bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Servitized Research: An Integrated Approach for Sustainable Product-Service Innovation
Authors: Coreynen Wim , van Witteloostuijn Arjen , Vanderstraeten Johanna
Published: July 2021

This article proposes to bring the sustainable product-service innovation (PSI) field into a next phase—after two phases of exploring why and how firms achieve sustainable PSI growth, we suggest to further focus on finding when they actually do so. Based on prior studies, we pinpoint and describe two main shortcomings in the current body of PSI literature: (1) an overemphasis on the firm level, and (2) an overuse of descriptive case studies. These shortcomings are used as stepping-stones for formulating a research approach that integrates Multiple Levels (namely, the firm, its environment, and its people), mixes different Methods (both qualitative and quantitative) and that turns researchers to Action (through advice and training). This MLMA approach offers ample new research opportunities and turns the servitization research community into a servitized community by leveraging academic insights to better support firms in improving their economic and environmental performance.
Acoustic Environment of Urban Historical Places: A Case Study in Kastamonu, Turkey
Authors: Belkayalı Nur , Kaymaz Işıl
Published: July 2021

The general aim of this paper is to demonstrate the significance of the acoustic environment in urban historical places, which represent intangible cultural heritage, and to emphasize the need for the spaces to have their own unique acoustic environment depending on their characteristics. Both sound pressure level measurements and sound classifications were conducted in three urban historical places to emphasize their effect on the character of the area. Based on the data obtained, noise maps were created. The results of the study indicated that there was no change in sound sources due to the similarity of past and present usage types of the three selected historical areas, and that sound sources as an element of cultural heritage in the area were preserved and survived to the present day as a consequence. The type of use, intensity of use, structural-plant density, and climatic change were found to be effective in determining the acoustic environment character. The continuity of sound sources, which are among the elements that constitute the identity in historical places in particular and can be considered as cultural heritage elements, and the harmony of these sound sources for the intended use of the space are the factors that should be taken into account in spatial planning and design.
Cities, Urban Property Systems, and Sustainability Transitions: Contested Processes of Institutional Change and the Regulation of Urban Property Development
Authors: Sorensen André , Brenner Anna-Katharina
Published: July 2021

Sustainability transitions research has emerged as one of the most influential approaches to conceptualizing the potential and practice of transformative system change to avoid climate catastrophe. Evolving from work on socio-technical systems via Geels’ multi-level perspective (MLP), this conceptual framework has contributed to understanding how complex systems in the contemporary world can be transformed. This paper contributes to the sustainability transitions literature in three main ways. First, the paper develops a conceptual framework focused on the urban property systems which regulate and support urban property, infrastructure and governance that are historically produced, are densely institutionalized, and through which public norms of property and governance are deeply embedded in and continually inscribed in urban space. Second, the paper suggests that urban property systems are continually and vigorously contested and demonstrate different modes of institutional change than those recognized by the existing sustainability transitions literature. Third, the paper illustrates the approach with a case study of the contested governance of property development in Toronto, Ontario, long one of the fastest growing cities in North America. The Toronto case suggests that institutions embedded in urban property systems are consequential and deserve more attention by those concerned with low-carbon transitions.
Perspectives on Bioenergy Feedstock Development in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Mahmood Athar , Wang Xiukang , Shahzad Ahmad Naeem , Fiaz Sajid , Ali Habib , Naqve Maria , Javaid Muhammad Mansoor , Mumtaz Sahar , Naseer Mehwish , Dong Renji
Published: July 2021

Pakistan faces challenges in both food and energy security. Indeed, extensive literature suggests that food and energy security are interdependent. While acknowledging that food security is still a primary concern for Pakistan, energy security is also a major issue. It is crucial to develop sustainable energy sources for energy production. Among sustainable sources, biomass is a promising source that can be effectively used for environmentally friendly energy production. This article addresses the energy issues and potential solutions using crop residues, non-edible energy crops, and animal and municipal solid wastes in Pakistan. The current research challenges, relevant industries, opportunities, and the future share of energy production derived from renewable and sustainable sources are emphasized with a focus on the potential of biomass energy. This article shows that Pakistan has considerable potential to develop bioenergy crops on marginal lands without compromising food security, with considerable greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits. Pakistan has vast biomass resources, including crop residues, animal waste, municipal solid waste, and forest residues, which collectively produce 230 billion tons of biomass annually. There are about 72 million bovines (cows and buffaloes), 81 million tons per year of crop biomass, and about 785 million birds in poultry farms across the country. Land that is currently non-productive could be used for energy crops, and this has the potential to produce 2500–3000 MW of energy. The utilization of waste cooking oil and fats is the most economically feasible option for obtaining biodiesel due to its easy and almost free availability in Pakistan. Systematic management is needed to collect this huge quantity of waste cooking oil and efficiently convert it to biodiesel. Similarly, molasses may be a promising source for bioethanol production. Furthermore, this study suggests that Pakistan’s energy policies need to be amended to ensure that the energy supply meets the demand. In the future, massive energy projects on biomass-based bioenergy need to be implemented in Pakistan. To achieve its bioenergy potential, Pakistan needs to develop incentive-based bioenergy technologies. Moreover, this objective can only be achieved in the country by initiating R&D projects to promote advanced biomass conversion technologies, such as biogas plants and combustion systems.
Gender Differences in the Comorbidity of ADHD Symptoms and Specific Learning Disorders in a Population-Based Sample
Authors: Kerner auch Koerner Julia , Visser Linda , Rothe Josefine , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: July 2021

