bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regression Analysis and Comparison of Economic Parameters with Different Light Index Models under Various Constraints
Authors: Yuan Debao , Jiang Huinan , Guo Wei , Cui Ximin , Wu Ling , Wu Ziruo , Wang Hongsen
Published: November 2021

Economic globalization is developing more rapidly than ever before. At the same time, economic growth is accompanied by energy consumption and carbon emissions, so it is particularly important to estimate, analyze and evaluate the economy accurately. We compared different nighttime light (NTL) index models with various constraint conditions and analyzed their relationships with economic parameters by linear correlation. In this study, three indices were selected, including original NTL, improved impervious surface index (IISI) and vegetation highlights nighttime-light index (VHNI). In the meantime, all indices were built in a linear regression relationship with gross domestic product (GDP), employed population and power consumption in southeast China. In addition, the correlation coefficient R2 was used to represent fitting degree. Overall, comparing the regression relationships with GDP of the three indices, VHNI performed best with the value of R2 at 0.8632. For the employed population and power consumption regression with these three indices, the maximum R2 of VHNI are 0.8647 and 0.7824 respectively, which are also the best performances in the three indices. For each individual province, the VHNI perform better than NTL and IISI in GDP regression, too. When taking employment population as the regression object, VHNI performs best in Zhejiang and Anhui provinces, but not all provinces. Finally, for power consumption regression, the value of VHNI R2 is better than NTL and IISI in every province except Hainan. The results show that, among the indices under different constraint conditions, the linear relationships between VHNI and GDP and power consumption are the strongest under vegetation constraint in southeast China. Therefore, VHNI index can be used for fitting analysis and prediction of economy and power consumption in the future.
Signal Quality Index Based on Template Cross-Correlation in Multimodal Biosignal Chair for Smart Healthcare
Authors: Hong Seunghyeok , Heo Jeong , Park Kwang Suk
Published: November 2021

We investigated the effects of a quality screening method on unconstrained measured signals, including electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and ballistocardiogram (BCG) signals, in our collective chair system for smart healthcare. Such an investigation is necessary because unattached or unbound sensors have weaker connections to body parts than do conventional methods. Using the biosignal chair, the physiological signals collected during sessions included a virtual driving task, a physically powered wheelchair drive, and three types of body motions. The signal quality index was defined by the similarity between the observed signals and noise-free signals from the perspective of the cross-correlations of coefficients with appropriate individual templates. The goal of the index was to qualify signals without a reference signal to assess the practical use of the chair in daily life. As expected, motion artifacts have adverse effects on the stability of physiological signals. However, we were able to observe a supplementary relationship between sensors depending on each movement trait. Except for extreme movements, the signal quality and estimated heart rate (HR) remained within the range of criteria usable for status monitoring. By investigating the signal reliability, we were able to confirm the suitability of using the unconstrained biosignal chair to collect real-life measurements to improve safety and healthcare.
Simulating 50 keV X-ray Photon Detection in Silicon with a Down-Conversion Layer
Authors: Anagnost Kaitlin M. , Lee Eldred , Wang Zhehui , Liu Jifeng , Fossum Eric R.
Published: November 2021

Simulation results are presented that explore an innovative, new design for X-ray detection in the 20–50 keV range that is an alternative to traditional direct and indirect detection methods. Typical indirect detection using a scintillator must trade-off between absorption efficiency and spatial resolution. With a high-Z layer that down-converts incident photons on top of a silicon detector, this design has increased absorption efficiency without sacrificing spatial resolution. Simulation results elucidate the relationship between the thickness of each layer and the number of photoelectrons generated. Further, the physics behind the production of electron-hole pairs in the silicon layer is studied via a second model to shed more light on the detector’s functionality. Together, the two models provide a greater understanding of this detector and reveal the potential of this novel form of X-ray detection.
When Eyes Wander Around: Mind-Wandering as Revealed by Eye Movement Analysis with Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Lee Hsing-Hao , Chen Zih-Ling , Yeh Su-Ling , Hsiao Janet Huiwen , Wu An-Yeu (Andy)
Published: November 2021

