bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Application of Mineral By-Products Obtained from the Combustion of Bituminous Coal–Fly Ash in Chemical Engineering
Authors: Sočo Eleonora , Papciak Dorota , Michel Magdalena
Published: January 2020

The aim of this work was the chemical modification of mineral by-products obtained from the combustion of bituminous coal (FA) treated with hydrogen peroxide (30%), used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cr(III) and Cd(II) ions and crystal violet (CV) from a mixture of heavy metal and organic dye in a solution containing either Cr(III)–CV or Cd(II)–CV. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses suggested that the mechanism of Cr(III)–CV or Cd(II)–CV sorption onto FA–H2O2 includes ion-exchange and surface adsorption processes. The effect of pH on the adsorption equilibrium was studied. The maximum adsorption was found for pH values of 9. The values of the reduced chi-square test (χ2/degree of freedom (DoF)) and the determination coefficient R2 obtained for the sorbate of the considered isotherms were compared. Studies of equilibrium in a bi-component system by means of the extended Langmuir (EL), extended Langmuir–Freundlich (ELF), and Jain–Snoeyink (JS) models were conducted. The estimation of parameters of sorption isotherms in a bi-component system, either Cr(III)–CV or Cd(II)–CV, showed that the best-fitting calculated values of experimental data for both sorbates were obtained with the JS model (Cr(III) or CV) and the EL model (Cd(II) or CV). The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities of FA–H2O2 were found to be 775, 570 and 433 mg·g−1 for Cr, Cd and CV, respectively. Purification water containing direct Cr(III) or Cd(II) ions and CV was made with 90%, 98% and 80% efficiency, respectively, after 1.5 h. It was found that the chemical enhancement of FA from coal combustion by H2O2 treatment yields an effective and economically feasible material in chemical engineering for the treatment of effluents containing basic dyes and Cr(III) and Cd(II) ions.
The Bridgmanite–Akimotoite–Majorite Triple Point Determined in Large Volume Press and Laser-Heated Diamond Anvil Cell
Authors: Kulka Britany L. , Dolinschi Jonathan D. , Leinenweber Kurt D. , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Shim Sang-Heon
Published: January 2020

The bridgmanite–akimotoite–majorite (Bm–Ak–Mj or BAM) triple point in MgSiO3 has been measured in large-volume press (LVP; COMPRES 8/3 assembly) and laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC). For the LVP data, we calculated pressures from the calibration provided for the assembly. For the LHDAC data, we conducted in situ determination of pressure at high temperature using the Pt scale at synchrotron. The measured temperatures of the triple point are in good agreement between LVP and LHDAC at 1990–2000 K. However, the pressure for the triple point determined from the LVP is 3.9 ± 0.6 GPa lower than that from the LHDAC dataset. The BAM triple point determined through these experiments will provide an important reference point in the pressure–temperature space for future high-pressure experiments and will allow mineral physicists to compare the pressure–temperature conditions measured in these two different experimental methods.
Lithium-Rich Claystone in the McDermitt Caldera, Nevada, USA: Geologic, Mineralogical, and Geochemical Characteristics and Possible Origin
Authors: Castor Stephen B. , Henry Christopher D.
Published: January 2020

Lithium deposits in tuffaceous sediments of the McDermitt caldera constitute possibly the world’s largest Li clay resource, yet their characteristics and origin are not established. The 40 × 25 km McDermitt caldera collapsed during the eruption of ~1000 km3 of a 16.4 Ma, zoned peralkaline to metaluminous tuff; minor caldera magmatism ceased by 16.1 Ma. About 200 m of sediments mostly composed of glass from regional pyroclastic eruptions accumulated in the caldera until about 15.7 Ma. Closed hydrologic system diagenesis (CHSD) altered the tuffaceous sediments to a consistent vertical mineral zonation of clay, analcime, K-feldspar, and albite. Entire sedimentary sections in the southern and western parts of the caldera basin have ≥1500 ppm Li. Lithium-rich intervals are dominantly claystone. The most thoroughly studied deposit is a laterally continuous, ~3000 ppm Li zone in the lower sedimentary section that also has high K, Rb, Mo, As, and Sb (and partly Mg and F). Lithium occurs as an illitic clay (tainiolite?). The overlying, upper sedimentary section averages <2000 ppm Li which resides in smectite (hectorite). A transitional zone has variably mixed smectite–illite clay and averages ~2000 ppm Li. An 40Ar/39Ar age of ~14.9 Ma on authigenic K-feldspar in the illite zone is ~1.2 Ma younger than the 16.1 Ma end of magmatism in the caldera, which mitigates against a simple hydrothermal origin. Closed hydrologic system diagenesis was essential to Li mineralization, but Li budget calculations suggest a source of Li in addition to the tuffaceous sediments is required. This additional source could be Li originally in highly enriched magma that entered the diagenetic system through either (1) Li in magma exsolved into a hydrous volatile phase during eruption. The Li-rich volatile phase coated glass shards or was trapped in pumice and was quickly leached by surface or groundwater upon deposition in the caldera. (2) Residual magma immediately following ash-flow eruption and caldera collapse generated Li-rich hydrothermal fluids that mixed with meteoric water in the closed caldera basin, generating a hybrid diagenetic fluid. The hydrothermal fluid and hybrid diagenetic fluids would have existed only during initial basin sedimentation between about 16.4 and 16.1 Ma.
Compressional Behavior of Hydrous Orthoenstatite: Insight into the Nature of LVZ under Continental Plate
Authors: Hua Florian Tian-Siang , Dera Przemyslaw , Kung Jennifer
Published: January 2020

