bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Method for the Validation of Simulated Mixing Characteristics of Two Dynamic Mixers in Single-Screw Extrusion
Authors: Hopmann Christian , Schön Malte , Reul Maximilian Mathias , Facklam Martin
Published: September 2020

The field of simulation and optimisation of dynamic mixing elements (‘mixers’) is lacking good methods for spatially resolved validation and flow visualisation. For this reason, the authors present an experimental setup that gives better insight into the thermal, distributive and dispersive mixing process by measuring melt temperatures upstream of the mixer and injecting a secondary, visually distinguishable stream of melt upstream. Running extrusion trials for a polyethylene on both a rhomboidal and a Maddock mixer, temperatures, gray scale distribution of images of extrudates and size of dispersed domains in incompatible polystyrene were measured. It was found that temperatures upstream and downstream of the mixer can be quantified. This was used to validate a simulation of thermal mixing. In distributive mixing, good agreement with simulation and an excellent spatial resolution were observed, thereby identifying an area of the rhomboidal mixer in need of geometric improvement. For dispersive mixing, a trend coherent with extrusion theory was found.
Properties and Characterization of New Approach Organic Nanoparticle-Based Biocomposite Board
Authors: Ismail I. , Arliyani  , Jalil Z. , Mursal  , Olaiya N. G. , Abdullah C. K. , Fazita M. R. N. , Abdul Khalil H. P. S.
Published: September 2020

Conventionally, panel boards are produced with material flex or microparticle with P.U. or U.F. as adhesives. However, in this study, nanoparticle with epoxy resin as an adhesive was used to produce nanoboard. Coconut shell nanoparticle composite with epoxy resin as an adhesive was prepared using a compression molding technique. The coconut shell particles were originally 200 mesh size and then milled mechanically with a ball mill for the duration of 10, 20, 30, and 40 h (milling times) to produce nanoparticles. The composition ratio of the composite is 85 vol.% of coconut shell and 15 vol.% of epoxy resin. The formation of nanoparticles was observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical, physical, and microstructure properties of the composite were examined with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and universal testing machine. The results established that the properties of the composite (microstructures, mechanical, and physical) are influenced by the duration of milling of coconut shell particles. The modulus and flexural strength of the composite improved with an increase in the milling time. The density, thickness swelling, and porosity of the composite were also influenced by the milling times. The result suggested that the composite properties were influenced by the particle size of the coconut shell. The coconut shell nanoparticle composite can be used in the manufacturing of hybrid panels and board.
Effect of Rootstock and Harvesting Period on the Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Two Orange Cultivars (‘Salustiana’ and ‘Sanguinelli’) Widely Used in Juice Industry
Authors: Ordóñez-Díaz José L. , Hervalejo Aurea , Pereira-Caro Gema , Muñoz-Redondo José M. , Romero-Rodríguez Estefanía , Arenas-Arenas Francisco J. , Moreno-Rojas José M.
Published: September 2020

Oranges are a rich source of bioactive compounds with recognized benefits for human health. To guarantee high quality and production levels, citrus farms usually employ the combination of selected cultivars with well adapted rootstocks. This study analyzes the impact of four different citrus rootstocks (Forner-Alcaide no.5, ‘Cleopatra mandarin’, Citrus volkameriana and Carrizo citrange) on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of two orange cultivars (‘Salustiana’ and ‘Sanguinelli’) widely used in the orange juice industry. For the hydrophilic fraction, the phenolic compound, anthocyanin, and organic acid profiles were determined by HPLC-DAD-HRMS, and the antioxidant activity by ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC assays. Besides, the total carotenoids and ABTS concentrations were calculated for the hydrophobic fraction. A set of three flavanones, one flavone, and eight anthocyanins were tentatively identified and quantified in the orange cultivars tested. The predominant phenolic compounds obtained in both orange cultivars were hesperidin and narirutin, while cyanidin-3-O-(6″-malonyl) glucoside followed by cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside were the main anthocyanins found in the ‘Sanguinelli’ cultivar. Citric acid, followed by malic, oxalic, and ascorbic acids were the main organic acids. The higher amount of antioxidant compounds was found in fruit from the Forner-Alcaide no.5 rootstock. These results indicate that Forner-Alcaide n.5 affects positively the phenolic and organic acid composition and the antioxidant capacity of ‘Sanguinelli’ and ‘Salustiana’ cultivars, and is therefore a good option for the sector based on the healthy promoting properties.
Minimizing Organic Waste Generated by Pineapple Crown: A Simple Process to Obtain Cellulose for the Preparation of Recyclable Containers
Authors: Choquecahua Mamani Diana , Otero Nole Kristy Stefany , Chaparro Montoya Efrén Eugenio , Mayta Huiza Dora Amalia , Pastrana Alta Roxana Yesenia , Aguilar Vitorino Hector
Published: September 2020