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit comorbid specific learning disorders. In clinical samples, comorbidity in girls with ADHD tends to be more common than in boys with ADHD. However, this is not the case in studies of random samples. In this paper gender differences in the comorbidity of ADHD symptoms and learning disorders in reading, spelling and math are explored in a population-based sample of 2605 3rd and 4th graders (1304 girls) without symptoms of ADHD and 415 (141 girls) with symptoms of ADHD. Girls with ADHD symptoms had higher ratios of comorbid math disorders than boys with ADHD symptoms, but not with reading or spelling disorders. Math achievement was predicted by gender and by symptoms of inattention. Girls with ADHD symptoms and math disorders received the same amount of additional support from teachers or therapists as boys with ADHD symptoms and math disorders. Our results highlight the importance of exploring the increased comorbidity of specific learning disorders in children with ADHD symptoms and especially with math disorders in girls with ADHD symptoms. Implications for providing suitable interventions and preventing the accumulation of academic problems are discussed.
An Operational Approach to Agroecology-Based Local Agri-Food Systems
Authors: López-García Daniel , González de Molina Manuel
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the transition to sustainability at a food systems’ scale has drawn major attention both from the scientific and political arenas. Agroecology has become central to such discussions, while impressive efforts have been made to conceptualize the agroecology scaling process. It has thus become necessary to apply the concept of agroecology transitions to the scale of food systems and in different “real-world” contexts. Scaling local agroecology experiences of production, distribution, and consumption, which are often disconnected and/or disorganized, also reveals emergent research gaps. A critical review was performed in order to establish a transdisciplinary dialogue between both political agroecology and the literature on sustainable food systems. The objective was to build insights into how to advance towards Agroecology-based Local Agri-food Systems (ALAS). Our review unveils emergent questions such as: how to overcome the metabolic rift related to segregated activities along the food chain, how to feed cities sustainably, and how they should relate to the surrounding territories, which social subjects should drive such transitions, and which governance arrangements would be needed. The paper argues in favor of the re-construction of food metabolisms, territorial flows, plural subjects and (bottom-up) governance assemblages, placing life at the center of the food system and going beyond the rural–urban divide.
Indoor Air Quality in Naturally Ventilated Classrooms. Lessons Learned from a Case Study in a COVID-19 Scenario
Authors: Meiss Alberto , Jimeno-Merino Héctor , Poza-Casado Irene , Llorente-Álvarez Alfredo , Padilla-Marcos Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2021

This paper describes the implementation of a series of ventilation strategies in a nursery and primary school from September 2020, when the government decided to resume the students’ face-to-face activity in the middle of a COVID scenario. Air quality and hygrothermal comfort conditions were analysed before the pandemic and compared for different ventilation configurations in a post-COVID scenario. Ventilation strategies included the protocols issued by the Public Administration, while others were developed based on the typological configuration and use of the school. Results revealed that it is advisable to implement certain strategies that reduce the risk of infection among the occupants of the spaces, without a significant decrease in hygrothermal comfort. Given the importance of maintaining better IAQ in the future within classrooms, and regarding the pre-COVID situation, these strategies may be extended beyond this pandemic period, through a simple protocol and necessary didactic package to be assumed by both teachers and students of the centre.
Measuring Circular Supply Chain Risk: A Bayesian Network Methodology
Authors: Chhimwal Madhukar , Agrawal Saurabh , Kumar Girish
Published: July 2021

The world is facing economic, as well as social, crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing sustainable practices is one of the possible ways to address these issues. Adopting circular oriented techniques throughout the supply chain not only guarantees economic profitability, but also provides an edge to the organization in the market of fierce global competition. The concept of implementing circularity in the supply chain is novel and dynamic in nature, and it involves certain risk. In this study, a Bayesian Network methodology is adopted to analyze how the risk propagation takes place in a circular supply chain network of an automobile organization. The circular supply chain network consists of a group of manufacturers, retailers and recyclers, located in the Delhi–NCR region. Economic, environmental, social, technological, waste management, agile vulnerability, and risk of cannibalization are the major risk categories that were identified through an extensive literature review. Further, the impact of risk on the performance of the circular supply chain is analyzed by considering performance parameters such as lost sales, impact on supply chain revenue, and inventory holding cost. Risk exposure index is incorporated into the study to analyze the vulnerability of each node. The findings of the study reveal that the reverse side of the circular supply chain can be a source of risk propagation during the implementation of the circularity concept. This work is carried out under a single industry domain. In the future, risk propagation analysis can be examined in the supply chain of other sectors. The findings of the study can assist the supply chain managers and the risk experts to focus on the areas that are more vulnerable to risk.
Changes in Chemical Properties of Banana Pseudostem, Mushroom Media Waste, and Chicken Manure through the Co-Composting Process
Authors: Islam Mahammad Shariful , Kasim Susilawati , Alam Khairul Md. , Amin Adibah Mohd , Geok Hun Tan , Haque Mohammad Amdadul
Published: July 2021

