bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of the Blended Learning in Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics on the Basis of the Survey among 4th-Year Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nijakowski Kacper , Lehmann Anna , Zdrojewski Jakub , Nowak Monika , Surdacka Anna
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected education at all levels, including medical and dental education. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the blended learning in conservative dentistry with endodontics. The students had theoretical classes in a remote form (using the e-learning portal and Teams communicator) and practical classes with the participation of patients in the appropriate sanitary regime. The author’s survey was conducted among fourth-year dental students. The online questionnaire consisted of 5 parts: self-evaluation, evaluation of theoretical e-learning classes, evaluation of practical clinical classes, evaluation of safety, and evaluation of performed blended learning. The majority of respondents declared that their learning effectiveness increased during the pandemic. Most surveyed students preferred remote learning in asynchronous form (e-learning portals) to synchronous form (virtual meetings in real-time). All respondents described the provided personal protective equipment as sufficient or even as excessive. Our students were very satisfied with the proposed blended-learning model and would like to continue it even after the pandemic has ended. Among the advantages, they particularly mentioned the increase in efficiency and the individualised pace of learning, while the disadvantage was the limitation of social contacts. The appropriate use of modern technology can effectively revolutionise dental education.
Predictors of Recurrent High Emergency Department Use among Patients with Mental Disorders
Authors: Gentil Lia , Grenier Guy , Vasiliadis Helen-Maria , Huỳnh Christophe , Fleury Marie-Josée
Published: April 2021

Few studies have examined predictors of recurrent high ED use. This study assessed predictors of recurrent high ED use over two and three consecutive years, compared with high one-year ED use. This five-year longitudinal study is based on a cohort of 3121 patients who visited one of six Quebec (Canada) ED at least three times in 2014–2015. Multinomial logistic regression was performed. Clinical, sociodemographic and service use variables were identified based on data extracted from health administrative databases for 2012–2013 to 2014–2015. Of the 3121 high ED users, 15% (n = 468) were recurrent high ED users for a two-year period and 12% (n = 364) over three years. Patients with three consecutive years of high ED use had more personality disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol or drug related disorders, chronic physical illnesses, suicidal behaviors and violence or social issues. More resided in areas with high social deprivation, consulted frequently with psychiatrists, had more interventions in local community health service centers, more prior hospitalizations and lower continuity of medical care. Three consecutive years of high ED use may be a benchmark for identifying high users needing better ambulatory care. As most have multiple and complex health problems, higher continuity and adequacy of medical care should be prioritized.
Association of Physicochemical Characteristics, Aggregate Indices, Major Ions, and Trace Elements in Developing Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) in Agricultural Area
Authors: Harun Hazimah Haspi , Kasim Mohamad Roslan Mohamad , Nurhidayu Siti , Ash’aari Zulfa Hanan , Kusin Faradiella Mohd , Karim Muhammad Khalis Abdul
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to propose a groundwater quality index (GWQI) that presents water quality data as a single number and represents the water quality level. The development of the GWQI in agricultural areas is vital as the groundwater considered as an alternative water source for domestic purposes. The insufficiency of the groundwater quality standard in Malaysia revealed the importance of the GWQI development in determining the quality of groundwater. Groundwater samples were collected from thirteen groundwater wells in the Northern Kuala Langat and the Southern Kuala Langat regions from February 2018 to January 2019. Thirty-four parameters that embodied physicochemical characteristics, aggregate indicator, major ions, and trace elements were considered in the development of the GWQI. Multivariate analysis has been used to finalize the important parameters by using principal component analysis (PCA). Notably, seven parameters—electrical conductivity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, and chloride were chosen to evaluate the quality of groundwater. The GWQI was then verified by comparing the groundwater quality in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. A sensitivity analysis was performed on this index to verify its reliability. The sensitivity GWQI has been analyzed and showed high sensitivity to any changes of the pollutant parameters. The development of GWQI should be beneficial to the public, practitioners, and industries. From another angle, this index can help to detect any form of pollution which ultimately could be minimized by controlling the sources of pollutants.
Dynamics of the Urban Water Footprint on the Tibetan Plateau: A Case Study of Xining, China
Authors: Chen Zhirong , Gong Binghua , Jiang Jiayi , Liu Zhifeng , Chen Kelong
Published: April 2021

Determining the changes in the urban water footprint (WF) of the Tibetan Plateau is important for sustainable development within this region and in downstream regions. Taking Xining, the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau, as an example, this study quantified the changes in the WF of this region in the 2005–2018 period. We found that Xining’s total WF increased by 22.6%, from 8.9 billion to 10.9 billion m3 in this period. The increase in Xining’s gray WF (WFgray) resulting from the intensification of urban point-source pollution was the primary cause of the increase in its total WF. Xining’s WFgray from point-source pollution increased by 75.3%, from 3.1 billion to 5.4 billion m3. In addition, Xining’s WF far surpassed the amount of available water resources (WA) in this region. It is possible to prevent Xining’s WF from exceeding its WA only by simultaneously controlling point- and nonpoint-source pollution in the future. Thus, it is recommended that great importance be attached to the rapid increase in the WFgray of the Tibetan Plateau resulting from rapid urbanization and that effective measures be implemented to control point- and nonpoint-source pollution, so as to safeguard sustainable development within the Tibetan Plateau and in downstream regions.
Use of Anti-Diabetic Agents in Non-Diabetic Kidney Disease: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Chung Sungjin , Kim Gheun-Ho
Published: April 2021

