bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Activity of a Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Clinical Isolates and Their Potential Molecular Targets
Authors: Rivera-Sánchez Sandra Patricia , Agudelo-Góngora Helen Astrid , Oñate-Garzón José , Flórez-Elvira Liliana Janeth , Correa Adriana , Londoño Paola Andrea , Londoño-Mosquera Juan David , Aragón-Muriel Alberto , Polo-Cerón Dorian , Ocampo-Ibáñez Iván Darío
Published: October 2020

Antimicrobial resistance reduces the efficacy of antibiotics. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR), Gram-negative bacterial strains, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDRKp) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPa), are a serious threat to global health. However, cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are promising as an alternative therapeutic strategy against MDR strains. In this study, the inhibitory activity of a cationic peptide, derived from cecropin D-like (ΔM2), against MDRKp and MDRPa clinical isolates, and its interaction with membrane models and bacterial genomic DNA were evaluated. In vitro antibacterial activity was determined using the broth microdilution test, whereas interactions with lipids and DNA were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and electronic absorption, respectively. A strong bactericidal effect of ΔM2 against MDR strains, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) between 4 and 16 μg/mL, was observed. The peptide had a pronounced effect on the thermotropic behavior of the 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)/1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylglycerol (DMPG) membrane models that mimic bacterial membranes. Finally, the interaction between the peptide and genomic DNA (gDNA) showed a hyperchromic effect, which indicates that ΔM2 can denature bacterial DNA strands via the grooves.
Variability of Volatile Compounds in the Medicinal Plant Dendrobium officinale from Different Regions
Authors: Hu Jing , Huang Wenxue , Zhang Fantao , Luo Xiangdong , Chen Yaling , Xie Jiankun
Published: October 2020

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, a rare and traditional medicinal plant, contains many nutrients such as polysaccharides, alkaloids, amino acids and so on. Different growth environment and intraspecific hybridization of different germplasm resources lead to large differences in the yield, quality and medicinal value of D. officinale. Here, the volatile compounds of D. officinale from four producing regions (Zhejiang, Fujian, Yunnan and Jiangxi) were analyzed to provide a certain reference value for the selection of a specific medicinal component in D. officinale breeding. Fresh stems of D. officinale germplasm resources were collected, and the chemical constituents were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 101 volatile compounds were identified, of which esters and alcohols accounted for 23 and 22. Hexacosane is the highest relative content of all volatile components. The highest content of hexacosane was observed in YA1 from Yunnan was 34.41%, and the lowest (23.41%) in JA1 from Jiangxi. Moreover, 5-10 unique substances were determined in different regions. A total of 17 medicinal components were detected, and three unique medicinal components were detected only in YA1, revealing that YA1 can provide raw materials for the application of specific medicinal substances extraction. A total of four toxic components were detected, but no toxic components were detected in JA1 from Jiangxi, suggested that the germplasm resources from Jiangxi could be exploited efficiently for breeding superior D. officinale specimens. The results provide a theoretical basis for the collection, protection and utilization of D. officinale germplasm resources in different regions.
A Polyphenols-Rich Extract from Moricandia sinaica Boiss. Exhibits Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Activities In Vivo
Authors: El-mekkawy Sahar , Shahat Abdelaaty A. , Alqahtani Ali S. , Alsaid Mansour S. , Abdelfattah Mohamed A.O. , Ullah Riaz , Emam Mahmoud , Yasri Abdelaziz , Sobeh Mansour
Published: October 2020

In this study, the aerial parts of Moricandia sinaica were evaluated for their in vivo analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities. The analgesic activities were examined using acetic acid-induced writhing, the hot plate test and the tail flick method. The anti-inflammatory and the antipyretic activities were evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in mice, respectively. The aqueous fraction of the methanol extract (MS-3) showed to be the most bioactive among the other investigated fractions. At the dose of 500 mg/kg, the fraction (MS-3) showed a significant percentage inhibition of the carrageenan-induced edema by 52.4% (p < 0.05). In addition, MS-3 exhibited a significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhes by 44.4% and 61.5% (p < 0.001) at 250-mg/kg and 500-mg/kg doses, respectively. At 120 min post-treatment, the rat groups treated with MS-3 displayed statistically significant reduction in rectal temperature (p < 0.001) by 1.7 °C and 2.2 °C at 250- and 500-mg/kg doses, respectively. The phytochemical composition of the fraction (MS-3) was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS). Molecular docking studies demonstrated that the polyphenols identified in MS-3 revealed good binding energy upon docking to some target proteins involved in pain response and inflammation, such as the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and the cyclooxygenase COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Based on the findings from the present work, it could be concluded that the aerial parts extract of M. sinaica exerts potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects in rats.
Transdermal Delivery Systems of Natural Products Applied to Skin Therapy and Care
Authors: Cheng Ying-Chen , Li Tzong Shiun , Su Hong Lin , Lee Po Chun , Wang Hui-Min David
Published: October 2020

