bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recycling of Nonwoven Polyethylene Terephthalate Textile into Thermal and Acoustic Insulation for More Sustainable Buildings
Authors: Antolinc David , Filipič Kristina Eleršič
Published: September 2021

The construction and building sector is responsible for a large share of energy and material used during the life cycle of a building. It is therefore crucial to apply a circular economy model within the process wherever possible to minimize the impact on the environment. In this paper, the possibility of producing thermal and acoustic boards from industrial nonwoven waste textile is studied and presented. The nonwoven polyester textile obtained directly from the production line in the form of strips and bales was first shredded into smaller fractions and then in the form of pile compressed with a hot press to form compact thermal insulation boards. The first set of specimens was prepared only from waste polyester nonwoven textile, whereas the second set was treated with sodium silicate in order to check the material’s reaction to fire performance. The experimental work was conducted to define the acoustic properties, reaction to fire behavior and thermal conductivity of the produced specimens. The obtained results show that the thermal conductivity coefficient of specimens without added water glass dissolution is near to the values of conventional materials used as thermal insulation in buildings. The reaction to fire testing proved that the addition of water glass actually propagates the progressive flame over the entire product. It can be concluded that the presented thermal insulation can be used as an adequate and sustainable solution for building construction purposes.
The Effects of Chain-Extending Cross-Linkers on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Poly(butylene adipate terephthalate)/Poly(lactic acid) Blown Films
Authors: Azevedo Juliana V. C. , Dorp Esther Ramakers-van , Hausnerova Berenika , Möginger Bernhard
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the effects of four multifunctional chain-extending cross-linkers (CECL) on the processability, mechanical performance, and structure of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA) blends produced using film blowing technology. The newly developed reference compound (M·VERA® B5029) and the CECL modified blends are characterized with respect to the initial properties and the corresponding properties after aging at 50 °C for 1 and 2 months. The tensile strength, seal strength, and melt volume rate (MVR) are markedly changed after thermal aging, whereas the storage modulus, elongation at the break, and tear resistance remain constant. The degradation of the polymer chains and crosslinking with increased and decreased MVR, respectively, is examined thoroughly with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), with the results indicating that the CECL-modified blends do not generally endure thermo-oxidation over time. Further, DSC measurements of 25 µm and 100 µm films reveal that film blowing pronouncedly changes the structures of the compounds. These findings are also confirmed by dynamic mechanical analysis, with the conclusion that tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite barely affects the glass transition temperature, while with the other changes in CECL are seen. Cross-linking is found for aromatic polycarbodiimide and poly(4,4-dicyclohexylmethanecarbodiimide) CECL after melting of granules and films, although overall the most synergetic effect of the CECL is shown by 1,3-phenylenebisoxazoline.
Study on the Choice of Wastewater Treatment Process Based on the Emergy Theory
Authors: Wang Cui , Liu Changyi , Si Xiaoxiao , Zhang Cuixia , Liu Fan , Yu Li’e , Chen Guohua
Published: September 2021

With the increase in industrialization and urbanization, water pollution has become increasingly serious, and wastewater treatment has become a common step in preventing this. For a greater understanding of the sustainability of different wastewater treatment systems, two processes, Anaerobic Baffled Reactor + Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic and Anaerobic Baffled Reactor + Cyclic Activated Sludge System, were selected, and their sustainability was evaluated based on three indicators, namely emergy yield ratio, environmental load rate, and emergy sustainability development index, according to emergy theory. The results show that the emergy yield ratio and environmental load rate of the ABR + CASS process were lower than those of the ABR + A2/O process, and the emergy sustainability development index of the ABR + CASS process was higher than that of the ABR + A2/O process, showing better sustainability. The research methods and findings of this study play an important role for decision makers in selecting sustainable wastewater treatment processes.
Automated Compartment Model Development Based on Data from Flow-Following Sensor Devices
Authors: Bisgaard Jonas , Tajsoleiman Tannaz , Muldbak Monica , Rydal Thomas , Rasmussen Tue , Huusom Jakob K. , Gernaey Krist V.
Published: September 2021

Due to the heterogeneous nature of large-scale fermentation processes they cannot be modelled as ideally mixed reactors, and therefore flow models are necessary to accurately represent the processes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used more and more to derive flow fields for the modelling of bioprocesses, but the computational demands associated with simulation of multiphase systems with biokinetics still limits their wide applicability. Hence, a demand for simpler flow models persists. In this study, an approach to develop data-based flow models in the form of compartment models is presented, which utilizes axial-flow rates obtained from flow-following sensor devices in combination with a proposed procedure for automatic zoning of volume. The approach requires little experimental effort and eliminates the necessity for computational determination of inter-compartmental flow rates and manual zoning. The concept has been demonstrated in a 580 L stirred vessel, of which models have been developed for two types of impellers with varying agitation intensities. The sensor device measurements were corroborated by CFD simulations, and the performance of the developed compartment models was evaluated by comparing predicted mixing times with experimentally determined mixing times. The data-based compartment models predicted the mixing times for all examined conditions with relative errors in the range of 3–27%. The deviations were ascribed to limitations in the flow-following behavior of the sensor devices, whose sizes were relatively large compared to the examined system. The approach provides a versatile and automated flow modelling platform which can be applied to large-scale bioreactors.
Investigating the Blind Spot of a Monitoring System for Article Processing Charges
Authors: Bruns Andre , Taubert Niels
Published: September 2021

