bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Disparities and Spatial Dependence of Bankruptcy in Spain
Authors: Rico Manuel , Cantarero Santiago , Puig Francisco
Published: April 2021

Firm survival, bankruptcy, and turnaround are of great interest nowadays. Bankruptcy is the ultimate resource for a company to survive when it is affected by a severe decline. Thus, determinants of firm turnaround and survival in the context of bankruptcy are of interest to researchers, managers, and policy-makers. Prior turnaround literature has broadly studied firm-specific factors for turnaround success. However, location-specific factors remain relatively unstudied despite their increasing relevance. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the existence of spatial dependence on the outcome of the bankruptcy procedure. Economic geography and business literature suggest that location matters and closer companies behave similarly to further ones. For this purpose, we designed a longitudinal analysis employing spatial correlation techniques. The analyses were conducted on a sample of 862 Spanish bankrupt firms (2004–2017) at a regional level (province). For overcoming the limitations of the broadly usually logistic model employed for the turnaround context, the Moran’s Index and the Local Association Index (LISA) were applied with gvSIG and GeoDa software. The empirical results show that the predictors GDP per capita and manufacturing specialization are related to higher bankruptcy survival rates. Both characteristics tend to be present in the identified cluster of provinces with better outcomes located in the North of Spain. We suggest that location broadly impacts the likelihood of the survival of a bankrupt firm, which can condition the strategic decision of locating in one region or another. Our findings provide policy-makers, managers, and researchers with relevant contributions and future investigation lines.
Dieckol and Its Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein (UK Strain: VUI 202012/01): A Computational Study
Authors: Aatif Mohammad , Muteeb Ghazala , Alsultan Abdulrahman , Alshoaibi Adil , Khelif Bachir Yahia
Published: April 2021

The high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 has accelerated the development of many potential vaccines. However, these vaccines are designed against SARS-CoV-2 isolated in Wuhan, China, and thereby may not be effective against other SARS-CoV-2 variants such as the United Kingdom variant (VUI-202012/01). The UK SARS-CoV-2 variant possesses D614G mutation in the Spike protein, which impart it a high rate of infection. Therefore, newer strategies are warranted to design novel vaccines and drug candidates specifically designed against the mutated forms of SARS-CoV-2. One such strategy is to target ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme2)–Spike protein RBD (receptor binding domain) interaction. Here, we generated a homology model of Spike protein RBD of SARS-CoV-2 UK strain and screened a marine seaweed database employing different computational approaches. On the basis of high-throughput virtual screening, standard precision, and extra precision molecular docking, we identified BE011 (Dieckol) as the most potent compounds against RBD. However, Dieckol did not display drug-like properties, and thus different derivatives of it were generated in silico and evaluated for binding potential and drug-like properties. One Dieckol derivative (DK07) displayed good binding affinity for RBD along with acceptable physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, drug-likeness, and ADMET properties. Analysis of the RBD–DK07 interaction suggested the formation of hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions with key residues mediating the ACE2–RBD interaction. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of the RBD–DK07 complex. Free energy calculations suggested the primary role of electrostatic and Van der Waals’ interaction in stabilizing the RBD–DK07 complex. Thus, DK07 may be developed as a potential inhibitor of the RBD–ACE2 interaction. However, these results warrant further validation by in vitro and in vivo studies.
Model of Hydraulic Resistance When Forecasting Reverse Osmosis in Water Treatment
Authors: Piekutin Janina , Kotowska Urszula
Published: April 2021

The article presents research on the treatment of infiltration water with increased ammonium ion and nitrate(V) content through reverse osmosis. Then, research was conducted on the phenomena related to the decrease in the permeability of the membrane used for the research. The search for an appropriate interpretation of the phenomena was carried out using mathematical modeling. Based on the assumptions of the hydraulic model of the filtration resistance, calculations were made to forecast the efficiency of the osmotic membrane used in the discussed process. For this purpose, the following indicators were determined experimentally for the membrane: change in the volumetric flow of treated wastewater during low-pressure filtration, total hydraulic resistance, and component resistances, i.e., the resistance of the “new” membrane and resistances resulting from the reversible and irreversible fouling phenomena. It has been observed that irreversible resistance arises in the short and early stages of the process. The efficiency is determined by reversible resistance, which is confirmed by the literature.
Zn-Co-CeO2 vs. Zn-Co Coatings: Effect of CeO2 Sol in the Enhancement of the Corrosion Performance of Electrodeposited Composite Coatings
Authors: Riđošić Marija , Nikolić Nebojša D. , Salicio-Paz Asier , García-Lecina Eva , Živković Ljiljana S. , Bajat Jelena B.
Published: April 2021

