bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential for CO2 Mineral Carbonation in the Paleogene Segamat Basalt of Malaysia
Authors: Ayub Syifa Afiza , Tsegab Haylay , Rahmani Omeid , Beiranvand Pour Amin
Published: November 2020

Geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) requires the host rock to have the capacity to permanently store CO2 with minimum post-storage monitoring. Mineral carbonation in geological formations is one of the most promising approaches to CO2 storage as the captured CO2 is converted into stable carbonated minerals (e.g., calcite and magnesite). In this study, we investigated the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of Segamat basalt in the Central Belt of Malaysia and evaluated its potential for mineral carbonation by using laboratory analyses of X–ray fluorescence (XRF), X–ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and petrographic study. The XRF results showed that Segamat basalt samples contain a number of elements such as Fe (21.81–23.80 wt.%), Ca (15.40–20.83 wt.%), and Mg (3.43–5.36 wt.%) that can react with CO2 to form stable carbonated minerals. The XRD and petrographic results indicated that Segamat basalt contains the reactive mineral groups of pyroxene and olivine, which are suitable for the mineral carbonation process. The results of this study could help to identify the spatial distribution of elements and minerals in the Segamat basalt and to assess its mineral carbonation potential for geological storage in Malaysia.
Exploring the End-Liner Forces Using DEM Software
Authors: Chimwani Ngonidzashe , Bwalya Murray M.
Published: November 2020

The main roles of liners are to protect the mill shell and promote effective ball motion for grinding. For this reason the liner profile is carefully selected to ensure that the productivity is maximized and due liner replacement is made when this objective is no longer met. These issues have been extensively studied on shell liners as mill relining is a significant cost component of ball milling. To date, not much has been written about end-liners and the kind of forces they are subjected to. A discrete element method (DEM) simulation scheme is conducted to look at how ball size distribution, mill filling, end-liner configuration and shape affect the distribution of forces acting on the liners that were assessed to understand end-liner wear and damage. The results showed how forces varied both radially and tangentially for the different sections of end-liner, with important insights drawn for end-liner manufactures.
Carbon Atoms Speaking Out: How the Geometric Sensitivity of 13C Chemical Shifts Leads to Understanding the Colour Tuning of Phycocyanobilin in Cph1 and AnPixJ
Authors: Jähnigen Sascha , Sebastiani Daniel
Published: November 2020

We present a combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) molecular dynamics–statistical approach for the interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift patterns in phycocyanobilin (PCB). These were originally associated with colour tuning upon photoproduct formation in red/green-absorbing cyanobacteriochrome AnPixJg2 and red/far-red-absorbing phytochrome Cph1Δ2. We pursue an indirect approach without computation of the absorption frequencies since the molecular geometry of cofactor and protein are not accurately known. Instead, we resort to a heuristic determination of the conjugation length in PCB through the experimental NMR chemical shift patterns, supported by quantum chemical calculations. We have found a characteristic correlation pattern of 13C chemical shifts to specific bond orders within the π-conjugated system, which rests on the relative position of carbon atoms with respect to electron-withdrawing groups and the polarisation of covalent bonds. We propose the inversion of this regioselective relationship using multivariate statistics and to apply it to the known experimental NMR chemical shifts in order to predict changes in the bond alternation pattern. Therefrom the extent of electronic conjugation, and eventually the change in absorption frequency, can be derived. In the process, the consultation of explicit mesomeric formulae plays an important role to qualitatively account for possible conjugation scenarios of the chromophore. While we are able to consistently associate the NMR chemical shifts with hypsochromic and bathochromic shifts in the Pg and Pfr, our approach represents an alternative method to increase the explanatory power of NMR spectroscopic data in proteins.
In Silico Design of a Peptide Receptor for Dopamine Recognition
Authors: Rodriguez-Salazar Luna , Guevara-Pulido James , Cifuentes Andrés
Published: November 2020

Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter with a fundamental role in regulatory functions related to the central, peripheral, renal, and hormonal nervous systems. Dopaminergic neurotransmission dysfunctions are commonly associated with several diseases; thus, in situ quantification of DA is a major challenge. To achieve this goal, enzyme-based biosensors have been employed for substrate recognition in the past. However, due to their sensitivity to changes in temperature and pH levels, new peptide bioreceptors have been developed. Therefore, in this study, four bioreceptors were designed in silico to exhibit a higher affinity for DA than the DA transporters (DATs). The design was based on the hot spots of the active sites of crystallized enzyme structures that are physiologically related to DA. The affinities between the chosen targets and designed bioreceptors were calculated using AutoDock Vina. Additionally, the binding free energy, ∆G, of the dopamine-4xp1 complex was calculated by molecular dynamics (MD). This value presented a direct relationship with the E_refine value obtained from molecular docking based on the ∆G functions obtained from MOE of the promising bioreceptors. The control variables in the design were amino acids, bond type, steric volume, stereochemistry, affinity, and interaction distances. As part of the results, three out of the four bioreceptor candidates presented promising values in terms of DA affinity and distance.
Improved Strength-Ductility of Ti-6Al-4V Casting Alloys with Trace Addition of TiC-TiB2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Yunlong , Zhao Qinglong , Liu Xiao , Geng Run , Wang Bao , Jiang Qichuan
Published: November 2020

