bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Acoustic Wave Resonators for Wireless Sensor Network Applications in the 433.92 MHz ISM Band
Authors: Moutoulas Evangelos , Hamidullah Muhammad , Prodromakis Themis
Published: August 2020

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators are low cost devices that can operate wirelessly on a received radio frequency (RF) signal with no requirement for an additional power source. Multiple SAW resonators operating as transponders that form a wireless sensor network (WSN), often need to operate at tightly spaced, different frequencies inside the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) bands. This requires nanometer precision in the design and fabrication processes. Here, we present results demonstrating a reliable and repeatable fabrication process that yields at least four arrays on a single 4-inch wafer. Each array consists of four single-port resonators with center frequencies allocated inside four different sub-bands that have less than 50 kHz bandwidth and quality factors exceeding 8000. We see promise of standard, low-cost photolithography techniques being used to fabricate multiple SAW resonators with different center resonances all inside the 433.05 MHz–434.79 MHz ISM band and a mere 100 kHz spacing. We achieved that by leveraging the intrinsic process variation of photolithography and the impact of the metallization ratio and metal thickness in rendering distinct resonant frequencies.
Health Care Monitoring and Treatment for Coronary Artery Diseases: Challenges and Issues
Authors: Alghrairi Mokhalad , Sulaiman Nasri , Mutashar Saad
Published: August 2020

In-stent restenosis concerning the coronary artery refers to the blood clotting-caused re-narrowing of the blocked section of the artery, which is opened using a stent. The failure rate for stents is in the range of 10% to 15%, where they do not remain open, thereby leading to about 40% of the patients with stent implantations requiring repeat procedure within one year, despite increased risk factors and the administration of expensive medicines. Hence, today stent restenosis is a significant cause of deaths globally. Monitoring and treatment matter a lot when it comes to early diagnosis and treatment. A review of the present stent monitoring technology as well as the practical treatment for addressing stent restenosis was conducted. The problems and challenges associated with current stent monitoring technology were illustrated, along with its typical applications. Brief suggestions were given and the progress of stent implants was discussed. It was revealed that prime requisites are needed to achieve good quality implanted stent devices in terms of their size, reliability, etc. This review would positively prompt researchers to augment their efforts towards the expansion of healthcare systems. Lastly, the challenges and concerns associated with nurturing a healthcare system were deliberated with meaningful evaluations.
Lensless Scheme for Measuring Laser Aberrations Based on Computer-Generated Holograms
Authors: Krasin George , Kovalev Michael , Stsepuro Nikita , Ruchka Pavel , Odinokov Sergey
Published: August 2020

All of the existing holographic wavefront sensors are either bulky or have low accuracy of measuring wavefront aberrations. In this paper, we present an improvement of the holographic method of measuring wavefront aberrations using computer-generated Fourier holograms. The novelty of this work lies in the proposed approach to the synthesis of Fourier holograms, which are implemented using phase-only SLM. The main advantages of this method are the increased diffraction efficiency compared to the previously known methods, and the more compact implementation scheme due to the elimination of the conventional Fourier-lens. The efficiency of the proposed method was confirmed by numerical simulation and optical experiments.
Study on the Evaluation Method of Sound Phase Cloud Maps Based on an Improved YOLOv4 Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Qinfeng , Zheng Huifeng , Wang Yuebing , Cao Yonggang , Guo Shixu
Published: August 2020

