bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Olive Urban Forests Infected by Xylella fastidiosa: Impact on Microclimate and Social Health
Authors: Semeraro Teodoro , Gatto Elisa , Buccolieri Riccardo , Vergine Marzia , Gao Zhi , De Bellis Luigi , Luvisi Andrea
Published: July 2019

This paper is devoted to the analysis of the impact of changes in olive urban forests affected by Xylella fastidiosa on ecosystem services. The focus is on microclimate and thermal comfort evaluated by two indices: the temperature of equivalent perception (TEP) and the predicted mean vote (PMV), which take into account both microclimate parameters and personal factors (heat resistance of clothing and human activity). The work has been carried out through (i) a qualitative analysis of the potential ecosystem services changes caused by temporary transition from olive groves to uncultivated soil, (ii) a study of the potential change of land use from monumental olive groves to other types of use, and (iii) a quantitative analysis on microclimate impact due to the loss of ecosystem services in two selected neighborhoods located in the Apulia region and chosen due to their proximity to the urban context. The analysis revealed that (i) direct effects on ecosystem services are principally linked with regulation functions and cultural services, (ii) a critical loss of cultural value of monumental olive groves occurred in the two neighborhoods, (iii) such a loss may lead to an increase of TEP and PMV, indicating a decrease of thermal comfort in the whole neighborhoods. Thus, it is necessary to plan the replanting policies of the use of the areas affected by X. fastidiosa not only in terms of agricultural planning but also in terms of landscape, urban planning, and human well-being.
Visualizations Out of Context: Addressing Pitfalls of Real-Time Realistic Hazard Visualizations
Authors: Stempel Peter , Becker Austin
Published: July 2019

Realistic 3D hazard visualizations based on advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) may be directly driven by hydrodynamic and wind model outputs (e.g., ADCIRC, the ADvanced CIRCulation Model) and hazard impact modeling (e.g., predicting damage to structures and infrastructure). These methods create new possibilities for representing hazard impacts and support the development of near-real-time hazard forecasting and communication tools. This paper considers the wider implications of using these storm visualizations in light of current frameworks in the context of landscape and urban planning and cartography that have addressed the use of realistic 3D visualizations. Visualizations used outside of engagement processes organized by experts risk misleading the public and may have consequences in terms of feelings of individual self-efficacy or perception of scientists behind the visualizations. In addition to summarizing the implications of using these visualizations outside of recommended practices, a research agenda is proposed to guide the development of real-time realistic and semi-realistic visualizations for future use in hazard communication. Development of a clearer use-case for real-time visualization capabilities is an essential first step if such work is to continue.
Internet GIS-Based Multimodal Public Transport Trip Planning Information System for Travelers in Lithuania
Authors: Jakimavičius Marius , Palevičius Vytautas , Antuchevičiene Jurgita , Karpavičius Tomas
Published: July 2019

The main purpose of this research is to present the developed VINTRA system, a comprehensive solution to a fully developed public transit system in Lithuania, and it is very important in encouraging travelers to use public transport. VINTRA is not simply a trip planner; it is capable of planning multimodal public transport trips, using different parameters in public transport trip planning. This system has the functionality to create and edit public transport route trajectories and to edit and calculate timetables according to the distance between stops. This research presents the public transport trip planning parameters procedure of the calculated walking route directions, integrated with the calculation results of public transit routes, as well as combining visualization in digital maps. This paper also discusses how route-planning systems could perform data exchange based on General Transit Feed Specification and how assessment of the public transport trip planning results, compared to the VINTRA system created with Google, was performed.
Multi-Aspect Analysis of Object-Oriented Landslide Detection Based on an Extended Set of LiDAR-Derived Terrain Features
Authors: Pawłuszek Kamila , Marczak Sylwia , Borkowski Andrzej , Tarolli Paolo
Published: July 2019

Landslide identification is a fundamental step enabling the assessment of landslide susceptibility and determining the associated risks. Landslide identification by conventional methods is often time-consuming, therefore alternative techniques, including automatic approaches based on remote sensing data, have captured the interest among researchers in recent decades. By providing a highly detailed digital elevation model (DEM), airborne laser scanning (LiDAR) allows effective landslide identification, especially in forested areas. In the present study, object-based image analysis (OBIA) was applied to landslide detection by utilizing LiDAR-derived data. In contrast to previous investigations, our analysis was performed on forested and agricultural areas, where cultivation pressure has degraded specific landslide geomorphology. A diverse variety of aspects that influence OBIA accuracy in landslide detection have been considered: DEM resolution, segmentation scale, and feature selection. Finally, using DEM delivered layers and OBIA, landslide was identified with an overall accuracy (OA) of 85% and a kappa index (KIA) equal to 0.60, which illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. In the end, a field investigation was performed in order to evaluate the results achieved by applying an automatic OBIA approach. The advantages and challenges of automatic approaches for landslide identification for various land use were also discussed. Final remarks underline that effective landslide detection in forested areas could be achieved while this is still challenging in agricultural areas.
Collateral Vessels Have Unique Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypes
Authors: Zhang Hua , Chalothorn Dan , Faber James E
Published: July 2019

