bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronous brain dynamics establish brief states of communality in distant neuronal populations
Authors: Seeber Martin , Michel Christoph M.
Published: January 2021

Intrinsic brain dynamics co-fluctuate between distant regions in an organized manner during rest, establishing large-scale functional networks. We investigate these brain dynamics on a millisecond time scale by focusing on Electroencephalographic (EEG) source analyses. While synchrony is thought of as a neuronal mechanism grouping distant neuronal populations into assemblies, the relevance of simultaneous zero-lag synchronization between brain areas in humans remains largely unexplored. This negligence is due to the confound of volume conduction, leading inherently to temporal dependencies of source estimates derived from scalp EEG (and Magnetoencephalography, MEG), referred to as spatial leakage. Here, we focus on the analyses of simultaneous, i.e., quasi zero-lag related, synchronization that cannot be explained by spatial leakage phenomenon. In eighteen subjects during rest with eyes closed, we provide evidence that first, simultaneous synchronization is present between distant brain areas and second, that this long-range synchronization is occurring in brief epochs, i.e., 54-80 milliseconds. Simultaneous synchronization might signify the functional convergence of remote neuronal populations. Given the simultaneity of distant regions, these synchronization patterns might relate to the representation and maintenance, rather than processing of information. This long-range synchronization is briefly stable, not persistently, indicating flexible spatial reconfiguration pertaining to the establishment of particular, re-occurring states. Taken together, we suggest that the balance between temporal stability and spatial flexibility of long-range, simultaneous synchronization patterns is characteristic of the dynamic coordination of large-scale functional brain networks. As such, quasi zero-phase related EEG source fluctuations are physiologically meaningful if spatial leakage is considered appropriately.

Significance

Synchrony is suggested as a mechanism for coordinating distant neuronal populations. Yet, simultaneous (i.e., zero-lag) synchronization between remote brain regions in humans is difficult to demonstrate, because volume conduction in EEG/MEG recordings causes spurious zero-lag relations. Here, we investigate actual zero-lag relations and systematically compare them to the residual bias due to spatial smoothness of EEG source estimates. We indeed report simultaneous synchronization between distant brain regions. These synchronization patterns manifest variably in time. We suggest that simultaneous synchronization is relevant when studying the dynamic, large-scale functional architecture in humans.
Isolation of theBuchnera aphidicolaflagellum basal body from theBuchneramembrane
Authors: Schepers Matthew J. , Yelland James N. , Moran Nancy A. , Taylor David W.
Published: January 2021

Buchnera aphidicolais an intracellular bacterial symbiont of aphids and maintains a small genome of only 600 kbps.Buchnerais thought to maintain only genes relevant to the symbiosis with its aphid host. Curiously, theBuchneragenome contains gene clusters coding for flagellum basal body structural proteins and for flagellum type III export machinery. These structures have been shown to be highly expressed and present in large numbers onBuchneracells. No recognizable pathogenicity factors or secreted proteins have been identified in theBuchneragenome, and the relevance of this protein complex to the symbiosis is unknown. Here, we show isolation ofBuchneraflagella from the cellular membrane ofBuchnera, confirming the enrichment of flagellum proteins relative to other proteins in theBuchneraproteome. This will facilitate studies of the structure and function of theBuchneraflagellum structure, and its role in this model symbiosis.
Ataxin-2 is essential for cytoskeletal dynamics and neurodevelopment in Drosophila
Authors: del Castillo Urko , Norkett Rosalind , Lu Wen , Serpinskaya Anna , Gelfand Vladimir I.
Published: January 2021

Ataxin-2 (Atx2) is a highly conserved RNA binding protein. Atx2 undergoes polyglutamine expansion leading to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 (SCA2). However, the physiological functions of Atx2 in neurons remain unknown. Here, using the powerful genetics of Drosophila, we show that Atx2 is essential for normal neuronal cytoskeletal dynamics and organelle trafficking. Upon neuron-specific Atx2 loss, the microtubule and actin networks were abnormally stabilized and cargo transport was drastically inhibited. Depletion of Atx2 caused multiple morphological defects in the nervous system of 3rd instar larvae. These include reduced brain size, impaired optic lobe innervation and decreased dendrite outgrowth. Defects in the nervous system caused loss of the ability to crawl and lethality at the pupal stage. Taken together, these data mark Atx2 as a major regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics and denote Atx2 as an essential gene in neurodevelopment, as well as a neurodegenerative factor.
A simpleAgrobacterium-mediated stable transformation technique for the hornwort modelAnthoceros agrestis
Authors: Frangedakis Eftychios , Waller Manuel , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Tsukaya Hirokazu , Xu Xia , Yue Yuling , Tjahjadi Michelle , Gunadi Andika , Van Eck Joyce , Li Fay-Wei , Szövényi Péter , Sakakibara Keiko
Published: January 2021

