bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rice Bran Reduces Weight Gain and Modulates Lipid Metabolism in Rats with High-Energy-Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Yang Suh-Ching , Huang Wen-Ching , Ng Xin Er , Lee Mon-Chien , Hsu Yi-Ju , Huang Chi-Chang , Wu Hai-Hsin , Yeh Chiu-Li , Shirakawa Hitoshi , Budijanto Slamet , Tung Te-Hsuan , Tung Yu-Tang
Published: August 2019

Obesity has become an epidemic worldwide. It is a complex metabolic disorder associated with many serious complications and high morbidity. Rice bran is a nutrient-dense by product of the rice milling process. Asia has the world’s highest rice production (90% of the world’s rice production); therefore, rice bran is inexpensive in Asian countries. Moreover, the high nutritional value of the rice bran suggests its potential as a food supplement promoting health improvements, such as enhancing brain function, lowering blood pressure, and regulating pancreatic secretion. The present study evaluated the anti-obesity effect of rice bran in rats with high-energy diet (HED)-induced obesity. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into one of five diet groups (n = 10 per group) and fed the following for eight weeks: Normal diet with vehicle treatment, HED with vehicle, rice bran-0.5X (RB-0.5X) (2% wt/wt rice bran), RB-1.0X (4% wt/wt rice bran), and RB-2.0X (8% wt/wt rice bran). Rice bran (RB-1.0X and RB-2.0X groups) markedly reduced obesity, including body weight and adipocyte size. In addition, treating rats with HED-induced obesity using rice bran significantly reduced the serum uric acid and glucose as well as the liver triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Furthermore, administration of an HED to obese rats significantly affected hepatic lipid homeostasis by increasing phosphotidylcholine (PC; 18:2/22:6), diacylglycerol (DG; 18:2/16:0), DG (18:2/18:1), DG (18:1/16:0), cholesteryl ester (CE; 20:5), CE (28:2), TG (18:0/16:0/18:3), and glycerol-1-2-hexadecanoate 3-octadecanoate. However, the rice bran treatment demonstrated an anti-adiposity effect by partially reducing the HED-induced DG (18:2/18:1) and TG (18:0/16:0/18:3) increases in obese rats. In conclusion, rice bran could act as an anti-obesity supplement in rats, as demonstrated by partially reducing the HED-induced DG and TG increases in obese rats, and thus limit the metabolic diseases associated with obesity and the accumulation of body fat and hepatic lipids in rats.
Variation and Interdependencies of Human Milk Macronutrients, Fatty Acids, Adiponectin, Insulin, and IGF-II in the European PreventCD Cohort
Authors: Grunewald Maria , Hellmuth Christian , Kirchberg Franca F. , Mearin Maria Luisa , Auricchio Renata , Castillejo Gemma , Korponay-Szabo Ilma R. , Polanco Isabel , Roca Maria , Vriezinga Sabine L. , Werkstetter Katharina , Koletzko Berthold , Demmelmair Hans
Published: August 2019

Human milk composition is variable. The identification of influencing factors and interdependencies of components may help to understand the physiology of lactation. In this study, we analyzed linear trends in human milk composition over time, the variation across different European countries and the influence of maternal celiac disease. Within a multicenter European study exploring potential prevention of celiac disease in a high-risk population (PreventCD), 569 human milk samples were donated by women from five European countries between 16 and 163 days postpartum. Some 202 mothers provided two samples at different time points. Protein, carbohydrates, fat and fatty acids, insulin, adiponectin, and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) were analyzed. Milk protein and n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased during the first three months of lactation. Fatty acid composition was significantly influenced by the country of residence. IGF-II and adiponectin concentrations correlated with protein content (r = 0.24 and r = 0.35), and IGF-II also correlated with fat content (r = 0.36), suggesting a possible regulatory role of IGF in milk macronutrient synthesis. Regarding the impact of celiac disease, only the level in palmitic acid was influenced by this disease, suggesting that breastfeeding by celiac disease mothers should not be discouraged.
Therapeutic Advances Against ZIKV: A Quick Response, a Long Way to Go
Authors: Saiz Juan-Carlos
Published: August 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that spread throughout the American continent in 2015 causing considerable worldwide social and health alarm due to its association with ocular lesions and microcephaly in newborns, and Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) cases in adults. Nowadays, no licensed vaccines or antivirals are available against ZIKV, and thus, in this very short time, the scientific community has conducted enormous efforts to develop vaccines and antivirals. So that, different platforms (purified inactivated and live attenuated viruses, DNA and RNA nucleic acid based candidates, virus-like particles, subunit elements, and recombinant viruses) have been evaluated as vaccine candidates. Overall, these vaccines have shown the induction of vigorous humoral and cellular responses, the decrease of viremia and viral RNA levels in natural target organs, the prevention of vertical and sexual transmission, as well as that of ZIKV-associated malformations, and the protection of experimental animal models. Some of these vaccine candidates have already been assayed in clinical trials. Likewise, the search for antivirals have also been the focus of recent investigations, with dozens of compounds tested in cell culture and a few in animal models. Both direct acting antivirals (DAAs), directed to viral structural proteins and enzymes, and host acting antivirals (HAAs), directed to cellular factors affecting all steps of the viral life cycle (binding, entry, fusion, transcription, translation, replication, maturation, and egress), have been evaluated. It is expected that this huge collaborative effort will produce affordable and effective therapeutic and prophylactic tools to combat ZIKV and other related still unknown or nowadays neglected flaviviruses. Here, a comprehensive overview of the advances made in the development of therapeutic measures against ZIKV and the questions that still have to be faced are summarized.
N-Linked Glycosylation Modulates Golgi-Independent Vacuolar Sorting Mediated by the Plant Specific Insert
Authors: Vieira Vanessa , Peixoto Bruno , Costa Mónica , Pereira Susana , Pissarra José , Pereira Cláudia
Published: August 2019

