bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Review on the Chemical Constituents and Functional Uses of Walnut (Juglans spp.) Husk
Authors: Jahanban-Esfahlan Ali , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Tabibiazar Mahnaz , Amarowicz Ryszard
Published: August 2019

The walnut (Juglans spp.) is an appreciated nut that belongs to the Juglandaceae family. The fruit includes four main parts: the kernel, the skin, the shell, and the green husk. It is widely cultivated due to its edible kernel. In walnut production centers, high amounts of the husk as an agro-forest waste product are produced and discarded away. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the walnut green husk could be valued as a source of different natural bioactive compounds with excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Regarding this respect, in this contribution, the current scientific knowledge on the antioxidant and antiradical activities, various identified and isolated individual chemical constituents, as well as the functional applications of the walnut husk with more emphasis on the Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) are reviewed.
Expression of Osteoblast-Specific Factor 2 (OSF-2, Periostin) Is Associated with Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Sterzyńska Karolina , Kaźmierczak Dominika , Klejewski Andrzej , Świerczewska Monika , Wojtowicz Karolina , Nowacka Marta , Brązert Jacek , Nowicki Michał , Januchowski Radosław
Published: August 2019

One of the main obstacles to the effective treatment of ovarian cancer patients continues to be the drug resistance of cancer cells. Osteoblast-Specific Factor 2 (OSF-2, Periostin) is a secreted extracellular matrix protein (ECM) expressed in fibroblasts during bone and teeth development. Expression of OSF-2 has been also related to the progression and drug resistance of different tumors. The present study investigated the role of OSF-2 by evaluating its expression in the primary serous ovarian cancer cell line, sensitive (W1) and resistant to doxorubicin (DOX) (W1DR) and methotrexate (MTX) (W1MR). The OSF-2 transcript (real-time PCR analysis), protein expression in cell lysates and cell culture medium (western blot), and expression of the OSF-2 protein in cell lines (immunofluorescence) were investigated in this study. Increased expression of OSF-2 mRNA was observed in drug-resistant cells and followed by increased protein expression in cell culture media of drug-resistant cell lines. A subpopulation of ALDH1A1-positive cells was noted for W1DR and W1MR cell lines; however, no direct co-expression with OSF-2 was demonstrated. Both drugs induced OSF-2 expression after a short period of exposure of the drug-sensitive cell line to DOX and MTX. The obtained results indicate that OSF-2 expression might be associated with the development of DOX and MTX resistance in the primary serous W1 ovarian cancer cell line.
The Effects of Gamification in Online Learning Environments: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Antonaci Alessandra , Klemke Roland , Specht Marcus
Published: August 2019

Gamification has recently been presented as a successful strategy to engage users, with potential for online education. However, while the number of publications on gamification has been increasing in recent years, a classification of its empirical effects is still missing. We present a systematic literature review conducted with the purpose of closing this gap by clarifying what effects gamification generates on users’ behaviour in online learning. Based on the studies analysed, the game elements most used in the literature are identified and mapped with the effects they produced on learners. Furthermore, we cluster these empirical effects of gamification into six areas: performance, motivation, engagement, attitude towards gamification, collaboration, and social awareness. The findings of our systematic literature review point out that gamification and its application in online learning and in particular in Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) are still a young field, lacking in empirical experiments and evidence with a tendency of using gamification mainly as external rewards. Based on these results, important considerations for the gamification design of MOOCs are drawn.
Intervening with the Nitric Oxide Pathway to Alleviate Pulmonary Hypertension in Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Authors: van Duin Richard W. B. , Stam Kelly , Uitterdijk André , Bartelds Beatrijs , Danser A. H. Jan , Reiss Irwin K. M. , Duncker Dirk J. , Merkus Daphne
Published: August 2019

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) as a result of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is extremely difficult to treat. The ideal therapy should not target the high-pressure/low-flow (HP/LF) vasculature that drains into stenotic veins, but only the high-pressure/high-flow (HP/HF) vasculature draining into unaffected pulmonary veins, reducing vascular resistance and pressure without risk of pulmonary oedema. We aimed to assess the activity of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway in PVS during the development of PH, and investigate whether interventions in the NO pathway differentially affect vasodilation in the HP/HF vs. HP/LF territories. Swine underwent pulmonary vein banding (PVB; n = 7) or sham surgery (n = 6) and were chronically instrumented to assess progression of PH. Pulmonary sensitivity to exogenous NO (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) and the contribution of endogenous NO were assessed bi-weekly. The pulmonary vasodilator response to phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibition was assessed 12 weeks after PVB or sham surgery. After sacrifice, 12 weeks post-surgery, interventions in the NO pathway on pulmonary small arteries isolated from HP/LF and HP/HF territories were further investigated. There were no differences in the in vivo pulmonary vasodilator response to SNP and the pulmonary vasoconstrictor response to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibition up to 8 weeks after PVB as compared to the sham group. However, at 10 and 12 weeks post-PVB, the in vivo pulmonary vasodilation in response to SNP was larger in the PVB group. Similarly, the vasoconstriction to eNOS inhibition was larger in the PVB group, particularly during exercise, while pulmonary vasodilation in response to PDE5 inhibition was larger in the PVB group both at rest and during exercise. In isolated pulmonary small arteries, sensitivity to NO donor SNP was similar in PVB vs. sham groups irrespective of HP/LF and HP/HF, while sensitivity to the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil was lower in PVB HP/HF and sensitivity to bradykinin was lower in PVB HP/LF. In conclusion, both NO availability and sensitivity were increased in the PVB group. The increased nitric oxide sensitivity was not the result of a decreased PDE5 activity, as PDE5 activity was even increased. Some vasodilators differentially effect HP/HF vs. HP/LF vasculature.
What Pediatricians Should Know before Studying Gut Microbiota
Authors: Drago Lorenzo , Panelli Simona , Bandi Claudio , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Perini Matteo , D’Auria Enza
Published: August 2019