In this study, cellulose was obtained from the residues of pineapple crown by means of simple acid pretreatment and subsequent alkaline treatment. The pretreatment consisted of washing, drying, and chopping with high shear at pH = 5 under heating. The content of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the pineapple crown was determined by chemical methods. The cellulose obtained was compared with commercial cellulose by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XDR). Thus, from the obtained fiber cellulose, a food container was prepared, and its physical-mechanical properties were determined. Then, after alkali treatment, the purity of cellulose was 84.7% from the pineapple crown (56.0%) and was compared with commercial cellulose (95%). FTIR results confirmed the removal of the non-cellulosic compounds after alkali treatment. The maximum pyrolysis temperature increased to 356 °C, higher than the original fiber (322 °C), indicating greater thermal stability after chemical treatment. Furthermore, the crystallinity increased to 68% with respect to the original fiber (27%). The physical properties of the container showed a decrease in the parameters in wet 95% RH, as expected, thus facilitating its reuse. These results indicate that the pineapple crown cellulose can be obtained with significant purity, from a single chemical treatment. In addition, this polymorphous cellulose can be used to make ecofriendly reusable food containers.
Right-Wing Populism and Religion in Europe and the USA
Authors: Haynes Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

The aim of this paper is to examine comparatively the growth and political effectiveness of right-wing populism in Western Europe, Central Europe, and the USA since 9/11. The focus is on such politicians’ vilification of Islam as a faith and Muslims as a people. The paper examines the following research question: how and why do right-wing populists in the USA and Europe use an ideological form of “Christianity”, known variously as “Christianism” or “Christian civilizationism”, to vilify Muslims and Islam? The political purpose seems obvious: to influence public perceptions and to win votes by questioning the desirability of Muslims in both the USA and Europe, claiming that Muslims’ religious and cultural attributes make them unacceptable as neighbors. As Muslims are not capable, so the argument goes, of assimilating to European or American norms, values, and behavior, then they must be excluded or strongly controlled for the benefit of nativist communities. Right-wing populists in both the USA and Europe pursue this strategy because they see it as chiming well with public opinion at a time of great uncertainty, instability, and insecurity.
A Hermeneutic for and from Reading Kierkegaard’s For Self-Examination
Authors: Dickman Nathan Eric
Published: September 2020

This essay provides a close reading of Kierkegaard’s later signed text, For Self-Examination. While many of Kierkegaard’s pseudonymous texts often are selected for their philosophically explicit engagements with Hegelian philosophy, I use Hegel’s dialectic of lordship and bondage to draw out how Kierkegaard circumvents it in this one. I first provide historical context, noting how Kierkegaard turned to earnest works after his public humiliation in the Copenhagen newspaper, undermining his ability to deploy irony effectively. Second, I briefly develop Hegel’s lordship and bondage dialectic as a model for how selfhood is constituted through work and labor. Third, I dwell with a close reading of Kierkegaard’s book both in its composition and in its interpretation, bringing out how it donates grace rather than work (à la Hegel) to the reader’s attempt at self-realization. I conclude by noting one challenge to Kierkegaard’s ideal of addressing the “single individual” from the perspective of intersectional analysis.
A Compressed Sensing Approach for Multiple Obstacle Localisation Using Sonar Sensors in Air
Authors: Tondin Ferreira Dias Eduardo , Vieira Neto Hugo , Schneider Fábio Kurt
Published: September 2020

Methods for autonomous navigation systems using sonars in air traditionally use the time-of-flight technique for obstacle detection and environment mapping. However, this technique suffers from constructive and destructive interference of ultrasonic reflections from multiple obstacles in the environment, requiring several acquisitions for proper mapping. This paper presents a novel approach for obstacle detection and localisation using inverse problems and compressed sensing concepts. Experiments were conducted with multiple obstacles present in a controlled environment using a hardware platform with four transducers, which was specially designed for sending, receiving and acquiring raw ultrasonic signals. A comparison between the performance of compressed sensing using Orthogonal Matching Pursuit and two traditional image reconstruction methods was conducted. The reconstructed 2D images representing the cross-section of the sensed environment were quantitatively assessed, showing promising results for robotic mapping tasks using compressed sensing.
Paper-Based Analytical Devices for the Rapid and Direct Electrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide in Tomato Leaves Inoculated with Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Sun Lijun , Pan Yu , Wu Jin , Zhao Danyang , Hui Meiqi , Zhu Suqin , Zhu Xinyu , Li Dayong , Song Fengming , Zhang Cankui
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important signaling molecule and plays key roles in multiple plant physiological processes. The rapid and direct monitoring of H2O2 could improve our understanding of its regulatory mechanisms in plants. In this study, we developed a paper-based analytical device consisting of a disposable nano-gold modified indium tin oxide working electrode to provide a platform for the rapid and direct detection of H2O2. The total analytical time was dramatically shortened to be approximate 3 min due to the avoidance of the time-consuming and complex treatment of plant samples. In addition, the amount of plant samples required was less than 3 mg in our approach. We used this system to monitor the concentrations of H2O2 in tomato leaves infected by Botrytiscinerea within 24 h. Our results showed that the concentration of H2O2 in tomato leaves was increased in the initial phase, peaked at 1.5 μmol gFW−1 at 6 h, and then decreased. The production trend of H2O2 in tomato leaves inoculated with Botrytiscinerea detected with our approach is similar to the 3,3-diaminobenzidine staining method. Taken together, our study offers a rapid and direct approach for the detection of H2O2, which will not only pave the way for the further investigation of the regulation mechanisms of H2O2 in plants, but also promote the development of precision agriculture technology.
Sonomechanomyography (SMMG): Mapping of Skeletal Muscle Motion Onset during Contraction Using Ultrafast Ultrasound Imaging and Multiple Motion Sensors
Authors: Ling Yan To , Ma Christina Zong-Hao , Shea Queenie Tsung Kwan , Zheng Yong-Ping
Published: September 2020

