bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Automated Acquisition and Processing of As-Built Data with Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Freimuth Henk , König Markus
Published: October 2019

Planning and scheduling in construction heavily depend on current information about the state of construction processes. However, the acquisition process for visual data requires human personnel to take photographs of construction objects. We propose using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) for automated creation of images and point cloud data of particular construction objects. The method extracts locations of objects that require inspection from Four Dimensional Building Information Modelling (4D-BIM). With this information at hand viable flight missions around the known structures of the construction site are computed. During flight, the UAV uses stereo cameras to detect and avoid any obstacles that are not known to the model, for example moving humans or machinery. The combination of pre-computed waypoint missions and reactive avoidance ensures deterministic routing from takeoff to landing and operational safety for humans and machines. During flight, an additional software component compares the captured point cloud data with the model data, enabling automatic per-object completion checking or reconstruction. The prototype is developed in the Robot Operating System (ROS) and evaluated in Software-In-The-Loop (SITL) simulations for the sake of being executable on real UAVs.
Robust and Cooperative Localization for Underwater Sensor Networks in the Existence of Malicious Anchors
Authors: Cai Wenyu , Yang Junlei , Zhang Meiyan , Peng Shiling , Yang Junyi
Published: October 2019

Precise and robust localization in three-dimensional underwater sensor networks is still an important research problem. This problem is particularly challenging if there are some malicious anchors among ordinary anchor nodes that will broadcast their locations falsely and deliberately. In this paper, we study how to self-localize large teams of underwater sensor nodes under the condition that some malicious anchor nodes mixed with ordinary anchors. Due to malicious characteristic of some deliberate anchor nodes, an iterative and cooperative 3D-localization algorithm for underwater sensor networks in the existence of malicious anchors is proposed in this paper. The proposed robust localization algorithm takes advantage of distributed reputation voting method within 1-Hop neighboring reference nodes to detect and eliminate malicious anchor nodes. Moreover, one kind of Minimum Mean Squared Error estimation based iterative localization method is applied to determine accurate location information. Additionally, we analyze and prove that our localization algorithm would have a bounded error when the number of malicious anchors is smaller than a certain threshold. Extensive simulation results are provided to demonstrate performance improvements comparing to traditional Minimum Mean Squared Error and Attack Resistant Minimum Mean Squared Error based localization methods in terms of localization accuracy and coverage ratio.
Study on the Quality Control for Periodogram in the Determination of Water Level Using the GNSS-IR Technique
Authors: Song Minfeng , He Xiufeng , Wang Xiaolei , Zhou Ye , Xu Xueyong
Published: October 2019

A GNSS station, located on the shore of sea and inland waters, and equipped with standard geodetic receivers and antennas, can be used to measure water levels using a technique called GNSS Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS-IR). The classical GNSS-IR method is based on SNR data and LSP spectrum analysis method. In order to promote the application of GNSS-IR, the accuracy of the results needs to be further improved, and quality control needs to be achieved better. Classical quality control methods include denoising filtering based on data source SNR; post-processing filtering based on results; morphological analysis based on parameters, such as the ratio of the maximum peak value to the background noise mean, the ratio of the maximum peak to the sub-peak, and the amplitude of the maximum peak. All three methods have the problem of correct frequency extraction under multiple approximate peak conditions. This paper focuses on the performance analysis of three methods of quality control for two situations with real examples, summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and discusses the measures in applications. Considering the limitations in the threshold setting for the third method, a new quality control method combining multiple parameters and external constraints is proposed. This method is more flexible, especially in dealing with a periodogram with multiple similar peaks, breaking through the premise that the frequency corresponding to the maximum peak is the correct frequency, and validated in two different environments. The experimental results show that the proposed method can improve the accuracy of the measured water level while ensuring the amount of the results. It eliminates the gross errors effectively and uses the data efficiently.
Research on the Relationship between Price Mechanism and Short-Term Behavior in Chinese Farmland Trusteeships
Authors: Hou Yunxian , Chen Pengfei
Published: October 2019

After the policy of separating ownership rights, contract rights, and management rights to rural land, some Chinese farmers entrusted their land to agricultural social service providers. However, at present in land trusteeships, short-term behaviors exist, which are not good for the sustainable utilization of land. This article uses a dynamic game model to analyze the economic reasons for short-term behavior and to explore possible mechanisms. The study’s results showed that fluctuations in trusteeship prices encouraged farmers to sign low-price, long-term contracts or high-price, short-term contracts that allowed agricultural social service providers choose short-term behaviors. A variable-price system may avoid short-term contracts as a result of fluctuations in trusteeship prices, allowing both sides to build a long-term stable partnership, encouraging long-term investment in land. To ensure the sustainable utilization of land, it is suggested that both sides adopt a variable price system.
The Relationship between Psychological Contract Breach and Job Insecurity or Stress in Employees Engaged in the Restaurant Business
Authors: Shin Hyoung Chul
Published: October 2019

