bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Health-Promoting Effects of Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides through Rational Design and Oral Delivery Strategies
Authors: Manzanares Paloma , Gandía Mónica , Garrigues Sandra , Marcos Jose F.
Published: October 2019

Over the last few decades, scientific interest in food-derived bioactive peptides has grown as an alternative to pharmacological treatments in the control of lifestyle-associated diseases, which represent a serious health problem worldwide. Interest has been directed towards the control of hypertension, the management of type 2 diabetes and oxidative stress. Many food-derived antihypertensive peptides act primarily by inhibiting angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), and to a lesser extent, renin enzyme activities. Antidiabetic peptides mainly inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) activity, whereas antioxidant peptides act through inactivation of reactive oxygen species, free radicals scavenging, chelation of pro-oxidative transition metals and promoting the activities of intracellular antioxidant enzymes. However, food-derived bioactive peptides have intrinsic weaknesses, including poor chemical and physical stability and a short circulating plasma half-life that must be addressed for their application as nutraceuticals or in functional foods. This review summarizes the application of common pharmaceutical approaches such as rational design and oral delivery strategies to improve the health-promoting effects of food-derived bioactive peptides. We review the structural requirements of antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antioxidant peptides established by integrated computational methods and provide relevant examples of effective oral delivery systems to enhance solubility, stability and permeability of bioactive peptides.
The Effect of the Body Mass Indexes of Young Healthy Individuals on the Glyacemic Indexes of Traditional and Modified Vegetarian Meals
Authors: Raczkowska Ewa , Bronkowska Monika
Published: October 2019

Blood glucose concentration increases after the consumption of any carbohydrate-containing meal. Several factors affect the course of glucose metabolism, including nutritional status. This study evaluated the effect of the nutritional statuses of adults on their glycaemic responses after the consumption of some vegetarian meals (dumplings with potato and curd cheese stuffing; curd cheese dumplings; pancakes with curd cheese), prepared according to the traditional recipe and a partly modified recipe. The 105 participants, aged 20–27 years, with different body mass indexes (BMI), took an oral glucose tolerance test after the intake of a standard glucose solution, and also after each meal (previously analysed for energy value and approximate composition). The consumption of each meal by participants with different nutritional statuses elicited different glycaemic responses, which were reflected in the diverse glycaemic indexes (GIs). The partial modification of the meal recipes contributed to lowering their GIs. Vast differences were observed in the glycaemic responses among the surveyed participants after the consumption of the same meals. The GIs of meals should be determined in different groups of people.
Effect Modification of Vitamin D Supplementation by Histopathological Characteristics on Survival of Patients with Digestive Tract Cancer: Post Hoc Analysis of the AMATERASU Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yonaga Hideyuki , Okada Shinya , Akutsu Taisuke , Ohdaira Hironori , Suzuki Yutaka , Urashima Mitsuyoshi
Published: October 2019

Some coauthors of this study previously performed the AMATERASU randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of postoperative oral vitamin D supplementation (2,000 IU/day) in 417 patients with stage I to III digestive tract cancer from the esophagus to the rectum who underwent curative surgery (UMIN000001977). We conducted a post-hoc analysis of the AMATERASU trial to explore the effects of modification of vitamin D supplementation by histopathological characteristics on survival. Among patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, the 5-year relapse-free survival rate of patients supplemented with vitamin D was 91% compared with 63% in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08 to 0.78; P = 0.017; P for interaction = 0.023). Similarly, the 5-year overall survival rate was 92% in the vitamin D group compared with 72% in the placebo group (HR, 0.25; 95%CI, 0.07 to 0.94; P = 0.040; P for interaction = 0.012). In contrast, there were no significant effects in other histopathological characteristics between vitamin D and placebo groups. These findings generated the hypothesis that oral vitamin D supplementation may improve both relapse-free survival and overall survival in a subgroup of patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma.
POSS-Based Polymers
Authors: Lichtenhan Joseph D. , Pielichowski Krzysztof , Blanco Ignazio
Published: October 2019

The combination of functional polymers with inorganic nanostructured compounds has become a major area of research and technological development owing to the remarkable properties and multifunctionalities deriving from their nano and hybrid structures [...]
Estimating Pasture Biomass and Canopy Height in Brazilian Savanna Using UAV Photogrammetry
Authors: Batistoti Juliana , Marcato Junior José , Ítavo Luís , Matsubara Edson , Gomes Eva , Oliveira Bianca , Souza Maurício , Siqueira Henrique , Salgado Filho Geison , Akiyama Thales , Gonçalves Wesley , Liesenberg Veraldo , Li Jonathan , Dias Alexandre
Published: October 2019