Background: Available methods for studying muscle dynamics, including electromyography (EMG), mechanomyography (MMG) and M-mode ultrasound, have limitations in terms of spatial resolution. Methods: This study developed a novel method/protocol of two-dimensional mapping of muscle motion onset using ultrafast ultrasound imaging, i.e., sono-mechano-myo-graphy (SMMG). The developed method was compared with the EMG, MMG and force outputs of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle during ankle dorsiflexion at different percentages of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force in healthy young adults. Results: Significant differences between all pairwise comparisons of onsets were identified, except between SMMG and MMG. The EMG onset significantly led SMMG, MMG and force onsets by 40.0 ± 1.7 ms (p < 0.001), 43.1 ± 5.2 ms (p < 0.005) and 73.0 ± 4.5 ms (p < 0.001), respectively. Muscle motion also started earlier at the middle aponeurosis than skin surface and deeper regions when viewed longitudinally (p < 0.001). No significant effect of force level on onset delay was found. Conclusions: This study introduced and evaluated a new method/protocol, SMMG, for studying muscle dynamics and demonstrated its feasibility for muscle contraction onset research. This novel technology can potentially provide new insights for future studies of neuromuscular diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
Measuring Three-Dimensional Temperature Distributions in Steel–Concrete Composite Slabs Subjected to Fire Using Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors
Authors: Bao Yi , Hoehler Matthew S. , Smith Christopher M. , Bundy Matthew , Chen Genda
Published: September 2020

Detailed information about temperature distribution can be important to understand structural behavior in fire. This study develops a method to image three-dimensional temperature distributions in steel–concrete composite slabs using distributed fiber optic sensors. The feasibility of the method is explored using six 1.2 m × 0.9 m steel–concrete composite slabs instrumented with distributed sensors and thermocouples subjected to fire for over 3 h. Dense point clouds of temperature in the slabs were measured using the distributed sensors. The results show that the distributed sensors operated at material temperatures up to 960 °C with acceptable accuracy for many structural fire applications. The measured non-uniform temperature distributions indicate a spatially distributed thermal response in steel–concrete composite slabs, which can only be adequately captured using approaches that provide a high density of through-depth data points.
New Proposal for Inverse Algorithm Enhancing Noise Robust Eddy-Current Non-Destructive Evaluation
Authors: Smetana Milan , Behun Lukas , Gombarska Daniela , Janousek Ladislav
Published: September 2020

Solution of inverse problem in eddy-current non-destructive evaluation of material defects is concerned in this study. A new inverse algorithm incorporating three methods is proposed. The wavelet transform of sensed eddy-current responses complemented by the principal component analysis and followed by the neural network classification are employed for this purpose. The goal is to increase the noise robustness of the evaluation. The proposed inverse algorithm is tested using real eddy-current response data gained from artificial electro-discharge machined notches made in austenitic stainless-steel biomaterial. Eddy-current responses due to the material defects are acquired using a newly developed eddy-current probe that senses separately three spatial components of the perturbed electromagnetic field. The presented results clearly show that the error in evaluation of material defect depth using the proposed algorithm is less than 10% even when the signal-to-noise ratio is as high as 10 dB.
An Automated Machine-Learning Approach for Road Pothole Detection Using Smartphone Sensor Data
Authors: Wu Chao , Wang Zhen , Hu Simon , Lepine Julien , Na Xiaoxiang , Ainalis Daniel , Stettler Marc
Published: September 2020

Road surface monitoring and maintenance are essential for driving comfort, transport safety and preserving infrastructure integrity. Traditional road condition monitoring is regularly conducted by specially designed instrumented vehicles, which requires time and money and is only able to cover a limited proportion of the road network. In light of the ubiquitous use of smartphones, this paper proposes an automatic pothole detection system utilizing the built-in vibration sensors and global positioning system receivers in smartphones. We collected road condition data in a city using dedicated vehicles and smartphones with a purpose-built mobile application designed for this study. A series of processing methods were applied to the collected data, and features from different frequency domains were extracted, along with various machine-learning classifiers. The results indicated that features from the time and frequency domains outperformed other features for identifying potholes. Among the classifiers tested, the Random Forest method exhibited the best classification performance for potholes, with a precision of 88.5% and recall of 75%. Finally, we validated the proposed method using datasets generated from different road types and examined its universality and robustness.
Method Validation and Measurement Uncertainty Determination of Ethoxyquin and Antioxidant Activity in Paprika Seasonings and Paprika Sauces Frequently Consumed in South Korea
Authors: Jang Gill-Woong , Choi Sun-Il , Han Xionggao , Men Xiao , Kwon Hee-Yeon , Choi Ye-Eun , Park Mi-Hye , Lee Ok-Hwan
Published: September 2020