This study explored the relationship between psychological contract breach and job insecurity or stress in employees engaged in the restaurant business. To do this, four hypotheses were proposed. First, job insecurity has a significant positive effect on psychological contract breach. Second, job insecurity has a significant positive effect on job stress. Third, psychological contract breach has a significant positive effect on job stress. Fourth, job insecurity has a significant positive effect on job stress via psychological contract breach. Then, eligible respondents (n = 384; 183 men and 201 women) were recruited from a total of five restaurant business companies and then evaluated for a self-administered questionnaire survey. Results showed not only that job insecurity had a significant positive effect on psychological contract breach and job stress but also that psychological contract breach had a significant positive effect on job stress and mediated the interaction between job insecurity and stress. It can therefore be concluded that restaurant business owners should establish rational criteria for compensating job insecurity and stress arising from psychological contract breach in employees engaged in the restaurant business because of an inconsistency between psychological contract breach arising from job insecurity and compensation for work performance of employees engaged in the restaurant business.
Optimising Decarbonisation Investment for Firms towards Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Tran Trung-Hieu , Mao Yong , Siebers Peer-Olaf
Published: October 2019

We develop a mixed-integer non-linear programming model for firms’ decarbonisation investment decision-making towards a sustainable environment. Our model seeks the optimal investment for a firm to achieve maximum profit under constraints derived from its environmental protection awareness and the government’s taxation policy. We use an uncertainty theory to formulate the relationship of a firm’s environmental protection awareness and its investment budget levels. Governments’ taxation policy is modelled by a step-wise linear function, where reduced carbon dioxide emission can help the firm reduce taxation. A linearisation is proposed to solve the non-linear problem efficiently. A case study for a sector of electronic component manufacturers in Nottingham, the United Kingdom, demonstrates the practical implementation of the proposed model. Several large-sized instances, which were randomly generated, were utilised to evaluate the the efficiency of model in terms of computational time. Our model can be used to explore budget options to obtain higher profits under a particular taxation policy.
Influence of Family Involvement on Family Firm Internationalization: The Moderating Effects of Industrial and Institutional Environments
Authors: Zhou Lixin , Han Yan , Gou Chaoli
Published: October 2019

This paper aimed to explore the effects of family ownership and management on Chinese family firm internationalization, and to examine the moderating effects of environmental munificence, institutional environment, and political ties in this relationship. A questionnaire survey of 274 family firms in 8 provinces or municipalities in China was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses empirically. The results were as follows: First, family ownership and management positively impacted the depth and breadth of internationalization. Second, environmental munificence weakened the effect of family ownership on the depth of internationalization, as well as on the effect of family management on the breadth of internationalization, but intensified the effect of family management on the depth of internationalization. Third, the institutional environment intensified the effects of family management on the depth and breadth of internationalization. Finally, political ties weakened the effect of family management on the depth of internationalization, but intensified the effect of family ownership on the breadth of internationalization. The contributions and implications of this study are also discussed.
Estimating Housing Vacancy Rates in Rural China Using Power Consumption Data
Authors: Li Jing , Guo Meng , Lo Kevin
Published: October 2019

Village hollowing is a growing policy problem globally, but accurately estimating housing vacancy rates is difficult and costly. In this study, we piloted the use of power consumption data to estimate the vacancy rate of rural housing. To illustrate the method used, we took power consumption data in 2014 and 2017 in an area of rural China to analyze the change in housing vacancies. Results indicated that the rural vacancy rates were 5.27% and 8.69%, respectively, while underutilization rates were around 10% in 2014 and 2017. Second, there was significant spatial clustering of vacant rural housing, and the hotspots were mainly distributed in western mountainous areas, whereas villages near urban areas had lower vacancy rates. Third, rural vacancies increased from 2014 to 2017. Compared with other methods, our method proved to be accurate, very cost-effective and scalable, and it can offer timely spatial and temporal information that can be used by policymakers to identify areas with significant village hollowing issues. However, there are challenges in setting the right thresholds that take into consideration regional differences. Therefore, there is also a need for more studies in different regions in order to scale up this method to the national level.
Two-Stage Supply-Chain Optimization Considering Consumer Low-Carbon Awareness under Cap-and-Trade Regulation
Authors: Tao Zhimiao
Published: October 2019