Natural products are favored because of their non-toxicity, low irritants, and market reacceptance. We collected examples, according to ancient wisdom, of natural products to be applied in transdermal delivery. A transdermal delivery system, including different types of agents, such as ointments, patches, and gels, has long been used for skin concerns. In recent years, many novel transdermal applications, such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and microneedles, have been reported. Nanosized drug delivery systems are widely applied in natural product deliveries. Nanosized materials notably enhance bioavailability and solubility, and are reported to improve the transdermal permeation of many substances compared with conventional topical formulations. Natural products have been made into nanosized biomaterials in order to enhance the penetration effect. Before introducing the novel transdermal applications of natural products, we present traditional methods within this article. The descriptions of novel transdermal applications are classified into three parts: liposomes, emulsions, and lipid nanoparticles. Each section describes cases that are related to promising natural product transdermal use. Finally, we summarize the outcomes of various studies on novel transdermal agents applied to skin treatments.
Lysosomotropic Features and Autophagy Modulators among Medical Drugs: Evaluation of Their Role in Pathologies
Authors: Korolenko Tatiana A. , Johnston Thomas P. , Vetvicka Vaclav
Published: October 2020

The concept of lysosomotropic agents significantly changed numerous aspects of cellular biochemistry, biochemical pharmacology, and clinical medicine. In the present review, we focused on numerous low-molecular and high-molecular lipophilic basic compounds and on the role of lipophagy and autophagy in experimental and clinical medicine. Attention was primarily focused on the most promising agents acting as autophagy inducers, which offer a new window for treatment and/or prophylaxis of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease, and atherosclerosis. The present review summarizes current knowledge on the lysosomotropic features of medical drugs, as well as autophagy inducers, and their role in pathological processes.
Comprehensive Research of Total Ionizing Dose Effects in GaN-Based MIS-HEMTs Using Extremely Thin Gate Dielectric Layer
Authors: Chang Sung-Jae , Kim Dong-Seok , Kim Tae-Woo , Lee Jung-Hee , Bae Youngho , Jung Hyun-Wook , Kang Soo Cheol , Kim Haecheon , Noh Youn-Sub , Lee Sang-Heung , Kim Seong-Il , Ahn Ho-Kyun , Lim Jong-Won
Published: October 2020

The device performance deterioration mechanism caused by the total ionizing dose effect after the γ-ray irradiation was investigated in GaN-based metal-insulator-semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (MIS-HEMTs) for a 5 nm-thick SiN and HfO2 gate dielectric layer. The γ-ray radiation hardness according to the gate dielectric layer was also compared between the two different GaN-based MIS-HEMTs. Although HfO2 has exhibited strong tolerance to the total ionizing dose effect in Si-based devices, there is no detail report of the γ-ray radiation effects in GaN-based MIS-HEMTs employing a HfO2 gate dielectric layer. The pulsed-mode stress measurement results and carrier mobility behavior revealed that the device properties not only have direct current (DC) characteristics, but radio frequency (RF) performance has also been mostly degraded by the deterioration of the gate dielectric quality and the trapped charges inside the gate insulator. We also figured out that the immunity to the γ-ray radiation was improved when HfO2 was employed instead of SiN as a gate dielectric layer due to its stronger endurance to the γ-ray irradiation. Our results highlight that the application of a gate insulator that shows superior immunity to the γ-ray irradiation is a crucial factor for the improvement of the total ionizing dose effect in GaN-based MIS-HEMTs.
Contrasted Epidemiological Patterns of West Nile Virus Lineages 1 and 2 Infections in France from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Beck Cécile , Leparc Goffart Isabelle , Franke Florian , Gonzalez Gaelle , Dumarest Marine , Lowenski Steeve , Blanchard Yannick , Lucas Pierrick , Lamballerie Xavier de , Grard Gilda , Durand Guillaume André , Zientara Stéphan , Tapprest Jackie , L’Ambert Grégory , Durand Benoit , Desvaux Stéphanie , Lecollinet Sylvie
Published: October 2020

Since 2015, annual West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks of varying intensities have been reported in France. Recent intensification of enzootic WNV circulation was observed in the South of France with most horse cases detected in 2015 (n = 49), 2018 (n = 13), and 2019 (n = 13). A WNV lineage 1 strain was isolated from a horse suffering from West Nile neuro-invasive disease (WNND) during the 2015 episode in the Camargue area. A breaking point in WNV epidemiology was achieved in 2018, when WNV lineage 2 emerged in Southeastern areas. This virus most probably originated from WNV spread from Northern Italy and caused WNND in humans and the death of diurnal raptors. WNV lineage 2 emergence was associated with the most important human WNV epidemics identified so far in France (n = 26, including seven WNND cases and two infections in blood and organ donors). Two other major findings were the detection of WNV in areas with no or limited history of WNV circulation (Alpes-Maritimes in 2018, Corsica in 2018–2019, and Var in 2019) and distinct spatial distribution of human and horse WNV cases. These new data reinforce the necessity to enhance French WNV surveillance to better anticipate future WNV epidemics and epizootics and to improve the safety of blood and organ donations.
Bovine Leukemia Virus Infection Affects Host Gene Expression Associated with DNA Mismatch Repair
Authors: Bai Lanlan , Hirose Tomoya , Assi Wlaa , Wada Satoshi , Takeshima Shin-nosuke , Aida Yoko
Published: October 2020