Collaterals are unique blood vessels present in the microcirculation of most tissues that, by cross-connecting a small fraction of the outer branches of adjacent arterial trees, provide alternate routes of perfusion. However, collaterals are especially susceptible to rarefaction caused by aging, other vascular risk factors, and mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease—a vulnerability attributed to the disturbed hemodynamic environment in the watershed regions where they reside. We examined the hypothesis that endothelial and smooth muscle cells (ECs and SMCs, respectively) of collaterals have specializations, distinct from those of similarly-sized nearby distal-most arterioles (DMAs) that maintain collateral integrity despite their continuous exposure to low and oscillatory/disturbed shear stress, high wall stress, and low blood oxygen. Examination of mouse brain revealed the following: Unlike the pro-inflammatory cobble-stoned morphology of ECs exposed to low/oscillatory shear stress elsewhere in the vasculature, collateral ECs are aligned with the vessel axis. Primary cilia, which sense shear stress, are present, unexpectedly, on ECs of collaterals and DMAs but are less abundant on collaterals. Unlike DMAs, collaterals are continuously invested with SMCs, have increased expression of Pycard, Ki67, Pdgfb, Angpt2, Dll4, Ephrinb2, and eNOS, and maintain expression of Klf2/4. Collaterals lack tortuosity when first formed during development, but tortuosity becomes evident within days after birth, progresses through middle age, and then declines—results consistent with the concept that collateral wall cells have a higher turnover rate than DMAs that favors proliferative senescence and collateral rarefaction. In conclusion, endothelial and SMCs of collaterals have morphologic and functional differences from those of nearby similarly sized arterioles. Future studies are required to determine if they represent specializations that counterbalance the disturbed hemodynamic, pro-inflammatory, and pro-proliferative environment in which collaterals reside and thus mitigate their risk factor-induced rarefaction.
Overexpression of Notch Signaling Induces Hyperosteogeny in Zebrafish
Authors: Liang Sung-Tzu , Chen Jung-Ren , Tsai Jhih-Jie , Lai Yu-Heng , Hsiao Chung-Der
Published: July 2019

Notch signaling is one of the evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways in multicellular organisms. It plays an important role in embryonic development. During skeletal development of vertebrates, it regulates bone homeostasis by manipulating both osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis through different mechanisms. However, due to the different nature of Notch signaling in mesenchymal stem cell and osteoblast, regulation of Notch signaling in bone-related diseases remains unsettled. Previous studies by cell culture and mouse models showed contradictory results regarding the role of Notch signaling in bone homeostasis. To clarify the role of Notch signaling in osteogenesis, we established a zebrafish model, in which Notch1a intracellular domain (N1aICD) was specifically expressed in the osteoblasts. We found that overexpression of N1aICD in osteoblasts caused hyperosteogeny in the column region of zebrafish with the morphology of narrowed neural/hemal canals. Moreover, increased metabolic activity of osteoblasts instead of augmenting osteoblast number led to hyperosteogeny in N1aICD-overexpressed zebrafish. In summary, we successfully established a transgenic zebrafish line overexpressing N1aICD to clarify the in-vivo function of Notch signaling during osteoblastogenesis. In the future, this fish line can serve as a valuable tool to test the therapeutic drugs for hyperosteogeny.
LncRNA NEAT1 Silenced miR-133b Promotes Migration and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Xinping , Deng Siwei , Pang Xinyao , Song Yixiao , Luo Shiyu , Jin Liang , Pan Yi
Published: July 2019

Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer type among women worldwide, remains incurable once metastatic. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) play important roles in breast cancer by regulating specific genes or proteins. In this study, we found miR-133b was silenced in breast cancer cell lines and in breast cancer tissues, which predicted poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. We also confirmed that lncRNA NEAT1 was up-regulated in breast cancer and inhibited the expression of miR-133b, and identified the mitochondrial protein translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 17 homolog A (TIMM17A) that serves as the target of miR-133b. Both miR-133b knockdown and TIMM17A overexpression in breast cancer cells promoted cell migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our findings reveal that miR-133b plays a critical role in breast cancer cell metastasis by targeting TIMM17A. These findings may provide new insights into novel molecular therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
Targeting Long Chain Acyl-CoA Synthetases for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Rossi Sebastiano Matteo , Konstantinidou Georgia
Published: July 2019

