bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclined Substrate Deposition of Nanostructured TiO2 Thin Films for DSSC Application
Authors: Meng Lijian , Yang Tao
Published: May 2021

Nanostructured TiO2 films were deposited onto Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and glass substrates by dc reactive magnetron sputtering at different substrate inclination angles. The structural and optical properties of the deposited films were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV–Vis spectrophotometer, respectively. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were assembled using these TiO2 films as photoelectrodes and the effect of the substrate inclination angle in the preparing process of TiO2 films on the DSSC conversion efficiency was studied.
Analysis of Mercury in Skin Lightening Cream by Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES)
Authors: Qudus Hardoko I. , Purwadi Purwadi , Holilah Iis , Hadi Sutopo
Published: May 2021

This research aimed at developing an analysis method, which was optimized and validated to determine the content of mercury in skin lightening cream discovered in the market in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, through the use of microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES). The optimization on the analysis method was conducted on pump rate, viewing position, and reductant concentration in order to obtain the highest mercury emission intensity, while the solution stability was optimized to know the stability of mercury in the solution. The result showed that the method developed had precision with a relative standard deviation of 2.67%, recovery value of 92.78%, and linearity with an r value of 0.993, respectively. The sensitivity of the instrument detection had a limit of analysis method detection and quantification of 0.59 and 1.98 µg/L, respectively. The results of the test of the lightening cream (8 of 16 samples) positively contained mercury in the range of 422.61–44,960.79 ng/g. Therefore the method of analysis developed may be used for routine analysis of chemicals in any cosmetics products.
Solar Driven Photocatalytic Activity of Porphyrin Sensitized TiO2: Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Otieno Sebastian , Lanterna Anabel E. , Mack John , Derese Solomon , Amuhaya Edith K. , Nyokong Tebello , Scaiano Juan C.
Published: May 2021

The absence of a secure long-term sustainable energy supply is recognized as a major worldwide technological challenge. The generation of H2 through photocatalysis is an environmentally friendly alternative that can help solve the energy problem. Thus, the development of semiconductor materials that can absorb solar light is an attractive approach. TiO2 has a wide bandgap that suffers from no activity in the visible spectrum, limiting its use of solar radiation. In this research, the semiconductor absorption profile was extended into the visible region of the solar spectrum by preparing porphyrin-TiO2 (P-TiO2) composites of meso-tetra(4-bromophenyl)porphyrin (PP1) and meso-tetra(5-bromo-2-thienyl)porphyrin (PP2) and their In(III), Zn(II) and Ga(III) metal complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations were performed on the porphyrins to gain insight into their electron injection capability. The results demonstrate that P-TiO2 systems merit further in-depth study for applications that require efficient photocatalytic H2 generation.
X-ray and UV Radiation Damage of dsDNA/Protein Complexes
Authors: Wityk Paweł , Kostrzewa-Nowak Dorota , Krawczyk Beata , Michalik Michał , Nowak Robert
Published: May 2021

Radiation and photodynamic therapies are used for cancer treatment by targeting DNA. However, efficiency is limited due to physico-chemical processes and the insensitivity of native nucleobases to damage. Thus, incorporation of radio- and photosensitizers into these therapies should increase both efficacy and the yield of DNA damage. To date, studies of sensitization processes have been performed on simple model systems, e.g., buffered solutions of dsDNA or sensitizers alone. To fully understand the sensitization processes and to be able to develop new efficient sensitizers in the future, well established model systems are necessary. In the cell environment, DNA tightly interacts with proteins and incorporating this interaction is necessary to fully understand the DNA sensitization process. In this work, we used dsDNA/protein complexes labeled with photo- and radiosensitizers and investigated degradation pathways using LC-MS and HPLC after X-ray or UV radiation.
Performance Evaluation of Enzyme Breaker for Fracturing Applications under Simulated Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Meng Yuling , Zhao Fei , Jin Xianwei , Feng Yun , Sun Gangzheng , Lin Junzhang , Jia Baolei , Li Piwu
Published: May 2021

Fracturing fluids are being increasingly used for viscosity development and proppant transport during hydraulic fracturing operations. Furthermore, the breaker is an important additive in fracturing fluid to extensively degrade the polymer mass after fracturing operations, thereby maximizing fracture conductivity and minimizing residual damaging materials. In this study, the efficacy of different enzyme breakers was examined in alkaline and medium-temperature reservoirs. The parameters considered were the effect of the breaker on shear resistance performance and sand-suspending performance of the fracturing fluid, its damage to the reservoir after gel breaking, and its gel-breaking efficiency. The experimental results verified that mannanase II is an enzyme breaker with excellent gel-breaking performance at medium temperatures and alkaline conditions. In addition, mannanase II did not adversely affect the shear resistance performance and sand-suspending performance of the fracturing fluid during hydraulic fracturing. For the same gel-breaking result, the concentration of mannanase II used was only one fifth of other enzyme breakers (e.g., mannanase I, galactosidase, and amylase). Moreover, the amount of residue and the particle size of the residues generated were also significantly lower than those of the ammonium persulfate breaker. Finally, we also examined the viscosity-reducing capability of mannanase II under a wide range of temperatures (104–158 °F) and pH values (7–8.5) to recommend its best-use concentrations under different fracturing conditions. The mannanase has potential for applications in low-permeability oilfield development and to maximize long-term productivity from unconventional oilwells.
The Isoelectric Point of an Exotic Oxide: Tellurium (IV) Oxide
Authors: Kosmulski Marek , Mączka Edward
Published: May 2021

