (R&D+I); and assess the efficacy of such practices and procedures as reported in the literature. The indicators of scientific activity were defined by applying scientometric techniques to analyse the journal (Web of Science) and European project (CORDIS) databases, along with reports issued by national institutions. The findings showed that measuring sustainability in the SUS is a very recent endeavour and that one of the strengths is the university community’s engagement with the ideal. Nonetheless, high performance is still elusive in most of the items analysed. Whereas universities account for nearly 90 % of the Spanish papers published in the WoS subject category, Green and Sustainable Science and Technology, their contribution to research projects is meagre. A divide still exists in the SUS between policies and results, although the gap has been narrowing in recent years.
Applicability of Feng Shui Thoughts for Sustainable Space Planning and Evaluation in Korea Verified Using Three-Dimensional Digital Mapping and Simulations
Authors: Choe Seung-Ju , Han Seung-Hoon
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the applicability of feng shui ideas for sustainable space planning and evaluation in the Korean contemporary architecture system. This study compares theories of feng shui and ecological architecture, draws implications in terms of its practicability with an accreditation system, and explores the possibility of replacing elements from ecological architecture with those of feng shui. First, this study analyzed the terrain, climate, and environment by selecting target sites for planning a hanok, the traditional Korean residence, as a suitable location (called myeong-dang). Simulation assessments were then performed with three-dimensional (3D) mapping techniques to derive the scientific basis of the traditional concept considered in the selection of these spots. Our result from the analysis showed that the terrain element played protective roles for the climate of the region as an environmental control system. Therefore, it can be concluded that feng shui thoughts could be applied to a contemporary architecture system.
Monitoring of Urban Growth with Improved Model Accuracy by Statistical Methods
Authors: Ayazli Ismail Ercument
Published: October 2019

While the rural population is decreasing day by day, the urban population is increasing rapidly. Urban growth, which occurs as a result of this increase, is sprawling toward natural and environmental areas in urban fringes, and constitutes the main source of many environmental, physical, social, and economic problems. In order to overcome these problems, the direction and rate of urban growth should be determined with simulation models. In this context, many urban growth models have been developed since the 1990s; the SLEUTH urban growth model is one of the most popular among them and has been used in many projects around the world. The brute force calibration process in which the best fit values of growth coefficients are determined is the most important stage of simulation models. The coefficient ranges are initially defined as being between 0 and 100 and are then narrowed in this step according to 13 separate regression scores, which are used to specify the characterization of urban growth. Consensus has not yet been reached as to which metrics should be used for calculating the best fit values, but the Lee–Sallee and Optimum SLEUTH Metric (OSM) methods have been mostly used in past studies. However, in rapidly growing study areas, these methods cannot truly explain urban growth properties. The main purpose of this paper is to precisely calibrate urban growth simulation models. Therefore, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to calculate the growth coefficients, as a new statistical approach for calibration, in this study. The district of Sancaktepe, Istanbul, which experienced population growth of 80% between 2008 and 2018, was selected as the study area in order to test the achievement of the EFA method, and two urban growth simulation models were generated for the years 2030 and 2050. According to the results, despite the fact that there is little effect of urban growth in the short term, more than 70% of forests and agricultural lands are at risk of urbanization by 2050.
Challenges of Online Higher Education in the Face of the Sustainability Objectives of the United Nations: Carbon Footprint, Accessibility and Social Inclusion
Authors: Perales Jarillo Mikel , Pedraza Luis , Moreno Ger Pablo , Bocos Elvira
Published: October 2019

This article analyses three of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gathered by the 2030 Agenda and adopted by the United Nations, and how online educational models may help to reach these goals. Specifically, the three goals discussed through this article are: (i) Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all (Goal 4); (ii) reduce inequality within and among countries (Goal 10); and (iii) take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (Goal 13). This work delves fundamentally into aspects related to online engineering education, such as the impact of the carbon footprint in online education, the reduction of geographical barriers and the social gap, and the complete online accessibility to the educational environment. Finally, this article presents the case of the International University of La Rioja with its 100% online methodology, and approximately 42,000 students distributed throughout the world. This institution is supported by tools that facilitate engineering training for people with reduced mobility and who are geographically dispersed, reducing the carbon footprint through remote training.
Past, Present and Future of Hay-making Structures in Europe
Authors: Špulerová Jana , Kruse Alexandra , Branduini Paola , Centeri Csaba , Eiter Sebastian , Ferrario Viviana , Gaillard Bénédicte , Gusmeroli Fausto , Jurgens Suzan , Kladnik Drago , Renes Hans , Roth Michael , Sala Giovanni , Sickel Hanne , Sigura Maurizia , Štefunková Dagmar , Stensgaard Kari , Strasser Peter , Ivascu Cosmin Marius , Öllerer Kinga
Published: October 2019