A suite of hydrous orthoenstatite crystals were synthesized at 5–7 GPa and 1100–1300 °C, corresponding to the mid upper mantle conditions in continental regions. The synthetic crystals presented a clear, inclusion-free, and euhedral form with a size range from 100 to a few hundred microns. The Al- and water content of crystals were less than 2 wt. % and ranging from ~500 ppm to 1000 ppm, respectively, characterized by Raman and IR spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and SIMS. The analysis shows that the capability of water incorporation for this suite of hydrous orthoenstatite is correlated to the Al-content in the crystal structure. To understand how the detailed crystal structure reflects the influence of water and Al, single crystal X ray diffraction analysis was performed for this suite of hydrous orthoenstatite. By comparing the results obtained at ambient conditions, we find that for low-level of Al-content, <2 wt. %, the Al3+ cation tends to occupy one of tetrahedral sites (TB) only. Analysis of the X ray diffraction results under high pressure indicates that the elasticity of orthoenstatites is insensitive to the presence of low-level water and Al. We use this finding to evaluate the velocity profile at the mid upper mantle of continental regions to compare with seismic observation. The comparison indicates that the cause of the low velocity zone in continental regions originates from the geotherm profile rather than the effect of water on the elasticity of mantle phases.
The Petyayan-Vara Carbonatite-Hosted Rare Earth Deposit (Vuoriyarvi, NW Russia): Mineralogy and Geochemistry
Authors: Kozlov Evgeniy , Fomina Ekaterina , Sidorov Mikhail , Shilovskikh Vladimir , Bocharov Vladimir , Chernyavsky Alexey , Huber Miłosz
Published: January 2020

The Vuoriyarvi Devonian carbonatite–ijolite–pyroxenite–olivinite complex comprises several carbonatite fields: Neske Vara, Tukhta-Vara, and Petyayan-Vara. The most common carbonatites in the Tukhta-Vara and Neske-Vara fields are calciocarbonatites, which host several P, Fe, Nb, and Ta deposits. This paper focuses on the Petyayan-Vara field, in which the primary magmatic carbonatites are magnesian. The least altered magnesiocarbonatites are composed of dolomite with burbankite and are rich in REE (up to 2.0 wt. %), Sr (up to 1.2 wt. %), and Ba (up to 0.8 wt. %). These carbonatites underwent several stages of metasomatism. Each metasomatic event produced a new rock type with specific mineralization. The introduction of K, Si, Al, Fe, Ti, and Nb by a F-rich fluid (or fluid-saturated melt) resulted in the formation of high-Ti magnesiocarbonatites and silicocarbonatites, composed of dolomite, microcline, Ti-rich phlogopite, and Fe–Ti oxides. Alteration by a phosphate–fluoride fluid caused the crystallization of apatite in the carbonatites. A sulfate-rich Ba–Sr–rare-earth elements (REE) fluid (probably brine-melt) promoted the massive precipitation of ancylite and baryte and, to a lesser extent, strontianite, bastnäsite, and synchysite. Varieties of carbonatite that contain the highest concentrations of REE are ancylite-dominant. The influence of sulfate-rich Ba-Sr-REE fluid on the apatite-bearing rocks resulted in the dissolution and reprecipitation of apatite in situ. The newly formed apatite generation is rich in HREE, Sr, and S. During late-stage transformations, breccias of magnesiocarbonatites with quartz-bastnäsite matrixes were formed. Simultaneously, strontianite, quartz, calcite, monazite, HREE-rich thorite, and Fe-hydroxides were deposited. Breccias with quartz-bastnäsite matrix are poorer in REE (up to 4.5 wt. % total REE) than the ancylite-dominant rocks (up to 11 wt. % total REE).
Immunomodulatory Drugs Alter the Metabolism and the Extracellular Release of Soluble Mediators by Normal Monocytes
Authors: Rundgren Ida Marie , Ryningen Anita , Anderson Tvedt Tor Henrik , Bruserud Øystein , Ersvær Elisabeth
Published: January 2020