Co-composting is an effective approach to biowaste management. The co-composting potential of banana pseudostem (BPS) and mushroom media waste (MMW) with chicken manure (CM) has not been explored, let alone their suitable ratios of co-composting being determined. Meanwhile, the imbalance ratios of the feedstocks used in the process severely restrict the physicochemical properties and quality of the finished product. For this reason, six different ratios of BPS, MMW, and CM, viz. 1:1:1, 1:2:1, 1:3:1, 2:1:1, 2:2:1, and 2:3:1, respectively (T1–T6), were composted together in aerobic conditions to identify the suitable ratio by evaluating the changes in the physicochemical properties in the composting process. According to the ratio of treatments, the feedstocks were mixed on fresh weight basis. The turning process of co-composting piles was repeated at seven-day intervals to maintain the uniform aeration throughout the composting period. The piles having BPS, MMW, and CM at ratios of 1:2:1, 1:3:1, and 2:3:1, respectively, demonstrated a longer thermophilic phase, indicating more complete decomposition and earlier maturity compared to piles with higher amount of BPS. Of the ratios, BPS:MMW:CM at 1:2:1 ratio (T2) resulted in the highest total nitrogen (1.53%), lowest C:N ratio (12.4), organic matter loss (54.5%), and increased CEC (41.3 cmol/kg). The highest germination index (129%) was also recorded in the T2 compost, indicating that it was toxic-free and safe for seed germination. The nutrient-rich compost with high alkaline pH (≥10) can effectively ameliorate soils of an acidic nature, for example, the acidity of Ultisols and Oxisols.
Building Climate Change Adaptation Scenarios with Stakeholders for Water Management: A Hybrid Approach Adapted to the South Indian Water Crisis
Authors: Baccar Mariem , Bergez Jacques-Eric , Couture Stephane , Sekhar Muddu , Ruiz Laurent , Leenhardt Delphine
Published: July 2021

Climate change threatens the sustainability of agriculture and natural resources. Adaptive solutions must be designed locally with stakeholders. We developed the Approach for Building Adaptation Scenarios with Stakeholders (ABASS), which aims to identify adaptation policies and corresponding scenarios of natural resource management in the context of climate change. Its originality is the combination of different existing participatory methods, organized in three phases. In step 1, experts identify local environmental problems on a map and build the assumption tree of local climate change effects. In step 2, experts identify stakeholders. Step 3 leads to the construction of adaptation scenarios with stakeholders in two phases. First, in a participatory workshop gathering numerous stakeholders, the assumption tree is presented to help stakeholders identify potential policies that address the effects of climate change. Then, using the map produced in step 1, each group of stakeholders separately translates each potential policy into a detailed scenario. We applied ABASS to the context of groundwater overexploitation in South India. Two policies at the farm level emerged as consensual: (i) ponds to harvest runoff water and (ii) drip irrigation to conserve water; but their implementation highlights the differences of opinion among stakeholders.
Statistical Analysis on the Effect of the Utilization of Mineral Resources on the Environmental Impact in China
Authors: Zhu Wenqi , Zhang Kangkang , Xu Deyi , Liu Ziyuan , Gao Jingke
Published: July 2021

Based on the spatial econometric model, this paper mainly studies the impact of the utilization of mineral resources on environmental pollution and the impact of environmental regulation on the utilization of mineral resources in 30 provincial regions from 2003 to 2016, and analyzes the impact mechanism of heterogeneity and synergy. The results show that the utilization of mineral resources intensifies the degree of environmental pollution and the degree of economic spatial agglomeration, while environmental regulation can effectively restrain the utilization of mineral resources in the region and the near adjacent areas. Through the analysis results of synergistic mechanism, it can be seen that the improvement of industrial structure alleviates the impact of the utilization of mineral resources on environmental pollution and the restraining effect of environmental regulation on it. The improvement of technological progress has improved the environmental pollution caused by the utilization of mineral resources in this area, but intensified the environmental pollution degree of the utilization of mineral resources in neighboring areas. In the current technological level, the neighboring areas will consume more mineral resources to meet a certain demand, thus aggravating the environmental pollution of the utilization of mineral resources in the neighboring areas. The enhanced intensity of government management significantly improves the pollution control efficiency of environmental regulation on the utilization of mineral resources.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Tolman Length and Interfacial Tension of Symmetric Binary Lennard–Jones Liquid
Authors: Kanda Hideki , Wahyudiono  , Goto Motonobu
Published: July 2021

The Tolman length and interfacial tension of partially miscible symmetric binary Lennard–Jones (LJ) fluids (A, B) was revealed by performing a large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulation with a sufficient interfacial area and cutting distance. A unique phenomenon was observed in symmetric binary LJ fluids, where two surfaces of tension existed on both sides of an equimolar dividing surface. The range of interaction εAB between the different liquids and the temperature in which the two LJ fluids partially mixed was clarified, and the Tolman length exceeded 3 σ when εAB was strong at higher temperatures. The results show that as the temperature or εAB increases, the Tolman length increases and the interfacial tension decreases. This very long Tolman length indicates that one should be very careful when applying the concept of the liquid–liquid interface in the usual continuum approximation to nanoscale droplets and capillary phase separation in nanopores.
IoT Botnet Detection Using Salp Swarm and Ant Lion Hybrid Optimization Model
Authors: Abu Khurma Ruba , Almomani Iman , Aljarah Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

