bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Sources and Expenditures for Seafood in the United States
Authors: Love David C. , Asche Frank , Conrad Zach , Young Ruth , Harding Jamie , Nussbaumer Elizabeth M. , Thorne-Lyman Andrew L. , Neff Roni
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to explore United States (U.S.) seafood consumption patterns, food sourcing, expenditures, and geography of consumption. We analyzed seafood intake and food sourcing using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2007–2008 to 2015–2016 for US adults ≥19 years old (n = 26,743 total respondents; n = 4957 respondents consumed seafood in the past 24 h). Seafood expenditures were extrapolated by combining NHANES with three other public datasets. U.S. adults consumed 63% of seafood (by weight) at home. The top sources of seafood (by weight) were food retail (56%), restaurants (31%), and caught by the respondent or someone they know (5%). Sixty-five percent of consumer expenditures for seafood were at restaurants and other “away from home” sources while 35% were at retail and other “at home” sources. Slightly less than half of overall U.S. food expenditures are “away from home,” which is much lower than for seafood, suggesting that consumers have very different spending habits for seafood than for an aggregate of all foods.
Body Fat Changes and Liver Safety in Obese and Overweight Women Supplemented with Conjugated Linoleic Acid: A 12-Week Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Mądry Edyta , Malesza Ida Judyta , Subramaniapillai Mehala , Czochralska-Duszyńska Agata , Walkowiak Marek , Miśkiewicz-Chotnicka Anna , Walkowiak Jarosław , Lisowska Aleksandra
Published: June 2020

Preliminary evidence suggests that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may reduce body weight and affect body composition. The present study assessed the effect of CLA supplementation on body fat composition in overweight and obese women, while also evaluating the liver safety of CLA use. Seventy-four obese or overweight women were randomly assigned to receive 3 g/day CLA or placebo for 12 weeks. Body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and liver function (13C-methacetin breath test and serum liver enzymes) were assessed before and after the trial. Patients receiving CLA experienced a significant reduction of total body fat expressed as mass (p = 0.0007) and percentage (p = 0.0006), android adipose tissue (p = 0.0002), gynoid adipose tissue (p = 0.0028), and visceral adipose tissue (p = 4.2 × 10−9) as well as a significant increase in lean body mass to height (p = 6.1 × 10−11) when compared to those receiving a placebo. The maximum momentary 13C recovery changes and end-point values were significantly higher in the CLA group when compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0385 and p = 0.0076, respectively). There were no significant changes in alanine aminotransferase, asparagine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities between the groups. In conclusion, CLA supplementation was well tolerated and safe for the liver, which shows beneficial effects on fat composition in overweight and obese women.
The Influence of Nutritional and Lifestyle Factors on Glioma Incidence
Authors: Bielecka Joanna , Markiewicz-Żukowska Renata
Published: June 2020

Cancers are the first main cause of premature death in developed countries. Since brain tumors, especially gliomas, are the most lethal type of cancers, risk factors for their prevalence are still being discussed. Nearly 30–50% of all cancers could be prevented by proper nutritional habits and other lifestyle factors, but their influence on the tumors of the central nervous system has not been explained completely and still requires further studies. That is why we attempted to review the available research in this field, with a special focus on the factors with the proven protective activity observed in other cancers. Adequate vegetables and antioxidants (such as vitamins C and A) provided with a diet could have a protective effect, while other factors have shown no correlation with the incidence of glioma. However, further studies are necessary to determine whether fish, coffee, and tea consumption may prevent glioma. Maintaining proper body weight and undertaking a sufficient level of daily physical activity also seem to be important. Excessive body mass index (BMI) and higher attained height have increased the risk of glioma. In order to link more accurately the chosen factors to the prevalence of gliomas, it seems necessary to conduct large cohort, prospective, controlled studies in different world regions.
Droplet Digital PCR for the Detection of Plasmodium falciparum DNA in Whole Blood and Serum: A Comparative Analysis with Other Molecular Methods
Authors: Pomari Elena , Silva Ronaldo , Moro Lucia , La Marca Giulia , Perandin Francesca , Verra Federica , Bisoffi Zeno , Piubelli Chiara
Published: June 2020

Background: The estimation of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia can vary according to the method used. Recently, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has been proposed as a promising approach in the molecular quantitation of Plasmodium, but its ability to predict the actual parasitaemia on clinical samples has not been largely investigated. Moreover, the possibility of applying the ddPCR-sensitive method to serum samples has never been explored. Methods: We used, for the first time, ddPCR on both blood and serum to detect the DNA of P. falciparum in 52 paired samples from 26 patients. ddPCR was compared with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and rtPCR. The correlation between the ddPCR results, microscopy, and clinical parameters was examined. Results: ddPCR and microscopy were found to be strongly correlated (ρ(26) = 0.83111, p < 0.0001) in blood. Samples deviating from the correlation were partially explained by clinical parameters. In serum samples, ddPCR revealed the best performance in detecting P. falciparum DNA, with 77% positive samples among malaria subjects. Conclusion: Absolute quantitation by ddPCR can be a flexible technique for Plasmodium detection, with potential application in the diagnosis of malaria. In particular, ddPCR is a powerful approach for Plasmodium DNA analysis on serum when blood samples are unavailable.
Sampling Uncertainties of Long-Term Remote-Sensing Suspended Sediments Monitoring over China’s Seas: Impacts of Cloud Coverage and Sediment Variations
Authors: Tian Liqiao , Sun Xianghan , Li Jian , Xing Qianguo , Song Qingjun , Tong Ruqing
Published: June 2020