In this study, we investigated and validated a method for the quantitative analysis of ethoxyquin in paprika seasonings and sauces, which are frequently consumed in South Korea. Using this analytical method, we were able to confirm the presence of ethoxyquin under optimized high-performance liquid chromatography/photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry conditions. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of ethoxyquin was assessed using the American Spice Trade Association values and its residual levels in paprika seasoning samples. The HPLC-PDA limits of detection and quantification for ethoxyquin were found to be 0.26 and 0.79 μg/mL, and 0.33 to 1.00 μg/mL, and the recoveries of ethoxyquin ranged from 86.75 to 101.70%, with relative standard deviations ranging from 0.31% to 3.59%. These results indicated that the analytical method in this study should be appropriate for the quantitative analysis of ethoxyquin in paprika seasoning and sauce matrices.
Coopetition for Sustainable Competitiveness: R&D Collaboration in Perspective of Productivity
Authors: Ko Youngwook , Chung Yanghon , Seo Hangyeol
Published: September 2020

This study explores the effect of coopetition on research and development (R&D) productivity in two stages of the innovation process: (1) value creation to develop new technology and (2) value appropriation to generate profits. Using a sample from the 2010 and 2014 Korea Innovation Survey, we applied the propensity score matching methodology to control selective bias and the two-stage network data envelopment analysis methodology to measure R&D productivity. Our findings indicate that firms who cooperate with competitors in the value creation stage have relatively higher R&D productivity than those who do not. In contrast, firms that pursue the coopetition strategy showed relatively low R&D productivity in the value appropriation stage. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of coopetition by demonstrating its various benefits, costs, and risks.
Fluorinated Surfactant Adsorption on Mineral Surfaces: Implications for PFAS Fate and Transport in the Environment
Authors: Alves Anthony V. , Tsianou Marina , Alexandridis Paschalis
Published: September 2020

Fluorinated surfactants, which fall under the class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are amphiphilic molecules that comprise hydrophobic fluorocarbon chains and hydrophilic head-groups. Fluorinated surfactants have been utilized in many applications, e.g., fire-fighting foams, paints, household/kitchenware items, product packaging, and fabrics. These compounds then made their way into the environment, and have been detected in soil, fresh water, and seawater. From there, they can enter human bodies. Fluorinated surfactants are persistent in water and soil environments, and their adsorption onto mineral surfaces contributes to this persistence. This review examines how fluorinated surfactants adsorb onto mineral surfaces, by analyzing the thermodynamics and kinetics of adsorption, and the underlying mechanisms. Adsorption of fluorinated surfactants onto mineral surfaces can be explained by electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and ligand and ion exchange. The aqueous pH, varying salt or humic acid concentrations, and the surfactant chemistry can influence the adsorption of fluorinated surfactants onto mineral surfaces. Further research is needed on fluorinated surfactant adsorbent materials to treat drinking water, and on strategies that can modulate the fate of these compounds in specific environmental locations.
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Linear Trinuclear CuII and NiII Complexes of Porphyrin Analogues Embedded with Binaphthol Units
Authors: Setsune Jun-ichiro , Omae Shintaro , Tsujimura Yukinori , Mochida Tomoyuki , Sakurai Takahiro , Ohta Hitoshi
Published: September 2020

A porphyrin analogue embedded with (S)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol units was synthesized without reducing optical purity of the original binaphthol unit. This new macrocyclic ligand provides the hexaanionic N4O4 coordination environment that enables a linear array of three metal ions. That is, it provides the square planar O4 donor set for the central metal site and the distorted square planar N2O2 donor set for the terminal metal sites. In fact, a CuII3 complex with a Cu(1)–Cu(2) distance of 2.910 Å, a Cu(1)–Cu(2)–Cu(1′) angle of 174.7°, and a very planar Cu2O2 diamond core was obtained. The variable-temperature 1H-NMR study of the CuII3 complex showed increasing paramagnetic shifts for the naphthyl protons as temperature increased, which suggests strong antiferromagnetic coupling of CuII ions. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility indicated antiferromagnetic coupling both for the CuII3 complex (J = −434 cm−1) and for the NiII3 complex (J = −49 cm−1). The linear (L)M(µ-OR)2M(µ-OR)2M(L) core in a rigid macrocycle cavity made of aromatic components provides robust metal complexes that undergo reversible ligation at the apical sites of the central metal.
Hydrogen Peroxide Causes Cell Death via Increased Transcription of HOXB13 in Human Lung Epithelial A549 Cells
Authors: Endo Naoki , Toyama Takashi , Naganuma Akira , Saito Yoshiro , Hwang Gi-Wook
Published: September 2020

Although homeobox protein B13 (HOXB13) is an oncogenic transcription factor, its role in stress response has rarely been examined. We previously reported that knockdown of HOXB13 reduces the cytotoxicity caused by various oxidative stress inducers. Here, we studied the role of HOXB13 in cytotoxicity caused by hydrogen peroxide in human lung epithelial A549 cells. The knockdown of HOXB13 reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity; however, this phenomenon was largely absent in the presence of antioxidants (Trolox or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)). This suggests that HOXB13 may be involved in the cytotoxicity caused by hydrogen peroxide via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hydrogen peroxide also increased both the mRNA and protein levels of HOXB13. However, these increases were rarely observed in the presence of a transcriptional inhibitor, which suggests that hydrogen peroxide increases protein levels via increased transcription of HOXB13. Furthermore, cell death occurred in A549 cells that highly expressed HOXB13. However, this cell death was mostly inhibited by treatment with antioxidants. Taken together, our findings indicate that HOXB13 may be a novel factor involved in the induction of oxidative stress, which causes cell death via intracellular ROS production.
Two VHH Antibodies Neutralize Botulinum Neurotoxin E1 by Blocking Its Membrane Translocation in Host Cells
Authors: Lam Kwok-Ho , Perry Kay , Shoemaker Charles B. , Jin Rongsheng
Published: September 2020

