bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Assessment of Para Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) above Ground Biomass Potentials in Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand
Authors: Simon John Nyandansobi , Nuthammachot Narissara , Titseesang Teerawet , Okpara Kingsley Ezechukwu , Techato Kuaanan
Published: August 2021

Currently, Songkhla Province of Thailand has been recognized as a convenient hub of rubber industry development, accompanied by an attendant abundance of rubber tree plantations. A spatialized assessment of the rubber tree was carried out to estimate its aboveground biomass potentials using remote sensing techniques and ecosystem modeling procedures. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite-based estimations of the net primary productivity were derived and complemented with a calculated generic model, to quantify the respective above ground biomass potentials para rubber. Above ground biomass assessment findings revealed a mean value of 82.1 tonnes C ha−1 and an aggregate of 31. 9 million tonnes C ha−1 which is the theoretical potential, this is segregated into energy usable, and other economic purpose biomass potentials, with corresponding value ranges of 1624.1 to 6,041,531.2 million tonnes C ha−1 and 85.5 to 317,975.6 thousand tonnes C ha−1 respectively. Besides the theoretical above ground biomass potential (entire biomass accumulation ratio) commonly evaluated, the other potentials, which include naturally obtainable biomass usable for energy generation and the remaining share of the feedstock for non-energy uses, have been brought to light. Songkhla province has the potential for good carbon sink and sustainable supply of different pools of feedstock from the rubber tree that reinforces each other in providing a comprehensive view of biomass in energy and non-energy opportunities. The socioeconomic production and value chain analysis of the identified biomass pools needs to be evaluated; this will consequently guide policy toward a comprehensive rubber sector sustainable development.
Potential Bioinoculants for Sustainable Agriculture Prospected from Ferruginous Caves of the Iron Quadrangle/Brazil
Authors: Lemes Camila G. C. , Cordeiro Isabella F. , de Paula Camila H. , Silva Ana K. , do Carmo Flávio F. , Kamino Luciana H. Y. , Carvalho Flávia M. S. , Caicedo Juan C. , Ferro Jesus A. , Moreira Leandro M.
Published: August 2021

Biocontrol and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are important agricultural bioinoculants. This study aimed to prospect new potential bioinoculants for a more sustainable agriculture from ferruginous caves of the Brazilian Iron Quadrangle. Culturable bacteria, from seven caves and one canga soil sample, were evaluated for biocontroller activity of the phytopathogens Xanthomonas citri subsp. Citri—Xcc306 (citrus canker), Fusarium oxysporum—Fo (fusariosis), and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum—Cl89 (bean anthracnose). The ability of the superior candidates to solubilize inorganic phosphate, fix nitrogen, and produce hydrolytic enzymes and siderophores was then analyzed. Out of 563 isolates, 47 inhibited the growth of Xcc306 in vitro, of which 9 reduced citrus canker up to 68% when co-inoculated with the pathogen on host plants. Twenty of the 47 inhibited Fo growth directly by 51–73%, and 15 indirectly by 75–81%. These 15 inhibited Cl89 growth in vitro (up to 93% directly and 100% indirectly), fixed nitrogen, produced proteases and siderophores, showed motility ability, produced biofilm, and all but one solubilized inorganic phosphate. Therefore, 15 (2.66%) bacterial isolates, from the genera Serratia, Nissabacter, and Dickeya, act simultaneously as biocontrollers and PGPBs, and could be important candidates for future investigations in planta as an alternative to minimize the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers through sustainable agricultural management practices.
Seismic and Energy Integrated Retrofitting of Existing Buildings with an Innovative ICF-Based System: Design Principles and Case Studies
Authors: Pertile Valentina , Stella Alberto , De Stefani Lorenzo , Scotta Roberto
Published: August 2021

This work proposes an innovative integrated retrofitting system aiming to improve both the seismic and energy performance of existing reinforced concrete and masonry buildings. The system is based on engineered insulating concrete form panels, installed on the outside of existing buildings as a shell exoskeleton. A key major advantage of the proposed system is that it addresses the contemporary improvement of seismic and energy performances of existing buildings in a single installation stage, operating exclusively from outside of the building. The insulating formworks are ad hoc prefabricated in a factory on the base of the specific geometry of the existing buildings so as to greatly maximize the ratio between overall retrofitting benefits and costs and at the same time to simplify the installation procedures. The objectives of the presented research are, on one hand, to highlight the major structural issues that the system aims to address, and on the other hand to illustrate the main characteristics and combined benefits of the proposed retrofitting system. From a structural point of view, the proposed system is conceived to behave as a non-dissipative structure with regard to seismic actions, and the lateral strength and stiffness of the structural elements are designed accordingly. An analytical design approach is proposed and validated using the available data from an experimental test performed on a full-scale simple building. Moreover, numerical modeling strategies for the proposed system are illustrated for two complex case study buildings. The results of the analyses show a considerable increase in lateral stiffness of the retrofitted buildings that, considering the non-dissipative behavior of the elements, leads to a relevant reduction of seismic deformation demand on existing structural elements.
Measuring the Outcomes of a Participatory Research Study: Findings from an Environmental Epidemiological Study in Kaunas City
Authors: Grazuleviciene Regina , Andrusaityte Sandra , Rapalavicius Aurimas
Published: August 2021

