bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proliferation in Postmenopausal Endometrial Polyps—A Potential for Malignant Transformation
Authors: Adomaitienė Lina , Nadišauskienė Rūta , Nickkho-Amiry Mahshid , Čižauskas Arvydas , Palubinskienė Jolita , Holland Cathrine , W Seif Mourad
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives: Endometrial polyps in asymptomatic postmenopausal women are often incidentally found, yet only 1.51% of them are malignant. Their potential for malignant transformation has not been adequately addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the proliferation within endometrial polyps as one of the indicators of their malignization potential in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical studies of Ki-67 were performed. Cases included 52 benign postmenopausal polyps, 19 endometrioid carcinoma with coexisting benign polyps, 12 polyps with foci of carcinoma and 4 cases of polyps, which later developed carcinoma. The control group included 31 atrophic endometria and 32 benign premenopausal polyps. Ki-67 was scored in either 10 or 20 “hot spot” fields, as percentage of positively stained cells. Results: The median epithelial Ki-67 score in postmenopausal benign polyps (4.7%) was significantly higher than in atrophic endometria (2.41%, p < 0.0001) and significantly lower than in premenopausal benign polyps (11.4%, p = 0.003) and endometrial cancer (8.3%, p < 0.0001). Where endometrial polyps were found in association with endometrial carcinoma, Ki-67 was significantly higher in cancer (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found between Ki-67 scores of cancer focus and of the polyps tissue itself, respectively 2.8% and 4.55%, p = 0.37. Ki-67 expression, where polyps were resected and women later developed cancer, was not significantly different (p = 0.199). Conclusion: Polyps from asymptomatic postmenopausal women showed significantly more proliferation in both epithelial and stromal components than inactive atrophic endometria but less than premenopausal benign polyps and/or endometrial cancer. Benign postmenopausal endometrial polyps exhibit low proliferative activity, suggesting low malignant potential and may not require resection in asymptomatic women.
A Nutraceutical Approach to Menopausal Complaints
Authors: De Franciscis Pasquale , Colacurci Nicola , Riemma Gaetano , Conte Anna , Pittana Erika , Guida Maurizio , Schiattarella Antonio
Published: August 2019

The menopausal transition, or perimenopause, is characterized by menstrual irregularities, vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, mood symptoms, and urogenital tract atrophy. These changes can also affect the quality of life and one’s self-esteem. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered the best option to achieve therapeutic relief of different menopausal symptoms but is usually restricted to moderate or severe symptoms. Moreover, many women refuse HRT for a variety of reasons concerning the fear of cancer and other adverse effects. According to these considerations, new topics are emerging: Dissatisfaction with drug costs and conventional healthcare, desire for personalized medicines, and the public perception that “natural is good”. In this context, nonhormonal therapies are mostly evolving, and it is not unusual that women often request a “natural” approach for their symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate nonhormonal therapies that have been identified to reduce the menopausal symptoms.
Emergence and Dissemination of mcr-Carrying Clinically Relevant Salmonella Typhimurium Monophasic Clone ST34
Authors: Biswas Silpak , Li Yan , Elbediwi Mohammed , Yue Min
Published: August 2019

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is one of the urgent threats to both public and global health. The Salmonella Typhimurium monophasic sequence type 34 (ST34) clone, with its rapid dissemination and resistance to numerous critical antimicrobials, has raised global concerns. Here, we present an updated overview on the emerging infections caused by mobile colistin resistance (mcr)-carrying colistin-resistant ST34 isolates, covering their global dissemination and virulence-associated efficacy. The higher rates of mcr-1-positive ST34 in children in China highlights the increasing threat caused by this pathogen. Most of the ST34 isolates carrying the mcr-1 gene were isolated from animals and food products, indicating the role of foodborne transmission of mcr-1. The emergence of multidrug resistance genes along with various virulence factors and many heavy metal resistance genes on the chromosome and plasmid from ST34 isolates will challenge available therapeutic options. The presence of the colistin resistance gene (mcr-1, mcr-3, and mcr-5) with the multidrug-resistant phenotype in ST34 has spread across different countries, and most of the mcr-1 genes in ST34 isolates were detected in plasmid type IncHI2 followed by IncI2, and IncX4. Together, mcr-carrying S. Typhimurium ST34 may become a new pandemic clone. The fast detection and active surveillance in community, hospital, animal herds, food products and environment are urgently warranted.
Expanded Electroluminescence in High Load CdS Nanocrystals PVK-Based LEDs
Authors: Rodríguez-Mas Fernando , Ferrer Juan Carlos , Alonso José Luis , Fernández de Ávila Susana
Published: August 2019

