bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BPA and BPS Affect Connexin 37 in Bovine Cumulus Cells
Authors: Sabry Reem , Apps Charlotte , Reiter-Saunders Jaqueline A. , Saleh Angela C. , Balachandran Sumetha , St. John Elizabeth J. , Favetta Laura A.
Published: February 2021

Bisphenol S (BPS) is used as an alternative plasticizer to Bisphenol A (BPA), despite limited knowledge of potential adverse effects. BPA exhibits endocrine disrupting effects during development. This article focuses on the impact of bisphenols during oocyte maturation. Connexins (Cx) are gap junctional proteins that may be affected by bisphenols, providing insight into their mechanism during development. Cxs 37 and 43 are crucial in facilitating cell communication between cumulus cells and oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), denuded oocytes, and cumulus cells were exposed to 0.05 mg/mL BPA or BPS for 24 h. Both compounds had no effect on Cx43. Cumulus cells exhibited a significant increase in Cx37 expression following BPA (p = 0.001) and BPS (p = 0.017) exposure. COCs treated with BPA had increased Cx37 protein expression, whilst BPS showed no effects, suggesting BPA and BPS act through different mechanisms. Experiments conducted in in vitro cultured cumulus cells, obtained by stripping germinal vesicle oocytes, showed significantly increased expression of Cx37 in BPA, but not the BPS, treated group. BPA significantly increased Cx37 protein expression, while BPS did not. Disrupted Cx37 following BPA exposure provides an indication of possible effects of bisphenols on connexins during the early stages of development.
Implementation of Person-Centered Care: A Feasibility Study Using the WE-CARE Roadmap
Authors: Lewandowski Roman A. , Lewandowski Jędrzej B. , Ekman Inger , Swedberg Karl , Törnell Jan , Rogers Heather L.
Published: February 2021

Background: Person-Centered Care (PCC) is a promising approach towards improved quality of care and cost containment within health systems. It has been evaluated in Sweden and England. This feasibility study examines initial PCC implementation in a rehabilitation hospital for children in Poland. Methods: The WE-CARE Roadmap of enablers was used to guide implementation of PCC for patients with moderate scoliosis. A multi-disciplinary team of professionals were trained in the PCC approach and the hospital Information Technology (IT) system was modified to enhance PCC data capture. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the nine health care professionals involved in the pilot study and three patients/parents receiving care. Transcribed data were analyzed via content analysis. Results: 51 patients and their families were treated via a PCC approach. High proportions of new PCC data fields were completed by the professionals. The professionals were able to implement the three core PCC routines and perceived benefits using the PCC approach. Patients and their families also perceived improved quality care. The WE-CARE framework enablers facilitated PCC implementation in this setting. Conclusions: This feasibility pilot study indicates that the Gothenburg PCC approach can be successfully transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Poland with favorable perceptions of implementation by both professionals and patients/their families.
Physical Activity Improves Mental Health in Children and Adolescents Irrespective of the Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)—A Multi-Wave Analysis Using Data from the KiGGS Study
Authors: Ganjeh Parisa , Meyer Thomas , Hagmayer York , Kuhnert Ronny , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , von Steinbuechel Nicole , Rothenberger Aribert , Becker Andreas
Published: February 2021

Physical activity (PA) may have positive effects on mental health in children and adolescents. This post hoc study aimed to further investigate the relationship between different frequency levels of PA and general mental health as well as specific hyperactivity/inattention symptoms in children and adolescents. Methods: The analyses were based on data drawn from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) study, a regularly conducted large-scale, epidemiological investigation of somatic and mental health of children and adolescents in Germany. Parents were asked about their children’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) records and answered questionnaires concerning any mental health problem behavior of the children and adolescents using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The overall problem score as well as the hyperactivity/inattention symptoms subscale (SDQ-H/I) were entered as outcomes in a regression model controlling for parental socio-economic status and participants’ sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Cross-sectional analyses were conducted at three time points of the KiGGS study (baseline, wave 1, and wave 2) using general linear models (GLM). This was performed for different age groups (4–5, 6–9, 10–17 years). Results: Significant negative relationships were found between PA and general mental health problems. For the relationship between PA and SDQ-H/I, different patterns emerged at the three time points. There was no interaction between PA frequency levels and diagnosis of ADHD (ADHD vs. non-ADHD controls) regarding the SDQ total score. Conclusion: This study underlines the importance of a high frequency level of PA for a good mental health status among children and adolescents, irrespective of the diagnosis of ADHD.
Dizziness Handicap Inventory in Clinical Evaluation of Dizzy Patients
Authors: Zamyslowska-Szmytke Ewa , Politanski Piotr , Jozefowicz-Korczynska Magdalena
Published: February 2021