New drugs were recently developed to treat hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). However, metformin remains the first-line anti-diabetic agent because of its cost-effectiveness. It has pleiotropic action that produces cardiovascular benefits, and it can be useful in diabetic nephropathy, although metformin-associated lactic acidosis is a hindrance to its use in patients with kidney failure. New anti-diabetic agents, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, also produce cardiovascular or renal benefits in T2D patients. Their glucose-independent beneficial actions can lead to cardiorenal protection via hemodynamic stabilization and inflammatory modulation. Systemic hypertension is relieved by natriuresis and improved vascular dysfunction. Enhanced tubuloglomerular feedback can be restored by SGLT-2 inhibition, reducing glomerular hypertension. Patients with non-diabetic kidney disease might also benefit from those drugs because hypertension, proteinuria, oxidative stress, and inflammation are common factors in the progression of kidney disease, irrespective of the presence of diabetes. In various animal models of non-diabetic kidney disease, metformin, GLP-1R agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors were favorable to kidney morphology and function. They strikingly attenuated biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in diseased kidneys. However, whether those animal results translate to patients with non-diabetic kidney disease has yet to be evaluated. Considering the paucity of new agents to treat kidney disease and the minimal adverse effects of metformin, GLP-1R agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors, these anti-diabetic agents could be used in patients with non-diabetic kidney disease. This paper provides a rationale for clinical trials that apply metformin, GLP-1R agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors to non-diabetic kidney disease.
Comparative Study of the Properties of Cu-Cr-Mo System Electrical Contact Material by Sintering and Infiltration Methods
Authors: Cho Yeong-Woo , Sim Jae-Jin , Byeon Jong-Soo , Kim Taek-Soo , Lee Kee-Ahn , Ju Heung-Jin , Seo Seok-Jun , Park Kyoung-Tae
Published: April 2021

Contact materials in high-voltage vacuum interrupters require properties such as high conductivity, density and hardness to minimize arc heat damage. In this study, Cu–Cr–Mo alloy contact materials were examined for their usage as high-voltage contact materials. Ball milling was performed after analyzing the raw materials of the Cu, Cr and Mo powders. A green compact was produced using high pressure with a mixed powder. Subsequently, the composite was produced by sintering via the temperature and infiltration method according to the Cu content in the green compact. The composite sintering method produced a density of 8.55 g/cm3 (relative density 93%), a hardness of 217 HV and an electrical conductivity of 40.7% IACS at 1200 °C. The composite of 10 wt.% Cu produced by the Cu infiltration method exhibited a density of 8.7 g/cm3 (relative density 94%), hardness of 274 HV and electrical conductivity of 39 IACS% at 1300 °C. The measurements of the physical properties of our newly established method demonstrated a new possibility of using the Cu–Cr–Mo alloy as a contact material for high-voltage vacuum interrupters.
Native Gold in the Chudnoe Au-Pd-REE Deposit (Subpolar Urals, Russia): Composition, Minerals in Intergrowth and Genesis
Authors: Palyanova Galina , Murzin Valery , Borovikov Andrey , Karmanov Nikolay , Kuznetsov Sergei
Published: April 2021

Composition of native gold and minerals in intergrowth of the Chudnoe Au-Pd-REE deposit (Subpolar Urals, Russia) was studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis. Five varieties of native gold have been identified, based on the set of impurity elements and their quantities, and on intergrown minerals. Native gold in rhyolites from the Ludnaya ore zone is homogeneous and contains only Ag (fineness 720‰, type I). It is in intergrowth with fuchsite or allanite and mertieite-II. In rhyolites from the Slavnaya ore zone, native gold is heterogeneous, has a higher fineness, different sets and contents of elements: Ag, Cu, 840–860‰ (type II); Ag, Cu, Pd, 830–890‰ (III); Ag, Pd, Cu, Hg, 840–870‰ (IV). It occurs in intergrowth with fuchsite, albite, and mertieite-II (type II), or albite, quartz, and atheneite (III), or quartz, albite, K-feldspar, and mertieite-II (IV). High-fineness gold (930–1000‰, type V) with low contents of Ag, Cu, and Pd or their absence occurs in the form as microveins, fringes and microinclusions in native gold II–IV. Tetra-auricupride (AuCu) is presented as isometric inclusions in native gold II and platelets in the decay structures in native gold III and IV. The preliminary data of a fluid inclusions study showed that gold mineralization at the Chudnoe deposit could have been formed by chloride fluids of low and medium salinity at temperatures from 105 to 230 °C and pressures from 5 to 115 MPa. The formation of native gold I is probably related to fuchsitization and allanitization of rhyolites. The formation of native gold II-V is also associated with the same processes, but it is more complicated and occurred later with a significant role of Na-, Si-, and K-metasomatism. The presence of Pd and Cu in the ores and Cr in fuchsite indicates the important role of mafic-ultramafic magmatism.
Free Radical Isomerizations in Acetylene Bromoboration Reaction
Authors: Semrád Hugo , Mazal Ctibor , Munzarová Markéta
Published: April 2021

