bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport of a Peptide from Bovine αs1-Casein across Models of the Intestinal and Blood–Brain Barriers
Authors: Christensen Brian , Toth Andrea E. , Nielsen Simone S. E. , Scavenius Carsten , Petersen Steen V. , Enghild Jan J. , Rasmussen Jan T. , Nielsen Morten S. , Sørensen Esben S.
Published: October 2020

The effect of food components on brain growth and development has attracted increasing attention. Milk has been shown to contain peptides that deliver important signals to the brains of neonates and infants. In order to reach the brain, milk peptides have to resist proteolytic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, cross the gastrointestinal barrier and later cross the highly selective blood–brain barrier (BBB). To investigate this, we purified and characterized endogenous peptides from bovine milk and investigated their apical to basal transport by using human intestinal Caco-2 cells and primary porcine brain endothelial cell monolayer models. Among 192 characterized milk peptides, only the αS1-casein peptide 185PIGSENSEKTTMPLW199, and especially fragments of this peptide processed during the transport, could cross both the intestinal barrier and the BBB cell monolayer models. This peptide was also shown to resist simulated gastrointestinal digestion. This study demonstrates that a milk derived peptide can cross the major biological barriers in vitro and potentially reach the brain, where it may deliver physiological signals.
Beyond Fish Oil Supplementation: The Effects of Alternative Plant Sources of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids upon Lipid Indexes and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers—An Overview
Authors: Santos Heitor O. , Price James C. , Bueno Allain A.
Published: October 2020

Cardiovascular diseases remain a global challenge, and lipid-associated biomarkers can predict cardiovascular events. Extensive research on cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFAs) is geared towards fish oil supplementation and fish-rich diets. Nevertheless, vegetarianism and veganism are becoming more popular across all segments of society, due to reasons as varied as personal, ethical and religious values, individual preferences and environment-related principles, amongst others. Due to the essentiality of PUFAs, plant sources of n3-PUFAs warrant further consideration. In this review, we have critically appraised the efficacy of plant-derived n3-PUFAs from foodstuffs and supplements upon lipid profile and selected cardiometabolic markers. Walnuts and flaxseed are the most common plant sources of n3-PUFAs, mainly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and feature the strongest scientific rationale for applicability into clinical practice. Furthermore, walnuts and flaxseed are sources of fibre, potassium, magnesium, and non-essential substances, including polyphenols and sterols, which in conjunction are known to ameliorate cardiovascular metabolism. ALA levels in rapeseed and soybean oils are only slight when compared to flaxseed oil. Spirulina and Chlorella, biomasses of cyanobacteria and green algae, are important sources of n3-PUFAs; however, their benefits upon cardiometabolic markers are plausibly driven by their antioxidant potential combined with their n3-PUFA content. In humans, ALA is not sufficiently bioconverted into eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. However, evidence suggests that plant sources of ALA are associated with favourable cardiometabolic status. ALA supplementation, or increased consumption of ALA-rich foodstuffs, combined with reduced omega-6 (n6) PUFAs intake, could improve the n3/n6 ratio and improve cardiometabolic and lipid profile.
Novel Photosensitizer β-Mannose-Conjugated Chlorin e6 as a Potent Anticancer Agent for Human Glioblastoma U251 Cells
Authors: Shinoda Yo , Kujirai Kohei , Aoki Kohei , Morita Mai , Masuda Masato , Zhang Lihao , Kaixin Zhou , Nomoto Akihiro , Takahashi Tsutomu , Tsuneoka Yayoi , Akimoto Jiro , Kataoka Hiromi , Rachi Rioko , Narumi Atsushi , Yoshimura Tomokazu , Yano Shigenobu , Fujiwara Yasuyuki
Published: October 2020

A photosensitizer is a molecular drug for photodynamic diagnosis and photodynamic therapy (PDT) against cancer. Many studies have developed photosensitizers, but improvements in their cost, efficacy, and side effects are needed for better PDT of patients. In the present study, we developed a novel photosensitizer β-mannose-conjugated chlorin e6 (β-M-Ce6) and investigated its PDT effects in human glioblastoma U251 cells. U251 cells were incubated with β-M-Ce6, followed by laser irradiation. Cell viability was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The PDT effects of β-M-Ce6 were compared with those of talaporfin sodium (TS) and our previously reported photosensitizer β-glucose-conjugated chlorin e6 (β-G-Ce6). Cellular uptake of each photosensitizer and subcellular distribution were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. β-M-Ce6 showed 1000× more potent PDT effects than those of TS, and these were similar to those of β-G-Ce6. β-M-Ce6 accumulation in U251 cells was much faster than TS accumulation and distributed to several organelles such as the Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and lysosomes. This rapid cellular uptake was inhibited by low temperature, which suggested that β-M-Ce6 uptake uses biological machinery. β-M-Ce6 showed potent PDT anti-cancer effects compared with clinically approved TS, which is a possible candidate as a next generation photosensitizer in cancer therapy.
Influence of Maternal Stress during Pregnancy on Child’s Neurodevelopment
Authors: Matas-Blanco Cristina , Caparros-Gonzalez Rafael A.
Published: October 2020