The Brazilian territory contains approximately 160 million hectares of pastures, and it is necessary to develop techniques to automate their management and increase their production. This technical note has two objectives: First, to estimate the canopy height using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry; second, to propose an equation for the estimation of biomass of Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) pastures based on UAV canopy height. Four experimental units of Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani were evaluated. Herbage mass sampling, height measurements, and UAV image collection were simultaneously performed. The UAVs were flown at a height of 50 m, and images were generated with a mean ground sample distance (GSD) of approximately 1.55 cm. The forage canopy height estimated by UAVs was calculated as the difference between the digital surface model (DSM) and the digital terrain model (DTM). The R2 between ruler height and UAV height was 0.80; between biomass (kg ha−1 GB—green biomass) and ruler height, 0.81; and between biomass (kg ha−1 GB) and UAV height, 0.74. UAV photogrammetry proved to be a potential technique to estimate height and biomass in Brazilian Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani pastures located in the endangered Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) biome.
Assessment of Phytoecological Variability by Red-Edge Spectral Indices and Soil-Landscape Relationships
Authors: Pinheiro Helena S. K. , Barbosa Theresa P. R. , Antunes Mauro A. H. , Carvalho Daniel Costa de , Nummer Alexis R. , Carvalho Junior Waldir de , Chagas Cesar da Silva , Fernandes-Filho Elpídio I. , Pereira Marcos Gervasio
Published: October 2019

There is a relation of vegetation physiognomies with soil and geological conditions that can be represented spatially with the support of remote sensing data. The goal of this research was to map vegetation physiognomies in a mountainous area by using Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument (MSI) data and morphometrical covariates through data mining techniques. The research was based on red-edge (RE) bands, and indices, to classify phytophysiognomies at two taxonomic levels. The input data was pixel sampled based on field sample sites. Data mining procedures comprised covariate selection and supervised classification through the Random Forest model. Results showed the potential of bands 3, 5, and 6 to map phytophysiognomies for both seasons, as well as Green Chlorophyll (CLg) and SAVI indices. NDVI indices were important, particularly those calculated with bands 6, 7, 8, and 8A, which were placed at the RE position. The model performance showed reasonable success to Kappa index 0.72 and 0.56 for the first and fifth taxonomic level, respectively. The model presented confusion between Broadleaved dwarf-forest, Parkland Savanna, and Bushy grassland. Savanna formations occurred variably in the area while Bushy grasslands strictly occur in certain landscape positions. Broadleaved forests presented the best performance (first taxonomic level), and among its variation (fifth level) the model could precisely capture the pattern for those on deep soils from gneiss parent material. The approach was thus useful to capture intrinsic soil-plant relationships and its relation with remote sensing data, showing potential to map phytophysiognomies in two distinct taxonomic levels in poorly accessible areas.
A Superpixel-Based Relational Auto-Encoder for Feature Extraction of Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Liang Miaomiao , Jiao Licheng , Meng Zhe
Published: October 2019

Filter banks transferred from a pre-trained deep convolutional network exhibit significant performance in heightening the inter-class separability for hyperspectral image feature extraction, but weakening the intra-class consistency simultaneously. In this paper, we propose a new superpixel-based relational auto-encoder for cohesive spectral–spatial feature learning. Firstly, multiscale local spatial information and global semantic features of hyperspectral images are extracted by filter banks transferred from the pre-trained VGG-16. Meanwhile, we utilize superpixel segmentation to construct the low-dimensional manifold embedded in the spectral domain. Then, representational consistency constraint among each superpixel is added in the objective function of sparse auto-encoder, which iteratively assist and supervisedly learn hidden representation of deep spatial feature with greater cohesiveness. Superpixel-based local consistency constraint in this work not only reduces the computational complexity, but builds the neighborhood relationships adaptively. The final feature extraction is accomplished by collaborative encoder of spectral–spatial feature and weighting fusion of multiscale features. A large number of experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method achieves expected results in discriminant feature extraction and has certain advantages over some existing methods, especially on extremely limited sample conditions.
A Supervised Method for Nonlinear Hyperspectral Unmixing
Authors: Koirala Bikram , Khodadadzadeh Mahdi , Contreras Cecilia , Zahiri Zohreh , Gloaguen Richard , Scheunders Paul
Published: October 2019

Due to the complex interaction of light with the Earth’s surface, reflectance spectra can be described as highly nonlinear mixtures of the reflectances of the material constituents occurring in a given resolution cell of hyperspectral data. Our aim is to estimate the fractional abundance maps of the materials from the nonlinear hyperspectral data. The main disadvantage of using nonlinear mixing models is that the model parameters are not properly interpretable in terms of fractional abundances. Moreover, not all spectra of a hyperspectral dataset necessarily follow the same particular mixing model. In this work, we present a supervised method for nonlinear spectral unmixing. The method learns a mapping from a true hyperspectral dataset to corresponding linear spectra, composed of the same fractional abundances. A simple linear unmixing then reveals the fractional abundances. To learn this mapping, ground truth information is required, in the form of actual spectra and corresponding fractional abundances, along with spectra of the pure materials, obtained from a spectral library or available in the dataset. Three methods are presented for learning nonlinear mapping, based on Gaussian processes, kernel ridge regression, and feedforward neural networks. Experimental results conducted on an artificial dataset, a data set obtained by ray tracing, and a drill core hyperspectral dataset shows that this novel methodology is very promising.
Analysing Support towards Inclusive and Integrated Rural Advisory Systems
Authors: Lamontagne-Godwin Julien , Dorward Peter , Aslam Naeem , Cardey Sarah
Published: October 2019

