bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do We Need a New Sustainability Assessment Method for the Circular Economy? A Critical Literature Review
Authors: Walzberg Julien , Lonca Geoffrey , Hanes Rebecca J. , Eberle Annika L. , Carpenter Alberta , Heath Garvin A.
Published: January 2021

The goal of the circular economy (CE) is to transition from today's take-make-waste linear pattern of production and consumption to a circular system in which the societal value of products, materials, and resources is maximized over time. Yet circularity in and of itself does not ensure social, economic, and environmental performance (i.e., sustainability). Sustainability of CE strategies needs to be measured against their linear counterparts to identify and avoid strategies that increase circularity yet lead to unintended externalities. The state of the practice in quantitatively comparing sustainability impacts of circular to linear systems is one of experimentation with various extant methods developed in other fields and now applied here. While the proliferation of circularity metrics has received considerable attention, to-date, there is no critical review of the methods and combinations of methods that underlie those metrics and that specifically quantify sustainability impacts of circular strategies. Our critical review herein analyzes identified methods according to six criteria: temporal resolution, scope, data requirements, data granularity, capacity for measuring material efficiency potentials, and sustainability completeness. Results suggest that the industrial ecology and complex systems science fields could prove complementary when assessing the sustainability of the transition to a CE. Both fields include quantitative methods differing primarily with regard to their inclusion of temporal aspects and material efficiency potentials. Moreover, operations research methods such as multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) may alleviate the common contradictions which often exist between circularity metrics. This review concludes by suggesting guidelines for selecting quantitative methods most appropriate to a particular research question and making the argument that while there are a variety of existing methods, additional research is needed to combine existing methods and develop a more holistic approach for assessing sustainability impacts of CE strategies.
The Validity, Reliability, and Sensitivity of a Smartphone-Based Seated Postural Control Assessment in Wheelchair Users: A Pilot Study
Authors: Frechette Mikaela L. , Abou Libak , Rice Laura A. , Sosnoff Jacob J.
Published: January 2021

Seated postural control is essential for wheelchair users to maintain proper position while performing activities of daily living. Clinical tests are commonly used to measure seated postural control, yet they are subjective and lack sensitivity. Lab-based measures are highly sensitive but are limited in scope and restricted to research settings. Establishing a valid, reliable, and accessible measurement tool of seated postural control is necessary for remote, objective assessments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of smartphone-based postural control assessments in wheelchair users. Eleven participants (age: 35.4 ± 17.9) completed two experimental visits 1-week apart consisting of three clinical tests: Trunk Control Test (TCT), Function in Sitting Test (FIST), and Tee-shirt Test, as well as, standardized instrumented balance tasks that manipulated vision (eyes open and closed), and trunk movement (functional reach and stability boundary). During these tasks, participants held a smartphone instrumented with a research-grade accelerometer to their chest. Maximum and root mean square (RMS) acceleration in the medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) axes were derived. Participants were grouped into non-impaired and impaired postural groups based on FIST scores. Spearman rank-order correlations were conducted between the two devices' outcome measurements and between these measures and those of the clinical tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curves (AUC) were determined to distinguish participants with and without impaired postural control. The reliability of outcome variables was assessed using inter-class correlations. Strong correlations between outputs derived from the smartphone and research-grade accelerometer were seen across balance tasks (ρ = −0.75–1.00; p ≤ 0.01). Numerous significant moderate correlations between clinical test outcomes and smartphone and research-grade RMS ML accelerometry were seen (ρ = −0.62 to 0.83 (p ≤ 0.044)]. On both devices, the AUC for ROC plots were significant for RMS ML sway during the eyes open task and functional stability boundary (p < 0.05). Reliability of smartphone accelerometry was comparable to the research-grade accelerometer and clinical tests. This pilot study illustrated that smartphone-based accelerometry may be able to provide a valid and reliable assessment of seated postural control and have the ability to distinguish between those with and without impaired postural control.
Preliminary Outcome of a Novel Edge-to-Edge Closure Device to Manage Mitral Regurgitation in Dogs
Authors: Liu Bo , Leach Stacey B. , Pan Wenzhi , Zheng Fangyu , Jia Liujun , Zhou Xueying , Li Jing
Published: January 2021

Background: Veterinary management of mitral valve regurgitation due to mxyomatous valve disease in dogs is limited to medical treatments, which only postpones the onset of congestive heart failure or alleviates clinical symptoms. Most surgical procedures to manage this condition in humans require cardiopulmonary bypass and have a high risk of complications.

Animals: Eight dogs with naturally occurring mitral valve regurgitation.

Methods: Prospective observational study. All dogs were treated with a novel edge-to-edge transcatheter device named ValveClamp. The total surgical procedural time and total catheterization time were recorded. Echocardiographic variables measured pre- and post-procedure were compared using Wilcoxin-signed rank test with a P < 0.05 considered significant. Data were expressed as median and interquartile range and absolute numbers and percentages.

Results: The procedural success rate was 100% and all the dogs survived without complications. The median (interquartile range) total surgical procedural time was 86.5 (76–96.2) minutes and catheterization time was 23.5 (22–33.8) minutes. Echocardiography revealed a significant reduction in mitral regurgitation severity in all dogs following the procedure based on both a reduced mitral regurgitant maximum jet area (P = 0.012) and a reduced mitral regurgitant maximum jet area to left atrial area (P = 0.018).

