bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Production of Lipids Using 5-Hydorxymethy Furfural Tolerant Rhodotorula graminis Grown on the Hydrolyzates of Steam Pretreated Softwoods
Authors: Nakagame Seiji , Shimizu Yuta , Saddler Jack N.
Published: January 2020

Acid catalyzed (SO2) steam pretreated softwoods inevitably contain furans such as 5-hydorxymethy furfural (HMF) and furfural, which are derived from the respective degradation of component hexoses and pentoses. As these materials are known to be inhibitory to fermentation, six oleaginous yeasts were grown on corn steep liquor (CSL) medium containing HMF (0.2%) and furfural (0.1%) to assess their resistance to possible inhibition and its possible influence on lipid production. R. graminis showed the highest tolerance to HMF (0.2%) and furfural (0.1%) when they were added individually to the CSL medium. However, when both HMF (0.2%) and furfural (0.1%) were added together, this inhibited the growth of R. graminis. Subsequent evaporation of the CSL medium successfully removed furfural from the CSL medium and increased the sugar concentration. However, the residual concentration of HMF (0.4%) still inhibited R. graminis growth. To try to improve HMF tolerance, R. graminis was slowly acclimatized in medium containing HMF (0.4%) and was eventually able to produce 1.8 g/L of lipids after four days of growth in the HMF containing medium. This was close to the same amount of lipid produced as when R. graminis was grown in the CSL medium without HMF and furfural. This indicated that an acclimatization strategy is a promising way to enhance lipids production when R. graminis is grown on the hydrolyzates of SO2-catalyzed steam pretreated lignocellulosic substrates.
Understanding the Conceptual Evolutionary Path and Theoretical Underpinnings of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Sustainability
Authors: Ashrafi Mehrnaz , Magnan Gregory M. , Adams Michelle , Walker Tony R.
Published: January 2020

To unlock the potential for corporations to play a more proactive role in sustainable development, it is critical to have a fundamental understanding of the pathways leading to a responsible and sustainable business. This study explores contributions of theories of the firm in explicating why and how integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate sustainability (CS) into business strategic decisions and operation processes helps to improve the viability of corporations. The research objective is addressed through a narrative review of relevant literature by following the developmental and evolutionary sequences in business responsibility and sustainability while contemplating the connections between CSR and CS through the lens of the dominant theoretical perspectives underpinning the concepts. The study posits an integrative theoretical framework that offers supports for embedding CSR and CS into a corporate business strategy. It discusses that corporate choice of CSR and CS actions and policies is supported by dual internal and external mechanisms based on resource-based theory and institutional theory. This is to meet the interests and expectations of internal and external stakeholders, the basis upon which stakeholder theory is constructed. Findings from this review corroborate the proposition that the three theories of resource-based, institutional, and stakeholder could be used as the primary approach to explain corporate recognition of the need for CSR and CS, and further build a coherent platform to support corporate choice and adoption of CSR and CS in business strategy.
Increasing Dairy Sustainability with Integrated Crop–Livestock Farming
Authors: Wiesner Susanne , Duff Alison J. , Desai Ankur R. , Panke-Buisse Kevin
Published: January 2020

Dairy farms are predominantly carbon sources, due to high livestock emissions from enteric fermentation and manure. Integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLSs) have the potential to offset these greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as recycling products within the farm boundaries is prioritized. Here, we quantify seasonal and annual greenhouse gas budgets of an ICLS dairy farm in Wisconsin USA using satellite remote sensing to estimate vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines to calculate farm emissions. Remotely sensed annual vegetation NPP correlated well with farm harvest NPP (R2 = 0.9). As a whole, the farm was a large carbon sink, owing to natural vegetation carbon sinks and harvest products staying within the farm boundaries. Dairy cows accounted for 80% of all emissions as their feed intake dominated farm feed supply. Manure emissions (15%) were low because manure spreading was frequent throughout the year. In combination with soil conservation practices, ICLS farming provides a sustainable means of producing nutritionally valuable food while contributing to sequestration of atmospheric CO2. Here, we introduce a simple and cost-efficient way to quantify whole-farm GHG budgets, which can be used by farmers to understand their carbon footprint, and therefore may encourage management strategies to improve agricultural sustainability.
Willingness of the New Generation of Farmers to Participate in Rural Tourism: The Role of Perceived Impacts and Sense of Place
Authors: Li Binbin , Mi Zengyu , Zhang Zhenghe
Published: January 2020