(1) Background: High stress levels during pregnancy can affect the organogenesis and the foetus’ central nervous system maturation. The objective of this study was to determine whether a relationship between maternal stress during pregnancy and alterations in child neurodevelopment exists; (2) Methods: A bibliographical review was carried out following PRISMA Methodology and using Scopus, Web of Science and Cinahl databases. The research questions were made using PEO methodology (Participants, Exposition, Outcomes). Moreover, article quality was measured using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies; (3) Results: 22 articles that fit the inclusion criteria were selected. Different elements altered because of maternal stress during pregnancy could side with alterations in different areas of the neurodevelopment, such as cognitive development, motor development, behaviour, temperament, memory and learning abilities; (4) Conclusions: Although maternal stress can have an influence on children’s neurodevelopment, it is still unknown which are the specific elements related to this stress that can modify it negatively. Furthermore, future studies should evaluate whether a sex-specific association exists.
Synthesis of 2-Benzylidene-3-Pyrrolines and Their Synthetic Transformation
Authors: Hsu Ming-Tsung , Liu Yi-Hung , Liu Shiuh-Tzung
Published: October 2020

A series of benzylidene-3-pyrrolines were prepared from chalcone derivatives, arylacetylene and sulfonamide via a three-step sequence without the isolation of intermediates. Typically, the reaction of 1,3-di-p-tolylprop-2-en-1-one with lithium phenylacetylide was followed by substitution with tosylamide and then silver-catalyzed 5-exo-dig cyclization to give N-tosyl-2-benzylidene-3,5-di-p-tolyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole with a 86% yield. Furthermore, transformation to the corresponding substituted 3-pyrrolin-2-one and pyrrole by m-chloroperbenzoic acid (mcpba)-oxidation and acid-catalyzed aromatization, respectively, was investigated.
Heterogeneously Catalyzed γ-Valerolactone Hydrogenation into 1,4-Pentanediol in Milder Reaction Conditions
Authors: Simakova Irina , Demidova Yulia , Simonov Mikhail , Prikhod’ko Sergey , Niphadkar Prashant , Bokade Vijay , Dhepe Paresh , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: October 2020

Hydrogenation of γ-valerolactone (GVL) in polar solvents (n-butanol, 1,4-dioxane) to 1,4-pentanediol (PDO) and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF) was performed at 363–443 K in a fixed bed reactor under overall H2 pressure of 0.7–1.3 MPa. Preliminary screening in a batch reactior was performed with a series of Ru, Ir, Pt, Co, and Cu catalysts, earlier efficiently applied for levulinic acid hydrogenation to GVL. The fresh catalysts were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray fluorescent analysis (XRF), temperature programmed reduction by H2 (H2-TPR), and N2 physisorption. Cu/SiO2 prepared by reduction of copper hydroxosilicate with chrysocolla mineral structure provided better selectivity of 67% towards PDO at 32% GVL conversion in a continuous flow reactor. This catalyst was applied to study the effect of temperature, hydrogen pressure, and contact time. The main reaction products were PDO, MTHF, and traces of pentanol, while no valeric acid was observed. Activity and selectivity to PDO over Cu/SiO2 did not change over 9 h, indicating a fair resistance of copper to leaching.
Editorial for Special Issue “Earth Radiation Budget”
Authors: Dewitte Steven
Published: October 2020

The Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) at the top of the atmosphere describes how the Earth gains energy from the Sun and loses energy to space through the reflection of solar radiation and the emission of thermal radiation. The ERB is measured from space with dedicated remote sensing instruments. Its long-term monitoring is of fundamental importance for understanding climate change. This Special Issue contains contributions focusing on ERB remote sensing instruments for either (1) the establishment of past and current ERB Climate Data Records (CDRs), (2) insights in climate change gained from the analysis of ERB CDRs, and 3) the outlook for continued or improved future ERB monitoring.
Landslide Characterization Applying Sentinel-1 Images and InSAR Technique: The Muyubao Landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China
Authors: Zhou Chao , Cao Ying , Yin Kunlong , Wang Yang , Shi Xuguo , Catani Filippo , Ahmed Bayes
Published: October 2020

Landslides are a common natural hazard that causes casualties and unprecedented economic losses every year, especially in vulnerable developing countries. Considering the high cost of in-situ monitoring equipment and the sparse coverage of monitoring points, the Sentinel-1 images and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique were used to conduct landslide monitoring and analysis. The Muyubao landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir area in China was taken as a case study. A total of 37 images from March 2016 to September 2017 were collected, and the displacement time series were extracted using the Stanford Method for Persistent Scatterer (StaMPS) small baselines subset method. The comparison to global positioning system monitoring results indicated that the InSAR processing of the Muyubao landslide was accurate and reliable. Combined with the field investigation, the deformation evolution and its response to triggering factors were analyzed. During this monitoring period, the creeping process of the Muyubao landslide showed obvious spatiotemporal deformation differences. The changes in the reservoir water level were the trigger of the Muyubao landslide, and its deformation mainly occurred during the fluctuation period and high-water level period of the reservoir.
Soil Salinity Assessment in Irrigated Paddy Fields of the Niger Valley Using a Four-Year Time Series of Sentinel-2 Satellite Images
Authors: Moussa Issaka , Walter Christian , Michot Didier , Adam Boukary Issifou , Nicolas Hervé , Pichelin Pascal , Guéro Yadji
Published: October 2020

