bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MARTINE—A Platform for Real-Time Energy Management in Smart Grids
Authors: Vale Zita , Faria Pedro , Abrishambaf Omid , Gomes Luis , Pinto Tiago
Published: March 2021

This paper presents MARTINE (Multi-Agent based Real-Time INfrastruture for Energy), a simulation, emulation and energy management platform for the study of problems related to buildings and smart grids. Relevant advances related to buildings and smart grid management and operation have been proposed, focusing either on software models for decision support or on physical infrastructure and control approaches. These two perspectives are, however, complementary, and no practical assessment can be achieved without a suitable interaction and analysis of the impact that decision-making models have on physical resources, and vice-versa. MARTINE overcomes this limitation by integrating, in a single platform: real buildings with the associated devices and resources; emulated components that complement the ones present in the buildings; simulated resources, players and buildings using multi-agent systems, real-time simulation with hardware in the loop capabilities, which enables integrating virtual and physical components; and a knowledge layer that incorporates all the required decision support and energy management models. MARTINE thus provides a comprehensive platform for the study and management of energy resources. The advantages of this platform are demonstrated in this paper through three use cases, related to agriculture irrigation, practical implementation of demand response and load modeling using various network configurations.
One-Cycle Fourier Finite Position Set PLL
Authors: Lino Fernando , Assis Jefferson , Fernandes Darlan A. , Jacomini Rogerio , Costa Fabiano F. , Sguarezi Filho Alfeu J.
Published: March 2021

This work introduces a new method for computing the angular position of the voltage of the grid—based on a finite set of angles—in the condition of failures in the distribution systems, as symmetrical and asymmetric voltage sags, unbalance, harmonic distortions, and frequency changes. This method is inspired in the model predictive control finite control set principles. In this way, the proposal employs the One-Cycle Fourier filter (OCF) to estimate the positive sequence of the voltage vector into the stationary αβ-frame. The positive sequence voltages extracted from this filter is then handled by an algorithm that is implemented by a finite position set (FPS) for estimating the phase angle. In this way, the minimized cost function chooses the optimal angular position while using the predicted behavior of the grid voltage vector elements in dq frame. The structure, called One-Cycle Fourier Finite position Set Phase Locked Loop (OCF-FS-PLL), here is a composition of the OCF and the FPS. The results that were obtained in an experimental test bench validate the proposed method.
Co-Design of CVT-Based Electric Vehicles
Authors: Wei Caiyang , Hofman Theo , Ilhan Caarls Esin
Published: March 2021

For an electric vehicle (EV) with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a novel convex programming (CP)-based co-design method is proposed to minimize the total-cost-of-ownership (TCO). The integration of the electric machine (EM) and the CVT is the primary focus. The optimized system with co-design reduces the TCO by around 5.9% compared to a non-optimized CVT-based EV (based on off-the-shelf components) and by around 2% compared to the EV equipped with a single-speed transmission (SST). By taking advantage of the control and design freedom provided by the CVT, the optimal CVT, EM and battery sizes are found to reduce the system cost. It simultaneously finds the optimal CVT speed ratio and air-flow rate of the cooling system reducing the energy consumption. The strength of co-design is highlighted by comparing to a sequential design, and insights into the design of a low-power EV that is energy-efficient and cost-effective for urban driving are provided. A highly integrated EM-CVT system, which is efficient, low-cost and lightweight, can be expected for future EV applications.
A Live Smart Parking Demonstrator: Architecture, Data Flows, and Deployment
Authors: Coulibaly Moussa , Errami Ahmed , Belkhala Sofia , Medromi Hicham
Published: March 2021

Smart Parking is essential for any future smart cities due to the tremendous growth of the car fleet. Such infrastructures require a certain amount of equipment. Indeed, smart parking integrates a lot of actors, to manage the parking its equipment must be managed accordingly. Here, is proposed a distributed architecture to manage them by collecting efficiently their data. Two types of data relating to the parking must be collected: those coming from the deployed equipment in the parking and those coming from the internet due to remote users. Thus, a system of two main servers based on the multi-agent concept is proposed. This system manages the parking platform. The first server is dedicated to the parking equipment data collection (Processing Server–PS). The second server (Processing Web Server–PWS) collects the users’ online data such as reservation, and it is responsible for pricing policies, and receive post-processed data from the Processing Server. The parking equipment integrates a lot of commercial solutions, an intelligent multi-platform application based on this two server philosophy is developed and can be used for parking operation by users and parking managers. The flowcharts of the agents from the two mains servers are presented. These flowcharts are currently used in our demonstrator and still under improvements. Here, we present the architecture (hardware and software) of our smart parking demonstrator developed by our department and suitable for the experimentation of our future work related to this hot topic.
Computer Modelling of the Optical Behavior of Homogenizers in High-Flux Solar Furnaces
Authors: Pereira José Carlos Garcia , Rahmani Kaveh , Rosa Luís Guerra
Published: March 2021

