bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquaculture Production of the Brown Seaweeds Laminaria digitata and Macrocystis pyrifera: Applications in Food and Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Purcell-Meyerink Diane , Packer Michael A. , Wheeler Thomas T. , Hayes Maria
Published: March 2021

Seaweeds have a long history of use as food, as flavouring agents, and find use in traditional folk medicine. Seaweed products range from food, feed, and dietary supplements to pharmaceuticals, and from bioenergy intermediates to materials. At present, 98% of the seaweed required by the seaweed industry is provided by five genera and only ten species. The two brown kelp seaweeds Laminaria digitata, a native Irish species, and Macrocystis pyrifera, a native New Zealand species, are not included in these eleven species, although they have been used as dietary supplements and as animal and fish feed. The properties associated with the polysaccharides and proteins from these two species have resulted in increased interest in them, enabling their use as functional foods. Improvements and optimisations in aquaculture methods and bioproduct extractions are essential to realise the commercial potential of these seaweeds. Recent advances in optimising these processes are outlined in this review, as well as potential future applications of L. digitata and, to a greater extent, M. pyrifera which, to date, has been predominately only wild-harvested. These include bio-refinery processing to produce ingredients for nutricosmetics, functional foods, cosmeceuticals, and bioplastics. Areas that currently limit the commercial potential of these two species are highlighted.
Inhibition of Fungal Strains Isolated from Cereal Grains via Vapor Phase of Essential Oils
Authors: Střelková Tereza , Nemes Bence , Kovács Anett , Novotný David , Božik Matěj , Klouček Pavel
Published: March 2021

Fungal contamination in stored food grains is a global concern and affects food economics and human and animal health. It is clear that there is a need to develop new technologies with improved performances that are also eco-friendly in nature. Due to the bioactivity of essential oils (EOs) in the vapor phase, their low toxicity for humans, and their biodegradability and antifungal properties, EOs could be a suitable solution. In this study, we explored the potential of thyme, oregano, lemongrass, clove, and cajeput EOs in the vapor phase. For 17 days, inhibitory activity was assessed against five strains of postharvest pathogens—Aspergillus spp., Fusarium s. l. spp., and Penicilliumochrochloron—isolated from cereal grains. A modified disc volatilization method was used, which is more effective in comparison to traditional screening methods. Three concentrations were tested (250, 125, and 62.5 μL/L). The two highest concentrations resulted in complete inhibition of fungal growth; however, even 62.5 μL/L showed a significant antifungal effect. The efficiency of EOs followed this order: thyme > oregano > lemongrass > clove > cajeput. From our findings, it appears that the use of EOs vapors is a better option not only for laboratory experiments, but for subsequent practice.
Low Energy Availability with and without a High-Protein Diet Suppresses Bone Formation and Increases Bone Resorption in Men: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Murphy Chaise , Bilek Laura D. , Koehler Karsten
Published: March 2021

Suppression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and leptin secondary to low energy availability (LEA) may contribute to adverse effects on bone health. Whether a high-protein diet attenuates these effects has not been tested. Seven men completed three five-day conditions operationally defined as LEA (15 kcal kg fat-free mass (FFM)−1·day−1) with low protein (LEA-LP; 0.8 g protein·kg body weight (BW)−1), LEA with high protein (LEA-HP; 1.7 g protein·kg BW−1) and control (CON; 40 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1, 1.7 g protein·kg BW−1). In all conditions, participants expended 15 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1 during supervised cycling sessions. Serum samples were analyzed for markers of bone turnover, IGF-1 and leptin. The decrease in leptin during LEA-LP (−65.6 ± 4.3%) and LEA-HP (−54.3 ± 16.7%) was greater than during CON (−25.4 ± 11.4%; p = 0.02). Decreases in P1NP (p = 0.04) and increases in CTX-I (p = 0.04) were greater in LEA than in CON, suggesting that LEA shifted bone turnover in favour of bone resorption. No differences were found between LEA-LP and LEA-HP. Thus, five days of LEA disrupted bone turnover, but these changes were not attenuated by a high-protein diet.
Pharmacogenetics of Carbamazepine and Valproate: Focus on Polymorphisms of Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters
Authors: Iannaccone Teresa , Sellitto Carmine , Manzo Valentina , Colucci Francesca , Giudice Valentina , Stefanelli Berenice , Iuliano Antonio , Corrivetti Giulio , Filippelli Amelia
Published: March 2021

Pharmacogenomics can identify polymorphisms in genes involved in drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics determining differences in efficacy and safety and causing inter-individual variability in drug response. Therefore, pharmacogenomics can help clinicians in optimizing therapy based on patient’s genotype, also in psychiatric and neurological settings. However, pharmacogenetic screenings for psychotropic drugs are not routinely employed in diagnosis and monitoring of patients treated with mood stabilizers, such as carbamazepine and valproate, because their benefit in clinical practice is still controversial. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on pharmacogenetic biomarkers of these anticonvulsant drugs.
Effects of Lyophilization on the Release Profiles of 3D Printed Delivery Systems Fabricated with Carboxymethyl Cellulose Hydrogel
Authors: Jiang Xuepeng , Huang Yanhua , Cheng Yiliang , Zhang Zhan , Shi Xiaolei , Qin Hantang
Published: March 2021