Mind-wandering has been shown to largely influence our learning efficiency, especially in the digital and distracting era nowadays. Detecting mind-wandering thus becomes imperative in educational scenarios. Here, we used a wearable eye-tracker to record eye movements during the sustained attention to response task. Eye movement analysis with hidden Markov models (EMHMM), which takes both spatial and temporal eye-movement information into account, was used to examine if participants’ eye movement patterns can differentiate between the states of focused attention and mind-wandering. Two representative eye movement patterns were discovered through clustering using EMHMM: centralized and distributed patterns. Results showed that participants with the centralized pattern had better performance on detecting targets and rated themselves as more focused than those with the distributed pattern. This study indicates that distinct eye movement patterns are associated with different attentional states (focused attention vs. mind-wandering) and demonstrates a novel approach in using EMHMM to study attention. Moreover, this study provides a potential approach to capture the mind-wandering state in the classroom without interrupting the ongoing learning behavior.
Who Believes in Conspiracy Theories about the COVID-19 Pandemic in Romania? An Analysis of Conspiracy Theories Believers’ Profiles
Authors: Buturoiu Raluca , Udrea Georgiana , Oprea Denisa-Adriana , Corbu Nicoleta
Published: November 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by the circulation of an unprecedented amount of “polluted” information, especially in the social media environment, among which are false narratives and conspiracy theories about both the pandemic and vaccination against COVID-19. The effects of such questionable information primarily concern the lack of compliance with restrictive measures and a negative attitude towards vaccination campaigns, as well as more complex social effects, such as street protests or distrust in governments and authorities in general. Even though there is a lot of scholarly attention given to these narratives in many countries, research about the profile of people who are more prone to believe or spread them is rather scarce. In this context, we investigate the role of age, compared with other socio-demographic factors (such as education and religiosity), as well as the role of the media (the frequency of news consumption, the perceived usefulness of social media, and the perceived incidence of fake information about the virus in the media) and the critical thinking disposition of people who tend to believe such misleading narratives. To address these issues, we conducted a national survey (N = 945) in April 2021 in Romania. Using a hierarchical OLS regression model, we found that people who perceive higher incidence of fake news (ß = 0.33, p < 0.001), find social media platforms more useful (ß = 0.13, p < 0.001), have lower education (ß = −0.17, p < 0.001), and have higher levels of religiosity (ß = 0.08, p < 0.05) are more prone to believe COVID-19-related misleading narratives. At the same time, the frequency of news consumption (regardless of the type of media), critical thinking disposition, and age do not play a significant role in the profile of the believer in conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic. Somewhat surprisingly, age does not play a role in predicting belief in conspiracy theories, even though there are studies that suggest that older people are more prone to believe conspiracy narratives. As far as media is concerned, the frequency of news media consumption does not significantly differ for believers and non-believers. We discuss these results within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experimental Study of the Heat-Transfer Performance of an Extra-Long Gravity-Assisted Heat Pipe Aiming at Geothermal Heat Exploitation
Authors: Cen Jiwen , Li Feng , Li Tingliang , Huang Wenbo , Chen Juanwen , Jiang Fangming
Published: November 2021

The installation and operation of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) involves many challenges. These challenges include the high cost and high risk associated with the investment capital, potential large working-fluid leakage, corrosion of equipment, and subsiding land. A super-long heat pipe can be used for geothermal exploitation to avoid these problems. In this paper, a high aspect-ratio heat pipe (30 m long, 17 mm in inner diameter) is installed vertically. Experiments are then carried out to study its heat-transfer performance and characteristics using several filling ratios of deionized water, different heating powers, and various cooling-water flowrates. The results show that the optimal filling-ratio is about 40% of the volume of the vaporizing section of the heat pipe. Compared with a conventional short heat pipe, the extra-long heat pipe experiences significant thermal vibration. The oscillation frequency depends on the heating power and working-fluid filling ratio. With increasing cooling-water flow rate, the heat-transfer rate of the heat pipe increases before it reaches a plateau. In addition, we investigate the heat-transfer performance of the heat pipe for an extreme working-fluid filling ratio; the results indicate that the lower part of the heat pipe is filled with vapor, which reduces the heat-transfer to the top part. Based on the experimental data, guidelines for designing a heat pipe that can be really used for the exploitation of earth-deep geothermal energy are analyzed.
Legal Instruments for the Integration and Cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA): Better Implementation of the SDGs
Authors: Li Shuo
Published: November 2021

The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN provide a blueprint for a more sustainable future for all. The implementation of the SDGs largely depends on the action taken by national and local governments. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) is an area in China with special economic conditions and political support. This paper aims at exploring the legal issues concerning the integration and cooperation among different regions in the GBA and the implementation of the SDGs. It concludes that the GBA could perform an important role in the future exploration of sustainable development and opening-up of China. Clearer and systematic legislation is needed to provide more legal instruments and a more solid legal basis for integration and cooperation in the GBA. Chinese policymakers should fill the legal gaps and provide more legal support for the integration. This could shed light on China’s further exploration of sustainable development both domestically and internationally.
Innovating with Nature: Factors Influencing the Success of Nature-Based Enterprises
Authors: McQuaid Siobhan , Kooijman Esmee D. , Rhodes Mary-Lee , Cannon Sheila M.
Published: November 2021