Billions of microorganisms, or “microbiota”, inhabit the gut and affect its homeostasis, influencing, and sometimes causing if altered, a multitude of diseases. The genomes of the microbes that form the gut ecosystem should be summed to the human genome to form the hologenome due to their influence on human physiology; hence the term “microbiome” is commonly used to refer to the genetic make-up and gene–gene interactions of microbes. This review attempts to provide insight into this recently discovered vital organ of the human body, which has yet to be fully explored. We herein discuss the rhythm and shaping of the microbiome at birth and during the first years leading up to adolescence. Furthermore, important issues to consider for conducting a reliable microbiome study including study design, inclusion/exclusion criteria, sample collection, storage, and variability of different sampling methods as well as the basic terminology of molecular approaches, data analysis, and clinical interpretation of results are addressed. This basic knowledge aims to provide the pediatricians with a key tool to avoid data dispersion and pitfalls during child microbiota study.
Mix Design and Mechanical Properties of High-Performance Pervious Concrete
Authors: Tang Chao-Wei , Cheng Chiu-Kuei , Tsai Ching-Yuan
Published: August 2019

The mechanical properties of traditional pervious concrete are insufficient, which limits its application. In view of the imperfections of traditional permeable concrete in mechanics, this paper aimed to find a suitable material composition that can be used as a feasible mix design of high-performance pervious concrete, to essentially improve its mechanical properties. Based on the view that concrete is a two-phase material, in order to understand the rheological properties of the matrix, it was subjected to a rheological test, and then the filler aggregate was uniformly incorporated into the aforementioned matrix to further explore the composition and properties of the resulting pervious concrete. For the matrix, the orthogonal array employed was L16(45), which consisted of five factors, each with four levels. Base on the fluidity and compressive strength of the tested matrix, three groups of suitable matrixes mix proportions were selected to serve as the matrix type for pervious concrete mix proportion design. Then, an orthogonal array L9(34), which consisted of four controllable three-level factors, was adopted in the pervious concrete. The parameters investigated included the coarse aggregate size, fine aggregate content, matrix type, and aggregate-to-binder ratio. The test results demonstrate that the key factors affecting the compressive strength of the matrix and the pervious concrete were closely related to the cementitious material. In the matrix, the proportion of the cementitious material was the most important factor, while in the pervious concrete, the type of matrix was the most important factor.
On Ball Numbers
Authors: Richter Wolf-Dieter
Published: August 2019

We first shortly review, in part throwing a new light on, basics of ball numbers for balls having a positively homogeneous Minkowski functional and turn over then to a new particular class of ball numbers of balls having a Minkowski functional being homogeneous with respect to multiplication with a specific diagonal matrix. Applications to crystal breeding, temperature expansion and normalizing density generating functions in big data analysis are indicated and a challenging problem from the inhomogeneity program is stated.
Performance Activities and Match Outcomes of Professional Soccer Teams during the 2016/2017 Serie A Season
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Sofi Francesco , Candela Vincenzo , Dinu Monica , Cimmino Matteo , Massaroni Carlo , Schena Emiliano , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives: Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. To describe athletic performance, match statistics, and their relationships with the probability of achieving the first positions of the final ranking in the Italian football league “Serie A”, season 2016/2017. Materials and Methods: Analyses comprised all the matches played by the 20 teams of the “Serie A” championship during the season 2016–2017. Indicators of athletic performance (total distance covered in km, jogging, running and sprint activities, and average speed) and match statistics (total shots, shots on target, goal attempts, assists, turnovers, and steals) were obtained from the Italian football league. Results: Analyses of performance activities according to the final ranking showed no significant differences for the total distance covered and speed, while a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) among teams was observed for jogging, running and sprint activities. In regard to match statistics, all the parameters investigated were significantly different among the teams. By grouping teams into four subgroups (those who qualified for the Champions League, those who qualified for the Europe League, those who ranked intermediate positions and those who relegated from the “Serie A” league), the percentage of jogging, running and sprint activities, as well as match statistics were significantly different among groups, with a downward trend for total shots, shots on target, goal attempts, assists, and turnovers. The logistic regression analysis revealed that sprint activities as well as total shots, shots on target, goal attempts, and assists higher than the 3rd tertile of their distribution were associated with a higher probability of reaching the first three positions of the final ranking. Conclusions: An increased probability to achieve the first positions of the final ranking in the Italian football league “Serie A” seemed to be mainly related to sprint activity, goal attempts, total shots, shots on target and assists.
The Algal Symbiont Modifies the Transcriptome of the Scleractinian Coral Euphyllia paradivisa during Heat Stress
Authors: Meron Dalit , Maor-Landaw Keren , Weizman Eviatar , Waldman Ben-Asher Hiba , Eyal Gal , Banin Ehud , Loya Yossi , Levy Oren
Published: August 2019

