bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong Activity Enhancement of the Photocatalytic Degradation of an Azo Dye on Au/TiO2 Doped with FeOx
Authors: Waheed Ammara , Shi Quanquan , Maeda Nobutaka , Meier Daniel M. , Qin Zhaoxian , Li Gao , Baiker Alfons
Published: August 2020

The doping of Au/TiO2 with FeOx is shown to result in a strong enhancement of its photocatalytic activity in the degradation of the azo dye Orange II. In order to examine the source of this enhancement, Au-FeOx/TiO2 nanocomposites containing different molar ratios of Au:Fe were synthesized, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) analyses indicated that the TiO2-supported Au nanoparticles were partially covered with an amorphous layer of FeOx species, in which the iron was present as Fe2+ and Fe3+. The metal-semiconductor system, i.e., Au/TiO2, showed only a moderate degradation rate, whereas doping with FeOx strongly enhanced the degradation activity. The bandgap energy decreased gradually from Au/TiO2 (3.13 eV) to the catalyst with the highest FeOx loading Au-FeOx (1:2)/TiO2 (2.23 eV), and this decrease was accompanied by a steady increase in the degradation activity of the catalysts. XPS analyses revealed that compared to Au/TiO2, on Au-FeOx/TiO2 a much higher population density of chemisorbed and/or dissociated oxygen species was generated, which together with the decreased bandgap resulted in the highest photocatalytic activity observed with Au-FeOx (1:2)/TiO2. The processes occurring during reaction on the catalyst surface and in the bulk liquid phase were investigated using operando attenuated total reflection IR spectroscopy (ATR-IR) combined with modulation excitation spectroscopy (MES), which showed that the doping of Au/TiO2 with FeOx weakens the interaction of the dye with the catalyst surface and strongly enhances the cleavage of the azo bond.
Human Neural Stem Cell Systems to Explore Pathogen-Related Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Baggiani Matteo , Dell’Anno Maria Teresa , Pistello Mauro , Conti Luciano , Onorati Marco
Published: August 2020

Building and functioning of the human brain requires the precise orchestration and execution of myriad molecular and cellular processes, across a multitude of cell types and over an extended period of time. Dysregulation of these processes affects structure and function of the brain and can lead to neurodevelopmental, neurological, or psychiatric disorders. Multiple environmental stimuli affect neural stem cells (NSCs) at several levels, thus impairing the normal human neurodevelopmental program. In this review article, we will delineate the main mechanisms of infection adopted by several neurotropic pathogens, and the selective NSC vulnerability. In particular, TORCH agents, i.e., Toxoplasma gondii, others (including Zika virus and Coxsackie virus), Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus, will be considered for their devastating effects on NSC self-renewal with the consequent neural progenitor depletion, the cellular substrate of microcephaly. Moreover, new evidence suggests that some of these agents may also affect the NSC progeny, producing long-term effects in the neuronal lineage. This is evident in the paradigmatic example of the neurodegeneration occurring in Alzheimer’s disease.
The N-Terminus Makes the Difference: Impact of Genotype-Specific Disparities in the N-Terminal Part of The Hepatitis B Virus Large Surface Protein on Morphogenesis of Viral and Subviral Particles
Authors: Jiang Bingfu , Wen Xingjian , Wu Qingyan , Bender Daniela , Carra Gert , Basic Michael , Kubesch Alica , Peiffer Kai-Henrik , Boller Klaus , Hildt Eberhard
Published: August 2020

The N-terminus of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) large surface protein (LHB) differs with respect to genotypes. Compared to the amino terminus of genotype (Gt)D, in GtA, GtB and GtC, an additional identical 11 amino acids (aa) are found, while GtE and GtG share another similar 10 aa. Variants of GtB and GtC affecting this N-terminal part are associated with hepatoma formation. Deletion of these amino-terminal 11 aa in GtA reduces the amount of LHBs and changes subcellular accumulation (GtA-like pattern) to a dispersed distribution (GtD-like pattern). Vice versa, the fusion of the GtA-derived N-terminal 11 aa to GtD causes a GtA-like phenotype. However, insertion of the corresponding GtE-derived 10 aa to GtD has no effect. Deletion of these 11aa decreases filament size while neither the number of released viral genomes nor virion size and infectivity are affected. A negative regulatory element (aa 2–8) and a dominant positive regulatory element (aa 9–11) affecting the amount of LHBs were identified. The fusion of this motif to eGFP revealed that the effect on protein amount and subcellular distribution is not restricted to LHBs. These data identify a novel region in the N-terminus of LHBs affecting the amount and subcellular distribution of LHBs and identify release-promoting and -inhibiting aa residues within this motive.
Thermal Stability, Hardness, and Corrosion Behavior of the Nickel–Ruthenium–Phosphorus Sputtering Coatings
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Cheng , Wu Fan-Bean
Published: August 2020

