bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Perceived Utility of a Management Control System with a Broad Scope on the Use of Food Waste Information and on Financial and Non-Financial Performances in Restaurants
Authors: Lunkes Rogério João , Rosa Fabricia Silva da , Lattanzi Pamela
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of the perceived utility of a management control system with a broad scope on the use of food waste information and on financial and non-financial performances in restaurants. To collect data, a questionnaire was administered in Brazilian restaurants. Data from 206 restaurants were analysed with structural equation modelling, which was performed with SmartPLS software. The results reveal that a management control system of broad scope, which includes non-financial information, is oriented towards the future, and contains an external and long-term focus, assists in the use of information on food waste. In addition, the use of information about food waste by managers improves the financial and non-financial performance of restaurants. The study contributes to the literature by showing that broader information systems are effective in managing food waste, and they can also contribute to improving performance.
Beneficiary Foci Types and Performance Appeals in Green Advertising
Authors: Choi Dooyoung , Lee Ha Kyung
Published: August 2020

In green advertising, the message focus is often associated with one of two benefits: the self-benefit focus and the other-benefit focus. However, determining which of the two benefit foci is more effective in generating positive consumer responses is still debatable. To explain the complexity of the mixed findings, we have explored advertising appeals that influence the perception of the environmental performance of the product, or green performance perception. Specifically, we have examined the self- and other-benefit types with three performance-based appeals (before, after, and before–after appeals) in relation to perceived green performance and brand attitudes. A 2 × 3 ANOVA of perceived green performance with data from 390 participants reveals a significant two-way interaction. Results from comparing the three types of performance-based appeals indicate that, regardless of the beneficiary foci type, the before–after appeal works best in generating greater perceived green performance, which, in turn, leads to positive brand attitudes. When promoting the green benefit of others, we recommend using before-appeals to enhance a product’s green performance perceptions and after-appeals for self-benefit-focused advertisements; if not, before–after appeals are used.
Response of Photoluminescence of H-Terminated and Hydrosilylated Porous Si Powders to Rinsing and Temperature
Authors: Kolasinski Kurt , Swanson Joseph , Roe Benjamin , Lee Teresa
Published: August 2020

The photoluminescence (PL) response of porous Si has potential applications in a number of sensor and bioimaging techniques. However, many questions still remain regarding how to stabilize and enhance the PL signal, as well as how PL responds to environmental factors. Regenerative electroless etching (ReEtching) was used to produce photoluminescent porous Si directly from Si powder. As etched, the material was H-terminated. The intensity and peak wavelength were greatly affected by the rinsing protocol employed. The highest intensity and bluest PL were obtained when dilute HCl(aq) rinsing was followed by pentane wetting and vacuum oven drying. Roughly half of the hydrogen coverage was replaced with –RCOOH groups by thermal hydrosilylation. Hydrosilylated porous Si exhibited greater stability in aqueous solutions than H-terminated porous Si. Pickling of hydrosilylated porous Si in phosphate buffer was used to increase the PL intensity without significantly shifting the PL wavelength. PL intensity, wavelength and peak shape responded linearly with temperature change in a manner that was specific to the surface termination, which could facilitate the use of these parameters in a differential sensor scheme that exploits the inherent inhomogeneities of porous Si PL response.
Inflation with Scalar-Tensor Theory of Gravity
Authors: Saha Dalia , Sanyal Susmita , Sanyal Abhik Kumar
Published: August 2020

The latest released data from Planck in 2018 put up tighter constraints on inflationary parameters. In the present article, the in-built symmetry of the non-minimally coupled scalar-tensor theory of gravity is used to fix the coupling parameter, the functional Brans–Dicke parameter, and the potential of the theory. It is found that all the three different power-law potentials and one exponential pass these constraints comfortably, and also gracefully exit from inflation.
Viscous Matter in FRW Cosmology
Authors: Szydłowski Marek , Krawiec Adam
Published: August 2020

We investigate the dynamics of dust matter with bulk viscosity effects. We explored the analogy dynamical problem to Chaplygin gas. Due to this analogy we give exact solutions for the FRW cosmology with viscosity coefficient parameterized by the Belinskii–Khalatnikov power law dependence with respect to energy density. These exact solutions are given in the form of hypergeometrical functions. We proved simple theorem which illustrated as viscosity effects can solved the initial singularity problem present in standard cosmological model.
Morphometric Analysis of Surface Utricles in Halimeda tuna (Bryopsidales, Ulvophyceae) Reveals Variation in Their Size and Symmetry within Individual Segments
Authors: Neustupa Jiri , Nemcova Yvonne
Published: August 2020