The achievement of a sustainable urban environment and health for all requires the engagement and greater awareness of local communities on issues of environment and health. This HORIZON2020 CitieS-Health study presents the outcomes of the environmental epidemiological research on the participants’ acquisition of new skills and knowledge as well as on health behaviour. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1062 residents of Kaunas city, Lithuania, from 2019 to 2021. We analysed the associations between the neighbourhood environmental quality scores and health issues, and the self-reported ratings on the acquired knowledge measured using a Likert rating scale. About 42.7% of the participants acknowledged that participation in the research study improved their data collection and interpretation skills, and 58.8% of them stated that the participation improved their knowledge on the links between environmental quality and health. The participants with increased knowledge more often rated their health as “good”, had a significantly lower diastolic blood pressure, and regularly visited the natural environment. The high impact of participatory research was associated with a higher scoring of the neighbourhood environmental quality, higher physical activity, and a beneficial effect on health. The study provides scientific evidence that improving the neighbourhood environment would promote increased physical activity, such as reaching green spaces by walking, and might benefit the society.
Artificial Neural Network Led Optimization of Oxyhydrogen Hybridized Diesel Operated Engine
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Hussain Haris , Riaz Fahid , Irshad Muneeb , Bashir Rehmat , Haris Shah Muhammad , Ahmad Zafar Adeel , Bashir Usman , Kalam M. A. , Mujtaba M. A. , M. Soudagar Manzoore Elahi
Published: August 2021

The prevailing massive exploitation of conventional fuels has staked the energy accessibility to future generations. The gloomy peril of inflated demand and depleting fuel reservoirs in the energy sector has supposedly instigated the urgent need for reliable alternative fuels. These very issues have been addressed by introducing oxyhydrogen gas (HHO) in compression ignition (CI) engines in various flow rates with diesel for assessing brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and brake thermal efficiency (BTE). The enrichment of neat diesel fuel with 10 dm3/min of HHO resulted in the most substantial decrease in BSFC and improved BTE at all test speeds in the range of 1000–2200 rpm. Moreover, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) approach was employed for designing an ANN performance-predicting model with an engine operating on HHO. The correlation coefficients (R) of BSFC and BTE given by the ANN predicting model were 0.99764 and 0.99902, respectively. The mean root errors (MRE) of both parameters (BSFC and BTE) were within the range of 1–3% while the root mean square errors (RMSE) were 0.0122 kg/kWh and 0.2768% for BSFC and BTE, respectively. In addition, ANN was coupled with the response surface methodology (RSM) technique for comprehending the individual impact of design parameters and their statistical interactions governing the output parameters. The R2 values of RSM responses (BSFC and BTE) were near to 1 and MRE values were within the designated range. The comparative evaluation of ANN and RSM predicting models revealed that MRE and RMSE of RSM models are also well within the desired range but to be outrightly accurate and precise, the choice of ANN should be potentially endorsed. Thus, the combined use of ANN and RSM could be used effectively for reliable predictions and effective study of statistical interactions.
Passive ESG Portfolio Management—The Benchmark Strategy for Socially Responsible Investors
Authors: Amon Julian , Rammerstorfer Margarethe , Weinmayer Karl
Published: August 2021

In this article, we investigate the notion of doing well while doing good from the perspective of passive portfolio strategies. We analyze a number of asset allocation strategies based on ESG-weighting and compare their financial and ESG performance for the US and Europe. We find no significant difference in the financial performance but superior ESG performance of ESG-based strategies. It can be concluded that, compared to a naive strategy, socially responsible investors are willing to pay a small premium for the impact of the portfolio via transaction costs when rebalancing the portfolio according to their preferences for social responsibility. In addition, when comparing the ESG-based strategies to a value-weighted strategy, we observe no significant difference in ESG performance but a high degree of significance in the superior financial performance of the ESG-based strategy. We also analyze the strategies with regards to the factor loadings given by the Fama–French five-factor model and a sixth factor denoted GMB (Good minus Bad) and find significant differences across the regions and strategies. Overall, the results show strong support of ESG-based strategies being preferred by socially responsible investors but also suggest that such strategies might be preferred by conventional investors looking for a passively managed alternative compared to a value-weighted index. Furthermore, it seems that such a strategy might be a more adequate benchmark for active SRI funds.
Hybrid Organizations: A Micro-Level Strategy for SDGs Implementation: A Positional Paper
Authors: Bianchi Michele
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of objectives and sub-targets that aim to promote a more comprehensive system for sustainability, peace, and social justice. The SDGs propose a more holistic approach to the evolution of society, enlarging the responsibilities and roles for their implementation; therefore, it is worthwhile asking who will be in charge of the processes to develop adequate strategies. (2) Methods: This is a positional paper based on a literature review about the two main topics of this analysis: hybrid organizations and the SDGs’ governance. (3) Results: The hybrids combine diverse institutional logics within a unique organizational structure as a central tool for SDG implementation. The scientific literature explains how this organizational form is capable of mitigating possible tensions and trade-offs stemming from its heterogeneity and how hybrid structures can prove to be a useful solution for SDG implementation at the micro-level. (4) Conclusion: Although hybrid organizations can be a valuable aid to sustainable development, the absence of clear-cut coordination and responsibility structures at the macro-level could jeopardize efforts at the micro-level. In light of this hypothesis, this paper argues that hybrid organizations cannot be left in isolation in this mission, especially as the SDGs’ rationality is based on a new, holistic vision of development, which exposes a risk of implausibility surrounding macro-level political forces.
Educating for Public Happiness and Global Peace: Contributions from a Portuguese UNESCO Chair towards the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Marujo Helena Águeda , Casais Mafalda
Published: August 2021