Electrodeposition and characterization of novel ceria-doped Zn-Co composite coatings was the main goal of this research. Electrodeposited composite coatings were compared to pure Zn-Co coatings obtained under the same conditions. The effect of two ceria sources, powder and home-made sol, on the morphology and corrosion resistance of the composite coatings was determined. During the electrodeposition process the plating solution was successfully agitated in an ultrasound bath. The source of the particles was found to influence the stability and dispersity of plating solutions. The application of ceria sol resulted in an increase of the ceria content in the resulting coating and favored the refinement from cauliflower-like morphology (Zn-Co) to uniform and compact coral-like structure (Zn-Co-CeO2 sol). The corrosion resistance of the composite coatings was enhanced compared to bare Zn-Co as evidenced by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning Kelvin probe results. Zn-Co doped with ceria particles originating from ceria sol exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to Zn-Co-CeO2 (powder) coatings. The self-healing rate of artificial defect was calculated based on measured Volta potential difference for which Zn-Co-CeO2 (sol) coatings exhibited a self-healing rate of 73.28% in a chloride-rich environment.
Hybrid Nanoparticles Based on Cobalt Ferrite and Gold: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Saikova Svetlana , Pavlikov Alexander , Trofimova Tatyana , Mikhlin Yuri , Karpov Denis , Asanova Anastasiya , Grigoriev Yuri , Volochaev Mikhail , Samoilo Alexander , Zharkov Sergey , Velikanov Dmitry
Published: April 2021

During the past few decades, hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) based on a magnetic material and gold have attracted interest for applications in catalysis, diagnostics and nanomedicine. In this paper, magnetic CoFe2O4/Au HNPs with an average particle size of 20 nm, decorated with 2 nm gold clusters, were prepared using methionine as a reducer and an anchor between CoFe2O4 and gold. The methionine was used to grow the Au clusters to a solid gold shell (up to 10 gold deposition cycles). The obtained nanoparticles (NPs) were studied by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis spectroscopy techniques. The TEM images of the obtained HNPs showed that the surface of cobalt ferrite was covered with gold nanoclusters, the size of which slightly increased with an increase in the number of gold deposition cycles (from 2.12 ± 0.15 nm after 1 cycle to 2.46 ± 0.13 nm after 10 cycles). The density of the Au clusters on the cobalt ferrite surface insignificantly decreased during repeated stages of gold deposition: 21.4 ± 2.7 Au NPs/CoFe2O4 NP after 1 cycle, 19.0 ± 1.2 after 6 cycles and 18.0 ± 1.4 after 10 cycles. The magnetic measurements showed that the obtained HNPs possessed typical ferrimagnetic behavior, which corresponds to that of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The toxicity evaluation of the synthesized HNPs on Chlorella vulgaris indicated that they can be applied to biomedical applications such as magnetic hyperthermia, photothermal therapy, drug delivery, bioimaging and biosensing.
A Symbiotic Approach to Generating Stress Tolerant Crops
Authors: Redman Regina S. , Kim Yong Ok , Cho Sang , Mercer Malia , Rienstra Melissa , Manglona Ryan , Biaggi Taylor , Zhou Xin-Gen , Chilvers Martin , Gray Zachery , Rodriguez Russell J.
Published: April 2021

Studies were undertaken to determine if fungal endophytes from plants in stressful habitats could be commercialized to generate climate resilient crop plants. Fungal endophytes were isolated from weedy rice plants and grasses from South Korea and the USA, respectively. Endophytes (Curvularia brachyspora and Fusarium asiaticum) from weedy rice plants from high salt or drought stressed habitats in South Korea conferred salt and drought stress tolerance to weedy rice and commercial varieties reflective of the habitats from which they were isolated. Fungal endophytes isolated from grasses in arid habitats of the USA were identified as Trichoderma harzianum and conferred drought and heat stress tolerance to monocots and eudicots. Two T. harzianum isolates were exposed to UV mutagenesis to derive strains resistant to fungicides in seed treatment plant protection packages. Three strains that collectively had resistance to commonly used fungicides were used for field testing. The three-strain mixture (ThSM3a) increased crop yields proportionally to the level of stress plants experienced with average yields up to 52% under high and 3–5% in low stress conditions. This study demonstrates fungal endophytes can be developed as viable commercial tools for rapidly generating climate resilient crops to enhance agricultural sustainability.
Comparison of Two Solvers for Simulation of Single Bubble Rising Dynamics: COMSOL vs. Fluent
Authors: Crha Jakub , Basařová Pavlína , Ruzicka Marek C. , Kašpar Ondřej , Zednikova Maria
Published: April 2021

Multiphase flows are a part of many industrial processes, where the bubble motion influences the hydrodynamic behavior of the batch. The current trend is to use numerical solvers that can simulate the movement and mutual interactions of bubbles. The aim of this work was to study how two commercial CFD solvers, COMSOL Multiphysics and Ansys Fluent, can simulate the motion of a single rising bubble in a stagnant liquid. Simulations were performed for spherical or slightly deformed bubbles (Db = 0.6, 0.8, and 1.5 mm) rising in water or in propanol. A simple 2D axisymmetric approach was used. Calculated bubble terminal velocities and bubble shape deformations were compared to both experimental data and theoretical estimations. Solver Comsol Multiphysics was able to precisely calculate the movement of smaller and larger bubbles; due to the 2D rotational symmetry, better results were obtained for small spherical bubbles. The deformation of larger bubbles was calculated sufficiently. Solver Ansys Fluent, in the setting used, failed to simulate the motion of small bubbles due to parasitic currents but allowed for modeling of the motion of larger bubbles. However, the description of the bubble velocity and shape was worse in comparison with experimental values.
Superparamagnetic ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles-Reduced Graphene Oxide-Polyurethane Resin Based Nanocomposites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Application
Authors: Yadav Raghvendra , Anju  , Jamatia Thaiskang , Kuřitka Ivo , Vilčáková Jarmila , Škoda David , Urbánek Pavel , Machovský Michal , Masař Milan , Urbánek Michal , Kalina Lukas , Havlica Jaromir
Published: April 2021