Solar radiation homogenizers are multi-mirror devices that try to reshape the solar radiation distribution coming from a concentrator, so that, after passing through the homogenizer, the light flux becomes as much evenly distributed as possible. The optical behavior of these multi-reflective devices is complex and still ill-understood. The geometry of the concentrator defines the features of the concentrated flux and then the characteristics of a particular homogenizer must be chosen according to the envisaged use. In this work, we developed and used optical ray-tracing software to investigate how the homogenizer’s optical output is affected by the following homogenizer’s characteristics: (i) Number of reflecting surfaces; (ii) total length; (iii) position (relative to focal plane); and (iv) tilt angle (inclination) of reflecting surfaces. The obtained results provide valuable information for the use of these optical devices and may contribute to the development of more efficient strategies for homogenization of concentrated radiation generated by high-flux solar furnaces.
One-Cycle Control of Three-Phase Five-Level Diode-Clamped STATCOM
Authors: Jeong In Wha , Sung Tae Hyun
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a new multilevel one-cycle control (OCC) technique for a five-level diode-clamped multilevel converter (DCMC)-based static VAR compensator (STATCOM). The OCC algorithm in combination with multi-carrier level-shifted PWM control is used in the proposed five-level DCMC-based STATCOM. The automatic dc link voltage balance is simply realized by four voltage compensators presented as the part of the OCC controller. In this paper the OCC principle of a two-level converter-based STATCOM is reviewed and extended to the five-level DCMC-based STATCOM. The proposed multilevel OCC control method of the five-level DCMC-based STATCOM in steady-state and dynamic operation modes is verified by simulation and experimental results.
Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis as the Key for Decentralized Sustainable Kerosene Production
Authors: Meurer Andreas , Kern Jürgen
Published: March 2021

Synthetic fuels play an important role in the defossilization of future aviation transport. To reduce the ecological impact of remote airports due to the long-range transportation of kerosene, decentralized on-site production of synthetic paraffinic kerosene is applicable, preferably as a near-drop-in fuel or, alternatively, as a blend. One possible solution for such a production of synthetic kerosene is the power-to-liquid process. We describe the basic development of a simplified plant layout addressing the specific challenges of decentralized kerosene production that differs from most of the current approaches for infrastructural well-connected regions. The decisive influence of the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis on the power-to-liquid (PtL) process is shown by means of a steady-state reactor model, which was developed in Python and serves as a basis for the further development of a modular environment able to represent entire process chains. The reactor model is based on reaction kinetics according to the current literature. The effects of adjustments of the main operation parameters on the reactor behavior were evaluated, and the impacts on the up- and downstream processes are described. The results prove the governing influence of the Fischer–Tropsch reactor on the PtL process and show its flexibility regarding the desired product fraction output, which makes it an appropriate solution for decentralized kerosene production.
Reduction of Resistance, Fuel Consumption and GHG Emission of a Small Fishing Vessel by Adding a Bulbous Bow
Authors: Szelangiewicz Tadeusz , Abramowski Tomasz , Żelazny Katarzyna , Sugalski Karol
Published: March 2021

Protection of marine environment and reduction of GHG emissions are currently imperative criterion for ship design. For ships in service, including fishing vessels powered by internal combustion engines, options of retrofitting are sought to reduce their hydrodynamic resistance and fuel consumption. One such possibility is the addition of a simple-shape bulbous bow, which can be installed at low cost to upgrade a fishing vessel. We present an analysis of the effect that the bulbous bow has on fishing vessel resistance across the whole range of speeds at which the entire work cycle of the vessel is carried out. The resistance was calculated using a calculation of fluid dynamics (CFD) method for the actual size of the vessel. We show that it is possible to develop such a bulbous bow for which the resistance of fishing vessel with a bulbous bow is going to be lower than that of an unmodified shape. For the modified shape of the fishing vessel, fuel consumption, amount and composition of exhaust gases were calculated and the obtained results were compared with the parameters of the vessel without modification. The tests carried out and the obtained calculation results indicate that a significant reduction of fuel consumption and GHG emissions may be obtained for the existing old fishing vessels at low anticipated modernization costs.
Simulation and Experimental Investigation of a Two-Stage Magnetic Precession Gear
Authors: Macyszyn Lukasz , Jedryczka Cezary , Myszkowski Adam
Published: March 2021

Gears are common and important components of many types of propulsion systems applied in mechanical engineering. The aim of this paper is to present the mechanical design and performance analysis of a novel two-stage magnetic precession gear (MPG). The main advantage of the proposed design is the ability to obtain higher transmission ratios than other currently known magnetic gear types. A detailed analysis of the performance of the MPG was carried out employing a developed numerical model of the magnetic field in the proposed gear. The MPG model is based on the finite element method (FEM) and allows determining the relations between the torque acting on the main components of the gear, load angles, and air-gap lengths. To validate the developed FEM model, the prototype of an MPG with a 1/144 gear ratio was built and tested. The experiments were also focused on determining the mechanical efficiency as well as the influence of rotational speed and lengths of air gaps on the maximum load torque. The tests indicated that the maximum efficiency of the studied MPG is about 30%, which is comparable to the efficiency of mechanical two-stage precession gears with face meshing.
Efficient Concentration of Functional Polyphenols Using Their Interaction with Gelatin
Authors: Hirai Mizuki , Kobori Ryo , Doge Ryo , Tsuji Issei , Saito Akiko
Published: March 2021