The Open Access (OA) publishing model that is based on article processing charges (APC) is often associated with the potential for more transparency regarding the expenditures for publications. However, the extent to which transparency can be achieved depends not least on the completeness of data in APC monitoring systems. This article investigates two blind spots of the largest collection of APC payment information, OpenAPC. It aims to identify likely APC-liable publications for German universities that contribute to this system and for those that do not provide data to it. The calculation combines data from Web of Science, the ISSN-Gold-OA-list and OpenAPC. The results show that for the group of universities contributing to the monitoring system, more than half of the APC payments are not covered by it and the average payments for non-covered APCs is higher than for APCs covered by the system. In addition, the group of universities that do not contribute to OpenAPC accounts for two thirds of the number of APC-liable publications recorded for contributing universities. Regarding the size of these blind spots, the value of the monitoring system is limited at present.
Gandhi and Sustainability. An Attempt to Update Timeless Ideas
Authors: Guggenberger Wilhelm
Published: September 2021

Linking Gandhi and sustainability may seem like a fashionable gimmick at first glance. However, if sustainability is understood in a holistic way, as a transformation of human–environment relations as well as of social and economic structures, this image changes. If one also takes seriously that Gandhi’s understanding of non-violence does not only include the avoidance of physical violence, but a fundamental attitude in different areas of life, such as economy or the use of technology, it becomes clear that sustainability, as it is currently being promoted by the United Nations in Agenda 2030, and Gandhi’s concept of satyagraha pursue identical goals. Gandhi, as well as elements of the Christian ethical tradition, can enrich political programs with a spiritual dimension, without which profound changes in human attitudes will not be possible.
The Economics of Female Piety in Early Sufism
Authors: Salamah-Qudsi Arin
Published: September 2021

This paper examines the economics of female piety between the third/ninth and sixth/twelfth centuries. It traces Sufi approaches to poverty and working for a living (kasb) as well as kasb’s intersection with marriage and women. Rereading Sufi and non-Sufi biographies and historiographies reveals that there were wealthy women who initiated marriage with renowned Sufis to gain spiritual blessings, and others who financially supported their husbands. While the piety of male Sufis was usually asserted through material poverty, the piety of female mystics was asserted through wealth and almsgiving. This paper examines this piety through different female kinships—whether mothers, wives or sisters. Similar to the spousal support of wives for their husbands, sisters very often acted as an impressive backup system for their Sufi brothers. Mothers, however, effected a great socio-religious impact through the cherished principles of a mother’s right to control her son and a son’s duty to venerate his mother. This devotion was often constraining financially and Sufis needed to pay attention to the financial implications while still pursuing progress on the Sufi path.
Glassboxing Deep Learning to Enhance Aircraft Detection from SAR Imagery
Authors: Luo Ru , Xing Jin , Chen Lifu , Pan Zhouhao , Cai Xingmin , Li Zengqi , Wang Jielan , Ford Alistair
Published: September 2021

Although deep learning has achieved great success in aircraft detection from SAR imagery, its blackbox behavior has been criticized for low comprehensibility and interpretability. Such challenges have impeded the trustworthiness and wide application of deep learning techniques in SAR image analytics. In this paper, we propose an innovative eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) framework to glassbox deep neural networks (DNN) by using aircraft detection as a case study. This framework is composed of three parts: hybrid global attribution mapping (HGAM) for backbone network selection, path aggregation network (PANet), and class-specific confidence scores mapping (CCSM) for visualization of the detector. HGAM integrates the local and global XAI techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of DNN feature extraction; PANet provides advanced feature fusion to generate multi-scale prediction feature maps; while CCSM relies on visualization methods to examine the detection performance with given DNN and input SAR images. This framework can select the optimal backbone DNN for aircraft detection and map the detection performance for better understanding of the DNN. We verify its effectiveness with experiments using Gaofen-3 imagery. Our XAI framework offers an explainable approach to design, develop, and deploy DNN for SAR image analytics.
Using Improved Edge Detection Method to Detect Mining-Induced Ground Fissures Identified by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing
Authors: Xu Duo , Zhao Yixin , Jiang Yaodong , Zhang Cun , Sun Bo , He Xiang
Published: September 2021

