bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dead Fuel Moisture Content (DFMC) Estimation Using MODIS and Meteorological Data: The Case of Greece
Authors: Dragozi Eleni , Giannaros Theodore M. , Kotroni Vasiliki , Lagouvardos Konstantinos , Koletsis Ioannis
Published: October 2021

The frequent occurrence of large and high-intensity wildfires in the Mediterranean region poses a major threat to people and the environment. In this context, the estimation of dead fine fuel moisture content (DFMC) has become an integrated part of wildfire management since it provides valuable information for the flammability status of the vegetation. This study investigates the effectiveness of a physically based fuel moisture model in estimating DFMC during severe fire events in Greece. Our analysis considers two approaches, the satellite-based (MODIS DFMC model) and the weather station-based (AWSs DFMC model) approach, using a fuel moisture model which is based on the relationship between the fuel moisture of the fine fuels and the water vapor pressure deficit (D). During the analysis we used weather station data and MODIS satellite data from fourteen wildfires in Greece. Due to the lack of field measurements, the models’ performance was assessed only in the case of the satellite data by using weather observations obtained from the network of automated weather stations operated by the National Observatory of Athens (NOA). Results show that, in general, the satellite-based model achieved satisfactory accuracy in estimating the spatial distribution of the DFMC during the examined fire events. More specifically, the validation of the satellite-derived DFMC against the weather-station based DFMC indicated that, in all cases examined, the MODIS DFMC model tended to underestimate DFMC, with MBE ranging from −0.3% to −7.3%. Moreover, in all of the cases examined, apart from one (Sartis’ fire case, MAE: 8.2%), the MAE of the MODIS DFMC model was less than 2.2%. The remaining numerical results align with the existing literature, except for the MAE case of 8.2%. The good performance of the satellite based DFMC model indicates that the estimation of DFMC is feasible at various spatial scales in Greece. Presently, the main drawback of this approach is the occurrence of data gaps in the MODIS satellite imagery. The examination and comparison of the two approaches, regarding their operational use, indicates that the weather station-based approach meets the requirements for operational DFMC mapping to a higher degree compared to the satellite-based approach.
Quantifying Biochemical Traits over the Patagonian Sub-Antarctic Forests and Their Relation to Multispectral Vegetation Indices
Authors: Taylor-Zavala Richard , Ramírez-Rodríguez Oney , de Armas-Ricard Merly , Sanhueza Harold , Higueras-Fredes Francisca , Mattar Cristian
Published: October 2021

The effects and consequences of global warming on the productivity of the Patagonian forest are still unknown. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) promotes new knowledge of the most pristine and unknown sub-antarctic forests located in Chilean Patagonia. This work presents an initial approach to spatialize biochemicals over the Patagonian forests using ultra-high spatial resolution imagery acquired from UAVs equipped with a multispectral (visible, near-infrared, and thermal) sensor. The images were obtained in multiple flights over the Cerro Castillo National Park (Aysén Region, Chile), and several Vegetation Indices (VIs) were estimated. Leaves of Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. et Endl.) Krasser (Nothofagaceae) individuals were extracted after the flights and were then used to determine the biochemicals traits of chlorophylls (Chl-a and Chl-b) and carotenoids pigments, as well as the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Their relationships with multiple VIs was analyzed in order to assess the spatiality of the biochemicals traits in the forest during it most productive phenological stage. Results showed high correlations for the biochemical traits pigments (R2 > 0.75) with the indices DVI, MCARI, and MSAVI1 as the best performing indices, while further spectral availability is needed for significant correlations with biochemicals traits related to the antioxidant capacity. Spatialization of the biochemical traits within UAV imagery was also performed evaluating their representation in the forest. This work allowed us to identify the different spectral behavior of the N. pumilio species, its relation to biochemical traits, and their spatialization, thus presenting the first step to developing a monitoring protocol for the evaluation of the Patagonian forests under the current global warming scenarios in the region.
Review on Active and Passive Remote Sensing Techniques for Road Extraction
Authors: Jia Jianxin , Sun Haibin , Jiang Changhui , Karila Kirsi , Karjalainen Mika , Ahokas Eero , Khoramshahi Ehsan , Hu Peilun , Chen Chen , Xue Tianru , Wang Tinghuai , Chen Yuwei , Hyyppä Juha
Published: October 2021

Digital maps of road networks are a vital part of digital cities and intelligent transportation. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review on road extraction based on various remote sensing data sources, including high-resolution images, hyperspectral images, synthetic aperture radar images, and light detection and ranging. This review is divided into three parts. Part 1 provides an overview of the existing data acquisition techniques for road extraction, including data acquisition methods, typical sensors, application status, and prospects. Part 2 underlines the main road extraction methods based on four data sources. In this section, road extraction methods based on different data sources are described and analysed in detail. Part 3 presents the combined application of multisource data for road extraction. Evidently, different data acquisition techniques have unique advantages, and the combination of multiple sources can improve the accuracy of road extraction. The main aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive reference for research on existing road extraction technologies.
Validation of COSMIC-2-Derived Ionospheric Peak Parameters Using Measurements of Ionosondes
Authors: Shi Shuangshuang , Li Wang , Zhang Kefei , Wu Suqin , Shi Jiaqi , Song Fucheng , Sun Peng
Published: October 2021