Nickel–ruthenium–phosphorus, Ni–Ru–P, alloy coatings were fabricated by magnetron dual-gun co-sputtering from Ni–P alloy and Ru source targets. The composition variation and related microstructure evolution of the coatings were manipulated by the input power modulation. The as-prepared Ni–Ru–P alloy coatings with a Ru content less than 12.2 at.% are amorphous/nanocrystalline, while that with a high Ru content of 52.7 at.% shows a feature of crystallized Ni, Ru, and Ru2P mixed phases in the as-deposited state. The crystallized phases for high Ru content Ni–Ru–P coatings are stable against annealing process up to 600 °C. By contrast, the amorphous/nanocrystalline Ni–Ru–P thin films withstand a heat-treated temperature up to 475 °C and then transform into Ni(Ru) and NixPy crystallized phases at an annealing temperature over 500 °C. The surface hardness of the Ni–Ru–P films ranges from 7.2 to 12.1 GPa and increases with the Ru content and the annealing temperatures. A highest surface hardness is found for the 550 °C annealed Ni–Ru–P with a high Ru content of 52.7 at.%. The Ecorr values of the heat-treated amorphous/nanocrystalline Ni–Ru–P coatings become more negative, while with a high Ru content over 27.3 at.% the Ni–Ru–P films show more negative Ecorr values after annealing process. The pitting corrosion feature is observed for the amorphous/nanocrystalline Ni–Ru–P coatings when tested in a 3.5M NaCl solution. Severer pitting corrosion is found for the 550 °C annealed Ni–Ru–P coatings. The development of Ni(Ru) and NixPy crystallized phases during annealing is responsible for the degeneration of corrosion resistance.
Information Spread across Social Network Services with Non-Responsiveness of Individual Users
Authors: Shioda Shigeo , Nakajima Keisuke , Minamikawa Masato
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the dynamics of information spread across social network services (SNSs) such as Twitter using the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model. In the analysis, the non-responsiveness of individual users is taken into account; a user probabilistically spreads the received information, where not spreading (not responding) is equivalent to that the received information is not noticed. In most practical applications, an exact analytic solution is not available for the SIR model, so previous studies have largely been based on the assumption that the probability of an SNS user having the target information is independent of whether or not its neighbors have that information. In contrast, we propose a different approach based on a “strong correlation assumption”, in which the probability of an SNS user having the target information is strongly correlated with whether its neighboring users have that information. To account for the non-responsiveness of individual users, we also propose the “representative-response-based analysis”, in which some information spreading patterns are first obtained assuming representative response patterns of each user and then the results are averaged. Through simulation experiments, we show that the combination of this strong correlation assumption and the representative-response-based analysis makes it possible to analyze the spread of information with far greater accuracy than the traditional approach.
Impact of Climate Change on the Distribution of Four Closely Related Orchis (Orchidaceae) Species
Authors: Evans Alexandra , Janssens Sam , Jacquemyn Hans
Published: August 2020

Long-term monitoring programs and population demographic models have shown that the population dynamics of orchids are to a large extent dependent on prevailing weather conditions, suggesting that the changes in climatic conditions can have far reaching effects on the population dynamics and hence the distribution of orchids. Although a better understanding of the effects of climate change on the distribution of plants has become increasingly important during the final years, only a few studies have investigated the effects of changing temperature and precipitation on the distribution of orchids. In this study, we investigated the impact of climate change on the distribution of four terrestrial orchid species (Orchis anthropophora, Orchis militaris, Orchis purpurea and Orchis simia). Using bioclimatic data for current and future climate scenarios, habitat suitability, range shifts and the impact of different abiotic factors on the range of each species were modelled using Maxent. The results revealed an increase in suitable habitat area for O. anthropophora, O. purpurea and O. simia under each RCP (Representative Concentration Pathway) scenario, while a decrease was observed for O. militaris. Furthermore, all four of the orchids showed a shift to higher latitudes under the three RCPs leading to a significant range extension under mild climate change. Under severe climate change, a significant decline in the distribution area at the warm edge of their distributions was observed. Overall, these results show that mild climate change may be beneficial for the studied orchid species and lead to range expansion. However, continued warming may yet prove detrimental, as all species also showed pronounced declines at lower latitudes when temperature increases were larger than 4 °C.
Allopurinol-Induced Oral Lichenoid Drug Reaction with Complete Regression after Drug Withdrawal
Authors: Perez Alexandre , Lazzarotto Benjamin , Carrel Jean-Pierre , Lombardi Tommaso
Published: August 2020

