bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impact of Environmental Regulation on Livestock Manure Waste Recycling: Empirical Evidence from Households in China
Authors: Si Ruishi , Pan Sitong , Yuan Yuxin , Lu Qian , Zhang Shuxia
Published: October 2019

Livestock manure waste (LMW) has turned into an important source of greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock manure waste recycling (LMWR) has great significance for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the LMW management process. For a long time, the government has mainly adopted environmental regulation to accelerate LMWR, but the recycling degree is still low. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of environmental regulation on LMWR. Empirical evidence was obtained through methods of in-depth measures and questionnaire investigation from 465 households engaged in breeding pigs in Hebei, Henan, and Hubei, China. The double hurdle model was employed to empirically assess the impact of environmental regulation on household LMWR behavior, and the moderating effects of guiding regulation were further verified. The results were that (1) 62.30% of the households in the sample were willing to implement LMWR behavior, but the recycling degree was only 42.50% of the LMW emission amount. (2) Environmental regulation was found to positively impact household LMWR behavior, while the effects were mainly contributed by imperative and guiding regulation. (3) Guiding regulation was shown to positively moderate the influences of imperative and incentive regulation on household LMWR behavior. (4) The impact of environmental regulation on different scales of household LMWR behavior was found to be heterogeneous. Finally, some recommendations, such as improving subsidy standards, classifying to promote LMWR technology, as well as increasing the matched proportions of planting and breeding, were proposed.
Experimenting and Modeling Thermal Performance of Ground Heat Exchanger Under Freezing Soil Conditions
Authors: Tu Shuyang , Yang Xiuqin , Zhou Xiang , Luo Maohui , Zhang Xu
Published: October 2019

Many studies have investigated the thermal performance of ground heat exchangers (GHEs) under normal conditions with inlet temperatures above 0 °C, but the freezing soil condition has been absent. We conducted a three-month test to investigate the heat transfer of GHE with inlet water-glycol temperatures of −7~0 °C. An improved thermal resistance and capacity (RC) model was developed to investigate the heat transfer between vertical single U-tube GHEs and the frozen soil. After validating with experimental results and CFD simulations, the RC model was applied to analyze GHEs’ thermal performance under different freezing soil conditions. It shows that the frozen soil increases GHE’s heat transfer capacity by 30% and the freezing inlet temperature has limited impacts on temperature distribution around the exchanger (with < 4 m influence radius). The GHEs’ heat transfer rate remained at 75~80 W/m throughout the three-month test, which is surprisingly high to ensure the normal operation of the ground source heat pump (GSHP). These findings can be references for designing and operating GSHP systems in cold and severe cold climate zones, and the RC model can be applied to analyze future GHEs performance with phase change processes.
How the Urban Neighborhood Environment Influences the Quality of Life of Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Influence Model of “NE-QoL”
Authors: Zhang Fan , Li Dezhi
Published: October 2019

Due to functional impairment and low mobility, the sphere of activities of older adults often shrinks and they rely on their living environment more. Especially for urban community-dwelling older adults who are aging in place, the urban neighborhood environment affects their quality of life (QoL) heavily. This study aims to explore how the urban neighborhood environment affects QoL of community-dwelling older adults and develop a mediation model called “Neighborhood Environment-Quality of Life (NE-QoL)” for community-dwelling older adults. The reliability test is applied to test and modify the questionnaire based on cross-sectional data collected from the survey, the multiple regression analysis is used to identify significant influence relations between variables of neighborhood environment and dimensions of the QoL, mediation effects are assumed and tested by the mediation analysis in SPSS, and then the “NE-QoL” is developed to reveal the detailed influence path between the urban neighborhood environment and QoL of community-dwelling older adults. The “NE-QoL” model reveals seven variables of the urban neighborhood environment, which influences the QoL of community-dwelling older adults significantly, and three mediation effects exist in the influence path, making clear the understanding about the relationship between neighborhood environment and the QoL of community-dwelling older adults. It provides valuable retrofit guidelines of the neighborhood environment for improving QoL of community-dwelling older adults.
Methodology for the Optimal Design of a Hybrid Charging Station of Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles Supplied by Renewable Energies and an Energy Storage System
Authors: Sánchez-Sáinz Higinio , García-Vázquez Carlos-Andrés , Llorens Iborra Francisco , Fernández-Ramírez Luis M.
Published: October 2019

The global energy system is changing, mainly to achieve sustainable transport technologies and clean electrical generation based on renewable sources. Thus, as fuels, electricity and hydrogen are the most promising transport technologies in order to reduce greenhouse emissions. On the other hand, photovoltaic and wind energies, including energy storage, have become the main sources of distributed generation. This study proposes a new optimal-technical sizing method based on the Simulink Design Optimization of a stand-alone microgrid with renewable energy sources and energy storage to provide energy to a wireless power transfer system to charge electric vehicles along a motorway and to a hydrogen charging station for fuel cell-powered buses. The results show that the design system can provide energy for the charging of electric vehicles along the motorway and produce the hydrogen consumed by the fuel cell-buses plus a certain tank reserve. The flexibility of the study allows the analysis of other scenarios, design requirements, configurations or types of microgrids.
The Interdependences between Sustainability and Their Lifestyle That Pre-Service Teachers Establish When Addressing Socio-Ecological Problems
Authors: Esteve-Guirao Patricia , García Mercedes Jaén , Banos-González Isabel
Published: October 2019

