bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Limits of Direct Wideband Coherent 3D Localization in Distributed Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Vukmirović Nenad , Erić Miljko , Djurić Petar M.
Published: May 2021

We address the accuracy of wideband direct position estimation of a radio transmitter via a distributed antenna array in 5G cellular systems. Our derivations are based only on the presence of spatially coherent line-of-sight (LoS) signal components, which is a realistic assumption in small cells, especially in the mmWave range. The system model considers collocated time and phase synchronized receiving front-ends with antennas distributed in 3D space at known locations and connected to the front-ends via calibrated coaxial cables or analog radio-frequency-over-fiber links. Furthermore, the signal model assumes spherical wavefronts. We derive the Cramér-Rao bounds (CRBs) for two implementations of the system: with (a) known signals and (b) random Gaussian signals. The results show how the bounds depend on the carrier frequency, number of samples used for estimation, and signal-to-noise ratios. They also show that increasing the number of antennas (such as in massive MIMO systems) considerably improves the accuracy and lowers the signal-to-noise threshold for localization even for non-cooperative transmitters. Finally, our derivations show that the square roots of the bounds are two to three orders of magnitude below the carrier wavelength for realistic system parameters.
Cellular Network Radio Monitoring and Management through Virtual UE Probes: A Study Case Based on Crowded Events
Authors: Baena Eduardo , Fortes Sergio , Alay Özgü , Xie Min , Lønsethagen Håkon , Barco Raquel
Published: May 2021

Although log processing of network equipment is a common technique in cellular network management, several factors make said task challenging, especially during mass attendance events. The present paper assesses classic methods for cellular network measurement and acquisition, showing how the use of on-the-field user probes can provide relevant capabilities to the analysis of cellular network performance. Therefore, a framework for the deployment of this kind of system is proposed here based on the development of a new hardware virtualization platform with radio frequency capabilities. Accordingly, an analysis of the characteristics and requirements for the use of virtual probes was performed. Moreover, the impact that social events (e.g., sports matches) may have on the service provision was evaluated through a real cellular scenario. For this purpose, a long-term measurement study during crowded events (i.e., football matches) in a stadium has been conducted, and the performances of different services and operators under realistic settings has been evaluated. As a result, several considerations are presented that can be used for better management of future networks.
Quantitative Study on MFL Signal of Pipeline Composite Defect Based on Improved Magnetic Charge Model
Authors: Liu Bin , Luo Ning , Feng Gang
Published: May 2021

Pipeline magnetic flux leakage (MFL) internal detection technology is the most widely used and effective method in the field of long-distance oil and gas pipeline online detection. With the improvement of data quantization precision, the influence of stress on MFL signal has been paid more and more attention. In this paper, the relationship between stress and saturation magnetization is introduced based on J-A theory. The analytical model of MFL detection signal for pipeline composite defects is established. The MFL signal characteristics of composite defects are quantitatively calculated. The effect of stress on MFL signal is studied. The theoretical analysis is verified by experimental data and excavation results. The researches show that the saturation magnetization of ferromagnets decreases exponentially with the increase of stress in strong magnetic field. The MFL signal of composite defect is weaker than that of volumetric defects of the same dimension. The axial amplitude and radial peak-to-peak value of MFL signal decrease with the increase of stress around the defect. The axial amplitude and radial peak-to-peak value of MFL signal increase non-linearly with the increase of width and depth of defects. When using MFL signal to judge the defect depth, it is necessary to make clear whether there is stress concentration phenomenon around the defect because the stress will lead to underestimation of the defect depth.
Heater Integrated Lab-on-a-Chip Device for Rapid HLA Alleles Amplification towards Prevention of Drug Hypersensitivity
Authors: Uddin Shah Mukim , Sayad Abkar , Chan Jianxiong , Huynh Duc Hau , Skafidas Efstratios , Kwan Patrick
Published: May 2021

HLA-B*15:02 screening before administering carbamazepine is recommended to prevent life-threatening hypersensitivity. However, the unavailability of a point-of-care device impedes this screening process. Our research group previously developed a two-step HLA-B*15:02 detection technique utilizing loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) on the tube, which requires two-stage device development to translate into a portable platform. Here, we report a heater-integrated lab-on-a-chip device for the LAMP amplification, which can rapidly detect HLA-B alleles colorimetrically. A gold-patterned micro-sized heater was integrated into a 3D-printed chip, allowing microfluidic pumping, valving, and incubation. The performance of the chip was tested with color dye. Then LAMP assay was conducted with human genomic DNA samples of known HLA-B genotypes in the LAMP-chip parallel with the tube assay. The LAMP-on-chip results showed a complete match with the LAMP-on-tube assay, demonstrating the detection system’s concurrence.
Towards a Digital Ecosystem for a Smart City District: Procedure, Results, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Elberzhager Frank , Mennig Patrick , Polst Svenja , Scherr Simon , Stüpfert Phil
Published: May 2021