Background: Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease. Oral manifestations are common, and may remain exclusive to the oral mucosa without involvement of the skin or other mucosae. A differential diagnosis includes oral lichenoid drug reactions. Allopurinol, which is the first line hypo-uricemic treatment, is often quoted as being a possible offending drug, though oral reactions have rarely been reported. Case presentation: We describe a 59-year-old male gout patient, successfully treated with allopurinol, who developed acute onset of oral lichenoid lesions, involving bilaterally the buccal mucosa, the tongue and the labial mucosa. Histopathology was consistent with a lichen planus or a drug-induced lichenoid reaction. Improvement of the patient’s condition after withdrawal of allopurinol confirmed the lichenoid nature of the lesion. Remission was complete after a few weeks. Discussion: Although unusual, allopurinol may induce a lichenoid drug reaction. These reactions may mimic clinically and histopathologically idiopathic lichen planus. Improvement or complete regression of the lesions may be attempted to confirm the diagnosis. According to the latest WHO recommendations, these lesions have a potential for malignant transformation.
The Role of Fecal Calprotectin in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Authors: Polkowska-Pruszyńska Beata , Gerkowicz Agnieszka , Rawicz-Pruszyński Karol , Krasowska Dorota
Published: August 2020

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a quick, cost-effective, and noninvasive test, which is used to diagnose patients with active inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Recent studies suggest the possible predictive role of FC in the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study aimed to assess the predictive value of FC in SSc patients and its’ possible use as a SIBO marker. A total of 40 SSc patients and 39 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. All subjects completed questionnaires evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms, FC measurements, and lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) assessing SIBO presence. After rifaximin treatment, patients with SIBO underwent the same diagnostic procedures. Significantly higher FC values were observed in the study group compared to controls (97 vs. 20 μg/g; p < 0.0001) and in SSc patients diagnosed with SIBO compared to SSc patients without SIBO (206 vs. 24 μg/g; p = 0.0010). FC turned out to be a sensitive (94.12%) and specific (73.68%) marker in the detection of SIBO in patients with SSc (AUC = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.66–0.93; p < 0.0001). Our study suggests the potential value of FC in SSc in detecting gastrointestinal impairment and its promising role as an additional diagnostic tool for SIBO.
Complexity in Biological Organization: Deconstruction (and Subsequent Restating) of Key Concepts
Authors: Bizzarri Mariano , Naimark Oleg , Nieto-Villar José , Fedeli Valeria , Giuliani Alessandro
Published: August 2020

The “magic” word complexity evokes a multitude of meanings that obscure its real sense. Here we try and generate a bottom-up reconstruction of the deep sense of complexity by looking at the convergence of different features shared by complex systems. We specifically focus on complexity in biology but stressing the similarities with analogous features encountered in inanimate and artefactual systems in order to track an integrative path toward a new “mainstream” of science overcoming the actual fragmentation of scientific culture.
Time, Irreversibility and Entropy Production in Nonequilibrium Systems
Authors: Lucia Umberto , Grisolia Giulia , Kuzemsky Alexander L.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this review is to shed light on time and irreversibility, in order to link macroscopic to microscopic approaches to these complicated problems. After a brief summary of the standard notions of thermodynamics, we introduce some considerations about certain fundamental aspects of temporal evolution of out-of-equilibrium systems. Our focus is on the notion of entropy generation as the marked characteristic of irreversible behaviour. The concept of time and the basic aspects of the thermalization of thermal radiation, due to the interaction of thermal radiation with matter, are explored concisely from complementary perspectives. The implications and relevance of time for the phenomenon of thermal radiation and irreversible thermophysics are carefully discussed. The concept of time is treated from a different viewpoint, in order to make it as clear as possible in relation to its different fundamental problems.
Finite-Time Thermodynamics in Economics
Authors: Tsirlin Anatoly , Gagarina Larisa
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we consider optimal trading processes in economic systems. The analysis is based on accounting for irreversibility factors using the wealth function concept. The existence of the welfare function is proved, the concept of capital dissipation is introduced as a measure of the irreversibility of processes in the microeconomic system, and the economic balances are recorded, including capital dissipation. Problems in the form of kinetic equations leading to given conditions of minimal dissipation are considered.
Does Financial Integration Enhance Economic Growth in China?
Authors: Vo Duc Hong , Vo Anh The , Ho Chi Minh
Published: August 2020