Satellite-based ocean color sensors have provided an unprecedentedly large amount of information on ocean, coastal and inland waters at varied spatial and temporal scales. However, observations are often adversely affected by cloud coverage and other poor weather conditions, like sun glint, and this influences the accuracy associated with long-term monitoring of water quality parameters. This study uses long-term (2013–2017) and high-frequency (eight observations per day) datasets from the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI), the first geostationary ocean color satellite sensor, to quantify the cloud coverage over China’s seas, the resultant interrupted observations in remote sensing, and their impacts on the retrieval of total suspended sediments (TSS). The monthly mean cloud coverage for the East China Sea (ECS), Bohai Sea (BS) and Yellow Sea (YS) were 62.6%, 67.3% and 69.9%, respectively. Uncertainties regarding the long-term retrieved TSS were affected by a combination of the effects of cloud coverage and TSS variations. The effects of the cloud coverage dominated at the monthly scale, with the mean normalized bias (Pbias) at 14.1% (±2.6%), 7.6% (±2.3%) and 12.2% (±4.3%) for TSS of the ECS, BS and YS, respectively. Cloud coverage-interfering observations with the Terra/Aqua MODIS systems were also estimated, with monthly Pbias ranging from 6.5% (±7.4%) to 20% (±13.1%) for TSS products, and resulted in a smaller data range and lower maximum to minimum ratio compared to the eight GOCI observations. Furthermore, with approximately 16.7% monthly variations being missed during the periods, significant “missing trends” effects were revealed in monthly TSS variations from Terra/Aqua MODIS. For the entire region and the Bohai Sea, the most appropriate timeframe for sampling ranges from 12:30 to 15:30, while this timeframe was narrowed to from 13:30 to 15:30 for observations in the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea. This research project evaluated the effects of cloud coverage and times for sampling on the remote sensing monitoring of ocean color constituents, which would suggest the most appropriate timeframe for ocean color sensor scans, as well as in situ data collection, and can provide design specification guidance for future satellite sensor systems.
Characterizing Geological Heterogeneities for Geothermal Purposes through Combined Geophysical Prospecting Methods
Authors: Sáez Blázquez Cristina , Carrasco García Pedro , Nieto Ignacio Martín , Maté-González Miguel Ángel , Martín Arturo Farfán , González-Aguilera Diego
Published: June 2020

Geothermal energy is becoming essential to deal with the catastrophic effect of climate change. Although the totality of the Earth’s crust allows the exploitation of shallow geothermal resources, it is important to identify those areas with higher thermal possibilities. In this sense, geophysical prospecting plays a vital role in the recognition and estimation of potential geothermal resources. This research evaluates the geothermal conditions of a certain area located in the center of Spain. The evaluation is mainly based on geological and geophysical studies and, in particular, the Time Domain Electromagnetic Method and the Electrical Resistivity Tomography. Once we analyzed the geology and the historical thermal evidence near the study area, our geophysical results were used to define the geothermal possibilities from a double perspective. In relation to anomalous heat gradient, the identification of a fault and the contact with impermeable granitic materials at the depth of 180 m denotes a potential location for the extraction of groundwater. Regarding the common ground-source heat-pump uses, the analysis has allowed the determination of the most appropriate area for the location of the geothermal well field. Finally, the importance of accurately defining the position of the drillings was confirmed by using software GES-CAL.
Remote Sensing of Grassland Production and Management—A Review
Authors: Reinermann Sophie , Asam Sarah , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: June 2020

