bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Deep Learning for Lung Disease Detection on Medical Images: State-of-the-Art, Taxonomy, Issues and Future Directions
Authors: Kieu Stefanus Tao Hwa , Bade Abdullah , Hijazi Mohd Hanafi Ahmad , Kolivand Hoshang
Published: December 2020

The recent developments of deep learning support the identification and classification of lung diseases in medical images. Hence, numerous work on the detection of lung disease using deep learning can be found in the literature. This paper presents a survey of deep learning for lung disease detection in medical images. There has only been one survey paper published in the last five years regarding deep learning directed at lung diseases detection. However, their survey is lacking in the presentation of taxonomy and analysis of the trend of recent work. The objectives of this paper are to present a taxonomy of the state-of-the-art deep learning based lung disease detection systems, visualise the trends of recent work on the domain and identify the remaining issues and potential future directions in this domain. Ninety-eight articles published from 2016 to 2020 were considered in this survey. The taxonomy consists of seven attributes that are common in the surveyed articles: image types, features, data augmentation, types of deep learning algorithms, transfer learning, the ensemble of classifiers and types of lung diseases. The presented taxonomy could be used by other researchers to plan their research contributions and activities. The potential future direction suggested could further improve the efficiency and increase the number of deep learning aided lung disease detection applications.
Impact of the Mean Areal Rainfall Calculation on a Modular Rainfall-Runoff Model
Authors: Valles Jose , Corzo Gerald , Solomatine Dimitri
Published: December 2020

Hydrological models are based on the relationship between rainfall and discharge, which means that a poor representation of rainfall produces a poor streamflow result. Typically, a poor representation of rainfall input is produced by a gauge network that is not able to capture the rainfall event. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the mean areal rainfall on a modular rainfall-runoff model. These types of models are based on the divide-and-conquer approach and two specialized hydrological models for high and low regimes were built and then combined to form a committee of model that takes the strengths of both specialized models. The results show that the committee of models produces a reasonable reproduction of the observed flow for high and low flow regimes. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis reveals that Ilopango and Jerusalem rainfall gauges are the most beneficial for discharge calculation since they appear in most of the rainfall subset that produces low Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values. Conversely, the Puente Viejo and Panchimalco rainfall gauges are the least beneficial for the rainfall-runoff model since these gauges appear in most of the rainfall subset that produces high RMSE value.
How Do Natura 2000 Areas Intersect with Peoples’ Livelihood Strategies in High Nature Value Farmlands in Southern Transylvania?
Authors: Toth Georgiana , Huzui-Stoiculescu Alina , Toth Alexandru-Ioan , Stoiculescu Robert
Published: December 2020

The establishment of the Natura 2000 network in Romania constitutes a turning point for the policy on biodiversity conservation in this country. The presence of human communities in certain Natura 2000 areas determines complex interactions between social and ecological systems, particularly in the case of High Nature Value farmlands that are assigned to this network of protected natural areas. A large part of Romania’s biodiversity depends on traditional farming systems that are under pressure from either agricultural intensification or land abandonment, which reflects socio-economic changes that have pushed rural households into developing new livelihood strategies. This paper explores the particular context of traditional rural communities from Southern Transylvania which is a High Nature Value farmland area largely included in the Natura 2000 network. We conducted an empirical analysis that focused on two main issues. The first was applying quantitative methods aimed at identifying the linkages between livelihood capitals and livelihood strategies of people living in Natura 2000 areas. The second was analyzing differences in local development levels which correlate with the share of territorial administrative units belonging to Natura 2000 areas. Our results are based on questionnaire and interview data collected from 40 rural administrative-territorial units within Southern Transylvania as well as on mapping land use changes using Landsat satellite images of 1985, 2003 and 2015. The results indicate that rural communities living in Natura 2000 areas turn to migration as an additional household strategy besides usual on-farm and off-farm activities, leading to rural shrinkage and farmland abandonment.
Synthesis of 3-Trifluoromethyl-5,6-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo Pyrazine Derivatives and Their Anti-Cancer Studies
Authors: Raveesha Rajaiah , Kumar Malavalli Guruswamy Dileep , Prasad Salekoppal Boregowda Benaka
Published: December 2020

The synthesis of a wide variety of 3-trifluoromethyl-5,6-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo pyrazine derivatives, by the treatment of 3-trifluoromethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-α]pyrazine hydrochloride with an array of isocyanates in the presence of triethylamine, is reported. All the target compounds were synthesized in excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. The target molecules were effectively screened for their anti-cancer properties and the results are promising. The resultant compounds were assessed for their antiproliferative action against two human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines). The IC50 range was estimated at 6.587 to 11.10 µM showing that compound RB7 had remarkable anticancer movement on HT-29. Additionally, it was discovered that RB7 incited the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by up-regulating Bax and down-regulating Bcl2, eventually leading to the activation of Caspase 3 in HT-29 cells and initiation of cell death via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
Applications of Stieltjes Derivatives to Periodic Boundary Value Inclusions
Authors: Satco Bianca , Smyrlis George
Published: December 2020