This study aims to assess the willingness of the new generation of farmers in China to return to their hometowns for the purpose of contributing to rural tourism. Based on the hierarchy of effects models (HOE) and the social representation theory (SRT), this study utilized an analysis model of perceived rural tourism impacts (P), sense of place (SoP), and willingness to participate (WTP) by the new generation of farmers, where sense of place was deconstructed into the two independent dimensions of place identification (PI) and place attachment (PA). A total of 263 valid questionnaire surveys were collected in Yanling County, a demonstration county for leisure agriculture and rural tourism in China. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was used to analyze the data. The results show that the perceived impacts of rural tourism on the new generation of farmers had a significant positive impact on their willingness to participate in the development of rural tourism. It was also found that sense of place played a mediating role in the perceived impacts of rural tourism and willingness to participate. Additionally, perceived impacts of rural tourism had a significant positive effect on place identity, where place identity played a mediating role between perceived impacts of rural tourism and place attachment. Place identity had a significant positive effect on place attachment, and place attachment played a mediating role between place identity and willingness to participate. The practical implications of these findings for future research and rural tourism development are also discussed.
A Compact Pigeon-Inspired Optimization for Maximum Short-Term Generation Mode in Cascade Hydroelectric Power Station
Authors: Tian Ai-Qing , Chu Shu-Chuan , Pan Jeng-Shyang , Cui Huanqing , Zheng Wei-Min
Published: January 2020

Pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) is a new type of intelligent algorithm. It is proposed that the algorithm simulates the movement of pigeons going home. In this paper, a new pigeon herding algorithm called compact pigeon-inspired optimization (CPIO) is proposed. The challenging task for multiple algorithms is not only combining operations, but also constraining existing devices. The proposed algorithm aims to solve complex scientific and industrial problems with many data packets, including the use of classical optimization problems and the ability to find optimal solutions in many solution spaces with limited hardware resources. A real-valued prototype vector performs probability and statistical calculations, and then generates optimal candidate solutions for CPIO optimization algorithms. The CPIO algorithm was used to evaluate a variety of continuous multi-model functions and the largest model of hydropower short-term generation. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is a more effective way to produce competitive results in the case of limited memory devices.
The Role of Curtailment Versus Efficiency on Spillovers Among Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Evidence from Two Towns in Granada, Spain
Authors: Suárez-Varela Marta , Dinar Ariel
Published: January 2020

In this paper we explore the existence of behavioral consistency between individuals’ pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors in related domains (cross-domain), distinguishing between the following two types of behaviors that the literature has identified as entailing different levels of sacrifice on the part of the individual: curtailment, i.e., implying the adoption of daily habits, and efficiency behaviors, i.e., installation of efficient devices. Using a dataset on bottled water demand from two cities in southern Spain, we find evidence of behavioral consistency between the undertaking of certain pro-environmental habits related to household water consumption and the decision to consume (or not) bottled water. These effects are found only when curtailment behaviors are considered, but not in relation to efficiency behaviors. Moreover, our results suggest that policies fostering pro-environmental habits could prove more successful than the ones promoting pro-environmental attitudes or awareness. These results have important implications for the design of environmental campaigns and rebate programs.
Contribution of University to Environmental Energy Sustainability in the City
Authors: Leon Iñigo , Oregi Xabat , Marieta Cristina
Published: January 2020

The environmental energy sustainability of universities has aroused great interest in recent years. In this study, environmental impact assessment tools are used to analyse the environmental impacts of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) since 2015 and to identify reform scenarios to make the university more sustainable. University campuses can be considered to be small cities that impact the environment of the cities where they are located. The environmental impacts of the UPV/EHU Gipuzkoa campus and the impacts on the city of Donostia-San Sebastián in which the university is located are analysed. The environmental impacts are calculated using simulation tools based on three-dimensional models of the university campus and the city. These results are compared with actual impact results from monitoring. The simulation results differ from the monitoring results but provide a rapid determination of the best future scenarios for a more sustainable university by taking the impacts on the city into account. This study enables the university to align its efforts with the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy.
Tuning the Catalytic Activity of a Quantum Nutcracker for Hydrogen Dissociation
Authors: Tao Lei , Zhang Yu-Yang , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Du Shixuan
Published: January 2020

A quantum nutcracker, a recently proposed catalytic system for hydrogen dissociation, consists of two inert components: an organic molecule such as a transition metal phthalocyanine and an inert surface such as Cu or Au. The reaction takes place at the interface between the two components, which are weakly bonded by Van der Waals (VdW) forces. Here, we explore a method used to tune the reaction barrier in a quantum nutcracker system for hydrogen dissociation. By employing density-functional-theory calculations, we find that the H2 entry barrier, which is the rate-limiting barrier, is reduced by replacing the phthalocyanine by porphyrin derivatives such as octaethylporphyrin (OEP) and tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP). The system remains active if a dissociated H atom is adsorbed on the transition metal ion. Metallic two-dimensional materials such as NbS2 and CoS2 are good candidates for the quantum nutcracker. The present design of a quantum nutcracker for hydrogen dissociation provides new opportunities with which to induce catalytic activity in VdW-bonded systems.
Relation of Superconducting Pairing Symmetry and Non-Magnetic Impurity Effects in Vortex States
Authors: Sera Yasuaki , Ueda Takahiro , Adachi Hiroto , Ichioka Masanori
Published: January 2020