Recently, increasing numbers of researchers are becoming interested in 3D bioprinting because it provides customizability and structural complexity, which is difficult for traditional subtractive manufacturing to achieve. One of the most critical factors in bioprinting is the material. Depending on the bio-applications, materials should be bio-inert or bio-active, non-toxic, and along with those characteristics, mechanical properties should also meet the applicational or manufacturing requirement. As previously validated for bioprinting, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel is focused on the printability and release control test in this study. With a differentiated weight percentage of CMC hydrogels were used to 3D print capsules filled with food degradable colorant at designated voids to mimic capsules manufactured for oral delivery. Standard USP (United States Pharmacopeia) dissolution apparatus II (Paddle) evaluations were performed both on lyophilized and non-lyophilized printed capsules. The first-order model was selected due to high linear fitting regression. Upon 24 h dissolution, non-lyophilized capsules showed a different release efficiency when the CMC percentage varied, while lyophilized capsules showed no significant difference. This study signifies the possibility of customizing oral drug delivery by printing capsules with CMC hydrogel. The improved delivery efficiency demonstrated by capsules with post-process lyophilizing proposed potential optimization options for pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.
Preparation of a Dmap-Catalysis Lignin Epoxide and the Study of Its High Mechanical-Strength Epoxy Resins with High-Biomass Content
Authors: Song Lingxia , Meng Yeyun , Lv Peng , Liu Weiqu , Pang Hao
Published: March 2021

The depletion of limited petroleum resources used for the fabrication of epoxy resins calls for the development of biomass-based epoxides as promising alternatives to petroleum-derived epoxides. However, it is challenging to obtain an epoxy resin with both high lignin content and excellent mechanical performance. Herein, a 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)-lignin epoxide with a certain epoxy value and a small molecular weight is obtained by the catalysis of DMAP for the macromolecular lignin. It was discovered that compared to the prepared composite resin of benzyltriethylammonium chloride (BTEAC)-lignin epoxide, there is a better low-temperature storage modulus for the DMAP-lignin epoxide resin and its composite resins with high-biomass contents, and higher tensile strength for its composite resins. In particular, the DMAP-lignin epoxide/ bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) (DB) composite resin with DMAP-lignin epoxide replacement of 80 wt% BADGE, containing up to 58.0 wt% the lignin epoxide, exhibits the tensile strength of 76.3 ± 3.2 MPa. Its tensile strength is 110.2% of BTEAC-lignin epoxide/BADGE (BB) composite resins and is comparable to that of petroleum-based epoxy resins. There are good application prospects for the DB composite resin in the engineering plastics, functional composite, grouting, and other fields.
Investigation on Flexural Behavior of Geopolymer-Based Carbon Textile/Basalt Fiber Hybrid Composite
Authors: Le Chi Hiep , Louda Petr , Ewa Buczkowska Katarzyna , Dufkova Iva
Published: March 2021

This paper presents an experimental research on the mechanical properties of the hybrid composite thin-plates of the short basalt fibers (CBFs)/carbon textile-reinforced geomortar. The effect of fiber contents and lengths of CBFs on the flexural behavior of carbon textile-reinforced geopolymer specimens (TRGs) was investigated by the four-point flexural strength and Charpy impact test. The experimental results of hybrid TRGs, on the one hand, were compared with reference TRGs, without CBF addition; on the other hand, they were compared with the results of our previous publication. According to the mixing manner applied, fresh geomortar indicated a marked reduction in workability, increasing the CBF loading. Furthermore, using CBFs with lengths of 12 mm and 24 mm makes it easy to form the fiber clusters in geomortar during mixing. According to all the CBF loadings used, it was found that TRGs showed a significant improvement in both static and dynamic flexural strength. However, the failure mode of these TRGs is similar to that of the reference TRGs, described by the process of fiber debonding or simultaneously fiber debonding and collapse. In comparison with our prior work results, neither the CBF dose levels nor the fiber lengths used in this work have yielded a positive effect on the failure manner of TRGs. According to the results of the Charpy impact test, this reveals that the anchoring capacity of textile layers in geomortar plays an important role in specimens’ strength.
Creep Behaviour of Recycled Poly(ethylene) Terephthalate Non-Woven Geotextiles
Authors: Fleury Mateus Porto , Nascimento Lucas Deroide do , Valentin Clever Aparecido , Lins da Silva Jefferson , Luz Marta Pereira da
Published: March 2021

