bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Approach for Using of Mentha longifolia L. and Citrus reticulata L. Essential Oils as Wood-Biofungicides: GC-MS, SEM, and MNDO Quantum Chemical Studies
Authors: Ali Hayssam M. , Elgat Wael A. A. Abo , EL-Hefny Mervat , Salem Mohamed Z. M. , Taha Ayman S. , Al Farraj Dunia A. , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Hatamleh Ashraf A. , Abdel-Salam Eslam M.
Published: March 2021

Background: Fungi growing on wood cause deterioration of stored food materials or discoloration of the wood itself, and the search for new and safe bioagents is recently needed. Methods: Essential oils (EOs) from aerial parts from Mentha longifolia L. and Citrus reticulata L., analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), were tested for their antifungal activity by the vapor method against four common fungi, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. fumigatus, and Fusarium culmorum, and confirmed by SEM examination as the oils applied on wood samples. Results: The most abundant compounds identified in the EO from M. longifolia were menthone and eucalyptol; in C. reticulata EO, they were β-caryophyllene, β-caryophyllene oxide, and β-elemene. EOs from M. longifolia and C. reticulata, at 500 and 250 µL/mL, showed potent antifungal activity against A. flavus and A. fumigatus, with 100% fungal mycelial inhibition growth (FMIG). C. reticulata and M. longifolia EOs, at 125 µL/mL, observed FMIG values of 98% and 95%, respectively, against A. fumigatus. M. longifolia EO, at 500 and 250 µL/mL, showed potent activity against A. niger, with 100% FMIG. F. culmorum completely inhibited (100% FMIG) EOs from M. longifolia and C. reticulata applied at 500 µL/mL. Pinus roxburghii Sarg. Wood, treated with M. longifolia at 125 µL/mL, showed inhibition zone values of 7.33 and 21.33 mm against A. flavus and A. niger, respectively. Conclusions: Both oils possessed good wood-biofungicide activity with the vapor method, as clearly shown by the SEM examination. These activities suggest their possible use as natural wood preservatives.
Performance of Repaired Concrete under Cyclic Flexural Loading
Authors: Wang Boyu , Gupta Rishi
Published: March 2021

There is limited research reported on the effect of cyclic loading on cement-based repair materials as conducting such tests is time consuming. To overcome this issue, this study utilized a novel loading regime consisting of cycle groups with increasing stress amplitude to accelerate the test process. The Palmgren-Minder rule was used to estimate the fatigue life of repaired specimens. Specimens repaired with Mix M (cementitious repair mortar), which was estimated to have the highest 2-million-cycle fatigue endurance limit (77.4%), showed the longest fatigue life (95,991 cycles) during the cyclic loading test, the highest slant, and splitting bond strength among all repair mixes. The estimated two-million cycle fatigue endurance limit of Mix S (70.8%) was very similar to that was reported in literature (71%) using the traditional loading method. This study confirms the usefulness of Palmgren-Minder rule on estimating the fatigue life of repaired specimens. Additionally, the use of the novel loading regime showed the benefit of shortening the test process while producing results similar to those from using traditional loading methods. To improve the prediction accuracy, future research is required to modify the failure criteria to accommodate specimens that may not fail even when the average flexural strength is met.
Clay-Polymer Nanocomposites: Preparations and Utilization for Pollutants Removal
Authors: Amari Abdelfattah , Mohammed Alzahrani Fatimah , Mohammedsaleh Katubi Khadijah , Salem Alsaiari Norah , Tahoon Mohamed A. , Ben Rebah Faouzi
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, people over the world face severe water scarcity despite the presence of several water sources. Adsorption is considered as the most efficient technique for the treatment of water containing biological, organic, and inorganic contaminants. For this purpose, materials from various origins (clay minerals, modified clays, zeolites, activated carbon, polymeric resins, etc.) have been considered as adsorbent for contaminants. Despite their cheapness and valuable properties, the use of clay minerals as adsorbent for wastewater treatment is limited due to many factors (low surface area, regeneration, and recovery limit, etc.). However, clay mineral can be used to enhance the performance of polymeric materials. The combination of clay minerals and polymers produces clay-polymers nanocomposites (CPNs) with advanced properties useful for pollutants removal. CPNs received a lot of attention for their efficient removal rate of various organic and inorganic contaminants via flocculation and adsorption ability. Three main classes of CPNs were developed (exfoliated nanocomposites (NCs), intercalated nanocomposites, and phase-separated microcomposites). The improved materials can be explored as novel and cost-effective adsorbents for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from water/wastewater. The literature reported the ability of CPNs to remove various pollutants such as bacteria, metals, phenol, tannic acid, pesticides, dyes, etc. CPNs showed higher adsorption capacity and efficient water treatment compared to the individual components. Moreover, CPNs offered better regeneration than clay materials. The present paper summarizes the different types of clay-polymers nanocomposites and their effective removal of different contaminants from water. Based on various criteria, CPNs future as promising adsorbent for water treatment is discussed.
Ionic Mobility in Ion-Exchange Membranes
Authors: Stenina Irina A. , Yaroslavtsev Andrey B.
Published: March 2021