Grasslands cover one third of the earth’s terrestrial surface and are mainly used for livestock production. The usage type, use intensity and condition of grasslands are often unclear. Remote sensing enables the analysis of grassland production and management on large spatial scales and with high temporal resolution. Despite growing numbers of studies in the field, remote sensing applications in grassland biomes are underrepresented in literature and less streamlined compared to other vegetation types. By reviewing articles within research on satellite-based remote sensing of grassland production traits and management, we describe and evaluate methods and results and reveal spatial and temporal patterns of existing work. In addition, we highlight research gaps and suggest research opportunities. The focus is on managed grasslands and pastures and special emphasize is given to the assessment of studies on grazing intensity and mowing detection based on earth observation data. Grazing and mowing highly influence the production and ecology of grassland and are major grassland management types. In total, 253 research articles were reviewed. The majority of these studies focused on grassland production traits and only 80 articles were about grassland management and use intensity. While the remote sensing-based analysis of grassland production heavily relied on empirical relationships between ground-truth and satellite data or radiation transfer models, the used methods to detect and investigate grassland management differed. In addition, this review identified that studies on grassland production traits with satellite data often lacked including spatial management information into the analyses. Studies focusing on grassland management and use intensity mostly investigated rather small study areas with homogeneous intensity levels among the grassland parcels. Combining grassland production estimations with management information, while accounting for the variability among grasslands, is recommended to facilitate the development of large-scale continuous monitoring and remote sensing grassland products, which have been rare thus far.
A Cloud Top-Height Retrieval Algorithm Using Simultaneous Observations from the Himawari-8 and FY-2E Satellites
Authors: Lee Jonghyuk , Shin Dong-Bin , Chung Chu-Yong , Kim JaeGwan
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we introduce a cloud top-height (CTH) retrieval algorithm using simultaneous observations from the Himawari-8 and FengYun (FY)-2E geostationary (GEO) satellites (hereafter, dual-GEO CTH algorithm). The dual-GEO CTH algorithm estimates CTH based on the parallax, which is the difference in the apparent position of clouds observed from two GEO satellites simultaneously. The dual-GEO CTH algorithm consists of four major procedures: (1) image remapping, (2) image matching, (3) CTH calculation, and (4) quality control. The retrieved CTHs were compared with other satellite CTHs from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) and the Cloud-Profiling Radar (CPR), on three occasions. Considering the geometric configuration and footprint sizes of the two GEO satellites, the theoretical accuracy of the dual-GEO CTH algorithm is estimated as ±0.93 km. The comparisons show that the retrieval accuracy generally tends to fall within the theoretical accuracy range. As the dual-GEO CTH algorithm is based on parallax, it could be easily applied for the estimation of the height of any elevated feature in various fields.
Application of the GPM-IMERG Products in Flash Flood Warning: A Case Study in Yunnan, China
Authors: Ma Meihong , Wang Huixiao , Jia Pengfei , Tang Guoqiang , Wang Dacheng , Ma Ziqiang , Yan Haiming
Published: June 2020

NASA’s Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) is a major source of precipitation data, having a larger coverage, higher precision, and a higher spatiotemporal resolution than previous products, such as the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). However, there rarely has been an application of IMERG products in flash flood warnings. Taking Yunnan Province as the typical study area, this study first evaluated the accuracy of the near-real-time IMERG Early run product (IMERG-E) and the post-real-time IMERG Final run product (IMERG-F) with a 6-hourly temporal resolution. Then the performance of the two products was analyzed with the improved Rainfall Triggering Index (RTI) in the flash flood warning. Results show that (1) IMERG-F presents acceptable accuracy over the study area, with a relatively high hourly correlation coefficient of 0.46 and relative bias of 23.33% on the grid, which performs better than IMERG-E; and (2) when the RTI model is calibrated with the gauge data, the IMERG-F results matched well with the gauge data, indicating that it is viable to use MERG-F in flash flood warnings. However, as the flash flood occurrence increases, both gauge and IMERG-F data capture fewer flash flood events, and IMERG-F overestimates actual precipitation. Nevertheless, IMERG-F can capture more flood events than IMERG-E and can contribute to improving the accuracy of the flash flood warnings in Yunnan Province and other flood-prone areas.
Testing Proximal Optical Sensors on Quinoa Growth and Development
Authors: Alvar-Beltrán Jorge , Fabbri Carolina , Verdi Leonardo , Truschi Stefania , Dalla Marta Anna , Orlandini Simone
Published: June 2020