In the last decade, the devices and appliances utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) have expanded tremendously, which has led to revolutionary developments in the network industry. Smart homes and cities, wearable devices, traffic monitoring, health systems, and energy savings are typical IoT applications. The diversity in IoT standards, protocols, and computational resources makes them vulnerable to security attackers. Botnets are challenging security threats in IoT devices that cause severe Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are necessary for safeguarding Internet-connected frameworks and enhancing insufficient traditional security countermeasures, including authentication and encryption techniques. This paper proposes a wrapper feature selection model (SSA–ALO) by hybridizing the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) and ant lion optimization (ALO). The new model can be integrated with IDS components to handle the high-dimensional space problem and detect IoT attacks with superior efficiency. The experiments were performed using the N-BaIoT benchmark dataset, which was downloaded from the UCI repository. This dataset consists of nine datasets that represent real IoT traffic. The experimental results reveal the outperformance of SSA–ALO compared to existing related approaches using the following evaluation measures: TPR (true positive rate), FPR (false positive rate), G-mean, processing time, and convergence curves. Therefore, the proposed SSA–ALO model can serve IoT applications by detecting intrusions with high true positive rates that reach 99.9% and with a minimal delay even in imbalanced intrusion families.
A Novel Iterative MLEM Image Reconstruction Algorithm Based on Beltrami Filter: Application to ECT Images
Authors: Boudjelal Abdelwahhab , Elmoataz Abderrahim , Attallah Bilal , Messali Zoubeida
Published: July 2021

The implementation of emission-computed tomography (ECT), including positron emission tomography and single-photon emission-computed tomography, has been an important research topic in recent years and is of significant and practical importance. However, the slow rate of convergence and the computational complexity have severely impeded the efficient implementation of iterative reconstruction. By combining the maximum-likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) iteratively along with the Beltrami filter, this paper proposes a new approach to reformulate the MLEM algorithm. Beltrami filtering is applied to an image obtained using the MLEM algorithm for each iteration. The role of Beltrami filtering is to remove mainly out-of-focus slice blurs, which are artifacts present in most existing images. To improve the quality of an image reconstructed using MLEM, the Beltrami filter employs similar structures, which in turn reduce the number of errors in the reconstructed image. Numerical image reconstruction tomography experiments have demonstrated the performance capability of the proposed algorithm in terms of an increase in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the recovery of fine details that can be hidden in the data. The SNR and visual inspections of the reconstructed images are significantly improved compared to those of a standard MLEM. We conclude that the proposed algorithm provides an edge-preserving image reconstruction and substantially suppress noise and edge artifacts.
A Targeted UHPLC-MS/MS Method Validated for the Quantification of Ergot Alkaloids in Cereal-Based Baby Food from the Belgian Market
Authors: Huybrechts Bart , Malysheva Svetlana V. , Masquelier Julien
Published: July 2021

Following pending new legislation in the European Union setting a maximum of 20 ng g−1 for the total sum of ergot alkaloids in dry cereal-based baby food, a new UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed. It is suitable for the quantification of six ergot alkaloids: Ergocornine, ergocristine, ergometrine, ergosine, ergotamine, α-ergocryptine, and their corresponding epimers. The method is able to reliably detect individual ergot alkaloids at a level as low as 0.5 ng g−1. The method uses a modified QuEChERS extraction approach before UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. The method showed good sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. It has been applied to 49 samples from the Belgian market. In 26 samples, not a single ergot alkaloid was detected while in 23 out of 49 samples at least one ergot alkaloid was detected with 2 samples containing 12 ergot alkaloids. Ergometrine was the alkaloid most frequently detected i.e., 16 out of 49 samples. Only one sample, testing positive for all 12 ergot alkaloids, would be non-conforming to the newly proposed Maximum Residue Level (MRL).
African Swine Fever Virus CD2v Protein Induces β-Interferon Expression and Apoptosis in Swine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Chaulagain Sabal , Delhon Gustavo A. , Khatiwada Sushil , Rock Daniel L.
Published: July 2021

African swine fever (ASF) is a hemorrhagic disease of swine characterized by massive lymphocyte depletion in lymphoid tissues due to the apoptosis of B and T cells, a process likely triggered by factors released or secreted by infected macrophages. ASFV CD2v (EP402R) has been implicated in viral virulence and immunomodulation in vitro; however, its actual function(s) remains unknown. We found that CD2v expression in swine PK15 cells induces NF-κB-dependent IFN-β and ISGs transcription and an antiviral state. Similar results were observed for CD2v protein treated swine PBMCs and macrophages, the major ASFV target cell. Notably, treatment of swine PBMCs and macrophages with CD2v protein induced apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation and colocalization studies revealed that CD2v interacts with CD58, the natural host CD2 ligand. Additionally, CD58 knockdown in cells or treatment of cells with an NF-κB inhibitor significantly reduced CD2v-mediated NF-κB activation and IFN-β induction. Further, antibodies directed against CD2v inhibited CD2v-induced NF-κB activation and IFN-β transcription in cells. Overall, results indicate that ASFV CD2v activates NF-κB, which induces IFN signaling and apoptosis in swine lymphocytes/macrophages. We propose that CD2v released from infected macrophages may be a significant factor in lymphocyte apoptosis observed in lymphoid tissue during ASFV infection in pigs.
Nanog, in Cooperation with AP1, Increases the Expression of E6/E7 Oncogenes from HPV Types 16/18
Authors: Díaz-Tejeda Yakelin , Guido-Jiménez Miriam C. , López-Carbajal Helga , Amador-Molina Alfredo , Méndez-Martínez Rocío , Gariglio-Vidal Patricio , Lizano Marcela , García-Carrancá Alejandro
Published: July 2021