In the training of pre-service teachers, promoting changes in everyday activities to favour environmental conservation is still a challenge. This paper discusses the main difficulties of pre-service teachers in the process of building relationships between sustainability and their lifestyle. For this purpose, a problem-based learning programme was designed, consisting of three socio-ecological problems. In each of them, we analysed three components which define these interdependences: pressures, importance and solutions for conservation. There were 72 participants in the whole programme and 1296 responses were assessed, by establishing three levels of sophistication for the relationships between sustainability and their lifestyle in each component. The pre-service teachers readily admitted the pressures on the environment exerted by certain everyday activities. In addition, they progressed on the identification of the importance of ecosystem services in their lives, and they pay attention to those services linked to socio-economic and cultural activities. The greatest difficulties lay in proposing solutions of conservation that involve changes in personal habits towards more-sustainable ones. These difficulties are discussed, as well as the educational implications that may be derived.
Environmental Sustainability of Food Consumption in Asia
Authors: Adhikari Biraj , Prapaspongsa Trakarn
Published: October 2019

This study assesses the environmental sustainability of food consumption in Thailand, India, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia by using a life cycle assessment. These five Asian countries were selected according to the differences in surface area, population density, GDP, and food consumption patterns. The data were obtained from Food and Agriculture Organization food balance sheets, Ecoinvent 3.4 and Agri-footprint 4.0 databases, and scientific publications. The environmental impact categories chosen were global warming, terrestrial acidification, eutrophication, eco-toxicity, human toxicity, and fossil resource scarcity. The impact assessment was carried out by using the ReCiPe2006 v1.1 method. Based on the analysis, the highest environmental impacts for all categories (except eutrophication) were from the food consumption in China, followed by the consumption in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and India. The major contributors to these impacts were meat, cereals, animal products, and alcoholic beverages. Meat was the highest contributor in all countries except India, because of low meat consumption in India. A calorie intake analysis was also conducted, which showed reductions in environmental impacts by shifting towards calorie-adequate and non-environmentally intensive diets in Thailand, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Therefore, a reduction in the consumption of meat, cereals, animal products, and alcoholic beverages could therefore enhance the environmental sustainability of food consumption.
Wooden and Plastic Pallets: A Review of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Studies
Authors: Deviatkin Ivan , Khan Musharof , Ernst Elizabeth , Horttanainen Mika
Published: October 2019

Pallets are the tiny cogs in the machine that drive transportation in the global economy. The profusion of pallets in today’s supply chain warrants the investigation and discussion of their respective environmental impacts. This paper reviews the life cycle assessment studies analyzing the environmental impacts of pallets with the intent of providing insights into the methodological choices made, as well as compiling the inventory data from the studies reviewed. The study is a meta-analysis of eleven scientific articles, two conference articles, two peer-reviewed reports, and one thesis. The review was implemented to identify the key methodological choices made in those studies, such as their goals, functional units, system boundaries, inventory data, life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) procedures, and results. The 16 studies reviewed cumulatively analyzed 43 pallets. Mostly pooled (n = 22/43), block-type (n = 13/43), and wooden (n = 32/43) pallets with dimensions of 1219 mm × 1016 mm or 48 in. × 40 in. (n = 15/43) were studied. Most of the studies represented pallet markets in the United States (n = 9/16). Load-based (e.g., 1000 kg of products delivered), trip-based (e.g., 1000 trips), and pallet-based (e.g., one pallet) functional units were declared. A trip-based functional unit seems the most appropriate for accounting of the function of the pallets, as its purpose is to carry goods and facilitate the transportation of cargo. A significant amount of primary inventory data on the production and repair of wooden and plastic pallets are available, yet there are significant variations in the data. Data on pallets made of wood–polymer composites was largely missing.
The Effect of Lean Manufacturing on a Supply Chain Relationship and Performance
Authors: Vanichchinchai Assadej
Published: October 2019

This study aims to explore the impact of lean manufacturing (LM) or transaction-based supply chain management (SCM) on a supply chain relationship (SCR) and supply performance (SP) in manufacturing industries in Thailand. The measurement instruments for LM, SCR, and SP were developed from comprehensive literature reviews, verified by experts, and statistical techniques to assure reliability and validity. The hypothesized model was tested with path analysis of structural equation modeling. It was found that the set of LM, SCR, and SP frameworks were reliable and valid for Thai manufacturing industries. LM had not only a direct effect on the SCR and SP but also an indirect effect on the SP through the SCR. The SCR also had a direct impact on the SP. This paper presents insights into the debate concerning the impact of transaction-based SCM on relationship-based SCM and SP.
Individuals’ Demand for Ride-hailing Services: Investigating the Combined Effects of Attitudinal Factors, Land Use, and Travel Attributes on Demand for App-based Taxis in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Etminani-Ghasrodashti Roya , Hamidi Shima
Published: October 2019