The pH-dependent surface charging of tellurium (IV) oxide has been studied. The isoelectric point (IEP) of tellurium (IV) oxide was determined by microelectrophoresis in various 1-1 electrolytes over a concentration range of 0.001–0.1 M. In all electrolytes studied and irrespective of their concentration the zeta potential of TeO2 was negative over the pH range 3–12. In other words the IEP of TeO2 is at pH below 3 (if any). TeO2 specifically adsorbs ionic surfactants, and their presence strongly affects the zeta potential. In contrast the effect of multivalent inorganic ions on the zeta potential of TeO2 is rather insignificant (no shift in the IEP). In this respect TeO2 is very different from metal oxides.
The Physico-Chemical Properties of Glipizide: New Findings
Authors: Bruni Giovanna , Ghione Ines , Berbenni Vittorio , Cardini Andrea , Capsoni Doretta , Girella Alessandro , Milanese Chiara , Marini Amedeo
Published: May 2021

The present work is a concrete example of how physico-chemical studies, if performed in depth, are crucial to understand the behavior of pharmaceutical solids and constitute a solid basis for the control of the reproducibility of the industrial batches. In particular, a deep study of the thermal behavior of glipizide, a hypoglycemic drug, was carried out with the aim of clarifying whether the recognition of its polymorphic forms can really be done on the basis of the endothermic peak that the literature studies attribute to the melting of the compound. A number of analytical techniques were used: thermal techniques (DSC, TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Great attention was paid to the experimental design and to the interpretation of the combined results obtained by all these techniques. We proved that the attribution of the endothermic peak shown by glipizide to its melting was actually wrong. The DSC peak is no doubt triggered by a decomposition process that involves gas evolution (cyclohexanamine and carbon dioxide) and formation of 5-methyl-N-[2-(4-sulphamoylphenyl) ethyl] pyrazine-2-carboxamide, which remains as decomposition residue. Thermal treatments properly designed and the combined use of DSC with FT-IR and XRPD led to identifying a new polymorphic form of 5-methyl-N-[2-(4-sulphamoylphenyl) ethyl] pyrazine-2-carboxamide, which is obtained by crystallization from the melt. Hence, our results put into evidence that the check of the polymorphic form of glipizide cannot be based on the temperature values of the DSC peak, since such a peak is due to a decomposition process whose Tonset value is strongly affected by the particle size. Kinetic studies of the decomposition process show the high stability of solid glipizide at room temperature.
Proteomic Analysis of Zeb1 Interactome in Breast Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Parfenyev Sergey E. , Shabelnikov Sergey V. , Pozdnyakov Danila Y. , Gnedina Olga O. , Adonin Leonid S. , Barlev Nickolai A. , Mittenberg Alexey G.
Published: May 2021