The digital transformation supports many cities on the way to becoming smarter cities, enabling them to enhance digital processes, care about climate-friendly goals, or improve the quality of life of their citizens. However, such changes usually take place step by step and not in a big-bang approach. In order for the direction of the digital transformation to be defined, it is necessary to know and understand the needs and requirements of all relevant stakeholders who will be affected or are intended to use the new digital solutions. As our environment, a smart city district, is currently under construction, we do not know most of the future stakeholders yet. Therefore, we had to find new ways of eliciting the needs and requirements for digital solutions without knowing, e.g., the citizens who will live in the future district. We show a framework of the procedures we followed, classified into (a) vision and concepts, (b) smart city district digital ecosystem, and (c) dissemination and events. We substantiate the processes with example results and provide a discussion on how we evaluate our solutions with respect to future applicability. Because evaluations are only very limited in our setting right now, we focus on four lead questions to argue why the procedures and results are adequate and share the lessons we learned on this path towards a digital smart city district.
“Whiteness Isn’t about Skin Color.” Challenges to Analyzing Racial Practices in a Norwegian Context
Authors: Dankertsen Astri , Kristiansen Tone Gunn Stene
Published: May 2021

While being Norwegian is often associated with being white, the absence of a discourse on race makes it difficult to analyze racialization scientifically. It is sometimes argued that critical race theory is developed within an American context and that it is not culturally relevant in a Norwegian context. We argue that while this might be true in some cases, critical race theory might nevertheless give new insights into how racial practices and colonial structures continue to be important parts of the power relations in Norway. We base our article on two empirical materials from a Norwegian-Sámi context and from professionals in Norwegian child protective services in order to illuminate how racialization is expressed. In our comparative perspective and collaborative and self-reflexive writing process, we use the concept of interpretive repertoire to explore how postcolonial and critical race theory is a challenging, but nevertheless useful approach to analyze racialization and discrimination in Norway.
Economic Dependence Relationship and the Coordinated & Sustainable Development among the Provinces in the Yellow River Economic Belt of China
Authors: Wu Xianbo , Hui Xiaofeng
Published: May 2021

This study uses the mutual information method to study economic dependence among the provinces in the Yellow River Economic Belt, constructs the core dependence structure through the maximum spanning tree method, and uses the rolling window method to observe the changes in the dependence structure from a dynamic point of view. It has been found that there are extensive economic links among the nine provinces in the Yellow River Economic Belt, but that the degree of economic dependence varies greatly in different time periods. When economic development and the capital market are overheated, the interregional dependence is stronger, while the dependence decreases when economic development is in a state of contraction or when the total demand is relatively reduced. In addition, the phenomenon of geographical clustering of economic dependence is not obvious among provinces in the Yellow River Economic Belt. Most of the provinces maintain strong economic dependence with the economically developed provinces, and the economically developed provinces also maintain strong economic ties with one another. Finally, the implementation of the Yellow River Economic Belt strategy strengthens the economic links between the less developed provinces and the other provinces in the region, and promotes coordinated and sustainable development in the region.
Latin American Microentrepreneurs: Trajectories and Meanings about Informal Work
Authors: Benites Marcela , González-Díaz Romel Ramón , Acevedo-Duque Ángel , Becerra-Pérez Luis Armando , Tristancho Cediel Graciela
Published: May 2021

Latin America has suffered for many years deep economic, political, and social problems that have led to high levels of unemployment. Therefore, microentrepreneurship has been a way out of these precarious economic systems. This research presents an interpretative hermeneutic analysis of the meaning of work for microentrepreneurs in the metropolitan region of Lima, Peru. The qualitative naturalistic methodology was used and data were obtained through 24 interviews with microentrepreneurs according to inclusion criteria such as: located in the metropolitan region of Lima (divided into 4 regions: A, B, C, and D), more than 5 years of experience, more than 25 years of age, university level of study and having had a formal job. The data were processed through ATLAS.ti9, which allowed us to analyze the discourses of the microentrepreneurs. The main findings show the following emerging categories: Motivation for entrepreneurship, Advantages of self-employment, relationship with stakeholders or interest groups, and family involvement in the business. It is concluded that Latin American microentrepreneurs associate entrepreneurship as an opportunity to improve their quality of life and establish relationships with stakeholders, with the family playing a key role in the success or failure of the business.
Quality Evaluation of Winery By-Products from Ionian Islands Grape Varieties in the Concept of Circular Bioeconomy
Authors: Xagoraris Marinos , Oikonomou Ioanna , Daferera Dimitra , Kanakis Charalambos , Lappa Iliada K. , Giotis Charilaos , Pappas Christos S. , Tarantilis Petros A. , Skotti Efstathia
Published: May 2021