Among polyphenol compounds, the flavan-3-ol structure, which is the basic unit of green tea catechins and the galloyl groups contained in green tea catechins are known to exhibit various functions. In this paper, we discuss how to concentrate highly functional polyphenol compounds by exploiting the interaction between gelatin and the catechol structures. First, we confirmed the interaction between heat-stabilized gelatin and flavan-3-ol derivatives, including synthesized compounds. When green tea leaf extract containing a large amount of flavan-3-ol derivatives was incubated with gelatin, most of the polyphenol compounds it contained were adsorbed. Because the compounds adsorbed on gelatin could not be eluted, DPPH radical and ABTS radical scavenging activity tests were conducted using the as-prepared gelatin–polyphenol complex. Radical scavenging activity was observed when the compounds were adsorbed on gelatin and heating at 90 °C for 5 min did not have a significant effect on their activity. These results suggest that functional polyphenols can be efficiently concentrated using heat-stabilized gelatin and retain their functionality while adsorbed.
Effects of the Henry Hub Price on U.S. LNG Exports and on Gas Flows in Western Europe
Authors: Günther Maik , Nissen Volker
Published: March 2021

Natural gas plays an important role in energy supply, and its fields of application are diverse. However, the world’s largest growth potential among fossil fuels is attributed to liquefied natural gas (LNG). In the last few years, the U.S. rapidly increased LNG exports, and it is expected that they will further increase the liquefaction capacities. The cost of the LNG value chain is composed of the natural gas price in the country of origin, and the LNG process costs for liquefaction, transportation, storage, and regasification. Thus, the Henry Hub (HH) price in the U.S. is important for U.S. LNG exports to Western Europe. In this paper, gas flows in Western Europe at the beginning of the 2030s are analyzed if the price at HH is higher or lower than expected. Furthermore, the effect of the HH price on monthly U.S. LNG exports are studied. For the calculations, the global gas market model WEGA is used. The results reveal that the price at HH has a significant effect on annual gas flows in Western Europe and also on U.S. LNG exports during the summer. Furthermore, it is shown that pipeline gas in Western Europe will absorb fluctuations of U.S. LNG exports between the presented scenarios.
Kabuki Syndrome—Clinical Review with Molecular Aspects
Authors: Boniel Snir , Szymańska Krystyna , Śmigiel Robert , Szczałuba Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare developmental disorder principally comprised of developmental delay, hypotonia and a clearly defined dysmorphism: elongation of the structures surrounding the eyes, a shortened and depressed nose, thinning of the upper lip and thickening of the lower lip, large and prominent ears, hypertrichosis and scoliosis. Other characteristics include poor physical growth, cardiac, gastrointestinal and renal anomalies as well as variable behavioral issues, including autistic features. De novo or inherited pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in the KMT2D gene are the most common cause of KS and account for up to 75% of patients. Variants in KDM6A cause up to 5% of cases (X-linked dominant inheritance), while the etiology of about 20% of cases remains unknown. Current KS diagnostic criteria include hypotonia during infancy, developmental delay and/or intellectual disability, typical dysmorphism and confirmed pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in KMT2D or KDM6A. Care for KS patients includes the control of physical and psychomotor development during childhood, rehabilitation and multi-specialist care. This paper reviews the current clinical knowledge, provides molecular and scientific links and sheds light on the treatment of Kabuki syndrome individuals.
Aquaporins in Cereals—Important Players in Maintaining Cell Homeostasis under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Kurowska Marzena Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

Cereal productivity is reduced by environmental stresses such as drought, heat, elevated CO2, salinity, metal toxicity and cold. Sometimes, plants are exposed to multiple stresses simultaneously. Plants must be able to make a rapid and adequate response to these environmental stimuli in order to restore their growing ability. The latest research has shown that aquaporins are important players in maintaining cell homeostasis under abiotic stress. Aquaporins are membrane intrinsic proteins (MIP) that form pores in the cellular membranes, which facilitate the movement of water and many other molecules such as ammonia, urea, CO2, micronutrients (silicon and boron), glycerol and reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide) across the cell and intercellular compartments. The present review primarily focuses on the diversity of aquaporins in cereal species, their cellular and subcellular localisation, their expression and their functioning under abiotic stresses. Lastly, this review discusses the potential use of mutants and plants that overexpress the aquaporin-encoding genes to improve their tolerance to abiotic stress.
Teaching First Aid to Prospective Teachers as a Way to Promote Child Healthcare
Authors: Olmos-Gómez María del Carmen , Ruiz-Garzón Francisca , Pais-Roldán Paula , López-Cordero Rafael
Published: March 2021