We have developed a simpleAgrobacterium-mediatedmethod for the stable transformation of the hornwortAnthoceros agrestis, the fifth bryophyte species for which a genetic manipulation technique becomes available. High transformation efficiency was achieved by using thallus tissue grown under low-light conditions. We generated a total of 216 transgenicA. agrestislines expressing the β-Glucuronidase (GUS), cyan, green, and yellow fluorescent proteins under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter and several endogenous promoters. Nuclear and plasma membrane localization with multiple color fluorescent proteins was also confirmed. The transformation technique described here should pave the way for detailed molecular and genetic studies of hornwort biology, providing much needed insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying symbiosis, carbon-concentrating mechanism, RNA editing, and land plant evolution in general.
An endosome-associated actin network involved in directed apical plasma membrane growth
Authors: Rios-Barrera LD , Leptin M
Published: January 2021

The subcellular membrane-trafficking system plays many roles in cell growth and morphogenesis, from bulk membrane provision to targeted delivery of membrane proteins and other cargos. In tracheal terminal cells of the Drosophila respiratory system, endocytosis and trafficking through late endosomes balances membrane delivery between the basal plasma membrane and the apical membrane that forms a subcellular tube, but it has been unclear how the direction of growth of the subcellular tube with the overall growth of the cell is coordinated. We show here that endosomes are involved in this process as coordinators of F-actin. Actin assembles around late endocytic vesicles in the growth cone of the cell, reaching from the tip of the subcellular tube to the leading filopodia of the basal membrane. Preventing actin nucleation at late endosomes disturbs the directionality of tube growth, uncoupling it from the direction of cell elongation. Severing actin in this area affects tube integrity. Our findings show a new role for late endosomes in directing cell morphogenesis by organizing actin, in addition to their known role in membrane and protein trafficking.
A non-adaptive demographic mechanism for genome expansion inStreptomyces
Authors: Choudoir Mallory J , Järvenpää Marko J , Marttinen Pekka , Buckley Daniel H
Published: January 2021

The evolution of microbial genome size is driven by gene acquisition and loss events that occur at scales from individual genomes to entire pangenomes. The equilibrium between gene gain and loss is shaped by evolutionary forces, including selection and drift, which are in turn influenced by population demographics. There is a well-known bias towards deletion in microbial genomes, which promotes genome streamlining. Less well described are mechanisms that promote genome expansion, giving rise to the many microbes, such asStreptomyces, that have unusually large genomes. We find evidence of genome expansion inStreptomycessister-taxa, and we hypothesize that a recent demographic range expansion drove increases in genome size through a non-adaptive mechanism. TheseStreptomycessister-taxa, NDR (northern-derived) and SDR (southern-derived), represent recently diverged lineages that occupy distinct geographic ranges. Relative to SDR genomes, NDR genomes are larger, have more genes, and their genomes are enriched in intermediate frequency genes. We also find evidence of relaxed selection in NDR genomes relative to SDR genomes. We hypothesize that geographic range expansion, coupled with relaxed selection, facilitated the introgression of non-adaptive horizontally acquired genes, which accumulated at intermediate frequencies through a mechanism known as genome surfing. We show that similar patterns of pangenome structure and genome expansion occur in a simulation that models the effects of population expansion on genome dynamics. We show that non-adaptive evolutionary phenomena can explain expansion of microbial genome size, and suggest that this mechanism might explain why some bacteria with large genomes can be found in soil.
Potential possibility of using the DNA regions of the internal transcribed spacer ITS and the beta-tubulin gene TUB in the diagnosis of the pathogenMycosphaerella linicolaNaumov
Authors: Shchukovskaya A. , Skripka O. , Uvarova D. , Shipulin A.
Published: January 2021

During the study, the suitability of the ITS and TUB DNA regions was shown for identifying the target species at the genetic level. However, these DNA regions do not reveal significant differences between the sequences of the target species from different geographic regions. However, when constructing dendrograms of similarities and differences, the sequential differentiation between isolates at the population level was found, which may further affect the results of identification of the target species.
The impacts of lean principles on the production of civil aircraft in Boeing
Authors: Agyeman Nana Emmanuel Samuel
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review how lean through the Boeing Production System impacted the production of civil aircraft in Boeing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper engages the usage of literature on lean from researchers, book authors and the Boeing Company. These literatures were studied to ascertain why Boeing pursued the lean journey and the transformations it attained.