Cap-and-trade regulation is an effective mechanism to control carbon emissions. The optimization problem for a two-stage supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer under cap-and-trade regulation was investigated in this paper. Consumers’ low-carbon awareness level was considered in the decision models. Optimal decision policies, corresponding emissions, and profits were calculated for decentralized and centralized decision-making modes. Under a decentralized mode, the two-stage supply-chain optimization problem was formulated as a Stackelberg game model, where the manufacturer and retailer were the leader and follower, respectively. The manufacturer decides the emission-reduction levels per product unit and the retailer decides the retail price per unit product. The optimal decisions are derived using the reverse-solution method. By contrast, the two-stage supply-chain optimization problem under a decentralized mode was formulated as a single-level optimization model. The nonlinear model is handled by KKT optimality conditions. The influence of the regulation parameters (caps and carbon prices) and consumers’ low-carbon awareness on the optimal decision policies, the corresponding emissions, and profits is discussed in detail. A comparison between the two modes implies that the decentralized mode is dominated by the centralized mode in terms of profit and emissions. In order to provoke the decision makers under decentralized modes to make the decisions under the decentralized mode, a profit-sharing contract was designed. This study shows that higher consumer low-carbon awareness and carbon prices can improve the manufacturer-decision flexibility when there exists a profit-sharing contract. Finally, numerical experiments confirmed the analytical results.
The Effect of the Adoption of International Accounting Standards No. 12 (IAS No. 12) for Firms Reporting Losses: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Hong Nanhee , Shim Junyong
Published: October 2019

This study examines the effects of the adoption of International Accounting Standards No. 12, Income Taxes (IAS No. 12) on the incremental information about future profitability for firms reporting losses compared to Korean Generally Accepted Accounting No. 16, Accounting for Income Taxes (K-GAAP No. 16). Specifically, this paper shows that whether the IAS No. 12 affects the information of deferred tax assets (DTAs) regarding loss persistence which implies the ability to predict earnings sustainability. Using a sample of 2,905 observations from Korean listed firms that reported a loss between 2007 and 2014, we divide loss firm-years into categories of ‘good news’ (GN) or ‘bad news’ (BN) based on whether management appears to report an increase in DTAs. We find that our tax categories have incremental information about the probability of loss reversal under K-GAAP No. 16, but under IAS No. 12 the incremental effects of a deferred tax balance disappear. Also, we find that investors underweight the informativeness of DTAs under K-GAAP, and after the adoption of IAS No. 12, investors cannot obtain buy-and-hold returns by buying GN firm-years and selling BN firms-years. However, this is not because investors understand the information of DTAs, but because the informativeness of DTAs deteriorates after the relaxation in the recognition threshold of DTAs.
A Study on the Characteristics of New Towns and the Redevelopment of Project-Canceled Areas: A Case Study of Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyunjung
Published: October 2019

This study examined regeneration issues from the perspective of urban regeneration and the characteristics of areas that have been the subject of public policy failure, namely new towns and redevelopment of project-canceled areas. These areas are in need of improvement, particularly in regard to old housing and poor infrastructure. It is imperative that infrastructure conditions that may be difficult to focus on in the private sector are improved. Therefore, the public (Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG)) needs to play an active role, with a particular focus on providing significant administrative power and finances to these areas in order to reduce the effects of policy failure and make continuous efforts to reverse the failed policy. The public should actively work to resolve distrust and conflict in the public policy and make restorative efforts through new policies.
Individual and Social Preferences in Participatory Multi-Criteria Evaluation
Authors: Barinaga-Rementeria Itziar , Erauskin-Tolosa Artitzar , Lozano Pedro José , Latasa Itxaro
Published: October 2019

Decisions on environmental issues are complex and multidimensional as they represent multiple interests and values. Nevertheless, the ability of participatory multi-criteria methodologies to deal with this kind of problem is widely acknowledged. Traditionally, multi-criteria methods have focused more on technical issues than on the representation of participants’ preferences. In participatory processes there are questions such as who establishes the mechanisms of participation, in what terms these processes are developed and who is going to participate, which are determining factors that have not been sufficiently studied in multi-criteria analysis. This paper, in order to shed light on this gap, aims to compare the creation of social preferences under two different participatory approaches. For this purpose, two different participatory approaches are compared. On the one hand, applying the social multi-criteria evaluation (SMCE) method, a deliberative process is developed following the principles of deliberative democracy. On the other hand, an aggregation process of individual preferences has been developed based on information collected through surveys. Both approaches have advantages as well as constraints. Our main finding is that the information obtained through the different participatory methods is different and complementary. Therefore, we can state that both participatory methods can be enriching assessment processes.
The Influencing Factors of a Polycentric Employment System on Jobs-Housing Matching—A Case Study of Hangzhou, China
Authors: Zhu Juan , Niu Xinyi , Shi Cheng
Published: October 2019