The profound mutualistic symbiosis between corals and their endosymbiotic counterparts, Symbiodiniaceae algae, has been threatened by the increase in seawater temperatures, leading to breakdown of the symbiotic relationship—coral bleaching. To characterize the heat-stress response of the holobiont, we generated vital apo-symbiotic Euphyllia paradivisa corals that lacked the endosymbiotic algae. Using RNA sequencing, we analyzed the gene expression of these apo-symbionts vs. symbiotic ones, to test the effect of the algal presence on the tolerance of the coral. We utilized literature-derived lists of “symbiosis differentially expressed genes” and “coral heat-stress genes” in order to compare between the treatments. The symbiotic and apo-symbiotic samples were segregated into two separate groups with several different enriched gene ontologies. Our findings suggest that the presence of endosymbionts has a greater negative impact on the host than the environmental temperature conditions experienced by the holobiont. The peak of the stress reaction was identified as 28 °C, with the highest number of differentially expressed genes. We suggest that the algal symbionts increase coral holobiont susceptibility to elevated temperatures. Currently, we can only speculate whether coral species, such as E. paradivisa, with the plasticity to also flourish as apo-symbionts, may have a greater chance to withstand the upcoming global climate change challenge.
In Vitro Validation of Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers
Authors: Aung-Htut May T. , McIntosh Craig S. , West Kristin A. , Fletcher Sue , Wilton Steve D.
Published: August 2019

One of the crucial aspects of screening antisense oligonucleotides destined for therapeutic application is confidence that the antisense oligomer is delivered efficiently into cultured cells. Efficient delivery is particularly vital for antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, which have a neutral backbone, and are known to show poor gymnotic uptake. Here, we report several methods to deliver these oligomers into cultured cells. Although 4D-Nucleofector™ or Neon™ electroporation systems provide efficient delivery and use lower amounts of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer, both systems are costly. We show that some readily available transfection reagents can be used to deliver phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers as efficiently as the electroporation systems. Among the transfection reagents tested, we recommend Lipofectamine 3000™ for delivering phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers into fibroblasts and Lipofectamine 3000™ or Lipofectamine 2000™ for myoblasts/myotubes. We also provide optimal programs for nucleofection into various cell lines using the P3 Primary Cell 4D-Nucleofector™ X Kit (Lonza), as well as antisense oligomers that redirect expression of ubiquitously expressed genes that may be used as positive treatments for human and murine cell transfections.
Ratiometric pH Sensing and Imaging in Living Cells with Dual-Emission Semiconductor Polymer Dots
Authors: Chen Piaopiao , Ilyas Iqra , He Su , Xing Yichen , Jin Zhigang , Huang Chaobiao
Published: August 2019

Polymer dots (Pdots) represent newly developed semiconductor polymer nanoparticles and exhibit excellent characteristics as fluorescent probes. To improve the sensitivity and biocompatibility of Pdots ratiometric pH biosensors, we synthesized 3 types of water-soluble Pdots: Pdots-PF, Pdots-PP, and Pdots-PPF by different combinations of fluorescent dyes poly(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO), poly[(9,9-dioctyl-fluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(1,4-benzo-{2,1′,3}-thiadazole)] (PFBT), and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). We found that Pdots-PPF exhibits optimal performance on pH sensing. PFO and FITC in Pdots-PPF produce pH-insensitive (λ = 439 nm) and pH-sensitive (λ = 517 nm) fluorescence respectively upon a single excitation at 380 nm wavelength, which enables Pdots-PPF ratiometric pH sensing ability. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) together with the use of PFBT amplify the FITC signal, which enables Pdots-PPF robust sensitivity to pH. The emission intensity ratio (I517/I439) of Pdots-PPF changes linearly as a function of pH within the range of pH 3.0 to 8.0. Pdots-PPF also possesses desirable reversibility and stability in pH measurement. More importantly, Pdots-PPF was successfully used for cell imaging in Hela cells, exhibiting effective cellular uptake and low cytotoxicity. Our study suggests the promising potential of Pdots-PPF as an in vivo biomarker.
Solvent-Free Synthesis of 2,5-Bis((dimethylamino)methylene)cyclopentanone
Authors: S. Martins Inês , A. S. Coelho Jaime
Published: August 2019