In plant cells, the conventional route to the vacuole involves the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi and the prevacuolar compartment. However, over the years, unconventional sorting to the vacuole, bypassing the Golgi, has been described, which is the case of the Plant-Specific Insert (PSI) of the aspartic proteinase cardosin A. Interestingly, this Golgi-bypass ability is not a characteristic shared by all PSIs, since two related PSIs showed to have different sensitivity to ER-to-Golgi blockage. Given the high sequence similarity between the PSI domains, we sought to depict the differences in terms of post-translational modifications. In fact, one feature that draws our attention is that one is N-glycosylated and the other one is not. Using site-directed mutagenesis to obtain mutated versions of the two PSIs, with and without the glycosylation motif, we observed that altering the glycosylation pattern interferes with the trafficking of the protein as the non-glycosylated PSI-B, unlike its native glycosylated form, is able to bypass ER-to-Golgi blockage and accumulate in the vacuole. This is also true when the PSI domain is analyzed in the context of the full-length cardosin. Regardless of opening exciting research gaps, the results obtained so far need a more comprehensive study of the mechanisms behind this unconventional direct sorting to the vacuole.
Employing PCBTDPP as an Efficient Donor Polymer for High Performance Ternary Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Binrui , Saianand Gopalan , Roy V. A. L. , Qiao Qiquan , Reza Khan Mamun , Kang Shin-Won
Published: August 2019

A compatible low-bandgap donor polymer (poly[N-90-heptadecanyl-2,7carbazole-alt-3,6-bis(thiophen-5-yl)-2,5-dioctyl-2,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4]pyrrole-1,4-dione], PCBTDPP) was judicially introduced into the archetypal poly(3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC61BM) photoactive system to fabricate highly efficient ternary based bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells (PSCs). The PCBTDPP ternary-based PSC with optimal loading (0.2 wt.%) displayed outstanding performance with a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.28% as compared to the PCE (4.67%) for P3HT:PC61BM-based PSC (reference). The improved PCE for PCBTDPP ternary-based PSC can be mainly attributed to the incorporation of PCBTDPP into P3HT:PC61BM that beneficially improved the optical, morphological, electronic, and photovoltaic (PV) performance. This work instills a rational strategy for identifying components (donor/acceptor (D/A) molecules) with complementary beneficial properties toward fabricating efficient ternary PSCs.
Electrical Conductivity Performance of Predicted Modified Fibre Contact Model for Multi-Filler Polymer Composite
Authors: Mohd Radzuan Nabilah Afiqah , Sulong Abu Bakar , Hui David , Verma Anil
Published: August 2019

Polymer composites have been extensively fabricated given that they are well-fitted for a variety of applications, especially concerning their mechanical properties. However, inadequate outcomes, mainly regarding their electrical performance, have limited their significant potential. Hence, this study proposed the use of multiple fillers, with different geometries, in order to improve the electrical conductivity of a polymer composite. The fabricated composite was mixed, using the ball milling method, before being compressed by a hot press machine at 3 MPa for 10 min. The composite plate was then measured for both its in-plane and through-plane conductivities, which were 3.3 S/cm, and 0.79 S/cm, respectively. Furthermore, the experimental data were then verified using a predicted electrical conductivity model, known as a modified fibre contact model, which considered the manufacturing process, including the shear rate and flow rate. The study indicated that the predicted model had a significant trend and value, compared to the experimental model (0.65 S/cm for sample S1). The resultant fabricated composite materials were found to possess an excellent network formation, and good electrical conductivity for bipolar plate application, when applying compression pressure of 3 MPa for 10 min.
Poly(Lactic Acid)/ZnO Bionanocomposite Films with Positively Charged ZnO as Potential Antimicrobial Food Packaging Materials
Authors: Kim Insoo , Viswanathan Karthika , Kasi Gopinath , Sadeghi Kambiz , Thanakkasaranee Sarinthip , Seo Jongchul
Published: August 2019