Superparamagnetic ZnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by the sonochemical synthesis method at different ultra-sonication times of 25 min (ZS25), 50 min (ZS50), and 100 min (ZS100). The structural properties of ZnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles were controlled via sonochemical synthesis time. The average crystallite size increases from 3.0 nm to 4.0 nm with a rise of sonication time from 25 min to 100 min. The change of physical properties of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with the increase of sonication time was observed. The prepared ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles show superparamagnetic behavior. The prepared ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (ZS25, ZS50, and ZS100) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were embedded in a polyurethane resin (PUR) matrix as a shield against electromagnetic pollution. The ultra-sonication method has been used for the preparation of nanocomposites. The total shielding effectiveness (SET) value for the prepared nanocomposites was studied at a thickness of 1 mm in the range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. The high attenuation constant (α) value of the prepared ZS100-RGO-PUR nanocomposite as compared with other samples recommended high absorption of electromagnetic waves. The existence of electric-magnetic nanofillers in the resin matrix delivered the inclusive acts of magnetic loss, dielectric loss, appropriate attenuation constant, and effective impedance matching. The synergistic effect of ZnFe2O4 and RGO in the PUR matrix led to high interfacial polarization and, consequently, significant absorption of the electromagnetic waves. The outcomes and methods also assure an inventive and competent approach to develop lightweight and flexible polyurethane resin matrix-based nanocomposites, consisting of superparamagnetic zinc ferrite nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide as a shield against electromagnetic pollution.
Targeting Methylglyoxal in Diabetic Kidney Disease Using the Mitochondria-Targeted Compound MitoGamide
Authors: Tan Sih Min , Lindblom Runa S. J. , Ziemann Mark , Laskowski Adrienne , Granata Cesare , Snelson Matthew , Thallas-Bonke Vicki , El-Osta Assam , Baeza-Garza Carlos D. , Caldwell Stuart T. , Hartley Richard C. , Krieg Thomas , Cooper Mark E. , Murphy Michael P. , Coughlan Melinda T.
Published: April 2021

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains the number one cause of end-stage renal disease in the western world. In experimental diabetes, mitochondrial dysfunction in the kidney precedes the development of DKD. Reactive 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds, such as methylglyoxal, are generated from sugars both endogenously during diabetes and exogenously during food processing. Methylglyoxal is thought to impair the mitochondrial function and may contribute to the pathogenesis of DKD. Here, we sought to target methylglyoxal within the mitochondria using MitoGamide, a mitochondria-targeted dicarbonyl scavenger, in an experimental model of diabetes. Male 6-week-old heterozygous Akita mice (C57BL/6-Ins2-Akita/J) or wildtype littermates were randomized to receive MitoGamide (10 mg/kg/day) or a vehicle by oral gavage for 16 weeks. MitoGamide did not alter the blood glucose control or body composition. Akita mice exhibited hallmarks of DKD including albuminuria, hyperfiltration, glomerulosclerosis, and renal fibrosis, however, after 16 weeks of treatment, MitoGamide did not substantially improve the renal phenotype. Complex-I-linked mitochondrial respiration was increased in the kidney of Akita mice which was unaffected by MitoGamide. Exploratory studies using transcriptomics identified that MitoGamide induced changes to olfactory signaling, immune system, respiratory electron transport, and post-translational protein modification pathways. These findings indicate that targeting methylglyoxal within the mitochondria using MitoGamide is not a valid therapeutic approach for DKD and that other mitochondrial targets or processes upstream should be the focus of therapy.
COVID-19 Vaccines: A Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Current Clinical Trials
Authors: Yan Zhi-Peng , Yang Ming , Lai Ching-Lung
Published: April 2021

Various strategies have been designed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Among them, vaccine development is high on the agenda in spite of the unknown duration of the protection time. Various vaccines have been under clinical trials with promising results in different countries. The protective efficacy and the short-term and long-term side effects of the vaccines are of major concern. Therefore, comparing the protective efficacy and risks of vaccination is essential for the global control of COVID-19 through herd immunity. This study reviews the most recent data of 12 vaccines to evaluate their efficacy, safety profile and usage in various populations.
Comparison of Pulse Wave Signal Monitoring Techniques with Different Fiber-Optic Interferometric Sensing Elements
Authors: Ushakov Nikolai , Markvart Aleksandr , Kulik Daria , Liokumovich Leonid
Published: April 2021

