bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation Design for Single-Pass GEO InSAR Considering Earth Rotation Based on Coordinate Rotational Transformation
Authors: Chen Zhiyang , Dong Xichao , Li Yuanhao , Hu Cheng
Published: February 2020

The single-pass geosynchronous synthetic aperture radar interferometry (GEO InSAR) adopts the formation of a slave satellite accompanying the master satellite, which can reduce the temporal decorrelation caused by atmospheric disturbance and observation time gap between repeated tracks. Current formation design methods for spaceborne SAR are based on the Relative Motion Equation (RME) in the Earth-Centered-Inertial (ECI) coordinate system (referred to as ECI-RME). Since the Earth rotation is not taken into account, the methods will lead to a significant error for the baseline calculation while applied to formation design for GEO InSAR. In this paper, a formation design method for single-pass GEO InSAR based on Coordinate Rotational Transformation (CRT) is proposed. Through CRT, the RME in Earth-Centered-Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinate system (referred to as ECEF-RME) is derived. The ECEF-RME can be used to describe the accurate baseline of close-flying satellites for different orbital altitudes, but not limited to geosynchronous orbit. Aiming at the problem that ECEF-RME does not have a regular geometry as ECI-RME does, a numerical formation design method based on the minimum baseline error criterion is proposed. Then, an analytical formation design method is proposed for GEO InSAR, based on the Minimum Along-track Baseline Criterion (MABC) subject to a fixed root mean square of the perpendicular baseline. Simulation results verify the validity of the ECEF-RME and the analytical formation design method. The simulation results also show that the proposed method can help alleviate the atmospheric phase impacts and improve the retrieval accuracy of the digital elevation model (DEM) compared with the ECI-RME-based approach.
Spatio-Temporal Mapping of Multi-Satellite Observed Column Atmospheric CO2 Using Precision-Weighted Kriging Method
Authors: He Zhonghua , Lei Liping , Zhang Yuhui , Sheng Mengya , Wu Changjiang , Li Liang , Zeng Zhao-Cheng , Welp Lisa R.
Published: February 2020

Column-averaged dry air mole fraction of atmospheric CO2 (XCO2), obtained by multiple satellite observations since 2003 such as ENVISAT/SCIAMACHY, GOSAT, and OCO-2 satellite, is valuable for understanding the spatio-temporal variations of atmospheric CO2 concentrations which are related to carbon uptake and emissions. In order to construct long-term spatio-temporal continuous XCO2 from multiple satellites with different temporal and spatial periods of observations, we developed a precision-weighted spatio-temporal kriging method for integrating and mapping multi-satellite observed XCO2. The approach integrated XCO2 from different sensors considering differences in vertical sensitivity, overpass time, the field of view, repeat cycle and measurement precision. We produced globally mapped XCO2 (GM-XCO2) with spatial/temporal resolution of 1 × 1 degree every eight days from 2003 to 2016 with corresponding data precision and interpolation uncertainty in each grid. The predicted GM-XCO2 precision improved in most grids compared with conventional spatio-temporal kriging results, especially during the satellites overlapping period (0.3–0.5 ppm). The method showed good reliability with R2 of 0.97 from cross-validation. GM-XCO2 showed good accuracy with a standard deviation of bias from total carbon column observing network (TCCON) measurements of 1.05 ppm. This method has potential applications for integrating and mapping XCO2 or other similar datasets observed from multiple satellite sensors. The resulting GM-XCO2 product may be also used in different carbon cycle research applications with different precision requirements.
Development of a Real-Time Tillage Depth Measurement System for Agricultural Tractors: Application to the Effect Analysis of Tillage Depth on Draft Force during Plow Tillage
Authors: Kim Yeon-Soo , Kim Taek-Jin , Kim Yong-Joo , Lee Sang-Dae , Park Seong-Un , Kim Wan-Soo
Published: February 2020