Although numerous validations for the ionospheric peak parameters values (IPPVs) obtained from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) have been conducted using ionosonde measurements as a reference, comprehensive evaluations of the quality of the COSMIC-2 data are still undesirable, especially under geomagnetic storm conditions. In this study, the IPPVs measured by ionosondes (Ramey, Boa Vista, Sao Luis, Jicamarca, Cachoeira Paulista, and Santa Maria) during the period 1 October 2019 to 31 August 2021, are used to evaluate the quality of COSMIC-2 data over low-latitude regions of the Americas. The results show that the NmF2 (hmF2) from COSMIC-2 agrees well with the ionosonde measurements, and the correlation coefficients for the two sets of data at the above six stations are 0.93 (0.84), 0.91 (0.85), 0.91 (0.88), 0.88 (0.79), 0.96 (0.83), and 0.96 (0.87), respectively. The data quality of COSMIC-2 derived NmF2 is largely dependent on geomagnetic latitude. It was also found that NmF2 derived from COSMIC-2 tends to be underestimated over the stations in Boa Vista and Cachoeira Paulista, which are close to the crests of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA), whilst that of the other stations is slightly overestimated. A comparison between COSMIC-measured and ionosonde-derived hmF2 indicates that the former is systematically higher than the latter. In addition, the differences in the two NmF2 datasets derived from COSMIC-2 and ionosonde measurements at night are generally smaller than those of daytime, when the EIA is well developed, and vice versa for hmF2, whose RMSE is slightly smaller during daytime (with the exception of Ramey). Furthermore, NmF2 obtained from COSMIC-2 is shown to perform best in summer at Ramey, Boa Vista, Sao Luis, and Santa Maria, best in winter at Jicamarca and Cachoeira Paulista. Finally, the COSMIC-2 electron densities capture the ionospheric dynamic enhancements under a moderate geomagnetic storm condition very well.
The Value of Citizen Participation in Technology Assessment, Responsible Research and Innovation, and Sustainable Development
Authors: Weinberger Nora , Woll Silvia , Kyba Christopher Conrad Maximillian , Schulte-Römer Nona
Published: October 2021

The participation of citizens in scientific research has a long tradition, and in some disciplines, especially medical research, it is even common practice. In Technology Assessment (TA), Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), and Sustainable Development (SD), the participation of citizens can be of considerable value. In this paper, we explore this value for three concepts, based on the researcher’s insights from three participatory research projects. The first project is the citizen science project TeQfor1, which was conducted with, for, and on the type 1 diabetes community, who do not feel adequately supported by the conventional health care system. In the second project, citizens with vision impairments participated in the technological development of an audio-tactile navigation tool in the TERRAIN project. The third project (Nachtlichter) dealt with light pollution. Based on the three projects presented, we show that citizen participation makes specific contributions to TA, RRI, and SD. We also investigate the specificity of citizen engagement and motivation by differentiating between existing and emerging involvement. In conclusion, we discuss the benefits that may be added by participatory approaches for the three concepts of TA, RRI, and SD.
Performance-Based Design of a Main Exhibition Hall and Its Ecological Connectivity with Surroundings
Authors: Zhang Yufen , Bu Hongfan , Cao Shengxi , Zhao Xiongfei
Published: October 2021

This study aims to verify which the performance-based design was successfully applied in the construction of the main exhibition hall of the first Hebei Garden Expo, China. Based on the idea of “equality and connectivity” among humans, buildings, and the environment, the exhibition hall was designed using digital shape generation technology, and a special double-skin structure was selected. A bright exterior glass curtain wall separated from the cell-shaped reinforced concrete (RC) structure, not only made the exhibition hall fit into the scenery so well, but also presented an adhesion area with functional links to the RC structure. Joints of the steel tubular truss and the glass curtain wall were optimally designed by means of finite element simulations. During the service of more than a decade, extension of space, function of interactivity, and energy conservation required for a green infrastructure were achieved, highlighting the ecological connectivity of the exhibition hall with the surrounding landscape. The exhibition hall performed synergy of structure and architecture functions and it is still a landmark building in Shijiazhuang, showing an excellent application achievement of the performance-based design.
The Trouble with Using Risk Assessment Instruments to Quantify the Chance of Future Offending
Authors: Goddard Tim
Published: October 2021

