bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opioid Induced Hyperalgesia, a Research Phenomenon or a Clinical Reality? Results of a Canadian Survey
Authors: Vargas-Schaffer Grisell , Paquet Suzie , Neron Andrée , Cogan Jennifer
Published: April 2020

Background: Very little is known regarding the prevalence of opioid induced hyperalgesia (OIH) in day to day medical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physician’s perception of the prevalence of OIH within their practice, and to assess the level of physician’s knowledge with respect to the identification and treatment of this problem. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was distributed to physicians who work in anesthesiology, chronic pain, and/or palliative care in Canada. Results: Of the 462 responses received, most were from male (69%) anesthesiologists (89.6%), in the age range of 36 to 64 years old (79.8%). In this study, the suspected prevalence of OIH using the average number of patients treated per year with opioids was 0.002% per patient per physician practice year for acute pain, and 0.01% per patient per physician practice year for chronic pain. Most physicians (70.2%) did not use clinical tests to help make a diagnosis of OIH. The treatment modalities most frequently used were the addition of an NMDA antagonist, combined with lowering the opioid doses and using opioid rotation. Conclusions: The perceived prevalence of OIH in clinical practice is a relatively rare phenomenon. Furthermore, more than half of physicians did not use a clinical test to confirm the diagnosis of OIH. The two main treatment modalities used were NMDA antagonists and opioid rotation. The criteria for the diagnosis of OIH still need to be accurately defined.
Synthesis of FePcS–PMA–LDH Cointercalation Composite with Enhanced Visible Light Photo-Fenton Catalytic Activity for BPA Degradation at Circumneutral pH
Authors: Huang Fenglian , Tian Shiqiang , Qi Yan , Li Erping , Zhou Liangliang , Qiu Yaqun
Published: April 2020

(1) Background: Iron tetrasulfophthalocyanine with a large nonlinear optical coefficient, good stability, and high catalytic activity has aroused the attention of researchers in the field of photo-Fenton reaction. Further improvement of the visible light photo-Fenton catalytic activity under circumneutral pH conditions for their practical application is still of great importance. (2) Methods: In this paper, iron tetrasulfophthalocyanine (FePcS) and phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) cointercalated layered double hydroxides (LDH) were synthesized by the ion-exchange method. All samples were fully characterized by various techniques and the results showed that FePcS and PMA were successfully intercalated in layered double hydroxides and the resulted compound exhibited strong absorption in the visible light region. The cointercalation compound was tested as a heterogeneous catalyst for the visible light photo-Fenton degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) at circumneutral pH. (3) Results: The results showed that the degradation and total organic carbon removal efficiencies of bisphenol A were 100% and 69.2%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that the main contribution of PMA to the enhanced photo-Fenton activity of FePcS–PMA–LDH comes from the acceleration of electron transfer in the reaction system. Additionally, the possible reaction mechanism in the photo-Fenton system catalyzed by FePcS–PMA–LDH was also proposed.
Theoretical Bounds on Performance in Threshold Group Testing Schemes
Authors: Seong Jin-Taek
Published: April 2020

A threshold group testing (TGT) scheme with lower and upper thresholds is a general model of group testing (GT) which identifies a small set of defective samples. In this paper, we consider the TGT scheme that require the minimum number of tests. We aim to find lower and upper bounds for finding a set of defective samples in a large population. The decoding for the TGT scheme is exploited by minimization of the Hamming weight in channel coding theory and the probability of error is also defined. Then, we derive a new upper bound on the probability of error and extend a lower bound from conventional one to the TGT scheme. We show that the upper and lower bounds well match with each other at the optimal density ratio of the group matrix. In addition, we conclude that when the gaps between the two thresholds in the TGT framework increase, the group matrix with a high density should be used to achieve optimal performance.
Characterization of the Functionally Graded Shear Modulus of a Half-Space
Authors: Zelentsov Vladimir B. , Lapina Polina A. , Mitrin Boris I. , Eremeyev Victor A.
Published: April 2020

In this article, a method is proposed for determining parameters of the exponentialy varying shear modulus of a functionally graded half-space. The method is based on the analytical solution of the problem of pure shear of an elastic functionally graded half-space by a strip punch. The half-space has the depth-wise exponential variation of its shear modulus, whose parameters are to be determined. The problem is reduced to an integral equation that is then solved by asymptotic methods. The analytical relations for contact stress under the punch, displacement of the free surface outside the contact area and other characteristics of the problem are studied with respect to the shear modulus parameters. The parameters of the functionally graded half-space shear modulus are determined (a) from the coincidence of theoretical and experimental values of contact stresses under the punch and from the coincidence of forces acting on the punch, or (b) from the coincidence of theoretical and experimental values of displacement of the free surface of the half-space outside the contact and coincidence of forces acting on the punch, or (c) from other conditions. The transcendental equations for determination of the shear modulus parameters in cases (a) and (b) are given. By adjusting the parameters of the shear modulus variation, the regions of “approximate-homogeneous” state in the functionally graded half-space are developed.
1H-NMR Based Serum Metabolomics Identifies Different Profile between Sarcopenia and Cancer Cachexia in Ageing Walker 256 Tumour-Bearing Rats
Authors: Viana Laís Rosa , Lopes-Aguiar Leisa , Rossi Rosolen Rafaela , Willians dos Santos Rogerio , Cintra Gomes-Marcondes Maria Cristina
Published: April 2020