Pulse wave (PW) measurement is a highly prominent technique, used in biomedical diagnostics. Development of novel PW sensors with increased accuracy and reduced susceptibility to motion artifacts will pave the way to more advanced healthcare technologies. This paper reports on a comparison of performance of fiber optic pulse wave sensors, based on Fabry–Perot interferometer, fiber Bragg grating, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and singlemode-multimode-singlemode intermodal interferometer. Their performance was tested in terms of signal to noise ratio, repeatability of demodulated signals and suitability of demodulated signals for extraction of information about direct and reflected waves. It was revealed that the OCT approach of PW monitoring provided the best demodulated signal quality and was most robust against motion artifacts. Advantages and drawbacks of all compared PW measurement approaches in terms of practical questions, such as multiplexing capabilities and abilities to be interrogated by portable hardware are discussed.
Genetic Diversity of Stratiotes aloides L. (Hydrocharitaceae) Stands across Europe
Authors: Turner Barbara , Hameister Steffen , Hudler Andreas , Bernhardt Karl-Georg
Published: April 2021

Intense land use and river regulations have led to the destruction of wetland habitats in the past 150 years. One plant that is affected by the reduction in appropriate habitats is the macrophyte Stratiotes aloides which has become rare in several areas. The preservation of genetic diversity within a species is a prerequisite for survival under changing environmental conditions. To evaluate the level of genetic diversity within and among populations of Stratiotes aloides, we investigated samples from waterbodies across Europe using AFLP. Low genetic diversity among samples from the same population was found, proving that stands consist of few clones which propagate clonally. Nevertheless, most populations showed differences compared to other populations indicating that there is genetic diversity within the species. The analyzed samples formed two groups in STRUCTURE analyses. The two groups can be further subdivided and mainly follow the major river systems. For conserving the genetic diversity of Stratiotes aloides, it would thus be preferable to focus on conserving individuals from many different populations rather than conserving selected populations with a higher number of individuals per population. For reintroductions, samples from the same river system could serve as founder individuals.
Educational Landscape of Virtual Reality in Higher Education: Bibliometric Evidences of Publishing Patterns and Emerging Trends
Authors: Rashid Shaista , Khattak Amira , Ashiq Murtaza , Ur Rehman Shafiq , Rashid Rasool Muhammad
Published: April 2021

This bibliometric study examines the overall research trends and productivity in the field of virtual reality (VR) in higher education. Bibliometric data were retrieved from Scopus databases. The findings suggest a rising trend in terms of citations and publications showing increased interest in the VR domain have been seen during the last few decades. The year in which the most citations of this type occurred was 2009, in which 1913 citations were recorded, whereas 2019 was the most productive year, as 127 documents on this subject were published in that year. The data analysis revealed that all the top ten researchers belong to Australia. Further, the top three researchers (Gregory S., Lee, M.J.W., and Wood, D.), countries (United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia), organizations (Charles Sturt University, Queensland University of Technology, and University of New England, Australia), journals (Computers and Education, International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, and Journal of Surgical Education) and collaborations (Australia and New Zealand, United States and the United Kingdom, and Australia and the United Kingdom) belong to developed countries. Virtual reality, virtual worlds, augmented reality, e-learning, and simulations are the top keywords used in the VR domain. The thematic evolution of the keyword shows the importance of “Virtual Reality” as a keyword throughout the 27 years of its existence (1994–2020). Furthermore, the main finding of the study is the interdisciplinary nature of the VR domain, which extends from the field of computer sciences to other disciplines.
MS-Faster R-CNN: Multi-Stream Backbone for Improved Faster R-CNN Object Detection and Aerial Tracking from UAV Images
Authors: Avola Danilo , Cinque Luigi , Diko Anxhelo , Fagioli Alessio , Foresti Gian Luca , Mecca Alessio , Pannone Daniele , Piciarelli Claudio
Published: April 2021

Tracking objects across multiple video frames is a challenging task due to several difficult issues such as occlusions, background clutter, lighting as well as object and camera view-point variations, which directly affect the object detection. These aspects are even more emphasized when analyzing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) based images, where the vehicle movement can also impact the image quality. A common strategy employed to address these issues is to analyze the input images at different scales to obtain as much information as possible to correctly detect and track the objects across video sequences. Following this rationale, in this paper, we introduce a simple yet effective novel multi-stream (MS) architecture, where different kernel sizes are applied to each stream to simulate a multi-scale image analysis. The proposed architecture is then used as backbone for the well-known Faster-R-CNN pipeline, defining a MS-Faster R-CNN object detector that consistently detects objects in video sequences. Subsequently, this detector is jointly used with the Simple Online and Real-time Tracking with a Deep Association Metric (Deep SORT) algorithm to achieve real-time tracking capabilities on UAV images. To assess the presented architecture, extensive experiments were performed on the UMCD, UAVDT, UAV20L, and UAV123 datasets. The presented pipeline achieved state-of-the-art performance, confirming that the proposed multi-stream method can correctly emulate the robust multi-scale image analysis paradigm.
A Survey of Spoofer Detection Techniques via Radio Frequency Fingerprinting with Focus on the GNSS Pre-Correlation Sampled Data
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Aguilar Sanchez Ignacio , Caparra Gianluca , McKeown Andy , Whitworth Tim , Lohan Elena Simona
Published: April 2021

