bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Grain Size on the Friction-Induced Martensitic Transformation and Tribological Properties of 304 Austenite Stainless Steel
Authors: Mao Bo , Chu Shuangjie , Wang Shuyang
Published: September 2020

Friction and wear performance of austenite stainless steels have been extensively studied and show a close relationship with the friction-induced martensitic transformation. However, how the grain size and associated friction-induced martensitic transformation behavior affect the tribological properties of austenite steels have not been systematically studied. In this work, dry sliding tests were performed on an AISI 304 stainless steel with a grain size ranging from 25 to 92 μm. The friction-induced surface morphology and microstructure evolution were characterized. Friction-induced martensitic transformation behavior, including martensite nucleation, martensite growth and martensite variant selection and its effect on the friction and wear behavior of the 304 stainless steel were analyzed. The results showed that both the surface coefficient of friction (COF) and the wear rate increase with the grain size. The COF was reduced three times and wear rate was reduced by 30% as the grain size decreased from 92 to 25 μm. A possible mechanism is proposed to account for the effect of grain size on the tribological behavior. It is discussed that austenite steel with refined grain size tends to suppress the amount of friction-induced martensitic transformed and significantly alleviates both the plowing and adhesive effect during dry sliding.
Succinate Is an Inflammation-Induced Immunoregulatory Metabolite in Macrophages
Authors: Harber Karl J. , de Goede Kyra E. , Verberk Sanne G. S. , Meinster Elisa , de Vries Helga E. , van Weeghel Michel , de Winther Menno P. J. , Van den Bossche Jan
Published: September 2020

Immunometabolism revealed the crucial role of cellular metabolism in controlling immune cell phenotype and functions. Macrophages, key immune cells that support progression of numerous inflammatory diseases, have been well described as undergoing vast metabolic rewiring upon activation. The immunometabolite succinate particularly gained a lot of attention and emerged as a crucial regulator of macrophage responses and inflammation. Succinate was originally described as a metabolite that supports inflammation via distinct routes. Recently, studies have indicated that succinate and its receptor SUCNR1 can suppress immune responses as well. These apparent contradictory effects might be due to specific experimental settings and particularly the use of distinct succinate forms. We therefore compared the phenotypic and functional effects of distinct succinate forms and receptor mouse models that were previously used for studying succinate immunomodulation. Here, we show that succinate can suppress secretion of inflammatory mediators IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nitric oxide (NO), as well as inhibit Il1b mRNA expression of inflammatory macrophages in a SUCNR1-independent manner. We also observed that macrophage SUCNR1 deficiency led to an enhanced inflammatory response without addition of exogenous succinate. While our study does not reveal new mechanistic insights into how succinate elicits different inflammatory responses, it does indicate that the inflammatory effects of succinate and its receptor SUCNR1 in macrophages are clearly context dependent.
Cu@Pd/C with Controllable Pd Dispersion as a Highly Efficient Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution from Ammonia Borane
Authors: Yang Yanliang , Duan Ying , Deng Dongsheng , Li Dongmi , Sui Dong , Gao Xiaohan
Published: September 2020

A series of Cu@Pd/C with different Pd contents was prepared using the galvanic reduction method to disperse Pd on the surface of Cu nanoparticles on Cu/C. The dispersion of Pd was regulated by the Cu(I) on the surface, which was introduced by pulse oxidation. The Cu2O did not react during the galvanic reduction process and restricted the Pd atoms to a specific area. The pulse oxidation method was demonstrated to be an effective process to control the oxidization degree of Cu on Cu/C and then to govern the dispersion of Pd. The catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), high angular annular dark field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), which were used to catalyze the hydrogen evolution from ammonia borane. The Cu@Pd/C had much higher activity than the PdCu/C, which was prepared by the impregnation method. The TOF increased as the Cu2O in Cu/C used for the preparation of Cu@Pd/C increased, and the maximum TOF was 465 molH2 min−1 molPd−1 at 298 K on Cu@Pd0.5/C-640 (0.5 wt % of Pd, 640 mL of air was pulsed during the preparation of Cu/C-640). The activity could be maintained in five continuous processes, showing the strong stability of the catalysts.
Serum Vitamin Levels and Their Relationships with Other Biomarkers in Korean Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Kim Jee Ah , Choi Rihwa , Won Hojeong , Kim Seonwoo , Choi Hee Jun , Ryu Jai Min , Lee Se Kyung , Yu Jonghan , Kim Seok Won , Lee Jeong Eon , Lee Soo-Youn
Published: September 2020

Numerous studies have shown that vitamins reduce the risk of cancers, but the relationship between serum vitamin levels and breast cancer is still controversial. In this study, we evaluated serum levels of vitamins in Korean patients with benign breast disease or breast cancer and investigated their associations with clinical and laboratory parameters. Concentrations of vitamin A, D, and E, together with homocysteine and methylmalonic acid as biomarkers of vitamin B12 deficiency, were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the serum of 104 breast cancer patients, 62 benign breast disease patients, and 75 healthy Korean females. We further assessed possible associations between vitamin levels and breast cancer subtypes, the presence of lymph node metastasis, and tumor stages. Serum concentrations of vitamins A and E were significantly lower in breast cancer patients and in benign breast disease patients than in healthy controls. Severe vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in breast cancer patients than in healthy controls. Vitamin D level was significantly lower in breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor-negative or triple-negative subtypes than in those with other subtypes. Further research with a larger study population is required to elucidate the role of vitamins in breast cancer.
Pathogenesis and Virulence of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
Authors: Henriques Mariana , Williams David
Published: September 2020