In this work, a high strength–ductility Ti64 cast alloy, containing trace TiC-TiB2 nanoparticles, was fabricated by adding dual-phased nano-TiC-TiB2/Al master alloys to the molten Ti64 alloys. The trace addition of the TiC-TiB2 nanoparticles (0.1 wt%) simultaneously reduced the size of the β grains, the α laths, and the α colony size of the lamellar structure during casting and suppressed the coarsening of the α laths during heat treatment. The yield strength and the uniform elongation of TiC-TiB2/Ti64 were increased by ~130 MPa and 2%, respectively. The simultaneously improved strength and ductility of the TiC-TiB2/Ti64 were attributed to the decrease in the α colony size of the lamellar structure, the significant refinement of the grains and α laths, and the pinning effect of nanoparticles.
Ultra-Thin SnS2-Pt Nanocatalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yu Yanying , Xu Jie , Zhang Jianwei , Li Fan , Fu Jiantao , Li Chao , An Cuihua
Published: November 2020

Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials have attracted much attention for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as a new catalyst, but they still have challenges in poor stability and high reaction over-potential. In this study, ultra-thin SnS2 nanocatalysts were synthesized by simple hydrothermal method, and low load of Pt was added to form stable SnS2-Pt-3 (the content of platinum is 0.5 wt %). The synergistic effect between ultra-thin SnS2 rich in active sites and individual dispersed Pt nanoclusters can significantly reduce the reaction barrier and further accelerate HER reaction kinetics. Hence, SnS2-Pt-3 exhibits a low overpotential of 210 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2. It is worth noting that SnS2-Pt-3 has a small Tafel slope (126 mV dec−1) in 0.5 M H2SO4, as well as stability. This work provides a new option for the application of TMDs materials in efficient hydrogen evolution reaction. Moreover, this method can be easily extended to other catalysts with desired two-dimensional materials.
Comparative Performance of Citrate, Borohydride, Hydroxylamine and β-Cyclodextrin Silver Sols for Detecting Ibuprofen and Caffeine Pollutants by Means of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Souza Michele Lemos de , Otero Juan Carlos , López-Tocón Isabel
Published: November 2020

The detection of emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment, such as ibuprofen and caffeine, was studied by means of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) as a reducing agent. The effect on the SERS signal of different molar ratios of Ag+/βCD in the synthesis route and the aging process of AgNPs were investigated by using trans-cinnamic as a test molecule. The SERS effectiveness of these β-cyclodextrin colloids (Ag@βCD) was also checked and compared with that of other silver sols usually employed in SERS synthesized by using other reducing agents such as citrate, borohydride and hydroxylamine. All the synthesized SERS substrates were characterized by different techniques. The experimental results indicate that Ag@βCD with the more diluted Ag+/βCD molar ratio showed the best SERS signal, enabling detection at trace concentrations of 0.5 µM in the case of trans-cinnamic acid. The Ag@βCD sols also showed the best sensitivity for detecting ibuprofen and caffeine, reaching the lowest limit of detection (0.1 mM). The proposed synthetic route for Ag@βCD sols provides an improved SERS substrate for detecting organic pollutants with better performance than other standard silver sols.
Characteristics of Websites Presenting Parenteral Supplementation Services in Five European Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kamiński Mikołaj , Kręgielska-Narożna Matylda , Soczewka Monika , Wesołek Agnieszka , Rosiejka Paulina , Szuman Sara , Bogdański Paweł
Published: November 2020

We aimed to characterize the parenteral supplementation services in Czechia, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom based on their websites. We generated a list of websites by searching Google using the term “vitamin infusion” and selected cities with 250,000 citizens from each analyzed country. All search inputs were performed using the native language. Data on the features of services, indications, contraindications, offered parenteral supplements, and social media activity were obtained. We analyzed 317 websites representing 371 active facilities. Only 6 (1.9%) facilities cited the scientific sources on parenteral supplementation, but these reference were highly biased; 17.4% did not provide information regarding their personnel, while 11.9% indicated the different contraindications. The most common indications were fatigue (62.5%), immunity enhancement (58.0%), anti-aging, and physical activity (51.5%). Approximately, 11.6% of facilities claimed that some parenteral supplements can help manage certain malignancies, while 2.2% claimed that they can help manage fertility problems. The most offered intravenous supplements were vitamins C (57.4%), B12 (47.7%), and B6 (42.3%). The parenteral supplementation market offers numerous ingredients as treatment for general health problems and serious health conditions. Many analyzed websites lacked essential information, which creates concerns for regarding the quality and reliability of the services.
Binge Eating Disorder: What Is the Role of Physical Activity Associated with Dietary and Psychological Treatment?
Authors: Galasso Letizia , Montaruli Angela , Jankowski Konrad S. , Bruno Eleonora , Castelli Lucia , Mulè Antonino , Chiorazzo Mirella , Ricceri Alberto , Erzegovesi Stefano , Caumo Andrea , Roveda Eliana , Esposito Fabio
Published: November 2020