Information on the ground fissures induced by coal mining is important to the safety of coal mine production and the management of environment in the mining area. In order to identify these fissures timely and accurately, a new method was proposed in the present paper, which is based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a visible light camera and an infrared camera. According to such equipment, edge detection technology was used to detect mining-induced ground fissures. Field experiments show high efficiency of the UAV in monitoring the mining-induced ground fissures. Furthermore, a reasonable time period between 3:00 am and 5:00 am under the studied conditions helps UAV infrared remote sensing identify fissures preferably. The Roberts operator, Sobel operator, Prewitt operator, Canny operator and Laplacian operator were tested to detect the fissures in the visible image, infrared image and fused image. An improved edge detection method was proposed which based on the Laplacian of Gaussian, Canny and mathematical morphology operators. The peak signal-to-noise rate, effective edge rate, Pratt’s figure of merit and F-measure indicated that the proposed method was superior to the other methods. In addition, the fissures in infrared images at different times can be accurately detected by the proposed method except at 7:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
Individual Tree Detection and Qualitative Inventory of a Eucalyptus sp. Stand Using UAV Photogrammetry Data
Authors: Almeida André , Gonçalves Fabio , Silva Gilson , Mendonça Adriano , Gonzaga Maria , Silva Jeferson , Souza Rodolfo , Leite Igor , Neves Karina , Boeno Marcus , Sousa Braulio
Published: September 2021

Digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) data acquired by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have been increasingly used for forest inventory and monitoring. In this study, we evaluated the potential of UAV photogrammetry data to detect individual trees, estimate their heights (ht), and monitor the initial silvicultural quality of a 1.5-year-old Eucalyptus sp. stand in northeastern Brazil. DAP estimates were compared with accurate tree locations obtained with real time kinematic (RTK) positioning and direct height measurements obtained in the field. In addition, we assessed the quality of a DAP-UAV digital terrain model (DTM) derived using an alternative ground classification approach and investigated its performance in the retrieval of individual tree attributes. The DTM built for the stand presented an RMSE of 0.099 m relative to the RTK measurements, showing no bias. The normalized 3D point cloud enabled the identification of over 95% of the stand trees and the estimation of their heights with an RMSE of 0.36 m (11%). However, ht was systematically underestimated, with a bias of 0.22 m (6.7%). A linear regression model, was fitted to estimate tree height from a maximum height metric derived from the point cloud reduced the RMSE by 20%. An assessment of uniformity indices calculated from both field and DAP heights showed no statistical difference. The results suggest that products derived from DAP-UAV may be used to generate accurate DTMs in young Eucalyptus sp. stands, detect individual trees, estimate ht, and determine stand uniformity with the same level of accuracy obtained in traditional forest inventories.
Who Are the Homeless? Centering Anti-Black Racism and the Consequences of Colorblind Homeless Policies
Authors: Edwards Earl James
Published: September 2021

Since first becoming a major social issue in the 1980s, homelessness has been a racialized problem in the United States. Its disproportionate impact on Black Americans is primarily driven by structural racism and the limited housing and employment opportunities for Black Americans. The first major federal legislation to address the needs of the United States’ homeless population—the Stewart B. McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 omitted the root causes of Black housing instability, thereby proving ineffective at mitigating Black homelessness. As a result, Black Americans remain disproportionately impacted today. In addition to being neglected by the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Black men and women experiencing homelessness are more likely to be discriminated against than any other racial group. For example, Black men are more likely to be arrested than anyone else, and Black women are the most likely to experience hyper-surveillance. This paper uses the Public Identity Framework to argue that in the 1980s, advocates and opponents of homeless legislation created two contradictory public personas to shape public discourse and policies for the homeless. A colorblind public persona was used to pass the McKinney–Vento Homeless Act; meanwhile, the public persona of the “underclass” was used to criminalize and shame the homeless. Both personas operated concurrently to create a dual public identity for the homeless that influenced policy and ultimately harmed Black people.
The Role of Coffee Production and Trade on Gender Equity and Livelihood Improvement in Tanzania
Authors: Kangile Joseph Rajabu , Kadigi Reuben M. J. , Mgeni Charles Peter , Munishi Bernadetha Pantaleo , Kashaigili Japhet , Munishi Pantaleo K. T.
Published: September 2021

Achieving the sustainable development goals in developing countries will require the realization of benefits from the global supply and value chains, such as coffee, for inclusive economic development and poverty reduction. This study uses the data of 400 men and women randomly sampled coffee farmers from a developing country, Tanzania, to evaluate coffee income distribution, and how general coffee production and trade contribute to gender equity and livelihood improvement. Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition and Gini coefficient models are used for data analysis. We find a gender imbalance from the ownership and control of resources to the participation of men and women in the coffee supply chain. However, investing in supporting the coffee supply chain has an impact on livelihood improvement, due to coffee income inequality reducing effects. There is a gender gap in the income earned from coffee production and trading, which is 44% of the women’s structural disadvantages. Empowerment for equal access to land and credit, and offering trade facilitation services will bridge the existing gender gap. Additionally, developing and disseminating new coffee production technologies that will reduce discrimination, by offering new opportunities and making coffee an inclusive supply chain, remains imperative.
Modalities of Student Responses in Football Games According to Players’ Cognitive Structures
Authors: Zghibi Makrem , Sahli Hajer , Ben Khalifa Wissam , Ghouili Hatem , Gharbi Maher , Haddad Monoem
Published: September 2021