Fungal infections in humans have historically received comparatively less attention than those caused by bacteria and viruses. This may, in part, stem from the relative differences in infection prevalence. However, the more widespread use of immunosuppressive therapy, invasive surgery and medical devices in modern medicine has resulted in a more frequent occurrence of human fungal infection. There are a number of fungi that can cause human disease. However, it is arguably a species of the genus Candida that are most often encountered. There are over 150 Candida species that are widely encountered in the environment and in animal hosts, however, only a small number are opportunistic pathogens of humans. Candida albicans is a polymorphic yeast-like fungus and undoubtedly the species most often recovered from human infection. As such, the virulence of C. albicans and its susceptibility to antifungal agents are often investigated. More recently, the prevalence of infections caused by non-C. albicansCandida species have increased and, amongst these, infections caused by Candida glabrata have received attention given its often-higher tolerance to frequently used antifungals exhibited by this species. The papers presented in this Special Issue have focused on aspects relating to host responses to Candida infection, the efficacy of novel therapeutic agents and also treatment regimes. The papers highlight novel findings in their respective areas, whilst also highlighting the need for further research in these key and largely under-researched areas of candidoses.
Punica protopunica Balf., the Forgotten Sister of the Common Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): Features and Medicinal Properties—A Review
Authors: Guerrero-Solano José Antonio , Jaramillo-Morales Osmar Antonio , Jiménez-Cabrera Tania , Urrutia-Hernández Thania Alejandra , Chehue-Romero Alejandro , Olvera-Hernández Elena G. , Bautista Mirandeli
Published: September 2020

Punica protopunica Balf. is one of only two species housed by the Punica genera. Punica protopunica. Balf., known as Socotran pomegranate, is an endemic, isolated species found only in Socotra archipelago in the northwestern Indian Ocean, and is considered to be the ancestor of pomegranate. This review stems from the fact that in many Punica granatum L. articles, Punica protopunica Balf. is mentioned, but just in an informative way, without mentioning their taxonomic and genetic relationship and their medicinal properties. It is there where the need arises to know more about this forgotten species: “the other pomegranate tree.” A large part of the human population does not know of its existence, since only its “sister” has spread throughout the world. The present review deals with the taxonomy and origin of Punica protopunica Balf., the morphology of the tree, distribution, cultivation, vulnerability, and as well as its relationship with Punica granatum L. It also discusses its uses in traditional medicine, its antioxidant capacity, and the medicinal properties of this forgotten species.
Blending and Characteristics of Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitor Device Assembled from Plasticized Proton Ion Conducting Chitosan:Dextran:NH4PF6 Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: B. Aziz Shujahadeen , Brza Mohamad A. , Brevik Iver , Hafiz Muhamad H. , Asnawi Ahmad S.F.M. , Yusof Yuhanees M. , Abdulwahid Rebar T. , Kadir Mohd F.Z.
Published: September 2020

This research paper investigates the electrochemical performance of chitosan (CS): dextran (DX) polymer-blend electrolytes (PBEs), which have been developed successfully with the incorporation of ammonium hexafluorophosphate (NH4PF6). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that the plasticized electrolyte system with the highest value of direct current (DC) ionic conductivity is the most amorphous system. The glycerol addition increased the amorphous phase and improved the ionic dissociation, which contributed to the enhancement of the fabricated device’s performance. Transference number analysis (TNM) has shown that the charge transport process is mainly by ions rather than electrons, as tion = 0.957. The CS:DX:NH4PF6 system was found to decompose as the voltage goes beyond 1.5 V. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) revealed that the potential window for the most plasticized system is 1.5 V. The fabricated electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) was analyzed with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and charge-discharge analysis. The results from CV verify that the EDLC in this work holds the characteristics of a capacitor. The imperative parameters of the fabricated EDLC such as specific capacitance and internal resistance were found to be 102.9 F/g and 30 Ω, respectively. The energy stored and power delivered by the EDLC were 11.6 Wh/kg and 2741.2 W/kg, respectively.
Basalt Fiber Modified Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Magnesium Hydroxide Composites with Balanced Flame Retardancy and Improved Mechanical Properties
Authors: Yao Dongwei , Yin Guangzhong , Bi Qingqing , Yin Xu , Wang Na , Wang De-Yi
Published: September 2020