Despite the growing body of research on ride-hailing travel behaviors in Western countries, empirical evidence for changes in travel patterns resulting from the use of app-based services in developing countries remains rare. This study explores factors affecting an Iranian on-demand ride service called Snapp Taxi by using a comprehensive dataset collected from 22 municipality zones in metropolitan Tehran (N = 582). Our conceptual framework emphasizes the transportation mode choice effects of technology adoption, travel mode, ride-sourcing attributes, individual attitudes, land use measures, residential attributes, and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. Results from Structural Equation Models (SEM) show that factors such as cost effectiveness, trip security, anti-shared mobility, and technology-oriented riders have a significant impact on travel mode choice and the frequency of ride-hailing trips. This study suggests that individuals who prefer driving and semi-public transit also have higher numbers of Snapp trips than other demographics. According to our findings, on-demand ride services could complement or compete with other modes of transport, especially in areas with limited access to public transit. However, the presence of ride-hailing services does not necessarily result in fewer car trips if the service operates as a private (single-party occupancy) vehicle and not as a shared mobility option.
Could Gwadar Port in Pakistan Be a New Gateway? A Network Simulation Approach in the Context of the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Shibasaki Ryuichi , Tanabe Satoshi , Kato Hironori , Lee Paul Tae-Woo
Published: October 2019

Central Asia (CA), comprising six independent countries and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China (XUAR), is an archetypal landlocked region suffering from poor access to global markets. Possible gateway seaports for CA cargo are scattered across the Eurasian continent, and access requires long-haul transport. Thanks to their shorter hinterland transport distances, Pakistani ports, including Gwadar Port, which has drawn attention in the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, are investing a substantial amount in their infrastructure, with the aim of becoming the new gateway seaport for CA cargo. This paper aims to analyse the market potential of Gwadar Port and other Pakistani ports as gateways of the cargo to/from CA countries, including China and Russia, applying a two-layered network assignment model, developed from the perspective of shippers, under six scenario conditions. To overcome the lack of data availability in the region, surveys and interviews were conducted. The simulation results, based on several policy scenarios concerning the use of Gwadar Port, with hinterland connections and reduced border barriers, show that the port could handle a sustainable number of containers. If the hinterland rail network effectively connected the port to the CA countries via the XUAR, Pakistani ports could become gateways for CA cargo.
A Charging Location Choice Model for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Users
Authors: Yun Bolong , Sun Daniel , Zhang Yingjie , Deng Siwen , Xiong Jing
Published: October 2019

Electric vehicles (EVs) are promising alternatives to replace traditional gasoline vehicles. The relationship between available charging stations and electric vehicles has to be precisely coordinated to facilitate the increasing promotion and usage of EVs. This paper aims to investigate the choice of the charging location with global positioning system (GPS) trajectories of 700 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) users as well as the charging facility data in Shanghai. First, the recharge accessibility of each PHEV user was investigated, and 9% rely solely on public charging networks. Then, we explored the relationship between fuel consumption and the average distance between charging to analyze the environmental benefits of PHEVs. It was found that 16% PHEVs are similar to EVs, and 9% whose drivers rely solely on public charging stations are similar to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. PHEV users were divided into four types based on the actual recharge access: home and workplace-based user (private + workplace + public), the home-based user (private + public), the workplace-based user (workplace + public), and the public-based user (public). Models were developed to identify and compare the factors that influence PHEV user’s charging location choices (home, workplace, and public stations). The modeling and results interpretation were carried out for all PHEV users, home and workplace-based users, home-based users, and workplace-based users, respectively. The estimation results demonstrated that PHEV users tended to charge at home or workplace rather than public charging stations. Charging price, charging price tariff, the initial state of charge (SOC), dwell time, charging power, the density and size of public charging stations, the total number of public charging, vehicle kilometer travel (VKT) of the current trip and current day are the main predictors when choosing the charging location. Findings of this study may provide new insights into the operational strategies of the public charging station as well as the deployment of public charging facilities in urban cities.
Analysis for Spatio-Temporal Variation Characteristics of Droughts in Different Climatic Regions of the Mongolian Plateau Based on SPEI
Authors: Jin Laiquan , Zhang Jiquan , Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Minghua , Bao Yuhai , Guo Enliang , Wang Yongfang
Published: October 2019