Binge eating patients present lower physical activity levels, which could be associated with lower exercise capacity. Specific physical activity can ensure broad beneficial results relating to eating disorders, depression, and body mass index (BMI) in bulimia; however, research on binge eating disorder (BED) is scarce. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of specific training as an addition to conventional treatment of eating disorder symptoms, anthropometric characteristics, and physical performance. Nineteen women with BED were included in a dietary and cognitive-behavioral therapy program. After medical examination, 10 women carried out Combined Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Training in addition to conventional treatment (CAAET group), whereas the remaining 9 followed the conventional treatment alone (CTRL group). All of the measurements were assessed before and after six months of treatment. In both groups, we observed a significant decrease in binge episodes, weight, and body mass index, and an increase in exercise capacity. Moreover, the CAAET group presented a greater improvement in aerobic performance than that observed in the CTRL group. Our results suggest that both interventions similarly improved BED symptoms. The addition of physical activity could be important in the long-term maintenance of both weight loss and reduction in binge episodes in BED patients.
Statins: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors as Potential Anticancer Agents against Malignant Neoplasms in Women
Authors: Markowska Anna , Antoszczak Michał , Markowska Janina , Huczyński Adam
Published: November 2020

Statins, also known as HMG-CoA inhibitors, are a class of bioactive small molecules that efficiently reduce the levels of cholesterol, and therefore are commonly used to manage and prevent various cardiovascular diseases. With respect to their original medical indications, statins are currently in the group of the most prescribed drugs worldwide. Of note is that statins are perceived actually rather as agents that have pleiotropic activities; in addition to their inhibitory activity on the production of endogenous cholesterol. Statins may also affect cell proliferation, angiogenesis and/or migration (metastasis) of different cancer cells, and play a positive role in the chemoprevention of cancer, thus being the excellent candidates to be repurposed in oncology. Particularly intriguing in this context seems to be the promising role of statins on both the incidence and course of common malignant neoplasms in women. In this article, we review and discuss the effect of the use of statins in the treatment of three types of cancer, i.e., breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer, with the highest mortality among gynecological cancers.
Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes and Nanovesicles: Promotion of Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Anti-Senescence for Treatment of Wound Damage and Skin Ageing
Authors: Cha Hyeonjin , Hong Seyoung , Park Ju Hyun , Park Hee Ho
Published: November 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes, are nano-sized vesicles derived from endocytic membranes and contain biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, RNAs, and DNAs for the transfer of signals to recipient cells, playing significant roles in cell-to-cell communication. Discovery of exosomes has attracted attention for possible use as next generation therapies in clinical applications; however, several studies suggest that cells secrete exosomes that perform as mediators in the tumor niche and play several roles in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Recently, stem cell-derived exosomes have been suggested as a desirable source for regenerative medicine due to their roles in the promotion of angiogenesis via migratory and proliferative mechanisms. This review is aimed at demonstrating the present knowledge of stem cell-derived exosomes and cell-engineered nanovesicles (CNVs) as proliferative, migratory, and anti-senescent therapeutic biomaterial for use in tissue regeneration; wound healing and anti-ageing are explained. We conclude this review by discussing the future perspectives of stem cell-derived exosomes and CNVs as a platform in therapeutic strategies for treatment of wound damage and skin aging.
Breeding Buckwheat for Increased Levels of Rutin, Quercetin and Other Bioactive Compounds with Potential Antiviral Effects
Authors: Luthar Zlata , Germ Mateja , Likar Matevž , Golob Aleksandra , Vogel-Mikuš Katarina , Pongrac Paula , Kušar Anita , Pravst Igor , Kreft Ivan
Published: November 2020

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) are sources of many bioactive compounds, such as rutin, quercetin, emodin, fagopyrin and other (poly)phenolics. In damaged or milled grain under wet conditions, most of the rutin in common and Tartary buckwheat is degraded to quercetin by rutin-degrading enzymes (e.g., rutinosidase). From Tartary buckwheat varieties with low rutinosidase activity it is possible to prepare foods with high levels of rutin, with the preserved initial levels in the grain. The quercetin from rutin degradation in Tartary buckwheat grain is responsible in part for inhibition of α-glucosidase in the intestine, which helps to maintain normal glucose levels in the blood. Rutin and emodin have the potential for antiviral effects. Grain embryos are rich in rutin, so breeding buckwheat with the aim of producing larger embryos may be a promising strategy to increase the levels of rutin in common and Tartary buckwheat grain, and hence to improve its nutritional value.
Structure of the Chemical and Genetic Diversity of the True Lavender over Its Natural Range
Authors: Despinasse Yolande , Moja Sandrine , Soler Catherine , Jullien Frédéric , Pasquier Bernard , Bessière Jean-Marie , Baudino Sylvie , Nicolè Florence
Published: November 2020