Hay-making structures are part of the agricultural landscape of meadows and pastures. Hay meadows are still used and found all over Europe, but their distribution patterns as well as their characteristics and regional features depend on geographical area, climate, culture, and intensity of agriculture. Intensively used hay meadows are the most dominant, using heavy machinery to store hay mostly as rounded or square bales. Traditional hay-making structures represent structures or constructions, used to quickly dry freshly cut fodder and to protect it from humidity. The ‘ancient’ forms of traditional hay-making structures are becoming a relic, due to mechanisation and the use of new technologies. Both the need for drying hay and the traditional methods for doing so were similar across Europe. Our study of hay-making structures focuses on their current state, their development and history, current use and cultural values in various European countries. Regarding the construction and use of hay-making structures, we have distinguished three different types, which correlate to natural and regional conditions: (1) temporary hay racks of various shapes; (2) hay barracks, a special type of shelters for storing hay and (3) different types of permanent construction and buildings for drying and storing hay. Hay-making structures have been mostly preserved in connection with traditional agricultural landscapes, and particularly in the more remote regions or where associated with strong cultural identity.
Technical Efficiency in the Agricultural Business—The Case of Slovakia
Authors: Lazíková Jarmila , Lazíková Zuzana , Takáč Ivan , Rumanovská Ľubica , Bandlerová Anna
Published: October 2019

The key element of the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural Policy is sustainable agriculture where the social, economic, and environmental objectives should be fulfilled. This role can fulfill only those agricultural holdings that are effective in the transformation of inputs to outputs, and which do not waste the inputs. Therefore, we analyze the technical efficiency of the agricultural holdings in the Slovak regions, and try to identify the factors that are able to influence the efficiency of agricultural holdings. We can conclude that there are regional disparities in technical efficiency in Slovakia; however, the problem of inefficiency is not typical only for the agricultural holdings in the areas with natural constraints. These regional disparities should be considered when adopting a new political measure to support sustainable agriculture. By the results of econometric models, we find that the agricultural production diversity, the policy of the labor market, and tax policy are the important factors influencing the technical efficiency of the agricultural holdings in Slovakia.
Understanding the Global Status of Particulate Matter with Respect to Research Topics and Research Networks
Authors: Kim Kayoung , Byun Young Ho , Lee Donghyuk , Park Noeon
Published: October 2019

Atmospheric pollution caused by particulate matter (PM), which has been identified as a carcinogen, is a major concern in South Korea, with various PM emission sources identified, including vehicles and power plants. The Korean government recently announced plans to increase research and development (R&D) expenditure to reduce PM levels in the atmosphere. In this study, the research topics and research networks for PM technology are summarized to help policymakers to more efficiently plan future R&D investment. A topic model is implemented to identify the main keywords from Science Citation Index (SCI) papers related to PM, and social network analysis is used to understand research collaboration between different countries or institutions. The results reveal that China and the USA published the largest number of SCI papers related to PM research, while South Korea was ranked in the top five globally. Unlike China and South Korea, developed countries such as the USA, Germany, and France have been carrying out PM research on climate change, ozone, NH3, nanoparticles, and the health effects on pregnant women. The primary research networks are centered on China and the USA, while South Korea has weak collaboration with other countries or institutions. More effort is thus required to improve strategic R&D investment and the research network within Korea.
Are People Ready to Entrust Their Safety to an Autonomous Ambulance as an Alternative and More Sustainable Transportation Mode?
Authors: Zarkeshev Azamat , Csiszár Csaba
Published: October 2019

Progress in advanced vehicular technologies and computer science leads to driverless vehicles becoming a reality. The standard ambulances might be replaced by driverless ambulances operated by an autopilot that provides passengers with a secure regime. Therefore, the study’s aim was to collate two different countries regarding the consumers’ preparedness to travel on such autonomous ambulances. To obtain a more demonstrative result, a questionnaire survey was conducted in two countries (Hungary and Kazakhstan). It also gathered ‘affect’ measures in order to figure out if ‘affect’ served as a medium between the ambulance mode and readiness to ride, and to understand whether emotions play any role during the decision making. The necessary data were collected through the so-called Autonomous Ambulance Acceptance Questionnaire. After conducting ‘t-Test’, ‘ANOVA’, and Mediation analysis, the findings have been discussed. The results help to realize the necessity of developing educational guides to prepare potential patients for Autonomous Vehicles technology.
Environmental Regulation and China’s Regional Innovation Output—Empirical Research Based on Spatial Durbin Model
Authors: Li Yun , Tang Yingkai , Wang Kun , Zhao Qiwei
Published: October 2019