Immiscibility between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and polar solvents used for poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) solutions, leads to failed light-emitting diodes when colloidal cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles capped with thiophenol are incorporated to their active layer. To prevent this, a heat treatment is applied to the CdS nanoparticles in order to evaporate DMSO solvent. After evaporation most of the nanoparticles increased their size, and some of them show hexagonal crystalline structure instead of the original cubic zinc-blende observed in colloidal pre-treated nanoparticles. Nevertheless, enhanced electronic properties are measured in light-emitting devices when DMSO-free nanoparticles are embedded in the poly(N-vinylcarbazole) active layer. Light emission from these hybrid devices comprises the whole visible range of wavelengths as searched for white LEDs. Moreover, electroluminescence from both types of CdS nanoparticles (smaller cubic and bigger hexagonal) has been discriminated and interpreted through Gaussian deconvolution.
Nanotechnology in Cement-Based Materials: A Review of Durability, Modeling, and Advanced Characterization
Authors: Du Sen , Wu Junliang , AlShareedah Othman , Shi Xianming
Published: August 2019

In the context of increasing applications of various nanomaterials in construction, this work reviews the renewed knowledge of nanotechnology in cement-based materials, focusing on the relevant papers published over the last decade. The addition of nanomaterials in cement-based materials, associated with their dispersion in cement composites, is explored to evaluate their effects on the resistance of cement-based materials to physical deteriorations, chemical deteriorations, and rebar corrosion. This review also examines the proposed nanoscale modeling of interactions between admixed nanomaterials and cement hydration products. At last, the recent progress of advanced characterization that employs techniques to characterize the properties of cement-based materials at the nanoscale is summarized.
Toxicity of Zero- and One-Dimensional Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Raja Iruthayapandi Selestin , Song Su-Jin , Kang Moon Sung , Lee Yu Bin , Kim Bongju , Hong Suck Won , Jeong Seung Jo , Lee Jae-Chang , Han Dong-Wook
Published: August 2019

The zero (0-D) and one-dimensional (1-D) carbon nanomaterials have gained attention among researchers because they exhibit a larger surface area to volume ratio, and a smaller size. Furthermore, carbon is ubiquitously present in all living organisms. However, toxicity is a major concern while utilizing carbon nanomaterials for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, biosensing, and tissue regeneration. In the present review, we have summarized some of the recent findings of cellular and animal level toxicity studies of 0-D (carbon quantum dot, graphene quantum dot, nanodiamond, and carbon black) and 1-D (single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes) carbon nanomaterials. The in vitro toxicity of carbon nanomaterials was exemplified in normal and cancer cell lines including fibroblasts, osteoblasts, macrophages, epithelial and endothelial cells of different sources. Similarly, the in vivo studies were illustrated in several animal species such as rats, mice, zebrafish, planktons and, guinea pigs, at various concentrations, route of administrations and exposure of nanoparticles. In addition, we have described the unique properties and commercial usage, as well as the similarities and differences among the nanoparticles. The aim of the current review is not only to signify the importance of studying the toxicity of 0-D and 1-D carbon nanomaterials, but also to emphasize the perspectives, future challenges and possible directions in the field.
Racial Variations in Appetite-Related Hormones, Appetite, and Laboratory-Based Energy Intake from the E-MECHANIC Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Dorling James L. , Church Timothy S. , Myers Candice A. , Höchsmann Christoph , White Ursula A. , Hsia Daniel S. , Martin Corby K. , Apolzan John W.
Published: August 2019

African Americans (AAs) have a higher obesity risk than Whites; however, it is unclear if appetite-related hormones and food intake are implicated. We examined differences in appetite-related hormones, appetite, and food intake between AAs (n = 53) and Whites (n = 111) with overweight or obesity. Participants were randomized into a control group or into supervised, controlled exercise groups at 8 kcal/kg of body weight/week (KKW) or 20 KKW. Participants consumed lunch and dinner at baseline and follow-up, with appetite and hormones measured before and after meals (except leptin). At baseline, AAs had lower peptide YY (PYY; p < 0.01) and a blunted elevation in PYY after lunch (p = 0.01), as well as lower ghrelin (p = 0.02) and higher leptin (p < 0.01) compared to Whites. Despite desire to eat being lower and satisfaction being higher in AAs relative to Whites (p ≤ 0.03), no racial differences in food intake were observed. Compared to Whites, leptin increased in the 8 KKW group in AAs (p = 0.01), yet no other race-by-group interactions were evident. Differences in appetite-related hormones between AAs and Whites exist; however, their influence on racial disparities in appetite, food intake, and obesity within this trial was limited.
Impact of Oral Intake of Glucosylceramide Extracted from Pineapple on Xerostomia: A Double-Blind Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Murakami Mamoru , Nishi Yasuhiro , Harada Kae , Masuzaki Tomohiro , Minemoto Yoko , Yanagisawa Takahiro , Shimizu Takaharu , Tsuboi Akito , Hamada Taizo , Nishimura Masahiro
Published: August 2019

