bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a Sustainable Landscape: Constructing Identities and Ambitions in a Citizen Initiative in the Making
Authors: Bosschaart Wim , Aarts Noelle , van den Born Riyan J.G.
Published: October 2020

The recent proliferation of citizen initiatives that aim to contribute to sustainable landscape transition prompted us to study how members of such an initiative in-the-making try to position themselves in their environment in order to make a meaningful contribution. We use a single case study in the east of the Netherlands to study how members discursively construct identities and ambitions through the inclusion of people and ideas over time. We applied an interactional framing analysis to 20 audio-recorded and transcribed meetings of the citizen initiative. The results show that various actors and ideas were included over time, resulting in the construction of different ambitions and identities over time. Ambitions changed in response to new event and changing circumstances. To justify these changing ambitions, the members constructed new identities during their conversations, using different interactional framing strategies. The study reveals that the process of finding an ambition and identity continuously changed direction, paradoxically, due to a lack of direction that hindered the members in making coherent and sustainable decisions. We conclude that a citizen initiative should actively interact with their relation groups to find a direction that supports the process of effectively positioning their initiative and contributes to the shared goal of improving the quality of the living environment.
Toward Sustainable Arctic Shipping: Perspectives from China
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wan Zheng , Fu Shanshan
Published: October 2020

As a near-Arctic state and a shipping power, China shows great interest in developing polar shortcuts from East Asia to Europe against the background of shrinking Arctic sea ice. Due to the Arctic’s historic inaccessibility and corresponding vulnerable ecosystems, Arctic shipping activities must be carried out sustainably. In this study, a content analysis method was adopted to detect Chinese perspectives toward sustainable Arctic shipping based on qualitative data collected from the websites of several Chinese government agencies. Results show that, first, China emphasizes the fundamental role played by scientific expeditions and studies in developing Arctic shipping routes. Second, China encourages its shipping enterprises to conduct commercial and regularized Arctic voyages and intends to strike a good balance between shipping development and environmental protection. Third, China actively participates in Arctic shipping governance via extensive international cooperation at the global and regional levels. Several policy recommendations on how China can develop sustainable Arctic shipping are proposed accordingly.
University Start-Ups: The Relationship between Faculty Start-Ups and Student Start-Ups
Authors: Lee Yoonseock , Lee Young-Hwan
Published: October 2020

University start-ups include faculty and student start-ups. Earlier research on universities’ roles in start-ups was focused on faculty. When student start-ups outperform faculty start-ups, the resources affecting these start-ups, and their relationship, should be analyzed. This study investigates the determinants of faculty and student start-ups, comparing key resources and exploring whether faculty start-ups affect student start-ups and vice versa, as well as whether the relevant resources interact, using panel data from 92 Korean universities from 2012 to 2018. Resource variables including labor costs, bonuses, research expenses, laboratory expenses, equipment costs, and technology transfer offices were used as explanatory variables. Additionally, for faculty start-ups, central and local government funds, science citation indices, patents, technology revenues, and student start-ups were used as explanatory variables. For student start-ups, university funding, government funding, start-up clubs, Capstone Design funding, and faculty start-ups were used as explanatory variables. Using these start-ups as endogenous variables in estimations, this study adapts a simultaneous equation model with panel data, analyzing it with three-stage least square regression method. Faculty labor costs and central and local government research funds significantly positively affect faculty start-ups. Support funding, start-up clubs, and technology transfer offices significantly positively affect student start-ups. Results show that faculty start-ups significantly affect student start-ups, but there is no influence from student start-ups on faculty start-ups.
Following a Step by Step Development of a Resilience Action Plan
Authors: Cardoso Maria Adriana , Telhado Maria João , Almeida Maria do Céu , Brito Rita Salgado , Pereira Cristina , Barreiro João , Morais Marco
Published: October 2020

According to the United Nations, by 2030, 60% of the world’s population will live in cities, and 70% by 2050. Both consolidated and fast urbanizing areas face diverse acute shocks from natural disasters and long-term stresses, such as the effects of climate change. Therefore, there is a need for cities to implement plans for increasing resilience and improving preparedness to cope with both acute shocks and long-term stresses. Development of resilience action plans (RAP) constitutes an important process for the cities to plan their resilience enhancement in the long, medium, and short terms. These are key tools for the city, considering the associated complexity, uncertainties, data scarcity, interdependencies among urban services provided in the city, as well as involved stakeholders. Herein, a framework is presented to support city resilience action planning related to climate change through a multisector approach. The framework was applied step by step to three cities—Barcelona, Bristol, and Lisbon—and their RAPs to climate change provide roadmaps for resilience, having the urban water cycle as the core. In these plans, urban services are included, given their interactions and contributions to city’s resilience. Addressed services are water supply, wastewater, storm water, waste, electric energy, and mobility.
Moisture Dry-Out Capability of Steel-Faced Mineral Wool Insulated Sandwich Panels
Authors: Kalbe Kristo , Piikov Hubert , Kalamees Targo
Published: October 2020