Sarcopenia among the older population has been growing over the last few years. In addition, the incidence of cancers increases with age and, consequently, the development of cachexia related cancer. Therefore, the elucidation of the metabolic derangements of sarcopenia and cachexia are important to improve the survival and life quality of cancer patients. We performed the 1H-NMR based serum metabolomics in adult (A) and ageing (S) Walker 256 tumour-bearing rats in different stages of tumour evolution, namely intermediated (Wi) and advanced (Wa). Among 52 serum metabolites that were identified, 21 were significantly increased in S and 14 and 19 decreased in the Wi and Wa groups, respectively. The most impacted pathways by this metabolic alteration were related by amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, with an upregulation in S group and downregulation in Wi and Wa groups. Taken together, our results suggest that the increase in metabolic profile in ageing rats is associated with the higher muscle protein degradation that releases several metabolites, especially amino acids into the serum. On the other hand, we hypothesise that the majority of metabolites released by muscle catabolism are used by tumours to sustain rapid cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.
Unraveling Heterogeneity of Coral Microbiome Assemblages in Tropical and Subtropical Corals in the South China Sea
Authors: Gong Sanqiang , Jin Xuejie , Ren Lijuan , Tan Yehui , Xia Xiaomin
Published: April 2020

Understanding the coral microbiome is critical for predicting the fidelity of coral symbiosis with growing surface seawater temperature (SST). However, how the coral microbiome will respond to increasing SST is still understudied. Here, we compared the coral microbiome assemblages among 73 samples across six typical South China Sea coral species in two thermal regimes. The results revealed that the composition of microbiome varied across both coral species and thermal regimes, except for Porites lutea. The tropical coral microbiome displayed stronger heterogeneity and had a more un-compacted ecological network than subtropical coral microbiome. The coral microbiome was more strongly determined by environmental factors than host specificity. γ- (32%) and α-proteobacteria (19%), Bacteroidetes (14%), Firmicutes (14%), Actinobacteria (6%) and Cyanobacteria (2%) dominated the coral microbiome. Additionally, bacteria inferred to play potential roles in host nutrients metabolism, several keystone bacteria detected in human and plant rhizospheric microbiome were retrieved in explored corals. This study not only disentangles how different host taxa and microbiome interact and how such an interaction is affected by thermal regimes, but also identifies previously unrecognized keystone bacteria in corals, and also infers the community structure of coral microbiome will be changed from a compacted to an un-compacted network under elevated SST.
Comparison of Molecular Recognition of Trimethyllysine and Trimethylthialysine by Epigenetic Reader Proteins
Authors: Hintzen Jordi C. J. , Poater Jordi , Kumar Kiran , Al Temimi Abbas H. K. , Pieters Bas J. G. E. , Paton Robert S. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: April 2020

Gaining a fundamental insight into the biomolecular recognition of posttranslationally modified histones by epigenetic reader proteins is of crucial importance to understanding the regulation of the activity of human genes. Here, we seek to establish whether trimethylthialysine, a simple trimethyllysine analogue generated through cysteine alkylation, is a good trimethyllysine mimic for studies on molecular recognition by reader proteins. Histone peptides bearing trimethylthialysine and trimethyllysine were examined for binding with five human reader proteins employing a combination of thermodynamic analyses, molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemical analyses. Collectively, our experimental and computational findings reveal that trimethylthialysine and trimethyllysine exhibit very similar binding characteristics for the association with human reader proteins, thereby justifying the use of trimethylthialysine for studies aimed at dissecting the origin of biomolecular recognition in epigenetic processes that play important roles in human health and disease.
Electrochemistry of Inorganic OCT-PbS/HDA and OCT-PbS Photosensitizers Thermalized from Bis(N-diisopropyl-N-octyldithiocarbamato) Pb(II) Molecular Precursors
Authors: Agoro Mojeed A. , Mbese Johannes Z. , Meyer Edson L.
Published: April 2020

Inorganic nanocrystal solar cells have been tagged as the next generation of synthesizers that have the potential to break new ground in photovoltaic cells. This synthetic route offers a safe, easy and cost-effective method of achieving the desired material. The present work investigates the synthesis of inorganic PbS sensitizers through a molecular precursor route and their impact on improving the conversion efficiency in photovoltaic cells. PbS photosensitizers were deposited on TiO2 by direct deposition, and their structure, morphologies and electrocatalytic properties were examined. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms PbS nanocrystal structure and the atomic force microscopy (AFM) displays the crystalline phase of uniform size and distribution of PbS, indicating compact surface nanoparticles. The electrocatalytic activity by lead sulfide, using N-di-isopropyl-N-octyldithiocarbamato (OCT) without hexadecylamine (HDA) capping (OCT-PbS) was very low in HI-30 electrolyte, due to its overpotential, while lead sulfide with OCT and HDA-capped (OCT-PbS/HDA) sensitizer exhibited significant electrocatalytic activity with moderate current peaks due to a considerable amount of reversibility. The OCT-PbS sensitizer exhibited a strong resistance interaction with the electrolyte, indicating very poor catalytic activity compared to the OCT-PbS/HDA sensitizer. The values of the open-circuit voltage (VOC) were ~0.52 V, with a fill factor of 0.33 for OCT-PbS/HDA. The better conversion efficiency displayed by OCT-PbS/HDA is due to its nanoporous nature which improves the device performance and stability.
Flavonoids from Acer okamotoanum Inhibit Adipocyte Differentiation and Promote Lipolysis in the 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Lee Sanghyun , Cho Eun Ju
Published: April 2020