Calcifying marine green algae of genus Halimeda have siphonous thalli composed of repeated segments. Their outer surface is formed by laterally appressed peripheral utricles which often form a honeycomb structure, typically with varying degrees of asymmetry in the individual polygons. This study is focused on a morphometric analysis of the size and symmetry of these polygons in Mediterranean H. tuna. Asymmetry of surface utricles is studied using a continuous symmetry measure quantifying the deviation of polygons from perfect symmetry. In addition, the segment shapes are also captured by geometric morphometrics and compared to the utricle parameters. The area of surface utricles is proved to be strongly related to their position on segments, where utricles near the segment bases are considerably smaller than those located near the apical and lateral margins. Interestingly, this gradient is most pronounced in relatively large reniform segments. The polygons are most symmetric in the central parts of segments, with asymmetry uniformly increasing towards the segment margins. Mean utricle asymmetry is found to be unrelated to segment shapes. Systematic differences in utricle size across different positions might be related to morphogenetic patterns of segment development, and may also indicate possible small-scale variations in CaCO3 content within segments.
Neural Networks in Narrow Stock Markets
Authors: Alfonso Gerardo , Ramirez Daniel R.
Published: August 2020

Narrow markets are typically considered those that due to limited liquidity or peculiarities in its investor base, such as a particularly high concentration of retail investors, make the stock market less efficient and arguably less predictable. We show in this article that neural networks, applied to narrow markets, can provide relatively accurate forecasts in narrow markets. However, practical considerations such as potentially suboptimal trading infrastructure and stale prices should be taken into considerations. There is ample existing literature describing the use of neural network as a forecasting tool in deep stock markets. The application of neural networks to narrow markets have received much less literature coverage. It is however an important topic as having reliable stock forecasting tools in narrow markets can help with the development of the local stock market, potentially also helping the real economy. Neural networks applied to moderately narrow markets generated forecasts that appear to be comparable, but typically not as accurate, as those obtained in deep markets. These results are consistent across a wide range of learning algorithms and other network features such as the number of neurons. Selecting the appropriate network structure, including deciding what training algorithm to use, is a crucial step in order to obtain accurate forecasts.
A Note on the Orthogonality Properties of the Pseudo-Chebyshev Functions
Authors: Caratelli Diego , Ricci Paolo Emilio
Published: August 2020

A novel class of pseudo-Chebyshev functions has been recently introduced, and the relevant analytical properties in terms of governing differential equation, recurrence formulae, and orthogonality have been analyzed in detail for half-integer degrees. In this paper, the previous studies are extended to the general case of rational degree. In particular, it is shown that the orthogonality properties of the pseudo-Chebyshev functions do not hold any longer.
Performance Evaluation of an Independent Time Optimized Infrastructure for Big Data Analytics that Maintains Symmetry
Authors: Vats Satvik , Sagar Bharat Bhushan , Singh Karan , Ahmadian Ali , Pansera Bruno A.
Published: August 2020

Traditional data analytics tools are designed to deal with the asymmetrical type of data i.e., structured, semi-structured, and unstructured. The diverse behavior of data produced by different sources requires the selection of suitable tools. The restriction of recourses to deal with a huge volume of data is a challenge for these tools, which affects the performances of the tool’s execution time. Therefore, in the present paper, we proposed a time optimization model, shares common HDFS (Hadoop Distributed File System) between three Name-node (Master Node), three Data-node, and one Client-node. These nodes work under the DeMilitarized zone (DMZ) to maintain symmetry. Machine learning jobs are explored from an independent platform to realize this model. In the first node (Name-node 1), Mahout is installed with all machine learning libraries through the maven repositories. The second node (Name-node 2), R connected to Hadoop, is running through the shiny-server. Splunk is configured in the third node (Name-node 3) and is used to analyze the logs. Experiments are performed between the proposed and legacy model to evaluate the response time, execution time, and throughput. K-means clustering, Navies Bayes, and recommender algorithms are run on three different data sets, i.e., movie rating, newsgroup, and Spam SMS data set, representing structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, respectively. The selection of tools defines data independence, e.g., Newsgroup data set to run on Mahout as others cannot be compatible with this data. It is evident from the outcome of the data that the performance of the proposed model establishes the hypothesis that our model overcomes the limitation of the resources of the legacy model. In addition, the proposed model can process any kind of algorithm on different sets of data, which resides in its native formats.
The Effect of a Secondary Task on Kinematics during Turning in Parkinson’s Disease with Mild to Moderate Impairment
Authors: Nardello Francesca , Bertoli Emanuele , Bombieri Federica , Bertucco Matteo , Monte Andrea
Published: August 2020

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) show typical gait asymmetries. These peculiar motor impairments are exacerbated by added cognitive and/or mechanical loading. However, there is scarce literature that chains these two stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of a dual task (cognitive task) and turning (mechanical task) on the spatiotemporal parameters in mild to moderate PD. Participants (nine patients with PD and nine controls (CRs)) were evaluated while walking at their self-selected pace without a secondary task (single task), and while repeating the days of the week backwards (dual task) along a straight direction and a 60° and 120° turn. As speculated, in single tasking, PD patients preferred to walk with a shorter stride length (p < 0.05) but similar timing parameters, compared to the CR group; in dual tasking, both groups walked slower with shorter strides. As the turn angle increased, the speed will be reduced (p < 0.001), whereas the ground–foot contact will become greater (p < 0.001) in all the participants. We showed that the combination of a simple cognitive task and a mechanical task (especially at larger angles) could represent an important training stimulus in PD at the early stages of the pathology.
Data Transmission and Management Based on Node Communication in Opportunistic Social Networks
Authors: Xiao Yutong , Wu Jia
Published: August 2020