Most sound imaging instruments are currently used as measurement tools which can provide quantitative data, however, a uniform method to directly and comprehensively evaluate the results of combining acoustic and optical images is not available. Therefore, in this study, we define a localization error index for sound imaging instruments, and propose an acoustic phase cloud map evaluation method based on an improved YOLOv4 algorithm to directly and objectively evaluate the sound source localization results of a sound imaging instrument. The evaluation method begins with the image augmentation of acoustic phase cloud maps obtained from the different tests of a sound imaging instrument to produce the dataset required for training the convolutional network. Subsequently, we combine DenseNet with existing clustering algorithms to improve the YOLOv4 algorithm to train the neural network for easier feature extraction. The trained neural network is then used to localize the target sound source and its pseudo-color map in the acoustic phase cloud map to obtain a pixel-level localization error. Finally, a standard chessboard grid is used to obtain the proportional relationship between the size of the acoustic phase cloud map and the actual physical space distance; then, the true lateral and longitudinal positioning error of sound imaging instrument can be obtained. Experimental results show that the mean average precision of the improved YOLOv4 algorithm in acoustic phase cloud map detection is 96.3%, the F1-score is 95.2%, and detection speed is up to 34.6 fps. The improved algorithm can rapidly and accurately determine the positioning error of sound imaging instrument, which can be used to analyze and evaluate the positioning performance of sound imaging instrument.
Precise Method of Ambiguity Initialization for Short Baselines with L1-L5 or E5-E5a GPS/GALILEO Data
Authors: Bakuła Mieczysław
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a precise and fast method of ambiguity resolution (PREFMAR) for frequencies L1/E1 and L5/E5a of GPS/GALILEO data. The developed method is designed for precise and fast determination of ambiguities in GNSS phase observations. Ambiguities are chosen based on mathematical search functions. The fact that no variance–covariance matrix (VC matrix) with a so-called float solution is needed proves the innovativeness of the developed method. The developed method enables determination of the ambiguities for short baseline double-difference (DD) observations. The presented algorithms for the developed method enable unique and reliable calculation of the ambiguity if the actual errors of code measurements of DD observations are less than 0.38 m and the relative errors of phase observations are in the range of ±3 cm. The paper presents both mathematical derivations of the functions used in the PREFMAR and numerical calculations based on real double-difference GPS observations (L1-L5). The elaborated algorithms can be easily implemented into GNSS receivers or mobile phones. Therefore, they can be widely used in many geoscience applications, as well as in precise GPS/GALILEO navigation.
Recognizing Non-Collaborative Radio Station Communication Behaviors Using an Ameliorated LeNet
Authors: Wu Zilong , Chen Hong , Lei Yingke
Published: August 2020

This work improves a LeNet model algorithm based on a signal’s bispectral features to recognize the communication behaviors of a non-collaborative short-wave radio station. At first, the mapping relationships between the burst waveforms and the communication behaviors of a radio station are analyzed. Then, bispectral features of simulated behavior signals are obtained as the input of the network. With regard to the recognition neural network, the structure of LeNet and the size of the convolutional kernel in LeNet are optimized. Finally, the five types of communication behavior are recognized by using the improved bispectral estimation matrix of signals and the ameliorated LeNet. The experimental results show that when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values are 8, 10, or 15 dB, the recognition accuracy values of the improved algorithm reach 81.5%, 94.5%, and 99.3%, respectively. Compared with other algorithms, the training time cost and recognition accuracy of the proposed algorithm are lower and higher, respectively; thus, the proposed algorithm is of great practical value.
Experimental Models as Refined Translational Tools for Breast Cancer Research
Authors: Costa Eduardo , Ferreira-Gonçalves Tânia , Chasqueira Gonçalo , Cabrita António S. , Figueiredo Isabel V. , Reis Catarina Pinto
Published: August 2020

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, which makes it a very impactful malignancy in the society. Breast cancers can be classified through different systems based on the main tumor features and gene, protein, and cell receptors expression, which will determine the most advisable therapeutic course and expected outcomes. Multiple therapeutic options have already been proposed and implemented for breast cancer treatment. Nonetheless, their use and efficacy still greatly depend on the tumor classification, and treatments are commonly associated with invasiveness, pain, discomfort, severe side effects, and poor specificity. This has demanded an investment in the research of the mechanisms behind the disease progression, evolution, and associated risk factors, and on novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. However, advances in the understanding and assessment of breast cancer are dependent on the ability to mimic the properties and microenvironment of tumors in vivo, which can be achieved through experimentation on animal models. This review covers an overview of the main animal models used in breast cancer research, namely in vitro models, in vivo models, in silico models, and other models. For each model, the main characteristics, advantages, and challenges associated to their use are highlighted.
The Cross-Level Effect of Shared Leadership on Tourism Employee Proactive Behavior and Adaptive Performance
Authors: Fu Hui , Ye Ben Haobin , Xu Xiaoyu
Published: August 2020

Shared leadership has emerged as a new style that has been proven to contribute to employee performance. However, the underlying mechanism of shared leadership on employee performance and its possible correlates have not received sufficient academic attention in the literature. To narrow the related research gaps, the current study aims to establish a multi-level framework incorporating shared leadership, team reflexivity and employee performance, and examined the cross-level mediation mechanism between shared leadership and adaptive performance. A questionnaire survey consisting of 301 valid employees’ samples from 31 work teams in the hotel industry in China validated the proposed model. Multilevel analysis with Mplus was applied. The current study found that shared leadership positively influences team reflexivity, and share leadership influences employee’s adaptive performance through proactive behavior. The current study sheds light on the role of shared leadership in tourism organizations. The practical implications regarding how to improve the organizational environment to enhance productivity are further discussed.
Development of Key Processes along the Supply Chain by Implementing the ISO 22000 Standard
Authors: Zimon Dominik , Madzik Peter , Domingues Pedro
Published: August 2020