The objectives of this study were to develop a real-time tillage depth measurement system for agricultural tractor performance analysis and then to validate these configured systems through soil non-penetration tests and field experiment during plow tillage. The real-time tillage depth measurement system was developed by using a sensor fusion method, consisting of a linear potentiometer, inclinometer, and optical distance sensor to measure the vertical penetration depth of the attached implement. In addition, a draft force measurement system was developed using six-component load cells, and an accuracy of 98.9% was verified through a static load test. As a result of the soil non-penetration tests, it was confirmed that sensor fusion type A, consisting of a linear potentiometer and inclinometer, was 6.34–11.76% more accurate than sensor fusion type B, consisting of an optical distance sensor and inclinometer. Therefore, sensor fusion type A was used during field testing as it was found to be more suitable for use in severe working environments. To verify the accuracy of the real-time tillage depth measurement system, a linear regression analysis was performed between the measured draft and the predicted values calculated using the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) standards-based equation. Experimental data such as traveling speed and draft force showed that it was significantly affected by tillage depth, and the coefficient of determination value at M3–Low was 0.847, which is relatively higher than M3–High. In addition, the regression analysis of the integrated data showed an R-square value of 0.715, which is an improvement compared to the accuracy of the ASABE standard prediction formula. In conclusion, the effect of tillage depth on draft force of agricultural tractors during plow tillage was analyzed by the simultaneous operation of the proposed real-time tillage depth measurement system and draft force measurement system. In addition, system accuracy is higher than the predicted accuracy of ± 40% based on the ASABE standard equation, which is considered to be useful for various agricultural machinery research fields. In future studies, real-time tillage depth measurement systems can be used in tractor power train design and to ensure component reliability, in accordance with agricultural working conditions, by predicting draft force and axle loads depending on the tillage depth during tillage operations.
Short Duplex Module Coupled to G-Quadruplexes Increases Fluorescence of Synthetic GFP Chromophore Analogues
Authors: Zaitseva Snizhana O. , Baleeva Nadezhda S. , Zatsepin Timofei S. , Myasnyanko Ivan N. , Turaev Anton V. , Pozmogova Galina E. , Khrulev Alexei A. , Varizhuk Anna M. , Baranov Mikhail S. , Aralov Andrey V.
Published: February 2020

Aptasensors became popular instruments in bioanalytical chemistry and molecular biology. To increase specificity, perspective signaling elements in aptasensors can be separated into a G-quadruplex (G4) part and a free fluorescent dye that lights up upon binding to the G4 part. However, current systems are limited by relatively low enhancement of fluorescence upon dye binding. Here, we added duplex modules to G4 structures, which supposedly cause the formation of a dye-binding cavity between two modules. Screening of multiple synthetic GFP chromophore analogues and variation of the duplex module resulted in the selection of dyes that light up after complex formation with two-module structures and their RNA analogues by up to 20 times compared to parent G4s. We demonstrated that the short duplex part in TBA25 is preferable for fluorescence light up in comparison to parent TBA15 molecule as well as TBA31 and TBA63 stabilized by longer duplexes. Duplex part of TBA25 may be partially unfolded and has reduced rigidity, which might facilitate optimal dye positioning in the joint between G4 and the duplex. We demonstrated dye enhancement after binding to modified TBA, LTR-III, and Tel23a G4 structures and propose that such architecture of short duplex-G4 signaling elements will enforce the development of improved aptasensors.
Synergy of the (Campus) Commons: Integrating Campus-Based Team Projects in an Introductory Sustainability Course
Authors: Clark Charlotte R. , Capps Tavey M.
Published: February 2020

Faculty and staff at Duke have collaborated to teach a one-semester, introductory, undergraduate course on sustainability ten times over 12 years, including both theoretical and applied project-based content. This article describes the overall process and rhythm of the course, and provides a unique contribution by summarizing our process to accomplish on-campus sustainability projects where three- to five-person student teams collaborate with on-campus clients throughout the semester, researching questions posed by the client, and ultimately providing recommendations. The faculty/staff partnership on the instructional team permits five to six projects to be designed each year, with a much broader array of clients and authentic research questions than could be envisioned by an academic faculty member alone. Having a strong connection with the Sustainable Duke staff provides the trust with other staff on campus that project results can endure past the semester time period if warranted.
Interactive Maps of Social Problems and Security Threats Illustrated with an Example of Solutions Currently Used in Upper Silesia
Authors: Szyszka Michał , Polko Paulina
Published: February 2020

The geographical presentation of various data on the spatial functioning of society has been present in fields such as social policy and security for almost 200 years. New technologies, in particular computerization and the GIS tool, not only make the mapping of social problems or security threats more accurate, but also allow for the interactive creation of those maps by society and public institutions. This article is a qualitative analysis of solutions used in the Silesian Voivodeship, a region of Poland with a highly specific nature and density in terms of the problems discussed. The tools presented, including a “National Map of Security Threats” and “Maps of Social Problems and Resources in the Local Environment”, demonstrate—apart from their obvious benefits, such as increasing public awareness of threats and enhancing cooperation between society and public institutions in combatting them—the challenges and problems that these solutions bring and may also create in the future.
Casting Long-Term and Regenerative Perspectives on Global Sustainability through Systems and Resilience Thinking
Authors: Casarejos Fabricio
Published: February 2020