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasm and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition (EMT) plays a critical role in the organism development, providing cell migration and tissue formation. However, its erroneous activation in malignancies can serve as the basis for the dissemination of cancer cells and metastasis. The Zeb1 transcription factor, which regulates the EMT activation, has been shown to play an essential role in malignant transformation. This factor is involved in many signaling pathways that influence a wide range of cellular functions via interacting with many proteins that affect its transcriptional functions. Importantly, the interactome of Zeb1 depends on the cellular context. Here, using the inducible expression of Zeb1 in epithelial breast cancer cells, we identified a substantial list of novel potential Zeb1 interaction partners, including proteins involved in the formation of malignant neoplasms, such as ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX17and a component of the NURD repressor complex, CTBP2. We confirmed the presence of the selected interactors by immunoblotting with specific antibodies. Further, we demonstrated that co-expression of Zeb1 and CTBP2 in breast cancer patients correlated with the poor survival prognosis, thus signifying the functionality of the Zeb1–CTBP2 interaction.
Chemical Composition, Antipathogenic and Cytotoxic Activity of the Essential Oil Extracted from Amorpha fruticosa Fruits
Authors: Marinas Ioana Cristina , Oprea Eliza , Buleandra Mihaela , Badea Irinel Adriana , Tihauan Bianca Maria , Marutescu Luminita , Angheloiu Marin , Matei Elena , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this paper was to characterize and investigate the antimicrobial potential of Amorpha fruticosa fruits essential oil (EO). The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation, analyzed by GC-MS, and then evaluated for its interaction with microbial and mammalian cells. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against bacterial and fungal strains, in a planktonic and adherent growth state, using qualitative and quantitative assays. The main components identified in A. fruticosa fruits EO were δ-cadinene, γ-muurolene, and α-muurolene. The Gram-positive strains proved to be more susceptible than Gram-negative bacteria and fungal strains. The EO exhibited good antibiofilm activity, inhibiting the microbial adherence to the inert (96-well plates and Foley catheter section) and cellular substrata. The flow cytometry analysis revealed as one of the possible mechanisms of antimicrobial action the alteration of cell membrane hydrophobicity. The cytotoxicity on the L929 cell line occurred at concentrations higher than 0.3 mg/mL. Taken together, our results demonstrate that A. fruticosa fruits EO contains active compounds with selective inhibitory effect on different microbial strains in planktonic and biofilm growth state, explained at least partially by the interference with microbial membranes due to their hydrophobic character.
Critical Reappraisal of Methods for Measuring Urine Saturation with Calcium Salts
Authors: Berto Silvia , Marangella Martino , De Stefano Concetta , Milea Demetrio , Daniele Pier Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Background: Metabolic and physicochemical evaluation is recommended to manage the condition of patients with nephrolithiasis. The estimation of the saturation state (β values) is often included in the diagnostic work-up, and it is preferably performed through calculations. The free concentrations of constituent ions are estimated by considering the main ionic soluble complexes. It is contended that this approach is liable to an overestimation of β values because some complexes may be overlooked. A recent report found that β values could be significantly lowered upon the addition of new and so far neglected complexes, [Ca(PO4)Cit]4− and [Ca2H2(PO4)2]. The aim of this work was to assess whether these complexes can be relevant to explaining the chemistry of urine. Methods: The Ca–phosphate–citrate aqueous system was investigated by potentiometric titrations. The stability constants of the parent binary complexes [Cacit]− and [CaPO4]−, and the coordination tendency of PO43− toward [Ca(cit)]− to form the ternary complex, were estimated. βCaOx and βCaHPO4 were then calculated on 5 natural urines by chemical models, including or not including the [CaPO4]− and [Ca(PO4)cit]4− species. Results: Species distribution diagrams show that the [Ca(PO4)cit]4− species was only noticeable at pH > 8.5 and below 10% of the total calcium. β values estimated on natural urine were slightly lowered by the formation of [CaPO4]− species, whereas [Ca(PO4)cit]4− results were irrelevant. Conclusions: While [CaPO4]− species have an impact on saturation levels at higher pHs, the existence of ternary complex and of the dimer is rejected.
Optimizing Adsorption of 17α-Ethinylestradiol from Water by Magnetic MXene Using Response Surface Methodology and Adsorption Kinetics, Isotherm, and Thermodynamics Studies
Authors: Xu Mengwei , Huang Chao , Lu Jing , Wu Zihan , Zhu Xianxin , Li Hui , Xiao Langtao , Luo Zhoufei
Published: May 2021

Magnetic MXene composite Fe3O4@Ti3C2 was successfully prepared and employed as 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) adsorbent from water solution. The response surface methodology was employed to investigate the interactive effects of adsorption parameters (adsorption time, pH of the solution, initial concentration, and the adsorbent dose) and optimize these parameters for obtaining maximum adsorption efficiency of EE2. The significance of independent variables and their interactions were tested by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test statistics. Optimization of the process variables for maximum adsorption of EE2 by Fe3O4@Ti3C2 was performed using the quadratic model. The model predicted maximum adsorption of 97.08% under the optimum conditions of the independent variables (adsorption time 6.7 h, pH of the solution 6.4, initial EE2 concentration 0.98 mg L−1, and the adsorbent dose 88.9 mg L−1) was very close to the experimental value (95.34%). pH showed the highest level of significance with the percent contribution (63.86%) as compared to other factors. The interactive influences of pH and initial concentration on EE2 adsorption efficiency were significant (p < 0.05). The goodness of fit of the model was checked by the coefficient of determination (R2) between the experimental and predicted values of the response variable. The response surface methodology successfully reflects the impact of various factors and optimized the process variables for EE2 adsorption. The kinetic adsorption data for EE2 fitted well with a pseudo-second-order model, while the equilibrium data followed Langmuir isotherms. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process. Therefore, Fe3O4@Ti3C2 composite present the outstanding capacity to be employed in the remediation of EE2 contaminated wastewaters.
Anti-Ageing Potential of S. euboea Heldr. Phenolics
Authors: Tomou Ekaterina-Michaela , Papaemmanouil Christina D. , Diamantis Dimitrios A. , Kostagianni Androniki D. , Chatzopoulou Paschalina , Mavromoustakos Thomas , Tzakos Andreas G. , Skaltsa Helen
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the use of Sideritis species as bioactive agents is increasing exponentially. The present study aimed to investigate the chemical constituents, as well as the anti-ageing potential of the cultivated Sideritis euboea Heldr. The chemical fingerprinting of the ethyl acetate residue of this plant was studied using 1D and 2D-NMR spectra. Isomeric compounds belonging to acylated flavone derivatives and phenylethanoid glycosides were detected in the early stage of the experimental process through 2D-NMR techniques. Overall, thirty-three known compounds were isolated and identified. Some of them are reported for the first time not only in S. euboea, but also in genus Sideritis L. The anti-ageing effect of the ethyl acetate residue and the isolated specialized products was assessed as anti-hyaluronidase activity. In silico docking simulation revealed the interactions of the isolated compounds with hyaluronidase. Furthermore, the in vitro study on the inhibition of hyaluronidase unveiled the potent inhibitory properties of ethyl acetate residue and apigenin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. Though, the isomers of apigenin 7-O-p-coumaroyl-glucosides and also the 4′-methyl-hypolaetin 7-O-[6′′′-O-acetyl-β-d-allopyranosyl]-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside exerted moderate hyaluronidase inhibition. This research represents the first study to report on the anti-hyaluronidase activity of Sideritis species, confirming its anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and anti-ageing effects and its importance as an agent for cosmetic formulations as also anticancer potential.
Controlling Topology within Halogen-Bonded Networks by Varying the Regiochemistry of the Cyclobutane-Based Nodes
Authors: Dunning Taylor J. , Unruh Daniel K. , Bosch Eric , Groeneman Ryan H.
Published: May 2021