The aim of this work was the study and evaluation of winery by-products in the framework of the circular bioeconomy. Grape seeds and grape skins from Greek Ionian Islands varieties were analyzed in an attempt to provide the appropriate basis for model development of their sustainable exploitation at a local or regional level. The by-products were collected directly from the wineries immediately after the vinification process and were analyzed by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. In addition, annual production and yields were estimated. Grape seed oil quality was evaluated based on fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) composition. The grape skins’ phenolic fraction was extracted by an eco-friendly, nontoxic water-glycerol solvent system and was detected qualitatively. In addition, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH) were measured. Based on estimated yields, our results demonstrate that winery by-products have the potential to promote the cyclical bioeconomy in a modern economic growth model that will reduce by-products and environmental costs as they can be reused as whole material in foods, dietary supplements, cosmetic ingredients, food colorants, and preservatives.
Pandemic or Environmental Socio-Economic Stressors Which Have Greater Impact on Food Security in the Barishal Division of Bangladesh: Initial Perspectives from Agricultural Officers and Farmers
Authors: Ali Sayeda Sabrina , Ahmad Md. Raju , Shoaib Jalal Uddin Mohammad , Sheik Mohammad Aliuzzaman , Hoshain Mohammad Imam , Hall Rebecca L. , Macintosh Katrina A. , Williams Paul N.
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent protectionary lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on agricultural production globally. Barishal division is the ‘grain-basket’ of Bangladesh and a main rice cultivation centre within the country. This study captures perspectives on the environmental socioeconomic stressors impacting primary production in the coastal region of Barishal, and the impact of the first wave of the global pandemic. In our methodology, a cross-sectional survey is carried out amongst agriculture officers and farmers focusing on land management practices, environmental stressors, and the consequences of the pandemic on winter crop harvests and wet season production. A total number of 234 people participated, of which 31 were agriculture officers and 203 were farmers. Government officers completed an online questionnaire, while farmer responses were collected through Focus Group Discussion. The results show that despite the lockdown, 76% of responders claimed that they had harvested more than 80% of the cultivated winter rice. Other crops, such as fruits and vegetables, were less successfully returned. Despite food production pressures, land capacity was not fully utilised, with a significant/notable proportion of fields left fallow, principally due to periodic flooding events that sufferer concurrently from soil organic matter depletion. Upazila, not severely waterlogged, had salinity problems to contend with. While transportation restrictions and labour shortages were key constraints arising from the impact of COVID-19 on both agricultural production and post harvesting (processing, distribution, and utilisation). Current storage facilities for perishable produce, such as fruit, were found to be lacking, which further compounded access to such food items. The COVID-19 pandemic shocked agricultural productivity and food supply within the Barishal division. However, despite managing to return a successful rice harvest during the lockdown, it was found that the pre-existing environmental stressors arising from cyclones and flooding continued to be the primary threat to agriculture, even during a global pandemic. Our findings have been used to inform management options to increase resilience in the region.
Monitoring as the Key Factor for Sustainable Use and Protection of Groundwater in Karst Environments—An Overview
Authors: Stevanović Zoran , Stevanović Aleksandra Maran
Published: May 2021

As a specific type of landscape and aquifer, karst is developed in soluble carbonate and evaporitic rocks and is of great importance for humanity. It covers more than 15% of Earth’s ice-free land and its aquifers provide about 10% of the world population’s drinking water. However, in general, its importance is not adequately supported by monitoring. Due to very dynamic karst regimes, in many countries, monitoring networks and their technology must be enlarged and improved, in terms of both the quantity and quality of water. The article discusses the current state of monitoring in legislation and water practice, as well as its importance in preventing water pollution, ensuring water provision to dependent ecosystems and preparing adaptation strategies to mitigate the negative effects of climate changes. Karst aquifers’ heterogeneity, high vulnerability to pollution and their very dynamic regimes require a more frequent observation of discharge and water quality parameters than any other aquifer system. There is also a need for installing sophisticated monitoring equipment, which enables remote observation of changes in dynamic karst systems. Improving monitoring and creating an early warning system would have a direct and positive effect on water management and might also be able to prevent uncontrolled groundwater extraction and deterioration of water quality.
Hybrid Differential Evolution Algorithm and Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search to Solve Parallel Machine Scheduling to Minimize Energy Consumption in Consideration of Machine-Load Balance Problems
Authors: Nanthapodej Rujapa , Liu Cheng-Hsiang , Nitisiri Krisanarach , Pattanapairoj Sirorat
Published: May 2021