Background: The aim of this double-blind randomized cross-over trial was to evaluate the effect of oral intake of glucosylceramide extracted from pineapple on oral moisture and xerostomia symptoms. Methods: Sixteen participants who had xerostomia symptoms were randomly allocated into two groups. One group received, as test samples, tablets containing glucosylceramide extracted from pineapple (GCP) followed by placebo tablets. The other group received the test samples in the reverse order. Participants were instructed to take tablets of the first test sample once a day (after breakfast) for two consecutive weeks. Then, after a washout period of four weeks, participants were instructed to take the other test sample for two consecutive weeks. The oral moisture level of the lingual mucosa, xerostomia symptoms, and the number of fungiform papillae was evaluated. Results: The oral moisture significantly increased, and the visual analog scale (VAS) of “How is the dryness of your mouth?” significantly improved after GCP tablets intake and not after placebo tablets intake. The number of fungiform papillae was not significantly different following the intake of GCP tablets or placebo tablets. Conclusion: Results suggested that oral intake of GCP may improve the moisture level and xerostomia symptoms.
A Single Dose of Modified Vaccinia Ankara Expressing Lassa Virus-like Particles Protects Mice from Lethal Intra-cerebral Virus Challenge
Authors: Salvato Maria S. , Domi Arban , Guzmán-Cardozo Camila , Medina-Moreno Sandra , Zapata Juan Carlos , Hsu Haoting , McCurley Nathanael , Basu Rahul , Hauser Mary , Hellerstein Michael , Guirakhoo Farshad
Published: August 2019

Lassa fever surpasses Ebola, Marburg, and all other hemorrhagic fevers except Dengue in its public health impact. Caused by Lassa virus (LASV), the disease is a scourge on populations in endemic areas of West Africa, where reported incidence is higher. Here, we report construction, characterization, and preclinical efficacy of a novel recombinant vaccine candidate GEO-LM01. Constructed in the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector, GEO-LM01 expresses the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) and zinc-binding matrix protein (Z) from the prototype Josiah strain lineage IV. When expressed together, GP and Z form Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) in cell culture. Immunogenicity and efficacy of GEO-LM01 was tested in a mouse challenge model. A single intramuscular dose of GEO-LM01 protected 100% of CBA/J mice challenged with a lethal dose of ML29, a Mopeia/Lassa reassortant virus, delivered directly into the brain. In contrast, all control animals died within one week. The vaccine induced low levels of antibodies but Lassa-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. This is the first report showing that a single dose of a replication-deficient MVA vector can confer full protection against a lethal challenge with ML29 virus.
Dispersion and Performance of a Nanoclay/Whey Protein Isolate Coating upon its Upscaling as a Novel Ready-to-Use Formulation for Packaging Converters
Authors: Bugnicourt Elodie , Brzoska Nicola , Kucukpinar Esra , Philippe Severine , Forlin Enrico , Bianchin Alvise , Schmid Markus
Published: August 2019

Studies on composition optimisation showed that the mixing of nanoclays to whey protein-isolate (WPI)-based coating formulations offers an effective strategy to reduce the oxygen permeability of coated polymer films. The scaling up of the various processing stages of these formulations was undertaken to prove their industrial feasibility. The aim was to investigate the effect of various preparation methods at different production scales (pilot- and semi-industrial scale) on the barrier performance and morphological properties of the applied nanocomposites. A nano-enhanced composition was converted into a so-called “ready-to-use” formulation by means of a solid-state pre-dispersion process using ball-milling. The process yielded a nearly dust-free, free-flowing powder containing agglomerated particles, which can easily be mixed with water. The preparation of a coating formulation using the ready-to-use granules and its upscaling for roll-to-roll converting at pilot- and semi-industrial scale was also successfully implemented. The effects of both the production at various scales and ultrasound treatment on the morphology and barrier performance of the nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, as well as oxygen permeability measurements. Results have shown that the addition of nanoclays to WPI-based coating formulations ultimately led to significantly reduced oxygen permeabilities to 0.59 cm3, 100 µm·m−2·d−1·bar−1 (barrier improvement factor, BIF of 5.4) and 0.62 cm3, 100 µm·m−2·d−1·bar−1 (BIF of 5.1) in cases of pilot- and semi-industrial-processed coatings, respectively, compared to a reference without nanoclay. In both cases, a similar degree of nanoparticle orientation was achieved. It was concluded that the solid state pre-dispersion of the nanoplatelets during the production of the ready-to-use formulation is the predominant process determining the ultimate degree of nanoparticle orientation and dispersion state.
Preparation of Modified Chitosan Microsphere-Supported Copper Catalysts for the Borylation of α,β-Unsaturated Compounds
Authors: Wang Wei , Xiao Zufeng , Huang Chaofan , Zheng Kewang , Luo Yin , Dong Yumin , Shen Zitong , Li Wei , Qin Caiqin
Published: August 2019

