bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Effects of Forest Fires on Interconnected Critical Infrastructures under Climate Change. Evidence from South France
Authors: Sfetsos Athanasios , Giroud Frederique , Clemencau Alice , Varela Vassiliki , Freissinet Catherine , LeCroart Jean , Vlachogiannis Diamando , Politi Nadia , Karozis Stelios , Gkotsis Ilias , Eftychidis George , Hedel Ralf , Hahmann Stefan
Published: January 2021

The present work introduces a case study on the climate resilience of interconnected critical infrastructures to forest fires, that was performed within the framework on H2020 EU-CIRCLE project (GA 653824). It was conducted in South France, one of the most touristic European regions, and also one of the regions at the highest forest fire risk that is projected to be amplified under future climate conditions. The case study has been implemented through a co-creation framework with local stakeholders, which is critical in moving beyond physical damages to the infrastructures, introducing the elements of infrastructure business continuity and societal resilience. Future forest fires extremes are anticipated to impact the interconnections of electricity and transportation networks that could further cascade to communities throughout South France. The work highlighted the benefits of enhancing co-operation between academia, emergency responders, and infrastructure operators as a critical element in enhancing resilience through increased awareness of climate impacts, new generated knowledge on fire extremes and better cooperation between involved agencies.
Use of Taxonomic and Trait-Based Approaches to Evaluate the Effect of Bt maize Expressing Cry1Ie Protein on Non-Target Collembola: A Case Study in Northeast China
Authors: Wang Bai-Feng , Wu Feng-Ci , Yin Jun-Qi , Jiang Zhi-Lei , Song Xin-Yuan , Reddy Gadi V. P.
Published: January 2021

To evaluate the effect of Bt maize expressing Cry1Ie protein on non-target soil Collembola, a two-year field study was conducted in Northeast China. Bt maize line IE09S034 and its near isoline Zong 31 were selected as experimental crops; we investigated the collembolan community using both taxonomic and trait-based approaches, and elucidated the relationship between environmental variables and the collembolan community using redundancy analysis (RDA).The ANOVA results showed that maize variety neither had significant effect on the parameters based on taxonomic approach (abundance, species richness, Shannon–Wiener index, Pielou’s evenness index), nor on the parameters based on trait-based approach (ocelli number, body length, pigmentation level, and furcula development) in either year. The results of RDA also showed that maize variety did not affect collembolan community significantly. These results suggest that two years cultivation of cry1Ie maize does not affect collembolan community in Northeast China.
Direct and Indirect Effect via Endophytism of Entomopathogenic Fungi on the Fitness of Myzus persicae and Its Ability to Spread PLRV on Tobacco
Authors: Fingu-Mabola Junior Corneille , Bawin Thomas , Francis Frédéric
Published: January 2021

Aphids are major crop pests that transmit more than half of all insect-vectored plant viruses responsible for high yield losses worldwide. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are biological control agents mainly used by foliar application to control herbivores, including sap-sucking pests such as aphids. Their ability to colonize plant tissues and to interact with diverse plant pathogenic microorganisms have been reported. In our study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Beauveria bassiana ((Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin) directly applied by contact or/and indirectly via endophytism in tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) against the virus vector Myzus persicae (Sulzer) carrying the Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) or not. We found that both contact treatment and endophytic colonization of leaves significantly increased aphid mortality and decreased the fecundity rate when compared to control plants. In addition, on fungal-colonized leaves, viruliferous aphids were more negatively impacted than virus-free ones and nymph mortality was significantly higher than on fungal-free plants. Furthermore, we assessed PLRV transmission by M. persicae on tobacco plants inoculated with either B. bassiana or Metarhizium acridum ((Driver and Milner) JF Bischoff, Rehner, and Humber) as source or/and recipient plants. Myzus persicae was found to acquire and transmit PLRV regardless of the treatment. Nevertheless, the infection rate of endophytically colonized plants was lower at a seven-day incubation period and had increased to almost 100% after fifteen days. These results suggest that B. bassiana is effective against aphids, both by contact and via endophytism, and both B. bassiana and M. acridum delayed PLRV infection in tobacco.
Pine Looper Bupalus piniaria (L.) Outbreaks Reconstruction: A Case Study for Southern Siberia
Authors: Demidko Denis A. , Trefilova Olga V. , Kulakov Sergey S. , Mikhaylov Pavel V.
Published: January 2021