Public Rural Advisory Services (RAS) have adapted to different socio-economic scenarios in politically diverse countries with the help of the third sector supporting dedicated RAS programmes. The Plantwise (PW) programme, led by the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) and designed to increase food security in over 30 countries, is a good example of a public/NGO partnership, although recent evaluations have questioned its impacts on gendered agricultural information access. This study aims to investigate Plantwise’s gender impacts from individual and institutional viewpoints, interviewing smallholder farmers and extension staff involved in and outside of, the Plantwise programme in Bahawalpur and Jhang district in the Punjab province of Pakistan. This serves to highlight the programme’s impacts on systemic processes which ultimately have the potential to contribute to gender-transformative change and a more efficient and sustainable RAS. Results show differences between extension workers in a PW district and a non-PW district and between plant doctors and non-plant doctors in a PW district, though none were significant from a gendered perspective. There were interesting findings highlighting the plant clinic’s capacity as an agent of change but the low turnout of women at clinics did not reinforce the clinics’ capacity for change from a female perspective. Information from systemic, male and female-specific analyses are important to consider for PW from a practical perspective, such as the importance of spiritual locations. This study into the Pakistani PW initiative also offers an opportunity to contribute to the growing body of academic literature on the individual and institutional impacts of international development programmes, helping to understand wider aspects of international development involvement in RAS. From a practical perspective, this study also enables PW and other international development initiatives to better understand and interpret stakeholders’ perceptions, highlighting the importance of design and investment in participatory approaches to enable longer term impacts, especially focused on gender. It will also help the PW programme assess and understand implementation challenges in order to attain impact on the ground and be a driver of positive change in the country.
Soil Erosion and Land Degradation
Authors: Scholten Thomas , Seitz Steffen
Published: October 2019

Land degradation by soil erosion is still one of the most severe environmental issues of our time [...]
Using Social Norms to Change Behavior and Increase Sustainability in the Real World: a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Yamin Paulius , Fei Maria , Lahlou Saadi , Levy Sara
Published: October 2019

Behavioral change interventions based on social norms have proven to be a popular and cost-effective way in which both researchers and practitioners attempt to transform behavior in order to increase environmental and social sustainability in real-world contexts. In this paper, we present a systematic review of over 90 empirical studies that have applied behavioral change interventions based on social norms in field settings. Building on previous research about the sources of information that people use to understand social norms and other local determinants of behavior, we propose a framework organized along two axes that describe intervention context (situated interventions applied in the same context where the target behavior happens versus remote interventions that are applied away from that context) and type of normative information leveraged (interventions that provide summary information about a group versus interventions that expose participants to the opinions and behaviors of others). We also illustrate successful applications for each dimension, as well as the social, psychological and physical determinants of behavior that were leveraged to support change. Finally, based on our results, we discuss some of the elements and practical mechanisms that can be used by both researchers and practitioners to design more integral, effective and sustainable social norm intervention in the real world.
The Role of Local Finance in Overcoming Socioeconomic Inequalities in Polish Rural Areas
Authors: Standar Aldona , Kozera Agnieszka
Published: October 2019

Poland is affected not only by a persistent regional differentiation but also by an internal polarization of regional development levels, particularly in rural areas. Local government authorities, especially municipalities, play an important role in bridging inequalities in socioeconomic rural development. This is because the investment capacity depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of local public finance. Note that the fight against inequalities is related to the issues of sustainable development. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to assess the changes in the level of socioeconomic inequalities between rural municipalities and the importance of local public finance in bridging these inequalities, as illustrated by the example of Poland. The objective formulated above emanates from the research hypothesis advanced by the authors which assumes that a strong relationship exists between one’s own income and investment potential, on one side, and the socioeconomic development level of Polish rural municipalities, on the other. In the first stage of research, the levels of socioeconomic development of the municipalities surveyed were assessed with a synthetic indicator estimated using the TOPSIS method (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution). The indicator served as a basis for building the typological classes of socioeconomic development at the municipal level. Following this, selected descriptive statistics methods were used to describe the typological classes of socioeconomic development. The second stage of research consisted of assessing the quantitative relationships between the development level and the financial situation of entities surveyed. This was done using the Pearson linear correlation coefficient and the pseudo-test of differences of means. As demonstrated in the analyses, Polish rural municipalities witnessed an improvement in their socioeconomic development level and a simultaneous reduction in development disparities. Also identified were the relationships between local public finance and development levels of rural municipalities. The empirical study also allowed us to confirm the research hypothesis formulated in this paper.
Analysis of Factors Giving the Opportunity for Implementation of Innovations on the Example of Manufacturing Enterprises in the Silesian Province
Authors: Wojtaszek Henryk , Miciuła Ireneusz
Published: October 2019

