bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel 1,8-Naphthyridine-2-Carboxamide Derivative Attenuates Inflammatory Responses and Cell Migration in LPS-Treated BV2 Cells via the Suppression of ROS Generation and TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Linh , Bui Bich Phuong , Lee Heesoon , Cho Jungsook
Published: March 2021

Novel 1,8-naphthyridine-2-carboxamide derivatives with various substituents (HSR2101-HSR2113) were synthesized and evaluated for their effects on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cell migration in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV2 microglial cells. Among the tested compounds, HSR2104 exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects on the LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. Therefore, this compound was chosen for further investigation. We found that HSR2104 attenuated levels of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 in LPS-treated BV2 cells. In addition, it markedly suppressed LPS-induced cell migration as well as the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, HSR2104 abated the LPS-triggered nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) through inhibition of inhibitor kappa Bα phosphorylation. Furthermore, it reduced the expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in LPS-treated BV2 cells. Similar results were observed with TAK242, a specific inhibitor of TLR4, suggesting that TLR4 is an upstream regulator of NF-κB signaling in BV2 cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that HSR2104 exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-migratory activities in LPS-treated BV2 cells via the suppression of ROS and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Based on our observations, HSR2104 may have a beneficial impact on inflammatory responses and microglial cell migration involved in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders.
Functional and Transcriptional Adaptations of Blood Monocytes Recruited to the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microenvironment In Vitro
Authors: Ford Bijean D. , Moncada Giraldo Diego , Margaroli Camilla , Giacalone Vincent D. , Brown Milton R. , Peng Limin , Tirouvanziam Rabindra
Published: March 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is dominated by the recruitment of myeloid cells (neutrophils and monocytes) from the blood which fail to clear the lung of colonizing microbes. In prior in vitro studies, we showed that blood neutrophils migrated through the well-differentiated lung epithelium into the CF airway fluid supernatant (ASN) mimic the dysfunction of CF airway neutrophils in vivo, including decreased bactericidal activity despite an increased metabolism. Here, we hypothesized that, in a similar manner to neutrophils, blood monocytes undergo significant adaptations upon recruitment to CFASN. To test this hypothesis, primary human blood monocytes were transmigrated in our in vitro model into the ASN from healthy control (HC) or CF subjects to mimic in vivo recruitment to normal or CF airways, respectively. Surface phenotype, metabolic and bacterial killing activities, and transcriptomic profile by RNA sequencing were quantified post-transmigration. Unlike neutrophils, monocytes were not metabolically activated, nor did they show broad differences in activation and scavenger receptor expression upon recruitment to the CFASN compared to HCASN. However, monocytes recruited to CFASN showed decreased bactericidal activity. RNASeq analysis showed strong effects of transmigration on monocyte RNA profile, with differences between CFASN and HCASN conditions, notably in immune signaling, including lower expression in the former of the antimicrobial factor ISG15, defensin-like chemokine CXCL11, and nitric oxide-producing enzyme NOS3. While monocytes undergo qualitatively different adaptations from those seen in neutrophils upon recruitment to the CF airway microenvironment, their bactericidal activity is also dysregulated, which could explain why they also fail to protect CF airways from infection.
VTRNA2-1: Genetic Variation, Heritable Methylation and Disease Association
Authors: Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Yu Chenglong , McKay Timothy , Wong Ee Ming , Joo Jihoon Eric , Tsimiklis Helen , Hammet Fleur , Mahmoodi Maryam , Theys Derrick , kConFab  , Hopper John L. , Giles Graham G. , Milne Roger L. , Steen Jason A. , Dowty James G. , Nguyen-Dumont Tu , Southey Melissa C.
Published: March 2021

VTRNA2-1 is a metastable epiallele with accumulating evidence that methylation at this region is heritable, modifiable and associated with disease including risk and progression of cancer. This study investigated the influence of genetic variation and other factors such as age and adult lifestyle on blood DNA methylation in this region. We first sequenced the VTRNA2-1 gene region in multiple-case breast cancer families in which VTRNA2-1 methylation was identified as heritable and associated with breast cancer risk. Methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL) were investigated using a prospective cohort study (4500 participants with genotyping and methylation data). The cis-mQTL analysis (334 variants ± 50 kb of the most heritable CpG site) identified 43 variants associated with VTRNA2-1 methylation (p < 1.5 × 10−4); however, these explained little of the methylation variation (R2 < 0.5% for each of these variants). No genetic variants elsewhere in the genome were found to strongly influence VTRNA2-1 methylation. SNP-based heritability estimates were consistent with the mQTL findings (h2 = 0, 95%CI: −0.14 to 0.14). We found no evidence that age, sex, country of birth, smoking, body mass index, alcohol consumption or diet influenced blood DNA methylation at VTRNA2-1. Genetic factors and adult lifestyle play a minimal role in explaining methylation variability at the heritable VTRNA2-1 cluster.
Modulation of Innate Immune Toxicity by Silver Nanoparticle Exposure and the Preventive Effects of Pterostilbene
Authors: Chen Rong-Jane , Huang Chiao-Ching , Pranata Rosita , Lee Yu-Hsuan , Chen Yu-Ying , Wu Yuan-Hua , Wang Ying-Jan
Published: March 2021