The deregulation of cancer cell metabolic networks is now recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Abnormal lipid synthesis and extracellular lipid uptake are advantageous modifications fueling the needs of uncontrolled cancer cell proliferation. Fatty acids are placed at the crossroads of anabolic and catabolic pathways, as they are implicated in the synthesis of phospholipids and triacylglycerols, or they can undergo β-oxidation. Key players to these decisions are the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases, which are enzymes that catalyze the activation of long-chain fatty acids of 12–22 carbons. Importantly, the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases are deregulated in many types of tumors, providing a rationale for anti-tumor therapeutic opportunities. The purpose of this review is to summarize the last up-to-date findings regarding their role in cancer, and to discuss the related emerging tumor targeting opportunities.
NHI- and NHC-Supported Al(III) Hydrides for Amine–Borane Dehydrocoupling Catalysis
Authors: Weetman Catherine , Ito Nozomi , Unno Masafumi , Hanusch Franziska , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: July 2019

The catalytic dehydrocoupling of amine–boranes has recently received a great deal of attention due to its potential in hydrogen storage applications. The use of aluminum catalysts for this transformation would provide an additional cost-effective and sustainable approach towards the hydrogen economy. Herein, we report the use of both N-heterocyclic imine (NHI)- and carbene (NHC)-supported Al(III) hydrides and their role in the catalytic dehydrocoupling of Me2NHBH3. Differences in the σ-donating ability of the ligand class resulted in a more stable catalyst for NHI-Al(III) hydrides, whereas a deactivation pathway was found in the case of NHC-Al(III) hydrides.
Adding to the Family of Copper Complexes Featuring Borohydride Ligands Based on 2-Mercaptopyridyl Units
Authors: Goldsworthy Joseph , Thomas Simon D. , Tizzard Graham J. , Coles Simon J. , Owen Gareth R.
Published: July 2019

Borohydride ligands featuring multiple pendant donor functionalities have been prevalent in the chemical literature for many decades now. More recent times has seen their development into new families of so-called soft scorpionates, for example, those featuring sulfur based donors. Despite all of these developments, those ligands containing just one pendant group are rare. This article explores one ligand family based on the 2-mercaptopyridine heterocycle. The coordination chemistry of the monosubstituted ligand, [H3B(mp)]− (mp = 2-mercaptopyridyl), has been explored. Reaction of Na[BH3(mp)] with one equivalent of Cu(I)Cl in the presence of either triphenylphosphine or tricyclohexylphosphine co-ligands leads to the formation of [Cu{H3B(mp)}(PR3)] (R = Ph, 1; Cy, 2), respectively. Structural characterization confirms a κ3-S,H,H coordination mode for the borohydride-based ligand within 1 and 2, involving a dihydroborate bridging interaction (BH2Cu) with the copper centers.
Markers of Cancer Cell Invasion: Are They Good Enough?
Authors: Gerashchenko Tatiana S. , Novikov Nikita M. , Krakhmal Nadezhda V. , Zolotaryova Sofia Y. , Zavyalova Marina V. , Cherdyntseva Nadezhda V. , Denisov Evgeny V. , Perelmuter Vladimir M.
Published: July 2019

Invasion, or directed migration of tumor cells into adjacent tissues, is one of the hallmarks of cancer and the first step towards metastasis. Penetrating to adjacent tissues, tumor cells form the so-called invasive front/edge. The cellular plasticity afforded by different kinds of phenotypic transitions (epithelial–mesenchymal, collective–amoeboid, mesenchymal–amoeboid, and vice versa) significantly contributes to the diversity of cancer cell invasion patterns and mechanisms. Nevertheless, despite the advances in the understanding of invasion, it is problematic to identify tumor cells with the motile phenotype in cancer tissue specimens due to the absence of reliable and acceptable molecular markers. In this review, we summarize the current information about molecules such as extracellular matrix components, factors of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, proteases, cell adhesion, and actin cytoskeleton proteins involved in cell migration and invasion that could be used as invasive markers and discuss their advantages and limitations. Based on the reviewed data, we conclude that future studies focused on the identification of specific invasive markers should use new models one of which may be the intratumor morphological heterogeneity in breast cancer reflecting different patterns of cancer cell invasion.
Polymer-Based Instructive Scaffolds for Endodontic Regeneration
Authors: Zein Naimah , Harmouch Ezeddine , Lutz Jean-Christophe , Fernandez De Grado Gabriel , Kuchler-Bopp Sabine , Clauss François , Offner Damien , Hua Guoqiang , Benkirane-Jessel Nadia , Fioretti Florence
Published: July 2019

The challenge of endodontic regeneration is modulated by clinical conditions which determine five kinds of tissue requirements: pulp connective-tissue formation, dentin formation, revascularization, reinnervation and radicular edification. Polymer scaffolds constitute keystone of the different endodontic regenerative strategies. Indeed, scaffolds are crucial for carrying active molecules and competent cells which optimize the regeneration. Hydrogels are very beneficial for controlling viscosity and porosity of endodontic scaffolds. The nanofibrous and microporous scaffolds mimicking extracellular matrix are also of great interest for promoting dentin-pulp formation. Two main types of polymer scaffolds are highlighted: collagen and fibrin. Collagen scaffolds which are similar to native pulp tissue, are adequate for pulp connective tissue formation. Functionnalization by active biomolecules as BMP, SDF-1, G-CSF enhances their properties. Fibrin or PRF scaffolds present the advantage of promoting stem cell differentiation and concomitant revascularisation. The choice of the type of polymers (polypeptide, PCL, chitosan) can depend on its ability to deliver the active biomolecule or to build as suitable hydrogel as possible. Since 2010s, proposals to associate different types of polymers in a same scaffold have emerged for adding advantages or for offsetting a disadvantage of a polymer. Further works would study the synergetic effects of different innovative polymers composition.
Application of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) Method for Road Material Testing
Authors: Górszczyk Jarosław , Malicki Konrad , Zych Teresa
Published: July 2019