(1) Objectives: The evaluation of dizzy patients is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms that require a multi-specialist approach. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is widely used in the assessment of dizziness-related disability, but its clinical efficacy needs further expansion. The aim of this study was to identify the subscales of DHI that may correlate with some vestibular or nonvestibular dysfunctions. (2) Material and methods: This observational study included 343 dizzy patients with one of the following clinical conditions: Vestibular impairment noncompensated or compensated, central or bilateral, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), migraine and psychogenic dizziness. Principal component analysis was used to examine the factorial structure of the questionnaire. (3) Results: The DHI questionnaire total scoring and its vestibular subscale distinguished between patients with compensated and uncompensated vestibular dysfunction with positive predictive values of 76% and 79%, respectively. The DHI items composing the F3 (positional) subscale revealed the highest scoring in the BPPV group with 75% sensitivity and 92% negative predictive value (NPV) in reference to Dix–Hallpike tests. The DHI total score and the subscales scores correlated with anxiety-depression, and the highest correlation coefficients were calculated for vestibular (F2 0.56) and anxiety (F5 0.51) subscales. (4) Conclusions: Our analysis revealed that the DHI vestibular subscale distinguishes between patients with compensated and uncompensated vestibular dysfunction. The positional subscale showed the highest scoring in the BPPV group with high sensitivity and low specificity of the test. The DHI is highly correlated with patients’ psychological status.
In Touch with the Heartbeat: Newborns’ Cardiac Sensitivity to Affective and Non-Affective Touch
Authors: Della Longa Letizia , Dragovic Danica , Farroni Teresa
Published: February 2021

The sense of touch is the first manner of contact with the external world, providing a foundation for the development of sensorimotor skills and socio-affective behaviors. In particular, affective touch is at the core of early interpersonal interactions and the developing bodily self, promoting the balance between internal physiological state and responsiveness to external environment. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether newborns are able to discriminate between affective touch and non-affective somatosensory stimulations and whether affective touch promotes a positive physiological state. We recorded full-term newborns’ (N = 30) heart rate variability (HRV)—which reflects oscillations of heart rate associated with autonomic cardio-respiratory regulation—while newborns were presented with two minutes of affective (stroking) and non-affective (tapping) touch alternated with two minutes of resting in a within-subject design. The results revealed that non-affective touch elicits a decrease in HRV, whereas affective touch does not result in a change of HRV possibly indicating maintenance of calm physiological state. Thus, newborns showed cardiac sensitivity to different types of touch, suggesting that early somatosensory stimulation represents scaffolding for development of autonomic self-regulation with important implications on infant’s ability to adaptively respond to the surrounding social and physical environment.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the MYB Transcription Factor Gene Family in Chili Pepper (Capsicum spp.)
Authors: Arce-Rodríguez Magda L. , Martínez Octavio , Ochoa-Alejo Neftalí
Published: February 2021

The MYB transcription factor family is very large and functionally diverse in plants, however, only a few members of this family have been reported and characterized in chili pepper (Capsicum spp.). In the present study, we performed genome-wide analyses of the MYB family in Capsicum annuum, including phylogenetic relationships, conserved domain, gene structure organization, motif protein arrangement, chromosome distribution, chemical properties predictions, RNA-seq expression, and RT-qPCR expression assays. A total of 235 non-redundant MYB proteins were identified from C. annuum, including R2R3-MYB, 3R-MYB, atypical MYB, and MYB-related subclasses. The sequence analysis of CaMYBs compared with other plant MYB proteins revealed gene conservation, but also potential specialized genes. Tissue-specific expression profiles showed that CaMYB genes were differentially expressed, suggesting that they are functionally divergent. Furthermore, the integration of our data allowed us to propose strong CaMYBs candidates to be regulating phenylpropanoid, lignin, capsaicinoid, carotenoid, and vitamin C biosynthesis, providing new insights into the role of MYB transcription factors in secondary metabolism. This study adds valuable knowledge about the functions of CaMYB genes in various processes in the Capsicum genus.
Integrative Analysis Identified Key Schizophrenia Risk Factors from an Abnormal Behavior Mouse Gene Set
Authors: Chen Miao , Wang Weidi , Song Weicheng , Qian Wei , Lin Guan Ning
Published: February 2021