This article aimed to analyze, through a qualitative study (i.e., semi-structured interview), the opinions and knowledge of fourth-year future teachers at a Spanish public university (University of Granada) regarding training and the need for first aid (FA) at school. With a sample of 70 subjects in their last year of training, our conclusion is that although they are aware of the importance of first aid for their professional development, there is no such training in their careers, and thus they have great difficulty understanding how to react to emergency situations on the job.
Redox Homeostasis and Metabolic Profile in Young Female Basketball Players during in-Season Training
Authors: Militello Rosamaria , Luti Simone , Parri Matteo , Marzocchini Riccardo , Soldaini Riccardo , Modesti Alessandra , Modesti Pietro Amedeo
Published: March 2021

Background: Most studies on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant levels have been conducted in male athletes, although female participation in sport has increased rapidly in the past few decades. In particular, it could be important to assess oxidative stress markers in relation to the training load because the anaerobic path becomes predominant in high-intensity actions. Methods: Ten female professional basketball players, performing five 2 h-lasting training sessions per week, and 10 sedentary control women were investigated. Capillary blood and saliva samples were collected in the morning before the training session. The antioxidant capacity and the levels of reactive oxygen metabolites on plasma were determined measuring Reactive Oxygen Metabolite and Biological Antioxidant Potential (d-ROMs and the BAP Test). Salivary cortisol was detected by using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The antioxidant capacity (BAP value) was significantly higher in elite basketball players (21.2%; p < 0.05). Conversely, cortisol (51%; p < 0.009) and the levels of oxidative species (d-ROM, 21.9%; p < 0.05) showed a significant decrease in elite athletes.
Effects of Community-Based Interventions on Medication Adherence and Hospitalization for Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes at Primary Care Clinics in South Korea
Authors: Choi Yoon-Joo , Kim Young-Taek , Yi Hyun-Suk , Lee Soon Young , Lee Weon-Young
Published: March 2021

Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency launched Control and Prevention Community-based Registration and Management for Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus Project (CRMHDP) in Gwangmyeong city, 2009. This project has provided incentives on both patient and physician and has made private clinics and Public Health Center (PHC) in a community collaborate for effective chronic disease management among elderly people. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of CRMHDP on medication compliance and hospitalization due to diabetes-specific complications. The retrospective cohort study design was based on data of Korean National Health Insurance (KNHI) with 2 control areas (A & B) with usual primary care service similar to Gwangmyeong city regarding community health resources. The data on the study subjects were examined for the following 5 years since the baseline point. Medication adherence rates of CRMHDP-enrollees after the project was significantly higher than two control groups. For the hospitalization due to any complications, adjusted hazard ratio in the intervention group, compared to the control group A and B, were 0.76 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.65–0.78) and 0.52 (95% Confidence Interval 0.41–0.78), respectively. CRMHDP could successful in improving the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus among elderly people in South Korean primary care settings.
Biocompatibility and Effectiveness of a Novel, Organic Olive Oil-Based Denture Adhesive: A Multicenter Randomized and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Azevedo Luís , Correia André , Almeida Carlos F. , Molinero-Mourelle Pedro , Correia Maria , Del Río Highsmith Jaime
Published: March 2021

To assess the clinical efficacy of a novel, organic olive oil-based denture adhesive and its effect on Candida albicans growth in maxillary edentulous individuals wearing complete dentures, individuals were selected from two dental schools in Portugal and Spain. Twenty-eight complete dentures were relined, following a standardized protocol. The novel product (test) was compared with a commercialized adhesive (control) and Vaseline (placebo) randomly assigned in a cross-study design. The retention resistance was measured with a gnathometer and a dynamometer. The patients related outcome evaluations with a five-point questionnaire, and the Candida albicans growth in a Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium was used to evaluate differences between the placebo and experimental product. Twenty-three participants were included. The dynamometer evaluation showed significant differences between not using a denture adhesive and using either (experimental, p = 0.03; control, p = 0.04) and no significant differences between the two adhesives (p > 0.05). In the subjective analysis, the experimental adhesive showed a significantly longer effectiveness (p = 0.001), and the control reported better results in taste (p = 0.03) and in chewing (p = 0.001). The test adhesive showed better (p < 0.001) Candida albicans growth inhibition. The experimental adhesive showed longer effectiveness than the control and the placebo with a better inhibition capacity for the growth of Candida albicans. Patients reported better abilities for speech, chewing, taste, and retirement in the control adhesive.
Subjective versus Objective Measure of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Convergent Validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C)
Authors: Marasso Danilo , Lupo Corrado , Collura Simone , Rainoldi Alberto , Brustio Paolo Riccardo
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to highlight the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as assessed by accelerometer devices and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) to estimate the convergent validity of the questionnaire. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were applied by collecting pertinent studies (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS) from 1997 until November 2020. The relationship between PAQ-C and MVPA scores was estimated considering correlation coefficients such as the effect size. Fisher’s transformation was used to convert each correlation coefficient into an approximately normal distribution. The pooled correlations between PAQ-C and MVPA scores were measured by r values after converting the Fisher’s z values back into correlation coefficients for presentation. A total of 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and a random effects model was adopted. The pooled correlation between PAQ-C and MVPA scores was significant but with a moderate effect size (r = 0.34 [0.29, 0.39], Z = 15.00, p < 0.001). No heterogeneity among the studies was observed (I2 < 25%). In conclusion, the results highlighted a moderate relationship (around 0.30–0.40) between PAQ-C and accelerometer measurements. These results suggested to concurrently administer both tools to reach a more comprehensive description of children’s PA, in terms of quality and quantity.
MBTI Personality Types of Korean Cabin Crew in Middle Eastern Airlines, and Their Associations with Cross-Cultural Adjustment Competency, Occupational Competency, Coping Competency, Mental Health, and Turnover Intention
Authors: Song Mina , Choi Hyun-jun , Hyun Sunghyup Sean
Published: March 2021

