bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Capsaicin Loaded Nanocrystals: Physical Characterizations and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Khan Barkat Ali , Rashid Furqan , Khan Muhammad Khalid , Alqahtani Saad Saeed , Sultan Muhammad Hadi , Almoshari Yosif
Published: June 2021

Nano-crystallization is a new emerging strategy to promote the saturation solubility, dissolution rate and subsequent bioavailability of Biopharmaceutical Class II drugs. Capsaicin belongs to BCS class-II drugs having low water solubility and dissolution rate. Nano-crystals (NC) of pure Capsaicin was developed and optimized in order to increase its water solubility, dissolution and further to promote its adhesiveness to skin epidermis layer. NC formulations were subjected to stability studies, droplet size, surface charge, poly-dispensability index, drug content, entrapment efficiency, thermal analysis, surface morphology, crystalline studies, solubility profile, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation studies. In vivo anti-inflammatory assay (Carrageenan-induced paw edema) was performed in Sprague Dawley rats. Nanocrystals loaded with capsaicin showed particle size 120 ± 3.0 nm with surface charge of −20.7 ± 3.5 and PDI was 0.48 ± 1.5. Drug content and entrapment efficiency of T3 was 85% and 90 ± 1.9% respectively. Thermal studies predicted that melting peak of capsaicin was present in the formulation suggested that there was no interaction between active moieties and excipients in NC formulation. Surface morphology confirmed the presence of Nano-size crystals having rough crystalline surface. XRD proved that the capsaicin NC are successfully developed by using high speed homogenization. The solubility of capsaicin was found to be 12.0 ± 0.013 μg/mL in water. In vitro study revealed that 89.94 ± 1.9% of drug was released within 24 h. Similarly, drug permeation was 68.32 ± 1.83%, drug retained in skin was 16.13 ± 1.11% while drug retained on skin was 9.12 ± 0.14% after 12 h. The nanocrystals showed higher anti-inflammatory activity as compared to marketed product (Dicloran®). The study concluded that improvement in dissolution rate of capsaicin may potentially provide the opportunities in the development of a much cost-effective dosage forms that will produce improved pharmacological effects, but at low dose as compared to the already available products.
Methylene Blue Release from Chitosan/Pectin and Chitosan/DNA Blend Hydrogels
Authors: Cesco Cassiele T. , Valente Artur J. M. , Paulino Alexandre T.
Published: June 2021

Chitosan/DNA blend hydrogel (CDB) and chitosan/pectin blend hydrogel (CPB) were synthesized using an emulsion (oil-in-water) technique for the release of methylene blue (model molecule). Both hydrogels were characterized by swelling assays, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), before and after the methylene blue (MB) loading. Higher swelling degrees were determined for both hydrogels in simulated gastric fluid. FT-IR spectra inferred absorption peak changes and shifts after MB loading. The TGA results confirmed changes in the polymer network degradation. The SEM images indicated low porosities on the hydrogel surfaces, with deformed structure of the CPB. Smoother and more uniform surfaces were noticed on the CDB chain after MB loading. Higher MB adsorption capacities were determined at lower initial hydrogel masses and higher initial dye concentrations. The MB adsorption mechanisms on the hydrogel networks were described by the monolayer and multilayer formation. The MB release from hydrogels was studied in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, at 25 °C and 37 °C, with each process taking place at roughly 6 h. Higher release rates were determined in simulated gastric fluid at 25 °C. The release kinetics of MB in chitosan/DNA and chitosan/pectin matrices follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic mechanism.
Integrative Taxonomic, Ecological and Genotyping Study of Charophyte Populations from the Egyptian Western-Desert Oases and Sinai Peninsula
Authors: Saber Abdullah A. , Gontcharov Andrey A. , Nikulin Arthur Yu. , Nikulin Vyacheslav Yu. , Rayan Walaa A. , Cantonati Marco
Published: June 2021

Present-day information available on the charophyte macroalgae in Egypt, including their phylogenetic affinities, remains largely incomplete. In this study, nine charophyte populations were collected from different aquatic biotopes across the Egyptian Western-Desert Oases and Sinai Peninsula. All populations were investigated using an integrative polyphasic approach including phylogenetic analyses inferred from the chloroplast-encoded gene (rbcL) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) regions, in parallel with morphotaxonomic assignment, ultrastructure of the oospore walls, and autecology. The specimens identified belonged to the genera Chara, Nitella, and Tolypella, with predominance of the first genus to which five species were assigned though they presented some interesting aberrant taxonomic features: C. aspera, C. contraria, C. globata, C. tomentosa, and C. vulgaris. Based on our integrative study, the globally rare species C. globata was reported for the second time for the whole African continent. The genus Nitella was only represented by N. flagellifera, and based on the available literature, it is a new record for North Africa. Noteworthy, an interesting Tolypella sp., morphologically very similar to T. glomerata, was collected and characterized and finally designated with the working name ‘Tolypella sp. PBA–1704 from a desert, freshwater wetland’, mainly based on its concatenated rbcL+ITS1 phylogenetic position. This study not only improved our understanding on the diversity, biogeography and autecological preferences of charophytes in Egypt, but it also broadened our knowledge on this vulnerable algal group in North Africa, emphasizing the need of more in-depth research work in the future, particularly in the less–impacted desert habitats.
Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Leaves
Authors: Pinto Mafalda , Soares Cristiano , Martins Maria , Sousa Bruno , Valente Inês , Pereira Ruth , Fidalgo Fernanda
Published: June 2021