Silver nanoparticles pose a potential risk to ecosystems and living organisms due to their widespread use in various fields and subsequent gradual release into the environment. Only a few studies have investigated the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) toxicity on immunological functions. Furthermore, these toxic effects have not been fully explored. Recent studies have indicated that zebrafish are considered a good alternative model for testing toxicity and for evaluating immunological toxicity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicity effects of AgNPs on innate immunity using a zebrafish model and to investigate whether the natural compound pterostilbene (PTE) could provide protection against AgNPs-induced immunotoxicity. Wild type and neutrophil- and macrophage-transgenic zebrafish lines were used in the experiments. The results indicated that the exposure to AgNPs induced toxic effects including death, malformation and the innate immune toxicity of zebrafish. In addition, AgNPs affect the number and function of neutrophils and macrophages. The expression of immune-related cytokines and chemokines was also affected. Notably, the addition of PTE could activate immune cells and promote their accumulation in injured areas in zebrafish, thereby reducing the damage caused by AgNPs. In conclusion, AgNPs may induce innate immune toxicity and PTE could ameliorate this toxicity.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Internet Addiction among Hungarian High School Teachers
Authors: Tóth Gábor , Kapus Krisztian , Hesszenberger David , Pohl Marietta , Kósa Gábor , Kiss Julianna , Pusch Gabriella , Fejes Éva , Tibold Antal , Feher Gergely
Published: March 2021

The extensive availability of internet has led to the the recognition of problematic internet use (so called internet addiction, IA) mostly involving adolescents. There is limited data about the prevalence of IA in adults. Here we present a study focusing on the prevalence and risk factors of internet addiction among high school teachers. Overall 2500 paper-based questionnaires were successfully delivered and 1817 responses received (response rate of 72.7%). In our study 1194 females (65.7%) and 623 males (34.3%) participated. In a multivariate analysis including of all factors (demographic data, internet habits, comorbidity etc.) age <35 years (OR: 6.098, CI: 5.09–7.08, p < 0.001), male gender (OR = 5.413, CI: 4.39–6.18, p = 0.002), surfing on the internet > 5 h daily (OR 2.568, CI: 2.03–3.39, p < 0.001), having no children (OR: 1.353, CI: 1.13–1.99, p = 0.0248), and having secondary employment (OR = 11.377, CI: 8.67–13.07, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with internet addiction. This is the first study from Hungary showing the prevalence and risk factors of internet addiction among high school teachers. A small, but significant proportion suffered from IA. Our study also draws attention to the risk factors of IA such as younger age, family status and working type.
Properties of Elasto-Hydrodynamic Oil Film in Meshing of Harmonic Drive Gears
Authors: Kalina Adam , Mazurkow Aleksander , Witkowski Waldemar , Wierzba Bartłomiej , Oleksy Mariusz
Published: March 2021

Among the essential issues facing designers of strain wave gears, the provision for correct lubrication should be of paramount importance. The present paper presents the results of research on elasto-hydrodynamic oil film in meshing of a harmonic drive with an involute tooth profile. The research was carried out based on theoretical models developed by Dowson and Higginson. For the discussed structural problem, results of the study are presented graphically in the form of static characteristics of the oil film. Correct operation regimes were determined for two different oils. The paper also provides a review of information concerning the design and principle of operation of strain wave transmission.
Development and Characterization of Xanthan Gum and Alginate Based Bioadhesive Film for Pycnogenol Topical Use in Wound Treatment
Authors: Pagano Cinzia , Puglia Debora , Luzi Francesca , Michele Alessandro Di , Scuota Stefania , Primavilla Sara , Ceccarini Maria Rachele , Beccari Tommaso , Iborra César Antonio Viseras , Ramella Daniele , Ricci Maurizio , Perioli Luana
Published: March 2021

Pycnogenol (PYC) is a concentrate of phenolic compounds derived from French maritime pine; its biological activity as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial suggests its use in the treatment of open wounds. A bioadhesive film, loaded with PYC, was prepared by casting, starting with a combination of two biopolymer acqueous solutions: xanthan gum (1% wt/wt) and sodium alginate (1.5% wt/wt), in a 2.5/7.5 (wt/wt) ratio. In both solutions, glycerol (10% wt/wt) was added as plasticizing agent. The film resulted in an adhesive capable to absorb a simulated wound fluid (~ 65% wt/wt within 1 h), therefore suitable for exuding wounds. The mechanical characterization showed that the film is deformable (elastic modulus E = 3.070 ± 0.044 MPa), suggesting adaptability to any type of surface and resistance to mechanical solicitations. PYC is released within 24 h by a sustained mechanism, achieving a maximum concentration of ~ 0.2 mg/mL, that is safe for keratinocytes, as shown by cytotoxicity studies. A concentration of 0.015 mg/mL is reached in the first 5 min after application, at which point PYC stimulates keratinocyte growth. These preliminary results suggest the use of PYC in formulations designed for topical use.
Life Cycle Assessment Model of Plastic Products: Comparing Environmental Impacts for Different Scenarios in the Production Stage
Authors: Mannheim Viktoria
Published: March 2021