Findings

The outcomes disclose lean offers Boeing an all-inclusive approach in managing the value-stream of a company. It further presents a sustainable business model that prioritizes customer and industry demands, births innovative ways of satisfying them and keeps Boeing in business.

Originality/value

This research is useful to upcoming aircraft manufacturers who seek to optimize their production as well as satisfy their customers.
Effects of different levels of salt and temperature on some physico-chemical and colour properties of microwave-dried beef round (M. semitendinosus)
Authors: Özbay Sena , Sariçoban Cemalettin
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the different levels of salt and the temperature on some physico-chemical and colour change properties of microwave-dried beef round (M. semitendinosus).

Design/methodology/approach

The samples were pretreated with different temperatures (0°C, 40°C and 50°C) and salting (0, 1.5, 2.5%). Later these samples have been dried by the microwave energy at 540 W for seven minutes. Some physical properties (water activity, moisture content, change in diameter, change in thickness, change in shrinkage ratio) and texture, colour and microscopic surface structure analysis were conducted in dried beef round samples.

Findings

As a result, the colour and moisture were the most affected factors. Also, physical and microstructural characteristics were affected by salting and pre-drying. In addition, while the textural structure did not show a significant difference, meat weight and water activity varied.

Research limitations/implications

Meat obtained from a local butcher in Konya was used as the study material. In addition, only a special part of the meat (M. semitendinosus) was used in the study. In the drying process, the parameters were determined as 540 W and 7 min. These are the limitations of the research.

Originality/value

All changes that can occur in the physical properties of the meat after the drying process were examined. The structure of beef round samples formed by microwave drying was shown by using electron microscope. The effects of pretreatment such as salting and pre-drying have been examined on microwave drying.
Determinants of customer satisfaction in chatbot use: evidence from a banking application in Turkey
Authors: Eren Berrin Arzu
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigates customer satisfaction from the use of bank chatbots and the effect of perceived trust in chatbots and banks' reputation on customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is conducted in Turkey involving 240 customers who experienced banking transactions using a chatbot. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to investigate the relationships between the variables. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21 and SmartPLS programs.

Findings

Perceived performance, perceived trust and corporate reputation significantly affect customer satisfaction with chatbot use. Customer expectations and confirmation of customer expectations have no direct impact on customer satisfaction, but customer expectations positively affect perceived performance. Customer expectations exert an indirect influence on customer satisfaction through perceived performance. Perceived performance has a positive impact on the confirmation of customer expectations, but customer expectations do not significantly impact the confirmation of customer expectations.

Research limitations/implications

This study relies on a limited number of participants. Moreover, its sample is not representative of the target population due to the convenience sampling technique. Even if the results may not be generalized to the entire population of Turkey, they reflect the reality of emerging markets with relatively high technology sensitivity and a young population.

Practical implications

The results provide new insights regarding banking service delivery channels, which may be of interest to professionals, academics, banks' top management, product development teams, design teams and customer satisfaction units.

Social implications

This study is believed to help the community make their lives easier by providing them with knowledge and awareness about chatbots.

Originality/value

This study extends expectations confirmation theory's predictions to chatbot use in banking.
A study on emerging trends in Indian startup ecosystem: big data, crowd funding, shared economy
Authors: Chaudhari Sagar Lotan , Sinha Manish
Published: January 2021

Purpose

India ranks third in the global startup ecosystem in the world incubating more than 50,000 startups and witnessing 15% YoY growth per year. Being a center of innovation and skilled labor, Indian startups have attracted investments from all over the world. This paper aims at exploring the trends that are driving the growth in the Indian startup ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

Top 200 startups according to valuation are selected as a sample to find out the major trends in the Indian startup ecosystem. This paper includes surveying the sample startups about the implementation of trends such as big data, crowdfunding and shared economy in their startup and its tangible, as well as intangible impacts on their business. The result of the survey is analyzed to get an overview of the emerging trends in the Indian startup ecosystem.

Findings

Major ten emerging trends that drive growth in the Indian startup ecosystem are discovered and the areas where these trends can be leveraged are identified.