Environmental and economic considerations create a challenge for manufacturers. The main priorities for production planning in environmentally friendly manufacturing industries are reducing energy consumption and improving productivity by balancing machine load. This paper focuses on parallel machine scheduling to minimize energy consumption (PMS_ENER), which is an indicator of environmental sustainability when considering machine-load balance problems. A mathematical model was formulated to solve the proposed problem and tested using a set of problem groups. The findings indicated that the mathematical model could find an optimal solution within a limited calculation time for small problems. For medium and large problems, the mathematical model could also find the optimal solution within a limited calculation time, but worse than all metaheuristics. However, finding an optimal solution for a larger problem is time-consuming. Thus, a novel method, a hybrid differential evolution algorithm with adaptive large neighborhood search (HyDE-ALNS), is presented to solve large-scale PMS_ENER. The new mutation and recombination formula for the differential evolution (DE) algorithm proposed in this article obtained promising results. By using the HyDE-ALNS, we improved the solution quality by 0.22%, 7.21%, and 12.01% compared with a modified DE (MDE-3) for small, medium, and large problems respectively. In addition, five new removal methods were designed to implement in ALNS and achieve optimal solution quality.
The New EU Remuneration Policy as Good but Not Desired Corporate Governance Mechanism and the Role of CSR Disclosing
Authors: Porcuna Enguix Luis
Published: May 2021

The recent global financial crisis (GFC) has put under scrutiny the sound remuneration policy and consequently the incentives design that influences risk-taking by managers in the banking industry to be a politically charged variable. In particular, this paper analyzes the new EU remuneration regulation of bank executive compensation and the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on this. Though all the EU efforts put into remuneration practices suggest commitment in aligning risk, performance, and compensation and aim at easing bank managers’ risk appetite for variable payments, the new regulation might drive unintended consequences, creating adverse selection problems in EU banks and hidden compensation habits that lower transparency, thus threatening financial system’s sustainability. Focusing on European Banking Authority (EBA) reports spanning from 2010 to 2017, the data reveals increasing values on the fixed component, less involvement in bank discipline by economic agents, and a potential for accounting-based incentives compensation that might reinforce attitudes towards building countercyclical buffers and smoothing earnings. As well, the new regulation might reduce the number of best-performing bank managers in the Eurozone, since “bad risks” are accepted to the detriment of “good risks,” which might stimulate their migration. In contrast, CSR investment is supposed to offset such practices and incentives that harm EU financial stability. As a result, policymakers, banks, and regulators should promote the transparency of CSR disclosure.
The Degree of Dissemination of the Idea of Sustainable Development in Polish Housing Cooperatives in the Light of Empirical Research
Authors: Brzeska Aneta , Jędrzejewski Sławomir
Published: May 2021

The cooperative movement was, in a way, the forerunner of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), which is due to the fact that they operate on the basis of cooperative values such as democracy, equality, solidarity, membership and social responsibility, concern for the local community. An integral part of the implementation of corporate social responsibility is the publication of sustainability reports which are currently not published by Polish housing cooperatives. The aim of this article has been defined as the identification and assessment of the idea of sustainable development implemented on the basis of General Standard Disclosures and Specific Standard Disclosures indicators presented in the reporting of housing cooperatives compliant with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 Guidelines on Sustainability Reporting. The research used the method of literature analysis and the method of observation, as well as a comparative analysis of the information disclosures presented by the housing cooperatives studied. The obtained research results confirmed the cognitive value of non-financial reports and disclosures of information on websites in the assessment of the implementation of the sustainable development strategy. The findings have signaled the need to disseminate the idea of CSR reports among housing cooperatives and to make their preparation mandatory.
Wood Ashes from Grate-Fired Heat and Power Plants: Evaluation of Nutrient and Heavy Metal Contents
Authors: Bachmaier Hans , Kuptz Daniel , Hartmann Hans
Published: May 2021

Ashes from biomass heat (and power) plants that apply untreated woody biofuels may be suitable for use as fertilizers if certain requirements regarding pollutant and nutrient contents are met. The aim of this study was to examine if both bottom and cyclone ashes from 17 Bavarian heating plants and one ash collection depot are suitable as fertilizers (n = 50). The range and average values of relevant nutrients and pollutants in the ashes were analyzed and evaluated for conformity with the German Fertilizer Ordinance (DüMV). Approximately 30% of the bottom ashes directly complied with the heavy metal limits of the Fertilizer Ordinance. The limits were exceeded for chromium(VI) (62%), cadmium (12%) and lead (4%). If chromium(VI) could be reduced by suitable treatment, 85% of the bottom ashes would comply with the required limit values. Cyclone ashes were high in cadmium, lead, and zinc. The analysis of the main nutrients showed high values for potassium and calcium in bottom ashes, but also relevant amounts of phosphorus, making them suitable as fertilizers if pollutant limits are met. Quality assurance systems should be applied at biomass heating plants to improve ash quality if wood ashes are used as fertilizers in agriculture.
Recombinant Expression of Trametes versicolor Aflatoxin B1-Degrading Enzyme (TV-AFB1D) in Engineering Pichia pastoris GS115 and Application in AFB1 Degradation in AFB1-Contaminated Peanuts
Authors: Yang Peizhou , Xiao Wei , Lu Shuhua , Jiang Suwei , Zheng Zhi , Zhang Danfeng , Zhang Min , Jiang Shaotong , Jiang Shuying
Published: May 2021