Persistent infections with some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) constitute the major etiological factor for cervical cancer development. Nanog, a stem cell transcription factor has been shown to increase during cancer progression. We wanted to determine whether Nanog could modulate transcription of E6 and E7 oncogenes. We used luciferase reporters under the regulation of the long control region (LCR) of HPV types 16 and 18 (HPV16/18) and performed RT-qPCR. We found that Nanog increases activity of both viral regulatory regions and elevates endogenous E6/E7 mRNA levels in cervical cancer-derived cells. We demonstrated by in vitro mutagenesis that changes at Nanog-binding sites found in the HPV18 LCR significantly inhibit transcriptional activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that Nanog binds in vivo to the HPV18 LCR, and its overexpression increases its binding as well as that of c-Jun. Surprisingly, we observed that mutation of AP1-binding sites also affect Nanog’s ability to activate transcription, suggesting cooperation between the two factors. We searched for putative Nanog-binding sites in the LCR of several HPVs and surprisingly found them only in those types associated with cancer development. Our study shows, for the first time, a role for Nanog in the regulation of E6/E7 transcription of HPV16/18.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology: Plant Nanoparticles for Anti-Cancer Therapy
Authors: Shoeb Erum , Badar Uzma , Venkataraman Srividhya , Hefferon Kathleen
Published: July 2021

Naturally occurring viral nanomaterials have gained popularity owing to their biocompatible and biodegradable nature. Plant virus nanoparticles (VNPs) can be used as nanocarriers for a number of biomedical applications. Plant VNPs are inexpensive to produce, safe to administer and efficacious as treatments. The following review describes how plant virus architecture facilitates the use of VNPs for imaging and a variety of therapeutic applications, with particular emphasis on cancer. Examples of plant viruses which have been engineered to carry drugs and diagnostic agents for specific types of cancer are provided. The drug delivery system in response to the internal conditions is known as stimuli response, recently becoming more applicable using plant viruses based VNPs. The review concludes with a perspective of the future of plant VNPs and plant virus-like particles (VLPs) in cancer research and therapy.
Association of Polymorphisms in the Glutathione S-Transferase Theta-1 Gene with Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Brazilian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Araujo Oscar C. , de Paula Vanessa S. , do Ó Kycia M. , Villela-Nogueira Cristiane A. , Araujo Natalia M.
Published: July 2021

Oxidative stress contributes to hepatitis C virus (HCV)–induced liver damage. Host genetic factors may be involved in progression of HCV infection. The present study was conducted to determine the influence of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-M1 and T1 gene polymorphisms during different stages of HCV infection, including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study population comprised 190 patients (47 with chronic hepatitis, 83 with cirrhosis (without HCC), and 60 with HCC). GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms were analyzed via multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The GSTT1-null genotype was more commonly detected in patients with cirrhosis (n = 17; 20.5%) and HCC (n = 13; 21.7%) than those with chronic hepatitis (n = 3; 6.4%). The differences in GSTT1-null genotype frequencies were significant for cirrhosis vs. chronic hepatitis (odds ratio, OR, 3.778 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.045–13.659); p = 0.043) and HCC vs. chronic hepatitis (OR, 4.057 (95% CI, 1.083–15.201); p = 0.038) groups. However, the incidence of individual GSTM1-null or combined GSTM1/GSTT1 double-null genotypes did not vary significantly between the groups. Our collective findings support the utility of the GSTT1-null genotype as a useful biomarker for liver disease progression in Brazilian patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Application of Water Stable Isotopes for Hydrological Characterization of the Red River (Asia)
Authors: Nguyen Nho Lan , Do Thu Nga , Trinh Anh Duc
Published: July 2021

