bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributions of Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics to Understanding Salmonella-Host Interactions
Authors: Zhang Buyu , Liu Bohao , Zhou Yinglin , Zhang Xinxiang , Zou Qinghua , Liu Xiaoyun
Published: July 2020

As a model pathogen, Salmonella invades both phagocytic and non-phagocytic host cells and adopts an intracellular lifestyle in a membrane-bound compartment during infection. Therefore, a systemic overview of Salmonella adaptations to distinct host cells together with host remodeling will assist us in charting the landscape of host-pathogen interactions. Central to the Salmonella-host interplay are bacterial virulence factors (effectors) that are injected into host cells by type III secretion systems (T3SSs). Despite great progress, functional studies of bacterial effectors have experienced daunting challenges as well. In the last decade, mass spectrometry-based proteomics has evolved into a powerful technological platform that can quantitatively measure thousands of proteins in terms of their expression as well as post-translational modifications. Here, we will review the applications of high-throughput proteomic technologies in understanding the dynamic reprogramming of both Salmonella and host proteomes during the course of infection. Furthermore, we will summarize the progress in utilizing affinity purification-mass spectrometry to screen for host substrates of Salmonella T3SS effectors. Finally, we will critically discuss some limitations/challenges with current proteomic platforms in the context of host-pathogen interactions and highlight some emerging technologies that may offer the promise of tackling these problems.
Molecular Characterization of African Swine Fever Virus Isolates in Estonia in 2014–2019
Authors: Vilem Annika , Nurmoja Imbi , Niine Tarmo , Riit Taavi , Nieto Raquel , Viltrop Arvo , Gallardo Carmina
Published: July 2020

After the extensive spread of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II in Eastern Europe, the first case of African swine fever (ASF) in Estonia was diagnosed in September 2014. By the end of 2019, 3971 ASFV-positive wild boars were found, and 27 domestic pig outbreaks were reported. A selection of ASFV isolates from wild boar and domestic pigs (during the period of September 2014–2019) was molecularly characterized using standardized genotyping procedures. One of the proven markers to characterize this virus is the central variable region (CVR) within the B602L gene. In summer 2015, a new ASFV genotype II CVR variant 2 (GII-CVR2) was confirmed in Estonia. The results suggest that the GII-CVR2 variant was only confirmed in wild boar from a limited area in southern Estonia in 2015 and 2016. In addition to GII-CVR2, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that resulted in amino acid change was identified within the genotype II CVR variant 1 (GII-CVR1). The GII-CVR1/SNP1 strain was isolated in Estonia in November 2016. Additional GII-CVR1/SNP1 cases were confirmed in two neighbouring counties, as well as in one outbreak farm in June 2017. Based on the available data, no GII-CVR2 and GII-CVR1/SNP1 have been reported by other affected European countries. The spread of variant strains in Estonia has been limited over time, and restricted to a relatively small area.
Polymorphism and Selection Pressure of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine and Diagnostic Antigens: Implications for Immune Evasion and Serologic Diagnostic Performance
Authors: Dumonteil Eric , Herrera Claudia
Published: July 2020

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has triggered multiple efforts for serological tests and vaccine development. Most of these tests and vaccines are based on the Spike glycoprotein (S) or the Nucleocapsid (N) viral protein. Conservation of these antigens among viral strains is critical to ensure optimum diagnostic test performance and broad protective efficacy, respectively. We assessed N and S antigen diversity from 17,853 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences and evaluated selection pressure. Up to 6–7 incipient phylogenetic clades were identified for both antigens, confirming early variants of the S antigen and identifying new ones. Significant diversifying selection was detected at multiple sites for both antigens. Some sequence variants have already spread in multiple regions, in spite of their low frequency. In conclusion, the N and S antigens of SARS-CoV-2 are well-conserved antigens, but new clades are emerging and may need to be included in future diagnostic and vaccine formulations.
Design and Construction of Magnetic Coils for Quantum Magnetism Experiments
Authors: Puentes Graciana
Published: July 2020

We report on the design and construction of a spin-flip Zeeman slower, a quadrupole magnetic trap and a Feshbach field for a new machine for ultra-cold Li-7. The small mass of the Li-7 atom, and the tight lattice spacing, will enable to achieve a 100-fold increase in tunneling rates over comparable Rb-87 optical lattice emulator experiments. These improvements should enable to access new regimes in quantum magnetic phase transitions and spin dynamics.
Probabilistic Allocation of Specialized Robots on Targets Detected Using Deep Learning Networks
Authors: Al-Buraiki Omar , Wu Wenbo , Payeur Pierre
Published: July 2020