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) causes enzootic bovine leukosis, a malignant form of B-cell lymphoma, and is closely related to human T-cell leukemia viruses. We investigated whether BLV infection affects host genes associated with DNA mismatch repair (MMR). Next-generation sequencing of blood samples from five calves experimentally infected with BLV revealed the highest expression levels of seven MMR genes (EXO1, UNG, PCNA, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, and PMS2) at the point of peak proviral loads (PVLs). Furthermore, MMR gene expression was only upregulated in cattle with higher PVLs. In particular, the expression levels of MSH2, MSH3, and UNG positively correlated with PVL in vivo. The expression levels of all seven MMR genes in pig kidney-15 cells and the levels of PMS2 and EXO1 in HeLa cells also increased tendencies after transient transfection with a BLV infectious clone. Moreover, MMR gene expression levels were significantly higher in BLV-expressing cell lines compared with those in the respective parental cell lines. Expression levels of MSH2 and EXO1 in BLV-infected cattle with lymphoma were significantly lower and higher, respectively, compared with those in infected cattle in vivo. These results reveal that BLV infection affects MMR gene expression, offering new candidate markers for lymphoma diagnosis.
Nutrient Diagnosis of Fertigated “Prata” and “Cavendish” Banana (Musa spp.) at Plot-Scale
Authors: Lima Neto Antonio João de , Deus José Aridiano Lima de , Rodrigues Filho Vagner Alves , Natale William , Parent Léon E.
Published: October 2020

Fertigation management of banana plantations at a plot scale is expanding rapidly in Brazil. To guide nutrient management at such a small scale, genetic, environmental and managerial features should be well understood. Machine learning and compositional data analysis (CoDa) methods can measure the effects of feature combinations on banana yield and rank nutrients in the order of their limitation. Our objectives are to review ML and CoDa models for application at regional and local scales, and to customize nutrient diagnoses of fertigated banana at the plot scale. We documented 940 “Prata” and “Cavendish” plot units for tissue and soil tests, environmental and managerial features, and fruit yield. A Neural Network informed by soil tests, tissue tests and other features was the most proficient learner (AUC up to 0.827). Tissue nutrients were shown to have the greatest impact on model accuracy. Regional nutrient standards were elaborated as centered log ratio means and standard deviations of high-yield and nutritionally balanced specimens. Plot-scale diagnosis was customized using the closest successful factor-specific tissue compositions identified by the smallest Euclidean distance from the diagnosed composition using centered or isometric log ratios. Nutrient imbalance differed between regional and plot-scale diagnoses, indicating the profound influence of local factors on plant nutrition. However, plot-scale diagnoses require large, reliable datasets to customize nutrient management using ML and CoDa models.
Ultrafine and High-Strength Silk Fibers Secreted by Bimolter Silkworms
Authors: Guo Kaiyu , Zhang Xiaolu , Dong Zhaoming , Ni Yuhui , Chen Yuqing , Zhang Yan , Li Haoyun , Xia Qingyou , Zhao Ping
Published: October 2020

Ultrafine fibers are widely employed because of their lightness, softness, and warmth retention. Although silkworm silk is one of the most applied natural silks, it is coarse and difficult to transform into ultrafine fibers. Thus, to obtain ultrafine high-performance silk fibers, we employed anti-juvenile hormones in this study to induce bimolter silkworms. We found that the bimolter cocoons were composed of densely packed thin fibers and small apertures, wherein the silk diameter was 54.9% less than that of trimolter silk. Further analysis revealed that the bimolter silk was cleaner and lighter than the control silk. In addition, it was stronger (739 MPa versus 497 MPa) and more stiffness (i.e., a higher Young’s modulus) than the trimolter silk. FTIR and X-ray diffraction results revealed that the excellent mechanical properties of bimolter silk can be attributed to the higher β-sheet content and crystallinity. Chitin staining of the anterior silk gland suggested that the lumen is narrower in bimolters, which may lead to the formation of greater numbers of β-sheet structures in the silk. Therefore, this study reveals the relationship between the structures and mechanical properties of bimolter silk and provides a valuable reference for producing high-strength and ultrafine silk fibers.
General-Purpose Coarse-Grained Toughened Thermoset Model for 44DDS/DGEBA/PES
Authors: Henry Michael M. , Thomas Stephen , Alberts Mone’t , Estridge Carla E. , Farmer Brittan , McNair Olivia , Jankowski Eric
Published: October 2020