In this study, we selected basalt fiber (BF) as a functional filler to improve the mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)-based flame retardant materials. Firstly, BF was modified by grafting γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to comprehensively prove the successful modification of the BF surface. Subsequently, the modified BF was introduced into the EVA/magnesium hydroxide (MH) composites by melt blending. The limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, cone calorimeter test, tensile test, and non-notched impact test were utilized to characterize both the flame retardant properties and mechanical properties of the EVA/MH composites. It was found that the mechanical properties were significantly enhanced without reducing the flame retardant properties of the EVA/MH composites. Notably, the surface treatment with silane is a simple and low-cost method for BF surface modification and the pathway designed in this study can be both practical and effective for polymer performance enhancement.
Study on the Structure and Dielectric Properties of Zeolite/LDPE Nanocomposite under Thermal Aging
Authors: Han Bai , Yin Chuqi , Chang Jiaxin , Pang Yu , Lv Penghao , Song Wei , Wang Xuan
Published: September 2020

Nanodoping is an effective way to improve the dielectric properties and the aging resistance of polyethylene. Nano-zeolite has a nano-level porous structure and larger specific surface area than ordinary nano-inorganic oxide, which can be used to improve dielectric properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposite. The zeolite/LDPE nanocomposites were prepared and subjected to thermal aging treatment to obtain samples with different aging time. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test to study the microscopic and structure characteristics, it was found that nano-zeolite doping can effectively reduce the thermal aging damage to the internal structure of the nanocomposite; carbonyl and hydroxyl decreased significantly during the thermal aging time, and the crystallinity effectively improved. Nano-zeolite doping significantly improved the morphology and strengthened the aging resistance of the nanocomposite. In the dielectric strength test, it was found that nanodoping can effectively improve the direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) breakdown field strength and the stability after the thermal aging. The dielectric constant of nanocomposite can be reduced, and the dielectric loss had no obvious change during the aging process. Moreover, the zeolite/LDPE nanocomposite with the doping concentration of 1 wt % had the best performance, for the nano-zeolite was better dispersed.
Overflows and Pyroclastic Density Currents in March-April 2020 at Stromboli Volcano Detected by Remote Sensing and Seismic Monitoring Data
Authors: Calvari Sonia , Di Traglia Federico , Ganci Gaetana , Giudicepietro Flora , Macedonio Giovanni , Cappello Annalisa , Nolesini Teresa , Pecora Emilio , Bilotta Giuseppe , Centorrino Veronica , Corradino Claudia , Casagli Nicola , Del Negro Ciro
Published: September 2020

Between 28 March and 1 April 2020, Stromboli volcano erupted, with overflows from the NE crater rim spreading along the barren Sciara del Fuoco slope and reaching the sea along the NW coast of the island. Poor weather conditions did not allow a detailed observation of the crater zone through the cameras monitoring network, but a clear view of the lower slope and the flows expanding in the area allowed us to characterize the flow features. This evidence was integrated with satellite, GBInSAR, and seismic data, thus enabling a reconstruction of the whole volcanic event, which involved several small collapses of the summit cone and the generation of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) spreading along the slope and on the sea surface. Satellite monitoring allowed for the mapping of the lava flow field and the quantification of the erupted volume, and GBInSAR continuous measurements detected the crater widening and the deflation of the summit cone caused by the last overflow. The characterization of the seismicity made it possible to identify the signals that are associated with the propagation of PDCs along the volcano flank and, for the first time, to recognize the signal that is produced by the impact of the PDCs on the coast.
The Impact of the Madden–Julian Oscillation on Cyclone Amphan (2020) and Southwest Monsoon Onset
Authors: Roman-Stork Heather L. , Subrahmanyam Bulusu
Published: September 2020

Cyclone Amphan was an exceptionally strong tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal that achieved a minimum central pressure of 907 mb during its active period in May 2020. In this study, we analyzed the oceanic and surface atmospheric conditions leading up to cyclogenesis, the impact of this storm on the Bay of Bengal, and how the processes that led to cyclogenesis, such as the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) and Amphan itself, in turn impacted southwest monsoon preconditioning and onset. To accomplish this, we took a multiparameter approach using a combination of near real time satellite observations, ocean model forecasts, and reanalysis to better understand the processes involved. We found that the arrival of a second downwelling Kelvin wave in the equatorial Bay of Bengal, coupled with elevated upper ocean heat content and the positioning of the convective phase of the MJO, helped to create the conditions necessary for cyclogenesis, where the northward-propagating branch of the MJO acted as a trigger for cyclogenesis. This same MJO event, in conjunction with Amphan, heavily contributed atmospheric moisture to the southeastern Arabian Sea and established low-level westerlies that allowed for the southwest monsoon to climatologically onset on June 1.
Mapping Urban Tree Cover Changes Using Object-Based Convolution Neural Network (OB-CNN)
Authors: Timilsina Shirisa , Aryal Jagannath , Kirkpatrick Jamie B.
Published: September 2020