The true lavender Lavandula angustifolia Miller is a Mediterranean aromatic shrub widely cultivated for its high quality essential oil used in perfumery and phytotherapy. Despite its economic importance, the intra-specific diversity among wild, non-cultivated plants remains poorly understood. We analyzed the structure of the chemical and genetic diversity of plants from 14 sites sampled over the entire native range of the true lavender. Volatile organic compounds of inflorescences were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Genotyping was performed with fingerprinting genetic markers. To limit the influence of environmental variability on chemical composition, plants were grown in the same conditions in a common garden. Without prior knowledge, discriminant analysis of principal component identified unambiguously four distinct chemotypes among three genetic populations. Co-inertia analysis and supervised analysis which integrated multiple datasets indicated a strong congruency between chemical and genetic patterns. Two distinct genetic units were located at the edge of the distribution area in the south of Italy and in the northeast of Spain, and were associated with two distinct chemotypes. Our results confirmed the existence of three genetically distinct entities, suggesting speciation. All French populations and the Italian Piedmontese population were genetically homogeneous but separated in two distinct chemotypes. The dominant chemotype was present in the center of the native range in southeastern France and was at the origin of the current most cultivated French varieties. Its main compounds were linalyl acetate, linalool, and caryophyllene oxide. The second French chemotype was found in south of Massif Central and presented high abundance of valuable linalyl and lavandulyl acetates. Linalool, eucalyptol, β-caryophyllene, borneol, camphor, and cis-sabinene-hydrate were significantly associated with southern latitudes and their role would be worth exploring.
Fabrication and Characterization of Aluminum Nanoparticle-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Jeong Seongbeom , Song Young Seok , Lim Eunju
Published: November 2020

With the expanding use of polymers in modern our lives, there is an increasing need to manufacture advanced engineering polymeric parts in a systematic and inexpensive way. Herein, we developed an organic inorganic hybrid composite material with excellent mechanical properties by enhancing the dispersion and moldability of fillers. For this, we prepared and analyzed the physical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/aluminum nanoparticle composites. Al nanoparticles of various sizes (20 nm and 40 nm) and concentrations (3, 6, 9, and 12 wt.%) were employed. The mechanical properties of the prepared composites were measured using a universal testing machine. Rheological and thermal analyses for the composites were carried out with use of a rheometer and a differential thermal calorimeter (DSC). We also conducted optical, chemical, electrical, and morphological property studies of the samples in order to help design and produce high-performance engineering products.
Applying Membrane Distillation for the Recovery of Nitrate from Saline Water Using PVDF Membranes Modified as Superhydrophobic Membranes
Authors: Ebrahimi Fatemeh , Orooji Yasin , Razmjou Amir
Published: November 2020

In this study, a flat sheet direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) module was designed to eliminate nitrate from water. A polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was used in a DCMD process at an ambient pressure and at a temperature lower than the boiling point of water. The electrical conductivity of the feed containing nitrate increased, while the electrical conductivity of the permeate remained constant during the entire process. The results indicated that the nitrate ions failed to pass through the membrane and their concentration in the feed increased as pure water passed through the membrane. Consequently, the membrane was modified using TiO2 nanoparticles to make a hierarchical surface with multi-layer roughness on the micro/nanoscales. Furthermore, 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorododecyltrichlorosilane (FTCS) was added to the modified surface to change its hydrophobic properties into superhydrophobic properties and to improve its performance. The results for both membranes were compared and reported on a pilot scale using MATLAB. In the experimental scale (a membrane surface area of 0.0014 m2, temperature of 77 °C, nitrate concentration of 0.9 g/Kg, and flow rate of 0.0032 Kg/s), the flux was 2.3 Kgm−2h−1. The simulation results of MATLAB using these data showed that for the removal of nitrate (with a concentration of 35 g/Kg) from the intake feed with a flow rate of 1 Kg/s and flux of 0.96 Kgm−2h−1, a membrane surface area of 0.5 m2 was needed.
Electrosynthesis and Electrochromism of a New Crosslinked Polydithienylpyrrole with Diphenylpyrenylamine Subunits
Authors: Kung Yu-Ruei , Cao Sin-Yun , Hsiao Sheng-Huei
Published: November 2020

A new electroactive monomer with two 2,5-di(2-thienyl)pyrrole (SNS) units and one diphenylpyrenylamine (DPPA) subunit, namely N,N-bis(4-(2,5-di(2-thienyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-phenyl)-1-aminopyrene (DPPA-2SNS), was synthesized from 1,4-di-(2-thienyl)butane-1,4-dione with N,N-di(4-aminophenyl)-1-aminopyrene through the Paal–Knorr condensation reaction. Visible and near-infrared (NIR) electrochromic polymer films could be facilely generated on the ITO-glass surface by the electrochemical polymerization of DPPA-2SNS in an electrolyte solution. The electro-synthesized polymer films exhibit multi-staged redox processes and multi-colored anodic electrochromic behavior. A multi-colored electrochromism, with yellowish orange, greyish blue, and purplish black colors, was observed in the polymer film by applying a positive potential. The polymer films exhibit reasonable coloration efficiency, fast response time, and good cycling stability, especially when switched between neutral and the first oxidation states. For comparison, N-(1-pyrenyl)-2,5-di(2-thienyl)pyrrole (Py-SNS) was also prepared and characterized with electrochemical and electro-optical properties.
Electrodeposited Gold Nanostructures for the Enhancement of Electrochromic Properties of PANI–PEDOT Film Deposited on Transparent Electrode
Authors: Popov Anton , Brasiunas Benediktas , Damaskaite Anzelika , Plikusiene Ieva , Ramanavicius Arunas , Ramanaviciene Almira
Published: November 2020