Botulinum neurotoxin serotype E (BoNT/E) is one of the major causes of human botulism, which is a life-threatening disease caused by flaccid paralysis of muscles. After receptor-mediated toxin internalization into motor neurons, the translocation domain (HN) of BoNT/E transforms into a protein channel upon vesicle acidification in endosomes and delivers its protease domain (LC) across membrane to enter the neuronal cytosol. It is believed that the rapid onset of BoNT/E intoxication compared to other BoNT serotypes is related to its swift internalization and translocation. We recently identified two neutralizing single-domain camelid antibodies (VHHs) against BoNT/E1 termed JLE-E5 and JLE-E9. Here, we report the crystal structures of these two VHHs bound to the LCHN domain of BoNT/E1. The structures reveal that these VHHs recognize two distinct epitopes that are partially overlapping with the putative transmembrane regions on HN, and therefore could physically block membrane association of BoNT/E1. This is confirmed by our in vitro studies, which show that these VHHs inhibit the structural change of BoNT/E1 at acidic pH and interfere with BoNT/E1 association with lipid vesicles. Therefore, these two VHHs neutralize BoNT/E1 by preventing the transmembrane delivery of LC. Furthermore, structure-based sequence analyses show that the 3-dimensional epitopes of these two VHHs are largely conserved across many BoNT/E subtypes, suggesting a broad-spectrum protection against the BoNT/E family. In summary, this work improves our understanding of the membrane translocation mechanism of BoNT/E and paves the way for developing VHHs as diagnostics or therapeutics for the treatment of BoNT/E intoxication.
Physiological Stress Integrates Resistance to Rattlesnake Venom and the Onset of Risky Foraging in California Ground Squirrels
Authors: Holding Matthew L. , Putman Breanna J. , Kong Lauren M. , Smith Jennifer E. , Clark Rulon W.
Published: September 2020

Using venom for predation often leads to the evolution of resistance in prey. Understanding individual variation in venom resistance is key to unlocking basic mechanisms by which antagonistic coevolution can sustain variation in traits under selection. For prey, the opposing challenges of predator avoidance and resource acquisition often lead to correlated levels of risk and reward, which in turn can favor suites of integrated morphological, physiological and behavioral traits. We investigate the relationship between risk-sensitive behaviors, physiological resistance to rattlesnake venom, and stress in a population of California ground squirrels. For the same individuals, we quantified foraging decisions in the presence of snake predators, fecal corticosterone metabolites (a measure of “stress”), and blood serum inhibition of venom enzymatic activity (a measure of venom resistance). Individual responses to snakes were repeatable for three measures of risk-sensitive behavior, indicating that some individuals were consistently risk-averse whereas others were risk tolerant. Venom resistance was lower in squirrels with higher glucocorticoid levels and poorer body condition. Whereas resistance failed to predict proximity to and interactions with snake predators, individuals with higher glucocorticoid levels and in lower body condition waited the longest to feed when near a snake. We compared alternative structural equation models to evaluate alternative hypotheses for the relationships among stress, venom resistance, and behavior. We found support for stress as a shared physiological correlate that independently lowers venom resistance and leads to squirrels that wait longer to feed in the presence of a snake, whereas we did not find evidence that resistance directly facilitates latency to forage. Our findings suggest that stress may help less-resistant squirrels avoid a deadly snakebite, but also reduces feeding opportunities. The combined lethal and non-lethal effects of stressors in predator–prey interactions simultaneously impact multiple key traits in this system, making environmental stress a potential contributor to geographic variation in trait expression of toxic predators and resistant prey.
The Modelling of Freezing Process in Saturated Soil Based on the Thermal-Hydro-Mechanical Multi-Physics Field Coupling Theory
Authors: Lei Dawei , Yang Yugui , Cai Chengzheng , Chen Yong , Wang Songhe
Published: September 2020

The freezing process of saturated soil is studied under the condition of water replenishment. The process of soil freezing was simulated based on the theory of the energy and mass conservation equations and the equation of mechanical equilibrium. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparison with the experimental results of soil freezing. One-side freezing of a saturated 10-cm-high soil column in an open system with different parameters was simulated, and the effects of the initial void ratio, hydraulic conductivity, and thermal conductivity of soil particles on soil frost heave, freezing depth, and ice lenses distribution during soil freezing were explored. During the freezing process, water migrates from the warm end to the frozen fringe under the actions of the temperature gradient and pore pressure. During the initial period of freezing, the frozen front quickly moves downward, the freezing depth is about 5 cm after freezing for 30 h, and the final freezing depth remains about 6 cm. The freezing depth of the soil column is affected by soil porosity and thermal conductivity, but the final freezing depth mainly depends on the temperatures of the top and lower surfaces. The frost heave is mainly related to the amount of water migration. The relationship between the amount of frost heave and the hydraulic conductivity is positively correlated, and the thickness of the stable ice lens is greatly affected by the hydraulic conductivity. With the increase of the hydraulic conductivity and initial void ratio, the formation of ice lenses in the soil become easier. With the increase of the initial void ratio and thermal conductivity of soil particles, the frost heave of the soil column also increases. With high-thermal-conductivity soil, the formation of ice lenses become difficult.
Tropical Cyclone Intensity Change Prediction Based on Surrounding Environmental Conditions with Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Wenke , Yan Bing
Published: September 2020