Conclusion: The ValveClamp device is effective at reducing the severity of mitral regurgitation in dogs with naturally occurring myxomatous valve disease.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Extradural Spinal Neoplasia in 60 Dogs and Seven Cats
Authors: Auger Mylène , Hecht Silke , Springer Cary M.
Published: January 2021

This retrospective study describes the MRI features of extradural spinal neoplasia in 60 dogs and seven cats to identify potential distinguishing features between tumor classes and individual tumor types within each class. In dogs, mesenchymal tumors were most common (48%), with undifferentiated sarcomas being the predominant tumor type. Round cell neoplasms were second most common (35%), with lymphoma and multiple myeloma/plasma cell tumor comprising the majority of cases. Only two benign tumors were identified. In cats, lymphoma was most common (5/7), with one case of mesenchymal neoplasia and one case of metastatic carcinoma. Despite some overlap, certain imaging features were able to help prioritize differential diagnoses. The combined features that predicted round cell neoplasia (84%) included the preservation of vertebral shape, homogeneous contrast enhancement, and lesion centering on bone. The combined features that predicted mesenchymal neoplasia (73%) included altered vertebral shape, heterogeneous contrast enhancement, and lesion centering on paraspinal soft tissues. Round cell neoplasms were more likely to have cortical sparing, preservation of overall shape, lesion centering on bone, small soft tissue tumor size, and homogeneous contrast enhancement. Both epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms were more likely to have cortical lysis, a cavitary component to the soft tissue mass and medium to large soft tissue mass size. The findings of this study can aid in prioritizing differential diagnoses in cases of extradural spinal neoplasia in cats and dogs, which can impact case management, but tissue sampling remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.
Influences on Infrared Thermography of the Canine Eye in Relation to the Stress and Arousal of Racing Greyhounds
Authors: Elias Belle , Starling Melissa , Wilson Bethany , McGreevy Paul
Published: January 2021

Infrared thermography (IRT) can be used to identify stressors associated with greyhound racing procedures. However, factors unrelated to stress may influence measurements. Validation of an eye side (right or left) and a reference point on the eye is required if IRT is to be standardised for industry use. Infrared images of greyhound heads (n = 465) were taken pre-racing and post-racing at three racetracks. Average temperature was recorded at seven different locations on each eye. A multivariate analysis model determined how several factors influenced eye temperature (ET) pre-racing and post-racing. As expected, ET increased after racing, which may be attributed to physical exertion, stress and arousal. The right eye and lacrimal caruncle had the highest sensitivity to temperature changes and could be considered reference points for future studies. Additionally, dogs that raced later had higher ET, and Richmond racetrack had the lowest pre-race ET, but the highest post-race ET. This may suggest that arousal increases as the race meet progresses and certain track attributes could increase stress. Furthermore, ET increased as humidity increased, and higher post-race ET was associated with light-coloured, young and low-performing dogs. Environmental and biological factors need to be considered if IRT is to become accurate in the detection of canine stress and monitoring of greyhound welfare.
Predicting Daily Dry Matter Intake Using Feed Intake of First Two Hours after Feeding in Mid and Late Lactation Dairy Cows with Fed Ration Three Times Per Day
Authors: Liang Shulin , Wu Chaoqun , Peng Wenchao , Liu Jian-Xin , Sun Hui-Zeng
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the dry matter intake of first 2 h after feeding (DMI-2h), body weight (BW), and milk yield to estimate daily DMI in mid and late lactating dairy cows with fed ration three times per day. Our dataset included 2840 individual observations from 76 cows enrolled in two studies, of which 2259 observations served as development dataset (DDS) from 54 cows and 581 observations acted as the validation dataset (VDS) from 22 cows. The descriptive statistics of these variables were 26.0 ± 2.77 kg/day (mean ± standard deviation) of DMI, 14.9 ± 3.68 kg/day of DMI-2h, 35.0 ± 5.48 kg/day of milk yield, and 636 ± 82.6 kg/day of BW in DDS and 23.2 ± 4.72 kg/day of DMI, 12.6 ± 4.08 kg/day of DMI-2h, 30.4 ± 5.85 kg/day of milk yield, and 597 ± 63.7 kg/day of BW in VDS, respectively. A multiple regression analysis was conducted using the REG procedure of SAS to develop the forecasting models for DMI. The proposed prediction equation was: DMI (kg/day) = 8.499 + 0.2725 × DMI-2h (kg/day) + 0.2132 × Milk yield (kg/day) + 0.0095 × BW (kg/day) (R2 = 0.46, mean bias = 0 kg/day, RMSPE = 1.26 kg/day). Moreover, when compared with the prediction equation for DMI in Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (2001) using the independent dataset (VDS), our proposed model shows higher R2 (0.22 vs. 0.07) and smaller mean bias (−0.10 vs. 1.52 kg/day) and RMSPE (1.77 vs. 2.34 kg/day). Overall, we constructed a feasible forecasting model with better precision and accuracy in predicting daily DMI of dairy cows in mid and late lactation when fed ration three times per day.
Obituary for Susan M. MacDonald, M.D.
Authors: Togias Alkis , Plaut Marshall , Langdon Jackie , Bommer Ulrich-Axel , Telerman Adam
Published: January 2021