At the beginning of this century, due to well-established Brazilian recycling processes, geosynthetics’ manufacturers started to use recycled poly(ethylene) terephthalate (PET) yarns/filaments (from PET bottles) in geotextile production. Despite the fact that recycled products cannot act as reinforcement functions, geosynthetics are constantly under sustained tensile load and experiences evolutions of the axial strain (creep behaviour). Thus, this study aims to assess the influence of the structure of (needle-punched) non-woven geotextiles manufactured using recycled PET yarns on their creep behaviour. Two geotextiles with different fibre/filament production processes were investigated (short-staple fibres—GTXnwS—and continuous filaments—GTXnwC). Unconfined in-isolated conventional and accelerated (using the stepped isothermal method) creep tests were performed at 5%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 60% of geotextiles’ ultimate tensile strength. The geotextiles investigated provided similar creep behaviour to geotextiles manufactured with virgin PET material. The standard deviation of the axial strain tends to increase as the load level applied increase. The structure of the GTXnwS harms its tensile –strain behaviour, promoting axial deformation under sustained loads, at least 50% higher than GTXnwC for the same load level applied. The influence of the load level and geotextile structure in the initial axial strain is pointed out. Long-term predictions based on creep tests performed using the stepped isothermal method have proven to be conservative and they must be restricted for quality control of the investigated geotextiles.
Study of the Synergetic Effect of Co-Pyrolysis of Lignite and High-Density Polyethylene Aiming to Improve Utilization of Low-Rank Coal
Authors: Kojić Ivan , Bechtel Achim , Aleksić Nikoleta , Životić Dragana , Trifunović Snežana , Gajica Gordana , Stojanović Ksenija
Published: March 2021

The mutual impact of low-quality lignite and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) during open system pyrolysis was investigated, aiming to improve utilization of lignite with simultaneous treatment of HDPE waste. Pyrolysis of lignite, HDPE, and their mixture (mass ratio, 1:1) was performed at temperatures 400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 °C. Initial substrates and pyrolysis products were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), specific carbon isotope analysis of individual hydrocarbons (δ13C), Rock-Eval pyrolysis, and elemental analysis. The positive synergetic effect during co-pyrolysis of lignite/HDPE mixture was observed at temperatures ≥450 °C, with the greatest being at 500 °C. The highest yield of liquid co-pyrolysis products with a similar composition to that of crude oils is also noticed at 500 °C. The yields of liquid and gaseous products and quality of pyrolytic products obtained by co-pyrolysis of lignite/HDPE mixture are notably improved compared with pyrolysis of lignite alone. On the other hand, data obtained from pyrolysis of HDPE alone indicate that it cannot be concurrent to well-developed catalytic thermal processes for polymer recycling. However, concerning the huge amount of produced HDPE, at least part of this plastic material can be reused for advanced thermal treatment of lignite, particularly in countries where this low-rank coal represents the main source of energy.
Sensitivities of Rheological Properties of Magnetoactive Foam for Soft Sensor Technology
Authors: Norhaniza Rizuan , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Ubaidillah Ubaidillah , Sedlacik Michal , Aziz Siti Aishah Abdul , Nazmi Nurhazimah , Homma Koji , Rambat Shuib
Published: March 2021

Magnetoactive (MA) foam, with its tunable mechanical properties and magnetostriction, has the potential to be used for the development of soft sensor technology. However, researchers have found that its mechanical properties and magnetostriction are morphologically dependent, thereby limiting its capabilities for dexterous manipulation. Thus, in this work, MA foam was developed with additional capabilities for controlling its magnetostriction, normal force, storage modulus, shear stress and torque by manipulating the concentration of carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) and the magnetic field with regard to morphological changes. MA foams were prepared with three weight percentages of CIPs, namely, 35 wt.%, 55 wt.% and 75 wt.%, and three different modes, namely, zero shear, constant shear and various shears. The results showed that the MA foam with 75 wt.% of CIPs enhanced the normal force sensitivity and positive magnetostriction sensitivity by up to 97% and 85%, respectively. Moreover, the sensitivities of the storage modulus, torque and shear stress were 8.97 Pa/mT, 0.021 µN/mT, and 0.0096 Pa/mT, respectively. Meanwhile, the magnetic dipolar interaction between the CIPs was capable of changing the property of MA foam from a positive to a negative magnetostriction under various shear strains with a low loss of energy. Therefore, it is believed that this kind of highly sensitive MA foam can potentially be implemented in future soft sensor systems.
Sum-Rate Channel Capacity for Line-of-Sight Models
Authors: Dias Claudio Ferreira , de Figueiredo Felipe A. P. , de Lima Eduardo Rodrigues , Fraidenraich Gustavo
Published: March 2021

This work considers a base station equipped with an M-antenna uniform linear array and L users under line-of-sight conditions. As a result, one can derive an exact series expansion necessary to calculate the mean sum-rate channel capacity. This scenario leads to a mathematical problem where the joint probability density function (JPDF) of the eigenvalues of a Vandermonde matrix WWH are necessary, where W is the channel matrix. However, differently from the channel Rayleigh distributed, this joint PDF is not known in the literature. To circumvent this problem, we employ Taylor’s series expansion and present a result where the moments of mn are computed. To calculate this quantity, we resort to the integer partition theory and present an exact expression for mn. Furthermore, we also find an upper bound for the mean sum-rate capacity through Jensen’s inequality. All the results were validated by Monte Carlo numerical simulation.
Fiber Bragg Sensors Embedded in Cast Aluminum Parts: Axial Strain and Temperature Response
Authors: Lindner Markus , Stadler Andrea , Hamann Georg , Fischer Bennet , Jakobi Martin , Heilmeier Florian , Bauer Constantin , Volk Wolfram , Koch Alexander W. , Roths Johannes
Published: March 2021