The experimentally motivated question of the acetylene bromoboration mechanism was addressed in order to suggest possible radical isomerization pathways for the syn-adduct. Addition–elimination mechanisms starting with a bromine radical attack at the “bromine end” or the “boron end” of the C=C bond were considered. Dispersion-corrected DFT and MP2 methods with the SMD solvation model were employed using three all-electron bases as well as the ECP28MWB ansatz. The rate-determining, elimination step had a higher activation energy (12 kcal mol−1) in case of the “bromine end” attack due to intermediate stabilization at both the MP2 and DFT levels. In case of the “boron end” attack, two modes of C–C bond rotation were followed and striking differences in MP2 vs. DFT potential energy surfaces were observed. Employing MP2, addition was followed by either a 180° rotation through an eclipsed conformation of vicinal bromine atoms or by an opposite rotation avoiding that conformation, with 5 kcal mol−1 of elimination activation energy. Within B3LYP, the addition and rotation proceeded simultaneously, with a 9 (7) kcal mol−1 barrier for rotation involving (avoiding) eclipsed conformation of vicinal bromines. For weakly bound complexes, ZPE corrections with MP2 revealed significant artifacts when diffuse bases were included, which must be considered in the Gibbs free energy profile interpretation.
The Role of Exercise, Diet, and Cytokines in Preventing Obesity and Improving Adipose Tissue
Authors: Atakan Muhammed Mustafa , Koşar Şükran Nazan , Güzel Yasemin , Tin Hiu Tung , Yan Xu
Published: April 2021

The prevalence of obesity continues to rise worldwide despite evidence-based public health recommendations. The promise to adopt a healthy lifestyle is increasingly important for tackling this global epidemic. Calorie restriction or regular exercise or a combination of the two is accepted as an effective strategy in preventing or treating obesity. Furthermore, the benefits conferred by regular exercise to overcome obesity are attributed not only to reduced adiposity or reduced levels of circulating lipids but also to the proteins, peptides, enzymes, and metabolites that are released from contracting skeletal muscle or other organs. The secretion of these molecules called cytokines in response to exercise induces browning of white adipose tissue by increasing the expression of brown adipocyte-specific genes within the white adipose tissue, suggesting that exercise-induced cytokines may play a significant role in preventing obesity. In this review, we present research-based evidence supporting the effects of exercise and various diet interventions on preventing obesity and adipose tissue health. We also discuss the interplay between adipose tissue and the cytokines secreted from skeletal muscle and other organs that are known to affect adipose tissue and metabolism.
Decorating sdAbs with Chelators: Effect of Conjugation on Biodistribution and Functionality
Authors: Baudhuin Henri , Puttemans Janik , Hanssens Heleen , Vanwolleghem Philippe , Hernot Sophie , Raes Geert , Xavier Catarina , Lahoutte Tony , Debie Pieterjan
Published: April 2021

Single domain antibodies (sdAbs) have proven to be valuable probes for molecular imaging. In order to produce such probes, one strategy is the functionalization of the reactive amine side chain of lysines with a chelator, resulting in a mixture of compounds with a different degree of conjugation. In this study, we implemented anion exchange chromatography (AEX) to separate the different compounds or fractions that were further characterized and evaluated to study the impact of the conjugation degree on pharmacokinetic properties and functionality. Anti-HER2 and anti-MMR sdAbs were functionalized with NOTA or DTPA chelator. Anion exchange chromatography was performed using 0.02 mol/L Tris pH 7.5 as the first solvent and 0.25 M or 0.4 M NaCl (in case of NOTA chelator or DTPA chelator, respectively) as the second solvent applied as a gradient. The fractions were characterized via mass spectrometry (MS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and isoelectric focusing gel electrophoresis (IEF), while in vivo studies were performed after radiolabeling with either 68Ga (NOTA) or 111In (DTPA) to assess the impact of the conjugation degree on pharmacokinetics. AEX could successfully be applied to separate fractions of (chelator)n-anti-HER2 and (chelator)n-anti-MMR sdAb constructs. MS confirmed the identity of different peaks obtained in the separation process. SPR measurement suggests a small loss of affinity for (chelator)3-anti-sdAb, while IEF revealed a correlated decrease in isoelectric point (pI) with the number of conjugated chelators. Interestingly, both the reduction in affinity and in pI was stronger with the DTPA chelator than with NOTA for both sdAbs. In vivo data showed no significant differences in organ uptake for any construct, except for (DTPA)n-anti-MMR, which showed a significantly higher liver uptake for (DTPA)1-anti-MMR compared to (DTPA)2-anti-MMR and (DTPA)3-anti-MMR. For all constructs in general, high kidney uptake was observed, due to the typical renal clearance of sdAb-based tracers. The kidney uptake showed significant differences between fractions of a same construct and indicates that a higher conjugation degree improves kidney clearance. AEX allows the separation of sdAbs with a different degree of conjugation and provides the opportunity to further characterize individual fractions. The conjugation of a chelator to sdAbs can alter some properties of the tracers, such as pI; however, the impact on the general biodistribution profile and tumor targeting was minimal.
Current Status of Circular Economy Research in Finland
Authors: Hosseinian Aida , Ylä-Mella Jenni , Pongrácz Eva
Published: April 2021