The sustainable development and innovation-driven development system has always been a guiding ideology for the Chinese government. Therefore, research on China’s environmental regulation and regional innovation output is of great significance. Based on the provincial data of China from 2006 to 2016, this study uses many spatial econometric methods with the spatial Durbin model. We empirically analyze the relationship between environmental regulation and regional innovation output. The results show that (1) China’s regional innovation output has significant spatial cluster and differentiation. Concerning the whole country, environmental regulation has a significant negative effect on regional innovation output, but its own spatial cluster phenomenon is not significant, and there is no space spillover. (2) There are differences between environmental regulation and regional innovation output in the eastern, central and western regions, in which the negative correlation between environmental regulation in the eastern region on regional innovation output has spillover effects in the region, and the direct effect in the central region is not significant, while the results in the western region are not significantly different from the full sample results. Finally, based on the research conclusions, we apply some policy recommendations from the perspectives of diversity of environmental policy, corporate innovation incentives, government officials’ assessment, local government policy autonomy and sustainable development concept.
Incorporating Physical Environment-Related Factors in an Assessment of Community Attachment: Understanding Urban Park Contributions
Authors: Xu Ying , Matarrita-Cascante David , Lee Jae Ho , Luloff A.E.
Published: October 2019

Community sociologists have examined community attachment through an almost exclusive focus on people’s social relations. Recent research efforts have noted the neglect of the physical place in traditional community sociological studies. Doing this has brought the physical environment into their discussions of community attachment. Despite this progress, we remain limited in our understanding of the physical environment’s contribution to peoples’ attachment to their communities and whether its effect on community attachment is applicable in the context of urban settings. In an effort to expand our knowledge of this topic, this study explored the contributions of the urban physical environment on community attachment. By selecting the Discovery Green Park as a typical form of physical environment in Houston, Texas, this study sought to investigate how people’s levels of community attachment could be predicted by: (1) peoples’ interactions with an urban park; (2) people’s emotional connections with such a park; and (3) peoples’ social interactions with others within the park. After conducting a series of block model regression analyses, we found that community attachment was not completely defined by social factors, but also depended upon peoples’ emotional connections with the local physical environment and the social interactions happening in those settings.
Weighted h-index for Identifying Influential Spreaders
Authors: Gao Liang , Yu Senbin , Li Menghui , Shen Zhesi , Gao Ziyou
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we propose weighted h-index h w and h-index strength s h to measure spreading capability and identify the most influential spreaders. Experimental results on twelve real networks reveal that s h was more accurate and more monotonic than h w and four previous measures in ranking the spreading influence of a node evaluated by the single seed SIR spreading model. We point out that the questions of how to improve monotonicity and how to determine a proper neighborhood range are two interesting future directions.
Access Control and Pilot Allocation for Machine-Type Communications in Crowded Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Vo Ta-Hoang , Ding Zhi , Pham Quoc-Viet , Hwang Won-Joo
Published: October 2019

Massive machine-type communication (mMTC) in 5G New Radio (5G-NR) or the Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices such as vehicles, smart meters, sensors, and smart appliances, which can communicate and interact in real time without human intervention. In IoT systems, the number of networked devices is expected to be in the tens of billions, while radio resources remain scarce. To connect the massive number of devices with limited bandwidth, it is crucial to develop new access solutions that can improve resource efficiency and reduce control overhead as well as access delay. The key idea is controlling the number of arrival devices that want to access the system, and then allowing only the strongest device (that has the largest channel gain and each device is able to check whether it is the strongest device) be able to transit to BS. In this paper, we consider a random access problem in massive MIMO context for the collision resolution, in which the access class barring (ACB) factor is dynamically adjusted in each time slot to maximize access success rate for the strongest-user collision resolution (SUCRe) protocol. We propose the dynamic ACB scheme to find optimal ACB factor in the next time slot and then apply SUCRe protocol to achieve a good performance. This method is called dynamic access class barring combined strongest-user collision resolution (DACB-SUCR). In addition, we investigate two different ACB schemes that consist of the fixed ACB and the traffic-aware ACB to compare with the proposed dynamic ACB. Analysis and simulation results demonstrate that, compared with SUCRe protocol, the proposed DACB-SUCR method can remarkably reduce pilot collision, and increase access success rate. It is also shown that the dynamic ACB gives better performance than the fixed ACB and the traffic-aware ACB.
Computational Modeling Methods for Deployable Structure Based on Alternatively Asymmetric Triangulation
Authors: Zhang Qingwen , Yu Danmin , Li Xinye , Fan Feng
Published: October 2019