In the present paper, we are interested in studying first-order Stieltjes differential inclusions with periodic boundary conditions. Relying on recent results obtained by the authors in the single-valued case, the existence of regulated solutions is obtained via the multivalued Bohnenblust–Karlin fixed-point theorem and a result concerning the dependence on the data of the solution set is provided.
Single-Step Extraction Coupled with Targeted HILIC-MS/MS Approach for Comprehensive Analysis of Human Plasma Lipidome and Polar Metabolome
Authors: Medina Jessica , van der Velpen Vera , Teav Tony , Guitton Yann , Gallart-Ayala Hector , Ivanisevic Julijana
Published: December 2020

Expanding metabolome coverage to include complex lipids and polar metabolites is essential in the generation of well-founded hypotheses in biological assays. Traditionally, lipid extraction is performed by liquid-liquid extraction using either methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or chloroform, and polar metabolite extraction using methanol. Here, we evaluated the performance of single-step sample preparation methods for simultaneous extraction of the complex lipidome and polar metabolome from human plasma. The method performance was evaluated using high-coverage Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-ESI coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-ESI-MS/MS) methodology targeting a panel of 1159 lipids and 374 polar metabolites. The criteria used for method evaluation comprised protein precipitation efficiency, and relative MS signal abundance and repeatability of detectable lipid and polar metabolites in human plasma. Among the tested methods, the isopropanol (IPA) and 1-butanol:methanol (BUME) mixtures were selected as the best compromises for the simultaneous extraction of complex lipids and polar metabolites, allowing for the detection of 584 lipid species and 116 polar metabolites. The extraction with IPA showed the greatest reproducibility with the highest number of lipid species detected with the coefficient of variation (CV) < 30%. Besides this difference, both IPA and BUME allowed for the high-throughput extraction and reproducible measurement of a large panel of complex lipids and polar metabolites, thus warranting their application in large-scale human population studies.
Rapid Colorimetric Detection of Genome Evolution in SCRaMbLEd Synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains
Authors: Wightman Elizabeth L. I. , Kroukamp Heinrich , Pretorius Isak S. , Paulsen Ian T. , Nevalainen Helena K. M.
Published: December 2020

Genome-scale engineering and custom synthetic genomes are reshaping the next generation of industrial yeast strains. The Cre-recombinase-mediated chromosomal rearrangement mechanism of designer synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomes, known as SCRaMbLE, is a powerful tool which allows rapid genome evolution upon command. This system is able to generate millions of novel genomes with potential valuable phenotypes, but the excessive loss of essential genes often results in poor growth or even the death of cells with useful phenotypes. In this study we expanded the versatility of SCRaMbLE to industrial strains, and evaluated different control measures to optimize genomic rearrangement, whilst limiting cell death. To achieve this, we have developed RED (rapid evolution detection), a simple colorimetric plate-assay procedure to rapidly quantify the degree of genomic rearrangements within a post-SCRaMbLE yeast population. RED-enabled semi-synthetic strains were mated with the haploid progeny of industrial yeast strains to produce stress-tolerant heterozygous diploid strains. Analysis of these heterozygous strains with the RED-assay, genome sequencing and custom bioinformatics scripts demonstrated a correlation between RED-assay frequencies and physical genomic rearrangements. Here we show that RED is a fast and effective method to evaluate the optimal SCRaMbLE induction times of different Cre-recombinase expression systems for the development of industrial strains.
Canine Leishmaniasis: Serological Results in Private and Kennel Dogs Tested over a Six-Year Period (2009–2014) in Abruzzo and Molise Regions, Italy
Authors: De Massis Fabrizio , Ippoliti Carla , Iannetti Simona , Tittarelli Manuela , Pelini Sandro , Giansante Daniele , Ciarrocchi Aurora
Published: December 2020

This paper reports the results of serological tests for the detection of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in Abruzzo and Molise regions from 2009 to 2014, with the aim of evaluating the presence and distribution of canine leishmaniasis. Data were extracted from the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Abruzzo and Molise, and then the dog identification numbers were matched with those stored in the Canine Registries of the two regions to get information about the age of dogs at time of testing. Dogs were considered positive when having an IFAT (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test) titer ≥1:80. In total, 41,631 dogs were tested, 85.3% from Abruzzo and 14.7% from Molise. At the provincial level, the percentage of positive dogs ranged from 5.2% (L’Aquila, Abruzzo region) to 21.8% (Campobasso, Molise region). Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that in the coastal areas, the relationships between the host, the vector, and the agent are more favorable for the spreading of CanL, and it seems that densely populated urban internal areas have less favorable conditions. Being a dog hosted in a kennel seems not to be a factor increasing the probability that dogs show positivity, even in long-term sheltering conditions.
BCS Class IV Oral Drugs and Absorption Windows: Regional-Dependent Intestinal Permeability of Furosemide
Authors: Markovic Milica , Zur Moran , Ragatsky Inna , Cvijić Sandra , Dahan Arik
Published: December 2020

Biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) class IV drugs (low-solubility low-permeability) are generally poor drug candidates, yet, ~5% of oral drugs on the market belong to this class. While solubility is often predictable, intestinal permeability is rather complicated and highly dependent on many biochemical/physiological parameters. In this work, we investigated the solubility/permeability of BCS class IV drug, furosemide, considering the complexity of the entire small intestine (SI). Furosemide solubility, physicochemical properties, and intestinal permeability were thoroughly investigated in-vitro and in-vivo throughout the SI. In addition, advanced in-silico simulations (GastroPlus®) were used to elucidate furosemide regional-dependent absorption pattern. Metoprolol was used as the low/high permeability class boundary. Furosemide was found to be a low-solubility compound. Log D of furosemide at the three pH values 6.5, 7.0, and 7.5 (representing the conditions throughout the SI) showed a downward trend. Similarly, segmental-dependent in-vivo intestinal permeability was revealed; as the intestinal region becomes progressively distal, and the pH gradually increases, the permeability of furosemide significantly decreased. The opposite trend was evident for metoprolol. Theoretical physicochemical analysis based on ionization, pKa, and partitioning predicted the same trend and confirmed the experimental results. Computational simulations clearly showed the effect of furosemide’s regional-dependent permeability on its absorption, as well as the critical role of the drug’s absorption window on the overall bioavailability. The data reveals the absorption window of furosemide in the proximal SI, allowing adequate absorption and consequent effect, despite its class IV characteristics. Nevertheless, this absorption window so early on in the SI rules out the suitability of controlled-release furosemide formulations, as confirmed by the in-silico results. The potential link between segmental-dependent intestinal permeability and adequate oral absorption of BCS Class IV drugs may aid to develop challenging drugs as successful oral products.
Development of Hydrophobic, Anticorrosive, Nanocomposite Polymeric Coatings from Canola Oil: A Sustainable Resource
Authors: Alam Manawwer , Alandis Naser , Ahmad Naushad , Zafar Fahmina , Khan Aslam , Alam Mohammad
Published: December 2020

A novel hydrophobic Canola oil-based nanocomposite anticorrosive coating material with different contents of fumes silica (FS) was successfully synthesized via an in situ method. Firstly, a Canola oil-based hydroxyl terminated poly (oxalate-amide) was prepared by a two-step process of amidation and condensation. Secondly, the dispersion of fumed silica (1 to 3 wt.%) in hydroxyl terminated poly (oxalate-amide) was carried out, followed by reaction with toluene-2,4- diisocyanate (TDI) in order to form poly (urethane-oxalate-amide)/fumed silica nanocomposite. The structure and properties of nanocomposite were analyzed by FTIR, NMR (1H/13C), TGA/DTA, DSC, contact angle, and SEM. The physico-mechanical and electrochemical tests were performed in order to check the performance of nanocomposite coating. The results reveal that FS is homogenously dispersed in poly (urethane-oxalate-amide) matrix with a loading amount of less than 3 wt.%. The performance of nanocomposite coating improved when compared to virgin polymer. The synthesized nanocomposite coating can be used in the field of hydrophobic anticorrosive coatings.
The Structure of Dipolar Polymer Brushes and Their Interaction in the Melt. Impact of Chain Stiffness
Authors: Mikhailov Ivan , Amoskov Victor , Darinskii Anatoly , Birshtein Tatiana
Published: December 2020

By using the numerical lattice Scheutjens–Fleer self-consistent field (SF-SCF) method we have studied the effect of the restricted flexibility of grafted chains on the structure and mutual interaction of two opposing planar conventional and A-type dipolar brushes. Brushes are immersed in the solvent consisting of chains similar to the grafted ones. The increase of the chain rigidity enhances the segregation of grafted chains in a A-type dipolar brush into two populations: backfolded chains with terminal monomers near the grafting surface and chains with the ends at the brush periphery. The fraction of backfolded chains grows by an increase of the Kuhn segment length. It is shown that two opposite A-type dipolar brushes from semi-rigid chains are attracted to each other at short distances. The attraction becomes more pronounced and begins at larger distances for more rigid chains with the same brush characteristics: polymerization degree, grafting density, and dipole moments of monomer units. This attraction is connected with the dipole-dipole interactions between chains of oncoming brushes with oppositely directed dipoles penetrating deeply into each other upon contact. This effect of the chain rigidity is opposite to that for conventional brushes without dipoles in the chains. For such brushes, an increase in the chain rigidity leads to the enhanced repulsion between them.
Optimisation of Protein Recovery from Arthrospira platensis by Ultrasound-Assisted Isoelectric Solubilisation/Precipitation
Authors: Sánchez-Zurano Ana , Morillas-España Ainoa , González-López Cynthia Victoria , Lafarga Tomás
Published: December 2020