Eucalyptus globulus Labill. is a widespread exotic species that contributes to the formation of fire-prone environments, a great concern under climate change conditions. Therefore, sustainable practices to help locals managing eucalyptus stands are needed. In this perspective, harnessing eucalyptus’ specialized metabolism as a source of allelochemicals can be a promising approach for weed control. Thus, the main goals of this work were to evaluate the herbicidal potential of post-fire regenerated E. globulus leaves against Portulaca oleracea L. and to unravel the physiological mechanisms behind this phytotoxic action. For this, aqueous extracts of fresh (FLE; 617 g FW L−1) or oven-dried leaves (DLE; 250 g DW L−1) were foliar-sprayed at different dilutions in purslane seedlings. After five weeks, results revealed that DLE at the highest dose detained the greatest herbicidal activity, affecting purslane growth and cellular viability. Moreover, biochemical data pointed towards an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, causing harsh oxidative damage in roots, where the upregulation of important cellular players, like sugars, amino acids, and proline, was not able to reestablish redox homeostasis. Overall, this study proved that dried leaves from young E. globulus had potent herbicidal properties against P. oleracea and can represent a feasible strategy for weed management.
The Potential of Using Chitosan on Cereal Crops in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: Kocięcka Joanna , Liberacki Daniel
Published: June 2021

This review presents the main findings from measurements carried out on cereals using chitosan, its derivatives, and nanoparticles. Research into the use of chitosan in agriculture is growing in popularity. Since 2000, 188 original scientific articles indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases have been published on this topic. These have focused mainly on wheat (34.3%), maize (26.3%), and rice (24.2%). It was shown that research on other cereals such as millets and sorghum is scarce and should be expanded to better understand the impact of chitosan use. This review demonstrates that this chitosan is highly effective against the most dangerous diseases and pathogens for cereals. Furthermore, it also contributes to improving yield and chlorophyll content, as well as some plant growth parameters. Additionally, it induces excellent resistance to drought, salt, and low temperature stress and reduces their negative impact on cereals. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the full field efficacy of chitosan.
Pulsed Discharge Plasma in High-Pressure Environment for Water Pollutant Degradation and Nanoparticle Synthesis
Authors: Diono Wahyu , Machmudah Siti , Kanda Hideki , Zhao Yaping , Goto Motonobu
Published: June 2021

The application of high-voltage discharge plasma for water pollutant decomposition and the synthesis of nanoparticles under a high-pressure argon gas environment (~4 MPa) was demonstrated. The experiments were carried out in a batch-type system at room temperature with a pulsed DC power supply (15.4 to 18.6 kV) as a discharge plasma source. The results showed that the electrode materials, the pulsed repetition rates, the applied number of pulses, and the applied voltages had a significant effect on the degradation reactions of organic compounds. Furthermore, carbon solid materials from glycine decomposition were generated during the high-voltage discharge plasma treatment under high-pressure conditions, while Raman spectra and the HRTEM images indicated that titanium dioxide with a brookite structure and titanium carbide nanoparticles were also formed under these conditions. It was concluded that this process is applicable in practice and may lead to advanced organic compound decomposition and metal-based nanoparticle synthesis technologies.
RF and Microwave Ion Sources Study at Institute of Modern Physics
Authors: Jin Qian Y. , Liu Yu G. , Zhou Yang , Wu Qi , Zhai Yao J. , Sun Liang T.
Published: June 2021

Intense ion beam production is of high importance for various versatile applications from accelerator injectors to secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). For these purposes, different types of ion beams are needed and, accordingly, the optimum plasma to produce the desired ion beams. RF-type plasma features a simple structure, high plasma density and low plasma temperature, which is essential for negative ion beam production. A very compact RF-type ion source using a planar coil antenna has been developed at IMP for negative molecular oxygen ion beam production. In terms of high-intensity positive ion beam production, 2.45 GHz microwave power-excited plasma has been widely used. At IMP, we developed a 2.45 GHz plasma source with both ridged waveguide and coaxial antenna coupling schemes, tested successfully with intense beam production. Thanks to the plasma built with an external planar coil antenna, high O2− production efficiency has been achieved, i.e., up to 43%. With 2.45 GHz microwave plasma, the ridged waveguide can support a higher power coupling of high efficiency that leads to the production of intense hydrogen beams up to 90 emA, whereas the coaxial antenna is less efficient in power coupling to plasma but can lead to attractive ion source compactness, with a reasonable beam extraction of several emA.
Preparation of Chitosan/Calcium Alginate/Bentonite Composite Hydrogel and Its Heavy Metal Ions Adsorption Properties
Authors: Lin Zongkun , Yang Yuru , Liang Zizhan , Zeng Lei , Zhang Aiping
Published: June 2021