The main objective of this work is to foster long-term and regenerative perspectives on global sustainability. In pursuing this goal, this study encompasses a critical analysis and synthesis of insights from the fields of systems and resilience thinking, a conceptual framework for modeling and envisioning socio-ecological systems, and the proposition of the “flourishing within boundaries” archetype, which is conceived to provide meaningful insights regarding the essential conditions that would enable global society to flourish not just safely but also fairly. Through systems dynamics modeling, portrayed scenarios emphasize that the higher the regenerative societal change achieved, the greater the exponential behavior of the system’s speed towards promising socio-ecological outcomes. Especially for longer time horizons, the overall results reveal that the pace of the transitions associated with the societal action is inherently higher than those associated with the limiting social and ecological factors. Actions taken by individuals in the local realm and short-term time horizon may not only have immediate local effects but also a variety of innumerous ones that radiate out for years, decades, and even centuries to come. Finally, the pursuit of flourishing within boundaries relies on thinking rationally, globally, and above all, through a long-term and regenerative perspective.
Exploring the Role of Advertising Types on Improving the Water Consumption Behavior: An Application of Integrated Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy VIKOR Method
Authors: Salimi Amir Hossein , Noori Amir , Bonakdari Hossein , Masoompour Samakosh Jafar , Sharifi Ehsan , Hassanvand Mohammadreza , Gharabaghi Baharam , Agharazi Mehdi
Published: February 2020

In recent years, many cities have suffered from a shortage of drinking water, mainly due to population growth. Hence, the desire to curb undue water consumption through the identification of the main factors affecting consumer behavior has become very important in managing drinking water supplies. Modifying the consumption pattern means institutionalizing of a sustainable culture in water consumption among consumers and the identification of the main criteria affecting their behavior. In 2018, a survey was applied to examine the role of mass media advertising in modifying the water consumption pattern in Iran. An integration of fuzzy AHP and fuzzy VIKOR was proposed based on group decision making, and fuzzy trapezoidal sets used to model linguistic variables and to deal with uncertainty in opinions. We devised and conducted a questionnaire with 24 main criteria and 8 sub-criteria to measure the impact of advertising on water consumption. The case study population in this study included all urban households over 15 cities of Iran. A total of 5630 questionnaires were distributed among the various populations with cluster method. Then, by analyzing the results, advertisements using animation had the highest impact on consumer behavior, among the available alternatives, and could play a significant role in modifying the water consumption pattern. Additionally, a fuzzy evaluation technique is performed to validate the result of the applied method. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the stability of the final ranking. Finally, the prioritization results of the types of advertising by the proposed method were compared with the results of the fuzzy AHP method.
Land Damage Mapping and Liquefaction Potential Analysis of Soils from the Epicentral Region of 2017 Pohang Mw 5.4 Earthquake, South Korea
Authors: Naik Sambit Prasanajit , Gwon Ohsang , Park Kiwoong , Kim Young-Seog
Published: February 2020

Studies on earthquake-induced liquefaction and identification of source unit for causing liquefaction have been a major concern in sustainable land use development especially in low to moderate seismic areas. During the 2017 Mw 5.4 Pohang earthquake, widespread liquefaction was reported around the Heunghae basin, which was the first ever reported case of liquefaction in the modern seismic history of Korea. The epicentral area is one of the major industrial hubs along the SE Korean Peninsula with no detailed liquefaction hazard map. The purpose of this study was to determine the land damage classification on the basis of surface manifestation of liquefaction features and carry out detailed liquefaction potential analysis to delineate the depth of liquefiable soil. This will eventually support developing a liquefaction hazard zonation map and sustainable development of infrastructure to minimize earthquake damages. In this present study, the southern part of the Heunghae basin, which has more field evidences of liquefaction than the northern part, was taken for detailed liquefaction analysis. From the detailed analysis, it was observed that the soils from 1.5 to 15 m depth with the probability of liquefaction varying from 2 to 20 are prone to liquefaction. On the basis of land damage pattern, the epicentral area falls in orange to red zone, which means the necessity of further detailed liquefaction analysis. This study urges more detailed liquefaction zonation should be carried out for the epicentral area and liquefaction hazard should be included in the multi-hazard map in the future for the sustainable land use planning.
Urbanization in Small Cities and Their Significant Implications on Landscape Structures: The Case in Ethiopia
Authors: Terfa Berhanu Keno , Chen Nengcheng , Zhang Xiang , Niyogi Dev
Published: February 2020