This paper assesses the environmental loads of polypropylene and PP-PE-PET mixed-plastic products throughout the products’ life cycle in the production stage, with particular focus on the looping method. A life cycle model of homogeneous and mixed-plastic products has been developed from the raw material extraction and production phase through its transport with the help of the life cycle assessment method. To find the answers to the questions posed, different impacts were analyzed by the GaBi 9.5 software. The analysis lasted from the beginning of the production process to the end. The aim of this research was to determine the energy and material resources used, the emissions produced, and the environmental impact indicators involved. This article examines three scenarios in the production stage, based on the usage of plastic scrap and process water: (1) plastic scrap and wastewater are recirculated with looping method; (2) plastic scrap goes through an incineration process and wastewater is treated in a municipal wastewater treatment plant; (3) plastic scrap is sent to a municipal landfill and wastewater is treated. This article tries to answer three questions: (1) how can we optimize the production stage? (2) Which materials and streams are recyclable in the design of the life cycle assessment? (3) What is the relationship between the environmental impacts of homogeneous and mixed-plastic products? The results of this research can be used to develop injection-molding processes with lower environmental impacts and lower releases of emissions.
Spatiotemporal Variation of Vegetation Productivity and Its Feedback to Climate Change in Northeast China over the Last 30 Years
Authors: Hu Ling , Fan Wenjie , Yuan Wenping , Ren Huazhong , Cui Yaokui
Published: March 2021

Gross primary productivity (GPP) represents total vegetation productivity and is crucial in regional or global carbon balance. The Northeast China (NEC), abundant in vegetation resources, has a relatively large vegetation productivity; however, under obvious climate change (especially warming), whether and how will the vegetation productivity and ecosystem function of this region changed in a long time period needs to be revealed. With the help of GPP products provided by the Global LAnd Surface Satellite (GLASS) program, this paper gives an overview of the regional feedback of vegetation productivity to the changing climate (including temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation) across the NEC from 1982 to 2015. Analyzing results show a slight positive response of vegetation productivities to warming across the NEC with an overall increasing trend of GPPGS (accumulated GPP within the growing season of each year) at 4.95 g C/m2. yr−2 over the last three decades. More specifically, the growth of crops, rather than forests, contributes more to the total increasing productivity, which is mainly induced by the agricultural technological progress as well as warming. As for GPP in forested area in the NEC, the slight increment of GPPGS in northern, high-latitude forested region of the NEC was caused by warming, while non-significant variation of GPPGS was found in southern, low-latitude forested region. In addition, an obvious greening trend, as reported in other regions, was also found in the NEC, but GPPGS of forests in southern NEC did not have significant variations, which indicated that vegetation productivity is not bound to increase simultaneously with greening, except for these high-latitude forested areas in the NEC. The regional feedback of vegetation productivity to climate change in the NEC can be an indicator for vegetations growing in higher latitudes in the future under continued climate change.
Adaptability of Ultrasonic Lamb Wave Touchscreen to the Variations in Touch Force and Touch Area
Authors: Yang Zengchong , Liu Xiucheng , Wu Bin , Liu Ren
Published: March 2021

Previous studies on Lamb wave touchscreen (LWT) were carried out based on the assumption that the unknown touch had the consistent parameters with acoustic fingerprints in the reference database. The adaptability of LWT to the variations in touch force and touch area was investigated in this study for the first time. The automatic collection of the databases of acoustic fingerprints was realized with an experimental prototype of LWT employing three pairs of transmitter–receivers. The self-adaptive updated weight coefficient of the used transmitter–receiver pairs was employed to successfully improve the accuracy of the localization model established based on a learning method. The performance of the improved method in locating single- and two-touch actions with the reference database of different parameters was carefully evaluated. The robustness of the LWT to the variation of the touch force varied with the touch area. Moreover, it was feasible to locate touch actions of large area with reference databases of small touch areas as long as the unknown touch and the reference databases met the condition of equivalent averaged stress.
Association between Oxygen Consumption and Surface Electromyographic Amplitude and Its Variation within Individual Calf Muscles during Walking at Various Speeds
Authors: Watanabe Kohei , Narouei Shideh
Published: March 2021

Surface electromyography (EMG) has been used to estimate muscle work and physiological burden of the whole body during human movements. However, there are spatial variations in surface EMG responses within individual muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between oxygen consumption and surface EMG responses of lower leg muscles during walking at various speeds and to quantify its spatial variation within an individual muscle. Nine young males walked on a treadmill at four speeds: preferred minus 1 km/h, preferred, preferred plus 1 km/h, and preferred plus 2 km/h, and the metabolic response was measured based on the expired gas. High-density surface EMG of the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles was performed using 64 two-dimensional electrode grids. Correlation coefficients between oxygen consumption and the surface EMG amplitude were calculated across the gait speeds for each channel in the electrode grid and for individual muscles. Mean correlation coefficients across electrodes were 0.69–0.87 for the four individual muscles, and the spatial variation of correlation between the surface EMG amplitude and oxygen consumption within an electrode grid was significantly greater in MG muscle than in TA muscle (Quartile deviations: 0.24 for MG and 0.02 for TA, p < 0.05). These results suggest that the physiological burden of the whole body during gait at various speeds can be estimated from the surface EMG amplitude of calf muscles, but we need to note its spatial distribution within the MG muscle.
Public Policies of Welfare State and Child Poverty in the European Union
Authors: Sánchez Angeles , Navarro María
Published: March 2021