In order to avoid the secondary pollution of the toxic residue of chemical crosslinking agent accompanied by chemical hydrogel adsorbent and enhance the adsorption performance of physical hydrogel, chitosan/calcium alginate/bentonite (CTS/CA/BT) composite physical hydrogel was constructed. The formation mechanism and structure of the composite hydrogel were determined by FTIR, XRD and SEM. Adsorption performances of the hydrogel toward Pb2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ in water under different condition as well as multi-ion competitive sorption were investigated. The adsorption processes were described with the canonical adsorption kinetics and isotherms models. With the utilization of XPS analysis and adsorption thermodynamics analysis, it was found that the adsorptions were spontaneous physico-chemical adsorptions. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of the hydrogel for Pb2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ reached up to 434.89, 115.30 and 102.38 mg·g−1, respectively, better than those of other physical hydrogels or chitosan/bentonite composite. Moreover, the composite hydrogel improved the collectability of bentonite and showed a good reusability. The modification of bentonite and the formation of hydrogel were completed simultaneously, which greatly simplifies the operation process compared with the prior similar works. These suggest that the CTS/CA/BT composite hydrogel has promising application prospects for removal of heavy metal ions from water.
Viscoelastic Properties of Cell Structures Manufactured Using a Photo-Curable Additive Technology—PJM
Authors: Kozior Tomasz , Kundera Czesław
Published: June 2021

This research paper reviews the test results involving viscoelastic properties of cellular structure models made with the PolyJet Matrix—PJM additive technology. The designed test specimens were of complex cellular structure and made of three various photo-curable polymer resin types. Materials were selected taking into account the so-called “soft” and “tough” material groups. Compressive stress relaxation tests were conducted in accordance with the recommendations of standard ISO 3384, and the impact of the geometric structure shape and material selection on viscoelastic properties, as well as the most favorable geometric variants of the tested cellular structure models were determined. Mathematica and Origin software was used to conduct a statistical analysis of the test results and determine five-parameter functions approximating relaxation curves. The most favorable rheological was adopted and its mean parameters determined, which enables to match both printed model materials and their geometry in the future, to make a component with a specific rheological response. Furthermore, the test results indicated that there was a possibility of modelling cellular structures within the PJM technology, using support material as well.
Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Graphene Oxide Functionalized Curaua Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites: A Brief Report
Authors: Costa Ulisses , Nascimento Lucio , Almeida Bezerra Wendell , de Oliveira Aguiar Vinícius , Pereira Artur , Monteiro Sergio , Pinheiro Wagner
Published: June 2021

The coating of natural fiber by graphene oxide (GO) has, over, this past decade, attracted increasing attention as an effective way to improve the adhesion to polymer matrices and enhance the composite properties. In particular, the GO-functionalized 30 vol% curaua fiber (Ananas Erectifolius) reinforcing epoxy composite was found to display superior tensile and thermogravimetric properties as well as higher fiber/matrix interfacial shear strength. In this brief report, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was conducted in up to 50 vol% GO-functionalized curaua fiber reinforced epoxy matrix (EM) composites. The objective was not only to extend the amount incorporated but also for the first time investigate the composite viscoelastic behavior. The GO functionalization of curaua fibers (GOCF) improved the DMA storage (E′) and loss (E″) modulus compared to the non-functionalized fiber composites. Values at 30 °C of both E′ (13.44 GPa) and E″ (0.67 GPa) for 50 vol% GO-functionalized curaua fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites (50GOCF/EM) were substantially higher than those of 20 GOCF/EM with E′ (7.08 GPa) and E″ (0.22 GPa) as well as non-functionalized 50CF/EM with E′ (11.04 GPa) and E″ (0.45 GPa). All these results are above the neat epoxy previously reported values of E′ (3.86 GPa) and E″ (0.09 GPa). As for the tangent delta, the parameters associated with damping factor and glass transition temperature were not found to be significantly changed by GO functionalization, but decreased with respect to the neat epoxy due to chain mobility restriction.
Chromatographic Method for Evaluation of Polymeric GC Stationary Phases Ageing Using the Novel Non-Cross-Linked Poly(3-(Tributoxysilyl)Tricyclononene-7) as the Model Stationary Phase
Authors: Kanateva Anastasiia , Bermeshev Maxim , Alentiev Dmitrii , Korolev Alexander A. , Kurganov Alexander
Published: June 2021

