bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Randomised Clinical Trial of a Novel Approach to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in Care Home Residents: Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of the GET READY Study
Authors: Giné-Garriga Maria , Dall Philippa M. , Sandlund Marlene , Jerez-Roig Javier , Chastin Sebastien F. M. , Skelton Dawn A.
Published: April 2020

Care-home residents are among the most sedentary and least active of the population. We aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and preliminary effects of an intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour (SB) co-created with care home residents, staff, family members, and policymakers within a pilot two-armed pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial (RCT). Four care homes from two European countries participated, and were randomly assigned to control (usual care, CG) or the Get Ready intervention (GR), delivered by a staff champion one-to-one with the care home resident and a family member. A total of thirty-one residents participated (51.6% female, 82.9 (13.6) years old). GR involves six face to face sessions over a 12-week period with goal-oriented prompts for movement throughout. The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were assessed and adverse events (AEs) were collected. The preliminary effects of the GR on SB, quality of life, fear of falling, and physical function were assessed. Means and standard deviations are presented, with the mean change from baseline to post-intervention calculated along with 95% confidence intervals. The CG smoked more, sat more, and had more functional movement difficulties than the GR at baseline. The GR intervention was feasible and acceptable to residents and staff. No AEs occurred during the intervention. GR participants showed a decrease in daily hours spent sitting/lying (Cohen’s d = 0.36) and an increase in daily hours stepping, and improvements in health-related quality of life, fear of falling, and habitual gait speed compared to usual care, but these effects need confirmation in a definitive RCT. The co-created GR was shown to be feasible and acceptable, with no AEs.
Inter-Comparison Campaign of Solar UVR Instruments under Clear Sky Conditions at Reunion Island (21°S, 55°E)
Authors: Cadet Jean-Maurice , Portafaix Thierry , Bencherif Hassan , Lamy Kévin , Brogniez Colette , Auriol Frédérique , Metzger Jean-Marc , Boudreault Louis-Etienne , Wright Caradee Yael
Published: April 2020

Measurement of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is important for the assessment of potential beneficial and adverse impacts on the biosphere, plants, animals, and humans. Excess solar UVR exposure in humans is associated with skin carcinogenesis and immunosuppression. Several factors influence solar UVR at the Earth’s surface, such as latitude and cloud cover. Given the potential risks from solar UVR there is a need to measure solar UVR at different locations using effective instrumentation. Various instruments are available to measure solar UVR, but some are expensive and others are not portable, both restrictive variables for exposure assessments. Here, we compared solar UVR sensors commercialized at low or moderate cost to assess their performance and quality of measurements against a high-grade Bentham spectrometer. The inter-comparison campaign took place between March 2018 and February 2019 at Saint-Denis, La Réunion. Instruments evaluated included a Kipp&Zonen UVS-E-T radiometer, a Solar Light UV-Biometer, a SGLux UV-Cosine radiometer, and a Davis radiometer. Cloud fraction was considered using a SkyCamVision all-sky camera and the Tropospheric Ultraviolet Visible radiative transfer model was used to model clear-sky conditions. Overall, there was good reliability between the instruments over time, except for the Davis radiometer, which showed dependence on solar zenith angle. The Solar Light UV-Biometer and the Kipp&Zonen radiometer gave satisfactory results, while the low-cost SGLux radiometer performed better in clear sky conditions. Future studies should investigate temporal drift and stability over time.
The Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme: An Important Ubiquitin Transfer Platform in Ubiquitin-Proteasome System
Authors: Liu Weigang , Tang Xun , Qi Xuehong , Fu Xue , Ghimire Shantwana , Ma Rui , Li Shigui , Zhang Ning , Si Huaijun
Published: April 2020

Owing to a sessile lifestyle in nature, plants are routinely faced with diverse hostile environments such as various abiotic and biotic stresses, which lead to accumulation of free radicals in cells, cell damage, protein denaturation, etc., causing adverse effects to cells. During the evolution process, plants formed defense systems composed of numerous complex gene regulatory networks and signal transduction pathways to regulate and maintain the cell homeostasis. Among them, ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) is the most versatile cellular signal system as well as a powerful mechanism for regulating many aspects of the cell physiology because it removes most of the abnormal and short-lived peptides and proteins. In this system, the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) plays a critical role in transporting ubiquitin from the ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1) to the ubiquitin-ligase enzyme (E3) and substrate. Nevertheless, the comprehensive study regarding the role of E2 enzymes in plants remains unexplored. In this review, the ubiquitination process and the regulatory role that E2 enzymes play in plants are primarily discussed, with the focus particularly put on E2′s regulation of biological functions of the cell.
Defective Regulation of Membrane TNFα Expression in Dendritic Cells of Glioblastoma Patients Leads to the Impairment of Cytotoxic Activity against Autologous Tumor Cells
Authors: Tyrinova Tamara , Leplina Olga , Mishinov Sergey , Tikhonova Marina , Dolgova Evgeniya , Proskurina Anastasiya , Stupack Vyacheslav , Bogachev Sergey , Ostanin Alexander , Chernykh Elena
Published: April 2020