A response surface methodology was used to optimise the solubilisation and precipitation of proteins from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis. Two separate experiments were designed and conducted in a sequential manner. Protein solubilisation was affected by pH, extraction time, and biomass to solvent ratio (p < 0.001). Although spray-drying and the osmotic shock suffered when resuspending the dried biomass into distilled water led to a certain degree of cell wall disruption, the amount of protein that could be solubilised without an additional disruption step was in the range 30–60%. Sequential extractions improved protein solubilisation by less than 5%. For this reason, a pre-treatment based on sonication (400 W, 24 kHz, 2 min) had to be used, allowing the solubilisation of 96.2% of total proteins. Protein precipitation was affected by both pH and extraction time (p < 0.001). The optimised precipitation conditions, which were pH 3.89 over 45 min, led to a protein recovery of 75.2%. The protein content of the extract was close to 80%, which could be further increased by using different purification steps. The proteins extracted could be used in the food industry as technofunctional ingredients or as a source of bioactive hydrolysates and peptides for functional foods and nutraceuticals.
How Does Peri-Urbanization Trigger Climate Change Vulnerabilities? An Investigation of the Dhaka Megacity in Bangladesh
Authors: Mortoja Md. Golam , Yigitcanlar Tan
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to scrutinize in what way peri-urbanization triggers climate change vulnerabilities. By using spatial analysis techniques, the study undertakes the following tasks. First, the study demarcates Dhaka’s—the capital of Bangladesh—peri-urban growth pattern that took place over the last 24-year period (1992–2016). Afterwards, it determines the conformity of ongoing peri-urban practices with Dhaka’s stipulated planning documents. Then, it identifies Dhaka’s specific vulnerabilities to climate change impacts—i.e., flood, and groundwater table depletion. Lastly, it maps out the socioeconomic profile of the climate change victim groups from Dhaka. The findings of the study reveal that: (a) Dhaka lacks adequate development planning, monitoring, and control mechanisms that lead to an increased and uncontrolled peri-urbanization; (b) Dhaka’s explicitly undefined peri-urban growth boundary is the primary factor in misguiding the growth pockets—that are the most vulnerable locations to climate change impacts, and; (c) Dhaka’s most vulnerable group to the increasing climate change impacts are the climate migrants, who have been repeatedly exposed to the climate change-triggered natural hazards. These study findings generate insights into peri-urbanization-triggered climate change vulnerabilities that aid urban policymakers, managers, and planners in their development policy, planning, monitoring and control practices.
Contextualizing the 2019–2020 Kangaroo Island Bushfires: Quantifying Landscape-Level Influences on Past Severity and Recovery with Landsat and Google Earth Engine
Authors: Bonney Mitchell T. , He Yuhong , Myint Soe W.
Published: December 2020

The 2019–2020 Kangaroo Island bushfires in South Australia burned almost half of the island. To understand how to avoid future severe ‘mega-fires’ and how vegetation may recover from 2019–2020, we can utilize information from the bulk of historical fires in an area. Landsat time-series of vegetation change provide this opportunity, but there has been little analysis of large numbers of fires to build a landscape-level understanding and quantify drivers in an Australian context. In this study, we built a yearly cloud-free surface reflectance normalized burn ratio (NBR) time-series (1988–2020) using all available summer Landsat images over Kangaroo Island. Data were collected in Google Earth Engine and fitted with LandTrendr. Burn severity and post-fire recovery were quantified for 47 fires, with a new recovery metric facilitating comparison where fire frequency is high. Variables representing the current burn, fire history, vegetation structure, and topography were related to severity and yearly recovery with random forest and bivariate analysis. Results show that the 2019–2020 bushfires were the most widespread and severe, followed by 2007–2008. Vegetation recovers quickly, with NBR stabilizing ten years post-fire on average. Severity is most influenced by fire frequency, vegetation capacity and land use with more severe burns in nature conservation areas with dense vegetation and a history of frequent fires. Influence on recovery varied with time since fire, with initial (year 1–3) faster recovery observed in areas with less surviving vegetation. Later (year 6–10) recovery was most influenced by a variable representing burn year and further investigation indicates that precipitation increases in later post-fire years likely facilitated faster recovery. The relative abundance of eucalypt woodlands also has a positive influence on recovery in middle and later years. These results provide valuable information to land managers on Kangaroo Island and in similar environments, who should consider adjusting practices to limit future mega-fire risk and potential ecosystem shifts if severe fires become more frequent with climate change.
Dynamic Crop Models and Remote Sensing Irrigation Decision Support Systems: A Review of Water Stress Concepts for Improved Estimation of Water Requirements
Authors: Tolomio Massimo , Casa Raffaele
Published: December 2020

Novel technologies for estimating crop water needs include mainly remote sensing evapotranspiration estimates and decision support systems (DSS) for irrigation scheduling. This work provides several examples of these approaches, that have been adjusted and modified over the years to provide a better representation of the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum and overcome their limitations. Dynamic crop simulation models synthetize in a formal way the relevant knowledge on the causal relationships between agroecosystem components. Among these, plant–water–soil relationships, water stress and its effects on crop growth and development. Crop models can be categorized into (i) water-driven and (ii) radiation-driven, depending on the main variable governing crop growth. Water stress is calculated starting from (i) soil water content or (ii) transpiration deficit. The stress affects relevant features of plant growth and development in a similar way in most models: leaf expansion is the most sensitive process and is usually not considered when planning irrigation, even though prolonged water stress during canopy development can consistently reduce light interception by leaves; stomatal closure reduces transpiration, directly affecting dry matter accumulation and therefore being of paramount importance for irrigation scheduling; senescence rate can also be increased by severe water stress. The mechanistic concepts of crop models can be used to improve existing simpler methods currently integrated in irrigation management DSS, provide continuous simulations of crop and water dynamics over time and set predictions of future plant–water interactions. Crop models can also be used as a platform for integrating information from various sources (e.g., with data assimilation) into process-based simulations.
Relationships among Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Health-Related Fitness in College-Aged Males
Authors: Moss Samantha , Lind Erik , Ferkel Rick , McGinnis Peter , True Larissa
Published: December 2020