Due to the rapid popularization of various short distance communication mobile devices, the use scenarios of opportunistic networks are increasing day by day. However, in opportunistic networks, because of the complexity of community structure, many methods lack of symmetry between application and theoretical research. Thus, the connection strength between nodes is different, and the degree of message diffusion is different. If the above factors cannot be accurately estimated and analyzed, and effective data forwarding and scheduling strategies cannot be formulated, the delivery ratio will be low, the delay will be relatively high, and the network overhead will be large. In light of improving symmetry problems in opportunistic networks, this paper establishes the message duplicate adaptive allocation and spray routing strategy (MDASRS) algorithm model, measures the connection strength between nodes through social pressure, and estimates the diffusion of current messages in the network through the probability of messages leaving the current node successfully, so as to develop the self-adaptive control replication transmission mode and achieve the effect of reducing the network burden and network overhead. This is done through experiments and comparison of social network algorithms, comparing the MDASRS with Epidemic, Spray and Wait, and EIMST algorithms. The experiment results showed that this method improves the cache utilization of nodes, reduces data transmission delay, and improves the network’s overall efficiency.
Surface Modification of Dielectric Substrates by Broad Beams of High-Energy Atoms of Inert Gases
Authors: Metel Alexander , Grigoriev Sergey , Volosova Marina , Melnik Yury , Mustafaev Enver
Published: August 2020

We present a new method to generate a neutral beam for surface treatment of materials by fast atoms of inert gases. The new method allows for treatment at lower pressures enlarging the scope for glow discharge applications. To generate the monoenergetic neutral beam, a grid composed of parallel plates is placed inside a vacuum chamber, a glow discharge plasma was generated, and a beam was formed by pulsing the grid to 30 kV to extract ions from the glow discharge. The ions were then neutralized by small-angle scattering at the surfaces of the grid. By applying the high voltage for 50 µs with a repetition frequency of 50 Hz, heating of the target could be limited to 100 °C (instead of 700 °C when running continuously). We present results showing the uniformity of the created beam and its energy distribution using Doppler-shift measurement. Finally, we show friction measurement of treated alumina pieces as a working example of an application of this technology.
Revealing the Therapeutic Potential of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in Counteracting Paralysis and Neuropathic Pain in Spinally Injured Mice
Authors: Vacca Valentina , Madaro Luca , De Angelis Federica , Proietti Daisy , Cobianchi Stefano , Orsini Tiziana , Puri Pier Lorenzo , Luvisetto Siro , Pavone Flaminia , Marinelli Sara
Published: August 2020

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is a major therapeutic agent that has been proven to be a successful treatment for different neurological disorders, with emerging novel therapeutic indications each year. BoNT/A exerts its action by blocking SNARE complex formation and vesicle release through the specific cleavage of SNAP-25 protein; the toxin is able to block the release of pro-inflammatory molecules for months after its administration. Here we demonstrate the extraordinary capacity of BoNT/A to neutralize the complete paralysis and pain insensitivity induced in a murine model of severe spinal cord injury (SCI). We show that the toxin, spinally administered within one hour from spinal trauma, exerts a long-lasting proteolytic action, up to 60 days after its administration, and induces a complete recovery of muscle and motor function. BoNT/A modulates SCI-induced neuroglia hyperreactivity, facilitating axonal restoration, and preventing secondary cells death and damage. Moreover, we demonstrate that BoNT/A affects SCI-induced neuropathic pain after moderate spinal contusion, confirming its anti-nociceptive action in this kind of pain, as well. Our results provide the intriguing and real possibility to identify in BoNT/A a therapeutic tool in counteracting SCI-induced detrimental effects. Because of the well-documented BoNT/A pharmacology, safety, and toxicity, these findings strongly encourage clinical translation.
Advances in Detecting Ciguatoxins in Fish
Authors: Pasinszki Tibor , Lako Jimaima , Dennis Todd E.
Published: August 2020

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is currently the most common marine biotoxin food poisoning worldwide, associated with human consumption of circumtropical fish and marine invertebrates that are contaminated with ciguatoxins. Ciguatoxins are very potent sodium-channel activator neurotoxins, that pose risks to human health at very low concentrations (>0.01 ng per g of fish flesh in the case of the most potent Pacific ciguatoxin). Symptoms of CFP are nonspecific and intoxication in humans is often misdiagnosed. Presently, there is no medically approved treatment of ciguatera. Therefore, to mitigate the risks of CFP, reliable detection of ciguatoxins prior to consumption of fish tissue is acutely needed, which requires application of highly sensitive and quantitative analytical tests. During the last century a number of methods have been developed to identify and quantify the concentration of ciguatoxins, including in vivo animal assays, cell-based assays, receptor binding assays, antibody-based immunoassays, electrochemical methods, and analytical techniques based on coupling of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Development of these methods, their various advantages and limitations, as well as future challenges are discussed in this review.
Individual and Combined In Vitro Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on Boar Semen
Authors: Tassis Panagiotis D. , Tsakmakidis Ioannis A. , Nagl Veronika , Reisinger Nicole , Tzika Eleni , Gruber-Dorninger Christiane , Michos Ilias , Mittas Nikolaos , Basioura Athina , Schatzmayr Dian
Published: August 2020

Mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) can negatively affect pig health. However, little is known about their effects on boar semen. We assessed the individual and combined effects of DON and ZEN on boar semen in vitro. In a pretrial, we determined the minimum dose (MiD) of each mycotoxin that induces a significant alteration of sperm progressive motility, as investigated using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). In the main trial, the individual and combined effects of each mycotoxin’s MiD on sperm motility and kinetics (CASA analysis), morphology (SpermBlue staining), viability (calcein-propidium iodide staining), membrane functional status (hypoosmotic swelling test), and chromatin integrity (acridine orange staining) were analyzed. Pretrial results suggested a MiD of 50.6 μM and 62.8 μM for DON and ZEN, respectively. In the main trial, DON and ZEN administered at MiD significantly affected CASA parameters (e.g., increase of immotile spermatozoa, reduction of progressive motile spermatozoa), decreased sperm viability, and affected sperm morphology (head abnormalities) and membrane functional status. DON and ZEN showed less than additive effects on most parameters tested and a synergistic effect on viability and on two CASA parameters. In conclusion, DON and ZEN showed individual and combined toxic effects on boar semen in vitro.
Dandelion Extract Alleviated Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Oxidative Stress through the Nrf2 Pathway in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Sun Yawang , Wu Yongjiang , Wang Zili , Chen Juncai , Yang You , Dong Guozhong
Published: August 2020

In practical dairy production, cows are frequently subjected to inflammatory diseases, such as high-grain diet-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) as well as mastitis and metritis. Under the circumstances, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces oxidative stress within the cow and in the mammary epithelial cells. It has implications in practical production to alleviate oxidative stress and to optimize the lactational function of the mammary epithelial cells. This study thus aimed to investigate the antioxidative effects of dandelion aqueous extract (DAE) on LPS-induced oxidative stress and the mechanism of DAE as an antioxidant to alleviate oxidative stress through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the bovine mammary epithelial cell line MAC-T cells. The cells were cultured for 48 h in six treatments including control (without LPS and DAE), LPS (100 ng/mL), DAE10 (100 ng/mL LPS and 10 μg/mL DAE), DAE50 (100 ng/mL LPS and 50 μg/mL DAE), DAE100 (100 ng/mL LPS and 100 μg/mL DAE), and DAE200 (100 ng/mL LPS and 200 μg/mL DAE), respectively. The results showed that cell viability was reduced by LPS, and the adverse effect of LPS was suppressed with the supplementation of DAE. Lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress through enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, resulted in increases in oxidative damage marker concentrations, while 10 and 50 μg/mL DAE alleviated the LPS-induced oxidative stress via scavenging cellular ROS and improving antioxidant enzyme activity. The upregulation of antioxidative gene expression in DAE treatments was promoted through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, with DAE at a concentration of 50 μg/mL exhibiting the highest effect. Overall, DAE acted as an effective antioxidant to inhibit LPS-induced oxidative stress and as a potential inducer of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Raw Milk from Different Provinces of Ecuador
Authors: Puga-Torres Byron , Salazar David , Cachiguango Mayra , Cisneros Gabriela , Gómez-Bravo Carlos
Published: August 2020

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a mycotoxin from Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, classified as carcinogenic and hepatotoxic. The objective of the present investigation was to determine its presence in raw milk from north-central Ecuador, constituted by the provinces of Pichincha, Manabí, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. These areas represent approximately 30% of Ecuadorian milk production. By the end of the investigation, a total of 209 raw milk samples were collected, obtained both during the dry (June and August) and rainy seasons (April and November) of 2019. AFM1 concentrations were measured with lateral flow immunochromatographic assays, and 100% of the samples were positive for this mycotoxin, presenting a mean value of 0.0774 μg/kg with a range of 0.023 to 0.751 μg/kg. These AFM1 levels exceeded the European Union regulatory limit of 0.05 μg/kg in 59.3% (124/209) of samples, while only 1.9% (4/209) exceeded the Ecuadorian legal limit of 0.5 μg/kg. By using non-parametric tests, significant differences were determined (p ≤ 0.05) between the provinces for months of study, climatic season (being higher in the dry season), and climatic region (greater in the coast region). On the other hand, there were no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) between the types of producers or between production systems. Therefore, AFM1 contamination in raw milk does not present a serious public health problem in Ecuador, but a monitoring and surveillance program for this mycotoxin in milk should be developed to prevent consumer health problems.
Cell Cycle Regulation in Macrophages and Susceptibility to HIV-1
Authors: Ferreira Isabella A. T. M. , Porterfield J. Zachary , Gupta Ravindra K. , Mlcochova Petra
Published: August 2020