Flavonoids, quercitrin, isoquercitrin (IQ), and afzelin, were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Acer okamotoanum. We investigated anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of three flavonoids from A. okamotoanum in the differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. The differentiated 3T3-L1 cells increased triglyceride (TG) contents, compared with non-differentiated normal group. However, treatments of three flavonoids from A. okamotoanum decreased TG contents without cytotoxicity. In addition, they showed significant down-regulation of several adipogenic transcription factors, such as γ-cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine/enhancer binding protein -α, -β, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, compared with non-treated control group. Furthermore, treatment of the flavonoids inhibited expressions of lipogenesis-related proteins including fatty acid synthase, adipocyte protein 2, and glucose transporter 4. Moreover, IQ-treated group showed significant up-regulation of lipolysis-related proteins such as adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase. In addition, flavonoids significantly activated 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) compared to control group. In particular, IQ showed higher inhibition of TG accumulation by regulation of pathways related with both adipogenesis and lipolysis, than other flavonoids. The present results indicated that three flavonoids of A. okamotoanum showed anti-obesity activity by regulation of adipocyte differentiation, lipolysis, and AMPK signaling, suggesting as an anti-obesity functional agents.
Clinical Prognosis for SAH Consistent with Redox Imbalance and Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Jarocka-Karpowicz Iwona , Syta-Krzyżanowska Anna , Kochanowicz Jan , Mariak Zenon Dionizy
Published: April 2020

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) accounts for 3% of all strokes. As more and more data indicates the role of oxidative stress in acute brain damage caused by SAH, an attempt was made to correlate the clinical status of patients with systemic level of antioxidants and lipid peroxidation products. The hemorrhage was diagnosed with brain computed tomography (CT) and aneurysm with angio-CT and angiography, while the vasospasm was monitored with transcranial Doppler. Plasma glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) and vitamin A, E, and C levels were determined spectrophotometrically and by HPLC, respectively. The levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) cyclization products were determined by GC–MS, while F2-isoprostanes and neuroprostanes (NP) were determined by LC–MS. SAH was accompanied by changes in antioxidant capacity in blood plasma, including initially (day 1) an increase in GSH-Px activity, followed by its decrease and a progressive decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels and vitamins A, E, and C. On the other hand, levels of PUFAs cyclization products, F2-isoprostanes, and neuroprostanes were highest on day 1 (two and eight times higher, respectively) and decreased over time. The levels of 4-HNE (4-hydroxynonenal), 4-ONE (4-oxononenal), and MDA (malondialdehyde) changed similarly. In contrast, the 4-HHE (4-hydroxyhexenal) level reduced after SAH increased significantly after a week. It was found that the deterioration of the overall clinical and neurological condition of SAH patients due to cerebral edema, intracranial hemorrhage, or vasoconstriction corresponded to reduced antioxidant defense and, as a consequence, increased lipid peroxidation and slower observed changes in regression. It can be concluded that monitoring the level of lipid peroxidation products (neuroprostanes, 4-ONE, and MDA) can support the monitoring of the clinical status of patients, especially with regard to the assessment of vasospasm.
Beneficial Effects of Cornelian Cherries on Lipid Profile and NO/ROS Balance in Obese Zucker Rats: Comparison with CoQ10
Authors: Dayar Ezgi , Cebova Martina , Lietava Jan , Panghyova Elena , Pechanova Olga
Published: April 2020

Cornelian cherries (CCs) belong to promising anti-obesity substances. We aimed to study effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and two varieties of CCs on lipid profile, ROS, and nitric oxide (NO) production in obese rats. Male Zucker rats were divided into the control group and groups treated with CoQ10 (30mg/kg/day), or CC varieties: Koralovij Marka (KM) and Wild Type (WT) (5 g/kg/day, n = 6 in each group) for 6 weeks. Blood pressure (BP), bodyweight, relative heart weight, and plasma lipid profile were determined. NOS activity and expressions of eNOS, SOD, and NADPH oxidase were determined in the left ventricle (LV) and aorta. Among CC groups, KM decreased bodyweight and WT relative heart weight. Neither CoQ10 nor CCs affected BP. CoQ10 did not affect lipid profile and NOS activity either in the LV or aorta. On the other hand, WT decreased cholesterol and LDL levels. KM and WT increased NOS activity in the aorta, while not affecting the activity in the LV. KM increased eNOS expression and did not affect ROS production, while WT increased SOD and decreased NADPH oxidase without affecting eNOS expressions in both tissues. In conclusion, CCs showed better beneficial effects than CoQ10 in all parameters studied.
Sphingomyelins Prevent Propagation of Lipid Peroxidation—LC-MS/MS Evaluation of Inhibition Mechanisms
Authors: Coliva Giulia , Lange Mike , Colombo Simone , Chervet Jean-Pierre , Domingues M. Rosario , Fedorova Maria
Published: April 2020