Conjugated polymers (CPs) are attractive materials for use in different areas; nevertheless, the enhancement of electrochromic stability and switching time is still necessary to expand the commercialization of electrochromic devices. To our best knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the employment of electrodeposited gold nanostructures (AuNS) for the enhancement of CPs’ electrochromic properties when a transparent electrode is used as a substrate. Polyaniline–poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PANI-PEDOT) films were electrodeposited on a transparent indium tin oxide glass electrode, which was pre-modified by two different methods. AuNS were electrodeposited at −0.2 V constant potential for 60 s using both the 1st method (synthesis solution consisted of 3 mM HAuCl4 and 0.1 M H2SO4) and 2nd method (15 mM HAuCl4 and 1 M KNO3) resulting in an improvement of optical contrast by 3% and 22%, respectively. Additionally, when using the 1st method, the coloration efficiency was improved by 50% while the switching time was reduced by 17%. Furthermore, in both cases, the employment of AuNS resulted in an enhancement of the electrochromic stability of the CPs layer. A further selection of AuNS pre-modification conditions with the aim to control their morphology and size can be a possible stepping stone for the further improvement of CPs electrochromic properties.
Biorefinery Approach for Aerogels
Authors: Budtova Tatiana , Aguilera Daniel Antonio , Beluns Sergejs , Berglund Linn , Chartier Coraline , Espinosa Eduardo , Gaidukovs Sergejs , Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Kmita Angelika , Lachowicz Dorota , Liebner Falk , Platnieks Oskars , Rodríguez Alejandro , Tinoco Navarro Lizeth Katherine , Zou Fangxin , Buwalda Sytze J.
Published: November 2020

According to the International Energy Agency, biorefinery is “the sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of marketable bio-based products (chemicals, materials) and bioenergy (fuels, power, heat)”. In this review, we survey how the biorefinery approach can be applied to highly porous and nanostructured materials, namely aerogels. Historically, aerogels were first developed using inorganic matter. Subsequently, synthetic polymers were also employed. At the beginning of the 21st century, new aerogels were created based on biomass. Which sources of biomass can be used to make aerogels and how? This review answers these questions, paying special attention to bio-aerogels’ environmental and biomedical applications. The article is a result of fruitful exchanges in the frame of the European project COST Action “CA 18125 AERoGELS: Advanced Engineering and Research of aeroGels for Environment and Life Sciences”.
“From Moses to Moses”: Late Medieval Jewish and Christian Interpretation of Moses’s Prophecy
Authors: Schwartz Yossef
Published: November 2020

The paper examines how the figure of the biblical Moses was philosophically interpreted in medieval Jewish and Christian writings. It highlights a turning point in a new concept of prophecy and scriptural authority and suggests that this transformation was made complicated for both Jewish and Christian intellectuals by the appearance of Moses Maimonides, who was most influential in promoting the Muslim model of philosophic interpretation of prophecy, and at the same time confusingly emerged as a living manifestation of semi-biblical authority. Against Jewish exclusivist interpretation of Mosaic law as the leading polemical argument to encounter competing revelations, the first part of my paper points out a mechanism of “Jewish successionism”, i.e., the re-interpretation of the biblical Moses as an instrument for rationalizing normative paradigmatic shift. The second, main part of the paper turns to the Latin translation of Maimonides’s Guide of the Perplexed, placing it in the midst of a crucial western Latin turn into a new phase of engagement with Old Testament concept of prophecy. A short comparison between some prominent twelfth century figures and later Scholastic thought demonstrates the central role of the new Arab Aristotelianism in general, and that of Maimonides in particular. Maimonides reception among the schoolman will culminate in the writings of Meister Eckhart, exposing the full potentiality of the double appearance of the Egyptian (Rabbi) Moses.
Combining Evolutionary Algorithms and Machine Learning Models in Landslide Susceptibility Assessments
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Yunzhi , Tsangaratos Paraskevas , Ilia Ioanna , Wang Xiaojing
Published: November 2020