Non-magnetic impurity scattering effects on the vortex core states are theoretically studied to clarify the contributions from the sign-change of the pairing function in anisotropic superconductors. The vortex states are calculated by the Eilenberger theory in superconductors with p x -wave pairing symmetry, as well as the corresponding anisotropic s-wave symmetry. From the spatial structure of the pair potential and the local electronic states around a vortex, we examine the differences between anisotropic superconductors with and without sign-change of the pairing function, and estimate how twofold symmetric vortex core images change with increasing the impurity scattering rate both in the Born and the unitary limits. We found that twofold symmetric vortex core image of zero-energy local density of states changes the orientation of the twofold symmetry with increasing the scattering rate when the sign change occurs in the pairing function. Without the sign change, the vortex core shape reduces to circular one with approaching dirty cases. These results of the impurity effects are valuable for identifying the pairing symmetry by observation of the vortex core image by the STM observation.
Particular Solutions of Ordinary Differential Equations Using Discrete Symmetry Groups
Authors: Bibi Khudija
Published: January 2020

This article explains how discrete symmetry groups can be directly applied to obtain the particular solutions of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The particular solutions of some nonlinear ordinary differential equations have been generated by means of their discrete symmetry groups.
Engineering Tests to Evaluate the Feasibility of an Emerging Solar Pavement Technology for Public Roads and Highways
Authors: A. Coutu Ronald , Newman David , Munna Mohiuddin , Tschida Joseph H. , Brusaw Scott
Published: January 2020

Concrete and asphalt are the primary materials used to construct roadways for motor vehicles, paths for pedestrians and bicyclists, and runways for aircraft. Solar Roadways®, Inc. (SR) proposed a novel solar pavement technology (i.e., solar road panels (SRP)) as an alternative material and energy source. SR performed load, traction, and impact testing to use SRPs in non-critical applications like parking lots. To use SRP in public roads, engineering tests including freeze/thaw, moisture absorption, heavy vehicle, and shear testing were accomplished on “SR3” prototypes. Testing was performed at Marquette University in the Engineering Materials and Structural Testing Laboratory and the SR Pilot Project area. Moisture absorption and freeze/thaw tests showed “SR3” resistant to extreme weather and moisture environments. Heavy vehicle testing revealed no physical damage to the “SR3” after approximately 989,457 equivalent single axle loads were continuously rolled over a prototype pavement. Shear testing was conducted to investigate “SR3” laminate structure properties. In all cases, electrical failure was defined when “SR3” photovoltaic voltage dropped to zero volts. The maximum shear stress and applied torque for “SR3”’ (S/N’s Paver 1, 002B, 007C, and 004B) were 1756 kPa, 1835 kPa, 1643 kPa, 2023 kPa; and 121.2 kN·m, 131.3 kN·m, 117.6 kN·m, 144.8 kN·m, respectively. In addition, the “SR3” “heartbeat” light emitting diode (LED) remained operational (i.e., indicates computer bus traffic) in all phases of shear testing. Overall, the results show “SR3” prototypes to be robust, resilient, and functional when subjected to “real-world” test conditions.
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms that Induce Arterial Calcification by Indoxyl Sulfate and P-Cresyl Sulfate
Authors: Opdebeeck Britt , D’Haese Patrick C. , Verhulst Anja
Published: January 2020

The protein-bound uremic toxins, indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), are considered to be harmful vascular toxins. Arterial media calcification, or the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in the arteries, contributes significantly to cardiovascular complications, including left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, and impaired coronary perfusion in the elderly and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes. Recently, we reported that both IS and PCS trigger moderate to severe calcification in the aorta and peripheral vessels of CKD rats. This review describes the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which these uremic toxins induce arterial media calcification. A complex interplay between inflammation, coagulation, and lipid metabolism pathways, influenced by epigenetic factors, is crucial in IS/PCS-induced arterial media calcification. High levels of glucose are linked to these events, suggesting that a good balance between glucose and lipid levels might be important. On the cellular level, effects on endothelial cells, which act as the primary sensors of circulating pathological triggers, might be as important as those on vascular smooth muscle cells. Endothelial dysfunction, provoked by IS and PCS triggered oxidative stress, may be considered a key event in the onset and development of arterial media calcification. In this review a number of important outstanding questions such as the role of miRNA’s, phenotypic switching of both endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells and new types of programmed cell death in arterial media calcification related to protein-bound uremic toxins are put forward and discussed.
Multi-Approach Investigation Regarding the West Nile Virus Situation in Hungary, 2018
Authors: Zana Brigitta , Erdélyi Károly , Nagy Anna , Mezei Eszter , Nagy Orsolya , Takács Mária , Bakonyi Tamás , Forgách Petra , Korbacska-Kutasi Orsolya , Fehér Orsolya , Malik Péter , Ursu Krisztina , Kertész Péter , Kepner Anett , Martina Máté , Süli Tamás , Lanszki Zsófia , Tóth Gábor Endre , Kuczmog Anett , Somogyi Balázs , Jakab Ferenc , Kemenesi Gábor
Published: January 2020