Radio frequency fingerprinting (RFF) methods are becoming more and more popular in the context of identifying genuine transmitters and distinguishing them from malicious or non-authorized transmitters, such as spoofers and jammers. RFF approaches have been studied to a moderate-to-great extent in the context of non-GNSS transmitters, such as WiFi, IoT, or cellular transmitters, but they have not yet been addressed much in the context of GNSS transmitters. In addition, the few RFF-related works in GNSS context are based on post-correlation or navigation data and no author has yet addressed the RFF problem in GNSS with pre-correlation data. Moreover, RFF methods in any of the three domains (pre-correlation, post-correlation, or navigation) are still hard to be found in the context of GNSS. The goal of this paper was two-fold: first, to provide a comprehensive survey of the RFF methods applicable in the GNSS context; and secondly, to propose a novel RFF methodology for spoofing detection, with a focus on GNSS pre-correlation data, but also applicable in a wider context. In order to support our proposed methodology, we qualitatively investigated the capability of different methods to be used in the context of pre-correlation sampled GNSS data, and we present a simulation-based example, under ideal noise conditions, of how the feature down selection can be done. We are also pointing out which of the transmitter features are likely to play the biggest roles in the RFF in GNSS, and which features are likely to fail in helping RFF-based spoofing detection.
The Effects of Inter-Set Recovery Time on Explosive Power, Electromyography Activity, and Tissue Oxygenation during Plyometric Training
Authors: Guan Shuo , Lin Nan , Yin Yue , Liu Haibin , Liu Liqing , Qi Liping
Published: April 2021

Performing continuous sets to failure is fatiguing during the plyometric training. Cluster sets have been used to redistribute total rest time to create short frequent sets so that muscle fatigue can be avoided. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of inter-set recovery time on lower extremity explosive power, neuromuscular activity, and tissue oxygenation during plyometric exercise and recovery. An integrated assessment of explosive power, muscle electrical activity, and tissue oxygenation was adopted in the present study to help understand local muscle metabolism and fatigue during plyometric exercise and recovery. Ten university male basketball players participated in this study. Subjects performed 4 groups of exercise, each group comprised of 3 sets of jumps: 1, 2, 3, or 5 min. Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were collected from 9 lower extremity muscles; near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was recorded on vastus lateralis; mechanical data during plyometric exercise were collected from a force plate. No significant differences among sets and among groups were found regarding explosive power, jump height, EMG intensity, mean power frequency, the rate of tissue saturation index, and HbO2 changes between baseline and recovery. The current study has shown no muscular fatigue induced during the 4 groups of exercise. The results of this study may help inform recommendations concerning the recovery time during plyometric exercises at low loads (30% 1 RM).
System Dynamics Approach to TALC Modeling
Authors: Hell Marko , Petrić Lidija
Published: April 2021

The system dynamics applied in this research on modeling a tourist destination (area) life cycle (TALC) contributes to understanding its behavior and the way that information feedback governs the use of feedback loops, delays and stocks and flows. On this basis, a system dynamic three-staged TALC model is conceptualized, with the number of visitors V as an indicator of the carrying capacities’ dynamics and the flow function V(t) to determine the TALC stages. In the first supply-dominance stage, the model indicated that arrivals are growing until the point of inflexion. After this point, arrivals continue growing (but with diminishing growth rates), indicating the beginning of the demand-dominance stage, ending up with the saturation point, i.e., the maximum number of visitors. The simulated TALC system dynamics model was then applied to five EU destinations (Living Labs) to explain their development along the observed period (2007–2019). The analysis revealed that all observed Living Labs reached the second lifecycle stage, with one entered as early as in 2015 and another in 2018. Lifecycle stage durations may significantly differ across the destinations, as do the policies used either to prevent stagnation or to restructure the offer to become more sustainable and resilient.
A Participatory Approach for “Circular” Adaptive Reuse of Cultural Heritage. Building a Heritage Community in Salerno, Italy
Authors: Gravagnuolo Antonia , Micheletti Serena , Bosone Martina
Published: April 2021

Cultural heritage is recognized as a key element for local sustainable development, contributing to the identity of territories and cultural diversity of local communities. The concept of “heritage community”, as expressed by the Faro Convention, can be enhanced in decision-making processes for the adaptive reuse and valorization of cultural heritage to build shared and sustainable development scenarios. Communities represent fundamental actors able to drive active reflection and implement the exercise of civic responsibility and (inter)cultural policies. This paper explores how local communities can have an active and effective role in the adaptive reuse and valorization of cultural heritage, through a field experimentation conducted within the Horizon 2020 project “CLIC—Circular models Leveraging Investments in Cultural heritage adaptive reuse” in the area of Rufoli, Salerno (Italy), in the perspective of the circular economy/circular city model. Starting from heritage mapping and key stakeholder’s engagement, a local working group was built, and processes of knowledge building, envisioning, and community engagement were activated. The results showed that building a heritage community can be an effective starting point for “circular” adaptive reuse of cultural heritage, stimulating not only its recovery but also community bonds, civic responsibility, and potential entrepreneurial activities for longer-term sustainable development.
Evaluation of Daily Behaviors Related to Health Risks of the Ger Residents in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Battsengel Enkhchimeg , Murayama Takehiko , Nishikizawa Shigeo , Chonokhuu Sonomdagva
Published: April 2021