China is a fascinating country in Asia, the second-largest economy in the world, with incredible economic growth and development in the last two decades. In addition, China has dramatically enjoyed a disciplined and successful financial integration with the region and the world in the same period. As such, it is interesting to examine a potential link between economic growth and financial integration in this most populous country. This paper was conducted to identify whether financial integration fosters Chinese economic growth. The Auto-Regressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) model is selected, utilizing the most updated data on a globalization (or integration) index. Two distinct aspects of financial integration, the de facto (proxied for economic activities) and the de jure (proxied for the Government policies leading to integration), are considered in this paper. We apply an econometric technique, using yearly aggregated data, to examine a long-term co-integration and a causal relationship between financial integration and economic growth in China. Findings from this paper indicate a long-term co-integration between financial integration de facto and economic growth in China. The bidirectional causality between financial integration and economic growth in China is also confirmed using the Granger causality test.
Supporting New Teachers as Designers of Learning
Authors: Brown Barbara , Friesen Sharon , Beck Jaime , Roberts Verena
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to examine a professional learning intervention designed to support new teachers with implementing professional practice competencies. Partners from a school authority joined researcher-practitioners from a university to engage in designing a professional learning series for new teachers. A design-based research approach using quantitative (pre- and post-surveys) and qualitative data (artifacts of learning, field notes, classroom observations) were analyzed over one year. There were over 450 participants involved in the professional learning series. The findings indicated the professional learning intervention positioned new teachers as designers of learning engaging in continuous cycles of design–enactment–reflection and strengthened their pedagogical capacity to interconnect professional practice competencies with support from a community of learners. The findings from this study have implications for supporting new teachers during a period of induction and demonstrate one way to provide new teachers with the foundation for continual growth throughout their career.
The k-means Algorithm: A Comprehensive Survey and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Ahmed Mohiuddin , Seraj Raihan , Islam Syed Mohammed Shamsul
Published: August 2020

The k-means clustering algorithm is considered one of the most powerful and popular data mining algorithms in the research community. However, despite its popularity, the algorithm has certain limitations, including problems associated with random initialization of the centroids which leads to unexpected convergence. Additionally, such a clustering algorithm requires the number of clusters to be defined beforehand, which is responsible for different cluster shapes and outlier effects. A fundamental problem of the k-means algorithm is its inability to handle various data types. This paper provides a structured and synoptic overview of research conducted on the k-means algorithm to overcome such shortcomings. Variants of the k-means algorithms including their recent developments are discussed, where their effectiveness is investigated based on the experimental analysis of a variety of datasets. The detailed experimental analysis along with a thorough comparison among different k-means clustering algorithms differentiates our work compared to other existing survey papers. Furthermore, it outlines a clear and thorough understanding of the k-means algorithm along with its different research directions.
Enlarged Frequency Bandwidth of Truncated Log-Periodic Dipole Array Antenna
Authors: Kubacki Roman , Czyżewski Mirosław , Laskowski Dariusz
Published: August 2020

Many telecommunication applications require antennas capable of operating in a wide (or even ultrawide) frequency band. While LPDA (log-periodic dipole array) antennas are very practical in real-world applications, their usefulness is impeded due to frequency limitations caused by their truncated structures. To increase the upper-frequency range of the LPDA antenna, an additional parameter—the ratio factor—was introduced during the antenna geometry design process. This parameter allows us to improve the properties of an antenna with truncated geometry. In this paper, the proposed technique was used to design, manufacture and present an antenna capable of operating in a frequency range between 760 MHz to 18 GHz. The electrical properties of the proposed antenna were compared with a reference antenna. The designed antenna was experimentally validated, and the simulated results were verified as well.
Phonological Proximity in Costa Rican Sign Language
Authors: Naranjo-Zeledón Luis , Chacón-Rivas Mario , Peral Jesús , Ferrández Antonio
Published: August 2020

The study of phonological proximity makes it possible to establish a basis for future decision-making in the treatment of sign languages. Knowing how close a set of signs are allows the interested party to decide more easily its study by clustering, as well as the teaching of the language to third parties based on similarities. In addition, it lays the foundation for strengthening disambiguation modules in automatic recognition systems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind for Costa Rican Sign Language (LESCO, for its Spanish acronym), and forms the basis for one of the modules of the already operational system of sign and speech editing called the International Platform for Sign Language Edition (PIELS). A database of 2665 signs, grouped into eight contexts, is used, and a comparison of similarity measures is made, using standard statistical formulas to measure their degree of correlation. This corpus will be especially useful in machine learning approaches. In this work, we have proposed an analysis of different similarity measures between signs in order to find out the phonological proximity between them. After analyzing the results obtained, we can conclude that LESCO is a sign language with high levels of phonological proximity, particularly in the orientation and location components, but they are noticeably lower in the form component. We have also concluded as an outstanding contribution of our research that automatic recognition systems can take as a basis for their first prototypes the contexts or sign domains that map to clusters with lower levels of similarity. As mentioned, the results obtained have multiple applications such as in the teaching area or the Natural Language Processing area for automatic recognition tasks.
Modification of Interaction Forces between Smoke and Evacuees
Authors: Bae Sungryong , Choi Jun-Ho , Ryou Hong Sun
Published: August 2020

The most used fire effect models on evacuees are only focused on the physical capacity of the evacuees. However, some of the evacuees in a fire situation continuously move through the familiar route, although the familiar route is smoke-filled and they know that they are moving towards the fire source. Thus, the additional evacuation models are required for considering the behavioral changes due to the psychological pressure when the evacuees are moving through the smoke or towards the fire source. In this study, the inner smoke region force is modified to improve the accuracy and practicality of the BR-smoke model by varying the walking speed according to the smoke density. Additionally, the BR-smoke model is applied to FDS+Evac to compare the simulation results of the modified BR-smoke model with those of existing models. Based on the results, the evacuation characteristics inside the smoke region can be improved by using the modified BR-smoke model because the evacuees are continuously influenced by the modified inner smoke force inside the smoke region. However, additional studies for determining more reliable evacuee psychological factors are required to improve the reality of the modified BR-smoke model.
A Real Options Approach to Valuate Solar Energy Investment with Public Authority Incentives: The Italian Case
Authors: Di Bari Antonio
Published: August 2020