A series of PLA/ZnO bionanocomposite films were prepared by introducing positively surface charged zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by the solvent casting method, and their physical properties and antibacterial activities were evaluated. The physical properties and antibacterial efficiencies of the bionanocomposite films were strongly dependent on the ZnO NPs content. The bionanocomposite films with over 3% ZnO NPs exhibited a rough surface, poor dispersion, hard agglomerates, and voids, leading to a reduction in the crystallinity and morphological defects. With the increasing ZnO NPs content, the thermal stability and barrier properties of the PLA/ZnO bionanocomposite films were decreased while their hydrophobicity increased. The bionanocomposite films showed appreciable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Especially, the films with over 3% of ZnO NPs exhibited a complete growth inhibition of E. coli. The strong interactions between the positively charged surface ZnO NPs and negatively charged surface of the bacterial membrane led to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and eventually bacterial cell death. Consequently, these PLA/ZnO bionanocomposite films can potentially be used as a food packaging material with excellent UV protective and antibacterial properties.
Introduction to the Special Issue on “Religions in African-American Popular Culture”
Authors: Nelson Angela M.
Published: August 2019

This Special Issue on “Religions in African-American Popular Culture” puts the concepts of religion and popular culture in dialogue (Cobb 2005; Greeley 1988; Hinds et al [...]
UAV-Based Slope Failure Detection Using Deep-Learning Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Omid , Meena Sansar Raj , Blaschke Thomas , Aryal Jagannath
Published: August 2019

Slope failures occur when parts of a slope collapse abruptly under the influence of gravity, often triggered by a rainfall event or earthquake. The resulting slope failures often cause problems in mountainous or hilly regions, and the detection of slope failure is therefore an important topic for research. Most of the methods currently used for mapping and modelling slope failures rely on classification algorithms or feature extraction, but the spatial complexity of slope failures, the uncertainties inherent in expert knowledge, and problems in transferability, all combine to inhibit slope failure detection. In an attempt to overcome some of these problems we have analyzed the potential of deep learning convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for slope failure detection, in an area along a road section in the northern Himalayas, India. We used optical data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over two separate study areas. Different CNN designs were used to produce eight different slope failure distribution maps, which were then compared with manually extracted slope failure polygons using different accuracy assessment metrics such as the precision, F-score, and mean intersection-over-union (mIOU). A slope failure inventory data set was produced for each of the study areas using a frequency-area distribution (FAD). The CNN approach that was found to perform best (precision accuracy assessment of almost 90% precision, F-score 85%, mIOU 74%) was one that used a window size of 64 × 64 pixels for the sample patches, and included slope data as an additional input layer. The additional information from the slope data helped to discriminate between slope failure areas and roads, which had similar spectral characteristics in the optical imagery. We concluded that the effectiveness of CNNs for slope failure detection was strongly dependent on their design (i.e., the window size selected for the sample patch, the data used, and the training strategies), but that CNNs are currently only designed by trial and error. While CNNs can be powerful tools, such trial and error strategies make it difficult to explain why a particular pooling or layer numbering works better than any other.
Supervised Distance-Based Feature Selection for Hyperspectral Target Detection
Authors: Moeini Rad Amir , Abkar Ali Akbar , Mojaradi Barat
Published: August 2019

Feature/band selection (FS/BS) for target detection (TD) attempts to select features/bands that increase the discrimination between the target and the image background. Moreover, TD usually suffers from background interference. Therefore, bands that help detectors to effectively suppress the background and magnify the target signal are considered to be more useful. In this regard, three supervised distance-based filter FS methods are proposed in this paper. The first method is based on the TD concept. It uses the image autocorrelation matrix and the target signature in the detection space (DS) for FS. Features that increase the first-norm distance between the target energy and the mean energy of the background in DS are selected as optimal. The other two methods use background modeling via image clustering. The cluster mean spectra, along with the target spectrum, are then transferred into DS. Orthogonal subspace projection distance (OSPD) and first-norm distance (FND) are used as two FS criteria to select optimal features. Two datasets, HyMap RIT and SIM.GA, are used for the experiments. Several measures, i.e., true positives (TPs), false alarms (FAs), target detection accuracy (TDA), total negative score (TNS), and the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) are employed to evaluate the proposed methods and to investigate the impact of FS on the TD performance. The experimental results show that our proposed FS methods, as compared with five existing FS methods, have improving impacts on common target detectors and help them to yield better results.
The Effects of an Eight over Cricket Bowling Spell upon Pace Bowling Biomechanics and Performance within Different Delivery Lengths
Authors: Callaghan Samuel J. , Lockie Robert G. , Andrews Warren A. , Yu Walter , Chipchase Robert F. , Nimphius Sophia
Published: August 2019