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Application of Artificial Neural Network to Predict Load Bearing Capacity and Stiffness of Perforated Masonry Walls
Authors: Khaleghi Mohsen , Salimi Javid , Farhangi Visar , Moradi Mohammad Javad , Karakouzian Moses
Published: January 2021

Perforations adversely affect the structural response of unreinforced masonry walls (UMW) by reducing the wall’s load bearing capacity, which can cause serious structural damage. In the absence of a reliable procedure to accurately predict the load bearing capacity and stiffness of perforated masonry walls subjected to in-plane loadings, this study presents a novel approach to measure these parameters by developing simple but practical equations. In this regard, the Multi-Pier (MP) method as a numerical approach was employed along with the application of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The simulated responses of centrally perforated UMW by the MP method were validated utilizing full-scale experimental walls. The validated MP model was used to generate a simulated database. The simulated database includes results of analyses for 49 different configurations of perforated masonry walls and their corresponding solid masonry walls. The effect of the area and shape of the perforations on the UMW’s behavior was evaluated by the MP method. Following the outcomes of the verified MP method, the ANN is trained to develop empirical equations to accurately predict the reduction in the load bearing capacity and initial stiffness due to the perforation of UMW. The results of this study indicate that the perforations have a significant effect on the structural capacity of the UMW subjected to in-plane loadings.
Effect of Microstructure on Layered Double Hydroxides Film Growth on Mg-2Zn-xMn Alloy
Authors: Chen Yonghua , Yao Wenhui , Wu Liang , Chen Jing , Pan Fusheng
Published: January 2021

The poor corrosion resistance of magnesium (Mg) alloys significantly restricts their wide applications. The preparation of a layered double hydroxides (LDHs) film can provide effective corrosion protection for Mg alloys. Nevertheless, research on the effect of the Mg alloy microstructure on LDHs film growth is paid less attention, which was studied in detail in this work. Herein, a Mg-2Zn-xMn alloy with different Mn contents was produced, and an LDHs film was then synthesized on their surfaces. The addition of Mn causes a different microstructure in the Mg-2Zn-xMn alloy, which is gradually refined with increasing Mn content, further affecting the surface morphology, surface chemistry, and corrosion protection of the LDHs film. When the Mn content is 1 wt.% (x = 1), the LDHs film presents the best corrosion protection, with the lowest corrosion current density. No obvious corrosion product could be observed by the naked eyes on the surface. By contrast, severe corrosion occurs on the Mg-2Zn-0Mn alloy (x = 0). Finally, the LDHs film growth mechanism was proposed.
Improved As-Synthesized Oleic Amido Propyl Betaine Surfactant Mixture for Stable Ultra-Low Interfacial Tension: Effect of Mixed Co-Solvents
Authors: Wazir Norhidayah Ahmad , Saphanuchart Wasan , Ramli Anita , Yusof Nurida
Published: January 2021

As-synthesized oleic amido propyl betaine surfactant mixture, that was produced through a “direct formulation through synthesis” process, exhibited ultra-low oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) values as low as 3.5 × 10−4 mN/m when dissolved in seawater at a reservoir temperature of 96 °C. The as-synthesized surfactant, which was left untreated, had a slightly cloudy appearance when mixed with seawater. Polar solvents were introduced to this surfactant to improve its aqueous solubility by changing its overall hydrophilicity, particularly on the oil/water interface. In this study, two types of glycol ether co-solvent, i.e., ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, were used at different concentrations in a single application and as a mixture of co-solvents at a certain ratio. The behavior of the as-synthesized surfactant with the presence of these co-solvents was investigated. As a result, it showed that the co-solvent helps in solubility improvement and alters the interfacial tension behavior of the surfactant. Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether was found to be efficient in maintaining an ultra-low IFT value of the surfactant. However, the aqueous solubility of the surfactant was not significantly improved. In contrast, the addition of diethylene glycol monobutyl ether showed improvement of the aqueous solubility of the surfactant, but it tends to increase the IFT above ultra-low value. Based on this understanding, a set of co-solvent mixing ratios were tested, and the results showed further improvement in both the oil/water interfacial tension behavior and surfactant aqueous solubility. The most stable oil/water IFT of 3.36 × 10−3 mN/m and clearer surfactant solutions were obtained for ratio C at 35 wt.% presence of co-solvent.
Quorum Sensing Signaling Molecules Positively Regulate c-di-GMP Effector PelD Encoding Gene and PEL Exopolysaccharide Biosynthesis in Extremophile Bacterium Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans
Authors: Díaz Mauricio , San Martin Diego , Castro Matías , Vera Mario , Guiliani Nicolás
Published: January 2021