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe chronic psychiatric illness with heterogeneous symptoms. However, the pathogenesis of SCZ is unclear, and the number of well-defined SCZ risk factors is limited. We hypothesized that an abnormal behavior (AB) gene set verified by mouse model experiments can be used to better understand SCZ risks. In this work, we carried out an integrative bioinformatics analysis to study two types of risk genes that are either differentially expressed (DEGs) in the case-control study data or carry reported SCZ genetic variants (MUTs). Next, we used RNA-Seq expression data from the hippocampus (HIPPO) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to define the key genes affected by different types (DEGs and MUTs) in different brain regions (DLPFC and HIPPO): DLPFC-kDEG, DLPFC-kMUT, HIPPO-kDEG, and HIPPO-kMUT. The four hub genes (SHANK1, SHANK2, DLG4, and NLGN3) of the biological functionally enriched terms were strongly linked to SCZ via gene co-expression network analysis. Then, we observed that specific spatial expressions of DLPFC-kMUT and HIPPO-kMUT were convergent in the early stages and divergent in the later stages of development. In addition, all four types of key genes showed significantly larger average protein–protein interaction degrees than the background. Comparing the different cell types, the expression of four types of key genes showed specificity in different dimensions. Together, our results offer new insights into potential risk factors and help us understand the complexity and regional heterogeneity of SCZ.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the IL17A Gene Is Associated with Interstitial Lung Disease Positive to Anti-Jo1 Antisynthetase Autoantibodies
Authors: Ponce-Gallegos Marco Antonio , González-Pérez Montserrat I. , Mejía Mayra , Nava-Quiroz Karol J. , Pérez-Rubio Gloria , Buendía-Roldán Ivette , Ramos-Martínez Espiridión , Rojas-Serrano Jorge , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés
Published: February 2021

Antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD) is a rare multisystemic connective tissue disease affecting the skin, joints, muscles, and lungs, characterized by anti-aminoacyl transfer-RNA-synthetases (anti-tRNA) autoantibodies production, being anti-Jo1 the most frequent. We included one-hundred twenty-one ASSD patients and 340 healthy subjects (HS), and also, we divided the case group into anti-Jo1 and non-anti-Jo1. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL17A gene were evaluated. Anti-Jo1 was the most common anti-tRNA antibody in our cohort, and the most frequent tomographic pattern was non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Anti-Jo1 ASSD patients had higher levels of creatine phosphokinase than the non-anti-Jo1 group. Significant differences in genotype frequencies with rs8193036/CC between anti-Jo1 vs. non-anti-Jo1 ASSD patients (p < 0.001), maintaining the association after Bonferroni correction (p = 0.002). Additionally, in the anti-Jo1 group vs. HS comparison, we found a statistically significant difference with the same SNP (p = 0.018, OR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.15–7.35), maintaining the association after Bonferroni correction (p = 0.036). The rs8193036/CC genotype in IL17A is associated with ASSD patients with anti-Jo1. Also, anti-Jo1 and non-anti-Jo1 patients display differences in genotype frequencies.
Metabolic Phenotypes and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Patients from a Large Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Adair Kathleen E. , von Waaden Nicholas , Rafalski Matthew , Hess Burritt W. , Weaver Sally P. , Bowden Rodney G.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine if renal function varies by metabolic phenotype. A total of 9599 patients from a large Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) were included in the analysis. Metabolic health was classified as the absence of metabolic abnormalities defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, excluding waist circumference. Obesity was defined as body mass index >30 kg/m2 and renal health as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Linear and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. The metabolically healthy overweight (MHO) phenotype had the highest eGFR (104.86 ± 28.76 mL/min/1.72 m2) and lowest unadjusted odds of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.168, 1.267, p = 0.133), while the metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUN) phenotype demonstrated the lowest eGFR (91.34 ± 33.28 mL/min/1.72 m2) and the highest unadjusted odds of CKD (OR = 3.63, p < 0.0001). After controlling for age, sex, and smoking status, the metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) (OR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.08, 3.00, p = 0.024) was the only phenotype with significantly higher odds of CKD as compared to the reference. We demonstrate that the metabolically unhealthy phenotypes have the highest odds of CKD compared to metabolically healthy individuals.
New Adenosine Derivatives from Aizoon canariense L.: In Vitro Anticholinesterase, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Its Extracts
Authors: Bakr Riham O. , El-Behairy Mohammed F. , Elissawy Ahmed M. , Elimam Hanan , Fayed Marwa A. A.
Published: February 2021

Aizoaceae is a large succulent family characterized by many psychoactive species. Aizoon canariense L., a wild neglected plant traditionally used in gastrointestinal ailments, has been the subject of a limited number of phytochemical and biological studies. Therefore, herein, we investigated the in vitro cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anticholinesteraseactivity of the aerial parts of A. canariense L. and analyzed the phytochemical compositions of the lipoidal and alkaloidal fractions. Petroleum ether extract showed the presence of behenic and tricosylic acid, while an in-depth investigation of the alkaloidal fraction revealed the identification of new adenine based alkaloids (1–5), which were isolated and identified for the first time from Aizoon canariense L. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses. The alkaloidal extract showed a powerful cytotoxic effect (IC50 14–28 μg/mL), with the best effect against colon carcinoma, followed by liver and breast carcinomas. The alkaloidal extract also had a potent effect against Candida albicans and Escherichia coli, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values of 312.5 and 625 µg/mL. The in vitro anticholinesterase activity was potent, with IC50 < 200 ng/mL for the tested extracts compared with 27.29 ± 0.49 ng/mL for tacrine.
Loading Effect of Sol-Gel Derived Barium Hexaferrite on Magnetic Polymer Composites
Authors: Charoensuk Thanida , Thongsamrit Wannisa , Ruttanapun Chesta , Jantaratana Pongsakorn , Sirisathitkul Chitnarong
Published: February 2021