Pace bowlers must often perform extended bowling spells with maximal ball release speed (BRS) while targeting different delivery lengths when playing a multi-day match. This study investigated the effect of an eight over spell upon pace bowling biomechanics and performance at different delivery lengths. Nine male bowlers (age = 18.8 ± 1.7 years) completed an eight over spell, while targeting different lengths (short: 7–10 m, good: 4–7 m, full: 0–4 m from the batter’s stumps, respectively) in a randomized order. Trunk, knee and shoulder kinematics and ground reaction forces at front foot contact (FFC), as well as run-up velocity and BRS were measured. Paired sample t-tests (p ≤ 0.01), Hedges’ g effect sizes, and statistical parametrical mapping were used to assess differences between mean variables from the first and last three overs. No significant differences (p = 0.05–0.98) were found in any discrete or continuous variables, with the magnitude of difference being trivial-to-medium (g = 0.00–0.73) across all variables. Results suggest pace bowlers sustain BRS through a single eight over spell while tolerating the repeatedly high whole-body biomechanical loads as suggested by maintaining the kinematics or technique at the assessed joints during FFC. Practically, the findings are advantageous for bowling performance and support current bowling load monitoring practices.
Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diets in Male Endurance Athletes Demonstrate Different Micronutrient Contents and Changes in Corpuscular Haemoglobin over 12 Weeks
Authors: McSwiney Fionn T. , Doyle Lorna
Published: August 2019

High-carbohydrate (HC) diets and low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets (LCKD) are consumed by athletes for body composition and performance benefits. Little research has examined nutrient density of self-selected HC or LCKDs and consequent effect on blood haematology in an athlete population. Using a non-randomised control intervention trial, nutrient density over 3 days, total blood count and serum ferritin, within endurance athletes following a self-selected HC (n = 11) or LCKD (n = 9) over 12 weeks, was examined. At week 12, HC diet participants had greater intakes of carbohydrate, fibre, sugar, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese and thiamine, with higher glycaemic load (GL), compared to LCKD participants (P < 0.05). LCKD participants had greater intakes of saturated fat, protein, a higher omega 3:6 ratio, selenium, vitamins A, D, E, K1, B12, B2, pantothenic acid and biotin. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) decreased in LCKD participants after 12 weeks but remained unchanged in HC participants, with no change in serum ferritin in either group. This analysis cannot examine nutrient deficiency, but athletes should be made aware of the importance of changes in dietary type on micronutrient intakes and blood haematology, especially where performance is to be considered.
“On Holidays, I Forget Everything… Even My Ecological Footprint”: Sustainable Tourism through Daily Practices or Compartmentalisation as a Keyword?
Authors: Anciaux Amélie
Published: August 2019

In today’s struggle against climate change and for less dependence on fossil fuels, why do people who adopt practices with a lower impact on the environment forget them during their holidays? This contribution sheds new light on sustainable tourism by focusing on daily practices during holidays. Based on the concrete practices of holidaymakers, this contribution proposes to understand some factors and contexts favouring the persistence, the transformation or the abandonment of sustainable practice(s) during holidays. The theoretical framework of this research mainly draws on social practice theories. The empirical material is made of 38 biographical in-depth and crossed interviews: twenty on daily practices with young adults (25–35 years old) who have adopted at least one more sustainable daily practice and who went on holidays for the past year reinforced by 18 interviews with some of their parents.
A Study on the Coordinative Green Development of Tourist Experience and Commercialization of Tourism at Cultural Heritage Sites
Authors: Tang Chengcai , Zheng Qianqian , Ng Pin
Published: August 2019

Tourism at China’s cultural heritage sites has developed rapidly in recent years. These sites have encountered many challenging problems such as poor tourist experience, over-commercialization, and loss of cultural authenticity. This study took the coordinative green development of tourist experience and commercialization of tourism (CGDTECT) at cultural heritage sites as the research objective, using two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Ancient City of Pingyao and West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou—and the Confucius Temple in the historic district of Nanjing as case studies. As such, we attempted to construct an indicator system for CGDTECT at cultural heritage sites. We adopted a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and importance-performance analysis (IPA) method to analyze the importance and performance of CGDTECT from a tourist’s perspective. Our findings show that tourists thought the coordinative green development and experience at the three cultural heritage sites were more important; they were basically satisfied with CGDTECT at the three case studies, so a continuous promotion strategy could be taken. The findings of this study can provide scientific theoretical guidance and practical reference for CGDTECT at cultural heritage sites, and contribute to the scientific protection of cultural heritage sites and the sustainable development of tourism.
Innovation Ecosystems in the EU: Policy Evolution and Horizon Europe Proposal Case Study (the Actors’ Perspective)
Authors: González Fernández Sara , Kubus Renata , Mascareñas Pérez-Iñigo Juan
Published: August 2019