Macrophages are the first line of defence against invading pathogens. They play a crucial role in immunity but also in regeneration and homeostasis. Their remarkable plasticity in their phenotypes and function provides them with the ability to quickly respond to environmental changes and infection. Recent work shows that macrophages undergo cell cycle transition from a G0/terminally differentiated state to a G1 state. This G0-to-G1 transition presents a window of opportunity for HIV-1 infection. Macrophages are an important target for HIV-1 but express high levels of the deoxynucleotide-triphosphate hydrolase SAMHD1, which restricts viral DNA synthesis by decreasing levels of dNTPs. While the G0 state is non-permissive to HIV-1 infection, a G1 state is very permissive to HIV-1 infection. This is because macrophages in a G1 state switch off the antiviral restriction factor SAMHD1 by phosphorylation, thereby allowing productive HIV-1 infection. Here, we explore the macrophage cell cycle and the interplay between its regulation and permissivity to HIV-1 infection.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Human Enteroviruses from Clinical Samples by Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing
Authors: Grädel Carole , Terrazos Miani Miguel A. , Baumann Christian , Barbani Maria Teresa , Neuenschwander Stefan , Leib Stephen L. , Suter-Riniker Franziska , Ramette Alban
Published: August 2020

Enteroviruses are small RNA viruses that affect millions of people each year by causing an important burden of disease with a broad spectrum of symptoms. In routine diagnostic laboratories, enteroviruses are identified by PCR-based methods, often combined with partial sequencing for genotyping. In this proof-of-principle study, we assessed direct RNA sequencing (DRS) using nanopore sequencing technology for fast whole-genome sequencing of viruses directly from clinical samples. The approach was complemented by sequencing the corresponding viral cDNA via Illumina MiSeq sequencing. DRS of total RNA extracted from three different enterovirus-positive stool samples produced long RNA fragments, covering between 59% and 99.6% of the most similar reference genome sequences. The identification of the enterovirus sequences in the samples was confirmed by short-read cDNA sequencing. Sequence identity between DRS and Illumina MiSeq enterovirus consensus sequences ranged between 94% and 97%. Here, we show that nanopore DRS can be used to correctly identify enterovirus genotypes from patient stool samples with high viral load and that the approach also provides rich metatranscriptomic information on sample composition for all life domains.
Rendezvous at Plasma Membrane: Cellular Lipids and tRNA Set up Sites of HIV-1 Particle Assembly and Incorporation of Host Transmembrane Proteins
Authors: Thornhill Dishari , Murakami Tomoyuki , Ono Akira
Published: August 2020

The HIV-1 structural polyprotein Gag drives the virus particle assembly specifically at the plasma membrane (PM). During this process, the nascent virion incorporates specific subsets of cellular lipids and host membrane proteins, in addition to viral glycoproteins and viral genomic RNA. Gag binding to the PM is regulated by cellular factors, including PM-specific phospholipid PI(4,5)P2 and tRNAs, both of which bind the highly basic region in the matrix domain of Gag. In this article, we review our current understanding of the roles played by cellular lipids and tRNAs in specific localization of HIV-1 Gag to the PM. Furthermore, we examine the effects of PM-bound Gag on the organization of the PM bilayer and discuss how the reorganization of the PM at the virus assembly site potentially contributes to the enrichment of host transmembrane proteins in the HIV-1 particle. Since some of these host transmembrane proteins alter release, attachment, or infectivity of the nascent virions, the mechanism of Gag targeting to the PM and the nature of virus assembly sites have major implications in virus spread.
Ion Channels as Therapeutic Targets for Viral Infections: Further Discoveries and Future Perspectives
Authors: Charlton Frank W. , Pearson Hayley M. , Hover Samantha , Lippiat Jon D. , Fontana Juan , Barr John N. , Mankouri Jamel
Published: August 2020

Ion channels play key roles in almost all facets of cellular physiology and have emerged as key host cell factors for a multitude of viral infections. A catalogue of ion channel-blocking drugs have been shown to possess antiviral activity, some of which are in widespread human usage for ion channel-related diseases, highlighting new potential for drug repurposing. The emergence of ion channel–virus interactions has also revealed the intriguing possibility that channelopathies may explain some commonly observed virus induced pathologies. This field is rapidly evolving and an up-to-date summary of new discoveries can inform future perspectives. We herein discuss the role of ion channels during viral lifecycles, describe the recently identified ion channel drugs that can inhibit viral infections, and highlight the potential contribution of ion channels to virus-mediated disease.
The Adoption of Viral Capsid-Derived Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) for Disease Prevention and Treatments
Authors: Bogani Giorgio , Raspagliesi Francesco , Ditto Antonino , de la Fuente José
Published: August 2020

In the present paper, Mohosen et al [...]
Morphological and Immunohistochemical Description of a Splenic Haemangioma in a Captive European Wolf (Canis lupus lupus) and a Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Rodríguez Josep Maria Monné , Morandi Federico , Cavicchio Paolo , Poli Alessandro , Verin Ranieri
Published: August 2020