Aflatoxins seriously threaten the health of humans and animals due to their potential carcinogenic properties. Enzymatic degradation approach is an effective and environmentally friendly alternative that involves changing the structure of aflatoxins. In this study, Trametes versicolor aflatoxin B1-degrading enzyme gene (TV-AFB1D) was integrated into the genome of Pichia pastoris GS115 by homologous recombination approach. The recombinant TV-AFB1D was expressed in engineering P. pastoris with a size of approximately 77 kDa under the induction of methanol. The maximum activity of TV-AFB1D reached 17.5 U/mL after the induction of 0.8% ethanol (v/v) for 84 h at 28 °C. The AFB1 proportion of 75.9% was degraded using AFB1 standard sample after catalysis for 12 h. In addition, the AFB1 proportion was 48.5% using AFB1-contaminated peanuts after the catalysis for 18 h at 34 °C. The recombinant TV-AFB1D would have good practical application value in AFB1 degradation in food crops. This study provides an alternative degrading enzyme for the degradation of AFB1 in aflatoxin-contaminated grain and feed via enzymatic degradation approach.
On the Elimination of Infections Related to Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus: An Approach Using a Computational Network Model
Authors: Muñoz-Quiles Cintia , Díez-Domingo Javier , Acedo Luis , Sánchez-Alonso Víctor , Villanueva Rafael J.
Published: May 2021

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women worldwide, although it is preventable with prophylactic HPV vaccination. HPV transmission-dynamic models can predict the potential for the global elimination of cervical cancer. The random network model is a new approach that allows individuals to be followed, and to implement a given vaccination policy according to their clinical records. We developed an HPV transmission-dynamic model on a lifetime sexual partners network based on individual contacts, also accounting for the sexual behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM). We analyzed the decline in the prevalence of HPV infection in a scenario of 75% and 90% coverage for both sexes. An important herd immunity effect for men and women was observed in the heterosexual network, even with 75% coverage. However, HPV infections are persistent in the MSM population, with sustained circulation of the virus among unvaccinated individuals. Coverage around 75% of both sexes would be necessary to eliminate HPV-related conditions in women within five decades. Nevertheless, the variation in the decline in infection in the long term between a vaccination coverage of 75% and 90% is relatively small, suggesting that reaching coverage of around 70–75% in the heterosexual network may be enough to confer high protection. Nevertheless, HPV elimination may be achieved if men’s coverage is strictly controlled. This accurate representation of HPV transmission demonstrates the need to maintain high HPV vaccination coverage, especially in men, for whom the cost-effectiveness of vaccination is questioned.
Repeated Leftover Serosurvey of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Greece, May to August 2020
Authors: Bogogiannidou Zacharoula , Speletas Matthaios , Vontas Alexandros , Nikoulis Dimitrios J. , Dadouli Katerina , Kyritsi Maria A. , Mouchtouri Varvara A. , Mina Paraskevi , Anagnostopoulos Lemonia , Koureas Michalis , Karavasilis Vasileios , Nikou Olga , Pinaka Ourania , Thomaidis Pavlos C. , Kadoglou Kornilia , Bedevis Konstantinos , Spyrou Natalia , Eleftheriou Alexandros A. , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Gikas Achilleas , Vatopoulos Alkiviadis , Ntzani Evangelia E. , Prezerakos Panagiotis , Tsiodras Sotirios , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: May 2021

A serosurvey of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was conducted in Greece between May and August 2020. It was designed as a cross-sectional survey and was repeated at monthly intervals. The leftover sampling methodology was used and a geographically stratified sampling plan was applied. Of 20,110 serum samples collected, 89 (0.44%) were found to be positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, with higher seroprevalence (0.35%) observed in May 2020. The highest seroprevalence was primarily observed in the “30–49” year age group. Females presented higher seroprevalence compared to males in May 2020 (females: 0.58% VS males: 0.10%). This difference reversed during the study period and males presented a higher proportion in August 2020 (females: 0.12% VS males: 0.58%). Differences in the rate of seropositivity between urban areas and the rest of the country were also observed during the study period. The four-month infection fatality rate (IFR) was estimated to be 0.47%, while the respective case fatality rate (CFR) was at 1.89%. Our findings confirm low seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Greece during the study period. The young adults are presented as the most affected age group. The loss of the cumulative effect of seropositivity in a proportion of previous SARS-CoV-2 infections was indicated.
Production of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Antigen Using Suspension-Adapted BHK-21 Cells in a Bioreactor
Authors: Park Soonyong , Kim Ji Yul , Ryu Kyoung-Hwa , Kim Ah-Young , Kim Jaemun , Ko Young-Joon , Lee Eun Gyo
Published: May 2021