Task allocation for specialized unmanned robotic agents is addressed in this paper. Based on the assumptions that each individual robotic agent possesses specialized capabilities and that targets representing the tasks to be performed in the surrounding environment impose specific requirements, the proposed approach computes task-agent fitting probabilities to efficiently match the available robotic agents with the detected targets. The framework is supported by a deep learning method with an object instance segmentation capability, Mask R-CNN, that is adapted to provide target object recognition and localization estimates from vision sensors mounted on the robotic agents. Experimental validation, for indoor search-and-rescue (SAR) scenarios, is conducted and results demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the proposed approach.
A Sterescopic System to Measure Water Waves in Laboratories
Authors: Molfetta Matteo Gianluca , Bruno Maria Francesca , Pratola Luigi , Rinaldi Antonio , Morea Alberto , Preziosa Giovanni , Pasquali Davide , Di Risio Marcello , Mossa Michele
Published: July 2020

A new system for estimating the synthetic parameters of sea states during physical investigations has been implemented. The technique proposed herein is based on stereographic analysis of digital images acquired with optical sensors. A series of ad hoc floating markers has been made and properly moored to the bottom of a large wave tank to estimate the synthetic parameters of generated waves. The implemented acquisition system and the proposed algorithm provide automatic recognition of all markers by a pair of optical sensors that synchronously captures their instantaneous location and tracks their movements over time. After transformation from the image to the real-world coordinates, water surface elevation time series have been obtained. Several experimental tests have been carried out to assess the feasibility and reliability of the proposed approach. The estimated wave synthetic parameters have been then compared with those obtained by employing standard resistive probes. The deviation were found to be equal to ~6% for the significant wave height and 1% for peak, mean, and significant wave periods.
Multi-Decadal Changes in Mangrove Extent, Age and Species in the Red River Estuaries of Viet Nam
Authors: Quang Nguyen Hong , Quinn Claire H. , Stringer Lindsay C. , Carrie Rachael , Hackney Christopher R. , Van Hue Le Thi , Van Tan Dao , Nga Pham Thi Thanh
Published: July 2020

This research investigated the performance of four different machine learning supervised image classifiers: artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) using SPOT-7 and Sentinel-1 images to classify mangrove age and species in 2019 in a Red River estuary, typical of others found in northern Viet Nam. The four classifiers were chosen because they are considered to have high accuracy, however, their use in mangrove age and species classifications has thus far been limited. A time-series of Landsat images from 1975 to 2019 was used to map mangrove extent changes using the unsupervised classification method of iterative self-organizing data analysis technique (ISODATA) and a comparison with accuracy of K-means classification, which found that mangrove extent has increased, despite a fall in the 1980s, indicating the success of mangrove plantation and forest protection efforts by local people in the study area. To evaluate the supervised image classifiers, 183 in situ training plots were assessed, 70% of them were used to train the supervised algorithms, with 30% of them employed to validate the results. In order to improve mangrove species separations, Gram–Schmidt and principal component analysis image fusion techniques were applied to generate better quality images. All supervised and unsupervised (2019) results of mangrove age, species, and extent were mapped and accuracy was evaluated. Confusion matrices were calculated showing that the classified layers agreed with the ground-truth data where most producer and user accuracies were greater than 80%. The overall accuracy and Kappa coefficients (around 0.9) indicated that the image classifications were very good. The test showed that SVM was the most accurate, followed by DT, ANN, and RF in this case study. The changes in mangrove extent identified in this study and the methods tested for using remotely sensed data will be valuable to monitoring and evaluation assessments of mangrove plantation projects.
Improving Urban Land Cover/Use Mapping by Integrating A Hybrid Convolutional Neural Network and An Automatic Training Sample Expanding Strategy
Authors: Luo Xin , Tong Xiaohua , Hu Zhongwen , Wu Guofeng
Published: July 2020

Moderate spatial resolution (MSR) satellite images, which hold a trade-off among radiometric, spectral, spatial and temporal characteristics, are extremely popular data for acquiring land cover information. However, the low accuracy of existing classification methods for MSR images is still a fundamental issue restricting their capability in urban land cover mapping. In this study, we proposed a hybrid convolutional neural network (H-ConvNet) for improving urban land cover mapping with MSR Sentinel-2 images. The H-ConvNet was structured with two streams: one lightweight 1D ConvNet for deep spectral feature extraction and one lightweight 2D ConvNet for deep context feature extraction. To obtain a well-trained 2D ConvNet, a training sample expansion strategy was introduced to assist context feature learning. The H-ConvNet was tested in six highly heterogeneous urban regions around the world, and it was compared with support vector machine (SVM), object-based image analysis (OBIA), Markov random field model (MRF) and a newly proposed patch-based ConvNet system. The results showed that the H-ConvNet performed best. We hope that the proposed H-ConvNet would benefit for the land cover mapping with MSR images in highly heterogeneous urban regions.
A Global Gravity Reconstruction Method for Mercury Employing Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhao Shuheng , Liu Denghong , Yuan Qiangqiang , Li Jie
Published: July 2020