The purposes of this study were (1) to identify MBTI (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator) personality profiles of Korean cabin crew in Middle Eastern airlines, (2) to determine whether MBTI personality affects their cross-cultural adjustment competency, occupational competency, and coping competency, and (3) to analyze the impact of these variables on their mental health and turnover intention. Furthermore, we verified (4) the moderating effect of cabin crew’s previous overseas experience on the relationship between cross-cultural adjustment competency and turnover intention. MBTI-Form M test and a survey questionnaire were distributed to 185 Korean cabin crew members in Middle Eastern airlines, and 172 valid datapoints were used for analysis. It was revealed that the cabin crew members showed significantly different levels of cross-cultural adjustment competency, occupational competency, and coping competency depending on their personality traits. Furthermore, those with higher cross-cultural adjustment competency and stress coping are more likely to have positive mental health, which also had an influence on lowering their turnover intention. Occupational competency had no significant association with mental health; however, it directly affects turnover intention. The findings will contribute not only to career plan guidelines for cabin crew aspirants, but also to airlines’ recruitment strategies as well as human resources management in aviation industry.
Mental Health during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic—Polish Studies
Authors: Chodkiewicz Jan , Miniszewska Joanna , Krajewska Emilia , Biliński Przemysław
Published: March 2021

The presented research aimed to identify the impacts of the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on respondents’ mental health state and identify variables related to the respondents’ symptoms of anxiety and depression; 618 subjects participated in the research. A specially prepared survey and Polish adaptations of the following methods were used: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 10), MINI-COPE Questionnaire (Brief COPE Inventory), Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Scale of Death Anxiety (SDA), The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Over 24% of the respondents reported having experienced suicidal thoughts since the start of the pandemic. Almost 16% drank alcohol in a risky or harmful way. The average value of perceived stress indicated its high and very high intensity. Over 20% had symptoms of anxiety disorders, and almost 19% had anxiety and depression symptoms. It means that almost 40% of the respondents probably have mental disorders. More women, younger people, and those with disorders prior to the onset of the pandemic were among those who manifested these disorders. They also used passive and avoidance stress coping strategies more frequently. In conclusion, the second wave of the pandemic negatively affected the mental health of the respondents. A high percentage of the respondents manifested anxiety and anxiety-depressive disorders and declared having of suicidal thoughts.
Utilizing Urban Geospatial Data to Understand Heritage Attractiveness in Amsterdam
Authors: Karayazi Sevim Sezi , Dane Gamze , Vries Bauke de
Published: March 2021

Touristic cities are home to historical landmarks and irreplaceable urban heritages. Although tourism brings financial advantages, mass tourism creates pressure on historical cities. Therefore, “attractiveness” is one of the key elements to explain tourism dynamics. User-contributed and geospatial data provide an evidence-based understanding of people’s responses to these places. In this article, the combination of multisource information about national monuments, supporting products (i.e., attractions, museums), and geospatial data are utilized to understand attractive heritage locations and the factors that make them attractive. We retrieved geotagged photographs from the Flickr API, then employed density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm to find clusters. Then combined the clusters with Amsterdam heritage data and processed the combined data with ordinary least square (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) to identify heritage attractiveness and relevance of supporting products in Amsterdam. The results show that understanding the attractiveness of heritages according to their types and supporting products in the surrounding built environment provides insights to increase unattractive heritages’ attractiveness. That may help diminish the burden of tourism in overly visited locations. The combination of less attractive heritage with strong influential supporting products could pave the way for more sustainable tourism in Amsterdam.
Machine Learning Methods Applied to the Prediction of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Blooms in the Galician Rias Baixas (NW Spain)
Authors: Aláez Francisco M. Bellas , Palenzuela Jesus M. Torres , Spyrakos Evangelos , Vilas Luis González
Published: March 2021