Neoplastic diseases are rarely described in wild carnivores; only a few reports have been published on this topic. Here, we describe the histological and immunohistochemical features of a haemangioma in the spleen of a grey wolf (Canis lupus lupus) and we compare the results with the dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Additionally, we list the different publications found in the literature with neoplastic lesions in wolves. Our results show similar immunohistochemical features to dogs, in which neoplastic cells express Vimentin, von Willebrand factor, alpha smooth muscle actin antibody, vascular endothelial growth factor C and low vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3. Toluidine blue special stain shows moderated increased numbers of mast cells infiltrating the tumor, a feature observed in benign vascular tumors in domestic dogs, but not in the malignant counterparts. To our knowledge, this is the first article describing the gross, histological and immunohistochemical features of a splenic haemangioma in a wolf.
Experimental Study on the Retention and Interception Effect of an Extensive Green Roof (GR) with a Substrate Layer Modified with Kaolin
Authors: Xu Chen , Liu Zaohong , Cai Guanjun , Zhan Jian
Published: August 2020

Extensive green roofs (GRs) often appear as pollution sources during actual rainfall events; therefore, it is necessary to study the control of nutrient leaching in the substrate layer. In this study, four extensive GR experimental devices are built: two with artificial granular structure substrate layers improved with kaolin as a binder, one with a commercial substrate layer, and one with a standard roof (SR). Based on the simulated rainfall conditions in different local recurrence periods, the delayed outflow time, rainfall retention rate, event mean concentration (EMC), and cumulative pollutant quality of NH4+, NO3−, NO2−, and PO43− in the effluents were measured and evaluated. The results of the study indicate that under simulated rainfall in all the experimental design recurrence periods, the kaolin-modified substrate layer does not exhibit a more significant retention capacity than the commercial substrate. However, it does show some suppression of the leaching effect of NO3− and PO43− in the runoff. The reduction rate of cumulative NO3− quality is 6.56%, and PO43− is 10.54%. In future practical engineering and related research, attention should be paid to the influence of the type and addition amount of the substrate layer modifier on the stability of the granular structure to prevent nutrient loss caused by soil erosion.
Joint Estimation of Hydraulic and Biochemical Parameters for Reactive Transport Modelling with a Modified ILUES Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Ruicheng , Zhou Nianqing , Xia Xuemin , Zhao Guoxian , Jiang Simin
Published: August 2020

Multicomponent reactive transport modeling is a powerful tool for the comprehensive analysis of coupled hydraulic and biochemical processes. The performance of the simulation model depends on the accuracy of related model parameters whose values are usually difficult to determine from direct measurements. In this situation, estimates of these uncertain parameters can be obtained by solving inverse problems. In this study, an efficient data assimilation method, the iterative local updating ensemble smoother (ILUES), is employed for the joint estimation of hydraulic parameters, biochemical parameters and contaminant source characteristics in the sequential biodegradation process of tetrachloroethene (PCE). In the framework of the ILUES algorithm, parameter estimation is realized by updating local ensemble with the iterative ensemble smoother (IES). To better explore the parameter space, the original ILUES algorithm is modified by determining the local ensemble partly with a linear ranking selection scheme. Numerical case studies based on the sequential biodegradation of PCE are then used to evaluate the performance of the ILUES algorithm. The results show that the ILUES algorithm is able to achieve an accurate joint estimation of related model parameters in the reactive transport model.
Assessing Potable Water Quality and Identifying Areas of Waterborne Diarrheal and Fluorosis Health Risks Using Spatial Interpolation in Peshawar, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Mahmood , Jamal Arshad , Tang Xiao-Wei , Al-Sughaiyer Mohammed A. , Al-Ahmadi Hassan M. , Ahmad Feezan
Published: August 2020

Waterborne diseases have become one of the major public health concerns worldwide. This study is aimed to investigate and develop spatial distribution mapping of the potable water quality parameters in the city of Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 108 water samples collected across the entire study area were subjected to physio-chemical and biological analyses. Tested parameters included pH, turbidity, temperature, fluoride concentration levels, and bacterial counts (faecal coliforms). Inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation in geographic information systems (GIS) was used for spatial analysis. Test results revealed that 48% of water samples had faecal coliforms count (per 100 mL) greater than World Health Organization (WHO) minimum limits, while 31% of samples had fluoride concentrations in excess of the WHO maximum guide values. Spatial distribution mapping was developed for faecal coliforms count and fluoride ion concentration using ArcGIS to highlight the high-risk settlements in the study area. Results showed that around 20% area under faecal coliforms and approximately 33% area based on fluoride concentrations fall under the need for treatment category. The pH and turbidity were found in compliance with WHO desirable limits. The sanitary inspection score significantly depicted that ineffective multi-barrier approaches consequently deteriorated the water quality at the consumer’s end. Findings from the present study shall be useful to policymakers for adopting necessary remedial measures before it severely affects public health.
Influence of Water Stress Levels on the Yield and Lycopene Content of Tomato
Authors: Takács Sándor , Pék Zoltán , Csányi Dániel , Daood Hussein G. , Szuvandzsiev Péter , Palotás Gábor , Helyes Lajos
Published: August 2020