Combating child poverty is desirable to ensure equality of opportunities across children, as well as fostering the sustainability of the societal well-being for future generations. This paper focuses on the study of child poverty in the 28 Member States of the European Union over the period 2008–2018. We analyse the relationship between child poverty and government social expenditure by controlling it with tax structure (ratio direct taxes over indirect taxes), economic growth and socio-demographic characteristics. For that, we rely on panel data methodology. This paper has verified that the effectiveness of the government social spending programmes to reduce child poverty also depends on the progressiveness of the country’s tax structure. Government spending on health and education programmes could be more effective in reducing child poverty in Member States with less progressive tax structure, provided they reached the average level of public spending for the whole of the European Union. By contrast, a positive relationship between child poverty and government social protection spending regardless of the tax structure of countries was found. In this case, the underlying forces that lead to less effectiveness of social protection programmes are also stronger in the less progressive Member States.
A Theoretical Calculation Method of Ground Settlement Based on a Groundwater Seepage and Drainage Model in Tunnel Engineering
Authors: Wei Zhengde , Zhu Yanpeng
Published: March 2021

Seepage is ubiquitous during tunneling in areas with high groundwater tables. The ground settlement trough on a single tunnel is well described by Peck’s formula, but it cannot reflect the settlement caused by seepage. In this paper, assuming that the groundwater inside and outside the tunnel is a one-dimensional steady-state seepage condition, the groundwater seepage and drainage model of the tunnel was established. Based on the model and the principle of groundwater dynamics, the seepage flow calculation formula was derived, and the dewatering funnel curve equation of the groundwater level surface of a tunnel aquifer was obtained. A case study of a tunnel project in Gansu Province was carried out, and the influence of seepage on the effective stress of the stratum around the tunnel and the calculation of ground settlement caused by seepage were analyzed. The results show that seepage makes the effective stress of the upper soil layer of the tunnel increase, which leads to an increase in ground deformation; when the groundwater level of the tunnel is greatly lowered, the seepage has a significant influence on the vertical deformation of the stratum.
The Concept of Resilience in Recent Sustainability Research
Authors: Nüchter Verena , Abson David J. , von Wehrden Henrik , Engler John-Oliver
Published: March 2021

The concept of resilience gained increased attention in sustainability science, with a notable spike from 2014 onwards. However, resilience is a multifaceted concept with no unanimous definition, making applications in the context of sustainability, a similarly multifarious term, a challenge. Here, we examine the use of resilience in well-cited sustainability literature in the period from 2014 to 2018. Based on our analysis, resilience as a concept proves its analytical strength through a diverse set of frameworks, indicators, and models, while its usefulness as boundary object is less clear. Most of the examined publications do not cite one of the well-established resilience definitions as a conceptual basis. The normativity of resilience is often implicit and rarely critically questioned, and strong participatory approaches are lacking. A multivariate statistical full-text bibliographic analysis of 112 publications reveals four distinct research clusters with partial conceptual proximity but hardly any overlap. While the majority of publications consider human well-being as an integral factor in their research, some research marginalizes this concept. Resilience to climate change dominates the discourse in the literature investigated, which signifies a need to broaden research efforts to other equally pressing—but in terms of the concept, widely neglected—sustainability challenges.
Oscillation Results of Emden–Fowler-Type Differential Equations
Authors: Bazighifan Omar , Nofal Taher A. , Yavuz Mehmet
Published: March 2021

In this article, we obtain oscillation conditions for second-order differential equation with neutral term. Our results extend, improve, and simplify some known results for neutral delay differential equations. Several effective and illustrative implementations are provided.
Host Range of Carp Edema Virus (CEV) during a Natural Mortality Event in a Minnesota Lake and Update of CEV Associated Mortality Events in the USA
Authors: Tolo Isaiah E. , K. Padhi Soumesh , Hundt Peter J. , Bajer Przemyslaw G. , K. Mor Sunil , Phelps Nicholas B. D.
Published: March 2021

Mass mortality events of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, carp) associated with carp edema virus (CEV) alone or in coinfections with koi herpesvirus (KHV), is an emerging issue. Despite recent outbreaks of CEV in wild carp populations, the host range of North American species has not been well studied. To that end, we intensively sampled carp (n = 106) and co-habiting native fish species (n = 5 species; n = 156 total fish) from a CEV-suspect mass-mortality event of carp in a small Minnesota lake (Lake Swartout). Additionally, fecal and regurgitant samples (n = 73 each) from double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus, DCCO) were sampled to test the potential of DCCO to act as a vector for virus transmission. CEV was confirmed to be widespread in the Lake Swartout carp population during the outbreak with high viral loads and histological confirmation, suggesting that CEV was the cause of the mortality event. There were no detections of CEV in any native fish species; however, DCCO regurgitant and fecal samples were positive for CEV DNA. In addition, three CEV-positive and one CEV + KHV-positive mortality events were confirmed with no observed mortality or morbidity of non-carp species in other lakes. This study provides evidence that CEV infection and disease may be specific to carp during mortality events with mixed-species populations, identifies DCCO as a potential vector for CEV, and further expands the known range of CEV, as well as coinfections with KHV, in North America.
Growth Kinetics of Influenza C Virus Antigenic Mutants That Escaped from Anti-Hemagglutinin Esterase Monoclonal Antibodies and Viral Antigenic Changes Found in Field Isolates
Authors: Matsuzaki Yoko , Sugawara Kanetsu , Shimotai Yoshitaka , Kadowaki Yoko , Hongo Seiji , Mizuta Katsumi , Nishimura Hidekazu
Published: March 2021