Solar energy investment represents currently a valid reason to support sustainable economic development. In fact, over the last few years, governments have applied different measures to incentivize private consumers and firms to use renewable energies. Photovoltaic (PV) projects are characterized by uncertainty due to meteorological conditions, the unpredictable behavior of government, and managerial flexibility. Since the Net Present Value (NPV) approach is not able to capture these uncertain factors, it was replaced with the Real Options Approach (ROA). The latter method manages to embed flexibility in PV investment using binomial trees. This paper valuates PV investment in all regional areas in Italy using an integrated approach between the discounted cash flows method and real option value, called Expanded Net Present Value (ENPV). We fit the probability of tax benefits into a binomial lattice model after analyzing the geographical position and weather conditions of all regional capitals of Italy. The results show that the cities with high irradiance/temperature have positive NPV and high investment values. On the other hand, while most cities have negative NPV, the inclusion of the flexibility in investment decisions gives additional value to the project, making the ENPV positive and implying an attractive investment opportunity with the possibility of delaying the project. We also propose a sensitivity analysis that shows how the real option value changes when incentive policies of the government become more attractive. This paper contributes to the existing literature in the way of considering financial, meteorological/geographical, and political factors to valuate PV investment.
Multi-Horizon Forecasting of Global Horizontal Irradiance Using Online Gaussian Process Regression: A Kernel Study
Authors: Tolba Hanany , Dkhili Nouha , Nou Julien , Eynard Julien , Thil Stéphane , Grieu Stéphane
Published: August 2020

In the present paper, global horizontal irradiance (GHI) is modelled and forecasted at time horizons ranging from 30 min to 48 h, thus covering intrahour, intraday and intraweek cases, using online Gaussian process regression (OGPR) and online sparse Gaussian process regression (OSGPR). The covariance function, also known as the kernel, is a key element that deeply influences forecasting accuracy. As a consequence, a comparative study of OGPR and OSGPR models based on simple kernels or combined kernels defined as sums or products of simple kernels has been carried out. The classic persistence model is included in the comparative study. Thanks to two datasets composed of GHI measurements (45 days), we have been able to show that OGPR models based on quasiperiodic kernels outperform the persistence model as well as OGPR models based on simple kernels, including the squared exponential kernel, which is widely used for GHI forecasting. Indeed, although all OGPR models give good results when the forecast horizon is short-term, when the horizon increases, the superiority of quasiperiodic kernels becomes apparent. A simple online sparse GPR (OSGPR) approach has also been assessed. This approach gives less precise results than standard GPR, but the training computation time is decreased to a great extent. Even though the lack of data hinders the training process, the results still show the superiority of GPR models based on quasiperiodic kernels for GHI forecasting.
Adaptive Control of Four-Quadrant DC-DC Converters in Both Discontinuous and Continuous Conduction Modes
Authors: Chaoui Hicham , Alzayed Mohamad , Okoye Okezie , Khayamy Mehdy
Published: August 2020

The inherently different dynamics of a DC-DC converter while operating in both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) necessitate an advanced controller to control the inductor current. A conventional PI controller cannot be used across both modes since it does not guarantee a smooth transition between both modes. Furthermore, in time-varying input-output voltage applications of the four-quadrant converter such as in battery charging applications, the location of the boundary between the CCM and the DCM changes dynamically, creating an uncertainty. Therefore, a robust controller is required to accurately track the inductor current in the presence of uncertainties. Thus, an adaptive controller is proposed in this work, which is based on the general inverse model of the four-quadrant converter in both modes. Moreover, gain scheduling is used to switch the parameters of the controller as the converter transits between the DCM and the CCM. The adaptability and effectiveness of the controller in ensuring a smooth transition is validated by numerical simulations conducted on various converter topologies. Experimental results are also presented for a buck converter.
Environmental and Comparative Assessment of Integrated Gasification Gas Cycle with CaO Looping and CO2 Adsorption by Activated Carbon: A Case Study of the Czech Republic
Authors: Zakuciová Kristína , Carvalho Ana , Štefanica Jiří , Vitvarová Monika , Pilař Lukáš , Kočí Vladimír
Published: August 2020