For a positive global future, it is fundamental to tackle the existing web of psychological, economic, sociological, and cultural processes reflected in current education systems. Confronted with complex issues that are essential to the stability of civilizations, we need more voices addressing a critical analysis of education in its key role. This can result in more people participating as happy, informed, and engaged citizens. This paper introduces the argument for education to promote public happiness (Felicitas Publica) and support global peace, addressing the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #3, #4, and #16. It begins by mapping the landscape of promising education-related practices supporting these SDGs and provides recommendations for research and actions. In addition, it presents the work of the UNESCO Chair on Education for Global Peace Sustainability, based at the Universidade de Lisboa, in Portugal, as an illustrative example. With this paper, we hope to convey the input of different branches of psychology that have the common good as their aim and address the positive transformation of our current educational processes.
Why Do Households Depend on the Forest for Income? Analysis of Factors Influencing Households’ Decision-Making Behaviors
Authors: Biland Mazhar , Zeb Alam , Ullah Ayat , Kaechele Harald
Published: August 2021

Using survey information of 150 randomly selected households across 21 villages of the forest-rich district of Swat, Pakistan, this study assessed households’ decision-making behaviors in depending on income from nearby forested land using socio-economic attributes. The evidence from the study may aid in making the existing policies be better targeted toward families that depend on the forest for income. Descriptive statistics and econometric techniques such as logit and tobit were used to analyze the data. Respondent households obtained the highest share of their income from off-farm activities (37%) and least from forest activities (16%). Fuelwood constitutes the biggest share (66%) of forest income, followed by medical plants (20%) and fodder (13%). We found that households with more physical assets, more family members working in off-farm jobs, and households earning more income from off-farm jobs were significantly and negatively associated with households’ decision to depend on forest income and total income obtained. We also found that households with less distance to the market and membership to joint forest management committees (JFMCs) were significantly and negatively associated with households’ total income obtained. However, household size was significantly and positively related to households’ decision of forest dependency. The study recommends the creation of off-farm opportunities and inclusion of local people in the management of forests through establishment of JFMCs, particularly for large and poor families.
Environment, Identity, and Response to Polluted Landscapes
Authors: Clayton Susan D.
Published: August 2021

Research indicates that beautiful nature can have positive impacts. Does polluted nature have a corresponding negative impact? This paper presents two experiments investigating the impact of viewing images of natural settings, on a college campus, that do or do not contain litter. The moderating role of environmental identity was also examined. Study 1 showed that landscapes with litter evoked more negative emotions among a sample of 332 U.S. residents on MTurk than did landscapes without litter. Surprisingly, natural landscapes did not have a more positive effect than images of buildings. In Study 2, using an MTurk sample of 310 U.S. residents, results were similar to Study 1 but were qualified by an interaction between condition and EID: those high in EID were more strongly affected by the images. These results suggest that viewing polluted landscapes can have a negative effect on emotions (hedonic wellbeing), and that these effects are stronger among those who have a stronger relationship with nature. There was no evidence for an impact on eudaimonic wellbeing as represented by a sense of meaning, efficacy, or ethicality. Given the continuing degradation of our natural environment, further research on the impacts of polluted landscapes is needed.
Research on Route Optimization of Hazardous Materials Transportation Considering Risk Equity
Authors: Liu Liping , Li Jiaming , Zhou Lei , Fan Tijun , Li Shuxia
Published: August 2021

The consequences of a hazmat accident can be catastrophic due to the characteristics of hazardous materials. Different from the models, which are constructed from the perspective of “government-carrier”, this paper considers the three objectives of the risk, the cost, and the compensation cost from the “government-carrier-public” perspective, so as to construct a route optimization model of hazmat transportation considering risk equity. Moreover, considering that the difference in regional emergency response time will significantly affect the risk, this research incorporates the emergency response time into the transportation risk assessment function, and realizes risk equity by minimizing the total compensation cost based on the difference in regional emergency response time. To solve the proposed model, a multi-objective genetic algorithm based on linear weighting is designed. The results obtained from the case study verify the necessity of considering the risk equity in the route optimization model of hazardous materials transportation and prove that the established model and algorithm can find an optimal route that meets the expectations of the government, the carrier, and the public.
Universal Metrics for Climate Change Adaptation Finance? A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Klonschinski Andrea
Published: August 2021