Fraction of young water (Fyw) and mean transit time (MTT, τ¯) calculated from water isotope profiles are valuable information for catchment hydrological assessment, especially in anthropogenically impacted region where natural conditions may not be decisive to catchment hydrology. The calculation of Fyw and MTT were performed on three subsets of δ18O_H2O data collected at the Hanoi meteo-hydrological station, Red River, in three periods; 2002–2005, 2015, and 2018–2019. The mean (min and max) values of δ18O_H2O in rainwater over the three periods are, respectively, −5.3‰ (−11.0 and −1.2‰), −5.4‰ (−10.7 and −1.4‰), and −4.5‰ (−13.9 and 1.7‰). The corresponding values in river water are −8.4‰ (−9.8 and −6.9‰), −8.5‰ (−9.1 and −7.7‰), and −8.4‰ (−9.5 and −7.2‰), respectively. The mean of Fyw calculated from the δ18O_H2O data for different periods is 22 ± 9%, 10 ± 5%, and 8 ± 3%. Mean transit time is 4.69 ± 15.57, 1.65 ± 1.53, and 2.06 ± 1.87 years. The calculated Fyw (MTT) is negatively (positively) proportional to change in reservoir volume over the three periods, which is logical, since reservoirs tend to keep more water in the catchment and slower down water flow. The strong variation of Fyw and τ¯, two essential variables characterizing the catchment hydrology, represents an anthropogenic impact in the Red River system.
Impacts of Irrigation Managements on Soil CO2 Emission and Soil CH4 Uptake of Winter Wheat Field in the North China Plain
Authors: Mehmood Faisal , Wang Guangshuai , Gao Yang , Liang Yueping , Zain Muhammad , Rahman Shafeeq Ur , Duan Aiwang
Published: July 2021

The North China Plain is an important irrigated agricultural area in China. However, the effects of irrigation management on carbon emission are not well documented in this region. Due to the uneven seasonal distribution of rainfall, irrigation is mainly concentrated in the winter wheat growing season in the North China Plain. In this study, we estimated CO2 emission and soil CH4 uptake from winter wheat fields with different irrigation methods and scheduling treatments using the static chamber-gas chromatography method from April to May 2017 and 2018. Treatments included three irrigation methods (surface drip, sprinkler, and border) and three irrigation scheduling levels that initiated as soon as the soil moisture drained to 50%, 60%, and 70% of the field capacity for a 0–100 cm soil profile were tested. The results showed that both the irrigation methods and scheduling significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the cumulative CO2 and CH4 emission, grain yield, global warming potential (GWP), GWP Intensity (GWPI), GWPI per unit irrigation applied, and water use efficiency (WUE). Compared to 60% and 70% FC, 50% FC irrigation scheduling de-creased accumulated CH4 uptake 26.8–30.3% and 17.8–25.4%, and reduced accumulated CO2 emissions 7.0–15.3% and 12.6–19.4%, respectively. Conversely, 50% FC reduced GWP 6.5–13.3% and 12.5–19.4% and lower grain yield 10.4–19.7% and 8.5–16.6% compared to 60% and 70% FC irrigation scheduling in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Compared to sprinkler irrigation and border irrigation, drip irrigation at 60% FC increased the accumulated CH4 uptake 11.3–12.1% and 1.9–5.5%, while reduced the accumulated CO2 emissions from 7.5–8.8% and 10.1–12.1% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Moreover, drip irrigation at 60% FC increased grain yield 5.2–7.5% and 6.3–6.8%, WUE 0.9–5.4% and 5.7–7.4%, and lowered GWP 8.0–9.8% and 10.1–12.0% compared to sprinkler and border irrigation in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The interaction of irrigation scheduling and irrigation methods significantly impacted accumulated CH4 uptake, cumulative CO2 amount, and GWP in 2018 only while grain yield and WUE in the entire study. Overall, drip irrigation at 60% FC is the optimal choice in terms of higher grain yield, WUE, and mitigating GWP and GWPI from winter wheat fields in North China Plain.
Taxonomy and Physiology of Oxyrrhis marina and Oxyrrhis maritima in Korean Waters
Authors: Jung Min Kyoung , Yin Tae Yeon , Moon Seung Joo , Park Jaeyeon , Yoon Eun Young
Published: July 2021

The genus Oxyrrhis is a heterotrophic dinoflagellate found in diverse marine environments. Oxyrrhis spp. have received attention owing to their ecological and industrial importance, high lipid contents, and docosahexaenoic acid formation. To the best of our knowledge, contrary to O. marina, ecophysiological characterization studies on O. maritima have not yet been reported. Therefore, we investigated the taxonomy and ecophysiology of four strains of O. marina from coastal waters and two strains of O. maritima from the littoral tidepool waters of Korea. Based on phylogenetic trees constructed using internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA (ITS rDNA) and SSU rDNA of dinoflagellates, the clade of all four O. marina strains was divergent from that of the two O. maritima strains. We measured the growth rates of both species at various water temperatures (10–36 °C), salinities (5–90), and light intensities (0–100 µE·m−2·s−1). The lowest (O. marina and O. maritima: 10 °C) and highest temperatures (O. marina: <35 °C, O. maritima: >35 °C) revealed that O. maritima has more tolerance to high salinity. This study provides a basis for understanding the ecophysiology of O. marina and O. maritima and their population dynamics in marine ecosystems.
Enhanced Transpiration by Attached Microalgae-Simulated Plants for Zero-Discharge of Reverse Osmosis Concentrated Water (WROC)
Authors: Yu Huifang , Yang Yanan , Yang Ting , Shi Qi , Zhuang Lin-Lan
Published: July 2021