The capital city in Mongolia comprises two types of dwellings: apartments and Gers. The Ger is a traditional Mongolian house. Residents of Ger districts in Ulaanbaatar use coal as a source of fuel for daily activities such as heating and cooking in winter due to lack of central heating systems. After coal burning, the ash deposited at the bottom of the oven converts into a powder containing heavy metals that are toxic to human health. Through questionnaires at sites where concentrations of heavy elements were identified in our previous study, we examined the heavy metal exposure pathways of coal ash, which has potentially adverse effects on the health and quality of life of Ger district residents. Survey results indicate that residents have to store the coal ash in packing bags and metal garbage cans near their household fences for at least two weeks because of poor waste management. Owing to the weak seals of the packaging material and open metal cans that contain the coal ash, it is easily transported into surrounding areas by the wind. Adults come into contact with contaminated soil when they are cleaning areas outside and inside the fences, and children are exposed when they play outside the fences. Such activities enhance the dermal exposure as well as inhalation and ingestion pathways of the contaminants for adults and children.
Integrated Evaluation of Changing Water Resources in an Active Ecotourism Area: The Case of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
Authors: Dela Cruz Mark Ace , Nakamura Shinichiro , Hanasaki Naota , Boulange Julien
Published: April 2021

Rapid urbanization, tourism, and climate change (CC) threaten water resource management in developing countries. Conventional water-planning tools cannot account for the changing effects of water disparity, climate risks, and environmental flow (EF) requirements. This paper proposes an alternative approach that applies stylized water-demand forecasting and predicting water availability from the perspectives of CC, changing society, and EF, thereby providing managers with future scenarios of surface water sufficiency/deficiency in an active ecotourism area, namely, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. We considered (1) scenarios of seasonal droughts to prepare for climate risks in the future and (2) scenarios of water availability that do not depend on groundwater supply, in which the projected water deficiency is frequent both annually and seasonally. The results of this case study showed that an additional water supply from the Montible Watershed to the city was projected to secure sufficient amounts of water to achieve surface-water sufficiency, which is consistent with the goals of both the municipality and the water company to reduce the dependency on groundwater. Moreover, significant infrastructure investment costs must be anticipated in Scenario 3. Our approach proves efficient in modeling water demand in regions with active tourism and hydrology and therefore has the potential for further analyses and application.
Extraction of Essential Oil from River Tea Tree (Melaleuca bracteata F. Muell.): Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Yasin Mursleen , Younis Adnan , Ramzan Fahad , Javed Talha , Shabbir Rubab , Noushahi Hamza Armghan , Skalicky Milan , Ondrisik Peter , Brestic Marian , Hassan Sabry , EL Sabagh Ayman
Published: April 2021

Tea tree oil (TTO) from the genus Melaleuca L. has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties and is used by the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and horticultural industries. In Pakistan, Melaleuca bracteata can be exploited for essential oil purposes, as this species is well adapted to Pakistan’s agroclimatic conditions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the yield of M. bracteata essential oil together with its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties under local prevailing conditions of the subtropics. Essential oil was extracted through the hydrodistillation method. Using this method, six batches of 8 kg samples (fresh leaves and branches) underwent a distillation process for 4–5 h. The average yield obtained was about 0.2%. The GCMS was used to identify the components of extracted essential oil. Eugenol methyl ether is the major component in extracted essential oil, i.e., 96% of the total. A high content of flavonoids and phenolics and a Fe-reducing power ability of M. bracteata were observed. The oil was also found effective against B. subtilis, B. cereus, White rot, and A. flavus. Hence, it is concluded that there is a possibility to use TTO for its biocidal properties, and it must also be inspected and then commercialized in Pakistan by the agriculture and cosmetic industries.
Increasing Energy and Material Consumption Efficiency by Application of Material and Energy Flow Cost Accounting System (Case Study: Turbine Blade Production)
Authors: Hakimi Asghar , Abedi Zahra , Dadashian Fatemeh
Published: April 2021

It is often difficult to extract data on material and energy wastes and related costs in the value chain of manufacturing products. Many organizations are not fully aware of the actual costs of material and energy wastes. For this purpose, advanced costing methods should be used. For this case study, we used material and energy flow cost accounting (MEFCA) to determine material costs, losses, and waste management in the manufacturing of turbine blades at the Iran Power Plant Company. Using the extracted data, the manufacturing costs of turbine blades were studied. The conventional method of turbine blades production is the machining method, which produces a significant amount of material and energy waste. By studying different methods, we found that there is an alternative method called forging, which reduces losses and costs. Finally, the costs of the two methods were compared. Engineering economics techniques were also used to compare the two methods on a long-term planning horizon.
Ureolytic MICP-Based Self-Healing Mortar under Artificial Seawater Incubation
Authors: Sun Xichen , Chen Jie , Lu Siyi , Liu Miaomiao , Chen Siyu , Nan Yifei , Wang Yang , Feng Jun
Published: April 2021