The Czech Republic is gradually shifting toward a low-carbon economy. The transition process requires measures that will help to contain energy production and help to reduce emissions from the coal industry. Viable measures are seen in carbon capture technologies (CCTs). The main focus is on the environmental and economic comparison of two innovative CCTs that are integrated in the operational Czech energy units. The assessed scenarios are (1) the scenario of pre-combustion CO2 capture integrated into the gasification combined cycle (IGCC-CaL) and (2) the scenario of post-combustion capture by adsorption of CO2 by activated carbon (PCC-A). An environmental assessment is performed through a life-cycle assessment method and compares the systems in the phase of characterization, normalization, and relative contribution of the processes to the environmental categories. Economic assessment compares CCT via capture and avoided costs of CO2 and their correlation with CO2 allowance market trend. The paper concludes with the selection of the most suitable CCT in the conditions of the Czech Republic by combining the scores of environmental and economic parameters. While the specific case of IGCC-CaL shows improvement in the environmental assessment, the economic analysis resulted in favor of PCC-A. The lower environmental–economic combination score results in the selection of IGCC-CaL as the more viable option in comparison with PCC-A in the current Czech energy and economic conditions.
A Method of DC Arc Detection in All-Electric Aircraft
Authors: Li Teng , Jiao Zhijie , Wang Lina , Mu Yong
Published: August 2020

Arc faults in an aircraft’s power distribution system (PDS) often leads to cable and equipment damage, which seriously threatens the personal safety of the passengers and pilots. An accurate and real-time arc fault detection method is needed for the Solid-State Power Controller (SSPC), which is a key protection equipment in a PDS. In this paper, a new arc detection method is proposed based on the improved LeNet5 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model after a Time–Frequency Analysis (TFA) of the DC currents was obtained, which makes the arc detection more real-time. The CNN is proposed to detect the DC arc fault for its advantage in recognizing more time–frequency joint details in the signals; the new structure also combines the adaptive and multidimensional advantages of the TFA and image intelligent recognition. It is confirmed by experimental data that the combined TFA–CNN can distinguish arc faults accurately when the whole training database has been repeatedly trained 3 to 5 times. For the TFA, two kinds of methods were compared, the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). The results show that DWT is more suitable for DC arc fault detection. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Species Ecological Envelopes under Climate Change Scenarios: A Case Study for the Main Two Wood-Production Forest Species in Portugal
Authors: Alegria Cristina , Roque Natália , Albuquerque Teresa , Gerassis Saki , Fernandez Paulo , Ribeiro Maria Margarida
Published: August 2020

Species ecological envelope maps were obtained for the two main Portuguese wood-production species (Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Pinus pinaster Aiton) and projected future climate change scenarios. A machine learning approach was used to understand the most influential environmental variables that may explain current species distribution and productivity. Background and Objectives: The aims of the study were: (1) to map species potential suitability areas using ecological envelopes in the present and to project them in the future under climate change scenarios; (2) to map species current distributions; (3) to map species current productivity; and (4) to explore the most influential environmental variables on species current distribution and productivity. Materials and Methods: Climate, elevation data, and soil data sets were used to obtain present and future species ecological envelopes under two climate change scenarios. The official land cover maps were used to map species distributions. Forest inventory data were used to map the species productivity by geostatistical techniques. A Bayesian machine learning approach, supported by species distributions and productivity data, was used to explore the most influential environmental variables on species distribution and productivity and to validate species ecological envelopes. Results: The species ecological envelope methodology was found to be robust. Species’ ecological envelopes showed a high potential for both species’ afforestation. In the future, a decrease in the country’s area potentiality was forecasted for both species. The distribution of maritime pine was found to be mainly determined by precipitation-related variables, but the elevation and temperature-related variables were very important to differentiate species productivity. For eucalypts, species distribution was mainly explained by temperature-related variables, as well as the species productivity. Conclusions: These findings are key to support recommendations for future afforestation and will bring value to policy-makers and environmental authorities in policy formulation under climate change scenarios.
Coping Strategies and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Young Adult Victims of Cyberstalking: A Questionnaire Survey in an Italian Sample
Authors: Begotti Tatiana , Bollo Martina , Acquadro Maran Daniela
Published: August 2020