Besides an antigen-presenting function and ability to induce antitumor immune responses, dendritic cells (DCs) possess a direct tumoricidal activity. We previously reported that monocyte-derived IFNα-induced DCs (IFN-DCs) of glioblastoma multiforme patients express low levels of membrane TNFα molecule (mTNFα) and have impaired TNFα/TNF-R1-mediated cytotoxicity against immortalized tumor cell line HEp-2. However, whether the observed defect could affect killer activity of glioma patient DCs against autologous tumor cells remained unclear. Here, we show that donor IFN-DCs possess cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cell lines derived from a primary tumor culture. Granule-mediated and TNFα/TNF-R1-dependent pathways were established as the main mechanisms underlying cytotoxic activity of IFN-DCs. Glioblastoma patient IFN-DCs showed lower cytotoxicity against autologous glioblastoma cells sensitive to TNFα/TNFR1-mediated lysis, which was associated with low TNFα mRNA expression and high TACE/ADAM-17 enzyme activity. Recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) and human double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) increased 1.5-fold cytotoxic activity of patient IFN-DCs against autologous glioblastoma cells. dsDNA, but not rIL-2, enhanced the expression of TNFα mRNA and decreased expression and activity of TACE/ADAM-17 enzyme. In addition, dsDNA and rIL-2 stimulated the expression of perforin and granzyme B (in the presence of dsDNA), suggesting the possibility of enhancing DC cytotoxicity against autologous glioblastoma cells via various mechanisms.
Red Chinese Cabbage Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Structural Genes and Multiple Transcription Factors Regulating Reddish Purple Color
Authors: Rameneni Jana Jeevan , Choi Su Ryun , Chhapekar Sushil Satish , Kim Man-Sun , Singh Sonam , Yi So Young , Oh Sang Heon , Kim Hyuna , Lee Chang Yeol , Oh Man-Ho , Lee Jhongchul , Kwon Oh Ha , Park Sang Un , Kim Sun-Ju , Lim Yong Pyo
Published: April 2020

Reddish purple Chinese cabbage (RPCC) is a popular variety of Brassica rapa (AA = 20). It is rich in anthocyanins, which have many health benefits. We detected novel anthocyanins including cyanidin 3-(feruloyl) diglucoside-5-(malonoyl) glucoside and pelargonidin 3-(caffeoyl) diglucoside-5-(malonoyl) glucoside in RPCC. Analyses of transcriptome data revealed 32,395 genes including 3345 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 3-week-old RPCC and green Chinese cabbage (GCC). The DEGs included 218 transcription factor (TF) genes and some functionally uncharacterized genes. Sixty DEGs identified from the transcriptome data were analyzed in 3-, 6- and 9-week old seedlings by RT-qPCR, and 35 of them had higher transcript levels in RPCC than in GCC. We detected cis-regulatory motifs of MYB, bHLH, WRKY, bZIP and AP2/ERF TFs in anthocyanin biosynthetic gene promoters. A network analysis revealed that MYB75, MYB90, and MYBL2 strongly interact with anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. Our results show that the late biosynthesis genes BrDFR, BrLDOX, BrUF3GT, BrUGT75c1-1, Br5MAT, BrAT-1, BrAT-2, BrTT19-1, and BrTT19-2 and the regulatory MYB genes BrMYB90, BrMYB75, and BrMYBL2-1 are highly expressed in RPCC, indicative of their important roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis, modification, and accumulation. Finally, we propose a model anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway that includes the unique anthocyanin pigments and genes specific to RPCC.
Generation and Characterization of Single Chain Variable Fragment against Alpha-Enolase of Candida albicans
Authors: Leu Sy-Jye , Lee Yu-Ching , Lee Chi-Hsin , Liao Po-Yen , Chiang Chen-Wei , Yang Chieh-Ming , Su Ching-Hua , Ou Tsong-Yih , Liu Ko-Jiunn , Lo Hsiu-Jung , Tsai Bor-Yu , Yang Yi-Yuan
Published: April 2020

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic human pathogen responsible for approximately a half of clinical candidemia. The emerging Candida spp. with resistance to azoles is a major challenge in clinic, suggesting an urgent demand for new drugs and therapeutic strategies. Alpha–enolase (Eno1) is a multifunctional protein and represents an important marker for invasive candidiasis. Thus, C. albicans Eno1 (CaEno1) is believed to be an important target for the development of therapeutic agents and antibody drugs. Recombinant CaEno1 (rCaEno1) was first used to immunize chickens. Subsequently, we used phage display technology to construct two single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody libraries. A novel biopanning procedure was carried out to screen anti-rCaEno1 scFv antibodies, whose specificities were further characterized. The polyclonal IgY antibodies showed binding to rCaEno1 and native CaEno1. A dominant scFv (CaS1) and its properties were further characterized. CaS1 attenuated the growth of C. albicans and inhibited the binding of CaEno1 to plasminogen. Animal studies showed that CaS1 prolonged the survival rate of mice and zebrafish with candidiasis. The fungal burden in kidney and spleen, as well as level of inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced in CaS1-treated mice. These results suggest CaS1 has potential of being immunotherapeutic drug against C. albicans infections.
Synovial Fluid Interleukin-16 Contributes to Osteoclast Activation and Bone Loss through the JNK/NFATc1 Signaling Cascade in Patients with Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Chang Yuhan , Hsiao Yi-min , Hu Chih-Chien , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Li Cai-Yan , Ueng Steve W. N. , Chen Mei-Feng
Published: April 2020