The antigenicity of the hemagglutinin esterase (HE) glycoprotein of influenza C virus is known to be stable; however, information about residues related to antigenic changes has not yet been fully acquired. Using selection with anti-HE monoclonal antibodies, we previously obtained some escape mutants and identified four antigenic sites, namely, A-1, A-2, A-3, and Y-1. To confirm whether the residues identified as the neutralizing epitope possibly relate to the antigenic drift, we analyzed the growth kinetics of these mutants. The results showed that some viruses with mutations in antigenic site A-1 were able to replicate to titers comparable to that of the wild-type, while others showed reduced titers. The mutants possessing substitutions in the A-2 or A-3 site replicated as efficiently as the wild-type virus. Although the mutant containing a deletion at positions 192 to 195 in the Y-1 site showed lower titers than the wild-type virus, it was confirmed that this region in the 190-loop on the top side of the HE protein is not essential for viral propagation. Then, we revealed that antigenic changes due to substitutions in the A-1, A-3, and/or Y-1 site had occurred in nature in Japan for the past 30 years. These results suggest that some residues (i.e., 125, 176, 192) in the A-1 site, residue 198 in the A-3 site, and residue 190 in the Y-1 site are likely to mediate antigenic drift while maintaining replicative ability.
Characterization and Vector Competence Studies of Chikungunya Virus Lacking Repetitive Motifs in the 3′ Untranslated Region of the Genome
Authors: Karliuk Yauhen , vom Hemdt Anja , Wieseler Janett , Pfeffer Martin , Kümmerer Beate M.
Published: March 2021

Using reverse genetics, we analyzed a chikungunya virus (CHIKV) isolate of the Indian Ocean lineage lacking direct repeat (DR) elements in the 3′ untranslated region, namely DR1a and DR2a. While this deletion mutant CHIKV-∆DR exhibited growth characteristics comparable to the wild-type virus in Baby Hamster Kidney cells, replication of the mutant was reduced in Aedes albopictus C6/36 and Ae. aegypti Aag2 cells. Using oral and intrathoracic infection of mosquitoes, viral infectivity, dissemination, and transmission of CHIKV-∆DR could be shown for the well-known CHIKV vectors Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Oral infection of Ae. vexans and Culex pipiens mosquitoes with mutant or wild-type CHIKV showed very limited infectivity. Dissemination, transmission, and transmission efficiencies as determined via viral RNA in the saliva were slightly higher in Ae. vexans for the wild-type virus than for CHIKV-∆DR. However, both Ae. vexans and Cx. pipiens allowed efficient viral replication after intrathoracic injection confirming that the midgut barrier is an important determinant for the compromised infectivity after oral infection. Transmission efficiencies were neither significantly different between Ae. vexans and Cx. pipiens nor between wild-type and CHIKV-∆DR. With a combined transmission efficiency of 6%, both Ae. vexans and Cx. pipiens might serve as potential vectors in temperate regions.
Minimum Residual Flows for Catchments in the Czech Republic
Authors: Balvín Pavel , Vizina Adam , Nesládková Magdalena , Blöcher Johanna , Makovcová Marcela , Moravec Vojtěch , Hanel Martin
Published: March 2021

The determination of minimum residual flow (MRF) follows diverse methodology in Europe due to differing hydrological conditions, ecosystem requirements, water abstraction requirements, and legislation. Methodologies in individual countries are difficult to compare qualitatively. However, individual approaches can serve as examples for countries undergoing the process of developing new methodologies, either for legislative purposes or to improve environmental standards on watercourses. This is exactly the situation in the Czech Republic which, has been working on the Regulation of the Government of the Czech Republic for ten years, since the amendment to the Water Act in 2010, defines the methods and criteria for determining the MRF on watercourses. T.G. Masaryk Water Research Institute, p.r.i., was commissioned to develop a new methodology to serve as the basis for the wording of aforementioned regulation. The new methodological approach took into account modern trends concerning the preservation of ecological standards, and used standard hydrological characteristics for its calculations. The newly proposed approach is undergoing a complicated approval process as the authors seek to increase the MRF compared to the current approach. The new approach assumes an MRF setting between Q97 and Q90. It defines four areas within the Czech Republic, by their hydrological and hydrogeological conditions, where the MRF is determined in different ways. This article describes the development of a new methodological approach, including the use the available Czech Hydrometeorological Institute data sets, the proposed regional division for MRF calculations, the determination the MRF below reservoirs, and the current state of the issue.
Energy Recovery Potential in Industrial and Municipal Wastewater Networks Using Micro-Hydropower in Spain
Authors: Mérida García Aida , Rodríguez Díaz Juan , García Morillo Jorge , McNabola Aonghus
Published: March 2021