This paper analyzes the actions that improve innovativeness in production enterprises in the Silesian province. Innovation is one of the elements that allows to achieve a competitive advantage. It is justified to research various factors that are important in improving innovativeness. The research includes selected production enterprises in the Silesian province, adopting the descriptive statistics measures and statistic tests: random sample test, chi-square independence test and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test based on a survey questionnaire. Some of the most important factors determining the possibilities of innovation by manufacturing companies were detected contacts with other enterprises, R&D centers and counseling institutions, competitive position of the company, and creating appropriate incentive systems.
Workforce Ageing and Labour Productivity in Europe
Authors: Calvo-Sotomayor Iñigo , Laka Jon Paul , Aguado Ricardo
Published: October 2019

This article analyses the influence of workforce ageing on labour productivity in Europe. This question is relevant because of the impact it may have on economic activity, social security systems sustainability and the wellbeing of the population. The method applied is a quantitative contrast using the panel data technique for 24 countries in the period 1983–2014. This research is framed in the open conversation in the literature on the possible impact of ageing on productivity and takes as reference the seminal work of James Feyrer and the contrast model developed by Shekhar Aiyar, Christian Ebeke, and Xiaobo Shao. The results obtained show how a 1% increase in the workforce between the ages of 55 and 64 is related to a decrease of the annual increase in productivity between −0.106% and −0.479%. The main contribution of the article is to provide, as far as the authors are aware, the first evidence of this negative relationship for the period 1983–2014, in addition to suggesting that the influence of ageing on productivity may be reduced by the evolution of the economies in question toward capital and/or knowledge-intensive sectors.
Water, Energy and Food Nexus in Rice Production in Thailand
Authors: Ngammuangtueng Pitak , Jakrawatana Napat , Nilsalab Pariyapat , Gheewala Shabbir H.
Published: October 2019

This research introduces an approach to analyze the nexus of water, energy and rice production system at the watershed scale. The nexus relationship equations, developed to suit the local scale facilitating analysis in the rice production sector, were integrated with a Material Flow Analysis tool to expand the visualization capability. Moreover, the nexus flow was linked with the selected resource security, eco-efficiency and economic indicators, taking into account the spatial and temporal effect of water availability. The study covers the nexus resource flows not only in the rice production sector but also all other sectors in the whole watershed to assess local resource security. The tool covers wider implications, trade-offs and synergy impacts that were not much covered in previous studies. The tool was applied to evaluate the trade-offs and synergies of the impacts from proposed scenarios of alternative agricultural practices and land-use change options. The scenarios applying land-use change, and changing non-suitable and low-suitable rice cultivation areas to sugarcane and cassava, can reduce water use significantly resulting in reducing the nexus energy while the impact on economics, food security and direct energy use is small.
Trendsetting, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Receptivity, and Future Orientation among the Young Generation of Chinese College Students: Trendsetters Critically Matter
Authors: Workman Jane E. , Lee Seung-Hee , Jung Kwangho
Published: October 2019

Current Chinese college students will become future consumers and fashion leaders. We examined, relying on a survey of 572 Chinese college students, which college students are trendsetters and followers. MANOVA results found four different innovation groups from trendsetters, to early adopters, to late adopters, and to reluctant adopters. ANOVA and regression results also found significant differences in cultural receptivity, cultural awareness, and future orientation between trendsetters and followers. The regression with the quadratic forms illustrated that the impact of trendsetting is not linear and becomes much larger for trendsetters but is almost none for the three follower groups. The piecewise regression revealed that the slope of the followers is flat, implying no relationship between the followers and cultural receptivity, awareness, and future orientation. However, the slope of the trendsetters is steep, implying a strong positive relationship between trendsetters and cultural attitudes such as cultural receptivity, cultural awareness, and future orientation.
Evaluating the Environmental Performance of a Product/Service-System Business Model for Merino Wool Next-to-Skin Garments: The Case of Armadillo Merino®
Authors: Bech Nynne Marie , Birkved Morten , Charnley Fiona , Laumann Kjaer Louise , Pigosso Daniela C. A. , Hauschild Michael Z. , McAloone Tim C. , Moreno Mariale
Published: October 2019