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are used in the treatment of hematological malignancies, especially multiple myeloma. IMiDs have direct anticancer effects but also indirect effects via cancer-supporting stromal cells. Monocytes are a stromal cell subset whose metabolism is modulated by the microenvironment, and they communicate with neighboring cells through extracellular release of soluble mediators. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is then a common regulator of monocyte metabolism and mediator release. Our aim was to investigate IMiD effects on these two monocyte functions. We compared effects of thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide on in vitro cultured normal monocytes. Cells were cultured in medium alone or activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 agonist. Metabolism was analyzed by the Seahorse XF 96 cell analyzer. Mediator release was measured as culture supernatant levels. TLR4 was a regulator of both monocyte metabolism and mediator release. All three IMiDs altered monocyte metabolism especially when cells were cultured with LPS; this effect was strongest for lenalidomide that increased glycolysis. Monocytes showed a broad soluble mediator release profile. IMiDs decreased TLR4-induced mediator release; this effect was stronger for pomalidomide than for lenalidomide and especially thalidomide. To conclude, IMiDs can alter the metabolism and cell–cell communication of normal monocytes, and despite their common molecular target these effects differ among various IMiDs.
Supported Gold Nanoparticles as Catalysts in Peroxidative and Aerobic Oxidation of 1-Phenylethanol under Mild Conditions
Authors: Pakrieva Ekaterina , P. C. Ribeiro Ana , Kolobova Ekaterina , M. D. R. S. Martins Luísa , A. C. Carabineiro Sónia , German Dmitrii , Pichugina Daria , Jiang Ce , J. L. Pombeiro Armando , Bogdanchikova Nina , Cortés Corberán Vicente , Pestryakov Alexey
Published: January 2020

The efficiency of Au/TiO2 based catalysts in 1-phenylethanol oxidation was investigated. The role of support modifiers (La2O3 or CeO2), influence of gold loading (0.5% or 4%) and redox pretreatment atmosphere, catalyst recyclability, effect of oxidant: tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) or O2, as well as the optimization of experimental parameters of the reaction conditions in the oxidation of this alcohol were studied and compared with previous studies on 1-octanol oxidation. Samples were characterized by temperature-programmed oxygen desorption (O2-TPD) method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were carried out for used catalysts to find out the reason for deactivation in 1-phenylethanol oxidation. The best catalytic characteristics were shown by catalysts modified with La2O3, regardless of the alcohol and the type of oxidant. When O2 was used, the catalysts with 0.5% Au, after oxidative pretreatment, showed the highest activity in both reactions. The most active catalysts in 1-phenylethanol oxidation with TBHP were those with 4% Au and the H2 treatment, while under the same reaction conditions, 0.5% Au and O2 treatment were beneficial in 1-octanol oxidation. Despite the different chemical nature of the substrates, it seems likely that Au+(Auδ+) act as the active sites in both oxidative reactions. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations confirmed that the gold cationic sites play an essential role in 1-phenylethanol adsorption.
Towards Multi-Functional SiO2@YAG:Ce Core–Shell Optical Nanoparticles for Solid State Lighting Applications
Authors: Kiani Khouzani Mahdi , Bahrami Abbas , Yazdan Mehr Maryam , van Driel Willem Dirk , Zhang Guoqi
Published: January 2020

This paper aims to investigate the synthesis, structure, and optical properties of SiO2@YAG:Ce core–shell optical nanoparticles for solid state lighting applications. YAG:Ce phosphor is a key part in white light emitting diodes (LEDs), with its main functionality being the generation of yellow light. Generated yellow light from phosphor will be combined with blue light, emitted from chip, resulting in the generation of white light. Generated light in LEDs will often be scattered by SiO2 nanoparticles. SiO2 nanoparticles are often distributed within the optical window, aiming for a more homogeneous light output. The main idea in this research is to combine these functionalities in one core–shell particle, with its core being SiO2 and its shell being phosphor. In this study core–shell nanoparticles with different Ce3+ concentrations were synthesized by a sol–gel method. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis, high resolution transmission electron macroscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Luminescence characteristics of SiO2@YAG:Ce core–shell particles were compared with that of SiO2/YAG:Ce mixture composite, which is now used in commercial LEDs. Obtained results showed that core–shell nanoparticles have comparatively much better optical properties, compared to SiO2/YAG:Ce mixture composite and can therefore be potentially used in LEDs.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Pathogens in 2019
Authors:   Pathogens Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Predictive Model-Based Process Start-Up in Pharmaceutical Continuous Granulation and Drying
Authors: Pauli Victoria , Kleinebudde Peter , Krumme Markus
Published: January 2020

Continuous manufacturing (CM) is a promising strategy to achieve various benefits in the context of quality, flexibility, safety and cost in pharmaceutical production. One of the main technical challenges of CM is that the process needs to handle transient conditions such as the start-up phase before state of control operation is reached, which can potentially cause out-of-specification (OOS) material. In this context, the presented paper aims to demonstrate that suitable process control strategies during start-up of a continuous granulation and drying operation can limit or even avoid OOS material production and hence can ensure that the provided benefits of CM are not compromised by poor production yields. In detail, heat-up of the drying chamber prior the start of production can lead to thermal energy being stored inside of the stainless-steel housing, acting as an energy buffer that is known to cause over-dried granules in the first few minutes of the drying process. To compensate this issue, an automatic ramping procedure of dryer rotation speed (and hence drying time) was introduced into the plant’s process control system, which counteracts the excessive drying capacity during start-up. As a result, dry granules exiting the dryer complied with the targeted intermediate critical quality attribute loss-on-drying (LOD) from the very beginning of production.
Aerosol Characteristics and Physico-Chemical Compatibility of Combivent® (Containing Salbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide) Mixed with Three Other Inhalants: Budesonide, Beclomethasone or N-Acetylcysteine
Authors: Zhang Rui , Hu Junhua , Deng Liangjun , Li Sha , Chen Xi , Liu Fei , Wang Shanping , Mohammed Abdul Khaja Shameem , Beng Huimin , Tan Wen
Published: January 2020