The theoretical part of the paper presents the framework of the digital image correlation (DIC) method as well as its advantages and limitations. The DIC technique that can be used in static and fatigue tests is a non-contact, non-interferometric optical method for measuring the surface deformation of structural elements, and material samples. In the experimental part of the paper, the implementation of the DIC method for the selected laboratory tests of building materials is described. The results of the tests on the samples of the materials used in road construction, i.e., asphalt mixtures (HMA), stone, soil stabilized with a hydraulic binder, and geosynthetics are discussed. The conducted research pointed out the possibilities of using the DIC method to evaluate the deformation of road materials in laboratory tests, taking into account their specificity. The variety of samples of tested material allowed to indicate the areas in which the DIC method and the algorithms used to evaluate the results give a significant advantage compared to tensometric measurement methods.
Blends of rABS and SEBS: Influence of In-Situ Compatibilization on the Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhan Zhiming , He Hezhi , Zhu Zhiwen , Xue Bin , Wang Guozhen , Chen Ming , Xiong Chengtian
Published: July 2019

In this study, the in-situ compatibilization reaction between recycled acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (rABS) and functional styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene block maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MAH) was confirmed, which contributed to the toughening phenomenon of rABS, especially the notched impact strength. As mechanical test that manifested, the rABS/SEBS-g-MAH blends are stronger and more ductile than the rABS/SEBS blends. Prominently, the former has great advantage over the latter in terms of improving the impact performance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the compatible segments that were generated by reaction not only improve the interface adhesion of rABS/SEBS-g-MAH blends but also promote the evolution of co-continuous structures, which can be evidently observed after etching. Furthermore, the SEM micrographs of tensile fracture surfaces indicated that the formation of the co-continuous phase and the improvement of interface adhesion are the most profound reasons for the excellent tensile properties of the rABS/SEBS-g-MAH blends. The impact fracture surface revealed that two-phase interface affects crack propagation and shear yielding absorbs more impact energy than simple interface debonding does at higher deformation rates. Meanwhile, rheological analysis demonstrated that the complex viscosity of the rABS/SEBS-g-MAH (80/20 wt%) blend with a co-continuous structure exhibits a maximum positive deviation at low frequencies from the theoretical value calculated using the rule of logarithmic sum, which indicated a connection between co-continuous structure and complex viscosity. In addition, the storage modulus vs. loss modulus curves of the blends revealed that the viscoelastic behavior of rABS/SEBS-g-MAH blends is very similar to that of rABS.
Limitations during Vapor Phase Growth of Bulk (100) 3C-SiC Using 3C-SiC-on-SiC Seeding Stacks
Authors: Schuh Philipp , Steiner Johannes , La Via Francesco , Mauceri Marco , Zielinski Marcin , Wellmann Peter J.
Published: July 2019

The growth of 3C-SiC shows technological challenges, such as high supersaturation, a silicon-rich gas phase and a high vertical temperature gradient. We have developed a transfer method creating high-quality 3C-SiC-on-SiC (100) seeding stacks, suitable for use in sublimation “sandwich” epitaxy (SE). This work presents simulation data on the change of supersaturation and the temperature gradient between source and seed for the bulk growth. A series of growth runs on increased source to seed distances was characterized by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Results show a decrease in quality in terms of single-crystallinity with a decrease in supersaturation. Morphology analysis of as-grown material indicates an increasing protrusion dimension with increasing thickness. This effect limits the achievable maximal thickness. Additional polytype inclusions were observed, which began to occur with low supersaturation (S ≤ 0.06) and prolonged growth (increase of carbon gas-species).
Effect of Bay Leaves Essential Oil Concentration on the Properties of Biodegradable Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Edible Films
Authors: Rincón Esther , Serrano Luis , Balu Alina M. , Aguilar José J. , Luque Rafael , García Araceli
Published: July 2019