The main objective of the present study is to introduce a novel predictive model that combines evolutionary algorithms and machine learning (ML) models, so as to construct a landslide susceptibility map. Genetic algorithms (GA) are used as a feature selection method, whereas the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is used to optimize the structural parameters of two ML models, support vector machines (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN). A well-defined spatial database, which included 335 landslides and twelve landslide-related variables (elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, curvature, plan curvature, profile curvature, topographic wetness index, stream power index, distance to faults, distance to river, lithology, and hydrological cover) are considered for the analysis, in the Achaia Regional Unit located in Northern Peloponnese, Greece. The outcome of the study illustrates that both ML models have an excellent performance, with the SVM model achieving the highest learning accuracy (0.977 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value (AUC)), followed by the ANN model (0.969). However, the ANN model shows the highest prediction accuracy (0.800 AUC), followed by the SVM (0.750 AUC) model. Overall, the proposed ML models highlights the necessity of feature selection and tuning procedures via evolutionary optimization algorithms and that such approaches could be successfully used for landslide susceptibility mapping as an alternative investigation tool.
Truncated Singular Value Decomposition Regularization for Estimating Terrestrial Water Storage Changes Using GPS: A Case Study over Taiwan
Authors: Lai Yen Ru , Wang Lei , Bevis Michael , Fok Hok Sum , Alanazi Abdullah
Published: November 2020

It is a typical ill-conditioned problem to invert GPS-measured loading deformations for terrestrial water storage (TWS) changes. While previous studies commonly applied the 2nd-order Tikhonov regularization, we demonstrate the truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) regularization can also be applied to solve the inversion problem. Given the fact that a regularized estimate is always biased, it is valuable to obtain estimates with different methods for better assessing the uncertainty in the solution. We also show the general cross validation (GCV) can be applied to select the truncation term for the TSVD regularization, producing a solution that minimizes predictive mean-square errors. Analyzing decade-long GPS position time series over Taiwan, we apply the TSVD regularization to estimate mean annual TWS variations for Taiwan. Our results show that the TSVD estimates can sufficiently fit the GPS-measured annual displacements, resulting in randomly distributed displacement residuals with a zero mean and small standard deviation (around 0.1 cm). On the island-wide scale, the GPS-inferred annual TWS variation is consistent with the general seasonal cycle of precipitations. However, on smaller spatial scales, we observe significant differences between the TWS changes estimated by GPS and simulated by GLDAS land surface models in terms of spatiotemporal pattern and magnitude. Based on the results, we discuss some challenges in the characterization of TWS variations using GPS observations over Taiwan.
Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data for Savannah Land Cover Mapping: Optimising the Combination of Sensors and Seasons
Authors: Borges Joana , Higginbottom Thomas P. , Symeonakis Elias , Jones Martin
Published: November 2020

Savannahs are heterogeneous environments with an important role in supporting biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem services. Due to extensive land use/cover changes and subsequent land degradation, the provision of ecosystems services from savannahs has increasingly declined over recent years. Mapping the extent and the composition of savannah environments is challenging but essential in order to improve monitoring capabilities, prevent biodiversity loss and ensure the provision of ecosystem services. Here, we tested combinations of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data from three different seasons to optimise land cover mapping, focusing in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in Tanzania. The NCA has a bimodal rainfall pattern and is composed of a combination savannah and woodland landscapes. The best performing model achieved an overall accuracy of 86.3 ± 1.5% and included a combination of Sentinel-1 and 2 from the dry and short-dry seasons. Our results show that the optical models outperform their radar counterparts, the combination of multisensor data improves the overall accuracy in all scenarios and this is particularly advantageous in single-season models. Regarding the effect of season, models that included the short-dry season outperform the dry and wet season models, as this season is able to provide cloud free data and is wet enough to allow for the distinction between woody and herbaceous vegetation. Additionally, the combination of more than one season is beneficial for the classification, specifically if it includes the dry or the short-dry season. Combining several seasons is, overall, more beneficial for single-sensor data; however, the accuracies varied with land cover. In summary, the combination of several seasons and sensors provides a more accurate classification, but the target vegetation types should be taken into consideration.
Longitudinal Change of Forearm-Hand Inertia Value and Shoulder Musculature Using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry in Youth Japanese Baseball Players: Implications for Elbow Injury
Authors: Tsutsui Toshiharu , Maemichi Toshihiro , Iizuka Satoshi , Torii Suguru
Published: November 2020

It is important to understand the timing of the maximum increase of forearm-hand inertia value and lean body mass (LBM) of the shoulder girdle musculature when elbow injury frequently occurs. This study aimed to clarify the discrepancies of those in youth baseball players. Forty-three male baseball players (8- to 14-years-old) participated in this study. The forearm-hand inertia value and LBM of the shoulder girdle musculature were calculated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A cubic spline fit was applied to the annual increase forearm-hand inertia value and LBM of the shoulder girdle musculature for each chronological age and years from peak height velocity (PHV) age. As a result of cubic splines fitting, the peak timing for forearm-hand inertia value and LBM of the shoulder girdle musculature was 12.42 and 12.75 years in chronological age, −0.66 and −0.11 years in PHV age. Therefore, the peak timing of forearm-hand inertia value was about 4 months earlier in chronological age and half a year earlier in PHV age than LBM of the shoulder girdle musculature. Acquiring sufficient shoulder girdle musculature during the period when the growth of the shoulder girdle musculature cannot catch up with forearm-hand inertial value is necessary to reduce the elbow load while throwing.
Eco-Physiological Properties of Open-Field Cucumbers Responded to Organic Liquid Fertilizers
Authors: Jung Ji-Sik , Choi Hyun-Sug
Published: November 2020