Inhalation therapy with a nebulizer is widely used in chronic respiratory disease. Mixing inhalation solutions/suspensions for simultaneous inhalation is more convenient and might simplify the administration procedure. However, there are no data available to address the in vitro aerosol characteristics and physico-chemical compatibility of Combivent® (containing Salbutamol and Ipratropium bromide) with other inhalation solutions/suspensions. In order to investigate the in vitro aerosol characteristics and physico-chemical compatibility of Combivent® with Budesonide, Beclomethasone, and N-acetylcysteine, the appearance, pH, osmotic pressure, chemical stability, mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), fine particles fraction (FPF), particle size corresponding to X50 (particle size, which accounts for 50% of the total cumulative percentage of volume of all particles), delivery rate, and total delivery of the mixed inhalation solution/suspension were tested. There was no change in the appearance such as a change in color or precipitation formation at room temperature. The pH, osmolality, and chemicals of the mixtures were stable for 24 h after mixing. There were no significant differences between Combivent®, Budesonide, Beclomethasone, N-acetylcysteine, and the mixtures in MMAD, FPF, X50, the delivery rate, and the total delivery. This indicates that the mixtures were physically and chemically compatible. The mixing did not influence the particle size, distribution, or delivery compatibility of the mixtures.
Toxic Effects of Single Antibiotics and Antibiotics in Combination on Germination and Growth of Sinapis alba L.
Authors: Timmerer Ulrike , Lehmann Lennart , Schnug Ewald , Bloem Elke
Published: January 2020

Antibiotics enter agro-ecosystems via the application of farmyard manure, sewage sludge, animal by-products, or digestates. There are many open questions regarding the behavior of such compounds in the soil like their adsorption, degradation, half-life, and their effects on soil organisms and plants. The impact of antibiotics on the development of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment is regarded as the most important effect that endangers the environment as well as human health. Nevertheless, direct plant toxicity, especially of different antibiotics and heavy metals at the same time, can be of importance as well. In the current study, commercially available phytotoxkits were tested with regard to the toxicity of single antibiotics and antibiotics in combination with the root growth of Sinapis alba L. Additionally, a pot trial was conducted to study the transfer of the observed phytotoxkits results in more complex systems. The phytotoxkits revealed direct toxicity of antibiotics on root development only at high concentrations. The highest toxicity was determined for sulfadiazine, followed by tetracycline and enrofloxacin, showing the least toxicity. When two antibiotics were tested at the same time in the phytotoxkit, synergistic effects were detected. The pot trial indicated lower effect concentrations for enrofloxacin than determined in the phytotoxkit and, therefore, to higher toxicity on plant growth.
Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization on Cadmium-Mediated Oxidative Stress in Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Authors: Molina Alicia S. , Lugo Mónica A. , Pérez Chaca María V. , Vargas-Gil Silvina , Zirulnik Fanny , Leporati Jorge , Ferrol Nuria , Azcón-Aguilar Concepción
Published: January 2020

Cadmium is a heavy metal (HM) that inhibits plant growth and leads to death, causing great losses in yields, especially in Cd hyperaccumulator crops such as Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean), a worldwide economically important legume. Furthermore, Cd incorporation into the food chain is a health hazard. Oxidative stress (OS) is a plant response to abiotic and biotic stresses with an intracellular burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that causes damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) association is a plant strategy to cope with HM and to alleviate OS. Our aim was to evaluate the mitigation effects of mycorrhization with AMF Rhizophagus intraradices on soybean growth, nutrients, Cd accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and the activity of different antioxidant agents under Cd (0.7–1.2 mg kg−1 bioavailable Cd) induced OS. Our results suggest that glutathione may act as a signal molecule in a defense response to Cd-induced OS, and mycorrhization may avoid Cd-induced growth inhibition and reduce Cd accumulation in roots. It is discussed that R. intraradices mycorrhization would act as a signal, promoting the generation of a soybean cross tolerance response to Cd pollution, therefore evidencing the potential of this AMF association for bioremediation and encouragement of crop development, particularly because it is an interaction between a worldwide cultivated Cd hyperaccumulator plant and an AMF–HM–accumulator commonly present in soils.
Callicarpa Species from Central Vietnam: Essential Oil Compositions and Mosquito Larvicidal Activities
Authors: Hung Nguyen Huy , Huong Le Thi , Chung Nguyen Thanh , Thuong Nguyen Thi Hoai , Satyal Prabodh , Dung Nguyen Anh , Tai Thieu Anh , Setzer William N.
Published: January 2020