The formation of a pair of extended networks sustained by halogen bonds based upon two regioisomers of a photoproduct, namely rctt-1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,4-bis(phenyl)cyclobutane (ht-PP) and rctt-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-3,4-bis(phenyl)cyclobutane (hh-PP), that have varied topology is reported. These networks are held together via I⋯N halogen bonds between the photoproduct and the halogen-bond donor 1,4-diiodoperchlorobenzene (C6I2Cl4). The observed topology in each solid is controlled by the regiochemical position of the halogen-bond accepting 4-pyridyl group. This paper demonstrates the ability to vary the topology of molecular networks by altering the position of the halogen bond acceptor within the cyclobutane-based node.
Application of Propolis in Protecting Skeletal and Periodontal Health—A Systematic Review
Authors: Ekeuku Sophia Ogechi , Chin Kok-Yong
Published: May 2021

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are two major mechanisms leading to the imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation rate, and subsequently, bone loss. Thus, functional foods and dietary compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory could protect skeletal health. This review aims to examine the current evidence on the skeletal protective effects of propolis, a resin produced by bees, known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. A literature search was performed using Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies on the effects of propolis on bone health. The search string used was (i) propolis AND (ii) (bone OR osteoporosis OR osteoblasts OR osteoclasts OR osteocytes). Eighteen studies were included in the current review. The available experimental studies demonstrated that propolis could prevent bone loss due to periodontitis, dental implantitis, and diabetes in animals. Combined with synthetic and natural grafts, it could also promote fracture healing. Propolis protects bone health by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and promoting osteoblastogenesis, partly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Despite the promising preclinical results, the skeletal protective effects of propolis are yet to be proven in human studies. This research gap should be bridged before nutraceuticals based on propolis with specific health claims can be developed.
Gold Nanoparticles and Graphene Oxide Flakes Enhance Cancer Cells’ Phagocytosis through Granzyme-Perforin-Dependent Biomechanism
Authors: Al-Omar Mohsen S. , Jabir Majid , Karsh Esraa , Kadhim Rua , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Taqi Zainab J. , Khashan Khawla S. , Mohammed Hamdoon A. , Khan Riaz A. , Mohammed Salman A. A.
Published: May 2021

The study aimed to investigate the roles of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and graphene oxide flakes (GOFs) as phagocytosis enhancers against cancer cells. The nanomaterials were characterized through SEM and UV-VIS absorptions. The GNPs and GOFs increased the macrophages’ phagocytosis ability in engulfing, thereby annihilating the cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The GNPs and GOFs augmented serine protease class apoptotic protein, granzyme, passing through the aquaporin class protein, perforin, with mediated delivery through the cell membrane site for the programmed, calibrated, and conditioned cancer cells killing. Additionally, protease inhibitor 3,4-dichloroisocoumarin (DCI) significantly reduced granzyme and perforin activities of macrophages. The results demonstrated that the GOFs and GNPs increased the activation of phagocytic cells as a promising strategy for controlling cancer cells by augmenting the cell mortality through the granzyme-perforin-dependent mechanism.
Human Endogenous Retrovirus as Therapeutic Targets in Neurologic Disease
Authors: Giménez-Orenga Karen , Oltra Elisa
Published: May 2021