Nature-based enterprises (NBEs) have recently emerged as important actors in the delivery of nature-based solutions (NBS) to societal challenges, but little is known about the context in which they operate and the factors influencing their development. The empirical research undertaken in this study provides a first insight into the most significant barriers and enablers nature-based enterprises face in their external environment. Findings were drawn from a review of literature triangulated with a survey of 148 nature-based enterprises and interviews with the founders/CEOs of 22 NBEs. Political factors were identified as the most significant external influence, with increased awareness and incorporation of NBS into relevant policies and economic instruments seen to play a significant role in market development. Conversely, policy inconsistencies and poorly designed public procurement approaches present significant challenges. Other key influencing factors relate to financing (both public and private), lack of industry standards and impact measurement. Industry networking and access to education, training and skill development emerged as key enablers, with university collaborations highly regarded. Further in-depth research is recommended to explore indications of disparities in the levels of awareness, financing, and skills gaps across different regions of Europe and different nature-based economic activities.
Evaluation of the Cultivation of Aspergillus oryzae on Organic Waste-Derived VFA Effluents and Its Potential Application as Alternative Sustainable Nutrient Source for Animal Feed
Authors: Uwineza Clarisse , Sar Taner , Mahboubi Amir , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: November 2021

Considering the projected demand for protein supplementation in animal feed, as well as prioritizing plant-based protein provision for the growing human population, great stress is imposed on conventional protein sources, calling for new sustainable alternatives. In this regard, the production and application of single-cell proteins (SCPs) has proven to be a promising alternative. Therefore, in this study, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) effluents recovered from anaerobically digested FW, CKM, CM, and their combinations were applied for the cultivation of edible filamentous fungi Aspergillus oryzae. The biomass was further evaluated considering its protein, fat and alkali insoluble material contents. The maximum fungal biomass yielded of 0.47 ± 0.00 and 0.37 ± 0.00 g dry biomass/g tVFAsCODeq.consumed, with up to 47% protein and 5% fat content successfully cultivated in shake flasks and bench scale reactors, respectively. In addition to the production of protein-rich biomass, significant reductions in medium COD (25–58%) and ammonium (33–48%) were achieved. The results presented in this research work imply that using waste-derived VFAs for the production of animal feed grade SCP is an innovative approach that can contribute to the economy and sustainability of animal feed production process.
A System for the Inclusion of the Informal Recycling Sector (IRS) in Mexico City’s Solid Waste Management
Authors: Gutiérrez-Galicia Francisco , Coria-Páez Ana Lilia , Tejeida-Padilla Ricardo , Galicia-Haro Emma Frida
Published: November 2021

With 19 million inhabitants, Mexico City is the most populated agglomeration in Latin America, concentrating 30% of the national population. More than 61% of municipal solid waste (MSW) is sent to landfills, and 13% of MSW is recovered by Informal Sector Recyclers (ISRs) for recycling, which is the most crucial treatment option in the city. This article adopts a systemic approach to addressing the problem of the operationalization of relationships between ISRs and public services in Mexico City to design a recursive organizational structure with the identification of the critical roles and functions of management and governance in multi-level and multi-stakeholder relationships to integrate ISRs into MSW management. Using the Viable System Model (VSM) recursive structure to propose functional organizational structures in Mexico City is a new route for the study and application of systemic thinking in ISR integration. The VSM of the recycling system in Mexico City considers the recycling activities and characteristics of the territory at each recursion level. The authorities of the corresponding hierarchical level, who have sufficient knowledge of the physical and socioeconomic characteristics of the territory, are responsible for the design and operations.
Are We on the Right Track? Collective Self-Consumption and Energy Communities in the European Union
Authors: Frieden Dorian , Tuerk Andreas , Antunes Ana Rita , Athanasios Vasilakis , Chronis Alexandros-Georgios , d’Herbemont Stanislas , Kirac Mislav , Marouço Rita , Neumann Camilla , Pastor Catalayud Esteban , Primo Niccolò , Gubina Andrej Ferdo
Published: November 2021

To accelerate the energy transition, the EU “Clean Energy for all Europeans” package aims to strengthen the involvement of end consumers in the energy market. To this end, together with so-called “active consumers” and provisions for individual and collective renewable energy self-consumption, two types of energy communities were introduced. The EU framework, however, leaves many details of the transposition process to the national level. The corresponding directives were supposed to be transposed by the end of December 2020 (recast Electricity Market Directive, defining active consumers and citizen energy communities) and by the end of June 2021 (Renewable Energy Directive, defining renewables self-consumption and renewable energy communities). In this paper, we critically discuss major developments of the transposition, including questions of the general distinction of the different concepts, governance and ownership, physical expansion, administrative barriers and the overall integration of energy communities into the energy system. The analysis builds on country case studies as well as on previous work by the authors on the status of the transposition process throughout the EU. The paper shows that the national approaches differ greatly and are at very different stages. While basic provisions are in place in most Member States to meet the fundamental EU requirements, the overall integration into the energy system and market is only partly addressed. This concerns, for instance, the analysis of system impacts of energy communities and measures that would allow and support energy system-friendly behaviour. In addition, several practical hurdles need to be overcome. These often relate to administrative requirements such as complex registration and licensing procedures, the need for the involvement of several institutions, or difficult procedures for access to relevant data. The paper concludes that discussed barriers will need to be carefully addressed if the high expectations for the role of energy communities are to be met.
Using AI-MCDM Model to Boost Sustainable Energy System Development: A Case Study on Solar Energy and Rainwater Collection in Guangdong Province
Authors: Hsueh Sung-Lin , Feng Yuan , Sun Yue , Jia Ruqi , Yan Min-Ren
Published: November 2021