Moisture dry-out from steel-faced insulated sandwich panels has previously received little attention from researchers. This paper reports the results from laboratory tests and dynamic heat, air, and moisture transport simulations of the moisture dry-out capabilities of a steel-faced sandwich panel with a mineral wool core. Three test walls (TWs) with dimensions of 1.2 m × 0.4 m × 0.23 m were put above water containers to examine the moisture transport through the TWs. A calibrated simulation model was used to investigate the hygrothermal regime of a sandwich panel wall enclosure with different initial moisture contents and panel joint tightening tapes. The moisture dry-out capacity of the studied sandwich panels is limited (up to 2 g/day through a 30-mm-wide and 3-m-long vertical joint without tapes). When the vertical joint was covered with a vapour-permeable tape, the moisture dry-out was reduced to 1 g/day and when the joint was covered with a vapour-retarding tape, the dry-out was negligible. A very small amount of rain would be enough to raise the moisture content to water vapour saturation levels inside the sandwich wall, had the rain ingressed the enclosure. The calculated time of wetness (TOW) on the internal surface of the outer steel sheet stayed indefinitely at about 5500 h/year when vapour-retarding tapes were used and the initial relative humidity (RH) was over 80%. TOW stabilised to about 2000 h/year when a vapour-permeable tape was used regardless of the initial humidity inside the panel. A vapour-permeable tape allowed moisture dry-out but also vapour diffusion from the outside environment. To minimise the risk of moisture damage, avoiding moisture ingress during construction time or due to accidents is necessary. Additionally, a knowledge-based method is recommended to manage moisture safety during the construction process.
Anthropogenic Impacts on Water Quality in a Small, Forested Mountain Catchment: A Case Study of the Seebächle, Black Forest, Southern Germany
Authors: Siegwald Laura , de Jong Carmen
Published: October 2020

The aims of this case study are to assess water quality in a small, forested mountain catchment in the Black Forest, forming part of a National Park and Natura 2000 zone. Field work was carried out in the catchment of the Seebächle torrent, a small headwater basin of the River Acher, a confluent of the Rhine, in Southern Germany between late winter and early summer of 2018. The catchment has a diverse natural setting of water bodies, including springs, torrents, and a lake, and is impacted by anthropogenic activities such as summer tourism, winter sports, two quarries, road traffic, and an isolated construction site. Physio-chemical and bacterial water samples were obtained at 10 measurement sites, including a spring, a lake (Mummelsee), a fountain, artificial and natural snow on and next to a ski run (Seibelseckle), artificial ditches and parking lots draining the ski run, and the Seebächle torrent above two granite mines. Samples were either taken directly on site or analyzed in corresponding hydrology and hospital microbiology laboratories. Water of the Seebächle is oxygen-rich, peaty, and mostly acidic, but the pH varies between 4.1 and 9.5 throughout the catchment, inclining towards acid in the fountain and below the ski run and towards alkaline in the lake. Conductivity is spatially highly variable, reaching the most elevated values below the ski run and its parking lot (149 µS/cm). A high density of bacteria including enterobacteria was detected at nearly all sites. Human pathogenic bacteria were found below and surrounding the ski run, at parking lots draining the ski run, as well as at the lowest site during the mid-spring campaign. They were also detected in the touristically highly frequented lake and in the spring feeding the lake during the end-of-spring campaign. Whilst most physico-chemical parameters followed a similar pattern and fell within good to very good EU drinking water quality status, the lake turbidity levels (19.2 NTU) by far exceeded norms after ice thawing. The most contaminated site in terms of bacteria and turbidity (5.2 NTU), ammonium nitrogen (0.18 mg/L), and total nitrogen (5.06 mg/L) was the spring feeding the Mummelsee draining the construction site of a new restaurant. These field analyses show that the water quality of a virtually uninhabited, natural headwater catchment is strongly interconnected and can degrade both by direct and indirect impacts of overtourism.
A Qualitative Research on the Food Security of School Children in the Rural Area
Authors: Tecau Alina Simona , Dimitriu Cristina , Marinescu Nicolae , Tescasiu Bianca , Epuran Gheorghe
Published: October 2020

Food security is a complex phenomenon that determines multiple concerns and initiatives worldwide. The research presented in this paper aims to analyze the food security of children in rural areas, following a project funded by the European Union (EU). The main objective of the research is to investigate the opportunity to implement sustainable programs to ensure hot meals for children in schools located in rural areas of Romania. No similar academic studies were conducted in Romania focused on food security from an economic perspective. An exploratory qualitative research methodology was chosen based on in-depth nondirective interviews among experts. The research results highlight the necessity of optimizing the relationship between the needs of children in rural areas and the food resources available to them within families and schools. The results also suggest that serving hot meals in primary schools in needy areas is appropriate, as poor nutrition among children has negative effects on the educational process and on their long-term development. The conclusions of this paper lead to managerial implications for policymakers wishing to assess the impact of projects employed in schools financed by national and EU funds.
Environmental Impact of Fresh Tomato Production in an Urban Rooftop Greenhouse in a Humid Continental Climate in South Korea
Authors: Torres Pineda Israel , Cho Jeong Hwa , Lee Dongkeun , Lee Sang Min , Yu Sangseok , Lee Young Duk
Published: October 2020