This work is part of a semio-constructivist conception of learning sport and physical education that emphasizes the primary role of language action in the co-construction of knowledge in/through action. The aim is to study the decision-making methods of three groups of students in a verbal football cycle. A total of 48 pupils participates voluntarily in our study, in mixed teams, with/without a teacher (Time = 2 × 4 mn) before/after small sided games (2 × 10 mn). The language activity of students is dependent on the development of cognitive structures identified from the classes to which they belong.
Pollution Accounting for Corporate Actions: Quantifying the Air Emissions and Impacts of Transportation System Choices Case Study: Food Freight and the Grocery Industry in Los Angeles
Authors: Nowlan Aileen , Fine James , O’Connor Timothy , Burget Spencer
Published: September 2021

Credible corporate commitments to environmental and sustainability outcomes build upon reasonable estimates of corporate impacts and realistic plans to ameliorate those impacts. Although many companies have already begun to account for their goods movement emissions, the vast majority of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures do not. This report creates and critically evaluates two complementary accounting mechanisms for air pollution emissions resulting from local transportation systems—for use in ESG disclosure and impact mitigation planning. These mechanisms are applied to a case study of businesses involved in food freight in Los Angeles: demonstrating the scope of local goods movement impacts on air quality and climate, and paving a path for additional analyses to follow. By quantifying the scope of impact from certain business and supply chain operations, this analysis makes the case for enhanced corporate responsibility by documenting and then reducing transportation system emissions from supply chain and logistics systems.
Improving the Efficiency of Lambari Production and Diet Assimilation Using Integrated Aquaculture with Benthic Species
Authors: Marques Aline M. , Boaratti Andre Z. , Belmudes Dalton , Ferreira Julia R. C. , Mantoan Paulo V. L. , Moraes-Valenti Patricia , Valenti Wagner C.
Published: September 2021

A single farmed fish species assimilates about 20% of the nutrients in the supplied diet. This study evaluated if the culture of complementary ecological-function species can recover nutrients dispersed into water and transform them into high-valued biomass. A completely randomized experiment was designed with three treatments and four replications of each production system: monoculture of lambari (Astyanax lacustris); integrated aquaculture of lambari and Amazon river prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum); and integrated aquaculture of lambari, Amazon river prawn, and curimbatá (Prochilodus lineatus). Fingerlings of lambari (0.8 ± 0.8 g) were stocked in twelve earthen-ponds (0.015 ha) at the density of 50 fish m−2. Eight ponds were stocked with juveniles of Amazon river prawn (1.1 ± 0.2 g) at the density of 25 prawn m−2. Four of these eight ponds were stocked with curimbatá fingerlings (0.2 ± 0.1 g) at a density of 13 fish m−2. Only lambari was fed twice a day with an extruded commercial diet. The experiment lasted 60 days when lambari attained commercial size. The inclusion of prawn increased the total species yield from 1.8 to 2.4 t ha−1 cycle−1 and reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 2.5 to 1.8. The inclusion of prawn and curimbatá increased the total yield to 3.2 t ha−1 cycle−1 and reduced the FCR to 1.4. Therefore, the integrated culture of lambari, prawn, and curimbatá improves the use of space, water, feed, and benthic species to recover the large quantity of nutrients accumulated in the bottom of lambari pond production, converting them into high-nutritional and monetary-valued biomass.
Novel Approach to Synthesize Nanostructured Gallium Oxide for Devices Operating in Harsh Environmental Conditions
Authors: Alhalaili Badriyah , Vidu Ruxandra , Popescu Ileana Nicoleta , Samyamanthula Dhanu Radha , Islam M. Saif
Published: September 2021

The importance of Ga2O3-based material for harsh environmental applications has attracted the interest of researchers in exploring various fabrication and growth techniques of Ga2O3-based nanomaterials using effective and low-cost processes. Herein, a demonstration to improve the wettability of liquid gallium on a rough silicon surface is presented. To control the roughness process, the silicon surface was patterned and groove-shape structures on the silicon were created using a photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching technique. Gallium oxide nanostructures were grown by thermal oxidation from liquid Ga in the presence and the absence of a silver thin film used as a catalyst. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of the nanostructures grown on the roughed surface of the silicon substrate. The conformal deposition of Ga2O3 nanostructures inside the grooves of the PEC etched silicon surface was observed. The presence of Ag catalyst was found to completely change the morphology of Ga2O3. This method is recommended for the sustainable and low-cost synthesis of nanostructured gallium oxide for applications, including gas sensing.
Factors of Collaboration Affecting the Performance of Alternative Energy Patents in South Korea from 2010 to 2017
Authors: Kim Jong-Hyun , Lee Yong-Gil
Published: September 2021