This paper discusses the relationship between the polycentric spatial structure and jobs-housing matching and its influencing factors in the urbanized area of Hangzhou City in China. First, 42 employment centers are identified while using the method of the threshold value of employment density and employment to residence ratio based on the places of employment and residence that were identified from cellphone signaling data. This study found that Hangzhou have remarkable features of a polycentric system. Second, we use the jobs-housing matching rate index to measure the jobs-housing matching characteristics of employment centers. We found that the polycentric structure does not guarantee jobs-housing matching of all centers, although nearly half of the employment centers had good jobs-housing matching and 14.29% do not achieve jobs-housing matching, which indicates the uncertainty of “co-location hypothesis” in China. Employment centers of different levels, industry types, and locations also display certain regularity in their jobs-housing matching level. Third, by using correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis, we found that, besides the polycentric factor, the spatial and industrial factors also exert a certain effect on jobs-housing matching, reasonable control of the employment center size, employment to resident ratio, and industrial diversity are the determinants that affect the jobs-housing matching level.
Assessing (Social-Ecological) Systems Thinking by Evaluating Cognitive Maps
Authors: Gray Steven , Sterling Eleanor J. , Aminpour Payam , Goralnik Lissy , Singer Alison , Wei Cynthia , Akabas Sharon , Jordan Rebecca C. , Giabbanelli Philippe J. , Hodbod Jennifer , Betley Erin , Norris Patricia
Published: October 2019

Systems thinking (ST) skills are often the foundation of sustainability science curricula. Though ST skill sets are used as a basic approach to reasoning about complex environmental problems, there are gaps in our understanding regarding the best ways to promote and assess ST learning in classrooms. Since ST learning provides Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students’ important skills and awareness to participate in environmental problem-solving, addressing these gaps is an important STEM learning contribution. We have created guidelines for teaching and measuring ST skills derived from a hybrid of a literature review and through case study data collection. Our approach is based on semi-quantitative cognitive mapping techniques meant to support deep reasoning about the complexities of social–ecological issues. We begin by arguing that ST should be evaluated on a continuum of understanding rather than a binary of correct/incorrect or present/absent. We then suggest four fundamental dimensions of teaching and evaluating ST which include: (1) system structure, (2) system function, (3) identification of leverage points for change, and (4) trade-off analysis. Finally, we use a case study to show how these ideas can be assessed through cognitive maps to help students develop deep system understanding and the capacity to propose innovative solutions to sustainability problems.
Supply–Demand Coupling Mechanisms for Policy Design
Authors: Jiang Bo , Chen Yuanyuan , Bai Yang , Xu Xibao
Published: October 2019

Ecosystem services are important for sustaining human survival and sustainable socio-economic development. For the past two decades, ecosystem services studies have greatly promoted the application of ecosystem services science in conservation. As a scientific method to integrate multi-regional and multi-scale ecosystem service providers and beneficiaries, ecosystem service supply and demand coupling mechanisms and payments for ecosystem services programs are closely linked. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the payments for ecosystem services concept and an evaluation of its effectiveness in implementation. We then analyze the correlation between payments for ecosystem services and supply–demand coupling mechanisms and propose a framework to link these two ideas. China’s practice in implementing ecological redline policy and institutional reforms for protected area management will provide a good experimental platform for comprehensive payments for ecosystem service design and effectiveness evaluation within China and beyond.
Fish is the Preferred Animal-Source Food in the Rural Community of Southern Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Rumana , Thilsted Shakuntala H. , Hossain Nazia , Ishihara Hiroe , Yagi Nobuyuki
Published: October 2019

Increased intake of animal-source foods (ASFs) is crucial to tackle multiple nutritional challenges in Bangladesh, and contribute to achieving targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to assess current ASFs intake behaviors and preferred ASFs, among three types of households, namely 1. aquaculture intervention (AI); 2. aquaculture non-intervention (ANI); and 3. non-aquaculture non-intervention (NANI) households and children aged 6–59 months, to understand whether intake of ASFs vary by the types of households. Purposive sampling was conducted to obtain a total of 100 households (AI, 50; ANI, 25; NANI, 25). Fish was the most commonly consumed (52.2–61.5%) and preferred (73.9–84.6%) ASF by the majority households, across study groups; although amount (mean ± SD) of intake (g/d/person) by NANI households was statistically significantly lower (NANI, 105.5 ± 53.3; p < 0.001), compared to other two groups (AI, 163.6 ± 64.7 and ANI, 159.6 ± 53). Fish species selection for household consumption was led by taste, health benefits, availability, and price. Pangasius was the first fish species of choice fed to children, due to having fewer small bones compared to other commonly consumed fish species. Dietary interventions to prioritize fish, in targeting increased intake of ASFs among study population, for improved food and nutrition security.
Investigating Environmental Transgressions at Corbett Tiger Reserve, India
Authors: Sharma Tanmay , Chen Joseph S. , Liu Wan-Yu
Published: October 2019