Aims: In the last decade, the use of smartphones, computers and devices has progressively increased, and prolonged use of technology and the internet has generated new arenas (and tools) for victimization. The first aim of this study was to analyze the use of coping strategies in young adult self-declared victims of cyberstalking. The coping strategies were categorized as proactive behavior, avoidance tactics and passivity. To better understand these strategies, they were analyzed in light of the experience of victimization in terms of incurred misconduct. The second aim was to analyze the coping strategies and the consequences (in terms of depression and anxiety) that occurred in victims; a comparison was made between males and females. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to over 433 young adults living in Italy. The questionnaires were filled out by 398 (92%) subjects, 41% males and 59% females. Their ages ranged from 18 to 30 years (M = 23.5, SD = 2.76). Respondents took part on a voluntary basis and did not receive any compensation (or extra credit) for their participation. Results: Findings from this investigation confirmed that among victims, females were more prone than males to experience cyberstalking (respectively, 65% and 35%), with females experiencing a higher percentage of more than one form of cyberstalking behavior than males. Young adult male victims used the internet principally for online gaming, and for this activity, they experienced more cyberstalking behavior than females. In most cases, the perpetrator was a male, and the victim–cyberstalker relationship was a friendship or an acquaintance. For the coping strategies adopted, the findings indicated that the victims were more prone to use avoidance tactics than proactivity behavior and passivity strategies. Young adults involved in this investigation mainly used avoidance tactics to cope with the stressful situation, which implies that they preferred to decrease the use of the internet or stop online contact than collect evidence and try to contact and reason with the cyberstalker or increase the misuse of alcohol of psychotropic substances. Moreover, females were less prone to use proactive behavior than expected. Our findings suggested that males were more prone than females to adopt passivity strategies, while females were more prone to adopt avoidance tactics. Moreover, the data showed that proactivity behavior was adopted more in the case of online contacts and online identity fraud, while passivity strategies were adopted in the case of online threats. Conclusion: Findings from this investigation show the importance of improving the knowledge about the coping strategies that could be suggested to victims and the impact on their psychological health.
Safety, Quality and Analytical Authentication of ḥalāl Meat Products, with Particular Emphasis on Salami: A Review
Authors: Martuscelli Maria , Serio Annalisa , Capezio Oriana , Mastrocola Dino
Published: August 2020

Only some animal species could be transformed into ḥalāl salami and the raw meat must be obtained from ritually slaughtered animals. Several scientific studies have been conducted on ritual slaughtering practices and manufacturing of meat products for Jewish and Muslim religious communities; furthermore, many projects have been funded by the European Community on this topic. The authenticity and traceability of meat is one of the priorities of ḥalāl food certification systems. The pig matrix (meat and/or lard) may be fraudulently present in ḥalāl processed meat, as well as salami, for both economic and technological purposes; in fact, the use of these raw materials reflects the easier availability and their lower cost; furthermore, it allows manufacturers to obtain final products with better quality (sensory properties) and stability (especially with respect to oxidative reactions). The aim of this review is to discuss the qualitative and technological aspects of ḥalāl raw meat for dry fermented sausages (salami); moreover, this study focuses on the most recent studies carried out on the certification system and on the analytical methods performed in order to solve problems such as fraud and adulteration of ḥalāl salami and other halal meat foods.
Karyotypic Evolution of Sauropsid Vertebrates Illuminated by Optical and Physical Mapping of the Painted Turtle and Slider Turtle Genomes
Authors: Lee Ling Sze , Navarro-Domínguez Beatriz M. , Wu Zhiqiang , Montiel Eugenia E. , Badenhorst Daleen , Bista Basanta , Gessler Thea B. , Valenzuela Nicole
Published: August 2020

Recent sequencing and software enhancements have advanced our understanding of the evolution of genomic structure and function, especially addressing novel evolutionary biology questions. Yet fragmentary turtle genome assemblies remain a challenge to fully decipher the genetic architecture of adaptive evolution. Here, we use optical mapping to improve the contiguity of the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) genome assembly and use de novo fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, BAC-FISH, to physically map the genomes of the painted and slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Optical mapping increased C. picta’s N50 by ~242% compared to the previous assembly. Physical mapping permitted anchoring ~45% of the genome assembly, spanning 5544 genes (including 20 genes related to the sex determination network of turtles and vertebrates). BAC-FISH data revealed assembly errors in C. picta and T. s. elegans assemblies, highlighting the importance of molecular cytogenetic data to complement bioinformatic approaches. We also compared C. picta’s anchored scaffolds to the genomes of other chelonians, chicken, lizards, and snake. Results revealed a mostly one-to-one correspondence between chromosomes of painted and slider turtles, and high homology among large syntenic blocks shared with other turtles and sauropsids. Yet, numerous chromosomal rearrangements were also evident across chelonians, between turtles and squamates, and between avian and non-avian reptiles.
Fifteen Shades of Grey: Combined Analysis of Genome-Wide SNP Data in Steppe and Mediterranean Grey Cattle Sheds New Light on the Molecular Basis of Coat Color
Authors: Senczuk Gabriele , Guerra Lorenzo , Mastrangelo Salvatore , Campobasso Claudia , Zoubeyda Kaouadji , Imane Meghelli , Marletta Donata , Kusza Szilvia , Karsli Taki , Gaouar Semir , Pilla Fabio , Ciani Elena ,   The Bovita Consortium
Published: August 2020