Films containing bay leaves essential oils (BEOs) were prepared and evaluated for edible packaging applications. The BEOs were extracted by the Soxhlet method, using ethanol or methanol as organic solvent. Then, films were prepared by “solvent casting” technique using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), with different concentrations for the as-obtained BEOs (from 1% to 30% wt.). The resulting films were characterized to evaluate their physical (thickness, moisture content, water solubility and water vapor permeability), optical (transparency and UV-light barrier), mechanical (tensile strength and elongation at break), antioxidant and antimicrobiological properties Attractive films were obtained for food active packaging applications, as they presented a high antioxidant activity (up to 99%) and total phenolic content, and good barrier properties against water vapor (50% improved of CMC) in the case of CMC-film containing 15% wt. ethanolic extract. Related to optical properties, UV-light barrier effect was increased (almost 100% of protection) avoiding typical lipids oxidation in food systems. High water solubility (93%) was also found, ensuring also their biodegradability. Moreover, it was demonstrated that developed films inhibit microorganisms’ growth (Escherichia coli and Candida glabrata), this avoiding an early food oxidation.
Infinitesimal Transformations of Locally Conformal Kähler Manifolds
Authors: Cherevko Yevhen , Berezovski Volodymyr , Hinterleitner Irena , Smetanová Dana
Published: July 2019

The article is devoted to infinitesimal transformations. We have obtained that LCK-manifolds do not admit nontrivial infinitesimal projective transformations. Then we study infinitesimal conformal transformations of LCK-manifolds. We have found the expression for the Lie derivative of a Lee form. We have also obtained the system of partial differential equations for the transformations, and explored its integrability conditions. Hence we have got the necessary and sufficient conditions in order that the an LCK-manifold admits a group of conformal motions. We have also calculated the number of parameters which the group depends on. We have proved that a group of conformal motions admitted by an LCK-manifold is isomorphic to a homothetic group admitted by corresponding Kählerian metric. We also established that an isometric group of an LCK-manifold is isomorphic to some subgroup of the homothetic group of the coresponding local Kählerian metric.
Child Development Influence Environmental Factors Determined Using Spherical Fuzzy Distance Measures
Authors: Ashraf Shahzaib , Abdullah Saleem , Abdullah Lazim
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to resolve the issue of the ranking of the fuzzy numbers in decision analysis, artificial intelligence, and optimization. In the literature, many ideas have been established for the ranking of the fuzzy numbers, and those ideas have some restrictions and limitations. We propose a method based on spherical fuzzy numbers (SFNs) for ranking to overcome the existing restrictions. Further, we investigate the basic properties of SFNs, compare the idea of spherical fuzzy set with the picture fuzzy set, and establish some distance operators, namely spherical fuzzy distance-weighted averaging (SFDWA), spherical fuzzy distance order-weighted averaging (SFDOWA), and spherical fuzzy distance order-weighted average weighted averaging (SFDOWA WA) operators with the attribute weights’ information incompletely described. Further, we design an algorithm to solve decision analysis problems. Finally, to validate the usage and applicability of the established procedure, we assume the child development influence environmental factors problem as a practical application.
A Novel Decision-Making Approach under Complex Pythagorean Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Naz Sumera
Published: July 2019

A complex Pythagorean fuzzy set (CPFS) is an extension of a Pythagorean fuzzy set that is used to handle the vagueness with the degrees whose ranges are enlarged from real to complex subset with unit disc. In this research study, we propose the innovative concept of complex Pythagorean fuzzy graphs (CPFGs). Further, we present the concepts of regular and edge regular graphs in a complex Pythagorean fuzzy environment. Moreover, we develop a complex Pythagorean fuzzy graph based multi-attribute decision making an approach to handling the situations in which the graphic structure of attributes is obscure. A numerical example concerning information technology improvement project selection is utilized to illustrate the availability of the developed approach.
Analysis of Flavonoid Metabolites in Citrus Peels (Citrus reticulata “Dahongpao”) Using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Fu , Chen Lin , Chen Hongping , Chen Shiwei , Liu Youping
Published: July 2019

Flavonoids are a kind of essential substance for the human body because of their antioxidant properties and extremely high medicinal value. Citrus reticulata “Dahongpao” (DHP) is a special citrus variety that is rich in flavonoids, however little is known about its systematic flavonoids profile. In the present study, the presence of flavonoids in five important citrus varieties, including DHP, Citrus grandis Tomentosa (HZY), Citrus ichangensis Swingle (YCC), Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (TC), and Citrus reticulata ‘Buzhihuo’ (BZH), was determined using a UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based, widely targeted metabolome. Results showed that a total of 254 flavonoid metabolites (including 147 flavone, 39 flavonol, 21 flavanone, 24 anthocyanins, 8 isoflavone, and 15 polyphenol) were identified. The total flavonoid content of peels from DHP was the highest. DHP could be clearly separated from other samples through clustering analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Further, 169 different flavonoid metabolites were observed between DHP peels and the other four citrus peels, and 26 down-regulated differential metabolites displayed important biological activities in DHP. At the same time, a unique flavonoid component, tricin 4′-O-syringyl alcohol, was only found in DHP, which could be used as a marker to distinguish between other varieties. This work might facilitate a better understanding of flavonoid metabolites between DHP peels and the other four citrus peels and provide a reference for its sufficient utilization in the future.
Gas Permeability of Cellulose Aerogels with a Designed Dual Pore Space System
Authors: Ganesan Kathirvel , Barowski Adam , Ratke Lorenz
Published: July 2019