The chromatographic properties and thermal stability are investigated for the polymeric stationary phase based on the norbornene polymer. It was shown that without additional cross-linking, poly(3-(tributoxysilyl)tricyclononene-7) demonstrates properties similar to liquid chromatographic stationary phases. It was also found to be more thermally stable than previously studied trimethylsilyl- and trimethoxysilyl- derivatives. The long-term heating at 170 °C resulted in an increase of mass transfer rate between stationary and mobile phases which could be observed as a decrease of parameter C of Van Deemter equation. This effect is rather unusual, as the polymeric stationary phases tend in decrease of the layer volume and porosity while ageing. Additionally, the values of thermodynamic parameters of sorption are calculated for the polymeric stationary phase: enthalpy of sorption varied −28 to −37 kJ/mol, entropy change was −41 to −51 J/mol K. The compensation curves were plotted for the alkanes, arenes, and alcohols, and the parameters of compensation plot were calculated, demonstrating the different sorption mechanisms both for hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing compounds, and different classes of organic compounds.
Oxi-HA/ADH Hydrogels: A Novel Approach in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: França Carla Giometti , Villalva Denise Gradella , Santana Maria Helena Andrade
Published: June 2021

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polyelectrolyte abundant in mammalian connective tissues, such as cartilage and skin. Both endogenous and exogenous HA produced by fermentation have similar physicochemical, rheological, and biological properties, leading to medical and dermo-cosmetic products. Chemical modifications such as cross-linking or conjugation in target groups of the HA molecule improve its properties and in vivo stability, expanding its applications. Currently, HA-based scaffolds and matrices are of great interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the partial oxidation of the proximal hydroxyl groups in HA to electrophilic aldehydes mediated by periodate is still rarely investigated. The introduced aldehyde groups in the HA backbone allow spontaneous cross-linking with adipic dihydrazide (ADH), thermosensitivity, and noncytotoxicity to the hydrogels, which are advantageous for medical applications. This review provides an overview of the physicochemical properties of HA and its usual chemical modifications to better understand oxi-HA/ADH hydrogels, their functional properties modulated by the oxidation degree and ADH concentration, and the current clinical research. Finally, it discusses the development of biomaterials based on oxi-HA/ADH as a novel approach in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Effect of Steam Quality on Extra-Heavy Crude Oil Upgrading and Oil Recovery Assisted with PdO and NiO-Functionalized Al2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Cardona Luisana , Medina Oscar E. , Céspedes Santiago , Lopera Sergio H. , Cortés Farid B. , Franco Camilo A.
Published: June 2021

This work focuses on evaluating the effect of the steam quality on the upgrading and recovering extra-heavy crude oil in the presence and absence of two nanofluids. The nanofluids AlNi1 and AlNi1Pd1 consist of 500 mg·L−1 of alumina doped with 1.0% in mass fraction of Ni (AlNi1) and alumina doped with 1.0% in mass fraction of Ni and Pd (AlNi1Pd1), respectively, and 1000 mg·L−1 of tween 80 surfactant. Displacement tests are done in different stages, including (i) basic characterization, (ii) waterflooding, (iii) steam injection at 0.5 quality, (iv) steam injection at 1.0 quality, (v) batch injection of nanofluids, and (vi) steam injection after nanofluid injection at 0.5 and 1.0 qualities. The steam injection is realized at 210 °C, the reservoir temperature is fixed at 80 °C, and pore and overburden pressure at 1.03 MPa (150 psi) and 5.51 MPa (800 psi), respectively. After the steam injection at 0.5 and 1.0 quality, oil recovery is increased 3.0% and 7.0%, respectively, regarding the waterflooding stage, and no significant upgrade in crude oil is observed. Then, during the steam injection with nanoparticles, the AlNi1 and AlNi1Pd1 increase the oil recovery by 20.0% and 13.0% at 0.5 steam quality. Meanwhile, when steam is injected at 1.0 quality for both nanoparticles evaluated, no incremental oil is produced. The crude oil is highly upgraded for the AlNi1Pd1 system, reducing oil viscosity 99%, increasing the American Petroleum Institute (API)° from 6.9° to 13.3°, and reducing asphaltene content 50% at 0.5 quality. It is expected that this work will eventually help understand the appropriate conditions in which nanoparticles should be injected in a steam injection process to improve its efficiency in terms of oil recovery and crude oil quality.
Increased Radiation Dose Exposure in Thoracic Computed Tomography in Patients with Covid-19
Authors: Cristofaro Massimo , Fusco Nicoletta , Petrone Ada , Albarello Fabrizio , Di Stefano Federica , Pianura Elisa , Schininà Vincenzo , Ianniello Stefania , Campioni Paolo
Published: June 2021