Circular economy has emerged as a sustainable alternative to the traditional, linear, extract-produce-use-dump economy. The scientific society, practitioners, policymakers, and business sectors are all actively taking part in driving the transition toward circular economy in their own sectors. Every sector is striving to address the environmental issues of their own area, and to find solutions to the problem of resource scarcity. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the general status of circular economy research and applied projects. Finland aims to be a global pioneer in this field, which is why there is a tremendous boost in research in various fields of sustainable materials management. Therefore, there is a need to have a better perspective of the research society’s efforts to accelerate the transition to circular economy. The objective of this paper is to review scientific research and practices of circular economy transition in Finland, in order to categorize and analyze them. The paper aims to give an insight into the current status and provide a comprehensive understanding of the trend changes during the past 20 years. The analysis shows that there is growing attention to circular economy in many research fields, researchers and practitioners in all fields have responded to the need of the society. However, the recycling-based ‘end-of-pipe’ interpretation of circular economy is still more dominant than developing and implementing strategies for circular product design, dematerializing society, and developing service-based business models. It is important to bear in mind that circular economy is about much more than improved resource flows and waste management practices. Achieving a circular economy needs the engagement of the society, it needs invention and innovation and it also requires the creation of new technologies, products, services, and business models. This study gives a comprehensive perspective at the national level and addresses the key actions and sectors which require more investment and attention from the scientific community to boost the transition toward circular economy. There are some limitation in this study derived from the method of data collection and selection of databases. Due to this, there may be valuable works that were not published, or only in the Finnish language and were, therefore, not identified in this study.
Driving Innovation through Energy Efficiency: A Russian Regional Analysis
Authors: Melnik Alexander , Naoumova Irina , Ermolaev Kirill , Katrichis Jerome
Published: April 2021

Recent literature on energy efficiency focuses on the issues of energy security and options for reducing energy consumption. Measuring energy efficiency properly and forecasting future needs is critical to the energy policies of any country, especially given the importance of sustainability in their economic development. The role innovation plays in improving energy efficiency is well researched. There is a gap in examining an opposite relationship. That is, where energy efficiency becomes a critical factor for fueling innovation. This impact can occur within a company, a region, a nation or on an international level. Here we show that regions could motivate business innovations through policies requiring energy efficiency. Based on observations from a number of regions of an emerging economy, we show that energy efficiency impacts innovation. As a side effect it can contribute to export increases, which in turn can improve regional attractiveness for investors. We believe that the spiral development of the relationship between energy efficiency and innovation used as a strategy could become sustainable.
A Systematic Review of the Deployment of Indigenous Knowledge Systems towards Climate Change Adaptation in Developing World Contexts: Implications for Climate Change Education
Authors: Mbah Marcellus , Ajaps Sandra , Molthan-Hill Petra
Published: April 2021

Countries in the developing world are increasingly vulnerable to climate change effects and have a lesser capacity to adapt. Consideration can be given to their indigenous knowledge systems for an integrated approach to education, one which is more holistic and applicable to their context. This paper presents a systematic review of the indigenous knowledge systems (IKSs) deployed for climate change adaptation in the developing world and advances implications for climate change education. A set of inclusion criteria was used to screen publications derived from two databases and grey literature searches, and a total of 39 articles constituted the final selection. Postcolonial theory’s lens was applied to the review of the selected publications to highlight indigenous people’s agency, despite IKSs’ marginalization through colonial encounters and the ensuing epistemic violence. The categories of social adaptation, structural adaptation, and institutional adaptation emerged from the IKS-based climate change adaptation strategies described in the articles, with social adaptation being the most recurrent. We discussed how these strategies can be employed to decolonise climate change education through critical, place-based, participatory, and holistic methodologies. The potential outcome of this is a more relatable and effective climate change education in a developing world context.
Impacts of Urban Land Use Changes on Ecosystem Services in Dianchi Lake Basin, China
Authors: Wang Ruibo , Xu Xiaojun , Bai Yang , Alatalo Juha M. , Yang Zongbao , Yang Wei , Yang Zhangqian
Published: April 2021