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral DNA sequences established into germline. They contain regulatory elements and encoded proteins few of which may provide benefits to hosts when co-opted as cellular genes. Their tight regulation is mainly achieved by epigenetic mechanisms, which can be altered by environmental factors, e.g., viral infections, leading to HERV activation. The aberrant expression of HERVs associates with neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the recent advances on the epigenetic mechanisms controlling HERV expression and the pathogenic effects triggered by HERV de-repression. This article ends by describing new, promising therapies, targeting HERV elements, one of which, temelimab, has completed phase II trials with encouraging results in treating MS. The information gathered here may turn helpful in the design of new strategies to unveil epigenetic failures behind HERV-triggered diseases, opening new possibilities for druggable targets and/or for extending the use of temelimab to treat other associated diseases.
Comparison of the Safety and Efficacy between Preserved and Preservative-Free Latanoprost and Preservative-Free Tafluprost
Authors: Kim Joon Mo , Park Sang Woo , Seong Mincheol , Ha Seung Joo , Lee Ji Woong , Rho Seungsoo , Lee Chong Eun , Kim Kyoung Nam , Kim Tae-Woo , Sung Kyung Rim , Kim Chan Yun
Published: May 2021

In this study, we investigated the effect of preservative-free (PF) 0.0015% tafluprost (TA), to the preservative containing (PC) and the PF 0.005% latanoprost (LA) in Korean subjects. This study was conducted as a multi-center, randomized, investigator-blind, active controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial in adult patients (≥19 years) with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). After a washout period, patients with an IOP between 15 and 35 mmHg were enrolled and evaluated the efficacy, safety, and compliance at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the first administration. A total of 137 OAG and OHT patients were randomized. Statistically significant reductions in IOP were observed in all groups. Twelve weeks after each eye drop instillation, the mean IOP reduction was −4.59 ± 2.70 mmHg (−24.57 ± 13.49%) in the PC-LA group, −4.52 ± 2.17 mmHg (−24.41 ± 11.38%) in the PF-LA, and −3.14 ± 2.83 mmHg (−17.22 ± 14.57%) in the PF-TA group. The PF-LA showed significantly better responsiveness than did PF-TA. PF-LA was better tolerated than was PC-LA. There were no adverse events that led to cessation of eye drop use in any of the groups. In conclusion, IOP decreased similarly across the groups. PF-LA may provide a good choice for OAG patients with ocular surface diseases.
Application of Deep Learning in Fault Diagnosis of Rotating Machinery
Authors: Jiang Wanlu , Wang Chenyang , Zou Jiayun , Zhang Shuqing
Published: May 2021

The field of mechanical fault diagnosis has entered the era of “big data”. However, existing diagnostic algorithms, relying on artificial feature extraction and expert knowledge are of poor extraction ability and lack self-adaptability in the mass data. In the fault diagnosis of rotating machinery, due to the accidental occurrence of equipment faults, the proportion of fault samples is small, the samples are imbalanced, and available data are scarce, which leads to the low accuracy rate of the intelligent diagnosis model trained to identify the equipment state. To solve the above problems, an end-to-end diagnosis model is first proposed, which is an intelligent fault diagnosis method based on one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN). That is to say, the original vibration signal is directly input into the model for identification. After that, through combining the convolutional neural network with the generative adversarial networks, a data expansion method based on the one-dimensional deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (1D-DCGAN) is constructed to generate small sample size fault samples and construct the balanced data set. Meanwhile, in order to solve the problem that the network is difficult to optimize, gradient penalty and Wasserstein distance are introduced. Through the test of bearing database and hydraulic pump, it shows that the one-dimensional convolution operation has strong feature extraction ability for vibration signals. The proposed method is very accurate for fault diagnosis of the two kinds of equipment, and high-quality expansion of the original data can be achieved.
Hyperspectral Identification of Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters of Suaeda salsa in Coastal Wetlands
Authors: Zheng Wei , Lu Xia , Li Yu , Li Shan , Zhang Yuanzhi
Published: May 2021

The stomata of Suaeda salsa are closed and the photosynthetic efficiency is decreased under conditions of water–salt imbalance, with the change to photosynthesis closely related to the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of the photosystem PSII. Accordingly, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were selected to monitor the growth status of Suaeda salsa in coastal wetlands under conditions of water and salt. Taking Suaeda salsa in coastal wetlands as the research object, we set up five groundwater levels (0 cm, −5 cm, −10 cm, −20 cm, and −30 cm) and six NaCl salt concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%) to carry out independent tests of Suaeda salsa potted plants and measured the canopy reflectance spectrum and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Suaeda salsa. A polynomial regression method was used to carry out hyperspectral identification of Suaeda salsa chlorophyll fluorescence parameters under water and salt stress. The results indicated that the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fv/Fm, Fm′, and ΦPSII of Suaeda salsa showed significant relationships with vegetation index under water and salt conditions. The sensitive canopy band ranges of Suaeda salsa under water and salt conditions were 680–750 nm, 480–560 nm, 950–1000 nm, 1800–1850 nm, and 1890–1910 nm. Based on the spectrum and the first-order differential spectrum, the spectral ratio of A/B was constructed to analyze the correlation between it and the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Suaeda salsa. We constructed thirteen new vegetation indices. In addition, we discovered that the hyperspectral vegetation index D690/D1320 retrieved Suaeda chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm with the highest accuracy, with a multiple determination coefficient R2 of 0.813 and an RMSE of 0.042, and that D725/D1284 retrieved Suaeda chlorophyll fluorescence parameter ΦPSII model with the highest accuracy, with a multiple determination coefficient R2 of 0.848 and an RMSE of 0.096. The hyperspectral vegetation index can be used to retrieve the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Suaeda salsa in coastal wetlands under water and salt conditions, providing theoretical and technical support for future large-scale remote sensing inversion of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters.
Nightlight as a Proxy of Economic Indicators: Fine-Grained GDP Inference around Chinese Mainland via Attention-Augmented CNN from Daytime Satellite Imagery
Authors: Liu Haoyu , He Xianwen , Bai Yanbing , Liu Xing , Wu Yilin , Zhao Yanyun , Yang Hanfang
Published: May 2021