Solution–processing methods were investigated as viable alternatives to produce the polymer-bonded barium hexaferrite (BaM). BaM powders were first synthesized by using the sol-gel auto-combustion method. While the ignition period in two synthesis batches varied, the morphology of hexagonal microplates and nanorods, as well as magnetic properties, were reproduced. To prepare magnetic polymer composites, these BaM powders were then incorporated into the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) matrix with a weight ratio of 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 by using the solution casting method. Magnetizations were linearly decreased with a reduction in ferrite loading. Compared to the BaM loose powders and pressed pellet, both remanent and saturation magnetizations were lower and gave rise to comparable values of the squareness. The squareness around 0.5 of BaM samples and their composites revealed the isotropic alignment. Interestingly, the coercivity was significantly increased from 1727–1776 Oe in loose BaM powders to 1874–2052 Oe for the BaM-ABS composites. These composites have potential to be implemented in the additive manufacturing of rare-earth-free magnets.
Nanomanufacturing: There’s Still Plenty of Room at the Bottom
Authors: Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: February 2021

In 1959, Prof. Richard Feynman gave his famous lecture “There’s plenty of roomat the bottom”, which is considered the birth of the nanotechnology and nanoscience fields of research [...]
Molecular Identification of New Cases of Human Dirofilariosis (Dirofilaria repens) in Italy
Authors: Gabrielli Simona , Mangano Valentina , Furzi Federica , Oliva Alessandra , Vita Serena , Poscia Roberto , Fazii Paolo , Di Paolo Josephine , Marocco Raffaella , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Bruschi Fabrizio , Mattiucci Simonetta
Published: February 2021

(1) Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne parasitic disease mainly in domestic and wild carnivores caused by Dirofilaria (Noctiella) repens, which is endemic in many countries of the Old World, and D. immitis, which has a worldwide distribution. In recent years, an increase in the number of human cases has been reported, suggesting that dirofilariosis is an emergent zoonosis. Here, we describe further cases (N = 8), observed in Central Italy during the years 2018–2019. (2) Molecular diagnosis was performed on: (i) live worms extracted from ocular conjunctiva, cheek, and calf muscle; (ii) histological sections of surgically removed nodules from parenchymal lung, coccyx, and breast. (3) Sequence analysis (650-bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (mtDNA cox1) showed a match of 100% with the sequences of D. repens previously deposited in GenBank. ELISA test to detect IgG against filarial antigens was performed on four patients’ sera and resulted positive in two patients who showed ocular and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. Microfilariae have been never detected in the peripheral blood of the patients. (4) The occurrence of N = 8 new cases of human D. repens-infections observed in a two-year period suggests an increased circulation of the parasite in Italy. Therefore, dirofilariosis should be included in differential diagnosis in patients presenting subcutaneous and/or pulmonary nodules. Molecular diagnosis of the etiological agents is fundamental. Specific serological diagnosis needs to be improved in future research work.
Isolation and Functional Characterization of the Promoters of Miltiradiene Synthase Genes, TwTPS27a and TwTPS27b, and Interaction Analysis with the Transcription Factor TwTGA1 from Tripterygium wilfordii
Authors: Huo Yanbo , Zhang Bin , Chen Ling , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xing , Zhu Chuanshu
Published: February 2021

Miltiradiene synthase (MS) genes, TwTPS27a and TwTPS27b, are the key diterpene synthase genes in the biosynthesis of triptolide, which is an important medicinally active diterpenoid in Tripterygium wilfordii. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of key genes TwTPS27a/b in triptolide biosynthesis remains unclear. In this study, the promoters of TwTPS27a (1496 bp) and TwTPS27b (1862 bp) were isolated and analyzed. Some hormone-/stress-responsive elements and transcription factor (TF) binding sites were predicted in both promoters, which might be responsible for the regulation mechanism of TwTPS27a/b. The β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity analysis in promoter deletion assays under normal and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) conditions showed that the sequence of −921 to −391 bp is the potential core region of the TwTPS27b promoter. And the TGACG-motif, a MeJA-responsive element found in this core region, might be responsible for MeJA-mediated stress induction of GUS activity. Moreover, the TGACG-motif is also known as the TGA TF-binding site. Yeast one-hybrid and GUS transactivation assays confirmed the interaction between the TwTPS27a/b promoters and the TwTGA1 TF (a MeJA-inducible TGA TF upregulating triptolide biosynthesis in T. wilfordii), indicating that TwTPS27a/b are two target genes regulated by TwTGA1. In conclusion, our results provide important information for elucidating the regulatory mechanism of MS genes, TwTPS27a and TwTPS27b, as two target genes of TwTGA1, in jasmonic acid (JA)-inducible triptolide biosynthesis.
Accessible Educational Resources for Teaching and Learning Robotics
Authors: Pozzi Maria , Prattichizzo Domenico , Malvezzi Monica
Published: February 2021