Inspired by plant transpiration, an attached microalgae−simulated plant system was designed to enhance the transpiration of reverse osmosis concentrated water (i.e., WROC) and realize the conversion of pollutants to microalgae biomass. The results showed that the production rate of clean water could reach as high as 14.84 L·m−2·day−1, which was significantly influenced by the humidity of the air and the growth status of the attached microalgae. Moreover, the enhancement of water evaporation by microalgae was more obvious under relatively low humidity. Pollutants, transported along with the water, could transform into microalgae biofilm or crystallize at the top of the microfiber. TN and TP transformation into biomass resources were maximized in 40% diluted WROC, with efficiencies of 60.91% and 38.49%, respectively. Of note, the accumulation of phosphorus in the micro-environment of attached microalgae may inhibit microalgal growth in the later stages of cultivation, owing to the relatively low movability. Hence, this system could be applied for high-efficiency wastewater purification, especially under high humidity. Wastewater dilution and periodic microalgae harvest could guarantee the attached microalgae growth and increase the pollutant-bioresource conversion rate.
The concept and legal status of an artificial land plot created on a water body that is completely or partly in federal ownership
Authors: Zhdanova R.V. Zhdanova R.V. , Zyzina T.O.
Published: July 2021

The article deals with the general concept of an artificial land plot created on a water object and federally owned, completely or partly. The authors analyzed the normative legal acts and scientific publications, and investigated the concept etymology. The paper discusses legal regulation of artificially incremented territory, as well as building codes and rules that say that an artificial land plot is equally natural and man-made, as the alluvial soil mass interacts with the water object and the geological environment.
Identification of urban land plots for priority renovation
Authors: Sevostyanov A.V. , Pastukhov V.E.
Published: July 2021

The article discusses the methodology for identifying land plots located in the city, which can be used as priorities for the implementation of the renovation program. The stages of the territory assessment are proposed and criteria that can have an impact on the implementation of the renovation program are considered in this article as well.

Englis version of the article is available at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/methodology-for-identifying-city-land-plots-for-priority-renovation/64249.html
Endofistula laser ablation of fistula-in-ano: a new minimally invasive technique for the treatment of fistula-in-ano
Authors: Lalhruaizela Samuel
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Many techniques are used to treat fistula-in-ano (FIA). The major problems associated with conventional surgical techniques are postoperative complications like sepsis, incontinence, etc. Therefore, several sphincter-saving techniques have been developed in recent years including laser diodes.Methods: This study presents an early experience of the use of diode lasers with a capacity of 360° radial energy emission endofistula laser ablation (EFLA) of FIA to treat patients with primary low anal fistulas. The primary and secondary success rates were assessed and the factors affecting these rates were evaluated in patients (n=31) who presented with primary, uncomplicated, and low anal fistulas.Results: Out of 31 patients, 19 (61.3%) were males and 12 (38.7%) were females with a mean age of 38.6±11.5 years. Twenty-one patients (67.7%) had intersphincteric fistula, 9 (29.0%) had transsphincteric fistula, and 1 (3.2%) had suprasphincteric fistula. Thirteen patients (41.9%) had undergone some surgery in the past for FIA. Eleven patients (35.5%) developed postoperative complications. The patients had a low median pain score of 3 on the numeric pain rating scale. The primary success rate was 67.7% (21 of 31) and the secondary success rate was 80.0% (8 of 10) over a median follow-up of 2 years. A significantly higher primary healing rate was observed in patients who did not undergo any prior surgical treatments (P=0.01).Conclusion: EFLA resulted in moderate primary and high secondary success rates and was not associated with major postoperative complications. Therefore, EFLA can be considered as a preferred noninvasive efficient technique for FIA treatment.
Antimicrobial drug resistance and infection prevention/control: lessons from tuberculosis
Authors: Cegielski J. Peter , Tudor Carrie , Volchenkov Grigory V. , Jensen Paul A.
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) is increasing rapidly worldwide, causing an estimated 700,000 deaths annually over the past decade, en route to becoming the leading global threat to public health by 2050 with an estimated 10 million deaths per year (more than heart disease, cancer, and stroke), while reducing global wealth by US$100 trillion. Yet AMR has not received the attention and action required to change this trajectory. Appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are needed to prevent transmission of infections to healthcare workers (HCWs), other patients, families, and the general public. In this review, we discuss a notable case study of AMR: highly drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) has emerged repeatedly over the past 70 years as new drugs have been introduced, leading to new diagnostics, therapeutics, funding, public health strategies, and, in high-income countries, effective IPC measures that curtailed transmission. We review current efforts to control and prevent AMR using the example of drug-resistant tuberculosis to highlight important themes including laboratory systems, surveillance, control and prevention of healthcare-associated infections (especially among HCWs), better coordination across disciplines and diseases, and powerful advocacy/social change initiatives grounded in social and behavioral sciences. These strategies are the foundation of an effective response to the AMR threat to public health.
HO CHI MINH’S IDEOLOGY ON LIFESTYLE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW LIFESTYLE FOR THE YOUTH OF HO CHI MINH CITY
Authors: Đức Bình Huỳnh , Xuan Long Cao
Published: July 2021