The aim of the article is to answer the question of whether the implementation of the requirements of the ISO 22000 standard in the food supply chain can support the implementation of key processes occurring in them, and thus increase the level of food quality and minimize its waste. The research was conducted out among several European countries, and an attempt was carried out to compare how the standard is perceived by entrepreneurs operating in Poland, Slovakia (Central and Eastern Europe), and Portugal (Western Europe). Covering the Polish, Slovak, and Portuguese organizations with the research process resulted from the fact that in recent years in these countries, an increase in the diversity of food demand and fragmentation of the food market has been observed. This forced food supply chains to be strictly focused on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of production and distribution systems, as well as taking into account customer requirements and the implementation of sustainable solutions. Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that the implementation of the requirements of the ISO 22000 standard along food supply chains can positively affect the implementation of key processes and thus contribute to reducing food waste at each stage of the supply chain.
Clustering Analysis of Soybean Production to Understand its Spatiotemporal Dynamics in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Zemin , Lu Changhe
Published: August 2020

The production gap of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) has been expanding in China recently, due to the increasing demand and decreasing production. Identifying soybean production dynamics is contributable to appropriate adjustment of crop rotation system and efficient use of agricultural resources—and thus to ensure food security. Taking the North China plain (NCP) as a case area, this study first analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of soybean production during 1998–2015 based on the spatial autocorrelation method, and then calculated contributions to the total production by yield and sown area using the factor decomposition method. The results indicated that total soybean production in the NCP decreased dramatically from 1998 to 2015 and showed a decreasing trend in 80.4% (263) of the counties, mainly (83.9%) contributed by the shrinkage of sown area, largely caused by decreasing benefit. Two regions were found with significantly spatial clustering degree of soybean production. In the south part of NCP, soybean production was highly clustered in Anhui province, and in north it was mainly clustered in western Hebei plain. It was found that soybean production in the NCP was rather sensitive to the return gaps of soybean from maize (Zea mays L.). These imply that the reduced area of soybean production can be restored if the return is improved by adopting appropriate policies such as appropriate subsidies. These findings could be helpful for the policymakers to make soybean production planning in the NCP, contributing to the national revitalization strategy of soybean production.
Wastelands, Greenways and Gentrification: Introducing a Comparative Framework with a Focus on Detroit, USA
Authors: Draus Paul , Haase Dagmar , Napieralski Jacob , Sparks Alec , Qureshi Salman , Roddy Juliette
Published: August 2020

Vacant, abandoned or unproductive land parcels, sometimes called “wastelands”, offer opportunities to create new green spaces in cities. Such spaces may be utilized to add to the stock of urban nature, expand recreational green space, promote real estate or commercial development, or simply remain undefined. These various trajectories have significant implications for population health, ecosystem services and real estate values. However, they may also contribute to inequitable outcomes. Are disadvantaged communities, which may be paradoxically rich in wastelands, more advantaged when green space redevelopment occurs, or are they more at risk of green gentrification and associated displacement? To address this question, we first review some of the literature relative to wastelands, especially as they relate to processes of urban change such as depopulation, land use planning, regrowth and gentrification. We utilize historical redlining maps, the Detroit Master Plan and projected land use scenarios from the Detroit Future City (DFC) Strategic Framework Plan to identify areas of vulnerability or possibility within walking distance of the proposed Joe Louis Greenway (JLG). Finally, we consider how wastelands situated along the JLG may be reframed as flexible opportunity spaces, their potential leveraged to advance environmental justice, economic opportunity, and social equity, especially as the City of Detroit takes socioeconomic and racial equity as a key orienting principle—an alternative to green gentrification that we call green reparations.
Towards Developing a New Model for Inclusive Cities in China—The Case of Xiong’an New Area
Authors: Liu Zhaowen , de Jong Martin , Li Fen , Brand Nikki , Hertogh Marcel , Dong Liang
Published: August 2020

Along with unprecedented urbanization in the last few decades, cities have experienced rapid social and economic transformation in China. A major challenge facing urban authorities in the immediate future is how to plan and govern cities such that they can serve as inclusive systems where everyone is enabled and empowered to fully participate in and contribute to socioeconomic life. A first step towards realizing this is to conceptualize an integrated framework that allows analysts and decision-makers to delineate, evaluate, and guide the development of these cities towards inclusiveness. In this study, we conducted a conceptual analysis of urban inclusiveness and then proposed a multidimensional framework for the evaluation of inclusive development. This is followed by the presentation of the case of Xiong’an, for which inclusive development indicators (IDIs) were selected. By comparing the state before the establishment of Xiong’an with its current development progress, and analyzing the area’s management structure and policy measures, the inclusive development challenges are identified. Subsequently, suggestions are given on how to direct Xiong’an toward higher levels of inclusiveness, including offering equal access to public services and employment opportunities, preserving environmental health and sustainable use of natural resources through waste recycling, and encouraging public participation in decision-making to bring higher levels of inclusion within reach.
Business Survival and the Influence of Innovation on Entrepreneurs in Business Incubators
Authors: Del Campo Villares Manuel Octavio , Miguéns-Refojo Vanessa , Ferreiro-Seoane Francisco Jesús
Published: August 2020