Actual motor competence (MC), perceived motor competence (PMC), and health-related fitness (HRF) exhibit a dynamic and reciprocal relationship in child populations, but little is known about the nature of these relationships in young adulthood. The purpose of the study was to assess these relationships in a sample of college-aged males. A total of 55 participants enrolled in an undergraduate Kinesiology course completed the study. Perceived motor competence (PMC) was assessed with the Physical Self-Perception Profile questionnaire; MC was assessed using maximum throw and kick speed and maximum jump distance; HRF was assessed with a two-minute push-up test, two-minute sit-up test, and the Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test. Pearson’s bivariate correlations were calculated to assess relationships among PMC total score, MC scores, and HRF scores. Two separate indices were calculated to create composite total MC and total HRF scores used for subsequent analyses. Significant correlations were found between PMC total score, MC index, and HRF index. Multiple linear regressions were used for analyzing predictive measures for HRF and PMC scores. From the two regression models, significance varied among total MC scores, PMC scores, and HRF individual measures. These findings may suggest that relationships among MC, HRF, and PMC strengthen over developmental time in young adult males.
Force-Time Waveform Shape Reveals Countermovement Jump Strategies of Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Guess Trent M. , Gray Aaron D. , Willis Brad W. , Guess Matthew M. , Sherman Seth L. , Chapman Dale W. , Mann J. Bryan
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to relate the shape of countermovement jump (CMJ) vertical ground reaction force waveforms to discrete parameters and determine if waveform shape could enhance CMJ analysis. Vertical ground reaction forces during CMJs were collected for 394 male and female collegiate athletes competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) levels. Jump parameters were calculated for each athlete and principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on normalized force-time waveforms consisting of the eccentric braking and concentric phases. A K-means clustering of PCA scores placed athletes into three groups based on their waveform shape. The overall average waveforms of all athletes in each cluster produced three distinct vertical ground reaction force waveform patterns. There were significant differences across clusters for all calculated jump parameters. Athletes with a rounded single hump shape jumped highest and quickest. Athletes with a plateau at the transition between the eccentric braking and concentric phase (amortization) followed by a peak in force near the end of the concentric phase had the lowest jump height and slowest jump time. Analysis of force-time waveform shape can identify differences in CMJ strategies in collegiate athletes.
Trade-Off Relationship of Arable and Ecological Land in Urban Growth When Altering Urban Form: A Case Study of Shenzhen, China
Authors: Dai Kaixuan , Shen Shi , Cheng Changxiu , Ye Sijing , Gao Peichao
Published: December 2020

Over the last few decades, rapid urban expansion has spread over a great deal of arable and ecological land, leading to severe social and environmental issues. Although different urban growth scenarios cause varying types of urban forms to emerge, there is currently a lack of empirical studies and other research on these different forms. Therefore, it is important for decision-makers to have an improved understanding of the relationships between arable land and ecological land under different urban form conditions in order to implement sustainable urban development policies. This study utilized a patch-based, multilevel stochastic urban growth model to simulate Shenzhen’s urban growth until 2035. To determine the impacts of urban forms and population density on land use, we established five scenarios to simulate urban expansion and land-use changes at the sub-regional scale. The results revealed the trade-off relationships that emerge when altering the urban forms or population density, which shows that no single policy can conserve arable land and ecological land simultaneously. The results also revealed that sub-regions have distinct responses to alternative urban form scenarios compared with an entire region. Decision-makers and planners should consider the urban form in order to optimize development projects that fit local conditions and achieve more sustainable development.
Multivariate Optimization in Large-Scale Building Problems: An Architectural and Urban Design Approach for Balancing Social, Environmental, and Economic Sustainability
Authors: Mosey Grant , Deal Brian
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the promise of genetic algorithms as a tool for optimization of buildings at a neighborhood scale across the conflicting demands of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. A large urban site in Chicago, Illinois, is selected to test the viability of using a multi criteria genetic algorithm to optimize the potential building mix in a newly planned development. Two variables, the number of buildings of a given use-type and their height, are analyzed against cost functions for social, economic, and environmental objectives. Single-objective algorithms are utilized to optimize the variables individually. A non-dominated genetic sorting algorithm (NGSAII) is then utilized to identify the Pareto-optimal solutions considering the three objectives simultaneously. Single-objective results are found to vary substantially by objective, with different variable values for social, economic, and environmental sustainability. For multi-objective algorithms, the results support Campbell’s notion of the three nodes of sustainability being in conflict. Solutions performing well across economic and environmental objectives were most common. Solutions performing well among environmental and social objectives were less common. Solutions performing well across economic and social performance were rare. This suggests that while economic and environmental conflicts are to some degree resolvable, conflicts between social and either of economic or environmental performance are more difficult to resolve. The failure of any solution to perform well across all three objectives lends credence to the idea of design as a series of trade-offs and that one super optimum solution may not exist. The process provides insights into the trade-offs implicit in the building design and development process and raises questions regarding the balancing of competing sustainability objectives.
Laboratory Evaluation of Sustainable PMA Binder Containing Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIS) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Authors: Kim Hyun Hwan , Mazumder Mithil , Lee Soon-Jae , Lee Moon-Sup
Published: December 2020