Mercury, the enigmatic innermost planet in the solar system, is one of the most important targets of space exploration. High-quality gravity field data are significant to refine the physical characterization of Mercury in planetary exploration missions. However, Mercury’s gravity model is limited by relatively low spatial resolution and stripe noises, preventing fine-scale analysis and applications. By analyzing Mercury’s gravity data and topography data in the 2D spatial field, we find they have fairly high spatial structure similarity. Based on this, in this paper, a novel convolution neural network (CNN) approach is proposed to improve the quality of Mercury’s gravity field data. CNN can extract the spatial structure features of gravity data and construct a nonlinear mapping between low- and high-degree data directly. From a low-degree gravity input, the corresponding initial high-degree result can be obtained. Meanwhile, the structure characteristics of the high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) are extracted and fused to the initial data, to get the final stripe-free result with improved resolution. Given the paucity of Mercury’s data, high-quality lunar datasets are employed as pretraining data after verifying the spatial similarity between gravity and terrain data of the Moon. The HgM007 gravity field obtained by the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) mission at Mercury is selected for experiments to test the ability of the proposed algorithm to remove the stripes caused by quality differences of the highly eccentric orbit data. Experimental results show that our network can directly obtain stripe-free and higher-degree data via inputting low-degree data and implicitly assuming a lunar-like relation between crustal density and porosity. Albeit the CNN-based method cannot be sensitive to subsurface features not present in the initial dataset, it still provides a new perspective for the gravity field refinement.
PeriSense: Ring-Based Multi-Finger Gesture Interaction Utilizing Capacitive Proximity Sensing
Authors: Wilhelm Mathias , Krakowczyk Daniel , Albayrak Sahin
Published: July 2020

Rings are widely accepted wearables for gesture interaction. However, most rings can sense only the motion of one finger or the whole hand. We present PeriSense, a ring-shaped interaction device enabling multi-finger gesture interaction. Gestures of the finger wearing ring and its adjacent fingers are sensed by measuring capacitive proximity between electrodes and human skin. Our main contribution is the determination of PeriSense’s interaction space involving the evaluation of capabilities and limitations. We introduce a prototype named PeriSense, analyze the sensor resolution at different distances, and evaluate finger gestures and unistroke gestures based on gesture sets allowing the determination of the strengths and limitations. We show that PeriSense is able to sense the change of conductive objects reliably up to 2.5 cm. Furthermore, we show that this capability enables different interaction techniques such as multi-finger gesture recognition or two-handed unistroke input.
The Configuration of Forest Cover in Ribeirão Preto: A Diagnosis of Brazil’s Forest Code Implementation
Authors: Parras Rafael , de Mendonça Gislaine Costa , Araújo Costa Renata Cristina , Pissarra Teresa Cristina Tarlé , Valera Carlos Alberto , Fernandes Luís Filipe Sanches , Leal Pacheco Fernando António
Published: July 2020

The fragmentation of forests is a consequence of human activities that intensively change the natural landscapes. In Brazil, there is a long-standing legal framework for native vegetation protection, called Forest Code. The last update is from 2012. The revisions incorporated in this restructured code (Law No. 12,651/12) encompassed new rules, rights and obligations for adequate land use management of productive systems and for environmental conservation and protection. An example of a protective measure was the creation of a Legal Reserve inside the rural properties and Areas of Permanent Protection around the watercourses. This study explored the effects of implementing the new code on the spatial and temporal evolution of forest cover fragmentation since the legal changes were set up. In that context, the area, perimeter and shape (circularity index) of forest fragments, as well as the buffer strips along watercourses, were assessed from 2010 to 2016 within the municipality of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo state, Brazil. The assessment resorted to remote sensing techniques and visual inspection of orbital images. It was clear from the results that forest patches became more abundant but smaller, more dispersed and elongated, and that this route to fragmentation was hinged on a chaotic expansion of urban and agricultural areas. Important edge effects were anticipated from these results. The area numbers revealed that Ribeirão Preto was 7.95% covered with forest fragments in 2010, while this percentage rose to 8.03% in 2013 and reached 8.35% in 2016. Most of this increase occurred within a 30-meter wide buffer along the watercourses. This was a positive outcome. However, the numbers also revealed that forested areas smaller than 51 hectares increased from 71% in 2010 to 73% in 2016. The conclusions were that implementation of Law No. 12,651/12 is leading to an increase of forestland, but not yet promoting sustainability, namely through improved connectivity among fragments for reduction of edge effects and provision ecosystem services.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Clinch Connections of Thin-Walled Building Structures
Authors: Flodr Jakub , Lehner Petr , Krejsa Martin
Published: July 2020

The high energy intensity of industry and the importance of natural resources are currently much-discussed topics. Light steel structures made from thin-walled cold-formed (TWCF) profiles play an important role in this discussion because their increased use has significantly reduced the consumption of conventional structural steel. New, more efficient technologies for connections of the TWCF structures, such as punch riveting and clinching, are being developed, which are advantageous in terms of cost and time. An innovative way to obtain the physical properties of a clinch joint and instructions for a detailed reliability assessment of this type of connection is described in this article. The resulting behaviour of the numerical model based on the tensile test of the basic material and suitable boundary conditions was validated by a physical experiment. The computational procedures presented in the article will facilitate the design of steel structures in the field of global static analysis of TWCF light steel structures because the described methods can be generalised and applied in commonly available commercial software. Two variants of the model were prepared and evaluated—with and without slippage in the press jaws. Comparison of the numerical model and experimental results shows compliance.
Analysis of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Muscle Stresses on Construction Workers’ Awkward Postures Using Simulation
Authors: Palikhe Shraddha , Yirong Mi , Choi Byoung Yoon , Lee Dong-Eun
Published: July 2020