The CT manifestation of COVID-19 patients is now well known and essentially reflects pathological changes in the lungs. Actually, there is insufficient knowledge on the long-term outcomes of this new disease, and several chest CTs might be necessary to evaluate the outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiation dose for chest CT scans in COVID-19 patients compared to a cohort with pulmonary infectious diseases at the same time of the previous year to value if there is any modification of exposure dose. The analysis of our data shows an increase in the overall mean dose in COVID-19 patients compared with non-COVID-19 patients. In our results, the higher dose increase occurs in the younger age groups (+86% range 21–30 years and +67% range 31–40 years). Our results show that COVID-19 patients are exposed to a significantly higher dose of ionizing radiation than other patients without COVID infectious lung disease, and especially in younger age groups, although some authors have proposed the use of radiotherapy in these patients, which is yet to be validated. Our study has limitations: the use of one CT machine in a single institute and a limited number of patients.
The Contribution of Ss. Cyril and Methodius to Culture and Religion
Authors: Hetényi Martin , Ivanič Peter
Published: June 2021

The Byzantine mission of saint brothers Cyril and Methodius had a major impact on the spiritual history of Great Moravia. In the centuries that followed, their works paved the way for the political and historical development of the Slavic nations, mainly in South-East and East Europe. The mission, which reached Great Moravia in 863, had several dimensions. The most important were evangelism and the cultural and civilizational dimensions. Translations of the Gospel and liturgical texts into Old Church Slavonic intensified the religious life of our ancestors and laid the foundations of literature and culture for almost the entire Slavic world. From this point of view, research should be focused on the role and reflection of this historical and cultural heritage in the ecclesiastical and spiritual, national and cultural life of the Slavic nations. The aim of this article is to assess the significance of Christian and Byzantine cultural values in terms of the collective Slavic identity. The Cyrillo-Methodian idea manifests itself in the history of the Slavic world as a complex but solid foundation, capable of renewing the sleeping or inhibited energy and values in the areas of faith, culture, literature, arts, education, upbringing, as well as national consciousness.
Hydrometallurgical Process to Recover Cobalt from Spent Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Djoudi Neila , Le Page Mostefa Marie , Muhr Hervé
Published: June 2021

The growth of the lithium-ion battery industry requires a secure supply of raw materials and appropriate end-of-life management of batteries. In almost five years, global cobalt consumption has increased by nearly 30%, driven mainly by rechargeable batteries. Consequently, several risks have been identified for cobalt, in particular the growing demand for electric vehicles, which could exceed current production. Therefore, research into the recovery of this critical metal, from industrial or urban waste, is particularly important in the years to come. In this study, cobalt is recovered from a lithium-ion battery leachate in hydroxide form. The thermodynamic simulations performed with Visual Minteq showed that it was possible to recover 99.8% of cobalt (II) hydroxide at 25 °C. Based on these results, experiments were conducted to validate the hypotheses put forward and to compare the results obtained with the simulations performed. Experimentally, several operating parameters were studied to determine the optimal conditions for cobalt recovery, in terms of yield, filterability, and selectivity. Results obtained in a batch reactor allowed the determination of the temperature conditions to be applied in continuous reactor. The cobalt (II) hydroxide precipitation in continuous reactor was carried out under different pH conditions. It was then possible to determine the optimal conditions for cobalt recovery in terms of yield and filterability. Results showed that working at pH 9 would effectively meet the desired criteria. Indeed, cobalt recovery is close to 100% and filtration flow rate is three times higher. Results obtained allow a better understanding of cobalt (II) hydroxide precipitation.
Protein Hydrolysates from Flaxseed Oil Cake as a Media Supplement in CHO Cell Culture
Authors: Logarušić Marijan , Gaurina Srček Višnja , Berljavac Sara , Leboš Pavunc Andreja , Radošević Kristina , Slivac Igor
Published: June 2021

This is the first report about flaxseed protein hydrolysates applied as media supplements in CHO cell culture. The hydrolysates were produced by three separate enzymatic digestions of proteins isolated from flaxseed oil cake. The enzymes used were Alcalase, Neutrase, and Protamex, and the most efficient hydrolysis was achieved with Alcalase. The three hydrolysates were first tested as a partial substitute for serum in basal media in order to evaluate their effects on the adherent IgG-producing CHO cell line. The cells that grew in such media reached higher density than the cells in media supplemented with serum only. Consequently, the increased cell number improved the final IgG titer. In the next experiment, the impact of hydrolysates was evaluated in suspension CHO culture adapted to chemically defined media. In this preliminary investigation, the cells showed no response to the hydrolysate addition concerning the growth rate and productivity. Despite this outcome, we speculate that low molecular mass components in the hydrolysates, besides nutritive, may have a cell-protective function.
Design and Validation of a Portable Machine Learning-Based Electronic Nose
Authors: Huang Yixu , Doh Iyll-Joon , Bae Euiwon
Published: June 2021