Robotics is now facing the challenge of deploying newly developed devices into human environments, and for this process to be successful, societal acceptance and uptake of robots are crucial. Education is already playing a key role in raising awareness and spreading knowledge about robotic systems, and there is a growing need to create highly accessible resources to teach and learn robotics. In this paper, we revise online available educational material, including videos, podcasts, and coding tools, aimed at facilitating the learning of robotics related topics at different levels. The offer of such resources was recently boosted by the higher demand of distance learning tools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential of e-learning for robotics is still under-exploited, and here we provide an updated list of resources that could help instructors and students to better navigate the large amount of information available online.
Mapping Woody Volume of Mediterranean Forests by Using SAR and Machine Learning: A Case Study in Central Italy
Authors: Santi Emanuele , Chiesi Marta , Fontanelli Giacomo , Lapini Alessandro , Paloscia Simonetta , Pettinato Simone , Ramat Giuliano , Santurri Leonardo
Published: February 2021

In this paper, multi-frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data at L- and C-bands (ALOS PALSAR and Envisat/ASAR) were used to estimate forest biomass in Tuscany, in Central Italy. The ground measurements of woody volume (WV, in m3/ha), which can be considered as a proxy of forest biomass, were retrieved from the Italian National Forest Inventory (NFI). After a preliminary investigation to assess the sensitivity of backscatter at C- and L-bands to forest biomass, an approach based on an artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented. The ANN was trained using the backscattering coefficient at L-band (ALOS PALSAR, HH and HV polarization) and C-band (Envisat ASAR in HH polarization) as inputs. Spatially distributed WV values for the entire test area were derived by the integration (fusion) of a canopy height map derived from the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (ICESat GLAS) and the NFI data, in order to build a significant ground truth dataset for the training stage. The analysis of the backscattering sensitivity to WV showed a moderate correlation at L-band and was almost negligible at C-band. Despite this, the ANN algorithm was able to exploit the synergy of SAR frequencies and polarizations, estimating WV with average Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R) = 0.96 and root mean square error (RMSE) ≃ 39 m3/ha when applied to the test dataset and average R = 0.86 and RMSE ≃ 75 m3/ha when validated on the direct measurements from the NFI. Considering the heterogeneity of the scenario (Mediterranean mixed forests in hilly landscape) and the small amount of available ground measurements with respect to the spatial variability of different plots, the obtained results can be considered satisfactory. Moreover, the successful use of WV from global maps for implementing the algorithm suggests the possibility to apply the algorithm to wider areas or even to global scales.
Multi-Feature Fusion for Weak Target Detection on Sea-Surface Based on FAR Controllable Deep Forest Model
Authors: Zhang Jiahuan , Song Hongjun
Published: February 2021

Target detection on the sea-surface has always been a high-profile problem, and the detection of weak targets is one of the most difficult problems and the key issue under this problem. Traditional techniques, such as imaging, cannot effectively detect these types of targets, so researchers choose to start by mining the characteristics of the received echoes and other aspects for target detection. This paper proposes a false alarm rate (FAR) controllable deep forest model based on six-dimensional feature space for efficient and accurate detection of weak targets on the sea-surface. This is the first attempt at the deep forest model in this field. The validity of the model was verified on IPIX data, and the detection probability was compared with other proposed methods. Under the same FAR condition, the average detection accuracy rate of the proposed method could reach over 99.19%, which is 9.96% better than the results of the current most advanced method (K-NN FAR-controlled Detector). Experimental results show that multi-feature fusion and the use of a suitable detection framework have a positive effect on the detection of weak targets on the sea-surface.
Landsat and Sentinel-2 Based Burned Area Mapping Tools in Google Earth Engine
Authors: Roteta Ekhi , Bastarrika Aitor , Franquesa Magí , Chuvieco Emilio
Published: February 2021