Continuous climate warming in the last few decades has led to global climate anomalies, resulting in frequent drought events in arid/semiarid regions with fragile and sensitive ecological environment. The Mongolian Plateau (MP) is located at the mid-latitude arid/semiarid climate region, which is deemed as the most sensitive region in response to global climate change. In order to understand the spatiotemporal characteristics of droughts in Mongolian Plateau under changing climate, we divided the study area into three climatic regions via Köppen climate classification. Then, the seasonal and annual drought trends were analyzed by standardized precipitation evaporation index (SPEI), which is a function of monthly mean temperatures, highest temperatures, lowest temperatures and precipitations, collected from the 184 meteorological stations from 1980 to 2015. Mann–Kendall (MK) test was employed to detect if there is an abrupt change of annual drought, while the empirical orthogonal function method (EOF) was adopted to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of droughts across the Mongolian Plateau. Results from MK test illustrated that the SPEI-12 exhibited statistically significant downward trends (a < 0.05) for all three climatic regions of the Mongolian Plateau. EOF spatial analysis indicated that Region III experienced the most severe drought from 1980 to 2015. During the 35 years period, an abrupt change of drought was detected in 1999. Before year 1999, the climate was relatively humid. However, the entire region became more arid after year 1999, reflected by remarkably increased frequency and intensity of drought. SPEI-3 revealed the trend of drought at seasonal scale. We found that drought became more severe in spring, summer, and fall seasons for the entire MP. However, winter became more humid. Different climate regions exhibited quite different drought seasonality: Region I experienced a severe arid trend in summer and fall. For Region II and III, summer became more arid. All three regions became more humid in winter season, especially for Region I, with the Sen’s slope of 0.0241/a.
A Multivariate Modeling Analysis of Commuters’ Non-Work Activity Allocations in Xiaoshan District of Hangzhou, China
Authors: Guan Xin , Ye Xin , Shi Cheng , Zou Yajie
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the outdoor non-work activity allocation behaviors of commuters in Xiaoshan District of Hangzhou, China, as well as the underlying relationship among different types of outdoor non-work activities. As per their commute and work schedules, commuters’ outdoor non-work activities are classified into six categories and considered as binary dependent variables for modeling analysis, including from home before work, on commute way from home to work, going home during work, going out (not going home) during work, on commute way from work back home, and from home after work. Independent variables include commute attributes, work schedules, sociodemographic attributes, and built-environmental attributes. A multivariate probit model is developed to explore the effects of explanatory variables and capture correlations among unobserved influential factors. The model estimation results show that daily work time, education years, and traffic zone have substantial impacts on commuters’ non-work activity allocations. As for the underlying relationship among unobserved factors, a positive correlation is found between the outdoor non-work activities on commute way to and from work, indicating a mutually promotive relationship. All other correlations are negative, indicating other types of non-work activities are mutually substitutive. These findings will help to better understand commuters’ behaviors of outdoor activity arrangement subject to the time-space constraint from fixed work schedules, and shed some light on the mechanism of complex work tour formation, so as to guide the development of activity-based travel demand models for commuters.
Extremal Problems of Some Family of Holomorphic Functions of Several Complex Variables
Authors: Trybucka Edyta
Published: October 2019

Many authors, e.g., Bavrin, Jakubowski, Liczberski, Pfaltzgraff, Sitarski, Suffridge, and Stankiewicz, have discussed some families of holomorphic functions of several complex variables described by some geometrical or analytical conditions. We consider a family of holomorphic functions of several complex variables described in n-circular domain of the space C n . We investigate relations between this family and some of type of Bavrin’s families. We give estimates of G-balance of k-homogeneous polynomial, a distortion type theorem and a sufficient condition for functions belonging to this family. Furthermore, we present some examples of functions from the considered class.
A Prediction Model for the Potential Plastic Zone Induced by Tunnel Excavation Adjacent to a Pile Foundation in a Gravity Field
Authors: Fu Yanbin , Han Kaihang , Su Dong , Pang Xiaochao , Bao Xiaohua , Hou Beibei , Wu Hao , Wen Junsheng
Published: October 2019

The construction of metro tunnels in urban areas often encounters existing underground structures, such as the pile foundations of adjacent existing buildings. Under the mutual effects and impacts of pile foundation load and tunnel excavation, the soil around tunnel and pile foundations can experience stress redistribution or even yield prior to support installation, which could adversely affect and even damage the adjacent pile foundations. This paper proposes an effective prediction model consisted of axisymmetric tunnel and pile foundation to investigate the shape and range of potential plastic zones induced by tunnel excavation adjacent to pile foundations. Then the results obtained from the proposed method are compared with the existing approaches and numerical simulations, which shows that the shape of the potential plastic zone develops towards a butterfly shape in a gravity field, similar to those from numerical simulations. Finally, a parametric analysis is performed to investigate the influences of different parameters, such as soil parameters, axisymmetric boundary conditions, and pile parameters on the boundaries of the potential plastic zone. This proposed prediction model might provide a certain basis for making protective measures for existing pile foundations influenced by tunnel excavation, and provide a quick estimate of the boundaries of the potential plastic zone induced by tunnel excavation adjacent to pile foundations in a gravity field, thus resulting in time and cost savings.
A Taxon-Specific and High-Throughput Method for Measuring Ligand Binding to Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Authors: Zdenek Christina N. , Harris Richard J. , Kuruppu Sanjaya , Youngman Nicholas J. , Dobson James S. , Debono Jordan , Khan Muzaffar , Smith Ian , Yarski Mike , Harrich David , Sweeney Charlotte , Dunstan Nathan , Allen Luke , Fry Bryan G.
Published: October 2019