The West Nile virus is endemic in multiple European countries and responsible for several epidemics throughout the European region. Its evolution into local or even widespread epidemics is driven by multiple factors from genetic diversification of the virus to environmental conditions. The year of 2018 was characterized by an extraordinary increase in human and animal cases in the Central-Eastern European region, including Hungary. In a collaborative effort, we summarized and analyzed the genetic and serologic data of WNV infections from multiple Hungarian public health institutions, universities, and private organizations. We compared human and veterinary serologic data, along with NS5 and NS3 gene sequence data through 2018. Wild birds were excellent indicator species for WNV circulation in each year. Our efforts resulted in documenting the presence of multiple phylogenetic subclades with Balkans and Western-European progenitor sequences of WNV circulating among human and animal populations in Hungary prior to and during the 2018 epidemic. Supported by our sequence and phylogenetic data, the epidemic of 2018 was not caused by recently introduced WNV strains. Unfortunately, Hungary has no country-wide integrated surveillance system which would enable the analysis of related conditions and provide a comprehensive epidemiological picture. The One Health approach, involving multiple institutions and experts, should be implemented in order to fully understand ecological background factors driving the evolution of future epidemics.
Identification of a Novel Papillomavirus Associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Domestic Cat
Authors: Carrai Maura , Van Brussel Kate , Shi Mang , Li Ci-Xiu , Chang Wei-Shan , Munday John S. , Voss Katja , McLuckie Alicia , Taylor David , Laws Andrew , Holmes Edward C. , Barrs Vanessa R. , Beatty Julia A.
Published: January 2020

Papillomaviruses infect the skin and mucosal surfaces of diverse animal hosts with consequences ranging from asymptomatic colonization to highly malignant epithelial cancers. Increasing evidence suggests a role for papillomaviruses in the most common cutaneous malignancy of domestic cats, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Using total DNA sequencing we identified a novel feline papillomavirus in a nasal biopsy taken from a cat presenting with both nasal cavity lymphoma and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma affecting the nasal planum. We designate this novel virus as Felis catus papillomavirus 6 (FcaPV6). The complete FcaPV6 7453 bp genome was similar to those of other feline papillomaviruses and phylogenetic analysis revealed that it was most closely related to FcaPV3, although was distinct enough to represent a new viral type. Classification of FcaPV6 in a new genus alongside FcaPVs 3, 4 and 5 is supported. Archived excisional biopsy of the SCC, taken 20 months prior to presentation, was intensely positive on p16 immunostaining. FcaPV6, amplified using virus-specific, but not consensus, PCR, was the only papillomavirus detected in DNA extracted from the SCC. Conversely, renal lymphoma, sampled at necropsy two months after presentation, tested negative on FcaPV6-specific PCR. In sum, using metagenomics we demonstrate the presence of a novel feline papillomavirus in association with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Characterization of the Immune Response of MERS-CoV Vaccine Candidates Derived from Two Different Vectors in Mice
Authors: Li Entao , Yan Feihu , Huang Pei , Chi Hang , Xu Shengnan , Li Guohua , Liu Chuanyu , Feng Na , Wang Hualei , Zhao Yongkun , Yang Songtao , Xia Xianzhu
Published: January 2020

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is an acute, high-mortality-rate, severe infectious disease caused by an emerging MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) that causes severe respiratory diseases. The continuous spread and great pandemic potential of MERS-CoV make it necessarily important to develop effective vaccines. We previously demonstrated that the application of Gram-positive enhancer matrix (GEM) particles as a bacterial vector displaying the MERS-CoV receptor-binding domain (RBD) is a very promising MERS vaccine candidate that is capable of producing potential neutralization antibodies. We have also used the rabies virus (RV) as a viral vector to design a recombinant vaccine by expressing the MERS-CoV S1 (spike) protein on the surface of the RV. In this study, we compared the immunological efficacy of the vaccine candidates in BALB/c mice in terms of the levels of humoral and cellular immune responses. The results show that the rabies virus vector-based vaccine can induce remarkably earlier antibody response and higher levels of cellular immunity than the GEM particles vector. However, the GEM particles vector-based vaccine candidate can induce remarkably higher antibody response, even at a very low dose of 1 µg. These results indicate that vaccines constructed using different vaccine vector platforms for the same pathogen have different rates and trends in humoral and cellular immune responses in the same animal model. This discovery not only provides more alternative vaccine development platforms for MERS-CoV vaccine development, but also provides a theoretical basis for our future selection of vaccine vector platforms for other specific pathogens.
Cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr Virus Associations with Neurological Diseases and the Need for Vaccine Development
Authors: Maple Peter A. C.
Published: January 2020