Proximal optical sensors (POSs) are effective devices for monitoring the development of crops and the nitrogen (N) status of plants. POSs are both useful and necessary in facilitating the reduction of N losses into the environment and in attaining higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). To date, no comparison of these instruments has been made on quinoa. A field experiment conducted in Tuscany, Italy, with different POSs, has assessed the development of quinoa with respect to N status. Three sets of POSs were used (SPAD-502, GreenSeeker, and Canopeo App.) to monitor quinoa development and growth under different types of fertilizers (digestate and urea) and levels of N fertilization (100, 50, and 0 kg N ha−1). The present findings showed that in-season predictions of crop biomass at harvest by SPAD-502 and GreenSeeker optical sensors were successful in terms of the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.68 and 0.82, respectively) and statistical significance (p < 0.05), while the Canopeo App. was suitable for monitoring the plant´s canopy expansion and senescence. The relative error (RE%) showed a remarkably high performance between observed and predicted values, 5.80% and 4.12% for GreenSeeker and SPAD-502, respectively. Overall, the POSs were effective devices for monitoring quinoa development during the growing season and for predicting dry biomass at harvest. However, abiotic stresses (e.g., heat-stress conditions at flowering) were shown to reduce POSs’ accuracy when estimating seed yields at harvest, and this problem will likely be overcome by advancing the sowing date.
Subwavelength Grating Double Slot Waveguide Racetrack Ring Resonator for Refractive Index Sensing Application
Authors: Kazanskiy Nikolay Lvovich , Khonina Svetlana Nikolaevna , Butt Muhammad Ali
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a racetrack ring resonator design based on a subwavelength grating double slot waveguide is presented. The proposed waveguide scheme is capable of confining the transverse electric field in the slots and the gaps between the grating segments. This configuration facilitates a large light–matter interaction which elevates the sensitivity of the device approximately 2.5 times higher than the one that can be obtained via a standard slot waveguide resonator. The best sensitivity of the design is obtained at 1000 nm/RIU by utilizing a subwavelength grating double slot waveguide of period 300 nm. The numerical study is conducted via 2D and 3D finite element methods. We believe that the proposed sensor design can play an important role in the realization of highly sensitive lab-on-chip sensors.
Bearing Fault Diagnosis Using a Particle Swarm Optimization-Least Squares Wavelet Support Vector Machine Classifier
Authors: Van Mien , Hoang Duy Tang , Kang Hee Jun
Published: June 2020

Bearing is one of the key components of a rotating machine. Hence, monitoring health condition of the bearing is of paramount importace. This paper develops a novel particle swarm optimization (PSO)-least squares wavelet support vector machine (PSO-LSWSVM) classifier, which is designed based on a combination between a PSO, a least squares procedure, and a new wavelet kernel function-based support vector machine (SVM), for bearing fault diagnosis. In this work, bearing fault classification is transformed into a pattern recognition problem, which consists of three stages of data processing. Firstly, a rich information dataset is built by extracting the features from the signals, which are decomposed by the nonlocal means (NLM) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Secondly, a minimum-redundancy maximum-relevance (mRMR) method is employed to determine a subset of feature that can provide an optimal performance. Thirdly, a novel classifier, namely LSWSVM, is proposed with the aid of a PSO, to provide higher classification accuracy. The key innovative science of this work is to propropose a new classifier with the aid of an new wavelet kernel type to increase the classification precision of bearing fault diagnosis. The merit features of the proposed approach are demonstrated based on a benchmark bearing dataset and a comprehensive comparison procedure.
Enhanced Multicast Repair Fast Reroute Mechanism for Smart Sensors IoT and Network Infrastructure
Authors: Papan Jozef , Segec Pavel , Yeremenko Oleksandra , Bridova Ivana , Hodon Michal
Published: June 2020

The sprawling nature of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors require the comprehensive management and reliability of the entire network. Modern Internet Protocol (IP) networks demand specific qualitative and quantitative parameters that need to be met. One of these requirements is the minimal packet loss in the network. After a node or link failure within the network, the process of network convergence will begin. This process may take an unpredictable time, mostly depending on the size and the structure of the affected network segment and the routing protocol used within the network. The categories of proposed solutions for these problems are known as Fast ReRoute (FRR) mechanisms. The majority of current Fast ReRoute mechanisms use precomputation of alternative backup paths in advance. This paper presents an Enhanced Multicast Repair (EM-REP) FRR mechanism that uses multicast technology to create an alternate backup path and does not require pre-calculation. This principle creates a unique reactive behavior in the Fast ReRoute area. The enhanced M-REP FRR mechanism can find an alternative path in the event of multiple links or nodes failing at different times and places in the network. This unique behavior can be applied in the IoT sensors area, especially in network architecture that guarantees reliability of data transfer.
Social Impacts of Place-Making in Urban Informal Settlements: A Case Study of Indonesian Kampungs
Authors: Akbar Poeti , Edelenbos Jurian
Published: June 2020

This study aims to assess the social outcome of place-making in urban informal settlements. This research is guided by the following research question: What are the relationships between regular and temporal place-making towards local capacity, social connection, local identity, and quality of life? Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire in two informal settlements in Indonesia. Several indicators were combined from existing literature in order to assess the influence of the place-making on the residents’ perceptions of the four social outcomes. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis were presented while increasing our comprehension of how specific dimensions of place-making, such as nature of activities and their frequency, affect social aspects of the community where the practice took place. The originality of this paper lies in the context of the research and the methodology where it fills the existing gaps in both areas.
Is the Value Added Tax System Sustainable? The Case of the Czech and Slovak Republics
Authors: Krzikallová Kateřina , Tošenovský Filip
Published: June 2020