Asymmetric triangulation is an interesting method combined with concentric pleating to obtain a 3D shape without stretching or tearing. There exists some geometric properties in the process of folding to help realize extension and contraction, which can be used in parametric modeling of different regular polygons. To facilitate design and modeling, adequate computational modeling methods are indispensable. This paper proposes a new mathematical idea and presents a feasible way to build the parameterized models in the digital environment of Rhinoceros, utilizing the Kangaroo plugin in Grasshopper. Designers can directly observe the models’ kinematic deployment and calculate the folding efficiency. It is concluded that the tendencies of folding efficiency in different regular polygons are not the same. To realize rigid folding, each polygon has a limited folding angle.
Effects of Claudin-1 on the Action of Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin in Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Mehdizadeh Gohari Iman , Li Jihong , Navarro Mauricio , Uzal Francisco , McClane Bruce
Published: October 2019

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) contributes to diarrhea and an often-lethal enterotoxemia. CPE action starts when it binds to claudin receptors, forming a small complex (90 kDa). Six small complexes then oligomerize to create prepores, followed by insertion of beta-hairpins from CPE to form beta-barrel pores named CH-1 or CH-2. Of the ~27 members of the human claudin protein family, only some bind CPE. However, both receptor claudins and the nonreceptor claudin-1 (CLDN-1) are associated with the small and CH-1/CH-2 CPE complexes. Therefore, this study evaluated whether claudin-1 affects CPE action by generating a CLDN-1 null mutant in Caco-2 cells using CRISPR-Cas9. Compared to wild-type Caco-2 cells, paracellular permeability of the CLDN-1 mutant was significantly enhanced, suggesting that claudin-1 may reduce CPE absorption during enterotoxemia. The CLDN-1 mutant was also markedly more sensitive than wild-type Caco-2 cells to apically-applied CPE. The mechanism behind this increased sensitivity involved higher CPE binding by the CLDN-1 mutant vs. wild-type Caco-2 cells, which led to more CH-1/CH-2 complex formation. However, the CH-1/CH-2 complexes formed by the CLDN-1 mutant were less stable or trypsin resistant than those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that, although a nonreceptor, CLDN-1 positively and negatively influences CPE action.
Sa12b Peptide from Solitary Wasp Inhibits ASIC Currents in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Hernández Carmen , Konno Katsuhiro , Salceda Emilio , Vega Rosario , Zaharenko André Junqueira , Soto Enrique
Published: October 2019

In this work, we evaluate the effect of two peptides Sa12b (EDVDHVFLRF) and Sh5b (DVDHVFLRF-NH2) on Acid-Sensing Ion Channels (ASIC). These peptides were purified from the venom of solitary wasps Sphex argentatus argentatus and Isodontia harmandi, respectively. Voltage clamp recordings of ASIC currents were performed in whole cell configuration in primary culture of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from (P7-P10) CII Long-Evans rats. The peptides were applied by preincubation for 25 s (20 s in pH 7.4 solution and 5 s in pH 6.1 solution) or by co-application (5 s in pH 6.1 solution). Sa12b inhibits ASIC current with an IC50 of 81 nM, in a concentration-dependent manner when preincubation application was used. While Sh5b did not show consistent results having both excitatory and inhibitory effects on the maximum ASIC currents, its complex effect suggests that it presents a selective action on some ASIC subunits. Despite the similarity in their sequences, the action of these peptides differs significantly. Sa12b is the first discovered wasp peptide with a significant ASIC inhibitory effect.
A Multiplex Analysis of Potentially Toxic Cyanobacteria in Lake Winnipeg during the 2013 Bloom Season
Authors: McKindles Katelyn M. , Zimba Paul V. , Chiu Alexander S. , Watson Susan B. , Gutierrez Danielle B. , Westrick Judy , Kling Hedy , Davis Timothy W.
Published: October 2019