Available protocols for the synthesis of ketocyanine dyes precursor 2,5-bis((dimethylamino)methylene)cyclopentanone are not straightforward and the reported yields are low to moderate. The important feature in the synthesis of this product through organocatalyzed condensation of cyclopentanone and N,N-Dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal is the removal of methanol produced during the reaction. By studying the reaction profile, in particular the selectivity for the formation of mono- and bis-condensation products, a high yield of the desired product can be obtained through an operationally simple and solvent-free protocol.
Structural and Electrical Studies for Birnessite-Type Materials Synthesized by Solid-State Reactions
Authors: Arias Nayda P. , Becerra María E. , Giraldo Oscar
Published: August 2019

The focus of this paper is centered on the thermal reduction of KMnO4 at controlled temperatures of 400 and 800 °C. The materials under study were characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, average oxidation state of manganese, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and impedance spectroscopy. The structural formulas, found as a result of these analyses, were K 0.29 + ( M n 0.84 4 + M n 0.16 3 + ) O 2.07 · 0.61 H 2 O and K 0.48 + ( M n 0.64 4 + M n 0.36 3 + ) O 2.06 · 0.50 H 2 O . The N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms show the microporous and mesoporous nature of the structure. Structural analysis showed that synthesis temperature affects the crystal size and symmetry, varying their electrical properties. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) was used to measure the electrical properties of these materials. The measurements attained, as a result of IS, show that these materials have both electronic and ionic conductivity. The conductivity values obtained at 10 Hz were 4.1250 × 10−6 and 1.6870 × 10−4 Ω−1cm−1 for Mn4 at 298 and 423 K respectively. For Mn8, the conductivity values at this frequency were 3.7074 × 10−7 (298) and 3.9866 × 10−5 Ω−1cm−1 (423 K). The electrical behavior was associated with electron hopping at high frequencies, and protonic conduction and ionic movement of the K+ species, in the interlayer region at low frequencies.
Molecular Epizootiology of Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum in the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) from Maine (USA)
Authors: Marquis Nicholas D. , Bishop Theodore J. , Record Nicholas R. , Countway Peter D. , Fernández Robledo José A.
Published: August 2019

Shellfish are known as a potential source of Toxoplasma gondii (responsible for toxoplasmosis), and Cryptosporidium parvum, which is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis in the world. Here we performed a comprehensive qPCR-based monthly survey for T. gondii and C. parvum during 2016 and 2017 in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) (n = 1440) from all six sites along the coast of Maine (USA). Pooled samples (mantle, gills, and rectum) from individual oysters were used for DNA extraction and qPCR. Our study resulted in detections of qPCR positives oysters for T. gondii and C. parvum at each of the six sites sampled (in 31% and 10% of total oysters, respectively). The prevalence of T. gondii was low in 2016, and in September 2017 several sites peaked in prevalence with 100% of the samples testing positive. The prevalence of C. parvum was very low except in one estuarine location (Jack’s Point) in June 2016 (58%), and in October of 2016, when both prevalence and density of C. parvum at most of the sampling sites were among the highest values detected. Statistical analysis of environmental data did not identify clear drivers of retention, but there were some notable statistically significant patterns including current direction and nitrate along with the T. gondii prevalence. The major C. parvum retention event (in October 2016) corresponded with the month of highest dissolved oxygen measurements as well as a shift in the current direction revealed by nearby instrumentation. This study may guide future research to locate any contributing parasite reservoirs and evaluate the potential risk to human consumption.
Impact of the 2016 Policy Change on the Delivery of MedsCheck Services in Ontario: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Shakeri Ahmad , Dolovich Lisa , MacCallum Lori , Gamble John-Michael , Zhou Limei , Cadarette Suzanne M.
Published: August 2019

MedsCheck (MC) is an annual medication review service delivered by community pharmacists and funded by the government of Ontario since 2007 for residents taking three or more medications for chronic conditions. In 2010, MC was expanded to include patients with diabetes (MCD), home-bound patients (MCH), and residents of long-term care homes (MCLTC). The Ontario government introduced an abrupt policy change effective 1 October 2016 that added several components to all MC services, especially those completed in the community. We used an interrupted time series design to examine the impact of the policy change (24 months pre- and post-intervention) on the monthly number of MedsCheck services delivered. Immediate declines in all services were identified, especially in the community (47%–64% drop MC, 71%–83% drop MCD, 55% drop MCH, and 9%–14% drop MCLTC). Gradual increases were seen over 24 months post-policy change, yet remained 21%–76% lower than predicted for MedsCheck services delivered in the community, especially for MCD. In contrast, MCLTC services were similar or exceeded predicted values by September 2018 (from 5.1% decrease to 3.5% increase). A more effective implementation of health policy changes is needed to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of professional community pharmacy services.
Transient Heat Waves May Affect the Photosynthetic Capacity of Susceptible Wheat Genotypes Due to Insufficient Photosystem I Photoprotection
Authors: Chovancek Erik , Zivcak Marek , Botyanszka Lenka , Hauptvogel Pavol , Yang Xinghong , Misheva Svetlana , Hussain Sajad , Brestic Marian
Published: August 2019