One of the objectives of this article is to study how innovation influences the results of entrepreneurs located in business incubators. The other objective is to examine how the training of entrepreneurs contributes to creating companies with high sustainability rates over time that are wealth generators in society. To achieve these objectives, entrepreneurs in business incubators in Spain were identified along with their level of training, their experience in business management, how much employment they have generated, their survival rate and the annual accounts (where economic, financial, and management information on the companies is collected). In turn, they were sent a questionnaire that allowed us to classify them by their degree of innovation. The techniques used are independent sample statistics that apply the Levene’s test, the analysis of the balance sheet, the income statements, and management indicators. This study concludes that, from the selected sample, 83.3% of the entrepreneurs established in business incubators in Spain have university training, and 64.2% prefer the branches of science, with 7.75 years of business experience, which favors business survival (100% in the seventh year of life) and the creation of qualified employment. All this favors the sustainability of the productive and business model which, being more intensive in knowledge and R&D, becomes more competitive in the market. On the other hand, there are no significant differences regarding the economic results, nor in the management indicators among the entrepreneurs of the incubators according to their degree of innovation. The value of research lies in the importance of studies on the relationship between innovation, training, and wealth-generating sustainability in incubators in today’s knowledge economy.
Applying Foresight to Policy Design for a Long-Term Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles
Authors: Mao Caixia , Koide Ryu , Akenji Lewis
Published: August 2020

Increasing attention is being paid to lifestyles in sustainability research and policymaking. Applying a foresight approach to sustainable lifestyles supports this increased focus by highlighting possible futures while also empowering citizens through a participatory process. Foresight has its origins in theory and practice to serve the policymaking process by involving diverse stakeholders. In the search to empower various stakeholders in the decision-making process on foresight, this paper analyses the results of a global expert survey to identify factors shaping future lifestyles. Survey results show that in consumption, the reasoning behind increased or reduced consumption matters; in infrastructure, affordability and equal accessibility is a concern; there are some uncertain implications of the changes in work and education, and physical and mental health, which need further exploration in the desired direction. Those factors should be included in public discussions on future sustainable lifestyles through adopting sustainable lifestyles as a foresight topic. Additionally, the survey results on stakeholders’ changing roles between now and 2050 illustrate how foresight could empower stakeholders through a bottom-up policymaking approach to realise a long term-transition to sustainable lifestyles.
Energy–Climate–Economy–Population Nexus: An Empirical Analysis in Kenya, Senegal, and Eswatini
Authors: Sarkodie Samuel Asumadu , Ackom Emmanuel , Bekun Festus Victor , Owusu Phebe Asantewaa
Published: August 2020

Motivated by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its impact by 2030, this study examines the relationship between energy consumption (SDG 7), climate (SDG 13), economic growth and population in Kenya, Senegal and Eswatini. We employ a Kernel Regularized Least Squares (KRLS) machine learning technique and econometric methods such as Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) regression, the Mean-Group (MG) and Pooled Mean-Group (PMG) estimation models. The econometric techniques confirm the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis between income level and CO2 emissions while the machine learning method confirms the scale effect hypothesis. We find that while CO2 emissions, population and income level spur energy demand and utilization, economic development is driven by energy use and population dynamics. This demonstrates that income, population growth, energy and CO2 emissions are inseparable, but require a collective participative decision in the achievement of the SDGs.
Alternative Leadership in Flexible Surge Capacity—The Perceived Impact of Tabletop Simulation Exercises on Thai Emergency Physicians Capability to Manage a Major Incident
Authors: Phattharapornjaroen Phatthranit , Glantz Viktor , Carlström Eric , Dahlén Holmqvist Lina , Khorram-Manesh Amir
Published: August 2020