The gas permeability of a porous material is a key property determining the impact of the material in an application such as filter/separation techniques. In the present study, aerogels of cellulose scaffolds were designed with a dual pore space system consisting of macropores with cell walls composing of mesopores and a nanofibrillar network. The gas permeability properties of these dual porous materials were compared with classical cellulose aerogels. Emulsifying the oil droplets in the hot salt–hydrate melt with a fixed amount of cellulose was performed in the presence of surfactants. The surfactants varied in physical, chemical and structural properties and a range of hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) values, 13.5 to 18. A wide range of hierarchical dual pore space systems were produced and analysed using nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The microstructures of the dual pore system of aerogels were quantitatively characterized using image analysis methods. The gas permeability was measured and discussed with respect to the well-known model of Carman–Kozeny for open porous materials. The gas permeability values implied that the kind of the macropore channel’s size, shape, their connectivity through the neck parts and the mesoporous structures on the cell walls are significantly controlling the flow resistance of air. Adaption of this new design route for cellulose-based aerogels can be suitable for advanced filters/membranes production and also biological or catalytic supporting materials since the emulsion template method allows the tailoring of the gas permeability while the nanopores of the cell walls can act simultaneously as absorbers.
Characterization of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Leishmanicidal Activities of Schiff Base Derivatives of 4-Aminoantipyrine
Authors: Teran Rommy , Guevara Rommel , Mora Jessica , Dobronski Lizeth , Barreiro-Costa Olalla , Beske Timo , Pérez-Barrera Jorge , Araya-Maturana Ramiro , Rojas-Silva Patricio , Poveda Ana , Heredia-Moya Jorge
Published: July 2019

Our main interest is the characterization of compounds to support the development of alternatives to currently marketed drugs that are losing effectiveness due to the development of resistance. Schiff bases are promising biologically interesting compounds having a wide range of pharmaceutical properties, including anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antimicrobial activities, among others. In this work, we have synthesized 12 Schiff base derivatives of 4-aminoantipyrine. In vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity properties are analyzed, as well as in silico predictive adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and bioactivity scores. Results identify two potential Schiff bases: one effective against E. faecalis and the other with antioxidant activity. Both have reasonable ADME scores and provides a scaffold for developing more effective compounds in the future. Initial studies are usually limited to laboratory in vitro approaches, and following these initial studies, much research is needed before a drug can reach the clinic. Nevertheless, these laboratory approaches are mandatory and constitute a first filter to discriminate among potential drug candidates and chemical compounds that should be discarded.
Doenjang, A Korean Traditional Fermented Soybean Paste, Ameliorates Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Ko Je Won , Chung Young-Shin , Kwak Chung Shil , Kwon Young Hye
Published: July 2019

Obesity is considered a risk factor for neurodegeneration. Because fermentation of soybean increases contents of various bioactive compounds with anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities, we investigated the protective effect of doenjang, a Korean traditional fermented soybean paste, against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the cortex and hippocampus of mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet. C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet, an HF diet, an HF-containing steamed soybean diet, or an HF-containing doenjang (DJ) diet for 11 weeks. Doenjang consumption alleviated hippocampal neuronal loss, which was increased by the HF diet. Accordingly, we observed higher cell proliferation and neurotrophic factor mRNA levels in the DJ group. Contents of oxidative metabolites and mRNA levels of oxidative stress- and neuroinflammation-related genes were lower in the DJ group compared to the HF group. Dietary doenjang reduced β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) levels by regulating gene expressions involved in Aβ production and degradation. Furthermore, doenjang consumption reduced tau hyperphosphorylation induced by HF feeding. Overall, doenjang was more effective than steamed soybean in suppressing neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in mice fed an HF diet. These results suggest that bioactive compounds produced during the fermentation and aging of soybean may be involved in the enhanced neuroprotective effects of doenjang.
Recombinant Proteins for Industrial versus Pharmaceutical Purposes: A Review of Process and Pricing
Authors: Puetz John , Wurm Florian M.
Published: July 2019

Recombinant proteins have been produced for over 30 years. Applications range from enzymes used in laundry detergents to antigen-detecting antibodies in cancer therapy. Despite similarities in manufacturing, drastic differences in retail pricing between recombinant proteins used for industrial (non-medical) versus pharmaceutical purposes exist. Industrial proteins often have a retail price in the tens of dollars per kilogram while recombinant proteins for medical use may cost billions of dollars per kilogram. This manuscript will briefly review manufacturing techniques and contrast the differences between industrial versus pharmaceutical production. Maximizing manufacturing technologies to reduce cost-of-goods (CoG) is desirable. However, the major reason for the very high pricing of pharma protein products does not reflect CoG, but the financial obligations of clinical trials, research and development, patent constraints, marketing, and return on investment.
The Value of Scientific Knowledge Dissemination for Scientists—A Value Capture Perspective
Authors: Beck Susanne , Mahdad Maral , Beukel Karin , Poetz Marion
Published: July 2019