The official method of collecting county-level GDP values in the Chinese Mainland relies mainly on administrative reporting data and suffers from high costs of time, money, and human labor. To date, a series of studies have been conducted to generate fine-grained maps of socioeconomic indicators from the easily accessed remote sensing data and achieved satisfactory results. This paper proposes a transfer learning framework that regards nightlight intensities as a proxy of economic activity degrees to estimate county-level GDP around the Chinese Mainland. In the framework, paired daytime satellite images and nightlight intensity levels were applied to train a VGG-16 architecture, and the output features at a specific layer, after dimensional reduction and statistics calculation, were fed into a simple regressor to estimate county-level GDP. We trained the model with data of 2017 and utilized it to predict county-level GDP of 2018, achieving an R-squared of 0.71. Furthermore, the results of gradient visualization confirmed the validity of the proposed framework qualitatively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that county-level GDP values around the Chinese Mainland have been estimated from both daytime and nighttime remote sensing data relying on attention-augmented CNN. We believe that our work will shed light on both the evolution of fine-grained socioeconomic surveys and the application of remote sensing data in economic research.
Incorporating Persistent Scatterer Interferometry and Radon Anomaly to Understand the Anar Fault Mechanism and Observing New Evidence of Intensified Activity
Authors: Mehrabi Ali , Pirasteh Saied , Rashidi Ahmad , Pourkhosravani Mohsen , Derakhshani Reza , Liu Guoxiang , Mao Wenfei , Xiang Wei
Published: May 2021

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) monitors surface change and displacement over a large area with millimeter-level precision and meter-level resolution. Anar fault, with a length of ~200 km, is located in central Iran. Recent seismological studies on the fault indicated that it is approaching the end of its seismic cycle. Although a large earthquake is imminent, the mechanism of the fault is not well understood. Therefore, understanding and discovering the mechanism of Anar fault remains a challenge. Here, we present an approach of displacement fault analysis utilizing a combination of InSAR data obtained from the persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI) method and 178 Sentinel-1 images (ascending and descending) (2017–2020). We incorporated groundwater samples from 40 wells, radon concentration anomaly mapping, Global Positioning System (GPS), and 3D displacement measurement acquired over four years (2016–2020). We investigated and monitored the deformation of the fault plate’s behavior over the last three years (2017–2020) to explore new evidence and signature of displacement. The results show that the time series analysis in the fault range has an increasing displacement rate in all dimensions. We observed that the line-of-sight (LOS) displacement rate varied from −15 mm to 5 mm per year. Our calculations show that the E–W, N–S, and vertical displacement rates of the fault blocks are 2 mm to −2 mm, 6 mm to −6 mm, and 2 mm to −4 mm per year, respectively. An anomaly map of the radon concentration shows that the complete alignment of the high concentration ranges with the fault strike and the radon concentration increased on average from 23.85 Bq/L to 25.30 Bq/L over these three years. Therefore, we predict rising the radon concentration is due to the increase in activity which resulted in a deformation. Finally, our findings show that the Anar fault is an oblique and right-lateral strike-slip with a normal component mechanism. We validated the proposed method and our results by comparing the GPS field data and PSI measurements. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the PSI measurement is estimated to be 0.142 mm. Based on the supporting evidence and signature, we conclude that the Anar fault activity increased between 2017 and 2020.
The Ideal Type of Innovative School That Promotes Sustainability: The Case of Rural Communities in Catalonia
Authors: Feu Gelis Jordi , Torrent Font Albert
Published: May 2021