Four burned area tools were implemented in Google Earth Engine (GEE), to obtain regular processes related to burned area (BA) mapping, using medium spatial resolution sensors (Landsat and Sentinel-2). The four tools are (i) the BA Cartography tool for supervised burned area over the user-selected extent and period, (ii) two tools implementing a BA stratified random sampling to select the scenes and dates for validation, and (iii) the BA Reference Perimeter tool to obtain highly accurate BA maps that focus on validating coarser BA products. Burned Area Mapping Tools (BAMTs) go beyond the previously implemented Burned Area Mapping Software (BAMS) because of GEE parallel processing capabilities and preloaded geospatial datasets. BAMT also allows temporal image composites to be exploited in order to obtain BA maps over a larger extent and longer temporal periods. The tools consist of four scripts executable from the GEE Code Editor. The tools’ performance was discussed in two case studies: in the 2019/2020 fire season in Southeast Australia, where the BA cartography detected more than 50,000 km2, using Landsat data with commission and omission errors below 12% when compared to Sentinel-2 imagery; and in the 2018 summer wildfires in Canada, where it was found that around 16,000 km2 had burned.
Multiscale Weighted Adjacent Superpixel-Based Composite Kernel for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Zhang Yaokang , Chen Yunjie
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a composite kernel method (MWASCK) based on multiscale weighted adjacent superpixels (ASs) to classify hyperspectral image (HSI). The MWASCK adequately exploits spatial-spectral features of weighted adjacent superpixels to guarantee that more accurate spectral features can be extracted. Firstly, we use a superpixel segmentation algorithm to divide HSI into multiple superpixels. Secondly, the similarities between each target superpixel and its ASs are calculated to construct the spatial features. Finally, a weighted AS-based composite kernel (WASCK) method for HSI classification is proposed. In order to avoid seeking for the optimal superpixel scale and fuse the multiscale spatial features, the MWASCK method uses multiscale weighted superpixel neighbor information. Experiments from two real HSIs indicate that superior performance of the WASCK and MWASCK methods compared with some popular classification methods.
High-Accuracy Real-Time Kinematic Positioning with Multiple Rover Receivers Sharing Common Clock
Authors: Zhao Lin , Jiang Jiachang , Li Liang , Jia Chun , Cheng Jianhua
Published: February 2021

Since the traditional real-time kinematic positioning method is limited by the reduced satellite visibility from the deprived navigational environments, we, therefore, propose an improved RTK method with multiple rover receivers sharing a common clock. The proposed method can enhance observational redundancy by blending the observations from each rover receiver together so that the model strength will be improved. Integer ambiguity resolution of the proposed method is challenged in the presence of several inter-receiver biases (IRB). The IRB including inter-receiver code bias (IRCB) and inter-receiver phase bias (IRPB) is calibrated by the pre-estimation method because of their temporal stability. Multiple BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) dual-frequency datasets are collected to test the proposed method. The experimental results have shown that the IRCB and IRPB under the common clock mode are sufficiently stable for the ambiguity resolution. Compared with the traditional method, the ambiguity resolution success rate and positioning accuracy of the proposed method can be improved by 19.5% and 46.4% in the restricted satellite visibility environments.
Technoeconomic Analysis of the Recovery of Phenols from Olive Mill Wastewater through Membrane Filtration and Resin Adsorption/Desorption
Authors: Zagklis Dimitris P. , Papageorgiou Costas S. , Paraskeva Christakis A.
Published: February 2021

Olive mill wastewater is an important agro-industrial waste with no established treatment method. The authors have developed a phenol separation method that could potentially cover the treatment cost of the waste. The purpose of this study was to identify any economic hotspots in the process, the operational cost and examine the margin of profit for such a process. The equipment cost was scaled for different treatment capacities and then used to estimate the fixed capital investment and the yearly operational cost. The highest purchased equipment cost was identified for the membrane filtration system, while the cost for resin replacement was identified as the highest operational cost. The lifespan of the resin used in the adsorption step was identified as an economic hot spot for the process, with the phenols separation cost ranging from 0.84 to 13.6 €/g of phenols for a resin lifespan of 5–100 adsorption/desorption cycles. The lifespan of the resin proved to be the single most important aspect that determines the phenols separation cost. The price range that was calculated for the product of the process is very promising because of the typical value of antioxidants and the low concentration of phenols that are needed for food supplements and cosmetics.
Country Performance Analysis of Swiss Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management Research
Authors: Cardoso Lucília , Araújo Arthur Filipe , Lima Santos Luís , Schegg Roland , Breda Zélia , Costa Carlos
Published: February 2021

Based on tradition and high standards, Swiss higher education in tourism and hospitality is ranked among the best in the world. Although scientific research is the foundation of a country’s higher education system, the Swiss Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management Scientific Research (Swiss TL&HM-SR) has not yet been subject to a systematic analysis. This paper aims to fill this gap by assessing the Swiss TL&HM-SR performance, as well as identifying and discussing its most prominent topics. To this end, bibliometric data were gathered from the Scopus database and analyzed through a bibliometric mixed-method approach. Results provide a new performance indicator for the Swiss TL&HM-SR in this field of research, and show that innovation and sustainable destination management are particularly prominent topics within Swiss TL&HM-SR. In this context, contributions to these topics in particular are discussed in more detail. The findings provide useful insights for stakeholders aiming to improve sustainability performance through strategic management of destinations, as well as for researchers aiming to follow the latest trends, identify emerging topics and formulate more attractive projects for financing institutions. The study also provides a new and innovative methodological contribution, as it combines different methods of scientific research performance assessment, which can be further employed in other countries or knowledge areas.
Innovative Solutions for the Development of Sustainable Transport and Improvement of the Tourist Accessibility of Peripheral Areas: The Case of the Białowieża Forest Region
Authors: Szymańska Elżbieta , Panfiluk Eugenia , Kiryluk Halina
Published: February 2021