At the European Union (EU) level, innovation matter is acknowledged as crucial for progress and sustainability. Related policy action is materialized through Horizon Europe, the 9th Framework Program (FP) for research and development (R&D). The present 8th FP, Horizon 2020, is already considered the biggest public innovation support program in the world. Accordingly, the 9th FP is a cornerstone of innovation ecosystems configuration in the EU and, thus, should be carefully evaluated. In this paper, the analysis of the forthcoming FP proposal is made and a previously developed framework for the structural advancement assessment of innovation ecosystems was applied. The Actor’s viewpoint from the “innovation helix” is especially advantageous for a thorough evaluation. In conclusion, the Horizon Europe proposal does take into account the knowledge triangle or triple helix (Academia, Government, Industry) with “tacit”, however not very explicit, commitment towards complementing Society and Natural Environment dimensions. The process perspective of innovation is highlighted, particularly in terms of overcoming the “valley of death”; nevertheless, private innovation financing levels are still a matter of concern. If the sustainability is to be achieved, consistently allowing for socioecological transformation, authors recommend the orchestration of efforts, especially in the involvement of Society and implication in innovation, as well as in the Natural Environment orientation.
Effectiveness of Incorporating the Concept of City Sustainability into Sustainability Education Programs
Authors: Kinoshita Akito , Mori Koichiro , Rustiadi Ernan , Muramatsu Shin , Kato Hironori
Published: August 2019

This study developed a sustainability education program that incorporated the concept of city sustainability, delivered it to local university students in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area (Jabodetabek), Indonesia, and then evaluated its effectiveness using questionnaire surveys. The educational materials consisted of a case story and scenario analysis report relating to city sustainability. The case story was a fictional narrative describing sustainability issues in Jabodetabek, in which the protagonist is the head of the local urban planning bureau. The scenario analysis provided three hypothetical scenarios regarding land-use patterns with predicted values of sustainability indicators in 2050. In January 2016, 46 students from Bogor Agricultural University participated in three workshops. Participants completed questionnaire surveys before and after the workshops. The results from the ordered probit models that were based on participants’ responses to 68 items of sustainability-related attitudes and perspectives showed that their participation in the workshops enhanced participants’ environmental concerns and their intention to take pro-sustainability actions. In addition, the participants tended to have a more balanced view on sustainability issues across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This suggested that the sustainability education program focusing on city sustainability successfully enhanced the motivation of learners to contribute toward a more sustainable future.
Science Mapping of Tourist Mobility 1980–2019. Technological Advancements in the Collection of the Data for Tourist Traceability
Authors: Chantre-Astaiza Angela , Fuentes-Moraleda Laura , Muñoz-Mazón Ana , Ramirez-Gonzalez Gustavo
Published: August 2019

The tracking of tourist movements is an essential aspect in the management of sustainable tourist destinations. The current information and communication technologies provide innovative ways of collecting data on tourist movements, but it is still necessary to evaluate tools and methods of study for this challenge. At this point, mobile technologies are the best candidate for this task. Given the relevance of the topic, this paper proposes a mapping science analysis of publications on “movement of tourists” and “traceability.” It has been carried out in the two main sources WOS and SCOPUS. The term “traceability” is brought from industry and technology areas to be applied to the tourist movement/mobility tracking and management. The methodological scheme is based on a selection of search criteria with combinations of terms. The sources of specialized information in applied social sciences and technology were then selected. From there, the searches have been executed for their subsequent analysis in three stages—(I) relevance analysis filtering the results to obtain the most pertinent; (II) analysis of articles with similarity thematic, authors, journals or citations; (III) analysis of selected papers as input for the mapping analysis using Citespace. The automatic naming of clusters under the selected processing confirms that the analysis of movements is a valid scientific trend but research-oriented from the perspective of traceability is non-existent, so this approach is novel and complementary to existing ones and a potential contribution to knowledge about tourist movements. Finally, a set of methodological considerations and a classification of information capture tools are proposed. In this classification, mobile technology is the best option to enable tourist movement analysis.
The Impact of Pedestrian Crossing Flags on Driver Yielding Behavior in Las Vegas, NV
Authors: Clark Sheila , Coughenour Courtney , Bumgarner Kelly , de la Fuente-Mella Hanns , Reynolds Chantel , Abelar James
Published: August 2019

Walking is the most affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly method of transportation. However, the risk of pedestrian injury or death from motor vehicle crashes is significant, particularly in sprawling metropolitan areas. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pedestrian crossing flags (PCFs) on driver yielding behaviors. Participants crossed a marked, midblock crosswalk on a multilane road in Las Vegas, Nevada, with and without PCFs, to determine if there were differences in driver yielding behaviors (n = 160 crossings). Trained observers recorded (1) the number of vehicles that passed in the nearest lane without yielding while the pedestrian waited at the curb and (2) the number of vehicles that passed through the crosswalk while the pedestrian was in the same half of the roadway. ANOVA revealed that drivers were significantly less likely to pass through the crosswalk with the pedestrian in the roadway when they were carrying a PCF (M = 0.20; M = 0.06); drivers were more likely to yield to the pedestrian waiting to enter the roadway when they were carrying a PCF (M = 1.38; M = 0.95). Pedestrian crossing flags are a low-tech, low-cost intervention that may improve pedestrian safety at marked mid-block crosswalks. Future research should examine driver fade-out effects and more advanced pedestrian safety alternatives.
Evaluation of the Environmental and Economic Impacts on the Life Cycle of Different Solutions for Toilet Flush Systems
Authors: Gnoatto Eloise Leonora , Kalbusch Andreza , Henning Elisa
Published: August 2019