Urban trees provide social, economic, environmental and ecosystem services benefits that improve the liveability of cities and contribute to individual and community wellbeing. There is thus a need for effective mapping, monitoring and maintenance of urban trees. Remote sensing technologies can effectively map and monitor urban tree coverage and changes over time as an efficient and low-cost alternative to field-based measurements, which are time consuming and costly. Automatic extraction of urban land cover features with high accuracy is a challenging task, and it demands object based artificial intelligence workflows for efficiency and thematic accuracy. The aim of this research is to effectively map urban tree cover changes and model the relationship of such changes with socioeconomic variables. The object-based convolutional neural network (CNN) method is illustrated by mapping urban tree cover changes between 2005 and 2015/16 using satellite, Google Earth imageries and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) datasets. The training sample for CNN model was generated by Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA) using thresholds in a Canopy Height Model (CHM) and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The tree heatmap produced from the CNN model was further refined using OBIA. Tree cover loss, gain and persistence was extracted, and multiple regression analysis was applied to model the relationship with socioeconomic variables. The overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of tree cover extraction was 96% and 0.77 for 2005 images and 98% and 0.93 for 2015/16 images, indicating that the object-based CNN technique can be effectively implemented for urban tree coverage mapping and monitoring. There was a decline in tree coverage in all suburbs. Mean parcel size and median household income were significantly related to tree cover loss (R2 = 58.5%). Tree cover gain and persistence had positive relationship with tertiary education, parcel size and ownership change (gain: R2 = 67.8% and persistence: R2 = 75.3%). The research findings demonstrated that remote sensing data with intelligent processing can contribute to the development of policy input for management of tree coverage in cities.
Social Protection Implementation Issues in Ethiopia: Client Households’ Perceived Enablers and Constrainers of the Productive Safety Net Program
Authors: Lemma Melisew Dejene , Cochrane Logan
Published: September 2020

Social protection programs need to be suited to the specific context within which they are implemented. To minimize barriers and constraints in implementation, program design needs to integrate and respond to the views of client households and potential beneficiaries, ideally with on-going feedback mechanisms to better respond both to constrainers and to enablers. In order to provide evidence regarding constrainers and enablers in Ethiopia’s safety net program, we conducted a household survey to assess policy-backed efforts for social protection service delivery. This paper outlines client households’ perceived enablers and constrainers regarding the implementing of the Productive Safety Net Program, Africa’s second largest safety net. The findings suggest that client households have identified enablers and constrainers from their lived experience that could be used as a feedback mechanism and as input for future program design. The findings could foster better outcomes in program implementation.
Identification of Six Emergent Types Based on Cognitive and Affective Constructs that Explain Individuals’ Relationship with the Biosphere
Authors: Marais-Potgieter Andrea , Thatcher Andrew
Published: September 2020

To address the pathological human–nature nexus, psychological processes that impact this relationship need to be further understood. Individual differences related to personality, values, worldviews, affect, and beliefs are likely to influence how people relate to the natural world. However, there is a lack of empirically-based ecopsychological research exploring multiple individual attributes. Understanding individual differences enables the strategic design of planetary-focused interventions, such as advocacy, policy, and technology development. Using a theoretical model that incorporates intrinsic, affective, cognitive, and behavioral constructs, this study sought to identify and describe different types of people and their relationship with the biosphere. Seven hundred and fifty-three people completed an online quantitative questionnaire battery. Results from the cluster analyses of the cognitive and affective constructs showed that six heterogeneous types existed. Their different descriptive expressions of intrinsic, affective, cognitive, and behavioral constructs provide a deeper understanding of each type’s relationship with the biosphere.
Influences of Building Characteristics and Attitudes on Water Conservation Behavior of Rural Residents
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Yan , Zhao Han , Ao Yibin , Yang Linchuan
Published: September 2020

Urbanization promotes the development of human civilization but brings great challenges, such as air pollution, lack of water resources, and environmental damage, to the natural environment. Water conservation effectively alleviates the lack of water resources. Existing studies mostly focus on water conservation behavior in urban areas and overlook rural areas. This study takes rural residents in Chengdu as the research object and selects four villages to conduct empirical research and fill this research gap. A total of 165 valid questionnaires are collected after face-to-face interviews. First, descriptive analysis is used to analyze the current situation of rural residents’ water conservation behavior. Second, exploratory factor analysis and the binary logistic regression model are used to explore the relationship between building characteristics, water conservation attitudes, and water conservation behavior. The results show that (1) the rural residents’ water conservation attitude plays an important role in water conservation behavior; “environmental values” is the most significant factor, followed by “saving money and joint participation;” (2) rural building characteristics such as layout of the kitchen and shower facilities significantly affect the water conservation behavior of rural residents. Based on the analysis, several suggestions are made for building a new water-saving rural area in Chengdu, such as strengthening the publicity and education of water-saving behavior and subsidizing water-saving facilities. This research provides a theoretical basis for local government departments to formulate relevant policies and serves as a valuable reference for the protection of water resources in other rural areas.
Identification of Key Factors to Reduce Transport-Related Air Pollutants and CO2 Emissions in Asia
Authors: Bao Shuanghui , Nishiura Osamu , Fujimori Shinichiro , Oshiro Ken , Zhang Runsen
Published: September 2020