Because of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated effects on osteoclast differentiation and bone loss, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by Gram-negative bacteria increases the risk of aseptic loosening after reimplantation. Synovial fluid interleukin-16 (IL-16) expression was higher in patients with PJI than in patients without joint infection. Thus, we explored the effects of IL-16 on bone. We investigated whether IL-16 modulates osteoclast or osteoblast differentiation in vitro. An LPS-induced bone loss mice model was used to explore the possible advantages of IL-16 inhibition for the prevention of bone loss. IL-16 directly activated p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and increased osteoclast activation markers, including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K, and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1). IL-16 directly caused monocytes to differentiate into TRAP-positive osteoclast-like cells through NFATc1 activation dependent on JNK/MAPK signaling. Moreover, IL-16 did not alter alkaline phosphatase activity or calcium deposition during osteoblastic differentiation. Finally, IL-16 inhibition prevented LPS-induced trabecular bone loss and osteoclast activation in vivo. IL-16 directly increased osteoclast activation through the JNK/NFATc1 pathway. IL-16 inhibition could represent a new strategy for treating infection-associated bone loss.
Precision Medicine in Childhood Asthma: Omic Studies of Treatment Response
Authors: Perez-Garcia Javier , Herrera-Luis Esther , Lorenzo-Diaz Fabian , González Mario , Sardón Olaia , Villar Jesús , Pino-Yanes Maria
Published: April 2020

Asthma is a heterogeneous and multifactorial respiratory disease with an important impact on childhood. Difficult-to-treat asthma is not uncommon among children, and it causes a high burden to the patient, caregivers, and society. This review aims to summarize the recent findings on pediatric asthma treatment response revealed by different omic approaches conducted in 2018–2019. A total of 13 studies were performed during this period to assess the role of genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and the microbiome in the response to short-acting beta agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. These studies have identified novel associations of genetic markers, epigenetic modifications, metabolites, bacteria, and molecular mechanisms involved in asthma treatment response. This knowledge will allow us establishing molecular biomarkers that could be integrated with clinical information to improve the management of children with asthma.
The Skin Microbiota and Itch: Is There a Link?
Authors: Kim Hei Sung , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: April 2020

Itch is an unpleasant sensation that emanates primarily from the skin. The chemical mediators that drive neuronal activity originate from a complex interaction between keratinocytes, inflammatory cells, nerve endings and the skin microbiota, relaying itch signals to the brain. Stress also exacerbates itch via the skin–brain axis. Recently, the microbiota has surfaced as a major player to regulate this axis, notably during stress settings aroused by actual or perceived homeostatic challenge. The routes of communication between the microbiota and brain are slowly being unraveled and involve neurochemicals (i.e., acetylcholine, histamine, catecholamines, corticotropin) that originate from the microbiota itself. By focusing on itch biology and by referring to the more established field of pain research, this review examines the possible means by which the skin microbiota contributes to itch.
Dispersion and Localization Behavior of Modified MWCNTs in Immiscible Polymer Blends of Polystyrene and Polybutadiene and in Corresponding Nanostructured Block Copolymers
Authors: Staudinger Ulrike , Jakisch Lothar , Hilbig Luise
Published: April 2020

The influence of carbon nanotube (CNT) modification on the dispersion and localization behavior of the CNTs in immiscible blends of polystyrene (PS) and polybutadiene (PB), and in the nanostructured morphology of a star-shaped styrene-butadiene based block copolymer (BCP), was studied to form a basis for the development of functional materials with defined electrical property profiles. Unmodified multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) were dispersed in PS, PB and PS/PB blends by solution mixing. Additionally, MWCNTs were functionalized with n-octadecylamine and monoamino-terminated polystyrene to increase the compatibility between the homopolymers and the nanofiller. The MWCNT dispersion and the blend morphology formation were studied using transmission light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The MWCNT dispersion could be significantly improved by the modification of the MWCNTs. All MWCNT types were found to preferably localize in the PS phase of the PS/PB blend. However, only blends containing unmodified MWCNTs were electrically conductive. Similar effects were found in BCP/MWCNT composites. The BCP was already electrically conductive with a filler content of 0.1 wt % of unmodified MWCNTs. The stress–strain behavior of the BCP was slightly influenced by MWCNT addition and CNT modification. The dispersability of MWCNTs was significantly improved by CNT functionalization, which indicates a strong polymer-filler interaction.
Microstructural and Very High Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) Behavior of Ti6Al4V—A Comparative Study
Authors: Jebieshia T R , Kim Jong Min , Kang Jung Woo , Son Seok Woo , Kim Heuy Dong
Published: April 2020