Chitosan microspheres modified by 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde were prepared and used in the construction of a heterogeneous catalyst loaded with nano-Cu prepared by a reduction reaction. The chemical structure of the catalyst was investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Under mild conditions, such as no ligand at room temperature, the catalyst was successfully applied to catalyze the borylation of α,β-unsaturated receptors in a water-methanol medium, yielding 17%–100% of the corresponding β-hydroxy product. Even after repeated use five times, the catalyst still exhibited excellent catalytic activity.
Tracing the Landscape: Re-Enchantment, Play, and Spirituality in Parkour
Authors: Potter Brett David
Published: August 2019

Parkour, along with “free-running”, is a relatively new but increasingly ubiquitous sport with possibilities for new configurations of ecology and spirituality in global urban contexts. Parkour differs significantly from traditional sports in its use of existing urban topography including walls, fences, and rooftops as an obstacle course/playground to be creatively navigated. Both parkour and “free-running”, in their haptic, intuitive exploration of the environment retrieve an enchanted notion of place with analogues in the religious language of pilgrimage. The parkour practitioner or traceur/traceuse exemplifies what Michael Atkinson terms “human reclamation”—a reclaiming of the body in space, and of the urban environment itself—which can be seen as a form of playful, creative spirituality based on “aligning the mind, body, and spirit within the environmental spaces at hand”. This study will subsequently examine parkour at the intersection of spirituality, phenomenology, and ecology in three ways: (1) As a returning of sport to a more “enchanted” ecological consciousness through poeisis and touch; (2) a recovery of the lost “play-element” in sport (Huizinga); and (3) a recovery of the human body attuned to our evolutionary past.
Variations in Persistence and Regenerative Zones in Coastal Forests Triggered by Sea Level Rise and Storms
Authors: Fagherazzi Sergio , Nordio Giovanna , Munz Keila , Catucci Daniele , Kearney William S.
Published: August 2019

Retreat of coastal forests in relation to sea level rise has been widely documented. Recent work indicates that coastal forests on the Delmarva Peninsula, United States, can be differentiated into persistence and regenerative zones as a function of sea-level rise and storm events. In the lower persistence zone trees cannot regenerate because of frequent flooding and high soil salinity. This study aims to verify the existence of these zones using spectral remote sensing data, and determine whether the effect of large storm events that cause damage to these forests can be detected from satellite images. Spectral analysis confirms a significant difference in average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) values in the proposed persistence and regenerative zones. Both NDVI and NDWI indexes decrease after storms triggering a surge above 1.3 m with respect to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88). NDWI values decrease more, suggesting that this index is better suited to detect the effect of hurricanes on coastal forests. In the regenerative zone, both NDVI and NDWI values recover three years after a storm, while in the persistence zone the NDVI and NDWI values keep decreasing, possibly due to sea level rise causing vegetation stress. As a result, the forest resilience to storms in the persistence zone is lower than in the regenerative zone. Our findings corroborate the ecological ratchet model of coastal forest disturbance.
Estimating Stand Age from Airborne Laser Scanning Data to Improve Models of Black Spruce Wood Density in the Boreal Forest of Ontario
Authors: Wylie Rebecca R.M. , Woods Murray E , Dech Jeffery P.
Published: August 2019

Spatial models that provide estimates of wood quality enable value chain optimization approaches that consider the market potential of trees prior to harvest. Ecological land classification units (e.g., ecosite) and structural metrics derived from Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data have been shown to be useful predictors of wood quality attributes in black spruce stands of the boreal forest of Ontario, Canada. However, age drives much of the variation in wood quality among trees, and has not been included as a predictor in previous models because it is poorly represented in inventory systems. The objectives of this study were (i) to develop a predictive model of mean stem age of black spruce-dominated stands, and (ii) refine models of black spruce wood density by including age as a predictor variable. A non-parametric model of stand age that used a k nearest neighbor (kNN) classification based on a random forests (rf) distance metric performed well, producing a root mean square difference (RMSD) of 15 years and explaining 62% of the variance. The subsequent random forests model of black spruce wood density generated from age and ecosite predictors was useful, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 59.1 kg·m−3. These models bring large-scale wood quality prediction closer to becoming operational by including age and site effects that can be derived from inventory data.
Sea Surface Roughness Observed by High Resolution Radar
Authors: Fujimura Atsushi , Lehner Susanne , Soloviev Alexander , Li Xiaofeng
Published: August 2019

Changes in the sea surface roughness are usually associated with a change in the sea surface wind field [...]
Development of a Parameterized Model to Estimate Microwave Radiation Response Depth of Frozen Soil
Authors: Zhang Tao , Jiang Lingmei , Zhao Shaojie , Chai Linna , Li Yunqing , Pan Yuhao
Published: August 2019