Asian countries are major contributors to global air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation demand and emissions expected to increase. However, few studies have been performed to evaluate policies that could reduce transport-related emissions in the region. This study explores transport-related CO2 and air pollutant emissions in major Asian nations along with the impacts of transport, climate, and emission control policies using the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model (AIM)/Transport model. Our results show that by 2050, CO2 emissions in developing countries will be 1.4–4.7-fold greater than the levels in 2005, while most air pollutant emissions will show large reductions (mean annual reduction rates of 0.2% to 6.1%). Notably, implementation of transport, emission control, and carbon pricing policies would reduce CO2 emissions by up to 33% and other air pollutants by 43% to 72%, depending on the emission species. An emission control policy represents the strongest approach for short-term and mid-term reduction of air pollutants. A carbon pricing policy would lead to a direct reduction in CO2 emissions; more importantly, air pollutant emissions would also be effectively reduced. Shifting to public transportation in developing countries can also greatly influence emissions reductions. An increase in traffic speed shows relatively small effects, but can be meaningful in Japan.
Transformative Urban Living Labs: Towards a Circular Economy in Amsterdam and Turin
Authors: Cuomo Federico , Ravazzi Stefania , Savini Federico , Bertolini Luca
Published: September 2020

The circular economy is becoming a field of experimentation to trigger site-specific laboratories oriented towards connecting material flows and citizens’ practices. Despite their wide use, a critical perspective of the transformative paths of these Urban Living Labs (ULLs) is still missing. This paper compares the paths followed by two such experiments, one in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and the other in Turin (Italy). To this end, we build an analytical framework that targets three dimensions: unconventionality, autonomy, and systemic impact on policies. We conclude that ULLs can take very different transformation paths over time due to a wide range of enablers and barriers. In Amsterdam there has been an assimilation in the neighbourhood as well as a transformative effect on an urban scale; while the case of Turin has turned out to be potentially transformative but also at risk of marginalization.
Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Characteristics of Waterproof System for Near-Sea Tunnel: A Case Study of the Gongbei Tunnel
Authors: Zhou Zhenliang , Tan Zhongsheng , Liu Qiang , Zhao Jinpeng , Dong Zikai
Published: September 2020

The water around thenear-sea tunnels is supplied infinitely, and mechanical characteristics of the lining and movement joint are inevitably affected by waterproof methods. The research on the mechanical characteristics of the waterproof system is immature. As a case study of the Gongbei tunnel, a scale model was established in this study, and the stratum, pipe curtain, grouting circle, lining, waterproof board, and movement joint were simulated based on the similarity theories. By changing the externally applied water pressure and drainage discharge, the variation and distribution of the water pressure and strain on the lining with the fully wrapped waterproof (FWW) method, the lining with the partially wrapped waterproof (PWW) method, and the movement joint were investigated. Furthermore, several suggestions on the selection of the waterproof method were presented. The results indicate that the PWW method can reduce the water pressure and strain on the lining under the drained state. Under the state of free drainage, the strain on the lining with the PWW method may get a discount of about 30%. More attention could be paid to the waterproof of the movement joints in the construction process, especially the invert. The research results may offer some valuable insights into the waterproof design of similar near-sea tunnels.
COVID-19 Screening Using a Lightweight Convolutional Neural Network with Generative Adversarial Network Data Augmentation
Authors: Zulkifley Mohd Asyraf , Abdani Siti Raihanah , Zulkifley Nuraisyah Hani
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 is a disease that can be spread easily with minimal physical contact. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction swab test as a diagnostic tool to confirm COVID-19 cases. This test requires at least a day for the results to come out depending on the available facilities. Many countries have adopted a targeted approach in screening potential patients due to the cost. However, there is a need for a fast and accurate screening test to complement this targeted approach, so that the potential virus carriers can be quarantined as early as possible. The X-ray is a good screening modality; it is quick at capturing, cheap, and widely available, even in third world countries. Therefore, a deep learning approach has been proposed to automate the screening process by introducing LightCovidNet, a lightweight deep learning model that is suitable for the mobile platform. It is important to have a lightweight model so that it can be used all over the world even on a standard mobile phone. The model has been trained with additional synthetic data that were generated from the conditional deep convolutional generative adversarial network. LightCovidNet consists of three components, which are entry, middle, and exit flows. The middle flow comprises five units of feed-forward convolutional neural networks that are built using separable convolution operators. The exit flow is designed to improve the multi-scale capability of the network through a simplified spatial pyramid pooling module. It is a symmetrical architecture with three parallel pooling branches that enable the network to learn multi-scale features, which is suitable for cases wherein the X-ray images were captured from all over the world independently. Besides, the usage of separable convolution has managed to reduce the memory usage without affecting the classification accuracy. The proposed method managed to get the best mean accuracy of 0.9697 with a low memory requirement of just 841,771 parameters. Moreover, the symmetrical spatial pyramid pooling module is the most crucial component; the absence of this module will reduce the screening accuracy to just 0.9237. Hence, the developed model is suitable to be implemented for mass COVID-19 screening.
Improving Drinking Water Quality in South Korea: A Choice Experiment with Hypothetical Bias Treatments
Authors: Gschwandtner Adelina , Jang Cheul , McManus Richard
Published: September 2020