Scientific knowledge dissemination is necessary to collaboratively develop solutions to today’s challenges among scientific, public, and commercial actors. Building on this, recent concepts (e.g., Third Mission) discuss the role and value of different dissemination mechanisms for increasing societal impact. However, the value individual scientists receive in exchange for disseminating knowledge differs across these mechanisms, which, consequently, affects their selection. So far, value capture mechanisms have mainly been described as appropriating monetary rewards in exchange for scientists’ knowledge (e.g., patenting). However, most knowledge dissemination activities in science do not directly result in capturing monetary value (e.g., social engagement). By taking a value capture perspective, this article conceptualizes and explores how individual scientists capture value from disseminating their knowledge. Results from our qualitative study indicate that scientists’ value capture consists of a measureable objective part (e.g., career promotion) and a still unconsidered subjective part (e.g., social recognition), which is perceived as valuable due to scientists’ needs. By advancing our understanding of value capture in science, scientists’ selection of dissemination mechanisms can be incentivized to increase both the value captured by themselves and society. Hence, policy makers and university managers can contribute to overcoming institutional and ecosystem barriers and foster scientists’ engagement with society.
Sustainability Metrics for Housing and the Thermal Performance Evaluation of a Low-Cost Prototype Made with Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) Bottles
Authors: Ceja Soto Flavio Roberto , Pérez Bueno José de Jesús , Mendoza López Maria Luisa , Pérez Ramos Martha Elva , Reyes Araiza José Luis , Ramírez Jiménez Rubén , Manzano-Ramírez Alejandro
Published: July 2019

The scope of this work covers a proposal for the implementation of sustainable, low-cost, environmentally friendly, and affordable housing for low-income people. This paper aims to address the current housing issues, namely that many people lack decent housing and that the built houses are usually of a poorly sustainable nature. The work consists of three main parts: an evaluation of housing sustainability, measurement of parameters related to their internal comfort and a simulation of thermal enclosure with the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. An important objective is to propose a sustainability assessment format, which, besides being explained in detail, is presented in a percentage scale for ease of understanding. This work seeks a methodology for evaluating the level or degree of sustainability for the construction and inhabitation stages of housing. Using a prototype constructed with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, temperature and humidity were measured. There was a contrasting behavior of these two parameters, which tended towards an inverse behavior, except on cloudy or rainy days. The roof of the prototype contained some waste materials that provided thermal insulation: galvanized steel, polyethylene bags for upcycling as waterproofing, PET bottles, soil and endemic plants (green roof). The results obtained in the simulation are in accordance with the real internal behavior of the prototype.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Water Resources Management among Smallholder Irrigators in the Tsavo Sub-Catchment, Kenya
Authors: Oremo Francis , Mulwa Richard , Oguge Nicholas
Published: July 2019

The rising demand for food production in a changing climate impacts water resources negatively in semi-arid agro-ecosystems. In the Tsavo sub-catchment of Kenya, this is compounded by a surging population and expansion of cropping as a land use; leading to increased abstraction of surface water resources and deterioration of related ecosystem services. The impact of increased abstraction is more profound during water stress seasons when stream-flow levels are low. While water policies have incorporated a requirement for environmental flows, unregulated abstractions persist suggesting an inherent challenge. Drawing on a sample of 279 households, we analysed farmers’ engagement in water resources management and explored how this can inform water resource planning. Seasonal water scarcity and user conflicts were the major challenges experienced by the farmers. Ordinal and logistic regression models show that knowledge, attitude and practices were culture-dependent being impacted by educational attainment, level of income, access to extension and membership to local networks. Attitude and practice were further influenced by land tenure and farm distance to water sources. Since knowledge of water management issues informed attitudes and practices, improved awareness and targeted extension support are necessary in the development and implementation of policy decisions on water resources management.
Satellite-Derived Correlation of SO2, NO2, and Aerosol Optical Depth with Meteorological Conditions over East Asia from 2005 to 2015
Authors: Lin Chin-An , Chen Yi-Chun , Liu Chian-Yi , Chen Wei-Ting , Seinfeld John H. , Chou Charles C.-K.
Published: July 2019