The pine looper Bupalus piniaria is one of the most widespread phyllophagous insect species across Northern Eurasia, defoliating Scots pine forests over vast territories. Since there are not enough long-term documented observations on a series of outbreaks, there is a need for methods allowing them to be reconstructed to study their dynamics patterns. Previously, dendrochronological methods were successfully used to solve such issues. However, the most common approach is not applicable for the Western Siberian forest-steppe since it requires comparison with a non-damaged tree species close to pine in terms of longevity and resistance to rot. In the pine forests of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of Western Siberia, there are no species that are not damaged by the pine looper that meets these requirements. Methods allowing not using control species are also not free from disadvantages (e.g., weak specificity). Therefore, we have developed a new method based on the analysis, not of the tree-ring width but the early- and latewood width to reconstruct past defoliation events. The past defoliation by the pine looper is indicated by the presence of a negative pointer year for latewood, followed by a negative pointer year for earlywood in a subsequent year among the majority of individuals. Linear modeling showed a difference between the climate impact on radial growth and the defoliation one. The obtained reconstruction was compared with the results of other methods (mowing window, OUTBREAK, independent component analysis), literature, and Forest Service data. The developed new method (pointer year method; PYM) showed high efficiency confirmed by results of the tree-ring series analysis (11 revealed outbreaks in the past). Compared with other reconstruction techniques under the given conditions (a favorable combination of heat and humidity; probably low-intense and short defoliation), the proposed method provided more precise results than those proposed earlier. Due to high accuracy, the PYM can be useful for detecting late-summer and autumn past defoliations of tree species with clear difference between early- and latewood even though the damage was weak.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of J in 2020
Authors:   J Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that J maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Limiting the Use of Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests to Screen for Hyperglycemia in Pregnancy during Pandemics
Authors: Nachtergaele Charlotte , Vicaut Eric , Tatulashvili Sopio , Pinto Sara , Bihan Hélène , Sal Meriem , Berkane Narimane , Allard Lucie , Baudry Camille , Portal Jean-Jacques , Carbillon Lionel , Cosson Emmanuel
Published: January 2021

We aimed to evaluate each proposal of Australian–New Zealand Societies to limit the number of oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) to diagnose hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. At our university hospital (2012–2016), we retrospectively applied in 4245 women who had OGTT between 22 and 30 weeks of gestation (reference standard: WHO criteria) the proposals in which OGTT is performed only in high-risk women; in all (Option 1) or high-risk (Option 1-Sel) women with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 4.7–5.0 mmol/L; in all (Option 2) or high-risk (Option 2-Sel) women without history of HIP and with FPG 4.7–5.0 mmol/L. We also tested FPG measurement alone in all high-risk women. Measuring FPG alone had a sensitivity of 49% (95% confidence interval 45–54) applying universal screening. Option 2 appeared to have the best balance considering the needed OGTT (17.3%), sensitivity (72% (67–76)) and rates of a composite outcome (true negative cases: 10.6%, false positive cases: 24.4%; true positive cases: 19.5%; false negative cases: 10.2%). Consideration of a history of HIP and measuring first FPG can avoid more than 80% of OGTTs and identify women with the highest risk of adverse HIP-related events.
Perioperative Individualized Goal Directed Therapy for Cardiac Surgery: A Historical-Prospective, Comparative Effectiveness Study
Authors: Ramsingh Davinder , Hu Huayong , Yan Manshu , Lauer Ryan , Rabkin David , Gatling Jason , Floridia Rosario , Martinez Mckinzey , Dorotta Ihab , Razzouk Anees
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Cardiac surgery patients are at increased risk for post-operative complications and prolonged length of stay. Perioperative goal directed therapy (GDT) has demonstrated utility for non-cardiac surgery, however, GDT is not common for cardiac surgery. We initiated a quality improvement (QI) project focusing on the implementation of a GDT protocol, which was applied from the immediate post-bypass period into the intensive care unit (ICU). Our hypothesis was that this novel GDT protocol would decrease ICU length of stay and possibly improve postoperative outcomes. Methods: This was a historical prospective, QI study for patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Integral to the QI project was education towards all associated providers on the concepts related to GDT. The protocol involved identifying patient specific targets for cardiac index and mean arterial pressure. These targets were maintained from the post-CPB period to the first 12 h in the ICU. Statistical comparisons were performed between the year after GDT therapy was launched to the last two years prior to protocol implementation. The primary outcome was ICU length of stay. Results: There was a significant decrease in ICU length of stay when comparing the year after the protocol initiation to years prior, from a median of 6.19 days to 4 days (2017 vs. 2019, p < 0.0001), and a median of 5.88 days to 4 days (2018 vs. 2019, p < 0.0001). Secondary outcomes demonstrated a significant reduction in total administered volumes of inotropic medication(milrinone). All other vasopressors demonstrated no differences across years. Hospital length of stay comparisons did not demonstrate a significant reduction. Conclusion: These results suggest that an individualized goal directed therapy for cardiac surgery patients can reduce ICU length of stay and decrease amount of inotropic therapy.
Effects of Ripasudil on Open-Angle Glaucoma after Circumferential Suture Trabeculotomy Ab Interno
Authors: Sato Tomoki , Kawaji Takahiro
Published: January 2021