The use of plumbing fixtures to promote water saving in the built environment is a common practice in water conservation programs. However, the environmental implications of fixtures replacement should be taken into consideration. This paper analyzes three different scenarios for the provision of water in toilets installed in a university campus. In scenarios 1 and 2, single flush and dual flush devices were installed in the toilets, respectively. In scenario 3, in addition to the installation of dual flush devices, a greywater reuse system from the lavatories was analyzed. The objective is to evaluate, through the Life Cycle Assessment, the environmental aspects related to these scenarios. The economic analysis of the three scenarios was also carried out. Measurements were taken on all plumbing fixtures installed in a building of a university campus in Southern Brazil. The research was conducted using smart meters in two periods: with single flush and dual flush devices installed in toilets. Considering the environmental impacts analyzed, scenario 3 presented lower water and energy consumption in the life cycle. Scenario 2, however, presented lower global warming potential. The net present value results were R$ 23,575.71, R$ 19,091.41, and R$ 22,500.55 for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively.
Mapping the Emotional Experience of Travel to Understand Cycle-Transit User Behavior
Authors: Meenar Mahbubur , Flamm Bradley , Keenan Kevin
Published: August 2019

People experience emotions during travel. Driving, riding a bicycle, taking transit, and walking all involve multiple mental processes, potentially leading to various ranges of emotions such as fear, anger, sorrow, joy, and anticipation. Understanding the link between emotions and transportation environments is critical to planning efforts aiming to bring about a more environmentally sustainable society. In this paper, we identified, geo-coded, analyzed, and visualized emotions experienced by cycle–transit users, or CTUs, who combine bicycling and public transit in a single trip. We addressed two research questions: (1) What types of emotions do CTUs experience, why, and where? (2) How can mapping and understanding these emotions help urban planners comprehend CTU travel behavior and build a more sustainable transportation system? Based on 74 surveys completed by CTUs in Philadelphia, USA, we performed a content analysis of textual data and sketch maps, coded for emotional content, attached emotions with geo-referenced locations using GIS, and finally created four types of emotional maps. Overall, CTUs expressed 50 negative and 31 positive sentiments. Anger was the most frequently identified emotion, followed by disgust, fear, sadness, and joy. Twenty-five transportation planners reviewed the maps; the majority found that the maps could effectively convey an emotional account of a journey, opinions on routes and locations, or emotions attached to them. This paper advances theory and practice in two ways. First, the method privileges a heretofore little examined form of knowledge—the emotional experience of CTUs—and transportation planners confirm the value of this knowledge for practice. Second, it extends the study of emotional geographies to the transportation environment, pointing out venues for additional planning interventions. We conclude that mapping emotions reveals a more comprehensive understanding of travel experience that aids in better transportation planning and happier neighborhoods.
Modified Pyramid of CSR for Corporate Image and Customer Loyalty: Focusing on the Moderating Role of the CSR Experience
Authors: Lee Seojin Stacey , Kim Yaeri , Roh Taewoo
Published: August 2019

The current study aims to suggest a modified pyramid of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the airline industry and find the moderating effects of consumer’s CSR experience (CSRE). Although previous studies proved the positive effects of CSR, there are surprisingly few research studies that incorporate Carroll’s fundamental CSR and specific issues of environmental responsibility in the airline industry as the integrated model. Thus, we suggest an alternative perspective of CSR, which can apply exclusively in the airline industry. Second, the moderating role of CSRE is demonstrated in a critical manner. To be specific, we hypothesize that sharing the same experience of altruistic motives may increase intimacy between the company and consumers, which affects a positive CSR evaluation. Therefore, consumers sharing the CSRE may perceive the CSR initiative more positively when compared to those who were not involved in the CSR programs before. By using the structural equation model (SEM) and ordinary least square (OLS) regression, we examined the effects of the modified pyramid of CSR on the corporate image (CI) and the moderating role of CSRE on customer loyalty (CL). The findings suggest that airline managers should consider environmental responsibility in CSR activities and design a variety of programs that should be designed to enhance consumers’ CSRE.
Assessing the Openness and Conviviality of Open Source Technology: The Case of the WikiHouse
Authors: Priavolou Christina , Niaros Vasilis
Published: August 2019

The housing crisis has received growing interest from academia, industry, and policymakers. Open construction systems have emerged as a promising solution to achieve long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability. In this paper, extensive fieldwork was conducted to investigate a case of an open construction system, namely, the WikiHouse Den Bosch. The research framework builds on a combined view of two main concepts: “conviviality” and “openness”. The aim is to provide an in-depth understanding of the relationship between these two aspects and the literature regarding “Design Global Manufacture Local”. The analysis showed that conviviality and openness are complex and context-specific factors. The paper concludes by outlining the need for an “institutionalized conviviality” to open up new pathways for future practice to address sustainability issues.
Is the Environmental Kuznets Curve Still Valid: A Perspective of Wicked Problems
Authors: Chen Jingling , Hu Tao Eric , van Tulder Rob
Published: August 2019