Originality/value

This research has contributed toward structuring and documenting the growth driving trends, and it will help the budding entrepreneurs to get familiar with the contemporary trends, pros and cons associated with it and the ways to leverage these trends to build a successful startup.
Designing and delivering an online lesson study unit in mathematics to pre-service primary teachers: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Widjaja Wanty , Groves Susie , Ersozlu Zara
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and delivery of a lesson study unit in mathematics to pre-service primary teachers and to identify the opportunities and challenges resulting from the need to deliver the unit wholly online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-case analysis, using a before-and-after design, was used to compare the development and delivery of the unit in 2019 and 2020, with the pivotal event of interest between the before-and-after cases being the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The content and structure of the unit, as well as its collaborative aspects, remained substantially the same in the before-and-after cases. While there was a low level of engagement with pre-recorded lectures, there was a high level of engagement and participation in the online synchronous seminars, together with a marked increase in overall satisfaction with the unit. Pre-service teachers were unable to teach and observe one another's planned research lessons in school. Instead, after a detailed examination of the task, the lesson plan and student solutions, they observed a pre-recorded video of a research lesson at a local school and participated in a streamed post-lesson discussion. Pre-service teachers regarded this new component as a highlight of the unit and an important connection between the theory and practice of lesson study.

Originality/value

The inclusion of the video-recorded research lesson in 2020 introduced a new level of authenticity for pre-service teachers, allowing them to observe a high quality structured problem solving mathematics lesson taught in a local public school, as part of a local implementation of lesson study-something that is not generally possible. While there is often a view that the benefits of lesson study result mainly from collaborative planning and teaching of the research lesson, this paper highlights the value of involvement for all participants in research lesson observation and post-lesson discussion, as well as the opportunities afforded by the use of “virtual lesson study”.
Formal mentorship and instructional practices: a Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) study of US teachers
Authors: Hightower Andromeda , Wiens Peter , Guzman Steven
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Within schools across the USA, mentees supported by mentors experience a number of potential benefits, including high job satisfaction, less attrition and more opportunities for professional/emotional guidance. However, these benefits are less understood in the context of formal mentorship specifically, as well as to what extent these supports apply to instructional practices. This study aims to address the minimally researched area of how being mentored might impact the instructional practices of teachers at all stages of their career.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data recently published for the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) in 2018, this study examines the relationship of teachers with formally assigned mentors, the number of total years of teaching experience and instructional practices. US teachers who responded to the target survey questions (n = 1,934) were submitted to several one-way analyses of variance to determine (1) the potential relationships between the presence of a formal mentor and instructional practices and (2) how different groups of teachers with varying numbers of total years of teaching experience impacted these relationships.

Findings

The results found that the presence of a formal mentor predicted higher classroom management practices, clarity of instruction practices and cognitive activation activities for the combined sample (p < 0.05), and for teachers with 15 years or more of teaching experience, the presence of a formal mentor predicted higher classroom management and clarity of instruction practices (p < 0.05).

Originality/value

The results provide evidence for the use of formally assigned mentors beyond new teacher induction, but the nature of the formal mentorships in this study is unclear. Future research should further investigate descriptive cases of more inclusive formal mentorship programs.
Anxiety buffers and the threat of extreme automation: a terror management theory perspective
Authors: Goethals Frank , Ziegelmayer Jennifer L.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The advent of extreme automation from new technologies such as artificial intelligence portends a massive increase in unemployment. The psychological impact of this threat on the workforce is critically important. This paper aims to examine the functioning of individuals' anxiety buffers in response to this threat.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage mixed-methods design is used. In stage 1, qualitative data are gathered through semi-structured interviews. In stage 2, quantitative data are collected through two experiments to assess the psychological impact of exposure to the threat.

Findings

Exposure to the threat of extreme automation reduces self-esteem, faith in the worldview and attachment security. When self-esteem and attachment security are under attack, they are ineffective as anxiety buffers, and anxiety levels increase. Additionally, there is a distal effect such that during a period of distraction, the threatened anxiety buffers are reinforced and return to their normal levels.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a homogenous culture in which work is highly salient. Future research should include other cultures, other methods of exposure and further examine the distal effects.

Originality/value

The study examines the previously underexplored issue of individuals' psychological response to the impending changes in the workforce because of technological advancements.
Barriers to service recovery in B2B markets: a TISM approach in the context of IT-based services
Authors: Baliga Ashwin J. , Chawla Vaibhav , Sunder M. Vijaya , Kumar Rajesh
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To address service failure issues, scholars have recognized several service recovery (SR) mechanisms. However, there exist many barriers that retard an effective SR process, and those often lead to negative consequences. Although this is a generic problem applicable across markets, it becomes critical in B2B markets, as they deal with high impact and corporate customers. The purpose of this paper is to identify these SR barriers in B2B markets and explore their linkages toward identifying the key driving barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-phased methodology to address this call in the IT services industry was used. First, the identification phase led to the selection of 27 barriers based on literature. Second, in the prioritization phase, 12 salient barriers were prioritized with the help of an expert panel. Third, in the modelling phase, the total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) technique was used to examine the mutual influences among these barriers toward modelling their linkages using a digraph. Finally, in the classification phase, these barriers were graphically plotted and classified into four quadrants based on their dependence and driving powers by using Matriced Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC) analysis.