Membrane technologies are widely demanded in a number of modern industries. Ion-exchange membranes are one of the most widespread and demanded types of membranes. Their main task is the selective transfer of certain ions and prevention of transfer of other ions or molecules, and the most important characteristics are ionic conductivity and selectivity of transfer processes. Both parameters are determined by ionic and molecular mobility in membranes. To study this mobility, the main techniques used are nuclear magnetic resonance and impedance spectroscopy. In this comprehensive review, mechanisms of transfer processes in various ion-exchange membranes, including homogeneous, heterogeneous, and hybrid ones, are discussed. Correlations of structures of ion-exchange membranes and their hydration with ion transport mechanisms are also reviewed. The features of proton transfer, which plays a decisive role in the membrane used in fuel cells and electrolyzers, are highlighted. These devices largely determine development of hydrogen energy in the modern world. The features of ion transfer in heterogeneous and hybrid membranes with inorganic nanoparticles are also discussed.
Metabolites Secreted by Bovine Embryos In Vitro Predict Pregnancies That the Recipient Plasma Metabolome Cannot, and Vice Versa
Authors: Gomez Enrique , Canela Nuria , Herrero Pol , Cereto Adrià , Gimeno Isabel , Carrocera Susana , Martin-Gonzalez David , Murillo Antonio , Muñoz Marta
Published: March 2021

This work describes the use of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics as a non-invasive approach to accurately predict birth prior to embryo transfer (ET) starting from embryo culture media and plasma recipient. Metabolomics was used here as a predictive platform. Day-6 in vitro produced embryos developed singly in modified synthetic oviduct fluid culture medium (CM) drops for 24 h were vitrified as Day-7 blastocysts and transferred to recipients. Day-0 and Day-7 recipient plasma (N = 36 × 2) and CM (N = 36) were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to the quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-qTOF). Metabolites quantified in CM and plasma were analyzed as a function to predict pregnancy at Day-40, Day-62, and birth (univariate and multivariate statistics). Subsequently, a Boolean matrix (F1 score) was constructed with metabolite pairs (one from the embryo, and one from the recipient) to combine the predictive power of embryos and recipients. Validation was performed in independent cohorts of ETs analyzed. Embryos that did not reach birth released more stearic acid, capric acid, palmitic acid, and glyceryl monostearate in CM (i.e., (p < 0.05, FDR < 0.05, Receiver Operator Characteristic—area under curve (ROC-AUC) > 0.669)). Within Holstein recipients, hydrocinnamic acid, alanine, and lysine predicted birth (ROC-AUC > 0.778). Asturiana de los Valles recipients that reached birth showed lower concentrations of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and hippuric acid (ROC-AUC > 0.832). Embryonal capric acid and glyceryl-monostearate formed F1 scores generally >0.900, with metabolites found both to differ (e.g., hippuric acid, hydrocinnamic acid) or not (e.g., heptadecanoic acid, citric acid) with pregnancy in plasmas, as hypothesized. Efficient lipid metabolism in the embryo and the recipient can allow pregnancy to proceed. Changes in phenolics from plasma suggest that microbiota and liver metabolism influence the pregnancy establishment in cattle.
Cross-Talk between Overlap Interactions in Biomolecules: A Case Study of the β-Turn Motif
Authors: Nagesh Jayashree
Published: March 2021

Noncovalent interactions play a pivotal role in regulating protein conformation, stability and dynamics. Among the quantum mechanical (QM) overlap-based noncovalent interactions, n→π* is the best understood with studies ranging from small molecules to β-turns of model proteins such as GB1. However, these investigations do not explore the interplay between multiple overlap interactions in contributing to local structure and stability. In this work, we identify and characterize all noncovalent overlap interactions in the β-turn, an important secondary structural element that facilitates the folding of a polypeptide chain. Invoking a QM framework of natural bond orbitals, we demonstrate the role of several additional interactions such as n→σ* and π→π* that are energetically comparable to or larger than n→π*. We find that these interactions are sensitive to changes in the side chain of the residues in the β-turn of GB1, suggesting that the n→π* may not be the only component in dictating β-turn conformation and stability. Furthermore, a database search of n→σ* and π→π* in the PDB reveals that they are prevalent in most proteins and have significant interaction energies (∼1 kcal/mol). This indicates that all overlap interactions must be taken into account to obtain a comprehensive picture of their contributions to protein structure and energetics. Lastly, based on the extent of QM overlaps and interaction energies, we propose geometric criteria using which these additional interactions can be efficiently tracked in broad database searches.
Olea europaea Suppresses Inflammation by Targeting TAK1-Mediated MAP Kinase Activation
Authors: Song Chaoran , Kim Mi-Yeon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: March 2021