Flexible surge capacity aims to activate and utilize other resources than normally are surged in a community during the primary and secondary surge capacity. The presence of alternative leadership, skilled and knowledgeable in hospital and prehospital emergency management, is invaluable. Thai emergency physicians work at both levels, emphasizing their important role in emergency management of any source in a disaster-prone country. We aimed to investigate Thai emergency physicians’ ability in terms of knowledge and preparedness to manage potential emergencies using tabletop simulation exercises. Using an established method for training collaboration, two training courses were arranged for over 50 Thai emergency physicians, who were divided into three teams of prehospital, hospital, and incident command groups. Three scenarios of a terror attack along with a bomb explosion, riot, and shooting, and high building fire were presented, and the participants’ performance was evaluated regarding their preparedness, response and gained knowledge. Two senior observers followed the leadership characteristic in particular. Thai physicians’ perceived ability in command and control, communication, collaboration, coordination, and situation assessment improved in all groups systematically. New perspectives and innovative measures were presented by participants, which improved the overall management on the final day. Tabletop simulation exercise increased the perceived ability, knowledge, and attitude of Thai emergency physicians in managing major incidents and disasters. It also enabled them to lead emergency management in a situation when alternative leadership is a necessity as part of the concept of a flexible surge capacity response system.
Transport Models of Ammonium Nitrogen in Wastewater from Rare Earth Smelteries by Reverse Osmosis Membranes
Authors: Gui Shuanglin , Mai Zhaohuan , Fu Jiaqi , Wei Yuansong , Wan Jinbao
Published: August 2020

Wastewater from rare earth smelteries contains large amounts of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), which causes severe environmental problems. In this contribution, the desalination efficiency of reverse osmosis (RO) was investigated in the treatment of NH4Cl or NaCl solutions from 0.1 to 40 g/L under different operating pressures with a commercial RO membrane. Experimental results showed that when an operating pressure above 30 bar is applied to the 5 g/L NH4Cl solution, the permeate was found to meet the discharge standards of NH4+-N. Compared to NH4Cl, the permeate fluxes of NaCl solutions were higher due to the higher net driving force and lower propensity to membrane fouling. Theoretical models indicate a linear relationship between water flux and the net driving force for both NH4Cl and NaCl solutions. On the contrary, a power function between the salt flux and concentration difference correlated well with the experimental data for salt transport. The equations for water and salt transport obtained by this work would provide a facile and practical means for predicting the membrane performance in design and optimization of RO processes for the treatment of wastewater from the rare earth industry.
The Costs of the COVID-19 on Subjective Well-Being: An Analysis of the Outbreak in Spain
Authors: Blasco-Belled Ana , Tejada-Gallardo Claudia , Torrelles-Nadal Cristina , Alsinet Carles
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak entailed radical shifts to individuals’ daily habits that challenged their subjective well-being (SWB). Knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on SWB is paramount for developing public policies to tackle mental health during health emergency periods. Decreases in life satisfaction are likely not only due to exposure to daily negative emotions but also due to hopelessness, fear, and avoidance of social interactions. We examined in a sample of 541 Spanish adults (1) reactions to the COVID-19 outbreak and (2) the mediating role of these reactions in the associations of hope and social phobia with life satisfaction through different levels of positive and negative affect. A moderated mediation analysis showed that the conditional indirect effect of hope and social anxiety on life satisfaction through information depended on the participants’ having high positive affect and low negative affect. Affect seems to be a mechanism that modulates the influence of individuals’ perception about COVID-19 on their life satisfaction. Those with high positive affect might see the “general picture” and search for adequate information as they avoid focusing on the problem and on specific information that precludes preventive behaviors. Having a positive affect might help individuals to adopt information-processing strategies during the COVID-19 outbreak that will improve their life satisfaction.
How to Improve the Functional Capacity of Frail and Pre-Frail Elderly People? Health, Nutritional Status and Exercise Intervention. The EXERNET-Elder 3.0 Project
Authors: Fernández-García Ángel Iván , Gómez-Cabello Alba , Moradell Ana , Navarrete-Villanueva David , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Ara Ignacio , Pedrero-Chamizo Raquel , Subías-Perié Jorge , Muniz-Pardos Borja , Casajús José A. , Vicente-Rodríguez Germán
Published: August 2020

Aging is associated with the impairment of health and functional capacity, and physical exercise seems to be an effective tool in frailty prevention and treatment. The purpose of this study was to present the methodology used in the EXERNET-Elder 3.0 project that aims to evaluate the immediate and residual effects and of a multicomponent exercise training program called Elder-fit on frailty, fitness, body composition and quality of life, and also to analyse a possible dietary intake interaction according to health and metabolic status. A total of 110 frail and pre-frail elders participated in this study and were divided into a control group (CG = 52) and an intervention group (IG = 58). The IG performed a supervised multicomponent exercise training program of 6 months and 3 days per week, which included strength, endurance, balance, coordination and flexibility exercises, while the CG continued with their usual daily activities. Both groups received four speeches about healthy habits along the project. Four evaluations were performed: at baseline, after 3 months of training, at the end of the training program (6 months) and 4 months after the program had ended to examine the effects of detraining. Evaluating the efficacy, safety and feasibility of this program will help to develop efficacious physical interventions against frailty. Further, protocols should be described accurately to allow exercise programs to be successfully replicated.
The Impact of Agricultural Service on Grain Production in China
Authors: Qiao Fangbin
Published: August 2020