In this study, an investigation is carried out to evaluate and compare the material and physical properties of Grade 5 Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V G5) samples of three different impeller manufacturers. The study aims to identify the efficient impeller core material from different Ti6Al4V G5 manufacturers. Ultrasonic fatigue test for Ti6Al4V samples of 100 horsepower (hp) centrifugal compressor impeller parts is performed before and after heat treatment. The effect of microstructure on Very High Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) behavior of Ti6Al4V is also analyzed and discussed in detail. Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observation are carried out to investigate the microstructure of different Ti6Al4V material samples. The dynamic elastic properties are measured by the Impulse Excitation Technique (IET) at room temperature. The fracture behavior of the tensile specimens is analyzed by SEM. Post-heat-treatment analysis of Ti6Al4V is also carried out and presented which affects the grain size of the material sample and thus considerable effect in the mechanical properties. Chemical composition investigation of Ti6Al4V using SEM and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) also included in this study.
What the Surgeon Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Trunnionosis in Hip Arthroplasty: Recommendations from the Literature
Authors: Rieker Claude B. , Wahl Peter
Published: April 2020

Trunnionosis, defined as wear and corrosion at the head–neck taper connection, is a cause of failure in hip arthroplasty. Trunnionosis is linked to a synergistic combination of factors related to the prosthesis, the patient, and the surgeon. This review presents analytical models that allow for the quantification of the impact of these factors, with the aim of providing practical recommendations to help surgeons minimize the occurrence of this failure mode. A tighter fit reduces micromotion and, consequently, fretting of the taper connection. The paramount parameters controlling the fixation force are the coefficient of friction and the impaction force. The influence of the head diameter, as well as of the diameter and angle of the taper, is comparatively small, but varus alignment of the taper and heads with longer necks are unfavourable under physiologic loads. The trunnion should be rinsed, cleaned, and dried carefully, while avoiding any contamination of the bore—the female counterpart within the head—prior to assembly. Biological debris, and even residual water, might critically reduce the fixation of the taper connection between the head and the neck. The impaction force applied to the components should correspond to at least two strong blows with a 500 g hammer, striking the head with an ad hoc impactor aligned with the axis of the taper. These strong blows should correspond to a minimum impaction force of 4000 N.
Engineering Properties of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Bottom Ash Cement Paste Composites
Authors: Hanafi Mohamad , Aydin Ertug , Ekinci Abdullah
Published: April 2020

Extinction of natural resources builds up pressure on governments to invest in research to find more sustainable resources within the construction sector. Earlier studies on mortar and concrete show that bottom ash and basalt fiber are independently alternative binders in the concrete sector. This study aims to use bottom ash and basalt fiber blends as alternative novel-based composites in pure cement paste. The strength and durability properties of two different percentages of bottom ash (40% and 50%) and three volume fractions of basalt fiber (0.3%, 0.75%, and 1.5%) were used at three curing periods (7, 28, and 56 days). In order to measure the physical properties of the basalt-reinforced bottom ash cement paste composites flowability, dry unit weight, porosity, and water absorption measurements at 7, 28, and 56 days of curing were performed. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of composites were determined by unconfined compressive strength and flexural strength tests. Finally, to assess the durability, sulfate-resistance and seawater-resistance tests have been performed on composites at 28 and 56 days of curing. Results showed that the addition of basalt fiber improves the physical, mechanical, and chemical stability properties of paste up to a limiting basalt fiber addition (0.3% volume fraction) where, above, an adverse effect has been monitored. It is clear that observed results can lead to the development of sustainability strategies in the concrete industry by utilizing bottom ash and basalt fiber as an alternative binder.
On the Advent of Fractional Calculus in Econophysics via Continuous-Time Random Walk
Authors: Mainardi Francesco
Published: April 2020

In this survey article, at first, the author describes how he was involved in the late 1990s on Econophysics, considered in those times an emerging science. Inside a group of colleagues the methods of the Fractional Calculus were developed to deal with the continuous-time random walks adopted to model the tick-by-tick dynamics of financial markets Then, the analytical results of this approach are presented pointing out the relevance of the Mittag-Leffler function. The consistence of the theoretical analysis is validated with fitting the survival probability for certain futures (BUND and BTP) traded in 1997 at LIFFE, London. Most of the theoretical and numerical results (including figures) reported in this paper were presented by the author at the first Nikkei symposium on Econophysics, held in Tokyo on November 2000 under the title “Empirical Science of Financial Fluctuations” on behalf of his colleagues and published by Springer. The author acknowledges Springer for the license permission of re-using this material.
Hybrid Internal Combustion Engine Based Auxiliary Power Unit
Authors: Yuhimenko Vladimir , Baimel Dmitry , Sitbon Moshe , Averbukh Moshe , Lineykin Simon , Kuperman Alon
Published: April 2020

The brief presents some principles of the ON/OFF operational strategy applied to energy management of a hybrid internal combustion engine (ICE) based auxiliary power unit (APU). It is shown that significant reduction of fuel consumption (78% for the example system presented) and maintenance expenses (80% operation time decrease was attained by the system) may be achieved by such a strategy, shifting the system operation point towards corresponding optimal region. The side effect of aggravated amount of starting events is cured by employing an actively balanced supercapacitor (SC)-based emergency starter (SCS). The SCS operates as short-time energy storage device, charging from the battery at a low rate and then providing a current burst required for proper internal combustion engine starting. Current sensorless method of automatic connection (based on bus voltage sensing) and disconnection (based on sensing the voltage across bidirectional MOSFET-based switch) of the SCS is also proposed. The proposed circuitry, successfully validated by experiments, may be arbitrarily scaled up or down according to application rating.
Endocrine Disruptors in Food: Impact on Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Gálvez-Ontiveros Yolanda , Páez Sara , Monteagudo Celia , Rivas Ana
Published: April 2020

Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) have been associated with the increased incidence of metabolic disorders. In this work, we conducted a systematic review of the literature in order to identify the current knowledge of the interactions between EDCs in food, the gut microbiota, and metabolic disorders in order to shed light on this complex triad. Exposure to EDCs induces a series of changes including microbial dysbiosis and the induction of xenobiotic pathways and associated genes, enzymes, and metabolites involved in EDC metabolism. The products and by-products released following the microbial metabolism of EDCs can be taken up by the host; therefore, changes in the composition of the microbiota and in the production of microbial metabolites could have a major impact on host metabolism and the development of diseases. The remediation of EDC-induced changes in the gut microbiota might represent an alternative course for the treatment and prevention of metabolic diseases.
A Heterocyclic Polyurethane with Enhanced Self-Healing Efficiency and Outstanding Recovery of Mechanical Properties
Authors: Kim Jinsil , Hong Pyong Hwa , Choi Kiwon , Moon Gyeongmin , Kang Jungsoon , Lee Seoyun , Lee Sungkoo , Jung Hyun Wook , Ko Min Jae , Hong Sung Woo
Published: April 2020

A functional polyurethane based on the heterocyclic group was synthesized and its self-healing and mechanical properties were examined. To synthesize a heterocyclic polyurethane, a polyol and a heterocyclic compound with di-hydroxyl groups at both ends were blended and the blended solution was reacted with a crosslinker containing multiple isocyanate groups. The heterocyclic polyurethane demonstrates better self-healing efficiency than the conventional polyurethane with no heterocyclic groups. Furthermore, unlike the conventional self-healing materials, the heterocyclic polyurethane examined in this study shows an outstanding recovery of the mechanical properties after the self-healing process. These results are attributed to the unique supramolecular network resulting from the strong hydrogen bonding interaction between the urethane group and the heterocyclic group in the heterocyclic polyurethane matrix.
Short-Term Load Forecasting Using Smart Meter Data: A Generalization Analysis
Authors: Mehdipour Pirbazari Aida , Farmanbar Mina , Chakravorty Antorweep , Rong Chunming
Published: April 2020

Short-term load forecasting ensures the efficient operation of power systems besides affording continuous power supply for energy consumers. Smart meters that are capable of providing detailed information on buildings energy consumption, open several doors of opportunity to short-term load forecasting at the individual building level. In the current paper, four machine learning methods have been employed to forecast the daily peak and hourly energy consumption of domestic buildings. The utilized models depend merely on buildings historical energy consumption and are evaluated on the profiles that were not previously trained on. It is evident that developing data-driven models lacking external information such as weather and building data are of great importance under the situations that the access to such information is limited or the computational procedures are costly. Moreover, the performance evaluation of the models on separated house profiles determines their generalization ability for unseen consumption profiles. The conducted experiments on the smart meter data of several UK houses demonstrated that if the models are fed with sufficient historical data, they can be generalized to a satisfactory level and produce quite accurate results even if they only use past consumption values as the predictor variables. Furthermore, among the four applied models, the ones based on deep learning and ensemble techniques, display better performance in predicting daily peak load consumption than those of others.
When Terror Strikes: The 2015 Paris Attacks in Religious Education Classrooms in Norway
Authors: Toft Audun
Published: April 2020

Terrorism is commonly considered to be a controversial issue in religious education (RE). RE teachers find it a challenging topic to address, and many avoid it altogether. This article explores the question of addressing terrorism in RE by analysing and discussing empirical observations of RE lessons in an upper secondary school in Norway in the weeks following the terror attacks in Paris in November 2015. Using framing theory, the article discusses aspects of the empirical case study, contextualised by the discussion about controversial issues in education. The main claim of the article is that, rather than seeing the terror attacks as a controversial issue in itself, the terror attacks should be treated as an event that has the potential to tap into several different controversial issues depending on the way it is framed. When addressed in the RE classroom, the teachers actively transform the event into a pedagogical issue, framed in accordance with the nature and aims of the subject. The students, however, often contest this pedagogical framing. This article discusses the interplay between teachers’ plans, students’ reactions, and the role of media in classroom interaction about the Paris attacks.
Sustainable Development and Energy Policy: Actual CO2 Emissions in the European Union in the Years 1997–2017, Considering Trade with China and the USA
Authors: Fortuński Bartosz
Published: April 2020

One of the ways of implementing the concept of sustainable development by the European Union is their energy policy. Among the three main objectives in its energy policy is a reduction in greenhouse gases (mainly CO2) emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. This study aims to assess the impact of international trade on actual CO2 emission in the EU, China and the USA for the period 1997–2017. For this aim, the Actual-Open CO2 emissions were calculated, taking into account the transfer of CO2 in exported products and services from China and the USA to the EU and vice versa. It is concluded that the actual CO2 emissions in China, the USA, and the EU differed from the traditionally calculated emissions. This has serious consequences for policy, as the factual level of implementation of the EU energy policy goals may be different from what is assumed. Without including the goals of energy policy into trade policy, the effectiveness of measures may be limited. This also has implications for the effectiveness of environmental management systems. When improvements rely on increasing trade with large CO2 emitting countries, the final effect may be opposed to the assumed effect.
Water and CSP—Linking CSP Water Demand Models and National Hydrology Data to Sustainably Manage CSP Development and Water Resources in Arid Regions
Authors: Duvenhage D. Frank , Brent Alan C. , Stafford William H.L. , Grobbelaar S.
Published: April 2020