Possessing a variety of medicinal functions, Olea europaea L. is widely cultivated across the world. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Olea europaea is not yet fully elucidated. In this study, how the methanol extract of the leaves of Olea europaea (Oe-ME) can suppress in vitro inflammatory responses was examined in terms of the identification of the target protein. RAW264.7 and HEK293T cells were used to study macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses and to validate the target protein using PCR, immunoblotting, nuclear fraction, overexpression, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) under fixed conditions. Oe-ME treatment inhibited the mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in activated RAW264.7 cells. Oe-ME diminished the activation of activator protein (AP)-1 and the phosphorylation of its upstream signaling cascades, including extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6), p38, MKK7, and transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), in stimulated-RAW264.7 cells. Overexpression and CETSA were carried out to verify that TAK1 is the target of Oe-ME. Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of Oe-ME could be attributed to its control of posttranslational modification and transcription of TAK1.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bone Binding Antibiotic-1 (BBA-1), a Novel Antimicrobial for Orthopedic Applications
Authors: Kamble Sumedh , Valtchev Peter , Dao Aiken , Pelras Théophile , Rogers Michael J , Savage Paul B. , Dehghani Fariba , Schindeler Aaron
Published: March 2021

Osteomyelitis and orthopedic infections are major clinical problems, limited by a lack of antibiotics specialized for such applications. In this paper, we describe the design and synthesis of a novel bone-binding antibiotic (BBA-1) and its subsequent structural and functional characterization. The synthesis of BBA-1 was the result of a two-step chemical conjugation of cationic selective antimicrobial-90 (CSA-90) and the bisphosphonate alendronate (ALN) via a heterobifunctional linker. This was analytically confirmed by HPLC, FT-IR, MS and NMR spectroscopy. BBA-1 showed rapid binding and high affinity to bone mineral in an in vitro hydroxyapatite binding assay. Kirby—Baur assays confirmed that BBA-1 shows a potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus comparable to CSA-90. Differentiation of cultured osteoblasts in media supplemented with BBA-1 led to increased alkaline phosphatase expression, which is consistent with the pro-osteogenic activity of CSA-90. Bisphosphonates, such as ALN, are inhibitors of protein prenylation, however, the amine conjugation of ALN to CSA-90 disrupted this activity in an in vitro protein prenylation assay. Overall, these findings support the antimicrobial, bone-binding, and pro-osteogenic activities of BBA-1. The compound and related agents have the potential to ensure lasting activity against osteomyelitis after systemic delivery.
High Salinity and High Temperature Stable Colloidal Silica Nanoparticles with Wettability Alteration Ability for EOR Applications
Authors: Hadia Nanji J. , Ng Yeap Hung , Stubbs Ludger Paul , Torsæter Ole
Published: March 2021

The stability of nanoparticles at reservoir conditions is a key for a successful application of nanofluids for any oilfield operations, e.g., enhanced oil recovery (EOR). It has, however, remained a challenge to stabilize nanoparticles under high salinity and high temperature conditions for longer duration (at least months). In this work, we report surface modification of commercial silica nanoparticles by combination of zwitterionic and hydrophilic silanes to improve its stability under high salinity and high temperature conditions. To evaluate thermal stability, static and accelerated stability analyses methods were employed to predict the long-term thermal stability of the nanoparticles in pH range of 4–7. The contact angle measurements were performed on aged sandstone and carbonate rock surfaces to evaluate the ability of the nanoparticles to alter the wettability of the rock surfaces. The results of static stability analysis showed excellent thermal stability in 3.5% NaCl brine and synthetic seawater (SSW) at 60 °C for 1 month. The accelerated stability analysis predicted that the modified nanoparticles could remain stable for at least 6 months. The results of contact angle measurements on neutral-wet Berea, Bentheimer, and Austin Chalk showed that the modified nanoparticles were able to adsorb on these rock surfaces and altered wettability to water-wet. A larger change in contact angle for carbonate surface than in sandstone surface showed that these particles could be more effective in carbonate reservoirs or reservoirs with high carbonate content and help improve oil recovery.
Effects of Essential Oils and Some Constituents from Ingredients of Anti-Cellulite Herbal Compress on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Rat Aortae
Authors: Ngamdokmai Ngamrayu , Paracha Tamkeen Urooj , Waranuch Neti , Chootip Krongkarn , Wisuitiprot Wudtichai , Suphrom Nungruthai , Insumrong Kamonlak , Ingkaninan Kornkanok
Published: March 2021

Cellulite is associated with a complex array of adipocytes under the skin and vascular system. A herbal compress that was previously developed was proven to have an anti-cellulite effect in healthy volunteers within 2 weeks of treatment. However, its mechanism and ingredients responsible for reducing cellulite were not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the activity of eight essential oils in, and two water extracts from, the ingredients of the herbal compress together with nine monoterpenoid constituents on the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The vasodilatory effect on rat aortae was also studied. The adipocytes were induced by dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and insulin. At all concentrations tested, all essential oils, water extracts and their monoterpenoid constituents significantly inhibited lipid accumulation activity (p < 0.05) and decreased the amount of triglycerides when compared to untreated cells (p < 0.01). In addition, our results showed that the mixed oil distilled from the herbal compress mixed ingredients could relax the isolated rat aorta (EC50 = 14.74 ± 2.65 µg/mL). In conclusion, all essential oils, extracts and chemical constituents tested showed effects on adipogenesis inhibition and lipolysis induction on the cultured adipocytes with the mixed oil demonstrating vasorelaxation activity, all of which might be the mechanisms of the anti-cellulite effects of the herbal compress.
Antagonist Concepts of Polypyrrole Actuators: Bending Hybrid Actuator and Mirrored Trilayer Linear Actuator
Authors: Kiefer Rudolf , Nguyen Ngoc Tuan , Le Quoc Bao , Anbarjafari Gholamreza , Tamm Tarmo
Published: March 2021