Lake Winnipeg (Manitoba, Canada), the world’s 12th largest lake by area, is host to yearly cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) dominated by Aphanizomenon and Dolichospermum. cHABs in Lake Winnipeg are primarily a result of eutrophication but may be exacerbated by the recent introduction of dreissenid mussels. Through multiple methods to monitor the potential for toxin production in Lake Winnipeg in conjunction with environmental measures, this study defined the baseline composition of a Lake Winnipeg cHAB to measure potential changes because of dreissenid colonization. Surface water samples were collected in 2013 from 23 sites during summer and from 18 sites in fall. Genetic data and mass spectrometry cyanotoxin profiles identified microcystins (MC) as the most abundant cyanotoxin across all stations, with MC concentrations highest in the north basin. In the fall, mcyA genes were sequenced to determine which species had the potential to produce MCs, and 12 of the 18 sites were a mix of both Planktothrix and Microcystis. Current blooms in Lake Winnipeg produce low levels of MCs, but the capacity to produce cyanotoxins is widespread across both basins. If dreissenid mussels continue to colonize Lake Winnipeg, a shift in physicochemical properties of the lake because of faster water column clearance rates may yield more toxic blooms potentially dominated by microcystin producers.
Optimization of SNAP-25 and VAMP-2 Cleavage by Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotypes A–F Employing Taguchi Design-of-Experiments
Authors: von Berg Laura , Stern Daniel , Weisemann Jasmin , Rummel Andreas , Dorner Martin Bernhard , Dorner Brigitte Gertrud
Published: October 2019

The detection of catalytically active botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) can be achieved by monitoring the enzymatic cleavage of soluble NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor) attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins by the toxins’ light chains (LC) in cleavage-based assays. Thus, for sensitive BoNT detection, optimal cleavage conditions for the clinically relevant A–F serotypes are required. Until now, a systematic evaluation of cleavage conditions for the different BoNT serotypes is still lacking. To address this issue, we optimized cleavage conditions for BoNT/A–F using the Taguchi design-of-experiments (DoE) method. To this aim, we analyzed the influence of buffer composition (pH, Zn2+, DTT (dithiothreitol), NaCl) as well as frequently used additives (BSA (bovine serum albumin), Tween 20, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)) on BoNT substrate cleavage. We identified major critical factors (DTT, Zn2+, TMAO) and were able to increase the catalytic efficiency of BoNT/B, C, E, and F when compared to previously described buffers. Moreover, we designed a single consensus buffer for the optimal cleavage of all tested serotypes. Our optimized buffers are instrumental to increase the sensitivity of cleavage-based assays for BoNT detection. Furthermore, the application of the Taguchi DoE approach shows how the method helps to rationally improve enzymatic assays.
Association between Serum Indoxyl Sulfate Levels and Endothelial Function in Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Chih-Hsien , Lai Yu-Hsien , Kuo Chiu-Huang , Lin Yu-Li , Tsai Jen-Pi , Hsu Bang-Gee
Published: October 2019

Indoxyl sulfate (IS), a product metabolized from tryptophan, is negatively correlated with renal function and cardiovascular diseases in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the association between serum IS levels and endothelial function in patients with CKD. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 110 patients with stages 3–5 CKD. The endothelial function, represented by vascular reactivity index (VRI), was measured non-invasively using digital thermal monitoring. Serum IS levels were determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Twenty-one (19.1%), 36 (32.7%), and 53 (48.2%) patients had poor (VRI < 1.0), intermediate (1.0 ≤ VRI < 2.0), and good (VRI ≥ 2.0) vascular reactivity. By univariate linear regression analysis, a higher prevalence of smoking, advanced age, higher systolic, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), elevated levels of serum phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and IS were negatively correlated with VRI values, but estimated glomerular filtration rate negatively associated with VRI values. After being adjusted by using multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis, DBP and IS levels were significantly negatively associated with VRI values in CKD patients. We concluded that IS level associated inversely with VRI values and had a modulating role in endothelial function in patients with stages 3–5 CKD.
Comparative Study of the Temperature Sensitive, Cold Adapted and Attenuated Mutations Present in the Master Donor Viruses of the Two Commercial Human Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccines
Authors: Rodriguez Laura , Blanco-Lobo Pilar , Reilly Emma C. , Maehigashi Tatsuya , Nogales Aitor , Smith Andrew , Topham David J. , Dewhurst Stephen , Kim Baek , Martínez-Sobrido Luis
Published: October 2019