There are around 140 species in the genus Callicarpa, with 23 species occurring in Vietnam. The Vietnamese Callicarpa species have been poorly studied. In this work, the leaf essential oils of C. bodinieri, C. candicans, C. formosana, C. longifolia, C. nudiflora, C. petelotii, C. rubella, and C. sinuata, have been obtained from plants growing in central Vietnam. The chemical compositions of the essential oils were determined using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Mosquito larvicidal activities of the essential oils were carried out against Aedes aegypti. All of the Callicarpa leaf essential oils showed larvicidal activity, but two samples of C. candicans were particularly active with 48-h LC50 values of 2.1 and 3.8 μg/mL. Callicarpa candicans essential oil should be considered as a potential alternative mosquito control agent.
Can Inositol Pyrophosphates Inform Strategies for Developing Low Phytate Crops?
Authors: Freed Catherine , Adepoju Olusegun , Gillaspy Glenda
Published: January 2020

Inositol pyrophosphates (PP-InsPs) are an emerging class of “high-energy” intracellular signaling molecules, containing one or two diphosphate groups attached to an inositol ring, that are connected with phosphate sensing, jasmonate signaling, and inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) storage in plants. While information regarding this new class of signaling molecules in plants is scarce, the enzymes responsible for their synthesis have recently been elucidated. This review focuses on InsP6 synthesis and its conversion into PP-InsPs, containing seven and eight phosphate groups (InsP7 and InsP8). These steps involve two types of enzymes: the ITPKs that phosphorylate InsP6 to InsP7, and the PPIP5Ks that phosphorylate InsP7 to InsP8. This review also considers the potential roles of PP-InsPs in plant hormone and inorganic phosphate (Pi) signaling, along with an emerging role in bioenergetic homeostasis. PP-InsP synthesis and signaling are important for plant breeders to consider when developing strategies that reduce InsP6 in plants, as this will likely also reduce PP-InsPs. Thus, this review is primarily intended to bridge the gap between the basic science aspects of PP-InsP synthesis/signaling and breeding/engineering strategies to fortify foods by reducing InsP6.
Steady-State Levels of Cytokinins and Their Derivatives May Serve as a Unique Classifier of Arabidopsis Ecotypes
Authors: Samsonová Zuzana , Kiran Nagavalli S. , Novák Ondřej , Spyroglou Ioannis , Skalák Jan , Hejátko Jan , Gloser Vít
Published: January 2020

We determined steady-state (basal) endogenous levels of three plant hormones (abscisic acid, cytokinins and indole-3-acetic acid) in a collection of thirty different ecotypes of Arabidopsis that represent a broad genetic variability within this species. Hormone contents were analysed separately in plant shoots and roots after 21 days of cultivation on agar plates in a climate-controlled chamber. Using advanced statistical and machine learning methods, we tested if basal hormonal levels can be considered a unique ecotype-specific classifier. We also explored possible relationships between hormone levels and the prevalent environmental conditions in the site of origin for each ecotype. We found significant variations in basal hormonal levels and their ratios in both root and shoot among the ecotypes. We showed the prominent position of cytokinins (CK) among the other hormones. We found the content of CK and CK metabolites to be a reliable ecotype-specific identifier. Correlation with the mean temperature at the site of origin and the large variation in basal hormonal levels suggest that the high variability may potentially be in response to environmental factors. This study provides a starting point for ecotype-specific genetic maps of the CK metabolic and signalling network to explore its contribution to the adaptation of plants to local environmental conditions.
Fabrication of PAN Electrospun Nanofibers Modified by Tannin for Effective Removal of Trace Cr(III) in Organic Complex from Wastewater
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xue Chao-Hua , Ma Hong-Rui , Ding Ya-Ru , Jia Shun-Tian
Published: January 2020

Removal of chromium ions is significant due to their toxicity and harmfulness, however it is very difficult to remove trace Cr(III) complexed with organics because of their strong stability. Herein, a novel electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers (NF) adsorbent was fabricated and modified by tannic acid (TA) by a facile blend electrospinning approach for removal of trace Cr(III) in an organic complex. Utilizing the large specific area of nanofibers in the membrane and the good affinity of tannic acid on the nanofibers for hydrolyzed collagen by hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds, the as-prepared PAN–TA NFM exhibited good adsorption toward Cr(III)-collagen complexes and effective reduction of total organic carbon in tannage wastewater. The maximal adsorption capacity of Cr(III) is 79.48 mg g−1 which was obtained at the pH of 7.0 and initial Cr(III) concentration of 50 mg g−1. Importantly, the batch adsorption could decrease the Cr(III) concentration from 10–20 mg L−1 to under 1.5 mg L−1, which showed great application potential for the disposal of trace metal ions in organic complexes from wastewater.
The Effect of Ageing in Water Solution Containing Iron Sulfate on the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Adhesives
Authors: Rudawska Anna , Brunella Valentina
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the effect of operating factors such as seasoning in water solution containing iron (II) sulfate—FeSO4 (5 different water solution variants were tested) on the mechanical properties of an adhesive compound made of epoxy resin and amine curing agent, in a ratio of 100 g resin to 12 g curing agent. Strength tests of cured adhesive compound samples were performed on the Zwick/Roell Z150 testing machine in compliance with the EN ISO 604 standard. During the tests, compression modulus, compressive strength and compressive strain were measured. Obtained results served as a basis for analyzing the effect of a water environment containing iron sulfate on a given adhesive compound. It has been found that too high iron sulfate content in water has a negative effect on the mechanical properties of adhesive compound samples.
Evaluation of Different Treatment Processes for Landfill Leachate Using Low-Cost Agro-Industrial Materials
Authors: Banch Tawfiq J. H. , Hanafiah Marlia M. , Alkarkhi Abbas F. M. , Amr Salem S. A. , Nizam Nurul U. M.
Published: January 2020