A systematic approach to evaluate Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant fleet deployment and sustainable water resource use in arid regions is presented. An overview is given of previous work carried out. Once CSP development scenarios, suitable areas for development, and the water demand from CSP operations were evaluated, appropriate spatiotemporal CSP performance models were developed. The resulting consumptive patterns and the impact of variable resource availability on CSP plant operation are analysed. This evaluation considered the whole of South Africa, with focus on the areas identified as suitable for CSP, in order to study the impact on local water resources. It was found that the hydrological limitations imposed by variable water resources on CSP development are severe. The national annual theoretical net generation potential of wet-cooled Parabolic Trough decreased from 11,277 to 120 TWh, and that of wet-cooled Central Receiver decreased from 12,003 to 170 TWh. Dry cooled versions also experience severe limitations, but to a lesser extent—the national annual theoretical net generation potential of Parabolic Trough decreased from 11,038 to 512 TWh, and that of Central Receiver decreased from 11,824 to 566 TWh. Accordingly, policy guidelines are suggested for sustainable CSP development and water resource management within the context of current South African water use regulation.
Social and Behavioral Theories and Physician’s Prescription Behavior
Authors: Ahmed Rizwan Raheem , Streimikiene Dalia , Abrhám Josef , Streimikis Justas , Vveinhardt Jolita
Published: April 2020

The efficacy, safety, and cost of medication are the major concerns for a patient; thus, this research addresses factors that influence the physician’s prescription behavior. The objective of the undertaken study is the empirical testing of a novel conceptual model that was newly developed by the previous literature, which is based on behavioral and social theories. The considered model explains the association between marketing efforts, pharmacist factors, patient characteristics, and the physician’s decision to prescribe a drug. This unique model also includes the influence of cost and benefit ratio, drug characteristics, physician’s persistence, and trustworthiness as moderating variables. This model is useful for analyzing the prospects of marketing. We have collected 984 physicians’ responses from the urban centers of Pakistan through a structured questionnaire. We have used Structural equation modelling (SEM) based multivariate techniques such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and conditional process modelling to explore the direct and indirect relationship amongst the exogenous, moderating, and endogenous variables. The findings of the study demonstrated that marketing efforts, patient’s characteristics, and pharmacist factors have a positive and significant influence on the physician’s decision to prescribe medicines. The moderation analysis exhibited the significant effect of drug characteristics, cost–benefit ratio, physician’s persistence, and trustworthiness in a relationship between exogenous and endogenous variables. The results of the undertaken study are helpful for the marketers of the pharmaceutical industry to save wasteful marketing expenditures for the product portfolios, and measured variables may help to make meaningful marketing strategies for the physician’s prescription that provide optimum Returns on Investment (ROI) of their investments.
Economic Impact of the Health Insurance System on Slovak Medical Spas and Mineral Spring Spas
Authors: Derco Ján , Romaniuk Piotr , Cehlár Michal
Published: April 2020

The article deals with the financing of spa undertakings through the health insurance system. The analysis is based on the financial statements of 28 spa undertakings operating in the Slovak Republic, their contracts with the individual health insurance companies and secondary data sources (accommodation statistics of these undertakings, the number of medical stays paid by clients themselves and of those covered by public health insurance, the spa treatment expenditure of the health insurance companies, the percentage of this expenditure out of the total expenditure spent by the health insurance companies on health care). The still significant percentage of revenues from the health insurance companies out of the total revenues of spa undertakings shows the prevalence of the medical nature of spa care. At the same time, it reflects the current tax measures related to the spa industry and shows that the introduction of a recreation allowance might influence the future development of spa care.
Pool-Type Fishway Design for a Potamodromous Cyprinid in the Iberian Peninsula: The Iberian Barbel—Synthesis and Future Directions
Authors: Silva Ana T. , Bermúdez María , Santos José M. , Rabuñal Juan R. , Puertas Jerónimo
Published: April 2020

The Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) is one of the most common cyprinids in the Iberian Peninsula, whose migratory routes are often hampered by anthropogenic barriers. Fishways might be an effective mitigation measure if they integrate designed operational characteristics that account for the biomechanical requirements of this species. Understanding the flow conditions inside the fishway, and how barbel responds to the hydrodynamics of the flow is imperative to improve free migratory routes with minimum energetic cost associated. Herein, we analyze and synthesize the main findings of research on pool-type fishways for upstream passage of the Iberian barbel and derive recommendations of design criteria for pool-type fishways for this species and others of similar biomechanics capacities. Ultimately, we identify research needs to improve upstream passage of this species.
Optimization of Green Extraction and Purification of PHA Produced by Mixed Microbial Cultures from Sludge
Authors: de Souza Reis Guilherme A. , Michels Michiel H. A. , Fajardo Gabriela L. , Lamot Ischa , de Best Jappe H.
Published: April 2020