This work presents new prediction models based on recent developments in machine learning methods, such as Random Forest (RF) and AdaBoost, and compares them with more classical approaches, i.e., support vector machines (SVMs) and neural networks (NNs). The models predict Pseudo-nitzschia spp. blooms in the Galician Rias Baixas. This work builds on a previous study by the authors (doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2014.03.003) but uses an extended database (from 2002 to 2012) and new algorithms. Our results show that RF and AdaBoost provide better prediction results compared to SVMs and NNs, as they show improved performance metrics and a better balance between sensitivity and specificity. Classical machine learning approaches show higher sensitivities, but at a cost of lower specificity and higher percentages of false alarms (lower precision). These results seem to indicate a greater adaptation of new algorithms (RF and AdaBoost) to unbalanced datasets. Our models could be operationally implemented to establish a short-term prediction system.
Evolution of the Beaches in the Regional Park of Salinas and Arenales of San Pedro del Pinatar (Southeast of Spain) (1899–2019)
Authors: Ibarra-Marinas Daniel , Belmonte-Serrato Francisco , Ballesteros-Pelegrín Gustavo , García-Marín Ramón
Published: March 2021

Coastal erosion is anissuewhich affects beaches all over the world and that signifies enormous economic and environmental losses. Classed as a slow phenomenon, the evolution of the coastline requires long-term analysis. In this study, old cartography and aerial photographs from various dates have been used to study the evolution of the coastline. The information has been processed with free software (QGIS) and for the calculation of sediment transport the Coastal Modeling System (SMC) software. The results show the accretion/erosion phenomena that occurred after the construction of the port in San Pedro del Pinatarin 1954 and which changed the coastal dynamics of a highly protected area. In some sectors, the beach has been reduced almost in its entirety, with retreat rates of up to −2.05 m per year and a total area loss of 66,419.81 m2 in Las Salinas beach and 76,891.13 m2 on Barraca Quemada beach.
Spatial Distribution and Morphological Identification of Regional Urban Settlements Based on Road Intersections
Authors: Kong Liang , He Zhengwei , Chen Zhongsheng , Luo Mingliang , Du Zhong , Zhu Fuquan , He Li
Published: March 2021

To measure and present urban size urban spatial forms, in solving problems in the rapid urbanization of China, urban territorial scope identification is essential. Although current commonly used methods can quantitatively identify urban territorial scopes to a certain extent, the results are displayed using a continuous and closed curve with medium- and low-resolution images. This makes the acquisition and interpretation of data challenging. In this paper, by extracting discretely distributed urban settlements, road intersections in OpenStreetMap (OSM), electronic maps, and urban expansion curve based on fractal thoughts have been used to present urban territorial scope and spatial form. Guangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, and Shijiazhuang cities were chosen as the identification targets. The results showed that the distance threshold corresponding to the principal curvature point of the urban expansion curve plays a vital role in the extraction of urban settlements. Moreover, from the analysis, the optimal distance thresholds of urban settlements in Guangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, and Shijiazhuang were 132 m, 204 m, 157 m, and 124 m, respectively, and the corresponding areas of urban territorial scopes were 1099.36 km2, 1076.78 km2, 803.07 km2, and 353.62 km2, respectively. These metrics are consistent with those for the built-up areas.
Learning from the Informality. Using GIS Tools to Analyze the Structure of Autopoietic Urban Systems in the “Smart Perspective”
Authors: Di Pinto Valerio , Rinaldi Antonio M. , Rossini Francesco
Published: March 2021

This paper explores the link between the current vision of the “smart city” and the notion of urban autopoiesis understood as self-organized/managed urban systems. It seeks to highlight how the use of GIS analysis, applied to the study of informal settlements, can provide useful information to understand the smart city paradigm. The paper argues the key idea that a smart city should not be seen only as a high-tech urban environment because the transition to smartness will need major changes in its inner structure. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative GIS analysis methods, this study examines the case of the BaSECo Compound, one of the densest informal settlements in Metro Manila (Philippines), with the aim of both generating a comprehensive morphological analysis of this dynamic urban area as well as contributing to the configurational theory of the smart city. The results suggest that the analysis of autopoietic urban systems could expand our understanding of how the structure of the city could evolve to accommodate the needs of its citizens and creating more resilient and inclusive communities.
Lantibiotics Produced by Oral Inhabitants as a Trigger for Dysbiosis of Human Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Yonezawa Hideo , Motegi Mizuho , Oishi Atsushi , Hojo Fuhito , Higashi Seiya , Nozaki Eriko , Oka Kentaro , Takahashi Motomichi , Osaki Takako , Kamiya Shigeru
Published: March 2021