We assessed the photosynthetic responses of eight wheat varieties in conditions of a simulated heat wave in a transparent plastic tunnel for one week. We found that high temperatures (up to 38 °C at midday and above 20 °C at night) had a negative effect on the photosynthetic functions of the plants and provided differentiation of genotypes through sensitivity to heat. Measurements of gas exchange showed that the simulated heat wave led to a 40% decrease in photosynthetic activity on average in comparison to the control, with an unequal recovery of individual genotypes after a release from stress. Our results indicate that the ability to recover after heat stress was associated with an efficient regulation of linear electron transport and the prevention of over-reduction in the acceptor side of photosystem I.
Comparative and Phylogenetic Analyses of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in the Family Zingiberaceae Based on the Complete Chloroplast Genome
Authors: Cui Yingxian , Nie Liping , Sun Wei , Xu Zhichao , Wang Yu , Yu Jing , Song Jingyuan , Yao Hui
Published: August 2019

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is an important plant of the family Zingiberaceae and is widely used as an herbal medicine and condiment. The lack of chloroplast genomic information hinders molecular research and phylogenetic analysis on ginger. We introduced the complete chloroplast genome of Z. officinale and identified its phylogenetic position in Zingiberaceae. The chloroplast genome of Z. officinale is 162,621 bp with a four-part circular structure and 36.1% GC content. All 113 unique genes were annotated. A total of 78 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 42 long repeat sequences, which are potential areas for species authentication, were found. Comparative analysis revealed some highly variable regions, including rps16-trnQ-UUG, atpH-atpI, trnT-UGU-trnL-UAA, ycf1, and psaC-ndhE. Moreover, the small single-copy (SSC) region was the most variable region in all four shared regions, indicating that it may be undergoing rapid nucleotide substitution in the family Zingiberaceae. Phylogenetic analysis based on all available chloroplasts of Zingiberales in the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicated that Zingiber is a sister branch to Kaempferia species. The availability of the Z. officinale chloroplast genome provided invaluable data for species-level authentication and phylogenetic analysis and can thus benefit further investigations on species in the family Zingiberaceae.
Ferrocene-Containing Conjugated Oligomers Synthesized by Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Gao Xin , Deng Lei , Hu Jianfeng , Zhang Hao
Published: August 2019

A series of conjugated, symmetrical, and ferrocene-containing main-chain monomers was prepared following a gentle coupling reaction. Ferrocene-containing oligomers with all-trans-configured vinylene bonds could be synthesized via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization. These oligomers had a larger Stokes shift (2400 to 2600 cm−1) and both exhibited stable and reversible electrochemistry. Meanwhile, the copolymerization of 1,1’-bis[1-methyl-2-(4-vinylphenyl)ethenyl]ferrocene with 2,7-divinyl-9,9-dioctylfluorene was achieved. The structurally regular copolymers proved their optical and electrochemical properties. The fluorescence intensity of the copolymer gradually enhanced with the increasing number of fluorene units. At the same time, it was also found that the color of the copolymers had a significant change from yellow-green to red.
A Scheme for the Long-Term Monitoring of Impervious−Relevant Land Disturbances Using High Frequency Landsat Archives and the Google Earth Engine
Authors: Xu Hanzeyu , Wei Yuchun , Liu Chong , Li Xiao , Fang Hong
Published: August 2019

Impervious surfaces are commonly acknowledged as major components of human settlements. The expansion of impervious surfaces could lead to a series of human−dominated environmental and ecological issues. Tracing impervious surface dynamics at a finer temporal−spatial scale is a critical way to better understand the increasingly human-dominated system of Earth. In this study, we put forward a new scheme to conduct long-term monitoring of impervious−relevant land disturbances using high frequency Landsat archives and the Google Earth Engine (GEE). First, the developed region was identified using a classification-based approach. Then, the GEE-version LandTrendr (Landsat-based detection of Trends in Disturbance and Recovery) was used to detect land disturbances, characterizing the conversion from vegetation to impervious surfaces. Finally, the actual disturbance areas within the developed regions were derived and quantitatively evaluated. A case study was conducted to detect impervious surface dynamics in Nanjing, China, from 1988 to 2018. Results show that our scheme can efficiently monitor impervious surface dynamics at yearly intervals with good accuracy. The overall accuracy (OA) of the classification results for 1988 and 2018 are 95.86% and 94.14%. Based on temporal−spatial accuracy assessments of the final detection result, the temporal accuracy is 90.75%, and the average detection time deviation is −1.28 a. The OA, precision, and recall of the sampling inspection, respectively, are 84.34%, 85.43%, and 96.37%. This scheme provides new insights into capturing the expansion of impervious−relevant land disturbances with high frequency Landsat archives in an efficient way.
Mastcam Image Resolution Enhancement with Application to Disparity Map Generation for Stereo Images with Different Resolutions
Authors: Ayhan Bulent , Kwan Chiman
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we introduce an in-depth application of high-resolution disparity map estimation using stereo images from Mars Curiosity rover’s Mastcams, which have two imagers with different resolutions. The left Mastcam has three times lower resolution as that of the right. The left Mastcam image’s resolution is first enhanced with three methods: Bicubic interpolation, pansharpening-based method, and a deep learning super resolution method. The enhanced left camera image and the right camera image are then used to estimate the disparity map. The impact of the left camera image enhancement is examined. The comparative performance analyses showed that the left camera enhancement results in getting more accurate disparity maps in comparison to using the original left Mastcam images for disparity map estimation. The deep learning-based method provided the best performance among the three for both image enhancement and disparity map estimation accuracy. A high-resolution disparity map, which is the result of the left camera image enhancement, is anticipated to improve the conducted science products in the Mastcam imagery such as 3D scene reconstructions, depth maps, and anaglyph images.
A Comparative Study of Computational Methods for Compressed Sensing Reconstruction of EMG Signal
Authors: Manoni Lorenzo , Turchetti Claudio , Falaschetti Laura , Crippa Paolo
Published: August 2019