Findings

Two strategic barriers, namely, technology obsolescence and poor top management commitment, presented the strongest challenges against effective SR, as they were least dependent on other barriers and exerted strong influence over the operational barriers to executing SR.

Practical implications

Because the strategic level barriers, exerting strong influence against effective SR, arise from the strategic choices of board and the C-suite, this paper helps them anticipate the recovery-related after effects of their choices, thus helping them in making better decisions.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to research as it is first of its kind to explore and link SR barriers in B2B markets.
How can an organic label help a private label?
Authors: Casteran Gauthier , Ruspil Thomas
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aim to investigate how organic labeling impacts perceived value for money (PVFM) as well as attitudinal and behavioral brand loyalty for private label brands (PLBs). This impact is tested for different product categories and retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

Two online experiments are conducted with different product categories (i.e. eggs and chocolate) and different retailers (i.e. Auchan and Carrefour). For each experiment, a multivariate analysis of covariance with brand type (i.e. PLBs and organic PLBs) as the independent variables, the PVFM and brand loyalty as the dependent variables as well as consumers’ characteristics, involvement with organic products and attitudes toward the retailer as the covariates is run.

Findings

On aggregate, organic PLBs prompt a higher PVFM as well as a higher attitudinal and behavioral loyalty than the PLBs. These results are consistent across the above-mentioned product categories and retailers.

Research limitations/implications

This study advances knowledge on organic labeling for the PLBs.

Practical implications

Retailers gain insights on the perceptions and behaviors toward organic PLBs versus standard PLBs.

Originality/value

This study tests how an organic label impacts the PVFM and brand loyalty for the PLBs.
Measuring Urban Vulnerability to Natural Disaster Risk: Benchmarks for Sustainability
Authors: Pelling Mark
Published: January 2021

The Millennium Declaration and the Hyogo Framework for Action point towards the need for methods to identify urban vulnerability to disaster risk as a pre-cursor for the development of benchmarks with which to track policy progress for urban sustainability and risk reduction. This paper responds to this call by assessing the state of the art in urban vulnerability and risk assessment tools. It presents a review of the conceptual frameworks, methodologies and comparative advantages of ten tools. These are categorised into deductive and inductive approaches, with inductive approaches in turn separated into those that use social-survey and participatory methods. The tools examined vary in the focus of their interests between those concerned with the vulnerability of places (cities or buildings) and people (either as predefined vulnerable social groups or identified through household livelihood sustainability).

The paper calls for a deeper conversation between the emerging community of practitioners working on urban disaster risk management and the existing urban development community. For example, disasters are typically defined as exceptionally large, single events, which adds to analytical clarity, but misses the cumulative impact of multiple small, local events on household sustainability and urban infrastructure, ultimately distorting planning guidance. There is also a need for natural hazard specific vulnerability assessment tools to be interpreted alongside, or to incorporate social, economic and political sources of danger to livelihoods and human health. For forward looking policy relevance, tools are also needed that can assess adaptive or coping capacity. This is essential for the building of a holistic approach to urban risk management. An approach that coherently tackles the multiple hazards and vulnerabilities faced by urban dwellers, and seeks to avoid the shifting of risk burdens between populations and the movement of people from one kind of threat to another.
Alienation of Traditional Habitats and Shelters in Jordanian Villages
Authors: Abu Al Haija Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Hundreds of Jordanian traditional villages are facing the serious risk of being demolished due to the shortage of basic public services and their resulting abandoned state. Important occurrences of vernacular architecture in these villages necessitate a national strategy to conserve the tangible and intangible heritage they offer, despite the economic difficulties that impede the local community in their efforts to protect or rehabilitate their long-established habitat and traditions. The case of Dana is a relevant example of these villages that are abandoned in spite of their considerable human and material potentialities. Therefore, analyses of place-oriented conceptual meaning, which affect man's belonging to the place, and building typologies are developed in order to comprehend the traditional spatial composition and the interrogatives of conserving the original habitat for tourism purposes. Appropriate scenarios of administrative and technical approaches could better offer the local communities the conservation of memories, place identity and sustainable economic development, hopefully extendible to other situations in traditional villages.
The Layered Dependency Structure Matrix for Managing Collaborative Design Processes
Authors: Pektaş Şule Taşlı
Published: January 2021