The sensing depth of passive microwave remote sensing is a significant factor in quantitative frozen soil studies. In this paper, a microwave radiation response depth (MRRD) was proposed to describe the source of the main signals of passive microwave remote sensing. The main goal of this research was to develop a simple and accurate parameterized model for estimating the MRRD of frozen soil. A theoretical model was introduced first to describe the emission characteristics of a three-layer case, which incorporates multiple reflections at the two boundaries. Based on radiative transfer theory, the total emission of the three layers was calculated. A sensitivity analysis was then performed to demonstrate the effects of soil properties and frequency on the MRRD based on a simulation database comprising a wide range of soil characteristics and frequencies. Sensitivity analysis indicated that soil temperature, soil texture, and frequencies are three of the primary variables affecting MRRD, and a definite empirical relationship existed between the three parameters and the MRRD. Thus, a parameterized model for estimating MRRD was developed based on the sensitivity analysis results. A controlled field experiment using a truck-mounted multi-frequency microwave radiometer (TMMR) was designed and performed to validate the emission model of the soil freeze–thaw cycle and the parameterized model of MRRD developed in this work. The results indicated that the developed parameterized model offers a relatively accurate and simple way of estimating the MRRD. The total root mean square error (RMSE) between the calculated and measured MRRD of frozen loam soil was approximately 0.5 cm for the TMMR’s four frequencies.
Si and Water Management Drives Changes in Fe and Mn Pools that Affect As Cycling and Uptake in Rice
Authors: Seyfferth Angelia L. , Limmer Matt , Wu Weida
Published: August 2019

Arsenic availability to rice is tied to biogeochemical cycling of Fe and Mn in rice soils. Two strategies to minimize As uptake by rice—increasing Si and decreasing water—affect soil Fe and Mn pools. We synthesized data from several soil-based experiments with four rice cultivars across pot and field trials with manipulations of Si, water, or both. Increasing Si alters the mineral composition of Fe plaque more than decreasing water, with the former promoting relatively more ferrihydrite and less lepidocrocite. Nonflooded conditions decrease lepidocrocite but slightly increase goethite compared to flooded rice. Plaque As, which was a mixture of arsenite (15–40%) and arsenate (60–85%), was correlated positively with ferrihydrite and negatively with lepidocrocite and goethite. Plaque As was also positively correlated with F1 and F2 soil As, and F2 was correlated positively with porewater As, total grain As, and grain organic As (oAs). Grain inorganic As (iAs) was negatively correlated with oxalate-extractable Fe and Mn. Our data and multiple linear regression models suggest that under flooded conditions iAs is released by poorly crystalline Fe oxides to porewater mainly as iAs(III), which can either be taken up by the plant, adsorbed to Fe plaque, oxidized to iAs(V) or methylated to oAs. Increasing Si can promote more desorption of iAs(III) and promote more poorly-ordered phases in plaque and in bulk soil. The ultimate effectiveness of a Si amendment to decrease As uptake by rice depends upon it being able to increase exogenous Si relative to As in porewater after competitive adsorption/desorption processes. Our data further suggest that poorly crystalline Fe and Mn soil pools can retain inorganic As and decrease plant uptake, but these pools in bulk soil and plaque control grain organic As.
Investigating the Impacts of Ultra-Fine Calcium Carbonate in High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete for Structural Rehabilitation for Sustainable Development
Authors: M. Azmee Norzaireen , Shafiq Nasir
Published: August 2019

An estimate shows that approximately 50% of global annual construction activities account for the repair and retrofitting of structures and constructed facilities. Therefore, structural rehabilitation and repair are becoming hot topics among researchers, in order to find innovative and comprehensive solutions. Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is designed to achieve high strength and long-term durability. Such types of concrete offer a solution for complicated repair and retrofitting jobs. Although many benefits of using UHPC have been derived, many concerns have also been identified with the use of UHPC—sustainability is considered a critical concern due to the requirement of large proportions of cement, which results in an increase in cost and environmental impacts. This paper presents a recipe for UHPC that contains a small ratio of cement and a large proportion of fly ash, i.e., up to 50%, as a cement replacement material (CRM). In order to achieve long-term durability and increase bonding with old concrete or brickwork for repair and retrofitting purposes, ultra-fine calcium carbonate (UFCC) is also added. In selecting an appropriate material for structural repair, it is essential to acquire an understanding of the material behavior. Therefore, this research was focused on providing a comprehensive guide to the behavior and strength performance of UHPC. The experimental results have shown that the highest strength of UHPC with low cement content can be achieved using a binary combination of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) and ultra-fine CaCO3 (UFCC) as a substitution for cement by up to a ratio of 50% in the recipe. The UHPC with low cement content displayed excellent repair and retrofitting potential for structural strengthening in regions of high stress by developing a strong bond with the existing concrete substrate.
The Integration of Conservation, Biodiversity, and Sustainability
Authors: Niesenbaum Richard A.
Published: August 2019