Land use change is widely regarded as a key factor altering the structure and function of ecosystems. Urbanization is a particular driver and influence in land use change and is expanding globally, especially in developing countries like China. The InVEST model was employed in this study to comprehensively assess the temporal-spatial impacts of urban land use changes (ULUC) on ecosystem services (ESs) and clarify the tradeoffs between urbanization and ecosystem services provision (ESP) in Dianchi Lake Basin (DLB), China, during 1995–2015. The results showed that DLB’s constructed land, particularly in lakeside areas, has increased substantially because of rapid urbanization (built-up area increase 51%, urbanization rate increase 91%), at the expense of agriculture, grassland, and scrubland, greatly altering ESP. Compared with 1995, carbon storage in 2015 decreased, while soil retention and nitrogen exports only fluctuated slightly. Although water yield increased, the ecological water volume of the whole DLB decreased through an increase in regional surface runoff. This resulted in more pollutants being carried into Dianchi Lake, impairing water quality and causing serious ecological and environmental issues. Thus, this study provides empirical evidence of the significant influence of ULUC on ESP. For eco-friendly urbanization in DLB and similar areas with rapid urbanization, a sustainable pattern of urbanization should be followed. The best tradeoffs between urbanization and ESP should be identified and considered in decision-making relating to urban planning, land use management, optimal natural resources management, and ecological conservation.
The Reduction of Crude Protein with the Supplementation of Amino Acids in the Diet Reduces the Environmental Impact of Growing Pigs Production Evaluated through Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Esteves Lucas A. C. , Monteiro Alessandra N. T. R. , Sitanaka Natália Y. , Oliveira Paula C. , Castilha Leandro D. , Paula Vinicius R. C. , Pozza Paulo C.
Published: April 2021

Two experiments were performed to determine the digestibility of diets with crude protein (CP) reduction supplemented with amino acids (18.15; 17.15; 16.15 and 15.15%) to growing pigs (30–50 kg), to assess the use of nutrients and account for the manure excretion, and to evaluate the performance, backfat thickness, Longissimus lumborum depth, and plasma urea, aiming to evaluate the environmental impact through life cycle assessment (LCA); for the first time in Brazil interacting experiments were developed to evaluate the CP reduction and LCA. The CP reduction resulted in greater daily weight gain (p = 0.011), final weight (p = 0.020), better use of N and P, through the greater N and P retained (p = 0.003 and p = 0.017, respectively). There was a linear reduction in acidification potential (p = 0.015), eutrophication potential (p = 0.001), and land occupation (p = 0.005) when dietary CP decreased from 18.15 to 15.15%. The reduction in CP and supplementation of amino acids in diets for growing pigs (30–50 kg) improved final and daily weight gain. Through LCA, and performance and metabolism data, it was concluded that for the acidification, eutrophication and land occupation categories, impacts were reduced as the protein concentration was reduced.
An Overview of Climate Change Induced Hydrological Variations in Canada for Irrigation Strategies
Authors: Bhatti Ahmad Zeeshan , Farooque Aitazaz Ahsan , Krouglicof Nicholas , Li Qing , Peters Wayne , Abbas Farhat , Acharya Bishnu
Published: April 2021

Climate change is impacting different parts of Canada in a diverse manner. Impacts on temperature, precipitation, and stream flows have been reviewed and discussed region and province-wise. The average warming in Canada was 1.6 °C during the 20th century, which is 0.6 °C above the global average. Spatially, southern and western parts got warmer than others, and temporally winters got warmer than summers. Explicit implications include loss of Arctic ice @ 12.8% per decade, retreat of British Columbian glaciers @ 40–70 giga-tons/year, and sea level rise of 32 cm/20th century on the east coast, etc. The average precipitation increased since 1950s from under 500 to around 600 mm/year, with up to a 10% reduction in Prairies and up to a 35% increase in northern and southern parts. Precipitation patterns exhibited short-intense trends, due to which urban drainage and other hydraulic structures may require re-designing. Streamflow patterns exhibited stability overall with a temporal re-distribution and intense peaks. However, surface water withdrawals were well under sustainable limits. For agriculture, the rainfed and semi-arid regions may require supplemental irrigation during summers. Availability of water is mostly not a limitation, but the raised energy demands thereof are. Supplemental irrigation by water and energy-efficient systems, adaptation, and regulation can ensure sustainability under the changing climate.
Impacts of Water Resources Allocation on Water Environmental Capacity under Climate Change
Authors: Zeng Yujie , Liu Dedi , Guo Shenglian , Xiong Lihua , Liu Pan , Yin Jiabo , Tian Jing , Deng Lele , Zhang Jiayu
Published: April 2021