Acidithiobacillus species are fundamental players in biofilm formation by acidophile bioleaching communities. It has been previously reported that Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans possesses a functional quorum sensing mediated by acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL), involved in biofilm formation, and AHLs naturally produced by Acidithiobacillus species also induce biofilm formation in Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. A c-di-GMP pathway has been characterized in Acidithiobacillus species but it has been pointed out that the c-di-GMP effector PelD and pel-like operon are only present in the sulfur oxidizers such as A. thiooxidans. PEL exopolysaccharide has been recently involved in biofilm formation in this Acidithiobacillus species. Here, by comparing wild type and ΔpelD strains through mechanical analysis of biofilm-cells detachment, fluorescence microscopy and qPCR experiments, the structural role of PEL exopolysaccharide and the molecular network involved for its biosynthesis by A. thiooxidans were tackled. Besides, the effect of AHLs on PEL exopolysaccharide production was assessed. Mechanical resistance experiments indicated that the loss of PEL exopolysaccharide produces fragile A. thiooxidans biofilms. qRT-PCR analysis established that AHLs induce the transcription of pelA and pelD genes while epifluorescence microscopy studies revealed that PEL exopolysaccharide was required for the development of AHL-induced biofilms. Altogether these results reveal for the first time that AHLs positively regulate pel genes and participate in the molecular network for PEL exopolysaccharide biosynthesis by A. thiooxidans.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Using Stem Cells: A Review
Authors: Protogerou Vassilis , Chrysikos Dimosthenis , Karampelias Vasileios , Spanidis Ypatios , El Bisari Sara , Troupis Theodoros
Published: January 2021

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disorder that affects the quality of life and the sexual relations of more than half of the male population aged over 40 years. The prediction regarding the incidence of ED is devastating as it is expected that this disorder will affect more than 300 million men in the next five years. Several studies have suggested the use of stem cells for the treatment of ED and showed that this type of treatment is promising in terms of damaged tissue repair as well as of clinical efficacy; however, there are several gaps in the knowledge and evidence is lacking. In order to highlight a few of them in this review, we performed a research of the literature focusing on currently available clinical studies regarding the clinical efficacy of stem cell administration for the treatment of ED. We reviewed the methods of administration, the cell types used in the performed clinical trials and the safety and efficiency of such procedures. We conclude that there are rapidly expanding and promising results from the reported clinical studies indicating that stem cells could indeed be a potential treatment for patients with ED although more studies are necessary.
Controls of Distinct Mineral Compositions on Pore Structure in Over-Mature Shales: A Case Study of Lower Cambrian Niutitang Shales in South China
Authors: Niu Xing , Yan Detian , Hu Mingyi , Liu Zixuan , Wei Xiaosong , Zuo Mingtao
Published: January 2021

Investigating the impacts of rock composition on pore structure is of great significance to understand shale gas occurrence and gas accumulation mechanism. Shale samples from over-mature Niutitang formation of Lower Cambrian in south China were measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), low pressure N2 and CO2 adsorption to elucidate the controls of distinct mineral composition on pore development. Two distinct lithofacies, namely siliceous shale and argillaceous shale, were ascertained based on their mineral composition. Due to the variability of mineral composition in different lithofacies, pore structure characteristics are not uniform. Pores in siliceous shales are dominated by interparticle pores and organic matter (OM) pores, among which the interparticle pores are mainly developed between authigenic quartz. Furthermore, most of these interparticle pores and cleavage-sheet intraparticle pores within clay minerals are usually filled by amorphous organic matter that is host to OM pores. Due to the lack of rigid minerals, argillaceous shale was cemented densely, resulting in few interparticle pores, while cleavage-sheet intraparticle pores within clay minerals are common. Comparing siliceous shales with argillaceous shales, specific surface areas and pore volumes are higher on the former than on the latter. The content of total organic carbon (TOC) and authigenic quartz have a great influence on micropore structures, but less on mesopore structure for siliceous shales. The rigid framework structure formed by authigenic quartz is believed to be able to prevent primary interparticle pores from mechanical compaction and facilitate the formation of organic matter-associated pores. In terms of argillaceous shales, due to the lack of authigenic quartz, interparticle pores were rarely developed and its pore structure is mainly controlled by illite content.
Design Strategy for the EPR Tumor-Targeting of 1,2-Bis(sulfonyl)-1-alkylhydrazines
Authors: Penketh Philip G. , Williamson Hugh S , Baumann Raymond P. , Shyam Krishnamurthy
Published: January 2021

A design strategy for macromolecular prodrugs is described, that are expected to exhibit robust activity against most solid tumor types while resulting in minimal toxicities to normal tissues. This approach exploits the enhanced permeability, and retention (EPR) effect, and utilizes carefully engineered rate constants to selectively target tumor tissue with short-lived cytotoxic moieties. EPR based tumor accumulation (half-life ~ 15 h) is dependent upon the ubiquitous abnormal solid tumor capillary morphology and is expected to be independent of individual tumor cell genetic variability that leads to resistance to molecularly targeted agents. The macromolecular sulfonylhydrazine-based prodrugs hydrolyze spontaneously with long half-life values (~10 h to >300 h dependent upon their structure) resulting in the majority of the 1,2-bis(sulfonyl)-1-alkylhydrazines (BSHs) cytotoxic warhead being released only after tumor sequestration. The very short half-life (seconds) of the finally liberated BSHs localizes the cytotoxic stress to the tumor target site by allowing insufficient time for escape. Thus, short lifespan anticancer species are liberated, and exhibit their activity largely within the tumor target. The abnormal tumor cell membrane pH gradients favor the uptake of BSHs compared to that of normal cells, further enhancing their selectivity. The reliance on physicochemical/chemical kinetic parameters and the EPR effect is expected to reduce response variability, and the acquisition of resistance.
A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Impact of Nurse Practitioners on Hospitalized Patient Outcomes
Authors: Patel Manish S. , Hogshire Lauren C. , Noveck Helaine , Steinberg Michael B. , Hoover Donald R. , Rosenfeld Jane , Arya Akanksha , Carson Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2021