One of the main challenges affecting development opportunities of peripheral areas, particularly the development of tourism, includes the provision of satisfactory solutions for mobility and transport accessibility. Therefore, there is a high demand for innovative and sustainable transport solutions, which would increase the competitiveness of these regions, as well as reduce the negative impact of transport on the environment. This paper includes indications of the main directions of research on sustainable transport, the analysis of innovative solutions for improving the tourist accessibility of peripheral areas, and the development of an intermodal model of tourist mobility. The developed model was verified in terms of tourists’ needs for sustainable and innovative transport solutions. The region of the Białowieża Forest, exhibiting high potential for tourism development due to its natural values—unique at the European and global scale—was selected for verification. The Białowieża Forest was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the few cross-border World Heritage sites. The study applied heuristic research methods, including brainstorming, the Delphi method, case studies, and a diagnostic survey (421 respondents). The developed model of tourist mobility is based on the combination of the public transport network and the availability of electric bicycle and electric car rental. The survey of tourists in the region of the Białowieża Forest showed the demand for new mobile solutions, particularly in the field of e-mobility. The results of quantitative research indicate that around 40% of respondents express high and very high demand for sustainable and innovative mobile solutions, including e-mobility.
Analysis of the Adaptative Strategy of Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. in the Colonization of New Territories
Authors: Román Jhony Fernando Cruz , Hernández-Lambraño Ricardo Enrique , Rodríguez de la Cruz David , Sánchez Agudo José Ángel
Published: February 2021

The current situation of global environmental degradation as a result of anthropogenic activities makes it necessary to open new research lines focused on the causes and effects of the main alterations caused in the ecosystems. One of the most relevant is how the niche dynamics of invasive species change between different geographical areas, since its understanding is key to the early detection and control of future invasions. In this regard, we analyzed the distribution pattern of Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten., a plant of the Asteraceae family originally from the Eurasian region that currently invades wide areas of the world. We estimated its niche shifts between continents using a combination of principal components analysis (PCA) and Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) on an extensive set of data on global presences of its native and invaded ranges from Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). A set of bioclimatic variables and the Human Footprint (HFP) with a resolution of 10 km were selected for this purpose. Our results showed that the species has a marked global trend to expand toward warmer climates with less seasonality, although in some regions its invasiveness appears to be less than in others. The models had a good statistical performance and high coherence in relation to the known distribution of the species and allowed us to establish the relative weight of the contribution of each variable used, with the annual temperature and seasonality being the determining factors in the establishment of the species. Likewise, the use of non-climatic variable HFP has provided relevant information to explain the colonizing behavior of the species. The combination of this methodology with an adequate selection of predictor variables represents a very useful tool when focusing efforts and resources for the management of invasive species.
Cross-Cultural Validation of A Revised Environmental Identity Scale
Authors: Clayton Susan , Czellar Sandor , Nartova-Bochaver Sonya , Skibins Jeffrey C. , Salazar Gabby , Tseng Yu-Chi , Irkhin Boris , Monge-Rodriguez Fredy S.
Published: February 2021

The environmental identity (EID) scale, first published in 2003, was developed to measure individual differences in a stable sense of interdependence and connectedness with nature. Since then, it has been reliably correlated with measures of environmental behavior and concern. However, the original scale was developed based on U.S. college students, raising questions about its validity for other types of populations. This study revised the EID scale and tested it in five countries (four continents) with a total sample size of 1717 participants. Results support strong internal consistency across all locations. Importantly, EID was significantly correlated with behavior and with environmental concern. This research gives us greater confidence that the EID construct is meaningful across different cultural contexts. Because the revised EID was designed to be relevant to a wider range of people and experiences, it is recommended as a replacement for the 2003 version.
Is Financial Innovation Bestowed or a Curse for Economic Sustainably: The Mediating Role of Economic Policy Uncertainty
Authors: Xu Shuhua , Qamruzzaman Md. , Adow Anass Hamadelneel
Published: February 2021