In recent years, innovation of alternative energy technologies to manage climate change has become an important goal worldwide. South Korea has been focusing on the innovation of alternative energy technologies through its investments and innovation systematic capabilities. This study quantitatively examines the effect of national innovation systems that are designed to improve the performance of innovation. To do so, this study analyzes the effects of financial support from the national research and development (R&D) project, and collaborations between institutions regarding the national innovation systems on patent performance based on citation count, which is a useful indicator of patent quality. Specifically, this study analyzes the effects of financial support from the national R&D project, as well as collaborations between universities, industries, and the government regarding patent performance using the patent data of South Korea. These data were used in congruence with a hurdle negative binomial model, using data from 2010 to 2017. Consequently, this study establishes that financial supports from national R&D project are generally inefficient. The relational aspects of the South Korean innovation systems are also generally inefficient, while collaborations between universities and industries contribute toward improving the performance of alternative energy patents.
Evaluation of Sustainable Rural Tourism. The Case of Uzundere District, Erzurum, Turkey
Authors: Davardoust Sanaz , Karahan Faris
Published: September 2021

The Uzundere district, which is located in NE Turkey, has attractive rural tourism areas with noticeable potentials and rural tourism development activities. This paper concentrates on sustainability development of rural tourism. Sustainable tourism concentrates to conserve environmental and cultural resources and emphasizes on the responsibility of tourists and participation of local people for economic growth of the region. In this study, Delphi method is used to identify important factors for evaluating sustainable development of rural tourism in the Uzundere region. It consists of thirty-three indicators in four dimensions: service quality, facilities, management system, and results. Indicators are advisers for future tourism development activities at all levels of planning. These indicators plainly reflect the situation of area tourism. In this study, a questionnaire was prepared to evaluate the rural tourism developments in the Uzundere region, based on the Delphi method. Expert opinions were taken with the participation of ten experts of the region. This study showed that tourism development projects in this region are promising in order to achieve the goals of sustainable rural tourism. In addition, in cases identified during the research, there is a need to develop approaches and experiences to address the relevant shortcomings and deficiencies.
How Can Apple Farmers Be Encouraged to Apply Information Technology? The Moderating Effect of Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Chen Xue , Jin Ye , Mao Shiping
Published: September 2021

Information technology has become an increasingly powerful driving force in modern agriculture. In particular, its application is important for the sustainable development of the apple industry. However, to promote technology application effectively, a better understanding of the behavioral intention of apple farmers towards such information technology is needed. This study uses micro data from 226 Chinese apple growers and applies the theory of planned behavior. The factors influencing apple farmers’ intention to choose information technology, along with factors influencing the transformation of that intention into actual behavior, are investigated through structural equation modeling. The results show that farmers’ information technology attitudes and perceived behavioral control have a significant positive impact on their intention to choose information technology, and that intention has a significant positive impact on behavioral response. Additionally, both tacit and explicit knowledge sharing have a positive moderating effect on transforming the intention to choose information technology into actual behavior, and the higher the degree of knowledge sharing, the stronger its moderating effect. The results imply that to achieve industry sustainability, the government needs to improve its guidance and incentives for agricultural technology, as well as support the development of a strong knowledge-sharing system specifically for agricultural information technology.
Sustainable Viticulture on Traditional ‘Baran’ Training System in Eastern Turkey
Authors: Kupe Muhammed , Ercisli Sezai , Baron Mojmir , Sochor Jiri
Published: September 2021

Erzincan plain is one of the most fascinating regions in Turkey for plant biodiversity. The area is very rich in terms of gene, species and ecosystem diversity. Having a number of natural habitats, mountains, etc., the region is one of the richest regions in Turkey for plant endemism as well. In northern parts of the region, in particular in Üzümlü, Bayırbağ and Pişkidağ districts, grape production dominates agriculture production and the famous ‘Karaerik’ grape cultivar has been cultivated for a long time on the very special traditional ‘Baran’ training system to avoid cold damage that occurs in winter months. The cultivar is harvested between 1 September and 1 October according to altitude in the region. The cultivar is well known in Turkey and there is a great demand for this cultivar in Turkey due to its perfect berry characteristics. In this study, yield, marketable product, cluster weight, cluster form, organic acids, specific sugars and sensory characteristics of the ‘Karaerik’ grape cultivar grown in three altitudes (1200 m a.s.l., 1400 m a.s.l. and 1600 m a.s.l., respectively) in Üzümlü district were investigated. For each altitude, grape clusters were sampled from ten vineyards and an average sample was formed. Marketable product, cluster weight, cluster form, organic acids and specific sugars were determined on those samples. Yield was determined as per decare. Sensory characteristics of samples were determined by five expert panelists. Results showed that the cluster weight was the highest in lower altitude and increasing altitude formed a more conical cluster form compared to winged cylindrical clusters at lower altitudes. The highest yield (740 kg per decare) was obtained in 1200 m a.s.l. and was followed by 1400 m a.s.l. (682 kg per decare) and 1600 m a.s.l. (724 kg per decare), respectively. Altitude strongly affected sugar and organic acid composition and ratio in berries of the ‘Karaerik’ grape. Fructose and tartaric acid were the main sugar and organic acid at all altitudes and were found between 10.04–14.02 g/100 g and 2.17–3.66 g/100 g, respectively. Sensory scores were also the highest at lower altitudes and decreased parallel to altitude increase.
Sigma Identification Protocol Construction Based on MPF
Authors: Sakalauskas Eligijus , Timofejeva Inga , Kilciauskas Ausrys
Published: September 2021