The value added tax is an important part of revenues of the European Union and its Member States. The aim of the paper is to statistically analyse the extent of positive impact of selected legislative measures introduced in the fight against tax evasion and discuss subsequently the sustainability of the current value added tax system in the European context. The analysis was conducted for the Czech and Slovak Republics, two traditionally strong trading partners, and for an important commodity, copper. In the analysis, regression methods applied to official time series data on copper export from the Czech Republic to Slovakia were employed together with appropriate statistical tests to detect potential significance of the new legislative tools, the value added tax control statement and reverse charge mechanism. Moreover, the study considers fundamental economic factors that affect foreign trade in parallel. Based on the analysis, there is sound evidence that the major historical turnaround experienced by the time series took place due to the then forthcoming legislative measures that were to restrain the possibility of carousel frauds. The results confirm the positive impact of the measures and also suggest the necessity of more systematic changes in the tax system.
Disaster Preparedness and Professional Competence Among Healthcare Providers: Pilot Study Results
Authors: Goniewicz Krzysztof , Goniewicz Mariusz
Published: June 2020

The preparedness of a hospital for mass-casualty incident and disaster response includes activities, programs and systems developed and implemented before the event. These measures are designed to provide the necessary medical care to victims of disasters, and to minimize the negative impact of individual events on medical services. Up until now, there has been no systematic survey in Poland concerning the readiness of hospitals, as well as medical personnel, to deal with mass-casualty incidents. Consequently, little is known about the knowledge, skills, and professional competences of healthcare workers. The objective of this pilot study was to start an exploration and to collect data on the competences of healthcare workers, in addition to assessing the preparedness of hospitals for mass-casualty incidents. Utilizing an anonymous survey of a random sample, 134 healthcare providers were asked to respond to questions about the competencies they needed, and hospital preparedness during disaster response. It turned out that the test subjects evaluate their own preparedness for mass-casualty incidents and disasters better than the preparedness of their current place of work. The pilot study demonstrated that a properly designed questionnaire can be used to assess the relationship between hospital and staff preparedness and disaster response efficiency. Evaluation of the preparedness and effectiveness of disaster response is a means of finding and removing possible gaps and weaknesses in the functioning and effective management of a hospital during mass-casualty incidents.
A Sequential Optimization Approach in Tactical Planning for Value Creation in the Forest Products Industry
Authors: Rijal Baburam , LeBel Luc , Gautam Shuva H. , Cantegril Pierre
Published: June 2020

Strategic, tactical, and operation-level forest management plans are commonly formulated by forest planners following even-flow yield principles. Although strategic planning ensures a sustained supply of timber over the long term, it disregards individual mills’ requirements, which leads to discrepancy between supply and demand. We hypothesize that a value-based timber allocation decision, which accounts for individual mills’ demands during tactical level planning, reduces such discrepancy by increasing value over the entire supply chain. Three types of linear programming models were constructed: Model A—status quo volume-maximization model, Model B—supply chain net present value-maximization (NPV) model, and Model C—a novel approach with sub-models embedded that maximize the NPV of individual mills in the allocation decision. Our results showed that only 58% of the annual allowable cut was profitable and the mean net revenue per harvested area was $2455 ha−1 using Model A. The respective values using Models B and C were 64% and $3890 ha−1 and 96% and $4040 ha−1, respectively, showing that Model C generated the highest net revenue for all mills. Such a method of value-based sequential optimization (Model C) will be crucial in sustainable use of forest products and sustaining future bioeconomy, particularly for managing mixed species stands that contain timber suitable for manufacturing a wide range of products with different market values.
Determinants of Smart Tourist Environmentally Responsible Behavior Using an Extended Norm-Activation Model
Authors: Kiatkawsin Kiattipoom , Sutherland Ian , Lee Seul Ki
Published: June 2020

The emergence of the smart tourism paradigm has shifted some research attention to the technologies that drive innovations. However, tourism destinations are not freed from the usual threats in the tourism industry. Environmental impacts have remained a fundamental concern for any destinations regardless of their adoption and incorporation of smart technologies. Tourists remain a critical source of harm inflicted on environmental systems. Thus, this present study aims to study smart tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior using an extended norm-activation model. The study model incorporates two new constructs measuring the involvement of culture and attitude towards cultural conservation as additional predictors of environmentally responsible behavior. A total sample of 554 is subjected to data analysis. The results support all proposed hypotheses. Both newly added constructs produce the largest total impact scores on the final construct. Model comparison between the study model and the original framework showed improved predictive ability while retaining superior fit.
Research on Hybrid Crop Breeding Information Management System Based on Combining Ability Analysis
Authors: Han Yan-yun , Wang Kai-yi , Liu Zhong-qiang , Pan Shou-hui , Zhao Xiang-yu , Zhang Qi , Wang Shu-feng
Published: June 2020