Lantibiotics are a type of bacteriocin produced by Gram-positive bacteria and have a wide spectrum of Gram-positive antimicrobial activity. In this study, we determined that Mutacin I/III and Smb (a dipeptide lantibiotic), which are mainly produced by the widespread cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, have strong antimicrobial activities against many of the Gram-positive bacteria which constitute the intestinal microbiota. These lantibiotics also demonstrate resistance to acid and temperature. Based on these features, we predicted that lantibiotics may be able to persist into the intestinal tract maintaining a strong antimicrobial activity, affecting the intestinal microbiota. Saliva and fecal samples from 69 subjects were collected to test this hypothesis and the presence of lantibiotics and the composition of the intestinal microbiota were examined. We demonstrate that subjects possessing lantibiotic-producing bacteria in their oral cavity exhibited a tendency of decreased species richness and have significantly reduced abundance of the phylum Firmicutes in their intestinal microbiota. Similar results were obtained in the fecal microbiota of mice fed with S. mutans culture supernatant containing the lantibiotic bacteriocin Mutacin I. These results showed that lantibiotic bacteriocins produced in the oral cavity perturb the intestinal microbiota and suggest that oral bacteria may be one of the causative factors of intestinal microbiota dysbiosis.
Fabrication of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Based Self-Assembled Scaffold under Hypoxia and Mechanical Stimulation for Urethral Tissue Engineering
Authors: Rashidbenam Zahra , Jasman Mohd Hafidzul , Tan Guan Hee , Goh Eng Hong , Fam Xeng Inn , Ho Christopher Chee Kong , Zainuddin Zulkifli Md , Rajan Reynu , Rani Rizal Abdul , Nor Fatimah Mohd , Shuhaili Mohamad Aznan , Kosai Nik Ritza , Imran Farrah Hani , Ng Min Hwei
Published: March 2021

Long urethral strictures are often treated with autologous genital skin and buccal mucosa grafts; however, risk of hair ingrowth and donor site morbidity, restrict their application. To overcome this, we introduced a tissue-engineered human urethra comprising adipose-derived stem cell (ASC)-based self-assembled scaffold, human urothelial cells (UCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). ASCs were cultured with ascorbic acid to stimulate extracellular matrix (ECM) production. The scaffold (ECM) was stained with collagen type-I antibody and the thickness was measured under a confocal microscope. Results showed that the thickest scaffold (28.06 ± 0.59 μm) was achieved with 3 × 104 cells/cm2 seeding density, 100 μg/mL ascorbic acid concentration under hypoxic and dynamic culture condition. The biocompatibility assessment showed that UCs and SMCs seeded on the scaffold could proliferate and maintain the expression of their markers (CK7, CK20, UPIa, and UPII) and (α-SMA, MHC and Smootheline), respectively, after 14 days of in vitro culture. ECM gene expression analysis showed that the ASC and dermal fibroblast-based scaffolds (control) were comparable. The ASC-based scaffold can be handled and removed from the plate. This suggests that multiple layers of scaffold can be stacked to form the urothelium (seeded with UCs), submucosal layer (ASCs only), and smooth muscle layer (seeded with SMCs) and has the potential to be developed into a fully functional human urethra for urethral reconstructive surgeries.
Biochemical Characterization of Recombinant UDPG-Dependent IAA Glucosyltransferase from Maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Ciarkowska Anna , Ostrowski Maciej , Kozakiewicz Anna
Published: March 2021

Here, we report a biochemical characterization of recombinant maize indole-3-acetyl-β-d-glucose (IAGlc) synthase which glucosylates indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and thus abolishes its auxinic activity affecting plant hormonal homeostasis. Substrate specificity analysis revealed that IAA is a preferred substrate of IAGlc synthase; however, the enzyme can also glucosylate indole-3-butyric acid and indole-3-propionic acid with the relative activity of 66% and 49.7%, respectively. KM values determined for IAA and UDP glucose are 0.8 and 0.7 mM, respectively. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is a competitive inhibitor of the synthase and causes a 1.5-fold decrease in the enzyme affinity towards IAA, with the Ki value determined as 117 μM, while IAA–Asp acts as an activator of the synthase. Two sugar-phosphate compounds, ATP and glucose-1-phosphate, have a unique effect on the enzyme by acting as activators at low concentrations and showing inhibitory effect at higher concentrations (above 0.6 and 4 mM for ATP and glucose-1-phosphate, respectively). Results of molecular docking revealed that both compounds can bind to the PSPG (plant secondary product glycosyltransferase) motif of IAGlc synthase; however, there are also different potential binding sites present in the enzyme. We postulate that IAGlc synthase may contain more than one binding site for ATP and glucose-1-phosphate as reflected in its activity modulation.
Can Natural Products Exert Neuroprotection without Crossing the Blood–Brain Barrier?
Authors: Leclerc Manon , Dudonné Stéphanie , Calon Frédéric
Published: March 2021