In this study, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) were utilized to enhance asphalt binder properties. Superpave asphalt binder tests and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) were conducted to evaluate the physical and rheological performance (viscosity, rutting, and cracking properties) of the asphalt binders before and after short-term aging and after the long-term aging process. The results showed that (i) TPU has a positive effect on workability, including the mixing and compaction processes, which was evident from the reduced binder viscosity; (ii) asphalt binders with TPU and SIS showed better rutting resistance compared to the SIS binders without TPU; (iii) the cracking resistance of asphalt binders was found to be improved significantly with the addition of TPU; and (iv) TPU has the potential to be considered as a sustainable polymer modifier for producing bearable asphalt binders by improving rutting and crack resistance without increasing the melting temperature of the asphalt binders.
Project-Based Learning and the Acquisition of Competencies and Knowledge Transfer in Higher Education
Authors: Granado-Alcón María del Carmen , Gómez-Baya Diego , Herrera-Gutiérrez Eva , Vélez-Toral Mercedes , Alonso-Martín Pilar , Martínez-Frutos María Teresa
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the body of knowledge about project-based learning (PBL) methodology in higher education by describing and analysing interrelations between competencies, and their contribution to knowledge transfer (KT) and students’ rating of the project. The sample consisted of 464 students from the Universities of Huelva (N = 347; 74.8%) and Murcia (N = 117; 25.2%), enrolled in the second year of a degree in either Infant or Primary Education. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire comprising a total of 53 items measuring general, specific, and transversal competencies, as well as students’ rating of the project. Competencies were selected from the course programmes for the degrees in Infant and Primary Education. Preliminary results showed that competencies were moderately to highly acquired after PBL, and that students reported notable KT as well as a positive assessment of the project. KT showed a high degree of association with students’ ratings and was established as a key factor in learning and learner satisfaction in higher education.
Assessment of the Bearing Capacity of Foundations on Rock Masses Subjected to Seismic and Seepage Loads
Authors: Galindo Rubén , Alencar Ana , Isik Nihat Sinan , Olalla Marañón Claudio
Published: December 2020

It is usual to adopt the seismic force acting as an additional body force, employing the pseudo-static hypothesis, when considering earthquakes in the estimation of the bearing capacity of foundations. A similar approach in seepage studies can be applied for the pore pressure’s consideration as an external force. In the present study, the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on rock masses considering the presence of the pseudo-static load was developed by applying an analytical solution for the Modified Hoek and Brown failure criterion. Calculations were performed adopting various inclinations of the load and the slope on the edge of the foundation, as well as different values of the vertical and horizontal components of the pseudo-static load. The results are presented in the form of charts to allow an affordable and immediate practical application for footing problems in the event of seismic loads or seepages. Finally, and to validate the analytical solution presented, a numerical study was developed applying the finite difference method to estimate the bearing capacity of a shallow foundation on a rock mass considering the presence of an additional horizontal force that could be caused by an earthquake or a seepage.
Evidence for the Range Expansion of Ciguatera in French Polynesia: A Revisit of the 2009 Mass-Poisoning Outbreak in Rapa Island (Australes Archipelago)
Authors: Chinain Mireille , Gatti Clémence Mahana iti , Ung André , Cruchet Philippe , Revel Taina , Viallon Jérôme , Sibat Manoëlla , Varney Patrick , Laurent Victoire , Hess Philipp , Darius Hélène Taiana
Published: December 2020

Ciguatera poisoning (CP) results from the consumption of seafood contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). This disease is highly prevalent in French Polynesia with several well-identified hotspots. Rapa Island, the southernmost inhabited island in the country, was reportedly free of CP until 2007. This study describes the integrated approach used to investigate the etiology of a fatal mass-poisoning outbreak that occurred in Rapa in 2009. Symptoms reported in patients were evocative of ciguatera. Several Gambierdiscus field samples collected from benthic assemblages tested positive by the receptor binding assay (RBA). Additionally, the toxicity screening of ≈250 fish by RBA indicated ≈78% of fish could contain CTXs. The presence of CTXs in fish was confirmed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The potential link between climate change and this range expansion of ciguatera to a subtropical locale of French Polynesia was also examined based on the analysis of temperature time-series data. Results are indicative of a global warming trend in Rapa area. A five-fold reduction in incidence rates was observed between 2009 and 2012, which was due in part to self-regulating behavior among individuals (avoidance of particular fish species and areas). Such observations underscore the prominent role played by community outreach in ciguatera risk management.
Th1-Polarized, Dengue Virus-Activated Human Mast Cells Induce Endothelial Transcriptional Activation and Permeability
Authors: Syenina Ayesa , Saron Wilfried A. A. , Jagaraj Cyril J. , Bibi Siham , Arock Michel , Gubler Duane J. , Rathore Abhay P. S. , Abraham Soman N. , St. John Ashley L.
Published: December 2020