Rural areas in southern China receive ample rainfall annually as well as over 1600 h of annual sunshine. Despite a generally severe urban–rural development imbalance, these rural areas feature well-developed basic infrastructure and diverse economic activities. Rural revitalization policies in these areas have emphasized the development of cultural and ecological tourism, which has spurred economic development and given rise to a trend of villa construction. Residential buildings sit on large areas where natural resources are abundant. These advantages are conducive to the development and use of sustainable resources. This study proposes an incentive policy encouraging rural residents to renovate their buildings to include rainwater conservation and solar power generation. The Delphi method, an analytic hierarchy process, and fuzzy logic theory were combined to establish an AI-MCDM model, with applications of artificial intelligence and multiple-criteria decision making. Using Conghua District, Guangdong Province as an example, the study suggested that the model is beneficial to increasing the willingness of rural residents to reconstruct and renovate their residences, promoting the development of a low-carbon ecological region, Wenquan Township. We conducted the Delphi process twice to assess and validate incentives for installing natural resource conservation structures in agricultural areas. Nine criteria were identified, which can be divided into three main dimensions of participation situation, generating capacity, and storage facilities. The proposed AI-MCDM model developed using the Delphi–Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Model has high objectivity and can support rural areas in developing low-carbon, sustainable characteristics. The findings can serve as a reference for governments formulating incentives to encourage the installation of rainwater conservation and solar energy generation structures by rural households.
Asymmetric Impact of Institutional Quality on Environmental Degradation: Evidence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve
Authors: Abd Razak Farrah Dina , Khalid Norlin , Ali Mohd Helmi
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to discover the asymmetry impacts and co-integration between gross domestic product, financial development, energy use and environmental degradation by featuring institutional quality covering the Malaysia economy during the period from 1984 until 2017 using a nonlinear auto-regressive distributed lag model. The results confirm the existence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis for both linear and nonlinear analyses, thus verifying the relevance of symmetric and asymmetric EKC hypotheses for Malaysia. Further, this study verifies the attributes of financial development and institutional quality that mitigates the concern on CO2 emissions, but contradicting results were produced on energy use. The implication of this finding provides new guidelines for Malaysia authorities to consider the asymmetries in formulating environment-related policies to maintain environmental quality and achieve their sustainable development goals.
Does MOOC Quality Affect Users’ Continuance Intention? Based on an Integrated Model
Authors: Gu Wei , Xu Ying , Sun Zeng-Jun
Published: November 2021

Massive open online course (MOOC) is an innovative educational model that has attracted widespread attention in recent years. Despite a growing number of registered users, many have given up continuously using MOOC platforms after the first-time user experience; thus, a high dropout rate has severely hindered the sustainable development of MOOC platforms. To address the problem, this study started with the quality factors of MOOC platforms and the confirmation of user expectations by integrating the D&M ISS model and the expectation confirmation model into one, with the goal of identifying the factors that affect users’ continuance intention to use MOOC platforms. In this study, online questionnaires were distributed to Chinese users with experience in using MOOC platforms, and a total of 550 valid samples were recovered. In addition, the theoretical model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The research results showed that there are three critical antecedents affecting the confirmation of user expectations for a MOOC platform, including information quality, system quality, and service quality, of which service quality has the greatest impact on users’ expectation confirmation. If user expectations for an MOOC platform are positively confirmed, the perceived usefulness of the platform as well as the satisfaction with it will effectively be improved. Moreover, perceived usefulness has been proven to be a critical factor affecting users’ continuance intention to use MOOC platforms, which is followed by user satisfaction. Compared to the original ECM, the integrated research model has delivered significantly improved explanatory power for users’ continuance intention. Hence, this study makes up for the insufficiency of ECM in explaining the factors affecting users’ expectation confirmation and provides theoretical support for MOOC platform developers.
Psychometric Properties of Heavy Work Investment Measures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Acosta-Prado Julio César , Tafur-Mendoza Arnold Alejandro , Zárate-Torres Rodrigo Arturo , Ramírez-Ospina Duván Emilio
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the study of heavy work investment (HWI) has been diversifying greatly in the various fields of application in the organizational field, for example, occupational health, human resources, quality at work among others. However, to date, no systematic review has been carried out to examine the methodological quality of the instruments designed to measure HWI. Therefore, the present systematic review examines the psychometric properties of three main measures of HWI: Workaholism Battery (WorkBAT), Work Addiction Risk Test (WART), and Dutch Work Addiction Scale (DUWAS). Five electronic databases were systematically searched, selecting psychometric articles. Of the 2621 articles identified, 35 articles met all inclusion criteria published between 1992 and 2019. The findings indicated that most of the articles were focused on reviewing psychometric properties, analyses were conducted from classical test theory, collected validity evidence based on internal structure and relationship with other variables, and reliability of scores was obtained through the internal consistency method. Of the instruments reviewed, the DUWAS is the one with the highest methodological quality. Recommendations are made for future research to address the psychometric study of these instruments based on recent advances in the field of organizational measurement.
Identifying the Policy Direction of National R&D Programs Based on Data Envelopment Analysis and Diversity Index Approach
Authors: Choi Myoungjae , Kwon Ohjin , Won Dongkyu , Jang Wooseok
Published: November 2021