Circular business models are often enabled by means of product/service-systems (PSS). The common perception is that such business models have enhanced environmental performance when compared to conventional business models rooted in the linear economy. This article investigates the environmental potential of developing a use-oriented PSS business model for Merino wool t-shirts intended for use by the British Ministry of Defence as an alternative to the present supply system based on synthetic t-shirts purchased from sportswear clothing companies. To conduct the assessment, we apply the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to quantify and compare the climate change impacts and impact potentials of the proposed PSS business model and of a reference business model. Results showed that there could be significant contribution of quantifying environmental potential for PSS business models when justifying the transition to a circular economy. However, when adopting LCA methodology for this purpose, the design of the PSS needs to be well thought to overcome some of the identified challenges. The article concludes by making the case that LCA studies can support the definition, design and value creation of the product/service-systems in early development stages.
Emerging Location-Based Service Data on Perceiving and Measuring Multifunctionality of Rural Space: A Study of Suzhou, China
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Li Hongbo , Zhang Xiaolin , Hu Xiaoliang , Wang Yahua
Published: October 2019

Understanding how human mobilities reconstruct contemporary rural space is of great significance to multifunctional rural transition. However, conventional approaches adopted by social surveys have a technological restriction on collecting data of individual behavior, such as limited samples, subjective self-reported data, and time-consuming investigation. This study proposes a data-driven methodology to explore multifunctionality of rural space by employing the real-time Tencent user quantity (RTUQ) data to analyze the quantity and distribution of observables in rural space. Based on over 250,000 records of hourly RTUQ data during a one-week research period, we perceive spatiotemporal variation of human mobilities in three differentiated villages in Suzhou, China, as well as measure function of residence, employment and consumption on holidays, weekdays and weekends using original equations of function index. Results show that the RTUQ data is valid and reliable for perceiving dynamic patterns of human mobilities at village level, as well as offering new implication for transitional pathways of decision-making. The proposed method is proved to be suitable for distinguishing and comparing multifunctionality of rural space in various times and places, future research on exploring contemporary rural space towards multifunctionality with more geospatial big data is put forward.
Genetic Diversity and Population Divergence of a Rare, Endemic Grass (Elymus breviaristatus) in the Southeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yu Qingqing , Liu Qian , Xiong Yi , Xiong Yanli , Dong Zhixiao , Yang Jian , Liu Wei , Ma Xiao , Bai Shiqie
Published: October 2019

Elymus breviaristatus is a grass species only distributed in the southeast of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), which has suffered from serious habitat fragmentation. Therefore, understanding patterns of genetic diversity within and among natural E. breviaristatus populations could provide insight for future conservation strategies. In this study, sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers were employed to investigate the genetic diversity and hierarchical structure of seven E. breviaristatus populations from QTP, China. Multiple measures of genetic diversity indicated that there is low to moderate genetic variation within E. breviaristatus populations, consistent with its presumed mating system. In spite of its rarity, E. breviaristatus presented high genetic diversity that was equivalent to or even higher than that of widespread species. Bayesian clustering approaches, along with clustering analysis and principal coordinate analysis partitioned the studied populations of E. breviaristatus into five genetic clusters. Differentiation coefficients (Fst, GST, etc.) and AMOVA analysis revealed considerable genetic divergence among different populations. BARRIER analyses indicated that there were two potential barriers to gene flow among the E. breviaristatus populations. Despite these patterns of differentiation, genetic distances between populations were independent of geographic distances (r = 0.2197, p = 0.2534), indicating little isolation by distance. Moreover, despite detecting a common outlier by two methods, bioclimatic factors (altitude, annual mean temperature, and annual mean precipitation) were not related to diversity parameters, indicating little evidence for isolation caused by the environment. These patterns of diversity within and between populations are used to propose a conservation strategy for E. breviaristatus.
Exploring the Benefits of Productization in the Utilities Sector
Authors: Elia Valerio , Gnoni Maria Grazia , Tornese Fabiana
Published: October 2019

The adoption of Product–Service Systems (PSS) in a business strategy is often mainly associated with the servitization process, where a service component is added to the product component in order to improve the value proposition of the company and better satisfy the customer’s needs. The productization phenomenon is far less studied in literature, but growingly prominent in today’s market. In particular, companies in the utilities sector have been exploring the potentialities of productization and proposing new business models for improving their offer to the customers, in order to be more and more competitive on the market. In this paper, we provide a first analysis and classification of productization strategies in the utilities sector, starting from experiences in the Italian market, with the aim of understanding which can be the main benefits of a PSS approach in this field, considering the effects on the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, environmental, and social).
Development of Value Creation Drivers for Sustainable Design of Green Buildings in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alattyih Wael , Haider Husnain , Boussabaine Halim
Published: October 2019