Risk assessments in carceral settings have proliferated in recent decades and are now prominent in numerous states and regions. A ubiquitous variety is actuarial risk assessment instruments that are used on children and adults to predict their future chance for misconduct (e.g., recidivism) in several vital decision points in carceral processing (e.g., pretrial confinement). These instruments rely on information about past behavior (e.g., criminal history) and an understanding of offending (e.g., antisocial personality) that is thought to be neutral, reliable, and enjoys predictive validity. However, it will be argued that when justice system personnel assess the chance of unwanted behavior in the future, several risk domains are differentially prevalent and more frequently experienced by some groups. Much of this disparity is caused by, or due to, forces external to those being assessed, for instance, inequitable social and economic conditions and inequitable decisions by justice personnel to arrest, charge, or sentence people of color. As such, risk assessment instruments inevitably and disproportionately mark some groups of people as a higher risk to violate rules, conditions, orders, or laws. Consequently, risk assessment instruments systematically disfavor disadvantage, and by inference, favor advantage, leading to the need for a radical shift in the taxonomy of classifying risk for future misconduct.
Women Entrepreneurs’ Adoption of Mobile Applications for Business Sustainability
Authors: Abed Salma S.
Published: October 2021

Business sustainability is a major goal for every entrepreneur, especially women entrepreneurs. The term “business sustainability” refers to efforts that help a company’s long-term growth and competitive edge over its competitors. This study sought to empirically examine the adoption of mobile applications by women entrepreneurs as a means of business sustainability. Using the UTAUT as a theoretical model, this research examined this model and its associated hypotheses by applying structural equation modelling. The survey results from 330 women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia show that social influence, followed by effort expectancy, has the most significant influence on the behavioural intention to use mobile applications. On the other hand, facilitating conditions were found to be an insignificant predictor of the behavioural intention of women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to use mobile applications.
Discussion on the Feasibility of the Integration of Wind Power and Coal Chemical Industries for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yang Shuxia , Peng Shengjiang , Ling Xianzhang
Published: October 2021

To improve the utilization rate of the energy industry and reduce high energy consumption and pollution caused by coal chemical industries in northwestern China, a planning scheme of a wind-coal coupling energy system was developed. This scheme involved the analysis method, evaluation criteria, planning method, and optimization operation check for the integration of a comprehensive evaluation framework. A system was established to plan the total cycle revenue to maximize the net present value of the goal programming model and overcome challenges associated with the development of new forms of energy. Subsequently, the proposed scheme is demonstrated using a 500-MW wind farm. The annual capacity of a coal-to-methanol system is 50,000. Results show that the reliability of the wind farm capacity and the investment subject are the main factors affecting the feasibility of the wind-coal coupled system. Wind power hydrogen production generates O2 and H2, which are used for methanol preparation and electricity production in coal chemical systems, respectively. Considering electricity price constraints and environmental benefits, a methanol production plant can construct its own wind farm, matching its output to facilitate a more economical wind-coal coupled system. Owing to the high investment cost of wind power plants, an incentive mechanism for saving energy and reducing emissions should be provided for the wind-coal coupled system to ensure economic feasibility and promote clean energy transformation.
Multiple Criteria Decision-Making as an Operational Conceptualization of Energy Sustainability
Authors: Romero José Carlos , Linares Pedro
Published: October 2021

There is a broad international consensus about the urgency of promoting a strong change towards energy models that are less dependent on non-renewable energy sources, more equitable, and truly environmentally friendly. In order to achieve this goal, we need to define the problem so that it can be operationally and comprehensively addressed. This paper presents a proposal of a framework for the analysis of the sustainability of energy models based on multiple criteria theory, which we consider comprehensive and operational enough. Its application to a real energy model, the Spanish one, shows that the framework is able to address most of the elements both of weak and strong sustainability and find a reasonable compromise within the limits of the problem.
A Poultry Litter-Derived Organomineral Phosphate Fertilizer Has Higher Agronomic Effectiveness Than Conventional Phosphate Fertilizer Applied to Field-Grown Maize and Soybean
Authors: Frazão Joaquim José , de Melo Benites Vinicius , Pierobon Vitor Mateus , Ribeiro João Victor Schiavon , Lavres José
Published: October 2021