Herpesviruses have been isolated from a wide range of hosts including humans—for which, nine species have been designated. The human herpesviruses are highly host adapted and possess the capacity for latency, allowing them to survive in the host for life, effectively hidden from the immune system. This ability of human herpesviruses to modulate the host immune response poses particular challenges for vaccine development but at the same time proves attractive for the application of human herpesvirus vaccines to certain spheres of medicine. In this review, congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and hearing loss will be described followed by a comment on the status of current vaccine development. Secondly, the association of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection with multiple sclerosis (MS) and how EBV vaccination may be of benefit will then be discussed. Prevention of congenital CMV by vaccination is an attractive proposition and several vaccines have been evaluated for potential use. Particularly challenging for the development of CMV vaccines are the needs to prevent primary infection, reinfection, and reactivation at the same time as overcoming the capacity of the virus to generate highly sophisticated immunomodulatory mechanisms. Cost and the practicalities of administering potential vaccines are also significant issues, particularly for low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of disease is greatest. An effective EBV vaccine that could prevent the 200,000 new EBV-associated malignancies which occur globally each year is not currently available. There is increasing interest in developing EBV vaccines to prevent MS and, in view of the association of infectious mononucleosis with MS, reducing childhood infectious mononucleosis is a potential intervention. Currently, there is no licensed EBV vaccine and, in order to progress the development of EBV vaccines for preventing MS, a greater understanding of the association of EBV with MS is required.
Humanized Mice for Live-Attenuated Vaccine Research: From Unmet Potential to New Promises
Authors: O’Connell Aoife K. , Douam Florian
Published: January 2020

Live-attenuated vaccines (LAV) represent one of the most important medical innovations in human history. In the past three centuries, LAV have saved hundreds of millions of lives, and will continue to do so for many decades to come. Interestingly, the most successful LAVs, such as the smallpox vaccine, the measles vaccine, and the yellow fever vaccine, have been isolated and/or developed in a purely empirical manner without any understanding of the immunological mechanisms they trigger. Today, the mechanisms governing potent LAV immunogenicity and long-term induced protective immunity continue to be elusive, and therefore hamper the rational design of innovative vaccine strategies. A serious roadblock to understanding LAV-induced immunity has been the lack of suitable and cost-effective animal models that can accurately mimic human immune responses. In the last two decades, human-immune system mice (HIS mice), i.e., mice engrafted with components of the human immune system, have been instrumental in investigating the life-cycle and immune responses to multiple human-tropic pathogens. However, their use in LAV research has remained limited. Here, we discuss the strong potential of LAVs as tools to enhance our understanding of human immunity and review the past, current and future contributions of HIS mice to this endeavor.
Co-Administration of Injected and Oral Vaccine Candidates Elicits Improved Immune Responses over Either Route Alone
Authors: Hayden Celine A. , Landrock Danilo , Hung Chiung Yu , Ostroff Gary , Fake Gina M. , Walker John H. , Kier Ann , Howard John A.
Published: January 2020

Infectious diseases continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and although efficacious vaccines are available for many diseases, some parenteral vaccines elicit little or no mucosal antibodies which can be a significant problem since mucosal tissue is the point of entry for 90% of pathogens. In order to provide protection for both serum and mucosal areas, we have tested a combinatorial approach of both parenteral and oral administration of antigens for diseases caused by a viral pathogen, Hepatitis B, and a fungal pathogen, Coccidioides. We demonstrate that co-administration by the parenteral and oral routes is a useful tool to increase the overall immune response. This can include achieving an immune response in tissues that are not elicited when using only one route of administration, providing a higher level of response that can lead to fewer required doses or possibly providing a better response for individuals that are considered poor or non-responders.
Real-Time Implementation of Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Simchon Lior , Rabinovici Raul
Published: January 2020

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), such as Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) systems, can be used to reduce the energy consumption in modern vehicles. In particular, GLOSA systems provide driving strategies that can decrease both energy consumption and travel time. In this paper, we present a new method to calculate the optimal driving speeds based on traffic light data. To this end, a detailed formulation for the optimization problem is presented for a multi-segment route, based on an electric vehicle (EV) and traffic light models in an urban environment. Since this formulation results in a nonconvex optimization problem, a relaxation procedure is applied with a low calculation time. By using this procedure, a dynamic real-time speed advisory algorithm is developed. Numerical simulations showed improved performance over benchmark techniques. In particular, the proposed Dynamic-GLOSA solution’s performance was shown to be very close to that with a brute-force optimal solution but with a much shorter calculation time and has significant potential for energy saving.
Climate Change Impacts on Reservoir Inflow in the Prairie Pothole Region: A Watershed Model Analysis
Authors: Muhammad Ameer , Evenson Grey R. , Unduche Fisaha , Stadnyk Tricia A.
Published: January 2020