Free radical driven lipid peroxidation is a chain reaction which can lead to oxidative degradation of biological membranes. Propagation vs. termination rates of peroxidation in biological membranes are determined by a variety of factors including fatty acyl chain composition, presence of antioxidants, as well as biophysical properties of mono- or bilayers. Sphingomyelins (SMs), a class of sphingophospholipids, were previously described to inhibit lipid oxidation most probably via the formation of H-bond network within membranes. To address the “antioxidant” potential of SMs, we performed LC-MS/MS analysis of model SM/glycerophosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes with different SM fraction after induction of radical driven lipid peroxidation. Increasing SM fraction led to a strong suppression of lipid peroxidation. Electrochemical oxidation of non-liposomal SMs eliminated the observed effect, indicating the importance of membrane structure for inhibition of peroxidation propagation. High resolution MS analysis of lipid peroxidation products (LPPs) observed in in vitro oxidized SM/PC liposomes allowed to identify and relatively quantify SM- and PC-derived LPPs. Moreover, mapping quantified LPPs to the known pathways of lipid peroxidation allowed to demonstrate significant decrease in mono-hydroxy(epoxy) LPPs relative to mono-keto derivatives in SM-rich liposomes. The results presented here illustrate an important property of SMs in biological membranes, acting as “biophysical antioxidant”. Furthermore, a ratio between mono-keto/mono-hydroxy(epoxy) oxidized species can be used as a marker of lipid peroxidation propagation in the presence of different antioxidants.
Intranasal Delivery of Nanoformulations: A Potential Way of Treatment for Neurological Disorders
Authors: Islam Salman Ul , Shehzad Adeeb , Ahmed Muhammad Bilal , Lee Young Sup
Published: April 2020

Although the global prevalence of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, glioblastoma, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis is steadily increasing, effective delivery of drug molecules in therapeutic quantities to the central nervous system (CNS) is still lacking. The blood brain barrier (BBB) is the major obstacle for the entry of drugs into the brain, as it comprises a tight layer of endothelial cells surrounded by astrocyte foot processes that limit drugs’ entry. In recent times, intranasal drug delivery has emerged as a reliable method to bypass the BBB and treat neurological diseases. The intranasal route for drug delivery to the brain with both solution and particulate formulations has been demonstrated repeatedly in preclinical models, including in human trials. The key features determining the efficacy of drug delivery via the intranasal route include delivery to the olfactory area of the nares, a longer retention time at the nasal mucosal surface, enhanced penetration of the drugs through the nasal epithelia, and reduced drug metabolism in the nasal cavity. This review describes important neurological disorders, challenges in drug delivery to the disordered CNS, and new nasal delivery techniques designed to overcome these challenges and facilitate more efficient and targeted drug delivery. The potential for treatment possibilities with intranasal transfer of drugs will increase with the development of more effective formulations and delivery devices.
Correction: Haj-Khlifa, S., et al. Polyol Process Coupled to Cold Plasma as a New and Efficient Nanohydride Processing Method: Nano-Ni2H as a Case Study. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 136
Authors: Haj-Khlifa Sonia , Nowak Sophie , Beaunier Patricia , De Rango Patricia , Redolfi Michaël , Ammar-Merah Souad
Published: April 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Performance of Dry-Seeded Rice Genotypes under Varied Soil Moisture Regimes and Foliar-Applied Hormones
Authors: Pal Rajinder , Mahajan Gulshan , Sardana Virender , Asthir Bavita , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: April 2020