Coat color is among the most distinctive phenotypes in cattle. Worldwide, several breeds share peculiar coat color features such as the presence of a fawn pigmentation of the calf at birth, turning over time to grey, and sexual dichromatism. The aim of this study was to search for polymorphisms under differential selection by contrasting grey cattle breeds displaying the above phenotype with non-grey cattle breeds, and to identify the underlying genes. Using medium-density SNP array genotype data, a multi-cohort FST-outlier approach was adopted for a total of 60 pair-wise comparisons of the 15 grey with 4 non-grey cattle breeds (Angus, Limousin, Charolais, and Holstein), with the latter selected as representative of solid and piebald phenotypes, respectively. Overall, more than 50 candidate genes were detected; almost all were either directly or indirectly involved in pigmentation, and some of them were already known for their role in phenotypes related with hair graying in mammals. Notably, 17 relevant genes, including SDR16C5, MOS, SDCBP, and NSMAF, were located in a signal on BTA14 convergently observed in all the four considered scenarios. Overall, the key stages of pigmentation (melanocyte development, melanogenesis, and pigment trafficking/transfer) were all represented among the pleiotropic functions of the candidate genes, suggesting the complex nature of the grey phenotype in cattle.
Variation in the Caprine Keratin-Associated Protein 27-1 Gene is Associated with Cashmere Fiber Diameter
Authors: Zhao Mengli , Zhou Huitong , Luo Yuzhu , Wang Jiqing , Hu Jiang , Liu Xiu , Li Shaobin , Hao Zhiyun , Jin Xiayang , Song Yize , Wu Xinmiao , Hu Liyan , Hickford Jon G. H.
Published: August 2020

Variation in some caprine keratin-associated protein (KAP) genes has been associated with cashmere fiber traits, but many KAP genes remain unidentified in goats. In this study, we confirm the identification of a KAP27-1 gene (KRTAP27-1) and describe its effect on cashmere traits in 248 Longdong cashmere goats. A polymerase chain reaction–single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis was used to screen for sequence variation in this gene, and three sequence variants (named A to C) were found. These sequences have the highest similarity (77% identity) to a human KRTAP27-1 sequence, while sharing some homology with a predicted caprine KRTAP27-1 sequence ENSCHIG00000023347 in the goat genome construct (ARS1:CM004562.1) at chromosome 1 position 3,966,193–3,973,677 in the forward strand. There were two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected in the coding sequence, including one nonsynonymous SNP (c.413C/T; p.Ala138Val) and one synonymous SNP (c.495C/T). The C variant differed from A and B at c.413C/T, having cytosine in its nucleotide sequence, while the B variant differed from A and C at c.495C/T, having thymine in its nucleotide sequence. Goats of the genotypes AB and BB produced cashmere fibers of higher mean fiber diameter (MFD) than goats of genotype AA, but no difference in MFD was detected between the AB and BB goats. These results suggest that B is associated with increased MFD. Expression of the caprine KRTAP27-1 sequence was predominantly detected in the skin tissue of goats but not or only weakly detected in other tissues, including longissimus dorsi muscle, heart, kidney, liver, lung and spleen.
Mapping Landslide Prediction through a GIS-Based Model: A Case Study in a Catchment in Southern Italy
Authors: Moresi Federico Valerio , Maesano Mauro , Collalti Alessio , Sidle Roy C. , Matteucci Giorgio , Scarascia Mugnozza Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Shallow landslides are an increasing concern in Italy and worldwide because of the frequent association with vegetation management. As vegetation cover plays a fundamental role in slope stability, we developed a GIS-based model to evaluate the influence of plant roots on slope safety, and also included a landslide susceptibility map. The GIS-based model, 4SLIDE, is a physically based predictor for shallow landslides that combines geological, topographical, and hydrogeological data. The 4SLIDE combines the infinite slope model, TOPMODEL (for the estimation of the saturated water level), and a vegetation root strength model, which facilitates prediction of locations that are more susceptible for shallow landslides as a function of forest cover. The aim is to define the spatial distribution of Factor of Safety (FS) in steep-forested areas. The GIS-based model 4SLIDE was tested in a forest mountain watershed located in the Sila Greca (Cosenza, Calabria, South Italy) where almost 93% of the area is covered by forest. The sensitive ROC analysis (Receiver Operating Characteristic) indicates that the model has good predictive capability in identifying the areas sensitive to shallow landslides. The localization of areas at risk of landslides plays an important role in land management activities because landslides are among the most costly and dangerous hazards.
Investigating the Behavior of an Onshore Wall and Trench Combination Ahead of a Tsunami-Like Wave
Authors: Silva Akalanka , Araki Susumu
Published: August 2020

This study investigates a wall and trench combination to identify its benefits as a defense measure against an overtopping tsunami-like wave. The study focuses on several arrangements and geometries of a wall and trench combined structural system, located on the shoreline. The structural system is assessed via a numerical model, which is initially calibrated by physical experiments of tsunami-like wave transformations. A dam break event is used to model a tsunami-like wave interaction with the structures. Resulted wave properties are investigated to identify the behavior of the structural system from the viewpoint of structure geometry and configuration. The results of the study clearly show that the proposed structure combination can effectively reduce the impact of tsunami-like waves, better than a single sea wall defense system. This is achieved by reducing both wave run-up and wave induced current velocities at the lee side of the structure.