Through a qualitative lens involving both in-depth interviews and focus groups, this research attempts to probe the issues of environmental transgressions caused by tourists and tourism providers in one of the oldest and largest national parks in India, the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), Uttrakhand. It reveals that even though tourism stakeholders are conscious of environmental transgressions, concrete efforts towards environmentally sustainable practices in CTR do not seem to be a priority. Nevertheless, this research suggests that visitor’s noncompliant behavior may be altered by enhancing place attachment through repeat visitations, improving visitor experiences, and effective information dissemination. Also, future tourism operations may require a reduction in environmental transgressions through the creation of an agency that can assist community-based tourism operations.
Geographical Proximity Paradox Revisited: The Case of IT Service SMEs in Poland
Authors: Micek Grzegorz
Published: October 2019

Knowledge flow is among the most crucial social processes triggering innovation and regional development. Intercompany knowledge flow among Polish information technology (IT) service small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is studied in this paper. The main aim is to identify market and technological knowledge flow channels and their spatial scales. Based on information derived from computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATIs), in-depth interviews (IDIs) and data analysis (correspondence analysis and comparative study of spatial structures of knowledge flows), the geographical proximity paradox is tested. It is argued there is a need to move beyond the local buzz–global pipeline dichotomy. Knowledge is acquired at various spatial scales, which enhances the sustainability of the knowledge acquisition process and makes companies, regions and cities more resilient. The multiscalarity of knowledge flows is the most remarkable in the case of private contacts with colleagues from schools or previous workplaces. Spatially diversified study and job experiences of entrepreneurs goes along with return migration. In earlier Central and Eastern European studies, knowledge flow was often defined by the dominance of national (domestic) flow over weak global interactions. Trade relations, especially those occurring on an international scale, represent the most important channel of market and technological knowledge flow for the surveyed companies. The second most important channel is the employment of specialists, which is by far the most frequent and most important on an interregional scale. Due to the small size of surveyed companies, foreign specialists are used least frequently. Instead of using regional business events as a vehicle for knowledge flow, representatives of the IT service sector prefer to attend domestic meetings. In the case of Polish IT service SMEs, the paradox of geographical proximity is better described by the dominance of national over global knowledge flow.
Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth and Development: An Evaluation of Law and Policy of Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Mohammad Ershadul , Karim Ridoan , Islam Md. Toriqul , Muhammad-Sukki Firdaus , Bani Nurul Aini , Muhtazaruddin Mohd Nabil
Published: October 2019

Bangladesh’s constant growth with an annual 6% plus Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for more than the last two decades and achievements in other socio-economic metrics in recent times is impressive and recognized by various global authoritative bodies. The extent of overwhelming economic ventures in the private sector coupled with the commitments of the government clearly demonstrates the transformation of the country from a primarily agro-based economy to one influenced by the manufacturing and service sectors. Bangladesh is fortunate to have fossil fuel reserves on a limited scale, though these are not enough to run the ongoing massive scale development activities, both in private and public sectors. Thus, the constant and uninterrupted supply of energy at an affordable price remains a serious concern for the successive governments. Therefore, this issue of supply of constant energy has turned to be an important part in the national development agenda. Besides, the country is one of the worst victim nations of the devastating effects of global warming and climate change. As Bangladesh is geographically located in a favorable place in the world map with the availability of plenty of renewable energy sources (RES), the policymakers started to take initiatives leading to exploiting these sources to meet the energy demand of the country. There are both prospects and administrative, legal, technological, socio-cultural and environmental challenges. To address these challenges, it requires comprehensive policy initiatives. A good number of technical and scientific research containing findings and recommendations are available. This paper, which is based on adopting a qualitative research methodology where the contents of secondary sources were analyzed, is an initial attempt to highlight the renewable energy developments in Bangladesh, and subsequently, to evaluate the relevant legal and policy initiatives in the light of international best practices. We advance several recommendations that the stakeholders can consider exploiting RES effectively to attain inclusive, equitable and sustainable development in Bangladesh. These include, inter alia: (1) Enhancing government participation to lead the development of renewable energy (RE); (2) ensuring localization of RE technology; (3) reducing the expenses of energy generation through RES and providing assistance in initial investments; (4) introducing comprehensive legal and regulatory policy for the development of RE industry in Bangladesh; and (5) conducting effective public awareness.
Certain Results for the Twice-Iterated 2D q-Appell Polynomials
Authors: Srivastava Hari M. , Yasmin Ghazala , Muhyi Abdulghani , Araci Serkan
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the class of the twice-iterated 2D q-Appell polynomials is introduced. The generating function, series definition and some relations including the recurrence relations and partial q-difference equations of this polynomial class are established. The determinant expression for the twice-iterated 2D q-Appell polynomials is also derived. Further, certain twice-iterated 2D q-Appell and mixed type special q-polynomials are considered as members of this polynomial class. The determinant expressions and some other properties of these associated members are also obtained. The graphs and surface plots of some twice-iterated 2D q-Appell and mixed type 2D q-Appell polynomials are presented for different values of indices by using Matlab. Moreover, some areas of potential applications of the subject matter of, and the results derived in, this paper are indicated.
Carboxyl-Functionalized, Europium Nanoparticle-Based Fluorescent Immunochromatographic Assay for Sensitive Detection of Citrinin in Monascus Fermented Food
Authors: Chen Erjing , Xu Ying , Ma Biao , Cui Haifeng , Sun Chuanxin , Zhang Mingzhou
Published: October 2019

A fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip (FICTS) based on the use of europium nanoparticles (EuNPs) was developed and applied to detect citrinin (CIT) in Monascus fermented food. The sensitivity of the immunoassay to detect CIT was greatly improved by the use of a specific monoclonal antibody to attach EuNPs to form a probe. Under optimum conditions, the visual detection limit was 2.5 ng/mL, and the detection limit of the instrument was 0.05 ng/mL. According to the results, the IC50 was 0.4 ng/mL. Matrix interference from various Monascus fermented foods was investigated in food sample detection. The immunosensor also demonstrated high recoveries (86.8–113.0%) and low relative standard deviations (RSDs) (1.8–15.3%) when testing spiked Monascus fermented food. The detection results of this method showed a good correlation (R2 > 0.98) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the FICTS method could be used as a rapid, sensitive method to detect CIT in Monascus fermented food.
An Immortalized Hepatocyte-Like Cell Line (imHC) Accommodated Complete Viral Lifecycle, Viral Persistence Form, cccDNA and Eventual Spreading of a Clinically-Isolated HBV
Authors: Sa-ngiamsuntorn Khanit , Thongsri Piyanoot , Pewkliang Yongyut , Wongkajornsilp Adisak , Kongsomboonchoke Pattida , Suthivanich Phichaya , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Hongeng Suradej
Published: October 2019

More than 350 million people worldwide have been persistently infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Chronic HBV infection could advance toward liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The intervention with prophylactic vaccine and conventional treatment could suppress HBV, but could not completely eradicate it. The major obstacle for investigating curative antiviral drugs are the incompetence of hepatocyte models that should have closely imitated natural human infection. Here, we demonstrated that an immortalized hepatocyte-like cell line (imHC) could accommodate for over 30 days the entire life cycle of HBV prepared from either established cultured cells or clinically-derived fresh isolates. Normally, imHCs had intact interferon signaling with anti-viral action. Infected imHCs responded to treatments with direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) and interferons (IFNs) by diminishing HBV DNA, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg, aka the Australia antigen) and the hepatitis B viral protein (HBeAg). Notably, we could observe and quantify HBV spreading from infected cells to naïve cells using an imHC co-culture model. In summary, this study constructed a convenient HBV culture model that allows the screening for novel anti-HBV agents with versatile targets, either HBV entry, replication or cccDNA formation. Combinations of agents aiming at different targets should achieve a complete HBV eradication.
A Novel Enzootic Nasal Tumor Virus Circulating in Goats from Southern China
Authors: Zhai Shao-Lun , Lv Dian-Hong , Xu Zhi-Hong , Yu Jie-Shi , Wen Xiao-Hui , Zhang He , Chen Qin-Ling , Jia Chun-Ling , Zhou Xiu-Rong , Zhai Qi , Li Feng , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Wang Dan , Wei Wen-Kang
Published: October 2019

Enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) has two types, ENTV-1 in sheep and ENTV-2 in goats, respectively. In China, the incidence of ENTV-2 related diseases has increased year by year. In this study, we reported an outbreak of ENTV-2 in a commercial goat farm in Qingyuan city, Guangdong province, southern China. A full-length genome of ENTV-2 (designated GDQY2017), with 7479 base pairs, was sequenced. Although GDQY2017 shared the highest nucleotide identity with a Chinese ENTV-2 isolate (ENTV-2CHN4, GenBank accession number KU258873), it possesses distinct genome characteristics undescribed, including a non-continuous 21-nucleotide insertion in the gag gene and a non-continuous 12-nucleotide deletion in the env gene. Notably, most of these indel nucleotide sequences were originated from a Chinese jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) isolate (GenBank accession number DQ838494). In the gag and env genes, GDQY2017 was phylogenetically related to those Chinese ENTV-2 isolates and a Chinese JSRV isolate (DQ838494). For GDQY2017-like viruses, more surveillance work should be made to explain their pathogenicity in goat herds. To our knowledge, this study represents the first to demonstrate the circulating pattern of ENTV-2 in Guangdong province, China, which will help to better understand the epidemiology and genetic diversity of ENTV-2.
The Evolutionary Arms Race between Virus and NK Cells: Diversity Enables Population-Level Virus Control
Authors: Savoy Sarah K. A. , Boudreau Jeanette E.
Published: October 2019