Our understanding of conservation biology and sustainability have been independently developing for a long time. Evidence suggests that biodiversity is critical for ecosystem function and services on which humans depend, and is directly linked to the economic, social, and environmental components of sustainability. Because of this, the integration of research from each of these areas should and is becoming a priority. In this article, the development of each of these fields and, ultimately, their integration are reviewed. From this, a number of research priorities that allow for the transition from conflict to mutual compatibility between conservation and sustainability objectives are explored. These priorities include research that will improve our understanding of (1) ecosystem services and function provided by biodiversity that benefit humans; (2) the connection between biodiversity and poverty reduction; (3) biodiverse agriculture; (4) issues surrounding indigenous knowledge; and (5) the development of indicators that allow for the integrative assessment of biodiversity conservation and sustainability objectives.
Bio-Based Production Systems: Why Environmental Assessment Needs to Include Supporting Systems
Authors: Nicolaidis Lindqvist Andreas , Broberg Sarah , Tufvesson Linda , Khalil Sammar , Prade Thomas
Published: August 2019

The transition to a bio-based economy is expected to deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits. However, bio-based production systems still come with significant environmental challenges, and there is a need for assessment methods that are adapted for the specific characteristics of these systems. In this review, we investigated how the environmental aspects of bio-based production systems differ from those of non-renewable systems, what requirements these differences impose when assessing their sustainability, and to what extent mainstream assessment methods fulfil these requirements. One unique characteristic of bio-based production is the need to maintain the regenerative capacity of the system. The necessary conditions for maintaining regenerative capacity are often provided through direct or indirect interactions between the production system and surrounding “supporting” systems. Thus, in the environmental assessment, impact categories affected in both the primary production system and the supporting systems need to be included, and impact models tailored to the specific context of the study should be used. Development in this direction requires efforts to broaden the system boundaries of conventional environmental assessments, to increase the level of spatial and temporal differentiation, and to improve our understanding of how local uniqueness and temporal dynamics affect the performance of the investigated system.
Ecological and Economic Sustainability in Olive Groves with Different Irrigation Management and Levels of Erosion: A Case Study
Authors: Rodríguez Sousa Antonio Alberto , Barandica Jesús M. , Rescia Alejandro
Published: August 2019

In the last 50 years, both the agricultural labour force and irrigated land area have increased almost eightfold in Spain. The main objective of irrigation, in the short term, is to increase agricultural production. However, in the long term, the environmental externalities of irrigation and its direct relationship with soil erosion processes are more uncertain and still poorly studied. In this study, in an olive-growing region of Andalusia, Spain, the variation of several soil parameters related to irrigation and erosion levels was analysed. The results showed that irrigation, while increasing the productive level of the olive groves, entails a progressive alteration of the soil, modifying physical aspects (greater compaction and humidity of the soil together with lower gravel content, porosity and soil weight) and chemical aspects (reduction of the organic matter of the soil and the content of nitrates) that can aggravate the consequences of the erosive processes. In the long term, the productive benefit attributed to irrigation could be unsustainable from an ecological and, consequently, economic point of view. In addition, the lack of sustainability of olive irrigation agroecosystems could be exacerbated by the future restrictive impacts of climate change on water resources in Mediterranean environments. This situation demands spatial planning and alternative management based on soil conservation and rational and efficient forms of irrigation to ensure the sustainability of olive groves and their economic viability.
Modeling Evacuation of High-Rise Buildings Based on Intelligence Decision P System
Authors: Niu Yunyun , Zhang Jieqiong , Zhang Yongpeng , Xiao Jianhua
Published: August 2019

High-rise buildings usually have more complex architectural structures and hold more people than single-storey buildings. Currently, crowd management under emergent conditions, especially rapid evacuations of high-rise buildings, is a worldwide problem. In this study, a bio-inspired simulation technology extracted from a cell migration process, namely Intelligent Decision System (IDPS), was used to model the dynamic evacuation of high-rise buildings and calculate the evacuation time for different scenarios. This work was motivated by the comparability between the pedestrian movement behavior and cell migration process. Specific structure information of high architecture was also described in IDPS. A case study was done about evacuation simulation of a 12-storey teaching building in China University of Geosciences in Beijing. The simulation results showed that evacuation time varied with different parameters, such as density threshold, interaction probability, walking speed, population distribution, and stair width. With the proper density threshold and good interaction probability, the load balance of staircases and exits can be improved. For staircases with high utilization ratios, it was recommended that the evacuation process can be accelerated by widening the staircases appropriately. Finally, the impact of initial number of evacuees at each floor level was also analyzed in view of safety management.
Lessons Learned from the Application of the UNIDO Eco-Industrial Park Toolbox in Viet Nam and Other Countries
Authors: van Beers Dick , Flammini Alessandro , Meylan Frédéric David , Stucki Jérôme
Published: August 2019