In this study, the response of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) embedded in cast aluminum parts under thermal and mechanical load were investigated. Several types of FBGs in different types of fibers were used in order to verify general applicability. To monitor a temperature-induced strain, an embedded regenerated FBG (RFBG) in a cast part was placed in a climatic chamber and heated up to 120 ∘C within several cycles. The results show good agreement with a theoretical model, which consists of a shrink-fit model and temperature-dependent material parameters. Several cast parts with different types of FBGs were machined into tensile test specimens and tensile tests were executed. For the tensile tests, a cyclic procedure was chosen, which allowed us to distinguish between the elastic and plastic deformation of the specimen. An analytical model, which described the elastic part of the tensile test, was introduced and showed good agreement with the measurements. Embedded FBGs - integrated during the casting process - showed under all mechanical and thermal load conditions no hysteresis, a reproducible sensor response, and a high reliable operation, which is very important to create metallic smart structures and packaged fiber optic sensors for harsh environments.
Integration Conundrums: Framing and Responding to Climate Security Challenges in Development Cooperation
Authors: Gyberg Veronica Brodén , Mobjörk Malin
Published: March 2021

This paper contributes to the burgeoning research on the integration of climate-related security risks by organizations. Development organizations have an important preventive mandate and can mitigate climate security challenges in low- and lower-middle-income economies, but they have a complex task, contending with power asymmetries and a very wide set of policy-making processes occurring in tandem. We explore how climate security challenges are being addressed in development organizations through focusing on the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), which has worked with integration of cross-sectoral issues since the 1980s. We narrow in specifically on how the overlaps between two separate policy areas at Sida—climate and conflict—have been framed and responded to in recent years. The study finds that the integration of these two areas is prioritized on a general policy level but that there are obstacles when translating policy into practice. Challenges include conceptual diversity, tensions between expert and general knowledge and differing organizational preconditions. Despite this, integration does occur between the two policy areas on several levels, ranging from a macro-level general awareness of potential overlaps with a “do no harm” ambition, to micro levels of integration in which strategies and interventions are adjusted.
Innovative Circular Business Models in the Olive Oil Sector for Sustainable Mediterranean Agrifood Systems
Authors: Donner Mechthild , Radić Ivana
Published: March 2021

Considering the large amounts of harmful waste produced in the Mediterranean olive sector, entrepreneurial initiatives creating value from olive waste and by-products via circular bio-economy approaches are reviewed. These circular business models aim to enhance the functionality use of olive trees beyond traditional patterns for value creation. The study focuses on business drivers and value creation mechanisms, and specifically on conversion pathways of olive waste towards new value propositions. In total, 41 cases are analyzed mainly according to the Business Model Canvas components with NVivo, based on data gathered from an extensive online search mainly of company websites and reports, online articles, research project reports, professional websites, and newsletters. Results indicate that some innovative businesses have emerged specializing in the domain of olive waste valorization, driven by environmental concerns and mainly focusing on bioenergy production. However, the overall olive biomass potential yet seems to be under-valorized. A more radical and systemic change will be needed for effective implementation of circular business models contributing to sustainable development in the Mediterranean olive sector, with adequate subsidies, common regulations, more collective actions for creating economies of scale, and marketing strategies to increase consumer awareness for bio-based products.
Sustainable Architecture Creating Arches Using a Bamboo Grid Shell Structure: Numerical Analysis and Design
Authors: Tahmasebinia Faham , Ma Yuanchen , Joshua Karl , Sepasgozar Saleh Mohammad Ebrahimzadeh , Yu Yang , Li Jike , Sepasgozar Samad , Marroquin Fernando Alonso
Published: March 2021