Salinization is a major soil degradation threat in irrigated systems worldwide. Irrigated systems in the Niger River basin are also affected by salinity, but its spatial distribution and intensity are not currently known. The aim of this study was to develop a method to detect salt-affected soils in irrigated systems. Two complementary approaches were tested: salinity assessment of bare soils using a salinity index (SI) and monitoring of indirect effects of salinity on rice growth using temporal series of a vegetation index (NDVI). The study area was located south of Niamey (Niger) in two irrigated systems of rice paddy fields that cover 6.5 km2. We used remote-sensing and ground-truth data to relate vegetation behavior and reflectance to soil characteristics. We explored all existing Sentinel-2 images from January 2016 to December 2019 and selected cloud-free images on 157 dates that covered eight successive rice-growing seasons. In the dry season of 2019, we also sampled 44 rice fields, collecting 147 biomass samples and 180 topsoil samples from January to June. For each field and growing season, time-integrated NDVI (TI-NDVI) was estimated, and the SI was calculated for dates on which bare soil conditions (NDVI < 0.21) prevailed. Results showed that since there were few periods of bare soil, SI could not differentiate salinity classes. In contrast, the high temporal resolution of Sentinel-2 images enabled us to describe rice-growing conditions over time. In 2019, TI-NDVI and crop yields were strongly correlated (r = 0.77 with total biomass yield and 0.82 with grain yield), while soil electrical conductivity was negatively correlated with both TI-NDVI (r = −0.38) and crop yield (r = −0.23 with total biomass and r = −0.29 with grain yield). Considering the TI-NDVI data from 2016–2019, principal component analysis followed by ascending hierarchical classification identified a typology of five clusters with different patterns of TI-NDVI during the eight growing seasons. When applied to the entire study area, this classification clearly identified the extreme classes (i.e., areas with high or no salinity). Other classes with low TI-NDVI (i.e., during dry seasons) may be related to areas with moderate or seasonal soil salinity. Finally, the high temporal resolution of Sentinel-2 images enabled us to detect stresses on vegetation that occurred repeatedly over the growing seasons, which may be good indicators of soil constraints due to salinity in the context of the irrigated paddy systems of Niger. Further research will validate the ability of the method developed to detect moderate soil salinity constraints over large areas.
Energy Minimization in Piperazine Promoted MDEA-Based CO2 Capture Process
Authors: Khan Bilal Alam , Ullah Asad , Saleem Muhammad Wajid , Khan Abdullah Nawaz , Faiq Muhammad , Haris Mir
Published: October 2020

A piperazine (PZ)-promoted methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) solution for a carbon dioxide (CO2) removal process from the flue gas of a large-scale coal power plant has been simulated. An Aspen Plus® was used to perform the simulation process. Initially, the effects of MDEA/PZ concentration ratio and stripper pressure on the regeneration energy of CO2 capture process were investigated. The MDEA/PZ concentration ratio of 35/15 wt.% (35 wt. MDEA and 15 wt.% PZ) was selected as an appropriate concentration. The reboiler duty of 3.235 MJ/kg CO2 was obtained at 35/15 wt.% concentration ratio of MDEA/PZ. It was considered a reference or base case, and process modifications including rich vapor compression (RVC) process, cold solvent split (CSS), and the combination of both processes were investigated to check its effect on the energy requirement. A total equivalent work of 0.7 MJe/kg CO2 in the RVC and a reboiler duty of 2.78 MJ/kg CO2 was achieved in the CSS process. Similarly, the total equivalent work, reboiler duty, and condenser duty of 0.627 MJe/kg CO2, 2.44 MJ/kg CO2, and 0.33 MJ/kg CO2, respectively, were obtained in the combined process. The reboiler duty and the total equivalent work were reduced by about 24.6 and 16.2%, respectively, as compared to the reference case. The total energy cost saving was 1.79 M$/yr. Considering the additional equipment cost in the combined process, the total cost saving was 0.67 M$ per year.
Role of Social Enterprises in Addressing Energy Poverty: Making the Case for Refined Understanding through Theory of Co-Production of Knowledge and Theory of Social Capital
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Tiwary Nishant
Published: October 2020