The objective of this work is to predict the morphology and material properties of crosslinking polymers used in aerospace applications. We extend the open-source dybond plugin for HOOMD-Blue to implement a new coarse-grained model of reacting epoxy thermosets and use the 44DDS/DGEBA/PES system as a case study for calibration and validation. We parameterize the coarse-grained model from atomistic solubility data, calibrate reaction dynamics against experiments, and check for size-dependent artifacts. We validate model predictions by comparing glass transition temperatures measurements at arbitrary degree of cure, gel-points, and morphology predictions against experiments. We demonstrate for the first time in molecular simulations the cure-path dependence of toughened thermoset morphologies.
Effect of the Degree of Substitution on the Hydrophobicity, Crystallinity, and Thermal Properties of Lauroylated Amaranth Starch
Authors: Espinosa-Solis Vicente , García-Tejeda Yunia Verónica , Leal-Castañeda Everth Jimena , Barrera-Figueroa Víctor
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we consider amaranth starch extracted from the seeds of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. An amphiphilic character is conferred to the starch by a chemical modification, which involves an esterification by lauroyl chloride at three modification levels. The degree of substitution (DS) after the modification ranged from 0.06 to 1.16. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of fatty acyl chains on the surface of the esterified starches. The hydrophobicity of starches was confirmed by their adsorption isotherms, which showed a decrease in the moisture adsorption of lauroylated as DS increased. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a higher crystallinity, which was observed in the two samples subjected to the highest levels of modification. A higher crystallinity is related to a higher gelatinization enthalpy. These results are in agreement with the thermal characterization obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). An inhibition of the retrogradation properties of lauroylated amaranth starches was also observed.
Mechanical Properties of Crumb Rubber and Basalt Fiber Composite Modified Porous Asphalt Concrete with Steel Slag as Aggregate
Authors: Chai Chao , Cheng Yongchun , Zhang Yuwei , Zhu Bing , Liu Hang
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the mechanical properties of porous asphalt concrete with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) polymer modified bitumen as the binder, steel slag as the aggregate and crumb rubber and basalt fiber as modifiers. First, the appearance, mechanics, chemical composition and high-temperature stability of steel slag were studied by some equipment. Then, three kinds of porous asphalt concrete with SBS polymer modified bitumen as binder were produced, Namely, crumb rubber modified porous asphalt concrete (CR-PAC), basalt fiber modified porous asphalt concrete (BF-PAC), and basalt fiber and crumb rubber composite modified asphalt concrete (CM-PAC). Finally, the properties of the three kinds of modified PACs were studied through the Marshall test, freeze-thaw splitting test, low-temperature splitting test, permeability test, and creep test. The results showed that the crush value and abrasion value of steel slag are 15.1% and 13.5%, respectively; it has excellent strength and abrasion. In addition, the steel slag shows a porous structure and it provides an interface basis for a better bond with bitumen. For the three PACs, the results showed that the Marshall stability, water stability, and low-temperature crack resistance of CM-PAC are all the best Furthermore, CM-PAC has better rutting resistance than two single modified PACs, based on creep test results. The CM-PAC in this study can be used as a new type of pavement material.
Au-Pd Bimetallic Nanocatalysts Incorporated into Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) for Selective Oxidation of Alkenes and Alcohol
Authors: Alshammari Hamed M. , Alshammari Abdullah S. , Humaidi Jamal R. , Alzahrani Salma A. , Alhumaimess Mosaed S. , Aldosari Obaid F. , Hassan Hassan M. A.
Published: October 2020

Although supported bimetallic nanoparticles (Au-Pd NPs) demonstrate outstanding efficiency, challenges appear for carbon supported small and stable bimetallic nanoparticles used in liquid-phase reactions. In this work, Au-Pd NPs were supported on two types of carbon nanotubes: CNTs decorated covalently with carboxylic acid groups (O-CNTs) and non-covalently with the conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) polymer (P-CNTs). The Au-Pd NPs were prepared using the sol immobilization approach on the functionalized CNTs, and the effect of the utilized functionalization method on the properties of the immobilized metallic nanoparticles and the performance of the nanocomposite catalysts was investigated. The fabricated nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The catalytic performance of Au-Pd/O-CNTs and Au-Pd/P-CNTs was exploited for the oxidation of both cyclooctene and benzyl alcohol. Oxidation and polymer decoration directly led to an enhancement in the performance of CNTs catalysts. The nanocomposite catalyst with oxidized CNTs (Au-Pd/O-CNTs) was also found to be much more efficient and robust than that with polymer decorated CNTs (Au-Pd/P-CNTs). The enhancement in the oxidation of both cyclooctene and benzyl alcohol on Au-Pd/O-CNTs is attributed to the well-dispersed and smaller Au-Pd NPs as active sites on the surface of O-CNTs as compared to the P-CNTs surface.
Optimal Sizing and Techno-Economic Analysis of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems—A Case Study of a Photovoltaic/Wind/Battery/Diesel System in Fanisau, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Yimen Nasser , Tchotang Theodore , Kanmogne Abraham , Abdelkhalikh Idriss Idriss , Musa Bashir , Aliyu Aliyu , Okonkwo Eric C. , Abba Sani Isah , Tata Daniel , Meva’a Lucien , Hamandjoda Oumarou , Dagbasi Mustafa
Published: October 2020