Tropical cyclone (TC) motion has an important impact on both human lives and infrastructure. Predicting TC intensity is crucial, especially within the 24 h warning time. TC intensity change prediction can be regarded as a problem of both regression and classification. Statistical forecasting methods based on empirical relationships and traditional numerical prediction methods based on dynamical equations still have difficulty in accurately predicting TC intensity. In this study, a prediction algorithm for TC intensity changes based on deep learning is proposed by exploring the joint spatial features of three-dimensional (3D) environmental conditions that contain the basic variables of the atmosphere and ocean. These features can also be interpreted as fused characteristics of the distributions and interactions of these 3D environmental variables. We adopt a 3D convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) for learning the implicit correlations between the spatial distribution features and TC intensity changes. Image processing technology is also used to enhance the data from a small number of TC samples to generate the training set. Considering the instantaneous 3D status of a TC, we extract deep hybrid features from TC image patterns to predict 24 h intensity changes. Compared to previous studies, the experimental results show that the mean absolute error (MAE) of TC intensity change predictions and the accuracy of the classification as either intensifying or weakening are both significantly improved. The results of combining features of high and low spatial layers confirm that considering the distributions and interactions of 3D environmental variables is conducive to predicting TC intensity changes, thus providing insight into the process of TC evolution.
The Water Footprint of Global Food Production
Authors: Mekonnen Mesfin M. , Gerbens-Leenes Winnie
Published: September 2020

Agricultural production is the main consumer of water. Future population growth, income growth, and dietary shifts are expected to increase demand for water. The paper presents a brief review of the water footprint of crop production and the sustainability of the blue water footprint. The estimated global consumptive (green plus blue) water footprint ranges from 5938 to 8508 km3/year. The water footprint is projected to increase by as much as 22% due to climate change and land use change by 2090. Approximately 57% of the global blue water footprint is shown to violate the environmental flow requirements. This calls for action to improve the sustainability of water and protect ecosystems that depend on it. Some of the measures include increasing water productivity, setting benchmarks, setting caps on the water footprint per river basin, shifting the diets to food items with low water requirements, and reducing food waste.
Estimation of Water-Use Rates Based on Hydro-Meteorological Variables Using Deep Belief Network
Authors: Sung Jang Hyun , Ryu Young , Chung Eun-Sung
Published: September 2020

This study proposed a deep learning-based model to estimate stream water-use rate (WUR) using precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET). Correlations were explored to identify relationships among accumulated meteorological variables for various time durations (three-, four-, five-, and six-month cumulative) and WUR, which revealed that three-month cumulative meteorological variables and WUR were highly correlated. A deep belief network (DBN) based on iterating parameter tuning was developed to estimate WUR using P, PET, and antecedent stream water-use rate (DWUR). The training and validation periods were 2011–2016, and 2017–2019, respectively. The results showed that the PET-DWUR based model provided better performances in Nash–Sutcliff efficiency (NSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and determination coefficient (R2) than the P-PET-DWUR and P-DWUR models. The framework in this study can provide a forecast model for deficiencies of stream water use coupled with a weather forecast model.
Large Eddy Simulation of Near-Bed Flow and Turbulence over Roughness Elements in the Shallow Open-Channel
Authors: Zhang Zeng , Li S. Samuel
Published: September 2020

Turbulent flows in rough open-channels have complex structures near the channel-bed. The near-bed flow can cause bed erosion, channel instability, and damages to fish habitats. This paper aims to improve our understanding of the structures. Transverse square bars placed at the channel-bed form two-dimensional roughness elements. Turbulent flows over the bars are predicted using large eddy simulation (LES). The predicted flow quantities compare well with experimental data. The LES model predicts mean-flow velocity profiles that resemble those in the classic turbulent boundary layer over a flat plate and profiles that change patterns in the vicinity of roughness elements, depending on the pitch-to-roughness height ratio λ/k. The relative turbulence intensity and normalized Reynolds shear stress reach maxima of 15% and 1.2%, respectively, at λ/k = 8, compared to 9% and 0.2% at λ/k = 2. The predicted bottom boundary layers constitute a large portion of the total depth, indicating roughness effect on the flow throughout the water column. Fluid exchange between the roughness cavity and outer region occurs due to turbulence fluctuations. The fluctuations increase in intensity with increasing λ/k ratio. This ratio dictates the number of eddies in the cavity as well as their locations and shapes. It also controls turbulence stress distributions. LES can be used to explore strategies for erosion control, channel restoration, and habitat protection.
Habitat Suitability Curves for Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Tropical Andean Rivers
Authors: Vázquez Raúl , Vimos-Lojano Diego , Hampel Henrietta
Published: September 2020