The baby hamster kidney-21 (BHK-21) cell line is a continuous cell line used to propagate foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus for vaccine manufacturing. BHK-21 cells are anchorage-dependent, although suspension cultures would enable rapid growth in bioreactors, large-scale virus propagation, and cost-effective vaccine production with serum-free medium. Here, we report the successful adaptation of adherent BHK-21 cells to growth in suspension to a viable cell density of 7.65 × 106 cells/mL on day 3 in serum-free culture medium. The suspension-adapted BHK-21 cells showed lower adhesion to five types of extracellular matrix proteins than adherent BHK-21 cells, which contributed to the suspension culture. In addition, a chemically defined medium (selected by screening various prototype media) led to increased FMD virus production yields in the batch culture, even at a cell density of only 3.5 × 106 cells/mL. The suspension BHK-21 cell culture could be expanded to a 200 L bioreactor from a 20 mL flask, which resulted in a comparable FMD virus titer. This platform technology improved virus productivity, indicating its potential for enhancing FMD vaccine production.
The SCCmec Types and Antimicrobial Resistance among Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Species Isolated from Dogs with Superficial Pyoderma
Authors: Chanayat Yuttana , Akatvipat Areerath , Bender Jeff B. , Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Meeyam Tongkorn , Anukool Usanee , Pichpol Duangporn
Published: May 2021

This study characterizes clinical methicillin-resistant staphylococcal (MRS) isolates obtained from superficial pyoderma infections in dogs. Our interest was to determine the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type and the antimicrobial susceptibility among MRS isolates from clinical cases. Skin swabs were collected and cultured. Staphylococcus species were identified and characterized with biochemical tests and MALDI-TOF-MS and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion. mecA detection and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing were achieved by PCR. Of the 65 clinical samples, 56 (86.2%) staphylococcal infections were identified. Twelve (21%) of 56 isolates were MRS infections. All MRS isolates were multidrug resistant. The ccrC and class-C2 mec, which were SCCmec type V, were the most prevalent (66.7%) among the 12 MRS isolates. The predominant SCCmec type V was found in S. aureus, S. intermedius group, S. lentus, S. xylosus, and S. arlettae. Treatment failure is a concern with the emergence of highly resistant MRS in dogs associated with superficial pyoderma. The detection of type V SCCmec MRS has previously been reported among veterinarians and dog owners but not in Northern Thailand. These infections serve as a reminder to improve infection prevention and control measures including reducing environmental contamination and potential zoonotic exposures to MRS. In addition, educational awareness of these risks in small animal hospitals needs to be increased among veterinary hospital staff, clients, and patients.
Suggested Sampling Methodology for Lake Benthic Macroinvertebrates under the Requirements of the European Water Framework Directive
Authors: Ntislidou Chrysoula , Bobori Dimitra , Lazaridou Maria
Published: May 2021

The estimation of the number of samples required for reliably monitoring lakes’ benthic macroinvertebrates is difficult due to the natural variability and cost and time constraints. To determine a statistically robust and effective sampling design, we collected benthic macroinvertebrate samples from 15 Greek natural lakes. We compared the spatial and temporal variability of the benthic macroinvertebrate community composition to identify differences among lakes, between lake zones (sublittoral and profundal) and sampling periods. Furthermore, we examined the sampling precision and determined the number of required samples to attain maximum taxa richness. The diminution of the sampling effort was estimated and the desired precision level, considering different benthic macroinvertebrate abundances, was modelled. No temporal or spatial variation between lake zones was observed in communities’ compositions. The precision of our sampling design was adequate, and rarefaction curves revealed an adequate taxa richness (>70%). The developed model could be applied to assess the required sampling effort in lakes within the Mediterranean ecoregion with similar benthic macroinvertebrate abundances.
Mapping Ground Water Access in Two Rural Communes of Burkina Faso
Authors: Díaz-Alcaide Silvia , Sandwidi Wennegouda Jean-Pierre , Martínez-Santos Pedro , Martín-Loeches Miguel , Cáceres José Luis , Seijas Naomi
Published: May 2021

Granting safe water access worldwide is a major objective of the Sustainable Development Goals. Water access is a manifold concept that encompasses collection time, distance from the household, water quality, affordability, and reliability of water sources, among other factors. GIS-based methods can be particularly useful in improving water access estimates, particularly in rural areas of developing countries. Based on an extensive water point database (n = 770), this paper explores the main challenges involved in mapping water access in two rural communes of Burkina Faso. Water access is estimated in terms of coverage per surface area. Coverage is filtered into four distinct categories of improved water sources, namely existing infrastructures, operational infrastructures, permanent infrastructures, and permanent infrastructures that provide safe water. The outcomes suggest that the study area is better endowed with water access than rural Burkina Faso and the remainder of the African continent, although there are important questions regarding groundwater quality. The outcomes highlight the conceptual differences between coverage and access, as well as some of the practical difficulties involved in estimating water access beyond standard ratios. The shortcomings include the absence of continuous monitoring of infrastructure functionality and water quality, as well as water affordability, among others. Enhancing national borehole databases with items aligned with the United Nations’ definition of water access is recommended.
An Overview of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Application in Managing Water-Related Disaster Events: Analyzing 20 Years of Literature for Flood and Drought Events
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad Fikry , Siraj Sajid , Hodgett Richard E.
Published: May 2021