Inadequate disposal of poultry litter (PL) may promote eutrophication of water bodies due to its high nutrient content, including phosphorus (P). Thus, recycling P from PL to produce organomineral fertilizer (OMF), reduces the dependence on finite mineral P reserves, and also reduces P losses from soil. In this context, a field experiment was carried out to assess the agronomic effectiveness of a granular PL-derived OMF applied to maize and soybean in a highly weathered tropical soil. OMF was compared to single superphosphate (SSP) at five P rates between 0 and 70 kg ha−1. The shoot dry weight (SDW) and grain yields of soybean and maize were affected by P rates; however, no difference between OMF and SSP was found. A similar trend was observed for soil P and P uptake. The leaf P content and soil pH were not affected by either P sources or P rates. Although there was no difference between OMF and SSP on the crop yields, OMF had the highest relative agronomic effectiveness based on the SDW. These results show that the production of granular OMF from PL is a viable alternative to conventional P fertilizers and reduces the dependence of mineral P reserves.
An Overview on Solid Waste Generation and Management: Current Status in Chile
Authors: Cayumil Romina , Khanna Rita , Konyukhov Yuri , Burmistrov Igor , Kargin Jumat Beisembekovich , Mukherjee Partha Sarathy
Published: October 2021

The widespread generation of, ever increasing volumes of and the sustainable management of solid wastes are global issues of great concern. Due to wide variations in composition and associated complexities, significant efforts are required for their collection, processing and environmentally safe disposal in a cost effective manner. An overview of solid wastes is presented in this article with a specific focus on municipal solid wastes and industrial waste from the iron/steelmaking and aluminium industries. Key waste issues such as its sources, compositions, volumes, the factors affecting waste generation and waste processing are first discussed, followed by a further discussion regarding recycling, resource recovery, disposal and the associated environmental impacts. In a special case study, waste generation and management in Chile is presented in greater detail. Detailed information is provided on government initiatives and legislation for integrated solid waste management and its movement towards a circular economy. Measures include regulations on waste management framework which concerns the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes, persistent organic pollutants, the closure of mining activities and installations and restrictions on plastics disposal. With Chile being world’s largest producer of copper, significant efforts for mining waste management, its infrastructure and procedures are being put in place to reduce the environmental impact of the mining sector and its associated waste generation.
Towards an Understanding of Hydrogen Supply Chains: A Structured Literature Review Regarding Sustainability Evaluation
Authors: Fredershausen Sebastian , Lechte Henrik , Willnat Mathias , Witt Tobias , Harnischmacher Christine , Lembcke Tim-Benjamin , Klumpp Matthias , Kolbe Lutz
Published: October 2021

Hydrogen technologies have received increased attention in research and development to foster the shift towards carbon-neutral energy systems. Depending on the specific production techniques, transportation concepts, and application areas, hydrogen supply chains (HSCs) can be anything from part of the energy transition problem to part of the solution: Even more than battery-driven electric mobility, hydrogen is a polyvalent technology and can be used in very different contexts with specific positive or negative sustainability impacts. Thus, a detailed sustainability evaluation is crucial for decision making in the context of hydrogen technology and its diverse application fields. This article provides a comprehensive, structured literature review in the context of HSCs along the triple bottom line dimensions of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, analyzing a total of 288 research papers. As a result, we identify research gaps mostly regarding social sustainability and the supply chain stages of hydrogen distribution and usage. We suggest further research to concentrate on these gaps, thus strengthening our understanding of comprehensive sustainability evaluations for HSCs, especially in social sustainability evaluation. In addition, we provide an additional approach for discussion by adding literature review results from neighboring fields, highlighting the joint challenges and insights regarding sustainability evaluation.
Electrifying Tourist Mobility in Bali, Indonesia: Setting the Target and Estimating the CO2 Reduction Based on Stated Choice Experiment
Authors: Rizki Muhamad , Syahputri Jeanly , Belgiawan Prawira Fajarindra , Irawan Muhammad Zudhy
Published: October 2021

The Bali Government has made the implementation of the electric vehicle (EV) policy a high priority considering its attractiveness for emission and air pollution reduction to maintain the sustainability of Bali’s nature and tourism sector. Considering the uniqueness of the tourism sector in Bali and the mobility it generates, this study aims to investigate the factors that influence EV use by tourists based on several scenarios for estimating EV share target and the emission reduction contributed. For those purposes, the stated choice questionnaire was distributed online and offline to tourists in Bali and analyzed using the multinomial logit (MNL) model. While the study done during pandemic times, where the number of the tourist is significantly decreasing and the travel behavior influenced by mobility restriction imposed by the government, the data collection still covered mobility of both international and domestic tourist. The survey found that rental cost and accessibility, as well as the quality of charging stations are factors that affect EV use by tourists. Motorcycle parking cost was also found to influence EV use. These findings align with previous studies, and interventions such as fiscal incentives for rental companies and infrastructure development are suggested similar to EV incentives implemented in China, India, or the US. The development of the low emission zone (LEZ) is also proposed to manage parking fares similar to what was implemented in London, specifically to push the shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) to EV. Based on emission inventory calculation, 1.9 million kg of potential annual CO2 can be prevented with the implementation of these policies by the government.
Macro Sustainability across Countries: Key Sector Environmentally Extended Input-Output Analysis
Authors: Shmelev Stanislav , Brook Harrison Roger
Published: October 2021