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals emitted by various groups, such as foods, bacteria, and plants. While there are specific pathways and biological features significantly related to such VOCs, detection of these is achieved mostly by human odor testing or high-end methods such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry that can analyze the gaseous component. However, odor characterization can be quite helpful in the rapid classification of some samples in sufficient concentrations. Lower-cost metal-oxide gas sensors have the potential to allow the same type of detection with less training required. Here, we report a portable, battery-powered electronic nose system that utilizes multiple metal-oxide gas sensors and machine learning algorithms to detect and classify VOCs. An in-house circuit was designed with ten metal-oxide sensors and voltage dividers; an STM32 microcontroller was used for data acquisition with 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion. For classification of target samples, a supervised machine learning algorithm such as support vector machine (SVM) was applied to classify the VOCs based on the measurement results. The coefficient of variation (standard deviation divided by mean) of 8 of the 10 sensors stayed below 10%, indicating the excellent repeatability of these sensors. As a proof of concept, four different types of wine samples and three different oil samples were classified, and the training model reported 100% and 98% accuracy based on the confusion matrix analysis, respectively. When the trained model was challenged against new sets of data, sensitivity and specificity of 98.5% and 98.6% were achieved for the wine test and 96.3% and 93.3% for the oil test, respectively, when the SVM classifier was used. These results suggest that the metal-oxide sensors are suitable for usage in food authentication applications.
A Review of Remote Sensing Image Dehazing
Authors: Liu Juping , Wang Shiju , Wang Xin , Ju Mingye , Zhang Dengyin
Published: June 2021

Remote sensing (RS) is one of the data collection technologies that help explore more earth surface information. However, RS data captured by satellite are susceptible to particles suspended during the imaging process, especially for data with visible light band. To make up for such deficiency, numerous dehazing work and efforts have been made recently, whose strategy is to directly restore single hazy data without the need for using any extra information. In this paper, we first classify the current available algorithm into three categories, i.e., image enhancement, physical dehazing, and data-driven. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of algorithm are then summarized in detail. Finally, the evaluation indicators used to rank the recovery performance and the application scenario of the RS data haze removal technique are discussed, respectively. In addition, some common deficiencies of current available methods and future research focus are elaborated.
Parallel Structure from Motion for Sparse Point Cloud Generation in Large-Scale Scenes
Authors: Bao Yongtang , Lin Pengfei , Li Yao , Qi Yue , Wang Zhihui , Du Wenxiang , Fan Qing
Published: June 2021

Scene reconstruction uses images or videos as input to reconstruct a 3D model of a real scene and has important applications in smart cities, surveying and mapping, military, and other fields. Structure from motion (SFM) is a key step in scene reconstruction, which recovers sparse point clouds from image sequences. However, large-scale scenes cannot be reconstructed using a single compute node. Image matching and geometric filtering take up a lot of time in the traditional SFM problem. In this paper, we propose a novel divide-and-conquer framework to solve the distributed SFM problem. First, we use the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) information from images to calculate the GNSS neighborhood. The number of images matched is greatly reduced by matching each image to only valid GNSS neighbors. This way, a robust matching relationship can be obtained. Second, the calculated matching relationship is used as the initial camera graph, which is divided into multiple subgraphs by the clustering algorithm. The local SFM is executed on several computing nodes to register the local cameras. Finally, all of the local camera poses are integrated and optimized to complete the global camera registration. Experiments show that our system can accurately and efficiently solve the structure from motion problem in large-scale scenes.
Pedestrians’ Crossing Dilemma during the First Seconds of the Red-Light Phase
Authors: Anapali Iliani Styliani , Basbas Socrates , Nikiforiadis Andreas
Published: June 2021

Most safety concerns for pedestrian trips arise during road crossing, due to the interaction of pedestrians with motorized vehicles. This present paper attempts to explore the factors that have significant impact on pedestrians’ crossing behavior, and to identify the group of pedestrians that appear to be the most prone to crossing a road during the first five seconds of the red phase. In this context, observations were conducted in twelve signalized crossings in one-way roads, in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. The collected data (600 observations of crossing pedestrians) were analyzed statistically; more specifically, the observations were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and a classification tree was developed for predicting pedestrians’ decisions. The results indicate that pedestrians’ crossing behavior is most of all affected by the behavior of other pedestrians in the signalized crossing. Also, the number of traffic lanes has an impact on pedestrians’ decision to cross the road during the first five seconds of the red-light phase.
Dynamics and Elastic Properties of Glassy Metastable States
Authors: Aoki Keiko M.
Published: June 2021

By a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method which ensures the system will be under hydrostatic pressure, dynamic and elastic properties of glassy metatstable states are investigated. In the MD method, the simulation cell fluctuates not only in volume but also in shape under constant hydrostatic pressure and temperature. As observed in experiments for many glass forming materials, metastable states in our simulation show a sharp increase in mean-square-displacement at certain temperatures TD. Dynamic heterogeneity is also observed at TD. Elastic properties are calculated from stress and strain relations obtained from the spontaneous fluctuation of internal stress tensor and simulation cell parameters. Each investigated state shows distinctive dynamics while maintaining solid-like elastic properties. The elastic properties stay intact even above TD. It has been shown that the rigidity and mobility of glassy metastable states are compatible under dynamic heterogeneity.
The Impact of Religiosity and Food Consumption Culture on Food Waste Intention in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elshaer Ibrahim , Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Alyahya Mansour , Abu Elnasr Ahmed
Published: June 2021