The negligence involved in musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) at construction sites results in high rates of muscle injuries. This paper presents findings identified by the MSD for each part of a worker’s body, categorizing the awkward postures of each body part, estimating muscle stresses, and establishing the benchmark using anthropometry and hand force data. MSDs and their corresponding frequencies were identified by administering the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) survey, which solicits responses regarding construction workers’ awkward postures. Musculoskeletal stresses were estimated using three-dimensional static strength prediction program (3D SSPP) biomechanical software. The new benchmarks were established for existing preventive measures using the anthropometry and hand force data. Workers suffering from different body muscle pains in awkward postures may be predicted using the compression forces magnitude, strength capability, and body balance. The model was verified by comparing its outputs with the survey analysis results. The study is of value to practitioners because it provided a means to understand the contemporary scenario of MSD and to establish a practical benchmark based on the physical capability of workers. It is relevant to researchers because it digitally predicts MSD and facilitates experimentation with different dimensions, thereby contributing to construction productivity improvement. Test cases validate the prediction method.
Functional Needs, Emotions, and Perceptions of Coffee Consumers and Non-Consumers
Authors: Samoggia Antonella , Del Prete Margherita , Argenti Chiara
Published: July 2020

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. Over the last decades coffee has become a specialty product. Drinking a coffee beverage entails several mixed factors, such as pleasure, experience, lifestyle, and social status. It can also provide an emotional pick-up, both mentally and physically. Only a few studies have explored the motives and emotions of coffee consumption and not consumption. There is limited understanding of consumers’ emotional approach towards coffee, and what influences a positive and negative inclination towards coffee consumption. This research fills the current research gaps by addressing three main questions: (i) What are the emotions and habits of coffee consumption? (ii) What are the motives of coffee consumption and non-consumption? and (iii) How relevant is the coffee health impact perception of consuming or not consuming coffee? The research activities include 467 face-to-face interviews with consumers. Interviews are performed in two different countries, Italy and Portugal. Data elaboration includes a principal component analysis carried out to identify latent factors on motives and emotions of consumption in both national groups, and to explore the relationship between the main emotions and consumers’ habits and socio-economic characteristics. Results support that consumers have positive emotions from coffee consumption. Perceived emotions are energy, satisfaction, and pleasure. Non-consumption is mainly driven by taste and fear of coffee’s health impacts. There are limited differences in the countries analysed. Socio-economic characteristics limitedly influence perceived emotions and consumption motives. To conclude, consumers are increasingly interested in new coffee products. Understanding the functional and emotional factors of coffee consumption contributes to supporting new coffee product development and commercialisation.
The Bibliometric Keywords Network Analysis of Human Resource Management Research Trends: The Case of Human Resource Management Journals in South Korea
Authors: Chae Chungil , Yim Jeong-Ha , Lee Jaeeun , Jo Sung Jun , Oh Jeong Rok
Published: July 2020

Although previous studies on human resource management (HRM) research trends in the global context provided very useful information about the structures of HRM research trends, they have critical limitations. Despite the growing contribution and significance of HRM practices in Korea, a dominant group of scholars has rarely focused on what is going on in the research community in the country. To overcome the limitations and fill the gaps found in studies on the global HRM trends, the purpose of this study is to conduct the keyword network analysis investigating the semantic network structure composed of Korean HRM studies. A total of 1158 research papers published by three top peer-reviewed HRM journals in Korea that were published from 2007 to 2018 were analyzed. The result shows that the whole network structure of Korean HRM has a complex semantic structure that is socially constructed. Additionally, this study identified the top 10 prominent keywords and its ego-centric networks, and nine thematic clusters. By adopting keywords network analysis in bibliometric methods, this study provides an accurate structural interpretation of Korean HRM research practice to facilitate the sustainable development of the studies on the global HRM trends.
Exploring Connections—Environmental Change, Food Security and Violence as Drivers of Migration—A Critical Review of Research
Authors: Morales-Muñoz Héctor , Jha Srijna , Bonatti Michelle , Alff Henryk , Kurtenbach Sabine , Sieber Stefan
Published: July 2020