Wearable devices offer a convenient means to monitor biosignals in real time at relatively low cost, and provide continuous monitoring without causing any discomfort. Among signals that contain critical information about human body status, electromyography (EMG) signal is particular useful in monitoring muscle functionality and activity during sport, fitness, or daily life. In particular surface electromyography (sEMG) has proven to be a suitable technique in several health monitoring applications, thanks to its non-invasiveness and ease to use. However, recording EMG signals from multiple channels yields a large amount of data that increases the power consumption of wireless transmission thus reducing the sensor lifetime. Compressed sensing (CS) is a promising data acquisition solution that takes advantage of the signal sparseness in a particular basis to significantly reduce the number of samples needed to reconstruct the signal. As a large variety of algorithms have been developed in recent years with this technique, it is of paramount importance to assess their performance in order to meet the stringent energy constraints imposed in the design of low-power wireless body area networks (WBANs) for sEMG monitoring. The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive comparative study of computational methods for CS reconstruction of EMG signals, giving some useful guidelines in the design of efficient low-power WBANs. For this purpose, four of the most common reconstruction algorithms used in practical applications have been deeply analyzed and compared both in terms of accuracy and speed, and the sparseness of the signal has been estimated in three different bases. A wide range of experiments are performed on real-world EMG biosignals coming from two different datasets, giving rise to two different independent case studies.
Entrepreneurial Resources, Complementary Assets, and Platform Sustainability
Authors: Ge Jianxin , Li Tong
Published: August 2019

This paper applies grounded theory to explore the formation of platform leadership and its reputation through a single case study analysis of a Chinese energy internet platform enterprise CZB (Che Zhu Bang). Initially, CZB was a follower in China’s internet energy market. After clarifying and acquiring the entrepreneurial resources and the complementary assets it needed, CZB quickly established an energy internet platform and its platform leadership in two years. The research shows the mechanism by which the entrepreneurial resources and complementary assets affect the evolution of the platform leadership, the interaction between platform leadership and its reputation, and in the end, how platform reputation influences platform sustainability.
E-Commerce as a Strategy for Sustainable Value Creation among Selected Traditional Open Market Retailers in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbo Ann , Ugwu Chinelo Constance , Enemuo Joy , Ukpere Wilfred Isioma
Published: August 2019

This paper aims to explore E-commerce as a strategy for sustainable value creation among selected traditional open market retailers in Enugu state. Every town in Nigeria boasts of an appreciable number of traditional retail markets, which play an essential role in African life, acting as both an economic necessity, and a cultural phenomenon that has helped to shape community ideas for centuries. Transactions are mainly conducted using cash. Increased sales, lower costs and enhanced sustainability are potential benefits accruable to the traditional retail markets, considering full adoption of E-commerce. Using a concurrent mixed method, this research used a descriptive survey design with a population, which comprised retailers in the selected traditional markets. A sample size of 234 was drawn from the selected markets using Bill Godden’s sampling size determination. Primary data were collected by questionnaire and interviews, and these data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Hypotheses were tested with chi square. It was concluded that E-commerce has the potential to open up vistas of opportunities in the traditional open markets when used strategically, thereby eradicating incidences of debt, which is a common factor in the traditional retail business, ensuring a mutually beneficial business relationship between retailer and consumer. This ultimately leads to a wider reach, higher transaction rates, bigger profits and sustainability.
Research on Operation and Financing Strategy of an Emission-Dependent Supply Chain under Variable Transportation Fee Strategy
Authors: Zhang Keyong , Li Chunxia , Yao Jianming
Published: August 2019