The transformation of conventional industrial parks into eco-industrial parks (EIPs) presents an effective opportunity to attain inclusive and sustainable industrial development. UNIDO has acquired broad experience of EIPs by implementing a number of EIP projects in developing countries. To support these, a UNIDO EIP Toolbox was developed in order to (a) provide a practical set of customized and flexible tools to assist practitioners with the development and implementation of EIPs and related initiatives, and (b) to support EIP implementation and decision-making processes in relation to existing and new industrial parks. The EIP Toolbox currently covers tools on selecting industrial parks for EIP projects, stakeholder mapping, policy support, assessing industrial parks against the International EIP Framework, industrial symbiosis identification, monitoring impacts from company-level Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) assessments and park-level EIP opportunities. The focus of this paper is the application of the developed EIP tools in Viet Nam, supported by learnings from their application in other countries (e.g., China, Colombia, India, Morocco and Peru). The application of the EIP tools to date has demonstrated their value in contributing to the development and implementation of EIP practices. The added value of the tools is to support decision-making and stakeholder consultation processes on specific EIP topics of interest. An overall lesson learned from the tools’ applications is that they are useful in identifying and prioritizing “tip of the iceberg” symbiosis and RECP options as well as park-level EIP opportunities through interactive stakeholder consultations or workshops, possibly led by park management, and in guiding the discussion through a step-by-step structured approach. As such, rather than a stand-alone solution, the tools are best placed to be used as a supplementary instrument, in conjunction with other pragmatic and detailed implementation approaches. The current version of the UNIDO EIP Toolbox represents version 1.0. It is envisaged that the set of tools will be updated and expanded to reflect insights from their application in EIP projects. It is hoped that this paper will create further interest among EIP stakeholders and the academic community in applying the UNIDO EIP Toolbox as well as feedback from users in developing, transition and developed countries to further strengthen and expand the tools.
Prediction of Exhaust Emission Costs in Air and Road Transportation
Authors: Čokorilo Olja , Ivković Ivan , Kaplanović Snežana
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the calculation of exhaust emission costs originating from aircraft and road vehicles in the base year 2017 and in the forecasting year 2032, in the Republic of Serbia, was carried out. The presented methodology includes a number of influential factors for air transport (airport capacity, number of operations, aircraft type, relevant engine, range) and for road transport (changing of traffic volumes, design and operating speeds, the quality of the pavement structure, type of terrain and category of road sections, dependence of exhaust emission from changes in vehicle speed). It was found that in the current operating conditions, the dominant costs in the total exhaust emission costs are the costs of nitrogen oxides (61%) in road transport, whilst carbon dioxide costs are dominant in air transport (52%). In the future, carbon dioxide costs will have a share of over 80% in the road transport sector and over 58% in the air transport sector in total exhaust emission costs. The average exhaust emission costs per one aircraft operation (international flights) will range from 141 to 145€. In road transport, the average exhaust emission costs at 100 km in 2032 will range from 1.8 to 2.2€.
Determinants and Values of Willingness to Pay for Water Quality Improvement: Insights from Chia Lagoon, Malawi
Authors: Makwinja Rodgers , Kosamu Ishmael Bobby Mphangwe , Kaonga Chikumbusko Chiziwa
Published: August 2019

Water resources in the Chia lagoon in Malawi experience a possible threat to sustainability. Communities are seeking alternatives to improve water quality in the lagoon. This study quantified the communities’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) and their influencing factors while using contingent valuation (CV) techniques. A wide range of data collection procedures, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field observation, and CV survey, were employed. A sample of 300 households was randomly selected. The CV results showed that 57.4% of the households were willing to pay. The monthly individual aggregate WTP amount ranged from MK696.83 (US$0.95) to MK81697 (US$111.38), and on average MK7870.45 (US$10.73), generating aggregate annual values ranging from MK6, 689,568 (US$9126.29) to MK784, 294,080 (US$1,069,978), and on average MK75,556,320 (US$103,078) (ceteris paribus). Logistic regression model demonstrated a significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) relationship between demographic (gender, age, literacy level), social-economic (land ownership, main agriculture water source, and income), and institutional (civic education and social network, extension, institutional trust, household socio trust) factors and WTP. The findings from this study provide significant clues for further research and baseline information for local government and communities in the development of more effective and holistic approaches for improving water quality in natural ecosystems.
Knowledge Sharing and Co-Opetition: Turning Absorptive Capacity into Effectiveness in Consumer Electronics Industries
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Bing , Lin Che-Hung , Chung Kou-Chang , Tsai Fu-Sheng , Wu Rung-Tai
Published: August 2019

Despite the literature regarding the potential effects of absorptive capacity on performance, a problem in the extant literature is that few researchers have reported on how such potential effects could be realized. To resolve the problem, we argued that there are chained mediating relationships among other factors in the absorptive-performance relationship. Data were collected from 522 new product development teams in top 30 consumer electronics manufacturers in Taiwan. Structural equation modeling results revealed that: first, absorptive capacity positively influences team knowledge sharing, which positively influences both cooperation and competition (sharing-stimulated co-opetition), which then lead to increased team effectiveness. This study is among the first to contribute by investigating absorptive capacity’s impact on team-level effectiveness; it achieved this by examining the abovementioned mediating relationships. Practically, we found that absorptive capacity could be influential on team effectiveness, if the team exercise good knowledge sharing activities that in turn stimulate co-opetition relations among workers. Collectively, the dynamics of absorptive capacity, knowledge sharing, and co-opetition can form a positive circle for a team’s sustainable effectiveness.
Magnetohydrodynamics Stagnation-Point Flow of a Nanofluid Past a Stretching/Shrinking Sheet with Induced Magnetic Field: A Revised Model
Authors: Junoh Mohamad Mustaqim , Md Ali Fadzilah , Pop Ioan
Published: August 2019