Ureolytic microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a promising green technique for addressing sustainable building concerns by promoting self-healing mortar development. This paper deals with bacteria-based self-healing mortar under artificial seawater incubation for the sake of fast crack sealing with sufficient calcium resource supply. The ureolytic MICP mechanism was explored by morphology characterization and compositional analysis. With polyvinyl alcohol fiber reinforcement, self-healing mortar beams were produced and bent to generate 0.4 mm width cracks at the bottom. The crack-sealing capacity was evaluated at an age of 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days, suggesting a 1-week and 2-week healing time for 7-day- and 14-day-old samples. However, the 28-day-old ones failed to heal the cracks completely. The precipitation crystals filling the crack gap were identified as mainly vaterite with cell imprints. Moreover, fiber surface was found to be adhered by bacterial precipitates indicating fiber–matrix interfacial bond repair.
Host and Viral Factors Involved in Nuclear Egress of Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Authors: Arii Jun
Published: April 2021

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) replicates its genome and packages it into capsids within the nucleus. HSV-1 has evolved a complex mechanism of nuclear egress whereby nascent capsids bud on the inner nuclear membrane to form perinuclear virions that subsequently fuse with the outer nuclear membrane, releasing capsids into the cytosol. The viral-encoded nuclear egress complex (NEC) plays a crucial role in this vesicle-mediated nucleocytoplasmic transport. Nevertheless, similar system mediates the movement of other cellular macromolecular complexes in normal cells. Therefore, HSV-1 may utilize viral proteins to hijack the cellular machinery in order to facilitate capsid transport. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. This review summarizes our current understanding of the cellular and viral factors involved in the nuclear egress of HSV-1 capsids.
Impaired Humoral Response in Renal Transplant Recipients to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech)
Authors: Korth Johannes , Jahn Michael , Dorsch Oliver , Anastasiou Olympia Evdoxia , Sorge-Hädicke Burkhard , Eisenberger Ute , Gäckler Anja , Dittmer Ulf , Witzke Oliver , Wilde Benjamin , Dolff Sebastian , Kribben Andreas
Published: April 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a major impact on transplant recipients, with mortality rates up to 20%. Therefore, the effect of established messenger RNA (mRNA)-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have to be evaluated for solid organ transplant patients (SOT) since they are known to have poor responses after vaccination. We investigated the SARS-CoV-2 immune response via SARS-CoV-2 IgG detection in 23 renal transplant recipients after two doses of the mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine BNT162b2 following the standard protocol. The antibody response was evaluated once with an anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG CLIA 15.8 +/− 3.0 days after the second dose. As a control, SARS-CoV-2 IgG was determined in 23 healthcare workers (HCW) and compared to the patient cohort. Only 5 of 23 (22%) renal transplant recipients were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies after the second dose of vaccine. In contrast, all 23 (100%) HCWs were tested positive for antibodies after the second dose. Thus, the humoral response of renal transplant recipients after two doses of the mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech, Kronach, Germany) is impaired and significantly lower compared to healthy controls (22% vs. 100%; p = 0.0001). Individual vaccination strategies might be beneficial in these vulnerable patients.
Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning-Based Approaches for Anomaly Detection in Vehicular Data
Authors: Demestichas Konstantinos , Alexakis Theodoros , Peppes Nikolaos , Adamopoulou Evgenia
Published: April 2021

The rapid growth of demand for transportation, both for people and goods, as well as the massive accumulation of population in urban centers has augmented the need for the development of smart transport systems. One of the needs that have arisen is to efficiently monitor and evaluate driving behavior, so as to increase safety, provide alarms, and avoid accidents. Capitalizing on the evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), the development of intelligent vehicles and platforms in this domain is getting more feasible than ever. Nowadays, vehicles, as well as highways, are equipped with sensors that collect a variety of data, such as speed, acceleration, fuel consumption, direction, and more. The methodology presented in this paper combines both advanced machine learning algorithms and open-source based tools to correlate different data flows originating from vehicles. Particularly, the data gathered from different vehicles are processed and analyzed with the utilization of machine learning techniques in order to detect abnormalities in driving behavior. Results from different suitable techniques are presented and compared, using an extensive real-world dataset containing field measurements. The results feature the application of both supervised univariate anomaly detection and unsupervised multivariate anomaly detection methods in the same dataset.
Diseño del presupuesto operativo de costos para la toma de decisiones en restaurantes
Authors: Carrasco Mónica , Osto Normelys , Ramón Cristian
Published: April 2021

El presente trabajo se realizó con el propósito de diseñar un presupuesto operativo en el área de costos para restaurantes ubicados en Valencia Edo. Carabobo, proporcionándole una herramienta que le permita cuantificar los objetivos que deseen cumplir y ayude a maximizar los ingresos y disminuir gastos, mediante la estimación de ventas, producción y compras, identificando los generadores de costos, para mejorar la capacidad de toma de decisiones de la gerencia. La investigación, es cualitativa, de tipo descriptiva y de campo. Se aplicó la observación y solicitud de la documentación necesaria para dar cumplimiento a los objetivos. Se implementó como método de recolección de datos la entrevista de preguntas abiertas, cuyas respuestas fueron analizadas e interpretadas. Por último, se diseñó un presupuesto operativo de costos para la elaboración de un plato, además de proporcionar las instrucciones para la implementación de la herramienta con el resto del menú de la empresa.
Lía Schwartz en el recuerdo
Authors: Vila Juan Diego
Published: April 2021