Plant hormones influence various physiological processes during the growth and development of plants, but their critical roles in influencing yield and antioxidant activities in dry-seeded rice (DSR) have not been adequately explored. This study aims to analyze the performance and antioxidant activity of contrasting genotypes of DSR in response to soil moisture regimes and foliar-applied hormones. The study comprised sixteen treatments that were evaluated under field conditions as per split-plot design in three replications. Treatments comprised combinations of two soil moisture tension regimes (10 kPa and 20 kPa) and two genotypes (PR-111, non-stay-green type and PR-123, stay-green type) applied to the main plots and foliar application of three hormones (gibberellic acid (GA3) 40 mg kg−1, abscisic acid (ABA) 20 mg kg−1, and cytokinin (CK) 40 mg kg−1)) and a control (unsprayed) to subplots. The non-stay-green genotype (PR-111) resulted in 34.6% more grain yield (6.48 t ha−1) than the stay-green genotype (PR-123) at the lower soil moisture tension regime (SMTR) (10 kPa) due to the increased number of filled grains per panicle and improvement in harvest index (HI). At the higher SMTR (20 kPa), the stay-green genotype (PR-123) produced 26.4% more grain yield (5.21 t ha−1) than non-stay green genotype (4.12 t ha−1) and showed enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxide dismutase (POD) activity that may have contributed in maintaining sink size through improved chlorophyll content. Grain yield (6.35 t ha−1) with foliar-applied GA3 (40 mg kg−1) at SMTR of 10 kPa was higher by 12.2% and 24.0% than with foliar-applied ABA (20 mg kg−1) and unsprayed treatments, respectively. Irrigation application at SMTR of 20 kPa and foliar application of ABA gave 24.1% higher grain yield (5.15 t ha−1) than the unsprayed treatment, but it was similar to foliar-applied GA3 and CK. This study implied that the stay-green genotype (PR-123) was more suitable under moisture stress conditions (20 kPa) in DSR, as it maintained sink size even under moisture stress conditions by improving dry matter translocation and enhancing SOD and POD activity. The study suggests the need to find out the endogenous level of these plant hormones in rice genotypes under a range of water regimes to develop high yielding and water use efficient genotypes of DSR.
Bioactivity of Selected Phenolic Acids and Hexane Extracts from Bougainvilla spectabilis and Citharexylum spinosum on the Growth of Pectobacterium carotovorum and Dickeya solani Bacteria: An Opportunity to Save the Environment
Authors: Ashmawy Nader A. , Behiry Said I. , Al-Huqail Asma A. , Ali Hayssam M. , Salem Mohamed Z. M.
Published: April 2020

Phenolic acids and natural extracts, as ecofriendly environmental agents, can be used as bio bactericides against the growth of plant pathogenic bacteria. In this study, isolation trails from infected potato tubers and stems that showed soft rot symptoms in fields revealed two soft rot bacterial isolates and were initially identified through morphological, physiological, and pathogenicity tests. The molecular characterization of these isolates via PCR, based on the 16S rRNA region, was carried out by an analysis of the DNA sequence via BLAST and Genbank, and showed that the soft rot bacterial isolates belong to Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (PCC1) and Dickeya solani (Ds1). The in vitro results of the tested phenolic acids against the cultured bacterial isolates proved that concentrations of 800, 1600, and 3200 μg/mL were the most effective. Ferulic acid was the potent suppressive phenolic acid tested against the Ds1 isolate, with an inhibition zone ranging from 6.00 to 25.75 mm at different concentrations (25–3200 μg/mL), but had no effect until reaching a concentration of 100 μg/mL in the PCC1 isolate, followed by tannic acid, which ranged from 7.00 to 25.50 mm. On the other hand, tannic acid resulted in a significant decrease in the growth rate of the PCC1 isolate with a mean of 9.11 mm. Chlorogenic acid was not as effective as the rest of the phenolic acids compared with the control. The n-hexane oily extract (HeOE) from Bougainvillea spectabilis bark showed the highest activity against PCC1 and Ds1, with inhibition zone values of 12 and 12.33 mm, respectively, at a concentration of 4000 μg/mL; while the HeOE from Citharexylum spinosum wood showed less activity. In the GC/MS analysis, nonanal, an oily liquid compound, was found ata percentage of 38.28%, followed by cis-2-nonenal (9.75%), which are the main compounds in B. spectabilis bark HeOE, and 2-undecenal (22.39%), trans-2-decenal (18.74%), and oleic acid (10.85%) were found, which are the main compounds in C. spinosum wood HeOE. In conclusion, the phenolic acids and plant HeOEs seem to raise the resistance of potato plants, improving their defense mechanisms against soft rot bacterial pathogens.
Computational Approaches for Studying Slag–Matte Interactions in the Flash Smelting Furnace (FSF) Settler
Authors: Jylhä Jani-Petteri , Khan Nadir Ali , Jokilaakso Ari
Published: April 2020

Computational methods have become reliable tools in many disciplines for research and industrial design. There are, however, an ever-increasing number of details waiting to be included in the models and software, including, e.g., chemical reactions and many physical phenomena, such as particle and droplet behavior and their interactions. The dominant method for copper production, flash smelting, has been extensively investigated, but the settler part of the furnace containing molten high temperature melts termed slag and matte, still lacks a computational modeling tool. In this paper, two commercial modeling software programs have been used for simulating slag–matte interactions in the settler, the target being first to develop a robust computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model and, second, to apply a new approach for molten droplet behavior in a continuum. The latter is based on CFD coupled with the discrete element method (DEM), which was originally developed for modeling solid particle–particle interactions and movement, and is applied here for individual droplets for the first time. The results suggest distinct settling flow phenomena and the significance of droplet coalescence for settling velocity and efficiency. The computing capacity requirement for both approaches is the main limiting factor preventing full-scale geometry modeling with detailed droplet interactions.
Machine Learning Based On-Line Prediction of Soil Organic Carbon after Removal of Soil Moisture Effect
Authors: Nawar Said , Abdul Munnaf Muhammad , Mouazen Abdul Mounem
Published: April 2020