Fundamental ideas concerning urbanization are primarily based on studies performed in large cities. It is of interest to study whether or not similar phenomena take place in smaller cities. Small cities are an inherent component of urbanization, and in the future, the majority of globalization is expected to occur in small and mid-sized cities. Understanding the effects of small cities on landscape structures is, therefore, an essential component in planning city land expansion. Accordingly, this study focused on six towns of the Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinnee, Ethiopia, which is broadly known to be experiencing dramatic growth. Time-series Landsat images from 1987 to 2019 with an integrated method, landscape metrics, and built-up density analysis were employed to characterize and compare the dynamics of landscape structures, urban expansion patterns, process, and overall growth status in the towns. The results highlight that all the towns experienced accelerated growth in the built-up areas and highly scattered nature in spatial growth. Landscape ecology analysis confirmed a highly fragmented urban landscape, a significant loss of natural land covers, and disconnected and complicated agro-vegetation patches in all towns, suggesting a lack of rigorous implementation of the master plan. Results also indicated that the Oromia Special Zone surrounding Finfinnee has failed to control urban sprawl to surrounding ecological sensitive areas. The study results, more broadly, highlight that the small cities would have a limited physical and demographic footprint and relatively less contribution to the national economic agglomeration; nonetheless, they can have a notable and important impact in terms of their ecological and environmental influence. Hence, the study suggests policies for monitoring such dynamics and protecting agro-environmental connectivity with particular focus on the small cities.
Ultramicrobacteria from Nitrate- and Radionuclide-Contaminated Groundwater
Authors: Nazina Tamara , Babich Tamara , Kostryukova Nadezhda , Sokolova Diyana , Abdullin Ruslan , Tourova Tatyana , Kadnikov Vitaly , Mardanov Andrey , Ravin Nikolai , Grouzdev Denis , Poltaraus Andrey , Kalmykov Stepan , Safonov Alexey , Zakharova Elena , Novikov Alexander , Kato Kenji
Published: February 2020

The goal of the present work was to investigate the physicochemical and radiochemical conditions and the microbial diversity in groundwater collected near the Lake Karachai (Russia), which was formerly used for the disposal of liquid radioactive waste, to isolate the dominant bacteria, and to determine their taxonomy and the physiological characteristics responsible for their adaptation to this environment. Groundwater samples contained high concentrations of acetate, oxalate, nitrate, and sulfate, as well as radionuclides. High-throughput sequencing and analysis of the clone libraries revealed lower microbial diversity in the most strongly contaminated groundwater and a predominance of bacteria of the genera Polynucleobacter, Pusillimonas, Candidatus Pelagibacter, and of the candidate phylum Parcubacteria; these groups include species with an ultra small cell size. Archaeal sequences in the libraries belonged to ammonium oxidizers of the phylum Thaumarchaeota and methanogens of the phylum Euryarchaeota. Pure cultures of obligate and facultative ultramicrobacteria belonging to the genera Chryseobacterium, Microbacterium, Salinibacterium, Pusillimonas, Roseomonas, and Janibacter were isolated from water samples. In genomes of Pusillimonas and Roseomonas strains the genes associated with nitrate reduction, resistance to heavy metals and metalloids were revealed. Several isolates are able to participate in the geochemical process of nitrate conversion to N2 using acetate; this results in decreasing redox potential, which in turn may stimulate radionuclide reduction and decrease radionuclide migration in groundwater.
Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions for Hydro-Meteorological Risk Reduction in Small Mediterranean Catchments: The Case of Portofino Natural Regional Park, Italy
Authors: Turconi Laura , Faccini Francesco , Marchese Alessandra , Paliaga Guido , Casazza Marco , Vojinovic Zoran , Luino Fabio
Published: February 2020

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are usually defined as complementary or alternative solutions to “grey infrastructures” (traditionally made with cement) aimed at conserving and regenerating the functionality of natural and semi-natural ecosystems. The research to date shows a considerable potential of NBS to address the current challenges related to climate change and geo-hydrological risks. Despite significant interest in NBS by researchers and practitioners, knowledge concerning their practical implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is still lacking. This is particularly true for large-scale NBS. The present paper discusses how such solutions can be implemented in the context of hydro-meteorological risk reduction in small Mediterranean catchments with a strong tourist vocation. The work presented here is situated within the RECONECT Project (Regenerating ECOsystems with Nature-based solutions for hydro-meteorological risk rEduCTion), which aims to contribute to a European reference framework on NBS by demonstrating, upscaling, and replicating large-scale NBS in rural and natural areas. The Italian case study of RECONECT is the Portofino Natural Regional Park, which represents a unique natural landscape element with high ecologic, social, and economic (touristic) value, which is threatened by a range of geo-hydrological hazards, such as flash floods, hyper-concentrated floods, shallow landslides, rockfalls, and storm surges. This paper also presents details of NBS interventions in two pilot catchments (San Fruttuoso and Paraggi) visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year. It addresses some of the key aspects related to monitoring meteorological and hydrological processes, as well as remote sensing activities (i.e., LiDAR surveys), which are necessary for the identification of critical-instability areas along waterways and the reconstruction of dry stone walls. Lastly, a discussion of relevant mitigation and adaptation strategies that are potentially replicable at national and international levels is also provided.
Study on the Coupling Coordination Relationship between Water-Use Efficiency and Economic Development
Authors: Xu Wenjie , Zhang Xiaoping , Xu Qian , Gong Huiling , Li Qing , Liu Bo , Zhang Jingwei
Published: February 2020