The Korean government has been continuously conducting diverse national R&D programs to discover new growth engines. The Republic of Korea is one of the countries with the largest investment in national R&D, but its efficiency was relatively low. In response, this study established a framework to identify the characteristics and direction of outstanding R&D programs. In this study, the performance of the R&D programs was identified in the sub-program unit. The efficiency of the national R&D program was analyzed using the data envelopment analysis model through the outputs of the national R&D programs such as papers and patents. However, patent and paper output would take time to be realized. Therefore, this study also calculated the diversity index of R&D programs to identify their potential expected performance. This study applied the suggested framework in the electric vehicle fields, which is one of the core growth engines of South Korea. A list of outstanding programs was identified from the National Institute of Science and Technology Information (NTIS) data. Additionally, this study also discovered the main technology areas and their current issues of outstanding and brand-new R&D programs. These results could contribute to suggesting the policy direction to conduct high-performance national R&D programs.
Evaluation of Strategies to Improve the Corporate Social Responsibility Performance in Food and Pharmaceutical Industries: Empirical Evidence from Iran
Authors: Daniali Sara Mehrab , Barykin Sergey Evgenievich , Ghalerodkhani Mostafa Ghanbari , Kharlamov Andrey Viktorovich , Kharlamova Tatiana Lvovna , Savvina Oksana Vladimirovna , Stepanova Diana Igorevna
Published: November 2021

Since there is a lack of a strong CSR platform in the Iranian corporate environment, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries, the proposed and existing strategies can be utilized to empower employees and the general public, improve executive processes, improve quality and customer satisfaction, and finally, organize financial and accounting reports. Hence, this study seeks to determine and evaluate strategies to improve the concepts and domain of corporate social responsibility (CSR) of food and pharmaceutical industries in Iran based on the requirements of sustainable development theory. This study analyzes the data of 22 companies active in the food and pharmaceutical industries listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) over a period of six years (2014–2019). Eighty-three indicators were used to evaluate the performance of social responsibility based on economic, social and environmental dimensions. The Pareto approach has been used to determine the most important unmet current requirements. Then, using the Delphi method and content validity, appropriate strategies were determined. Finally, a correlation matrix was used to determine the most important and comprehensive strategies. Findings showed that 14 requirements in the field of corporate social responsibility are of great importance and with six strategies, the necessary measures to meet those requirements can be covered.
Soil Available Phosphorus Investigated for Spatial Distribution and Effect Indicators Resulting from Ecological Construction on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Cheng Shengdong , Ke Ganggang , Li Zhanbin , Cheng Yuting , Wu Heng
Published: November 2021

Soil phosphorus is a major determinant and indicator of soil fertility and quality, and is also a source of nonpoint-source pollution. In order to control soil and water loss in the Loess Plateau, a series of soil and water conservation measures have been taken, resulting in changes in land use and differences in spatial distribution. It is necessary to study soil available phosphorus (SAP) to evaluate land productivity and environmental quality. In this study, the spatial distribution of SAP in different land uses was investigated in a small catchment area of Loess Plateau, and the field-influencing factors were determined on five layers with soil depth of 20 cm. The results show the minimum and maximum SAP content occurred at 20–40 cm and 80–100 cm soil depth and reach a value of 27.26 mg/kg and 29.37 mg/kg at catchment scale, respectively. There is significant difference among the SAP of the five soil layers (p < 0.01). The SAP of different land uses is, in order: forestland < slope farmland < dam farmland < terrace < grassland. Different land uses’ topographies make a difference to the spatial distribution of SAP. Slope and soil texture are the domain factors influencing the SAP concentration at the catchment.
Quantifying the Effect of Initial Fluctuations on Isospin-Sensitive Observables from Heavy-Ion Collisions at Intermediate Energies
Authors: Wang Yongjia , Gao Zepeng , Li Qingfeng
Published: November 2021