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) have been touted as an appropriate way for supplying electricity to remote and off-grid areas in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where rural electrification challenges are the most pronounced. This study proposes a two-step methodology for optimizing and analyzing a stand-alone photovoltaic/wind/battery/diesel hybrid system to meet the electricity needs of Fanisua, an off-grid and remote village of northern Nigeria. In the first step, the MATLAB environment was used to run simulations and optimize the system via the genetic algorithm. Then, techno-economic and emissions analysis was carried out in the second step to compare the proposed system to the existing traditional modes of rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa, namely, the grid-extension and diesel generator. The break-even distance parameter was adopted in the comparison with grid-extension. Besides, the hypothetical project of replacing the diesel generator by the optimal system was analyzed using the Simple Payback Period (SPP) and Net Present Value (NPV) parameters. The resulting optimal design architecture included an 89.271-kW photovoltaic array, a 100.31-W diesel generator, and 148 batteries with a total annualized cost (TAC) and cost of energy (COE) of USD 43,807 and USD 0.25/kWh, respectively. The break-even distance found was 16.2 km, while the NPV and SPP of the hypothetical project were USD 572,382 and 2.8 years, respectively. The savings in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the proposed system compared to the grid extension and the diesel generator were found to be 85,401.08 kg/year and 122,062.85 kg/year, respectively. This study highlighted the role that solar PV-based HRESs could play in the sustainable electricity supply in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
Non-Alcoholic and Craft Beer Production and Challenges
Authors: Salanță Liana Claudia , Coldea Teodora Emilia , Ignat Maria Valentina , Pop Carmen Rodica , Tofană Maria , Mudura Elena , Borșa Andrei , Pasqualone Antonella , Zhao Haifeng
Published: October 2020

Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world and the third most popular beverage after water and tea. Emerging health-oriented lifestyle trends, demographics, stricter legislation, religious prohibitions, and consumers’ preferences have led to a strong and steady growth of interest for non-alcoholic beers (NABs), low-alcohol beers (LABs), as well for craft beers (CBs). Conventional beer, as the worlds most consumed alcoholic beverage, recently gained more recognition also due to its potential functionality associated with the high content of phenolic antioxidants and low ethanol content. The increasing attention of consumers to health-issues linked to alcohol abuse urges breweries to expand the assortment of conventional beers through novel drinks concepts. The production of these beers employs several techniques that vary in performance, efficiency, and usability. Involved production technologies have been reviewed and evaluated in this paper in terms of efficiency and production costs, given the possibility that craft brewers might want to adapt them and finally introduce novel non-alcoholic drinks in the market.
Performance Evaluation for a Sustainable Supply Chain Management System in the Automotive Industry Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Dumitrascu Oana , Dumitrascu Manuel , Dobrotǎ Dan
Published: October 2020

Increasing the sustainability of a system can be achieved by evaluating the system, identifying the issues and their root cause and solving them. Performance evaluation translates into key performance indicators (KPIs) with a high impact on increasing overall efficacy and efficiency. As the pool of KPIs has increased over time in the context of evaluating the supply chain management (SCM) system’s performance and assessing, communicating and managing its risks, a mathematical model based on neural networks has been developed. The SCM system has been structured into subsystems with the most relevant KPIs for set subsystems and their most important contributions on the increase in the overall SCM system performance and sustainability. As a result of the performed research based on the interview method, the five most relevant KPIs of each SCM subsystem and the most relevant problems are underlined. The main goal of this paper is to develop a performance evaluation model that links specific problems with the most relevant KPIs for every subsystem of the supply chain management. This paper demonstrates that by using data mining, the relationship between certain problems that appear in the supply chain management of every company and specific KPIs can be identified. The paper concludes with a graphical user interface (GUI) based on neural networks using the multilayer perceptron artificial intelligence algorithm where the most trustworthy KPIs for each selected problem can be predicted. This aspect provides a highly innovative contribution in solving supply chain management problems provided by organizations by allowing them to holistically track, communicate, analyze and improve the SCM system and ensure overall system sustainability.
Solid-State Compounding for Recycling of Sawdust Waste into Green Packaging Composites
Authors: Allaf Rula M. , Futian Mohammad
Published: October 2020

The present study explores solid-state cryomilling for the compounding of green composites. Herein, wood plastic composites (WPCs) composed of sawdust (SD) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with various compositions were prepared. Two compounding techniques, namely, extrusion and cryomilling, were utilized to prepare WPC raw material pellets and powders, respectively, for comparison purposes. Flat pressing was further utilized to prepare WPC films for testing. Morphological, structural, thermal, mechanical, and surface wettability properties were investigated. Results indicate the advantages of cryomilling in producing WPCs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with optical micrographs revealed well ground SD particles and uniform distribution in the PCL matrix. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites declined with increasing SD content, however, the modulus of elasticity significantly increased. Water contact angles averaged less than 90°, implying partial wetting. Visual observations and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated thermal stability of composites during processing. In conclusion, PCL/SD WPC is a potential candidate to replace conventional plastics for packaging applications. This would also provide a much better utilization of the currently undervalued wood waste resources.
Transient Process and Micro-mechanism of Hydrofoil Cavitation Collapse
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Fu Qiang , Zhu Rongsheng , Zhang Guoyu , Wang Chuan , Wang Xiuli
Published: October 2020