Following the natural muscle antagonist actuation principle, different adaptations for “artificial muscles” are introduced in this work. Polypyrrole (PPy) films of different polymerization techniques (potentiostatic and galvanostatic) were analyzed and their established responses were combined in several ways, resulting in beneficial actuation modes. A consecutive “one-pot” electrosynthesis of two layers with the different deposition regimes resulted in an all-PPy bending hybrid actuator. While in most cases the mixed-ion activity of conductive polymers has been considered a problem or a drawback, here for the first time, the nearly equal expansions upon oxidation and reduction of carefully selected conditions further allowed to fabricate a “mirrored” trilayer laminate, which behaved as a linear actuator.
Development and Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Caryota and Sisal Natural Fibers Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites
Authors: Atmakuri Ayyappa , Palevicius Arvydas , Kolli Lalitnarayan , Vilkauskas Andrius , Janusas Giedrius
Published: March 2021

In recent years, natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have gained much attention over synthetic fiber composites because of their many advantages such as low-cost, light in weight, non-toxic, non-abrasive, and bio-degradable properties. Many researchers have found interest in using epoxy resin for composite fabrication over other thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers due to its dimensional stability and mechanical properties. In this research work, the mechanical and moisture properties of Caryota and sisal fiber-reinforced epoxy resin hybrid composites were investigated. The main objective of these studies is to develop hybrid composites and exploit their importance over single fiber composites. The Caryota and sisal fiber reinforced epoxy resin composites were fabricated by using the hand lay-up technique. A total of five different samples (40C/0S, 25C/15S, 20C/20S, 15C/25S, 0C/40S) were developed based on the rule of hybridization. The samples were allowed for testing to evaluate their mechanical, moisture properties and the morphology was studied by using the scanning electron microscope analysis. It was observed that hybrid composites have shown improved mechanical properties over the single fiber (Individual fiber) composites. The moisture studies stated that all the composites were responded to the water absorption but single fiber composites absorbed more moisture than hybrid composites.
Hybrid Taguchi–Gray Relation Analysis Method for Design of Metal Powder Injection-Molded Artificial Knee Joints with Optimal Powder Concentration and Volume Shrinkage
Authors: Lin Chao-Ming , Hung Yu-Tung , Tan Chung-Ming
Published: March 2021

Artificial knee joints play a critical role in improving the quality of life of the elderly and those with knee injuries. Such knee joints are fabricated using a composite material consisting of metal alloy particles and polymer resin and are generally produced using the metal powder injection molding (MIM) process. However, if the local powder concentration of the molded product is too low, the mechanical properties and aesthetic appearance of the joint are severely degraded. Similarly, if the product undergoes excessive shrinkage following removal from the mold, the dimensional accuracy will fail to meet the design specifications. Accordingly, the present study applies a hybrid approach based on the Taguchi robust design methodology and gray relation analysis (GRA) theory to determine the optimal MIM processing conditions that simultaneously maximize the powder concentration uniformity while minimizing the volume shrinkage. The feasibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated by means of CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) mold flow simulations. The results show that while the robust Taguchi design method enables the optimal processing parameters that maximize the powder concentration uniformity and minimize the volume shrinkage to be individually determined, the hybrid Taguchi–GRA method enables both quality measures to be optimized simultaneously.
Optical Monitoring of Microplastics Filtrated from Wastewater Sludge and Suspended in Ethanol
Authors: Asamoah Benjamin O. , Salmi Pauliina , Räty Jukka , Ryymin Kalle , Talvitie Julia , Karjalainen Anna K. , Kukkonen Jussi V. K. , Roussey Matthieu , Peiponen Kai-Erik
Published: March 2021

The abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere, on land, and especially in water bodies is well acknowledged. In this study, we establish an optical method based on three different techniques, namely, specular reflection to probe the medium, transmission spectroscopy measurements for the detection and identification, and a speckle pattern for monitoring the sedimentation of MPs filtrated from wastewater sludge and suspended in ethanol. We used first Raman measurements to estimate the presence and types of different MPs in wastewater sludge samples. We also used microscopy to identify the shapes of the main MPs. This allowed us to create a teaching set of samples to be characterized with our optical method. With the developed method, we clearly show that MPs from common plastics, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE), are present in wastewater sludge and can be identified. Additionally, the results also indicate that the density of the plastics, which influences the sedimentation, is an essential parameter to consider in optical detection of microplastics in complex natural environments. All of the methods are in good agreement, thus validating the optics-based solution.
Does Darwall’s Morality of Accountability Require Moral Realism? (And Would It Be Strengthened by Adding God to the Story?)
Authors: Evans C. Stephen
Published: March 2021