It is well-documented in the visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (VNIRS) studies that soil moisture content (SMC) negatively affects the prediction accuracy of soil attributes. This work was undertaken to remove the negative effect of SMC on the on-line prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC). A mobile VNIR spectrophotometer with a spectral range of 305–1700 nm and spectral resolution of 1 nm (CompactSpec, Tec5 Technology, Germany) was used for the spectral measurements at four farms in Flanders, Belgium. A total of 381 fresh soil samples were collected and divided into a calibration set (264) and a validation set (117). The validation samples were processed (air-dried and grind) and scanned with the same spectrophotometer in the laboratory. Three SMC correction methods, namely, external parameter orthogonalization (EPO), piecewise direct standardization (PDS), and orthogonal signal correction (OSC) were used to correct the on-line fresh spectra based-on its corresponding laboratory spectra. Then, the Cubist machine learning method was used to develop calibration models of SOC using the on-line spectra (after correction) of the calibration set. Results indicated that the EPO-Cubist outperformed the PDS-Cubist and the OSC-Cubist, with considerable improvements in the prediction results of SOC (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.76, ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) = 2.08, and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.12%), compared with the corresponding uncorrected on-line spectra (R2 = 0.55, RPD = 1.24, and RMSEP = 0.20%). It can be concluded that SOC can be accurately predicted on-line using the Cubist machine learning method, after removing the negative effect of SMC with the EPO method.
Automatic Classification of Cotton Root Rot Disease Based on UAV Remote Sensing
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Thomasson J. Alex , Yang Chenghai , Isakeit Thomas , Nichols Robert L.
Published: April 2020

Cotton root rot (CRR) is a persistent soilborne fungal disease that is devastating to cotton in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Research has shown that CRR can be prevented or at least mitigated by applying a fungicide at planting, but the fungicide should be applied precisely to minimize the quantity of product used and the treatment cost. The CRR-infested areas within a field are consistent from year to year, so it is possible to apply the fungicide only at locations where CRR is manifest, thus minimizing the amount of fungicide applied across the field. Previous studies have shown that remote sensing (RS) from manned aircraft is an effective means of delineating CRR-infested field areas. Applying various classification methods to moderate-resolution (1.0 m/pixel) RS images has recently become the conventional way to delineate CRR-infested areas. In this research, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect high-resolution remote sensing (RS) images in three Texas fields known to be infested with CRR. Supervised, unsupervised, and combined unsupervised classification methods were evaluated for differentiating CRR from healthy zones of cotton plants. Two new automated classification methods that take advantage of the high resolution inherent in UAV RS images were also evaluated. The results indicated that the new automated methods were up to 8.89% better than conventional classification methods in overall accuracy. One of these new methods, an automated method combining k-means segmentation and morphological opening and closing, provided the best results, with overall accuracy of 88.5% and the lowest errors of omission (11.44%) and commission (16.13%) of all methods considered.
Tower of Belém (Lisbon)–Status Quo 3D Documentation and Material Origin Determination
Authors: Redweik Paula , de Sanjosé Blasco José Juan , Sánchez-Fernández Manuel , Atkinson Alan D. , Martínez Corrales Luís Francisco
Published: April 2020

The Tower of Belém, an early 16th century defense tower located at the mouth of the Tagus river, is the iconic symbol of Lisbon. It belongs to the Belém complex, classified since 1983 as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, and it is the second most visited monument in Portugal. On November 1st, 1755, there was a heavy earthquake in Lisbon followed by a tsunami, causing between 60,000 and 100,000 deaths. There is a possibility of a repetition of such a catastrophe, which could bring about the collapse of the structure. This was the reasoning behind the decision to evaluate the Tower of Belém by means of surveys using Terrestrial Laser Scanning and photogrammetry. Until now, there was no high-resolution 3D model of the interior and exterior of the tower. A complete 3D documentation of the state of the Tower was achieved with a cloud of more than 6,200 million 3D points in the ETRS89 PT-TM06 coordinate system. Additionally, measurements were made using a hyperspectral camera and a spectroradiometer to characterize the stone material used in the Tower. The result is a digital 3D representation of the Tower of Belém, and the identification of the quarries that may have been used to extract its stone. The work carried out combines geometrical and material analysis. The methods used may constitute a guide when documenting and intervening in similar heritage elements. Finally, the information contained therein will allow an eventual reconstruction of the Tower in the case of another catastrophe.
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for the Classification of Motor-Related Brain Activity on the Sensor-Level
Authors: Hramov Alexander E. , Grubov Vadim , Badarin Artem , Maksimenko Vladimir A. , Pisarchik Alexander N.
Published: April 2020

Sensor-level human brain activity is studied during real and imaginary motor execution using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Blood oxygenation and deoxygenation spatial dynamics exhibit pronounced hemispheric lateralization when performing motor tasks with the left and right hands. This fact allowed us to reveal biomarkers of hemodynamical response of the motor cortex on the motor execution, and use them for designing a sensing method for classification of the type of movement. The recognition accuracy of real movements is close to 100%, while the classification accuracy of imaginary movements is lower but quite high (at the level of 90%). The advantage of the proposed method is its ability to classify real and imaginary movements with sufficiently high efficiency without the need for recalculating parameters. The proposed system can serve as a sensor of motor activity to be used for neurorehabilitation after severe brain injuries, including traumas and strokes.
Review of Energy in the Built Environment
Authors: Lampropoulos Ioannis , Alskaif Tarek , Schram Wouter , Bontekoe Eelke , Coccato Simone , van Sark Wilfried
Published: April 2020