When formulating economic development strategies, the environment and society must be considered to preserve well-being. This paper proposes a comparative sustainability assessment method using environmentally extended input-output analysis and multi-criteria decision aid. Using symmetric input-output tables and sectoral CO2 emissions and employment data for six countries, linkage coefficients are calculated for 163 sectors in each country. Multi-criteria decision aid tool, ELECTRE III, is used to derive outranking relationships among each country’s sectors using these coefficients as criteria, resulting in a hierarchy of sectors ordered by sustainability. Sectors that frequently appear at the top of the six hierarchies included education, health care, construction, and financial intermediation. China’s results differ significantly because of its concentration of economic activity on the primary/secondary sectors. The results can enable identification of key intervention pathways along which sustainable development could be stimulated. Country-specific recommendations and reflections on economic and sustainability policy initiatives are discussed.
New Technologies for Promoting Physical Activity in Healthy Children and in Children with Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Malizia Velia , Ferrante Giuliana , Fasola Salvatore , Montalbano Laura , Cilluffo Giovanna , La Grutta Stefania
Published: October 2021

Physical activity (PA) is proven to benefit children and adolescents in several ways. New technologies may provide children with stimulating modalities for organizing their leisure time, accessing fitness programs, and obtaining daily goal reminders and peer support. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, following WHO recommendations for PA is difficult for many children, especially for those living in urban areas. Therefore, the use of digital tools to support and maintain PA could be useful in healthy children, as well as in those with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). This narrative review aims to summarize the most recent evidence about the role of new technologies in promoting PA in healthy children and in those with CRDs, in supporting PA during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in enhancing psychological wellbeing in this age group. The use of technological devices for promoting PA, such as web/mobile apps and games, has been proven to be effective both in healthy children and in those with CRDs. In conclusion, new technologies are very promising in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in promoting PA. Further studies are required to evaluate the long-term health benefits of using these technologies.
Evaluating the Disaster Risk of the COVID-19 Pandemic Using an Ecological Niche Model
Authors: He Ping , Gao Yu , Guo Longfei , Huo Tongtong , Li Yuxin , Zhang Xingren , Li Yunfeng , Peng Cheng , Meng Fanyun
Published: October 2021

Since 2019, the novel coronavirus has spread rapidly worldwide, greatly affecting social stability and human health. Pandemic prevention has become China’s primary task in responding to the transmission of COVID-19. Risk mapping and the proposal and implementation of epidemic prevention measures emphasize many research efforts. In this study, we collected location information for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Beijing, Shenyang, Dalian, and Shijiazhuang from 5 October 2020 to 5 January 2021, and selected 15 environmental variables to construct a model that comprehensively considered the parameters affecting the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 epidemics. Annual average temperature, catering, medical facilities, and other variables were processed using ArcGIS 10.3 and classified into three groups, including natural environmental variables, positive socio-environmental variables, and benign socio-environmental variables. We modeled the epidemic risk distribution for each area using the MaxEnt model based on the case occurrence data and environmental variables in four regions, and evaluated the key environmental variables influencing the epidemic distribution. The results showed that medium-risk zones were mainly distributed in Changping and Shunyi in Beijing, while Huanggu District in Shenyang and the southern part of Jinzhou District and the eastern part of Ganjingzi District in Dalian also represented areas at moderate risk of epidemics. For Shijiazhuang, Xinle, Gaocheng and other places were key COVID-19 epidemic spread areas. The jackknife assessment results revealed that positive socio-environmental variables are the most important factors affecting the outbreak and spread of COVID-19. The average contribution rate of the seafood market was 21.12%, and this contribution reached as high as 61.3% in Shenyang. The comprehensive analysis showed that improved seafood market management, strengthened crowd control and information recording, industry-catered specifications, and well-trained employees have become urgently needed prevention strategies in different regions. The comprehensive analysis indicated that the niche model could be used to classify the epidemic risk and propose prevention and control strategies when combined with the assessment results of the jackknife test, thus providing a theoretical basis and information support for suppressing the spread of COVID-19 epidemics.
Study of θϕ Networks via Zagreb Connection Indices
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Kizielewicz Bartłomiej , Rehman Atiq ur , Hussain Muhammad , Sałabun Wojciech
Published: October 2021