The binding of compounds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is of great interest in biomedical research. However, progress in this area is hampered by the lack of a high-throughput, cost-effective, and taxonomically flexible platform. Current methods are low-throughput, consume large quantities of sample, or are taxonomically limited in which targets can be tested. We describe a novel assay which utilizes a label-free bio-layer interferometry technology, in combination with adapted mimotope peptides, in order to measure ligand binding to the orthosteric site of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha-subunits of diverse organisms. We validated the method by testing the evolutionary patterns of a generalist feeding species (Acanthophis antarcticus), a fish specialist species (Aipysurus laevis), and a snake specialist species (Ophiophagus hannah) for comparative binding to the orthosteric site of fish, amphibian, lizard, snake, bird, marsupial, and rodent alpha-1 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Binding patterns corresponded with diet, with the Acanthophis antarcticus not showing bias towards any particular lineage, while Aipysurus laevis showed selectivity for fish, and Ophiophagus hannah a selectivity for snake. To validate the biodiscovery potential of this method, we screened Acanthophis antarcticus and Tropidolaemus wagleri venom for binding to human alpha-1, alpha-2, alpha-3, alpha-4, alpha-5, alpha-6, alpha-7, alpha-9, and alpha-10. While A. antarcticus was broadly potent, T. wagleri showed very strong but selective binding, specifically to the alpha-1 target which would be evolutionarily selected for, as well as the alpha-5 target which is of major interest for drug design and development. Thus, we have shown that our novel method is broadly applicable for studies including evolutionary patterns of venom diversification, predicting potential neurotoxic effects in human envenomed patients, and searches for novel ligands of interest for laboratory tools and in drug design and development.
Channel Formation by LktA of Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica in Lipid Bilayer Membranes and Comparison of Channel Properties with Other RTX-Cytolysins
Authors: Benz Roland , Piselli Claudio , Potter Andrew
Published: October 2019

Cytolysin LktA is one of the major pathogenicity factors of Mannheimia haemolytica (formerly Pasteurella haemolytica) that is the cause of pasteurellosis, also known as shipping fever pneumonia, causing substantial loss of sheep and cattle during transport. LktA belongs to the family of RTX-toxins (Repeats in ToXins) that are produced as pathogenicity factors by a variety of Gram-negative bacteria. Sublytic concentrations of LktA cause inflammatory responses of ovine leukocytes. Higher concentrations result in formation of transmembrane channels in target cells that may cause cell lysis and apoptosis. In this study we investigated channel formation by LktA in artificial lipid bilayer membranes made of different lipids. LktA purified from culture supernatants by polyethylene glycol 4000 precipitation and lyophilization had to be activated to frequently form channels by solution in 6 M urea. The LktA channels had a single-channel conductance of about 60 pS in 0.1 M KCl, which is about one tenth of the conductance of most RTX-toxins with the exception of adenylate cyclase toxin of Bordetella pertussis. The LktA channels are highly cation-selective caused by negative net charges. The theoretical treatment of the conductance of LktA as a function of the bulk aqueous concentration allowed a rough estimate of the channel diameter, which is around 1.5 nm. The size of the LktA channel is discussed with respect to channels formed by other RTX-toxins. We present here the first investigation of LktA in a reconstituted system.
Cutaneous Pyogranulomas Associated with Nocardia jiangxiensis in a Cat from the Eastern Caribbean
Authors: Silkworth Adam , Cavanaugh Ryan , Bolfa Pompei , Becker Anne
Published: October 2019

Nocardia spp. are worldwide, ubiquitous zoonotic bacteria that have the ability to infect humans as well as domestic animals. Herein, we present a case of a five-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat (from the island of Nevis) with a history of a traumatic skin wound on the ventral abdomen approximately two years prior to presenting to the Ross University Veterinary Clinic. The cat presented with severe dermatitis and cellulitis on the ventral caudal abdomen, with multiple draining tracts and sinuses exuding purulent material. Initial bacterial culture yielded Corynebacterum spp. The patient was treated symptomatically with antibiotics for 8 weeks. The cat re-presented 8 weeks after the initial visit with worsening of the abdominal lesions. Surgical intervention occurred at that time, and histopathology and tissue cultures confirmed the presence of Nocardia spp.-induced pyogranulomatous panniculitis, dermatitis, and cellulitis. Pre-operatively, the patient was found to be feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive. The patient was administered trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMS) after antimicrobial sensitivity testing. PCR amplification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed Nocardia jiangxiensis as the causative agent. To our knowledge, N. jiangxiensis has not been previously associated with disease. This case report aims to highlight the importance of a much-needed One Health approach using advancements in technology to better understand the zoonotic potential of Nocardia spp. worldwide.
Novel Viruses in Mosquitoes from Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Maia Laura Marina Siqueira , Pinto Andressa Zelenski de Lara , Carvalho Michellen Santos de , Melo Fernando Lucas de , Ribeiro Bergmann Morais , Slhessarenko Renata Dezengrini
Published: October 2019

Viruses are ubiquitous and diverse microorganisms arising as a result of interactions within their vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Here we report the presence of different viruses in the salivary glands of 1657 mosquitoes classified over 28 culicinae species from the North region of the Brazilian Pantanal wetland through metagenomics, viral isolation, and RT-PCR. In total, 12 viruses were found, eight putative novel viruses with relatively low similarity with pre-existing species of viruses within their families, named Pirizal iflavirus, Furrundu phlebovirus, Pixé phlebovirus, Guampa vesiculovirus, Chacororé flavivirus, Rasqueado orbivirus, Uru chuvirus, and Bororo circovirus. We also found the already described Lobeira dielmorhabdovirus, Sabethes flavivirus, Araticum partitivirus, and Murici totivirus. Therefore, these findings underscore the vast diversity of culicinae and novel viruses yet to be explored in Pantanal, the largest wetland on the planet.
Vaccine Vectors Harnessing the Power of Cytomegaloviruses
Authors: Ynga-Durand Mario Alberto , Dekhtiarenko Iryna , Cicin-Sain Luka
Published: October 2019