We evaluated the effects of ripasudil on the distal aqueous outflow tract in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent a 360° suture trabeculotomy ab interno followed by ripasudil treatment beginning 1 month postoperatively. We compared 27 of these patients, by using propensity score analysis, with 27 patients in a matched control group who had no ripasudil treatment. We assessed the changes in the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and the relationship between the IOP changes and background factors. All eyes had a complete 360° Schlemm’s canal incision and phacoemulsification. The mean IOP at 1 and 3 months after ripasudil administration were significantly reduced by −1.7 ± 1.9 mmHg (p < 0.0001) and −1.3 ± 2.3 mmHg (p = 0.0081) in the ripasudil group, respectively, but IOP in the control group was not significantly reduced. The IOP reduction was significantly associated with the IOP before ripasudil treatment (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the use of ripasudil for patients with OAG after circumferential incision of the Schlemm’s canal produced significant IOP reductions. Ripasudil may affect the distal outflow tract, thereby leading to the IOP reduction.
The Potential Role of Liquid Biopsies in Advancing the Understanding of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Shah Dinakshi , Lamarca Angela , Valle Juan W , McNamara Mairéad G
Published: January 2021

Tumour tissue as a source for molecular profiling and for in vivo models has limitations (e.g., difficult access, limited availability, single time point, potential heterogeneity between primary and metastatic sites). Conversely, liquid biopsies provide an easily accessible approach, enabling timely and longitudinal interrogation of the tumour molecular makeup, with increased ability to capture spatial and temporal intra-tumour heterogeneity compared to tumour tissue. Blood-borne biomarker assays (e.g., circulating tumour cells (CTCs), circulating free/tumour DNA (cf/ctDNA)) pose unique opportunities for aiding in the molecular characterisation and phenotypic subtyping of neuroendocrine neoplasms and will be discussed in this article.
Multimodal Imaging of Microvascular Abnormalities in Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Hirano Yoshio , Suzuki Norihiro , Tomiyasu Taneto , Kurobe Ryo , Yasuda Yusuke , Esaki Yuya , Yasukawa Tsutomu , Yoshida Munenori , Ogura Yuichiro
Published: January 2021

The technologies of ocular imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) have progressed remarkably. Of these in vivo imaging modalities, recently advanced OCT technology provides high-resolution images, e.g., histologic imaging, enabling anatomical analysis of each retinal layer, including the photoreceptor layers. Recently developed OCTA also visualizes the vascular networks three-dimensionally, which provides better understanding of the retinal deep capillary layer. In addition, ex vivo analysis using autologous aqueous or vitreous humor shows that inflammatory cytokine levels including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are elevated and correlated with the severity of macular edema (ME) in eyes with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Furthermore, a combination of multiple modalities enables deeper understanding of the pathology. Regarding therapy, intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs provides rapid resolution of ME and much better visual improvements than conventional treatments in eyes with RVO. Thus, the technologies of examination and treatment for managing eyes with RVO have progressed rapidly. In this paper, we review the multimodal imaging and therapeutic strategies for eyes with RVO with the hope that it provides better understanding of the pathology and leads to the development of new therapies.
Proteomics Analysis of Gastric Cancer Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Osório Hugo , Silva Cátia , Ferreira Marta , Gullo Irene , Máximo Valdemar , Barros Rita , Mendonça Fernando , Oliveira Carla , Carneiro Fátima
Published: January 2021

Proteomics is a powerful approach to study the molecular mechanisms of cancer. In this study, we aim to characterize the proteomic profile of gastric cancer (GC) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2. Forty GC tissue samples including 19 cases from diabetic patients and 21 cases from individuals without diabetes (control group) were selected for the proteomics analysis. Gastric tissues were processed following the single-pot, solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation approach—SP3 and enzymatic digestion with trypsin. The resulting peptides were analyzed by LC-MS Liquid Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). The comparison of protein expression levels between GC samples from diabetic and non-diabetic patients was performed by label-free quantification (LFQ). A total of 6599 protein groups were identified in the 40 samples. Thirty-seven proteins were differentially expressed among the two groups, with 16 upregulated and 21 downregulated in the diabetic cohort. Statistical overrepresentation tests were considered for different annotation sets including the Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Reactome, and Disease functional databases. Upregulated proteins in the GC samples from diabetic patients were particularly enriched in respiratory electron transport and alcohol metabolic biological processes, while downregulated proteins were associated with epithelial cancers, intestinal diseases, and cell–cell junction cellular components. Taken together, these results support the data already obtained by previous studies that associate diabetes with metabolic disorders and diabetes-associated diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and also provide valuable insights into seven GC-associated protein targets, claudin-3, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor protein, cadherin-17, villin-1, transglutaminase-2, desmoglein-2, and mucin-13, which warrant further investigation.
Handheld Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Device Using Modified Action Cameras for Peri-Operative Guidance of Microvascular Flap Surgery
Authors: Yang Hyunwoo , Kim Jihong , Nam Woong , Kim Hyung Jun , Cha In-ho , Kim Dongwook
Published: January 2021

Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) imaging has recently come into use as a novel method in peri-operative microvascular flap assessment. However, a majority of the many commercial devices launched for clinical use lack mobility, portability, and cost-efficiency and are thus unsuitable for intra-oral applications. This study introduces a cost-effective, customized, handheld NIRF device following principles of ICG-NIRF imaging. Moreover, the novel characteristics of our prototype, considered in conjunction with a literature review highlighting the significance of fluorescence devices in microvascular surgery, point to a new generation of devices for use in microvascular flap surgery.
Working Memory, Fluid Reasoning, and Complex Problem Solving: Different Results Explained by the Brunswik Symmetry
Authors: Kretzschmar André , Nebe Stephan
Published: January 2021

In order to investigate the nature of complex problem solving (CPS) within the nomological network of cognitive abilities, few studies have simultantiously considered working memory and intelligence, and results are inconsistent. The Brunswik symmetry principle was recently discussed as a possible explanation for the inconsistent findings because the operationalizations differed greatly between the studies. Following this assumption, 16 different combinations of operationalizations of working memory and fluid reasoning were examined in the present study (N = 152). Based on structural equation modeling with single-indicator latent variables (i.e., corrected for measurement error), it was found that working memory incrementally explained CPS variance above and beyond fluid reasoning in only 2 of 16 conditions. However, according to the Brunswik symmetry principle, both conditions can be interpreted as an asymmetrical (unfair) comparison, in which working memory was artificially favored over fluid reasoning. We conclude that there is little evidence that working memory plays a unique role in solving complex problems independent of fluid reasoning. Furthermore, the impact of the Brunswik symmetry principle was clearly demonstrated as the explained variance in CPS varied between 4 and 31%, depending on which operationalizations of working memory and fluid reasoning were considered. We argue that future studies investigating the interplay of cognitive abilities will benefit if the Brunswik principle is taken into account.
Design of an Ultra-Low Voltage Bias Current Generator Highly Immune to Electromagnetic Interference
Authors: Aiello Orazio
Published: January 2021

The paper deals with the immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) of the current source for Ultra-Low-Voltage Integrated Circuits (ICs). Based on the properties of IC building blocks, such as the current-splitter and current correlator, a novel current generator is conceived. The proposed solution is suitable to provide currents to ICs operating in the sub-threshold region even in the presence of an electromagnetic polluted environment. The immunity to EMI of the proposed solution is compared with that of a conventional current mirror and evaluated by analytic means and with reference to the 180 nm CMOS technology process. The analysis highlights how the proposed solution generates currents down to nano-ampere intrinsically robust to the Radio Frequency (RF) interference affecting the input of the current generator, differently to what happens to the output current of a conventional mirror under the same conditions.
Fatigue Characteristic of Designed T-Type Specimen under Two-Step Repeating Variable Amplitude Load with Low-Amplitude Load below the Fatigue Limit
Authors: Gan Jin , Sun Di , Deng Hui , Wang Zhou , Wang Xiaoli , Yao Li , Wu Weiguo
Published: January 2021

In order to investigate the non-linear fatigue cumulative damage of joints in ocean structural parts, one type of low carbon steel Q345D was employed to prepare designed T-type specimens, and a series of fatigue experiments were carried out on the specimens under two-step repeating variable amplitude loading condition. The chosen high cyclic loads were larger than the constant amplitude fatigue limit (CAFL) and the chosen low cyclic loads were below the CAFL. Firstly, the S-N curve of designed T-type specimen was obtained via different constant amplitude fatigue tests. Then, a series of two-step repeating variable load were carried out on designed T-type specimens with the aim of calculating the cumulative damage of specimen under the variable fatigue load. The discussions about non-linear fatigue cumulative damage of designed T-type specimens and the interaction effect between the high and low amplitude loadings on the fatigue life were carried out, and some meaningful conclusions were obtained according to the series of fatigue tests. The results show that fatigue cumulative damage of designed T-type specimens calculated based on Miner’s rule ranges from 0.513 to 1.756. Under the same cycle ratio, the cumulative damage increases with the increase of high cyclic stress, and at the same stress ratio, the cumulative damage increases linearly with the increase of cycle ratio. Based on the non-linear damage evaluation method, it is found that the load interaction effect between high and low stress loads exhibits different damage or strengthening effects with the change of stress ratio and cycle ratio.
Ships Added Mass Effect on a Flexible Mooring Dolphin in Berthing Manoeuvre
Authors: Grm Aleksander
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with the hydrodynamic effect of the ship on a flexible dolphin during a mooring manoeuvre. The hydrodynamic effect refers to the change in momentum of the surrounding fluid, which is defined by the concept of added mass. The main reason for the present study is to answer the question, “What is the effect of the added mass compared to the mass of the ship during the mooring procedure for a particular type of ship?” Measured angular frequencies of dolphin oscillations showed that the mathematical model can be approximated by the zero frequency limit. This simplifies the problem to some extent. The mooring is a pure rocking motion, and the 3D study is approximated by the strip theory approach. Moreover, the calculations were performed with conformal mapping using conformal Lewis mapping for the hull geometry. The fluid flow is assumed to be non-viscous, non-rotating and incompressible. The results showed that the additional mass effect must be taken into account when calculating the flexible dolphin loads.
Velocity Measurement of Coherent Doppler Sonar Assisted by Frequency Shift, Kalman Filter and Linear Prediction
Authors: Liu Peng , Kouguchi Nobuyoshi , Li Ying
Published: January 2021