Sludge from municipal wastewater treatment systems can be used as a source of mixed microbial cultures for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Stored intracellularly, the PHA is accumulated by some species of bacteria as energy stockpile and can be extracted from the cells by reflux extraction. Dimethyl carbonate was tested as a solvent for the PHA extraction at different extraction times and biomass to solvent ratios, and 1-butanol was tested for purifying the obtained PHA at different purification times and PHA to solvent ratios. Overall, only a very small difference was observed in the different extraction scenarios. An average extraction amount of 30.7 ± 1.6 g of PHA per 100 g of biomass was achieved. After purification with 1-butanol, a visual difference was observed in the PHA between the tested scenarios, although the actual purity of the resulting samples did not present a significant difference. The overall purity increased from 91.2 ± 0.1% to 98.0 ± 0.1%.
Métodos empíricos para determinação da evapotranspiração de referência em Arapiraca
Authors: SILVA Julianna Catonio da , FERREIRA Luis Felipe , SILVA Thaís Rayane Gomes da , SILVA Cinara Bernardo da , SANTOS Laylton Albuquerque dos , SANTOS Márcio Aurélio Lins dos
Published: April 2020

A evapotranspiração de referência (ET0) representa a perda de água do solo vegetado para a atmosfera devido à evaporação e à transpiração. O modelo de Penman-Monteith (P-M) demanda variados elementos meteorológicos em sua solução, o que dificulta sua aplicação em estudos agrometeorológicos. Objetivou-se avaliar métodos empíricos para determinação da evapotranspiração de referência em Arapiraca, AL. Foram coletados dados da estação meteorológica do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) no período de novembro de 2017 a julho de 2018 para realizar a correlação entre os métodos de Hargreaves-Samani (H-S), da Radiação Solar (R-S), de Blaney-Criddle (B-C) e de Priestley-Taylor (P-T) com o método padrão de P-M. Foram encontrados baixos valores de coeficiente de determinação (r2 = 0,61) para H-S, indicando que o método não é preciso para estimar a ET0. Nota-se altos valores de coeficiente de determinação (r2 = 0,91; 0,93 e 0,9) para R-S, B-C e P-T , mostrando a elevada precisão das estimativas da ET0 pelos métodos. O método da radiação solar é o mais indicado para as condições estudadas.
Resposta do coentro irrigado com água salina
Authors: FRANÇA Thaíse Santos , PAZ Kelvya Mikaelle Vieira da , SOUZA Amanda Ferreira de , SANTOS Lúcia Jacinto da Silva SANTOS , SANTOS Márcio Aurélio Lins dos
Published: April 2020

O coentro é uma das hortaliças folhosas mais produzidas por pequenos  produtores na região de Arapiraca, e estes fazem uso de água proveniente de pequenas fontes que possuem qualidade inferior. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho do coentro irrigado com diferentes lâminas de água. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido (estufa) na área experimental da Universidade Federal de Alagoas/Campus Arapiraca. O delineamento escolhido para a condução do experimento foi o Delineamento Inteiramente Casualizado (DIC), com 5 lâminas de água com condutividade de 3,10 dSm-1 (L1=50,  L2= 75, L3= 100, L4=125 e L5= 150%), considerando a Evapotranspiração da Cultura (ETc), com 4 repetições, totalizando 20 parcelas experimentais. Foram utilizadas sementes de coentro cultivar Verdão. As variáveis analisadas foram altura da haste (AH) aos 10, 20 e 30 dias após a germinação, número de hastes (NH), massa seca aérea (MSA), massa seca da raiz (MSR) e massa seca total (MST). Todos os dados foram tabulados e submetidos à análise de variância. Conclui-se que a água com CEágua igual a 3,10 dSm-1 não influenciou no desenvolvimento do coentro.
Introduction. La géochimie organique des sols et des sédiments : une clé pour décrire l’anthropocène ?
Authors: Poulenard Jerôme , Arnaud Fabien , Perrette Yves , Sabatier Pierre , Deline Philip , Giguet-Covex Charline , Bajard Manon , Mourier Brice , Quiers Marine , Malet Emmanuel , Pignol Cécile , Develle Anne-Lise , Fanget Bernard , Dambrine Etienne , Faivre Pierre , Chalmin Emilie
Published: April 2020

This article aims to introduce the research presented in this volume of the Collection EDYTEM. The different papers come from a common scientific meeting between soil scientists of the French Soil Science Society (AFES) and organic geochemists of FROG. These articles seem to indicate a renewal of the approaches, issues and methods of study on the evolution of soil linked with human activities. Soil geochemistry and sediments (particularly organic geochemistry) appears as an indispensable tool to reveal the history of soil and human practices in the Anthropocene.
Les archives pédologiques : des concepts de base à la gestion des écosystèmes. Nouvelles approches en spectroscopie proche infrarouge (SPIR) et sur les biomarqueurs moléculaires lipidiques. Apports du programme GESSOL-APOGEE
Authors: Schwartz Dominique , Ertlen Damien , Froehlicher Lucie , Vyslouzilova Barbora , Bastien Claire , Courel Blandine , Schaeffer Philippe , Trendel Jean-Michel , Liaud Céline , Motsch Estelle , Adam Pierre , Šefrna Luděk , Hajdas Irka , Gierga Merle , Bernasconi Stefano
Published: April 2020