Migration, whether triggered by single events, such as violent conflict, or by long term pressures related to environmental change or food insecurity is altering sustainable development in societies. Although there is a large amount of literature, there is a gap for consolidating frameworks of migration-related to the interaction and correlation between drivers. We review scientific papers and research reports about three categories of drivers: Environmental Change (EC), Food Security (FS), and Violent Conflict (VC). First, we organize the literature to understand the explanations of the three drivers on migration individually, as well as the interactions among each other. Secondly, we analyse the literature produced regarding Colombia, Myanmar, and Tanzania; countries with different combinations of the driving factors for migration. Although we find that many correlations are explained in the literature, migration is mostly driven by structural vulnerabilities and unsustainable development paths in places that have a low resilience capacity to cope with risk. For example, food insecurity, as a product of environmental changes (droughts and floods), is seen as a mediating factor detonating violent conflict and migration in vulnerable populations. The paper contributes to the literature about multi-driven migration, presenting an overview of the way in which different driver combinations trigger migration. This is important for determining the best governance mechanisms and policy responses that tackle forced migration and improve the resilience of vulnerable communities as well as sustainable development.
The Impact of Population Characteristics and Government Budgets on the Sustainability of Public Buildings in Korea’s Regional Cities
Authors: Kim Junlae , Kim Seiyong
Published: July 2020

Public buildings, such as community centers, public libraries, police stations, and fire departments, reflect residents’ quality of life. In order to be sustainable, public buildings must reflect regional demographic characteristics and use financial resources effectively. Despite difficulties in tax revenues due to the country’s aging and decreasing population, as well as concerns regarding regional extinction, public buildings are being revitalized in Korea’s regional cities. Accordingly, this study analyzes the influence of changes in demographic characteristics—particularly in terms of population aging and decline—and regional finances on public buildings in regional cities in Korea. Results show that regions with a lower risk of population decline have a larger area of public buildings, confirming that public buildings reflect changes in population size and the provision of public services. By identifying the impacts of demographic and financial characteristics on public buildings, the findings of this study can facilitate the sustainability of public buildings in regional cities. Based on its findings, this study proposes that regions expand elderly welfare facilities in light of their changing demographic structure. This study’s results also underscore the need for the careful consideration of local finances and dependent funding when constructing public buildings.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for the Management of Software-Defined Networks and Network Function Virtualization in an Edge-IoT Architecture
Authors: Alonso Ricardo S. , Sittón-Candanedo Inés , Casado-Vara Roberto , Prieto Javier , Corchado Juan M.
Published: July 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm allows the interconnection of millions of sensor devices gathering information and forwarding to the Cloud, where data is stored and processed to infer knowledge and perform analysis and predictions. Cloud service providers charge users based on the computing and storage resources used in the Cloud. In this regard, Edge Computing can be used to reduce these costs. In Edge Computing scenarios, data is pre-processed and filtered in network edge before being sent to the Cloud, resulting in shorter response times and providing a certain service level even if the link between IoT devices and Cloud is interrupted. Moreover, there is a growing trend to share physical network resources and costs through Network Function Virtualization (NFV) architectures. In this sense, and related to NFV, Software-Defined Networks (SDNs) are used to reconfigure the network dynamically according to the necessities during time. For this purpose, Machine Learning mechanisms, such as Deep Reinforcement Learning techniques, can be employed to manage virtual data flows in networks. In this work, we propose the evolution of an existing Edge-IoT architecture to a new improved version in which SDN/NFV are used over the Edge-IoT capabilities. The proposed new architecture contemplates the use of Deep Reinforcement Learning techniques for the implementation of the SDN controller.
Immediate Impact of the COVID-19 Confinement on Physical Activity Levels in Spanish Adults
Authors: López-Bueno Rubén , Calatayud Joaquín , Andersen Lars L. , Balsalobre-Fernández Carlos , Casaña José , Casajús José A. , Smith Lee , López-Sánchez Guillermo F.
Published: July 2020

Enacted measures to control the spread of COVID-19 disease such as compulsory confinement may influence health behaviors. The present study investigated changes in physical activity (PA) levels during the first days of confinement. Using an online survey, the Spanish population (n = 2042, 54% women, age 35.9 (SD 13.6) years) replied to questions concerning sociodemographic characteristics as well as PA behavior before and during the first week of enacted isolation. Physical activity vital sign (PAVS) short form was used to estimate weekly minutes of PA before and during the isolation period. Statistical analysis used the following tests: Mc Nemar Chi-squared tests, independent and paired samples t-test, and effect size (Cohen’s d). During the first week of confinement, participants reduced their weekly PA levels by 20% (~45.2 weekly minutes (95% CI: 37.4−53.0)). This led to a decrease from 60.6% to 48.9% (difference: 11.7%) (p < 0.0001) in the number of participants meeting the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) PA levels. Subgroups including men, participants aged 43 or over, and those not holding a university degree had the greatest reductions in both weekly minutes of PA and adherence to guidelines. The PA levels of the Spanish population generally declined during the first days of COVID-19 confinement.
Methodological Study of Evaluating Future Lightweight Vehicle Scenarios and CO2 Reduction Based on Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Morimoto Shinichirou , Cheng Yanfei , Mizukoshi Norio , Tahara Kiyotaka
Published: July 2020