Sustainable river management requires a thorough understanding of the response of aquatic biota to riverine microhabitat variability. The purpose of this study was to assess macroinvertebrate hydraulic-habitat suitability in Ecuadorian Andean rivers to support habitat modelling for sustainable ecosystem management. 597 macroinvertebrate samples were collected from ten sampling stations the Yanuncay River, Ecuador. Physical, chemical, hydraulic and habitat variables were measured/calculated. Froude number, Reynolds number, substrate index and algae coverage were major drivers of macroinvertebrate response, and were used to develop suitability curves for Baetodes, Andesiops, Camelobaetidius, Ecuaphlebia, Anacroneuria, Atopsyche, Simulium and Palpomyia using General Additive Models. Standardised density contours of taxa as functions of hydraulic and habitat variables were also developed. Taxonomic response was related to body structures/shapes and feeding habits. Baetodoes, Simulium, Anacroneuria and Atopsyche preferred fast flowing waters, and thus, they could be significantly affected in case of flow reduction. Similar habitat suitability curves were developed from the main river and the tributaries, possibly due to the short distance between the sampling stations. This study fills a major knowledge gap by developing macroinvertebrate habitat suitability curves for future physical habitat simulations and environmental flow assessments in the Andean region.
Nitrate Contamination in Brazilian Urban Aquifers: A Tenacious Problem
Authors: Hirata Ricardo , Cagnon Fabiana , Bernice Aline , Maldaner Carlos Henrique , Galvão Paulo , Marques Carlos , Terada Rafael , Varnier Claudia , Ryan M. Cathryn , Bertolo Reginaldo
Published: September 2020

This study follows the geochemistry of nitrogen in a Cretaceous and unconfined sedimentary aquifer in the city of Urânia (Brazil) over 20 years. Although the sewer network was built in the 1970s, the nitrate contamination problem (>45 mg/L-NO3−) persists to this day. The oldest urbanization areas located in the north of the city initially used cesspits for wastewater and currently present the highest nitrate concentrations (>120 mg/L-NO3−), with the plume reaching the deeper aquifer portions (up to 100 m). The contamination is not as dramatic in the south part of the city, where urbanization including installation of the sewage network with PVC pipes that are more resistant to leak than the old ceramic networks occurred after 1985. Based on the constructive well profiles, three hydrogeochemical zones were established: shallow (<20 m deep), with average nitrate of 63 mg/L-NO3−; intermediate (20–60 m), with 30 mg/L-NO3−; and deep (>60 m), with 17 mg/L-NO3−. The current total nitrate mass in the aquifer exceeds 731 kg-NO3−. Numerical flow (Modflow) and transport (MT3D) model scenarios support the hypothesis that the nitrate contamination is caused by substantial infiltration of nitrogen through the cesspits until the 1970s, but after the 1990s, leaks from the sewer network should be responsible for the maintenance of the recently observed high concentrations of nitrate.
Distortion of the Estimated Hydraulic Conductivity from a Hydraulic Test in Fractured Rock Due to Excessive Injection or Extraction
Authors: Ji Sung-Hoon , Park Byeong-Hak , Park Kyung-Woo
Published: September 2020

In this study, we discussed distortion of the estimated hydraulic conductivity from a hydraulic test due to excessive injection or extraction of groundwater by evaluating the influence of nonlinear flow. Pulse, slug, and constant head withdrawal tests with various head displacements were conducted in fractured granite rock, and the changes of representative Reynolds numbers (Re) during the tests were calculated. The Forchheimer equation and cubic law were used to evaluate the influence of nonlinear flow on the hydraulic tests, and thus the possibility of distortion of the estimated hydraulic conductivity. Our results showed that there was little possibility that nonlinear flow occurred during the pulse tests in the test zones. In the slug tests at several test zones, however, the estimated hydraulic conductivities were likely to be distorted due to nonlinear flow. Except for the test zones with low permeability, the scale effects of the estimated hydraulic conductivities from different types of tests were observed. These results indicated that the scale effect and distortion of the hydraulic parameters can be evaluated by conducting various types of hydraulic tests.
Hydrological Drought in Dongting Lake Area (China) after the Running of Three Gorges Dam and a Possible Solution
Authors: Liu Yizhuang , Yang Shu-Qing , Jiang Changbo , Long Yuannan , Deng Bin , Yan Shixiong
Published: September 2020

Dongting Lake is located at the downstream of Three Gorges Dam (TGD) and the hydrological drought is intensified after the impoundment of TGD as the dry period has been extended from 123 days/year before the operation of TGD (1981–2002) to 141 days/year (2003–2016) on average. Particularly, the Dongting Lake’s water shortage becomes very severe. To solve the problem caused by upstream dams, an innovative flood control scheme (IFCS) was introduced, and its feasibility of application in Dongting Lake is studied using the hydrodynamic module of Mike 21. The results show the IFCS can effectively convert the peak discharge of floodwater in wet seasons into water resources in dry seasons as the IFCS could significantly increase the usable water storage of the lake. For example, the usable water storage could increase to 2.85 billion m3 and 1.81 billion m3 in the extreme drought year of 2006 and 2011, respectively. The average increment of the water level would be about 0.4 m, 0.6 m, and 0.5 m in the West Dongting Lake (WDL), South Dongting Lake (SDL), and the East Dongting Lake (EDL), respectively, if the water stored in the inner lake was discharged uniformly in 30 days (27 November to 27 December 2006) with the application of IFCS. This study may provide an innovative method to alleviate the water shortage problem in Dongting Lake and other similar lakes.
STUDI KEPUASAN KONSUMEN MENGGUNAKAN EMPAT DIMENSI SERVQUAL PADA AREA PUBLIK TERMINAL 3 BANDARA CHANGI SINGAPURA
Authors: Andini Risfandini
Published: September 2020