Velocity is vital information for navigation and oceanic engineering. Coherent Doppler sonar is an accurate tool for velocity measurement, but its use is limited due to velocity ambiguity. Velocity measured by frequency shift has no velocity ambiguity, yet its measurement error is larger than that of coherent Doppler sonar. Therefore, coherent Doppler sonar assisted by frequency shift is used to accurately measure velocity without velocity ambiguity. However, the velocity measured by coherent Doppler sonar assisted by frequency shift is affected by impulsive noise. To decrease the impulsive noise, Kalman filter and linear prediction are proposed to improve the velocity sensing accuracy. In this method, the Kalman filter is used to decrease measurement error of velocity measured by frequency shift, and linear prediction is used to remove the impulsive noise generated by a wrong estimate of the integer ambiguity. Lab-based experiments were carried, and the results have shown that coherent Doppler sonar assisted by frequency shift, Kalman filter and linear prediction can provide accurate and precise velocity with short time delay in a large range of signal to noise ratio.
An Assessment of InP/ZnS as Potential Anti-Cancer Therapy: Quantum Dot Treatment Increases Apoptosis in HeLa Cells
Authors: Davenport Victoria , Horstmann Cullen , Patel Rishi , Wu Qihua , Kim Kyoungtae
Published: January 2021

InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are an emerging option in QD technologies for uses of fluorescent imaging as well as targeted drug and anticancer therapies based on their customizable properties. In this study we explored effects of InP/ZnS when treated with HeLa cervical cancer cells. We employed XTT viability assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis, and apoptosis analysis to better understand cytotoxicity extents at different concentrations of InP/ZnS. In addition, we compared the transcriptome profile from the QD-treated HeLa cells with that of untreated HeLa cells to identify changes to the transcriptome in response to the QD. RT-qPCR assay was performed to confirm the findings of transcriptome analysis, and the QD mode of action was illustrated. Our study determined both IC50 concentration of 69 µg/mL and MIC concentration of 167 µg/mL of InP/ZnS. It was observed via XTT assay that cell viability was decreased significantly at the MIC. Production of superoxide, measured by ROS assay with flow cytometry, was decreased, whereas levels of nitrogen radicals increased. Using analysis of apoptosis, we found that induced cell death in the QD-treated samples was shown to be significantly increased when compared to untreated cells. We conclude InP/ZnS QD to decrease cell viability by inducing stress via ROS levels, apoptosis induction, and alteration of transcriptome.
Detection and Control of Dermatophytosis in Wild European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Admitted to a French Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Authors: Le Barzic Cécile , Cmokova Adela , Denaes Chloé , Arné Pascal , Hubka Vit , Guillot Jacques , Risco-Castillo Veronica
Published: January 2021

The rising number of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) admitted every year to wildlife rehabilitation centres might be a source of concern to animal and public health since transmissible diseases, such as dermatophytosis, can be easily disseminated. This study seeks to evaluate the frequency of dermatophyte detection in hedgehogs admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre located near Paris, France, and to assess the risk of contamination in the centre in order to adapt prevention measures. A longitudinal cohort study was performed on 412 hedgehogs hosted at the Wildlife Animal Hospital of the Veterinary College of Alfort from January to December 2016. Animals were sampled once a month for fungal culture. Dermatophyte colonies were obtained from 174 out of 686 skin samples (25.4%). Besides Trichophyton erinacei, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Nannizzia gypsea were also found. Dermatophyte detection seemed to be associated with the presence of skin lesions, while more than one-third of T. erinacei-positive animals were asymptomatic carriers. Healing required several months of treatment with topical and systemic azoles, but dermatophytosis did not seem to reduce the probability of release. Daily disinfection procedures and early detection and treatment of infected and asymptomatic carriers succeeded in limiting dermatophyte transmission between hedgehogs and humans.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of JPM in 2020
Authors:   JPM Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that JPM maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Journal of Risk and Financial Management in 2020
Authors:   JRFM Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Journal of Risk and Financial Management maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks in 2020
Authors:   Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Which Traits Influence Bird Survival in the City? A Review
Authors: Patankar Swaroop , Jambhekar Ravi , Suryawanshi Kulbhushansingh Ramesh , Nagendra Harini
Published: January 2021