In this work, we used life cycle assessment (LCA) to determine the environmental impact of fresh tomato production using a conventional greenhouse (GH) located in a rural area versus a rooftop greenhouse (RTG) located in an urban area in South Korea. The heating and cooling loads were modeled for a period of 12 months using the simulation software TRNSYS. The comparative LCA was then performed for the GH and RTG using these data. It was found that 19% less energy is required for heating an RTG and 38% more energy is used for cooling compared with a GH. Nevertheless, the total energy load reduction for the RTG is 13%. This decreased energy consumption is due to smaller heat losses of the RTG during the colder months. The decreased energy load, combined with the elimination of transportation, storage, and handling losses during the distribution stage, resulted in 43% less global warming potential, 45% less cumulative energy demand and abiotic depletion, 37% less photochemical oxidation and acidification, and 27% less eutrophication for the RTG. Further studies with seasonal yield data, energy sources, and integrated energy flows are expected to provide a better understanding of the advantages of urban farming in this region.
Sustainability Analysis of the E-Learning Education System during Pandemic Period—COVID-19 in Romania
Authors: Ionescu Constantin Aurelian , Paschia Liliana , Gudanescu Nicolau Nicoleta Luminita , Stanescu Sorina Geanina , Neacsu Stancescu Veronica Maria , Coman Mihaela Denisa , Uzlau Marilena Carmen
Published: October 2020

The unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 pandemic has generated radical transformations of the Romanian education system, forcing teachers as well as students to adapt in a short time to new social conditions and to the online learning process. The paper analyzes the sustainability of the e-learning system implemented in Romania during the pandemic, and it is based on an opinion poll based on a questionnaire developed on three levels of schooling (middle school, high school, and university), analyzed from three perspectives, teachers–students–parents, and identifying the possible psychological effects on students, resulting from the corroboration of social isolation with the online continuation of the educational process. Although before the pandemic the e-learning system was rarely used by both students and teachers, the research results indicate that students have accepted online learning, even if they find it less attractive than the traditional education system. From the teacher–student–parent perspective, e-learning is an effective sustainable learning solution in current and future conditions, but it requires good collaboration between parents and teachers, careful monitoring of children’s/students’ behavior to identify and combat possible effects determined by the changing way of learning and of social realities.
“Qualifying Peripheries” or “Repolarizing the Center”: A Comparison of Gentrification Processes in Europe
Authors: Nickayin Samaneh Sadat , Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir Rares , Clemente Matteo , Chelli Francesco Maria , Salvati Luca , Benassi Federico , Morera Antonio Gimenez
Published: October 2020

Reflecting a broader form of neo-liberal urban policy underlying the progressive return of capital investment, gentrification is a key issue in urban studies. Although earlier definitions of “gentrification” focused mostly on socio-cultural processes, recent works have qualified gentrification as a mixed political–economic issue. Clarifying whether inner city gentrification should be supported, controlled, constricted, or prevented is a key debate in urban sustainability and metabolism, contributing to managing and, possibly, enhancing metropolitan resilience. To define the causes and consequences of gentrification, understanding the intrinsic linkage with different social contexts is crucial. There are no universal and comprehensive gentrification processes, displaying similarities and differences at the same time. A comparative analysis of different forms of gentrification and urban change provides basic knowledge to delineate complex, non-linear paths of socioeconomic development in cities, shedding light on the increased socioeconomic complexity and the most appropriate policies to fuel metropolitan sustainability in a broader context of global change. From this perspective, our commentary focuses on the main issues at the base of gentrification in Europe, starting from basic definitions and providing a regional vision distinguishing three “gentrification ideal-types” (northern, eastern, and Mediterranean). The implications of these different socioeconomic processes for the policy and governance of sustainable and resilient cities were discussed, evidencing new lines of investigation to frame (or re-frame) the increasing complexity of urbanization patterns and processes.
Open-Mindedness Culture, Knowledge-Sharing, Financial Performance, and Industry 4.0 in SMEs
Authors: Michna Anna , Kmieciak Roman
Published: October 2020

Due to limited resources, the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions is a big challenge in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, it is important to identify the factors that facilitate such implementation. However, empirical research in this area is insufficient. The purpose of this article is to investigate whether open-mindedness culture, knowledge-sharing, and financial performance have a significant impact on willingness to implement Industry 4.0 in SMEs. To achieve the purpose of the article, quantitative research was conducted. Data from 562 Polish manufacturing SMEs were collected and analyses were performed using partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM). The study results reveal that open-mindedness culture has both a direct and indirect (through knowledge sharing) impact on willingness to implement Industry 4.0 in SMEs. Results suggest that in terms of micro-enterprises, open-mindedness is more important and knowledge-sharing is less important for willingness to implement Industry 4.0 than in larger enterprises. Moreover, regardless of the company size, financial performance is positively related to willingness to implement Industry 4.0. The research results provide SME managers with guidelines on what activities within the company should be strengthened if the goal of the company is to implement Industry 4.0 solutions.
Combining 3-Momentum and Kinetic Energy on Galilei/Newton Spacetime
Authors: Cardall Christian Y.
Published: October 2020