The role of advanced practice providers has expanded in the hospital setting. However, little data exist examining the impact of these providers. Our purpose was to determine the effect of adding nurse practitioners in a complementary role on the quality and efficiency of care of hospitalized patients. A retrospective cohort study evaluated adult patients admitted by private physicians (without house staff or non-physician providers) to a general medical-surgical unit in an academic medical center. The admissions department allocated patients as beds became available and nurse practitioners were assigned to patients until their caseload was reached. Outcomes included length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, admission costs, 30-day readmissions, transfer to a more intensive care level, and discharge order time. Of the 382 patients included in this study, 263 were assigned to the nurse practitioner group. Hospital mortality was lower in the nurse practitioner group [OR 0.11 (95% CI 0.02–0.51)] as was transfer to more intensive care level [OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.20–0.75)]; however, the nurse practitioner group had longer length of stay (geometric mean = 5.80 days for nurse practitioners, 3.63 days for no nurse practitioners; p < 0.0001) and higher cost per patient (geometric mean = USD 6631 vs. USD 5121; p = 0.005). The results were unchanged when models were adjusted for potential confounders. Adding nurse practitioners can yield improved clinical outcomes (lower hospital mortality and fewer transfers to intensive care), but with a potential economic expense (longer hospital stays and higher costs).
Effect of Thermal Aging on the Physico-Chemical and Optical Properties of Poly(ester urethane) Elastomers Designed for Passive Damping (Pads) of the Railway
Authors: Rosu Liliana , Varganici Cristian-Dragos , Rosu Dan , Oprea Stefan
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study consists of monitoring the effect of thermal aging on the physico-chemical and optical properties of poly(ester urethane) elastomers designed as damping materials for railways. The materials were obtained by polyaddition in two stages in melt, resulting in regular structures. The structural modifications during the thermal aging of the samples were monitored using FTIR, color changes, TGA in non-isothermal and isothermal conditions, DSC and physico-mechanical measurements. The structural regularity of the rigid and flexible segments maintained the good mechanical properties of the structures up to 200 h of thermal aging at the elevated temperatures of 40 °C, 70 °C, 100 °C and 130 °C. It was observed that at 40 °C and low exposure times, changes occur mainly to the carbonyl groups of the soft segments. At higher temperatures and longer exposure times urethane groups were affected. Extended thermal aging led to significant changes in thermo-mechanical and optical properties.
Lack of Support in Medical Device Regulation within Academia
Authors: Hendricusdottir Rita , Hussain Azad , Milnthorpe William , Bergmann Jeroen HM
Published: January 2021

New medical technologies can transform healthcare, and automation of processes is becoming increasingly ubiquitous within the patient care sector. Many innovative ideas arise from academia, but regulations need to be taken into account if they want to reach the market and create a real impact. This is particularly relevant for applied fields, such as prosthetics, which continuously generates cutting-edge solutions. However, it remains unclear how well the regulatory pathway is supported within universities. This study applied a data-driven assessment of available online information regarding support of medical device regulations within universities. A total of 109,200 URLs were screened for regulatory information associated with universities in the UK and the USA. The results show that based on available online data, 55% of the selected universities in the UK and 35% in the USA did not provide any support for medical device regulations. There is a big discrepancy between universities in terms of the available support, as well as the kind of information that is made accessible by the academic institutes. It is suggested that increasing support for regulatory strategies during the early phases of research and development will likely yield a better translation of technologies into clinical care. Universities can play a more active role in this.
Tighten the Bolts and Nuts on GPP Estimations from Sites to the Globe: An Assessment of Remote Sensing Based LUE Models and Supporting Data Fields
Authors: Wang Zhao , Liu Shuguang , Wang Ying-Ping , Valbuena Ruben , Wu Yiping , Kutia Mykola , Zheng Yi , Lu Weizhi , Zhu Yu , Zhao Meifang , Peng Xi , Gao Haiqiang , Feng Shuailong , Shi Yi
Published: January 2021