The development of agricultural services was the most important change in China’s agricultural production in the past 20 years. Using nationally representative provincial-level panel data, this study shows that agricultural service has a positive impact on technical efficiency at a significance level of 0.06. Based on this study, if the share of agricultural service cost increases by 1%, technical efficiency will increase by 0.35%. In other words, this study provides an empirical explanation of the positive impact of agricultural service on productivity. Due to the heterogeneity of agricultural service, technical efficiency in Eastern China and major grain production regions is higher than that in other regions. Finally, this study confirms the convergence of technical change in China’s grain production.
A Decision Process for Optimizing Multi-Hazard Shelter Location Using Global Data
Authors: Godschall Sarah , Smith Virginia , Hubler Jonathan , Kremer Peleg
Published: August 2020

Mitigating the effects of natural hazards through infrastructure planning requires integration of diverse types of information from a range of fields, including engineering, geography, social science, and geology. Challenges in data availability and previously siloed data have hindered the ability to obtain the information necessary to support decision making for disaster risk management. This is particularly challenging for areas susceptible to multiple types of natural hazards, especially in low-income communities that lack the resources for data collection. The data revolution is altering this landscape, due to the increased availability of remotely sensed data and global data repositories. This work seeks to leverage these advancements to develop a framework using open global datasets for identifying optimal locations for disaster relief shelters. The goal of this study is to empower low-income regions and make resilience more equitable by providing a multi-hazard shelter planning framework that is accessible to all decision-makers. The tool described integrates spatial multi-criteria decision analysis methods with a network analysis procedure to inform decisions regarding disaster shelter planning and siting.
Assessment Model of End-of-Life Costs and Waste Quantification in Selective Demolitions: Case Studies of Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings
Authors: Vázquez-López Eduardo , Garzia Federico , Pernetti Roberta , Solís-Guzmán Jaime , Marrero Madelyn
Published: August 2020

Innovative designs, such as those taking place in nearly zero-energy buildings, need to tackle Life Cycle Cost, because reducing the impact of use can carry other collateral and unexpected costs. For example, it is interesting to include the evaluation of end-of-life costs by introducing future activities of selective dismantling and waste management, to also improve the environmental performance of the demotion project. For this purpose, it is necessary to develop methods that relate the process of selective demolition to the waste quantification and the costs derived from its management. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of end-of-life parameters allows different construction types, waste treatment options, and waste management costs to be compared. The assessment of end-of-life costs in the present work is developed by a case-based reasoning. Cost data are obtained from three actual studies which are part of the H2020 CRAVEzero project (Cost Reduction and Market Acceleration for Viable Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings). Results show that end-of-life costs are similar to traditional building typologies. The most influential materials are part of the substructure and structure of the building, such as concrete and steel products.
Ambit Field Modelling of Isotropic, Homogeneous, Divergence-Free and Skewed Vector Fields in Two Dimensions
Authors: Schmiegel Jürgen
Published: August 2020

We discuss the application of ambit fields to the construction of stochastic vector fields in two dimensions that are divergence-free and statistically homogeneous and isotropic but are not invariant under the parity operation. These vector fields are derived from a stochastic stream function defined as a weighted integral with respect to a Lévy basis. By construction, the stream function is homogeneous and isotropic and the corresponding vector field is, in addition, divergence-free. From a decomposition of the kernel in the Lévy-based integral, necessary conditions for the violation of parity symmetry are inferred. In particular, we focus on such fields that allow for skewness of projected increments, which is one of the cornerstones of the Kraichnan–Leith–Bachelor theory of two-dimensional turbulence.
Lie Symmetries and Low-Order Conservation Laws of a Family of Zakharov-Kuznetsov Equations in 2 + 1 Dimensions
Authors: Bruzón María S. , Garrido Tamara M. , Recio Elena , de la Rosa Rafael
Published: August 2020

In this work, we study a generalised (2+1) equation of the Zakharov–Kuznetsov (ZK)(m,n,k) equation involving three arbitrary functions. From the point of view of the Lie symmetry theory, we have derived all Lie symmetries of this equation depending on the arbitrary functions. Line soliton solutions have also been obtained. Moreover, we study the low-order conservation laws by applying the multiplier method. This family of equations is rich in Lie symmetries and conservation laws. Finally, when the equation is expressed in potential form, it admits a variational structure in the case when two of the arbitrary functions are linear. In addition, the corresponding Hamiltonian formulation is presented.
Temperature Dependence and Anisotropic Effects in the Thermal Properties of Hen Egg-White Lysozyme Crystals
Authors: Maki Syou , Fujiwara Seiji , Tanaka Seiichi , Erzalia Eka , Kato Mizuki , Higo Katsumasa , Isaka Yuki , Maekawa Ryunosuke , Hagiwara Masayuki , Arata Toshiaki
Published: August 2020