A new sigma identification protocol (SIP) based on matrix power function (MPF) defined over the modified medial platform semigroup and power near-semiring is proposed. It is proved that MPF SIP is resistant against direct and eavesdropping attacks. Our security proof relies on the assumption that MPF defined in the paper is a candidate for one-way function (OWF). Therefore, the corresponding MPF problem is reckoned to be a difficult one. This conjecture is based on the results demonstrated in our previous studies, where a certain kind of MPF problem was proven to be NP-complete.
Hermite–Hadamard Type Inequalities Involving k-Fractional Operator for (h¯,m)-Convex Functions
Authors: Sahoo Soubhagya Kumar , Ahmad Hijaz , Tariq Muhammad , Kodamasingh Bibhakar , Aydi Hassen , De la Sen Manuel
Published: September 2021

The principal motivation of this paper is to establish a new integral equality related to k-Riemann Liouville fractional operator. Employing this equality, we present several new inequalities for twice differentiable convex functions that are associated with Hermite–Hadamard integral inequality. Additionally, some novel cases of the established results for different kinds of convex functions are derived. This fractional integral sums up Riemann–Liouville and Hermite–Hadamard’s inequality, which have a symmetric property. Scientific inequalities of this nature and, particularly, the methods included have applications in different fields in which symmetry plays a notable role. Finally, applications of q-digamma and q-polygamma special functions are presented.
Hormonal Defects Are Common during Puumala Hantavirus Infection and Associate with Disease Severity and Biomarkers of Altered Haemostasis
Authors: Tarvainen Marlene , Mäkelä Satu , Laine Outi , Pörsti Ilkka , Risku Sari , Niemelä Onni , Mustonen Jukka , Jaatinen Pia
Published: September 2021

Central and peripheral hormone deficiencies have been documented during and after acute hantavirus infection. Thrombocytopenia and coagulation abnormalities are common findings in haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The associations between coagulation and hormonal abnormalities in HFRS have not been studied yet. Forty-two patients diagnosed with Puumala virus (PUUV) infection were examined during the acute phase and on a follow-up visit approximately one month later. Hormonal defects were common during acute PUUV infection. Overt (clinical) hypogonadism was identified in 80% of the men and approximately 20% of the patients had overt hypothyroidism. At the one-month follow-up visit, six patients had central hormone deficits. Acute peripheral hormone deficits associated with a more severe acute kidney injury (AKI), longer hospital stay and more severe thrombocytopenia. Half of the patients with bleeding symptoms had also peripheral hormonal deficiencies. Patients with free thyroxine levels below the reference range had higher D-dimer level than patients with normal thyroid function, but no thromboembolic events occurred. Acute phase hormonal abnormalities associate with severe disease and altered haemostasis in PUUV infection.
Changes in Attitudes and Beliefs Concerning Vaccination and Influenza Vaccines between the First and Second COVID-19 Pandemic Waves: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Domnich Alexander , Grassi Riccardo , Fallani Elettra , Spurio Alida , Bruzzone Bianca , Panatto Donatella , Marozzi Barbara , Cambiaggi Maura , Vasco Alessandro , Orsi Andrea , Icardi Giancarlo
Published: September 2021

Perceptions of the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and preventive behaviors change over time. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have modified laypeople’s attitudes towards routine vaccinations. In this longitudinal study, we aimed to assess changes in attitudes and beliefs concerning (influenza) vaccines between the first and second COVID-19 pandemic waves. A total of 1979 participants completed both 2020 and 2021 surveys. After one year, more interviewees agreed that vaccines were fundamental and should be mandatory (77.3% vs. 75.0%). Analogously, willingness to undergo influenza vaccination increased (p < 0.001) from 44.1% to 48.6%. This increase was seen in subjects aged ≥35 years. Previous influenza vaccinations, receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine, positive attitudes towards (influenza) vaccination, male sex, and older age were the main correlates of willingness to receive the 2021/22 influenza vaccine. Totals of 12.6% and 11.8% had no intention to receive the next seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. Most respondents favored a hypothetical combined influenza/COVID-19 vaccine (73.7%) or influenza and COVID-19 vaccine co-administration (67.5%). In Italy, influenza and COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and refusal are common. Effective public health strategies to pursue higher uptake of both vaccines are urgently needed.
Tumor Growth Progression in Ectopic and Orthotopic Xenografts from Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Caceres Sara , Alonso-Diez Angela , Crespo Belén , Peña Laura , Illera Maria J. , Silvan Gema , de Andres Paloma J. , Illera Juan C.
Published: September 2021