Water environmental capacity (WEC) is an essential indicator for effective environmental management. The designed low water flow condition is a prerequisite to determine WEC and is often based on the stationarity assumption of low water flow series. As the low water flow series has been remarkably disturbed by climate change as well as reservoirs operation and water acquisition, the stationarity assumption might bring risk for WEC planning. As the reservoir operation and water acquisition under climate change can be simulated by a water resources allocation model, the low water flow series outputted from the model are the simulations of the disturbances and often show nonstationary conditions. After estimating the designed low water flow through nonstationary frequency analysis from these low water flow series, the WEC under the nonstationary conditions can be determined. Thus, the impacts of water resources allocation on WEC under climate change can be quantitatively assessed. The mid-lower reaches of the Hanjiang River basin in China were taken as a case study due to the intensive reservoir operation and water acquisition under the climate change. A representative concentration pathway scenario (RCP4.5) was employed to project future climate, and a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was employed to simulate water availability for driving the Interactive River-Aquifer Simulation (IRAS) model for allocating water. Water demand in 2016 and 2030 were selected as baseline and future planning years, respectively. The results show that water resources allocation can increase the amount of WEC due to amplifying the designed low water flow through reservoir operation. Larger regulating capacities of water projects can result in fewer differences of WEC under varied water availability and water demand conditions. The increasing local water demand will decrease WEC, with less regulating capacity of the water projects. Even the total available water resources will increase over the study area under RCP4.5. More water deficit will be found due to the uneven temporal-spatial distribution as well as the increasing water demand in the future, and low water flow will decrease, which further leads to cut down WEC. Therefore, the proposed method for determining the WEC can quantify the risk of the impacts of water supply and climate change on WEC to help water environmental management.
Characterization and Use of Char Produced from Pyrolysis of Post-Consumer Mixed Plastic Waste
Authors: Martín-Lara M. A. , Piñar A. , Ligero A. , Blázquez G. , Calero M.
Published: April 2021

In this work, the pyrolysis of post-consumer mixed plastic waste (polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene film (PE)) is carried out. The solid product of the pyrolysis is characterized and tested for its use as adsorbent of lead present in aqueous media. The pyrolysis temperature has a great influence on the solid product yield, decreasing when the temperature increases. The highest yield to solid product obtained is from the pyrolysis of film at lower temperature (450 °C), reaching almost 14%. The results of product solid characterization reveal that the carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen content decreases with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Furthermore, both the ash and the volatile content are related to the pyrolysis temperature. The ash content is higher when the pyrolysis temperature is higher, while when the temperature increases, a solid product with lower volatile content is obtained. In respect to specific surface area, a higher pyrolysis temperature improves the properties of the solid product as an adsorbent. The adsorption capacity increases as the pyrolysis temperature increases, with the highest value of 7.91 mg/g for the solid obtained in the pyrolysis at 550 °C. In addition, adsorption capacity increases as the initial concentration of lead rises, reaching a maximum value close to 26 mg/g for an initial concentration of 40 mg/L. The Sips model is the one that best reproduces the experimental results of the adsorption process equilibrium study.
Estrategias de financiamiento a corto plazo aplicadas por el sector hotelero en el municipio Cabimas
Authors: Sorrentino Emanuele
Published: April 2021

En la investigación se identificaron las estrategias de financiamiento a corto plazo aplicadas por el sector hotelero en el municipio Cabimas. La metodología fue de tipo descriptiva, con diseño no experimental, de campo y transeccional. La población quedó conformada por los hoteles que hacen vida activa en el municipio Cabimas. Para la recolección de datos se empleó la encuesta mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario, contentivo de 18 ítems con escala tipo Lickert. La validez se realizó a través del juicio de cinco (5) expertos, y para calcular su confiabilidad se empleó el Coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach dando como resultado 0,94. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva, con base en la media aritmética. Del análisis realizado se pudo evidenciar que estos hoteles poseen moderada aplicación del financiamiento de los socios, pasivos acumulados, crédito comercial, cuentas por pagar, línea de crédito y proveedores, delineándola como debilidades.
Foucault, capitalismo y sexualidad: tensiones conceptuales circa 1976
Authors: Ben Pablo
Published: April 2021

Este artículo realiza un analisis del concepto de “capitalismo” en la Historia de la Sexualidad de Michel Foucault publicada en 1976 detallando el debate teórico con el marxismo y el neoliberalismo. En oposición a las nociones contractualistas, Foucault fundó una nueva agenda de investigación que distanciandose de la hipótesis represiva caracterizaba a la sexualidad como unidad artificial de caracter histórico relativamente reciente. El autor proveía ejemplos históricos de la emergencia de la sexualidad que coincidían cronológicamente con el surgimiento del capitalismo. Al mismo tiempo, proponía desvincular la relación entre sexualidad y capitalismo recurriendo a concepciones binarias que oponían oriente y occidente, o señalando a la confesión cristiana como factor precapitalista en la genealogía de la sexualidad. Puede observarse una ambivalencia respecto del uso mismo de la categoría de capitalismo, que en algunos casos está referida de manera más o menos explícita, y en otros casos está negada. Dado que la Historia de la Sexualidad se convirtió en un texto fundante para el conjunto de la disciplina, la ambivalencia inicial frente al marxismo y a la noción de capitalismo se amplificó en otros estudios realizados durante las últimas cuatro décadas.
Understanding the Relationships between Fields of Research
Authors: Basden Andrew
Published: April 2021