Initial fluctuation is one of the ingredients that washes fingerprints of the nuclear symmetry energy on observables in heavy-ion collisions. By artificially using the same initial nuclei in all collision events, the effect of the initial fluctuation on isospin-sensitive observables, e.g., the yield ratio of free neutrons with respect to protons Nn/Np, 3H/3He yield ratio, the yield ratio between charged pions π−/π+, and the elliptic flow ratio or difference between free neutrons and protons v2n/v2p (v2n-v2p), are studied within the ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model. In practice, Au + Au collisions with impact parameter b = 5 fm and beam energy Elab = 400 MeV/nucleon are calculated. It is found that the effect of the initialization on the yields of free protons and neutrons is small, while for the yield of pions, the directed and elliptic flows are found to be apparently influenced by the choice of initialization because of the strong memory effects. Regarding the isospin-sensitive observables, the effect of the initialization on Nn/Np and 3H/3He is negligible, while π−/π+ and v2n/v2p (v2n-v2p) display a distinct difference among different initializations. The fingerprints of symmetry energy on π−/π+ and v2n/v2p can be either enhanced or reduced when different initializations are utilized.
Mycobiota and Mycotoxin Contamination of Traditional and Industrial Dry-Fermented Sausage Kulen
Authors: Lešić Tina , Zadravec Manuela , Zdolec Nevijo , Vulić Ana , Perković Irena , Škrivanko Mario , Kudumija Nina , Jakopović Željko , Pleadin Jelka
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to identify and compare surface mycobiota of traditional and industrial Croatian dry-fermented sausage Kulen, especially toxicogenic species, and to detect contamination with mycotoxins recognized as the most important for meat products. Identification of mould species was performed by sequence analysis of beta- tubulin and calmodulin gene, while the determination of mycotoxins aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) was carried out using the LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) method. The results showed a significantly higher number of mould isolates and greater species (including of those mycotoxigenic) diversity in traditional Kulen samples in comparison with the industrial ones. P. commune, as a potential CPA-producer, was the most represented in traditional Kulen (19.0%), followed by P. solitum (16.6%), which was the most represented in industrial Kulen samples (23.8%). The results also showed that 69% of the traditional sausage samples were contaminated with either CPA or OTA in concentrations of up to 13.35 µg/kg and 6.95 µg/kg, respectively, while in the industrial samples only OTA was detected (in a single sample in the concentration of 0.42 µg/kg). Mycotoxin AFB1 and its producers were not detected in any of the analysed samples (<LOD).
Ochratoxin A Induces Steatosis via PPARγ-CD36 Axis
Authors: Zheng Qian-Wen , Ding Xu-Fen , Cao Hui-Jun , Ni Qian-Zhi , Zhu Bing , Ma Ning , Zhang Feng-Kun , Wang Yi-Kang , Xu Sheng , Chen Tian-Wei , Xia Ji , Qiu Xiao-Song , Yu Dian-Zhen , Xie Dong , Li Jing-Jing
Published: November 2021

Ochratoxin A(OTA) is considered to be one of the most important contaminants of food and feed worldwide. The liver is one of key target organs for OTA to exert its toxic effects. Due to current lifestyle and diet, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been the most common liver disease. To examine the potential effect of OTA on hepatic lipid metabolism and NAFLD, C57BL/6 male mice received 1 mg/kg OTA by gavage daily. Compared with controls, OTA increased lipid deposition and TG accumulation in mouse livers. In vitro OTA treatment also promoted lipid droplets accumulation in primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells. Mechanistically, OTA prevented PPARγ degradation by reducing the interaction between PPARγ and its E3 ligase SIAH2, which led to activation of PPARγ signaling pathway. Furthermore, downregulation or inhibition of CD36, a known of PPARγ, alleviated OTA-induced lipid droplets deposition and TG accumulation. Therefore, OTA induces hepatic steatosis via PPARγ-CD36 axis, suggesting that OTA has an impact on liver lipid metabolism and may contribute to the development of metabolic diseases.
Major Vault Protein Inhibits Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Infection in CRL2843CD163 Cell Lines and Primary Porcine Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Fang Junyang , Huang Qiuping , Chen Xu , Guo Zhongyi , Tian Lingyujia , Zhou Enmin , Chen Jianxin , Mu Yang , Du Taofeng
Published: November 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), a significant viral infectious disease that commonly occurs among farmed pigs, leads to considerable economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. Major vault protein (MVP) is a host factor that induces type Ⅰ interferon (IFN) production. In this study, we evaluated the effect of MVP on PRRSV infection in CRL2843CD163 cell lines and porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). Our results showed that MVP expression was downregulated by PRRSV infection. Adenoviral overexpression of MVP inhibited PRRSV replication, whereas the siRNA knockdown of MVP promoted PRRSV replication. In addition, MVP knockdown has an adverse effect on the inhibitive role of MVP overexpression on PRRSV replication. Moreover, MVP could induce the expression of type Ⅰ IFNs and IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) in PRRSV-infected PAMs. Based on these results, MVP may be a potential molecular target of drugs for the effective prevention and treatment of PRRSV infection.
ABO and Rhesus Blood Groups in Acute Puumala Hantavirus Infection
Authors: Tietäväinen Johanna , Laine Outi , Mäkelä Satu , Huhtala Heini , Pörsti Ilkka , Vaheri Antti , Mustonen Jukka
Published: November 2021

Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. We aimed to evaluate whether ABO and rhesus blood groups associate with the susceptibility or the severity of PUUV infection. We analyzed blood groups in 289 adult patients treated in Tampere University hospital due to PUUV infection during the years 1982–2017. Patients’ blood group distribution was compared to that of healthy, voluntary blood donors living in the Tampere University Hospital responsibility area (n = 21,833). The severity of PUUV infection, as judged by the severity of acute kidney injury (AKI), thrombocytopenia, inflammation, capillary leakage, and the length of hospital care, was analyzed across the groups. The ABO and rhesus blood group distributions did not differ between the patients and blood donors. Patients with non-O blood groups had lower systolic blood pressure compared to patients with blood group O, but there was no difference in other markers of capillary leakage or in the severity of AKI. Minor deviations in the number of platelets and leukocytes were detected between the O and non-O blood groups. To conclude, patients with blood group O may be less susceptible to hypotension, but otherwise blood groups have no major influences on disease susceptibility or severity during acute PUUV infection.
The Past, the Present, and the Future of the Size Exclusion Chromatography in Extracellular Vesicles Separation
Authors: Kaddour Hussein , Tranquille Malik , Okeoma Chioma M.
Published: November 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membranous particles secreted by all cell types (including virus infected and uninfected cells) into the extracellular milieu. EVs carry, protect, and transport a wide array of bioactive cargoes to recipient/target cells. EVs regulate physiological and pathophysiological processes in recipient cells and are important in therapeutics/drug delivery. Despite these great attributes of EVs, an efficient protocol for EV separation from biofluids is lacking. Numerous techniques have been adapted for the separation of EVs with size exclusion chromatography (SEC)-based methods being the most promising. Here, we review the SEC protocols used for EV separation, and discuss opportunities for significant improvements, such as the development of novel particle purification liquid chromatography (PPLC) system capable of tandem purification and characterization of biological and synthetic particles with near-single vesicle resolution. Finally, we identify future perspectives and current issues to make PPLC a tool capable of providing a unified, automated, adaptable, yet simple and affordable particle separation resource.
Correction: Feria-Díaz et al. Recent Desalination Technologies by Hybridization and Integration with Reverse Osmosis: A Review. Water 2021, 13, 1369
Authors: Feria-Díaz Jhon Jairo , Correa-Mahecha Felipe , López-Méndez María Cristina , Rodríguez-Miranda Juan Pablo , Barrera-Rojas Jesús
Published: November 2021

In the original article [...]
Highwater Mark Collection after Post Tropical Storm Dorian and Implications for Prince Edward Island, Canada
Authors: Jardine Donald E. , Wang Xiuquan , Fenech Adam L.
Published: November 2021

Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada has been experiencing the consequences of a rising sea level and intense storms on its coasts in recent years. The most recent severe event, Post Tropical Storm Dorian (Dorian), began impacting Prince Edward Island on 7 September 2019 and lasted for over 20 h until the morning of 8 September 2019. The measurement of highwater marks (HWM) from the storm was conducted between 25 September and 25 October 2019 using a high precision, survey grade methodology. The HWM measured included vegetation lines, wrack lines, beach, cliff, and dune morphological features, and tide gauge data at 53 locations in the Province along coastal areas that are exposed to high tides, storm surge, high winds, and wave runup. Photos were taken to provide evidence on the nature of the HWM data locations. The data reveal that Dorian caused extensive coastal floods in many areas along the North and South Coast of Prince, Queens and Western Kings Counties of Prince Edward Island. The floods reached elevations in excess of 3.4 m at some locations, posing threats to local infrastructure and causing damage to natural features such as sand dunes in these areas. The HWM data can provide useful information for community and emergency response organizations as plans are developed to cope with the rising sea level and increased frequency of highwater events as predicted by researchers. As Dorian has caused significant damage in several coastal areas in PEI, better planning using an enhanced storm forecasting and coastal flood warning system, in conjunction with flood stage values, could possibly have reduced the impacts of the storm in the impacted areas. This could help enhance public understanding of the potential impacts in local areas and how they can prepare and adapt for these events in the future.
Multi-Indices Assessment of Origin and Controlling Factors of Trace Metals in River Sediments from a Semi-Arid Carbonated Basin (the Sebou Basin, Morocco)
Authors: El Mrissani Sara , Haida Souad , Probst Jean-Luc , Probst Anne
Published: November 2021