Effective collaboration and knowledge management are the major contributors of success in the construction industry. Although a huge amount of interdisciplinary knowledge is exchanged in building design processes, there is a lack of tools for representing information flows. Therefore, this paper focuses on the collaboration between architects and structural engineers and introduces an innovative matrix-based tool named “The Layered Dependency Structure Matrix” for modeling and managing the discipline-specific and collaborative design activities. The proposed method is compared with the conventional techniques used in the industry and its application is demonstrated in a beam design example.
Planning and Design of Public Supply Services for Urban Integration
Authors: Chao Zhou
Published: January 2021

The citizenization of agricultural transfer population is the key content of urbanization. At present, the agricultural transfer population can't enjoy the same public service supply in urban integration. Based on this, in this paper, the planning and design of public service supply and the urban integration of agricultural transfer population were studied. The problems existing in urban integration of agricultural transfer population were analyzed, and the basic public service status of the agricultural transfer population in urban integration was expounded. Then, the basic public service needs of the agricultural transfer population in urban integration were analyzed, and the planning and design of urban basic public service supply were put forward. After that, taking the construction of the public service for agricultural transfer of population in a city as an example, a case analysis of the planning and design was carried out. The practice shows that the planning of urban public facilities service is beneficial to the urban integration of the rural population.
Building Mounted Wind Turbines on Existing Multi-Storey Housing
Authors: Sharpe Tim
Published: January 2021

One of the most significant challenges facing contemporary architectural and urban design is how it can become more sustainable. Energy consumption by housing is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and a cause of depletion of non-renewable energy sources. Of particular concern is existing stock, which has the worst performance and is hardest to improve.

One means of addressing these issues that is attracting increasing interest is the integration of embedded renewable energy technologies. This paper discusses the use of wind turbines on buildings as a response to climate change legislation. It examines the potential for embedded generation in a specific built form (existing high rise housing) and places this in the context of a particular geographical location (Glasgow, Scotland) where the existing provision is highly problematic, but which also presents significant potential. It describes findings from two projects in Glasgow, a pilot installation on a city centre multi-storey block, and subsequent feasibility study for a Housing Association managed multi-storey block and identifies the problems and opportunities that may be applied in similar projects elsewhere.
A User Requirements Study of Digital 3D Models for Urban Renewal
Authors: Zlatanova Sisi , Itard Laure , Kibria Mahmud Shahrear , Dorst Machiel van
Published: January 2021

Urban renewal is a multifaceted activity that involves numerous actors, software, and types of data. Design communication tools play an important role in this process. Visual information helps to outline, understand, and choose sustainable solutions for problems in the design, while visual tools should be able to diminish professional differences and establish a common language. Recent 3D geo-technologies offer a great variety of new tools that significantly enrich visualisation possibilities and allow for flexible switching between different 3D representations. However, studies have indicated that particular representations create different perceptions in professional compared to non-professional individuals. This paper discusses the specifics of urban renewal processes in the Netherlands and investigates recently developed 3D geo-information technology, and more specifically multiple 3D representations, that can support this task. The concept of LOD, which uses five levels of information, was evaluated as a very promising approach to agree on abstractions and representations in the different renewal phases. The study did not reveal a lack of digital possibilities for visualisation, but instead showed that the simultaneous visualisation of the proposed alternatives should be a priority. This investigation did reveal that different levels of interactivity could be used for the presentation and communication of project alternatives.
Planning of the New Trade Zone and its Perspective on the Ecological Economy: Case Study Fujian
Authors: Zhang Xionghui
Published: January 2021

The economy of Fujian has caused tremendous development momentum and increased the economic exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland since the establishment of the free trade area of Fujian province. However, the contradiction between ecological protection and economic development should be considered on the basis of solving the problem of building trade zones. Performing regional trade zone planning from the ecological and economic perspectives is difficult, not only should the ecological and economic perspectives meet and emphasize the ecological and economical levels of interaction, but also achieve the optimization of eco-economic development potential of the free trade zone. In view of the above problems, according to the economy and resource allocation base of the new trade zone in Fujian Province, the space planning strategy development was carried out in this paper. In the overall layout of the new trade zone, the chain service area, the high-end service area, and the city near the port are taken as a major planning axis. North and South regions are gathering areas of shipping, logistics and new industries, developing on three partitions of function, improvement and advance around Haijing Road. The landscape is divided into Cai Jianwei mountain and Jing Kouyan mountain as the basis, and the third South China Sea Road and Haixin road form six corridors between mountain and sea. With the foundation of international cruise port development planning, the ease of east harbors should be promoted to north, and the development rhythm od airport planning areas should be strictly controlled, which can prepare for the later spatial release of the relocation of the airport from city planning areas. The main line of the important traffic node is reserved to improve the stock space, and the industrial neighborhood area near the central fishing port of Fujian and Taiwan is reserved, which can provide the regional space preparation for the planning of the new trade zone.
Urban Design of Historic Districts Based on Action Planning
Authors: Wang Yanjun
Published: January 2021