Urban environments can be key to sustainable energy in terms of driving innovation and action. Urban areas are responsible for a significant part of energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The share of greenhouse gas emissions is likely to increase as global urban populations increase. As over half of the human population will live in cities in the near future, the management of energy supply and demand in urban environments will become essential. Developments such as the transformation of the electricity grid from a centralised to a decentralised system as well as the electrification of the transportation and heating systems in buildings will transform the urban energy landscape. Efficient heating systems, sustainable energy technologies, and electric vehicles will be critical to decarbonise cities. An overview of emerging technologies and concepts in the built environment is provided in this literature review on the basis of four main areas, namely, energy demand, supply, storage, and integration aspects. The Netherlands is used as a case study for demonstrating evidence-based results and feasibility of innovative urban energy solutions, as well as supportive policies.
Analyzing the Role of Resource Factors in Citizens’ Intention to Pay for and Participate in Disaster Management
Authors: Kim Seoyong , Kwon Seol A. , Lee Jae Eun , Ahn Byeong-Cheol , Lee Ju Ho , An Chen , Kitagawa Keiko , Kim Dohyeong , Wang Jaesun
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to analyze how resource variables (health status, economic affordability, social network, social capital, and neighborhood environment) influence citizens’ intention to pay for and participate in disaster management and safety activities. We compared four psychometric paradigm variables with five resource variables and analyzed how the latter moderate the relationships of the perception variables with intention to pay and to participate. A regression analysis revealed that willingness to pay was mainly explained by trust, followed by social capital, economic affordability, perceived risk, and experience, respectively. Participation was explained by knowledge, social capital, age, trust, and social network, respectively. Gender, trust, and social capital had an influence both on willingness to pay and to participate. Perceived risk, knowledge, and trust had a moderating effect on willingness to pay, but this effect depended on the quality of the neighborhood environment. Trust, knowledge, and stigma had a moderating effect on participation intention, but this effect depended on social capital and the neighborhood environment.
A Study on the Complementary Direction of Guidelines for Developing Green Conventions in Korea: Using Comparative Analysis among Domestic and Overseas Cases
Authors: Kim Miseong , Moon Hyunji , Chu Minsu , Yoon Yooshik
Published: April 2020

As interests in sustainability have been increasing and discussions of environmental issues are ongoing globally, the MICE industry (Meeting, Incentive Travel, Convention, and Exhibition), which is attracting attention as a high value-added industry, also became an important part of the sustainability domain. Consequently, there has been a rise in hosting ‘green conventions’, or ‘green MICE’ which are designed to minimize all the negative impacts on the environment such as energy and water consumption. At some point, a large number of studies had been conducted for the development of green conventions, but most of them mainly used empirical methods. Although the Ministry of Environment has presented guidelines and some domestic exhibition convention centers have implemented strategies, they are not enough compared to overseas countries. This study aims to examine the latest guidelines to supplement the guidelines of Korea’s green convention. In this regard, the study will use a comparative analysis method among the current guidelines of convention centers in Australia (Sydney), Canada (Vancouver), and the U.S.A (Detroit and San Francisco) and draw up complementary directions. As a result, we could draw out common items in the facility management and event planning and operation section. Some items were similar in all convention centers, but others were included in the guidelines of few centers only. This research is sure to be the academic background for developing related practices and standards for the future green convention in Korea. In addition, this study will have value in terms of investigating sustainable management in the convention industry as the importance of sustainability in the tourism industry emerges.
Managerial Responses and Customer Engagement in Crowdfunding
Authors: Song Yan , Tian Xin
Published: April 2020

Despite the widespread recognition of the importance of customer behavior in crowdfunding performance, empirical research concerning the importance of managerial responses in user-generated content is scarce. How do managerial responses affect backers’ comments? Does user-generated content affect following backers’ behavior? Using a dataset of backers’ comments and creators’ managerial responses from Kickstarter.com, we attempt to clarify the relationships among creator responses to comments, comment volume, linguistic features of comment text and crowdfunding performance. Our results show creator responses have a significant positive effect on customer engagement and crowdfunding performance. Moreover, creator response is an effective advertising strategy to improve crowdfunding performance.
Business Models Amid Changes in Regulation and Environment: The Case of Finland–Russia
Authors: Lähdeaho Oskari , Hilmola Olli-Pekka
Published: April 2020