Social enterprises have become increasingly central in the field of energy poverty. As a result of market and government failures, an increased emphasis on social enterprises to address energy poverty has emerged. Still, there is limited theoretical understanding guiding the role of social enterprises in addressing the challenge of energy poverty. We apply theories of co-production and social capital to analyze the role of social enterprises in disseminating and implementing cleaner energy alternatives to resource poor communities. By combining implications of these theories, we argue that social enterprises act as honest brokers between communities and technologists, cultivate new social relationships, and change social structures to move poor communities to adopt and use cleaner energy systems. Understanding the role of social enterprises in addressing energy poverty through a theoretical realm will provide a guiding framework to undertake systematic empirical investigation.
Educated Millennials and Credence Attributes of Food Products with Genetically Modified Organisms: Knowledge, Trust and Social Media
Authors: Russo Carlo , Simeone Mariarosaria , Perito Maria Angela
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we investigated educated millennials’ evaluation of credence attributes in food products containing genetically modified organisms (GMO products). Our goal is to assess whether beliefs about GMO products are determined by scientific knowledge alone or if they are affected by other factors such as trust in information providers and use of social media. The focus on millennials is motivated by the increasing relevance of this social group in the public debate and by their extensive use of social media. We surveyed a sample of 215 Italian college students, confronting them with questions about safety, environmental impact and ethical issues in GMO product consumption. Using an ordered probit regression model, we found that educated millennials build their beliefs using a mix of scientific knowledge and trust in information providers. The role of the two drivers depended on the issue considered. Scientific knowledge drove beliefs in health claims, while trust in information providers was a driving factor in almost all claims. After controlling for trust effects, we did not find evidence of impact of confidence in the reliability of traditional and social media on beliefs. This result contradicts previous literature.
Conservation Requirements of European Eel (Anquilla anquilla) in a Balkan Catchment
Authors: Meulenbroek Paul , Hammerschmied Urban , Schmutz Stefan , Weiss Steven , Schabuss Michael , Zornig Horst , Shumka Spase , Schiemer Friedrich
Published: October 2020

The European eel (Anquilla anquilla) has been declining throughout its area of distribution, is addressed in several pieces of legislation, and is the target of extensive restoration efforts. Therefore, investigating and conserving natural eel habitats is urgently needed. Large, near-natural rivers have become rare in Europe but the Balkans host some of the extant examples. However, several Balkan rivers–among them the transboundary river Vjosa/Aoos of Albania and Greece–are under threat from planned hydropower constructions. This study synthesizes European eel catch data from four institutions and the results of a recent electrofishing survey. Population density and structure as well as habitat choice were studied at different spatial scales. We calculated densities for each meso-habitat (0–1303 ind./ha) and extrapolated these values across three different hydromorphological channel sections (meandering: 70 ind./ha, braided: 131 ind./ha, constrained: 334 ind./ha), resulting in an overall mean density of 168 ind./ha. Proposed hydropower plants would cut off about 80% of the catchment currently accessible and impact river sections downstream of the dams by disturbing hydrological dynamics. By linking study results to relevant legislation and literature we provide evidence-based data for water management decisions. We call for the Vjosa/Aoos to be protected in order to secure its outstanding conservation value.
Factors Affecting the Use of Organic Seed by Organic Farmers in Europe
Authors: Orsini Stefano , Costanzo Ambrogio , Solfanelli Francesco , Zanoli Raffaele , Padel Susanne , Messmer Monika M. , Winter Eva , Schaefer Freya
Published: October 2020

The new European Organic Regulation 2018/848 has announced the phasing out of derogations for the use of untreated non-organic seed by 2036. However, the use of organic seed by organic farmers is currently limited. This paper aims to identify the factors affecting the use of organic seed. It is based on data collected from 749 organic farmers in 20 European countries, by conducting an online survey and using a network sampling. Results of the descriptive statistics and linear mixed models indicate that: (1) the situation of organic seed use is not consistent across geographical regions and crop sectors; (2) the use of organic seed is higher on farms selling directly to consumers than on those selling to supermarkets; (3) larger and more recently converted farms use less organic seed than established organic farms. In the second part of the paper, we analyse farmers’ attitudes towards organic seed use. The structural equation model (SEM) suggests that the highest contribution to explaining intention to use organic seed comes from social norms, i.e., farmers’ perception of societal expectations, particularly from the consumer and the organic certifier. Such expectations, if communicated in the public and political discourse, could stimulate the use of organic seed.
Fungal Pretreatments on Non-Sterile Solid Digestate to Enhance Methane Yield and the Sustainability of Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Zanellati Andrea , Spina Federica , Rollé Luca , Varese Giovanna Cristina , Dinuccio Elio
Published: October 2020

Fungi can run feedstock pretreatment to improve the hydrolysis and utilization of recalcitrant lignocellulose-rich biomass during anaerobic digestion (AD). In this study, three fungal strains (Coprinopsis cinerea MUT 6385, Cyclocybe aegerita MUT 5639, Cephalotrichum stemonitis MUT 6326) were inoculated in the non-sterile solid fraction of digestate, with the aim to further (re)use it as a feedstock for AD. The application of fungal pretreatments induced changes in the plant cell wall polymers, and different profiles were observed among strains. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in the cumulative biogas and methane yields with respect to the untreated control were observed. The most effective pretreatment was carried out for 20 days with C. stemonitis, causing the highest hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose reduction (59.3%, 9.6%, and 8.2%, respectively); the cumulative biogas and methane production showed a 182% and 214% increase, respectively, compared to the untreated control. The increase in AD yields was ascribable both to the addition of fungal biomass, which acted as an organic feedstock, and to the lignocellulose transformation due to fungal activity during pretreatments. The developed technologies have the potential to enhance the anaerobic degradability of solid digestate and untap its biogas potential for a further digestion step, thus allowing an improvement in the environmental and economic sustainability of the AD process and the better management of its by-products.
Are Individuals Willing to Pay for Community-Based Eco-Friendly Malaria Vector Control Strategies? A Case of Mosquito Larviciding Using Plant-Based Biopesticides in Kenya
Authors: Diiro Gracious M. , Kassie Menale , Muriithi Beatrice W. , Gathogo Nancy G. , Kidoido Michael , Marubu Rose , Bwire Ochola John , Mutero Clifford Maina
Published: October 2020