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is among the top food-wasting countries worldwide, despite it being considered a religious society. Hence, an important question has emerged “to what extent and by what mechanism can religiosity influence food waste intention?”. This research answers this research question and examines the direct impact of both religiosity and food consumption culture on food waste intention as well as the indirect impact through the constructs of theory of planned behavior. For this purpose, a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was collected from 1135 restaurant customers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) using Analysis of a Moment Structures (AMOS) showed a very weak negative influence of religiosity on food waste intention. However, food consumption culture has had a high positive significant influence on food waste intention. The results also showed that attitude towards behaviors, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control fully mediate the relationship between religiosity and food waste intention. On the other side, they were found to partially mediate the relationship between food consumption culture and food waste intention. The results have several implications for policy-makers, scholars, and restaurant practitioners.
Characterisation of Impact Funds and Their Potential in the Context of the 2030 Agenda
Authors: Santamarta Juan C. , Storch de Gracia Mª Dolores , Carrascosa Mª Ángeles Huerta , Martínez-Núñez Margarita , García Celia de las Heras , Cruz-Pérez Noelia
Published: June 2021

The European Union has incorporated impact investment through two action plans: the Social Entrepreneurship Initiative and the Investment Plan for Europe. These financing tools seek to fund economic growth and promote job creation. Among the different measures carried out, the regulatory framework for impact investment funds stands out, under which the denomination, European Social Entrepreneurship Fund, is established to designate investment funds focused on social enterprises with the objective of generating a positive impact. It is possible to affirm that the creation of a solid impact intermediation infrastructure, by connecting both sides of supply and demand, is a critical aspect for the development and effective functioning of the impact market. Special importance is given to impact funds capable of attracting private capital. In order to categorise the different impact funds according to the most relevant aspects, a proposal form for the characterisation of impact funds has been drawn up and has been applied to a particular case. The presentation of Creas will allow for contextualising the practices that impact funds carry out and facilitate the general understanding of the article through a specific example that is considered successful in Spain.
How State Interventions affect Municipalities Taking the Lead in Sustainability
Authors: Farmer Jayce L. , Rodriguez Lombeida Andres J.
Published: June 2021

The state and local governments throughout the United States interact within a complex system of multilevel governance to advance sustainability. However, we know little about what this hierarchical system of exchanges means for municipalities as they work to achieve energy efficient government operations. Drawing on a perspective of “contested federalism”, we examine how the transaction costs of state–local government relations affect the efforts of U.S. cities to lead by example and promote sustainability within their internal processes. We apply a Bayesian item response theory approach to assess the effects of state-level fiscal and policy interventions on municipal commitments to energy efficiency programs within their internal operations. Our findings suggest that increased fiscal support for state energy programs enhances municipal commitments to government focused energy efficiency. We also find a positive connection between state energy efficiency standards and municipal efforts to enhance energy efficiency within their internal operations. The alignment of state resources and policy efforts with municipal actions can reduce commitment and agency costs that obstruct policy outcomes. The findings speak to the importance of multilevel governance exchanges in municipal efforts to become leaders in sustainability.
Benthic Community Assessment of Commercial Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Gear in Delaware Inland Bays
Authors: Fuoco Melanie , Borsum Scott , Kouhanestani Zohreh Mazaheri , Ozbay Gulnihal
Published: June 2021

Oyster aquaculture is one of several methods for the restoration of Delaware Inland Bays; however, little is known about its potential impacts on the benthic community of the bays. In this study, water quality parameters were measured and polychaetes were collected from 24 sampling locations at Rehoboth, Indian River, and Little Assawoman Bays from July to October 2016 and 2017. We aimed to assess the impact of Eastern oyster farming under different stocking densities (50 and 250 oysters/gear) and distances away from the sites where the off-bottom gears are implemented (under gears, one meter, and five meters away). No significant impact was detected on polychaetes’ abundance and richness in regard to the presence of oyster gears. The number of polychaetes and species richness was significantly higher in Little Assawoman Bay in comparison to the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays. Results showed that the Ulva lactuca bloom that happened in 2016 could negatively impact the low abundance and richness observed in the polychaetes community. Similarly, the values of polychaetes abundance and species richness did not change significantly in samples that were taken far from the oyster gears. Dominant polychaetes families were Capitellidae and Glyceridae contributing to more than 70% of polychaetes’ number of individuals. Our results help to understand the role of oyster aquaculture in restoring the viability in the natural habitat of the Delaware Inland Bays.
Insights on Water and Climate Change in the Greater Horn of Africa: Connecting Virtual Water and Water-Energy-Food-Biodiversity-Health Nexus
Authors: Hirwa Hubert , Zhang Qiuying , Qiao Yunfeng , Peng Yu , Leng Peifang , Tian Chao , Khasanov Sayidjakhon , Li Fadong , Kayiranga Alphonse , Muhirwa Fabien , Itangishaka Auguste Cesar , Habiyaremye Gabriel , Ngamije Jean
Published: June 2021