The use of micro-hydropower (MHP) for energy recovery in water distribution networks is becoming increasingly widespread. The incorporation of this technology, which offers low-cost solutions, allows for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions linked to energy consumption. In this work, the MHP energy recovery potential in Spain from all available wastewater discharges, both municipal and private industrial, was assessed, based on discharge licenses. From a total of 16,778 licenses, less than 1% of the sites presented an MHP potential higher than 2 kW, with a total power potential between 3.31 and 3.54 MW. This total was distributed between industry, fish farms and municipal wastewater treatment plants following the proportion 51–54%, 14–13% and 35–33%, respectively. The total energy production estimated reached 29 GWh∙year−1, from which 80% corresponded to sites with power potential over 15 kW. Energy-related industries, not included in previous investigations, amounted to 45% of the total energy potential for Spain, a finding which could greatly influence MHP potential estimates across the world. The estimated energy production represented a potential CO2 emission savings of around 11 thousand tonnes, with a corresponding reduction between M€ 2.11 and M€ 4.24 in the total energy consumption in the country.
Energisation Method For Offshore Wind Farms Connected To HVdc Via Diode Rectifiers
Authors: Saborío-Romano Oscar , Bidadfar Ali , Sakamuri Jayachandra Naidu , Cutululis Nicolaos Antonio
Published: March 2021

Diode rectifiers (DRs) have been recently suggested as a viable alternative for connecting offshore wind farms (OWFs) to HVdc, eliciting growing interest from both industry and academia. However, energisation of DR-connected OWFs is not straightforward. The present study constitutes a proof of concept of a novel energisation method for DR-connected OWFs, in which auxiliary power is provided from the shore through the HVdc link and the dc bus bar of one or more WTs. The proposed method provides an alternative with minimal additional hardware, which can be easily extended to more WTs in the OWF, increasing reliability by providing redundancy. The study includes coinciding auxiliary loads with active and reactive power components and a semi-aggregated OWF model, in which every WT is individually represented in the string containing the energising WT. An additional sequence of simulation events is considered following the initial energisation sequence. Such sequence comprises wind power taking over the provision of the auxiliary power. The simulation results indicate that the proposed method is a suitable alternative for energising OWFs connected to HVdc via DRs.

The manuscript has been submitted to the CIGRÉ Symposium 2021.
Humans are not Machines - Anthropocentric Human-Machine Symbiosis for Ultra-Flexible Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Lu Yuqian , Adrados Juvenal Sastre , Chand Saahil , Wang Lihui
Published: March 2021

Smart
manufacturing is characterized by self-organizing manufacturing systems and
processes that can respond to dynamic changes. We envision the rapid
advancement of smart machines with empathy skills will enable anthropocentric
human-machine teams that can maximize human flexibility and wellness at work
while maintaining the required manufacturing productivity and stability. In
this paper, we present a future-proofing human-machine symbiosis framework that
features human centrality, social wellness, and adaptability. The
essential technical challenges and methods are discussed in detail.
Dealing with Hypercoagulability Problem in COVID-19 Cases
Authors: Suhartono Raden , Nugroho Nyityasmono Tri
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 disease has emerged worldwide, and recently COVID-19 vaccination has become the most powerful weapon to overcome this pandemic. Indonesia has begun their COVID-19 vaccination program since this January 13, 2021, with President Joko Widodo as the first participant in this program. However, the cumulative COVID-19 cases in Indonesia is still increasing, with the 939,948 confirmed cases per January 21, 2021, with 8,000 – 14,000 cases in single day within last week report. This issue will lead to higher morbidity and mortality rates, if the moderate to severe COVID-19 cases are not properly treated. One morbidity in vascular problem in COVID-19 is the hypercoagulability issue.
Wide-Range Detection Device for Continuous and Pulsed Photon Radiation Dosimetry for Emergency Radiation Protection Purposes
Authors: Bogdan Mihail , Kurdya Yuriy , Karaykoza Tat'yana , Lukashevich Roman , Lazarenko Sergey
Published: March 2021

The article presents the principle of operation and characteristics of the wide-range detection device UDKG-37, developed and manufactured by the ATOMTEX enterprise, as well as the results of its tests in continuous and pulsed fields of photon radiation.
Enhancing landowner adoption of the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s recommended beef cattle grazing management practices
Authors: Olsovsky Taylor , Strong Robert , Berthold Allen
Published: March 2021