The scope of evidence on the neuroprotective impact of natural products has been greatly extended in recent years. However, a key question that remains to be answered is whether natural products act directly on targets located in the central nervous system (CNS), or whether they act indirectly through other mechanisms in the periphery. While molecules utilized for brain diseases are typically bestowed with a capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier, it has been recently uncovered that peripheral metabolism impacts brain functions, including cognition. The gut–microbiota–brain axis is receiving increasing attention as another indirect pathway for orally administered compounds to act on the CNS. In this review, we will briefly explore these possibilities focusing on two classes of natural products: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) from marine sources and polyphenols from plants. The former will be used as an example of a natural product with relatively high brain bioavailability but with tightly regulated transport and metabolism, and the latter as an example of natural compounds with low brain bioavailability, yet with a growing amount of preclinical and clinical evidence of efficacy. In conclusion, it is proposed that bioavailability data should be sought early in the development of natural products to help identifying relevant mechanisms and potential impact on prevalent CNS disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Effect of Chronic Administration of 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-Hexyl-2,4 -Dihydro-3H-1,2,4-Triazole-3-Thione (TP-315)—A New Anticonvulsant Drug Candidate—On Living Organisms
Authors: Makuch-Kocka Anna , Andres-Mach Marta , Zagaja Mirosław , Śmiech Anna , Pizoń Magdalena , Flieger Jolanta , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta , Plech Tomasz
Published: March 2021

About 70 million people suffer from epilepsy—a chronic neurodegenerative disease. In most cases, the cause of the disease is unknown, but epilepsy can also develop as the result of a stroke, trauma to the brain, or the use of psychotropic substances. The treatment of epilepsy is mainly based on the administration of anticonvulsants, which the patient must most often use throughout their life. Despite significant progress in research on antiepileptic drugs, about 30% of patients still have drug-resistant epilepsy, which is insensitive to pharmacotherapy used so far. In our recent studies, we have shown that 4-alkyl-5-aryl-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones act on the voltage-gated sodium channels and exhibit anticonvulsant activity in an MES (maximal electroshock-induced seizure) and 6Hz test in mice. Previous studies have shown their beneficial toxic and pharmacological profile, but their effect on a living organism during chronic use is still unknown. In the presented study, on the basis of the previously conducted tests and the PAMPA (parallel artificial membrane permeability assay) BBB (blood–brain barrier) test, we selected one 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivative—TP-315—for further studies aimed at assessing the impact of its chronic use on a living organism. After long-term administration of TP-315 to Albino Swiss mice, its effect on the functional parameters of internal organs was assessed by performing biochemical, morphological, and histopathological examinations. It was also determined whether the tested compound inhibits selected isoforms of the CYP450 enzyme system. On the basis of the conducted tests, it was found that TP-315 does not show nephrotoxic nor hepatotoxic effects and does not cause changes in hematological parameters. In vitro tests showed that TP-315 did not inhibit CYP2B6, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, or CYP3A5 enzymes at the concentration found in the serum of mice subjected to long-term exposure to this compound.
Interactions between Chemesthesis and Taste: Role of TRPA1 and TRPV1
Authors: Rhyu Mee-Ra , Kim Yiseul , Lyall Vijay
Published: March 2021

In addition to the sense of taste and olfaction, chemesthesis, the sensation of irritation, pungency, cooling, warmth, or burning elicited by spices and herbs, plays a central role in food consumption. Many plant-derived molecules demonstrate their chemesthetic properties via the opening of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels. TRPA1 and TRPV1 are structurally related thermosensitive cation channels and are often co-expressed in sensory nerve endings. TRPA1 and TRPV1 can also indirectly influence some, but not all, primary taste qualities via the release of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from trigeminal neurons and their subsequent effects on CGRP receptor expressed in Type III taste receptor cells. Here, we will review the effect of some chemesthetic agonists of TRPA1 and TRPV1 and their influence on bitter, sour, and salt taste qualities.
SSAO/VAP-1 in Cerebrovascular Disorders: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Stroke and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Unzeta Mercedes , Hernàndez-Guillamon Mar , Sun Ping , Solé Montse
Published: March 2021

The semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), also known as vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) or primary amine oxidase (PrAO), is a deaminating enzyme highly expressed in vessels that generates harmful products as a result of its enzymatic activity. As a multifunctional enzyme, it is also involved in inflammation through its ability to bind and promote the transmigration of circulating leukocytes into inflamed tissues. Inflammation is present in different systemic and cerebral diseases, including stroke and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These pathologies show important affectations on cerebral vessels, together with increased SSAO levels. This review summarizes the main roles of SSAO/VAP-1 in human physiology and pathophysiology and discusses the mechanisms by which it can affect the onset and progression of both stroke and AD. As there is an evident interrelationship between stroke and AD, basically through the vascular system dysfunction, the possibility that SSAO/VAP-1 could be involved in the transition between these two pathologies is suggested. Hence, its inhibition is proposed to be an interesting therapeutical approach to the brain damage induced in these both cerebral pathologies.