Bamboo is known as a sustainable alternative for green building design, and it has been tied culturally to some regions around the world. However, bamboo’s structural strength for different design scenarios needs more investigation before it is widely adopted. Timber and bamboo have similar mechanical properties, but the latter is a repaid, renewable, sustainable, disaster-resilient system and is versatile, which has more advantages for construction purposes. Natural bamboo and its derivatives have been considered as a high-demand green and environmentally responsible alternative construction material, and this interest is increasing globally. Because of the rapid growth rate and large developing area, it is more useable than the limited timber resource. However, natural bamboo has an anisotropic and nonhomogeneous material property, which varies in multiple directions. There is limited engineering data and investigation of bamboo material and its use in and impact on construction. In this study, three different bamboo models were analyzed by Strand7; each of them had different features in structure and in the major construction material. A new model was proposed by improving the three given structures and was maximized in the mechanical capacity. Some design guidelines were proposed based on the analysis and comparison of different bamboo structures. The model will replace natural bamboo with bamboo scrimber, which is an engineered bamboo derivative that has more uniform material properties.
Transforming a Valuable Bioresource to Biochar, Its Environmental Importance, and Potential Applications in Boosting Circular Bioeconomy While Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Abbas Farhat , Hammad Hafiz Mohkum , Anwar Farhat , Farooque Aitazaz Ahsan , Jawad Rashid , Bakhat Hafiz Faiq , Naeem Muhammad Asif , Ahmad Sajjad , Qaisrani Saeed Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Biochar produced from transforming bioresource waste can benefit sustainable agriculture and support circular bioeconomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of biochar, produced from wheat straws, and a nitrification inhibitor, sourced from neem (Azadirachta indica), in combinition with the recommended synthetic fertilizer on soil properties, maize (Zea mays L.) plant growth characteristics, and maize grain yield and quality paramters. The nitrification inhibitor was used with the concentrations of 5 and 10 mL pot−1 (N1 and N2, respectively) with four levels of biochar (B0 = 0 g, B1 = 35 g, B2 = 70 g, B3 = 105 g, B4 = 140 g pot−1), one recommended nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium syntactic fertilizer (250, 125, and 100 kg ha−1, respectively) treatment, and one control treatment. The results showed that the nitrification inhibitor enhanced crop growth while the application of biochar significantly improved soil fertility. The application of biochar significantly enhanced soil organic matter and soil nitrogen as compared with nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium treatment. The highest root length (65.43 cm) and root weight (50.25 g) were observed in the maize plants treated with B4 and N2 combinedly. The grain yield, total biomass production, protein content from biochar’s B4, and nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium treatments were not significantly different from each other. The application of 140 g biochar pot−1 (B4) with nitrification inhibitor (10 mL pot−1) resulted in higher crop yield and the highest protein contents in maize grains as compared to the control treatments. Therefore, the potential of biochar application in combination with nitrification inhibitor may be used as the best nutrient management practice after verifying these findings at a large-scale field study. Based on the experimental findings, the applied potential of the study treatments, and results of economic analysis, it can be said that biochar has an important role to play in the circular bioeconomy.
Challenges and Opportunities in Wheat Flour, Pasta, Bread, and Bakery Product Production Chains: A Systematic Review of Innovations and Improvement Strategies to Increase Sustainability, Productivity, and Product Quality
Authors: Cappelli Alessio , Cini Enrico
Published: March 2021

Pasta, bread, and bakery products are considered worldwide as essential foods for human nutrition. In particular, ancient wheats and whole wheat flours, despite being able to provide health benefits via bioactive compounds, present significant technological problems related to poorer dough rheological properties and final product characteristics. Moreover, both the food industry and consumers are increasingly sensitive to environmental impacts, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable innovations and improvement strategies, from cradle to grave, for the entire production chains, thus motivating this review. The aim of this review is to provide technological innovations and improvement strategies to increase the sustainability, productivity, and quality of flours, pasta, bread, and bakery products. This review is focused on the main operations of the production chains (i.e., wheat cultivation, wheat milling, dough processing, and, finally, the manufacturing of pasta, bread, and bakery products). To achieve this goal, the use of life-cycle assessment (LCA) analysis proved to be an effective tool that can be used, from early stages, for the development of eco-friendly improvement strategies. The correct management of the wheat cultivation stage was found to be essential since it represents the most impacting phase for the environment. Successively, particular attention needs to be paid to the milling process, the kneading phase, to breadmaking, and, finally, to the manufacturing of pasta. In this review, several specifically developed solutions for these essential phases were suggested. In conclusion, despite further investigations being necessary, this review provided several innovations and improvement strategies, using an approach “from cradle to grave”, able to increase the sustainability, productivity, and final quality of flour, semolina, pasta, bread, and bakery products.
The Challenges of Mitigating Climate Change Hidden in End-User Beliefs and Expectations
Authors: Žigienė Gerda , Rybakovas Egidijus , Gimžauskienė Edita , Gaidelys Vaidas
Published: March 2021

This research explores the potential challenges of reducing climate change hidden in the personal and collective energy use-related beliefs and expectations of end users. The study proposes a new typology of social environments, using the concept of personal and collective efficacy, which is suitable for exploring the level and nature of the challenges of solving social problems that require engaging whole societies. We use empirical data from round eight of the European Social Survey, which covers more than 20 European countries, and we employ the basic statistical methods of descriptive statistics, linear correlation and population proportion. The findings suggest that the challenges to climate-change mitigation by changing energy-use behaviour could be hidden in contradictions between beliefs in personal and collective abilities to contribute and positive outcome expectations. This opportunity could be addressed by relevant policy measures, providing more evidence of positive outcomes, even from personal contributions, and developing suitable means for collective contributions to increase awareness and belief in collective engagement.
The Dynamic Correlation among Financial Leverage, House Price, and Consumer Expenditure in China
Authors: Dong Kai , Chang Ching-Ter , Wang Shaonan , Liu Xiaoxi
Published: March 2021