Water has a significant role in society, whether through human consumption or agricultural use. The Lavaca Watershed is an agricultural community affected by nonpoint source pollution, and water quality protection is of high concern. Beef cattle operations are linked to nonpoint source pollution which contaminates surrounding water sources. If proper grazing management practices are not used, wastes from the operation impair water quality in the area. Landowners should use proper stocking rates and implement best management practices to benefit land and water quality in addition to overall operation profit. Females reported a higher intention to adopt, indicating these respondents are more open to practice changes on their own operation. Results indicated a need for the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board to conduct further outreach to increase interaction with landowners. NRCS agencies could help increase the use of water conservation plans and inquiries by making this clear to current landowners participating in their program as well as potential clients by sending informational flyers or speaking at local organizational gatherings. The importance of adopting water management practices and barriers to adoption are ongoing global concerns.
Prozessbasierte Analyse zur Integration von Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten in die Methode Building Information Modeling (BIM)/Abstract Process Based Analysis of Sustainability Issues for Integration into Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Authors: Görsch Christopher , Schönbach Robin , Klemt-Albert Katharina , Löhnert Günter
Published: March 2021

Die Gestaltung unserer Umwelt, unter Beachtung von Konzepten der Ressourcenknappheit und Generationengerechtigkeit, gilt als eine essenzielle Aufgabe unserer Zeit. Die Bauindustrie steht vor großen Herausforderungen, da sie als größter Konsument von Primärenergie gilt. In einer Vielzahl heutiger Hochbauprojekte werden Nachhaltigkeitsaspekte ungenügend betrachtet. Im Rahmen des Forschungsprojekts ONIB (“Optimierung der Nachhaltigkeit von Bauwerken durch die Integration von Nachhaltigkeitsanforderungen in die digitale Methode Building Information Modeling”) des Bundesinstituts für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung (BBSR) wurden Untersuchungen zur Integration von Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten in die digitale Arbeitsmethode Building Information Modeling (BIM) durchgeführt. Dabei wurde mit Action Research Ansätzen analysiert, wie Zertifizierungs- und Nachhaltigkeitsaspekte in frühen Planungsphasen berücksichtigt sowie phasenübergreifend effizient gesteuert werden können. Für das Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement wurde ein Datenmanagement innerhalb einer BIM-Plattform aufgesetzt. Die Grundlage dafür bildet ein Status-Quo-Prozessmodell, auf dem ein BIM-basierter Umgang zur Integration von Nachhaltigkeitsanforderungen entwickelt wurde. Es werden Engpässe in der Betrachtung dieser Anforderungen aufgezeigt und Lösungsansätze erarbeitet, um die Komplexität des Zertifizierungsprozesses zu verringern. Dadurch können zukünftig eine erhöhte Transparenz und ein besseres Verständnis von Nachhaltigkeit im Hochbau erzielt werden.
A common dynamic prior for time in duration discrimination
Authors: de Jong Joost , Akyürek Elkan G. , van Rijn Hedderik
Published: March 2021

Estimation of time depends heavily on both global and local statistical context. Durations that are short relative to the global distribution are systematically overestimated; durations that are locally preceded by long durations are also overestimated. Context effects are prominent in duration discrimination tasks, where a standard duration and a comparison duration are presented on each trial. In this study, we compare and test two models that posit a dynamically updating internal reference that biases time estimation on global and local scales in duration discrimination tasks. The internal reference model suggests that the internal reference operates during postperceptual stages and only interacts with the first presented duration. In contrast, a Bayesian account of time estimation implies that any perceived duration updates the internal reference and therefore interacts with both the first and second presented duration. We implemented both models and tested their predictions in a duration discrimination task where the standard duration varied from trial to trial. Our results are in line with a Bayesian perspective on time estimation. First, the standard systematically biased estimation of the comparison, such that shorter standards increased the likelihood of reporting that the comparison was shorter. Second, both the previous standard and comparison systematically biased time estimation of subsequent trials in the same direction. Third, more precise observers showed smaller biases. In sum, our findings suggest a common dynamic prior for time that is updated by each perceived duration and where the relative weighting of old and new observations is determined by their relative precision.
Open Educational Resources
Authors: Menzel Michael
Published: March 2021

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit offenen Lehr- und Lernmaterialien, Open Educational Resources (OER) genannt. Sie werden verglichen mit Materialien, die im Open Access publiziert werden.
Besonderheiten bei der Lizenzierung und Weiterentwicklung bereits bestehender OER werden erörtert. Nach einem kurzen Überblick über vorhandene Quellen für OER wird das Zentrale OER-Repositorium der Hochschulen
in Baden-Württemberg (ZOERR) vorgestellt.
Assessing accuracy and completeness of GenBank for eDNA metabarcoding: towards a reliable marine fish reference database
Authors: Claver Cristina , Canals Oriol , Rodriguez-Ezpeleta Naiara
Published: March 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, the process of sequencing DNA collected from the environment for producing biodiversity inventories, is increasingly being applied to assess fish diversity and distribution in marine environments. Yet, the successful application of this technique deeply relies on accurate and complete reference databases used for taxonomic assignment. The most used markers for fish eDNA metabarcoding studies are the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (COI), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S), the 12S ribosomal RNA (12S) and cytochrome b (cyt b) genes, whose sequences are usually retrieved from GenBank, the largest DNA sequence database that represents a worldwide public resource for genetic studies. Thus, the completeness and accuracy of GenBank is critical to derive reliable estimations from fish eDNA metabarcoding data. Here, we have i) compiled the checklist of European marine fishes, ii) performed a gap analysis of the four genes and, within COI and 12S, also of the most used barcodes for fish, and iii) developed a workflow to detect potentially incorrect records in GenBank. We found that from the 1965 species in the checklist (1761 Actinopterygii, 189 Elasmobranchii, 9 Holocephali, 4 Petromyzonti and 2 Myxini), about 70% have sequences for COI, whereas less have sequences for 12S, 16S and cyt b (45-55%). Among the species for which COI ad 12S sequences are available, about 60% and 40% have sequences covering the most used barcodes respectively. The analysis of pairwise distances between sequences revealed pairs belonging to the same species with significantly low similarity and pairs belonging to different high level taxonomic groups (class, order) with significantly large similarity. In light of this further confirmation of presence of a substantial number of incorrect records in GenBank, we propose a method for identifying and removing spurious sequences to create reliable and accurate reference databases for eDNA metabarcoding.
Professeur-documentaliste
Authors: Gardiès Cécile
Published: March 2021