Water is the key limiting factor in socioeconomic and ecological development, but it is adversely affected by climate change. The novel virtual water (VW) concept and water, energy, food, biodiversity, and human health (WEFBH) nexus approach are powerful tools to assess the sustainability of a region through the lens of climate change. Climate change-related challenges and water are complex and intertwined. This paper analyzed the significant WEFBH sectors using the multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model. The AHP model demonstrated quantitative relationships among WEFBH nexus sustainability indicators in the Greater Horn of Africa countries. Besides, the net VW imports and water footprints of major staple crops were assessed. The composite WEFBH nexus indices varied from 0.10 to 0.14. The water footprint of crops is increasing period by period. The results also revealed that most countries in the study area are facing WEFBH domains unsustainability due to weak planning or improper management strategies. The strong policy constancy among the WEFBH sector is vital for dissociating the high-water consumption from crop production, energy, environmental, and human health system. Thus, this study enhances insights into the interdependencies, interconnectedness, and interactions of sectors thereby strengthening the coordination, complementarities, and synergies among them. To attain sustainable development, we urgently call all public and private entities to value the amount of VW used in their daily activities and design better policies on the complex WEFBH nexus and future climate change.
Mapping Environmental/Sustainable Governance Research in Chile: A Bibliometric and Network Analysis
Authors: Vanhulst Julien , Beling Adrián E.
Published: June 2021

In light of increasing concerns about the efficacy of environmental governance (EG) to address the global sustainability challenges of the Anthropocene era, more integrative, transversal, and far-reaching approaches, referred to here as sustainability governance (SG), are gaining ground both in governance praxis and in research. Empirical and methodological challenges emerge from this conceptual analytical cleavage between EG and SG. Through a combination of bibliometric and network analysis, the objective of this article is to explore the structure and trends in the field of EG/SG research in Chile, internationally regarded as the posterchild of Latin-American EG/SG, and derive empirical insights to feed the analytical distinction between EG and SG that informs global debates about ways forward towards an effective governance in the Anthropocene. Our results show that scientific research on EG/SG has experienced a significant increase since the 1990s. We find that while the topical range of the field is broad, including water governance, biodiversity conservation, environmental institutions, climate change and energy issues, and environmental conflicts and justice, key cross-cutting socio-economic and cultural dynamics underpinning the prevalent, yet fundamentally unsustainable, ways of life and economic model are virtually absent from the field, against their growing presence in diagnoses of “sustained unsustainability”.
The Importance of Sustainability in Diving Tourism—The Case of German Speaking Diving Tourists
Authors: Hodeck Alexander , Tuchel Jacqueline , Hente Luisa , von Reibnitz Christine
Published: June 2021

Sustainability in sports tourism has increased in recent years. Sustainability is a particular focus for diving tourism. This paper analyses the meaning of sustainability to German speaking diving tourists to draw conclusions for the development of tourism strategies. Based on a literature review on the importance of sustainability in diving tourism, an empirical study was designed to understand the importance of the topic within the target group. A total of 174 German-speaking diving tourists were surveyed using an online-questionnaire. The subjects were clustered regarding their sustainable behavior. It could be shown that there is a correlation between age as well as gender and sustainable behavior. A conjoint measurement showed that for diving tourists, ecological aspects are more important than the prize of a diving trip. The gained insights can contribute to establish new and more sustainable offers in diving tourism and thus developing this area of sports tourism more sustainably overall.
Smart and Resilient Urban Futures for Sustainability in the Post COVID-19 Era: A Review of Policy Responses on Urban Mobility
Authors: Kakderi Christina , Oikonomaki Eleni , Papadaki Ilektra
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has put lifestyles in question, changed daily routines, and limited citizen freedoms that seemed inalienable before. A human activity that has been greatly affected since the beginning of the health crisis is mobility. Focusing on mobility, we aim to discuss the transformational impact that the pandemic brought to this specific urban domain, especially with regards to the promotion of sustainability, the smart growth agenda, and the acceleration towards the smart city paradigm. We collect 60 initial policy responses related to urban mobility from cities around the world and analyze them based on the challenge they aim to address, the exact principles of smart growth and sustainable mobility that they encapsulate, as well as the level of ICT penetration. Our findings suggest that emerging strategies, although mainly temporary, are transformational, in line with the principles of smart growth and sustainable development. Most policy responses adopted during the first months of the pandemic, however, fail to leverage advancements made in the field of smart cities, and to adopt off-the-shelf solutions such as monitoring, alerting, and operations management.