Without the mass-energy equivalence available on Minkowski spacetime M, it is not possible on 4-dimensional non-relativistic Galilei/Newton spacetime G to combine 3-momentum and total mass-energy in a single tensor object. However, given a fiducial frame, it is possible to combine 3-momentum and kinetic energy into a linear form (particle) or (1,1) tensor (continuum) in a manner that exhibits increased unity of classical mechanics on flat relativistic and non-relativistic spacetimes M and G. As on M, for a material continuum on G, the first law of thermodynamics can be considered a consequence of a unified dynamical law for energy-momentum rather than an independent postulate.
Inter-Limb Symmetry at Simultaneous and Alternated Arms Flexion by the Elbow during Water Fitness Sessions
Authors: Santos Catarina C. , Barbosa Tiago M. , Bartolomeu Raúl F. , Garrido Nuno D. , Costa Mário J.
Published: October 2020

The aim was to compare the inter-limb symmetry between alternated and simultaneous arms flexion during water fitness sessions. Twenty-three elderly women were recruited to perform flexion by the elbow with different mechanical strategies: (a) simultaneous and (b) alternated. An incremental protocol was used, with four music cadences, starting at 105 beats per minute up to 150. The peak force of dominant and non-dominant upper-limbs was retrieved. A symmetry index (SI, %) was also used to quantify coordination. There were significant variations in force produced by the dominant and non-dominant limbs in most of the cadences in the alternated or simultaneous actions. Differences with a medium effect between upper-limbs were shown when moving simultaneously indicating that an alternated movement can be a more proper strategy to work with. Despite that, both strategies seemed to be characterized by an asymmetric pattern (SI from 20 to 30%), requiring full attention from water fitness practitioners.
Research of RBF-PID Control in Maglev System
Authors: Ma Danrui , Song Mengxiao , Yu Peichang , Li Jie
Published: October 2020

Control of the maglev system is one of the most significant technologies of the maglev train. The common proportion integration differentiation (PID) method, which has fixed control parameters, ignores the non-linearity and uncertainty of the model in the design process. In the actual process, due to environmental changes and interference, the inherent parameters of the system will drift significantly. The traditional PID controller has difficulty meeting the control requirements, and will have poor control effect in the actual working environment. Therefore, a radial basis function (RBF)-PID controller is designed in this article, which can use the information from the levitation system identified by the RBF network to adjust the parameters of the controller in real time. Compared with the traditional PID control method, it is shown that the RBF-PID method can improve the control performance of the system through simulation and experiment.
A Safe-Region Imputation Method for Handling Medical Data with Missing Values
Authors: Huang Shu-Fen , Cheng Ching-Hsue
Published: October 2020

Medical data usually have missing values; hence, imputation methods have become an important issue. In previous studies, many imputation methods based on variable data had a multivariate normal distribution, such as expectation-maximization and regression-based imputation. These assumptions may lead to deviations in the results, which sometimes create a bottleneck. In addition, directly deleting instances with missing values may have several problems, such as losing important data, producing invalid research samples, and leading to research deviations. Therefore, this study proposed a safe-region imputation method for handling medical data with missing values; we also built a medical prediction model and compared the removed missing values with imputation methods in terms of the generated rules, accuracy, and AUC. First, this study used the kNN imputation, multiple imputation, and the proposed imputation to impute the missing data and then applied four attribute selection methods to select the important attributes. Then, we used the decision tree (C4.5), random forest, REP tree, and LMT classifier to generate the rules, accuracy, and AUC for comparison. Because there were four datasets with imbalanced classes (asymmetric classes), the AUC was an important criterion. In the experiment, we collected four open medical datasets from UCI and one international stroke trial dataset. The results show that the proposed safe-region imputation is better than the listing imputation methods and after imputing offers better results than directly deleting instances with missing values in the number of rules, accuracy, and AUC. These results will provide a reference for medical stakeholders.
A New Species of the Genus Halectinosoma Vervoort, 1962 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Ectinosomatidae) from the East Coast of Korea, with a Key to Species of the Curticorne-Group
Authors: Bang Hyun Woo
Published: October 2020

A new species of genus Halectinosoma Vervoort, 1962 was collected from the east coast of Korea. The genus Halectinosoma comprises about 70 species, but only three species have previously been reported in East Asia. Halectinosoma munmui sp. nov. is morphologically most closely related to H. langi Wells 1967 from Inhaca Island, Mozambique, and H. oblongum (Kunz, 1949) from Heligoland island, Germany, however clearly distinguishable from it based on the following morphological characteristics: 5-segmented and elongated female antennule, mandible gnathobase without seta, about 5.6 times as long as the greatest width of the basis of the maxilliped, and outer seta of the P5 endopodal lobe longer than the inner seta. A key to species of the curticorne-group of Halectinosoma is provided.
Evaluation of Soil and Ambient Air Pollution Around Un-reclaimed Mining Bodies in Nižná Slaná (Slovakia) Post-Mining Area
Authors: Demková Lenka , Árvay Július , Bobuľská Lenka , Hauptvogl Martin , Michalko Miloslav , Michalková Jana , Jančo Ivona
Published: October 2020