Combining ability analysis can be used to preliminarily identify the advantages and disadvantages of combinations and parents in earlier generations, enabling breeders to reduce the range of material, save breeding time, and improve breeding efficiency. An approach for combining ability analysis through the hybrid crop breeding information management system is presented. The general combining ability prediction effect of parents and the specific combining ability prediction effect of combinations are calculated to analyze hybrid combinations using the hybrid crop breeding information management system. The results provide the basis for parent selection and combination selection. The plant breeding trial management function of the system can provide convenient diallel crossing trial design, field planting plan, and combining ability analysis. In the system, the genealogy of breeding materials is traced with the combining ability test crosses. The selection of high-generation breeding materials can be performed in accordance with the combining ability test results of early generation materials. The system has been successfully applied to a large Chinese seed company. The combining ability test function automates data analysis and eliminates days in the decision-making process. The efficiency of the combining ability test analysis and test report generation has improved to more than double by using the system.
Influence of Implicit Followership Cognitive Differences on Innovation Behavior: An Empirical Analysis in China
Authors: Liang Wei , Li Tingyi , Lu Li , Kim Jaehyoung , Na Sanggyun
Published: June 2020

The innovation behavior (IB) of followers is vital for individuals and organizations. It is not only an important part of individual performance but also an essential foundation of organizational innovation. In general, understanding the formation mechanism of followers’ IB could enhance organizational innovation performance and sustainable competitiveness. The innovation of this study includes the following points. First, in the previous research on the antecedent variables of the IB of followers, the key factor of implicit follow cognitive difference (IFCD) was not examined. We add this key factor to the independent variables of our formation mechanism. Second, in the relationship between IFCD and followers’ IB, we investigate the mediating role of psychological empowerment (PE) and the moderating role of person-organization Fit (P-O Fit), further shown as a mediation model with moderating variables. Third, this study adopts a longitudinal research design, and the data were obtained from 1:1 matched leaders and their followers of large and medium-sized enterprises in China. To avoid deviation in the homologous method, this study gathers data at three-month intervals to ensure that leadership’s influence on followers is effective. In this study, Amos 24.0 and SPSS 24.0 are used for empirical research. The results show IFCD has a negative effect on the IB of followers; PE has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between IFCD and IB of followers; P-O Fit plays a positive regulatory role in the relationship between IFCD and PE, and P-O Fit moderates the mediating effect of PE on the relationship between IFCD and IB. Based on our empirical research, we put forward some feasible suggestions for company managers to increase sustainability in market competition by promoting the formation of the IB of followers.
Energy Efficiency: Indicator, Estimation, and a New Idea
Authors: Chen Ku-Hsieh , Cheng Jen-Chi , Lee Joe-Ming , Li Liou-Yuan , Peng Sheng-Yu
Published: June 2020

Energy efficiency has long been an important issue to the global economic and political theaters; however, searching for an effective and concise measure for efficiency remains a contentious and intriguing topic. There are two obvious flaws with the commonly used metrics in existing literature. First, there is a sense of confusion and misunderstanding between the definitions of energy efficiency and efficacy. As a result, the formulae and methods for measuring efficiency are often the subject of criticism. Second, even if the definition of efficiency is clear, the method of estimation can be quite cumbersome, making it difficult to comprehend or implement. This study attempts to address these two issues. With an OECD comparative dataset, it first presents the contradiction between efficiency and efficacy, explains the loss of effectiveness with the existing measurements, and then proposes a new and easy-to-use method for gauging energy efficiency, so that the succinctness and robustness of the measurement can be re-established. The paper serves as a guide to those who are interested in the controversial issues related to measuring energy efficiency. Both practitioners and policy makers will find an easy and reliable tool from this paper for measuring energy efficiency.
Prevention and Fighting against Web Attacks through Anomaly Detection Technology. A Systematic Review
Authors: Sureda Riera Tomás , Bermejo Higuera Juan-Ramón , Bermejo Higuera Javier , Martínez Herraiz José-Javier , Sicilia Montalvo Juan-Antonio
Published: June 2020

Numerous techniques have been developed in order to prevent attacks on web servers. Anomaly detection techniques are based on models of normal user and application behavior, interpreting deviations from the established pattern as indications of malicious activity. In this work, a systematic review of the use of anomaly detection techniques in the prevention and detection of web attacks is undertaken; in particular, we used the standardized method of a systematic review of literature in the field of computer science, proposed by Kitchenham. This method is applied to a set of 88 papers extracted from a total of 8041 reviewed papers, which have been published in notable journals. This paper discusses the process carried out in this systematic review, as well as the results and findings obtained to identify the current state of the art of web anomaly detection.
Critical Risks Method (CRM): A New Safety Allocation Approach for a Critical Infrastructure
Authors: Di Bona Gianpaolo , Forcina Antonio , Falcone Domenico , Silvestri Luca
Published: June 2020