Changing the material composition of vehicles from steel to alternative materials, such as aluminum and magnesium, is being explored to reduce the weight of vehicles. Further, this change could lead to a significant reduction in vehicular CO2 emissions. To analyze this relationship and estimate the CO2 reduction effect over the life cycle, it is important to create potential scenarios by considering the logistics balance from material production to recycling. Therefore, this study aims to quantitatively predict the amount of renewable energy employed in vehicles, along with the various alternative materials used; further, the demand for aluminum and magnesium is predicted. These predictions are made via several multivariate analyses and a dynamic substance flow analysis (SFA) to explore future scenarios. It is estimated that 65% of rolled aluminum can be obtained from a secondary alloy via closed-loop recycling of rolled products in a sustainable development scenario. However, 510 kt/year of end of life scrap aluminum must be imported from overseas to provide 90% of the secondary alloy required in cast and die cast parts. The overall CO2 reduction amount is predicted to be 3920 kt/year in the 2040 sustainable development scenario. This study successfully demonstrated that combining SFA and life cycle assessment is efficient for quantitatively estimating the synergies of renewable energy implementation, vehicular weight reduction, and recycling.
Evaluating Methodology for the Service Extent of Refugee Parks in Changchun, China
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Xiu Chunliang , Wei Ye , He Hong S.
Published: July 2020

Refugee parks are general parks that can serve as emergency shelters in cities. The core issue of refugee parks lies in their service extent they provided. Globally, the service extent of refugee parks is determined by the Euclidean or actual road network distance methods. The former lacks measurement accuracy, whereas the latter lacks the consideration of human dimension and proximity. Hence, we propose the nearest neighbor method, which considers not only the locations of refugee parks and sub-districts, but also road networks and census data. Using this method, we evaluated the service extent of refugee parks in Changchun, northern China. We compared our results with the Euclidean distance method. Results showed that the nearest neighbor method effectively accounted for the effect of road network resistance and results aligned with the refuge needs of residents. Differences in both methods were mainly affected by the size of the parks and local road network and population densities. The Euclidean approach determines the service extent based on a unified service radius, thus producing greater errors. The nearest neighbor method can reveal the spatial imbalance of refugee parks, as well as the mismatch between the park size and population distribution. Furthermore, the nearest neighbor method implements policies of spatial optimization of urban refugee parks. As a general method, it should be suited to different types of disasters.
Cycling through the Landscape of Advertising in Amsterdam: A Commuters Perspective
Authors: Moore Patrick , Helbich Marco
Published: July 2020

This paper examines how outdoor advertising shapes the perception and meaning of commuting for cyclists in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), and how individualised constructions of place arise during the journey. New insights are developed for a sustainable urban policy, whilst challenging consumer research methodologies through an emphasis on urban rhythm. Interviews were enhanced through the use of video cameras, capturing the visual attention of advertisements and recording bodily engagement with the road. In contrast to much academic and industry research, it is found that the reception of advertising landscapes differs significantly between transportation types, with socio-cultural differences specific to Amsterdam also determining distinctions for cyclists. The use of data by advertisers to track the movement of cyclists is a contentious issue, with wider consequences for privacy and consent in urban daily life. This paper breaks new ground for sustainability in cycling, re-evaluating the daily-embodied experience of commercial landscapes for commuter-cyclists.
Older People’s Preferences for Housing and Environment Characteristics
Authors: Mulliner Emma , Riley Mike , Maliene Vida
Published: July 2020

Population ageing presents significant challenges for many countries, one of which is the provision of adequate housing. Developing understanding of the needs and preferences of ageing societies will be crucial in order to assist in the provision of suitable housing and communities that are sustainable in the long term. While a preference to ‘age in place’ is clear in the literature, comparatively less academic research is available on older people’s preferences for more specific housing and environment attributes. The aim of this study is to identify the main housing and environment characteristics that are linked to the health and wellbeing of the elderly and determine the preferences for such characteristics via a survey with UK residents aged 55+. The results indicate a strong preference for independent living and an increasing desire for bungalows in later life. Housing conditions, energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and home adaptions to facilitate ageing in place are particularly important housing characteristics to older people. The location and environment are also key drivers of housing preferences; a safe neighbourhood, accessibility to amenities, public transport, and a clean and walkable environment are particularly important. Preferences varied with age, but gender has a less significant impact on the preferences expressed. The findings of this study will be valuable for stakeholders engaged in housing policy and provision for older people.
A New Robust Energy Management and Control Strategy for a Hybrid Microgrid System Based on Green Energy
Authors: Naji Alhasnawi Bilal , Jasim Basil H. , Esteban M. Dolores
Published: July 2020