Thirty soil samples were taken, and the same number of moss (Dicranum scoparium) and lichen (Pseudevernia furfuracea) bags were exposed to detect environmental pollution in the former mining area Nižná Slaná. Soil and ambient air are influenced by hazardous substances, which leak from old mining bodies due to insufficient or completely missing reclamation. The total content of the risk elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Sb, Se, Pb, Zn) was determined in soil, moss, and lichen samples and in the bodies of Leccinum pseudoscabrum. Biological (soil enzymes—urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, fluorescein diacetate (FDA), ß-glucosidase) and chemical properties (pH) were determined in soil samples. Contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cd), pollution load index (PLI), and enrichment factor (EF) were used for soil and relative accumulation factor (RAF) for air quality evaluation. Contamination factor values show serious pollution by Cd, Fe, Hg, and Mn. Pollution load index confirmed extremely high pollution almost at all evaluated areas. Soil enzymes reacted to soil pollution mostly by decreasing their activity. Mosses and lichens show differences in the accumulation abilities of individual elements. Regular consumption of L. pseudoscabrum would provide the dose of Cd and Hg below the limit of provisional weekly intake. Based on the bioaccumulation index (BAF) values, L. pseudoscabrum can be characterized as an Hg accumulator.
Staphylococcus aureus Infection and Persistence in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Focus on Leukocidin ED
Authors: Poddighe Dimitri , Vangelista Luca
Published: October 2020

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is thought to be a multifactorial disease that includes a direct involvement of bacteria that trigger inflammation and contribute to CRS pathogenesis. Staphylococcus aureus infection and persistence is associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and it may be particularly relevant in the form with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The large array of exotoxins deployed by S. aureus is instrumental for the bacterium to warrant its infection and dissemination in different human body districts. Here, we analyze the common Th2 environment in CRSwNP and prospect a possible dynamic role played by S. aureus leukocidins in promoting this chronic inflammation, considering leukocidin ED (LukED) as a strong prototype candidate worth of therapeutic investigation. CCR5 is an essential target for LukED to exert its cytotoxicity towards T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Therefore, CCR5 blockade might be an interesting therapeutic option for CRS and, more specifically, persistent and relapsing CRSwNP. In this perspective, the arsenal of CCR5 antagonists being developed to inhibit HIV-1 entry (CCR5 being the major HIV-1 co-receptor) could be easily repurposed for CRS therapeutic investigation. Finally, direct targeting of LukED by neutralizing antibodies could represent an important additional solution to S. aureus infection.
Indoxyl Sulfate, a Tubular Toxin, Contributes to the Development of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Cheng Tong-Hong , Ma Ming-Chieh , Liao Min-Tser , Zheng Cai-Mei , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Liao Chun-Hou , Hou Yi-Chou , Liu Wen-Chih , Lu Chien-Lin
Published: October 2020

Indoxyl sulfate (IS), a uremic toxin, causes chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression via its tubulotoxicity. After cellular uptake, IS directly induces apoptotic and necrotic cell death of tubular cells. Additionally, IS increases oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant capacity, which are associated with tubulointerstitial injury. Injured tubular cells are a major source of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which induces myofibroblast transition from residual renal cells in damaged kidney, recruits inflammatory cells and thereby promotes extracellular matrix deposition in renal fibrosis. Moreover, IS upregulates signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 phosphorylation, followed by increases in TGF-β1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and α-smooth muscle actin production, which participate in interstitial inflammation, renal fibrosis and, consequently, CKD progression. Clinically, higher serum IS levels are independently associated with renal function decline and predict all-cause mortality in CKD. The poor removal of serum IS in conventional hemodialysis is also significantly associated with all-cause mortality and heart failure incidence in end-stage renal disease patients. Scavenging the IS precursor by AST-120 can markedly reduce tubular IS staining that attenuates renal tubular injury, ameliorates IS-induced oxidative stress and rescues antioxidant glutathione activity in tubular epithelial cells, thereby providing a protective role against tubular injury and ultimately retarding renal function decline.
Quantum Analysis of BTZ Black Hole Formation Due to the Collapse of a Dust Shell
Authors: Andrianov Alexander A. , Starodubtsev Artem , Elmahalawy Yasser
Published: October 2020

We perform Hamiltonian reduction of a model in which 2 + 1 dimensional gravity with negative cosmological constant is coupled to a cylindrically symmetric dust shell. The resulting action contains only a finite number of degrees of freedom. The phase space consists of two copies of ADS2—both coordinate and momentum space are curved. Different regions in the Penrose diagram can be identified with different patches of ADS2 momentum space. Quantization in the momentum representation becomes particularly simple in the vicinity of the horizon, where one can neglect momentum non-commutativity. In this region, we calculate the spectrum of the shell radius. This spectrum turns out to be continuous outside the horizon and becomes discrete inside the horizon with eigenvalue spacing proportional to the square root of the black hole mass. We also calculate numerically quantum transition amplitudes between different regions of the Penrose diagram in the vicinity of the horizon. This calculation shows a possibility of quantum tunneling of the shell into classically forbidden regions of the Penrose diagram, although with an exponentially damped rate away from the horizon.
“FastCheckFLI PPR-like”—A Molecular Tool for the Fast Genome Detection of PPRV and Differential Diagnostic Pathogens
Authors: Halecker Sabrina , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Beer Martin , Hoffmann Bernd
Published: October 2020