This study was carried out to assess individuals’ willingness to pay (WTP) for UZIMAX, a novel plant-based biopesticide developed for malaria vector control. The biopesticide is estimated to kill up to 100% of Anopheles larvae within 48 h of application and poses no risks to human health and the environment. However, scaling-up of its adoption requires clear evidence of its acceptance by individuals in malaria-prone areas. We conducted Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) revealed preference auctions with 204 participants to determine their willingness to pay (WTP) for community-based application of the biopesticide to control malaria vectors. Nearly all participants were willing to pay at the lowest bid price of the biopesticide, and the majority of them expressed great interest in pooling resources to facilitate biopesticide application. Household per capita income and building capacity of households through training significantly increased WTP. These findings imply high adoption potential of the technology and the need to devise inclusive policy tools, especially those that enhance collective action, resource mobilization and capacity building to empower both men and women and stimulate investment in eco-friendly technologies for malaria prevention. Financial and labor resource mechanisms managed by the community could potentially spur adoption of the biopesticides, and in turn, generate health, environmental and economic benefits to households in malaria-prone communities.
An Informal Ethics Auditing in Authorized Valuation for Business Sustainability in Romania
Authors: Tugui Alexandru , Agheorghiesei Daniela Tatiana , Asandului Laura
Published: October 2020

This study presents the results of an extensive exploratory research on ethics in valuation activity carried out by authorized valuers in Romania. Ethics is the foundation of success and sustainability in business. In turn, business sustainability is the mirror of the social responsibility assumed, the effort to ensure the sustainability of society. The goal of this study is broad and consists of investigating the position of authorized valuers in Romania in relation to the level of ethics achieved in the activity carried out with reference to expressing their professional opinion from the perspective of general concern for ethics. Our quantitative exploratory research consists of conducting a nationwide survey on a valid sample of 558 authorized valuer respondents. The main conclusions clearly highlight that the valuer faces external pressures—the influence from the clients’ side, and, in the face of this challenge, personal reputation and social responsibility are criteria in the ethical decision. The results of this research invite all stakeholders to take a reflective approach regarding the coordinates of the valuer’s personal ethics and the support mechanisms that provide it, in order to ensure the sustainability of his activity, to the benefit of the profession, the business and the entire society.
Test Rig and Method for Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Bio-Based Hydraulic Fluids and Lubricants for Agricultural Transmissions
Authors: Pochi Daniele , Fanigliulo Roberto , Bisaglia Carlo , Cutini Maurizio , Grilli Renato , Fornaciari Laura , Betto Monica , Pari Luigi , Gallucci Francesco , Capuzzi Luigi , Sagliano Angela , Palmieri Fulvio , Chiatti Giancarlo
Published: October 2020

The use of lubricants and hydraulic fluids of both mineral and synthetic origin in agricultural processes could have a deep impact on the environment as a result of their possible dispersion in the ground and aquifers. Replacing them with bio-based fluids, developed to provide good tribological properties and high biodegradability, could contribute to reducing their negative effects. The evaluation of the capacity of such innovative fluids to replace the conventional ones is based on work cycles lasting as long as their lifetime, during which their characteristics must prove to be at least equal to those of the fluids they replace. To shorten the evaluation process, CREA (Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia Agraria) developed a fluid test rig (FTR) and related test method, able to apply severe work cycles on small oil volumes, thereby accelerating the aging of the fluid beyond what typically occurs. This paper reports the results of the tests on FTR’s functionality carried out comparing two UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil) fluids: a widespread conventional fluid and an experimental vegetable-based oil. The FTR will permit, in a relatively short time, the assessment of the most promising formulations to be tested later under real working conditions, e.g., in agricultural tractors, reducing the risk of damage, before their ultimate introduction into the operating reality.
Mapping Land Use Land Cover Transitions at Different Spatiotemporal Scales in West Africa
Authors: Asenso Barnieh Beatrice , Jia Li , Menenti Massimo , Zhou Jie , Zeng Yelong
Published: October 2020

Post-classification change detection was applied to examine the nature of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) transitions in West Africa in three time intervals (1975–2000, 2000–2013, and 1975–2013). Detailed analyses at hotspots coupled with comparison of LULC transitions in the humid and arid regions were undertaken. Climate and anthropic drivers of environmental change were disentangled by the LULC transitions analyses. The results indicated that human-managed LULC types have replaced the natural LULC types. The total vegetation cover declined by −1.6%. Massive net gains in croplands (107.8%) and settlements (140%) at the expense of natural vegetation were detected in the entire period (1975–2013). Settlements expanded in parallel with cropland, which suggests the effort to increase food production to support the increasing population. Expansion of artificial water bodies were detected in the humid regions during the period of 1975–2000. Nonetheless, shrinking of water bodies due to encroachment by wetlands and other vegetation was observed in the arid regions, coupled with net loss in the whole of West Africa. The results indicate deforestation and degradation of natural vegetation and water resources in West Africa. Underlying anthropic drivers and a combination of anthropic and climate drivers were detected. LULC transitions in West Africa are location specific and have both positive and negative implications on the environment. The transitions indicate how processes at the local level, driven by human activities, lead to changes at the continental level and may contribute to global environmental change.
A Tale of Three Cities: The Rise of Dubai, Singapore, and Miami Compared
Authors: Portes Alejandro
Published: October 2020