Historically, academia has paid much attention to environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) associated hypotheses, and the EKC per se has triggered conflicting reactions since first posited. Yet, all controversies seem not to have any base framework to address further pollution-related strategies. Built upon an extensive critical review of the extant EKC literature, this paper attempts to address the gap by introducing the theory of wicked problems that can be used to reframe the extant EKC research. Integrating and synthesizing the theories and empirical findings of the extant EKC literature, this paper develops a conceptual framework (a research agenda), and suggests that, given humans’ bound rationality and societal uncertainties, the EKC pattern may not be valid for the situations of more wicked pollution. Mainly focusing on this type of pollution, the paper contributes to the EKC study in proposing a set of causal relationships built upon the attitudes of societal sectors. The paper points to the necessity of distinguishing the less wicked pollution situations from the more wicked ones that require different practical and academic strategies to deal with. The former can be addressed along with economic growth, and the latter requires proactive attitudes, proactive leadership, and strong organization of societal sectors. In doing so, we hope to advance the conversation surrounding EKC studies and the abatement practice adaption. Contributions of this study and future research avenues for empirical verifications of the theory are then discussed.
The Potential of Biomethane in Replacing Fossil Fuels in Heavy Transport—A Case Study on Finland
Authors: Pääkkönen Anna , Aro Kalle , Aalto Pami , Konttinen Jukka , Kojo Matti
Published: August 2019

Electrification is a frequently discussed solution for reducing transport related carbon dioxide emissions. However, transport sectors such as aviation and heavy-duty vehicles remain dependent on on-board fuels. Here, biomethane is still a little exploited solution, and the case of heavy-duty vehicles is particularly underappreciated despite the recent technical advances and potentially notable emission reductions. This paper discusses the potential of biomethane in heavy-duty road transport in the case of Finland, where the utilization rate is low compared to the technical potential. To this end, the potential of biomethane production through both anaerobic digestion and gasification was calculated in three scenarios for the heavy-duty transport fleet, based on the literature values of biomethane potential and truck class fuel consumption. The authors find that approximately half of the heavy-duty transport in Finland could be biomethane fueled by 2030. The estimated production costs for biomethane (81–190 €/MWh) would be competitive with the current consumer diesel price (152 €/MWh). Utilizing the total biomethane potential in heavy-duty transport would furthermore decrease the respective carbon dioxide emissions by 50%. To accelerate the transition in the heavy-duty transport sector, a more comprehensive political framework is needed, taking into account both production and consumption.
Temporal-Spatial Variations and Regional Disparities in Land-Use Efficiency, and the Response to Demographic Transition
Authors: Wang Ge , Yang Juan , Ou Dinghua , Xiong Yalan , Deng Ouping , Li Qiquan
Published: August 2019

China has undergone rapid industrialization and urbanization over the past 40 years. In this process, as a large country with a vast territory and a large population, China’s population development and land utilization have been greatly affected and undergone dramatic changes. In this paper, we mainly discuss the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of land-use efficiency in China from 1991 to 2016 and the regional disparities and explore the impacts of demographic transition on land-use efficiency by employing a STIRPAT model. In terms of space, China’s land-use efficiency has significant agglomeration distribution characteristics and regional inequality, and the degrees of agglomeration and differentiation have gradually become enhanced over time. Our study on the influences of demographic transition on land-use efficiency found a Kuznets curve relationship between the transition of population size and land-use efficiency, as well as between the income level transition and land-use efficiency. Especially, land-use efficiency first increases up to the population threshold of 10,611.877 × 104, then efficiency decreases as the population grows. The overall average population in the whole country is 4117.753 × 104, which is smaller than the identified threshold. Interestingly, the factors influencing land-use efficiency also showed very significant regional disparities. In the eastern region, there is a U-curve relationship between the population employed in secondary industries (ES2) and land-use efficiency. Land-use efficiency decreases down to the ES2 threshold of 343.674 × 104 for the eastern region, whereas the overall average ES2 is 874.976 × 104, indicating that this region has reached the turning point where land-use efficiency will improve as the population employed in secondary industries increases. Meanwhile, the increase in the human capital level was significantly positively correlated with land-use efficiency in the eastern region. For the central region, the transition of the urban–rural population structure (measured by the urbanization rate) significantly increased land-use efficiency. In addition, the results of panel estimation showed a Kuznets relationship between the population employed in tertiary industries (ES3) and land-use efficiency in the western region. Land-use efficiency increases up to the ES3 threshold of 455.545 × 104, and then decreases with an increasing population employed in tertiary industries, whereas the overall average ES3 in the western region is 415.97 × 104, which is smaller than the identified threshold. Policymakers could use these findings to inform rational suggestions with a sound scientific basis regarding the promotion of land-use transition.
Preventing Shoulder-Surfing Attacks using Digraph Substitution Rules and Pass-Image Output Feedback
Authors: Por Lip Yee , Ku Chin Soon , Ang Tan Fong
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we focus on methods to prevent shoulder-surfing attacks. We initially adopted digraph substitution rules from PlayFair cipher as our proposed method. PlayFair cipher is a modern cryptography method, which exists at the intersection of the disciplines of mathematics and computer science. However, according to our preliminary study it was insufficient to prevent shoulder-surfing attacks. Thus, a new method had to be proposed. In this new proposed method, we improvised the digraph substitution rules and used these rules together with an output feedback method to determine a pass-image. Our proposed method was evaluated with a user study. The results showed our proposed method was robust against both direct observation and video-recorded shoulder-surfing attacks.
Annona cherimola Seed Extract Activates Extrinsic and Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathways in Leukemic Cells
Authors: Haykal Tony , Nasr Peter , Hodroj Mohammad H. , Taleb Robin I. , Sarkis Rita , Moujabber Marvy Nadine El. , Rizk Sandra
Published: August 2019