Graph theory can be used to optimize interconnection network systems. The compatibility of such networks mainly depends on their topology. Topological indices may characterize the topology of such networks. In this work, we studied a symmetric network θϕ formed by ϕ time repetition of the process of joining θ copies of a selected graph Ω in such a way that corresponding vertices of Ω in all the copies are joined with each other by a new edge. The symmetry of θϕ is ensured by the involvement of complete graph Kθ in the construction process. The free hand to choose an initial graph Ω and formation of chemical graphs using θϕΩ enhance its importance as a family of graphs which covers all the pre-defined graphs, along with space for new graphs, possibly formed in this way. We used Zagreb connection indices for the characterization of θϕΩ. These indices have gained worth in the field of chemical graph theory in very small duration due to their predictive power for enthalpy, entropy, and acentric factor. These computations are mathematically novel and assist in topological characterization of θϕΩ to enable its emerging use.
Optimal Designs of Phononic Crystal Microstructures Considering Point and Line Defects
Authors: He Jingjie , Sun Jiamei , Fan Juncheng , Jia Zhiyuan , Zhang Xiaopeng
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a two-stage optimization strategy for designing defective unit cells of phononic crystal (PnC) to explore the localization and waveguide states for target frequencies is proposed. In the optimization model, the PnC microstructures are parametrically described by a series of hyperelliptic curves, and the optimal designs can be obtained by systematically changing the designable parameters of hyperellipse. The optimization contains two individual processes. We obtain the configurations of a perfect unit cell for different orders of band gap maximization. Subsequently, by taking advantage of the supercell technique, the defective unit cells are designed based on the unit cell configuration for different orders of band gap maximization. The finite element models show the localization and waveguide phenomenon for target frequencies and validate the effectiveness of the optimal designs numerically.
Dynamics Analysis and Synchronous Control of Fractional-Order Entanglement Symmetrical Chaotic Systems
Authors: Lei Tengfei , Mao Beixing , Zhou Xuejiao , Fu Haiyan
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) semi-analytical solution algorithm is applied to solve a fractional-order entanglement symmetrical chaotic system. The dynamics of the system are analyzed by the Lyapunov exponent spectrum, bifurcation diagrams, poincaré diagrams, and chaos diagrams. The results show that the systems have rich dynamics. Meanwhile, sliding mode synchronizations of fractional-order chaotic systems are investigated theoretically and numerically. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed method and potential application value of fractional-order systems.
Multimessenger Astronomy with Neutrinos
Authors: Salesa Greus Francisco , Sánchez Losa Agustín
Published: October 2021

Multimessenger astronomy is arguably the branch of the astroparticle physics field that has seen the most significant developments in recent years. In this manuscript, we will review the state-of-the-art, the recent observations, and the prospects and challenges for the near future. We will give special emphasis to the observation carried out with neutrino telescopes.
Natural Phytochemicals, Luteolin and Isoginkgetin, Inhibit 3C Protease and Infection of FMDV, In Silico and In Vitro
Authors: Theerawatanasirikul Sirin , Thangthamniyom Nattarat , Kuo Chih-Jung , Semkum Ploypailin , Phecharat Nantawan , Chankeeree Penpitcha , Lekcharoensuk Porntippa
Published: October 2021

Foot-and-mouth-disease virus (FMDV) is a picornavirus that causes a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals resulting in economic losses worldwide. The 3C protease (3Cpro) is the main protease essential in the picornavirus life cycle, which is an attractive antiviral target. Here, we used computer-aided virtual screening to filter potential anti-FMDV agents from the natural phytochemical compound libraries. The top 23 filtered compounds were examined for anti-FMDV activities by a cell-based assay, two of which possessed antiviral effects. In the viral and post-viral entry experiments, luteolin and isoginkgetin could significantly block FMDV growth with low 50% effective concentrations (EC50). Moreover, these flavonoids could reduce the viral load as determined by RT-qPCR. However, their prophylactic activities were less effective. Both the cell-based and the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based protease assays confirmed that isoginkgetin was a potent FMDV 3Cpro inhibitor with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of 39.03 ± 0.05 and 65.3 ± 1.7 μM, respectively, whereas luteolin was less effective. Analyses of the protein–ligand interactions revealed that both compounds fit in the substrate-binding pocket and reacted to the key enzymatic residues of the 3Cpro. Our findings suggested that luteolin and isoginkgetin are promising antiviral agents for FMDV and other picornaviruses.
PHIDA: A High Throughput Turbidimetric Data Analytic Tool to Compare Host Range Profiles of Bacteriophages Isolated Using Different Enrichment Methods
Authors: Martinez-Soto Carlos E. , Cucić Stevan , Lin Janet T. , Kirst Sarah , Mahmoud El Sayed , Khursigara Cezar M. , Anany Hany
Published: October 2021