Climate change adaptation is receiving ever more attention in the literature and in practice. Since available funds are not meeting adaptation needs, the question of how to allocate scarce resources becomes pressing. Universal adaptation metrics promise to facilitate the allocation process ex ante and the evaluation of projects ex post. Two such metrics have been proposed recently: Saved Wealth (SW), measured in terms of money, and Saved Health (SH), gauged in terms of disability adjusted life-years (DALYs). The paper analyzes this SWSH approach and shows that it is replete with unresolved conceptual and normative-ethical problems, which are exemplary for universal metrics seeking to combine concerns for equity and efficiency at once. The paper’s aim is to uncover these issues, and its conclusion is modest: universal metrics such as SW and the DALY have to be designed and used with great caution and further research is necessary.
Sensitivity of Photosynthesis to Warming in Two Similar Species of the Aquatic Angiosperm Ruppia from Tropical and Temperate Habitats
Authors: Rasmusson Lina M. , Nualla-ong Aekkaraj , Wutiruk Tarawit , Björk Mats , Gullström Martin , Buapet Pimchanok
Published: August 2021

Climate change-related events, such as marine heatwaves, are increasing seawater temperatures, thereby putting pressure on marine biota. The cosmopolitan distribution and significant contribution to marine primary production by the genus Ruppia makes them interesting organisms to study thermal tolerance and local adaptation. In this study, we investigated the photosynthetic responses in Ruppia to the predicted future warming in two contrasting bioregions, temperate Sweden and tropical Thailand. Through DNA barcoding, specimens were determined to Ruppia cirrhosa for Sweden and Ruppia maritima for Thailand. Photosynthetic responses were assessed using pulse amplitude-modulated fluorometry, firstly in short time incubations at 18, 23, 28, and 33 °C in the Swedish set-up and 28, 33, 38, and 43 °C in the Thai set-up. Subsequent experiments were conducted to compare the short time effects to longer, five-day incubations in 28 °C for Swedish plants and 40 °C for Thai plants. Swedish R. cirrhosa displayed minor response, while Thai R. maritima was more sensitive to both direct and prolonged temperature stress with a drastic decrease in the photosynthetic parameters leading to mortality. The results indicate that in predicted warming scenarios, Swedish R. cirrhosa may sustain an efficient photosynthesis and potentially outcompete more heat-sensitive species. However, populations of the similar R. maritima in tropical environments may suffer a decline as their productivity will be highly reduced.
Simulating Grassland Carbon Dynamics in Gansu for the Past Fifty (50) Years (1968–2018) Using the Century Model
Authors: Zhang Meiling , Nazieh Stephen , Nkrumah Teddy , Wang Xingyu
Published: August 2021

China is one of the countries most impacted by desertification, with Gansu Province in the northwest being one of the most affected areas. Efforts have been made in recent decades to restore the natural vegetation, while also producing food. This has implications for the soil carbon sequestration and, as a result, the country’s carbon budget. Studies of carbon (C) dynamics in this region would help to understand the effect of management practices on soil organic carbon (SOC) as well as aboveground biomass (ABVG), and to aid informed decision-making and policy implementation to alleviate the rate of global warming. It would also help to understand the region’s contribution to the national C inventory of China. The CENTURY model, a process-based model that is capable of simulating C dynamics over a long period, has not been calibrated to suit Gansu Province, despite being an effective model for soil C estimation. Using the soil and grassland maps of Gansu, together with weather, soil, and reliable historical data on management practices in the province, we calibrated the CENTURY model for the province’s grasslands. The calibrated model was then used to simulate the C dynamics between 1968 and 2018. The results show that the model is capable of simulating C with significant accuracy. Our measured and observed SOC density (SOCD) and ABVG had correlation coefficients of 0.76 and 0.50, respectively, at p < 0.01. Precipitation correlated with SOCD and ABVG with correlation coefficients of 0.57 and 0.89, respectively, at p < 0.01. The total SOC storage (SOCS) was 436.098 × 106 t C (approximately 0.4356% of the national average) and the average SOCD was 15.75 t C/ha. There was a high ABVG in the southeast and it decreased towards the northwest. The same phenomenon was observed in the spatial distribution of SOCD. Among the soils studied, Hostosols had the highest SOC sequestration rate (25.6 t C/ha) with Gypsisols having the least (7.8 t C/ha). Between 1968 and 2018, the soil carbon stock gradually increased, with the southeast experiencing the greatest increase.
The Short-Term Cost of Greening the Global Fleet
Authors: Schinas Orestis , Bergmann Niklas
Published: August 2021