Good water supply practice provides benefits such as water and energy conservation but also alters the quality of yield. These effects of irrigation on yield quantity and quality are widely researched in the case of many plants. In tomato it can affect the soluble solids content positively together with a slight reduction in yield quantity as confirmed by many studies. There are results in the literature regarding its effect on carotenoid composition and lycopene content as well, but the effect on lycopene isomers has not been revealed yet. In this study, we investigated how different water supply levels affect yield quantity and quality, focusing on lycopene components. A two-year open field irrigation experiment with a center pivot capable of variable rate irrigation was conducted on processing tomato. The water supply levels were 100%, 75%, and 50% of ETc (crop evapotranspiration) until the beginning of the ripening stage, calculated by AquaCrop compared to control without regular irrigation. The results suggested that 75% of ETc supplied till the beginning of ripening, was a balanced water supply level regarding yield quantity, soluble solids content and lycopene concentration and yields, such as higher concentration and ratio to total carotenoids. The evaluation of cis-lycopene concentration and ratio to all-trans did not show clear results in the two years.
Combining Hydrogeochemical Characterization and a Hyperspectral Reflectance Tool for Assessing Quality and Suitability of Two Groundwater Resources for Irrigation in Egypt
Authors: Gad Mohamed , El-Hendawy Salah , Al-Suhaibani Nasser , Tahir Muhammad Usman , Mubushar Muhammad , Elsayed Salah
Published: August 2020

Hyperspectral reflectance sensing provides a rapid and cost-effective technique for assessing the suitability of groundwater for irrigation by monitoring real-time changes in its quality at a large scale. In this study, we assessed the quality of 15 groundwater samples from El Fayoum depression in the Western Desert (WD) and 25 groundwater samples from the Central Nile Delta (CND) in Egypt using a traditional approach of the physiochemical parameters, irrigation water quality indicators (IWQIs), and hydrochemical facies. The spectral reflectance data of the water surface was used to build new simple reflectance indices (SRIs), and the performance of these indices for assessing IWQIs was compared with those by partial least square regression (PLSR) that was based on all SRIs or the full-spectrum ranges. Generally, the groundwater of the CND was fresher and more suitable for irrigation purposes than those of the WD. Based on the six IWQIs, ~6.7–60.0% and 85.0–100.0% of the groundwater samples of the WD and CND, respectively, were categorized as highly suitable for irrigation purposes. Based on hydrochemical facies, Na-Cl and Ca-HCO3 were dominant in the WD and CND, respectively, as well as the alkali earth metals (Na+ + K+), which significantly exceeded the alkaline earth metals (Ca2+ + Mg2+) in the WD, with the reverse for the CND. Most developed SRIs had a moderate, weak, and moderate to strong relationship with physiochemical parameters and IWQIs in the WD, CND, and across both regions, respectively. The PLSR models based on all SRIs provided a more accurate estimation of IWQIs in calibration and validation datasets than those based on full-spectrum ranges, and both PLSR models provided better estimation than the individual SRIs. These findings support the feasibility of using ground reflectance measurements as a fast and low-cost tool for the assessment and management of groundwater for irrigation in arid and semiarid regions.
Legal Analysis and Case Study on the Choice between Setting Environmental Flows by Using Reclaimed Water in Non-Permanent Rivers and the Sustainable Management of Groundwater in Southeast Spain
Authors: Molina-Giménez Andrés
Published: August 2020

This article studies the interaction between two environmental objectives actively pursued in water governance. On the one hand, the convenience of establishing or raising a minimum circulating flow in surface water bodies so to improve their quantitative and qualitative status. On the other hand, the need to carry out an intelligent management of aquifers avoiding their overexploitation. In the case study, the proposal consisting of increasing the minimum flow rate on a non-permanent river by means of discharging reclaimed water is studied. Such strategy jeopardizes the recovery of a number of overexploited aquifers since reclaimed water is currently being used for farming under the condition to proportionally reduce groundwater withdrawals. The aim is to discuss whether it is reasonable and rational to ensure continuous flows in water courses which do not have that pattern according to their natural dynamics to the detriment of other environmental or socioeconomic goals. In order to help decision makers to make a right choice, a set of criteria based on legal principles is proposed. According to the principles of minimum intervention, rationality and reasonableness, proportionality, and water economy, it is concluded that the use of reclaimed water to set higher environmental flows in discontinuous and ephemeral streams should only have a minor role in water policies, especially whether it may jeopardize other critical environmental goals.
Characterization of Thermophilic Microorganisms in the Geothermal Water Flow of El Chichón Volcano Crater Lake
Authors: Ovando-Chacon Sandy Luz , Tacias-Pascacio Veymar Guadalupe , Ovando-Chacon Guillermo Efren , Rosales-Quintero Arnulfo , Rodriguez-Leon Abelardo , Ruiz-Valdiviezo Victor Manuel , Servin-Martinez Alberto
Published: August 2020