In order to achieve the sustainable utilization of water resources and the sustainable development of the economy, an evaluation index system for water-use efficiency and economic development systems was constructed. The entropy weight and the comprehensive evaluation methods were adopted to determine the index weights and conduct a comprehensive evaluation for the two systems. A coupling coordination model was used to calculate the coupling degree, coordination degree, and coupling coordination degree of the two systems. The annual coupling stage and coupling coordination intensity of the two systems were analyzed and determined. The results showed that the comprehensive evaluation values of both the water-use efficiency system and the economic development system in Jinan increased greatly from 2008 to 2017, and showed a changing trend of ups and downs. The two systems were in the antagonistic stage, and were gradually approaching the running-in stage, indicating that they were in the state of common development. The coupling coordination degree of the two systems gradually increased in waves, progressing from moderately to highly coordinated coupling. In the future, if the water control path appropriate to Jinan can be explored actively, the water-saving kinetic energy of economic development can be increased constantly, and the linkage effect between economic development and water resource utilization can be given full play. The two systems will then be in sync, enjoying a benign interaction and a healthy harmonious development.
Policy Acceptance of Low-Consumption Governance Approaches: The Effect of Social Norms and Hypocrisy
Authors: Thorman Dan , Whitmarsh Lorraine , Demski Christina
Published: February 2020

Tackling over-consumption of resources and associated emissions at the lifestyle level will be crucial to climate change mitigation. Understanding the public acceptability of policy aimed at behaviour change in this domain will help to focus strategy towards effective and targeted solutions. Across two studies (n = 259, 300) we consider how policy approaches at different levels of governance (individual, community, and national) might be influenced by the inducement of hypocrisy and the activation of social norms. We also examine the influence of these experimental manipulations upon behavioural intention to reduce consumption (e.g., repair not replace, avoiding luxuries). Dynamic social norm framing was unsuccessful in producing an effect on policy acceptance or intentions to reduce consumption. Information provision about the impact of individual consumption on global climate change increased support for radical policies at the national level (banning environmentally harmful consumption practices) and the community level (working fewer hours, sharing material products, collaborative food cultivation), yet the inducement of hypocrisy had no additional effect. This is in contrast to individual-level behavioural intentions, where the inducement of hypocrisy decreased intentions to engage in high-consumption behaviour. This paper concludes with implications for low-consumption governance.
Electric Free-Floating Carsharing for Sustainable Cities: Characterization of Frequent Trip Profiles Using Acquired Rental Data
Authors: Ampudia-Renuncio María , Guirao Begoña , Molina-Sanchez Rafael , Bragança Luís
Published: February 2020

Free-floating carsharing systems (FFCS) have become a new type of urban sustainable mobility, much more flexible than the previous station-based carsharing but limited by on-street parking availability and managed by municipal administrations. Literature on FFCS until now mostly relies on survey-based methodologies and simulations, and little research on FFCS has been devoted to the scientific analysis of real flows using revealed web-based data. This paper contributes to the existing literature with an analysis of FFCS trips using rental data collected directly from operators’ websites, paying special attention to the most frequent trips. The added value of this research is that it provides the first analysis of the more FFCS demanding districts in the city of Madrid. The results showed that the main origin and destinations points were concentrated in low populated and high-income districts that also had good parking availability and connectivity to the public transportation network.
Changes of Soil Microbes Related with Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling after Long-Term CO2 Enrichment in a Typical Chinese Maize Field
Authors: Diao Tiantian , Peng Zhengping , Niu Xiaoguang , Yang Rongquan , Ma Fen , Guo Liping
Published: February 2020

Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (eCO2) has been the most important driving factor and characteristic of climate change. To clarify the effects of eCO2 on the soil microbes and on the concurrent status of soil carbon and nitrogen, an experiment was conducted in a typical summer maize field based on a 10-year mini FACE (Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment) system in North China. Both rhizospheric and bulk soils were collected for measurement. The soil microbial carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and soil mineral N were measured at two stages. Characteristics of microbes were assayed for both rhizospheric soil and bulk soils at the key stage. We examined the plasmid copy numbers, diversities, and community structures of bacteria (in terms of 16s rRNA), fungi (in terms of ITS-internal transcribed spacer), ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and denitrifiers including nirK, nirS, and nosZ using the Miseq sequencing technique. Results showed that under eCO2 conditions, both MBC and MBN in rhizospheric soil were increased significantly. The quantity of ITS was increased in the eCO2 treatment compared with that in the ambient CO2 (aCO2) treatment, while the quantity of 16s rRNA in rhizospheric soil showed decrease in the rhizospheric soil in the eCO2 treatment. ECO2 changed the relative abundance of microbes in terms of compositional proportion of some orders or genera particularly in the rhizospheric soil-n particular, Chaetomium increased for ITS, Subgroups 4 and 6 increased for 16s rRNA, Nitrosospira decreased for AOB, and some genera showed increase for nirS, nirK, and nosZ. Nitrate N was the main inorganic nitrogen form at the tasseling stage and both quantities of AOB and denitrifiers, as well as the nosZ/(nirS+nirK) showed an increase under eCO2 conditions particularly in the rhizospheric soil. The Nitrosospira decreased in abundance under eCO2 conditions in the rhizospheric soil and some genera of denitrifiers also showed differences in abundance. ECO2 did not change the diversities of microbes significantly. In general, results suggested that 10 years of eCO2 did affect the active component of C and N pools (such as MBC and MBN) and both the quantities and relative abundance of microbes which are involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling, possibly due to the differences in both the quantities and component of substrate for relevant microbes in the rhizospheric soils.
Vulnerability Assessment of Forest Fringe Villages of Madhya Pradesh, India for Planning Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Yadava Ram Nayan , Sinha Bhaskar
Published: February 2020