Decarbonizing maritime transport is among the top priorities of regulators and continuously attracts significant research attention. However, the cost of renewing and greening the fleet has not been explored in detail. To address this gap, the paper provided a bottom-to-top estimation of the financial need associated with decarbonizing the global shipping fleet for the next 5 years, i.e., until 2026. By developing a model focusing on the main asset classes, the paper approximated the expenditure implied in the short-term fleet renewal (newbuilding and vessel demolition) as well as the expenditure linked to retrofitting the existing fleet. The results indicated an aggregate financial need of USD 317 billion until 2026. Thereof, USD 235 billion are associated with building new ships, while USD 114 billion are allocated to retrofitting. Furthermore, proceeds of USD 33 billion can be generated via demolition sales of old tonnage, reducing the total financial burden. The results entail important policy implications, as they document the monetary impact on investors, lenders, and shipping companies regarding distinct segments of the fleet. Considering the declining overall supply of capital towards shipping, the given results provide a transparent account of the absolute financial implications of decarbonization policies.
Two-Way Floating or Irreversible Floating? The Transition of Migrants from Urban Social Integration to Permanent Settlement in the Cities in China
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Chen Hongsheng
Published: August 2021

Oversized population mobility is an important feature of China’s urbanization. Every year, a large number of rural migrants move between urban and rural areas in China. However, the periodic mobility of rural migrants between urban and rural areas and between regions does not mean that migrants stop settling down in cities. In this study, using data from large sample surveys from the 2017 Chinese Migrants Dynamic Survey collected from eight cities in China, we analyse rural migrants’ urban settlement in China. Our findings reveal that 82.02% of rural migrant reported that they will stay in the city in the future and that residence duration dependence exists in the social integration and urban settlement of China’ rural migrants. That is, the longer rural migrants live in cities, the higher level of social integration and the more likely they are to settle in the city. Among the socio-economic factors, the influence of education on the social integration of rural migrants is greater than that of income. Social integration has a significant mediating effect on the floating duration and urban settlement intention, as well as education level and urban settlement intention. Further, the ownership of contracted land and homestead in rural areas (place of origin) are also important factors affecting the settlement of migrants in cities. For rural migrants to settle down in cities, contracted land acts as an economic support, and a homestead is a guarantee for the future. This study put forward that the mainstream of migration flow in China is the rural-urban one-way, irreversible flow from the countryside to the city and further proposes that the social policies should be based on encouraging migrants to improve social integration and increase the possibility of settling in cities. In future research, we should further consider the transformation of China’s urbanization stage. Settling in cities may become the “final choice” for most migrants and their family members. The social policies should help migrants and their family members get a better life and achieve upward social mobility in cities.
Collaborative Allocation of Energy Consumption, Air Pollutants and CO2 Emissions in China
Authors: Song Jiekun , Chen Rui , Ma Xiaoping
Published: August 2021

Energy consumption is an important source of the emissions of CO2 and air pollutants such as SO2 and NOX. Reducing energy consumption can realize the simultaneous reduction of air pollutants and CO2 emissions to a certain extent. This study examines the collaborative allocation of energy consumption and the emissions of SO2, NOX and CO2 in China. In contrast to previous studies, this paper proposes an improved centralized DEA model that takes into account the correlation between energy consumption and air environmental emissions, the economic development demand and the energy resource endowment of different provinces. The initial allocation scheme is obtained based on the principle of equity. Then, the initial allocation results are brought into the improved centralized DEA model to maximize the expected output. The empirical analysis of projected data for 2025 shows that the looser the restrictions of energy consumption, the greater the optimal economic output. When the energy consumption of each province is allowed to fluctuate within the range of 85% to 115% of the initial quota, the total GDP is the largest and 20.62% higher than the initial GDP. The optimal allocation scheme is more equitable than the initial scheme and realizes absolute interpersonal equity and economic equity. Eighteen provinces bear the pressures of energy saving, emission reduction or GDP growth, with average pressure indexes of 11.46%, 16.85% and 40.62%, respectively. The pressures on the major regions involved in the “Belt and Road”, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and Yangtze River Economic Belt national strategies will thus be reduced significantly; the maximum pressures on energy saving, emission reduction and GDP growth are 10.03%, 12.17% and 29.84%, respectively. China can take a series of measures to promote regional coordinated development and improve the realization of optimal allocation schemes, including establishing unified resource asset trading platforms, improving the methods of regional cooperation, building effective transportation and logistics transport networks to weaken the barriers among regions and implementing differentiated regional policies and regional interest coordination mechanisms.
Effects of Variable Weather Conditions on Baled Proportion of Varied Amounts of Harvestable Cereal Straw, Based on Simulations
Authors: Toro Alfredo de , Gunnarsson Carina , Jonsson Nils , Sundberg Martin
Published: August 2021