This paper provides an overview of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) applications in managing water-related disasters (WRD). Although MCDA has been widely used in managing natural disasters, it appears that no literature review has been conducted on the applications of MCDA in the disaster management phases of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Therefore, this paper fills this gap by providing a bibliometric analysis of MCDA applications in managing flood and drought events. Out of 818 articles retrieved from scientific databases, 149 articles were shortlisted and analyzed using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) approach. The results show a significant growth in MCDA applications in the last five years, especially in managing flood events. Most articles focused on the mitigation phase of DMP, while other phases of preparedness, response, and recovery remained understudied. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was the most common MCDA technique used, followed by mixed-method techniques and TOPSIS. The article concludes the discussion by identifying a number of opportunities for future research in the use of MCDA for managing water-related disasters.
PATs Behavior in Pressurized Irrigation Hydrants towards Sustainability
Authors: Pérez-Sánchez Modesto , Fernandes João F. P. , Branco P. J. Costa , López-Jiménez P. Amparo , Ramos Helena M.
Published: May 2021

Sustainability and efficiency in irrigation are essential in the management of the water–energy–food nexus to reach the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030. In irrigation systems, the reduction of energy consumption is required to improve the system efficiency and consequently the sustainability indicators of the water network. The use of pumps working as turbines (PATs) has been a feasible solution to recover the excess of energy where pressure reduction valves are installed. This research demonstrates the use of PATs under steady and unsteady conditions by analyzing the application in a real irrigation networks located in Vallada (Valencia, Spain). The study shows the possibility of recovering 44 MWh/year using PATs installed upstream of the irrigation hydrants. The real behavior of the PAT operation in a stand-alone recovery energy solution allowed analysis of the flow, head and efficiency variation as a function of the rotational speed, as well as the minimum capacitance to self-excite the generator and the resistive load of the electrical circuit. The PAT limit is examined in terms of the overpressure induced by a fast closure manoeuvre of hydrants, and the runaway conditions due to the disconnection from the electrical load.
Funciones que caracterizan la gestión de seguridad industrial, ambiente e higiene ocupacional
Authors: González Yohanny
Published: May 2021

Son innumerables las ventajas que representa para cualquier organización contarcon la gestión en seguridad industrial, ambiente e higiene ocupacional, es por ello queen este artículo se buscó describir las funciones que la caracterizan en el contexto delas empresas prestadoras de servicio de inspección de equipos estáticos a la industriapetrolera. Metodológicamente se tipificó como descriptiva, con diseño de campo, noexperimental y transeccional. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó un cuestionario,conformado por 12 ítems con escala de frecuencia. La validez se realizó a través deljuicio de expertos, y para calcular su confiabilidad se empleó el método de Alfa deCronbach, obteniéndose 0,96. La media aritmética se aplicó para el análisis de losdatos. Se caracterizó un conjunto de etapas que instrumentan los cursos de acciónrequeridos por la gestión, en tal sentido, se evidencio moderada presencia en laspolíticas; organización; planificación y evaluación.Palabras clave: Evaluación, funciones, gestión en seguridad industrial, ambiente ehigiene ocupacional, organización, planificación, políticasThere are countless advantages for any organization to have management inindustrial safety, environment and occupational hygiene, which is why this articlesought to describe the functions that characterize it in the context of companiesproviding equipment inspection service static to the oil industry. Methodologically itwas typified as descriptive, with a field design, not experimental and transectional. Fordata collection, a questionnaire was used, consisting of 12 items with a frequency scale.Validity was carried out through expert judgment, and the Cronbach's Alpha methodwas used to calculate its reliability, obtaining 0.96. The arithmetic mean was applied toanalyze the data. A set of stages that implement the courses of action required bymanagement was characterized, in this sense, a moderate presence in policies wasevident; organization; planning and evaluation.Key words: Evaluation, functions, industrial safety management, environment andoccupational hygiene, organization, planning, policies
Lucha por la preservación de la riqueza identitaria, natural, arqueológica y arquitectónica de los pueblos
Authors: Reyes Ortega Aleyda Rosa Reina
Published: May 2021

Los museos y el turismo comunitario se convierten en una estrategia para preservar, rescatar y revalorizar el patrimonio turístico cultural. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar la importancia de los museos comunitarios en Potosí – Bolivia, para la preservación de la riqueza de los pueblos y el fortalecimiento del turismo. Responde a un estudio de tipo cualitativo, de corte transversal y alcance descriptivo que aplicó la metodología etnográfica en tres distritos rurales del municipio de Potosí: Huari Huari, Paranturi y Manquiri.
Los resultados evidencian: riqueza patrimonial que data de la época de la colonia; esfuerzos públicos insuficientes destinados a la preservación del patrimonio histórico; conocimiento, preocupación e interés al respecto por parte de los comunarios. Se concluye que hay necesidad de fortalecer el turismo comunitario y contar con estrategias políticas que preserven y resguarden el patrimonio presente en la riqueza identitaria, natural, arqueológica y arquitectónica de los pueblos.
Modelo matemático para el control de costos de empresas productivas
Authors: Solares Gantier María Pamela
Published: May 2021