Dengue virus (DENV), an arbovirus, strongly activates mast cells (MCs), which are key immune cells for pathogen immune surveillance. In animal models, MCs promote clearance of local peripheral DENV infections but, conversely, also promote pathological vascular leakage when widely activated during systemic DENV infection. Since DENV is a human pathogen, we sought to ascertain whether a similar phenomenon could occur in humans by characterizing the products released by human MCs (huMCs) upon direct (antibody-independent) DENV exposure, using the phenotypically mature huMC line, ROSA. DENV did not productively infect huMCs but prompted huMC release of proteases and eicosanoids and induced a Th1-polarized transcriptional profile. In co-culture and trans-well systems, huMC products activated human microvascular endothelial cells, involving transcription of vasoactive mediators and increased monolayer permeability. This permeability was blocked by MC-stabilizing drugs, or limited by drugs targeting certain MC products. Thus, MC stabilizers are a viable strategy to limit MC-promoted vascular leakage during DENV infection in humans.
Fish Rescue during Streamflow Intermittency May Not Be Effective for Conservation of Rio Grande Silvery Minnow
Authors: Archdeacon Thomas P. , Diver Tracy A. , Reale Justin K.
Published: December 2020

Streamflow intermittency can reshape fish assemblages and present challenges to recovery of imperiled species. During streamflow intermittency, fish can be subjected to a variety of stressors, including exposure to crowding, high water temperatures, and low dissolved oxygen, resulting in sublethal effects or mortality. Rescue of fishes is often used as a conservation tool to mitigate the negative impacts of streamflow intermittency. The effectiveness of such actions is rarely evaluated. Here, we use multi-year water quality data collected from isolated pools during rescue of Rio Grande silvery minnow Hybognathus amarus, an endangered minnow. We examined seasonal and diel water quality patterns to determine if fishes are exposed to sublethal and critical water temperatures or dissolved oxygen concentrations during streamflow intermittency. Further, we determined survival of rescued Rio Grande silvery minnow for 3–5 weeks post-rescue. We found that isolated pool temperatures were much warmer (>40 °C in some pools) compared to upstream perennial flows, and had larger diel fluctuations, >10 °C compared to ~5 °C, and many pools had critically low dissolved oxygen concentrations. Survival of fish rescued from isolated pools during warmer months was <10%. Reactive conservation actions such as fish rescue are often costly, and in the case of Rio Grande silvery minnow, likely ineffective. Effective conservation of fishes threatened by streamflow intermittency should focus on restoring natural flow regimes that restore the natural processes under which fishes evolved.
DIAGNOSTIC METHOD OF MILKING SYSTEMS USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
Authors:   Institute for Engineering and Environmental Problems in Agricultural Production (IEEP) – branch of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM” (IEEP – branch of FSAC VIM), Vtoryi V.F. , Vtoryi S.V. ,   Institute for Engineering and Environmental Problems in Agricultural Production (IEEP) – branch of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM” (IEEP – branch of FSAC VIM)
Published: December 2020

Milking is one of the essential technological processes when the direct contact of the cow living organism with the machine takes place. Failure to comply with the requirements of favourable interaction between these two different systems leads to cow diseases, lower productivity and milk quality, and, consequently, poorer production efficiency. The purpose of the study was to develop a method for the diagnostics of milking systems using digital technologies, which would allow the real-time detecting of operational disturbances of milking machines, their units and blocks. The study object was machine milking cows and the effective functioning of equipment. The methodological basis of the study was the methods of systemic and structural analysis. The study methodology included the survey of scientific publications, best practices, promising technologies and equipment based on digital systems for parameter monitoring and milking controlling. A method was developed for monitoring the technical status of the milking process using the vacuum stability coefficient K. Investigations were carried out on an operating dairy farm for 200 cows using a two-channel portable electronic device for recording the milking process parameters. They showed that the vacuum stability coefficients for the milking unit lines were Kl = 0.985–0.989 with an acceptable Kl min = 0.962–0.963. For individual points of the vacuum lines and milk lines of the milking unit, the coefficients were Kt = 0.991–0.961 with Kt min = 0.978–0.977. The results obtained indicated that the vacuum gauge pressure in the vacuum and milk lines was relatively stable within the standard value range. At the same time, there was the instability of vacuum pressure at individual points in the pipelines of the milking unit. Special attention must be paid to these areas during maintenance. Testing of the method proved its practical significance.
Ontologi Kristus dan Hubungannya dengan Soteriologi
Authors: Verdianto Yohanes
Published: December 2020