The sustainability of green buildings has been widely recognized around the world in the recent past. Evaluating the investment on such buildings, with higher complexity than the conventional buildings, involves multiple and diverse stakeholders, such as consultants, contractors, general public, governmental institutions, etc. The selection of useful value creation drivers is a difficult task while accommodating the opinion of a group of stakeholders with varying perceptions and experiences regarding the value creation in green building design and the associated costs. In this research, a framework is proposed to develop a set of the most important value creation drivers (VCDs) for green buildings. Five primary VCDs were developed to cover the financial, functional, operational, environmental, and management aspects of a green building. Ninety-eight (98) performance value drivers (PVDs) were identified through the literature for assessing the performance of these value creation drivers. The identified PVDs were evaluated through a hand-delivered questionnaire survey, followed by detailed statistical analysis of the collected data while using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel software. Factor analyses were performed to eliminate the PVDs with least importance based on the responses obtained from 89 experienced managers (45%), engineers (38%), and architects (17%) working in the field of value management of construction industry in Saudi Arabia. Finally, 51 most important PVDs were grouped into two clusters for each value creation driver; for instance, control and planning clusters to assess the performance of management’s VCD. The final outcome of the research in the form of five top level VCDs, 10 clusters, and 51 PVDs will facilitate the designers for enhancing the performance efficiency and value from investment for green buildings in Saudi Arabia, Gulf, and elsewhere.
Research on Real Purchasing Behavior Analysis of Electric Cars in Beijing Based on Structural Equation Modeling and Multinomial Logit Model
Authors: Yan Qingyou , Qin Guangyu , Zhang Meijuan , Xiao Bowen
Published: October 2019

At present, electric cars are being developed rapidly in China as emerging carbon emission reduction vehicles, but their proportion in the Chinese automobile market is still small, and a large number of potential consumers are still holding a wait-and-see attitude. Therefore, for the sake of promoting the further development of electric cars in China, this paper based on the TPB (Theory of Planned Behavior) theoretical research framework, investigates potential consumers in typical areas of Beijing and collects a large amount of data through the design of paper and electronic questionnaires. SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) and MNL (Multinomial Logit Model) models are used to analyze key factors affecting consumers’ purchase intention and actual purchasing behavior. The results show that the positive and negative attributes of consumers’ attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control will have different effects on consumers’ actual purchasing behavior. Finally, based on the analysis results, some reasonable suggestions are proposed for the government and EV (Electric Vehicles) enterprise service providers to increase electric vehicle diffusion.
The Erez–Rosen Solution Versus the Hartle–Thorne Solution
Authors: Boshkayev Kuantay , Quevedo Hernando , Nurbakyt Gulmira , Malybayev Algis , Urazalina Ainur
Published: October 2019

In this work, we investigate the correspondence between the Erez–Rosen and Hartle–Thorne solutions. We explicitly show how to establish the relationship and find the coordinate transformations between the two metrics. For this purpose the two metrics must have the same approximation and describe the gravitational field of static objects. Since both the Erez–Rosen and the Hartle–Thorne solutions are particular solutions of a more general solution, the Zipoy–Voorhees transformation is applied to the exact Erez–Rosen metric in order to obtain a generalized solution in terms of the Zipoy–Voorhees parameter δ = 1 + s q . The Geroch–Hansen multipole moments of the generalized Erez–Rosen metric are calculated to find the definition of the total mass and quadrupole moment in terms of the mass m, quadrupole q and Zipoy–Voorhees δ parameters. The coordinate transformations between the metrics are found in the approximation of ∼q. It is shown that the Zipoy–Voorhees parameter is equal to δ = 1 − q with s = − 1 . This result is in agreement with previous results in the literature.
Degradation of Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone by Bacterial and Fungal Laccases in Presence of Structurally Defined Chemicals and Complex Natural Mediators
Authors: Wang Xiaolu , Bai Yingguo , Huang Huoqing , Tu Tao , Wang Yuan , Wang Yaru , Luo Huiying , Yao Bin , Su Xiaoyun
Published: October 2019

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN) exert deleterious effects to human and animal health. In this study, the ability of a CotA laccase from Bacillus subtilis (BsCotA) to degrade these two mycotoxins was first investigated. Among the nine structurally defined chemical compounds, methyl syringate was the most efficient mediator assisting BsCotA to degrade AFB1 (98.0%) and ZEN (100.0%). BsCotA could also use plant extracts, including the Epimedium brevicornu, Cucumis sativus L., Lavandula angustifolia, and Schizonepeta tenuifolia extracts to degrade AFB1 and ZEN. Using hydra and BLYES as indicators, it was demonstrated that the degraded products of AFB1 and ZEN using the laccase/mediator systems were detoxified. Finally, a laccase of fungal origin was also able to degrade AFB1 and ZEN in the presence of the discovered mediators. The findings shed light on the possibility of using laccases and a mediator, particularly a natural plant-derived complex mediator, to simultaneously degrade AFB1 and ZEN contaminants in food and feed.
Spider Venom: Components, Modes of Action, and Novel Strategies in Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses
Authors: Langenegger Nicolas , Nentwig Wolfgang , Kuhn-Nentwig Lucia
Published: October 2019