Leachate is a complex liquid that is often produced from landfills, and it contains hazardous substances that may endanger the surrounding environment if ineffectively treated. In this work, four leachate treatment applications were examined: combined leachate/palm oil mill effluent (POME) (LP), leachate/tannin (LT), pre-(leachate/tannin) followed by post-(leachate/POME) (LT/LP), and pre-(leachate/POME) followed by post-(leachate/tannin) (LP/LT). The aim of this work is to evaluate and compare the performance of these treatment applications in terms of optimizing the physicochemical parameters and removing heavy metals from the leachate. The highest efficiency for the optimization of the most targeted physicochemical parameters and the removal of heavy metals was with the LP/LT process. The results are indicative of three clusters. The first cluster involves raw leachate (cluster 1), the second contains LP and LP/LT (cluster 2), and the third also consists of two treatment applications, namely, LT and LT/LP (cluster 3). The results demonstrate that LP/LT is the most appropriate method for leachate treatment using low-cost agro-industrial materials.
Controllability Comparison of the Four-Product Petlyuk Dividing Wall Distillation Column Using Temperature Control Schemes
Authors: Qian Xing , Liu Rui , Huang Kejin , Chen Haisheng , Yuan Yang , Zhang Liang , Wang Shaofeng
Published: January 2020

An effective process intensification strategy based on dividing walls shows promising energy-saving results for distillation processes. The three-product Petlyuk dividing wall distillation columns (DWDCs) are able to save approximately 30% energy in comparison with the traditional distillation columns. Furthermore, the four-product extended Petlyuk DWDC reduces about 50% of operation costs than conventional distillation sequences. Although researchers have extensively studied control schemes for the three-product Petlyuk DWDC, relatively little work has been done on the four-product extended Petlyuk DWDC. This paper studies feasible temperature control schemes containing temperature control scheme (TC), simplified temperature difference control scheme (STDC), and simplified double temperature difference control scheme (SDTDC) for the four-product extended Petlyuk DWDC. STDC and SDTDC are introduced so as to improve the dynamic performances with simple control schemes. All three control schemes are tested against a series of feed compositions and feed rate disturbances. Dynamic performances prove that the proposed STDC and SDTDC schemes are better at handling the inserted feed disturbances. These are very encouraging results for industrialization of the four-product extended Petlyuk DWDC in the future.
Social Sustainability Dilemma: Escape or Communicate? Managing Social Risks Upstream of the Bioenergy Supply Chain
Authors: Fedorova Elena , Aaltonen Kirsi , Pongrácz Eva
Published: January 2020

Supply chain risk management has been well researched over the years. However, management of social risks in bioenergy supply chains has been studied less in contemporary research. The ability of bioenergy companies to identify, properly address, and communicate social sustainability has become crucial for many global producers. In order to meet current EU’s energy and climate targets, the development of sustainable bioenergy production is vital. However, over last decade, research of bioenergy production supply chains has indicated that upstream areas of global bioenergy production systems are vulnerable in terms of social sustainability risks. The main objective of this research was to demonstrate how the socially sustainable supply chain practices in bioenergy supply chains can help a production company manage social risks and resources-use related conflicts upstream of the supply chain. These practices can be applied in the process of negotiation between bioenergy producers, local authorities, and communities for creating win-win situations for all parties while planning new bioenergy production systems. This study pays special attention to social sustainability risks at the upstream of the supply chain in countries of raw material origin. Use of social sustainability practices intends to help identify, assess, and address social risks of supply chain activities for bioenergy companies. Moreover, such practices aim at supporting companies and their stakeholders in making right choices and preparing effective strategies ahead of time. We based our research on empirical evidence and offer solutions to multi-national bioenergy production companies on how to manage social risks, allowing them to make the right decisions and necessary adjustments before entering potential markets. Our findings show that even avoidance of market entrance can carry sustainability-related social risks for both the company and the local communities. We suggest that although the financial element plays an important role in decision-making, the no-go decision often means missed opportunities for local communities to improve their respective sustainability states.
Obstacles to Prosthetic Care—Legal and Ethical Aspects of Access to Upper and Lower Limb Prosthetics in Germany and the Improvement of Prosthetic Care from a Social Perspective
Authors: Baumann Martina F. , Frank Daniel , Kulla Lena-Charlotte , Stieglitz Thomas
Published: January 2020

Prosthetic technology for people with missing limbs has made great progress in recent decades. However, acceptance rates and user satisfaction are not only dependent on technical aspects, but also to a great extent on social and psychological factors. We propose that these factors should receive greater attention in order to improve prosthetic care and give recommendations how to incorporate the findings from social science in research and development (R&D) and in care practice. Limited access due to high costs of new prosthetic technology combined with rising costs in health care systems in general is a further issue we address. Our legal and ethical analysis of the reimbursement process in Germany shows that this issue requires further empirical investigation, a stakeholder dialogue and maybe even policy changes. Social science knowledge and participatory methods are of high relevance to answer questions about the benefit of prosthetics for users, based on individual needs and preferences, which should be at the core of debates on ethical resource allocation.
Spatial Form Analysis and Sustainable Development Research of Traditional Residential Buildings
Authors: Wang Hai-fan , Chiou Shang-chia
Published: January 2020