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) species have been gaining attention as experimental vaccine vectors inducing cellular immune responses of unparalleled strength and protection. This review outline the strengths and the restrictions of CMV-based vectors, in light of the known aspects of CMV infection, pathogenicity and immunity. We discuss aspects to be considered when optimizing CMV based vaccines, including the innate immune response, the adaptive humoral immunity and the T-cell responses. We also discuss the antigenic epitopes presented by unconventional major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in some CMV delivery systems and considerations about routes for delivery for the induction of systemic or mucosal immune responses. With the first clinical trials initiating, CMV-based vaccine vectors are entering a mature phase of development. This impetus needs to be maintained by scientific advances that feed the progress of this technological platform.
Microbial Source-Tracking Reveals Origins of Fecal Contamination in a Recovering Watershed
Authors: Green Hyatt , Weller Daniel , Johnson Stephanie , Michalenko Edward
Published: October 2019

Fecal contamination of waterbodies due to poorly managed human and animal waste is a pervasive problem that can be particularly costly to address, especially if mitigation strategies are ineffective at sufficiently reducing the level of contamination. Identifying the most worrisome sources of contamination is particularly difficult in periurban streams with multiple land uses and requires the distinction of municipal, agricultural, domestic pet, and natural (i.e., wildlife) wastes. Microbial source-tracking (MST) methods that target host-specific members of the bacterial order Bacteroidales and others have been used worldwide to identify the origins of fecal contamination. We conducted a dry-weather study of Onondaga Creek, NY, where reducing fecal contamination has been approached mainly by mitigating combined sewer overflow events (CSOs). Over three sampling dates, we measured in-stream concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria; MST markers targeting human, ruminant, and canine sources; and various physical–chemical parameters to identify contaminants not attributable to CSOs or stormwater runoff. We observed that despite significant ruminant inputs upstream, these contaminants eventually decayed and/or were diluted out and that high levels of urban bacterial contamination are most likely due to failing infrastructure and/or illicit discharges independent of rain events. Similar dynamics may control other streams that transition from agricultural to urban areas with failing infrastructure.
Crystal structure control in trace element partition between crystal and magma
Authors: Matsui Yoshito , Onuma Naoki , Nagasawa Hiroshi , Higuchi Hideo , Banno Shohei
Published: October 2019

Le diagramme coefficient de partage-rayon ionique (PC-IR) est présenté pour les systèmes tholéïte à olivine, basalte alcalin à olivine, bronzite, augite, plagioclases, hornblende kaersutitique, et dacite à andésine et biotite. Le coefficient de partage d'un élément est très fortement dépendant de la structure du cristal hôte, de telle façon qu'à chaque site cationique de la structure correspond un pic d'allure parabolique sur le diagramme. Des écarts à cette courbe régulière sont observés pour des cations fortement stabilisés dans un champ cristallin, particulièrement les métaux de transition trivalents ainsi que les ions qui préfèrent une coordinance inhabituelle tel que le zinc. Les relations observées s'appliquent à tous les éléments, qu'ils soient en trace ou majeurs. Il est suggéré que l'effet de la structure des bains silicatés pourrait être le mieux mis en évidence par une étude systématique des anomalies des coefficients de partage de ces éléments au comportement particulièrement spécifique mentionnés plus haut.
Le problème génétique des alluaudites
Authors: Fransolet André-Mathieu
Published: October 2019

Des conditions chimiques et des observations pétrologiques permettent une discussion du problème génétique des alluaudites, en envisageant notamment leur cristallochimie, leurs associations et leur place dans l'évolution des pegmatites.

Tant dans la wyllieite que dans les alluaudites, le rôle de Al paraît important et affecte sensiblement la signification du rapport Fe/Fe + Mn des différentes phases majeures associées à l'alluaudite aluminifère. De plus, ce cation peut se répartir de façon hétérogène dans ces minéraux, au même titre que Na ou Ca.

Deux types de générations d'alluaudites sont suggérés. Le premier engendrerait des alluaudites aluminifères, minéraux de réaction entre un phosphate de Fe-Mn et un aluminosilicate ou un phosphate de Al, sans correspondre à une étape géochimique particulière des pegmatites. La wyllieite, considérée comme primaire, appartiendrait à cette première génération. Ultérieurement, les alluaudites riches en Na et Ca, d'origine métasomatique, se développent pendant la seconde phase sodique post˗pegmatitique, suivies par l'élaboration des ferrisicklérites s. l. dans des conditions physico-chimiques apparemment analogues et essentiellement caractérisées par l'immobilité de Fe et Mn.
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN BAHASA DAN IMPLIKASINYA DALAM PENGUATAN IDENTITAS, INTEGRITAS, DAN PLURALITAS BANGSA
Authors: Dalimunte Ahmad Amin
Published: October 2019