Cavitation will cause abnormal flow, causing a series of problems such as vibration, noise, and erosion of solid surfaces. In severe cases, it may even destroy the entire system. Cavitation is a key problem to be solved for hydraulic machinery and underwater robots, and the attack angle is one of the most important factors affecting the cavitation. In order to systematically study the impact of the attack angle on the hydrofoil cavitation, the hydrofoils of NACA 4412 with different attack angles were selected to study the collapse process and hydraulic characteristics such as pressure, velocity, vortex, and turbulent kinetic energy during cavitation. The results showed that when the cavitation number was the same, the process of cavity collapse was greatly affected by the attack angle. The length of the cavity collapse area was positively correlated with the attack angle. As the attack angle increased, the volume of the falling bubbles increased, resulting in a larger pressure peak caused by the collapse of bubbles. Moreover, the pressure gradient near the collapse point changed more drastically, thereby affecting the growth of attached cavitation. The fluctuation range of vortex core and turbulent kinetic energy also increased with increasing the attack angle.
Use of a Satellite-Based Aridity Index to Monitor Decreased Soil Water Content and Grass Growth in Grasslands of North-East Asia
Authors: Kimura Reiji , Moriyama Masao
Published: October 2020

Numerous simulation studies of the effect of global warming on arid regions have indicated that increases in temperature and decreases in precipitation will trigger water shortages, drought, and further aridification. In north-east Asia, especially China and Mongolia, the area of degraded land has increased since 2000. Land use in arid regions is mainly natural grasslands for grazing. Growth in this land use is limited by the precipitation amount and intensity. To develop sustainable management of grasslands, it is essential to examine the relationship between water consumption and the growth patterns of the grasses. This study examined the applicability of a satellite-based aridity index (SbAI) as a way to measure the water consumption and growth of grasslands in China and Mongolia. The effective cumulative reciprocal SbAI was strongly correlated with the cumulative decreased soil water content in the root zone and changes in the normalized difference vegetation index in Shenmu, China. Application of the effective cumulative reciprocal SbAI to grasslands in Mongolia and in north-east Asia revealed a high correlation between the effective cumulative reciprocal SbAI and changes in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The effective cumulative reciprocal SbAI might be suitable for the detection of water consumption and growth in grasslands from satellite data alone.
Estimating Structure and Biomass of a Secondary Atlantic Forest in Brazil Using Fourier Transforms of Vertical Profiles Derived from UAV Photogrammetry Point Clouds
Authors: Almeida André , Gonçalves Fabio , Silva Gilson , Souza Rodolfo , Treuhaft Robert , Santos Weslei , Loureiro Diego , Fernandes Márcia
Published: October 2020

Knowing the aboveground biomass (AGB) stock of tropical forests is one of the main requirements to guide programs for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). Traditional 3D products generated with digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) have shown great potential in estimating AGB, tree density, diameter at breast height, height, and basal area in forest ecosystems. However, these traditional products explore only a small part of the structural information contained in the 3D data, thus not leveraging the full potential of the data for inventory purposes. In this study, we tested the performance of 3D products derived from DAP and a technique based on Fourier transforms of vertical profiles of vegetation to estimate AGB, tree density, diameter at breast height, height, and basal area in a secondary fragment of Atlantic Forest located in northeast Brazil. Field measurements were taken in 30 permanent plots (0.25 ha each) to estimate AGB. At the time of the inventory, we also performed a digital aerial mapping of the entire forest fragment with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Based on the 3D point clouds and the digital terrain model (DTM) obtained by DAP, vertical vegetation profiles were produced for each plot. Using traditional structure metrics and metrics derived from Fourier transforms of profiles, regression models were fit to estimate AGB, tree density, diameter at breast height, height, and basal area. The 3D DAP point clouds represented the forest canopy with a high level of detail, regardless of the vegetation density. The metrics based on the Fourier transform of profiles were selected as predictors in all models produced. The best model for AGB explained 93% (R2 = 0.93) of the biomass variation at the plot level, with an RMS error of 9.3 Mg ha−1 (22.5%). Similar results were obtained in the models fit for the tree density, diameter at breast height, height, and basal area, with R2 values above 0.90 and RMS errors of less than 18%. The use of Fourier transforms of profiles with 3D products obtained by DAP demonstrated a high potential for estimating AGB and other forest variables of interest in secondary tropical forests, highlighting the value of UAV as a low-cost tool to assist the implementation of REDD+ projects in developing countries like Brazil.
Multipath Exploitation with Time Reversal Waveform Covariance Matrix for SNR Maximization
Authors: Xiong Chao , Fan Chongyi , Huang Xiaotao
Published: October 2020

Radar target detection has a wide range of applications in the military and civilian remote sensing fields; in particular, the target detection in multipath environments has attracted many scholars’ attention in recent years. The abundant multipath signals severely interfere with the detection performance and accuracy of parameter estimation of traditional algorithms. Under Gaussian white noise environments, this letter proposes an adaptive time reversal (TR) waveform covariance matrix (WCM) design method with multipath exploitation to improve the maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver in multipath environments. This equivalently improves the detection probability. The proposed two-stage algorithm firstly adapts the time-reversal echo to construct a multipath information matrix with a Hermitian structure. Secondly, the letter transforms the maximized SNR problem into semidefinite programming (SDP), which is constrained by a constant total transmit power. Consequently, the waveform covariance matrix is obtained by solving semidefinite programming. Simulation experiments verify the adaptability and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
A Dual-Laser Sensor Based on Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy and Time-Division Multiplexing Method
Authors: Wang Kunyang , Shao Ligang , Chen Jiajin , Wang Guishi , Liu Kun , Tan Tu , Mei Jiaoxu , Chen Weidong , Gao Xiaoming
Published: October 2020