This paper suggests how mutual understanding and respect may be fostered between very different fields of research, which seem to have little in common. The meaning and value of each field, and the relationships among them, are revealed using Dooyeweerd's aspects. Dooyeweerd is rare among philosophers in having made an intensive study of the diversity and coherence of meaningfulness. In this way, researchers in one field can more fully understand the ways in which findings or research in other fields are meaningful. Dooyeweerd's inter-aspect relationships help us understand the types of relationship a field might have with others.
The Transmuted Kumaraswamy Pareto Distribution
Authors: Urama K. U. , Onyeagu S. I. , Eze F. C.
Published: April 2021

The generalization of probability distributions in view of improving their flexibility in capturing the shape and tail behavior of disparate data sets has become one of the most active aspects of statistical research. We developed a new Pareto distribution by using Kumaraswamy method which gave rise to a new distribution called Kumaraswamy Pareto distribution. This method is called transmutation. The mathematical properties of the new generalized distribution was presented using quartiles, moments, entropy, order statistics mean deviation and maximum likelihood method of parameter estimation. The new generalized distribution was applied to a real life data on the exceedances of flood peaks (in m3/s) where it was observed to be superior to its sub models in terms of some goodness-of-fit test such as log likelihood criterion, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) measures.
Editorial
Authors: Guidoboni Giovanna , Harris Alon
Published: April 2021

not applicable
24-hour IOP fluctuation: myth or reality?
Authors: Quaranta Luciano , Riva Ivano , Oddone Francesco
Published: April 2021

Existing literature is divided on the importance of short-term intraocular pressure fluctuation as an independent factor of glaucoma development and progression. In this paper we present evidences for and against the value of 24-hour intraocular pressure fluctuation in the evaluation and prognosis of patients with glaucoma. Potential directions for future studies and the role of new instruments for continuous intraocular pressure monitoring will be presented.
A shortest path approach to optic disc detection in retinal fundus images
Authors: Wigdahl Jeffrey , Guimaraes Pedro , Ruggeri Alfredo
Published: April 2021

Aim: To evaluate a new algorithm to detect the optic disc in retinal fundus images on a number of publicly available datasets.  Optic Disc detection is an important first step in many automated algorithms, either to be masked out of future processing or for the use in optic disc related disease such as glaucoma and papilledema.Methods: We propose a new method for optic disc detection that converts the retinal image into a graph and exploits vessel enhancement methods to calculate edge weights in finding the shortest path between pairs of points on the periphery of the image.  The line segment with the maximum number of shortest paths is considered the optic disc location, with refinement from a combination template matching approach in the found region. The method was tested on three publicly available datasets: DRIVE, DIARETDB1, and Messidor consisting of 40, 89, and 1200 images.  All images were acquired at a 45°-50° field of view.Results: The method achieves an accuracy of 100, 98.88, and 99.42% on the DRIVE, DIARETDB1, and Messidor databases respectively.Conclusions: The method performs as well or better than state-of-the-art methods on these datasets.  Processing takes an average of 32 seconds (+-1.2) to detect the optic disc, with 26 of those seconds used for the vessel enhancement process.   The accuracy over a wide variety of images shows that the method is robust and would be optimal for retinal analysis systems that perform vessel enhancement as part of their processing.
Computational corneal biomechanics in the clinic
Authors: Ariza-Gracia Miguel Ángel , Piñero Llorens David Pablo , Rodríguez Matas José Félix , Calvo Calzada Begoña
Published: April 2021

Corneal topographers and air-puff devices aim at completely characterizing so-called corneal biomechanics, a collection of features that describes corneal behavior. The European FP7 project (PopCorn) was born with the goal of integrating both technologies. Among the novelties, computational models were included as an integral part of the clinical assessment. Automatic patient-specific (P-S) reconstruction of the cornea, alongside material prediction based on finite element simulations, optimization, and fitting were used to strive forward in a priori surgical planning. Both methodologies show good performance in retrieving the P-S geometry of the cornea (error < 1%) and the maximum deformation amplitude of a non-contact tonometry (error ~ 5%). Nevertheless, physiological and non-physiological corneas cannot be classified solely in terms of material, at least with a single experiment. Eventually, and due to the interplay of different factors (geometry, material, and pressure), results coming from air-puff devices should be handled with care.
Mathematical modeling of ocular and cerebral hemo-fluid dynamics: application to VIIP
Authors: Salerni Fabrizia , Repetto Rodolfo , Harris Alon , Pinsky Peter , Prud’homme Christophe , Szopos Marcela , Guidoboni Giovanna
Published: April 2021