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and are present in niches where bacteria thrive. In recent years, the suggested application areas of lytic bacteriophage have been expanded to include therapy, biocontrol, detection, sanitation, and remediation. However, phage application is constrained by the phage’s host range—the range of bacterial hosts sensitive to the phage and the degree of infection. Even though phage isolation and enrichment techniques are straightforward protocols, the correlation between the enrichment technique and host range profile has not been evaluated. Agar-based methods such as spotting assay and efficiency of plaquing (EOP) are the most used methods to determine the phage host range. These methods, aside from being labor intensive, can lead to subjective and incomplete results as they rely on qualitative observations of the lysis/plaques, do not reflect the lytic activity in liquid culture, and can overestimate the host range. In this study, phages against three bacterial genera were isolated using three different enrichment methods. Host range profiles of the isolated phages were quantitatively determined using a high throughput turbidimetric protocol and the data were analyzed with an accessible analytic tool “PHIDA”. Using this tool, the host ranges of 9 Listeria, 14 Salmonella, and 20 Pseudomonas phages isolated with different enrichment methods were quantitatively compared. A high variability in the host range index (HRi) ranging from 0.86–0.63, 0.07–0.24, and 0.00–0.67 for Listeria, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas phages, respectively, was observed. Overall, no direct correlation was found between the phage host range breadth and the enrichment method in any of the three target bacterial genera. The high throughput method and analytics tool developed in this study can be easily adapted to any phage study and can provide a consensus for phage host range determination.
Evaluation of Antiviral Activity of Cyclic Ketones against Mayaro Virus
Authors: Fernandes Luciana S. , da Silva Milene L. , Dias Roberto S. , da S. Lucindo Marcel S. , da Silva Ítalo E. P. , Silva Cynthia C. , Teixeira Róbson R. , de Paula Sérgio O.
Published: October 2021

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is a neglected arthropod-borne virus found in the Americas. MAYV infection results in Mayaro fever, a non-lethal debilitating disease characterized by a strong inflammatory response affecting the joints and muscles. MAYV was once considered endemic to forested areas in Brazil but has managed to adapt and spread to urban regions using new vectors, such as Aedes aegypti, and has the potential to cause serious epidemics in the future. Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments against MAYV. In this study, the antiviral activity of a series of synthetic cyclic ketones were evaluated for the first time against MAYV. Twenty-four compounds were screened in a cell viability assay, and eight were selected for further evaluation. Effective concentration (EC50) and selectivity index (SI) were calculated and compound 9-(5-(4-chlorophenyl]furan-2-yl)-3,6-dimethyl-3,4,5,6,7,9-hexahydro-1H-xanthene-1,8(2))-dione (9) (EC50 = 21.5 µmol·L−1, SI = 15.8) was selected for mechanism of action assays. The substance was able to reduce viral activity by approximately 70% in both pre-treatment and post-treatment assays.
The Involvement of CXC Motif Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL10) and Its Related Chemokines in the Pathogenesis of Coronary Artery Disease and in the COVID-19 Vaccination: A Narrative Review
Authors: Karimabad Mojgan Noroozi , Kounis Nicholas G. , Hassanshahi Gholamhossein , Hassanshahi Farzaneh , Mplani Virginia , Koniari Ioanna , Hung Ming-Yow , Nadimi Ali Esmaeili
Published: October 2021

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) constitute two of the leading causes of death in Europe, USA and the rest of the world. According to the latest reports of the Iranian National Health Ministry, CAD is the main cause of death in Iranian patients with an age over 35 years despite a significant reduction in mortality due to early interventional treatments in the context of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Inflammation plays a fundamental role in coronary atherogenesis, atherosclerotic plaque formation, acute coronary thrombosis and CAD establishment. Chemokines are well-recognized mediators of inflammation involved in several bio-functions such as leucocyte migration in response to inflammatory signals and oxidative vascular injury. Different chemokines serve as chemo-attractants for a wide variety of cell types including immune cells. CXC motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), also known as interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10/CXLC10), is a chemokine with inflammatory features whereas CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) serves as a shared receptor for CXCL9, 10 and 11. These chemokines mediate immune responses through the activation and recruitment of leukocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. CXCL10, interleukin (IL-15) and interferon (IFN-g) are increased after a COVID-19 vaccination with a BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine and are enriched by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IL-6 after the second vaccination. The aim of the present study is the presentation of the elucidation of the crucial role of CXCL10 in the patho-physiology and pathogenesis of CAD and in identifying markers associated with the vaccination resulting in antibody development.
Study on Shock Disinfection in a Fire Extinguishing Water Supply System
Authors: Xiang Kun , Geng Pan , Sun Xuan , Yuan Shasha , Du Peng , Li Xing
Published: October 2021