Urbanization poses a major threat to biodiversity worldwide. We focused on birds as a well-studied taxon of interest, in order to review literature on traits that influence responses to urbanization. We review 226 papers that were published between 1979 and 2020, and aggregate information on five major groups of traits that have been widely studied: ecological traits, life history, physiology, behavior and genetic traits. Some robust findings on trait changes in individual species as well as bird communities emerge. A lack of specific food and shelter resources has led to the urban bird community being dominated by generalist species, while specialist species show decline. Urbanized birds differ in the behavioral traits, showing an increase in song frequency and amplitude, and bolder behavior, as compared to rural populations of the same species. Differential food resources and predatory pressure results in changes in life history traits, including prolonged breeding duration, and increases in clutch and brood size to compensate for lower survival. Other species-specific changes include changes in hormonal state, body state, and genetic differences from rural populations. We identify gaps in research, with a paucity of studies in tropical cities and a need for greater examination of traits that influence persistence and success in native vs. introduced populations.
Landscape Perception and Public Participation for the Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Landscapes: The Case of the Cinque Terre and Porto Venere UNESCO Site
Authors: Santoro Antonio , Venturi Martina , Agnoletti Mauro
Published: January 2021

Europe retains a great variety of cultural landscapes that constitute a significant part of the European cultural heritage. In the last decades, these high-quality landscapes are facing several challenges due to socio-economic transformations that often compromise their integrity. This situation is even worse for terraced landscapes, as in the case of the Porto Venere and Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage List site. The Management Plan developed for this area needs to deal with different issues: abandonment of terraced cultivations and growth of secondary forests, hydrogeological risk and high touristic pressure. Public participation is increasingly important in the process of decision-making, for incorporating the ideas and the needs of the local communities, helping to find effective solutions for the valorization of historic landscapes and for improving the quality of life. This research has investigated the perception of the local community regarding the current landscape dynamics and other critical issues studying the opinions of two social groups: farmers and residents. The purpose was to identify the best management strategies for the Management Plan and to actively involve the population in the decisions. The involvement of the local community turned out to be a very effective tool for the development of the Management Plan, suggesting a focus on the conservation of dry-stone terraces and the reduction of reforestation processes, as the strongest perceived threat is the abandonment of cultivated terraces and the resulting risk of landslides. The methodology applied in this study can be reproduced in other cultural landscapes characterized by high quality, complexity and fragility, while an active involvement of the population turned out to be important also for increasing the feeling that institutions take care of its issues.
Influence of Urban Sprawl on Microclimate of Abbottabad, Pakistan
Authors: Waseem Liaqat Ali , Khokhar Malik Abid Hussain , Naqvi Syed Ali Asad , Hussain Dostdar , Javed Zahoor Hussain , Awan Hisham Bin Hafeez
Published: January 2021

Urban centers are expanding rapidly due to quickly-increasing population which results in microclimate change due to lack of urban planning. Factors like degradation of green areas, trees, and vegetation are defining a new regime of urban environment giving rise to a lack of drinking water and lowering water tables. Consequently, unplanned urban sprawl with all its varied facets is having adverse impacts on the environment. Rapid variations in some of its climatic factors in the immediate vicinity are alarming and need to redress at war footings. This paper is an endeavor to present a hypothesis that urban sprawl plays a vital role in impacting and the influencing the microclimate of the city or the area. In this research, geospatial approaches were adopted to identify urban sprawl. Rise in land surface temperature (LST) for the last 25 years (from 1990 to 2016) has been highlighted using Landsat (5 TM, 7 ETM+ and 8 TIRS) satellite images. Weather data collected from Meteorological Department is used to identify temperature rising trends. Result of the research clearly indicates that rapid urban sprawl has adverse impacts on microclimate by increasing LST. Built-up area has been changed from 178 to 477 sq. km within the years of 1990 to 2016. Vegetated area has decreased from 770 to 602 sq. km. Water areas have been decreased from 524 to 360 sq. km within the span of last 26 years. The bare land has increased from 494 sq. km to 742 sq. km. LST in winters has risen from 17 °C to 23 °C and at times shot up to 31 °C, which is alarming. Annual mean air temperature increased by 3 °C to 4 °C from the 1980s to 2016. During summers, the average air temperature rose to a startling 33 °C from 28 °C and LST has had a steady rise from 28.4 °C to 35 °C. The alarming urban sprawl in relation to temperature rise warrants measures which are required to plan the urban planning, forestation, and ecological measures to mitigate the disastrous trends which may result in flash floods, landslides, soil erosion and sediment transport endangering downstream reservoirs, water quality and depletion in ground water table in the valley.
An Experimental Study on the Fretting Corrosion Behaviours of Three Material Pairs at Modular Interfaces for Hip Joint Implants
Authors: Pu Jian , Wu Dongsheng , Zhang Yali , Zhang Xiaogang , Jin Zhongmin
Published: January 2021