In this article, a compact dual-laser sensor based on an off-axis integrated-cavity output spectroscopy and time-division multiplexing method is reported. A complete dual-channel optical structure is developed and integrated on an optical cavity, which allows two distributed feedback (DFB) lasers operating at wavelengths of 1603 nm and 1651 nm to measure the concentration of CO2 and CH4, simultaneously. Performances of the dual-laser sensor are experimentally evaluated by using standard air (with a mixture of CO2 and CH4). The limit of detection (LoD) is 0.271 ppm and 1.743 ppb at a 20 s for CO2 and CH4, respectively, and the noise equivalent absorption sensitivities are 2.68 × 10−10 cm−1 Hz−1/2 and 3.88 × 10−10 cm−1 Hz−1/2, respectively. Together with a commercial instrument, the dual-laser sensor is used to measure CO2 and CH4 concentration over 120 h and verify the regular operation of the sensor for the detection of ambient air. Furthermore, a first-order exponential moving average algorithm is implemented as an effective digital filtering method to estimate the gas concentration.
An Architectural Multi-Agent System for a Pavement Monitoring System with Pothole Recognition in UAV Images
Authors: Silva Luís Augusto , Sanchez San Blas Héctor , Peral García David , Sales Mendes André , Villarubia González Gabriel
Published: October 2020

In recent years, maintenance work on public transport routes has drastically decreased in many countries due to difficult economic situations. The various studies that have been conducted by groups of drivers and groups related to road safety concluded that accidents are increasing due to the poor conditions of road surfaces, even affecting the condition of vehicles through costly breakdowns. Currently, the processes of detecting any type of damage to a road are carried out manually or are based on the use of a road vehicle, which incurs a high labor cost. To solve this problem, many research centers are investigating image processing techniques to identify poor-condition road areas using deep learning algorithms. The main objective of this work is to design of a distributed platform that allows the detection of damage to transport routes using drones and to provide the results of the most important classifiers. A case study is presented using a multi-agent system based on PANGEA that coordinates the different parts of the architecture using techniques based on ubiquitous computing. The results obtained by means of the customization of the You Only Look Once (YOLO) v4 classifier are promising, reaching an accuracy of more than 95%. The images used have been published in a dataset for use by the scientific community.
Effects of Strength vs. Plyometric Training on Change of Direction Performance in Experienced Soccer Players
Authors: Rædergård Håvard Guldteig , Falch Hallvard Nygaard , Tillaar Roland van den
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare how 6 weeks of strength- vs. plyometric training, which were matched upon direction of motion and workload, influences change of direction (COD) performance. Twenty-one experienced male soccer players (age: 22.2 ± 2.7) were pair-matched into a strength- (n = 10) and a plyometric (n = 11) training group. CODs of 45°, 90°, 135° and 180° performed from either a 4 m or 20 m approach distance were compared before and after intervention. Results showed no significant difference between groups. Significant effects were only found within the plyometric training group (−3.2% to −4.6%) in 90°, 135° and 180° CODs from 4 m and a 180° COD from a 20 m approach distance. Individual changes in COD performances showed that with the 4 m approach at least 55% and 81% of the strength and plyometric training group, respectively, improved COD performance, while with the 20 m approach at least 66% of both groups improved performance. This study showed that the plyometric training program can improve most CODs, with angles over 90°, although this is dependent on the distance approaching the COD. Considering the limited time of implementing physical conditioning, in addition to regular soccer practice in most soccer environments, the current plyometric training program can be advantageous in improving CODs at maximal intensity.
A Causal Model of the Sustainable Use of Resources: A Case Study on a Woodworking Process
Authors: Macak Tomas , Hron Jan , Stusek Jaromir
Published: October 2020

Controlling the life cycle of natural resources, from extraction within the design and the production of products to handling waste, is crucial to green growth and is a part of advancing a resource-efficient, circular economy where everything is fully utilised. One way of using resources more efficiently for a greener economy is to design a production process that takes cost and energy savings into account. From this point of view, the goal of the article is to create a causal description of sustainable woodworking—especially using renewable and non-renewable resources—in relation to changes in the concentration levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. After estimating the partial parameters, this model can be used to predict or simulate different CO2 concentration levels in the atmosphere—for example, based on the ratio of renewable to non-renewable sources. After a theoretical description, the subsequent practical goal is to identify the optimal settings of wood-milling process parameters for either minimising energy consumption per workpiece and unit variable costs or for maximising the overall customer benefit. For this purpose, a complete factorial design was used, and based on this, the consumption energy (direct cost) optimisation of the production process was supplemented by a profitable production calculation. The effect of reducing variability was verified using a statistical F-test. The impact of minimising energy consumption (economically expressed as the mean profit) was then validated using a Student’s t-test.
The Heterogenous Demand for Urban Parks between Home Buyers and Renters: Evidence from Beijing
Authors: Zhang Tianzheng , Zeng Yingxiang , Zhang Yingjie , Song Yan , Li Hongxun
Published: October 2020