This study reports for the first time the isolation, identification and characterization of lipase-producing thermophilic strain from the geothermal water of the El Chichón volcano crater lake. Two strains were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Geobacillus jurassicus CHI2 and Geobacillus stearothermophilus CHI1. Results showed that G. jurassicus CHI2 is Gram-positive, able to ferment maltose, fructose and sucrose and to hydrolyze starch and casein; while G. stearothermophilus CHI1 showed to be Gram-variable, able to ferment maltose and fructose and to hydrolyze starch. Colonies of both strains presented irregular shape, umbilicated elevation of gummy texture and cells presented flagellar movement to survive in fluids with high temperature and mass gradients due to complex phenomena of heat and mass transfer present in the geothermal fluids. Lipase production for G. stearothermophilus CHI1 was also evaluated. It was found that this strain possesses a growth associated with extracellular lipase production with a high activity of 143 U/mL at 8.3 h of incubation time, superior to the activities reported for other microorganisms of genus Geobacillus; for this reason, it can be said that the thermal flow of the El Chichón volcano crater lake can be a useful source of lipase-producing thermophilic bacteria.
Long Term Aquatic Vegetation Dynamics in Longgan Lake Using Landsat Time Series and Their Responses to Water Level Fluctuation
Authors: Tan Wenxia , Xing Jindi , Yang Shao , Yu Gongliang , Sun Panpan , Jiang Yan
Published: August 2020

Aquatic vegetation in shallow freshwater lakes are severely degraded worldwide, even though they are essential for inland ecosystem services. Detailed information about the long term variability of aquatic plants can help investigate the potential driving mechanisms and help mitigate the degradation. In this paper, based on Google Earth Engine cloud-computing platform, we made use of a 33-year (1987–2019) retrospective archive of moderate resolution Landsat TM, ETM + and OLI satellite images to estimate the extent changes in aquatic vegetation in Longgan Lake from Middle Yangtze River Basin in China using the modified enhanced vegetation index, including emerged, floating-leaved and floating macrophytes. The analysis of the long term dynamics of aquatic vegetation showed that aquatic vegetation were mainly distributed in the western part of the lake, where lake bottom elevation ranged from 11 to 12 m, with average water depth of less than 1 m in spring. The vegetation area variation for the 33-year period were divided into six stages. In years with heavy precipitation, the vegetation area decreased sharply. In the following years, the area normally restored. Aquatic vegetation area had a significant negative correlation with the spring water level and summer water level. The results showed that aquatic vegetation was negatively affected when water depth exceeded 2.5 m in May and 5 m in summer. It is recommended that water depth remain close to 1 m in spring and close to 3 m in summer for aquatic vegetation growth. Our study provide quantitative evidence that water-level fluctuations drive vegetation changes in Longgan Lake, and present a basis for sustainable lake restoration and management.
Optimization of Process Parameters for Obtaining Polyethersulfone/Additives Membranes
Authors: Medeiros Vanessa da Nóbrega , Silva Bárbara Ianny Arruda , Ferreira Rodholfo da Silva Barbosa , Oliveira Sandriely Sonaly Lima , Dias Rafael Agra , Araújo Edcleide Maria
Published: August 2020

The membrane separation process has been significantly highlighted for the treatment of water and effluents in a scenario of water resource scarcity. Effective treatments capable of reducing costs and waste are always necessary, with the planning of the experiments before their execution of interest. The purpose of this work was to evaluate, through experimental planning, the influence of the polyethersulfone (PES), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and clay variables on the membranes’ parameters (viscosity and contact angle), seeking the best compositions for the production of hollow fiber membranes. Membranes were produced according to the compositions proposed by the planning and were characterized by Viscosity, Contact Angle, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and flow measurements. Through XRD, it was shown that the characteristic peaks of the clay remained in the membranes with higher concentrations. SEM analysis showed the influence of clay on the membranes’ porosity as well as the relation between “fingers” formation and PVP. From the flow measurement test, the relation between the obtained flow and the polymer and clay contents was verified. These tests showed the significant influence of clay on the membranes’ performance. Thus, the use of experimental planning resulted in the development of membranes and their importance in the design of future studies, making it possible to predict and simulate experiments.
Is Malaysia Ready for Sustainable Energy? Exploring the Attitudes toward Solar Energy and Energy Behaviors in Malaysia
Authors: Teoh Ai Ni , Go Yun Ii , Yap Tze Chuen
Published: August 2020

To meet the larger demand for electricity supply, Malaysia needs to achieve two main psychosocial conditions, among others—having the awareness of renewable energy and demonstrating energy-conserving behavior. To examine whether Malaysia has met these two conditions, we recruited 225 participants (n = 109 women, n = 113 men, n = 3 did not indicate) to complete a series of questionnaires. The results showed that the public was aware of the option of solar energy but was not ready to install solar photovoltaic panels after being told the cost incurred. Furthermore, the public did not show satisfying energy-conserving behaviors. To boost the installation of solar power, increasing the public’s energy knowledge and implementing policies to reduce the installation cost might be helpful. These findings highlighted Malaysia’s low readiness for solar power and shed some light on what needs to be done to be better prepared for solar power.