Soil archives, like historical and sedimentary archives, allow past dynamics of ecosystems to be reconstructed and their current functioning to be understood. In this article, we first remind the principal specifics of soil archives, and then present two methodological approaches which were developed in the framework of the GESSOL-APOGEE program : qualitative near infrared spectroscopy and molecular plant biomarkers. These approaches are illustrated using three case studies.
Reconstitutions paléoenvironnementales des usages et de la vulnérabilité des sols : approches moléculaires
Authors: Lavrieux Marlène
Published: April 2020

Pour faire face aux défis posés par les changements globaux actuels, il est essentiel d’élucider les interactions complexes qui lient sociétés, environnements et climat. Explorer les archives naturelles aide à améliorer notre compréhension des systèmes socio-écologiques passés, présents et futurs. Outre la roche mère et la pédogenèse, les sols héritent leurs qualités de leur gestion et de leurs usages anciens et actuels. Bien qu’ils soient fondamentaux pour les sociétés et les écosystèmes, ils deviennent une ressource naturelle menacée. Dans ce cadre, cet article propose un aperçu d’approches paléoenvironnementales permettant d’évaluer, au sein des archives naturelles, les usages et la vulnérabilité des sols. L’accent est porté sur les biomarqueurs moléculaires. Quelques autres indicateurs complémentaires qui y sont souvent associés (indicateurs historiques, sédimentologiques, géochimiques et biotiques) sont aussi exposés.
Reconstitution de l’évolution du paysage du lac de La Thuile (Massif des Bauges, Savoie) durant l’Holocène. Mise en évidence d’une domination des processus érosifs liés à l’homme à l’étage montagnard
Authors: Bajard Manon , Sabatier Pierre , David Fernand , Develle Anne-Lise , Reyss Jean-Louis , Fanget Bernard , Malet Emmanuel , Arnaud Daniel , Augustin Laurent , Crouzet Christian , Poulenard Jerôme , Arnaud Fabien
Published: April 2020

Le lac de La Thuile dans les préalpes du nord (874 m) fournit une séquence sédimentaire de 18 m de long. L’analyse multi-proxies haute résolution des 6,2 premiers mètres de sédiment incluant des données sédimentaires, palynologiques et géochimiques, associées à une chronologie bien établie, documente l’évolution holocène de l’érosion dans le bassin versant et les modifications du paysage. Le bassin versant est suffisamment déconnecté des grandes plaines pour capturer un signal sédimentaire spécifique à ce milieu. De 12 à 4,5 ka cal. BP, la végétation se développe avec l’apparition de feuillus alors que l’érosion diminue à la suite de la transition Tardiglaciaire-Holocène. La forêt devient plus dense, stabilise les pentes et empêche l’érosion des sols qui se développent en s’acidifiant. Une première phase érosive est initiée vers 4,5 ka cal. BP. Le paysage change avec le développement de la hêtraie-sapinière. Les taxons anthropiques font leur apparition autour de 3 000 cal. BP. Deux autres phases érosives sont à mettre en relation avec l’ouverture du milieu par les activités humaines : à partir de 2,5 ka cal. BP, à la fin de l’âge du Bronze et pendant la période Romaine, et après 1,6 ka cal. BP avec le Moyen-âge. Elles engendrent un rajeunissement et une recarbonatation des sols. L’érosion plus faible produite durant le Petit âge Glaciaire suggère que les activités anthropiques dominent les processus liés à l’érosion et masquent complètement l’impact du climat sur l’érosion à cette altitude.
Analyse, isolement et datation au 14C de lipides dans les sols : l’exemple des tétraéthers de diglycérol
Authors: Courel Blandine , Schaeffer Philippe , Adam Pierre , Ertlen Damien , Schwartz Dominique , Bernasconi Stefano , Hajdas Irka
Published: April 2020

Nous rapportons dans cette étude le développement d’un protocole analytique pour l’isolement spécifique, à partir d’échantillons de sol, des tétraéthers de diglycérol isoprénoïdes (i-GDGT) et ramifiés (br-GDGT), composés d’origine microbienne, dans le but de procéder à leur datation au 14C. Ce protocole comprend une étape d’extraction de la composante lipidique du sol avec des solvants organiques, suivie d’étapes de séparation et de purification par différentes techniques chromatographiques (chromatographie liquide sur colonne, chromatographie liquide à haute performance et chromatographie sur couche mince). Après isolement, la datation au 14C de ces deux séries de composés dans deux échantillons d’un profil de sol, l’un de surface, l’autre en profondeur (40-50 cm) indique qu’en dépit d’une origine biologique distincte, les i-et br-GDGT présentent des temps moyens de résidence (TMR) similaires en profondeur, TMR qui sont inférieurs à ceux de la matière organique de ce même échantillon et des différents compartiments qui la constituent. Ceci suggère soit que ces lipides proviennent de microorganismes utilisant une même source de carbone constituée d’un mélange d’une matière organique récente et ancienne, à moins qu’ils ne proviennent d’un mélange provenant d’une population ancienne et d’une population plus récente. Quoi qu’il en soit, ces observations préliminaires suggèrent que l’utilisation de (paléo) proxies reposant sur la distribution des GDGT dans le cas des sols est parfois discutable, ou, tout au moins, incitent à la prudence quant à d’éventuelles interprétations dans le cadre de reconstitutions (paléo) environnementales.