To assist the global eradication of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), a molecular test for the rapid and reliable detection of PPRV was developed which additionally enables the detection of pathogens relevant for differential diagnostics. For this purpose, the necessary time frame of a magnetic bead-based nucleic acid extraction protocol was markedly shortened to 7 min and 13 s. The optimized extraction was run on a BioSprint 15 platform. Furthermore, a high-speed multi-well RT-qPCR for the genome detection of PPRV and additional important pathogens such as Foot-and-mouth disease virus, Parapoxvirus ovis, Goatpox virus, and Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae was established and combined with suitable internal control assays. The here-described qPCR is based on a lyophilized master mix and takes only around 30 to 40 min. Several qPCR cyclers were evaluated regarding their suitability for fast-cycling approaches and for their diagnostic performance in a high-speed RT-qPCR. The final evaluation was conducted on the BioRad CFX96 and also on a portable Liberty16 qPCR cycler. The new molecular test designated as “FastCheckFLI PPR-like”, which is based on rapid nucleic acid extraction and high-speed RT-qPCR, delivered reliable results in less than one hour, allowing its use also in a pen-side scenario.
Case Fatality Rate Related to Microcephaly Congenital Zika Syndrome and Associated Factors: A Nationwide Retrospective Study in Brazil †
Authors: N. Costa Maria Conceição , Cardim Luciana Lobato , Teixeira Maria Gloria , Barreto Mauricio L. , Carvalho-Sauer Rita de Cassia Oliveira de , Barreto Florisneide R. , Carvalho Martha Suely Itaparica , Oliveira Wanderson K. , França Giovanny V. A. , Carmo Eduardo Hage , Andrade Roberto F. S , Rodrigues Moreno S. , Veiga Rafael V. , Oliveira Juliane F. , Fernandes Qeren H. R. F. , Costa Larissa C. , Coelho Giovanini E. , Paixao Enny S.
Published: October 2020

Background: The clinical manifestations of microcephaly/congenital Zika syndrome (microcephaly/CZS) have harmful consequences on the child’s health, increasing vulnerability to childhood morbidity and mortality. This study analyzes the case fatality rate and child–maternal characteristics of cases and deaths related to microcephaly/CZS in Brazil, 2015–2017. Methods: Population-based study developed by linkage of three information systems. We estimate frequencies of cases, deaths, case fatality rate related to microcephaly/CZS according to child and maternal characteristics and causes of death. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied. Results: The microcephaly/CZS case fatality rate was 10% (95% CI 9.2–10.7). Death related to microcephaly/CZS was associated to moderate (OR = 2.15; 95% CI 1.63–2.83), and very low birth weight (OR = 3.77; 95% CI 2.20–6.46); late preterm births (OR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.21–2.23), Apgar < 7 at 1st (OR = 5.98; 95% CI 4.46–8.02) and 5th minutes (OR = 4.13; 95% CI 2.78–6.13), among others. Conclusions: A high microcephaly/CZS case fatality rate and important factors associated with deaths related to this syndrome were observed. These results can alert health teams to these problems and increase awareness about the factors that may be associated with worse outcomes.
Association of Genetic Polymorphisms in TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, and TLR8 with the Clinical Forms of Dengue in Patients from Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Posadas-Mondragón Araceli , Aguilar-Faisal José Leopoldo , Zuñiga Gerardo , Magaña Jonathan Javier , Santiago-Cruz José Angel , Guillén-Salomón Edith , Alcántara-Farfán Verónica , Arellano-Flores María Luisa , Salas-Benito Juan Santiago , Neri-Bazán Rocío M. , Luna-Rojas Lucero , Avila-Trejo Amanda Marineth , Chávez-Negrete Adolfo
Published: October 2020

Dengue manifestations range from a mild form, dengue fever (DF), to more severe forms such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). The ability of the host to present one of these clinical forms could be related to polymorphisms located in genes of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) which activate the pro-inflammatory response. Therefore, the genotyping of single nucleotide genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR3 (rs3775291 and rs6552950), TLR4 (rs2737190, rs10759932, rs4986790, rs4986791, rs11536865, and rs10983755), TLR7 (rs179008 and rs3853839), and TLR8 (rs3764880, rs5741883, rs4830805, and rs1548731) was carried out in non-genetically related DHF patients, DF patients, and general population (GP) subjects. The SNPs were analyzed by real-time PCR by genotyping assays from Applied Biosystems®. The codominance model showed that dengue patients had a lower probability of presenting the TLR4-rs2737190-G/G genotype (odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) = 0.34 (0.14–0.8), p = 0.038). Dengue patients showed a lower probability of presenting TLR4-rs11536865-G/C genotype (OR (95% CI) = 0.19 (0.05–0.73), p = 0.0092) and had a high probability of presenting the TACG haplotype, but lower probability of presenting the TGCG haplotype in the TLR4 compared to GP individuals (OR (95% CI) = 0.55 (0.35–0.86), p = 0.0084). In conclusion, the TLR4-rs2737190-G/G and TLR4-rs11536865-G/C genotypes and TGCG haplotype were associated with protection from dengue.
New RNA Structural Elements Identified in the Coding Region of the Coxsackie B3 Virus Genome
Authors: Dutkiewicz Mariola , Kuczynski Jakub , Jarzab Michal , Stachowiak Aleksandra , Swiatkowska Agata
Published: October 2020