Three courtyards nine halls is an important cultural asset in eastern Zhejiang. This paper takes Three courtyards nine halls dwellings in the eastern part of Zhejiang province of China as the research object, collecting data with field research, measurement, interviews and other research methods, to analyze the spatial characteristics and construction culture of traditional dwellings. Research findings: First, influenced by the natural environment, artificial environment and social environment, three courtyards nine halls is a complex of residential buildings with san-ho-yuan as a unit, extending vertically and horizontally. Second, with the influences of the Confucian culture, the architectural layout is symmetrically distributed along the central axis, and the architectural space presents a high degree of consistency. Third, the architectural complex was formed by the same clan. The last one is that the architectural form and culture show consistency, which implies the idea of harmony between man and nature, the farming and studying hand down from generation to generation. On the one hand, with the acceleration of the urbanization process, living conditions have been greatly improved. On the other hand, due to the weak awareness of residents’ protection of traditional residential cultural assets, lack of systematic study on traditional residential construction methods, construction techniques and space culture, new buildings are not in harmony with traditional dwellings, therefore, traditional dwellings are seriously damaged. This paper discusses the sustainable development of traditional residential culture by studying the construction and environmental elements of Three courtyards nine halls, taking the residential space as a principal part to analyze the characteristics, functional attributes, organizational principles, order, and sense of place.
An RNA Thermometer Activity of the West Nile Virus Genomic 3′-Terminal Stem-Loop Element Modulates Viral Replication Efficiency during Host Switching
Authors: Meyer Alexandra , Freier Marie , Schmidt Tobias , Rostowski Katja , Zwoch Juliane , Lilie Hauke , Behrens Sven-Erik , Friedrich Susann
Published: January 2020

The 3′-terminal stem-loop (3′SL) of the RNA genome of the flavivirus West Nile (WNV) harbors, in its stem, one of the sequence elements that are required for genome cyclization. As cyclization is a prerequisite for the initiation of viral replication, the 3′SL was proposed to act as a replication silencer. The lower part of the 3′SL is metastable and confers a structural flexibility that may regulate the switch from the linear to the circular conformation of the viral RNA. In the human system, we previously demonstrated that a cellular RNA-binding protein, AUF1 p45, destabilizes the 3′SL, exposes the cyclization sequence, and thus promotes flaviviral genome cyclization and RNA replication. By investigating mutant RNAs with increased 3′SL stabilities, we showed the specific conformation of the metastable element to be a critical determinant of the helix-destabilizing RNA chaperone activity of AUF1 p45 and of the precision and efficiency of the AUF1 p45-supported initiation of RNA replication. Studies of stability-increasing mutant WNV replicons in human and mosquito cells revealed that the cultivation temperature considerably affected the replication efficiencies of the viral RNA variants and demonstrated the silencing effect of the 3′SL to be temperature dependent. Furthermore, we identified and characterized mosquito proteins displaying similar activities as AUF1 p45. However, as the RNA remodeling activities of the mosquito proteins were found to be considerably lower than those of the human protein, a potential cell protein-mediated destabilization of the 3′SL was suggested to be less efficient in mosquito cells. In summary, our data support a model in which the 3′SL acts as an RNA thermometer that modulates flavivirus replication during host switching.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Uptake and the Willingness to Receive the HPV Vaccination among Female College Students in China: A Multicenter Study
Authors: You Dingyun , Han Liyuan , Li Lian , Hu Jingcen , D. Zimet Gregory , Alias Haridah , Danaee Mahmoud , Cai Le , Zeng Fangfang , Wong Li Ping
Published: January 2020

Background: This study aimed to determine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake and willingness to receive HPV vaccination among female college students, in China, and its associated factors. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of female college students across the eastern, central, and western regions of China was undertaken between April and September 2019. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine factors associated with the HPV vaccine uptake and willingness to receive the HPV vaccine. Results: Among the total 4220 students who participated in this study, 11.0% reported having been vaccinated against HPV. There are direct effects of indicators of higher socioeconomic status, older age (β = 0.084 and p = 0.006), and geographical region (residing in Eastern China, β = 0.033, and p = 0.024) on HPV vaccine uptake. Higher knowledge (β = 0.062 and p < 0.000) and perceived susceptibility (β = 0.043 and p = 0.002) were also predictors of HPV vaccine uptake. Of those who had not received the HPV vaccine, 53.5% expressed a willingness to do so. Likewise, social economic status indicators were associated with the willingness to receive the HPV vaccine. Total knowledge score (β = 0.138 and p < 0.001), both perceived susceptibility (β = 0.092 and p < 0.001) and perceived benefit (β = 0.088 and p < 0.001), and sexual experience (β = 0.041 and p = 0.007) had a positive and significant direct effect on the willingness to receive the HPV vaccine, while perceived barriers (β = −0.071 and p < 0.001) had a negative effect on the willingness to receive the HPV vaccine. Conclusions: Geographical region and socioeconomic disparities in the HPV vaccination uptake rate and willingness to receive the HPV vaccine provide valuable information for public health planning that aims to improve vaccination rates in underserved areas in China. The influence of knowledge and perceptions of HPV vaccination suggests the importance of communication for HPV immunization.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of River Closure Project
Authors: Lin Jinbo , Jin Sheng , Ai Congfang , Ding Weiye
Published: January 2020