SERVQUAL is one of the model that is frequently used to measure customer satisfaction regarding the service quality. This study is using 4 dimensions of SERVQUAL to measure customer satisfaction about service quality in Changi Airport public area terminal 3 Singapore. The main objective of this study is to analyze the satisfaction level of Changi Airport’s customers of service quality in the public area in Terminal 3.  In order to achieve this main objective, the following sub objectives were set namely: (1)to investigate whether there is a gap between customer expectations and customer perception of service quality in Changi Airport public area terminal 3; (2)to identify the significant factors that affecting customer expectations of service quality in Changi Airport public area terminal 3; (3)To identify the significant factors that affecting customer perception of service quality in Changi Airport Public Area terminal 3. Data was collected using survey questionnaire with Likert scale, it was analyzed using SPSS 21 using descriptive statistics, two tailed test, and faktor analysis. .The factors that have significant impact on customers’ expectations are assurance and security, comfort and convenience, safety and service, ambience and accessibility. While the customers’ perception of service quality is influenced by convenience and service, comfort, ambience and cleanliness, safety, accessibility and security factors.
Petrological and geochemical study of the Sylhet trap basalts, Shillong plateau, N.E. India: Implications for petrogenesis
Authors: Hussain M. Faruque , Islam Md Shofiqul , Deb Mithun
Published: September 2020

Sylhet Traps exposed along the southern margin of Shillong plateau, Northeast India are subalkaline tholeiitic basalts. The basalts are generally massive but occasionally contain large amygdules of zeolites and chalcedony. Microscopically, some basalts show porphyritic texture with olivine phenocrysts. Phenocryst assemblage of plagioclase ± clinopyroxene ± olivine implies crystallization at shallow level. SEM-EDX analysis shows occurrences of spinel with Ni and Cr within the basalts therefore indicating partial melting of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle as the possible source materials for the basalts. The multi-element plot for the basalts shows two distinct trends: one with significant enrichment of LILE and depletion of HFSE and plot similar to OIB (Type 1) while the other trends are chara cterized by slight enrichment of LILE and negative anomalies at Nb, P and Ti (Type 2). Chondrite-normalized REE patterns for Type 1 basalt shows very high enrichment of LREE and a strong right dip HREE pattern and also plots similar to typical OIB while Type 2 show a slight enrichment of LREE over HREE with small Eu anomaly.
The geochemical signatures suggest crustal contamination by plume-derived magma produced by low degree of partial melting for Type 1 basalt. Type 2 basalt was produced by partial melting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle, which may be triggered by plume upwelling.
STATUS OF USING MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NAM PUNG COMMUNE, BAT XAT DISTRICT, LAO CAI PROVINCE
Authors: Hiền Nguyễn Thị Thu , Khá Trịnh Đình , Vinh Đàm Văn
Published: September 2020

Nghiên cứu này được tiến hành nhằm đánh giá thực trạng nguồn tài nguyên cây thuốc được sử dụng trong cộng đồng dân tộc Dao tại xã Nậm Pung, huyện Bát Xát, tỉnh Lào Cai. Các phương pháp sử dụng gồm có: thu thập mẫu vật, phỏng vấn, định danh tên loài, đánh giá tính đa dạng nguồn tài nguyên cây thuốc và đánh giá mức độ nguy cấp của các loài cây thuốc. Kết quả nghiên cứu bước đầu đã xác định được 75 loài cây thuốc thuộc 73 chi, 47 họ được cộng đồng dân tộc ở khu vực nghiên cứu sử dụng trong phòng và chữa bệnh cho người dân. Cây thuốc thuộc 5 dạng sống chính gồm: thân thảo, cây bụi, dây leo, cây gỗ nhỏ và cây gỗ trung bình. Cây thường phân bố ở các dạng sinh cảnh như: sống ở vườn, đồi, rừng và sống ven suối. Trong các bộ phận được sử dụng làm thuốc thì bộ phận cả cây, lá và thân được sử dụng nhiều nhất. Nghiên cứu đã xác định được 11 nhóm bệnh được chữa trị bằng kinh nghiệm sử dụng cây thuốc của cộng đồng dân tộc Dao tại khu vực nghiên cứu, trong đó có 4 nhóm bệnh chiếm tỷ lệ cao nhất: bệnh về tiêu hóa, bệnh về xương khớp, bệnh do thời tiết, bệnh về vết thương. Có 4 loài cây thuốc cần được bảo vệ đã được ghi nhận gồm: Anoectochilus setaceus Blume – Lan kim tuyến, Stephania sinica Diels – Bình vôi tán ngắn, Callerya speciosa (Champ. ex Benth.) Schot – Cát sâm, và Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino - Giảo cổ lam.