Gross primary production (GPP) determines the amounts of carbon and energy that enter terrestrial ecosystems. However, the tremendous uncertainty of the GPP still hinders the reliability of GPP estimates and therefore understanding of the global carbon cycle. In this study, using observations from global eddy covariance (EC) flux towers, we appraised the performance of 24 widely used GPP models and the quality of major spatial data layers that drive the models. Results show that global GPP products generated by the 24 models varied greatly in means (from 92.7 to 178.9 Pg C yr−1) and trends (from −0.25 to 0.84 Pg C yr−1). Model structure differences (i.e., light use efficiency models, machine learning models, and process-based biophysical models) are an important aspect contributing to the large uncertainty. In addition, various biases in currently available spatial datasets have found (e.g., only 57% of the observed variation in photosynthetically active radiation at the flux tower locations was explained by the spatial dataset), which not only affect GPP simulation but more importantly hinder the simulation and understanding of the earth system. Moving forward, research into the efficacy of model structures and precision of input data may be more important for global GPP estimation.
New Energy Technologies: Microalgae, Photolysis and Airborne Wind Turbines
Authors: Moriarty Patrick , Honnery Damon
Published: January 2021

Because of the near-term risk of extreme weather events and other adverse consequences from climate change and, at least in the longer term, global fossil fuel depletion, there is worldwide interest in shifting to noncarbon energy sources, especially renewable energy (RE). Because of possible limitations on conventional renewable energy sources, researchers have looked for ways of overcoming these shortcomings by introducing radically new energy technologies. The largest RE source today is bioenergy, while solar energy and wind energy are regarded as having by far the largest technical potential. This paper reviews the literature on proposed new technologies for each of these three RE sources: microalgae for bioenergy, photolysis and airborne wind turbines. The main finding is that their proponents have often underestimated the difficulties they face and the time taken for their introduction on a very large scale.
Co-Processing of [Fe(NH2trz)3](2ns)2 and UHMWPE into Materials Combining Spin Crossover and High Mechanical Strength
Authors: Baumgartner Manuel , Schaller Raphael , Smith Paul , Weymuth Irene , Caseri Walter
Published: January 2021

The coordination polymer [Fe(NH2trz)3](2ns)2 (NH2trz = 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole and 2ns− = counterion 2-naphthalene sulfonate) exhibits the rare phenomenon of spin crossover in an attractive temperature range, i.e., somewhat above room temperature. Spin crossover in [Fe(NH2trz)3](2ns)2 is manifested by thermochromism, which is accompanied by a magnetic transition from diamagnetism to paramagnetism. However, [Fe(NH2trz)3](2ns)2 is brittle and difficult to process, which limits its use. In this study, we show that [Fe(NH2trz)3](2ns)2 can be co-processed with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which possesses outstanding mechanical properties, particularly when tensile-drawn. Therefore, [Fe(NH2trz)3](2ns)2–UHMWPE blends were gel-processed by extrusion, employing a relatively poor solvent, which has recently been shown to offer advantages compared to good solvents. Uniform and flexible films, ribbons and fibers with [Fe(NH2trz)3](2ns)2 fractions as high as 33.3% m/m were obtained that could be readily drawn. Spin crossover in the coordination polymer is retained in these materials, as evident from their thermochromism. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the blends exceed those of typical commodity polymers. Thus, the films, ribbons and fibers constitute a special class of multifunctional materials that combine the flexibility and excellent mechanical properties of drawn UHMWPE with the spin crossover behavior of [Fe(NH2trz)3](2ns)2.
Localization of Increased Noise at Operating Speed of a Passenger Wagon
Authors: Ďungel Ján , Zvolenský Peter , Grenčík Juraj , Leštinský Lukáš , Krivda Ján
Published: January 2021

Noise generated by railway wagons in operation is produced by large numbers of noise sources. Although the railway transport is considered to be environmental friendly, especially in production of CO2 emissions, noise is one of problems that should be solved to keep the railway transport competitive and sustainable in future. In the EU, there is a strong permanent legislation pressure on interior and exterior noise reduction in railway transport. In the last years in Slovakia, besides modernization of existing passenger wagons fleet as a cheaper option of transport quality improvement, quite a number of coaches have been newly manufactured, too. The new design is usually aimed at increased speed, higher travel comfort, in which reduction of noise levels is expected. However, not always the new designs meet all expectations. Noise generation and propagation is a complex system and should be treated such from the beginning. There are possibilities to simulate the structural natural frequencies to predict vibrations and sound generated by these vibrations. However, the real picture about sound fields can be obtained only by practical measurements. Simulations of the wagon’s natural frequencies and mode shapes and measurements in real operation using a digital acoustic camera Soundcam have been done, which showed that for the calculated speeds the largest share of noise from the chassis was not radiated through the floor of the wagon, as was expected, but through the ceiling of the wagon. To improve the acoustic properties of the wagon at higher speed, it was proposed to use high-volume textile insulation in the ceiling of the wagon. The paper briefly presents modern research approaches in the search for ways to reduce internal noise in selected wagons used in normal operation on the Slovak railways.
Correlation Analysis of the Spread of Household-Sized Photovoltaic Power Plants and Various District Indicators: A Case Study
Authors: Hegedűsné Baranyai Nóra , Zsiborács Henrik , Vincze András , Rodek Nóra , Makai Martina , Pintér Gábor
Published: January 2021