This review gives an overview on the development of research on spider venoms with a focus on structure and function of venom components and techniques of analysis. Major venom component groups are small molecular mass compounds, antimicrobial (also called cytolytic, or cationic) peptides (only in some spider families), cysteine-rich (neurotoxic) peptides, and enzymes and proteins. Cysteine-rich peptides are reviewed with respect to various structural motifs, their targets (ion channels, membrane receptors), nomenclature, and molecular binding. We further describe the latest findings concerning the maturation of antimicrobial, and cysteine-rich peptides that are in most known cases expressed as propeptide-containing precursors. Today, venom research, increasingly employs transcriptomic and mass spectrometric techniques. Pros and cons of venom gland transcriptome analysis with Sanger, 454, and Illumina sequencing are discussed and an overview on so far published transcriptome studies is given. In this respect, we also discuss the only recently described cross contamination arising from multiplexing in Illumina sequencing and its possible impacts on venom studies. High throughput mass spectrometric analysis of venom proteomes (bottom-up, top-down) are reviewed.
High Diversity and Novel Enteric Viruses in Fecal Viromes of Healthy Wild and Captive Thai Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Sawaswong Vorthon , Fahsbender Elizabeth , Altan Eda , Kemthong Taratorn , Deng Xutao , Malaivijitnond Suchinda , Payungporn Sunchai , Delwart Eric
Published: October 2019

Cynomolgus macaques are common across South East Asian countries including Thailand. The National Primate Research Center of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University (NPRCT-CU) captures wild-borne cynomolgus macaque for research use. Limited information is available on the enteric viruses and possible zoonotic infections into or from cynomolgus macaques. We characterized and compare the fecal virome of two populations; healthy wild-originated captive cynomolgus macaques (n = 43) reared in NPRCT-CU and healthy wild cynomolgus macaques (n = 35). Over 90% of recognized viral sequence reads amplified from feces were from bacterial viruses. Viruses from seven families of mammalian viruses were also detected (Parvoviridae, Anelloviridae, Picornaviridae, Adenoviridae, Papillomaviridae, Herpesviridae, and Caliciviridae). The genomes of a member of a new picornavirus genus we named Mafapivirus, a primate chapparvovirus, and a circular Rep-encoding single-strand (CRESS) DNA virus were also characterized. Higher abundance of CRESS DNA viruses of unknown tropism and invertebrate-tropic ambidensovirus were detected in wild versus captive macaques likely reflecting dietary differences. Short term rearing in captivity did not have a pronounced effect on the diversity of mammalian viruses of wild cynomolgus macaques. This study is the first report of the fecal virome of cynomolgus macaques, non-human primates frequently used in biomedical research and vaccination studies.
The S2 Subunit of QX-type Infectious Bronchitis Coronavirus Spike Protein Is an Essential Determinant of Neurotropism
Authors: Cheng Jinlong , Zhao Ye , Xu Gang , Zhang Keran , Jia Wenfeng , Sun Yali , Zhao Jing , Xue Jia , Hu Yanxin , Zhang Guozhong
Published: October 2019

Some coronaviruses (CoVs) have an extra furin cleavage site (RRKR/S, furin-S2′ site) upstream of the fusion peptide in the spike protein, which plays roles in virion adsorption and fusion. Mutation of the S2′ site of QX genotype (QX-type) infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) spike protein (S) in a recombinant virus background results in higher pathogenicity, pronounced neural symptoms and neurotropism when compared with conditions in wild-type IBV (WT-IBV) infected chickens. In this study, we present evidence suggesting that recombinant IBV with a mutant S2′ site (furin-S2′ site) leads to higher mortality. Infection with mutant IBV induces severe encephalitis and breaks the blood–brain barrier. The results of a neutralization test and immunoprotection experiment show that an original serum and vaccine can still provide effective protection in vivo and in vitro. This is the first demonstration of IBV-induced neural symptoms in chickens with encephalitis and the furin-S2′ site as a determinant of neurotropism.
Additional Evidence on Serological Correlates of Protection against Measles: An Observational Cohort Study among Once Vaccinated Children Exposed to Measles
Authors: Woudenberg Tom , van Binnendijk Rob , Veldhuijzen Irene , Woonink Frits , Ruijs Helma , van der Klis Fiona , Kerkhof Jeroen , de Melker Hester , de Swart Rik , Hahné Susan
Published: October 2019