Under the carbon cap-and-trade mechanism, we consider an emission-dependent supply chain consisting of a supplier, a manufacturer, and a 3PL firm that adopts variable transportation fee strategy. Five models on the basis of the supplier and manufacturer with or without capital constraints are considered to discuss members’ optimal decisions. The insights are obtained as follows. First, the ordering quantity under 3PL financing service is larger than that under two firms are well-funded when the transportation fee or carbon emission is less than a certain constant. The variable transportation fee strategy and members’ carbon emission reduction behavior are beneficial to each supply chain participant. Second, the carbon emissions of members decide whose capital constraint is more beneficial to 3PL firm, and 3PL prefers to cooperate with a medium rich manufacturer (rich supplier). Third, the external financing modes are analyzed to get the 3PL financing service can create new value for the manufacturer and 3PL if the transportation fee is below a threshold, and this threshold increases with the manufacturer’s carbon emission. When the transportation fee is larger than a threshold, a capital-constrained supplier will choose bank financing, and this threshold decreases with the supplier’s carbon emission. Finally, we demonstrate that the manufacturer’s loss aversion (carbon cap) can increase (decrease) its bankruptcy threshold.
A Sustainable Way of Fertilizer Recommendation Based on Yield Response and Agronomic Efficiency for Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Chuan Limin , Zheng Huaiguo , Sun Sufen , Wang Ailing , Liu Jipei , Zhao Tongke , Zhao Jingjuan
Published: August 2019

Chemical fertilizer plays an irreplaceable role in raising vegetable output and improving the livelihood of people in China. Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) is one of the most common vegetables with a wide planting area. However, there are problems such as the excessive and blind application of chemical fertilizers, which bring about the increase of planting cost and the risk of environmental pollution. So, it is urgent to improve fertilization methods and improve fertilizer use efficiency, aiming to promote the sustainable development of agriculture. In this study, multi-year and multi-site experiments were retrieved from the published literature and public scientific research institutions to study a sustainable fertilizer recommendation method for Chinese cabbage based on yield response and agronomic efficiency. The results showed that the average indigenous nutrients supply of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were 112.98, 35.03, and 213.15 kg/ha, respectively. It is suggested that these nutrients should not be neglected in the process of fertilizer recommendation. The average yield responses to N, P2O5, and K2O were 26.6, 13.9, and 16.6 t/ha, the relative yields were 0.70, 0.84, and 0.84; also, it was concluded that the agronomic efficiencies were 114.3, 108.5, and 89.4 kg/kg on average, respectively. From these datasets, the theoretical basis of recommended fertilization was established. It was found that there was a significant negative correlation between N, P, and K indigenous nutrient supply and the yield response to N, P2O5, and K2O, and a significant negative linear correlation between yield response and the relative yield of N, P2O5, and K2O. There was also a significant one-dimensional quadratic function relationship between yield response and agronomic efficiency in Chinese cabbage. Then, two years of field experiments for Chinese cabbage were conducted to verify the fertilizer recommendation. It was concluded that fertilizer recommendation for Chinese cabbage based on yield response and agronomic efficiency was a sustainable way for farmland utilization, not only economically and suitably satisfying its application on fields of different sizes, but also taking into account the indigenous nutrient supply and the interaction between N, P, and K, having shown the advantages of high efficiency, especially when the conditions such as soil testing and plant diagnosis were not sufficient.
Thermal Quantum Spacetime
Authors: Kotecha Isha
Published: August 2019

The intersection of thermodynamics, quantum theory and gravity has revealed many profound insights, all the while posing new puzzles. In this article, we discuss an extension of equilibrium statistical mechanics and thermodynamics potentially compatible with a key feature of general relativity, background independence; and we subsequently use it in a candidate quantum gravity system, thus providing a preliminary formulation of a thermal quantum spacetime. Specifically, we emphasise an information-theoretic characterisation of generalised Gibbs equilibrium that is shown to be particularly suited to background independent settings, and in which the status of entropy is elevated to being more fundamental than energy. We also shed light on its intimate connections with the thermal time hypothesis. Based on this, we outline a framework for statistical mechanics of quantum gravity degrees of freedom of combinatorial and algebraic type, and apply it in several examples. In particular, we provide a quantum statistical basis for the origin of covariant group field theories, shown to arise as effective statistical field theories of the underlying quanta of space in a certain class of generalised Gibbs states.
Immunoinformatics-Aided Design and Evaluation of a Potential Multi-Epitope Vaccine against Klebsiella Pneumoniae
Authors: Dar Hamza Arshad , Zaheer Tahreem , Shehroz Muhammad , Ullah Nimat , Naz Kanwal , Muhammad Syed Aun , Zhang Tianyu , Ali Amjad
Published: August 2019

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic gram-negative bacterium that causes nosocomial infection in healthcare settings. Despite the high morbidity and mortality rate associated with these bacterial infections, no effective vaccine is available to counter the pathogen. In this study, the pangenome of a total of 222 available complete genomes of K. pneumoniae was explored to obtain the core proteome. A reverse vaccinology strategy was applied to the core proteins to identify four antigenic proteins. These proteins were then subjected to epitope mapping and prioritization steps to shortlist nine B-cell derived T-cell epitopes which were linked together using GPGPG linkers. An adjuvant (Cholera Toxin B) was also added at the N-terminal of the vaccine construct to improve its immunogenicity and a stabilized multi-epitope protein structure was obtained using molecular dynamics simulation. The designed vaccine exhibited sustainable and strong bonding interactions with Toll-like receptor 2 and Toll-like receptor 4. In silico reverse translation and codon optimization also confirmed its high expression in E. coli K12 strain. The computer-aided analyses performed in this study imply that the designed multi-epitope vaccine can elicit specific immune responses against K. pneumoniae. However, wet lab validation is necessary to further verify the effectiveness of this proposed vaccine candidate.
Antiprobcotron magnetic trap for charged dust particles in space experiments
Authors: D’YACHKOV Lev G. , VASILYEV Mikhail M. , PETROV Oleg F. , SAVIN Sergey F. , CHURILO Igor V.
Published: August 2019