This study aims to assess the climate change vulnerability of forest fringe villages of Madhya Pradesh, India, and to identify the major drivers of vulnerability, which could help to develop effective adaptation strategies. A total of 325 households spread in 29 villages of Hoshangabad, and Mandla districts were chosen for primary data collection during the summer of 2015. The selection of villages and households was carried out through stratified random sampling and systematic random sampling, respectively. The vulnerability index (score) was developed and analyzed with respect to the different socioeconomic parameters. The analysis revealed that it is not the social class of a household but the economic condition, level of education, and type of occupation/livelihood of the members of a household that are significant factors influencing the vulnerability of a household. Such findings suggest that government programs need to be designed to address the welfare of all social classes in the forest fringe villages. The study has significance in terms of providing a framework for prioritizing target households for different programs related to vulnerability reduction in the forest fringe areas.
Evaluation of the Mass Diffusion Coefficient and Mass Biot Number Using a Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Winiczenko Radosław , Górnicki Krzysztof , Kaleta Agnieszka
Published: February 2020

A precise determination of the mass diffusion coefficient and the mass Biot number is indispensable for deeper mass transfer analysis that can enable finding optimum conditions for conducting a considered process. The aim of the article is to estimate the mass diffusion coefficient and the mass Biot number by applying nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA) II genetic algorithms. The method is used in drying. The maximization of coefficient of correlation (R) and simultaneous minimization of mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) between the model and experimental data were taken into account. The Biot number and moisture diffusion coefficient can be determined using the following equations: Bi = 0.7647141 + 10.1689977s − 0.003400086T + 948.715758s2 + 0.000024316T2 − 0.12478256sT, D = 1.27547936∙10−7 − 2.3808∙10−5s − 5.08365633∙10−9T + 0.0030005179s2 + 4.266495∙10−11T2 + 8.33633∙10−7sT or Bi = 0.764714 + 10.1689091s − 0.003400089T + 948.715738s2 + 0.000024316T2 − 0.12478252sT, D = 1.27547948∙10−7 − 2.3806∙10−5s − 5.08365753∙10−9T + 0.0030005175s2 + 4.266493∙10−11T2 + 8.336334∙10−7sT. The results of statistical analysis for the Biot number and moisture diffusion coefficient equations were as follows: R = 0.9905672, MAE = 0.0406375, RMSE = 0.050252 and R = 0.9905611, MAE = 0.0406403 and RMSE = 0.050273, respectively.
A Study of Deformations in a Thermoelastic Dipolar Body with Voids
Authors: Marin Marin , Abbas Ibrahim , Vlase Sorin , Craciun Eduard M.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we consider the mixed initial boundary value problem in the context of a thermoelastic porous body having a dipolar structure. We intend to analyze the rate of decay of solutions to this problem to ensure that in a finite time, they become null. In our main result, we find that the combined contribution of the dipolar constitution of the body together with voids dissipation and thermal behavior cannot cause vanishing of the deformations in a finite time.
Antibody-Mediated Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Infection Downregulates the Production of Interferon-α and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Porcine Alveolar Macrophages via Fc Gamma Receptor I and III
Authors: Zhang Liujun , Li Wen , Sun Yangyang , Kong Linghao , Xu Pengli , Xia Pingan , Zhang Gaiping
Published: February 2020

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) contributes to the pathogenesis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-persistent infection. However, the mechanisms of PRRSV-ADE infection are still confusing. A clear understanding of the event upon virus infection by the ADE pathway has become crucial for developing efficient intervention of the PRRSV infection. In this study, an ADE assay showed that PRRSV-ADE infection in porcine alveolar macrophages (AMs) significantly decreased the production of interferon-α (IFN-α) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and significantly increased the production of interleukine-10 (IL-10). A gene knockdown assay based on small interfering RNA (siRNA) showed that both Fc gamma receptor I (FcγRI) and FcγRIII in porcine AMs were involved in PRRSV-ADE infection. An activation assay showed that specific activation of FcγRI or FcγRIII in porcine AMs during PRRSV infection not only significantly decreased the production of IFN-α and TNF-α, but also significantly increased the production of IL-10 and significantly facilitated PRRSV replication. In conclusion, our studies suggested that ADE downregulated the production of IFN-α and TNF-α in porcine AMs maybe via FcγRI and FcγRIII, thereby leading to enhanced PRRSV infection.
Reduce and Control: A Combinatorial Strategy for Achieving Sustained HIV Remissions in the Absence of Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Schwarzer Roland , Gramatica Andrea , Greene Warner C.
Published: February 2020