All harvestable cereal straw cannot be collected every year in regions where wet periods are probable during the baling season, so some Swedish studies have used ’recovery coefficients’ to estimate potential harvestable amounts. Current Swedish recovery coefficients were first formulated by researchers in the early 1990s, after discussions with crop advisors, but there are no recent Swedish publications on available baling times and recovery proportions. Therefore, this study evaluated baling operations over a series of years for representative virtual farms and machine systems in four Swedish regions, to determine the available time for baling, baled straw ratio and annual variation in both. The hourly grain moisture content of pre-harvested cereals and swathed straw was estimated using moisture models and real weather data for 22/23 years, and the results were used as input to a model for simulating harvesting and baling operations. Expected available baling time during August and September was estimated to be 39–49%, depending on region, with large annual variation (standard deviation 22%). The average baling coefficient was estimated to be 80–86%, with 1400 t·year−1 harvestable straw and 15 t·h−1 baling capacity, and the annual variation was also considerable (s.d. 20%).
An Effective Evaluation of Wavelength Scheduling for Various WDM-PON Network Designs with Traffic Protection Provision
Authors: Róka Rastislav
Published: August 2021

Recently, metropolitan and access communication networks have markedly developed by utilizing a variety of technologies. Their bearer communication infrastructures will be mostly exploiting the optical transmission medium where wavelength division multiplexing techniques will play an important role. This contribution discusses the symmetric sharing of common optical network resources in wavelength and time domains. Wavelength-Division Multiplexed Passive Optical Networks (WDM-PON) attract considerable attention regarding the next generation of optical metropolitan and access networks. The main purpose of this contribution is presented by the analysis of possible scheduling of wavelengths for our novel hybrid network topologies considered for WDM-PON networks. This contribution briefly deploys adequate Dynamic Wavelength Allocation (DWA) algorithms for selected WDM-PON network designs with the provision of traffic protection when only passive optical components in remote nodes are utilized. The main part of this study is focused on the use of wavelength scheduling methods for selected WDM-PON network designs. For evaluation of offline and online wavelength scheduling for novel hybrid network topologies, a simulation model realized in the Matlab programming environment allows to analyze interactions between various metropolitan and access parts in the Optical Distribution Network (ODN) related to advanced WDM-PON network designs. Finally, wavelength scheduling methods are compared from a viewpoint of utilization in advanced WDM-PON networks designs.
Cutaneous Effects of In Utero and Lactational Exposure of C57BL/6J Mice to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
Authors: Bhuju Jyoti , Olesen Kristin M. , Muenyi Clarisse S. , Patel Tejesh S. , Read Robert W. , Thompson Lauren , Skalli Omar , Zheng Qi , Grice Elizabeth A. , Sutter Carrie Hayes , Sutter Thomas R.
Published: August 2021

To determine the cutaneous effects of in utero and lactational exposure to the AHR ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), pregnant C57BL/6J mice were exposed by gavage to a vehicle or 5 μg TCDD/kg body weight at embryonic day 12 and epidermal barrier formation and function were studied in their offspring from postnatal day 1 (P1) through adulthood. TCDD-exposed pups were born with acanthosis. This effect was AHR-dependent and subsided by P6 with no evidence of subsequent inflammatory dermatitis. The challenge of adult mice with MC903 showed similar inflammatory responses in control and treated animals, indicating no long-term immunosuppression to this chemical. Chloracne-like sebaceous gland hypoplasia and cyst formation were observed in TCDD-exposed P21 mice, with concomitant microbiome dysbiosis. These effects were reversed by P35. CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression in the skin was increased in the exposed mice until P21, then declined. Both CYP proteins co-localized with LRIG1-expressing progenitor cells at the infundibulum. CYP1B1 protein also co-localized with a second stem cell niche in the isthmus. These results indicate that this exposure to TCDD causes a chloracne-like effect without inflammation. Transient activation of the AhR, due to the shorter half-life of TCDD in mice, likely contributes to the reversibility of these effects.
State of the Art on Toxicological Mechanisms of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and Strategies to Reduce Toxicological Risks
Authors: García-Torra Victor , Cano Amanda , Espina Marta , Ettcheto Miren , Camins Antoni , Barroso Emma , Vazquez-Carrera Manel , García Maria Luisa , Sánchez-López Elena , Souto Eliana B.
Published: August 2021

Metal nanoparticles have been extensively investigated for different types of pharmaceutical applications. However, their use has raised some concerns about their toxicity involving the increase of reactive oxygen species causing cellular apoptosis. Therefore, in this review we summarize the most relevant toxicity mechanisms of gold, silver, copper and copper oxide nanoparticles as well as production methods of metal nanoparticles. Parameters involved in their toxicity such as size, surface charge and concentration are also highlighted. Moreover, a critical revision of the literature about the strategies used to reduce the toxicity of this type of nanoparticles is carried out throughout the review. Additionally, surface modifications using different coating strategies, nanoparticles targeting and morphology modifications are deeply explained.
Biological and Biochemical Characterization of Coronado Island Rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri caliginis) Venom and Antivenom Neutralization
Authors: Franco-Servín Cristian , Neri-Castro Edgar , Bénard-Valle Melisa , Alagón Alejandro , Rosales-García Ramsés Alejandro , Guerrero-Alba Raquel , Poblano-Sánchez José Emanuel , Silva-Briano Marcelo , Guerrero-Barrera Alma Lilián , Sigala-Rodríguez José Jesús
Published: August 2021