Le métier de professeur-documentaliste en France est un métier jeune qui se caractérise par une bivalence des tâches et des missions, mais ses difficultés de référentialité scientifique et de reconnaissance institutionnelle amènent à s’interroger sur la professionnalisation. Des éléments marquant historiquement le métier montrent que les savoirs sont multiples et inégalement maîtrisés. Pourtant, les penser dans une globalité voire dans leur interdépendance permettrait d’agir sur leurs formes de construction et surtout de réception et contribuerait à construire un tiers métier.
Professeur-documentaliste
Authors: Liquète Vincent , Lehmans Anne
Published: March 2021

À partir d’une étude longitudinale menée auprès d’étudiants et de professeurs stagiaires en documentation, nous tenterons de caractériser la façon dont s’organise et se met en œuvre l’entrée dans le métier de professeur documentaliste dans l’enseignement public. L’articulation, voire la confrontation, des représentations, des savoirs de référence et des premières mises en pratique font émerger un métier de l’information hybride ainsi que de nombreuses difficultés.
Transitions vers l'agriculture biologique
Authors: David Christophe
Published: March 2021

Ce chapitre présente l’état actuel des grandes cultures biologiques en France, le processus de spécialisation et d’intensification des systèmes de production résultant de l’augmentation de la demande et des exigences de qualité et de traçabilité de l’aval. Il présente aussi leurs conséquences sur la diversité des modèles de production. Ainsi, les exploitations de grandes cultures biologiques se situent en équilibre instable entre des principes fondateurs et une réglementation AB qui prônent l’autonomie et la mixité des systèmes, et un marché porteur qui conduit au contraire à une homogénéisation et à une concentration des productions.
Évaluons, évoluons
Authors: Marcel Jean-François , Murillo Audrey
Published: March 2021

Ce chapitre, essentiellement empirique, se base sur une enquête par questionnaires conduite auprès d’ environ 200 enseignants et formateurs de l’ enseignement agricole public français provenant de 10 régions différentes de la métropole. Cette enquête permet de révéler des caractéristiques de pratiques d’ évaluation déclarées. Après avoir présenté le cadre de l’ analyse, il détaille une description des pratiques d’ évaluation en explorant trois domaines : le rapport de l’ enseignant à l’ évaluation, les modalités d’ action et les « manières de faire » de l’ enseignant. L’ analyse est ensuite conduite selon deux niveaux. Elle examine les variations des modalités d’ action et des manières de faire de l’ enseignant en fonction, d’une part, des caractéristiques des enseignants et, d’ autre part, des contextes au sein desquels elles se déploient. Une interprétation de ces résultats alimente la discussion conclusive de ce texte.
Évaluons, évoluons
Authors: Demeuse Marc , Soetewey Sabine
Published: March 2021

L’ évaluation n’ est pas une fin en soi, mais elle constitue une part importante de tout processus régulé. Dans le domaine de l’ éducation formelle, l’ évaluation prend des formes multiples et est au cœur même de l’ École (qu’ il s’ agisse de l’ évaluation des élèves ou des enseignements). Dans leur chapitre, Demeuse et Soetewey traitent principalement de l’ évaluation des systèmes éducatifs et des évolutions que ce domaine a pu connaître en Belgique francophone. Ils montrent comment les chercheurs ont pu prendre part aux développements de ce système éducatif et à son pilotage. À travers les évaluations internationales, principalement menées dans un but d’ amélioration de la connaissance du système par les chercheurs eux-mêmes, ceux-ci ont été de plus en plus impliqués dans la mise en œuvre de nouveaux programmes et dans l’ élaboration d’ outils de pilotage. Les deux auteurs belges illustrent cette évolution par la présentation d’ une recherche-action dans laquelle chercheurs et responsables du système éducatif élaborent de nouveaux outils de pilotage, mais aussi développent une meilleure compréhension du fonctionnement de l’ École. Plus que le développement d’ outils, c’ est l’ évolution du système lui-même qui est visée, à travers une meilleure régulation. À côté de cette recherche, les auteurs présentent également une étude du curriculum scientifique dans l’ enseignement secondaire supérieur. Cette présentation permet de constater comment un problème de départ – améliorer la lisibilité des programmes de sciences – doit pouvoir être repensé, compte tenu de l’ organisation complexe du système éducatif belge francophone et des problèmes que cette organisation génère en termes d’ équité…