In the current research, a safety allocation technique named the Critical Risks Method (CRM) has been developed. Starting from a literature review, we analyzed the shortcomings of conventional methods. The outcomes show the primary two criticalities of the most important safety allocation approaches: (1) They are developed for series configuration, but not for parallel ones; (2) they ordinarily give only qualitative outputs, but not quantitative ones. Moreover, by applying the conventional methods, an increase in safety of the units to ensure the safety target leads to an increase of the production costs of the units. The proposed strategy can overcome the shortcomings of traditional techniques with a safety approach useful to series–parallel systems in order to obtain quantitative outputs in terms of failures in a year. The CRM considers six factors that are able to ensure its applicability to a great variety of critical infrastructures. In addition, CRM is described by a simply analytic definition. The CRM was applied to a critical infrastructure (Liquid Nitrogen Cooling Installation) in a nuclear plant designed with series–parallel units. By comparing the CRM outputs with databank safety values, the proposed method was validated.
The Roles of Perceived Innovativeness in Creating Visitors’ Citizenship Behaviors at an International Game Exhibition
Authors: Choi Sooyoung , Ahn Young-joo , Kim Insin
Published: June 2020

This study examines the extent of game exhibition visitors’ perceptions of innovativeness through service quality and investigates the relationships between innovativeness and visitors’ citizenship behavior, which are the more active behaviors compared with loyalty in game exhibitions. Data were collected from game exhibition visitors participating in Game Show & Trading, All-Round (G-STAR), one of the largest international exhibitions supporting the game industry in South Korea. The results reveal that all three service quality dimensions were important antecedents of innovativeness. The results also verify that innovativeness has positive effects on citizenship behavior toward other visitors and G-STAR, and membership positively moderates the relationship between innovativeness and citizenship behavior toward other visitors. These results suggest that a conceptual model for understanding the dynamic effects of the relationships between service quality, innovativeness, and visitors’ citizenship behavior can be constructed and can contribute to managing sustainable exhibitions in the game industry.
Design Guidelines Developed from Environmental Assessments: A Design Tool for Resource-Efficient Products
Authors: Willskytt Siri , Brambila-Macias Sergio A.
Published: June 2020

The circular economy provides a potential solution to the take–make–dispose model of resource use that currently characterizes the economy. Guidelines for the circular economy often consist of prioritized lists of measures to achieve resource efficiency. However, for the purpose of designing products, such general prioritizations of measures are less useful. Instead, the tool developed in this study is based on learnings from numerous life cycle assessments and provides design recommendations for the improved resource efficiency of products based on product characteristics. The tool includes measures over the whole lifecycle of different products that lead to improved resource efficiency. The tool also demonstrates how different product types, such as different varieties of durable and consumable products, can become more resource-efficient and when trade-offs occur over the lifecycle of a product. The tool was tested in a design case where its usefulness and usability were evaluated using a comparative life cycle assessment and a questionnaire. The evaluation shows the tool is informative and provides design suggestions that lead to improved resource efficiency. The tool is considered usable and could be implemented in design practice.
Human Cytomegalovirus Mediates Unique Monocyte-to-Macrophage Differentiation through the PI3K/SHIP1/Akt Signaling Network
Authors: Cojohari Olesea , Mahmud Jamil , Altman Aaron M. , Peppenelli Megan A. , Miller Michael J. , Chan Gary C.
Published: June 2020

Blood monocytes mediate the hematogenous dissemination of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in the host. However, monocytes have a short 48-hour (h) lifespan and are not permissive for viral replication. We previously established that HCMV infection drives differentiation of monocytes into long-lived macrophages to mediate viral dissemination, though the mechanism was unclear. Here, we found that HCMV infection promoted monocyte polarization into distinct macrophages by inducing select M1 and M2 differentiation markers and that Akt played a central role in driving differentiation. Akt’s upstream positive regulators, PI3K and SHIP1, facilitated the expression of the M1/M2 differentiation markers with p110δ being the predominant PI3K isoform inducing differentiation. Downstream of Akt, M1/M2 differentiation was mediated by caspase 3, whose activity was tightly regulated by Akt in a temporal manner. Overall, this study highlights that HCMV employs the PI3K/SHIP1/Akt pathway to regulate caspase 3 activity and drive monocyte differentiation into unique macrophages, which is critical for viral dissemination.
Structural Characterization of Cuta- and Tusavirus: Insight into Protoparvoviruses Capsid Morphology
Authors: Mietzsch Mario , McKenna Robert , Väisänen Elina , Yu Jennifer C. , Ilyas Maria , Hull Joshua A. , Kurian Justin , Smith J. Kennon , Chipman Paul , Lasanajak Yi , Smith David , Söderlund-Venermo Maria , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis
Published: June 2020