This study was initiated to determine the effect of organic farm-derived liquid fertilizer (LF) on (1) the performance of open-field cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) and (2) the soil environment. Treatments included fertigation with a 0.2% solution of an equal T-N concentration on each LF, including long-term non-treatment (LNT, groundwater), non-treatment (NT, groundwater), oil cake (OC), bone meal + fish residue (BF), fish extract + active phosphoric acid (FP), sesame oil (SO), and starfish (SF). Electrical conductivity (EC) in LF was increased in the SF or BF, with high concentrations of T-C observed in the OC and BF and high P in the SO. LNT treatment decreased soil mineral nutrient concentrations and numbers of bacterial operational taxonomic units, invertebrates, and earthworms, significantly increasing infection of powdery mildew and downy mildew for the plants but reducing foliar concentrations of T-N, P, Ca, and SPAD values, and vegetative growth parameters. Soil bulk density decreased in the SF and SO plots. Total fruit yield and fruit yield efficiency were enhanced by BF, FP, SO, and SF treatments, with the highest top grade values observed on the FP- and SO-fruit. Overall, all the organic LF, in particular the SO treatment, would have improved eco-physiological sustainability and provided an alternative organic fertilizer for a short growing period.
Towards Sustainable Organic Farming Systems
Authors: El Chami Daniel
Published: November 2020

The European Union green deal has proposed the “organic farming action plan” to render a farming system that is more sustainable and adaptable in terms of climate change mitigation and thus enable meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). While this policy instrument is fundamental to achieving sustainable agriculture, there is still no agreement on what sustainable agriculture is and how to measure it. This opinion paper proposes an ecosystem-based framework for the crop life cycle to determine the balance between the economic, social, and environmental pillars of sustainability toward supporting decision-making.
Malta’s Water Scarcity Challenges: Past, Present, and Future Mitigation Strategies for Sustainable Water Supplies
Authors: Hartfiel Lindsey , Soupir Michelle , Kanwar Rameshwar S.
Published: November 2020

The small Mediterranean country of Malta, an island located between Italy and North Africa, has been facing and will continue to face water stress and scarcity in the coming years, receiving the designation as the most water stressed country in Europe. In the past, Malta’s water challenges were centered around water quantity concerns, but in more recent years, the severity of their water stress has been strengthened by the deterioration of the groundwater quality and quantity. Through the over-extraction of their groundwater, saltwater intrusion has steadily occurred into their freshwater aquifer systems, worsening their groundwater quality for both domestic and agricultural purposes. The objective of this paper is to conduct an extensive review on the history of Malta’s water problems and how Malta is working to combat its water scarcity concerns. Additionally, this paper investigates the impact of Malta’s water scarcity on its food and energy security challenges. Our study concludes that while Malta has obstacles to overcome in their pursuit of water security and sustainable development, the future remains hopeful, with several alternatives still available. Some of the alternatives explored in this review include wastewater reuse, increased awareness, use of alternative energy sources, rainwater harvesting, and implementation of nation-wide strategic water policies.
Evaluation of Sustainable Regional Development Combining Remote Sensing Data and Ecological Constraints: A Case Study of Chaohu Basin, China
Authors: Guo Beibei , Jin Xiaobin , Fang Yelin , Zhou Yinkang
Published: November 2020

The maintenance of sustainable development in light of climate change is presenting society with a serious challenge. This study analyzes the spatial environment and its coupled relationship with socio-economic and food security in the Chaohu Lake Basin in central Anhui Province, China. Previous studies have shown that this study area has good environmental conditions. However, the ecological security, economic development, and food security in the Chaohu Lake Basin was generally poor and poorly coordinated in 2018, especially in the center of local cities and surrounding areas. Nevertheless, many towns are in a well-organized state, meaning sustainable and coordinated regional development can be achieved through resource optimization. Generally, the economic conditions in the Chaohu Lake Basin should be improved in a way that ensures that the environment is not significantly degraded. The main functional zoning requirements of the counties’ land management planning designate most of the counties as parts of ecological conservation areas. The present study provides monitoring of important basin ecosystems and serves as a guide to future sustainable regional development by providing directions and paths to follow; it can also provide a reference for eco-functional zoning that is applicable to various natural basins worldwide.
Interdisciplinary Experience Using Technological Tools in Sport Science
Authors: Lozano Paula Gabriela Benavidez , Ávalos-Ramos M.ª Alejandra , Vega-Ramírez Lilyan
Published: November 2020

In the framework that interdisciplinary projects could be a potential tool to improve learning processes in higher education, a teaching innovation experience was carried out. This study presents the didactic experience carried out between two first-year subjects of the Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. The experience consisted of designing and implementing a practice activity from an interdisciplinary approach and with the support of technological tools, such as the use of platforms, recordings and sports technique analysis software. The main aim of the present study was to assess such an experience according to students’ perception. The instrument used to assess such an interdisciplinary experience was a questionnaire of 17 items. The sample comprised 79 students who attended both subjects simultaneously. The reliability of the instrument is ensured according to Cronbach’s alpha (a = 0.903). The results of this study, as interdisciplinarity and organizational aspects, were highly assessed. The analysis of the survey also indicates that this interdisciplinary practice activity helped subjects to achieve a more meaningful level of both integrated and specific knowledge.
The Undisrupted Growth of the Airbnb Phenomenon between 2014–2020. The Touristification of European Cities before the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Bugalski Łukasz
Published: November 2020