Stephen Darwall has developed an account of moral obligations as grounded in “second-personal reasons,” which was developed in conversation with early modern “theological voluntarists” who were divine command theorists. For Darwall, morality does not require accountability to God; humans as autonomous moral agents are the source of moral obligations. In this paper, I try to show that Darwall is vulnerable to some objections made against divine command theories. There are responses Darwall could make that have parallels to those given by divine command theorists. However, those responses require moral realism, while Darwall’s project is often seen as being inspired by metaethical constructivism. Finally, I suggest that Darwall’s view could be further strengthened by the addition of God to the story.
Frontal Electroencephalogram Alpha Asymmetry during Mental Stress Related to Workplace Noise
Authors: Alyan Emad , Saad Naufal M. , Kamel Nidal , Yusoff Mohd Zuki , Zakariya Mohd Azman , Rahman Mohammad Abdul , Guillet Christophe , Merienne Frederic
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate the effects of workplace noise on neural activity and alpha asymmetries of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during mental stress conditions. Workplace noise exposure is a pervasive environmental pollutant and is negatively linked to cognitive effects and selective attention. Generally, the stress theory is assumed to underlie the impact of noise on health. Evidence for the impacts of workplace noise on mental stress is lacking. Fifteen healthy volunteer subjects performed the Montreal imaging stress task in quiet and noisy workplaces while their brain activity was recorded using electroencephalography. The salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) was measured before and immediately after each tested workplace to evaluate the stress level. The results showed a decrease in alpha rhythms, or an increase in cortical activity, of the PFC for all participants at the noisy workplace. Further analysis of alpha asymmetry revealed a greater significant relative right frontal activation of the noisy workplace group at electrode pairs F4-F3 but not F8-F7. Furthermore, a significant increase in sAA activity was observed in all participants at the noisy workplace, demonstrating the presence of stress. The findings provide critical information on the effects of workplace noise-related stress that might be neglected during mental stress evaluations.
Characterization of Nanoparticle Adsorption on Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Microchannels
Authors: Hirama Hirotada , Otahara Ryutaro , Kano Shinya , Hayase Masanori , Mekaru Harutaka
Published: March 2021

Nanoparticles (NPs) are used in various medicinal applications. Exosomes, bio-derived NPs, are promising biomarkers obtained through separation and concentration from body fluids. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microchannels are well-suited for precise handling of NPs, offering benefits such as high gas permeability and low cytotoxicity. However, the large specific surface area of NPs may result in nonspecific adsorption on the device substrate and thus cause sample loss. Therefore, an understanding of NP adsorption on microchannels is important for the operation of microfluidic devices used for NP handling. Herein, we characterized NP adsorption on PDMS-based substrates and microchannels by atomic force microscopy to correlate NP adsorptivity with the electrostatic interactions associated with NP and dispersion medium properties. When polystyrene NP dispersions were introduced into PDMS-based microchannels at a constant flow rate, the number of adsorbed NPs decreased with decreasing NP and microchannel zeta potentials (i.e., with increasing pH), which suggested that the electrostatic interaction between the microchannel and NPs enhanced their repulsion. When exosome dispersions were introduced into PDMS-based microchannels with different wettabilities at constant flow rates, exosome adsorption was dominated by electrostatic interactions. The findings obtained should facilitate the preconcentration, separation, and sensing of NPs by PDMS-based microfluidic devices.
A Smart Contract-Based P2P Energy Trading System with Dynamic Pricing on Ethereum Blockchain
Authors: Song Jae Geun , Kang Eung seon , Shin Hyeon Woo , Jang Ju Wook
Published: March 2021

We implement a peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading system between prosumers and consumers using a smart contract on Ethereum blockchain. The smart contract resides on a blockchain shared by participants and hence guarantees exact execution of trade and keeps immutable transaction records. It removes high cost and overheads needed against hacking or tampering in traditional server-based P2P energy trade systems. The salient features of our implementation include: 1. Dynamic pricing for automatic balancing of total supply and total demand within a microgrid, 2. prevention of double sale, 3. automatic and autonomous operation, 4. experiment on a testbed (Node.js and web3.js API to access Ethereum Virtual Machine on Raspberry Pis with MATLAB interface), and 5. simulation via personas (virtual consumers and prosumers generated from benchmark). Detailed description of our implementation is provided along with state diagrams and core procedures.
Towards the Entrepreneurial University 2.0: Reaffirming the Responsibility of Universities in the Era of Accountability
Authors: Liu Shuiyun , van der Sijde Peter C.
Published: March 2021

Universities have been expected to do more to solve economic and social problems in the knowledge-based society. Many universities have tried to become more entrepreneurial in order to respond to the overloaded demands from external society. However, the notion of entrepreneurial university is still quite vague, and so this paper firstly tries to propose a comprehensive framework describing the entrepreneurial university. Facing the increasing global competition, the national governments have also push universities to do more for the society and to be accountable for their “effectiveness” and “quality”, by using the new public management techniques. However, these managerialism approaches have posed serious challenge for the development of entrepreneurial universities. In order to better balance the expectation for being entrepreneurial from the external industry and society, and the managerialism requirement from the government, this paper proposes to reassert the responsibility of universities in the accountability era, moving towards “Entrepreneurial Universities 2.0”.
Urban Plans and Conflicting Interests in Sustainable Cross-Boundary Land Governance, the Case of National Urban and Regional Plans in Ethiopia
Authors: Alem Genet
Published: March 2021