To assess correlates of protection against measles and against subclinical measles virus (MV) infection, we recruited once-vaccinated children from geographic regions associated with increased MV circulation and/or at schools with low vaccination coverage in the Netherlands. Paired blood samples were collected shortly after onset of the measles outbreak and after the outbreak. A questionnaire was used to document the likelihood of exposure to MV and occurrence of measles-like symptoms. All blood samples were tested for MV-specific antibodies with five different assays. Correlates of protection were assessed by considering the lowest neutralizing antibody levels in children without MV infection, and by ROC analyses. Among 91 participants, two seronegative children (2%) developed measles, and an additional 19 (23%) experienced subclinical MV infection. The correlate of protection against measles was lower than 0.345 IU/mL. We observed a decreasing attack rate of subclinical MV infection with increasing levels of specific antibodies until 2.1 IU/mL, above which no subclinical MV infections were detected. The ROC analyses found a correlate of protection of 1.71 IU/mL (95% CI 1.01–2.11) for subclinical MV infection. Our correlates of protection were consistent with previous estimates. This information supports the analyses of serosurveys to detect immunity gaps that require targeted intervention strategies.
Geomorphodynamics in Argan Woodlands, South Morocco
Authors: Kirchhoff Mario , Engelmann Lars , Zimmermann Lutz Leroy , Seeger Manuel , Marzolff Irene , Aït Hssaine Ali , Ries Johannes B.
Published: October 2019

The endemic argan tree (Argania spinosa) populations in South Morocco are highly degraded due to their use as a biomass resource in dry years and illegal firewood extraction. The intensification and expansion of agricultural land lead to a retreat of the wooded area, while the remaining argan open woodlands are often overgrazed. Thus, canopy-covered areas decrease while areas without vegetation cover between the argan trees increase. In total, 36 rainfall simulation experiments as well as 60 infiltration measurements were conducted to investigate the potential difference between tree-covered areas and bare intertree areas. In addition, 60 soil samples were taken under the trees and in the intertree areas parallel to the contour lines. Significant differences using a t-test were found between tree and intertree areas for the studied parameters Ksat, Kh, pH, electric conductivity, percolation stability, total C-content, total N-content, K-content, Na-content, and Mg-content. Surface runoff and soil losses were not as conclusive but showed similar trends. The results showed that argan trees influence the soil underneath significantly, while the soil in intertree areas is less protected and more degraded. It is therefore reasonable to assume further degradation of the soil when intertree areas extend further due to lack of rejuvenation of argan trees.
Flow Depths and Velocities across a Smooth Dike Crest
Authors: Formentin Sara Mizar , Gaeta Maria Gabriella , Palma Giuseppina , Zanuttigh Barbara , Guerrero Massimo
Published: October 2019

This contribution proposes a systematic analysis of the overtopping process at dikes, focused on the statistical description of the extreme flow characteristics across the dike crest. The specific objective of the analysis is the investigation of structures subjected to high run-up levels and low freeboards, under severe or extreme conditions that are likely to occur in the future due to climate change. The adopted methodology is based on the collection of new experimental and numerical tests of wave overtopping at smooth dikes at various crest levels. The reliability of the new data is checked in terms of average overtopping discharge and wave reflection coefficient, against consolidated predicting methods from the literature. An update and refitting of the existing formulae for the prediction of the extreme flow depths and velocities at the dike off-shore edge is proposed based on the experimental and numerical outcomes. The dynamics of the overtopping flow propagation along the dike crest under breaking and non-breaking waves, in emerged and submerged conditions, is investigated. Guidelines to update the state-of-the-art formulae for a more cautious estimation of the water depths and the velocities of propagation of the flow in the landward area are provided.
Rhapsody for the Theatre. Between Dance and Cinema
Authors: Denkova Lidia , Badiou Alain
Published: October 2019

A chapter from Alain Badiou’s dialogic book (with Nicolas Truong) on the condition of theatre today, its merging borders with other arts and media and its challenged perspectives tomorrow. This philosophic pamphlet is based on a public talk given by the famous philosopher at the Avignon Theatre Festival. Translated in Bulagrian by prof. Lidia Denkova.
Avaliação geoquímica das águas envasadas de aquíferos cristalinos no sul e sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Teramoto Elias Hideo , Navarro Juan , Kiang Chang Hung
Published: October 2019

Os mecanismos relacionados à interação rocha-água são importantes processos para o entendimento da qualidade da água subterrânea. A composição química de 38 marcas de água envasada dos aquíferos cristalinos nas regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil foram avaliadas para um diagnóstico preliminar dos processos de interação rocha-água atuantes. Os resultados apontam que as diversas amostras de água apresentam graus distintos de interação com a rocha, e que estes podem ser mensurados pela concentração do íon HCO3-. A análise exploratória indica que águas pouco mineralizadas, provavelmente provenientes de recarga recente, são do tipo misto. Por outro lado, águas mais mineralizadas são do tipo bicarbonatado, variando do sódico ao cálcico, ambas com elevada proporção de magnésio. A despeito da ampla variabilidade composicional das rochas que compõe os aquíferos analisados, nota-se que a assembleia mineralógica que mais contribui para a composição da água são os silicatos cálcio-magnesianos, representados predominantemente pela hornblenda. O sódio e parte do cálcio na água são provenientes da hidrólise de plagioclásios, enquanto o potássio é proveniente da dissolução de feldspato potássico.