The literature on “global cities”, following a publication by Saskia Sassen of a book under the same title, has focused on those prime centers of the capitalist economy that concentrate on command-and-control functions in finance and trade worldwide. New York, London, Tokyo, and sometimes, Frankfurt and Paris are commonly cited as such centers. In recent years, however, another set of mercantile and financial centers have arisen. They reproduce, on a regional basis, the features and functions of the prime global cities. Dubai, Miami, and Singapore have emerged during the first quarter of the XXI century as such new regional centers. This paper explores the history of the three; the mechanisms that guided their ascent to their present position; and the pitfalls—political and ecological—that may compromise their present success. The rise of these new global cities from a position of insignificance is primarily a political story, but the stages that the story followed and the key participants in it are quite different. A systematic comparison of the three cities offer a number of lessons for urban scholarship and development policies. Such lessons are supplemented by the experiences of other cities that attempted to achieve or sustain a similar global status but failed, for various reasons, to do so. Such experiences are also discussed in the conclusion.
Could Mergers Become More Sustainable? A Study of the Stock Exchange Mergers of NASDAQ and OMX
Authors: Xie Wenjing , Paulo Vieito João , Clark Ephraim , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: October 2020

This study investigates whether the merger of NASDAQ and OMX could reduce the portfolio diversification possibilities for stock market investors and whether it is necessary to implement national policies and international treaties for the sustainable development of financial markets. Our study is very important because some players in the stock markets have not yet realized that stock exchanges, during the last decades, have moved from government-owned or mutually-owned organizations to private companies, and, with several mergers having occurred, the market is tending gradually to behave like a monopoly. From our analysis, we conclude that increased volatility and reduced diversification opportunities are the results of an increase in the long-run comovement between each pair of indices in Nordic and Baltic stock markets (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) and NASDAQ after the merger. We also find that the merger tends to improve the error-correction mechanism for NASDAQ so that it Granger-causes OMX, but OMX loses predictive power on NASDAQ after the merger. We conclude that the merger of NASDAQ and OMX reduces the diversification possibilities for stock market investors and our findings provide evidence to support the argument that it is important to implement national policies and international treaties for the sustainable development of financial markets.
Assessing the Theoretical Prospects of Bioethanol Production as a Biofuel from Agricultural Residues in Bangladesh: A Review
Authors: Miskat Monirul Islam , Ahmed Ashfaq , Chowdhury Hemal , Chowdhury Tamal , Chowdhury Piyal , Sait Sadiq M. , Park Young-Kwon
Published: October 2020

This study reviewed the aspects of the production of bioethanol from the agricultural residues available in Bangladesh. The crop residues such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, corn, cotton, jute, and sugarcane have great potential for energy generation in a sustainable and eco-friendly way in Bangladesh, as these residues are available in large quantities. Bioethanol is an alternative fuel to gasoline that provides comparable performance results. Bioethanol from these residues can be used for transportation purposes, as it does not require any major modifications to the spark-ignition engine configuration when using E5 blend (5% Ethanol mixed with 95% of the gasoline). In Bangladesh, approximately 65.36 Mt of agricultural residues are available from the major crops, from which 32 Mt bioethanol can be generated. This study is expected to provide useful concise data with regards to the beneficial utilization of agricultural residues for bioethanol production in Bangladesh.
The Innovative and Research Professional Identity of Future Early Years and Primary School Teachers and Their Relationship with Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Pérez de Albéniz-Garrote Gloria , Medina Gómez María Begoña
Published: October 2020

Teacher’s professional identity (TPI) is an essential and decisive element in the way future EY and primary teachers approach their labour. This study aims to analyse how and when student teachers build TPI and to study its relationship with personal well-being. The sample was made up of 135 students of the Faculty of Education of the University of Burgos (Spain), aged 18–44. A questionnaire elaborated ad hoc and an individual psychological well-being scale were both implemented. The results suggest that training activities, initially scheduled by the university courses, are those which most contribute to the building of a TPI; that there seem to be no differences in relation to gender and year of study in the factors which contribute to its development, regardless of whether it is rather innovative or research-oriented and that there is a relationship between types of TPI, as well as between these and the satisfaction with academic choice, and psychological well-being. Future teachers should build a solid TPI which enables them to successfully adapt to complex educational settings and encourages them to innovate. It is necessary to gradually make room for reflection from the beginning of the university training, as this could improve the future professional performance and the students’ psychological well-being.
Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Practices among Domestic Hajj Pilgrims: Implications for Future Mass Gatherings Amidst COVID-19
Authors: Mahdi Hashim , Alqahtani Amani , Barasheed Osamah , Alemam Amjad , Alhakami Mohammed , Gadah Ibrahim , Alkediwi Hadeel , Alzahrani Khadijah , Fatani Lujain , Dahlawi Lamis , Alsharif Saeed , Shaban Ramon , Booy Robert , Rashid Harunor
Published: October 2020