Xenografts can grow in immunosuppressed hosts, such as SCID mice, and tumor material can be injected into hosts either ectopically or orthotopically. Choosing the correct model to use is a crucial step in animal research. The aim of this study was to report the differences between ectopic and orthotopic xenografts in tumor progression, metastasis capacity, histological features, and steroid hormone profiles in xenografts from the cIMC (canine inflammatory mammary cancer) cell line IPC-366 and hIBC (human inflammatory breast cancer) cell line SUM149. To achieve this purpose, 40 female mice 6–8 weeks old were inoculated with IPC-366 and SUM149 cells subcutaneously (ectopic models) or into mammary fat pad (orthotopic models). Mice were monitored for tumor progression and appearance of metastases, and generated tumors were analyzed in terms of histological examination and steroid hormone production. The results revealed differences in tumor appearance and percentage of metastasis between ectopic and orthotopic models, which were higher in the ectopic xenografts from both cell lines. However, both models had similar characteristics of tumor progression, histological features, and steroid hormone secretion profiles. We show that the ectopic model can be validated as a good and useful model of tumor development in addition to, not contrary to, the orthotopic model in breast cancer research.
Elevated Vertical-Flow Constructed Wetlands for Light Greywater Treatment
Authors: Morandi Carlo , Schreiner Gerhard , Moosmann Patrizia , Steinmetz Heidrun
Published: September 2021

Integrated planning of urban blue–green infrastructures is crucial to strengthen urban environmental quality and mitigate negative climate change-associated effects. It implies, however, increased water demand for irrigation, wherefore greywater (wastewater excluding wastewater from toilets and urinals) can be used, yet it requires handling for safe reuse. One treatment option is the use of constructed wetlands (CW), which have thus far not been broadly applied in inner-city districts due to large area requirements. This work investigates a novel bipartite container-based vertical-flow constructed wetland (VFCW) for the treatment of light greywater (from showers and hand wash basins) and its use as irrigation water for urban facade greenery. The VFCW consists of two compartments with 2.5 m2 filter area each, filled with 75 cm zeolite-containing lava sand (0–4 mm) and 75 cm Rhine sand (0–2 mm), respectively. In short, screening has proven to be well suitable for coarse solids removal, so there is no further need to settle light greywater, which reduces overall treatment area and benefits urban application. Treated greywater complied with irrigation standards at all times, yet mixing with rainwater can help reduce salt contents, if applicable. The modular/elevated lava sand VFCW exhibited extensive nitrification, even at extremely low water temperatures, as well as mean effluent concentrations of 6.3 mg/L COD and <0.05 mg/L Ptot, which makes it a very promising treatment option for greywater. All in all, the modular/elevated design promotes urban application of VFCW as a multifunctional blue–green system that can help increase urban resilience.
The Impact of Resistance Training on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Functional Fitness in Older Women (45–80 Years): A Systematic Review (2010–2020)
Authors: Ransdell Lynda B. , Wayment Heidi A. , Lopez Nanette , Lorts Cori , Schwartz Anna L. , Pugliesi Karen , Pohl Patricia S. , Bycura Dierdra , Camplain Ricky
Published: September 2021

As women age, they typically experience a progressive decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength, which can lead to a decline in functional fitness and quality of life. Resistance training (RT) has the potential to attenuate these losses. Although well established for men, evidence regarding the benefits of RT for women is sparse and inconsistent: prior reviews include too few studies with women and do not adequately examine the interactive or additive impacts of workload, modalities, and nutritional supplements on outcomes such as muscle mass (MM), body composition (BC), muscle strength (MS), and functional fitness (FF). The purpose of this review is to identify these gaps. Thirty-eight papers published between 2010 and 2020 (in English) represent 2519 subjects (mean age = 66.89 ± 4.91 years). Intervention averages include 2 to 3 × 50 min sessions across 15 weeks with 7 exercises per session and 11 repetitions per set. Twelve studies (32%) examined the impact of RT plus dietary manipulation. MM, MS, and FF showed positive changes after RT. Adding RT to fitness regimens for peri- to postmenopausal women is likely to have positive benefits.
Criação de sentido em oficinas de narrativas de viagem
Authors: Castro Júlia Fonseca de
Published: September 2021