The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) is known for its hydrologically complex landscape with a large number of pothole wetlands. However, most watershed-scale hydrologic models that are applied in this region are incapable of representing the dynamic nature of contributing area and fill-spill processes affected by pothole wetlands. The inability to simulate these processes represents a critical limitation for operators and flood forecasters and may hinder the management of large reservoirs. We used a modified version of the soil water assessment tool (SWAT) model capable of simulating the dynamics of variable contributing areas and fill-spill processes to assess the impact of climate change on upstream inflows into the Shellmouth reservoir (also called Lake of the Prairie), which is an important reservoir built to provide multiple purposes, including flood and drought mitigation. We calibrated our modified SWAT model at a daily time step using SUFI-2 algorithm within SWAT-CUP for the period 1991–2000 and validated for 2005–2014, which gave acceptable performance statistics for both the calibration (KGE = 0.70, PBIAS = −13.5) and validation (KGE = 0.70, PBIAS = 21.5) periods. We then forced the calibrated model with future climate projections using representative concentration pathways (RCPs; 4.5, 8.5) for the near (2011–2040) and middle futures (2041–2070) of multiple regional climate models (RCMs). Our modeling results suggest that climate change will lead to a two-fold increase in winter streamflow, a slight increase in summer flow, and decrease spring peak flows into the Shellmouth reservoir. Investigating the impact of climate change on the operation of the Shellmouth reservoir is critically important because climate change could present significant challenges to the operation and management of the reservoir.
Dissolved Metal(loid) Concentrations and Their Relations with Chromophoric and Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter in an Urban River in Shenzhen, South China
Authors: Zhang Song , Chen Xun-Wen , Ye Quanhui , Zhang Zi-Ting , Kong Si-Fang , Cao Chun , Wang Jun-Jian
Published: January 2020

Urbanization is often accompanied by aquatic metal(loid) pollution, which is regulated by dissolved organic matter (DOM). However, the relationships between dissolved metal(loid) concentration and the bulk, chromophoric, and fluorescent DOM in black and odorous urban rivers are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the dissolved metal(loid) concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cr, As, Pb, and Cd and their correlations with DOM-related parameters in water samples from a polluted urbanized watershed in Shenzhen, China. The results showed that the Zn and Cu concentrations in the mainstream and tributary exceeded the national standards, and the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was an important source, as indicated by the abrupt concentration increases downstream of the WWTP. The dissolved metal(loid) concentrations were not always significantly correlated with the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration or the ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (UV254); however, they were more likely to be correlated with the maximum fluorescence intensity (Fmax) of protein-like fluorescent DOM components. A strong correlation between the Cu/DOC ratio and specific UV254 (SUVA254) previously reported did not exist in the present study. Instead, the Cu/DOC ratio was positively correlated with the Fmax/DOC ratios for protein-like fluorescent DOM components. Our study highlights that protein-like fluorescent DOM may be more important than humic-like fluorescence DOM and chromophoric DOM in terms of interacting with dissolved metal(loid)s in black and odorous urban rivers.
Algal Bloom Occurrence and Effects in Russia
Authors: Namsaraev Zorigto , Melnikova Anna , Komova Anastasia , Ivanov Vasily , Rudenko Anastasia , Ivanov Evgenii
Published: January 2020

Eutrophication caused by the entry of nutrients into a water body may lead to algal bloom. Russia possesses the world’s second highest supply of renewable freshwater resources and has faced the problem of eutrophication for many years. Nevertheless, as far as we know, no general analysis of Russia’s algal bloom situation has been before carried out. We have analyzed mass media and scientific reports about algal outbreaks from 2016 to 2018, which allowed us to determine the geographical distribution of algal blooms in Russia, as well as the major effects of eutrophication. As a result, we showed that algal blooms happened in all major climate zones and all federal districts. Cyanobacteria are the most frequently reported photosynthetic organisms comprising algal blooms in freshwater reservoirs located in the continental part of Russia and in the Baltic Sea. Dinoflagellate dominated blooms are more characteristic for the coastal parts of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The largest number of reports comes from the south of the European part of Russia. However, we did not find significant correlations between state statistics data on factors possibly affecting eutrophication (e.g., population, arable land area, fertilizers, livestock, air temperature, etc.) and the number of algal outbreaks in the regions. Mass media analysis showed that algal blooms attract considerable public attention in Russia, which requires the scientific community to actively participate in solving the problem.
Surface Water and Groundwater Quality in South Africa and Mozambique—Analysis of the Most Critical Pollutants for Drinking Purposes and Challenges in Water Treatment Selection
Authors: Verlicchi Paola , Grillini Vittoria
Published: January 2020

According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the countries which still have limited access to water for drinking purposes are mainly those in the Sub-Saharan region. In this context, the current study provides an overview of the quality of surface water and groundwater in rural and peri-urban areas of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and Mozambique (MZ) in terms of concentrations of conventional pollutants, inorganic chemicals, microorganisms, and micropollutants. Their values were compared with the drinking water standards available for the two countries. Regarding surface water, it was found that microorganisms occur at high concentrations; nickel (RSA) and boron (MZ) are other critical parameters. Regarding groundwater, arsenic and lead (RSA) and boron, sodium, and chloride (MZ) are the main critical substances. With regard to micropollutants, their surface water concentrations are much higher than those in European rivers. The highest values were for ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, clozapine, and estriol. Suitable treatment is necessary to produce safe water depending on the main critical pollutants but, at the same time, action should be taken to improve wastewater treatment in rural areas to improve and safeguard surface water bodies and groundwater which are sources for drinking needs.
Implications of Water Scarcity for Water Productivity and Farm Labor
Authors: Booker James F. , Trees W. Scott
Published: January 2020