The biofilms generated in a fire extinguishing water supply system can cause corrosion and a reduction in the water supply capacity; thus, degrading the system performance. To mitigate microbial corrosion, appropriate disinfection measures are necessary. In this study, the secondary addition of chlorine is employed to investigate the kinetics of chlorine decay, and shock disinfection is applied to investigate the removal efficiency of corrosion bacteria, and the microbial composition of a biofilm on the pipe wall was also clarified. The results show that the residual chlorine content in the secondary chlorination process was directly correlated with the decay rate of residual chlorine and the corrosion rate of the pipe wall. Additionally, the chlorine impact disinfection method could reduce the electrochemical corrosion phenomenon of the pipe wall. When the concentration of chlorine was 3 mg/L, the removal rate of corrosion bacteria was higher in 60 min than in 30 min. Specifically, most of the bacteria were inactivated in 60 min and the biofilm was severely damaged. Shock disinfection could significantly inactivate all microflora in the biofilm; the relative abundances of microflora varied significantly, while the change of microflora at the phylum level was insignificant. This study can provide theoretical support for the secondary addition of chlorine and shock disinfection in a fire extinguishing water supply system.
Morphodynamics and Evolution of Estuarine Sandspits along the Bight of Benin Coast, West Africa
Authors: Lawson Stephan Korblah , Tanaka Hitoshi , Udo Keiko , Hiep Nguyen Trong , Tinh Nguyen Xuan
Published: October 2021

It is well known that estuarine systems are significantly affected by hydrodynamic conditions such as river discharge, storm surges, waves and tidal conditions. In addition to this, human interferences through developmental projects have the capability of disrupting the natural morphological processes occurring at estuaries. In West Africa, the goal to improve standards of living through large-scale dam construction, offshore ports and coastal erosion countermeasures has triggered alarming changes in the morphodynamics of estuarine systems. The estuaries at the Volta River mouth (Ghana) and “Bouche du Roi” inlet (Benin), located along the Bight of Benin coast, West Africa, were selected as two case study sites to examine their long-term morphodynamics and sandspit evolution. In this study, we primarily analyzed estuarine morphology using remotely sensed images acquired from 1984 to 2020. We further estimated the longshore sediment transport for this region using results from the image analysis and the depth of active sediment motion. Our results reveal that the longshore sediment transport rates for this region are in the magnitude of 105–106 m3/year. Comparative analysis with other estuaries and sandy coasts suggests that the longshore sediment transport along this coast has one of the largest rates estimated in the world.
Two New Species of Sciodaphyllum (Araliaceae) from the Andes of Northwestern Colombia
Authors: Idárraga Piedrahíta Álvaro , Jiménez Montoya Jáider , Lowry II Porter P. , Mora M. Marcela , Plunkett Gregory M.
Published: October 2021

Sciodaphyllum montanum Idárraga, Jiménez-Mont. & Lowry and S. undulatum Jiménez-Mont., Idárraga & Lowry (Araliaceae) from the northern region of the Central and Western Cordilleras of the Andes in Colombia are described and illustrated. Sciodaphyllum montanum differs from other members of the genus mainly by a bulging disc up to 1.1 mm in height and a 3- to 4-carpellate ovary, and S. undulatum is distinguished by its undulate leaflet margin and the conspicuous scarlike amorphous lenticel 4.9–11 mm in diameter located abaxially on the base of the petiole. Notes are provided on possible taxonomic affinities of each species, as well as on their ecology and geographic distribution. Extinction risk assessments are given following the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, which indicate that both S. montanum and S. undulatum are Near Threatened (NT).
Loneliness, Solitude and Isolation in the Family as Conceptualised by Jesper Juul
Authors: Rojewska Ewa
Published: October 2021

This article presents an analysis of the theory of relations and upbringing in the family as conceived by Jesper-Juul, whereby the focal point of the study rests on solitude, loneliness and isolation. The research was conducted using an analytical-synthetic method elaborated on the basis of the works of this pedagogue and therapist.

The obtained results indicate an ontological dimension of loneliness in the family, and the need for its prior experience to guarantee one’s capacity to forge satisfying future relationships. The analysis of Juul's work leads to the conclusion that solitude and loneliness experienced in the family promote emotional growth of partners and that of the child. The work further focuses on destructive loneliness, i.e. isolation. The predominant conclusion drawn therefrom is that solitude and loneliness in the family carry a relationship-building potential. In the era of the Covid-19 pandemic, undertaking an in-depth analysis of this problem is particularly justified.
Martial burnout in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: the role of marital communication and sociodemographicfactors
Authors: Kaleta Kinga , Błońska Sylwia
Published: October 2021

Raising a child with special needs poses a challenge for their parents not only as caregivers but also as spouses. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationships between communication behaviors, both own and partners’, and the level of marital burnout in mothers with a  child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Moderating role of selected sociodemographic factors, such as duration of marriage, number of children, age of a child with disorder, professional activity of mothers, and perceived parents' contribution to caring for a child with an autism spectrum disorder was also tested. The Marital Communication Questionnaire, the Marital Burnout scale and a sociodemographic survey were used in the study. The sample was composed of 100 women, married mothers of a child with ASD. The results showed an inverse relationship between own and partner’s supportive and engaged communication, and the feeling of marital burnout in women. At the same time, there was a positive relationship between depreciation in own and partner’s communication and female burnout. These relationships were not moderated by any of the sociodemographic variables.