Here we present a set of new structural elements formed within the open reading frame of the virus, which are highly probable, evolutionarily conserved and may interact with host proteins. This work focused on the coding regions of the CVB3 genome (particularly the V4-, V1-, 2C-, and 3D-coding regions), which, with the exception of the cis-acting replication element (CRE), have not yet been subjected to experimental analysis of their structures. The SHAPE technique, chemical modification with DMS and RNA cleavage with Pb2+, were performed in order to characterize the RNA structure. The experimental results were used to improve the computer prediction of the structural models, whereas a phylogenetic analysis was performed to check universality of the newly identified structural elements for twenty CVB3 genomes and 11 other enteroviruses. Some of the RNA motifs turned out to be conserved among different enteroviruses. We also observed that the 3′-terminal region of the genome tends to dimerize in a magnesium concentration-dependent manner. RNA affinity chromatography was used to confirm RNA–protein interactions hypothesized by database searches, leading to the discovery of several interactions, which may be important for virus propagation.
HIV-1 Uncoating and Nuclear Import Precede the Completion of Reverse Transcription in Cell Lines and in Primary Macrophages
Authors: Francis Ashwanth C. , Marin Mariana , Prellberg Mathew J. , Palermino-Rowland Kristina , Melikyan Gregory B.
Published: October 2020

An assembly of capsid proteins (CA) form the mature viral core enclosing the HIV-1 ribonucleoprotein complex. Discrepant findings have been reported regarding the cellular sites and the extent of core disassembly (uncoating) in infected cells. Here, we combined single-virus imaging and time-of-drug-addition assays to elucidate the kinetic relationship between uncoating, reverse transcription, and nuclear import of HIV-1 complexes in cell lines and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). By using cyclophilin A-DsRed (CDR) as a marker for CA, we show that, in contrast to TZM-bl cells, early cytoplasmic uncoating (loss of CDR) is limited in MDMs and is correlated with the efficiency of reverse transcription. However, we find that reverse transcription is dispensable for HIV-1 nuclear import, which progressed through an uncoating step at the nuclear pore. Comparison of the kinetics of nuclear import and the virus escape from inhibitors targeting distinct steps of infection, as well as direct quantification of viral DNA synthesis, revealed that reverse transcription is completed after nuclear import of HIV-1 complexes. Collectively, these results suggest that reverse transcription is dispensable for the uncoating step at the nuclear pore and that vDNA synthesis is completed in the nucleus of unrelated target cells.
Requirements for the Packaging of Geminivirus Circular Single-Stranded DNA: Effect of DNA Length and Coat Protein Sequence
Authors: Saunders Keith , Richardson Jake , Lawson David M. , Lomonossoff George P.
Published: October 2020

Geminivirus particles, consisting of a pair of twinned isometric structures, have one of the most distinctive capsids in the virological world. Until recently, there was little information as to how these structures are generated. To address this, we developed a system to produce capsid structures following the delivery of geminivirus coat protein and replicating circular single-stranded DNA (cssDNA) by the infiltration of gene constructs into plant leaves. The transencapsidation of cssDNA of the Begomovirus genus by coat protein of different geminivirus genera was shown to occur with full-length but not half-length molecules. Double capsid structures, distinct from geminate capsid structures, were also generated in this expression system. By increasing the length of the encapsidated cssDNA, triple geminate capsid structures, consisting of straight, bent and condensed forms were generated. The straight geminate triple structures generated were similar in morphology to those recorded for a potato-infecting virus from Peru. These finding demonstrate that the length of encapsidated DNA controls both the size and stability of geminivirus particles.
Geographic Distribution of Ehrlichia canis TRP Genotypes in Brazil
Authors: Taques Isis Indaiara Gonçalves Granjeiro , Campos Amanda Noeli Silva , Kavasaki Mayara Lima , de Almeida Sayanne Luns Hatum , de Aguiar Daniel Moura
Published: October 2020