Viruses and natural killer (NK) cells have a long co-evolutionary history, evidenced by patterns of specific NK gene frequencies in those susceptible or resistant to infections. The killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) ligands together form the most polymorphic receptor-ligand partnership in the human genome and govern the process of NK cell education. The KIR and HLA genes segregate independently, thus creating an array of reactive potentials within and between the NK cell repertoires of individuals. In this review, we discuss the interplay between NK cell education and adaptation with virus infection, with a special focus on three viruses for which the NK cell response is often studied: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Through this lens, we highlight the complex co-evolution of viruses and NK cells, and their impact on viral control.
Yellow Fever: Integrating Current Knowledge with Technological Innovations to Identify Strategies for Controlling a Re-Emerging Virus
Authors: Kleinert Robin , Montoya-Diaz Eduardo , Khera Tanvi , Welsch Kathrin , Tegtmeyer Birthe , Hoehl Sebastian , Ciesek Sandra , Brown Richard
Published: October 2019

Yellow fever virus (YFV) represents a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen, transmitted by mosquito vectors to humans from primate reservoirs. Sporadic outbreaks of YFV occur in endemic tropical regions, causing a viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) associated with high mortality rates. Despite a highly effective vaccine, no antiviral treatments currently exist. Therefore, YFV represents a neglected tropical disease and is chronically understudied, with many aspects of YFV biology incompletely defined including host range, host–virus interactions and correlates of host immunity and pathogenicity. In this article, we review the current state of YFV research, focusing on the viral lifecycle, host responses to infection, species tropism and the success and associated limitations of the YFV-17D vaccine. In addition, we highlight the current lack of available treatments and use publicly available sequence and structural data to assess global patterns of YFV sequence diversity and identify potential drug targets. Finally, we discuss how technological advances, including real-time epidemiological monitoring of outbreaks using next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9 modification of vector species, could be utilized in future battles against this re-emerging pathogen which continues to cause devastating disease.
Presence and Natural Treatment of Organic Micropollutants and their Risks after 100 Years of Incidental Water Reuse in Agricultural Irrigation
Authors: Chávez-Mejía Alma C. , Navarro-González Inés , Magaña-López Rafael , Uscanga-Roldán Dafne , Zaragoza-Sánchez Paloma I. , Jiménez-Cisneros Blanca Elena
Published: October 2019

The aim of the research was to show the presence of micropollutants contained in the wastewater of Mexico City within the distribution canals of the Mezquital Valley (MV), as well as their retention in agricultural soil and aquifers. This system constitutes the world’s oldest and largest example of the use of untreated wastewater for agricultural irrigation. The artificial recharge associated with the MV aquifers, with groundwater extracted for human consumption showing its importance as a water resource for Mexico City. The results of sampling show the presence of 18 compounds, with 10 of these considered as endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs). The concentration of these pollutants ranged from 2 ng/L for 17 β-estradiol to 99 ng/L for DEHP, with these values decreasing throughout the course of the canals due to the wastewater dilution factor, their retention in agricultural soil, and their accumulation in the local aquifer. The main mechanisms involved in natural attenuation are adsorption, filtration, and biodegradation. Drinking water equivalent levels (DWELs) were estimated for 11 compounds with regard to acceptable daily intakes (ADIs), by assuming local exposure parameters for a rural Mexican population. These were compared with the maximum groundwater concentrations (Cgw) to screen the potential risks. The very low ratios of Cgw to DWELs indicate no appreciable human health risk from the presence of trace concentrations of these compounds in the source of drinking water in the MV. Despite this, far from being exceeded after more than 100 years of irrigation with residual water, the natural soil attenuation seems to remain stable.
Addition of Corn Cob in the Free Drainage Zone of Partially Saturated Vertical Wetlands Planted with I. sibirica for Total Nitrogen Removal—A Pilot-Scale Study
Authors: Del Toro Aarón , Tejeda Allan , Zurita Florentina
Published: October 2019