Relato de duas oficinas desenvolvidas com público de estudantes heterogêneo, a partir de estímulos diferentes, e com o objetivo comum de compreensão dos sentidos atribuídos ao ato de viajar por meio de relatos (orais e escritos). O primeiro grupo foi integrado por cerca de 45 pessoas, 40 alunos dos 1°, 2° e 3° anos do ensino secundário, além de professores da Escola Casa Viva (Belo Horizonte/Minas Gerais/Brasil). O segundo grupo foi composto por aproximadamente 40 alunos graduandos em Turismo e em Geografia pela Universidade de Coimbra (Coimbra/ Portugal). Ambas as oficinas aconteceram em 2017 e incluíram palestra e atividade prática. Os resultados das oficinas indicam que os participantes experimentaram criativamente a proposta e produziram sentidos para o viajar desviados da lógica do mercado turístico, do jornalismo de viagem e, em geral, do senso comum.
O trabalho de mediação curricular praticado por coordenadoras pedagógicas na EJA da Rede Municipal de Ensino de Juiz de Fora: andarilhagens entre os limites do real e as resistências possíveis
Authors:   , Oliveira Érica Franco de
Published: September 2021

Essa pesquisa buscou compreender a mediação curricular da Educação de Jovens e Adultos que as coordenadoras pedagógicas da Rede Municipal de Ensino de Juiz de Fora realizam. Assim, a compreensão de como as próprias coordenadoras percebem seu trabalho educativo e a mediação curricular, suas concepções acerca do currículo da EJA e dos educandos jovens e adultos da classe trabalhadora, bem como as estratégias e resistências que produzem para mediar o currículo foram perscrutadas. A base teórico-metodológica foi a teoria crítica de currículo, a partir de Gimeno Sacristán (2000), Miguel Arroyo (2013) e Paulo Freire (1983, 1997, 2001). A compreensão dos condicionantes do trabalho educativo de mediação curricular envolveu perpassar pelo contexto social, político, econômico e educacional mais amplo, por documentos curriculares que orientam a EJA em Juiz de Fora, pela história profissional e pelas funções da coordenadora pedagógica. A análise dos dados, obtidos através de questionário e entrevista semiestruturada, revelou que, mesmo diante de vários condicionantes que limitam seu trabalho educativo, as coordenadoras pedagógicas da EJA produzem estratégias e resistências para realizar a mediação do currículo e contribuir para a construção de práticas de ensino aprendizagem que dialoguem com as realidades e as necessidades dos jovens e adultos trabalhadores.
Da pesquisa teórica à pesquisa empírica: uma análise da produção científica referente ao caso das doenças negligenciadas e o direito de patente
Authors:   , Morais Anderson Resende
Published: September 2021

A metodologia é um procedimento fundamental para o desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa científica confiável, uma vez que o método empregado tem o propósito de organizar o conhecimento, a fim de chegar a um diagnóstico válido. Essa dissertação tem como objetivo analisar todas as produções científicas associadas aos quatro projetos sobre as doenças negligenciadas sob a coordenação do Prof. Dr. Marcos Vinício Chein Feres, tendo por foco a transição metodológica da pesquisa teórica à pesquisa empírica. Os projetos objeto de análise da presente pesquisa, estão descritos no currículo lattes do coordenador, com os seguintes títulos: (1) “Doenças negligenciadas e o plano de ação 2007-2010 para a ciência, a tecnologia e a inovação na área de insumos à saúde: uma análise interpretativa da Lei de Patentes para fomentar a pesquisa em medicamentos para doenças tropicais” (2008 - 2009); (2) “Doenças negligenciadas e Direito de Patente: uma análise interpretativa da Lei de Patentes para fomentar a pesquisa em medicamentos para doenças tropicais” (2009 - 2011); (3) “Direito à patente e intervenção do Estado: o caso das doenças negligenciadas” (2011 – 2014, 2015 – atual) e; (4) “Direito como identidade: direito à patente e o caso das drogas para doenças negligenciadas” (2014 – atual). A pesquisa desenvolvida tem uma abordagem qualitativa, além de ser uma pesquisa prevalentemente indutiva, visto que não parte de uma hipótese definida, pois esta é construída no decorrer da investigação empírica, a partir da análise dos dados. Desse modo, levanta-se o seguinte questionamento: o que se pode extrair das publicações derivadas de projetos de pesquisa cujo objeto consiste tanto na proposta teórica da relação entre direito de patente e doenças negligenciadas, quanto na análise de pedidos de patentes referentes às doenças negligenciadas, tendo por foco a transição metodológica da pesquisa teórica à pesquisa empírica? Assim, como forma de guiar esta investigação empírica, é utilizada como ferramenta metodológica a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados (TFD) de Kathy Charmaz (2009). Essa técnica permite codificar os dados, através de categorias representativas, com o propósito de refiná-los no decorrer da investigação, proporcionando ao final uma construção teórica. Por fim, com a metodologia empregada, pode-se desenvolver uma hipótese válida, a fim de responder ao questionamento inicial. Ademais, pode-se extrair do processo de codificação que as pesquisar teóricas estão centralizadas na elaboração de um referencial teórico, ao passo que as pesquisas empíricas estão centralizadas no procedimento metodológico. Nesse sentido, verifica-se, que as pesquisas empíricas fortaleceram as teorias construídas nas pesquisas teóricas. Enfim, observa- se que ambas as pesquisas se complementaram, dado que as pesquisas empíricas reforçaram as teses argumentativas presentes nas pesquisas teóricas.