Uno de los problemas que atraviesan las empresas y organizaciones productivas de Bolivia es el control de costos, en especial los costos indirectos que son los más difíciles de administrar. El objetivo de esta investigación fue desarrollar un modelo matemático que permita identificar los costos que reducen las utilidades.

La metodología utilizada identificó las causas, como los costos directos e indirectos para llegar al efecto, representado como Costo Unitario Total, resultando un modelo multivariable y multifactorial.

Los resultados de la simulación muestran en la información final productos con alta y baja utilidad y, en algunos casos, con valores negativos, validando el modelo. Existen beneficios materiales y cualitativos que resultan de la aplicación del Modelo, por lo que se considera recomendable ejercitar su implantación en toda empresa que pretenda obtener mayores utilidades con la mejor utilización de sus recursos humanos y materiales.
Voice Controlled Wheelchair Based on ATmega
Authors:   Grapic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Kukreti Kamlesh , Chhabra Raghav , Joshi Alankrita
Published: May 2021

The dependency of people depends on others especially when they get to travel from one place to another. Those who are physically ill require a wheelchair for their daily needs, and who can help them to make the wheelchair move. .By having a controlled wheel-chair system will empower weakened individuals to wind up independent. The structure is a remote wheelchair control system that uses a voice acknowledgment application for actuating and controlling all of its improvements. The wheelchair responds to the voice request from its customers to play out any advancements limits. It joins a microcontroller, Bluetooth module, control interface engine, transfer engine, which uses a board through which a wheelchair can move. By using the structure, the customers can work in the wheel-chair by basically address the mobile phone antenna. The fundamental improvement limits fuse advance and alter heading, left and right turns and stop It utilizes an Atmega328 to control the system assignments. It talks with the Bluetooth module to recognize word communicated and after that chooses the contrasting yield request with drive, the right and left engines. To accomplish this endeavor, in the controller's memory a low-level registering program is set.
A Critical Appraisal of the Import Demand Literature
Authors:   Department of Humanities, Delhi Technological University,  Delhi, India, Khaturia Khyati , Kumar Nand
Published: May 2021

Increased globalization has led to an increase in interdependence among countries at the world level. Substantial reduction in trade restrictions and the implementation of WTO rules contributed to a rise in exports and imports of most developing countries. But the study of imports in comparison to that of exports is considered more important for the fact that the production for exports requires imports in the first place. By explaining and reviewing the methodologies the study aims to identify the research gaps prevalent in the area and provide a direction for future research. It has been found that panel data techniques have not found that place in the literature as the time series techniques have so there is a need for application of the same.
Flexible Manufacturing System and its feasibility in context of Manufacturing Industries
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Delhi Technological University,  Delhi, India, Madan A K
Published: May 2021

Highly automated machine cell which is based on the principle of Group technology, comprising a group of processing work station for the production is referred to as Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS), where different processes like material handling, storage system, operation, inspection, etc., are interconnected by the automatic control unit. The concept of FMS (system 24) was first introduced in the mid-1960s to form a system that can operate 16 hours a day without any human attendant. The reason behind selecting this area for research is that there are problems like more lead time, inefficient utilization of machines, more space requirement in a machine shop, and high inventory level in the current manufacturing industry. All these problems can be solved by introducing automation in a manufacturing system, which can be done through FMS. FMS provides better resource utilization, high-quality control, low-cost product, a high rate of production, reduced direct labor requirement, and high labor productivity. Operational issues related to FMS faced by industries are machine loading, scheduling and dispatching, part routing, tool management, and part grouping so there is much scope of future development of FMS if all these issues are resolved.
The Role of active tourism forms on adolescents’ socialization
Authors: Onoi Mihail , Mindrigan Vasile , Nastas Natalia
Published: May 2021

The current global (environmental, social, national, political, moral) issues have an impact on the development of society, civilization, culture, while a particularly important object of the impact of these issues is the young generation, especially adolescents. Active tourism is a combination of phenomena and relationships, occurring on the journey, characterized by an active way of travelling on a route, with energy expenditure, made for recreational or sports purposes. In active tourism, there are several types and forms (walking tours, hiking, excursions etc.). The tasks of active tourism can be formulated as follows: socialization and integration of the younger generation, physical training, acquiring technical procedures, tourism exercises and other sports samples (technical training), the acquisition of sport-tourism tactics, the formation of motor skills and abilities, education and the development of intellectual, moral, social and voluntary qualities.