The recent few years have seen renewable energy becoming immensely popular. Renewable energy generation capacity has risen in both standalone and grid-connected systems. The chief reason is the ability to produce clean energy, which is both environmentally friendly and cost effective. This paper presents a new control algorithm along with a flexible energy management system to minimize the cost of operating a hybrid microgrid. The microgrid comprises fuel cells, photovoltaic cells, super capacitors, and other energy storage systems. There are three stages in the control system: an energy management system, supervisory control, and local control. The energy management system allows the control system to create an optimal day-ahead power flow schedule between the hybrid microgrid components, loads, batteries, and the electrical grid by using inputs from economic analysis. The discrepancy between the scheduled power and the real power delivered by the hybrid microgrid is adjusted for by the supervisory control stage. Additionally, this paper provides a design for the local control system to manage local power, DC voltage, and current in the hybrid microgrid. The operation strategy of energy storage systems is proposed to solve the power changes from photovoltaics and houses load fluctuations locally, instead of reflecting those disturbances to the utility grid. Furthermore, the energy storage systems energy management scheme will help to achieve the peak reduction of the houses’ daily electrical load demand. Also, the control of the studied hybrid microgrid is designed as a method to improve hybrid microgrid resilience and incorporate renewable power generation and storage into the grid. The simulation results verified the effectiveness and feasibility of the introduced strategy and the capability of proposed controller for a hybrid microgrid operating in different modes. The results showed that (1) energy management and energy interchange were effective and contributed to cost reductions, CO2 mitigation, and reduction of primary energy consumption, and (2) the newly developed energy management system proved to provide more robust and high performance control than conventional energy management systems. Also, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed robust model for microgrid energy management.
ESG Factor Integration into Private Equity
Authors: Zaccone Maria Cristina , Pedrini Matteo
Published: July 2020

Although more and more private equity (PE) firms are integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their investment strategies, there is no clear understanding of their reasons, the details of their activities, the tools they use or the barriers they face. Our study covers these gaps and provides an overview of current trends. We adopted a mixed-method approach, using both qualitative and quantitative data. We first interviewed ESG and PE experts and then submitted a survey to top PE players. Most PE firms integrate ESG issues because investors and other stakeholders pay increasing attention to them. We found that the tools used to assess ESG factors are checklists and that only a few PE firms used external advice from industry experts. Among the main barriers that PE firms face are difficulties in finding information and the lack of a comprehensive way to measure ESG issues. Our findings reveal that PE firms have two main approaches to ESG integration—risk management and value creation—and that the former is dominant. We contribute to the literature by explaining ESG integration in the PE industry and showing that an opportunity for value creation is being missed.
ZIKV Infection Induces DNA Damage Response and Alters the Proteome of Gastrointestinal Cells
Authors: Glover Kathleen , Coombs Kevin M.
Published: July 2020

The zika virus (ZIKV) is a neurotropic virus that causes congenital abnormalities in babies when they are infected in utero. Some studies have reported these congenital abnormalities result from ZIKV attacking neural progenitor cells within the brain which differentiate into neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Each of these glial cells play important roles during development of the fetal brain. In addition to ZIKV-induced congenital abnormalities, infected patients experience gastrointestinal complications. There are presently no reports investigating the role of this virus at the proteomic level in gastrointestinal associated cells, so we conducted an in vitro proteomic study of ZIKV-induced changes in Caco-2, a colon-derived human cell line which is known to be permissive to ZIKV infection. We used SomaScan, a new aptamer-based proteomic tool to identify host proteins that are dysregulated during ZIKV infection at 12, 24, and 48 h post-infection. Bioinformatic analyses predicted that dysregulation of differentially-regulated host proteins results in various gastrointestinal diseases. Validation of the clinical relevance of these promising protein targets will add to the existing knowledge of ZIKV biology. These potential proteins may be useful targets towards the development of therapeutic interventions.
Silicon in the fight against opportunistic skin infections (experimental and clinical studies)
Authors: Мavlyanova Sh. , Mavlyanov P. , Mullakhanov J. , Ismogilov A.
Published: July 2020

The article presents the results of chemical, clinical and experimental studies of siliceous solutions. The results of the study showed that siliceous solutions, due to the chemical composition of medicinal minerals and REE elements, contribute to the enrichment of the chelating protein calprotectin in neutrophils, which further inhibits the growth of mixed bacterial and viral microorganisms, which leads to anti-infection efficiency.
The use of the immunomodulating effects of Immunomax® in the practice of a therapist
Authors: Gizinger O.
Published: July 2020

The analysis of the clinical and immunological effectiveness of the drug Immunomax® in the treatment of chronic diseases of bacterial, viral, or mixed etiology. Analysis of bibliographic systems shows an increase in publications devoted to the analysis of the clinical and immunological efficacy of the Immunomax® drug, which indicates the attention of researchers to this immunomodulator, the validity of its use in dysfunctions of factors of innate and adaptive immunity arising from bacterial and viral infections, secondary immunodeficiency states with impaired killer, phagocytic functions of secretory mechanisms, the process of generating and maintaining the balance of cytokines.
USANDO SOFTWARES PARA A ALFABETIZAÇÃO DIGITAL NO TRATAMENTO ÀS CRIANÇAS COM CÂNCER OU DOENÇAS INFECTO-CONTAGIOSAS
Authors: Gomes Fabio Fonseca Barbosa , De Oliveira Leandro Fernandes
Published: July 2020