Historic districts are faced with inadequate features protection and landscape destruction in the process of accelerating urban construction, urban design focuses on how places function in addition to how they look, this theory is suitable for the protection of historical districts. At the present stage, the traditional urban design of historical districts has a series of problems, such as uncomprehensive research about characteristics, incomplete workflow and the lack of transformation route from design scheme to implementation, the main reason is that there is a mismatch between the setting goal and planning implementation. Urban design based on “Action planning” has the characteristics of comprehensive research contents, specific implementation plans and complete workflow, it arranges the workflow with four stages, including design preparation, design planning, design implementation and design evaluation, which is a new exploration and attempt to turn traditional blueprint-oriented into action-oriented. Urban design of North Shuncheng Lane Historic Districts in Xi'an city used action planning as a concept and established an framework including “identify development status and problems—construct action target and strategy—determine action projects and specific plans—improve and evaluate the results”, to implement design ideas into practice and to guide the protection of historic districts. Above all, action-oriented planning is considered the key to the development of historic districts.
Understanding Inhabitants' Spatial Experience of the City of Doha Through Cognitive Mapping
Authors: Salama Ashraf M. , Al-Maimani Ahood , Khalfani Fatma
Published: January 2021

Despite the current fast track urban development process that characterizes the city of Doha, very few studies have addressed several important growth aspects, including the examination of the way in which its inhabitants comprehend and react to its built environment and the resulting spatial experience. This paper examines inhabitants' spatial experience in the city by applying cognitive mapping procedures coupled with an attitude survey. 108 responses were received, analyzed, and classified in three categories a) living, working, and visiting patterns; b) comprehension of home range, home zone, and movement; and c) ethnic affiliation: Qataris and other Arab expatriates. The findings contribute to an in-depth understanding of the inhabitants' spatial experience. The study concludes with an emphasis that by establishing knowledge generated from research findings that are derived from direct experience of inhabitants including movement patterns and the rhythm of geographical locations within the city, the various aspects of how certain areas work within the urban structure of the city can be elucidated.
Effect of process route on powder three-dimensional-printing of metal powders
Authors: Olumor Ifeanyichukwu Donald , Geuntak Lee , Olevsky Eugene
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of two unique processing routes (solvent jetting (SJ) and binder jetting (BJ)), on the green density of printed stainless steel 316L (SS316L) and Nickel (Ni) powders.

Design/methodology/approach

In the SJ processing route, a solvent is jetted unto the powder/binder mixture to selectively activate the binder, layer by layer. In the BJ processing route, a solution of the binder mixture is jetted onto the powder bed to selectively bind powder particles. The effects of printing parameters such as layer height, roller speed, shaker speed and nozzle temperature on the green density of printed components are investigated and compared for both processing routes.

Findings

Results show that layer height and nozzle temperature affect the relative density of the printed compact for both processing routes. Slightly higher relative densities were achieved via the SJ route, with the overall highest relative density being 42.7% at 100 µm layer height and 70% nozzle temperature for the SS316L components and 43.7% at 150 µm layer height and 90% nozzle temperature for the Ni components, respectively. Results also show an increase in the final sintered relative density with an increase in green (printed) relative density of the solvent jetted SS316L components, with the highest relative density being 87.2%.

Originality/value

The paper studies the influence of printing parameters on the green density of printed SS316L and Ni samples in an unprecedented effort to provide a comparative understanding of the process-property relationships in BJ and SJ of SS316L and Ni components to the additive manufacturing research community.
Purification and characterization of bromelain from pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) peel waste
Authors: Zhou Wei , Ye Cuizhu , Geng Lijing , Chen Guannan , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Weijie , Sa Rina , Zhang Junpeng , Zhang Xiang
Published: January 2021

Bromelain is widely used in food industry and pharmaceutical products due to its strong antioxidant properties. Therefore, the extraction of bromelain from pineapple peel may improve the profitability and sustainability of pineapple industry. The aim of this work is to show the purification, stability, and kinetics of bromelain from pineapple peel. By studying the stability of purified bromelain (PB), we found that the activity of PB was inhibited by Fe3+, Al3+, methanol, ethanol, and n‐butyl alcohol, while it was increased in the presence of Ca2+, ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid, glucose, D‐xylose, maltose, potassium sodium tartrate, sodium citrate, citric acid, and sodium nitrite. These stability tests will expand the application and space acquisition of bromelain. The kinetics study indicated that the thermal inactivation of PB was conforming to the first‐order reaction and the half‐life (t1/2) of PB under different temperature conditions (45, 55, 65, and 75 °C) was 81.54, 31.12, 10.28, and 5.23 min, respectively. Therefore, the inactivation time of PB can be predicted at different temperatures for food heating processing.