With the help of the time-varying parameter vector autoregression with stochastic volatility (TVP-SV-VAR) model and the Bayesian dynamic conditional correlational autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (Bayesian DCC-GARCH) model, this study analyzes the interaction mechanism and dynamic correlation among financial leverage, house price, and consumer expenditure (the survey data are collected from China’s National Bureau of Statistics from January 2000 to December 2019; the data on financial leverage and consumer expenditure are from the Wind economic database, and the price of commercial housing was calculated based on the sales volume and area of commercial housing on the official website of China’s National Bureau of Statistics). Empirical results show that an increase in financial leverage significantly increases house prices and reduces consumer expenditure, that a rise in house prices inhibits financial leverage and weakens consumer expenditure, and that an increase in consumer expenditure raises financial leverage and stimulates a rise in house prices. In addition, house price and consumer expenditure are most relevant, followed by financial leverage and consumer expenditure, and then by financial leverage and house price. Therefore, systematic analysis of dynamic correlation among the three variables has important practical significance for formulating appropriate financial policies to stabilize house prices and promote the growth of consumer expenditures. Specially, financial leverage is an important factor to hold back soaring house prices and shrinking consumer expenditure. Therefore, monetary and macroprudential policies should be used to deal with financial leverage variables in order to achieve a balanced and sustainable development of the macroeconomy in China.
Siberian Snakes, Figure-8 and Spin Transparency Techniques for High Precision Experiments with Polarized Hadron Beams in Colliders
Authors: Derbenev Yaroslav S. , Filatov Yury N. , Kondratenko Anatoliy M. , Kondratenko Mikhail A. , Morozov Vasiliy S.
Published: March 2021

We present a review of the possibilities to conduct experiments of high efficiency in the nuclear and high energy physics with spin-polarized beams in a collider complex, configuration of which includes Siberian snakes or figure-8 collider ring. Special attention is given to the recently elicited advantageous possibility to conduct high precision experiments in a regime of the spin transparency (ST) when the design global spin tune is close to zero. In this regime, the polarization control is realized by use of spin navigators (SN), which are compact special insertions of magnets dedicated to a high flexibility spin manipulation including frequent spin flips.
Development of Machine Learning Algorithms for the Determination of the Centre of Mass
Authors: D’Andrea Danilo , Cucinotta Filippo , Farroni Flavio , Risitano Giacomo , Santonocito Dario , Scappaticci Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

The study of the human body and its movements is still a matter of great interest today. Most of these issues have as their fulcrum the study of the balance characteristics of the human body and the determination of its Centre of Mass. In sports, a lot of attention is paid to improving and analysing the athlete’s performance. Almost all the techniques for determining the Centre of Mass make use of special sensors, which allow determining the physical magnitudes related to the different movements made by athletes. In this paper, a markerless method for determining the Centre of Mass of a subject has been studied, comparing it with a direct widely validated equipment such as the Wii Balance Board, which allows determining the coordinates of the Centre of Pressure. The Motion Capture technique was applied with the OpenPose software, a Computer Vision method boosted with the use of Convolution Neural Networks. Ten quasi-static analyses have been carried out. The results have shown an error of the Centre of Mass position, compared to that obtained from the Wii Balance Board, which has been considered acceptable given the complexity of the analysis. Furthermore, this method, despite the traditional methods based on the use of balances, can be used also for prediction of the vertical position of the Centre of Mass.
Primary Impacts of the Fungal Toxin Sporidesmin on HepG2 Cells: Altered Cell Adhesion without Oxidative Stress or Cell Death
Authors: Boucher Magalie , Jordan T. William
Published: March 2021

The fungal metabolite sporidesmin is responsible for severe necrotizing inflammation of biliary tract and liver of livestock grazing on pasture containing spores of Pithomyces chartarum that synthesizes the toxin. The toxin is secreted into bile causing the erosion of the biliary epithelium accompanied by inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues. Toxicity has been suggested to be due to cycles of reduction and oxidation of sporidesmin leading to oxidative damage from the formation of reactive oxygen species. The current work is the first test of the oxidative stress hypothesis using cultured cells. Oxidative stress could not be detected in HepG2 cells incubated with sporidesmin using a dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay or by use of two-dimensional electrophoresis to search for oxidized peroxiredoxins. There was also no evidence for necrosis or apoptosis, although there was a loss of cell adhesion that was accompanied by the disruption of intracellular actin microfilaments that have known roles in cell adhesion. The results are consistent with a model in which altered contact between cells in situ leads to altered permeability and subsequent inflammation and necrosis, potentially from the leakage of toxic bile into surrounding tissues. There is now a need for the further characterization of the damage processes in vivo, including the investigation of altered permeability and mechanisms of cell death in the biliary tract and other affected organs.
Modeling the Effect of Different Forest Types on Water Balance in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China, with CoupModel
Authors: Yang Zhi , Hou Fang , Cheng Jinhua , Zhang Youyan
Published: March 2021