The objective of this present study is to use choice experiments and an extensive cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to investigate the feasibility of installing two advanced water treatments in Cheongju waterworks in South Korea. The study uses latent class attribute non-attendance models in a choice experiment setting in order to estimate the benefits of the two water treatments. Moreover, it explores strategies to mitigate potential hypothetical bias as this has been the strongest criticism brought to stated preference methods to date. Hypothetical bias is the difference between what people state in a survey they would be willing to pay and what they would actually pay in a real situation. The study employs cheap talk with a budget constraint reminder and honesty priming with the latter showing more evidence of reducing potential hypothetical bias. The lower bound of the median WTP (willingness to pay) for installing a new advanced water treatment system is approximately $2 US/month, similar to the average expenditures for bottled water per household in South Korea. These lower bounds were found using bootstrapping and simulations. The CBA shows that one of the two treatments, granular activated carbon is more robust to sensitivity analyses, making this the recommendation of the study.
Seasonal Variations of Dissolved Iron Concentration in Active Layer and Rivers in Permafrost Areas, Russian Far East
Authors: Tashiro Yuto , Yoh Muneoki , Shiraiwa Takayuki , Onishi Takeo , Shesterkin Vladimir , Kim Vladimir
Published: September 2020

Dissolved iron (dFe) in boreal rivers may play an important role in primary production in high-latitude oceans. However, iron behavior in soils and dFe discharge mechanism from soil to the rivers are poorly understood. To better understand iron dynamics on the watershed scale, we observed the seasonal changes in dFe and Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) concentrations in the river as well as dFe concentration in soil pore waters in permafrost watershed from May to October. During snowmelt season, high dFe production (1.38–4.70 mg L−1) was observed in surface soil pore waters. Correspondingly, riverine dFe and DOC concentrations increased to 1.10 mg L−1 and 32.3 mg L−1, and both were the highest in the year. After spring floods, riverine dFe and DOC concentrations decreased to 0.15 mg L−1 and 7.62 mg L−1, and dFe concentration in surface soil pore waters also decreased to 0.20–1.28 mg L−1. In late July, riverine dFe and DOC concentrations increased to 0.33 mg L−1 and 23.6 mg L−1 in response to heavy rainfall. In August and September, considerable increases in dFe concentrations (2.00–6.90 mg L−1) were observed in subsurface soil pore waters, probably because infiltrated rainwater developed reducing conditions. This dFe production was confirmed widely in permafrost wetlands in valley areas. Overall, permafrost wetlands in valley areas are hotspots of dFe production and greatly contribute to dFe and DOC discharge to rivers, especially during snowmelt and rainy seasons.
Advancing Knowledge on Cyanobacterial Blooms in Freshwaters
Authors: Vardaka Elisabeth , Kormas Konstantinos Ar.
Published: September 2020

Cyanobacterial blooms have become a frequent phenomenon in freshwaters worldwide; they are a widely known indicator of eutrophication and water quality deterioration. Information and knowledge contributing towards the evaluation of the ecological status of freshwaters, particularly since many are used for recreation, drinking water, and aquaculture, is valuable. This Special Issue, entitled “Advancing Knowledge on Cyanobacterial Blooms in Freshwaters”, includes 11 research papers that will focus on the use of complementary approaches, from the most recently developed molecular-based methods to more classical approaches and experimental and mathematical modelling regarding the factors (abiotic and/or biotic) that control the diversity of not only the key bloom-forming cyanobacterial species, but also their interactions with other biota, either in freshwater systems or their adjacent habitats, and their role in preventing and/or promoting cyanobacterial growth and toxin production.
Bank Protection Structures along the Brahmaputra-Jamuna River, a Study of Flow Slides
Authors: van der Wal Maarten
Published: September 2020

The planform of the Brahmaputra-Jamuna River followed its natural path in Bangladesh until the construction of bank protection works started to save Sirajganj from bank erosion since the 1930s. Several so-called hardpoints such as groynes and revetments were constructed in the period 1980–2015 and the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge was opened in 1998. The Brahmaputra Right Embankment and other projects had saved the western flood plain from inundation during monsoon floods. These river training works experienced severe damage by geotechnical failures, mostly flow slides. A flow slide is an underwater slope failure because of liquefaction or a breaching process in the subsoil or a combination of both. The design of most of these training works did not consider the risk of damage by flow slides. All descriptions of the observed damages show that scour phenomena in the channel close to a river training work are a cause of flow slides, besides pore water outflow. The research question was: how can the design of river training works be improved to reduce the risk of damage by flow slides? The main part of the investigation was focussed on reducing local scour holes near river training works. The most promising results are river training works with gentle bank slopes, permeable groynes, bed protections in dredged trenches with gentle side slopes, and methods to increase locally the bearing capacity of the subsoil. It is recommended to increase the knowledge of the failure mechanisms in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna River by improved monitoring in the field, the setup of a database with descriptions of all observed flow slides and the circumstances in which they occur. In addition to these recommendations, a field test facility is proposed to verify the knowledge of the failure mechanisms in that river. These activities will optimise the design of new river training structures with a very low risk of damages by flow slides and geotechnical instabilities and they will contribute to an improvement of the current design guidelines for river training structures.
Schizophrenia Psychosis in Women
Authors: Seeman Mary V.
Published: September 2020