The Baja California Peninsula has over 250 islands and islets with many endemic species. Among them, rattlesnakes are the most numerous but also one of the least studied groups. The study of island rattlesnake venom could guide us to a better understanding of evolutionary processes and the description of novel toxins. Crotalus helleri caliginis venom samples were analyzed to determine possible ontogenetic variation with SDS-PAGE in one and two dimensions and with RP-HPLC. Western Blot, ELISA, and amino-terminal sequencing were used to determine the main components of the venom. The biological and biochemical activities demonstrate the similarity of C. helleri caliginis venom to the continental species C. helleri helleri, with both having low proteolytic and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity but differing due to the absence of neurotoxin (crotoxin-like) in the insular species. The main components of the snake venom were metalloproteases, serine proteases, and crotamine, which was the most abundant toxin group (30–35% of full venom). The crotamine was isolated using size-exclusion chromatography where its functional effects were tested on mouse phrenic nerve–hemidiaphragm preparations in which a significant reduction in muscle twitch contractions were observed. The two Mexican antivenoms could neutralize the lethality of C. helleri caliginis venom but not the crotamine effects.
Mycotoxin Biomarkers in Pigs—Current State of Knowledge and Analytics
Authors: Tkaczyk Agnieszka , Jedziniak Piotr
Published: August 2021

Farm animals are frequently exposed to mycotoxins, which have many adverse effects on their health and become a significant food safety issue. Pigs are highly exposed and particularly susceptible to mycotoxins, which can cause many adverse effects. For the above reasons, an appropriate diagnostic tool is needed to monitor pig’ exposure to mycotoxins. The most popular tool is feed analysis, which has some disadvantages, e.g., it does not include individual exposure. In recent years, the determination of biomarkers as a method to assess the exposure to mycotoxins by using concentrations of the parent compounds and/or metabolites in biological matrices is becoming more and more popular. This review provides a comprehensive overview of reported in vivo mycotoxin absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) and toxicokinetic studies on pigs. Biomarkers of exposure for aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, T-2 toxin and zearalenone are described to select the most promising compound for analysis of porcine plasma, urine and faeces. Biomarkers occur in biological matrices at trace levels, so a very sensitive technique—tandem mass spectrometry—is commonly used for multiple biomarkers quantification. However, the sample preparation for multi-mycotoxin methods remains a challenge. Therefore, a summary of different biological samples preparation strategies is included in that paper.
Environmental Justice and Urban Parks. A Case Study Applied to Tarragona (Spain)
Authors: Alberich Joan , Pérez-Albert Yolanda , Morales José Ignacio Muro , Picón Edgar Bustamante
Published: August 2021

There is consensus regarding the fact that urban green areas contribute to the quality of life of their inhabitants. Therefore, efficient city management must assess whether the population has access to green areas and the areas’ quality in relation to, for example, vegetation, facilities or furnishings. Therefore, the objective is to establish environmental justice of urban parks in Tarragona (Spain) by developing a Park Quality Index (PQI) and the sociodemographic characteristics (level of studies, Human Development Index –HDI–, home sale and rental prices) of the population living within 300 m of a park. To prepare this, a GIS-integrated Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) was produced. The results show that the green areas have low accessibility and availability and that most parks obtain an average-low PQI, with the best-valued aspect being the vegetation and the worst being the facilities. Regarding the degree of environmental justice, a causal relationship between the PQI and the indicators used emerges. The average value of the home sale prices is the one that shows the greatest correlation. These results can be used together with participatory procedures as a basis for identifying places with greater inequality, and for selecting the more effective actions that enable increasing environmental justice with respect to green areas.
Identification of a Common Conformational Epitope on the Glycoprotein E2 of Classical Swine Fever Virus and Border Disease Virus
Authors: Huang Yu-Liang , Meyer Denise , Postel Alexander , Tsai Kuo-Jung , Liu Hsin-Meng , Yang Chia-Huei , Huang Yu-Chun , Berkley Nicholas , Deng Ming-Chung , Wang Fun-In , Becher Paul , Crooke Helen , Chang Chia-Yi
Published: August 2021

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) shares high structural and antigenic homology with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and border disease virus (BDV). Because all three viruses can infect swine and elicit cross-reactive antibodies, it is necessary to differentiate among them with regard to serological diagnosis of classical swine fever. To understand the mechanism of cross-reactivity, it is important to define common or specific epitopes of these viruses. For this purpose, epitope mapping of six monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was performed using recombinant expressed antigenic domains of CSFV and BDV E2 proteins. One CSFV-specific conformational epitope and one CSFV and BDV common epitope within domain B/C of E2 were identified. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that residues G725 and V738/I738 of the CSFV-specific epitope and P709/L709 and E713 of the second epitope are important for mAbs binding. Infection of CSFV in porcine cells was significantly reduced after pre-incubation of the cells with the domain B/C of E2 or after pre-incubation of CSFV with the mAbs detecting domain B/C. 3D structural modeling suggested that both epitopes are exposed on the surface of E2. Based on this, the identified epitopes represent a potential target for virus neutralization and might be involved in the early steps of CSFV infection.
Beta-Genus Human Papillomavirus 8 E6 Destabilizes the Host Genome by Promoting p300 Degradation
Authors: Dacus Dalton , Wallace Nicholas A.
Published: August 2021