Controversies regarding Christology have occurred for centuries from the post-apostolic era to the present day, which the main controversy lies on the nature of Christ, and not in the function of Christ. This article aims to find out the nature of Christ related to soteriology, so that we can be sure that Jesus is the Savior that is fitting for human being. This is a qualitative approached article using a descriptive historical and documentary research method. By considering a Bible reading on Hosea 13:4 explained that there is no Savior beside God, thus only divine perfect being could be a perfect offering to redeem human being. Both divinity and humanity is needed for Christ to be an effective Savior because the Bible presents for Christ to be substitutionary sacrifice, to unite with humanity, and for him to be huma-nities’ representative as the second Adam, to be their example and finally to be their mediator and priest.AbstrakKontroversi mengenai Kristologi telah terjadi selama berabad-abad dari era pasca-apostolik hingga saat ini, di mana isu utama adalah pada sifat Kristus, bukan pada fungsi Kristus. Kontroversi tentang kodrat Kristus selama inkarnasi-Nya selalu terkait dengan fungsi-Nya sebagai Juruselamat. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui sifat Kristus yang berkaitan dengan soteriologi, sehingga dapat dipastikan bahwa Yesus adalah Juruselamat yang cocok untuk manusia. Artikel ini merupakan pendekatan kualitatif yang menggunakan metode deskriptif historis serta penelitian dokumenter. Dengan mempertimbangkan pembacaan pada Hosea 13:4 yang menjelaskan bahwa tidak ada Juruselamat selain Tuhan, maka hanya sosok ilahi yang sempurna yang bisa menjadi persembahan sempurna untuk menebus manusia. Baik keilahian dan kemanusiaan diperlukan bagi Kristus untuk menjadi Juruselamat yang efektif karena Alkitab menyajikan bagi Kristus sebagai korban pengganti, untuk bersatu dengan umat manusia, dan baginya untuk menjadi perwakilan umat manusia sebagai Adam kedua, untuk menjadi teladan mereka dan akhirnya menjadi mediator dan imam mereka.
PRÁTICAS EDUCATIVAS DE EGRESSOS DA LICENCIATURA EM EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO IFPA/PROCAMPO, CASTANHAL, PARÁ
Authors: Silva Márcia Cristina Lopes
Published: December 2020

Este artigo traz parte das reflexões realizadas na tese de doutorado intitulada “Caminhos da interdisciplinaridade: da formação por área de conhecimento às práticas educativas de egressos da Licenciatura em Educação do Campo (LEdoC), do Instituto Federal do Pará (IFPA), campus de Castanhal. As discussões aqui apresentadas são resultantes da pesquisa qualitativa, e dos instrumentos metodológicos observação participante, entrevistas semiestruturadas e entrevista coletiva. A investigação partiu das observações das práticas educativas do trabalho com a interdisciplinaridade nas escolas em que atuam os educadores egressos da referida LEdoC. Foram entrevistados oito egressos que residem e atuam como educadores em diferentes localidades rurais na região do nordeste paraense, sendo também analisadas as suas práticas educativas e as influências do curso nas ações que estes desenvolvem em sala de aula. Nesse contexto, foi percebido que o curso contribuiu em práticas educativas contextualizadas, trazendo a problematização dos conteúdos escolares para a realidade dos estudantes.
ПРО РІЗНІ ІНТЕРПРЕТАЦІЙНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ХУДОЖНЬОГО ТЕКСТУ
Authors: Гулак Анатолий Тихонович
Published: December 2020

У статті розглядаються різні літературознавчі інтерпретаційні підходи до художнього тексту – історико-літературний і літературно-критичний; встановлюється специфіка і ефективність кожного з них. Історико-літературний підхід орієнтований на представлення твору як замкнутого і одноразового світу смисла і в той же час як своєрідного «фрагмента» літературно-історичного процесу. Метою цього підходу є передусім пізнання інтелектуальне. Але й експресивно-емоційному змістові стилю художнього твору також відводиться дуже важливе місце. При літературно-критичному підході дослідник не стільки реконструює художній зміст твору, скільки формує його заново, нібито «прищеплює» його творові. Літературно-художній твір, по суті, виривається з діахронічного процесу і розглядається виключно в синхронічному аспекті. Принципова різниця між двома названими підходами полягає у відмінності цілей, яких хочуть досягти через інтерпретацію твору. Саме цілі, які ставлять перед собою дослідники, і визначають вибір тієї чи тієї інтерпретаційної стратегії. В останні десятиліття літературно-критичний підхід ускладнився – і цей процес відзначений багатьма сучасними діячами культури – за рахунок так званої есеістичності в побудові критичного тексту, що змінює майже всю звичну структуру літературно-критичного виступу. На перший план висувається самопрезентація критика, його прагнення «нав’язати» читачеві власну шкалу цінностей. Посилюється суб’єктивна основа викладу. Помітно пом’якшується жорстка вимога наукової доказовості, аргументованості, підвищується міра емоційності / експресивності.