The aim of this 15-month study was to evaluate and compare two partially saturated (PS) vertical flow (VF) wetlands for total nitrogen (TN) removal. The PS VF wetlands, evaluated in duplicate, were added with corncob (CC) in two different heights of the free-drainage zone (FDZ). The FDZ had a height of 40 cm and the saturated zone (SZ) had a height of 30 cm. The configuration of the system I (SI) was a 20 cm-corncob bed above the SZ followed by a 20 cm-tezontle bed; in system II (SII) the order of the beds were inverted. The SZ was added with tezontle with a size of 1−2 cm. Weekly measurements of water quality parameters including oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), color, total suspended solids (TSS), organic nitrogen (Org-N), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−) and nitrite (NO2−), were taken in the influent and effluents, and interfaces (nitrate and nitrite). Measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) were taken in the SZ. The addition of CC in the FDZ did not interfere with the capacity of the PS VF wetlands for BOD5, COD, TSS and true color removal, reaching mass removal efficiencies of 91.9% and 92.2%, 66.6% and 75%, 89.8% and 92%, 63.3% and 66.0%, for SI and SII, respectively; without significant difference between the systems (p > 0.05). The CC in the FDZ neither interfered with the PS VF wetlands nitrification capacity. The removal of TN was similar in SI and SII (p > 0.05), attaining average mass removal efficiencies of 68.2% and 66.0%, respectively. These efficiencies were not sufficiently high due to the limited denitrification process in the SZ as a result of the absence of biodegradable carbon, generated and consumed in the FDZ.
Addressing Long-Term Operational Risk Management in Port Docks under Climate Change Scenarios—A Spanish Case Study
Authors: Campos Álvaro , García-Valdecasas José María , Molina Rafael , Castillo Carmen , Álvarez-Fanjul Enrique , Staneva Joanna
Published: October 2019

Ports are strategic hubs of the logistic chain and are likely to be exposed to natural hazard events. Variation of metocean agents derived from climate change, such as sea level rise or changes in the magnitude, frequency, duration, and direction of storms, can modify the infrastructural and operational vulnerability of port areas and activities, demanding the development of adaptation or mitigation strategies. In this context, the present paper is aimed to propose a downscaling methodology for addressing local effects at port scale. In addition, based on previously identifying and defining the Areas of Operational Interest (AOIs) inside ports, an approach towards the evaluation of operational vulnerability is offered. The whole process is applied, as a practical case, to the Port of Gijón (Spain) for different General Circulation Models (GCMs), concentration scenarios, and time horizons. The results highlight, in line with other publications, that inter-model differences are, so far, more significant than intra-model differences from dissimilar time horizons or concentration scenarios.
Severe Water Deficiency during the Mid-Vegetative and Reproductive Phase has Little Effect on Proso Millet Performance
Authors: Grašič Mateja , Golob Aleksandra , Vogel-Mikuš Katarina , Gaberščik Alenka
Published: October 2019

Climate change can result in extreme droughts, significantly affecting crop production. C4 crop proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) has the lowest water consumption among all of the cereal crops. Understanding its survival mechanisms is thus crucial for agriculture. Furthermore, yield reduction does not only occur directly due to water shortage, but is also a consequence of an impaired element uptake during drought. This study aimed to examine the effect of water deficiency on proso millet leaf traits, plant biomass partition, and yield. In addition, leaf element contents were analysed, including silicon, which is an important multifunctional element for grasses. The majority of the measured parameters showed little change from the control to the moderate and severe water shortage treatments, even though the soil moisture levels differed significantly. The most pronounced reduction in comparison to the control was for leaf biomass, leaf stomatal conductance, and leaf silicon, phosphorus, calcium, and sulphur contents. Conversely, an increase was obtained for leaf potassium and chlorine contents. Panicle biomass was the same for all plant groups. Leaf silicon was positively correlated to reflectance in the UV region, while leaf calcium was negatively correlated to reflectance in the visible regions, which might prevent damage due to short-wave UV radiation and provide sufficient visible light for photosynthesis. The efficient light and water management, reduction of leaf biomass, and same-sized root system may be the mechanisms that mitigate the negative effects of water shortage in proso millet.
The Mechanism of Chlorine Damage Using Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein-Expressing Escherichia coli
Authors: Mizozoe Michiko , Otaki Masahiro , Aikawa Kyoko
Published: October 2019

This study investigated how chlorine inactivates and damages Escherichia coli cells. E. coli that had transformed to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) at the cytoplasm was treated with chlorine. Damage to the cell membrane and cell wall was analyzed by measuring the fluorescence intensity of the leaked EGFP, then accounting for the fluorescence deterioration. At pH 7, E. coli was lethally damaged after treatment with chlorine, but significant leakage of EGFP was not observed. In contrast, significant leakage of EGFP was observed at pH 9, even though E. coli was not as inactivated as it was at pH 7. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the fluorescence intensity of the remaining EGFP inside the cells. No significant fluorescence loss was observed in the cells at pH 7. However, at pH 9, the fluorescence intensity in the cells decreased, indicating leakage of EGFP. These results suggest that hypochlorous acid inactivates E. coli without damaging its cell membrane and cell wall, whereas the hypochlorite ion inactivates E. coli by damaging its cell membrane and cell wall. It was possible to confirm the chlorine damage mechanism on E. coli by measuring the fluorescence intensity of the leaked EGFP.