Jauh sebelum terbentuk Negara Indonesia, Bahasa sebagai sebuah entitasdalam tatanan kebangsaan selalu mendapat perhatian serius oleh parapejuang kemerdekaan maupun kaum cendikiawan. Urgensi kebahasaankhususnya pada bahasa nasional ternyata sangat disadari hingga kini olehpemerintah. Meskipun demikian, setelah 64 tahun Indonesia merdeka, barupada tahun 2009 diterbitkan undang-undang No. 24/2009 yang mengaturtentang Bahasa Nasional, Bahasa Indonesia. Tidak hanya itu, sejak 2002,bahasa daerah sudah dimasukkan kedalam amandemen ke-4 UUD 1945(pasal 32). Hal ini patut diapresiasi. Tetapi sayangnya, tujuh tahun sudahberjalan, implementasi kebijakan bahasa ini dinilai belum optimal. Ditambahlagi tantangan zaman yang semakin rumit menyebabkan persoalankebahasaan tersebut semakin kompleks yang membutuhkan perhatian banyakpihak. Isu-isu kebahasaan hari ini bukanlah semata-mata milik bahasanasional. Ancaman kepunahan bahasa-bahasa daerah di negeri seribubahasa ini sepertinya hampir luput dari perhatian pemerintah kita. Padahal,kepunahan bahasa akan menggiring ke arah kepunahan budaya yang padaakhirnya dapat menghilangkan jati diri bangsa yang tentunya bertentangandengan Visi Indonesia 2020 tentang kemandirian bangsa. Oleh sebab itu, isuisu kebahasaan baik nasional terlebih-lebih regional haruslah menjadiperhatian khusus pemerintah karena hal ini bersinggungan erat dengan 3aspek krusial yang menentukan masa depan Indonesia sebagai sebuahNegara bangsa, yakni: identitas, integritas, dan pluralitas bangsa Indonesia.Kata kunci: implementasi, kebijakan, bahasa, identitas, integritas, pluralitas
PENGARUH PROMOSI POLITEKNIK NEGERI TANAH LAUT BERBASIS SEMINAR MOTIVASI TERHADAP JUMLAH MAHASISWA BARU TAHUN 2016
Authors: Zein Mufrida , Kuswoyo Anton
Published: October 2019

Jumlah lulusan SMA/Sederajat di Kabupaten Tanah Laut mencapai lebih dari2.500 setiap tahunnya. Namun dari jumlah tersebut hanya sebagian kecil sajayang mau melanjutkan pendidikan tinggi. Faktornya bermacam-macam yaitukarena finansial, kurangnya pengetahuan tentang perguruan tinggi, danrendahnya motivasi untuk melanjutkan pendidikan tinggi. Sejalan dengan haltersebut, di Kabupaten Tanah Laut telah didirikan Politeknik Negeri TanahLaut (Politala). Kampus ini didirikan dengan tujuan agar lulusan SekolahMenengah Atas (SMA) dan sederajat bisa melanjutkan pendidikan tinggidengan biaya yang terjangkau dan dengan jarak yang tidak jauh dari tempattinggal. Guna meningkatkan jumlah mahasiswa baru, maka dilakukanPromosi Politeknik Negeri Tanah Laut Berbasis Seminar Motivasi bagi siswaSMA/Sederajat kelas 3. Kegiatan Promosi Politala berisi informasi kampusPolitala, jurusan, alur pendaftaran, biaya kuliah, suasan perkuliahan, danmotivasi mengenai pentingnya melanjutkan pendidikan tinggi. Hasilnya,pada tahun 2016 jumlah mahasiswa baru meningkat dibandingkan dua tahunsebelumnya. Jumlah mahasiswa baru selama tiga tahun terakhir, tahun 2014,2015, dan 2016 secara berturut-turut adalah 139 orang, 211 orang, dan 281orang. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa dengan adanya Promosi BerbasisSeminar Motivasi, meningkatkan jumlah mahasiswa baru di Politala.Kata kunci: Lulusan SMA/Sederajat, promosi, motivasi, Tanah Laut.
Umbral y redención: El sacrificio en dos cuentos fantásticos hispanoamericanos
Authors: Nájera Gabriela
Published: October 2019

A pesar de que los sacrificios humanos puedan parecer sorprendentes para la mayoría de las culturas actuales, lo cierto es que no hay sociedad que, por lo menos en su pasado, no haya encontrado en ellos una base importante para la conformación de sus creencias religiosas. Diversos estudios, sobre todo los aportados por la arqueología y la antropología física, afirman Alfredo López Austin y Leonardo López Luján, corroboran que el sacrificio humano se extendió por todo el planeta, lo cual significa que esa práctica violenta respondió a una necesidad general del hombre...
Estructuras organizativas favorables a la Eficiencia Empresarial
Authors: Bernal Ávila Esteban Mauricio , Erazo Álvarez Juan Carlos , Narváez Zurita Cecilia Ivonne
Published: October 2019