In Spain, the evolution of rural areas has followed very different paths depending on the area. While some areas have experienced a continuous demographic decline, others, like Catalonia, have followed the opposite trend thanks to internal and, to a lesser extent external, immigration. This article presents a detailed and original study of the evolution of the population in rural areas during the period 1979–2005, explaining the main reasons for this migration process and later establishing that schools act as an important pole of attraction for young couples with a high degree of cultural diversity. It presents an innovative and inclusive school model that ensures educational success of all the children and respects the cultural idiosyncrasy of the students and families. The three objectives mentioned correspond to three consecutive research projects, each of which provides complementary information to the previous one and all of which shed light on the relationship between demographic revival, cultural diversity and inclusive rural schools. They also pay special attention to factors that make this revival possible. The first objective, approached from a qualitative perspective, shows that, in contrast to the most alarmist theses, there was demographic growth between 1975 and 2005, which was especially notable between 2000 and 2005. The second objective, approached from a qualitative perspective, explains that while young couples emigrate to rural areas for diverse reasons, these reasons can be organized into subjective and structural factors, the school being one of the most important. The third objective, based on a case study of six “alternative” rural schools, proposes an ideal type of school based on the most radical innovative and inclusive principles. This article provides a detailed analysis of demographic evolution in rural Catalonia during a period in which we lacked data, and it expands the sociological factors explained until now regarding contemporary emigration to rural areas. Finally, from a socio-educational perspective, it provides complementary knowledge with regards to rural schools, analyzing the characteristics of “alternative” rural schools and presenting a school prototype that aims to be radically innovative and inclusive.
Dynamics and Drivers of Grasslands in the Eurasian Steppe during 2000–2014
Authors: Zhang Yanzhen , Wang Qian , Wang Zhaoqi , Li Jianlong , Xu Zengrang
Published: May 2021

The Eurasian steppe (EAS) is the largest contiguous grassland worldwide. Quantitative evaluations of the relative impacts of climate change and human activities on grasslands are significant for understanding grassland degradation mechanisms and controlling degraded grasslands. In this study, we analyzed the grassland productivity based on multiple forms of net primary productivity (NPP), including climate NPP (CNPP), actual NPP (ANPP), and human-caused NPP (HNPP) during 2000–2014. The results demonstrate that the average value of annual ANPP in the EAS was 47.36 gC/(m2·year), with a weak decrease (−0.02 gC/(m2·year)) during the study period. The area of grassland degradation account for 48.52% of the total grassland area in EAS, while the area of grassland recovery account for 51.48%. Restorative grassland was mainly distributed in Mongolia and China, while worse grassland was mainly distributed in the Kazakh steppe regions. Grassland degradation in China was mainly caused by climate change, whereas it was mainly caused by human activities in Mongolia. Grassland recovery in Kazakh steppe regions was mainly caused by human activities, but in Mongolia, it was mainly caused by climate change. Compared with temperature, precipitation played a more significant role on grassland productivity.
Effect of Mechanical Treatment of Eucalyptus Pulp on the Production of Nanocrystalline and Microcrystalline Cellulose
Authors: Boschetti Walter Torezani Neto , Carvalho Ana Márcia Macedo Ladeira , Carneiro Angélica de Cássia Oliveira , Vidaurre Graziela Baptista , Gomes Fernando José Borges , Soratto Déborah Nava
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to assess the effect of mechanical pretreatment on bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp fibers and investigate the influence of reaction time and temperature on the properties and yield of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Two types of pulps were hydrolyzed, pulp 1 (control, whole fibers) and pulp 2 (mechanically pretreated, disintegrated fibers). NCC and MCC particles were obtained by sulfuric acid hydrolysis (60% w/w) of eucalyptus pulps under different conditions of time (30–120 min) and temperature (45–55 °C). Physical treatment of kraft pulp facilitated acid hydrolysis, resulting in higher NCC yields compared with no pretreatment. The morphologic properties and crystallinity index (CI) of NCC and MCC were little affected by pulp pretreatment. NCC particles obtained from pulps 1 and 2 were needle-shaped, with mean diameters of 6 and 4 nm, mean lengths of 154 and 130 nm, and CI of 74.6 and 76.8%, respectively. MCC particles obtained from pulps 1 and 2 were rod-shaped, with mean diameters of 2.4 and 1.4 µm, mean lengths of 37 and 22 µm, and CI of 73.1 and 74.5%, respectively. Pulps 1 and 2 and their respective NCC and MCC derivatives had a cellulose I crystalline structure.
Health and Happiness in the New Urban Agenda: The Central Role of Public Space
Authors: Mehaffy Michael W.
Published: May 2021

The New Urban Agenda—the global urbanization framework agreement adopted by acclamation by all 193 countries of the United Nations—contains no fewer than eight paragraphs on the importance of public space, three of which outline its role in achieving “human health and well-being”, “attractive and liveable cities”, and “physical and mental health”. However, there is an urgent need to translate these and other quality of life aspirations contained in this landmark document into measurable targets, tools, and strategies to achieve outcomes. This paper examines the core theories that connect health and well-being to public space as reflected in the document, surveying some of the most relevant research in the field. It then analyzes the document text to identify a number of potentially useful indicators. Finally, it proposes a framework for data gathering, assessment, and iterative progress in achieving the stated goals, concluding with an overview of emerging research and practice, and proposed next steps.
Solid Waste Management in Small Tourism Islands: An Evolutionary Governance Approach
Authors: Wang Kylie Ching Mun , Lee Khai Ern , Mokhtar Mazlin
Published: May 2021