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) indefinitely persists, despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), within a small pool of latently infected cells. These cells often display markers of immunologic memory and harbor both replication-competent and -incompetent proviruses at approximately a 1:100 ratio. Although complete HIV eradication is a highly desirable goal, this likely represents a bridge too far for our current and foreseeable technologies. A more tractable goal involves engineering a sustained viral remission in the absence of ART––a “functional cure.” In this setting, HIV remains detectable during remission, but the size of the reservoir is small and the residual virus is effectively controlled by an engineered immune response or other intervention. Biological precedence for such an approach is found in the post-treatment controllers (PTCs), a rare group of HIV-infected individuals who, following ART withdrawal, do not experience viral rebound. PTCs are characterized by a small reservoir, greatly reduced inflammation, and the presence of a poorly understood immune response that limits viral rebound. Our goal is to devise a safe and effective means for replicating durable post-treatment control on a global scale. This requires devising methods to reduce the size of the reservoir and to control replication of this residual virus. In the following sections, we will review many of the approaches and tools that likely will be important for implementing such a “reduce and control” strategy and for achieving a PTC-like sustained HIV remission in the absence of ART.
New Insights into the Susceptibility of Immunocompetent Mice to Usutu Virus
Authors: Benzarti Emna , Sarlet Michaël , Franssen Mathieu , Desmecht Daniel , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Garigliany Mutien-Marie
Published: February 2020

Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that shares many similarities with the closely related West Nile virus (WNV) in terms of ecology and clinical manifestations. Initially distributed in Africa, USUV emerged in Italy in 1996 and managed to co-circulate with WNV in many European countries in a similar mosquito–bird life cycle. The rapid geographic spread of USUV, the seasonal mass mortalities it causes in the European avifauna, and the increasing number of infections with neurological disease both in healthy and immunocompromised humans has stimulated interest in infection studies to delineate USUV pathogenesis. Here, we assessed the pathogenicity of two USUV isolates from a recent Belgian outbreak in immunocompetent mice. The intradermal injection of USUV gave rise to disorientation and paraplegia and was associated with neuronal death in the brain and spinal cord in a single mouse. Intranasal inoculation of USUV could also establish the infection; viral RNA was detected in the brain 15 days post-infection. Overall, this pilot study probes the suitability of this murine model for the study of USUV neuroinvasiveness and the possibility of direct transmission in mammals.
Nanoscale Structure Determination of Murray Valley Encephalitis and Powassan Virus Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Mrozowich Tyler , Henrickson Amy , Demeler Borries , Patel Trushar R
Published: February 2020

Viral infections are responsible for numerous deaths worldwide. Flaviviruses, which contain RNA as their genetic material, are one of the most pathogenic families of viruses. There is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that their 5’ and 3’ non-coding terminal regions are critical for their survival. Information on their structural features is essential to gain detailed insights into their functions and interactions with host proteins. In this study, the 5’ and 3’ terminal regions of Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Powassan virus were examined using biophysical and computational modeling methods. First, we used size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifuge methods to investigate the purity of in-vitro transcribed RNAs. Next, we employed small-angle X-ray scattering techniques to study solution conformation and low-resolution structures of these RNAs, which suggest that the 3’ terminal regions are highly extended as compared to the 5’ terminal regions for both viruses. Using computational modeling tools, we reconstructed 3-dimensional structures of each RNA fragment and compared them with derived small-angle X-ray scattering low-resolution structures. This approach allowed us to reinforce that the 5’ terminal regions adopt more dynamic structures compared to the mainly double-stranded structures of the 3’ terminal regions.
Benzodiazepines Drive Alteration of Chromatin at the Integrated HIV-1 LTR
Authors: Elbezanti Weam , Lin Angel , Schirling Alexis , Jackson Alexandria , Marshall Matthew , Duyne Rachel Van , Maldarelli Frank , Sardo Luca , Klase Zachary
Published: February 2020