Changes in regulation are affecting the international business environment. In this study the impact of regulation changes and ways to benefit from those in Finland and Russia are examined. Logistics and manufacturing companies are studied using the case study approach including ten semi-structured interviews (Finland and Russia) and a survey (Southeast Finland), further supported by an additional survey for logistics sector companies (Southeast Finland). The changes in the business environment have created a fragmented market with a growing number of actors. Three business models (blockchain-based, platform-based and innovative subcontracting-based), capitalizing on the growing number of actors, were incepted in the interview phase and evaluated in the survey phase with companies. These models are integrable with the circular economy, a relevant practice according to the studied companies. Blockchain was perceived as a still immature technology. Further study revealed that the companies are not well prepared for environmental demands in logistics, and the overall volumes and business climate between the analyzed countries have not improved. Additionally, those companies do not actively pursue the possibilities of new technologies. The impact of regulatory changes in this region has not been examined closely with a case study approach. This study helps to explain the current trends in an established market.
A Fast UTD-Based Method for the Analysis of Multiple Acoustic Diffraction over a Series of Obstacles with Arbitrary Modeling, Height and Spacing
Authors: Pardo-Quiles Domingo , Rodríguez José-Víctor
Published: April 2020

A uniform theory of diffraction (UTD)-based method for analysis of the multiple diffraction of acoustic waves when considering a series of symmetric obstacles with arbitrary modeling, height and spacing is hereby presented. The method, which makes use of graph theory, funicular polygons and Fresnel ellipsoids, proposes a novel approach by which only the relevant obstacles and paths of the scenario under study are considered, therefore simultaneously providing fast and accurate prediction of sound attenuation. The obstacles can be modeled either as knife edges, wedges, wide barriers or cylinders, with some other polygonal diffracting elements, such as doubly inclined, T- or Y-shaped barriers, also considered. In view of the obtained results, this method shows good agreement with previously published formulations and measurements whilst offering better computational efficiency, thus allowing for the consideration of a large number of obstacles.
A Critical Evaluation of the Water Supply and Stormwater Management Performance of Retrofittable Domestic Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Authors: Quinn Ruth , Melville-Shreeve Peter , Butler David , Stovin Virginia
Published: April 2020

Rainwater harvesting systems are often used as both an alternative water source and a stormwater management tool. Many studies have focused on the water-saving potential of these systems, but research into aspects that impact stormwater retention—such as demand patterns and climate change—is lacking. This paper investigates the short-term impact of demand on both water supply and stormwater management and examines future and potential performance over a longer time scale using climate change projections. To achieve this, data was collected from domestic rainwater harvesting systems in Broadhempston, UK, and used to create a yield-after-spillage model. The validation process showed that using constant demand as opposed to monitored data had little impact on accuracy. With regards to stormwater management, it was found that monitored households did not use all the non-potable available water, and that increasing their demand for this was the most effective way of increasing retention capacity based on the modelling study completed. Installing passive or active runoff control did not markedly improve performance. Passive systems reduced the outflow to greenfield runoff for the longest time, whereas active systems increased the outflow to a level substantially above roof runoff in the 30 largest events.
Recent Advances in the Application, Design, and Operations & Maintenance of Aerated Treatment Wetlands
Authors: Nivala Jaime , Murphy Clodagh , Freeman Andrew
Published: April 2020

This paper outlines recent advances in the design, application, and operations and maintenance (O&M) of aerated treatment wetland systems as well as current research trends. We provide the first-ever comprehensive estimate of the number and geographical distribution of aerated treatment wetlands worldwide and review new developments in aerated wetland design and application. This paper also presents and discusses first-hand experiences and challenges with the O&M of full-scale aerated treatment wetland systems, which is an important aspect that is currently not well reported in the literature. Knowledge gaps and suggestions for future research on aerated treatment wetlands are provided.
Recent Trends in Freshwater Influx to the Arctic Ocean from Four Major Arctic-Draining Rivers
Authors: Ahmed Roxanne , Prowse Terry , Dibike Yonas , Bonsal Barrie , O’Neil Hayley
Published: April 2020

Runoff from Arctic rivers constitutes a major freshwater influx to the Arctic Ocean. In these nival-dominated river systems, the majority of annual discharge is released during the spring snowmelt period. The circulation regime of the salinity-stratified Arctic Ocean is connected to global earth–ocean dynamics through thermohaline circulation; hence, variability in freshwater input from the Arctic flowing rivers has important implications for the global climate system. Daily discharge data from each of the four largest Arctic-draining river watersheds (Mackenzie, Ob, Lena and Yenisei; herein referred to as MOLY) are analyzed to identify historic changes in the magnitude and timing of freshwater input to the Arctic Ocean with emphasis on the spring freshet. Results show that the total freshwater influx to the Arctic Ocean increased by 89 km3/decade, amounting to a 14% increase during the 30-year period from 1980 to 2009. A distinct shift towards earlier melt timing is also indicated by proportional increases in fall, winter and spring discharges (by 2.5%, 1.3% and 2.5% respectively) followed by a decrease (by 5.8%) in summer discharge as a percentage of the mean annual flow. This seasonal increase in discharge and earlier pulse onset dates indicates a general shift towards a flatter, broad-based hydrograph with earlier peak discharges. The study also reveals that the increasing trend in freshwater discharge to the Arctic Ocean is not solely due to increased spring freshet discharge, but is a combination of increases in all seasons except that of the summer.