Annona cherimola Mill is a large green fruit with black seeds widely known to possess toxic properties due to the presence of Annonaceous acetogenins. The present study investigates the anti-cancer properties of an Annona cherimola Mill ethanolic seed extract on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) cell lines in vitro and elucidates the underlying cellular mechanism. The anti-proliferative effects of the extract on various AML cell lines and normal mesenchymal cells (MSCs) were assessed using WST-1 viability reagent. The pro-apoptotic effect of the extract was evaluated using Annexin V/PI staining and Cell Death ELISA. The underlying mechanism was deciphered by analyzing the expression of various proteins using western blots. Treatment with an A. cherimola seed ethanolic extract promotes a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of the proliferation of various AML cell lines, but not MSCs. Positive Annexin V staining, as well as DNA fragmentation, confirm an increase in apoptotic cell death by upregulating the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins which control both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of phytosterols, in addition to other bioactive compounds. In conclusion, Annona cherimola Mill seed extract, previously known to possess a potent toxic activity, induces apoptosis in AML cell lines by the activation of both the extrinsic and the intrinsic pathways.
Validation of Predicted Virulence Factors in Listeria monocytogenes Identified Using Comparative Genomics
Authors: Abdelhamed Hossam , Lawrence Mark , Ramachandran Reshma , Karsi Attila
Published: August 2019

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular facultative pathogen that causes listeriosis, a foodborne zoonotic infection. There are differences in the pathogenic potential of L. monocytogenes subtypes and strains. Comparison of the genome sequences among L. monocytogenes pathogenic strains EGD-e and F2365 with nonpathogenic L. innocua CLIP1182 and L. monocytogenes strain HCC23 revealed a set of proteins that were present in pathogenic strains and had no orthologs among the nonpathogenic strains. Among the candidate virulence factors are five proteins: putrescine carbamoyltransferase; InlH/InlC2 family class 1 internalin; phosphotransferase system (PTS) fructose transporter subunit EIIC; putative transketolase; and transcription antiterminator BglG family. To determine if these proteins have a role in adherence and invasion of intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and/or contribute to virulence, five mutant strains were constructed. F2365ΔinlC2, F2365Δeiic, and F2365Δtkt exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in adhesion to Caco-2 cells compared to parent F2365 strain. The invasion of F2365ΔaguB, F2365ΔinlC2, and F2365ΔbglG decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with the parent strain. Bacterial loads in mouse liver and spleen infected by F2365 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than it was for F2365ΔaguB, F2365ΔinlC2, F2365Δeiic, F2365Δtkt, and F2365ΔbglG strains. This study demonstrates that aguB, inlC2, eiic, tkt, and bglG play a role in L. monocytogenes pathogenicity.
Immunopathologic Effects of Prednisolone and Cyclosporine A on Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Replication and Persistence
Authors: Miller Craig , Powers Jordan , Musselman Esther , Mackie Ryan , Elder John , VandeWoude Sue
Published: August 2019

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) induces opportunistic disease in chronically infected cats, and both prednisolone and cyclosporine A (CsA) are clinically used to treat complications such as lymphoma and stomatitis. However, the impact of these compounds on FIV infection are still unknown and understanding immunomodulatory effects on FIV replication and persistence is critical to guide safe and effective therapies. To determine the immunologic and virologic effects of prednisolone and CsA during FIV infection, FIV-positive cats were administered immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone (2 mg/kg) or CsA (5 mg/kg). Both prednisolone and CsA induced acute and transient increases in FIV DNA and RNA loads as detected by quantitative PCR. Changes in the proportion of lymphocyte immunophenotypes were also observed between FIV-infected and naïve cats treated with CsA and prednisolone, and both treatments caused acute increases in CD4+ lymphocytes that correlated with increased FIV RNA. CsA and prednisolone also produced alterations in cytokine expression that favored a shift toward a Th2 response. Pre-treatment with CsA slightly enhanced the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy but did not enhance clearance of FIV. Results highlight the potential for drug-induced perturbation of FIV infection and underscore the need for more information regarding immunopathologic consequences of therapeutic agents on concurrent viral infections.