Precipitation, throughfall, stemflow, and soil water content were measured, whereas interception, transpiration, evaporation, deep percolation, and soil water recharge were estimated in three plots, including oak (Lithocarpus glaber), Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) forestlands, and maize (Zea mays) farmland in the Three Gorges Reservoir in China. A physical process-based model (CoupModel) was set up with climatic measurements as input and was calibrated with throughfall and vertical frequency domain reflectometry measurements from January 2018 to December 2019. Simulated values of soil moisture were fairly consistent with measured ones, with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.73–0.91. Evapotranspiration was the main output of water balance, with a percentage of up to 61%, and such output was ranked as follows: oak forest (720 mm/y) > Chinese fir forest (700 mm/y) > maize farmland (600 mm/y). Afforestation influenced water balance, and water recharge was generally less significant in oak forestland than in Chinese fir forestland. Annual simulated deep percolation decreased by 60 mm for oak and 47 mm for Chinese fir compared with that for farmland (452 mm/y) and even more significantly in wet years. This decrease was mainly attributed to increased interception (122–159 mm/y) and transpiration (49–84 mm/y) after afforestation. Simulations indicated that vegetation species significantly influenced the magnitude of water balance components, calling for further attention to the selection of regrown tree species in the planning for afforestation projects, particularly for such projects that aim to improve the quantity of water infiltrating groundwater. Soil and water conservation measures should also be applied scientifically when converting farmland to forest in this area, particularly in the oak forest stand.
Impact of Photolysis and TiO2 on Pesticides Degradation in Wastewater
Authors: EL-Saeid Mohamed H. , Alotaibi Modhi. O. , Alshabanat Mashael , AL-Anazy Murefah Mana , Alharbi Khadijah R. , Altowyan Abeer S.
Published: March 2021

Pesticide residues are harmful to the environment and human and animal health even at low levels because of long-term bioaccumulation. In this study, photolysis was applied to treat three representative water samples: aqueous atrazine and dimethoate solutions as target pesticides, as well as wastewater and agriculture wastewater containing pesticide residue. It was performed using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at two wavelengths (254 and 306 nm) with exposure times ranging from 2 to 12 h in the presence and absence of a photocatalyst to identify the optimal degradation conditions. Extraction and analyzation process were performed by the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS) methods and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole detector (GC–MSMS/TQD), respectively. Photodegradation increased with an increase in exposure time and the TiO2 catalyst was beneficial for degradation. Both selected irradiation wavelengths were effective, although the wavelength of λ = 306 nm was the most efficient.
Electrocoagulation as a Promising Defluoridation Technology from Water: A Review of State of the Art of Removal Mechanisms and Performance Trends
Authors: Mousazadeh Milad , Alizadeh S. , Frontistis Zacharias , Kabdaşlı Işık , Karamati Niaragh Elnaz , Al Qodah Zakaria , Naghdali Zohreh , Mahmoud Alaa , Sandoval Miguel , Butler Erick , Emamjomeh Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Fluoride ions present in drinking water are beneficial to human health when at proper concentration levels (0.5–1.5 mg L−1), but an excess intake of fluoride (>1.5 mg L−1) may pose several health problems. In this context, reducing high fluoride concentrations in water is a major worldwide challenge. The World Health Organization has recommended setting a permissible limit of 1.5 mg L−1. The application of electrocoagulation (EC) processes has received widespread and increasing attention as a promising treatment technology and a competitive treatment for fluoride control. EC technology has been favourably applied due to its economic effectiveness, environmental versatility, amenability of automation, and low sludge production. This review provides more detailed information on fluoride removal from water by the EC process, including operating parameters, removal mechanisms, energy consumption, and operating costs. Additionally, it also focuses attention on future trends related to improve defluoridation efficiency.
The Drought Variability Based on Continuous Days without Available Precipitation in Guizhou Province, Southwest China
Authors: Qin N.X. , Wang J.N. , Hong Y. , Lu Q.Q. , Huang J.L. , Liu M.H. , Gao L.
Published: March 2021

Detecting the characteristics and variability of droughts is of crucial importance. In this study, Guizhou Province in China is selected as the target area, and the dataset there covering daily precipitation and drought records from 1960 to 2016 is adopted. The spatial and temporal differences in yearly and seasonal Dnp (the drought indicator of continuous days without available precipitation) values and longest Dnp as well as their trends are examined. Then the Dnp values and droughts are classified into different categories, and the relationships between Dnp and droughts are revealed. There was a steep increasing trend in yearly Dnp with a rate of 6 d/10a, and the Mann–Kendall (MK) value was estimated to be 5.05 in the past 56 years. The seasonal Dnp values showed significant increasing trends. Yearly and seasonal Dnp varied significantly in the space domain. There were slight increases in yearly and four seasonal longest Dnp values in the time domain. Although the increases in the spring and summer were not significant, heavy droughts tended to occur at this time. As to the Dnp values corresponding to different levels of droughts, there was only a decrease in mild drought, while there were significant increases in mild, moderate, and heavy droughts. The mild droughts increased significantly in summer, and the moderate droughts increased significantly in spring. Different levels of Dnp also varied in the spatial domain. The elevation effect is not obvious in Guizhou province.
Using Concentration–Discharge Relationships to Identify Influences on Surface and Subsurface Water Chemistry along a Watershed Urbanization Gradient
Authors: Balerna Jessica A. , Melone Jacob C. , Knee Karen L.
Published: March 2021