Practical Application

The potential of utilizing pineapple peel for bromelain extraction might improve the profitability and sustainability of the pineapple industry.
Preclinical and clinical advances in dual‐target chimeric antigen receptor therapy for hematological malignancies
Authors: Guo Zhenling , Tu Sanfang , Yu Siyao , Wu Liufang , Pan Wanying , Chang Ning , Zhou Xuan , Song Chaoyang , Li Yuhua , He Yanjie
Published: January 2021

In recent years, the excellent curative effect of CD19‐specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy has brought hope to patients with relapsing or refractory B‐cell hematological malignancies, however relapse after CAR T‐cell infusion has hindered the widespread clinical application of this immunotherapy and targeted antigen‐negative relapse has caused widespread concern. Consequently, strategies for increasing targeted antigens have been created. In addition to the most widely applied target, namely CD19, researchers have further explored the possibility of other targets, such as CD20, CD22, CD33, and CD123, and have tested a series of combination antigen CAR T‐cell therapies. Here, we summarize the current preclinical and clinical studies of dual‐target CAR T cells.
Limitations and benefits of FDG‐PET/CT in NF1 patients with nerve sheath tumors: A cross‐sectional/longitudinal study
Authors: Nishida Yoshihiro , Ikuta Kunihiro , Ito Shinji , Urakawa Hiroshi , Sakai Tomohisa , Koike Hiroshi , Ito Kan , Imagama Shiro
Published: January 2021

The purposes of this study were to re‐confirm the usefulness of PET/CT in the differentiation of benignity/malignancy of neurogenic tumors in NF1 patients, and to analyze the natural course of plexiform neurofibroma (pNF) and clarify whether PET/CT is also useful for detecting tumors other than neurogenic tumors. PET/CT was prospectively imaged in 36 NF1 patients. There were 14 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) in 14 patients, and 54 pNFs in 30 patients. Nine patients had both MPNST and pNF. Maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was significantly higher in MPNST (median 7.6: range 4.1‐10.4) (P < .001) compared with that of pNF (median 3.7: range 1.6‐9.3). The cut‐off value of 5.8 resulted in a sensitivity of 78.6% and specificity of 88.9%. Median age was 29 y, and median maximum tumor diameter was 82 mm in 14 MPNST patients. The 5‐y overall survival rate was 46.8%. Three patients with low‐grade MPNST were alive without disease at the time of this report. In 9 patients in which pNF and MPNST co‐existed, 2 showed a higher SUVmax of pNF than that of MPNST. Natural history analysis of pNF (n = 43) revealed that no factors significantly correlated with increased tumor size. Nine lesions other than neurogenic tumors were detected by PET/CT including 5 thyroid lesions and 3 malignant neoplasms. This study revealed the usefulness and limitation of PET/CT for NF1 patients. In the future, it will be necessary to study how to detect over time the malignant transformation of pNF to MPNST, via an intermediate tumor.
A counterfactual approach to measure the impact of wet grassland conservation on U.K. breeding bird populations
Authors: Jellesmark Sean , Ausden Malcolm , Blackburn Tim M. , Gregory Richard D. , Hoffmann Mike , Massimino Dario , McRae Louise , Visconti Piero
Published: January 2021

Wet grassland populations of wading birds in the United Kingdom have declined severely since 1990. To help mitigate these declines, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has restored and managed lowland wet grassland nature reserves to benefit these and other species. However, the impact of these reserves on bird population trends has not been evaluated experimentally due to a lack of control populations. We compared population trends from 1994 to 2018 among 5 bird species of conservation concern that breed on these nature reserves with counterfactual trends created from matched breeding bird survey observations. We compared reserve trends with 3 different counterfactuals based on different scenarios of how reserve populations could have developed in the absence of conservation. Effects of conservation interventions were positive for all 4 targeted wading bird species: Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Curlew (Numenius arquata), and Snipe (Gallinago gallinago). There was no positive effect of conservation interventions on reserves for the passerine, Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava). Our approach using monitoring data to produce valid counterfactual controls is a broadly applicable method allowing large‐scale evaluation of conservation impact.