The beta genus of human papillomaviruses infects cutaneous keratinocytes. Their replication depends on actively proliferating cells and, thus, they conflict with the cellular response to the DNA damage frequently encountered by these cells. This review focus on one of these viruses (HPV8) that counters the cellular response to damaged DNA and mitotic errors by expressing a protein (HPV8 E6) that destabilizes a histone acetyltransferase, p300. The loss of p300 results in broad dysregulation of cell signaling that decreases genome stability. In addition to discussing phenotypes caused by p300 destabilization, the review contains a discussion of the extent to which E6 from other β-HPVs destabilizes p300, and provides a discussion on dissecting HPV8 E6 biology using mutants.
In Vitro Priming of Human T Cells by Dendritic Cells Provides a Screening Tool for Candidate Vaccines for Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Reddi Durga , Durant Lydia , Bernardo David , Noble Alistair , English Nicholas R. , Hendy Philip , Clark Graeme C. , Prior Joann L. , Williamson Ethel Diane , Knight Stella C.
Published: August 2021

Murine dendritic cells, when pulsed with heat-killed Burkholderia pseudomallei and used to immunise naïve mice, have previously been shown to induce protective immunity in vivo. We have now demonstrated the in vitro priming of naïve human T cells against heat-killed B. pseudomallei, by co-culture with syngeneic B. pseudomallei-pulsed dendritic cells. Additionally, we have enriched the DC fraction such that a study of the differential response induced by pulsed DCs of either myeloid or plasmacytoid lineage in syngeneic human T cells was achievable. Whilst both mDCs and pDCs were activated by pulsing, the mDCs contributed the major response to B. pseudomallei with the expression of the migration marker CCR7 and a significantly greater secretion of the proinflammatory TNFα and IL1β. When these DC factions were combined and used to prime syngeneic T cells, a significant proliferation was observed in the CD4+ fraction. Here, we have achieved human T cell priming in vitro with unadjuvanted B. pseudomallei, the causative organism of melioidosis, for which there is currently no approved vaccine. We propose that the approach we have taken could be used to screen for the human cellular response to candidate vaccines and formulations, in order to enhance the cell-mediated immunity required to protect against this intracellular pathogen and potentially more broadly against other, difficult-to-treat intracellular pathogens. To date, the polysaccharide capsule of B. pseudomallei, fused to a standard carrier protein, e.g., Crm, looks a likely vaccine candidate. Dendritic cells (DCs), providing, as they do, the first line of defence to infection, process and present microbial products to the immune system to direct downstream immune responses. Here, we have sought to use DCs ex vivo to identify immunogenic products from heat-killed B. pseudomallei. Using practical volumes of fresh human donor blood, we show that heat-killed B. pseudomallei activated and stimulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 from both myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs. Furthermore, B. pseudomallei-pulsed DCs cultured with naïve syngeneic T cells ex vivo, induced the activation and proliferation of the CD4+ T-cell population, which was identified by cell surface marker staining using flow cytometry. Thus, both DC subsets are important for driving primary T helper cell responses to B. pseudomallei in healthy individuals and have the potential to be used to identify immunogenic components of B. pseudomallei for future therapies and vaccines.
Early Adverse Events between mRNA and Adenovirus-Vectored COVID-19 Vaccines in Healthcare Workers
Authors: Wi Yu-Mi , Kim Si-Ho , Peck Kyong-Ran
Published: August 2021

Mass vaccination campaigns are important to control the COVID-19 pandemic, however, adverse events (AEs) contribute to vaccine hesitancy. To investigate and compare early AEs between the BNT162b2 mRNA and AZD1222 adenovirus-vectored vaccines, recipients completed daily surveys about local and systemic reactions for 7 days after each dose, respectively. A total of 80 and 1440 healthcare workers received two doses of BNT162b2 and a first dose of AZD1222 vaccines. Any AEs were reported by 52.5% of recipients after the first dose of BNT162b2, by 76.2% after the second dose of BNT162b2, and by 90.9% after the first dose of AZD1222 (p < 0.001). Younger vaccinees had more AEs after the second dose of BNT162b2 and first dose of AZD1222. Sex based differences were only observed in the AZD1222 recipient group. No incidence of anaphylaxis or neurologic AEs were observed. In conclusion, early AEs were mostly mild to moderate in severity and generally transient in both BNT162b2 and AZD1222 groups. Sufficient explanation of the expected AEs of the vaccine would be helpful for wider vaccination.