Recibido: 10 de agosto de 2019Aprobado: 30 de agosto de 2019 En la actualidad, debido al incremento en la demanda y la oferta de materiales de acabados de construcción, varias empresas de nuestro medio se han visto en la necesidad de, además de mejorar su cartera de productos, mejorar también sus métodos de gestión para aumentar la eficiencia empresarial. Es por esto que la presente investigación propone una estructura organizativa favorable para la empresa PALO ALTO que, adaptada a su filosofía empresarial, permitirá que el desarrollo de su organización esté dirigido por su direccionamiento estratégico y además que la gestión de procesos sea un pilar fundamental para su operatividad. Se explica cuáles son las competencias que deben tener los cargos de cada parte de la estructura propuesta y cuál debe ser el canal de comunicación entre estos cargos. La investigación es de tipo no experimental pues no se manipulan variables sino se estudian los fenómenos de la empresa en su estado actual para posteriormente analizarlos y explicarlos. Es de tipo mixta, pero con un especial enfoque cualitativo.
Evaluación de Control Interno en Riesgos Estratégicos para la Dirección de Planificación de la Universidad de Cuenca
Authors: Argudo Tello Karla Johanna , Erazo Álvarez Juan Carlos , Narváez Zurita Cecilia Ivonne
Published: October 2019

Recibido: 10 de agosto de 2019Aprobado: 30 de agosto de 2019El proceso de control en la administración pública, está supeditado a una serie de normativas, siendo responsabilidad de la máxima autoridad orientar las actividades que posibiliten su diseño, implementación y funcionamiento. El propósito de esta investigación es establecer de qué manera las evaluaciones de control interno, enfocadas en riesgos estratégicos, aportan como una herramienta para el cumplimiento de los objetivos institucionales, a través de la Dirección de Planificación de la Universidad de Cuenca. Se realizó un estudio analítico-sintético, basado en un enfoque mixto, para lo cual se diseñó un cuestionario de control interno con preguntas orientadas al componente “evaluación de riesgos”, del cual se obtuvo como resultado que, la Dirección de Planificación, encargada de la coordinación del sistema de planificación institucional, si bien desarrolla procedimientos que incluyen objetivos a corto y largo plazo, no cuenta con un sistema de evaluación de control interno para gestionar potenciales riesgos.
El Balanced Scorecard como herramienta de control interno en el sector Manufacturero
Authors: Lazo Torres Narcisa Senaida , Erazo Álvarez Juan Carlos , Narváez Zurita Cecilia Ivonne
Published: October 2019

Recibido: 10 de agosto de 2019Aprobado: 30 de agosto de 2019En el mundo empresarial existen herramientas gerenciales que le permiten controlar y evaluar con rigor sus procesos administrativos, por tal razón la presente investigación se desarrolló con el objetivo de implementar una herramienta eficaz  para mejorar el control interno de la empresa Indalum, llegando a determinar que el modelo Balanced scorecard es adecuado para este fin, ya que en la actualidad se ha convertido en el sistema de gestión estratégica que más abarca al mundo organizacional, siendo transcendental desarrollar a través de sus cuatro perspectivas: financiera, clientes, procesos y aprendizaje. Además, se estableció indicadores de seguimiento y control para los diferentes autores que intervienen en todos los procesos, especialmente en las áreas críticas, inventarios, cuentas por cobrar, proceso de fabricación, identificándose como el mayor problema la falta de conocimiento de los manuales y procedimientos y la deficiente comunicación del personal.
Criterios de asignación de gastos para el soporte técnico en la industria manufacturera de línea blanca
Authors: Llivicura Ávila Henry Patricio , Erazo Álvarez Juan Carlos , Narváez Zurita Cecilia Ivonne
Published: October 2019

Recibido: 10 de agosto de 2019Aprobado: 30 de agosto de 2019En la actualidad muchas empresas manufactureras manejan la gestión por procesos sin encontrar la manera de integrarlos con su entorno; la presente investigación no experimental propone un documento competente a la asignación de gastos para el soporte técnico de una industria manufacturera de línea blanca, puesto que el mismo aporta en la organización de los procedimientos de una empresa; y especifica las actividades a realizar, aportando a la eficiencia y eficacia de las actividades, que son medidas por indicadores. En la investigación se determina los beneficios de la implementación de un documento técnico de las características descritas recayendo en la fiabilidad de la información ingresada al sistema informático disminuyendo las desviaciones presupuestales, identificando oportunidades de mejora continua y realizando trasferencia tecnológica. Como consecuencia se propone un documento base técnica de consulta para los criterios de los procedimientos de requisición y orden de compra aportando al cumplimiento de los indicadores de presupuesto.
Plan de inversión como herramienta de la gestión del capital intelectual
Authors: Murillo Vilela Carlos Henry , Erazo Álvarez Juan Carlos , Quevedo Vázquez Jorge Oswaldo , Narváez Zurita Cecilia Ivonne
Published: October 2019

Recibido: 10 de agosto de 2019Aprobado: 30 de agosto de 2019En la actualidad, el conocimiento del valor de una organización y lo que representa en una economía se convierte en elemento clave para estimar el "valor real" de la misma, ya que, no es suficiente con la cuantificación del valor de producción para estimar las diferencias en la economía del conocimiento, puesto que, se requiere, además, una valoración adecuada de la innovación y el factor humano. En la presente investigación se realiza un plan de inversión que incluya un elemento diferenciador como lo es la gestión del capital intelectual que permita mejorar la rentabilidad de la unidad de análisis, para lograr ello se utilizó el tipo de investigación aplicada, cuyo diseño es experimental y haciendo mención a su alcance esta investigación es descriptiva y cuali-cuantitativa.