This work aims at investigating the interactions between the flow of fluids in the brain and eyes, and their potential implications in the development of visual impairment and intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome in astronauts. We propose a reduced (0-D) mathematical model of fluid circulation in the eyes and brain, which is embedded into a simplified whole-body circulation model. This model allows us to predict fluid redistribution in the upper body vasculature as well as variation of the intracranial (ICP) and intraocular (IOP) pressures. The model results suggest that, by taking into account some eff ects of microgravity, it is possible to observe, on one hand, an increase in IOP, and on the other, a decrease in blood flow circulation in the choroid and ciliary body. These findings provide clues for the role that vascular components may play in VIIP pathogenesis, for which astronauts could be screened on Earth and in-flight.
A mesh-free approach to cornea-aqueous humor interaction during tonometry tests
Authors: Montanino Andrea , Angelillo Maurizio , Pandolfi Anna
Published: April 2021

The dynamic tonometer test (air-puff test) is an in-vivo investigative procedure routinely utilized in ophthalmology to estimate the intraocular pressure (IOP). A rapid, localized air jet applied on the anterior surface induces the inward motion of the cornea, which interacts with the aqueous humor — filling the narrow space between cornea and iris — and has a strong influence on corneal dynamics. Potentially, this quick and painless test could be combined with inverse analysis methods to characterize the patient-specific mechanical properties of the human cornea. As a step towards this aim, the present study describes a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) approach based on a simplified geometry to simulate the anterior chamber of the eye undergoing the air-puff test. We regard the cornea as a non-linear, elastic, and isotropic membrane described through an analytical model, discretizing the weakly compressible Newtonian fluid with a mesh-free particle approach. Numerical analyses reveal a marked influence of the fluid on corneal dynamics. Additionally, we investigate the possibility of using the test dynamics to estimate IOP.
Peripapillary non-flow area measurement for the measurement of progressive localized glaucomatous perfusion damage
Authors: Hollo Gabor
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To investigate the applicability of peripapillary non-flow area (PNFA) measurement in the radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) layer for the measurement of progressive localized glaucomatous perfusion damage.

Methods: A research soft ware version of the Angiovue /RTVue-XR OCT (Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA) was used to measure localized PNFA progression by clicking on a predefined peripapillary non-perfusion area on prospectively acquired images. Capillary vessel density (VD) in the corresponding peripapillary sector was also measured. High-quality peripapillary Angiovue OCT VD images of an open-angle glaucoma population prospectively imaged for 2 to 2.5 years (5 or 6 visits at 6-month intervals) were investigated. Eyes with both localized PNFA at baseline and statistically significant peripapillary VD progression in the hemifield of the PNFA were selected for the analysis.

Results: Four eyes of four patients were eligible. In three eyes, the Octopus visual field cluster mean defect in the cluster spatially corresponding to the area of the PNFA progressed significantly (P < 0.01) at a rate of 1.5 to 3.4 dB/year. In two eyes, neither PNFA nor sector VD showed significant correlation with the follow-up time. In one eye, significant negative correlation for sector VD (r = -0.841, P = 0.036) and almost significant positive correlation for PNFA (r = 0.803, P = 0.055) was found, while in another eye significant positive correlation for PFNA (r = 0.875, P = 0.022) but no correlation for sector VD was found.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that PNFA measurement in the RPC layer is a potentially useful tool for the measurement of progression of localized glaucomatous capillary perfusion damage in open-angle glaucoma eyes with localized peripapillary non-perfusion.
Distribution and Fishery of the Invasive Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Turkey Based on Local Ecological Knowledge of Fishers
Authors: ÖNDES Fikret , GÖKÇE Gökhan
Published: April 2021

This study provides information on the distribution and ecology of Callinectes sapidus in Turkey, as well as its maximum daily catch in set nets (trammel nets and gillnets), and its commercial fishery in lagoons. Data were collected in 2020 by utilizing a telephone based questionnaire survey. Responses were gathered from fishers (n = 6) who fish in the lagoons and the head of fishery cooperatives or its members (n = 104) in 28 cities, including the coastal regions of the Mediterranean Sea (Levantine), Aegean Sea, Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea in Turkey. Results indicated that C. sapidus is commonly distributed along the Levantine and Southern Aegean coasts of Turkey, whilst it is rarely observed in the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. It has been reported by fishers that this species has been seen in the Black Sea for the last decade. The maximum daily catch of blue crab in set nets showed a significant difference in the Levantine and Aegean coasts. The species is mainly produced in the lagoons, whereas many coastal fishers returned it as discard and 79% of fishers emphasized that C. sapidus shred the nets and caused an economic loss. Ovigerous females have been observed between March and October and we have discussed related management issues including current fishery season.
Designing a Data Warehouse for Earthquake Risk Assessment of Buildings: A Case Study for Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Özcan Mert , Peker Serhat
Published: April 2021

Since earthquake is one of the most dangerous natural phenomena, it is necessary to be prepared for the negative consequences of the earthquake in advance. It is very important that healthcare facilities must continue to provide service during and after an earthquake. Therefore, this study focuses on designing a data warehouse model for the earthquake risk assessment of healthcare facilities which are needed much more than other public buildings physically. The proposed design utilizes a fact constellation schema model and take a public legislation containing principles regarding identification of risky buildings. This solution can provide a repository for data regarding earthquake risk assessment from different operational systems and play a key role in supporting critical decision-making process.