Policies and rules by which land is governed are influenced by political discourses, and decisions about land can provoke political conflicts. In contexts of vague legal framework governing property right, planning tends to produce inequality and could be observed as a political instrument of marginalization. Nevertheless, spatial planning is indispensable for ensuring sustainable and efficient land governance. In Ethiopia, urban planning is considered unjust, often associated with eviction of rural and urban residents. Indeed, recent experiences had ended up causing drastic political unrest. The paper discusses the institutional gaps in land governance by focusing on two recent urban plans (national and regional) that led to conflicts, undermining sustained socioeconomic development. For this purpose, the research uses qualitative primary and secondary data. Main sources of data are official and legal documents, the literature and interviews. The findings show that current planning practice has produced social and political tensions and conflicts. Hence, urban planning related legal provisions override citizens’ right, and vague land policy constrains interregional cooperation in planning and land governance. The paper calls for people focused planning, the revision of policy and legal frameworks to protect socially and economically vulnerable segments of the population and facilitate cross-boundary land governance.
Mechanical and Environmental Proprieties of UHP-FRCC Panels Bonded to Existing Concrete Beams
Authors: Nishiwaki Tomoya , Mancinelli Oscar , Fantilli Alessandro Pasquale , Adachi Yuka
Published: March 2021

Among the techniques used to retrofit existing reinforced concrete structures, methods involving Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (UHP-FRCC) are widely regarded. However, current practices make the use of this material for in-situ application expensive and complicated to perform. Accordingly, a new method to strengthen existing concrete beams by applying a precast UHP-FRCC layer on the bottom side are introduced and described herein. Two test campaigns are performed with the aim of defining the best conditions at the interface between the reinforcing layer and the existing beam and to reducing the environmental impact of UHP-FRCC mixtures. As a result, the eco-mechanical analysis reveals that the best performances are attained when the adhesion at interface is enhanced by means of steel nails on the upper surface of the UHP-FRCC layer, in which 20% of the cement is replaced by fly ash.
Building a Model of Integration of Urban Sharing and Public Transport Services
Authors: Kłos Marcin Jacek , Sierpiński Grzegorz
Published: March 2021

The intense growth of cities affects their inhabitants to a considerable extent. The issues facing the traveling population include congestion and growing harmful emissions. Urban transport requires changes towards eco-friendly solutions. However, even though new forms of traveling (sharing services) are being implemented, their integration with public transport remains problematic. On account of the large number of available services combined with the absence of their integration, city inhabitants are faced with the dilemma of choosing between one or several transport modes which would enable them to make the given trip. The main goal of this article is to propose a model for integration of different transport services which could support those who intend to travel in the decision-making process. Therefore, the parameters of a model of urban sharing services were identified and classified. The parameters discussed in the paper with reference to an extensive literature review describe how individual sharing services are functioning. What has also been identified is the location-specific factors as well as those related to the potential area of operation which affect the integration with public transport. In order to take all the relevant parameters into account and find a solution to the problem at hand, a multi-criteria decision-making approach has been proposed. To this end, scores and weights determining their impact on the model have been established. For purposes of the solution in question, the relevant calculations were conducted by referring to an actual need to travel between selected locations.
Impact of Hotel Guests’ Trends to Recycle Food Waste to Obtain Bioenergy
Authors: Salama Wagih , Abdelsalam Essam
Published: March 2021

Hotels face many issues related to food waste management, which is considered a serious environmental and socioeconomic issue in the 21st century. The improper disposal of food waste causes greenhouse gases emissions, consequently badly affecting the environment. This research aims to measure the impact of customer trends in changing the pattern of food waste disposal and recycling into bioenergy relating to hotel purposes and contributing to reducing hotel energy costs in Egypt. Two survey questionnaires were designed for hotel managers and guests, with 25 and 300 forms, respectively. The results indicated that hotel managers are highly willing to recycle food waste to produce bioenergy and hence play an effective role in environmental preservation. Such alternative energy sources are less expensive than conventional ones. This study revealed guests’ intentions to participate in the process of preserving the surrounding environment, as well as their preferences to stay in hotels that are practicing food waste recycling operations. Limitations can be seen in the lack of advertising for such hotels as well the high cost of staying in green and ecological hotels.
Racemization in Post-Translational Modifications Relevance to Protein Aging, Aggregation and Neurodegeneration: Tip of the Iceberg
Authors: Dyakin Victor V. , Wisniewski Thomas M. , Lajtha Abel
Published: March 2021