River water quality is particularly of concern in semi-arid countries with limited water resources. Increasing anthropogenic activities can lead to the accumulation of trace metals (TM) in bottom sediments, which is a specific storage compartment. The present study aimed to investigate the geochemistry of trace metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) and of some physico-chemical parameters in bottom sediments from the Sebou basin, which represents 1/3 of the surface water resources of Morocco. The order of abundance of the metals was Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > As > Cd. A major fingerprint of weathering on metal concentration, and point and non-point anthropogenic sources were highlighted. The origin and intensity of the contamination were determined using a combination of geochemical indicators. The contamination was on the whole moderate, with Cr, Zn, Cu, and Pb as the most enriched metals, especially at the A1, S3, and S4 stations located downstream of Fez city, well known for its intensive industrial and tannery activities. A multi-variate analysis evidenced the strong link between natural elements such as Co with clays and Fe oxides, and As with Ca, whereas Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, partly originating from anthropogenic activities (industrial and domestic waste, agricultural inputs), were linked to phosphorus, oxides, carbonates, and/or POC, indicating their anthropic source and/or control by sediment compounds. Cadmium, Pb, and Cu were the most available metals. Finally, in addition to Cd, Pb and Zn were identified as hazardous metals in sediments as evidenced by the positive relationship between the proportion of the labile fraction and the enrichment factor revealing anthropogenic inputs.
Multi-Actor Platforms in the Water–Agriculture Nexus: Synergies and Long-Term Meaningful Engagement
Authors: Nesheim Ingrid , Sundnes Frode , Enge Caroline , Graversgaard Morten , van den Brink Cors , Farrow Luke , Glavan Matjaž , Hansen Birgitte , Leitão Inês A. , Rowbottom Jenny , Tendler Linda
Published: November 2021

Solutions to current complex environmental challenges demand the consultation and involvement of various groups in society. In light of the WFD’s requirements of public participation, this paper presents an analysis of the establishment and development of nine different multi-actor platforms (MAPs) across Europe set up as arenas for long-term engagements to solve water quality challenges in relation to agriculture. The MAPs represent different histories and legacies of engagement; some are recent initiatives and some are affiliated with previous government-initiated projects, while other MAPs are long-term engagement platforms. A case study approach drawing on insights from the nine engagement processes is used to discuss conditions for enabling long-term multi-actor engagement. The perceived pressure for change and preferred prioritization in complying with mitigating water quality problems vary within and among the MAPs. The results show that governmental and local actors’ concern for water quality improvements and focusing on pressure for change are important for establishing meaningful multi-actor engagement when concerns translate into a clear mandate of the MAP. Furthermore, the degree to which the MAPs have been able to establish relationships and networks with other institutions such as water companies, agricultural and environmental authorities, farmers, and civil society organizations influences possibilities for long-term meaningful engagement.
A Review on Existing Methods to Assess Hydraulic Erodibility Downstream of Dam Spillways
Authors: Jalili Kashtiban Yavar , Saeidi Ali , Farinas Marie-Isabelle , Quirion Marco
Published: November 2021

In recent years, rock scouring or erosion downstream of dams has become an increasing dam safety concern. Several theoretical, semi-theoretical, semi-analytical and numerical methods can be used to assess the rock erosion in hydraulic structures. Semi-theoretical approaches determine the correlation between the erosive intensity of fluid flow and the resistive capacity of rock. Such approaches establish the scour thresholds as a function of erosive intensity of water and several rock mass indices by using in situ data and a curve-fitting approach. In some studies, the excavatability index, initially developed for rock mass stability analysis, was used to analyse the rock mass resistance in hydraulic erodibility analysis. The effectivity and weight of the geomechanical parameters used are yet to be determined on the basis of the erodibility phenomenon. The semi-analytical methods are developed on the basis of the mechanical and hydraulic interaction of rock mass and water. Four methods developed by Bollaert et al. are important in determining the erodibility in the plunge pool, but they are not applicable in the case of spillways. They used the comprehensive fracture mechanics for closed-end joints, quasi-steady impulsion, and dynamic impulsion (DI) for blocky rock erosion. The application of these methods to each site is necessary to identify constants that are difficult to determine. Few numerical methods are available to assess the rock mass erosion in hydraulic structures. In the case of numerical methods, the erosive agent is indistinct, and the hydraulic hazard parameter on the spillway surface is almost challenging to apply. This study comprehensively reviews the mechanism of erosion and the methods for assessing the risk of potential rock mass erosion downstream of dams and hydraulic structures. The advantages and disadvantages of all methods are discussed and the potential future research directions in this domain are proposed.