We measured the thermal conductivity (λ) and thermal diffusivity (α) of tetragonal hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) crystals by the transient short-hot wire method. The crystals were grown by two different methods: Magnetically levitated crystals were realized with a superconducting magnet, the c-axis of which was perpendicularly orientated in the direction of the wire, and naturally grown crystals realized by the two-liquid method, grown randomly. We confirmed the temperature dependence in both the λ and α properties by measuring the variations in temperature and by statistical analysis. These properties differed slightly depending on the presence or absence of a magnetic field applied during the crystal growth. We hypothesize that the difference originated from the orientation of the crystals caused by the magnetic field. The statistical analyses demonstrated the possibility that asymmetric thermal conduction in the protein crystals provides anisotropic effects of the thermal properties.
Emergence of Simple Characteristics for Heterogeneous Complex Social Agents
Authors: Bertin Eric
Published: August 2020

Models of interacting social agents often represent agents as very simple entities with a small number of degrees of freedom, as exemplified by binary opinion models for instance. Understanding how such simple individual characteristics may emerge from potentially much more complex agents is thus a natural question. It has been proposed recently in [E. Bertin, P. Jensen, C. R. Phys. 20, 329 (2019)] that some types of interactions among agents with many internal degrees of freedom may lead to a ‘simplification’ of agents, which are then effectively described by a small number of internal degrees of freedom. Here, we generalize the model to account for agent intrinsic heterogeneity. We find two different simplification regimes, one dominated by interactions, where agents become simple and identical as in the homogeneous model, and one where agents remain strongly heterogeneous although effectively with simple characteristics.
Caustics in Gravitational Lensing by Mixed Binary Systems
Authors: Bozza Valerio , Pietroni Silvia , Melchiorre Chiara
Published: August 2020

We investigated binary lenses with 1/rn potentials in the asymmetric case with two lenses with different indexes n and m. These kinds of potentials have been widely used in several contexts, ranging from galaxies with halos described by different power laws to lensing by wormholes or exotic matter. In this paper, we present a complete atlas of critical curves and caustics for mixed binaries, starting from the equal-strength case, and then exploring unequal-strength systems. We also calculate the transitions between all different topology regimes. Finally we find some useful analytic approximations for the wide binary case and for the extreme unequal-strength case.
Dark Matters on the Scale of Galaxies
Authors: de Martino Ivan , Chakrabarty Sankha S. , Cesare Valentina , Gallo Arianna , Ostorero Luisa , Diaferio Antonaldo
Published: August 2020

The cold dark-matter model successfully explains both the emergence and evolution of cosmic structures on large scales and, when we include a cosmological constant, the properties of the homogeneous and isotropic Universe. However, the cold dark-matter model faces persistent challenges on the scales of galaxies. Indeed, N-body simulations predict some galaxy properties that are at odds with the observations. These discrepancies are primarily related to the dark-matter distribution in the innermost regions of the halos of galaxies and to the dynamical properties of dwarf galaxies. They may have three different origins: (1) the baryonic physics affecting galaxy formation is still poorly understood and it is thus not properly included in the model; (2) the actual properties of dark matter differs from those of the conventional cold dark matter; (3) the theory of gravity departs from General Relativity. Solving these discrepancies is a rapidly evolving research field. We illustrate some of the solutions proposed within the cold dark-matter model, and solutions when including warm dark matter, self-interacting dark matter, axion-like particles, or fuzzy dark matter. We also illustrate some modifications of the theory of gravity: Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), MOdified Gravity (MOG), and f(R) gravity.
A Bayesian Approach to the Simulation Argument
Authors: Kipping David
Published: August 2020

The Simulation Argument posed by Bostrom suggests that we may be living inside a sophisticated computer simulation. If posthuman civilizations eventually have both the capability and desire to generate such Bostrom-like simulations, then the number of simulated realities would greatly exceed the one base reality, ostensibly indicating a high probability that we do not live in said base reality. In this work, it is argued that since the hypothesis that such simulations are technically possible remains unproven, statistical calculations need to consider not just the number of state spaces, but the intrinsic model uncertainty. This is achievable through a Bayesian treatment of the problem, which is presented here. Using Bayesian model averaging, it is shown that the probability that we are sims is in fact less than 50%, tending towards that value in the limit of an infinite number of simulations. This result is broadly indifferent as to whether one conditions upon the fact that humanity has not yet birthed such simulations, or ignore it. As argued elsewhere, it is found that if humanity does start producing such simulations, then this would radically shift the odds and make it very probably we are in fact simulated.
Recent Progress in the Detection of Bacteria Using Bacteriophages: A Review
Authors: Paczesny Jan , Richter Łukasz , Hołyst Robert
Published: August 2020