Increasing water scarcity causes a variety of pressures on agricultural production given current and growing food demands. This paper seeks to add to our understanding of water scarcity adaptations by explicitly addressing linkages between water scarcity, water productivity, cropping choices, and farm labor. We challenge the widespread claim that tightening foreign (especially Mexican) labor supply will necessarily result in less labor-intensive crop choices. Instead, by linking water scarcity and farm labor through the lens of water productivity we illustrate scenarios under which climate and technological change result in greater future labor demand in agriculture, including temporary and seasonal workers, largely due to water productivity increases resulting from switching to more labor-intensive crops. We conclude that a focus on crop choices is central to understanding changes in water productivity, labor demand, and technological innovations in response to water scarcity.
Double Pedicle Artery Rotation Sigmoid Vaginoplasty for Vaginal Aplasia Management
Authors: Handaya Adeodatus Yuda , Setyawan Nurcahya , Pangastuti Nuring , Marijata  , Barmawi Agus , Sofii Imam , Rahman Muhamad Nurhadi , Setyawati Ida Ayu , Hafiq Hamzah Muhammad
Published: January 2020

Sigmoid vaginoplasty has been popular for neovagina reconstruction in vaginal aplasia. The most common surgical complication was vaginal stenosis caused by inadequate vascularization and tension because of graft length. Therefore, ischemia ensued and disrupted wound healing. The selection of double pedicle artery rotation sigmoid vaginoplasty is expected to reduce this problem. Five patients from April to December 2016 were diagnosed with vaginal aplasia; 4 had history of neovagina stenosis. These patients underwent sigmoid vaginoplasty with double pedicle artery rotation. No complications occurred during or after the procedure. Assessment postsurgery was conducted at 1 year. These results suggest that double pedicle artery rotation sigmoid vaginoplasty is a safe and acceptable technique for management of vaginal aplasia. The procedure decreased tension inside vascular pedicles as a result of maintaining abundant vascularization supply. Consequently, this procedure could avert graft necrosis, leakage, and severe stenosis. All of the patients exhibited regular menstrual cycle and satisfactory sexual activity. The outcomes were excellent with remarkable anatomical and functional results.
Relationship between big five personality model and abusive supervision
Authors: Tahira Bibi , Saif Naveed , Haroon Muhammad , Ali Sadaqat
Published: January 2020

The current study tries to understand the diverse nature of relationship between personality Big Five Model (PBFM) and student's perception of abusive supervision in higher education institutions of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Pakistan. Data was collected in dyads i.e. (supervisors were asked to rate their personality attributes while student were asked to rate the supervisor behavior) through adopted construct. For this purpose, data was collected from three government state universities and one Private Sector University. The focus was on MS/M.Phill and PhD student and their supervisors of the mentioned universities. After measuring normality and validity regression analysis was conducted to assess the impact of supervisor personality characteristics that leads to abusive supervision. Findings indicate interestingly that except agreeableness other four attributes of (PBFM) are play their role for abusive supervision. The results are novel in the nature as for the first time Neuroticism, openness to experience, extraversion and conscientiousness are held responsible for the abusive supervision. The study did not explore the demographic characteristics, and moderating role of organizational culture, justice and interpersonal deviances to understand the strength of relationship in more detail way.
Keywords: Personality big five model, abusive supervision, HEIs
Psychological empowerment as an antecedent of workplace learning: A study in the context of SMEs in Pakistan
Authors: Shah Syed Tanveer Hussain , Shah Syed Mohsin Ali , Khan Junaid Athar
Published: January 2020

A very important aspect of HRD research is Workplace Learning (WPL). WPL is very important considering its role in the development of skills and abilities of employees. Since employees are a crucial asset for organizations to achieve competitive advantage. Therefore, organizations must ensure continuous learning of their employees. This research was aimed at the investigation of the antecedent role of Psychological Empowerment (PE) for WPL. Using a quantitative approach, primary data was collected from 241 employees of 153 SMEs in Pakistan. Data was analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) by using PLS-SEM. The results of the study indicated that PE did play the role of an antecedent of WPL. Furthermore, Informal learning appeared as the most important form of WPL, followed by incidental and formal learning in SMEs in Pakistan.
Keywords: Psychological empowerment; self-efficacy; workplace learning; self-determination; PLS-SEM.
Creative decision making in leaders: A case of beer game simulation
Authors: Saqib Adeel , Ullah Mohsin , Hyder Shabir , Malik Rashida Khatoon , Khalil Muhammad Imran Khan
Published: January 2020