Intense economic and industrial development in China has been accompanied by severe local air pollution, as well as in other downwind countries in East Asia. This study analyzes satellite observational data of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and aerosol optical depth (AOD) to explore the spatial distribution, long-term temporal variation, and correlation to meteorological conditions over this region over the period 2005–2015. SO2 and NO2 data are retrieved from the ozone monitoring instrument (OMI) onboard the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aura satellite, while AOD data are from the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard the NASA Aqua satellite. Spatial distributions of SO2, NO2, and AOD show the highest levels in the North China Plain (NCP), with hotspots also in Southeastern China (SC) and the Sichuan Basin (SB). Biomass burning also contributes to a high level of AOD in Southeast Asia in spring and in Equatorial Asia in fall. Considering the correlation of pollutant levels to meteorological conditions, monitoring data show that higher temperature and higher relative humidity (RH) favor the conversion of SO2 and NO2 to sulfate and nitrate aerosol, respectively. The impact of stronger lower tropospheric stability facilitates the accumulation of SO2 and NO2 in NCP and SC. Transport of SO2 and NO2 from intense source regions to relatively clean regions is highly influential over East Asia; such transport from the NCP leads to a considerable increase of pollutants in SC, SB, Taiwan Island (TW), and Taiwan Strait (TWS), particularly in winter. Aerosols generated by biomass burning in Southeast Asia and anthropogenic aerosol in SC are transported to TW and TWS and lead to the increase of AOD, with the highest levels of AOD in SC, TW, and TWS occurring in spring. Precipitation results in the removal of pollutants, especially in highly polluted regions, the effect of which is most significant in winter and spring.
In Vivo Measurement of Cervical Elasticity on Pregnant Women by Torsional Wave Technique: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Massó Paloma , Callejas Antonio , Melchor Juan , Molina Francisca S. , Rus Guillermo
Published: July 2019

A torsional wave (TW) sensor prototype was employed to quantify stiffness of the cervix in pregnant women. A cross-sectional study in a total of 18 women between 16 weeks and 35 weeks + 5 days of gestation was performed. The potential of TW technique to assess cervical ripening was evaluated by the measurement of stiffness related to gestational age and cervical length. Statistically significant correlations were found between cervical stiffness and gestational age ( R 2 = 0.370 , p = 0.0074 , using 1 kHz waves and R 2 = 0.445 , p = 0.0250 , using 1.5 kHz waves). A uniform decrease in stiffness of the cervical tissue was confirmed to happen during the complete gestation. There was no significant correlation between stiffness and cervical length. A stronger association between gestational age and cervical stiffness was found compared to gestational age and cervical length correlation. As a conclusion, TW technique is a feasible approach to objectively quantify the decrease of cervical stiffness related to gestational age. Further research is required to evaluate the application of TW technique in obstetric evaluations, such as prediction of preterm delivery and labor induction failure.
Improving IoT Predictions through the Identification of Graphical Features
Authors: Akter Syeda , Holder Lawrence
Published: July 2019

IoT sensor networks have an inherent graph structure that can be used to extract graphical features for improving performance in a variety of prediction tasks. We propose a framework that represents IoT sensor network data as a graph, extracts graphical features, and applies feature selection methods to identify the most useful features that are to be used by a classifier for prediction tasks. We show that a set of generic graph-based features can improve performance of sensor network predictions without the need for application-specific and task-specific feature engineering. We apply this approach to three different prediction tasks: activity recognition from motion sensors in a smart home, demographic prediction from GPS sensor data in a smart phone, and activity recognition from GPS sensor data in a smart phone. Our approach produced comparable results with most of the state-of-the-art methods, while maintaining the additional advantage of general applicability to IoT sensor networks without using sophisticated and application-specific feature generation techniques or background knowledge. We further investigate the impact of using edge-transition times, categorical features, different sensor window sizes, and normalization in the smart home domain. We also consider deep learning approaches, including the Graph Convolutional Network (GCN), for the elimination of feature engineering in the smart home domain, but our approach provided better performance in most cases. We conclude that the graphical feature-based framework that is based on IoT sensor categorization, nodes and edges as features, and feature selection techniques provides superior results when compared to the non-graph-based features.
Evaluation of the Create@School Game-Based Learning–Teaching Approach
Authors: Gaeta Eugenio , Beltrán-Jaunsaras María Eugenia , Cea Gloria , Spieler Bernadette , Burton Andrew , García-Betances Rebeca Isabel , Cabrera-Umpiérrez María Fernanda , Brown David , Boulton Helen , Arredondo Waldmeyer María T.
Published: July 2019

The constructivist approach is interested in creating knowledge through active engagement and encourages students to build their knowledge from their experiences in the world. Learning through digital game making is a constructivist approach that allows students to learn by developing their own games, enhancing problem-solving skills and fostering creativity. In this context two tools, Create@School App and the Project Management Dashboard (PMD), were developed to enable students from different countries to be able to adapt their learning material by programming and designing games for their academic subjects, therefore integrating the game mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics into the academic curriculum. This paper focuses on presenting the validation context as well as the evaluation of these tools. The Hassenzahl model and AttrakDiff survey were used for measuring users’ experience and satisfaction, and for understanding emotional responses, thus providing information that enables testing of the acceptability and usability of the developed apps. After two years of usage of code-making apps (i.e., Create@School and its pre-design version Pocket Code), the pupils processed knowledge from their academic subjects spontaneously as game-based embedded knowledge. The students demonstrated creativity, a practical approach, and enthusiasm regarding making games focused on academic content that led them to learning, using mobile devices, sensors, images, and contextual information. This approach was widely accepted by students and teachers as part of their everyday class routines.