Influenza viruses cause annual, seasonal infection across the globe. Vaccination represents the most effective strategy to prevent such infections and/or to reduce viral disease. Two major types of influenza vaccines are approved for human use: inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs). Two Master Donor Virus (MDV) backbones have been used to create LAIVs against influenza A virus (IAV): the United States (US) A/Ann Arbor/6/60 (AA) and the Russian A/Leningrad/134/17/57 (Len) H2N2 viruses. The mutations responsible for the temperature sensitive (ts), cold-adapted (ca) and attenuated (att) phenotypes of the two MDVs have been previously identified and genetically mapped. However, a direct comparison of the contribution of these residues to viral attenuation, immunogenicity and protection efficacy has not been conducted. Here, we compared the In vitro and in vivo phenotype of recombinant influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 H1N1 (PR8) viruses containing the ts, ca and att mutations of the US (PR8/AA) and the Russian (PR8/Len) MDVs. Our results show that PR8/Len is more attenuated in vivo than PR8/AA, although both viruses induced similar levels of humoral and cellular responses, and protection against homologous and heterologous viral challenges. Our findings support the feasibility of using a different virus backbone as MDV for the development of improved LAIVs for the prevention of IAV infections.
Virus Adaptation and Selection Following Challenge of Animals Vaccinated against Classical Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Fahnøe Ulrik , Pedersen Anders Gorm , Johnston Camille Melissa , Orton Richard J. , Höper Dirk , Beer Martin , Bukh Jens , Belsham Graham J. , Rasmussen Thomas Bruun
Published: October 2019

Vaccines against classical swine fever have proven very effective in protecting pigs from this deadly disease. However, little is known about how vaccination impacts the selective pressures acting on the classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Here we use high-throughput sequencing of viral genomes to investigate evolutionary changes in virus populations following the challenge of naïve and vaccinated pigs with the highly virulent CSFV strain “Koslov”. The challenge inoculum contained an ensemble of closely related viral sequences, with three major haplotypes being present, termed A, B, and C. After the challenge, the viral haplotype A was preferentially located within the tonsils of naïve animals but was highly prevalent in the sera of all vaccinated animals. We find that the viral population structure in naïve pigs after infection is very similar to that in the original inoculum. In contrast, the viral population in vaccinated pigs, which only underwent transient low-level viremia, displayed several distinct changes including the emergence of 16 unique non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were not detectable in the challenge inoculum. Further analysis showed a significant loss of heterogeneity and an increasing positive selection acting on the virus populations in the vaccinated pigs. We conclude that vaccination imposes a strong selective pressure on viruses that subsequently replicate within the vaccinated animal.
A Bivalent Live-Attenuated Vaccine for the Prevention of Equine Influenza Virus
Authors: Blanco-Lobo Pilar , Rodriguez Laura , Reedy Stephanie , Oladunni Fatai S. , Nogales Aitor , Murcia Pablo R. , Chambers Thomas M. , Martinez-Sobrido Luis
Published: October 2019

Vaccination remains the most effective approach for preventing and controlling equine influenza virus (EIV) in horses. However, the ongoing evolution of EIV has increased the genetic and antigenic differences between currently available vaccines and circulating strains, resulting in suboptimal vaccine efficacy. As recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the inclusion of representative strains from clade 1 and clade 2 Florida sublineages of EIV in vaccines may maximize the protection against presently circulating viral strains. In this study, we used reverse genetics technologies to generate a bivalent EIV live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). We combined our previously described clade 1 EIV LAIV A/equine/Ohio/2003 H3N8 (Ohio/03 LAIV) with a newly generated clade 2 EIV LAIV that contains the six internal genes of Ohio/03 LAIV and the HA and NA of A/equine/Richmond/1/2007 H3N8 (Rich/07 LAIV). The safety profile, immunogenicity, and protection efficacy of this bivalent EIV LAIV was tested in the natural host, horses. Vaccination of horses with the bivalent EIV LAIV, following a prime-boost regimen, was safe and able to confer protection against challenge with clade 1 (A/equine/Kentucky/2014 H3N8) and clade 2 (A/equine/Richmond/2007) wild-type (WT) EIVs, as evidenced by a reduction of clinical signs, fever, and virus excretion. This is the first description of a bivalent LAIV for the prevention of EIV in horses that follows OIE recommendations. In addition, since our bivalent EIV LAIV is based on the use of reverse genetics approaches, our results demonstrate the feasibility of using the backbone of clade 1 Ohio/03 LAIV as a master donor virus (MDV) for the production and rapid update of LAIVs for the control and protection against other EIV strains of epidemiological relevance to horses.