The study’s motivation is to gauge the impact of financial innovation on economic growth from 2004M1 to 2018M12 in India and Pakistan’s economy with the mediating role of economic policy uncertainty. For instituting the possible association between financial innovations, economic policy uncertainty, and economic growth study considered both symmetric and asymmetric frameworks following autoregressive distributed lagged (ARDL) and nonlinear ARDL (NARDL). Furthermore, asymmetric causal relationships were evaluated by performing non-granger causality tests with asymmetric shocks of financial innovation and economic policy uncertainty (EPU). The results of Fpss, Wpss, and tBDM under symmetry framework established the long-run link between EPU, financial innovation, and economic growth in both countries. The results of standard Wald tests demonstrated the asymmetry effects furring from EPU to economic growth and financial innovation to economic growth both in the long-run and short-run. The asymmetry effects of positive and negative shocks in financial innovation revealed a positive linkage with economic growth and a negative tie between asymmetric shocks in EPU and economic growth in the long-run, but short-run magnitudes negligible. Refers to directional causality estimation, the study revealed evidence supporting the feedback hypothesis between EPU and financial innovation in all sample countries.
A Comprehensive Review on Developments in Electric Vehicle Charging Station Infrastructure and Present Scenario of India
Authors: Mishra Shubham , Verma Shrey , Chowdhury Subhankar , Gaur Ambar , Mohapatra Subhashree , Dwivedi Gaurav , Verma Puneet
Published: February 2021

The transportation sector of the world is in the transformation stage, shifting from conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles to zero or ultra-low tailpipe emission vehicles. To support this transformation, a proper charging station (CS) infrastructure in combination with information technology, smart distributed energy generating units, and favorable government policies are required. The motive of this paper is to address the key aspects to be taken care of while planning for the charging station infrastructure for electric vehicles. The paper also provides major indagation and developments in planning and technological aspects that are going on for the enhancement of the design and efficient management of charging station infrastructure. The paper addresses the present scenario of India related to electric vehicle charging station developments. The paper specially provides a critical review on the research and developments in the charging station infrastructure, the problems associated with it, and the efforts that are going on for its standardization to help the researchers address the problems.
Fugitive Dust Suppression in Unpaved Roads: State of the Art Research Review
Authors: Parvej Subbir , Naik Dayakar L. , Sajid Hizb Ullah , Kiran Ravi , Huang Ying , Thanki Nidhi
Published: February 2021

Fugitive dust is a serious threat to unpaved road users from a safety and health point of view. Dust suppressing materials or dust suppressants are often employed to lower the fugitive dust. Currently, many dust suppressants are commercially available and are being developed for various applications. The performance of these dust suppressants depends on their physical and chemical properties, application frequency and rates, soil type, wind speed, atmospheric conditions, etc. This article presents a comprehensive review of various available and in-development dust suppression materials and their dust suppression mechanisms. Specifically, the dust suppressants that lower the fugitive dust either through hygroscopicity (ability to absorb atmospheric moisture) and/or agglomeration (ability to cement the dust particles) are reviewed. The literature findings, recommendations, and limitations pertaining to dust suppression on unpaved roads are discussed at the end of the review.
Nitrogen Losses and Potential Mitigation Strategies for a Sustainable Agroecosystem
Authors: Mahmud Kishan , Panday Dinesh , Mergoum Anaas , Missaoui Ali
Published: February 2021

Nitrogen (N) in the agricultural production system influences many aspects of agroecosystems and several critical ecosystem services widely depend on the N availability in the soil. Cumulative changes in regional ecosystem services may lead to global environmental changes. Thus, the soil N status in agriculture is of critical importance to strategize its most efficient use. Nitrogen is also one of the most susceptible macronutrients to environmental loss, such as ammonia volatilization (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, nitrate leaching (NO3), etc. Any form of N losses from agricultural systems can be major limitations for crop production, soil sustainability, and environmental safeguard. There is a need to focus on mitigation strategies to minimize global N pollution and implement agricultural management practices that encourage regenerative and sustainable agriculture. In this review, we identified the avenues of N loss into the environment caused by current agronomic practices and discussed the potential practices that can be adapted to prevent this N loss in production agriculture. This review also explored the N status in agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic and the existing knowledge gaps and questions that need to be addressed.
Latent Heat Thermal Storage in Non-Uniform Metal Foam Filled with Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material
Authors: Ghalambaz Mohammad , Mehryan S. A. M. , Hajjar Ahmad , Fteiti Mehdi A. , Younis Obai , Sardari Pouyan Talebizadeh , Yaïci Wahiba
Published: February 2021

The melting heat transfer of CuO—coconut oil embedded in a non-uniform copper metal foam—was addressed. Copper foam is placed in a channel-shaped Thermal Energy Storage (TES) unit heated from one side. The foam is non-uniform with a linear porosity gradient in a direction perpendicular to the heated surface. The finite element method was applied to simulate natural convection flow and phase change heat transfer in the TES unit. The results showed that the porosity gradient could significantly boost the melting rate and stored energy rate in the TES unit. The best non-uniform porosity corresponds to a case in which the maximum porosity is next to a heated surface. The variation of the unit placement’s inclination angle is only important in the final stage of charging, where there is a dominant natural convection flow. The variation of porous pore size induces minimal impact on the phase change rate, except in the case of a large pore size of 30 pore density (PPI). The presence of nanoparticles could increase or decrease the charging time. However, using a 4% volume fraction of nanoparticles could mainly reduce the charging time.