The fretting corrosion behaviours of Al2O3 ceramic/Ti6Al4V alloy, 316 L stainless/Ti6Al4V alloy, and CoCrMo alloy/Ti6Al4V alloy pairs were studied in an in-house developed fretting-corrosion tester. The fretting behaviours were characterized by the Ft-D-N and Ft/Fn curves. The morphology of the worn surface was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a white light interferometer (WLI). The fretting regimes were found to vary from slip regime (SR) to mixed fretting regime (MFR), with an increase in loads for the Al2O3/Ti6Al4V and 316 L/Ti6Al4V pairs, while for the CoCrMo/Ti6Al4V pair the fretting always remained in SR. The damage mechanism of the Al2O3/Ti6Al4V pair was mainly abrasive wear and corrosive wear, while for the 316 L/Ti6Al4V pair and CoCrMo/Ti6Al4V pair, the wear mechanism was mainly adhesive wear and corrosive wear with slight abrasive wear. The electrochemical impedance spectrum results show that the material transfer layer formed on the surface of the material can protect the material from corrosion for the 316 L/Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo/Ti6Al4V pairs.
Surface-Related Kinetic Models for Anaerobic Digestion of Microcrystalline Cellulose: The Role of Particle Size
Authors: Piątek Michał , Lisowski Aleksander , Dąbrowska Magdalena
Published: January 2021

In this work, for modelling the anaerobic digestion of microcrystalline cellulose, two surface-related models based on cylindrical and spherical particles were developed and compared with the first-order kinetics model. A unique dataset consisting of particles with different sizes, the same crystallinity and polymerisation degree was used to validate the models. Both newly developed models outperformed the first-order kinetics model. Analysis of the kinetic constant data revealed that particle size is a key factor determining the anaerobic digestion kinetics of crystalline cellulose. Hence, crystalline cellulose particle size should be considered in the development and optimization of lignocellulose pre-treatment methods. Further research is necessary for the assessment of impact of the crystalline cellulose particle size and surface properties on the microbial cellulose hydrolysis rate.
Study on the Measurement of Laser Drilling Depth by Combining Digital Image Relationship Measurement in Aluminum
Authors: Ho Chao-Ching , Li Guan-Hong
Published: January 2021

In this study, laser processing equipment was used to drill aluminum alloy materials and with different auxiliary mechanisms, the deformation around the holes after processing was observed. The experimental results show that, due to the high temperature generated during laser processing, a large thermal gradient causes thermal stress to be introduced into the test piece and outward expansion deformation occurs. In this study, the digital image correlation and residual stress detection methods were applied. Based on the correlation between the drilled hole depth and the hole deformation, the hole depth of the laser processing was estimated. The average coefficient of determination for all auxiliary mechanisms is 0.82. The experimental results confirm that the digital image correlation method can be used to estimate the hole depth of laser processing.
Studies on the Volumetric Stability and Mechanical Properties of Cement-Fly-Ash-Stabilized Steel Slag
Authors: Zhou Mingkai , Cheng Xu , Chen Xiao
Published: January 2021

The stability of steel-slag road materials remains a critical issue in their utilization as an aggregate base course. In this pursuit, the present study was envisaged to investigate the effects of fly ash on the mechanical properties and expansion behavior of cement-fly-ash-stabilized steel slag. Strength tests and expansion tests of the cement-fly-ash-stabilized steel slag with varying additions of fly ash were carried out. The results indicate that the cement-fly-ash-stabilized steel slag exhibited good mechanical properties. The expansion rate and the number of bulges of the stabilized material reduced with an increase in the addition. When the addition of fly ash was 30–60%, the stabilized material was not damaged due to expansion. Furthermore, the results of X-CT, XRD and SEM-EDS show that fly ash reacted with the expansive component of the steel slag. In addition, the macro structure of the stabilized material was found to be changed by an increase in the concentration of the fly ash, in order to improve the volumetric stability. Our study shows that the cement-fly-ash-stabilized steel slag exhibits good mechanical properties and volumetric stability with reasonable additions of fly ash.
Foreword from the Editor of Special Issue “Advanced Metal Chelate Complexes: Quantum-Chemical Consideration”
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg V.
Published: January 2021

The objects of the given Special Issue of Materials—coordination compounds or complexes, represent a kind of “boundary zone” between two main classes of chemical substances, inorganic and organic, and therefore differ in a significantly greater variety of their structural and physicochemical characteristics in comparison with both inorganic and organic compounds [...]
A Mathematical Dimensional Model for Predicting Bulk Density of Inconel 718 Parts Produced by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Estrada-Díaz Jorge A. , Elías-Zúñiga Alex , Martínez-Romero Oscar , Rodríguez-Salinas J. , Olvera-Trejo Daniel
Published: January 2021