We discuss the possibility of using static magnetic traps as an alternative to electrostatic traps for forming and confining structures of charged dust particles in a gas discharge plasma in the context of our study of strongly interacting Coulomb systems. Some advantages of confining structures in magnetic traps over electrostatic ones are shown. Also we provide a review of the related researches carried out first in laboratory conditions, and then under microgravity conditions including the motivation of performing the experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The preparations of a new space experiment «Coulomb-magnet» as well as the differences of a new equipment from previously used are described. We proposed the main tasks of the new experiment as a study of the dynamics and structure of active monodisperse and polydisperse macroparticles in an inhomogeneous magnetic field under microgravity conditions, including phase transitions and the evolution of such systems in the kinetic heating of dust particles by laser radiation.
Key words: Coulomb structures, magnetic trap, antiprobotron, diamagnetic particles, dust particles, microgravity.
Scientific and engineering problems involved in the implementation of the project «Manned space systems and complexes»
Authors: Mikrin Yevgeny A.
Published: August 2019

This paper, which is, to a large extent, a review, presents results of an analysis of the current status and future prospects for the development of our country’s manned spaceflight from the standpoint of RSC Energia as the prime organization in Russia in this field of science and engineering. It addresses the issues involved in the ISS Russian Segment deployment completion, which is to be achieved by the addition of three new modules currently being developed at RSC Energia: the Multipurpose Laboratory Module in 2020; the Node Module in 2021; Science and Power Module in 2022, and the development of an improved version of cargo spacecraft Progress-MS. It describes quick ISS rendezvous profiles for crew and cargo transportation spacecraft. It discusses the issues involved in improving the efficiency of the ISS Russian Segment utilization, commercialization problems and plans to expand scientific applied research. The paper explores the desirability of establishing a Russian orbital station after the ISS program completion.
As a strategic outlook for the development of our country’s manned space flight the paper formulates proposals on the national program of lunar research and exploration. It summarizes RSC Energia’s proposals on the development of a multifunctional system for crew search and rescue during launches of manned spacecraft from Vostochny launch site.
It discusses the results and problems involved in laying the scientific, engineering and manufacturing groundwork for the development of advanced manned space systems, including introduction of digital technologies, development of new instrumentation, use of composite materials, additive and robotic technologies.
Key words: Manned spaceflight, ISS Russian Segment, commercialization of scientific research, Russian orbital station, lunar research and exploration program, crew search and rescue system, problems of laying the scientific and engineering groundwork.
Math simulation of attitude stabilization accuracy and performance for an earth remote sensing spacecraft
Authors: PLATONOV Valery N. , SUMAROKOV Anton V.
Published: August 2019

The paper discusses a math simulation of an Earth remote sensing spacecraft attitude control loop dynamics during imaging. The spacecraft is intended for imaging a swath along the flight path, stereo imaging, area and corridor imaging at an angle to the flight path. To provide the spacecraft with high maneuverability during imaging it is assumed that the control loop uses as its effectors one-axis powered gyros. Studies were conducted of the feasibility of using this spacecraft for performing a series of area and corridor surveys. Selected for the attitude control loop were the control parameters which allow meeting the specified performance. Simulation results have confirmed that the spacecraft is capable of performing these kinds of surveys and meeting the specified accuracy levels.
Key words: Earth remote sensing spacecraft, control moment gyros, single-axis powered gyros, kinetic momentum, stabilization, angular rate, precession.
A process for shaping high-precision optical components for ground- and space-based electrooptic systems
Authors: GORSHKOV Vladimir A. , SAVELYEV Alexey S. , NEVROV Artem S. , SMIRNOVA Aleksandra V.
Published: August 2019

The paper reviews advanced process for manufacturing high-precision optical components used in space-based electrooptic systems for scientific research and Earth remote sensing. It presents an integrated process for automatic shaping (TESAF) of aspheric surfaces, including off-axis surfaces, of optical elements for electrooptic systems. This paper discusses various methods for shaping optical parts with virtually any degree of asphericity and various values of the off-axis parameter (off-axis aspherics) achieving surface shape precision to within λ/60…λ/80 (λ = 0.6328 micron) by the standard deviation criteria.
The paper also presents the newly developed off-axis collimators, designed to shape a reference wavefront within a broad spectral range from ultraviolet to infrared radiation. In particular, a mirror collimator with an adaptive off-axis mirror that is capable of changing the wavefront that is being formed in order to obtain the response function of the electrooptical system under study. Optical systems built using the TESAF process are already successfully used.
Key words: surface shaping, aspheric surface, surface interferogram, standard deviation.