Urban development within watersheds impacts the hydrology and water quality of streams, but changes to groundwater–surface water interactions in this “urban stream syndrome” are not yet well understood. This study focused on three stream systems in a northern Virginia (USA) protected area with 14.2, 31.7, and 66.1% developed land in their watersheds. Surface water was sampled weekly for nutrients, dissolved metals, sulfate, ancillary water quality parameters, and discharge over two non-consecutive years with the hyporheic zone sampled during the second year. Concentration–discharge relationships revealed largely chemostatic behavior in surface water solutes in the least urbanized stream, while in the two more urbanized streams, these relationships tended to have significant positive and negative slopes, indicating diverse delivery pathways depending on the constituent. In the least urbanized stream, linear regressions between discharge and solute concentrations in hyporheic water had exclusively negative slopes, indicating source-limited delivery, while the other two urbanized streams maintained largely chemostatic behavior. Average specific conductance and nitrate + nitrite concentrations in stream surface water reflected an urbanization gradient, while sulfate, Ca, K and Sr concentrations suggested a threshold effect: the stream with a mostly forested watershed had the lowest concentrations, while the other two were higher and similar. Specific conductance indicated salinization of both surface and groundwater at the two more urban streams, possibly threatening aquatic organisms. Metal concentrations in surface and subsurface water were often positively correlated with specific conductance and negatively correlated with pH, suggesting that they may originate from road salt and/or be mobilized by acid precipitation. These results indicate the importance of monitoring both baseflow and stormflow as pathways for pollution.
Our Best Shot: Bridging the Gap in the Vaccine Divide
Authors: Allen Caitlyn
Published: March 2021

Infection preventionist, JoAnn Adkins; psychologist, Dr. Lily Brown; and mother of a son with autism, Susan Senator, share their insights into how vaccines work, how to recognize when anxiety may be clouding our judgment, and how both sides of the vaccine debate can finally have a real—and productive—conversation.
Review of High Relative Humidity in Catheter Laboratory of a Private Hospital and a Low Energy Consuming Solution
Authors: Shavarebi Kamran , T. Arumugam Jaya Prathab
Published: March 2021

The Relative Humidity in a Catheter Laboratory is desirous to be controlled within a range of 30 to 65% RH. A maximum Relative Humidity (RH) fluctuation of up to 70% is tolerated. A case study is presented whereby a high RH of up to 80% RH has been recorded in the examination room of a Catheter Laboratory (CathLab) in a local Hospital. The conditioned air to the CathLab is supplied through an existing dedicated Chilled Water Air Handling Unit. Two (2) solutions were considered and the technical and commercial comparisons carried out. The first option is an inline dehumidifier system and the second option is to install a portable standalone dehumidifier inside the CathLab examination room. Solutions to address the high Relative Humidity have to be carefully considered as the introduction of in-line dehumidifiers contribute to higher energy consumption. The latter was selected based on commercial reasons. Three (3) weeks of RH monitoring via the building’s Integrated Building Management System (IBMS) was carried out. The readings measured show a drastic reduction in RH to a mean of about 60% RH which meets the end user’s requirement. The cost for the second option was also found to be much lower at about 10% of the first option.
A Marxist Reading of William Blake’s Selected Poetry: Machineries in Green Studies
Authors: Abdulla-Al-Mamun Md.
Published: March 2021

Being a dweller of Romantic ecology, William Blake familiarizes his readers with the slant of pastoral landscapes through the ecological sensibilities within the promiscuous city. In his poetry, he has speculated the adventurous plantation of slums in the metropolitan city in the light of machineries and matters that pack human in the box of ambitious dreams as the monstrous dreams of the metropolitan historicity root up the pastoral landscapes of Britain. Whereas critics engage themselves to explore the relation to the outcome of numerous English cultural dominations within his poetry, this study revisits the selected ‘ecopoetics’ through the lens of Marxism to explore the threats towards the green world, especially, within the city shore on Thames. Blake as a ‘green prophet’ enunciates the rural life that is pulverized by the mobility of the mechanistic forces of city life. These mechanistic forces are manipulated by the power of government, industrial revolution, commerce, and neo-colonialism in every day’s behavior in order to ensure the submissiveness of the working class in 18th century England. Thus, the paper aims to discuss the Marxist narratives of Blake’s ‘ecosophy’ that warns us against the severe repercussion of machines and its tyrannical reverberations over the marginalized in his selected poetry.