El 31 de mayo 2020 falleció Lía Schwartz, insigne filóloga e hispanista, quien a lo largo de vasta y rica trayectoria honró con su conocimiento y amistad a la comunidad del Instituto de Filología y Literaturas Hispánicas “Dr. Amado Alonso”. La dirección de la revista Filología, como expresión de gratitud y sincero homenaje, publica a continuación un texto del profesor Juan Diego Vila.
Retando la norma: Mujeres emancipadas
Authors: Barrancos Dora
Published: April 2021

El artículo revisa la noción de emancipación y su paradójica referencia en la codificación civil. El matrimonio era la vía para la autonomía de las personas menores de edad, pero en el caso de las mujeres significaba un reingreso a la subordinación. Se examinan ciertas conductas emancipadoras adoptadas por un pequeño número de mujeres en la sociedad argentina de fines del siglo XIX y XX, en diferentes escenarios sociales. Tales conductas pudieron no corresponder al plano de una completa autonomía, pero no hay dudas de que la experiencia de la conducta díscola y desafiante ha sido una marca excelsa en la vida de las congéneres.
De las mujeres al género y más allá: las entretejidas trayectorias de la historia de las mujeres y los estudios feministas
Authors: Boris Eileen
Published: April 2021

En la década de 1980 los Estudios de las mujeres o con perspectiva de género y la historia de las mujeres o con perspectiva de género parecían estar más cercanos de lo que subsiguientemente han devenido. Aquí, me pregunto, ¿pueden los Estudios de las mujeres o con perspectiva de género o feministas ser historizados y puede la historia ser teorizada por la teoría queer y feminista de un modo que ilumine el pasado en sus propios términos y no meramente hable del presente o del futuro? Considero las prácticas de citado y subcampos a la luz de tendencias intelectuales más amplias, especialmente el trabajo del feminismo negro. Al explorar esta pregunta, me vuelvo hacia cómo cada campo piensa acerca del tiempo y el archivo, términos que funcionan como analíticos para iluminar interrogantes sobre poder y autoridad, identidad y agencia, pero desplegados por investigadorxs feministas interdisciplinarixs de formas que no son siempre legibles para historiadorxs tradicionales. Concluyo tanto con finales de reconciliación y alternativa a la luz de los ataques sobre ambos campos.
Un bateau ivre propio:Pizarnik lectora de Simone de Beauvoir y Virginia Woolf
Authors: Barbero Ludmila
Published: April 2021

La obra de la poeta argentina Alejandra Pizarnik (1936-1972) ha recibido escasas críticas que permitan posicionarla en una relación de diálogo y convergencia con el movimiento feminista. Sin embargo, fue lectora de Simone de Beauvoir, a quien conoció en la década de 1960 en París, y también de Virginia Woolf. Muchos de los interrogantes que aparecen obsesivamente en la escritura de El segundo sexo (1949) se hallan presentes en la obra de Pizarnik, específicamente en sus Diarios, desde las dificultades de una mujer para devenir poeta y rechazar los mandatos familiares, matrimoniales y maternales, hasta cuestiones menos evidentes como la pregunta por la sexualidad infantil. También, Un cuarto propio (Woolf, 2002 [1929]) es un texto que deja huellas en Pizarnik, tanto explícitamente como en la configuración de la espacialidad de su cuarto propio: un espacio valorado ambivalentemente y que, como ocurre con el cuerpo y con el poema en esta autora, será a la vez refugio y prisión.
Mujeres y niñas entre hilos: condiciones de trabajo en la industria textil a principios del siglo XX. Una experiencia de clase generizada
Authors: Norando Verónica
Published: April 2021

En este trabajo se abordan las experiencias de las trabajadoras textiles de principios del siglo XX, haciendo especial énfasis en las obreras de Gratry, ya que estas trabajadoras fueron protagonistas del ascenso huelguístico de 1910. En el estudio de su trabajo y organización, tratamos de identificar los mecanismos de explotación específicos de la mujer trabajadora, visibilizando las condiciones de trabajo y las diferencias de género de su experiencia situada en la fábrica textil del sur de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, en el barrio obrero de Pompeya. Guía esta investigación la idea en torno al patriarcado y el capitalismo como un solo sistema que explota a hombres y mujeres de manera específica, es decir en tanto tales, y la búsqueda de sus mecanismos subyacentes. Nuestra hipótesis es que la especificidad de la explotación de las mujeres de la industria textil de Buenos Aires está determinada por el carácter de su fuerza de trabajo, que es totalmente distinto al masculino, porque las mujeres cumplen una jornada laboral diferente, que incluye el trabajo doméstico y de ahí su especificidad y la mayor cantidad de plusvalía extraída. Este trabajo es el resultado original del examen de un cuerpo variado de fuentes obreras y oficiales. Nuestra metodología es el materialismo dialéctico y hemos hecho un examen cuali-cuantitativo de las fuentes, en particular del Boletín del Departamento Nacional del Trabajo.