Bacteria will likely become our most significant enemies of the 21st century, as we are approaching a post-antibiotic era. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, allow us to fight infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria and create specific, cheap, and stable sensors for bacteria detection. Here, we summarize the recent developments in the field of phage-based methods for bacteria detection. We focus on works published after mid-2017. We underline the need for further advancements, especially related to lowering the detection (below 1 CFU/mL; CFU stands for colony forming units) and shortening the time of analysis (below one hour). From the application point of view, portable, cheap, and fast devices are needed, even at the expense of sensitivity.
Lipid Nanoparticle Acts as a Potential Adjuvant for Influenza Split Vaccine without Inducing Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Shirai Seiki , Kawai Atsushi , Shibuya Meito , Munakata Lisa , Omata Daiki , Suzuki Ryo , Yoshioka Yasuo
Published: August 2020

Vaccination is a critical and reliable strategy for controlling the spread of influenza viruses in populations. Conventional seasonal split vaccines (SVs) for influenza evoke weaker immune responses than other types of vaccines, such as inactivated whole-virion vaccines, although SVs are highly safe compared to other types. Here, we assessed the potential of the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) we developed as an adjuvant for conventional influenza SV as an antigen in mice. The LNP did not induce the production of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-12 p40 by dendritic cells or the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on these cells in vitro. In contrast, an SV adjuvanted with LNP improved SV-specific IgG1 and IgG2 responses and the Th1 response compared to the SV alone in mice. In addition, SV adjuvanted with an LNP gave superior protection against the influenza virus challenge over the SV alone and was as effective as SV adjuvanted with aluminum salts in mice. The LNP did not provoke inflammatory responses such as inflammatory cytokine production and inflammatory immune cell infiltration in mice, whereas aluminum salts induced inflammatory responses. These results suggest the potential of the LNP as an adjuvant without inflammatory responses for influenza SVs. Our strategy should be useful for developing influenza vaccines with enhanced efficacy and safety.
Influenza A Virus Vaccination: Immunity, Protection, and Recent Advances Toward A Universal Vaccine
Authors: Lopez Christopher E. , Legge Kevin L.
Published: August 2020

Influenza virus infections represent a serious public health threat and account for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide due to seasonal epidemics and periodic pandemics. Despite being an important countermeasure to combat influenza virus and being highly efficacious when matched to circulating influenza viruses, current preventative strategies of vaccination against influenza virus often provide incomplete protection due the continuous antigenic drift/shift of circulating strains of influenza virus. Prevention and control of influenza virus infection with vaccines is dependent on the host immune response induced by vaccination and the various vaccine platforms induce different components of the local and systemic immune response. This review focuses on the immune basis of current (inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV)) as well as novel vaccine platforms against influenza virus. Particular emphasis will be placed on how each platform induces cross-protection against heterologous influenza viruses, as well as how this immunity compares to and contrasts from the “gold standard” of immunity generated by natural influenza virus infection.
Clinical, Electrodiagnostic Findings and Quality of Life of Dogs and Cats with Brachial Plexus Injury
Authors: Menchetti Marika , Gandini Gualtiero , Bravaccini Beatrice , Dondi Maurizio , Gagliardo Teresa , Bianchi Ezio
Published: August 2020

Brachial plexus injury (BPI) represents a common consequence of road traffic accidents in humans and small animals. In humans, neuropathic pain is a common symptom after BPI. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical signs, the electrodiagnostic findings, the outcome and the quality of life (QoL) of a cohort of dogs and cats with BPI. Clinical records of 40 dogs and 26 cats with BPI were retrospectively reviewed. Specific attention was put on the evaluation of electrodiagnostic findings (35/40 dogs; 14/26 cats) and telephonic interview results (26/40 dogs; 18/26 cats). The most common neurological condition was the inability to bear weight and sensory deficits on the affected limb. Radial and ulnar motor nerve conduction studies (MNCSs) were absent respectively in 47% (radial) and 62% (ulnar) of dogs and 57% (radial) and 57% (ulnar) of cats. The absence of radial (p = 0.003) and ulnar (p = 0.007) MNCSs in dogs and ulnar MNCSs in cats (p = 0.02) was significantly associated to the amputation of the affected limb. The owners described signs of pain/discomfort in 73% of dogs and 56% of cats. This is the first report suggesting that neuropathic pain/discomfort should be adequately considered in order to improve the QoL.