This study examined Hajj pilgrims’ knowledge and reported practice of hand hygiene. In Hajj 2019, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, of domestic Saudi pilgrims aged ≥18 years by using a self-administered Arabic questionnaire that captured data on pilgrims’ socio-demographics, hand hygiene knowledge, and reported practices of hand cleaning following certain actions. A total of 348 respondents aged 18 to 63 (median 32) years completed the survey, of whom 200 (57.5%) were female. The mean (±standard deviation (SD)) hand hygiene knowledge score was 6.7 (±SD 1.9). Two hundred and seventy one (77.9%) and 286 (82.2%) of respondents correctly identified that hand hygiene can prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections respectively, but 146 (42%) were not aware that it prevents hand-foot-mouth disease. Eighty-eight (25.3%) respondents erroneously reported that hand hygiene prevents HIV. Washing hands with water and soap was the most preferred method practiced before a meal (67.5% (235/348)), after a meal (80.2% (279/348)), after toilet action (81.6% (284/348)), when hands were visibly soiled (86.2% (300/348)), and after waste disposal (61.5% (214/348)). Hajj pilgrims demonstrated a good knowledge and practice of hand hygiene, but there are gaps that are vital to control outbreaks such as COVID-19.
Russian State Hydrometeorological University is 90 years old
Authors: Leontiev D.V. , Malinin V.N. , Mikheev V.L. , Palkin I.I.
Published: October 2020

The article is devoted to the history of creation and development of the world’s only specialized hydrometeorological higher educational institution — the Russian State Hydrometeorological University (RSHU). The evolution of the University, its scientific schools, traditions, achievements and the main stages of development for the entire period of its existence are considered. The role of the University, which has produced many outstanding scientists and leaders of the industry, in the development of national science and in the training of scientific personnel is shown.
Modeling the variability of the atmospheric gas composition at RSHU
Authors: Smyshlyaev S.P. , Blakitna P.A. , Motsakov M.A. , Yakovlev A.R. , Cherepova M.V.
Published: October 2020

A set of numerical models of the lower and middle atmosphere gas composition has been created at the Russian State Hydrometeorological University (RSHU). The set of RSHU numerical models consists of a global chemistry-climate model (CCM) of the troposphere, stratosphere and mesosphere (0-90 km), a chemistry-transport model (CTM) of the troposphere and stratosphere gas composition with meteorological parameters specified from reanalysis data (0-60 km), and a model of Eurasia air quality (0-32 km). All models use a single block of chemical transformations in the atmosphere and different ways of using meteorological parameters that determine the effect of atmospheric transport on atmospheric gases. The CCM allows us to study the interaction of physical and chemical processes in the lower and middle atmosphere, the CTM is suitable for studying the influence of chemical processes on the gas composition of the atmosphere under a given influence of dynamic factors, and the air quality model can be used to analyze the impact of surface emissions of pollutants and meteorological conditions on the observed variability of air quality in different parts of Eurasia. Numerical experiments with RSHU CCM described in this article allowed us to identify the relative role of natural and anthropogenic factors in the interannual variability of atmospheric ozone in tropical, middle and polar latitudes. Quantitative estimates of ozone trends revealed a greater rate of ozone decrease in Northern mid-latitude compared to its variability in the tropical latitudes. During periods of sharp ozone decrease and then recovery in the 90th years of the twentieth century, in the tropics and mid-latitudes, the additive role played by the combination of several factors: the fall in ozone as a result of increased content of chlorine and bromine gases and reduction in solar activity and the role of sea surface temperature on the
background of increasing chlorine and bromine gases and the increase in the ozone content in the result of the purification of stratospheric aerosol and the influence of the variability of sea surface temperature and growth of solar activity. The results of numerical calculations with CTM demonstrated the predominant role of dynamic processes in the formation of winter-spring ozone anomalies in the Arctic and Subarctic. Rapid use of the air quality model has shown the important impact of meteorological conditions on air quality in Eurasia
Results of probabilistic hydrological processes research at RSHU
Authors: Kovalenko V.V. , Gaidukova E.V. , Viсtorova N.V. , Khaustov V.A. , Devyatov V.S.
Published: October 2020

Currently, long-term estimates can be obtained either under the assumption of statistical stationarity of hydrometeorological processes using actual series of observations for the previous decades, i.e., in fact, by extrapolating “frozen” current probabilistic estimates to the future, or by modeling (calculation) based on equilibrium climatic scenarios under the assumption of statistical sustainability of runoff series, according to which parameterization of forecast models of runoff formation is conducted. The article considers the methodology of partially infinite hydrology, which includes sustainable forecasting of runoff and diagnostics of bifurcations of its formation, allows solving fundamentally new hydrological problems (including problems of engineering hydrology) related to the possibility of obtaining longterm estimates of probabilistic characteristics of long-term river runoff under the conditions of evolutionary changes in the runoff formation factors (climate and anthropogenic activity in catchment areas). Using the methods and patterns of partially infinite hydrology and relying only on the available hydrometeorological information (obtained at the state network of standard observations), known climatic scenarios and plans for the socio-economic development of the territory, the following main results have been obtained: 1) river basins have been diagnosed (as well as time intervals in the future), the ones in which (and when) it is possible to change the additive mechanism of the smooth evolution of the flow formation process to a bifurcation mechanism (the appearance of bifurcation foci) being identified, i.e. engineering hydrology documents can be questioned; 2) a methodology has been developed for sustainable forecasting
of the probabilistic characteristics of long-term river runoff using various options for its formation models (unimodal, polymodal, one-dimensional, multidimensional, etc.).
Princípios e aplicações de processos térmicos para remediação de áreas contaminadas
Authors: Leite Ellen Caroline Puglia , Shinzato Mirian Chieko , Freitas Juliana Gardenalli de
Published: October 2020