Este artigo tem como finalidade estudar a alfabetização digital entre as crianças com doenças infecto-contagiosas. Levar à computação para dentro dos centros de tratamento a criança com câncer fazendo com que o processo de terapia se torne mais proveitosos e menos dolorosos. Utilizando softwares que manipulem imagens, texto, vídeos para que a criança aprenda, interaja e absorva os conhecimentos passados por cada um desses softwares, e assim, ajudar a minimizar o sofrimento da mesma ao passar por todo o processo de tratamento da doença.
TARDE DO SABER
Authors: Giro Gabriela , Damasceno Jenifer Toledo , Oliveira Queiroz Juliana Andrade , Figueiredo Nathalia Freitas , Retamal-Valdés Belén Stephanie , Roscoe Marina Guimarães , Feres Magda , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Feres Murilo Neuppmann , Bueno-Silva Bruno
Published: July 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é relatar o projeto Tarde do Saber, desde sua concepção até sua execução. A Tarde do Saber foi planejada como uma ação conjunta de três programas de pós-graduação da Universidade Univeritas UNG: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia, Enfermagem e Geociências. O envolvimento dos três programas foi considerado importante, pois cada programa poderia transmitir diferentes áreas de conhecimentos, atraindo, assim, um público diverso. Desta maneira, a intenção foi promover um contínuo interesse dos professores do ensino fundamental em ciência, pois sabe-se que uma maneira de evoluir o país (em todos os sentidos) é estimular o desenvolvimento da ciência neste país. Porém uma frustrante experiencia foi encarada, uma vez que não houve interesse por parte desses professores em participar deste projeto. Frente a este resultado negativo, optou-se por realizar a Tarde do Saber, como uma atividade dentro das Aulas de Trabalho Pedagógico Coletivo (ATPC) promovido pela Diretoria de ensino regional de Guarulhos-SP, cujo objetivo é consolidar as práticas pedagógicas previstas pela Secretaria de Educação assim como o aperfeiçoamento dos docentes com vistas às avaliações para qualificação e evolução profissional. Além disso, somente o Programa de Pós-graduação em Odontologia continuou com a atividade. Esta experiência mostrou que a atividade TARDE DO SABER pode contribuir para a formação continuada dos docentes da educação básica e assim, pode-se contribuir para a constante preocupação sobre a formação possivelmente deficiente dos docentes da educação básica.
Les chartes épiscopales pour l’abbaye de Saint-Denis, milieu du XIe-milieu du XIIe siècle
Authors: Tock Benoît-Michel
Published: July 2020

Die Abtei Saint-Denis gilt zu Recht als eines der großen Schreibzentren des Mittelalters. Aber betraf diese Schreibtätigkeit alle Bereiche des Schreibens, und war sie zu jeder Zeit aktiv ? Ein Blick auf die Bischofsurkunden, welche die Abtei von derMitte des 11. bis zurMitte des 12. Jahrhunderts erhielt, deutet darauf hin, dass zwischen den 50er Jahren des 11. Jahrhunderts und mindestens dem Beginn der Amtszeit Sugers die meisten der an die Abtei adressierten Bischofsurkunden in den Kanzleien der Aussteller redigiert wurden. Diese Beobachtung lässt sich in Verbindung bringen mit dem Aufschwung, den diese Kanzleien nahmen, und der geradezu politischen Rolle, die man ihnen zuweisen wollte. Aber sie scheint vor allem auf ein geringes Interesse derMönche von Saint-Denis an der Abfassung von Urkunden zurückzuführen zu sein.
Saint-Denis au XIe siècle : un nouveau départ
Authors: Waldman Thomas G.
Published: July 2020

Around the middle of the eleventh century, the monks of Saint-Denis undertook a revision of their liturgy : in response to the monks of St. Emmeran of Regensburg, who claimed to possess the whole body of the saint, they introduced new feasts and composed new liturgical books. At the same time, to defend their privileges from the attacks of the bishop of Paris, they fabricated a series of papal privileges. But the monks seem to have lacked the textual resources they needed for such a variety of projects. This context explains the numerous and diffuse references to links with the abbey of Saint-Vaast of Arras, which had a far more active and expert scriptorium. The liturgical books of Saint-Denis, its first cartulary and a collection of canon law all reveal the influence of Saint-Vaast, whose monks were aiming to improve monastic life and defend monastic liberties against outside interference.
Les inventaires de Charles Ier d’Albret et de Marie de Sully
Authors: Courroux Pierre
Published: July 2020

Numerous inventories made on behalf of Charles I of Albret, constable of France, between 1409 and 1412 are preserved in the Departmental Archives of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. They were produced in the context of litigation for the inheritance of his wife, Marie de Sully, against the La Tremoilles, her children from her first marriage. The documents provide a full account of the deceased lady’s properties but only a fragmentary glimpse of those of the constable. They also show how a prince of the blood, caught in the turmoil of the early Armagnac-Burgundian civil war, was forced by events to change residence several times, so as to keep himself and his children at safe distance from the fighting. A complete edition of thetexts, hitherto only partially known, is supplied as an appendix.