In many regions and nations, solid waste management is deemed as critical, complicated, and multifaceted. The essence of solid waste management in each society can be influenced by a variety of economic activities and physical geographies. Small islands with their geographic isolation and a tourism-driven economy pose a great challenge in ensuring sustainability in respect to solid waste management. Beyond the issues of solid waste management on small islands, the governance of solid waste management particularly requires distinctive attention. This aspect is often disregarded as it is a tricky issue for many governments, especially on the territories of small islands. Through the lens of Evolutionary Governance Theory, this paper examines the rigidity in the governance of solid waste management, particularly on small islands, in how related issues are addressed. A range of aspects of governance of solid waste management are analyzed and gaps are identified to propose a way forward in approaching governance problems on small islands through the conceptualization of evolutionary governance.
Modeling and Simulation as Tools to Increase the Protection of Critical Infrastructure and the Sustainability of the Provision of Essential Needs of Citizens
Authors: Loveček Tomáš , Straková Lenka , Kampová Katarína
Published: May 2021

States and their cities are at the forefront of efforts to address many of today’s transnational security challenges. States cannot fulfill their basic functions, which include caring for the all-round development of their territory and the needs of its inhabitants, without the existence of critical infrastructure, which can be damaged, destroyed, or disrupted by malicious behavior. The legislation of EU authorities presents methods for improving the crisis management cycle within critical infrastructure protection. However, these methods are not elaborated. Modeling and simulation using software tools enable more accurate decision-making by security managers during the process of designing and evaluating the physical protection systems of critical infrastructure. This article presents a new software solution to the intrusion of unauthorized persons and its potential mathematical extension. The main innovative benefit of this newly created software tool is the possibility of creating more sophisticated attack scenarios using various 2D maps. Mathematical extension model response scenarios are constructed for various types of intruders, allowing more accurate training of defenders, which leads to more effective resource usage. This combination of software and mathematical solutions should allow physical protection system designers to test various intrusion scenarios of critical infrastructure elements.
Sustainable-Development Measurement of China’s Coworking Industry Using Social-Network Analysis Method
Authors: Zhang Danning , Yan Ming , Wang Haowen , Li Weiwei
Published: May 2021

While China’s sharing economy slows down and enters a period of structural adjustment, the coworking industry is a new force. Moreover, after China had issued important policies to support the comprehensive upgrading and the sustainable development of mass entrepreneurship and mass innovation in September 2018, the development potential of the coworking industry became even greater. However, the coworking industry also faces many development bottlenecks, such as the homogeneity of services and the single-profit model. Therefore, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to realize the sustainable development of the coworking industry to facilitate mass entrepreneurship and innovation in China. The coworking industry is both a subindustry of sharing economy and a branch of the Internet industry, with the significant characteristic of networking. Therefore, we used social-network analysis (SNA) to build a three-level index system of China’s coworking industry: the density-comprehensive index at the macrolevel, the subgroup comprehensive index at the mesolevel, and the centrality-comprehensive index at the microlevel, so as to scientifically measure the development status of the coworking industry. In addition, the comprehensive index system was applied to a comparative study of the six models that were formed in actual development. Analytical results indicate that China coworking industry formed a good network with rich ecological diversity. Different from other countries, China’s coworking industry has embodied a profound gene of entrepreneurship and innovation since its early stage of development. Internet giant enterprises Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu are playing an important role in the development of China’s coworking industry, and all have strategic layouts among several models.
Household Waste Management Practices and Challenges in a Rural Remote Town in the Hantam Municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Viljoen Jacoba M. M. , Schenck Catherina J. , Volschenk Liza , Blaauw Phillip F. , Grobler Lizette
Published: May 2021

Waste management in rural areas poses a major challenge to local governments in developing countries. Municipalities face limited budgets and obstacles with the collection of waste, as well as a lack of proper equipment, infrastructure, and treatment centres. These obstacles lead to further problems, such as littering and illegal dumping, contributing to the knowledge base regarding remote and rural towns in South Africa. This study aims to assess the waste management practices and challenges of households in a Municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The study investigates the household waste management practices, identifies the challenges experienced by households regarding their waste management, and explores their willingness to participate in a separation-at-source program. A cross-sectional research design was used along with a mixed methods research methodology. A sample of 160 interviews was completed over the period 16 to 20 September 2019. Descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis were used in the data analysis. The results indicate that municipalities, and households, will have to collaboratively search for solutions towards effective waste management in rural areas. Financial constraints also necessitate the investigation of alternative ways of managing household waste through cooperation with surrounding towns.
Evolution of the Concept of Sensory Gardens in the Generally Accessible Space of a Large City: Analysis of Multiple Cases from Kraków (Poland) Using the Therapeutic Space Attribute Rating Method
Authors: Krzeptowska-Moszkowicz Izabela , Moszkowicz Łukasz , Porada Karolina
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a study on public gardens with sensory features located in Kraków (Poland). Data for the analysis of the facilities were obtained during site visits using observations. The paper uses a research method for the analysis of therapeutic outdoor areas in cities based on the evaluation of their attributes. This method makes it possible to characterise features of objects as well as their value. It is a practical tool, which enables an in-depth analysis of public spaces. The study showed that public gardens with sensory features located in Kraków have significant deficiencies, which make it impossible to fully exploit the potential of the sensory space.