The success or failure of river closure is directly related to the construction period and project benefit. Therefore, it is very necessary to study the river closure by an appropriate method. In this paper, a 1D–2D coupled river closure model is established to optimize the closure flow rate, closure period, and layout of a real closure project. The 1D transition model between open channel flow and pressurized flow is established by a finite volume scheme. For the 2D model, 2D shallow water equations are solved using an unstructured finite volume scheme. The 1D model and 2D model are coupled by considering the mass and momentum conservation. To validate the model, a physical experiment of a real river closure project is set up according to the gravity similarity criterion with a scale of 1:80. Then, the experimental data obtained by the calibrated physical experiment is compared with the numerical results. Good agreements are achieved in terms of surface elevation, velocity, and flow rate. Finally, the real river closure project is further investigated by the model. The layout, closure flow rate and closure period of this project is analyzed and optimized. The original design of the berm is more suitable to discharge the flow. Moreover, the first stage cofferdam should be removed to floor elevation upstream and downstream of the dam. The river closure flow rate should not exceed 2380 m3/s.
Quasi-Global Evaluation of IMERG and GSMaP Precipitation Products over Land Using Gauge Observations
Authors: Wang Hua , Yong Bin
Published: January 2020

Understanding the error distribution of satellite precipitation products is conducive to obtaining accurate precipitation data, which is a very important input parameter in hydrological models and climate models. The error characteristics of Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) and Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) uncalibrated products on quasi-global land and six continents are evaluated, and the effects of latitude, elevation, and season on satellite precipitation product accuracy are analyzed. In order to be consistent with the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), the selected products are resampled at 0.5° and daily resolutions from 1 January 2015 to 31 August 2018. We find out that (1) GSMaP performs worse than IMERG mainly due to systematic errors and poor performance at high latitudes; (2) overestimation is obvious in high latitude areas of the northern hemisphere and also in areas with low rainfall intensity; (3) IMERG and GSMaP show good performance in summer and poor performance in winter; (4) where elevation is lower than 1500 m, the error metrics are highly correlated with the elevation; (5) the correlation coefficient is relatively high in areas with high rainfall, and the dispersion of satellite data and gauge data is also high. IMERG is a high-quality satellite precipitation product in the GPM era, but some uncertainties mentioned above are still worthy of attention by product developers and users.
Estimating Soil Organic Carbon in Agricultural Gypsiferous Soils by Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Marques Maria , Álvarez Ana , Carral Pilar , Esparza Iris , Sastre Blanca , Bienes Ramón
Published: January 2020

Contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), gypsum, CaCO3, and quartz, among others, were analyzed and related to reflectance features in visible and near-infrared (VIS/NIR) range, using partial least square regression (PLSR) in ParLes software. Soil samples come from a sloping olive grove managed by frequent tillage in a gypsiferous area of Central Spain. Samples were collected in three different layers, at 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm depth (IPCC guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Inventories Programme in 2006). Analyses were performed by C Loss-On-Ignition, X-ray diffraction and water content by the Richards plates method. Significant differences for SOC, gypsum, and CaCO3 were found between layers; similarly, soil reflectance for 30 cm depth layers was higher. The resulting PLSR models (60 samples for calibration and 30 independent samples for validation) yielded good predictions for SOC (R2 = 0.74), moderate prediction ability for gypsum and were not accurate for the rest of rest of soil components. Importantly, SOC content was related to water available capacity. Soils with high reflectance features held c.a. 40% less water than soils with less reflectance. Therefore, higher reflectance can be related to degradation in gypsiferous soil. The starting point of soil degradation and further evolution could be established and mapped through remote sensing techniques for policy decision making.
Editorial—Managing and Planning Water Resources for Irrigation: Smart-Irrigation Systems for Providing Sustainable Agriculture and Maintaining Ecosystem Services
Authors: Masseroni Daniele , Arbat Gerard , de Lima Isabel Pedroso
Published: January 2020

Smart-irrigation systems are a hot topic in irrigation management. Satellite imaging, sensors and controls, communication technologies and irrigation decision models are readily available. The price of the required technology is being reduced year after year, and its implementation in agriculture gives real-time information that allows for more accurate management of water resources. Even so, the adaptation of existing technologies to particular situations that the irrigation management is facing in different agro-environmental contexts is needed. This Special Issue addresses the application of different smart-irrigation technologies in four different research areas: (1) remote sensing-based estimates of crop evapotranspiration, (2) Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for smart-irrigation, (3) precision irrigation models and controls, and (4) the price of natural resources. The nine papers presented in this special issue cover a wide range of practical applications, and this editorial summarizes each of them.