Several members of the Protoparvovirus genus, capable of infecting humans, have been recently discovered, including cutavirus (CuV) and tusavirus (TuV). To begin the characterization of these viruses, we have used cryo-electron microscopy and image reconstruction to determine their capsid structures to ~2.9 Å resolution, and glycan array and cell-based assays to identify glycans utilized for cellular entry. Structural comparisons show that the CuV and TuV capsids share common features with other parvoviruses, including an eight-stranded anti-parallel β-barrel, depressions at the icosahedral 2-fold and surrounding the 5-fold axes, and a channel at the 5-fold axes. However, the viruses exhibit significant topological differences in their viral protein surface loops. These result in three separated 3-fold protrusions, similar to the bufaviruses also infecting humans, suggesting a host-driven structure evolution. The surface loops contain residues involved in receptor binding, cellular trafficking, and antigenic reactivity in other parvoviruses. In addition, terminal sialic acid was identified as the glycan potentially utilized by both CuV and TuV for cellular entry, with TuV showing additional recognition of poly-sialic acid and sialylated Lewis X (sLeXLeXLeX) motifs reported to be upregulated in neurotropic and cancer cells, respectively. These structures provide a platform for annotating the cellular interactions of these human pathogens.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Antagonizes PCSK9’s Antiviral Effect via Nsp11 Endoribonuclease Activity
Authors: Zhang Yujiao , Gao Fei , Li Liwei , Zhao Kuan , Jiang Shan , Jiang Yifeng , Yu Lingxue , Zhou Yanjun , Liu Changlong , Tong Guangzhi
Published: June 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most important pathogens in the swine industry worldwide. Our previous study had indicated that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) was a responsive gene in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) upon PRRSV infection. However, whether PCSK9 impacts the PRRSV replication and how the PRRSV modulates host PCSK9 remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that PCSK9 protein suppressed the replication of both type-1 and type-2 PRRSV species. More specifically, the C-terminal domain of PCSK9 was responsible for the antiviral activity. Besides, we showed that PCSK9 inhibited PRRSV replication by targeting the virus receptor CD163 for degradation through the lysosome. In turn, PRRSV could down-regulate the expression of PCSK9 in both PAMs and MARC-145 cells. By screening the nonstructural proteins (nsps) of PRRSV, we showed that nsp11 could antagonize PCSK9’s antiviral activity. Furthermore, mutagenic analyses of PRRSV nsp11 revealed that the endoribonuclease activity of nsp11 was critical for antagonizing the antiviral effect of PCSK9. Collectively, our data provide further insights into the interaction between PRRSV and the cell host and offer a new potential target for the antiviral therapy of PRRSV.
The Survivor: A Clinical Case of Tetanus in a Non-Immunized, Parenteral Drug User, Former Female Convict with HIV and HCV
Authors: Vicente-Alcalde Nancy , Martín-Casquero Tamara , Ruescas-Escolano Esther , Tuells José
Published: June 2020

Tetanus is a serious and potentially fatal systemic disease, caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It is estimated that 1 million cases occur worldwide annually. Immunization programs have drastically decreased tetanus in developed countries, and the sporadic cases have been linked to injecting drug users (IDUs), immunosuppressed individuals, or those older than 65 without complete vaccination. Regrettably, it is still endemic in under-developed countries. In Spain, an average of 10 cases are notified each year, especially affecting those older than 65. The present article describes a case of a 48-year-old Spanish woman, an ex-convict and IDU with infection antecedents of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV), who was admitted to the Emergency Department of a University Hospital with cervical rigidity and trismus. In a few hours, a neurological and respiratory deterioration was observed, resulting in admittance to the intensive care unit under the suspicion of a generalized tetanus infection. The treatment included hemodynamic support and respiratory therapy, antibiotics, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and tetanus immunoglobulin. Her stay in the ICU lasted 47 days. The clinical suspicion, the antecedents of risk, and the verification of the vaccination records should provide early guidance for diagnostics and the establishment of a treatment in these cases.
Lipidation of Pneumococcal Antigens Leads to Improved Immunogenicity and Protection
Authors: Voß Franziska , van Beek Lucille F. , Schwudke Dominik , Ederveen Thomas H. A. , van Opzeeland Fred J. , Thalheim Daniela , Werner Sidney , de Jonge Marien I. , Hammerschmidt Sven
Published: June 2020

Streptococcus pneumoniae infections lead to high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccines significantly reduce the burden of disease but have a limited range of protection, which encourages the development of a broadly protective protein-based alternative. We and others have shown that immunization with pneumococcal lipoproteins that lack the lipid anchor protects against colonization. Since immunity against S. pneumoniae is mediated through Toll-like receptor 2 signaling induced by lipidated proteins, we investigated the effects of a lipid modification on the induced immune responses in either intranasally or subcutaneously vaccinated mice. Here, we demonstrate that lipidation of recombinant lipoproteins DacB and PnrA strongly improves their immunogenicity. Mice immunized with lipidated proteins showed enhanced antibody concentrations and different induction kinetics. The induced humoral immune response was modulated by lipidation, indicated by increased IgG2/IgG1 subclass ratios related to Th1-type immunity. In a mouse model of colonization, immunization with lipidated antigens led to a moderate but consistent reduction of pneumococcal colonization as compared to the non-lipidated proteins, indicating that protein lipidation can improve the protective capacity of the coupled antigen. Thus, protein lipidation represents a promising approach for the development of a serotype-independent pneumococcal vaccine.