In this work, dimensional analysis is used to develop a general mathematical model to predict bulk density of SLMed components taking volumetric energy density, scanning speed, powder’s thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and average grain diameter as independent variables. Strong relation between dependent and independent dimensionless products is observed. Inconel 718 samples were additively manufactured and a particular expression, in the form of a power-law polynomial, for its bulk density, in the working domain of the independent dimensionless product, was obtained. It is found that with longer laser exposure time, and lower scanning speed, better densification is attained. Likewise, volumetric energy density has a positive influence on bulk density. The negative effect of laser power in bulk density is attributed to improper process conditions leading to powder particle sublimation and ejection. A maximum error percentage between experimental and predicted bulk density of 3.7119% is achieved, which corroborates the accuracy of our proposed model. A general expression for determining the scanning speed, with respect to laser power, needed to achieve highly dense components, was derived. The model’s applicability was further validated considering SLMed samples produced by AlSi10Mg and Ti6Al4V alloys. This article elucidates how to tune relevant manufacturing parameters to produce highly dense SLM parts using mathematical expressions derived from Buckingham’s π- theorem.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Magnetochemistry in 2020
Authors:   Magnetochemistry Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Magnetochemistry maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Steiner Configurations Ideals: Containment and Colouring
Authors: Ballico Edoardo , Favacchio Giuseppe , Guardo Elena , Milazzo Lorenzo , Thomas Abu Chackalamannil
Published: January 2021

Given a homogeneous ideal I⊆k[x0,…,xn], the Containment problem studies the relation between symbolic and regular powers of I, that is, it asks for which pairs m,r∈N, I(m)⊆Ir holds. In the last years, several conjectures have been posed on this problem, creating an active area of current interests and ongoing investigations. In this paper, we investigated the Stable Harbourne Conjecture and the Stable Harbourne–Huneke Conjecture, and we show that they hold for the defining ideal of a Complement of a Steiner configuration of points in Pkn. We can also show that the ideal of a Complement of a Steiner Configuration of points has expected resurgence, that is, its resurgence is strictly less than its big height, and it also satisfies Chudnovsky and Demailly’s Conjectures. Moreover, given a hypergraph H, we also study the relation between its colourability and the failure of the containment problem for the cover ideal associated to H. We apply these results in the case that H is a Steiner System.
On Bonds for Generalized One-Sided Concept Lattices
Authors: Pócs Jozef , Pócsová Jana
Published: January 2021

The generalized one-sided concept lattices represent a generalization of the classical FCA method convenient for a hierarchical analysis of object-attribute models with different types of attributes. The mentioned types of object-attribute models are formalized within the theory as formal contexts of a certain type. The aim of this paper is to investigate some intercontextual relationships represented by the notion of bond. A composition of bonds is defined in order to introduce the category of formal contexts with bonds as morphisms. It is shown that there is a one-to-one correspondence between bonds and supremum preserving mappings between the corresponding generalized one-sided concept lattices. As the main theoretical result it is shown that the introduced category of formal contexts with bonds is equivalent to the category of complete lattices with supremum preserving mappings as morphisms.
A Dependent Lindeberg Central Limit Theorem for Cluster Functionals on Stationary Random Fields
Authors: Gómez-García José G. , Chesneau Christophe
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we provide a central limit theorem for the finite-dimensional marginal distributions of empirical processes (Zn(f))f∈F whose index set F is a family of cluster functionals valued on blocks of values of a stationary random field. The practicality and applicability of the result depend mainly on the usual Lindeberg condition and on a sequence Tn which summarizes the dependence between the blocks of the random field values. Finally, in application, we use the previous result in order to show the Gaussian asymptotic behavior of the proposed iso-extremogram estimator.
The Approximate Analytic Solution of the Time-Fractional Black-Scholes Equation with a European Option Based on the Katugampola Fractional Derivative
Authors: Ampun Sivaporn , Sawangtong Panumart
Published: January 2021

In the finance market, it is well known that the price change of the underlying fractal transmission system can be modeled with the Black-Scholes equation. This article deals with finding the approximate analytic solutions for the time-fractional Black-Scholes equation with the fractional integral boundary condition for a European option pricing problem in the Katugampola fractional derivative sense. It is well known that the Katugampola fractional derivative generalizes both the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative and the Hadamard fractional derivative. The technique used to find the approximate analytic solutions of the time-fractional Black-Scholes equation is the generalized Laplace homotopy perturbation method, the combination of the generalized Laplace transform and homotopy perturbation method. The approximate analytic solution for the problem is in the form of the generalized Mittag-Leffler function. This shows that the generalized Laplace homotopy perturbation method is one of the most effective methods to construct approximate analytic solutions of the fractional differential equations. Finally, the approximate analytic solutions of the Riemann–Liouville and Hadamard fractional Black-Scholes equation with the European option are also shown.
Invariants of Stable Maps between Closed Orientable Surfaces
Authors: Mendes de Jesus S. Catarina , Romero Pantaleón D.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we will consider the problem of constructing stable maps between two closed orientable surfaces M and N with a given branch set of curves immersed on N. We will study, from a global point of view, the behavior of its families in different isotopies classes on the space of smooth maps. The main goal is to obtain different relationships between invariants. We will provide a new proof of Quine’s Theorem.