As a result of the Airbnb eruption, not only has the character of the short-term rental market been completely transformed, but the decades long growth in tourism has also been further accelerated. Therefore, due to the new demands of the tourism economy, the major shift in the usage of historic city centers occurred–the process of ‘touristification’, that results in the emergence of its new, unsustainable form. Despite the significance of those circumstances, there is a lack of any broader quantitative research that would present the dynamic of the Airbnb phenomenon. Therefore, thanks to the recognition of AirDNA data, such statistical analysis has become possible. The goal of this paper is to investigate the Airbnb’s growth trajectories—data that bind together a market dimension of the growth in tourism and the community aspect of an urban change caused by its impact—from the perspective of its spatial distribution across Europe between 2014 and 2020. As a result, it was possible to follow the Airbnb phenomenon during its undisrupted period of growth—from its sudden eruption, further spread, and potential future after the COVID-19 outbreak—all together with its logarithmic character, concentration form, and momentum of already reached economic equilibrium.
Social Aspects in the Assessment of Biobased Value Chains
Authors: Marting Vidaurre Nirvana Angela , Vargas-Carpintero Ricardo , Wagner Moritz , Lask Jan , Lewandowski Iris
Published: November 2020

Social Life-Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) is under continuous development. The Methodological Sheets for Subcategories in S-LCA are a set of guidelines commonly used for the performance of such assessments. They cover a variety of stakeholders and subcategories for the social assessment of products in general. However, they may not necessarily be appropriate for the assessment of biobased value chains of agricultural and forestry origin. The aim of this study is the identification of social aspects relevant for the assessment of biobased value chains across various regions of the world, including those aspects possibly overlooked in the Methodological Sheets for Subcategories in S-LCA. For this purpose, a literature review of empirical studies was performed using the sheets as a reference. The results show that the Methodological Sheets for Subcategories in S-LCA provide good coverage of social topics relevant for biobased value chains, but that the stakeholders “smallholder” and “family farm” are not adequately addressed. Drawing on the empirical literature reviewed, the study emphasizes the relevance of these stakeholders in the analysis of biobased value chains of agricultural and forestry origin, and proposes criteria for consideration in the assessment of this stakeholder.
Opportunities and Challenges of Flexible Electricity-Based Fuel Production for the European Power System
Authors: Borning Maximilian , Doré Larissa , Wolff Michael , Walter Julian , Becker Tristan , Walther Grit , Moser Albert
Published: November 2020

To mitigate global warming, the European Union aims at climate neutrality by 2050. In order to reach this, the transportation sector has to contribute especially, which accounts for about a quarter of the European greenhouse gas emissions. Herein, electricity-based fuels are a promising approach for reducing emissions. However, a large-scale deployment of electricity-based fuels has a significant impact on the power system due to high electricity demand and the requirement to use renewable energy sources in order to be sustainable. At the same time, this fuel production could offer additional flexibility for the power system. This article investigates the opportunities and challenges of electricity-based fuels and flexible electricity-based fuel production for the European power system. In a literature analysis, the pivotal role of electricity-based fuels for climate neutrality is confirmed. To analyze the impact of flexible fuel production, European power market simulations for the year 2035 are conducted. Results indicate that flexibilization leads to an increased integration of electricity based on renewable energy sources as well as reductions in both carbon dioxide emissions and total operational costs of the power system. However, very high flexibility levels also benefit high-emission power plants and may even lead to increased emissions.
A Bio-Economic Analysis of the Liberian Coastal Fisheries
Authors: Jueseah Alvin Slewion , Kristofersson Dadi Mar , Tómasson Tumi , Knutsson Ogmundur
Published: November 2020

Many coastal fisheries are subject to harvesting externalities due to inadequate regulations compounded by limited enforcement. Coastal fisheries in Liberia consist of a fleet of dugout canoes (Kru) primarily targeting demersal finfish, larger open wooden boats propelled with outboard engines targeting small inshore pelagics (Fanti), and a small number of industrial trawlers employing midwater and bottom trawls targeting finfish and shrimp. This paper develops a bio-economic model for the coastal fisheries in Liberia and employs the model to identify economic optimal fishing effort and harvesting trajectories for the different coastal fleets. The results show under harvesting and disinvestments in the coastal fisheries in Liberia. In 2010 the Government of Liberia declared a six nautical mile inshore exclusion zone accessible only to small-scale fisheries (SSF), which was accompanied by increased enforcement. The coastal fleets in 2016 were profitable but the distribution of profits was tilted to the small-scale fleets. The government needs to evaluate what policy options are available to fully utilize the fisheries potential for different species complexes while at the same time reduce the risk of conflict and overharvesting. There appears to be a need for investment in new technologies, which can only take place if fishing in Liberia will remain profitable.