As efforts are made worldwide to meet the growing energy needs of the population in a more sustainable way, harnessing weather-dependent renewable energy sources is becoming more and more important. One of the available technologies is photovoltaic energy production. In the last decade, there has been a growing need among households, institutions, and businesses to reduce the use of fossil-fuel-based electricity from the public grid. In order to meet their electricity demand in Hungary, investors prefer using household-sized photovoltaic power plant (HMKE) systems. The novelty of this study is that it examines the number and total power of photovoltaic HMKEs at the district level in the service areas of different electricity distributors, taking into account the social, economic, infrastructural, and welfare dimensions of these districts as well. The study seeks to uncover whether there is a correlation between the number and total power of these types of power plants and the indicators of the districts, and if so, how strong these relationships are. The examination of the relationships also involved, in addition to correlations by pairs, the relationships of the ranking of the districts according to the complex indicators created from the district indicators and the ranking of the districts based on the number and power of photovoltaic HMKEs per 1000 members of the population. By exploring correlations, the paper seeks to establish a regression model for the number of photovoltaic HMKEs and the territorial (district) indicators.
Zearalenone and Its Metabolites—General Overview, Occurrence, and Toxicity
Authors: Ropejko Karolina , Twarużek Magdalena
Published: January 2021

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi and represent one of the most common groups of food contaminants with low molecular weight. These toxins are considered common and can affect the food chain at various stages of production, harvesting, storage and processing. Zearalenone is one of over 400 detected mycotoxins and produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium; it mainly has estrogenic effects on various organisms. Contaminated products can lead to huge economic losses and pose risks to animals and humans. In this review, we systemize information on zearalenone and its major metabolites.
Harnessing the Membrane Translocation Properties of AB Toxins for Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Piot Numa , van der Goot F. Gisou , Sergeeva Oksana A.
Published: January 2021

Over the last few decades, proteins and peptides have become increasingly more common as FDA-approved drugs, despite their inefficient delivery due to their inability to cross the plasma membrane. In this context, bacterial two-component systems, termed AB toxins, use various protein-based membrane translocation mechanisms to deliver toxins into cells, and these mechanisms could provide new insights into the development of bio-based drug delivery systems. These toxins have great potential as therapies both because of their intrinsic properties as well as the modular characteristics of both subunits, which make them highly amenable to conjugation with various drug classes. This review focuses on the therapeutical approaches involving the internalization mechanisms of three representative AB toxins: botulinum toxin type A, anthrax toxin, and cholera toxin. We showcase several specific examples of the use of these toxins to develop new therapeutic strategies for numerous diseases and explain what makes these toxins promising tools in the development of drugs and drug delivery systems.
Cryosphere Water Resources Simulation and Service Function Evaluation in the Shiyang River Basin of Northwest China
Authors: Li Kailu , Chen Rensheng , Liu Guohua
Published: January 2021

Water is the most critical factor that restricts the economic and social development of arid regions. It is urgent to understand the impact on cryospheric changes of water resources in arid regions in western China under the background of global warming. A cryospheric basin hydrological model (CBHM) was used to simulate the runoff, especially for glaciers and snowmelt water supply, in the Shiyang River Basin (SRB). A cryosphere water resources service function model was proposed to evaluate the value of cryosphere water resources. The annual average temperature increased significantly (p > 0.05) from 1961 to 2016. The runoff of glacier and snowmelt water in the SRB decreased significantly. This reduction undoubtedly greatly weakens the runoff regulation function. The calculation and value evaluation of the amount of water resources in the cryosphere of Shiyang River Basin is helpful to the government for adjusting water structure to realize sustainable development.
Distribution of Charophyte Oospores in the Curonian Lagoon and their Relationship to Environmental Forcing
Authors: Stragauskaitė Vaiva , Bučas Martynas , Martin Georg
Published: January 2021

Lack of knowledge about distribution of charophyte fructifications and importance of environmental conditions in the Baltic Sea coastal waters fostered us to assess the spatial-temporal patterns of oospore bank in relationship with environmental factors in the Curonian Lagoon (Lithuanian part). We mapped the distribution of oospores in 2017–2019. The importance of environmental factors was determined by the cluster analysis and boosted regression trees. Four oospores species were recorded up to 4 m depth. The highest mean densities (58,000 ind·m−2) of viable fructifications were found along the eastern shore, where the densest charophyte stands were recorded. Viable fructifications showed a clear pattern of filling the oospore bank after the vegetation season and a depletion during the summer as they germinated. The distance from charophyte stands, salinity, bottom slope aspect, and wave exposure were the most important environmental variables. Full fructifications mostly occurred within <0.5 km distance from the charophyte stands restricted to flat and sheltered areas exposed to the northern and eastern slopes. Empty fructifications were mostly found within <2 km distance from the charophyte stands but their high density was limited to <1 km distance from the charophyte stands and on the northeastern bottom slopes and >1.5 salinity.
Le tournant territorial
Authors: Rafatdjou Makan
Published: January 2021

The territorial turn – The Anthropocene territorial turn means to found a whole new territorial metamorphose towards a global, metabolic and equal development of all its parts. The Anthropocene ecological turn means to reinvent a sustainable cohabitation with non-human living and unliving beings on the same planet through a symbiotic conception and development process at all scales. The Anthropocene anthropological turn means a never seen global territorial act, a new collaborative inhabitance practice, a new general intellect and a new common sense of the place.
La revanche éphémère des couturières
Authors: Lacour Claude
Published: January 2021