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) lowers human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral load to undetectable levels, but does not eliminate the latent reservoir. One of the factors controlling the latent reservoir is transcriptional silencing of the integrated HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR). The molecular mechanisms that control HIV-1 transcription are not completely understood. We have previously shown that RUNX1, a host transcription factor, may play a role in the establishment and maintenance of HIV-1 latency. Prior work has demonstrated that inhibition of RUNX1 by the benzodiazepine (BDZ) Ro5-3335 synergizes with suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) to activate HIV-1 transcription. In this current work, we examine the effect of RUNX1 inhibition on the chromatin state of the integrated HIV-1 LTR. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we found that Ro5-3335 significantly increased the occupancy of STAT5 at the HIV-1 LTR. We also screened other BDZs for their ability to regulate HIV-1 transcription and demonstrate their ability to increase transcription and alter chromatin at the LTR without negatively affecting Tat activity. These findings shed further light on the mechanism by which RUNX proteins control HIV-1 transcription and suggest that BDZ compounds might be useful in activating HIV-1 transcription through STAT5 recruitment to the HIV-1 LTR.
A Novel Combined Scientific and Artistic Approach for the Advanced Characterization of Interactomes: The Akirin/Subolesin Model
Authors: Artigas-Jerónimo Sara , Pastor Comín Juan , Villar Margarita , Contreras Marinela , Alberdi Pilar , León Viera Israel , Soto Leandro , Cordero Raúl , Valdés James , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Estrada-Peña Agustín , de la Fuente José
Published: February 2020

The main objective of this study was to propose a novel methodology to approach challenges in molecular biology. Akirin/Subolesin (AKR/SUB) are vaccine protective antigens and are a model for the study of the interactome due to its conserved function in the regulation of different biological processes such as immunity and development throughout the metazoan. Herein, three visual artists and a music professor collaborated with scientists for the functional characterization of the AKR2 interactome in the regulation of the NF-κB pathway in human placenta cells. The results served as a methodological proof-of-concept to advance this research area. The results showed new perspectives on unexplored characteristics of AKR2 with functional implications. These results included protein dimerization, the physical interactions with different proteins simultaneously to regulate various biological processes defined by cell type-specific AKR–protein interactions, and how these interactions positively or negatively regulate the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway in a biological context-dependent manner. These results suggested that AKR2-interacting proteins might constitute suitable secondary transcription factors for cell- and stimulus-specific regulation of NF-κB. Musical perspective supported AKR/SUB evolutionary conservation in different species and provided new mechanistic insights into the AKR2 interactome. The combined scientific and artistic perspectives resulted in a multidisciplinary approach, advancing our knowledge on AKR/SUB interactome, and provided new insights into the function of AKR2–protein interactions in the regulation of the NF-κB pathway. Additionally, herein we proposed an algorithm for quantum vaccinomics by focusing on the model proteins AKR/SUB.
Twenty-First Century Streamflow and Climate Change in Forest Catchments of the Central Appalachian Mountains Region, US
Authors: Gaertner Brandi , Fernandez Rodrigo , Zegre Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Forested catchments are critical sources of freshwater used by society, but anthropogenic climate change can alter the amount of precipitation partitioned into streamflow and evapotranspiration, threatening their role as reliable fresh water sources. One such region in the eastern US is the heavily forested central Appalachian Mountains region that provides fresh water to local and downstream metropolitan areas. Despite the hydrological importance of this region, the sensitivity of forested catchments to climate change and the implications for long-term water balance partitioning are largely unknown. We used long-term historic (1950–2004) and future (2005–2099) ensemble climate and water balance data and a simple energy–water balance model to quantify streamflow sensitivity and project future streamflow changes for 29 forested catchments under two future Relative Concentration Pathways. We found that streamflow is expected to increase under the low-emission pathway and decrease under the high-emission pathway. Furthermore, despite the greater sensitivity of streamflow to precipitation, larger increases in atmospheric demand offset increases in precipitation-induced streamflow, resulting in moderate changes in long-term water availability in the future. Catchment-scale results are summarized across basins and the region to provide water managers and decision makers with information about climate change at scales relevant to decision making.
Effect of Hyporheic Exchange on Macroinvertebrate Community in the Weihe River Basin, China
Authors: Lin Qidong , Song Jinxi , Gualtieri Carlo , Cheng Dandong , Su Ping , Wang Xinxin , Fu Jiaxu , Peng Jianglin
Published: February 2020

The effect of hyporheic exchange on macroinvertebrates is a significant topic in ecohydraulics. A field study was conducted during May and June 2017 to investigate the impacts of magnitude and patterns of hyporheic exchange on the sediment macroinvertebrate community in the Weihe River basin. The results demonstrate that upwelling flows cause resuspension of riverbed sediment, increasing the proportion of swimmer groups (such as Baetidae) in the macroinvertebrate community. However, large resuspension of river bed sediment results in a reduced abundance of macroinvertebrates. By controlling the transport processes of dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), nutrients, temperature, and different patterns of hyporheic exchange strongly influence the structure of macroinvertebrate communities. Downwelling is more likely to produce rich invertebrate communities than upwelling. The magnitude for the hyporheic flux of 150–200 mm/d was optimal for the macroinvertebrate community in the Weihe River Basin. Above or below this rate results in a decline in community abundance and diversity. We suggest that research is conducted to better understand the effects of hyporheic exchange across bedforms on macroinvertebrate communities. The study supports any activities to preserve the ecological functions and health of rivers dominated by fine-grained sediments.