Homochirality of DNA and prevalent chirality of free and protein-bound amino acids in a living organism represents the challenge for modern biochemistry and neuroscience. The idea of an association between age-related disease, neurodegeneration, and racemization originated from the studies of fossils and cataract disease. Under the pressure of new results, this concept has a broader significance linking protein folding, aggregation, and disfunction to an organism’s cognitive and behavioral functions. The integrity of cognitive function is provided by a delicate balance between the evolutionarily imposed molecular homo-chirality and the epigenetic/developmental impact of spontaneous and enzymatic racemization. The chirality of amino acids is the crucial player in the modulation the structure and function of proteins, lipids, and DNA. The collapse of homochirality by racemization is the result of the conformational phase transition. The racemization of protein-bound amino acids (spontaneous and enzymatic) occurs through thermal activation over the energy barrier or by the tunnel transfer effect under the energy barrier. The phase transition is achieved through the intermediate state, where the chirality of alpha carbon vanished. From a thermodynamic consideration, the system in the homo-chiral (single enantiomeric) state is characterized by a decreased level of entropy. The oscillating protein chirality is suggesting its distinct significance in the neurotransmission and flow of perceptual information, adaptive associative learning, and cognitive laterality. The common pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders include protein misfolding, aging, and the deposition of protease-resistant protein aggregates. Each of the landmarks is influenced by racemization. The brain region, cell type, and age-dependent racemization critically influence the functions of many intracellular, membrane-bound, and extracellular proteins including amyloid precursor protein (APP), TAU, PrP, Huntingtin, α-synuclein, myelin basic protein (MBP), and collagen. The amyloid cascade hypothesis in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) coexists with the failure of amyloid beta (Aβ) targeting drug therapy. According to our view, racemization should be considered as a critical factor of protein conformation with the potential for inducing order, disorder, misfolding, aggregation, toxicity, and malfunctions.
Novel Approach for EKG Signals Analysis Based on Markovian and Non-Markovian Fractalization Type in Scale Relativity Theory
Authors: Agop Maricel , Irimiciuc Stefan , Dimitriu Dan , Rusu Cristina Marcela , Zala Andrei , Dobreci Lucian , Valentin Cotîrleț Adrian , Petrescu Tudor-Cristian , Ghizdovat Vlad , Eva Lucian , Vasincu Decebal
Published: March 2021

Two distinct operational procedures are proposed for diagnosis and tracking of heart disease evolution (in particular atrial fibrillations). The first procedure, based on the application of non-linear dynamic methods (strange attractors, skewness, kurtosis, histograms, Lyapunov exponent, etc.) analyzes the electrical activity of the heart (electrocardiogram signals). The second procedure, based on multifractalization through Markovian and non-Markovian-type stochasticizations in the framework of the scale relativity theory, reconstructs any type of EKG signal by means of harmonic mappings from the usual space to the hyperbolic one. These mappings mime various scale transitions by differential geometries, in Riemann spaces with symmetries of SL(2R)-type. Then, the two operational procedures are not mutually exclusive, but rather become complementary, through their finality, which is gaining valuable information concerning fibrillation crises. As such, the author’s proposed method could be used for developing new models for medical diagnosis and evolution tracking of heart diseases (patterns dynamics, signal reconstruction, etc.).
Development of Perceptual Inhibition in Adolescents—A Critical Period?
Authors: Introzzi Isabel , Richard’s María , Aydmune Yesica , Zamora Eliana , Stelzer Florencia , García Coni Ana , Lopez-Ramon María Fernanda , Navarro-Pardo Esperanza
Published: March 2021

Recent studies suggest that the developmental curves in adolescence, related to the development of executive functions, could be fitted to a non-linear trajectory of development with progressions and retrogressions. Therefore, the present study proposes to analyze the pattern of development in Perceptual Inhibition (PI), considering all stages of adolescence (early, middle, and late) in intervals of one year. To this aim, we worked with a sample of 275 participants between 10 and 25 years, who performed a joint visual and search task (to measure PI). We have fitted ex-Gaussian functions to the probability distributions of the mean response time across the sample and performed a covariance analysis (ANCOVA). The results showed that the 10- to 13-year-old groups performed similarly in the task and differ from the 14- to 19-year-old participants. We found significant differences between the older group and all the rest of the groups. We discuss the important changes that can be observed in relation to the nonlinear trajectory of development that would show the PI during adolescence.
Geographical and Tick-Dependent Distribution of Flavi-Like Alongshan and Yanggou Tick Viruses in Russia
Authors: Kholodilov Ivan S. , Belova Oxana A. , Morozkin Evgeny S. , Litov Alexander G. , Ivannikova Anna Y. , Makenov Marat T. , Shchetinin Alexey M. , Aibulatov Sergey V. , Bazarova Galina K. , Bell-Sakyi Lesley , Bespyatova Liubov A. , Bugmyrin Sergey V. , Chernetsov Nikita , Chernokhaeva Liubov L. , Gmyl Larissa V. , Khaisarova Anna N. , Khalin Alexei V. , Klimentov Alexander S. , Kovalchuk Irina V. , Luchinina Svetlana V. , Medvedev Sergey G. , Nafeev Alexander A. , Oorzhak Natalia D. , Panjukova Elena V. , Polienko Alexandra E. , Purmak Kristina A. , Romanenko Evgeniya N. , Rozhdestvenskiy Evgeniy N. , Saryglar Anna A. , Shamsutdinov Anton F. , Solomashchenko Nataliya I. , Trifonov Vladimir A. , Volchev Evgenii G. , Vovkotech Pavel G. , Yakovlev Alexander S. , Zhurenkova Olga B. , Gushchin Vladimir A. , Karan Lyudmila S. , Karganova Galina G.
Published: March 2021