La crise sanitaire liée au Covid-19 a entraîné des effets multidimensionnels et conduit au printemps à un confinement généralisé. Lors de cette période exceptionnelle, des adaptations des productions (exemple le Sentier à Paris) et surtout une revanche des couturières ont été observées. De manière solidaire, des femmes, parfois âgées et du métier, ont à titre individuel ou collectif produit des masques-tissu. Cependant, lorsque les produits asiatiques sont revenus et que le marketing a fait du masque un objet de marque, les désillusions dans les ateliers des PME ont été grandes, et la revanche des couturières a été éphémère.
Territoires, échelles de secours
Authors: Mouton Benjamin
Published: January 2021

Les villes concentrent toutes les études, attentions, financements…, et aussi, par effet de densification, la plupart des crises sociales, économiques, environnementales et, plus gravement, sanitaires… Les villes, devenues artificielles, concurrentielles, sont-elles devenues dangereuses ? C’est par le retour à l’échelle et complémentarité territoriale, celles des bassins physiques et culturels, et en même temps par le retour à l’échelle humaine, à la déconcentration, que les perspectives de développement doivent être reconsidérées, au sens d’équilibres et de solidarités, de l’épanouissement de l’homme avec et dans son milieu, retrouvant sa véritable urbanité.
Ville dense et périurbain
Authors: Ameller Philippe
Published: January 2021

Compact city and urban sprawl – If the big pandemics have made our cities evolve in the past centuries, the one we are living through does not suggest any readable solution to the multiple contradictions raised by our way of life. The only clear statement is the longing for greenery. It questions the values of the densely populated city, it questions the fate of medium-sized cities, often in decline, and the temptation of the suburban detached house with its host of ecological problems. The aim today is to analyze these phenomena and to propose answers to slow down this trend, which in the long-term risks degrading our environment and the quality of the territories.
The Early History of God: Yahweh and the Other Deities in Ancient Israel
Authors: Lumingkewas Marthin Steven
Published: January 2021

Mark S. Smith merupakan satu di antara peneliti Kitab Ibrani; khususnya teks-teks ANET (Ancient Near Eastern Text) bersama dengan beberap ahli bahasa Semit barat seperti Frank Moore Cross, Michael D. Morgan dan Brevard S. Child.  Akan tetapi, Smith lebih dikenal dengan model interpretasi Israel sebagai satu entitas dengan bangsa sekitarnya – dalam hal ini Kanaan. Pendekatan ini menghasilkan metodologi penting untuk melihat Israel dengan cara berbeda – yaitu Israel sebagai bangsa yang identik dengan bangsa-bangsa Kanaan – berlawanan dengan pemahaman yang selama ini melihat kedua bangsa sebagai vis-a-vis berdasarkan informasi Kitab Ibrani. Buku ini berupaya menggambarkan upaya memahami Israel tidak dapat diperoleh melalui sejarah semata.  Berbicara mengenai Israel sebagai umat dengan beberapa mishpat, kemudian berlanjut menjadi sebuah bangsa dalam koridor monarki, sampai mereka masuk dan kembali dari pembuangan; termasuk di dalamnya sistem agama mereka, hanya dapat dilakukan melalui memori.  Memori yang dimaksud Smith dalam hal ini adalah melalui proses convergence dan differentiation. Pada masa awal Israel, bangsa ini tidak berbeda dengan bangsa-bangsa sekitarnya; termasuk di dalamnya sistem keagaman yang mereka anut. El, Baal, Anat dan Asherah menjadi allah utama Israel.  El menjadi sesembahan utama Israel bersamaan dengan Yahweh.  Baal menjadi sesembahan Daud ketika ia berseru Baal Perazim (allah memberikan terobosan) dalam 2 Samuel 5:20 dan 1 Tawarik 14:11 (hal.74-76).
Formation of Stable Interphase of Polymer-in-Salt Electrolyte in All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Gao Hongcai , Grundish Nicholas S. , Zhao Yongjie , Zhou Aijun , Goodenough John B.
Published: January 2021

The integration of solid-polymer electrolytes into all-solid-state lithium batteries is highly desirable to overcome the limitations of current battery configurations that have a low energy density and severe safety concerns. Polyacrylonitrile is an appealing matrix for solid-polymer electrolytes; however, the practical utilization of such polymer electrolytes in all-solid-state cells is impeded by inferior ionic conductivity and instability against a lithium-metal anode. In this work, we show that a polymer-in-salt electrolyte based on polyacrylonitrile with a lithium salt as the major component exhibits a wide electrochemically stable window, a high ionic conductivity, and an increased lithium-ion transference number. The growth of dendrites from the lithium-metal anode was suppressed effectively by the polymer-in-salt electrolyte to increase the safety features of the batteries. In addition, we found that a stable interphase was formed between the lithium-metal anode and the polymer-in-salt electrolyte to restrain the uncontrolled parasitic reactions, and we demonstrated an all-solid-state battery configuration with a LiFePO
4
cathode and the polymer-in-salt electrolyte, which exhibited a superior cycling stability and rate capability.