The leaders play a vital role in the decision scenarios in any organization. A qualitative study was conducted using "Beer distribution game" simulation to create an environment of novel and uncertain conditions. Additionally, the study followed the group interviewing technique to explore the underlying patterns in the creative decision-making phenomenon taken by the leaders in complex situations. The findings of the study revealed three categories of factors that contribute to the creative decision making of the leaders. These categories consist of factors related to individuals personal characteristics, team-level factors, and process related factors. The study revealed during the group discussion that creative decision making occurs through a unique interplay of people, process and technology in the Pakistani context.
Keywords: Creative decision making, beer game, simulation, group interview technique
Türkçe ders kitaplarının PISA okuma yeterlik düzeyleri ile imtihanı
Authors: BENZER Ahmet
Published: January 2020

Okuduğunu anlama her ne kadar Türkçe dersine özgü geliştirilmesi gereken bir beceri olarak kabul edilse de okuma bir “ara disiplin becerisi” olup diğer derslerde de geliştirilmesi beklenen bir beceridir ve araştırmalar okuma becerisine sahip olmayan öğrencilerin diğer derslerde de başarılı olamayacağını ortaya koymuştur. Araştırmada 2019-2020 döneminde ortaokullarda okutulan 5, 6, 7 ve 8. sınıf Türkçe ders kitaplarındaki okuduğunu anlama soruları PISA’da yer alan okuma yeterlilik düzeylerine göre incelemeye alınmıştır. Ders kitaplarındaki okuduğunu anlama soruları 2015 ve 2018 PISA okuma yeterlik düzeylerinde verilen 8 düzey üzerinden incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonucuna göre ders kitaplarındaki soruların %37’sinin 1b, %18.9’unun 1a, %20’sinin 2. düzey, %10’unun 3. düzey, %4.9’unun 4. düzey, %1’inin 5. düzey ve %0.1’inin 6. düzeyde olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Türkçe ders kitaplarındaki okuduğunu anlama sorularının en çok 1b, 1a ve 2 düzeylerinde yoğunlaştığı ve bu sonuçların da PISA’da çıkan sonuçlar ile uyumlu olması dikkat çekicidir. Araştırmada Türkçe ders kitaplarındaki okuduğunu anlama sorularının bilgi düzeyinden çıkarak bilgiyi günlük hayatta kullandırmaya sevk edecek üst düzey düşünme becerilerinin işe koşulacağı soru tiplerinden oluşturulması önerilmiştir.
Methodological and content aspects of training development of skills of confident behavior of police
Authors: Korablev Sergey
Published: January 2020

The article discusses the problem of the methodology and content of the training for developing the skills of confident behavior of employees of internal affairs bodies. The urgency of the problem is associated with the need for intensive socio-psychological training of police officers in terms of organizing and maintaining trusting relationships between the population and police structures. Confidentbehavior of a police officer is considered as a factor of professional effectiveness in solving problems related to the impact on the legal consciousness and behavior of citizens. The necessity of developing skills of confident behavior at the stage of his professional training in specially organized conditions of intensive group interaction - training in developing skills of confident behavior is emphasized. An analysis of approaches to understanding the phenomena of self-confidence and confident behavior in connection with the effectiveness of the police officer in social interaction allows us to determine the strategic directions of socio-psychological training. Special organizational regulations and substantive content of the training for developing confident behavior skills are proposed. The purpose, objectives, principles, methods of the training in accordance with the profiles of the training of graduates of higher educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia are determined. The importance of the harmonious combination of active learning methods with theoretical training and diagnostic procedures as a factor that positively affects the process of self-knowledge and self-development is emphasized.
ISOLASI PIGMEN KAROTENOID PADA KEPITING Metopograpsus sp. BETINA
Authors: Manik Franciskus K.I. , Paransa Darus J , Mantiri Desy MH , Ginting Elvy L , Warouw Veibe , Moningkey Rudy
Published: January 2020

Metopograpsus sp is one of species of crabs usually found in indo-pacifik and lived at mangrove's trunk. The characteristic of this type of crab has type color on the carapace organ that indicate the presence of carotenoid. carotenoid pigments are natural dyes in plants and crustacea. The purpose of this study is to determined type of carotenoid pigments of metopograpsus sp by using TLC Method. The result of this study were identified three type of pigments of metopograpsus sp that are β-Karoten, Astaxanthin, dan Astacene.Key word : Metopograpsus sp, TLC, Carotenoid pigments.AbstrakMetopograpsus sp adalah kepiting mangrove yang biasanya ditemukan di Indo-Pasifik dan hidup dibatang pohon mangrove. Ciri khas dari kepiting ini memiliki corak berwarna pada karapasnya sehingga diasumsikan kepiting tersebut mengandung pigmen karotenoid. pigmen karatenoid adalah pewarna alami yang terdapat pada tanaman dan hewan krustasea. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui jenis-jenis pigmen karotenoid pada kepiting Metopograpsus sp dengan menggunakan metode KLT. Hasil penelitian terdapat tiga jenis pigmen karotenoid yang teridentifikasi pada kepiting Metopograpsus sp yaitu : β-Karoten, Astaxanthin, dan Astacene.Kata Kunci : Metopograpsus sp, KLT, pigmen karotenoid