Processos térmicos têm sido cada vez mais aplicados mundialmente para a remediação de áreas contaminadas. O tratamento térmico, in situ ou ex situ, baseia-se na elevação da temperatura do solo e da água subterrânea visando a degradação do contaminante ou a sua transferência para a fase vapor, facilitando sua extração. Existem diversas formas de aquecimento, sendo a condução de calor, o aquecimento por resistência elétrica e a injeção de vapor os métodos mais utilizados. A remediação térmica pode ser utilizada em áreas com concentrações elevadas de contaminantes dissolvidos e até mesmo em fase separada (NAPLs), além de ser aplicável em diferentes litologias. Apesar do seu potencial de utilização, no Brasil essa técnica ainda é pouco estudada e aplicada. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho apresenta uma análise das diversas técnicas de remediação por processos térmicos, suas aplicações, vantagens e desvantagens, assim como um panorama de sua utilização em nível nacional.
PREDIKSI KELANJUTAN STUDI SISWA KE PERGURUAN TINGGI DENGAN NAIVE BAYES
Authors: Wibowo Gentur Wahyu Nyipto
Published: October 2020

The need for an analysis of the predictions of continuation of student studies to college is a strong reason for this research. Because by knowing the number of students at a school who continue or not continue studies to universities become a reference to improve education services at the school concerned. Naive Bayes is an effective and efficient classification algorithm for data mining and machine learning. So in the research proposed Naive Bayes for predictions of continuation of student studies to college with k-fold validation and confusion matrix. And results from the algorithm Naive Bayes is 86.53%.
PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIVITAS PRODUKSI KAIN BATIK MENGGUNAKAN METODE LEAN DAN KAIZEN DI UMKM SANGGAR BATIK JUMPUTAN MAHARANI
Authors: Pradana Aldi Yoga
Published: October 2020

Produktivitas merupakan salah satu penentu hasil produksi dalam suatu industry mulai dari UMKM hingga perusahaan. Pada UMKM Sanggar Batik Jumputan Maharani yang memproduksi batik jumput menggunakan teknik tradisional untuk menjaga kualitas membutuhkan waktu 149 jam. Proses memproduksi satu kain batik biasanya membutuhkan waktu satu minggu. Oleh karena itu diperlukan peningkatan produktivitas, salah satu metode yang pas untuk masalah ini adalah metode Lean dan Kaizen. Metode Lean yang focus pada identifikasi waste kemudian dilanjutkan metode Kaizen untuk dilakukan peningkatan yang berkelanjutan. Pertama identifikasi awal dilakukan pada peta produksi untuk melihat terdapat waste. Kedua, jumlah produksi batik jumputan setiap bulan untuk mengetahui seberapa banyak jumlah produksi setiap bulan. Ketiga, data work in process pada pembuatan satu kain batik. Setelah didapat hasil 3 tahap tersebut kemudian dilakukan pengolahan menggunakan metode Lean dan Kaizen. Hasil dari pengolahan dua metode ini dapat meningkatkan jumlah produksi setiap minggu dan pengurangan beban kerja pada karyawan yang sebelumya membutuhkan waktu yang lama untuk menyelesaikan satu kain.
Nanette: derribando géneros
Authors: Moguillanes Inés
Published: October 2020

Este artículo toma como objeto de estudio a Hannah Gadsby: Nanette, un registro audiovisual del show de stand up del mismo nombre creado por Gadsby, disponible en Netflix. Dicho registro es concebido no como un sucedáneo del hecho espectacular, sino como una aproximación a él, resultado de un análisis particular, basado en elecciones interpretativas y estilísticas. En tal sentido, la intención será dar cuenta a lo largo del trabajo de dos escrituras -la audiovisual y la teatral-, así como de su interacción. En cuanto a la escritura escénica puntualmente, se observa que con Nanette la comediante rompe en cierta medida con el stand up, una de las variantes del teatro unipersonal. Por lo que un segundo propósito consistirá en caracterizar la estructura formal propia de esta modalidad, primero, para luego señalar cómo el espectáculo en cuestión la pone en crisis. Por último, Gadsby no sólo provoca quiebres respecto de un género teatral; sino también en lo que respecta a la concepción binaria del género y las etiquetas generadas a su alrededor. Su discurso puede vincularse con la obra teórica de Judith Butler así como con la teoría queer. Evidenciar esas conexiones será el tercer objetivo de este trabajo.