The revised Buongiorno’s nanofluid model with the effect of induced magnetic field on steady magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) stagnation-point flow of nanofluid over a stretching or shrinking sheet is investigated. The effects of zero mass flux and suction are taken into account. A similarity transformation with symmetry variables are introduced in order to alter from the governing nonlinear partial differential equations into a nonlinear ordinary differential equations. These governing equations are numerically solved using the bvp4c function in Matlab solver, a very adequate finite difference method. The influences of considered parameters ( P r , M, χ , L e , N b , N t , S, and λ ) on velocity, induced magnetic, temperature, and concentration profiles together with the reduced skin friction and heat transfer rate are discussed. Results from these criterion exposed the existence of dual solutions when magnetic field and suction are applied for a specific range of λ . The stability of the solutions obtained is carried out by performing a stability analysis.
High-Fidelity Hyperentangled Cluster States of Two-Photon Systems and Their Applications
Authors: Tan Liu , Zhou Fang , Zhang Lingxia , Xiang Shaohua , Song Kehui , Zhao Yujing
Published: August 2019

An efficient scheme is proposed in this study to prepare four symmetric hyperentangled cluster states in the polarization degrees of freedom (DOF) and spatial DOF with a two-photon system. This system consists of two nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers which are coupled to two microtoroidal resonators. The two-photon polarization-spatial hyperentangled cluster states can be generated with our system by virtue of the input and output process. Compared with previous works, our quantum circuit for preparing the hyperentangled cluster states is simple and economic. Moreover, our scheme works deterministically and does not need any extra qubits, making it applicable to existing technologies. Our calculations show that our scheme has high fidelity with current technology, which can help hyperentangled cluster states to play a very useful role in quantum communication networks with long distances and high capacity.
Visual Meterstick: Preceding Vehicle Ranging Using Monocular Vision Based on the Fitting Method
Authors: Meng Chaochao , Bao Hong , Ma Yan , Xu Xinkai , Li Yuqing
Published: August 2019

The gradual application of deep learning in the field of computer vision and image processing has made great breakthroughs. Applications such as object detection, recognition and image semantic segmentation have been improved. In this study, to measure the distance of the vehicle ahead, a preceding vehicle ranging system based on fitting method was designed. First obtaining an accurate bounding box frame in the vehicle detection, the Mask R-CNN (region-convolutional neural networks) algorithm was improved and tested in the BDD100K (Berkeley deep derive) asymmetry dataset. This method can shorten vehicle detection time by 33% without reducing the accuracy. Then, according to the pixel value of the bounding box in the image, the fitting method was applied to the vehicle monocular camera for ranging. Experimental results demonstrate that the method can measure the distance of the preceding vehicle effectively, with a ranging error of less than 10%. The accuracy of the measurement results meets the requirements of collision warning for safe driving.
Heterotrophic Kinetic Study and Nitrogen Removal of a Membrane Bioreactor System Treating Real Urban Wastewater under a Pharmaceutical Compounds Shock: Effect of the Operative Variables
Authors: Monteoliva-García Antonio , Leyva-Díaz Juan Carlos , López-López Cristina , Poyatos José Manuel , Muñío María del Mar , Martín-Pascual Jaime
Published: August 2019

Numerous studies have analyzed the viability of the biodegradation and removal of different compounds of emerging concern in biological systems for wastewater treatment. However, the effect on the heterotrophic biomass of organic matter removal is sometimes missed. The aim of the present research was to study the effect of the addition of a mix of three pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, and ibuprofen) on the behavior of the biomass in two different membrane-based biological systems treating urban wastewater. The present research studied a membrane bioreactor (MBR) pilot plant operating at a similar mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration (about 5.5 g/L). This system works as an MBR and is combined with a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR-MBR) to treat real urban wastewater at 6 and 10 h of hydraulic retention time (HRT) under three different shocks of pharmaceuticals with increasing concentrations. In all cases, the organic matter removal was, in average terms, higher than about 92% of biochemical oxygen demand on the fifth day (BOD5), 79% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 85% of total organic carbon (TOC). Nevertheless, the removal is higher in the MBBR-MBR technology under the same HRT and the MLSS is similar. Moreover, the removal increased during the shock of pharmaceutical compounds, especially in the MBR technology. From a kinetic perspective, MBBR-MBR is more suitable for low HRT (6 h) and MBR is more effective for high HRT (10 h). This could be due to the fact that biofilm systems are less sensitive to hostile environments than the MBR systems. The removal of N-NH4+ decreased considerably when the pharmaceutical compounds mix was introduced into the system until no removal was detected in cycle 1, even when biofilm was present.