Ho Chi Minh (1890 - 1969) was not only a genius leader of the Vietnamese nation but also a great cultural figure of the world. Throughout his life, Ho Chi Minh has left many precious ideas for the Vietnamese people and humanity, especially the ideology of lifestyle.His ideology covers a wide range of aspects including working style, manners; education and learning; training ethics of each individual in the society. It is also these views that have contributed to clarify and orient the views on the new way of life of the Party and the State that Vietnam is building for the entire people of Vietnam.
HO CHI MINH’S EDUCATIONAL IDEOLOGY AND ITS MEANING IN EDUCATION INNOVATION IN VIETNAM TODAY
Authors: Cam-Lien Ngo Thi , Xuan Long Cao
Published: July 2021

Education is one of the important contents in Ho Chi Minh’s ideology to contribute to solving the requirements of Vietnam’s history and society in the early modern period. His educational ideology has been expressed quite abundantly and profoundly through issues such as: purposes, roles, content, methods, etc. in people education. That ideology has still brought out the breath of the era to this day, and has theoretical and practical significance, directing the process of educational development and innovation in Vietnam today.
THRUST FORCE PREDICTION MODEL FOR DRILLING UNIDIRECTIONAL CARBON PLASTICS WITH WEAR OF THE CUTTING TOOL
Authors: GOLOVIN V.I. , RADCHENKO S.YU.
Published: July 2021

One of the most important tasks in the production of carbon fiber products is to ensure the specified accuracy and quality of the drilled holes. A model for predicting the thrust force, taking into account the degree of tool wear, is proposed. First, the geometric characteristics of the wear of the spiral drill tool are analyzed. Further, the contact conditions between the drill and the carbon fiber are determined in accordance with the geometric characteristics of the tool wear. Based on the mechanics of the contact interaction of surfaces, the thrust forces of the main cutting edges and the chisel edge are modeled, taking into account the degree of tool wear. The results obtained are integrated into the thrust force prediction model. An example of an experimental study of the drilling carbon fiber is given. The results obtained show a fairly accurate prediction of the cutting force, taking into account the wear of the cutting tool.
CONCEPT OF MECHATRONIC CONICAL ROLLING BEARING
Authors: RODICHEV A.Yu. , TOKMAKOV N.V. , GRIADUNOVA M.A. , IVANOV А.O.
Published: July 2021

The article presents the concept of a mechatronic tapered rolling bearing. The results of a brief analysis of the produced mechatronic rolling bearings are given. The structural and functional diagram of a mechatronic tapered rolling bearing is presented. The proposed concept is based on a mechanical system, as well as a monitoring and control system. A constructive solution has been identified that provides clearance adjustment in a tapered rolling bearing. The schematic diagram and block diagram of the control system of a mechatronic tapered rolling bearing are described. Recommendations are given for further development and application of the concept of mechatronic tapered rolling bearing.
ANALYSIS OF THE RELIABLE STATE OF POWER ELECTRONICS BY CONTROL OF THERMAL ELECTRIC PARAMETERS
Authors: BELYAEV A.V. , POLYAKOV R.N.
Published: July 2021

The article discusses an approach to creating a simulation mathematical model of the operation of power IGBT modules for the subsequent analysis of data used to assess the operational state and determine the residual life. Methods for calculating the main controlled parameters are presented, modes of operation of IGBT devices as part of converter equipment are considered.
Avaliação da microdureza superficial do esmalte dentário após o uso de substâncias remineralizadoras
Authors: Guedes Gonçalves Julia , Porto Pereira de Arruda Warley Junio , Pereira Americano Julia , Pereira de Mendonça Luana , Cocati Andrade Everton , Teixeira Doriguêtto Paulo Victor , De Oliveira Milene
Published: July 2021

Introdução: A erosão dentária consiste na perda progressiva de tecido duro de um dente por processos químicos que não envolvem ação bacteriana. Objetivo: Avaliar, através da microdureza superficial, a remineralização do esmalte dentário após o tratamento com diferentes agentes remineralizadores. Material e Métodos: Foram confeccionados 25 blocos de esmalte dentário a partir de incisivos humanos. Os corpos de prova foram divididos aleatoriamente em cinco grupos (n=5), de acordo com o tratamento remineralizador empregado. No grupo 1 (G1), controle positivo, os corpos de prova não desmineralizados foram mantidos em água deionizada. No grupo 2 (G2), controle negativo, após desmineralização com ácido fosfórico a 37% por 5 minutos, os corpos de prova foram mantidos em água deionizada. Nos grupos 3 a 5, após desmineralização com ácido fosfórico a 37%, foram aplicados, respectivamente, gel de fluoreto de sódio a 2% (G3), creme dental à base de silicato de cálcio e fosfato de sódio (G4) e creme dental à base de fluoreto de sódio e nitrato de potássio a 5% (G5). Todos os corpos de prova foram submetidos ao teste de microdureza superficial Knoop. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey (significância de 5%). Resultados: Os grupos G2 (150,39±26,32), G3 (184,66±9,05) e G5 (279,26±20,77) apresentaram diferenças significativas quando comparados ao grupo controle positivo G1 (331,93±13,82) (p<0,01). Em relação ao grupo controle negativo G2 (150,39±26,32), diferenças significativas foram encontradas quando comparados aos grupos G1 (331,93±13,82), G4 (365,99±18,97) e G5 (279,26±20,77) (p<0,01). Conclusão: Pode-se observar a eficácia de cremes dentais a base de silicato de cálcio e fosfato de sódio no potencial remineralizador do esmalte dentário.