A first step towards personalized medicine is to consider whether, for some disorders, the safest and most effective treatment of women needs to differ from standard guideline recommendations developed on the basis of clinical trials conducted, for the most part, in men. A second step is to consider how women’s reproductive stages—pre-pubertal years, menstrual phases, pregnancy trimesters, lactation and postpartum periods, menopausal and postmenopausal/aging status—affect the optimal choice of treatment. This review focuses on these two steps in the treatment of psychosis, specifically schizophrenia. It discusses genetics, precursors and symptoms of schizophrenia, reproductive and associated ethical issues, antipsychotic drug response and adverse effects, substance abuse, victimization and perpetration of violence, and issues of immigration and of co-morbidity. The conclusions, while often based on clinical experience and theoretical considerations rather than strictly on the evidence of randomized controlled trials, are that clinical recommendations need to consider clinical and role differences that exist between men and women and make appropriate correction for age and reproductive status.
Archivos e investigación. Reflexiones en torno a las posibilidades de indagación de las relaciones de género en los archivos
Authors: BALBUENA Yamila , NAZAR Mariana
Published: September 2020

Este trabajo surge como respuesta a determinadas propuestas que se vienen dando en la Argentina en relación con el tratamiento y difusión de documentos de archivo por parte de los/as investigadores sociales. En el mismo, nos dedicaremos a abordar una primera diferenciación entre las tareas del archivo y las tareas de la investigación, pasando luego a explicitar algunas diferencias entre los distintos reservorios de información, para culminar en un acercamiento a las formas de indagación de las relaciones de género en los archivos, no sin antes mencionar la problemática general en la que se encuentran hoy los archivos en nuestro país. Palabras clave: archivos, perspectiva de género, investigación, archivística, nueva historia   Recibido: 25/08/08 Aprobado: 10/11/09 Versión final: 11/11/09
Miedos y vergüenzas en la investigación científica
Authors: Alonso Vidal María
Published: September 2020

Mi vida atraviesa mi investigación, eso supone que las emociones que se desprenden de  experiencias, pensamientos, deseos, en los que me veo involucrada a diario, están volcados en ella de alguna manera. Sin embargo,  un espacio serio y riguroso como el de la ciencia, no puede verse contaminado  por el mundo de los sentimientos, generadores de subjetividad e imparcialidad. Y es que, todo ello se da cuando lo realmente relevante son los resultados. No obstante, para mí, desde la etnografía feminista, los resultados no son lo más importante. Lo que me resulta interesante es el proceso.La cuestión es que, yo también me he formado y me he construido en un mundo en el que lo relevante era “la verdad” de la ciencia. De manera que cuando me pongo a investigar sobre mi intimidad y la de otras -pues intento averiguar desde nosotras, si las parejas de lesbianas se construyen como relaciones de género-,  me doy de bruces con las emociones, y afloran mis miedos y vergüenzas al dudar, yo misma, de la validez de mi investigación.
Presentación del Dossier “Mujeres que luchan”
Authors: Daich Deborah
Published: September 2020

Desde Zona Franca habíamos pensado, para esta edición, en un pequeño dossier que recuperara algunas de las luchas colectivas de mujeres en América latina, especialmente en Argentina, desde una perspectiva de género. Pensábamos en contribuciones que refirieran a distintos tipos de activismo que tienen a las mujeres como protagonistas: feministas, mujeres de sectores populares tanto rurales como urbanas, indígenas, afrodescendientes, lesbianas, militantes por el derecho al aborto legal, contra todo tipo de violencia, entre otras. Es un campo extremadamente vasto por lo que los artículos aquí reunidos no resultan, ni podrían resultar, una representación acabada del mismo.
Experiencias de Profesionales feministas: Red de Psicólogxs Feministas
Authors: Cassouto Gisela , Uceda Rocío
Published: September 2020

El 3 de junio del 2015, se dio una masiva movilización contra la violencia hacia las mujeres detrás de la consigna “Ni una menos”, que convocó a gran parte de la sociedad argentina a repensarse, y sus efectos se vieron tanto a corto como a largo plazo. Muchas personas que nunca habían problematizado su lugar dentro de una sociedad machista, comenzaron a interpelarlo. Desde ese día como nunca antes se empezaron a tejer los vínculos entre los distintos tipos de violencia machista. Socialmente comenzamos a entender que no hay femicidio sin violencia simbólica, sin un sistema global de opresión del colectivo de varones hacia el colectivo de mujeres y otros géneros.Sin saberlo aún, ahí comenzó a gestarse lo que luego resultaría en la Red de Psicólogxs Feministas.
D´Antonio, Débora (2016) La prisión en los años 70. Historia, género y política. Buenos Aires: Editorial Biblos, 302 pp.
Authors: Grammático Karin
Published: September 2020

D´Antonio, Débora (2016) La prisión en los años 70. Historia, género y política. Buenos Aires: Editorial Biblos, 302 pp.
Género y Trabajo Infantil. Memorias en contextos de conformación socio-urbana
Authors: Nemcovsky Mariana
Published: September 2020