The genus Flavivirus includes related, unclassified segmented flavi-like viruses, two segments of which have homology with flavivirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5 and RNA helicase-protease NS3. This group includes such viruses as Jingmen tick virus, Alongshan virus, Yanggou tick virus and others. We detected the Yanggou tick virus in Dermacentor nuttalli and Dermacentor marginatus ticks in two neighbouring regions of Russia. The virus prevalence ranged from 0.5% to 8.0%. We detected RNA of the Alongshan virus in 44 individuals or pools of various tick species in eight regions of Russia. The virus prevalence ranged from 0.6% to 7.8%. We demonstrated the successful replication of the Yanggou tick virus and Alongshan virus in IRE/CTVM19 and HAE/CTVM8 tick cell lines without a cytopathic effect. According to the phylogenetic analysis, we divided the Alongshan virus into two groups: an Ixodes persulcatus group and an Ixodes ricinus group. In addition, the I. persulcatus group can be divided into European and Asian subgroups. We found amino acid signatures specific to the I. ricinus and I. persulcatus groups and also distinguished between the European and Asian subgroups of the I. persulcatus group.
Fucoidan But Not 2′-Fucosyllactose Inhibits Human Norovirus Replication in Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Tan Malcolm Turk Hsern , Li Yan , Eshaghi Gorji Mohamad , Gong Zhiyuan , Li Dan
Published: March 2021

Human noroviruses (hNoVs) cause heavy disease burden worldwide and there is no clinically approved vaccination or antiviral hitherto. In this study, with the use of a zebrafish larva in vivo platform, we investigated the anti-hNoV potentials of fucoidan (from brown algae Fucus vesiculosus) and 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL). As a result, although both fucoidan and 2′-FL were able to block hNoV GII.4 virus-like particle (VLPs) from binding to type A saliva as expected, only fucoidan, but not 2′-FL, was able to inhibit the replication of hNoV GII.P16-GII.4 in zebrafish larvae, indicating the possible needs of higher molecular weights for fucosylated carbohydrates to exert anti-hNoV effect.
Special Issue “Emerging Arboviruses”
Authors: Charrel Remi N.
Published: March 2021

The emergence and re-emergence of arboviruses have occurred for centuries [...]
A Morphological and Molecular Analysis of a Bloom of the Filamentous Green Alga Pithophora
Authors: Lor Blia , Zohn Merry , Meade Marcus J. , Cahoon A. Bruce , Manoylov Kalina M.
Published: March 2021

Filamentous representatives of Cladophorales (Chlorophyta) are major contributors to algal biomass of littoral communities. In the present study, community analysis of a reported bloom in the Ogeechee River in Georgia provided an opportunity to combine morphological and genetic analyses with ecological information related to an understudied nuisance alga. A polyphasic approach of incorporating genotypic and phenotypic methods led to the identification of the algal community as Pithophora roettleri (Roth) Wittrock. Morphological analysis showed a monospecific community based on the average length and diameter of the heterosporous intercalary and terminal akinetes, along with the diameter of the principal filaments. Single-gene and concatenated-gene phylogenetic analyses of the LSU (28S rRNA) and SSU (18S rRNA) markers further confirmed this species identification. In this study, we conducted a morphological treatment of P. roettleri, produced 17 novel gene sequences, and produced a new, schematic diagram illustrating the four steps of the asexual reproduction of an intercalary akinete. Morphological characteristics, like the position and shape of akinetes documented here, and the availability of genetic sequences can improve identification and further ecological understanding of filamentous green algae. Flowing mats of P. roettleri, like those observed in this study, can lower light availability for other biota and structurally alter the habitat.
Nonstationary Analyses of the Maximum and Minimum Streamflow in Tamsui River Basin, Taiwan
Authors: Shiau Jenq-Tzong , Liu Yi-Ting
Published: March 2021

This study aims to detect non-stationarity of the maximum and minimum streamflow regime in Tamsui River basin, northern Taiwan. Seven streamflow gauge stations, with at least 27-year daily records, are used to characterize annual maximum 1- and 2-day flows and annual minimum 1-, 7-, and 30-day flows. The generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS) are used to dynamically detect evolution of probability distributions of the maximum and minimum flow indices with time. Results of time-covariate models indicate that stationarity is only noted in the 4 maximum flow indices out of 35 indices. This phenomenon indicates that the minimum flow indices are vulnerable to changing environments. A 16-category distributional-change scheme is employed to classify distributional changes of flow indices. A probabilistic distribution with complex variations of mean and variance is prevalent in the Tamsui River basin since approximate one third of flow indices (34.3%) belong to this category. To evaluate impacts of dams on streamflow regime, a dimensionless index called the reservoir index (RI) serves as an alternative covariate to model nonstationary probability distribution. Results of RI-covariate models indicate that 7 out of 15 flow indices are independent of RI and 80% of the best-fitted RI-covariate models are generally worse than the time-covariate models. This fact reveals that the dam is not the only factor in altering the streamflow regime in the Tamsui River, which is a significant alteration, especially the minimum flow indices. The obtained distributional changes of flow indices clearly indicate changes in probability distributions with time. Non-stationarity in the Tamsui River is induced by climate change and complex anthropogenic interferences.