Tandem repeat proteins (TRPs) are major immunoreactive proteins of Ehrlichia canis, which have been used in the serological diagnosis of different genotypes of the microorganism. TRP19 is preserved among different E. canis isolates expressed on both reticulate and dense-core cells and observed in the extracellular matrix or associated with the morula membrane. TRP36 is differentially expressed only on the surface of the dense-core form of the bacterium and exhibits more divergence among isolates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the American (USTRP36), Brazilian (BrTRP36) and Costa Rican (CRTRP36) genotypes of E. canis in Brazil, using ELISA assays. Serum samples of 814 dogs from 49 municipalities from all over Brazil were analyzed. Our results showed that 34% of the samples were reactive to the USTRP36 genotype and 32.6% to the BrTRP36 genotype. The two genotypes appeared to occur equally throughout Brazil, although the frequency of seropositivity was lower in the south than in the country’s other regions. Dogs that reacted to at least one of the synthetic peptides (TRP19 and TRP36) were 456 (56%). A few dogs (n = 5; 0.61%) reactive to the E. canis TRP36 genotype (CRTRP36) were also detected in the northeast and southern regions. We concluded that the American and Brazilian genotypes of E. canis are distributed evenly in Brazil, especially in the tropical region, while the temperate region in the south presented the lowest prevalence rates. This study offers the first report of dogs seropositive for the Costa Rican genotype in Brazil.
Factors Associated with Honey Bee Colony Losses: A Mini-Review
Authors: Hristov Peter , Shumkova Rositsa , Palova Nadezhda , Neov Boyko
Published: October 2020

The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L., Hymenoptera: Apidae) is a species of crucial economic, agricultural and environmental importance. In the last ten years, some regions of the world have suffered from a significant reduction of honey bee colonies. In fact, honey bee losses are not an unusual phenomenon, but in many countries worldwide there has been a notable decrease in honey bee colonies. The cases in the USA, in many European countries, and in the Middle East have received considerable attention, mostly due to the absence of an easily identifiable cause. It has been difficult to determine the main factors leading to colony losses because of honey bees’ diverse social behavior. Moreover, in their daily routine, they make contact with many agents of the environment and are exposed to a plethora of human activities and their consequences. Nevertheless, various factors have been considered to be contributing to honey bee losses, and recent investigations have established some of the most important ones, in particular, pests and diseases, bee management, including bee keeping practices and breeding, the change in climatic conditions, agricultural practices, and the use of pesticides. The global picture highlights the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor as a major factor in colony loss. Last but not least, microsporidian parasites, mainly Nosema ceranae, also contribute to the problem. Thus, it is obvious that there are many factors affecting honey bee colony losses globally. Increased monitoring and scientific research should throw new light on the factors involved in recent honey bee colony losses. The present review focuses on the main factors which have been found to have an impact on the increase in honey bee colony losses.
Examining the Effectiveness of Climate Change Communication with Adolescents in Vietnam: The Role of Message Congruency
Authors: Ngo Chinh C. , Poortvliet P. Marijn , Feindt Peter H.
Published: October 2020

Climate change makes coastal communities more vulnerable to floods associated with storm surges and sea level rise, requiring both adaptation and mitigation measures. Moreover, proper understanding of flood risks and their potential impacts on climate change appears to be a communication challenge. In climate change communication, the effect of framing congruency on perception of risk, efficacy and behavioural intentions towards climate change adaptation and mitigation has received limited attention. Messages have not been congruent in framing risks associated with climate change. We define congruency as the coherent alignment of several aspects of message content. Messages are considered congruent when they provide recipients with consistent contents such as giving concrete and actionable advice, or by providing more abstract and general background information. This research focuses on climate change communication in fostering mitigation behaviours among adolescents in vulnerable locations in the global South. Based on Construal Level Theory, this paper investigates how message congruency affects the link between perceptions of climate change risk and efficacy and two predictors of behavioural change: perceived responsibility and mitigation intentions. We conducted an experiment to test the effect of congruent vs. incongruent risk communication among adolescents in highly vulnerable coastal communities in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam (N = 348). Multiple regression analysis found strong effects of congruency in message framing; when messages were congruent in the content, communicative interventions changed adolescents’ perceptions and attitudes toward climate change mitigation more consistently. This research contributes both theoretically and practically to risk communication among adolescents and toward climate change mitigation behaviour.
Temperature Stability and Effectiveness of Plasma-Activated Liquids over an 18 Months Period
Authors: Tsoukou Evanthia , Bourke Paula , Boehm Daniela
Published: October 2020

Non-buffered plasma-activated liquids such as water and saline have shown bactericidal effects. In the present study, we investigated the anti-bacterial efficacy and stability of plasma-activated water (PAW) and plasma-activated saline (PAS), generated using a high voltage dielectric barrier discharge system. This study compares the potential of non-buffered plasma-activated liquids (PAL) for the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) after storage of the solutions at five different temperatures for a storage time up to 18 months after their generation. The temperatures used were room temperature, 4 °C, −16 °C, −80 °C, −150 °C. Both PAW and PAS achieved 6 log reduction for both bacteria on the first day of their generation after 60 min contact time and they retained these effects after 18 months when stored at the lowest temperatures. Chemical analysis of PAL showed that plasma caused a drop in pH, generation of reactive oxygen species and nitrates, whereas no nitrites are detected in the system used. The concentrations of chemical species were affected by the storage at different temperatures and a thermocouple probe was used to investigate the freezing behaviour of the PAL.