Many studies have confirmed that there is demand among urban residents and renters for urban parks. Moreover, as renters and home buyers have very different levels of ownership over their housing resources, their demands for amenities can be heterogenous. To discover and identify such heterogeneous demands is worthy of attention. Using the micro-housing resale transactions and listing data for housing leases in Beijing during 2019, this paper explores the difference between the demand for urban parks among home buyers and renters outside the community from the perspective of the internal quality of the community by using the hedonic price model (HPM). Specifically, from the dimension of the property management service fee and greening rate, we find that for home buyers, compared to residents living in relatively poor-quality communities, a better-quality community will reduce the demand for urban parks outside the community. Conversely, for renters, the higher the quality of the community is, the higher the demand for urban parks outside the community will be.
Designing the Sustainable Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage to Enhance the Local Context
Authors: De Gregorio Stefania , De Vita Mariangela , De Berardinis Pierluigi , Palmero Luis , Risdonne Alessandra
Published: October 2020

Since the European Year of Cultural Heritage, adaptive reuse is considered a strategy for intervention on historical buildings and territories to preserve and enhance artifacts, cities, and communities. Adaptive reuse can also generate social and economic benefits. This work looks at adaptive reuse in the context of industrial heritage, which represents an excellent test benchmark because of its intrinsic architectural characteristics and its localization in the city suburbs. The paper puts forward a methodological approach, verified through the application to a case study, which analyzes both the local context and the building. This study concludes using the data obtained to define an adaptive reuse project with positive repercussions for the community, the environment, and the local economy.
The Influence of Regional Freeze–Thaw Cycles on Loess Landslides: Analysis of Strength Deterioration of Loess with Changes in Pore Structure
Authors: Li Zuyong , Yang Gengshe , Liu Hui
Published: October 2020

The loess landslide in Gaoling District of Xi’an, Shaanxi in China is closely related to the seasonal freeze–thaw cycle, which is manifested by the destruction of pore structure and strength deterioration of the loess body under freeze–thaw conditions. In order to study the relationship between macro-strength damage and pore structure deterioration of saturated loess under freeze–thaw conditions and its influence on the stability of landslides, this paper explores the effect of freeze–thaw cycles on the strength of saturated undisturbed loess through triaxial compression test, and explores the micro-microstructure changes of saturated undisturbed loess through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This is to analyze the evolution of the pore structure and strength loss evolution of saturated loess during the freeze–thaw process, and to describe the freeze–thaw damage of saturated undisturbed loess through the change of porosity and strength deterioration. Then, the internal correlation expression between the porosity change and the strength degradation is established to realize the verification analysis of the test data based on the correlation model. The research results show that: (1) As the number of freeze–thaw cycles increases, the peak strength loss rate gradually increases, and the strength deterioration of saturated loess becomes more and more obvious. (2) The freeze–thaw cycle will lead to the development of pores and cracks in the sample, accompanied by the generation of new cracks, which will cause the deterioration of the pore structure of the sample as a whole. (3) The response of strength damage and porosity deterioration of saturated undisturbed loess is roughly similar under the freeze–thaw cycle. The change in porosity can be measured to better reflect the strength deterioration of saturated loess. Therefore, the change of pore structure of undisturbed loess under freeze–thaw cycle conditions is tested by field sampling and indoor tests to reflect the phenomenon of strength deterioration, thereby analyzing the stability of loess slopes.
COMPLEMENTARIEDAD DE LAS RELACIONES EN EL COMERCIO BILATERAL COLOMBIA – ECUADOR PERÍODO 2000 – 2010
Authors: Palacios Paredes Edesmin Wilfrido
Published: October 2020

Ecuador y Colombia son países vecinos que han mantenido históricamente relaciones bilaterales de comercio, cultura, arte, política, social, económica y académica. Esto hace que los lazos de amistad y hermandad, sean muy estrechos y se puedan fortalecer y actualizar aún más. En este contexto se analiza y se pone a prueba la complementariedad comercial.
EL FACTORING: ALTERNATIVA FINANCIERA PARA LA OBTENCIÓN DE LIQUIDEZ EN LAS MICROEMPRESAS
Authors: Martínez Guevara Juan Doenitz
Published: October 2020

El presente documento aborda el tema de Factoring como herramienta financiera de apoyo a las microempresas para la obtención de recursos monetarios a corto plazo, considerando que éstas son el motor de desarrollo de toda economía. Se ha realizado el análisis de la problemática en torno al crecimiento empresarial de las microempresas en el país, y se estudia la base conceptual sobre Factoring como herramienta versátil, dinámica y poco aplicada en las empresas mencionadas, una vez hecho el estudio nace como recomendación para mejorar el acceso al financiamiento, la promoción de la intermediación financiera no bancaria.