Esta presentación deriva de la tesis doctoral «Entre el trabajo y laescuela. Memorias de Experiencias Infantiles, Rosario 1930-1940»,en la cual abordamos, a través de memorias1 y fuentes documentales,la relación entre experiencias laborales, familiares y escolarestranscurridas durante la niñez de esos años. En esta oportunidadnos centramos fundamentalmente, en el análisis de los relatos dememorias de experiencias laborales. Las mismas exponen nivelesde heterogeneidades diferentes y superpuestos que se articulandialécticamente: aquellos vinculados con las condiciones materiales delos grupos familiares; con las particularidades de los desenvolvimientosproductivos del espacio socio urbano en que habitaban; y, con procesosselectivos/diferenciales fundados en relaciones de género, construidasen términos de desigualdad social.Se trata de re-elaboraciones construidas en el presente de laevocación a las que nos interesa considerar en sus conexiones sociohistóricas.En el tiempo comprendido entre esas décadas se consolidannuevos sentidos de infancia en consonancia con un conjunto de políticasque tienen a la niñez como eje central; a la par de ello se desenvuelvendistintos “procesos emergentes” (Williams, R; 2000), en el contexto dealgunos cambios económicos signifi cativos, que producen importantestransformaciones a escala de la ciudad. No obstante,nos parecenecesario advertir que desde una perspectiva teórico metodológicarelacional- dialéctica (Achilli, E.; 2005) no nos interesan los recortestemporales arbitrarios puesto que entendemos que los procesos quetomamos para estudiar atraviesan el período que consideramos, seestán gestando mucho antes y en su devenir se extenderán más alláde aquellos (Plá, A; 2000).
Persepsi Masyarakat Desa Doy Kecamatan Ulee Kareng Kota Banda Aceh Tentang Implementasi Fungsi Media Massa
Authors: Ribut Priadi, Prasetiyo AK Jailani, Yan Hendra
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi oleh keberadaan media massa dalam melaksanakan fungsinya yakni informasi, edukasi, kontrol sosial dan hiburan. Sebagai media lokal di Aceh, keberadaan Serambi Indonesia turut memunculkan beragam persepsi dari masyarakat, salah satunya mengenai implementasi fungsinya sebagai media massa. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menjelaskan implementasi fungsi media massa Harian Serambi Indonesia dalam menjalankan fungsi informasi, edukasi, kontrol sosial dan hiburan. Peneliti memakai pendekatan kualitatif, sedangkan data-data penelitian dikumpulkan melalui wawancara dan observasi. Jumlah informan dalam penelitian ini sebanyak enam orang, jumlah tersebut ditetapkan setelah ditemukan titik jenuh data dalam penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa masyarakat Desa Doy berpersepsi positif terhadap empat fungsi media massa yang dijalankan oleh Serambi Indonesia, yakni fungsi informasi, edukasi, kontrol sosial dan Hiburan. Hanya saja, masyarakat Desa Doy kurang puas terhadap fungsi hiburan yang dijalankan oleh Harian Serambi Indonesia belum dapat memenuhi kebutuhan seperti yang mereka inginkan.
Konstruksi Relasi Seksual Laki-laki Di Indonesia dalam Film
Authors: Susanti Dwi , Rosyidi Moch Imron
Published: September 2020

Perkembangan industri film di Indonesia menempatkan perempuan yang pada mulanya berada dalam layar, bergerak hingga ke belakang layar. Perempuan mengambil peran penting sebagai produser, penulis naskah dan sutradara. Nia Dinata merupakan salah satu perempuan yang memulai karirnya  di baliklayar  dan menyutradarai film Arisan ! Landasan teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah konsep hegemoni maskulinitas yang selama ini telah dipakai pemerintah dalam mengkonstruksi bentuk-bentuk maskulinitas di Indonesia. Konstruksi maskulinitas tersebut terdapat pada film-film yang diproduksi melalui dengan figur bapak sebagai tokoh sentral dalam keluarga.. Perspektif Women’s Cinemajuga digunakan dalam penelitian ini berkaitan dengan penggunaan kacamata perempuan dalam merepresentasikan maskulinitas melalui sebuah film.

Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dengan paradigma konstruktivistik. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan yakni semiotika Pierce yang bersumber pada segitiga semiotik yakni, Sign, Interpretantdan Object.Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang telah dilakukan, terdapat representasi maskulinitas plural. Ada tiga bentuk maskulinitas yang terdapat dalam film tersebut. Yang pertama,adalah fatherhood.Yang kedua, adalah laki-laki jenis baru, atau new man. Yang terakhir dan menjadi fokus dalam penelitian ini, adalah maskulinitas dan relasi seksual. Film Arisan!merepresentasikan hubungan seksual sesama jenis atau homoseksual ke dalam citra yang positif. Hubungan Nino dan Sakti yang mendapatkan dukungan dari teman-teman serta keluarganya, bahkan Nino dan Sakti berani dan bangga coming out tentang identitas seksual mereka.

Kata Kunci: Relasi Seksual, Semiotika, Representasi Maskulinitas